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THURSDAY, JANUARY 14, 2016 RABI ALTHANI 4, 1437 AH www.kuwaittimes.net Kuwaitis with Obama tells US Can car FIFA fires US passports to embrace time crashes ex-Blatter must comply of ‘extraordinary become thing deputy with FATCA5 change’7 of21 past? Jerome20 Valcke MPs support leadership Min 07º Max 18º in boycott-hit session High Tide 01:44 & 15:23 E-media, anti-graft laws passed, defense budget approved Low Tide 09:03 & 21:08 40 PAGES NO: 16755 150 FILS By B Izzak KRCS marks golden jubilee KUWAIT: All nine Shiite MPs yesterday boycotted the National Assembly session apparently in protest over court rulings against 25 Kuwaiti Shiites and an Iranian for belonging to an Iran-linked terror cell. None of the nine MPs said explicitly they staged the boycott to protest the rulings, but MP Abdulhameed Dashti published on his Twitter account comments supporting the boycott to “protest the repressive verdicts”. MP Saleh Ashour, another Shiite MP, complained in statements published on Twitter of what he called dis- crimination against Shiites, saying that their anger has reached its peak, especially when “they are being pub- licly accused of being agents for Iran and Hezbollah”. He said that at the same time, the government is not taking any action against those fighting in Iraq and Syria, a clear reference to Sunni jihadist groups. Other Shiite MPs This frame grab from a video shows the detention of American Navy sailors who boycotted the session include Adnan Abdulsamad, by the Iranian Revolutionary Guards in the Arabian Gulf on Tuesday. — AP Ahmad Lari, Khalil Abul, Khalil Al-Saleh, Faisal Al- Duwaisan, Abdullah Al-Tameemi and Yousef Al-Zalzalah. Sunni Islamist MP Ahmad Al-Azemi said that the Iran frees US sailors Shiite lawmakers staged the boycott to protest against TEHRAN: Iran moved yesterday to head their two patrol boats drifted into the rulings. “They want to send a message which we off a potential crisis days before the Iranian territory late on Tuesday. US and reject. The rulings of the court must be respected,” Azemi expected implementation of its nuclear Iranian officials scrambled to defuse the told reporters after speaker Marzouq Al-Ghanem did not deal with world powers by releasing 10 situation, which unfolded as the nuclear allow him to speak during the session. The criminal court US Navy soldiers it had detained in the accord edged toward its final steps, with on Tuesday sentenced a Kuwaiti and an Iranian to death Gulf. A dramatic series of events started a top Iranian official saying the deal and 19 Kuwaitis to between five and 15 years for spying KUWAIT: HH the Amir Sheikh Sabah Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah receives a with the sailors - nine men and a should be implemented by Sunday. for Iran and joining Hezbollah and plotting attacks memento from Kuwait Red Crescent Society Chairman Dr Hilal Al-Sayer during woman -being taken into custody after Continued on Page 13 against Kuwait. its golden jubilee celebrations at Bayan Palace yesterday. — KUNA (See Page 3) Continued on Page 13 LOCAL THURSDAY, JANUARY 14, 2016 Kuwait plays leading role in aiding refugees: UN Agency IICO to host 4th NGOs pledging conference

KUWAIT: Kuwait plays a leading role in Protection measures aiding the Syrian refugees, Head of the Regarding the challenges facing aid UN refugee agency office in Kuwait Dr work for Syrians, Dr Hamdan said that Hanan Hamdan said yesterday. providing adequate protection meas- Speaking to KUNA, Dr Hamdan said ures during humanitarian missions that Kuwait’s hosting of three donors’ within Syria was the biggest obstacles conferences for the Syrian refugees facing the UN refugee agency. She reflected the country’s strong convic- added that the any instance when the tion in helping these people, adding agency faced a budget deficit was that Kuwait also played an integral role another issue to consider, stressing in garnering international attention to that nations should abide by their KUWAIT: Osama Al-Tahous registers as a candi- date for by-elections in the third electoral con- the upcoming conference, to be held in pledges to able to help the refugees. stituency. — Photos by Fouad Al-Shaikh Abdulaziz Al-Samhan London next February. The agency has a budget of $7 mil- Jassim Abul Al-Kandari In 2015, Kuwait helped some 2.4 lion which will hopefully cover the expenses for now, said Dr Hamdan. She Ten candidates register for said that the agency also played part in resettling the refugees if all other measures failed, indicating that usually refugees were sent to Scandinavian by-elections on first day countries, the US, or Canada for reset- tlement. The resettlement process goes through various phases in cooperation with the host countries mostly respon- sible for the security background check of refugees, said the official who affirmed that the agency made it para- mount that the refugees it is hosting would not become a security liability for the agency or any other countries willing to accommodate them.

Pledging conference Head of the UN refugee agency office In other news, the International in Kuwait Dr Hanan Hamdan Islamic Charitable Organization (IICO) million Syrian refugees with its gener- announced plans to host the fourth ous nearly $120 million donation to the international pledging conference for UN agency, she said. Displaced Syrians non-governmental organizations Waleed Al-Sharrah Khaled Al-Hamad Taher Al-Failakawi and refugees in nearby countries to (NGOs) to support the Syrians will be By Meshaal Al-Enezi Candidate Abdulaziz Al-Samhan said much Candidate Hassan Al-Osaimi said he is running to Syria also benefited from Kuwait’s held on January 28th. IICO Chairman focus was needed on various issues such as hous- work on various projects and issues including eco- donations, said Dr Hamdan, noting that and advisor at the Amiri Diwan KUWAIT: Ten male candidates yesterday applied ing welfare, education, subsidies, fuel prices and nomic projects, aspirations to unite GCC states in 2013, Kuwait had given a donation Abdullah Al-Maatouq told the press to the elections committee, filing nominations to oil prices. “The current parliament has less than a and improving citizens’ conditions. of about $110 million to countries yesterday that this conference comes run for by-elections in the third electoral con- year in office and this period might not be enough Candidate Khaled Al-Hamad said that the hosting Syrian refugees which included in line with Kuwait’s endeavors to help stituency, said informed sources, pointing out that to evaluate lawmakers’ performance, but remaining period of this parliament’s tenure is Jordan, Lebanon, Turkey, and Egypt. alleviate the suffering of the Syrian nominations would be accepted until Jan 22 and observers can do that by watching their perform- insufficient and does not help MPs achieve the She went on saying that Kuwait’s refugees and the displaced; it also pre- elections would be held on Feb 20. ance inside the parliament hall,” he underlined. many aspirations of the Kuwaiti people. donations to the UN agencies had sur- cedes Kuwait’s co-chairmanship of the Candidate Jassim Abul Al-Kandari declared he Meanwhile, former Municipal Council member “Therefore, we will be keen on group work,” he passed $1.3 billion with the UN fourth donors’ conference to support was independent and that he did not belong to and member of the annulled parliament Hisham underlined. Candidate Taher Al-Failakawi said that Refugee Agency gaining the most out the Syrians, which will be held in any political movement or bloc, though he Al-Baghli yesterday announced running for the there were too many issues to tend to and solve of this sum of donations. Kuwait’s lead- London early February. respects them all. Kandari added that his electoral by-elections. He stressed that his agenda focuses such as the housing problem and disabled peo- ership and people played an important “The tragedy of the Syrians is skin agenda focuses mainly on issues of great interest on reform, in addition to several other major ple’s rights. role in rallying the international com- cringing; hence, humanitarian efforts to Kuwaiti public opinion, namely development, issues such as the economy, oil prices, subsidies Lieutenant Colonel Salah Al-Shatti, elections munity into the cause of aiding the should be intensified,” Al-Maatouq, housing welfare and social issues like bedoons, and public services. department manager at the Ministry of Interior Syrian refugees, said the official, noting who is also UN Secretary General’s retirees and divorced women. (MoI) said that registration is open until Feb 12. He that the UN naming of His Highness Envoy for Humanitarian Affairs said. Candidate Osama Al-Tahous stressed that his Open for all added that the total number of voters in the 3th the Amir Sheikh Sabah Al-Ahmad Al- The conference will see the participa- participation in the election was a duty aimed at Candidate Waleed Al-Sharrah said that the ‘are- constituency is 18,218 that can vote in 20 schools Jaber Al-Sabah as the ‘Humanitarian tions of dozens of NGOs from Arab and supporting democracy. He also noted that dis- na’ was open for all those who feel capable of - 10 for male and 10 for female voters. Notably, Leader’ and honoring Kuwait as a the Islamic countries. They will pledge agreements for greater good were acceptable. He serving the nation to run for elections, and that MoI’s relations and security media has set up a global ‘Humanitarian Center’ were anew to add on previous promises also noted that time was too short in view of the this was why he is running. Sharrah said that more special media center with all facilities needed for challenges facing Kuwaiti youth. focus should be given to boosting the economy. both candidates and media figures. befitting titles. made in past conferences. — KUNA THURSDAY, JANUARY 14, 2016 LOCAL

KUWAIT: His Highness the Amir Sheikh Sabah Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah, His Highness the Crown Prince Sheikh His Highness the Amir Sheikh Sabah Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah and His Highness the Crown Prince Sheikh Nawaf Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah and top state officials attend the golden jubilee celebration of Kuwait Red Nawaf Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah tour a photo gallery showing KRCS activities around the world, with KRCS Crescent Society. — Amiri Diwan photos Board Chairman, Dr Hilal Al-Sayer. Amir patronizes Kuwait Red Crescent Society’s golden jubilee celebration Chairman announces donation campaign to Syria’s Madaya

KUWAIT: His Highness the Amir Sheikh Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah with the high- Sabah Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah est award, the designation as the patronized and attended the golden ‘Humanitarian Leader,’ and the naming jubilee celebration of Kuwait Red of Kuwait as the ‘Humanitarian Center’ Crescent Society (KRCS), which was are boastful accomplishments for hosted at Bayan Palace yesterday. His Kuwait and its people, Nahed said. Highness the Amir was greeted upon arrival at the ceremony venue by the Pioneers honored KRCS Board Chairman Dr Hilal Al-Sayer, During the ceremony, KRCS honored and the founding member and board a special group of pioneers on member Saad Al-Nahed. Wednesday, an elite fraternity that has The ceremony was attended by His made exemplary contributions to KRCS Highness the Crown Prince Sheikh for the last 50 years. In statements to Nawaf Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah, KUNA, some of the honorees in a gala National Assembly Speaker Marzouq Ali commemorating the 50th anniversary Al-Ghanim, senior Sheikhs, His Highness of KRCS’s inception, said that they are Sheikh Nasser Al-Mohammad Al-Ahmad elated to have been feted, underscoring Al-Sabah, His Highness the Prime Kuwait’s rich history of philanthropy. Minister Sheikh Jaber Al-Mubarak Al- Abdulrahman Al-Awadhi, one of Hamad Al-Sabah, First Deputy Prime KRCS’s pioneers, said that the celebra- Minister and Foreign Minister Sheikh tions reflected the Kuwaiti leadership’s Sabah Al-Khaled Al-Hamad Al-Sabah, KRCS Board Chairman Dr Hilal Al- Saad Al-Nahed, KRCS board mem- steadfast commitment to humanitarian Deputy Minister of the Amiri Diwan Sayer addresses the attendees. ber speaks at the ceremony. causes. Muneera Al-Mutawa, another Affairs Sheikh Ali Jarrah Al-Sabah, late Amir Sheikh Sabah Al-Salem Al- of the world and international organiza- honoree who accepted a posthumous Deputy Premier and Minister of Defense Sabah. “On this great occasion, I declare tions to such diplomatic humanitarian award on her father’s behalf, described Sheikh Khaled Al-Jarrah Al-Sabah and that Kuwait has proven with the estab- role that was capped with the granting the reward as a “great honor.” senior State officials. lishment of the Kuwait Red Crescent of the title, the ‘Humanitarian Leader’ to In September 2014, United Nations Society that it has become a minaret for His Highness, and naming of Kuwait as (UN) Secretary General Ban Ki-Moon Generous contributions institutionalized humanitarian action, the ‘Humanitarian Center’ by the UN,” he paid tribute to Kuwait by naming the Dr Sayer addressed the attendees, considering that the global humanitari- said. Teams of the KRCS have raised country a ‘Humanitarian Center’ and His expressing deep gratitude to His an work is in dire need for such an asso- Kuwait’s flag aloft, presenting them- Highness the Amir Sheikh Sabah Al- Highness the Amir for sponsoring the ciation.” selves as good ambassadors of the Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah a His Highness the Amir Sheikh Sabah Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah is pic- country abroad, and an example that ‘Humanitarian Leader.’ — KUNA tured with KRCS Board Chairman Dr Hilal Al-Sayer. should be followed at the humanitarian action level, the society chairman added. The society will pursue its relief, humanitarian, educational and develop- ment activities which it had launched 50 years ago reaching 68 countries world- wide, he said.

Donation to Madaya Dr Sayer declared launch of a dona- tion campaign at the KRCS headquar- ters to aid inhabitants of the stricken Syrian town Madaya, which has been under tight siege. “Undoubtedly there are real tragedies and starvation experi- enced by 42,000 people in the encircled Madaya - where people are eating salt and tree leaves and children are dying due to hunger and cold as well the siege imposed by the oppressive regime.” A large number of Madaya’s inhabitants have lost their lives due to severe mal- nutrition - mostly of them elderly and children, he confirmed. Scores of others “are on the verge of death.”

86 nations Saad Al-Nahed, the Society board member, addressed a statement on behalf of the KRCS founders, saying in part that the society, since its proclama- tion in January 1966, has been support- ed by the government to secure aid for catastrophes’ stricken nations world- wide, disclosing that more than 86 nations have benefited from the Kuwaiti help. Paying tribute to the founders who His Highness the Amir Sheikh Sabah Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah honors had contributed to the society founding Abdulrahman Al-Awadhi, a KRCS pioneer. with money and effort, he mentioned the late Abdulaziz Hamad Al-Saqer, event, noting His Highness’ generous Dr Sayer noted that the society, in Yousef Abdulazi Al-Flaij, Mohmmad contributions to humanitarian and relief response to guidance by His Highness Yousef Al-Nisef, Yousef Ibrahim Al- works, also recalling the humanitarian the Amir, has aided nations at hard Ghanim, Abdulaziz Al-Shaya, Dr deeds by the late Amir, Sheikh Jaber Al- times and hurriedly dispatched assis- Abdulrahman Al-Awadhi, Yousef Al- Ahmad, and the Father Amir, Sheikh tance at times of crises to a long chain Hajji, in addition to others who had gen- Saad Al-Abdullah. of countries. “Undoubtedly, Kuwait’s erously and diligently helped in launch- The society was established accord- efforts under the leadership of His ing the society-proclaimed in an Amiri ing to an Amiri Decree during era of the Highness the Amir has drawn attention Decree in 1966. Recalling excerpts of the KRCS histo- ry, Nahed said the first board was head- ed by the late, Abdulaziz Hamad Al- Saqer. The Society has a special status, different from that of other public wel- fare associations. First article of its bylaw stipulates the principle of volunteering; where it acts as a back-up authority for official authorities, particularly with respect of provision 26 of the first 1949 Geneva Convention, in addition to other international conventions, adopted dur- ing conferences by the Red Crescent and the International Committee of the Red Cross. “Today while we celebrate the Society 50th anniversary, I praise contin- uing grass-root donations on all occa- sions, namely by companies, financial institutions and individuals. Even schools have played noticeable role in offering aid to the society on all occa- sions; in another indication of the inher- ent inclination for doing good among the people of Kuwait,” he said. His Highness the Prime Minister Sheikh Jaber Al-Mubarak Al-Hamad Al- The United Nations’ crowning of His Sabah (right) and Sheikh Faisal Al-Saud Al-Sabah are seen in attendance. Highness the Amir Sheikh Sabah Al- THURSDAY, JANUARY 14, 2016 LOCAL Finance Minister affirms companies’ sale flawless ‘Kuwait to name those responsible for defective roads’

KUWAIT: Deputy Prime Minister of cern on recurrence of such acci- issue has been referred to the judi- ticed will face strict punishment. He Finance and Acting Minister of Oil dents, emphasizing that any civil ciary.” stressed that “the Municipality had Anas Al-Saleh said yesterday that servant or official who has not done Essa made the statement in already raided these cafes since the there were no violations regarding his job properly in this respect will response to an MP’s question dur- beginning of this phenomenon,” the selling of companies of be punished. ing the session, pertaining to adding that he would continue to Agricultural Food Products Company The minister said his predeces- “Masters’ Degree scholarships given follow up on this issue. (K.S.C) and Kuwait Motoring sors had referred the issue of such to ineligible students at the Company (K.M.C.). In response to recurring accidents, flying pebbles Institute of Public Authority for Special needs MPs’ questions during a National on the streets, to the Public Applied Education and Training.” The National Assembly yesterday Assembly session yesterday, the min- Prosecution. He explained that the “The issue is currently being investi- approved proposals to revise some ister explained that he personally former ministers had reported gated and will be sorted out in due provisions of Law No. 8/2010 on the checked all the selling documents about contractors and companies time,” Essa said. “Since the issue has rights of people with special needs and did not find any violations, that had failed to abide by standing been referred to the judiciary, we during the first and second deliber- “except for some remarks that have standards for asphalting the roads. have no right to discuss or investi- ation, and, then, forwarded it to the been refuted by the Public This issue is currently under gate it.” government. BEIRUT: Lebanon’s Prime Minister Tammam Salam meets a delegation from The first article states: “A person Kuwait Fund for Arab Economic Development. —KUNA with special needs is the one who suffers from permanent total or par- tial disorders that lead to physical, Lebanon’s Prime Minister mental or sensory abilities which may prevent him or her from secur- meets KFAED delegation ing life needs or participating effec- tively in society.” The ninth article of the law says BEIRUT: Lebanon’s Prime Minister Syrian refugees, KFAED Chairman that “the government is committed Tammam Salam received a delegation Abdulwahab Al-Bader said. The grant, to providing educational services from Kuwait Fund for Arab Economic worth of $30 million, is part of Kuwait’s for people with disabilities, includ- Development (KFAED) yesterday to dis- commitment in a pledge it made during ing those who have learning diffi- cuss social and developmental projects the third donors’ conference in support culties. The rights and needs of peo- in Lebanon. The meeting also tacked a for the Syrians, which was held in Kuwait ple with disabilities should be taken grant agreement that was recently last year. The grant aims at improving into account in all tests and inter- signed between the two parties to help public services: health, education, social views conducted by government or Lebanon easing off some of the respon- affairs, water supplies and waste man- civil agencies, according to the sibility it shoulders as a host country for agement. —KUNA same article. The 10th article urges the gov- ernment to take all the administra- tive and organizational effective Egypt urges citizens in arrangements required to integrate handicapped people, including Kuwait to legalize papers slow learners and learning difficul- ties in different educational levels within the educational and rehabili- CAIRO: Egypt urged its citizens in Kuwait to come back, only if they voluntary tation courses. whose legal status violating the residen- come forward. KUWAIT: MPs take part in a parliament session at the National Assembly in Kuwait City cy law to rapidly legalize their papers. The Ministry’s Director of Public yesterday. —Photo by Yasser Al-Zayyat Sports facilities The Kuwaiti authorities have announced Relations and Security Media Brigadier Also yesterday, Minister of new measures aimed at easing penalties Adel Al-Hashash said all departments of Investment Authority.” examination by the prosecution, he Enclosed cabins Information, Minister of State for against expatriates violating the residen- residency affairs across the country are Saleh also presented to the par- said, affirming that not a shred of In the meantime, Minister of Youth Affairs Sheikh Salman Sabah cy law, allowing them to leave the coun- ready to receive violators in order to rec- liamentary committee for information would be concealed in State for Municipal Affairs and Al-Salem Al-Humoud Al-Sabah said try without denying them a chance to tify their legal status, pay the fine and Protection of Public Funds all the this respect. All required documents Minister of Communications Essa the government is very much keen come back, only if they voluntary come leave the country. needed documents concerning are in possession of the ministry, Ahmad Al-Kandari affirmed yester- on building as many installations as forward to pay penalty fees, Egyptian However, those who are caught by sales of government-owned com- which is also under examination of day that he had issued instruc- possible for youth activities and Assistant Foreign Minister for Consular security personnel will be permanently panies. The companies will not the National Assembly, the minister tions for immediate implementa- sports exercises in southern regions. and Egyptians Abroad Hesham Al- deported after fully paying fines, he change their activities after the sell- said, expressing readiness to take tion to the Municipality to raid Reacting to remarks by an MP Naqeeb said in a statement Tuesday. He warned. Therefore, he encouraged viola- ing deals, he affirmed. part in sessions of the relevant par- cafes with enclosed cabins, name- during yesterday’s session, the min- said the Egyptian Consulate in Kuwait tors and those who face legal cases to liamentary committees for coopera- ly those suspected of curtaining ister alluded in particular to recent Defective roads tion on such issues. indecent acts. proclamation of Burgan Club in Ali has clarified any Egyptian caught with hasten in rectifying their legal status. Meanwhile, Minister of Public Responding to MPs’ queries, Sabah Al-Salem district. The govern- illegal papers would be fined and Legal accountability will also touch Works Ali Al-Omair vowed to punish Scholarships irregularities Minister Essa said that the cabins in ment is very much concerned and deported from Kuwait, and would be domestic help and their sponsors, as well those responsible for defective In another topic, Minister of the cafes are legal and have been willing to build sports stadiums for banned from returning to the Gulf coun- as those who hide or do not report an roads namely recurring accidents Education and Minister of Higher established according to municipal- the youth in various regions of the try. offender, he pointed out. Hashash caused by flying pebbles. During Education Dr Bader Al-Essa said that ity regulations. “However, misuse of country, he said, also indicating at The Ministry of Interior of Kuwait advised that residents should carry their the same session, Omari, also there have been some irregularities this license will be strictly dealt current coordination with the announced on January 10 that residency legal documentations with them at all Minister of State for National concerning Masters’ Degree scholar- with,” he said, warning that cafes Ministry of Housing to establish a violators will be allowed to legalize their times. In addition, he urged sponsors to Assembly Affairs, affirmed that his ships given to students at an educa- with enclosed chambers where large sports stadium in Sabah Al- status or pay their fines and leave the renew their employees’ visas before they ministry is following up with con- tional institution, adding that “the indecent or immoral acts are prac- Ahmad district. —KUNA country, without denying them a chance expire. —KUNA Cabinet gives top priority to handling demographic imbalance Dead dog shuts runway

By A Saleh and Meshaal Al-Enezi flights resumed after the carcass was removed. Notably, the airport’s western KUWAIT: The cabinet is expected to dis- runway is currently under maintenance cuss special measures to handle Kuwait’s and the eastern runway is the only one demographic imbalance soon as a top operational until the end of this month. priority in the new development plan, said official sources. The sources Judge steps down explained that the measures would The judge hearing a case filed against include restricting the appointment of cleric Othman Al-Khamees for slander- expats in government bodies and min- ing Shiites yesterday stepped down, A chalet set ablaze in Julaia. Flames come out of the window of a 3rd floor apartment in istries, namely in administrative posi- writing a request to the judicial council Jabriya. tions that can be filled by citizens. “Many asking to be replaced. The judiciary ministerial sectors would be clearly council is expected to convene soon to instructed to ban the appointment of decide on the substitute judge. Notably, Fireman injured in series of fires further expats and to annually lay off 25 Khamees had been sentenced to a KD percent of those already appointed to 20,000 fine. replace them with Kuwaitis,” they said. Ruling upheld By Hanan Al-Saadoun The sources, however, explained that The court of misdemeanor yesterday expats would still be needed in medical upheld a ruling sentencing media figure KUWAIT: A fireman was injured in a series of fires reported yesterday and education sectors and accordingly, Saud Al-Asfour to a one-month prison around Kuwait. The injury took MoE will only lay off expat teachers in term and KD 200 fine to suspend the place while firefighters were tack- subjects that can be taught by citizens, verdict for slandering chancellor Nasr ling a blaze that broke out at GCC national and bedoons. “Extensive Salem Aal Haid through his Twitter Julaia chalets. The fireman was plans are needed to make Kuwaitis work account. injured in the foot and was taken in medicine, namely as nursing and oth- to hospital for treatment. er supporting medical staff,” they said. Citizenship forgery In Rumaithiya, a fire took place However, the sources explained that The public prosecution yesterday in a building’s warehouse. Salmiya with the general tendency to privatize released three people accused of forging and south Salmiya fire centers public hospitals, appointing expat doc- Kuwaiti citizenship on bail pending dealt with the case. tors and nurses in the public sector referral to court. Informed sources said Meanwhile, a fire broke out in a would drop and lessen state budget bur- that the suspects, who were originally Ferdous intermediate school, dens in this regard. Further, the sources Syrians, had paid a citizen KD 35,000 to prompting Ardhiya fire center to said that a meeting would be held by add their children’s names to their citi- respond. The fire was in the math- the Manpower and Government zenship files. ematics department. The fire was A rescuer approaches a man Firefighters tackle a fire in a building’s warehouse in Restructuring Program, the chamber of put out and no injuries were who was swept away while Rumaithiya. commerce, banks and investment com- Driver killed reported. In Jabriya, Hawally and swimming near Kuwait Towers. panies to agree on increasing the num- An Egyptian truck driver was instantly for two years and two wanted men Salmiya firemen put out a fire that were arrested. ber of citizens appointed in the private killed when a Pakistani truck driver broke out in a 3rd floor apart- Driver injured sector after qualifying and training deliberately ran him over at Nuwaiseeb ment. A vehicle flipped over on the Expired cheese them. “Laid off expats will not be given land border exit, said security sources. Seventh Ring Road, trapping the driv- Kuwait Municipality destroyed new residency visas or hired in other Case papers indicate that the two drivers Swimmer rescued er inside. Sabhan firemen freed him 715 cheese tins as tests showed places, otherwise Kuwait’s demography argued over the right to enter the bor- The fire department received a and handed him to paramedics, who they were not fit for human con- would remain the same,” the sources der exit area and that the Egyptian driv- call about two persons in danger took him to the hospital for treatment sumption. They said the total underlined. er stepped off asking the other driver to of drowning at the beach near from fractures he sustained. amount of spoiled food confiscated back off, but he ran him over. Kuwait Towers. Rescue teams was 7.865 tons during field cam- Flights diverted found a 58-year-old in an abnor- Weapons found paigns by the inspection and follow Four incoming flights were yesterday Bad truffle mal condition who was swept Weapons detectives launched a up department at Mubarak Al- redirected to land in Bahrain and UAE Capital municipality inspectors con- away when he was swimming in campaign in Jahra stables as part of Kabeer municipality. The raids after a dog’s carcass was found on fiscated and destroyed 130 kilograms of the cold weather and refused to the interior ministry’s strategy to included several food plants in A vehicle pictured following Kuwait airport’s only operational run- foul truffles on display at the truffle be helped. He then was pulled maintain security. Nine shotguns Subhan and resulted in issuing 19 an accident at the Seventh way, said informed sources, noting that market. out and handed to police. were found, while a man sentenced citations. Ring Road yesterday. THURSDAY, JANUARY 14, 2016 LOCAL Kuwaitis with US passports must comply with FATCA

KUWAIT: Kuwaiti citizens who possess US pass- he said, stressing that US tax authorities are ports need to straighten out their US tax status dogged about collecting due taxes on time and to avoid the penalty of having their US passports will go to the limit in enforcing penalties on tax scrapped, said Abdulaziz Al-Anjeri, head of the dodgers. American Tax Bureau in Kuwait. Technically Abiding by FATCA requirements mainly con- Kuwaitis are barred from holding duel citizen- cerns US citizens who work abroad and also for- ship but many are suspected of holding a sec- eign financial institutions who keep bank ond passport, including a large number with US accounts or other financial assets of US citizens citizenship. and therefore must report to US tax authorities The US government has lately passed a law the particulars of these accounts and assets, said invalidating the US passport of anyone who Anjeri. does not pay their due taxes in accordance with He added that the loss of a US passport the requirements of the US Foreign Account Tax entails its bearer to face possible criminal Compliance Act (FATCA), said Anjeri in a press charges. He urged all Kuwaiti citizens, bearers of statement carried by Kuwait News Agency US passports, to pay serious heed to FATCA KUWAIT: Abdullah Al-Muqlid, Chairman of the Retired Officers Association (KUNA) yesterday. The law stipulates that anyone requirements and conditions and to comply (left) speaks during a press conference organized by the association’s board incurring back taxes in the amount of $50,000 or promptly with US tax laws in order to avoid to announce its declaration. —Photo by Yasser Al-Zayyat more is subject to have their passport revoked, problems. Retired Officers Association Kuwait to permanently shut officially announces declaration heavy oil unit at Shuaiba: KNPC By Nawara Fattahova cial benefits. Also, we don’t have sectari- an views. We know that there are dan- KUWAIT: Kuwait has decided to permanently shut its That would mean more crude sales by parent KUWAIT: The Retired Officers Association gers surrounding the region and we just heavy oil cracking unit at its Shuaiba refinery which company Kuwait Petroleum Corp (KPC), he said. held a press conference at the Kuwait aim to provide support to the govern- has been shut since a fire at the unit in August, a “The H-Oil start-up will not be economical as it will Journalists Association yesterday to ment if needed. Yet, the association will spokesman for the state refiner said yesterday. The take time and Shuaiba refinery will be closed by announce its declaration by the Ministry bring its members some benefits, such as closure of the unit has reduced the gasoil sales of April 2017,” Asousi said. Shuaiba is Kuwait’s smallest of Social Affairs and Labor. The associa- discounts on airline tickets with some Kuwait National Petroleum Company (KNPC) by refinery. It has a capacity of 200,000 bpd, but has tion includes retired officers from the airlines, and special services provided by around 50,000 barrels per day, KNPC spokesman been running at less than full capacity since the police department, army and the banks and other facilities,” Muqlid added. KNPC spokesman Khalid Al-Asousi Khalid Al-Asousi said. fire. —Reuters National Guard. “The membership requirements are to be a Kuwaiti citizen, Retirees’ experiences be a retired officer from the police, army Snafi said that the main reason Kuwait among or national guard, not be sentenced on behind founding this association is to security charges and have shown good benefit from the experiences of the countries with conduct. The applicant just needs to sub- retired officers. “It’s a pity that these offi- mit his ID and other personal documents,” cers who all are highly educated, as each lower rates of said Hamed Al-Snafi, Deputy Chairman of of us has at least a master’s degree, just the newly-declared association. sit at home doing nothing. There are AIDS: UN reports many projects in Kuwait that they can be Civil association useful for, that can benefit from their KUWAIT: Reports from United Nations (UN) and World Abdullah Al-Muqlid, Chairman of the long experience, such as developing Health Organization (WHO) reports ranked Kuwait among Retired Officers Association, said the Boubyan Island, building the railroad and countries with lower rates of AIDS cases, Undersecretary association will serve retired officers as many other projects,” he pointed out. for Public Health Affairs at the Ministry of Health (MoH) Dr well as the entire community. “This is a Abdulrahman Al-Saqer, member of Majda Al-Qattan said yesterday. civil association although its members the founding board of the association, Qattan made this remark at Permanent National are former officers, which is the first of its stated that the association can be useful Committee to Fight AIDS celebration. The celebration hon- kind in Kuwait. I’m glad it was declared for various institutions in different fields. ored participants of a national AIDS campaign, which on the 25th anniversary of the liberation “Besides giving a great chance to retired aimed at preventing and combating AIDS. She said the of Kuwait, as we, the founding members, officers from various departments to campaign was a “success” because society and government Divers remove buoy from southern sea had all participated in that war. We are all meet, members can provide their servic- were working alongside in promoting awareness and equal in this association and we don’t es for many activities. We can utilize our spreading knowledge on this disease. KUWAIT: A buoy weighing one ton has been removed by the Kuwait Dive Team from a have titles as we are now civilians,” he experience by providing training courses Meanwhile, Head of the Permanent National Committee southern sea region of the country, after mounting waves had pushed the float ashore, a noted, recounting some stories of his col- and consultation services, and be a con- to Fight AIDS Dr Hind Al-Shomar said that combating this member of the team said yesterday. The buoy was endangering sea navigation and could leagues during the war. nection between the police, army and disease requires joint efforts, adding that the continuous belong to a developmental sea project, Faisal Al-Harban said, adding that a probe has The association is not providing any National Guard and the community with support for the campaign showed “an ability to fight this dis- been called to uncover the details behind the abandoned float. Harban also called on sea financial benefits. “There won’t be any its institutions and individuals,” he ease and to ease off burden not only on the country’s health goers to notify the authorities in case of spotting any suspicious material that could salaries paid to members or other finan- explained. sectors but also on families and individuals.” —KUNA endanger sea navigation. —KUNA THURSDAY, JANUARY 14, 2016 FROM THE ARABIC PRESS

Al-Qabas Al-Qabas The government knife Whom to blame?

By Khalid Al-Tarrah By Qais Al-Usta

he government has accustomed the citizen to espite the enormity of the matter of loose grav- the consumption culture, and the accumula- el flying on streets because of the rain and Ttion of loans to the citizen, even by those of Dsmashing the windshield of your car, we have limited or below average income, and now seeks to become accustomed with this, and may Allah help reduce subsidies. The citizen may accept the reduc- everyone. The report of in a newspaper about flying tion “knife” when citizens of all categories see “knife- gravel on the runway at Kuwait International Airport, like” government decisions to stop the government’s Parliament and the confirmation of this by the communications “squandering and spending”. Government minister is something that raises worries. The state budget during the reign of the former Subsidies This is a confirmation that the safety of Kuwait prime minister jumped from nearly KD 9 billion to International Airport is on the edge, because the defect nearly KD 21 billion, while the budgets of some offi- in the runway means that there is a problem with the cial bodies are in a historically unprecedented form, without the citizen knowing the justification for that. An example that I keep repeating - the proposal Is there not an engineering of privatizing Kuwait Airways (KAC) went through many decisions, and many sides were consulted in exchange of highly expensive contracts, while department that supervises Kuwait Airways remained outside the range of priva- the reception of runways at tization. Rather on the country, the government Al-Jarida approved the withdrawal of KD 600 million from the general reserve to support KAC’s capital, which the Civil Aviation? drained funds without any return other than brag- ging about the remains of the “Blue Bird.” State authorities must start with rationalization, safety of aircraft and international authorities may so that the citizen can trust the seriousness of reform decide to close the airport altogether. Ministry of and stop squandering and corruption. Among the Public Works or Directorate General of Civil Aviation - simplest matters that it can start with is to reduce whom to blame for this catastrophe? The Ministry of the use of private planes during official and non-offi- Al-Anbaa Public Works signed contracts with the company that cial missions, because these planes consume fuel built this runway, and the civil aviation, in cooperation and other costs, and the state treasury is more with public works, received the runway from the com- deserving of it. The number of delegation members Millionaires pany that built it. accompanying the minister must be reduced too by Is there not an engineering department that super- taking undersecretaries and leaders on missions that vises the reception of runways at the Civil Aviation? do not require this number of companions. By Saad Al-Motesh And if the runways have some irregularities, is it The government must review the cost of the allowed to extend the runway for takeoff and landing authorities that were established lately, besides the verything in this universe is measurable in certain nothing about. However, they all have endless zeros to of civil planes with capacities that reach 600 passen- number of leaders’ decrees that were issued lately ways. We know some of them and know nothing the right. I know that many people look forward to gers? What if gravel flew into an aircraft engine or all of and the advantages for all those and its effect on the Eabout many of them. Let us take money for exam- becoming millionaires, but I personally look forward to them? A pilot in New York landed on the Hudson River inflation of the government apparatus and the ple and the figures used to becoming a billionaire and only when a bird got into the engine of an A320 plane he budget, as the good example is rationalization of measure them. Individuals’ for- pray to Almighty Allah not to was flying, because the situation did not allow him to government spending before restricting people. tunes are measured by how become a mortgager. return. When Abdullah Al-Taweel was commerce minis- much they have in their bank Millionaires owning Thanks be to Almighty Allah’s Whom to blame... ourselves, Civil Aviation, Public ter, he was keen on using commercial planes, not accounts and those with a mil- blessings, we have a wise leader- Works Ministry or the government that is not good at private ones, for most of his trips with a very limited lion (or plus) in banks are usual- bank accounts in some ship in Kuwait under His doing anything, or the National Assembly? Whom to number of companions, including his trip to Europe ly called millionaires. Those who Highness the Amir Sheikh Sabah blame? A question that we put forward, so may be one and America to encourage investment. The govern- have a billion plus are entitled strong currencies can Al-Ahmad Al-Sabah, which made may read and answer, or may even think? ment wasted many solutions and opportunities to be called billionaires. our currency one of the Was the message delivered? I hope so. since liberation until today in dealing with squander- Millionaires owning bank be deemed billionaires strongest and dearest world- — Translated by Kuwait Times ing and inflation of the government apparatus, and accounts in some strong curren- wide and made us all million- the current situation calls for reform in the direction cies can be deemed billionaires in other countries aires compared to most peoples of government spending and raising the quality of in other countries according to in the world. So, thank Almighty public services in order to gain a positive popular the change in currency rates. It is also said that some Allah for his many blessings and pray to him to preserve Crime understanding of the policy of reducing subsidies. people are far wealthier than billionaires and are known this wealth. — Translated by Kuwait Times as zillionaires or other figure-related names that I know — Translated by Kuwait Times Report

Woman commits Mesh’al Alrodhan Group joins suicide in Qusoor Horeca 2016 as silver sponsor KUWAIT: A Filipina woman stabbed herself to death in Qusoor, according to the police report. Police officers and KUWAIT: Mesh’al Alrodhan Group, a juices, mineral detectives from Mubarak Al-Kabeer found her in a pool of subsidiary of Mo’ayyad Alrodhan water, functional blood. The body was recovered by the coroner and investi- Group, announced its participation in beverages and gations are ongoing. the Horeca Kuwait 2016 exhibition as a soy-based silver sponsor. The conference takes drinks. “Pascual place in January 18-19, 2016 under the is the leading Players charged patronage of Minister of Information company in and Minister of State for Youth Affairs Spain and one of A member of the Kuwait Basketball Club accused three players from Qadsiya Club of beating him up during a Sheikh Salman Sabah Al-Salem Al- the best in match between the two sides that was held last Humoud Al-Sabah. Europe in gener- Sunday. A security source said the player submitted a In this regard, Hassan Bahsoun, the al,” he said, medical report stating injuries to the neck, back and Executive Manager of Mesh’al Alrodhan adding that the face, and named those who beat him. Investigations Group, announced that Horeca 2016 company also are ongoing. had proved its great ability to develop provides the Hassan Bahsoun the hospitality, food industries and finest British hotel sector, adding that it had been organic flavored Transformer missing attracting an unprecedented number green tea, the French Truffles Agreement to resume of participating companies. He added Chocolate and many other products. The Ministry of Electricity and Water (MEW) reported the that the exhibition is a golden oppor- Bahsoun concluded his statement disappearance of a transformer from Sulaibiya farms. A tunity for Mesh’al Alrodhan Group to by noting that Mesh’al Alrodhan Group security source said an MEW employee went to Sulaibiya production at Khafji take part in major hospitality, foodstuff supplies various supermarkets, co- police station and told them the missing transformer and hotel equipment exhibitions in operative societies, as well as fancy gave them its description. Jahra detectives are investi- KUWAIT: Informed oil sources said that upon, then it was agreed on the 100,000 order to get closer to its clients, and restaurants and hotels with its prod- gating. Kuwait and Saudi Arabia have agreed on bpd, so the burning percentage will not meet managers of other local and ucts that proved successful as basic principle to resume production at Khafji exceed 1 percent, while previous produc- international companies to eventually ingredients in special dieting and field during the last quarter of this year. tion levels of 300,000 bpd will be restored activate commercial exchanges and healthy meals. Bahsoun also invited the Mall brawl The sources said the agreement aims at when the technical issues are dealt with. develop the sector in general. public and various specialized compa- resuming production in the field, but with As for preparations for the resumption of Bahsoun added that Mesh’al nies to visit his company’s section at Capital police broke up a fight between two persons in a mall and both were taken to Sharq police station. The a lesser capacity of around 100,000 bar- production, sources expected it will be Alrodhan Group products included the Horeca 2016 exhibition to benefit from rels per day, 50,000 bpd for each side, done during few days, to start the two are citizens and were fighting over previous dis- products of the Spanish Calidad exclusive offers there. Horeca Kuwait putes. — Al-Rai which agrees with Saudi environmental removal of insulation that was done pre- Pascual company, which was the first 2016 is organized by Leaders Group laws as far as burning the gas and emis- viously on pipes and nitrogen lines in Spanish company to introduce Tetra Company for Consulting and sions are concerned. preparation for restoration of production. Brik Packaging and to launch non-fat Development in collaboration with the The sources said an idea of producing About the fate of Wafra field, they said “all 300,000 bpd in the first stage until the indications are positive,” and hoped the milk in Spain. Its core activity is the Hospitality Services Company. It takes Khafji field becomes compliant with Saudi two sides will reach a final solution soon. processing and packaging of milk, place at Badriya Ballroom in Jumeirah KD 10,000 health environmental conditions was not agreed — Al-Qabas yogurts and other dairy products, Messilah Beach Hotel and Spa. insurance for police

KUWAIT: An informed source at the Interior Ministry Nuwaiseeb said a study calls for the allocation of KD 10,000 as project to health insurance for every police officer in the min- istry. The source said Deputy Premier and Interior produce 6,000 MW Minister Sheikh Mohammad Al-Khaled plans to take the study to the Cabinet to discuss it and estimate KUWAIT: An official source at the its financial cost, and if approved, it will be sent to Ministry of Electricity and Water the National Assembly to issue it as a law. (MEW) said MEW plans to introduce a Meanwhile, Sheikh Mohammad issued a ministerial tender for the Nuwaiseeb power decree to stiffen punishments for some traffic viola- generation project in April. The tions, that warrant revoking licenses. Among such source said “the ministry completed violations is driving vehicles with smoky exhausts, running red lights and driving without license the structural plan of the project land plates. — Al-Anbaa expected to produce 3,000 megawatt in its first stage out of 6,000 MW, the total production capacity of the project, by the munic- Fuel, energy fare ipality.” He said the Environment Protection Authority approved the increase could raise study of the environmental impact of the project, adding that the ministry product prices went a long way in the procedural steps for the project in order to intro- KUWAIT: Increasing the prices of fuel and electricity will duce it in April. He said the execution lead to increased prices of certain products due to the of Nuwaiseeb station will coincide subsequent rise in production cost, the Ministry of with the projects of constructing sta- Finance said in a recent report. The ministry had studied tions supervised by the public and the effects of applying recommendations of a recent Ernst private sector partnership authority, & Young study which recommended lifting subsidies on including Al-Zour north station (sec- energy and gas directed to certain categories of the ond stage) with a capacity of 1,800 Kuwaiti society, the report said. The ministry also indicat- ed that a program was needed to ‘alleviate the impact’ of KUWAIT: Director of the South Zoor Power Plant Salah Al-Saleem welcomed officers from the Kuwait Fire MW, Al-Khairan station (1,500 MW) and Abdaliya solar station, as tenders inflation on families with lower incomes, who might be Services Directorate (KFSD) yesterday, and the two sides discussed ways of promoting coordination especially forced to spend more on energy, gas and some food for it are to be opened. — Al-Rai with regards to securing easy access for firefighters in case of fire. — By Hanan Al-Saadoun products, thus hindering their ability to spend on other basic material. — Al-Qabas THURSDAY, JANUARY 14, 2016

Korea president urges Danish lawmakers debate seizing refugees’ valuables global response to test

Page 10 Page 12 Obama tells US to embrace change Farewell State of the Union address draws sharp contrast

WASHINGTON: President Barack Obama told Americans calls to carpet-bomb civilians. That may work as a TV nervous about terror and a changing economy that they sound bite, but it doesn’t pass muster on the world’s should not fear the future, in a farewell State of the stage,” he said pointedly. “Over-the-top claims that this is Union address Tuesday that drew sharp contrast with World War III just play into their hands.”And in a volley Republicans. clearly aimed at Trump, Obama warned that “when In a primetime address that bubbled with 2016 elec- politicians insult Muslims... that’s not telling it like it is. tion politics, Obama assailed Republicans for talking up It’s just wrong. It diminishes us in the eyes of the world.” the threat posed by the Islamic State group and talking The Republican frontrunner Trump was not impressed, down the American economy. A self-assured and opti- describing the speech on Twitter as “really boring, slow, mistic Obama cast himself as the foil of foes who warn lethargic - very hard to watch!” the country is going in the wrong direction because of Tuesday’s address was arguably Obama’s last big his seven years in office. opportunity to sway a national audience and frame the Hailing an epoch of “extraordinary change” laden with 2016 White House race. Around 30 million viewers were risk and opportunity, Obama called for a new “moon- expected to watch live, a nationwide audience that may shot” to cure cancer, a shift away from dirty energy to only be matched in political terms during the power the world’s biggest economy and for a thaw in Democratic nominating convention later this year. But it the last remnants of the Cold War by ending the embar- risked being overshadowed by news that 10 US Navy go on Cuba. Obama insisted “America has been through personnel had been taken to an Iranian naval base in the big changes before,” as he took thinly veiled shots at Gulf. Donald Trump, Ted Cruz and other leading Republican Senior US officials said they had received assurances presidential candidates. the crews would sail onwards come first light, but “Each time, there have been those who told us to fear Republicans held up the crisis up as evidence that the future, who claimed we could slam the brakes on Obama was naive to engage Tehran. Overall, it was an change, promising to restore past glory if we just got unorthodox speech that eschewed the typical laundry some group or idea that was threatening America under list of legislative priorities as Obama tried to lift the control. And each time, we overcame those fears.” country’s gaze beyond the next year, and beyond his With less than three weeks until the Iowa caucuses- presidency. But he also tacitly, and explicitly, admitted the first votes cast in the process to replace him-Obama mistakes. berated Republican economic rhetoric, saying “anyone There was no mention of the racial tensions that have claiming that America’s economy is in decline is ped- dogged the tenure of the first black president. There was dling fiction.” But some of his toughest words were for only a fleeting reference, and a symbolic empty seat in Republican statements over the rise of the Islamic State the chamber, to gun control and the awful toll of WASHINGTON: Vice President Joe Biden and Speaker Paul Ryan of Wisconsin applaud President Barack Obama group. American gun violence. during the State of the Union address before a joint session of Congress on Capitol Hill. — AFP World War III ‘Angriest voices’ ing to be better so long as I hold this office.” terrorist threat our nation has seen since September 11.” He painted the jihadists as “masses of fighters on the Obama did take some blame for Washington’s hyper South Carolina Governor Nikki Haley said in the tradi- But Haley, the daughter of Indian immigrants, also back of pickup trucks, twisted souls plotting in apart- partisan politics. “It’s one of the few regrets of my presi- tional Republican rebuttal of Obama’s address that “the jabbed at Trump over his views on immigration. ments or garages.” He admitted that the extremists, who dency — that the rancor and suspicion between the president’s record has often fallen far short of his soaring “During anxious times, it can be tempting to follow have overrun large areas of Syria and Iraq, pose an “enor- parties has gotten worse instead of better,” he said in a words.” “As he enters his final year in office, many the siren call of the angriest voices,” she said. “We must mous danger,” but made clear: “They do not threaten our moment of personal candor. “There’s no doubt a presi- Americans are still feeling the squeeze of an economy resist that temptation. No one who is willing to work national existence.” dent with the gifts of Lincoln or Roosevelt might have too weak to raise income levels.” She also cited “chaotic hard, abide by our laws, and love our traditions should “Our answer needs to be more than tough talk or better bridged the divide, and I guarantee I’ll keep try- unrest in many of our cities” and “the most dangerous ever feel unwelcome in this country.” — AFP THURSDAY, JANUARY 14, 2016 INTERNATIONAL Israel banishes Palestinians from own town

JERUSALEM: Israel has detained two ing Jerusalem of its Palestinian residents”. expelling him. “Whatever happens, I will con- Palestinian men who refused to heed a mili- The letters Israeli authorities sent Abu tinue to say no,” said the young man with a tary expulsion order from their hometown of Eisheh and Abu Sbeih in December say the carefully cropped beard. “No to banishment, Jerusalem over unspecified security concerns, pair pose “a danger” to security. A map is no to racism, no to the occupation.” in what rights groups slam as collective pun- attached showing where the men were per- Abu Sbeih spoke in similar terms, saying “I ishment. “It’s the city where I was born, where mitted to relocate for the duration of the ban. will not leave my land to the occupier. It is I have all my memories,” said 28-year-old free- The Shin Bet domestic security agency said them who must leave, not me.” Beyond lance journalist Samer Abu Eisheh, who was the pair were among “a certain number of ter- human rights concerns, such orders also fur- given a five-month expulsion order. rorist activists” who have been given such ther stoke Palestinian suspicions over Israel’s Construction worker Hijazi Abu Sbeih, 33, orders, without providing further details. It intentions in east Jerusalem. who has a wife and three young children, was linked their expulsions to the Palestinian The Jewish state sees the entire city as its banished for six months. Both men live in the knife, gun and car-ramming attacks that have indivisible capital, while Palestinians see walled Old City of Israeli-annexed east targeted Israelis since October. mainly Arab east Jerusalem as the capital of Jerusalem. They refused to obey the ban and The two men say they have never been their future state. Israel occupied east were arrested at a protest camp they had set convicted for terrorism or any other violent Jerusalem in the 1967 Six-Day War and later up at the offices of the International crime and can only guess at the details of the annexed it in a move never recognized by Committee of the Red Cross in Jerusalem. accusations against them. Abu Eisheh was the international community. Israeli settle- The order was based on a rarely used sentenced to nearly two months of house ments have since expanded there. emergency statute from 1945, when Britain arrest by Israel in 2015 after taking part in According to the Civic Coalition for ruled Palestine prior to Israel’s establishment Arab forums in Lebanon, an Israeli enemy, Palestinian Rights in Jerusalem, over the past in 1948. It was often used against clandestine and believes his expulsion is a result of his 15 years the Palestinian cultural and political Jewish groups battling the British. Expulsions activism. Abu Sbeih says he can’t explain the presence in the eastern sector of the city has JERUSALEM: Samer Abu Eisheh (left) and Hijazi Abu Sbeih, two Palestinians are among punitive measures criticized by decision to ban him. been considerably reduced. Around 30 from Jerusalem sit in tents they installed in the courtyard of the International rights groups that also include the demolition Palestinian institutions have been closed, in Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) headquarters in the Israeli-occupied East- of Palestinian attackers’ homes and detention ‘I will not leave’ many cases after Israel alleged they were Jerusalem to defy a ban order by the Israeli military from entering their home- without trial of suspects. After arresting the men on January 6, affiliated with the Palestinian Authority, town for several months. — AFP According to Palestinian rights group Israeli authorities offered to free them on bail which is prohibited from activities in Addameer, seven Palestinians received such and then expel them from Jerusalem, their Jerusalem. travel documents, and can participate in children or bring their relatives to the city. orders in 2015, and as many each year since relatives said, but they refused. Abu Eisheh, Palestinian residents of Jerusalem have Israeli municipal but not national elec- Permanent resident status can also be 2011 for varying time periods. Addameer calls who spoke to AFP at the Red Cross office “permanent resident” status, in which they tions,” the coalition says. It notes that east revoked, with Israeli authorities having it “collective punishment in violation of inter- before his arrest, said that he would do what- “are required to pay all Israeli taxes, enti- Jerusalem Palestinians cannot automatical- done so for more than 14,400 Palestinians national law” and a measure aimed at “empty- ever possible to “complicate the task” of tled to receive Israeli social benefits and ly pass on Jerusalem residency to their in nearly 50 years. — AFP

Post-revolt Tunisia a target and exporter of extremists

TUNIS: The 2011 revolution that toppled ment now stands at more than 15 percent- Tunisia’s regime has awoken extremism in and analysts say this has fuelled radicaliza- the country after decades of repression, turn- tion. In a report dedicated to Tunisia’s ing it into a target for attacks and a key “porous borders”, the International Crisis exporter of jihadists. Analysts say the current Group think-tank drew a correlation state of affairs is a result of the legacy of oust- between the rise of jihadism and contra- ed president Zine El Abidine Ben Ali’s 23 band across the frontiers with Algeria and years of iron-fisted rule, as well as Tunisia’s Libya. porous borders. Smuggling operations have long served “Ben Ali’s monopolization of the religious as an informal economy in Tunisia, providing sphere and neglect of socioeconomic issues a livelihood for many people in poor regions, opened the door to radicalization,” the even before Ben Ali. But with conflict raging Carnegie Middle East Centre says in a report. across the border in Libya, the frontier has “These factors, combined with the disillu- also served as a gateway for jihadists and sionment of the youth and the mishandling weapons. of Salafists after the revolution, have resulted “The war in Libya... has had security reper- in escalating violence in Tunisia and the cussions and armed groups in border areas export of jihadists to Syria, Iraq, and Libya,” it have conducted attacks against members of said. the National Guard, army and police,” said the According to the United Nations, more ICG. “The aftermath of the Tunisian uprising than 5,500 Tunisians, mostly aged between and of the Libyan war has provoked a reor- 18 and 35, have joined jihadist organizations ganisation of contraband cartels... thereby ISTANBUL: Turkish Prime Minister Ahmet Davutoglu (right) and his wife Sare Davutoglu arrive to place flowers in tribute to in conflict-riddled Syria, Iraq, Libya, Yemen weakening state control and paving the way the victims at the site of yesterday’s attack in the city’s tourist hub of Sultanahmet. — AFP and Mali. Many are fighting in the ranks of for far more dangerous types of trafficking.” the Islamic State group, which claimed three The think-tank warned the situation major attacks in Tunisia last year alone, two of could eventually lead to “the emergence of a Turkey arrests one after them killing a total of 60 people, all but one so-called Islamo-gangsterim”. This, in turn, of them foreign tourists. “could contribute to the rise of groups Dozens of policemen and soldiers have blending jihadism and organized crime also been killed since the 2011 revolt while within contraband networks operation at Istanbul tourist attack two opposition politicians were assassinated the borders or worse, to activate coopera- in 2013. The Carnegie report-”Market for tion between cartels and jihadis.” Jihad: radicalization in Tunisia”-said the fall of ‘I see no reason to refrain from trips to Turkey’ Ben Ali’s regime “created a vacuum that ‘Social promotion’ ISTANBUL: Turkey said yesterday it had arrested one tion without paying a penalty. access to the area of the attack, which was quickly allowed radical groups to preach their ideas The Carnegie report notes that jihadists person in connection with a deadly suicide bombing thronged by media and some tourists, an AFP cor- and recruit new members”. have succeeded in wooing recruits in Tunis that ripped through the historic heart of Istanbul, Posing as a refugee? respondent said. Some placed red roses by the During Ben Ali’s rule thousands of his suburbs and farther away in the hinterland killing 10 tourists, most of them Germans. Ankara has Turkey has been hit by a string of deadly attacks obelisk, which appeared to have sustained no dam- political opponents as well as Islamists were of Tunisia, saying the feeble economy said that Tuesday’s attack was carried out by a 28- blamed on jihadists over the last year, including a age in the bombing. imprisoned and many others forced into helped feed extremism. The Tunisian year-old Syrian who belonged to the Islamic State (IS) double suicide bombing in October in Ankara that Almost all of the victims were German, with exile, giving him a free hand to bolster Institute for Strategic Studies said in a recent group and had recently entered Turkey from Syria. killed more than 100 people. But Tuesday’s bombing Ankara giving the figure of nine while Berlin put the repression. “Ben Ali strengthened state secu- study that there is a “clear link on the map of One person was arrested on Tuesday evening in was the first time in recent memory tourists had number at eight. Peru also said one of its nationals rity’s control over mosques and imposed jihadist Salafist expansion” between “social connection with the bloodshed, Interior Minister been targeted in the heart of Istanbul. had died in the attack. Another 15 people were legal restrictions on the hijab and Islamic exclusion and the economy”. Efkan Ala said on Wednesday, without explaining the The bomber, identified as Nabil Fadli, detonated wounded, most of them Germans but also dress. Political, or even any public, expression Omeyya Naoufel Seddik, analyst with the suspect’s role in the strike. In the wake of the attack, his charge on Sultanahmet Square which is home to Norwegians, Peruvians and at least one Turk. Two of religiosity was considered a threat,” the Tunisian Centre for Humanitarian Dialogue, Turkish security forces rounded up 68 suspected IS Turkey’s most visited historic sites including the Germans were in serious condition. report said. Five years since his overthrow, says some people have joined IS seeking members across the country, state media said, but it Ottoman-era Blue Mosque and Hagia Sophia church. The tourists were part of a group of 33 who had Tunisia is “paying the price of Ben Ali’s mistak- “social promotion”. He said these recruits was not clear if any of them were directly connected The explosion went off by the Obelisk of Theodosius, been staying at a boutique hotel in the upmarket en policies towards religion,” said a senior believe that the jihadist group could provide to the Istanbul bombing. a monument from ancient Egypt that was re-erected Galata district and had been bussed to security official who declined to be named. them with a “better standard of living”. “The investigation is continuing in a very inten- by the Roman Emperor Theodosius and is one of the Sultanahmet that morning, media reports said. “I According to the UN, jihadist recruiters sive way,” Ala told a news conference in Istanbul city’s most iconic landmarks. saw the young man pull the pin and I shouted ‘run!’ ‘Porous borders’ can earn between 2,700 and 9,000 Euros for alongside German Interior Minister Thomas de The Sabah daily said the bomber had entered in German. Then we started to run away, and the Many Tunisians “turned to social net- each recruit, depending on the competence Maiziere. De Maiziere said there was “no indication” Turkey as a refugee from Syria on January 5. He was bomb instantly exploded,” the group’s tour guide works and foreign religious satellite televi- of the fighter. But Tunisia, which the ICG the attack specifically targeted Germans, saying then fingerprinted by the Turkish migration service, Sibel Satiroglu told investigators, the Hurriyet news- sion stations, particularly from the mid- says has turned into a “strategic hinterland there was no need to cancel travel plans. “It was an explaining why the authorities were able to identify paper said. 1990s, thus provoking the expansion of and a recruitment base for jihadists”, did not attack against humanity,” he said. “I see no reason to the bomber so rapidly after the attack. The Hurriyet In impromptu remarks at his weekly audience, Wahhabi thought,” he added. Wahhabism become radicalized overnight. Tunisians refrain from trips to Turkey.” But the German foreign daily said Turkey’s spy agency had twice issued warn- Pope Francis called on all believers to pray for the has been accused of fuelling deadly Sunni have fought in Afghanistan, Bosnia and ministry has advised its nationals to keep away from ings over the risk of a suicide attack in Istanbul. victims. “May the Lord, the merciful, bring eternal extremism around the world, including the Chechnya, and two of them, posing as large groups in public places and tourist attractions piece to the departed, comfort to their families, the murderous drive of IS militants. reporters, assassinated in 2001 anti-Taliban in Istanbul. German tourism giant TUI said customers ‘Pray for the victims’ solidarity of all society and may he convert the Tunisia’s struggling economic situation figure Ahmad Shah Massoud in who had booked trips to Istanbul can switch destina- Police yesterday removed a cordon preventing hearts of violent men,” he said. — AFP worsened after the revolution-unemploy- Afghanistan. — AFP Activist sister of jailed Once accommodating neighbors, Saudi blogger released Lebanon turns back on refugees DUBAI: The activist sister of prominent HRW said she was questioned on jailed Saudi blogger Raif Badawi was Tuesday “about her human rights activism BEIRUT: After taking in a million Syrian facto capital in northeastern Syria, who lasts between six and 12 months, cross any checkpoints. So men cannot released yesterday after being detained in generally and whether she controls Al- refugees, Lebanon has quietly changed is now living and working as a doorman obtained through an onerous bureau- leave the house,” said Houry. the kingdom, Human Rights Watch said. Khair’s Twitter account. Badawi denied that course in recent months, forcing in Beirut. He refused to be named for cratic process that accompanies each Security checkpoints dot the coun- Amnesty International said earlier that she controls the account.” Raif Badawi’s wife, refugees to return to Syria - where they fear of expulsion. application.Nadim Houry, deputy try’s Bekaa Valley and the north, where Samar Badawi was arrested on Tuesday in Ensaf Haidar, earlier posted on Twitter that are at risk of persecution or death - or Lebanon in 2015 reversed a long- Middle East director for Human Rights most Syrians are living. “That means the Saudi city of Jeddah with her two-year- her sister-in-law was detained for allegedly stay illegally, leaving them vulnerable standing open-door policy for Syrians Watch, said most of refugees have lost you have to send the kids to work, old daughter and questioned by police for managing Khair’s account. to exploitation and abuse. that allowed them to enter the country their legal status over the past year because they aren’t usually stopped. It four hours before being transferred to A source with knowledge of Samar The situation is drawing attention at and reside there relatively unencum- because of the new regulations. “That’s also means if a woman gets sexually prison. Badawi’s activities said she had stopped a time when Turkey and Jordan have bered. At a minimum, they must now not just an abstract notion. If you don’t harassed, she cannot complain to the “She’s OK,” HRW’s Adam Coogle said. tweeting from her own account about a also tightened their admission policies. pay $200 per adult for a permit that have legal status, you basically cannot police, because she will be arrested,” “Technically she was bailed out in the morn- month ago. Philip Luther, director of A Human Rights Watch report pub- Houry said. The situation is similar in ing. Then she had to go for mandatory Amnesty’s Middle East and North Africa pro- lished Tuesday warned that Lebanon’s Jordan, which insists it has kept its bor- questioning,” he said, adding she had since gram, said her arrest “demonstrates the new regulations have “set the stage for ders open to Syrian refugees since the been released. Badawi could not immedi- extreme lengths to which the authorities a potentially explosive situation.” Even start of the conflict in 2011 but has ately be reached for comment. She is the are prepared to go in their relentless cam- as conditions in Syria deteriorate in a increasingly tightened its admissions sister of Raif Badawi, the blogger arrested in paign to harass and intimidate human fifth year of war, Lebanon last week policy. 2012 and later sentenced to 1,000 lashes rights defenders into silent submission.” forcibly repatriated 407 Syrians who and 10 years in prison for insulting Islam, a Rights groups say she has been under a were stranded at Beirut’s airport after ‘Security is first priority’ decision which generated worldwide out- travel ban since December 2014. “The Turkey tightened its visa restrictions A remote stretch of desert between rage. arrest... is the latest example of Saudi with little notice. It was by far the Syria and Jordan has been the only land Only the first 50 lashes of the punish- Arabia’s utter contempt for its human rights largest such forced repatriation to date. access route for Syrian refugees since ment have been administered, in January obligations and provides further damning mid-2013. In recent months, growing last year. Samar Badawi is also the ex-wife of proof of the authorities’ intent to suppress ‘International obligations’ numbers of refugees have amassed in her brother’s lawyer, Waleed Abu Al-Khair, a all signs of peaceful dissent,” London-based Amnesty International called the an area near a berm, awaiting entry. rights activist who himself is serving a 15- Amnesty said. Raif Badawi co-founded the action “an outrageous breach of Government spokesman Mohammed year prison sentence. She has campaigned Saudi Liberal Network Internet discussion Lebanon’s international obligations,” Momani said earlier this week that tirelessly for his release. A source familiar group, which promoted free speech and which require that it not return vulnera- about 16,000 refugees are gathered with her case told AFP that “they suspect sought an end to the influence of religious ble people to a conflict zone. “Syrians there. He said 50 to 100 are allowed in she was running Waleed’s account” on leaders on public life in one of the world’s have no value here. They’ve closed the each day, with priority given to women, Twitter. She remains under investigation. most conservative countries. — AFP door on us,” said a 34-year-old refugee BEKAA VALLEY: Syrian refugee children walk in mud after a heavy rain children, the elderly and the ill, adding from Raqqa, the Islamic State group’s de at a refugee camp in the town of Hosh Hareem. — AP that “security is the first priority.” — AP THURSDAY, JANUARY 14, 2016 INTERNATIONAL ‘El Chapo’ infatuation with actress led to recapture

MEXICO CITY: Mexican drug lord Joaquin “El Meeting investigated Chapo” Guzman was infatuated with actress One of the world’s most-wanted criminals Kate del Castillo and his desire to see her again was returned to the same prison he escaped contributed to his downfall after six months on from six months ago when his henchmen dug a the run, officials said Tuesday. Del Castillo, a 1.5-kilometer tunnel that opened into a hole in Mexican-American who played a drug kingpin his cell’s shower. Guzman is regularly being in a television series, brokered the now-notori- moved to new cells in different floors and a ous meeting between Guzman and US actor guard is posted in front of it 24 hours per day to Sean Penn at an undisclosed jungle clearing in prevent him getting away once more. October, three months before the fugitive’s cap- Penn, in an article published by Rolling ture. Stone magazine on Saturday, said del Castillo The government officials said investigators had been in contact with Guzman while he was had monitored Penn and Del Castillo, taking in prison through letters after the kingpin’s photographs of the actors when they landed in attorney approached her. The drug lord wanted Mexico, before their get-together with Guzman. to make a film about himself but “would entrust Following the meeting, troops entered its telling only to Kate,” Penn wrote. Guzman’s remote mountain stronghold in President Enrique Pena Nieto’s spokesman, northwestern Mexico in order to flush him out Eduardo Sanchez, said the clandestine meeting “toward a city,” a government official said on between the actors and Guzman was under condition of anonymity. investigation. “What’s being investigated is the Marines nearly captured Guzman in the actions. People are not being investigated,” mountains straddling the states of Sinaloa and Sanchez said. Sanchez said the government Durango on October 6. But Guzman grabbed “regrets any acts of collaboration between any citizen and members of organized crime” or his cook’s daughter and used her “as a human that a Mexican citizen “does not share” informa- shield,” holding her in front of him as a helicop- tion that would help arrest a criminal. ter hovered overhead, prompting the soldier to DUBUQUE: Democratic presidential candidate Hillary Clinton speaks to supporters during a campaign stop at the Charles and Legal experts doubt that the actors will face hold fire, the official said. Romona Myers Center at University of Dubuque. — AP charges, especially if their meeting with Guzman eventually made his way last week Guzman is seen as journalistic work. But they With Democrat race narrowing, to the seaside city of Los Mochis in his native could face money-laundering charges if there Sinaloa state, where he was captured Friday in a was a transaction for a film made with “money deadly military operation. The other factor that from illegal sources,” legal expert Juan Clinton rips into rival sanders led Guzman to Los Mochis was that he was Velazquez said. Del Castillo sparked uproar in “really very interested in meeting the actress 2012 when she wrote on Twitter that she again,” the official told reporters. believes “more in Chapo Guzman than the gov- Claims Sanders offering unrealistic policies “This was an almost obsessive interest that ernments.” She later said that her messages to turned into another incentive to go down to Guzman were “ironic” but Penn wrote in Rolling AMES, Iowa: Democratic presidential candidate ing liberals a “political revolution.” With a touch of sar- to victory in the November general election. the city, where he wanted to meet with her,” the Stone that the kingpin sought to send her flow- Hillary Clinton, facing a narrowing primary contest, casm, Clinton said President Barack Obama’s work to official said, adding that Guzman did not see ers afterwards. Guzman is now back at the ripped into rival Bernie Sanders on Tuesday, saying the pass an overhaul to the nation’s health care system Gun control the 43-year-old actress again. Another official Altiplano maximum-security prison some 90 Vermont senator was offering unrealistic policies and was a major accomplishment and derided Sanders’ Her fresh assault came as she picked up the back- said Guzman, 58, used the codename “her- kilometers west of Mexico City while authorities overstating his anti-establishment credentials. plans for a single-payer system. ing of the Brady Campaign to Prevent Gun Violence - mosa” (“beautiful”) when referring to the seek to extradite him to the United States. As For days, the former Secretary of State has cast Clinton also touted her foreign policy credentials, an endorsement that came just a day after Clinton actress, who became famous for her role as a well as moving him from cell to cell, officials Sanders as a less forceful advocate for gun control, tar- drawing another, more implicit, contrast with Sanders, won support from leading gun control advocate drug lord in the TV series “The Queen of the said other steps have been taken to prevent geting a 2005 vote he cast that gave immunity to gun who has made tackling economic inequality the focus Gabby Giffords, the former Arizona congresswoman South.” Guzman-who escaped from another prison in manufacturers. On Tuesday, she broadened her cri- of his campaign. “I’m prepared to do all parts to the and her husband Mark Kelly. Sanders has expressed DVDs of the show were found in the house 2001 — from breaking out a third time. After his tique, arguing that if Sanders wouldn’t combat the job,” she said, after offering voters a detailed account his support for President Barack Obama’s use of execu- that marines raided in Los Mochis. Guzman fled July 11 escape, a dozen prison officials were National Rifle Association, the nation’s largest gun lob- of her time in the Situation Room during the killing of tive actions to curb gun violence and has said he the house through a tunnel during a gunfight detained and security was increased with extra by, he can’t be trusted to take on other special inter- Osama bin Laden. would revisit his position on the liability issue. But in a between troops and his henchmen, but he was surveillance cameras and metal rods in the ests. “If you’re going to go around saying you stand up Though Clinton has the backing of Democratic Democratic forum on Monday night, he doubled caught later after he had stolen a car, capping a floors to prevent new tunnels. “Each and every to special interests then stand up to that most power- leaders and top donors, polls show a narrowing con- down on his defense of his vote on the controversial months-long manhunt involving 2,500 investi- each one of the flaws have been fixed,” an offi- ful special interest - stand up to the gun lobby,” she test in the lead-off Iowa caucuses on Feb. 1 and bill. “It’s not a mistake. Like many pieces of legislation, gators and federal forces, officials said. cial said. — AFP said, as she accepted the backing of a major gun con- Sanders with a slight lead in New Hampshire, which it is complicated,” he said. “But on the issue of guns, let trol advocacy group. borders his home state of Vermont. Losses in both ear- me be very clear I support the president.” Sanders campaign spokesman Michael Briggs said ly voting states would set off alarms among Sanders racked up his own endorsement on the senator had “spent a career standing up to power- Democrats about her strength against Sanders, who Tuesday, receiving the backing of MoveOn.org, a ful special interests whether they be Wall Street, big started the campaign as an obscure senator polling in grassroots organization that has been at the forefront banks or Big Oil or the pharmaceutical industry, you the single digits. of liberal causes. Meanwhile on Tuesday, Chelsea name it.” Briggs added, “He has also stood up to the A poll released yesterday by Quinnipiac University Clinton made her debut appearance in the race, mak- National Rifle Association,” noting that Sanders lost a showed Sanders winning 49 percent of likely ing three stops in New Hampshire where she told per- 1988 congressional race in part because he supported Democratic caucus-goers in Iowa, compared to 44 sonal anecdotes and discussed detailed policy points a ban on assault weapons. percent for Sanders. The same survey showed Clinton while campaigning for her mother. leading in a 51-40 percent match-up just a month ago. Hillary Clinton recently deployed her husband, for- ‘Political revolution’ Clinton has long resisted directly targeting Sanders, mer President Bill Clinton, and now her daughter, as The fresh critique marks an effort by Clinton to fearing that such attacks would alienate his passionate she seeks to cover more ground and maintain her ear- undermine the central argument of Sanders’ cam- supporters. Should she win the nomination, Clinton ly lead in the increasingly-narrowing race against paign- that the Vermont Senator is an outsider offer- will need that kind of liberal enthusiasm to boost her Sanders. — AP 180 US-bound Cubans finally take flight out of Costa Rica

SAN LUIS TALPA: A group of 180 Cuban who left his herbal drinks business in migrants took a step closer to a new life Cuba to make the journey to America in the United States early yesterday after with his wife. Cabezas said she planned flying out of Costa Rica in a trial plan to minimize that risk by taking a domes- designed to blaze a path for thousands tic flight inside Mexico to a town close to of stranded compatriots to follow. the US border. In what they nervously hope will be the successful conclusion to a months- US welcome long odyssey through South and Central At American border posts the America, the Cubans landed in El Cubans can expect a relatively easy Salvador and then boarded four buses in entry, despite not having American the early hours destined for the border visas. Under a Cold War-era law, America with Guatemala. welcomes Cubans under a scheme that The 109 men and 71 women are ulti- gives fast-track access to permanent mately bound for the United States, residency. Costa Rican officials were visi- which has a longstanding policy of bly relieved that there is finally move- accepting Cuban migrants. If their ardu- ment to clear out some of the thou- ous plane-and-bus trip is successful, oth- sands of Cubans who have been piling er flights will follow as early as next up in shelters on its territory. Foreign SAN LUIS TALPA: A group of Cubans pose at the park of La Cruz, week, transporting more of the 7,600 Minister Manuel Gonzalez said after the Guanacaste, Costa Rica, on January 12, 2016, before boarding a bus other Cubans stranded in Costa Rica. plane’s departure that the trip was to take them to the airport of the neighboring city of Liberia. — AFP The air bridge, organized by Latin organized for American governments and the “humanitarian” rea- International Organization for Migration sons and he was (IOM), became necessary when Costa confident of its suc- Rica’s northern neighbor Nicaragua-a cess. But the chief of Cuban ally-closed its border to Cuban its migration service, migrants in mid-November. The 180- Katia Rodriguez, told strong group boarded a chartered air- some of the craft in Liberia, a northern Costa Rican migrants that those city near Nicaragua’s border. left behind and They arrived just over an hour later at unable to pay for El Salvador’s international airport south- flights would have east of the capital San Salvador, disem- to wait for a solution. barking with smiles and small bags, and Costa Rica on soon after were on their way to the December 19 Guatemala border on buses accompa- stopped giving visas nied by a police escort. After crossing to any more arriving Guatemala, the Cubans are to be Cubans and threat- dropped off at the border with Mexico ened deportation for with 20-day visas to make their own way any found entering to the US border and to what they hope clandestinely. As a will be new lives in America. result, some 2,000 other Cubans are Joy and fear now stranded farther Elation and trepidation gripped the south, in Panama. Cubans ahead of their flight out of Costa They have no access Rica, where many have languished for to the air bridge weeks or even months. “I still can’t being organized and believe it. We could be arriving and I still their fate has not won’t believe it,” said Liana Cabezas been resolved. In Gonzalez, a 28-year-old interpreter who shelters set up in left Havana seven months ago aiming to churches and school join her parents already in Miami. grounds in northern She and the others paid $555 (512 Costa Rican towns, Euros) for the trip to Mexico’s border. other migrants wait- The governments involved insisted the ing for their own exit migrants bear the entire cost of their played with balls or trip. But their joy was tempered by fears washed clothes or about running the gauntlet of Mexico’s relaxed on mattress- fearsome narco-gangs. “We’ve heard a es on the floor — lot that in Mexico there are gangs like activities that have the Zetas that make attacks on roads marked their long and that there are dangerous zones,” weeks of limbo. said Yordani Casanova, a 33-year-old — AFP THURSDAY, JANUARY 14, 2016 INTERNATIONAL Polish PM calls for unity against foreign ‘slander’

WARSAW: Polish Prime Minister Beata ment. “Today we need to put our quar- to gain control over the country’s top in attendance. who are concerned by your actions,” Szydlo yesterday called on the coun- rels aside, join forces and discuss what court and public broadcasters. She said yesterday that she was not added Rafal Trzaskowski, a lawmaker try’s centrist opposition to join her to do to stabilize the situation abroad.” Relations between Brussels and planning “to humbly listen” to criticism from the liberal Civic Platform (PO) par- conservative government in present- She spoke as the European Warsaw have been strained since the of Poland while in Strasbourg. Szydlo’s ty that lost the general election to the ing a united front against what she Commission was holding a debate in Law and Justice party (PiS), led by the comments drew strong words from PiS. Addressing the conservatives, he called “slander” from abroad. “Poland Brussels on the state of rule of law in euro skeptic Jaroslaw Kaczynski, opposition lawmakers, including liber- added: “It is you yourselves who are has been unfairly accused of things Poland, which could lead to potentially returned to power in October after al Ryszard Petru, who said the conser- mounting power grabs against the that don’t exist in our country... of punitive measures. The Commission eight years in opposition. The vatives were “reaping the harvest of constitutional court, state media, the breaking the principles of the rule of took the unprecedented move because European Parliament will also debate their own actions”. civil service, who today are preparing law. That’s not true. Democracy is alive of concern over the Polish govern- the state of rule of law in Poland in “It’s not Poland that is being slan- another power grab against prosecuto- and well in Poland,” Szydlo told parlia- ment’s controversial legal maneuvers Strasbourg on January 19, with Szydlo dered, nor its citizens. It’s our partners rial independence.” —AFP Danish lawmakers debate seizing refugees’ valuables Govt facing wave of criticism over proposal

COPENHAGEN: Denmark’s parlia- to secure a majority for the vote. January 26 vote on the bill. A Syria, said he thought police ment was yesterday to begin But the bill, even in its amended European lawmaker for Venstre would find little of value during debating a controversial plan to form, was criticized yesterday by a last month left the party over its their migrant searches. “We almost seize refugees’ valuables, with the group of 10 local and regional ever-tighter migration policies, paid everything to come here. Like bill widely expected to pass a members of the ruling Venstre par- which have included delaying fam- a house, like a restaurant we January 26 vote after being ty. ily reunification times and adver- owned before,” he said. A police backed by a majority of lawmak- “It is not just a matter of proper tising in Lebanese newspapers to search of his bags would turn up ers. policy and humanity, but also deter refugees from coming to “maybe 100 Euros,” he laughed. The bill, proposed by Prime Denmark’s international reputa- Denmark. But observers believe The level of public support in Minister Lars Lokke Rasmussen’s tion,” they wrote in the Berlingske the party’s leadership is unlikely to Denmark for seizing migrants’ valu- right-wing Venstre party, would daily. “When focusing on symbolic be influenced by critics of ables was hard to gauge, but there allow Danish authorities to seize actions rather than real content, Integration Minister Inger was widespread backing for tighter migrants’ cash exceeding 10,000 you forget that politics is about Stojberg’s hardline policies. asylum rules in general, according MARSEILLE : Armed French soldiers secure the access to the ‘La Source’ kroner (1,340 Euros, $1,450), as real people of flesh and blood,” “It is not at the centre of the to Steensbeck. A survey by pollster Jewish school. —AFP Megafon on December 20 found that 51 percent of Danes were in favor of delaying family reunifica- Teen jihadist ‘proud’ of tions by three years, while 29 per- cent said they were against it. Other respondents were unsure Jewish teacher attack or said they were neither for nor against the move. International MARSEILLE: A 15-year-old supporter of the The attack has sparked debate in France’s media have compared the search- Islamic State group who slashed a Jewish Jewish community over whether men and es to Nazi Germany’s seizing of teacher with a machete in southern France boys should stop wearing the skullcap iden- gold and valuables from Jews and has said he was “proud” of his attack, ahead tifying their religion. Zvi Ammar, the leader others during World War II. of a court appearance yesterday. The of Marseille’s Jewish community, urged male teenager, an ethnic Kurd from Turkey, told Jews to stop wearing the kippa “until better Bill is a ‘signal’ police he did not regret the assault on a days”, because of fears for their safety. Steensbeck said that although Jewish teacher in Marseille, the latest in a “Unfortunately for us, we are targeted,” he the government had clearly taken string of such attacks in recent months. said. “As soon as we are identified as Jewish note of the international criticism, A source close to the investigation told we can be assaulted and even risk death.” it was unlikely to have an impact local media the boy had said he was However other Jewish leaders rejected on its policy. “Lars Lokke “ashamed” that he did not manage to kill the the call, with France’s chief rabbi Haim Korsia Rasmussen has to be elected in 35-year-old teacher, Benjamin Amsellem. telling AFP: “We should not give an inch, we Denmark... not (by) the interna- The teenager, who was to appear in front of should continue wearing the kippa.” The tional media,” he said. a judge on Wednesday where he faces ter- attack was the third in recent months on UN refugee agency UNHCR said rorism charges, said he became interested in Jews in Marseille, the Mediterranean city that earlier this month it feared that jihadist theories in March 2014 after seeing is home to the second-largest Jewish popu- Denmark’s new immigration bill documentaries arguing that Muslims were lation in France after Paris with some 70,000. “could fuel fear, xenophobia and persecuting Westerners. In October a knife-wielding, drunken similar restrictions that would assailant attacked three Jews near a syna- reduce-rather than expand-the Identifying their religion gogue in the city. In November, another asylum space globally.” “One thing led to another and he came Jewish teacher was stabbed by people The bill includes delaying family upon jihadist websites” arguing that in fact it shouting anti-Semitic obscenities and sup- COPENHAGEN: This file photo taken on September 10, 2015 shows migrants sitting in a train reunifications for some refugees by with direction to the Swedish town Helsingborg leaving Copenhagen. —AFP was Westerners that were persecuting port for the Islamic State group. France’s up to three years, as well as making Muslims and he “agreed”, said the police Jewish community has grown used to living it harder to obtain permanent resi- source. “I don’t represent Daesh, they repre- under the surveillance of armed soldiers well as any individual items valued they said. Denmark already had party that this debate is taking dency and shortening temporary sent me,” the teenager reportedly told inves- around synagogues and schools since being at more than 10,000 kroner. laws that could be used to require place,” Bjarne Steensbeck, a politi- residence permits. A spokesman for tigators. Prosecutors have described the targeted in a jihadist attack in Paris last Wedding rings would be exempt, wealthy migrants to support cal commentator at public broad- the far-right Danish People’s Party teenager as a good student, from a normal January. Last weekend, the country marked along with other items of senti- themselves, they argued. “What is caster DR said. Three Social told AFP in December that the bill background who self-radicalized via the a year since the attacks which left 17 people mental value, such as engagement new is... expanded powers to Democratic lawmakers have said was intended as a “signal” to dis- Internet, highlighting the challenge to dead, including four Jews gunned down in a rings, family portraits and medals. search refugees’ luggage for mon- they are prepared to vote against suade migrants from coming to French authorities in identifying extremists. kosher supermarket. —AFP The government has faced a ey and valuables,” they said. their own party on the issue. Denmark, and not aimed at actually wave of criticism over its proposal, Migrants themselves have been raising money. Denmark received which had initially put the limit for Widespread criticism sceptical about the proposal. 21,000 refugees last year, compared migrants at 3,000 kroner. It has The proposal is part of a bigger At the Auderod asylum centre to 163,000 in neighboring Sweden, Bafflement as London train since backtracked, and finally immigration bill. The debate yes- 60 kilometers northwest of which until recently had some of reached agreement with other terday afternoon was the first of Copenhagen, Tarek Issa, a 25-year- Europe’s most generous asylum delay blamed on ‘sunlight’ parties in parliament on Tuesday several to be held ahead of the old law student from Hama in rules. —AFP LONDON: London commuters were left “How do they go on in hot countries baffled after a rail company blamed where they have sunshine all the time?” delays on “strong sunlight” in the midst asked Julie Clarke. Britain experienced Venezuela sinking deeper of cold and wintry weather this week. just a few hours of sunlight on Tuesday, “Apologies we are having issues dis- and temperatures between -2.3 and 8.6 patching trains due to the strong sun- degrees Celsius according to the Met shine this morning,” Southeastern railway Office, but it was enough to delay trains into messy political crisis company informed travelers through its in the southeast London district of Twitter account Tuesday, blaming the Lewisham. “low winter sun”. A spokesman for Southeastern While delays due to snow or wet explained that the glare from the low CARACAS: Venezuela sank deeper into a messy politi- underway into alleged vote-buying. At stake in the ing its lawyers to decide how to respond to the leaves on the tracks are familiar to com- angle of the Sun “made it impossible for cal crisis Tuesday as the opposition-controlled National power struggle between the legislature and judiciary is Supreme Court. In what could be a sign of a more con- muters in Britain, many responded to this some drivers to see the full length of Assembly suspended its session after the Supreme the opposition’s “super-majority,” which it has vowed to ciliatory approach by the Maduro administration, new reason with humor and disbelief. their train in their mirrors before leaving Court declared it null and void. Speaking before a nearly use to force Maduro from office within six months. The Ramos Allup said he had spoken twice on the phone “Train delayed due to sunlight!” wrote stations”. “When this happens they have empty chamber, speaker Henry Ramos Allup, a fierce two-thirds majority also gives it the power to remove with Vice President Aristobulo Isturiz. Twitter user Zuzanna Sojka, telling the to get out and check to ensure every- opponent of President Nicolas Maduro, declared the judges from the Supreme Court, which the opposition “I think the vice president will be a facilitator in com- train company: “I admire your creativity!” body has got on or off their train safely National Assembly lacked a quorum and would recon- accuses Maduro of packing with his allies. munications between the government and the opposi- User Paul Malyon called it “the weakest before they can move,” the spokesman vene yesterday morning. tion, between the branches of government and above excuse ever” while others responded to explained. “This can take a little more The temporary legislative vacuum further compli- In defiance all between the executive and the legislature. We’re ask whether trains might next be delayed time but thankfully for all it doesn’t hap- cates the tumultuous political scenario in reeling oil The opposition had initially vowed to press ahead hoping that line of communication will remain open,” due to “too many clouds” or “moonlight”. pen very often.” —AFP giant Venezuela. The opposition won a landslide elec- with the legislative session Tuesday in defiance of the he said. But Maduro’s right-hand man, former speaker tion victory last month but is fighting what it calls a Supreme Court’s latest ruling. But no lawmakers from Diosdado Cabello, struck a more confrontational tone, biased Supreme Court to cling to its powerful two- Maduro’s United Socialist Party of Venezuela (PSUV) proposing the Supreme Court could take over legisla- thirds majority. The court invalidated the current legisla- were in the legislature and just a handful of deputies tive powers amid the standoff. “We’re going to go to the 12 dead in Cameroon ture Monday on grounds that Ramos Allup ignored its from the opposition Democratic Unity Roundtable Supreme Court of Justice... to request clarification and judges’ ruling by swearing in three opposition lawmak- (MUD) were there. see what happens with a legislative void, because the ers from Amazonas state, where an investigation is Legislative sources said the opposition was consult- president isn’t going to violate the constitution,” Cabello mosque suicide blast told journalists. Under Venezuela’s constitution, Maduro must present his annual report to the National YAOUND: A suicide bomber killed 12 wor- border as part of a regional coalition, after Assembly by Friday-which he may not be able to do if shippers yesterday at a northern Cameroon years of doing little to stop Boko Haram the legislature is not in session. mosque, security officials said, hitting an fighters using its territory as a rear base to area regularly targeted by Nigeria’s Boko arm and equip themselves. Political prisoners bill Haram Islamists. The blast struck the Since late November the Cameroon army Organization of American States Luis Almagro called mosque in the village of Kouyape, in has carried out operations in several border the Supreme Court ruling a “direct blow” to the will of Kolofata district north near the Nigerian bor- areas aimed at weakening Nigerian jihadists voters, and warned of an “erosion of democracy” in the der, at around 5:30 am (0430 GMT) during who have been very active in the region. country. “All of this constitutes an erosion of democracy, morning prayers, a security source said. Sources say these operations have signifi- which contravenes the fundamental pillars” of the OAS, Since July last year Cameroon’s far north cantly weakened Boko Haram’s capability, Almagro said in an open letter to Maduro. has been hit by a series of attacks blamed on forcing the insurgents to turn away from Venezuela, the country with the world’s largest Boko Haram, which has pledged allegiance direct confrontations with the military in proven oil reserves, has sunk ever deeper into econom- to the Islamic State group. “Eleven worship- favor of suicide attacks. ic crisis as crude prices have plunged in recent months. pers were killed at the scene. A twelfth died Boko Haram in the past year stepped up A deep recession and what analysts say is the world’s of their wounds in hospital,” the security cross-border attacks in Niger, Chad and highest inflation rate have fueled discontent with source said, adding that the attacker was Cameroon while also continuing to mount Maduro, whose term runs until 2019. The opposition’s praying alongside other worshippers when shooting and suicide assaults on markets, landmark win in the December 6 legislative elections he blew himself up. Another source close to mosques and other mostly civilian targets has triggered a crisis for Maduro and the “revolution” the security services confirmed the blast within Nigeria itself. The group’s six-year launched by his late mentor Hugo Chavez in 1999. killed 12 people and the bomber. “The sui- campaign for a hardline Islamic state in The Supreme Court has emerged as a powerful cide bomber was praying with the others,” northeast Nigeria has killed at least 17,000 player as Venezuela embarks on a new era of divided the source said, adding that the imam of the people and made more than 2.6 million oth- government. A week before the 167-member legisla- mosque figured among the victims. ers homeless. Despite the offensives ture’s inauguration, the court barred the three opposi- The bombing came after two people launched by regional forces, the group tion lawmakers from taking their seats, effectively were killed overnight in the same area in maintains strongholds in areas that are diffi- CARACAS: In this Jan 8, 2016 photo, National Assembly President Henry Ramos, (cen- scrapping MUD’s two-thirds majority. Ramos Allup another attack blamed on Boko Haram, the cult to access, such as the Sambisa forest, ter) is surround by lawmakers and journalists as he arrives for a news conference at swore them in anyway, setting up a messy political and security source said. Cameroon has beefed the Mandara Mountains and the numerous the legislature. —AP legal battle. —AFP up its military presence along the Nigerian islands of Lake Chad. —AFP

THURSDAY, JANUARY 14, 2016 INTERNATIONAL

Pakistan arrests militants over attack on Indian air force base

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan said yesterday it Kashmir-threatened to undermine have played in the attack. militants carried out a series of high-pro- the Pathankot investigation, and said the has arrested several militants belonging improving relations with Pakistan after Sharif’s statement also said that file attacks across Mumbai that left 166 offices of Jaish-e-Mohammed-which to the group believed to be behind a fatal decades of fractious ties. It came just a Pakistan was considering sending a spe- people dead. Security analyst Talat staged a 2001 attack on the Indian parlia- attack on an Indian air base, a move that week after Prime Minister Narendra Modi cial team to Pathankot to seek “additional Masood said the suggestion Pakistan ment that brought the two countries to could help soothe irritated relations with became the first Indian leader to visit information” to spur the investigation, could send a team shows Islamabad was the brink of war-are being sealed. New Delhi. Pakistan in 11 years. adding the decision was being made in making a “genuine and sincere” effort to “The meeting reiterated that in line The announcement came as India says the assault, which left seven consultation with the Indian government. find out who was responsible, and “wants with our decision to counter and com- Islamabad said it was considering sending soldiers dead, was carried out by the It is the first time Pakistan has suggested it to fully cooperate with India”. pletely eliminate terrorism, Pakistan a team to investigate the January 2 attack banned Pakistan-based group Jaish-e- could send a team to join the probe into Sharif’s statement came after a meet- would remain engaged with India on this on the Pathankot air base, in what Mohammed. Yesterday, Prime Minister the attack. ing chaired by the Prime Minister and issue,” Sharif’s statement said. Modi had observers hailed as a “genuine” bid to sal- Nawaz Sharif said Pakistan had arrested attended by top government and military urged his Pakistani counterpart to take vage a nascent peace process between “several individuals belonging to Jaish-e- ‘Cooperate with India’ officials including army chief General “firm and immediate action” against those the nuclear-armed rivals. Mohammad”, adding that progress was In 2008, Islamabad turned down New Raheel Sharif. Pakistan’s military typically behind the attack, adding that New Delhi The attack-a rare targeting of an Indian being made in the investigation. It was Delhi’s demand it dispatch the head of its takes a hawkish attitude to India. The had passed on “specific and actionable military installation outside disputed not clear what role they are believed to intelligence agency to India after Pakistani meeting noted “considerable progress” in information” about the incident. — AFP

IS claim Pakistan’s Afghan consulate attack, 7 killed

KABUL: The Islamic State group claimed administration for more than 14 years. responsibility for an attack on a Pakistani con- The scene of the attack is close to a hospital sulate in eastern Afghanistan yesterday, which and schools as well as the Indian consulate. The Afghan officials said left at least seven mem- schools were evacuated, officials said. The bers of the security forces dead. Pakistani consulate is usually busy during In a statement translated by the SITE morning rush hour as people queue for visas. Intelligence Group, U.S. monitors of militant The suicide bomber joined the visa queue groups, the “Khorasan Province of the Islamic before blowing himself up, officials said. The State” said three of its “soldiers” attacked the embassy official said all consular staff were consulate in Jalalabad, capital of the volatile evacuated. province of Nangarhar, which borders Pakistan. In Islamabad, the foreign affairs ministry It claimed to have killed “dozens” of consulate condemned what it called “the terrorist attack” staff. on its Jalalabad consulate and requested a Afghan officials said seven members of the thorough investigation. One official at the con- security forces were killed in the attack. sulate was slightly injured by broken glass, it Attaullah Khyogani, spokesman for the gover- said in a statement. Nangarhar is home to a nor of Nangarhar province, said another seven number of insurgent groups and criminal people were injured during the attack, which gangs who benefit from the proximity to the began when a suicide bomber detonated Pakistan border. Insurgent attacks are not explosives outside the consulate in the provin- uncommon in Jalalabad. cial capital Jalalabad and ended with a gun The Islamic State group has established a battle between Afghan security forces and mil- presence in the province, having fought with itants. Taleban gunmen in recent months to take con- He said that three attackers were killed, trol of at least four border districts. The attack including the one who had detonated explo- comes two days after Islamabad hosted a sives on his body at around 9 am. The siege meeting of representatives of Afghanistan, ended when the two gunmen, who had taken Pakistan, China and the United States to dis- position in a guesthouse close to the con- cuss ending the Taleban’s 14-year insurgency. SEOUL: South Korea’s President Park Geun-hye addresses the nation at the Presidential Blue House. — AFP sulate, were killed at around 12.30 pm local time, Khyogani said. Taleban split Hazrat Hussein Mashraqiwal, the Pakistan is widely believed to support the S Korea president urges tough spokesman for the provincial police chief, said Taleban through its security service, though the dead included three police and two intelli- the Pakistani government denies the claim. global response to North’s test gence service officers, one each from the army The Taleban has split in recent months, with Troops fire at suspected North Korean drone

SEOUL: South Korean President Park Geun-Hye Korea’s main ally and economic benefactor, transfer of further US “strategic assets” to the yesterday pushed China to back harsh sanc- would be critical in securing an effective peninsula. A nuclear-capable US B-52 bomber tions on Pyongyang over its latest nuclear test, Security Council resolution. Noting Beijing’s flew a highly-visible mission to the peninsula as troops fired at a suspected North Korean public admonishments of Kim’s regime over its on Sunday, and the nuclear-powered aircraft drone that crossed the tense inter-Korean bor- nuclear programme, Park said it was time for carrier USS Ronald Reagan, as well as B-2 der. The defense ministry said the drone effect- China to move beyond rhetoric. stealth bombers and F-22 stealth fighter jets, ed a brief incursion, but swiftly returned to the “I believe China is aware that if its strong are understood to be among the additional North side when South Korean troops fired a determination is not put into actual, necessary deployments being considered. series of warning shots. actions, we will not be able to prevent a fifth or Any shooting on what is probably the sixth nuclear test,” she said. Her comments Nuclear war clouds world’s most heavily militarized border is rare echoed those last week of US Secretary of State In a meeting with his nuclear scientists in and a cause for concern, but there was no John Kerry, who had urged China to take a Pyongyang on Tuesday, North Korean leader exchange of fire and the incident showed no tougher line with North Korea, warning in a call Kim Jong-Un said the talk of sanctions and immediate sign of escalating. But it fuelled to his Beijing counterpart that it cannot be movement of strategic weapons was “bringing already heightened tensions on the frontier, “business as usual”. dark clouds of a nuclear war” to the peninsula. where the South has been blasting high-deci- Park’s entreaties went largely ignored at the And he urged them to build up a nuclear force bel propaganda broadcasts into the North as regular foreign ministry briefing in Beijing, “capable of making nuclear strikes at the US-led punishment for last week’s nuclear test. where the spokesman reiterated China’s stan- imperialists anytime,” the official KCNA news JALALABAD: An Afghan man assists two schoolgirls in the vicinity of an attack from Earlier in the day, President Park told an dard line about working with all interested par- agency reported. a building close to the Pakistan consulate. — AFP annual press conference that last week’s ties to resolve the issue and achieve a “durable The North’s military muscle-flexing was nuclear test was an “unacceptable challenge” to pace” in the region. North Korea says last week’s slightly deflated Wednesday by expert analysis and border police. Seven people were wound- the insurgents divided over their support for a global security that had to be met with test was of a miniaturized hydrogen bomb-a of its most recent submarine-launched ballistic ed, including three civilians, he said. peace process. The attack is the latest in a unprecedented severity. “The international claim dismissed by experts who argue the yield missile (SLBM) test in December. Pyongyang spate of violence since the start of 2016, which community’s countermeasures... must differ was far too low for a full-fledged thermonu- hailed the test as a great success and released a Insurgent-style could be a tough year for Afghanistan as insur- from the past,” Park said. As well as working clear device. video which, researchers at the California- It was the first insurgent-style attack on a gents are expected to escalate the violence in with the United Nations to adopt the But whatever the nature of the device, it was based James Martin Center for Nonproliferation Pakistan embassy or consulate in Afghanistan, order to enter into any peace negotiations “strongest” resolution to penalize North Korea, North Korea’s fourth nuclear test since 2006, Studies concluded, had been heavily doctored an official at the Pakistani embassy said, speak- from a position of strength. During the first Seoul would also discuss additional “punitive and further evidence of Pyongyang’s intention and edited to cover up a “catastrophic” failure. ing on condition of anonymity as he was not week of January a restaurant frequented by sanctions” with the United States and its allies, to continue developing its nuclear weapons North Korea “manipulated the footage in an authorized to speak to the media. Pakistani foreigners in Kabul and a contractor camp on she added. capability in the face of international censure. attempt to obscure this result, but one clip government properties have come under the outskirts of the capital were attacked, and “An additional North Korean provocation can plays for two frames too long. The rocket attack in the past during protests by Afghans the Indian consulate in the northern city of China must ‘act’ take place any time,” Park said, adding that appears to explode,” said Catherine Dill, a angry at Islamabad’s perceived support for the Mazar-i-Sharif was besieged for more than 24 The president stressed that China, North Seoul and Washington were discussing the research associate at the centre. — AFP Taleban, who have waged war on the Kabul hours. — AP China’s feminists embrace HK leader Leung heckled over missing publishers

election of Taiwan’s Tsai HONG KONG: Democratic lawmakers policy is meaningless if the ‘one country heckled Hong Kong’s leader in parlia- two systems’ is finished,” Lee said. BEIJING: Feminists in China are with Eric Chu. The government has The proportion of women on the system.” Last year, Chinese authorities ment yesterday, slamming him for not Another lawmaker, Raymond Chan, embracing Taiwan’s presidential front- imposed quotas to ensure that women party’s 205-strong central committee is detained Zheng, Wu and three other speaking out over five missing book- shouted: “Even the basic safety of Hong runner Tsai Ing-wen as a role model in a are represented in politics. less than five percent, lower than in prominent Chinese feminists on sellers feared to have been detained by Kong people can disappear, why aren’t country where the last woman leader While Chairman Mao Zedong Mao’s time. But back then, the women International Women’s Day, accusing authorities in mainland China. The five you talking about this?” was the empress dowager more than a famously proclaimed that women hold in power, such as Jiang Qing, Mao’s them of provoking trouble. They from Mighty Current publishing house, Dozens of demonstrators also gath- century ago. If elected, Tsai, the leader up half the sky, in today’s China, top wife, only attained their positions due released them on bail after a vocal known for books critical of Beijing, dis- ered outside the legislative council of Taiwan’s independence-leaning government positions often remain to their marriages. “In Taiwan, many campaign. “Under Taiwan’s social envi- appeared last year, stoking fears that building where Leung was speaking. “He Democratic Progressive Party (DPP), out of their reach. All seven members female political candidates came from ronment, the external conditions are Chinese control is tightening in semi- does not make Hong Kong people’s will be the first woman president of the of the ruling Communist Party’s apex the feminist movement,” said Zheng more conducive for women’s organiza- autonomous Hong Kong. well-being a priority,” activist James Hon Chinese-speaking world. Earlier this of power, the Politburo Standing Churan, a women’s rights activist. “On tions to speak out,” said Feng Yuan, a The latest to vanish is Lee Bo, 65, last said. “He should immediately take month, she topped the last opinion Committee, are men. Only two women the mainland, there does not appear to veteran women’s rights activist. “The seen in Hong Kong on December 30. action to rescue the five people from poll before a polling blackout began sit on the Politburo, a top decision- be any space for people involved in space for civil society organizations Three others went missing in southern the... bookstore.” Hong Kong officials ahead of the Jan. 16 elections. making body. social movements to enter the political here is quite limited.” — Reuters China and one in Thailand, all in have said they requested information Tsai’s victory “will be a source of October. Hong Kong leader Leung on the booksellers’ whereabouts from great encouragement for feminists on Chun-ying was lambasted as he deliv- Chinese authorities, but have not the mainland,” said Zeng Jinyan, a ered a key policy speech, with several received an answer. Chinese activist who has written about democratic lawmakers shouting at him Jasper Tsang, the parliament’s speak- women’s rights. “In terms of the politi- before they were removed by security. er, has also spoken out against the dis- cal participation of women in the “Where is Lee Bo? Why don’t you appearances. “We have one country, two Chinese world, she has set an example answer Hong Kong people,” Labour systems... our way of life is such that no and is a role model.” Zeng said she Party’s Lee Cheuk-yan yelled. Pro- one should disappear suddenly,” he told hoped that Tsai’s victory would led to democracy lawmakers, activists and Hong Kong’s South China Morning Post cooperation and exchanges between some residents believe the publishers on Tuesday. In his speech, Leung also feminists on the mainland and in were kidnapped by Chinese mainland warned of “obstacles” ahead for the Taiwan. authorities, and the disappearances city’s economy amid a global economic “When I watch her speeches, I think have triggered outrage and protests in slowdown, triggered by tumult in China, she has many feminist ideas,” said Wu recent weeks amid fears freedoms in the that hit Hong Kong’s trade sector last Rongrong, a women’s rights activist. city are eroding. year. “To be a female leader, I think it’s an Residents of the city are increasingly admirable thing.” Democratic Taiwan, ‘One country, two systems’ discontent over soaring property prices viewed by Communist Party rulers in Critics accuse Beijing of trampling on and lagging wages, taking a further toll China as a renegade province, has the “one country, two systems” agree- on the government’s popularity. Leung’s made some of the greatest strides in ment under which Hong Kong was approval rating has plunged to a low of women’s rights in Asia. Taiwan’s ruling guaranteed civil liberties when it was 37.5 percent, according to an opinion Nationalists had initially put forward a returned by Britain to China in 1997. poll released by the University of Hong woman, Hung Hsiu-chu, as a presiden- NEW TAIPAI CITY: Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) presidential candidate Tsai Ing-wen (right) waves to “This is the important matter. Any other Kong on Tuesday. — AFP tial candidate but later replaced her supporters as she campaigns yesterday. — AFP NEWS THURSDAY, JANUARY 14, 2016

A Jordanian bedouin smokes a cigarette as he rests on The Kingís Highway on the outskirts of Amman yesterday. — AP

MPs back leadership in boycott-hit session Continued from Page 1 tions including electronic news services, bulletins, web- to be spent over the next 10 years to modernize the armed forces. He added that the ministry has already sites of newspapers and televisions and the likes. Under country’s defenses. Defense Minister Sheikh Khaled Al- signed contracts worth KD 200 million. The Assembly meanwhile held a closed-door debate the legislation, all these services must obtain a license Jarrah Al-Sabah told the Assembly the funds are needed The Assembly then unanimously passed a law granti- to discuss the latest regional developments and its from the government before they can operate. Those in to upgrade the weapons of the Kuwaiti armed forces, ng the government KD 3 billion in additional funding to impact on the country. Ghanem said after the debate existence have one year to comply with the law. which received its last shipment just after the 1991 lib- purchase arms to be spent over the next 10 years. The that Foreign Minister Sheikh Sabah Al-Khaled Al-Sabah Violations committed by these services will be looked in eration from Iraq. Sheikh Khaled said they needed the Assembly will approve other funding as part of the delivered a speech outlining Kuwait’s foreign policy. The court under the press and publications law, which stipu- funds to buy new fighters, tanks and air defense sys- annual budget to the tune of another KD 3 billion if the speaker then read a communique approved unani- lates hefty jail terms for several offences. tems, adding that although Kuwait has defense pacts economic situation allows. Ghanem then adjourned the mously by the house which rejected all practices that MP Jamal Al-Omar, who voted against the law, said with most superpowers, it needs to modernize its 12-hour session until Jan 26. undermine the security and stability of the Gulf this is yet another legislation like others that will be Cooperation Council (GCC) states, especially Saudi used by the government to curb freedoms, adding that Arabia, in reference to the attacks on Saudi diplomatic it can be easily challenged in the constitutional court. Iran frees US sailors missions in Iran. Information Minister Sheikh Salman Al-Humoud Al- Continued from Page 1 France, Russia and Germany. The communique declared the Assembly’s total and Sabah however insisted the law is aimed at regulating The nuclear accord foresees Iran scaling back its unlimited support for Saudi Arabia for taking any meas- electronic media and it will not apply to personal The detention of the sailors raised alarm in activities to put an atomic bomb outside its reach in ures to safeguard its interests. It also called for national accounts like those of bloggers. Washington but after informal talks with Tehran, Iran’s exchange for relief from crippling international sanc- unity and for uniting around the political leadership. Amnesty International on Tuesday denounced a Revolutionary Guards said they had been set free. tions. Iran’s deputy foreign minister Abbas Araghchi was The communique did not mention Iran by name. “repressive” cybercrimes law in Kuwait, warning that it “Following their apology, they have been released to quoted by Iranian media as saying that UN nuclear The Assembly then continued its session until after 9 would further muzzle free speech. The law, which took international waters in the Gulf,” said a statement read inspectors would issue a report on Friday that would be pm to debate and approve a series of important legisla- effect on Tuesday, criminalizes online expression includ- out on state television, noting the sailors had not entered followed by announcement of the deal’s implementa- tions. MPs approved the Anti-Corruption Authority law ing criticism of the government, religious figureheads Iranian waters intentionally and had no “hostile intent”. tion by Sunday. Kerry, who has been criticized by to replace legislation that was scrapped by the constitu- or foreign leaders. Dozens of people in Kuwait have Video footage showed the Navy personnel with their President Barack Obama’s opponents in the US congress tional court last month. The lawmakers urged the gov- already been arrested and prosecuted - some jailed - hands on their heads as they were apprehended. But oth- as too soft on Tehran, last week said the agreement ernment to reappoint the same staff in the authority under other legislation for comments made on social er footage showed them eating a meal and drinking would be implemented “in the coming days”. and overcome legal obstacles to do this. media sites such as Twitter. water, some smiling, while sitting on Persian rugs. Those rivals used the incident in the Gulf to hammer The Assembly also passed by an overwhelming The National Assembly also approved a government The Pentagon confirmed they had been freed. “There on this point, calling on Obama make a statement and majority a new law to regulate all web-based publica- request for an additional defense budget of KD 3 billion are no indications that the sailors were harmed during warning Iran must release the sailors. “Iran is testing the their brief detention,” it said, adding: “The Navy will boundaries of this administration’s resolve,” Republican investigate the circumstances that led to the sailors’ presidential hopeful Marco Rubio said. The US House of presence in Iran.” Admiral Ali Fadavi, the naval com- Representatives yesterday passed a measure aimed at mander of the Guards, said an investigation established blocking the nuclear deal, but abruptly cancelled the that “this trespassing was not hostile or for spying pur- vote because nearly one third of lawmakers were poses”. Instead “a broken navigation system” had led absent. them astray, he said. The Iran Terror Finance Transparency Act, which US officials had said one or both of the boats experi- would bar the US administration from lifting certain enced mechanical problems and they had been taken sanctions against Iran, passed by a vote of 191 to 106, a to Farsi Island, which lies roughly midway between Iran low total by any measure in the 435-member chamber. and Saudi Arabia in the Gulf and houses a base of the The vote is to be rescheduled for the week of Jan 25. Guards, which has its own naval units. Radio contact Iran’s Guards often take a tough approach in what it was lost with the two vessels - riverine patrol boats considers the “Persian Gulf”. Relations with Washington under 20 m in length - while they were en route from were strained by claims last month that Iran fired rock- Kuwait to Bahrain. ets close to a US aircraft carrier in the Gulf. Washington and Tehran have no diplomatic relations, Last year, Iranian patrol boats seized the Maersk but US Secretary of State John Kerry called Iranian Tigris, a cargo ship sailing under the Marshall Islands counterpart Mohammad Javad Zarif five times about flag, which meant it was under US protection. And in the issue on Tuesday. Kerry told him the sailors’ release March 2007, Iranian patrols captured 15 British Royal could be turned into a “good story” for both sides, Navy and Royal Marines personnel, interrogated them according to a senior US official. “That this issue was and held them for 13 days before releasing them. resolved peacefully and efficiently is a testament to the US Vice President Joe Biden, speaking later to “CBS critical role diplomacy plays in keeping our country safe, This Morning,” denied that Americans made any apolo- secure, and strong,” Kerry said in a statement. gy. “There’s nothing to apologize for,” Biden said. “When Zarif said on Twitter: “Happy to see dialog and you have a problem with the boat you apologize the respect, not threats and impetuousness, swiftly boat had a problem? No, and there was no looking for resolved the #sailors episode. Let’s learn from this latest any apology. This was just standard nautical practice.” example.” His tweet seemed a barb aimed at US law- US Defense Secretary Ash Carter said he was pleased makers who had quickly jumped on the incident as an with the sailors’ release and he thanked Kerry for his example of Iranian hostility. Kerry and Zarif developed a diplomatic efforts. “Around the world, the US Navy rou- KUWAIT: National Assembly guards stand outside the Abdullah Al-Salem Hall at the parliament after Speaker close working relationship during the nuclear talks, tinely provides assistance to foreign sailors in distress, Marzouq Al-Ghanem announced a closed-door session to discuss regional developments. — Photo by Yasser Al- which concluded in July with a deal between Iran and and we appreciate the timely way in which this situa- Zayyat the P5+1 powers of the United States, Britain, China, tion was resolved,” Carter said. — Agencies THURSDAY, JANUARY 14, 2016 ANALYSIS

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Focus Fears of illiberal Central Europe axis may be overblown

By Paul Taylor

oland’s crackdown on the judiciary and public media, emulating Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban’s accu- Pmulation of power, has raised fears in the European Union of a new illiberal axis based on the Visegrad group of central European states. But diplomats say that beyond an occasional joint effort to block an unpopular EU policy, Poland, Hungary, the Czech Republic and Slovakia have too little in common to form a coherent bloc to resist deeper EU integra- tion or dismantle liberal values. They differ on such major issues as relations with Russia - their former communist master - ties with Germany, member- ship of the euro currency and the place of religion in their soci- eties. Nearly 12 years after they joined the EU, the four states Obama in campaign form in final address have little interest in being lumped together in the eyes of investors as an awkward squad of ex-communist countries. “Visegrad is overblown,” said a senior Slovak diplomat. “For each By Kathleen Hennessey chances - criminal justice reform and fighting months. He defended his handling of the rise to build them up to show that we’re serious, of us, our bilateral relationship with Germany is far more impor- prescription drug abuse. “Who knows? We of Islamic extremism and tried to temper anxi- and we sure don’t need to push away vital tant than our shared interests in Visegrad.” Each has become S President Barack Obama opened his might surprise the cynics again,” Obama said. eties about the Islamic State group. “Over-the- allies in this fight by echoing the lie that ISIL is embedded in the German economy’s extended production State of the Union speech saying he’d Obama also took some clear shots at the top claims that this is World War III just play somehow representative of one of the world’s line. Slovakia - the biggest auto assembler in the region - has Ukeep it short, in what must have Republicans who’ve used him as a target for into their hands,” Obama said. “We don’t need largest religions.” joined the euro area, but the others have so far kept their seemed music to the ears of some in the cham- With an expected audience of some 30 mil- national currencies. Poland has taken the toughest line against ber eager to return to their campaigns to suc- lion viewers, the speech was Obama’s first of Russia since Vladimir Putin’s 2014 annexation of Crimea and ceed him. Obama was eager to challenge bit- two chances to make a high-profile case for a support for rebels in eastern Ukraine, while Hungary has gone ing criticism from Donald Trump, Ted Cruz, Democratic successor. Not until his speech at ahead with deeper energy and political ties with Moscow, and Marco Rubio, Jeb Bush and other Republicans. the Democratic convention this summer will Prague and Bratislava have been cautious on EU sanctions. Anyone who says the economy is declining is he likely have such undivided attention again. The perception of a populist wave of Eurosceptic national- “peddling fiction,” he argued. The president The president and his aides have been mar- ism sweeping central Europe strengthened last year when the characterized skepticism about science as veling for months at what they described as four states united to oppose being forced to take mandatory absurd. And claims that US stature in the world Republicans’ gloom-and-doom vision for quotas of refugees flooding into the EU. The former Polish gov- is shrinking is “political hot air”. America. In trying to present an optimistic ernment did eventually agree to accept a share on a voluntary “The United States of America is the most alternative, Obama’s speechwriters were mind- basis. The October election victory of Polish conservative powerful nation on earth. Period. It’s not even ful of not taking a victory lap. Americans hardly Jaroslaw Kaczynski’s Law and Justice (PiS) party with its close. It’s not even close!” the president share his confidence in America’s upward tra- Eurosceptic rhetoric and moves to shackle the constitutional declared. Obama’s final annual address to both jectory, polls show. In touting the economic court and public media, combined with talk of building up the houses of Congress was his most high-profile recovery, in particular, Obama risks seeming Visegrad group, raised warning flags in Brussels and Berlin. entry yet into the presidential race to succeed out of touch. The European Commission will discuss Poland’s media and him. He showed he was more than ready to “The president’s record has often fallen far constitutional court legislation and the framework for the rule defend his record and happy to show short of his soaring words,” South Carolina Gov of law in Europe on Wednesday. An EU diplomat said the mere Democrats how he thinks it should be done. Nikki Haley said in the Republican rebuttal. “As fact that the EU executive was discussing the issue was in itself His legacy will be shaped by whether he enters his final year in office, many a punishment, even if no disciplinary procedure is launched. Americans in November choose a Democrat to Americans are still feeling the squeeze of an But diplomats say there is less than meets the eye to the succeed him and cement his signature heath economy too weak to raise income levels. grouping founded in the mediaeval Visegrad Castle in Hungary care law, environmental policies and immigra- We’re feeling a crushing national debt, a health in 1991 to sweep away the remnants of communism, overcome tion programs. Obama breezed through his care plan that has made insurance less afford- historic animosities and join the European integration process. remaining priorities - raising the minimum able and doctors less available, and chaotic “Visegrad is effective when we agree with each other, but unlike wage, overhauling the immigration system, unrest in many of our cities.” But the president tightening gun laws - even as he acknowl- US Vice President Joe Biden and House Speaker Paul Ryan listen as showed he was ready to rebut such comments the Franco-German partnership, it doesn’t create pressure to President Barack Obama gives his State of the Union address to a joint ses- find a common denominator when we differ,” a Czech aide said. edged they were unlikely to get done. He high- - once Democrats pick a candidate and he’s lighted a few possible proposals with better sion of Congress on Capitol Hill in Washington on Tuesday. —AP unleashed on the campaign trail. —AP Expanding Visegrad? Before taking office as foreign and Europe ministers, PiS politicians Witold Waszczykowski and Konrad Szymanski talked Spain at crossroads as old order challenged of building up the Visegrad Group as a counterweight to the Franco-German alliance that has long dominated the EU. But By Angus MacSwan and Angus Berwick and enjoy a cultural renaissance. It also suffered years of a “There are still people with the old way of thinking. The old this idea - along with a possible enlargement of the group to Basque separatist war, now all but defeated. However, a political parties - the truth is, they are not in the 21st century. include the three Baltic states, Romania and Bulgaria - was still- anessa Sanchez, the mayor of this forlorn town on the strong push for independence by the Catalonia region, We need people with their heads in the 21st century.” Aguilera born. Diplomats said Poland hoped to build a so-called block- plains of central Spain, is an angry and exasperated albeit non-violent, is also complicating the current scene. earns about 700-800 euros per month working 20 hours a ing minority within the 28 member states after losing voting woman. She is working all hours of the day without week at a barber shop by Madrid’s Plaza Mayor. At night he clout when the EU reformed its decision-making system in the V pay to keep Villanueva de la Torre alive, she says. A decade Caught Out works as a singer, performing a fusion of rap, flamenco and 2009 Lisbon Treaty to give greater weight to population size. ago, Villanueva was full of young couples strolling with Luciano Busto was one of those caught out in Villanueva. blues with lyrics that tell of daily life and hardship. With a combined population of 63 million, the four countries pushchairs and enjoying their new modern homes, built like Lying about 50 km east of Madrid, it grew in size from 600 Chatting before a show at the Bar Calvario in Lavapies - have fewer citizens than Britain or France, let alone Germany. an American suburb and bought on generous credit. Then people in 2003 to almost 6,500 as developers built a dormi- an area that is home to young artists and Arab and African Neither the Balts nor the east Balkan states showed any enthu- came Spain’s economic crisis. Banks closed in on mortgages, tory town of chalets and neat streets. Banks offered easy immigrants - he also bemoaned the corruption. “There is no siasm for joining an eastern front. Each is more keen to nurture money ran out, and now neat rows of houses stand empty, credit and homes were snapped up. Busto bought a four- punishment, no one goes to jail,” he said. He explained its own ties with Berlin, seen as the EU’s power centre. their front windows bricked up, the streets deserted. bedroom house with his partner for 300,000 euros with Spain’s decline lyrically. “When you have that first drink, you Even the political friendship between Kaczynski and Orban If Villanueva’s plight is emblematic of the broken dreams 200,000 euros in credit from Spanish bank Bankia. He don’t worry about things. But if you have too much, you get may be less symbiotic than their recent words have suggested. of a generation of Spaniards who came of age after the end worked as an administrator in a metal company and as an drunk. Then you have a hangover.” With Poland under pressure from Brussels over its judiciary and of the Franco dictatorship, it also helps to explain the new actor. But he was put out of work when the company closed media laws, the two leaders held six hours of talks on a political political dynamic. The old order that has long ruled is being in 2008. He opened a wine shop but after a few years of Broad Impulse strategy in a castle in southern Poland last week. Three days lat- challenged by younger forces channelling despair and dis- struggle he “lost everything”. The fraught environment is also causing consternation in er, Orban pledged that he would veto any EU move to impose gust. Some people are talking about “The Second Transition”. His partner also became unemployed and returned other sectors. Businessman Agustin Maiz, 50, summed up sanctions on Poland over its civil rights record. “The European “The political class in Spain is rotten,” said Sanchez, mayor home to Ecuador, suffering from cancer. When he failed to the state of Spanish politics in one word: “Mierda” (Crap). The Union should not think about applying any sort of sanctions since May and a leader of the grassroots Ahora Villanueva de pay his mortgage for the third month in a row in 2013, current uncertainty was damaging to business, said Maiz, 50, against Poland because that would require full unanimity and la Torre party which is affiliated to the new leftist Podemos Bankia began to foreclose. He is trying to delay the house’s who owns a company manufacturing heat exchangers and Hungary will never support any sort of sanctions against party. Health, education and social services had all been cut, auction and refuses to give back the keys to Bankia until it described himself as a libertarian. “My impression is that Poland,” he told Kossuth Radio. she said in her office in the town hall, but politicians had not provides him somewhere else to live. A spokesman for unless we find a stable political situation, it will be hard. Kaczynski has tried to turn the dispute with Brussels over cut back their wages or their privileges. “But now is a new Bankia said eviction was “always the last and most desperate Everyone is stopping investments, everyone is cautious. the Polish legislation into a battle with Berlin. “No amount of era,” Sanchez said. solution” and the bank did its utmost to avoid such an out- People are scared,” he told Reuters. pressure and no words, particularly not German ones, can turn The next few weeks will see if that will indeed be the come. A leftist government could be dangerous and previous Poland away from its path,” he said on Sunday at a ceremony case. In an inconclusive election last month, the conserva- In all 54 families are facing eviction in Villanueva and a Socialist administrations had spent vast amounts of public commemorating his twin brother, President Lech Kaczynski, tive People’s Party (PP) which had ruled for the past four typical house price has dropped from 350,000 euros to funds, he said. But even that would be preferable to unend- killed in a 2010 air crash near Smolensk, Russia. Slovak Prime years took most parliamentary seats but lost its outright 130,000 euros in what is known as Spain’s most heavily-mort- ing instability. Maiz wanted to see labour reforms. The costs Minister Robert Fico, a populist social democrat, has rivalled majority. Its support had ebbed over a slew of corruption gaged town. Busto, 48, is now involved with Stop of firing inefficient workers were crushing and he would be Orban and Kaczynski in anti-migrant rhetoric and blamed scandals and austerity measures deployed to combat a long Desahucios, a group that fights foreclosures, and lives with happy to pay good new workers more. But such laws “are Germany for drawing more refugees to Europe by rolling out recession in the European Union’s fifth-largest economy. The his mother. “In every city there are two Spains,” he said. “It is a tattooed into the Spanish mentality,” he said. The new the red carpet for Syrians. —Reuters Socialist Party (PSOE), which has alternated in power with divided country.” He saw the entrenched political elite as a impulse comes not only from the left. The business-friendly the PP since the transition from dictatorship in the late lingering legacy of the Franco era. “Rooting out corruption Ciudadanos, offers a less clench-fisted alternative. “The first 1970s, came second but also with much reduced support. will take a long time,” he said. Busto has found part-time work transition took us from dictatorship to a political system Two new parties, the anti-austerity Podemos and the cen- as a drama teacher in Madrid but unemployment in dominated by two strong parties,” said Ignacio Aguado, a 32- All articles appearing on these trist Ciudadanos, made strong showings on the back of the Villanueva runs at 33 percent - above the national rate of 21 year-old former lawyer who now sits in the Madrid pages are the personal opinion of desire for change. percent. Assembly. “What we want now is a second transition that Now the parties are manoeuvring to form a coalition gov- bases the system on people, not parties.” the writers. Kuwait Times takes no ernment - a new concept on the national level - with acting Heads in the 21st Century Podemos’ rise was based on indignation fueled by a responsibility for views expressed Prime Minister Mariano Rajoy proposing a Grand Coalition Unemployment has been a huge reason for the despair of desire for radical change, he said. Ciudadanos was more therein. Kuwait Times invites read- with PSOE and Ciudadanos, while the Socialists want a “pro- the past few years. Although the figures have improved rational. The new era would require parties reaching agree- ers to voice their opinions. Please gressive coalition” of the left, which would mean a signifi- recently, a “Lost Generation” poses a long-term problem. ments and building coalitions, something that is common cant role for Podemos. A new election is also a distinct possi- Young Spaniards, many of them with university degrees, elsewhere in Europe but unusual in Spain, he said. Some send submissions via email to: opin- bility. “I’m very optimistic about the future, we have ended have left Spain in their thousands to find work overseas, a coalitions have already been formed at a municipal and [email protected] or via snail the system of two-party rule and we have presented an good number holding down such jobs as bar staff in London. regional level. Ciudadanos and the PP have a pact in Madrid. mail to PO Box 1301 Safat, Kuwait. alternative,” Sanchez said. “But the path forward is not easy.” One who stayed is Dani Aguilera, a 26-year-old barber and “There is a new generation of politicians that are tired of Spain’s politics are now fractured in a way not seen since musician in Madrid. He was born nearly a decade after the what they have seen over the years. Spain’s democracy has The editor reserves the right to edit the early years of the transition from Franco’s rule. In that 1981 coup attempt that marked the last throw of the dice of matured a lot over the last 30 years but we demand better. any submission as necessary. time, the country left behind its status as a backward and Francoist military men, and grew up in the good times. “What we propose is to correct the mistakes, not start again repressed corner of Europe to become a thriving democracy But Spain is going through a tense period again, he said. and return to the 1980s.” —Reuters THURSDAY, JANUARY 14, 2016 SPORTS

Pakistan defers Akmal Carroll injury Marcus Bent faces ban pending appeal frustrates Bilic jail after fight KARACHI: Pakistan yesterday deferred a one-match ban on Umar Akmal after the GUILDFORD: Former Premier League player Marcus Bent is facing a controversial batsman appealed the punishment for violating the dress code in a LONDON: West Ham United manager Slaven Bilic was left frustrated domestic match. The decision means the he will now be available for the first and confused by Andy Carroll’s latest injury setback after the striker jail term after admitting to taking part in a fight at his home. The for- Twenty20 international against New Zealand in Auckland tomorrow. The 25-year-old, pulled up with a hamstring problem in Tuesday’s 3-1 Premier League mer Ipswich, Everton and Charlton striker pleaded playing for the Sui Northern Gas Pipelines Limited, committed a level-one offence win over Bournemouth. The injury-prone England international, who guilty at a court in Guildford, about 30 miles south- when he sported two logos on his kit instead of the one permitted. “The ban would has scored twice in the last three league games, left the pitch after west of London, to the charge, which stemmed have applied to the next match in which Umar was selected to par- 15 minutes and will be assessed today. “It’s a big blow for us because from an incident in September. Judge Stephen ticipate whether domestic or international. Practically this meant he started this game good,” Bilic told the BBC of a player who only Climie adjourned the case until next month, the first T20 match between Pakistan and New Zealand,” the returned to first-team action in September after a seven-month spell pending a probation report, and said “on the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) said. “But Umar has advised on the sidelines following knee surgery. “I don’t understand it face of it a custodial sentence is justified.” Climie PCB that he wishes to appeal against the ban. Since Umar because we’re resting the players. We’re not training a lot. We can adds “whether that is the right sentence in the has opted to appeal against the decision... the penalty only hope it won’t last that long.” In Carroll’s absence, West Ham context of this case is not a matter I will of one match will remain suspended until the were reliant on the talents of midfielder Dimitri Payet, who made his prejudge.” The 37-year-old Bent pre- decision of appellate tribunal.” Pakistan are on a first start since early November after he picked up an ankle injury. viously entered a guilty plea to New Zealand tour to play three Twenty20s and The 28-year-old Frenchman came up with a goal and an assist to one count of possessing three one-day internationals. Umar has a history help his team move up to fifth in the league table. “I’m very happy cocaine. The former of disciplinary problems. He was initially because I don’t play for two months,” he said, quoted by the club’s England under-21 player dropped from the squad to play England in website (www.whufc.com). “I’m very happy I can play, and (get a) was released on uncon- November last year after being arrested during a good goal, good assist. It’s my job. I’m very happy.” — Reuters dance party. —AP ditional bail. — AP WADA concerned by new findings in Russian doping

PARIS: Findings reported by The Associated Press that track and field officials contemplat- ed hiding the full extent of Russian doping before the 2012 London Olympics are “most concerning” and warrant further investigation, the World Anti-Doping Agency said yesterday. The AP reported Tuesday that six years before the International Association of Athletics Federations banned Russia, the gov- erning body knew of doping so out of control it feared Russian athletes could die from abus- ing blood-boosting drugs and transfusions, and officials considered collaborating with Russians to hide the extent of cheating before the London Games. The findings came from internal IAAF doc- BELEN: Peugeot driver France’s Cyril Despres, front, co-driver David Castera, left, and uments the AP received from a person inti- co-driver Jean Paul Cottret, try to stop the car of Stephane Peterhansel, during the mately involved in the IAAF’s anti-doping ninth stage of the 2016 Dakar Rally, in Belen, Argentina Tuesday. — AP program. The person requested anonymity because he wasn’t allowed to release the Hall of Fame baseball documents. Two internal IAAF papers before the London Olympics proposed not publish- ing doping sanctions for lesser-known player Monte Irvin dead Russians. That would have violated WADA rules and the notes themselves specified that HOUSTON: Hall of Famer Monte Irvin, a RBIs. That year Irvin teamed with Hank the proposed non-disclosure would be con- BEIJING: This file photo taken on August 21, 2015 shows outgoing International Association power-hitting outfielder who starred for the Thompson and Mays to form the first all- trary to usual IAAF practice. The IAAF con- of Athletics Federations (IAAF) president Lamine Diack gesturing during a press conference in New York Giants in the 1950s in a career black outfield in the majors. He finished firmed the authenticity of the documents but Beijing, ahead of the 2015 IAAF World Championships. — AFP abbreviated by major league baseball’s exclu- third in the NL’s MVP voting. Irvin was said the proposed hush-up of Russian bans August. “It’s very disappointing,” Australian athletes whose disappearance from competi- sion of black players, has died. He was 96. rewarded with a contract estimated at was never carried out. race walker Jared Tallent said Wednesday in tion would probably go unnoticed. The Hall of Fame said Irvin died $25,000, a pay raise of almost 100 percent. WADA said its commission that is investi- an AP phone interview. “They knew Russia For athletes who agreed, the IAAF would Monday night of natural causes at his gating Russian doping and cover-ups should had massive problems back in 2009. Action “undertake not to publish the sanction,” which Houston home. Irvin was 30 when he FRACTURE investigate the findings, if it hasn’t already. should have been taken a lot sooner.” British would be shortened to two years from four, joined the Giants in 1949, two years after Unfortunately for Irvin he could not “The suggestions, if accurate, are most con- javelin thrower Goldie Sayers tweeted: “And according to a Dec. 5, 2011, brief. IAAF Jackie Robinson broke the color barrier. repeat his 1951 season in ‘52. On April 2 in Irvin spent seven of his eight big league an exhibition game against the Cleveland cerning,” WADA spokesman Ben Nichols said so it goes on. Clean athletes also damage spokesman Chris Turner said both notes were seasons with the Giants and one year with Indians in Denver, he suffered a compound in a statement to AP. “If this is new information their long-term health trying to compete with sent by the IAAF’s anti-doping director at the the Chicago Cubs in 1956. A native of fracture and dislocation of the right ankle that WADA’s Independent Commission has cheats. Makes me sick.” time, Gabriel Dolle. One was to Habib Cisse, Haleburg, Alabama, Irvin played in the after a hard slide into third base. Four not already examined, it will need to (be) The IAAF documents reveal how its officials who was legal counsel to then-IAAF President Negro, Mexican and Puerto Rican leagues months later, Irvin was back in action. In investigated.” A second volume of findings appealed for action from Russia, but also used Lamine Diack, the other to Diack himself, during his 20s. 1954 he helped the Giants sweep from the WADA probe is due to be released advances in blood testing against offenders. Turner told the AP. Turner said a colleague of Irvin batted .300 or more three times Cleveland to win the World Series. Thursday. Its first report last November point- They shed light on key junctures in Russia’s Dolle’s in the anti-doping department object- Irvin’s days in a Giants uniform came to ed to Russian government complicity in wide- doping crisis, which has been muddied by ed at the time to the proposed non-disclosure end on June 24, 1955, at the age of 36, spread, systematic doping, leading the IAAF allegations that IAAF and Russian officials of bans and they were published. “Every sus- when his contract was sold to Minneapolis to suspend Russia’s track and field athletes took bribes from athletes to hide doping. picious ABP (blood passport) profile was of the minor leagues. He played one final from international competition. By 2011, the IAAF’s blood passport testing investigated in full accordance with IAAF rules year in the majors with the Cubs before regime was flagging so many suspected and the World Anti-Doping Code,” he told AP. retiring in May 1957 while with Los Angeles FINDINGS RAISED NEW QUESTIONS Russian dopers that officials explored break- “All confirmed doping cases were publicly of the Pacific Coast League. Athletes reacted with disgust at the new ing their own rules and the WADA code by sanctioned. Nothing was covered-up.” Diack is Commissioner Rob Manfred called Irvin AP findings that IAAF blood tests as far back dealing with some cases privately, two inter- facing corruption and money laundering a leader during a transformational era for as 2009 were already providing shocking nal IAAF notes show. charges in France, accused of taking more baseball. “Monte loved our game dearly, insight into the scale and gravity of Russian than 1 million euros ($1.1 million) in a scheme bridged eras of its history and touched doping. The findings raised new questions ‘RAPID AND DISCREET’ to blackmail athletes and cover up their dop- many lives,” Manfred said. “Major League about why the organization waited six years They proposed by-the-book sanctions for ing positives. French magistrates also are Baseball will forever be grateful to coura- before suspending Russia, which could see its elite Russians likely to win in London, but investigating Cisse and Dolle for suspected geous individuals like Monte Irvin.” After his retirement from baseball, Irvin athletes miss the Olympics in Rio de Janeiro in “rapid and discreet” handling for lesser-known corruption. — AP worked as a scout for the New York Mets and on the public relations staff of a brew- ery. Russia was warned about doping in 2009 On Aug. 21, 1968, Irvin made history when baseball Commissioner William D. PARIS: The former general secretary of the ring problem with doping in Russia,” Weiss said. ed if it fulfilled strict criteria outlined last Eckert named him assistant director of IAAF confirmed to AFP yesterday that he had “The only difference between the current month, including compliance with all WADA public relations for baseball, becoming the written two letters in 2009, “among many oth- situation and the situation when I was there, is and IAAF anti-doping rules and requirements. first black chosen to an executive position ers”, to the Russian federation warning them that I was a long way from imagining that the It said that the Russian athletics federation in professional baseball’s hierarchy. Later, about a worrying number of doping cases. Russian federation was complicit or even tak- must “clean house” by showing that none of its Irvin was named special assistant to Pierre Weiss, who held the position at the ing the initiative.” directors, officers and staff “has any past Commissioner Bowie Kuhn. International Association of Athletics The IAAF provisionally suspended the involvement in doping” and “must sever ties In 1973, Irvin was elected to the Hall of Federations at the time, said the two letters Russian athletics federation in November over with anyone who cannot meet this require- SAN FRANCISCO: In this June 26, 2010, Fame by the Negro League Committee. On were sent in June and October 2009, “so before a bombshell report by a World Anti-Doping ment”. Further Russian athletics “must intro- file photo, former Giants Hall of Famer Aug. 6, 1973, Irvin entered the Hall along and after the Berlin world championships” of Agency (WADA) independent commission duce a comprehensive code of ethics and rea- Monte Irvin laughs as his jersey was with pitcher Warren Spahn and outfielder August that year. alleging state-sponsored doping and mass cor- sonable term limits for all of its officials moving retired by the San Francisco Giants dur- Roberto Clemente, who months earlier The letters, revealed by the Associated Press ruption in the sport. forward”. The WADA independent commission ing a special pre-game ceremony before died in a plane crash. news agency, warned about the health risks Russia is now trying to clean up its act amid publishes its second report in Munich today, a baseball game against the Boston Red “My only wish is that major league fans being taken by the athletes taking part in fears that its track and field stars could be side- with co-author and former WADA president Sox in San Francisco. Irvin, a Hall of could have seen me when I was at my best blood doping and urged the Russian authori- lined from this summer’s Rio de Janeiro Games. Dick Pound promising it to be more explosive Fame power-hitting outfielder who ... in the Negro Leagues,” Irvin said. “I sin- ties to act. “It is true that we have had a recur- The IAAF said Russia could only be reinstat- than the first. — AFP starred for the New York Giants in the cerely believe I could have set some bat- 1950s in a career abbreviated by major ting records comparable to DiMaggio, league baseball’s exclusion of black Mays, Aaron, Williams - 600 or 700 home players Monday night, Jan 11, 2016, of runs, that type of thing.” During his tenure Cultural revolution needed natural causes at his Houston home. He in the commissioner’s office, Irvin attended was 96. — AP many baseball gatherings and was often seen at the ballparks around the major and to rebuild reputation: Hansen with a high of .329 in 1953. He finished minor leagues. with a career average of .293 with 99 homers and 443 RBIs, numbers that would GENTLEMAN LONDON: European Athletics president Svein and bribery” at the highest levels of interna- must now do,” Hansen said in the statement have surely been far higher if not for the Despite retiring before the Giants Arne Hansen believes a “cultural revolution” is tional athletics will be released on Thursday. titled “Integrity in Athletics”. game’s racial segregation. moved to San Francisco, Irvin kept ties with needed for track and field to be cleansed in The first part of the report authored by for- “But we will also push him, both with our “Today is a sad, sad day for me,” said Hall the organization. He had his number the wake of “seismic” doping and corruption mer WADA (World Anti-Doping Agency) chief commitment and with our ideas. In what will of Famer Willie Mays, a teammate of Irvin’s retired in 2010, was one of several Hall of allegations that have rocked the sport. Dick Pound was released in November follow- be a valuable collaboration with President with the Giants. “I lost someone I cared Famers to throw out a ceremonial first pitch Norwegian Hansen said rebuilding the bat- ing an investigation that lasted nearly a year, Coe we will make significant contributions to about and admired very, very much; some- later that season at the World Series and tered reputation of athletics is “likely to be the and found a “deeply rooted culture of cheat- the direction the world governing body takes one who was like a second father to me. went to the White House last summer biggest job we have ever undertaken”. ing” in Russian athletics. Pound has said the in the coming months and years.” Monte was a kind of guy that you had to be when San Francisco’s 2014 World Series “Make no mistake we are experiencing second part of the report will include further Hansen has proposed a number of initia- around to get to know. But once you championship team was honored. events of a seismic nature and they are rock- allegations that focus on possible corruption tives to complement ideas put forward by the became friends, he always had your back. “Monte was a true gentleman whose ing the very foundations of how our sport is within the International Association of IAAF and member federations and wants to You had a friend for life. exceptional baseball talent was only sur- organised and governed,” he said in a state- Athletics Federations (IAAF) and will have a explore imposing longer bans for doping “Monte Irvin was a great left fielder. passed by his character and kindness,” ment yesterday. “wow” factor. offenders. “Many in Europe have welcomed Monte Irvin was a great man. I will miss Giants CEO Larry Baer said. him. There are no words for how I feel “He was a great ambassador for the “Symbolic gestures and cosmetic measures Former IAAF president Lamine Diack has the World Anti-Doping Code’s increase in the today. I could say so much more about game throughout his playing career and will not be sufficient, this grave and unprece- already been accused by French authorities of length of suspension for serious doping Monte, but this is not so easy to do beyond. As the first Giant and one of the dented situation calls for fundamental corruption while his successor Sebastian Coe offences to four years but feel it is still not right now.” first African-American players to help inte- reform,” added Hansen. “We believe a cultural is under fire for having taken too long to act enough,” he said. “Although yet to be proven Irvin was one of the most important grate Major League Baseball, he served as a revolution will be required for athletics to on allegations of impropriety within the gov- in humans, some believe that doped athletes contributors during the Giants’ amazing role model and mentor to so many who fol- rebuild its reputation and bring the sport’s erning body. could benefit even after a four-year ban. pennant drive in 1951 when they overtook lowed in his footsteps - including Willie governance to where it needs to be.” Hansen said his organisation believed Coe “European Athletics will work with interested the Brooklyn Dodgers after trailing by 13 1- Mays.” Irvin is survived by daughters The second part of an explosive was “the right man for the current challenges” member federations to explore the possibility 2 games in mid-August. Irvin batted .312 Patricia Irvin Gordon and Pamela Irvin Independent Commission (IC) report into alle- the sport faces. “We will give him the support of longer bans and then push for the neces- with 24 homers and an NL-leading 121 Fields and two granddaughters. — AP gations of systematic doping and “corruption he needs for the extremely tough work he sary rule changes.” — Reuters THURSDAY, JANUARY 14, 2016 SPORTS Clark hopes to have solution for long putter

HONOLULU: Tim Clark hopes he has found No player was more vocal against the Tour commissioner Tim Finchem said the the solution to the anchoring ban for longer ban on the anchored stroke than Clark, tour opposed the rule. The USGA and Royal putters, even if it makes it feel as though he whose six victories worldwide include The & Ancient passed it anyway and it went to is starting over. Players Championship and the national effect at the start of this year. Clark and Carl “I feel like this is my rookie season opens in Australia, Scotland, Canada and Pettersson of Sweden have used long put- because I don’t know what to expect,” Clark South Africa. ters their entire careers and argued said Tuesday at the PGA Tour’s Sony Open. For 19 years, the American golfer used a they could never regain so many years of Clark is using a putter from BioMech called long putter that he anchored to his chest. practice. But with the rule giving them no “AccuLock” in which the shaft leans forward Clark has a congenital problem with his choice but to change, Clark said his new put- and allows the grip to rest against the fore- arms in which he can’t supinate his wrists, ter appears to be the best alternative for arm during the stroke. It’s a large, square and the long putter was the perfect solu- HONOLULU: Nick him. Because of his arm problems, he can- head with a hole the size of the golf ball in tion. Instead using it like a pendulum, he Taylor of Canada not properly grip a short putter. The new the middle, and the shaft is attached to the used a short putting stroke with the long plays a shot during putter allows him to use a “claw” grip with rear to give it a forward lean. putter. Frustrated by the US Golf practice rounds prior his right hand. “I’m looking forward to the He said he has worked with it off and on Association’s lack of empirical evidence that to the Sony Open In challenge. Who knows? Maybe it will be bet- for about six months and it still feels differ- an anchored putting stroke created an Hawaii at Waialae ter,” Clark said. “But that was 19 years with ent. “I could have gone with a shovel and it advantage, he traveled to San Diego on his Country Club on the long putter, and one putter that I used would have felt the same,” he said. “I went own for a players meeting and gave an ele- Tuesday in Honolulu, for 14 years. I wouldn’t say I’m worried. It with what felt the most comfortable. This gant speech that helped shape of the opin- Hawaii. — AFP either works or it doesn’t. But you can’t wipe method felt the best.” ion of several players. A month later, PGA away 19 years of habits.” — AP Spieth beat winners-only field, faces Rory McIlroy

HONOLULU: Fresh off an eight-shot victory, Jordan Spieth gets one week of rest before step- ping back into spotlight. He leaves this weekend for the Abu Dhabi HSBC Golf Championship and his first meeting of the year with Rory McIlroy. “I didn’t know he was playing. I’ll probably withdraw now,” Spieth jokingly said Tuesday dur- ing a conference call for the Valspar Championship. McIlroy was in Spieth’s position a year ago - No. 1 in the world (by a greater mar- gin), a multiple major champion, a great start to the year. What he never saw coming was an ankle injury while playing soccer that kept him out for two months and kept him from defend- NAIROBI: Kenya’s 800m world record Olympic champion David Rudisha (2nd-R) and ing titles in the British Open and Bridgestone other Kenyan athletes run during a training session in Iten in the Rift Valley, 329 kms Invitational. He ended the year with a victory in north of Nairobi, yesterday. — AFP the DP World Tour Championship to win the Race to Dubai. Kenya’s Rudisha going The ankle injury slowed what could have been an interesting year between Spieth and McIlroy. Three weeks after Spieth won the for repeat Olympic gold Masters, McIlroy answered with victories in the Cadillac Match Play and Wells Fargo ITEN: World 800 metres record-holder David a tough one to overcome physically and mental- Championship. Spieth won the US Open. And Rudisha told AFP yesterday he had fully recov- ly,” Rudisha said, adding that he still sometimes then McIlroy put on soccer shoes. ered from injury and was ready to defend his feels “that nagging pain”. “In a season that he considered lost, he still Olympic title in Rio De Janeiro this summer. Rudisha’s coach, Colm O’Connell, said the came back and ended up winning the Race to “This is what I’m looking forward to,” Rudisha runner’s confidence was also back. “I think 2015 Dubai, the final event. It proves what a player he said in Iten, a high altitude training ground for was important for Rudisha, in the sense that the is,” Spieth said. “I’m sure there’s very few people some of the world’s best distance runners. “I victory in Beijing did re-establish him,” he said. working harder than he is to make this season know it’s going to be tough, nothing is easy and O’Connell said Beijing was “a stepping stone to his best season yet, which is scary. Hopefully, I everybody is looking for that title, but we are Rio” and that Rudisha was now “certainly in the can help prevent that to an extent.” going to do our best.” mix” although he conceded that the runner “has Spieth is playing Abu Dhabi for the first time After dominating the race for two consecu- to fight to regain his position as the king of before going to the Singapore Open. He returns KUALA LUMPUR: This handout photo taken and received by the World Sport Group yesterday tive years, a knee injury took Rudisha out of con- 800m running”. for the AT&T Pebble Beach National Pro-Am and shows Ian Poulter of England hitting a shot out of a bunker during the first practice day at the tention for the whole of 2013 and cast doubt on Hot on Rudisha’s heels-or perhaps in front the Northern Trust Open at Riviera before head- EurAsia Cup golf tournament at the Glenmarie Golf and Country Club in Shah Alam, west of his Olympic defence. But he bounced back last of him-are contenders including former world Kuala Lumpur. — AFP year to reclaim the world title in Beijing in and Commonwealth champion Nijel Amos of ing to Florida for the World Golf Championship August. Botswana, Mohammed Aman of Ethiopia and at Doral and his title defense at the Valspar physical ailment. Pepper was an analyst for NBC “We would have had dinner every night of Rudisha, 27, said his recovery and training Amel Tuka of Bosnia and Herzegovina, who Championship. Sports after she retired, served on the PGA of the week - a group of Irish guys - and practice were going well. “So far so good. My body has set the fastest 800m time in the world in That playoff win at the Valspar Championship America board of directors for two years, went to rounds,” he said. “They were a big influence. The responded very well. That problem was actually 2015. — AFP seems like a long time ago considering all Spieth ESPN and recently was signed by CBS Sports, year I came out, there were six or eight rookies, has done. He mentioned Tuesday that it was his where she will be the first female to be part of and these were the elder statesmen. They first professional victory when he had to make a the CBS team at the Masters. Along the way, she looked after us and put us right. If you stepped big putt on the final hole, in this case a 30-foot been a strong promoter of junior golf. out of line, you were told.” birdie on the third extra hole. Holmes had two operations in 2011 after Harrington said he often referred to Smyth as That remains true. He won the Masters by being diagnosed with brain defects in his cere- “Dad” because if there was an issue, he would be four shots and the U.S. Open with a two-putt bellum. One surgery was to remove part of his the one to sort it all out. The social aspect to golf birdie. He won the John Deere Classic when Tom skull. He has won twice since and played on the is important, especially for young Europeans Gillis hit into the water in a playoff. He won the Presidents Cup team last year. coming to America. Tour Championship by five shots. And he won at “It’s a great feeling to be recognized for over- Harrington said he felt lucky have the Irish Kapalua by eight shots. coming adversity,” he said. “I am also proud to be connection. “It was a big bunch of us at the time, affiliated with the great Ben Hogan, whose lega- nearly 12 of us at dinner every night,” he said. CADDIE RACE cy is one that I admired.” They will be honored at “Socially, it was brilliant. A big part of having the Jordan Spieth wasn’t the only one at Kapalua the GWAA’s annual awards dinner April 6 in elder guys is we weren’t going to get too cocky who turned in a remarkable performance. Mark Augusta, Georgia. around them. Des was ‘Dad.’ Christy and Eamonn Urbanek, the caddie for James Hahn, remembers were like a double act. They were fantastic.” hearing about the time in 2002 that Steve IRISH MENTORING Dustin Johnson last week became the 20th Williams won a bet with Tiger Woods and swing The death of Christy O’Connor Jr. allowed player to surpass $30 million in career earnings on coach Butch Harmon that he could run the back Padraig Harrington to reflect on how much the PGA Tour. Only two of those 20 players, Vijay nine of the Plantation Course in under 30 min- O’Connor and other veterans meant to young Singh and Davis Love III, are eligible for the utes. Williams won handily, going from the back Irish players. Harrington turned pro in 1995 and Champions Tour. “Improving as an individual play- LONDON: England’s International Rugby Union team coach Eddie Jones speaks at a of every tee and front of every green in 19 min- played a few years with O’Connor. He also was er is first and foremost. Also, I’d really, really, really press conference at Twickenham Stadium, London yesterday. Jones has named sev- utes, 28 seconds. Urbanek decided to give it a close with Des Smyth and Eamonn Darcy. like to get a Ryder Cup win this year.” — AP en uncapped players in his Six Nations squad and culled 10 from the failed Rugby try. He started even with the first tee and ran World Cup campaign. — AP through the tunnel and up a path to reach the 10th tee, and then touched the back of every tee Froome targets incredible Beaumont junior gets call and a part of every green. He finished in 20 min- utes, 15 seconds. If the starting line had been treble as Tour and Rio loom the 10th tee, he would have finished in 19 min- to new-look England squad utes event. ALCUDIA: Tour de France champion Chris league Bradley Wiggins took gold, having Froome mapped out lofty goals for the year on become Britain’s first Tour de France champion LONDON: Josh Beaumont, son of former cap- XV for the Scotland game. Among the new WHAT INSPIRES SUCH A CHALLENGE? Tuesday, setting his sights on a remarkable 10 days earlier. “It would be lovely (to win tain Bill, was one of seven uncapped players faces hoping to break in are Wasps centre “I got into running a couple of years ago,” treble of double Olympic gold and another tri- gold),” Froome, who became a father for the included in Eddie Jones’s first England squad Elliot Daly, who has a good chance in the Urbanek said. “I love the mental challenge. I hate umphant ride into Paris. The 30-year-old first time just before Christmas, told reporters yesterday as the Australian called for his team absence of injured Henry Slade, and Sam Hill, running more than the next guy, but when you Briton, who claimed his second Tour de France in the lobby of the seaside hotel comman- to start a new era by playing with smiles on Paul Hill, Ollie Devoto and highly-rated for- hit that wall and your brain is telling you, ‘What victory last year, having also won it in 2013, deered by Team Sky for their daily training their faces. mer England under-20 captain lock/flanker are you doing?’ I enjoy continuing through that.” will be favourite for a third in July, before rides in the Tramuntana mountains. “I was for- While Jones ushered in a wave of new, Maro Itoje. heading to Rio de Janeiro’s lush coastline to tunate to get Olympic bronze in London. It felt young players, he also culled several regulars Centre Manu Tuilagi, who last played for SPRAGUE’S MOVE contest the Olympic road race and time trial. massive even on the back of the Tour we’d of the previous regime following England’s England in June 2014 and returned to the The president of the PGA of America also has It sounds a tall order, but having completed had. “It felt enormous. You almost can’t pool stage exit at the World Cup. Chris Leicester team last week after a 15-month a day job, and for Derek Sprague, that job is a recce of Rio’s 256.4km road race route, which believe how overwhelming the Olympics are, Robshaw, captain throughout Stuart absence with a groin problem, was not changing. Sprague, who had been at Malone is littered with steep climbs and cobbles, he bigger than just your sport.” Froome says his Lancaster’s near-four-year reign, was retained included in the squad but will be considered Golf Club in upstate New York for the 27 years as liked what he saw. For Froome, the ultimate first priority, however, is the Tour de France but will be competing for the blind-side for the latter stages of the Six Nations. general manager and director of golf, has been Grand Tour rider, the more difficult the terrain and trying to become the first person since flanker berth. Jones named a 33-man Elite Several players who were regulars under hired as managing director of Liberty National the better. Spain’s Miguel Indurain (winner from 1991-95) Player Squad, effectively his squad for the Six Lancaster have been left out, including centre Golf Club. In a peculiar twist, he will be The road race takes place on Aug. 6 with to retain the title, not counting disgraced Nations championship starting next month Luther Burrell, who was a surprise omission employed by the PGA Tour as an expanded rela- the time trial, a hilly 60km dash, four days later American Lance Armstrong. He says he is in a with England visiting Scotland in their first from the World Cup squad having been a reg- tionship between Liberty National and the tour. and Froome said the quick turnaround will be far better shape than in 2014, when his hopes game on Feb 6. “I’m looking for these guys to ular in last year’s Six Nations. Here’s another way to look at it. Sprague will no problem. of winning back-to-back Tours ended early in a bring enthusiasm, energy and a lot of hard Fellow centre Brad Barritt, flanker Tom preside over the Ryder Cup this year as PGA “When I rode Rio and looked at the TT (time painful crash on a rainy day in northern work,” Jones told a Twickenham news confer- Wood, lock Geoff Parling, hooker Tom Youngs president. He also will be working on the trial) course, I thought ‘this is fantastic, I’d love France. That year his build-up was ruined by ence. “We want them to play with a smile on and number eight Ben Morgan also miss out, Presidents Cup, which will be played the follow- the chance to get stuck into this TT’”, Froome nagging injuries and illness, but those prob- their face and to enjoy it.” Sale’s Beaumont is a as did flyhalf Danny Cipriani, whose interna- ing year at Liberty National. told reporters at Team Sky’s media day in lems are now behind him and Froome says he powerful number eight in the mould of his tional career now looks to be over after never The role between the tour and Liberty Puerto de Alcudia, Mallorca on Tuesday. “I cannot wait to start racing. father, a lock forward and one of England’s really getting going despite him being one of National came from a 25-year partnership in went and rode the road course the next day “A lot of people say ‘defending your title’ most iconic players who led them to the the most talented players of his generation. which the New Jersey golf club, which sits across and just felt ‘if there’s a one-day course I could but I don’t feel that’s my mindset,” said grand slam in 1980 and captained the British There was better news for Chris Ashton, from Manhattan and the Statue of Liberty, will win, it would look something like this’. Froome, whose Tour hopes have been boosted and Irish Lions the same year. He is currently who has played only two tests since 2013 but host up to 10 tournaments. That includes a “Having said that, it’s such a complicated by the inclusion of two hilly time trials that will chairman of the Rugby Football Union. has continued to score tries for Saracens, and FedEx Cup playoff event in 2019. thing, the Olympic road race. Teams of maxi- play into his hands. Jack Clifford, who has taken over as open- Harlequins’ Marland Yarde, with both recalled mum five riders, 260km. You can’t rely on too “I don’t feel I am defending something. I am side flanker at Harlequins from Robshaw, is wingers hoping to take advantage of the sea- GWAA AWARDS much team work with four team mates. “That going to get something. It’s a different way to up against Gloucester’s Matt Kvesic for that son-ending knee injury of Jonny May. Dottie Pepper’s career didn’t end when she amount of climbing. It’s almost every man for look at it. It helps with my motivation. If I com- position. Jones criticised Robshaw during the “The long-term strategy for England is to stopped playing the LPGA Tour. The 17-time win- himself, almost like a junior race. It’s going to pare where I am now to the start of 2014 after World Cup as being a “six and a half” player develop a side who can be the most domi- ner with two majors will receive the William D. be a dramatic race when you look at the route. I won the previous Tour, I have more experi- and joked about the reference on Wednesday nant team in world rugby, so we have chosen Richardson Award from the Golf Writers People are going to be on their hands and ence behind me. “Two years in this leadership by saying: “Chris has been doing exceedingly a lot of new players on the growth we see in Association of America for her outstanding con- knees by the last two laps.” position. I feel a lot more at ease. I don’t feel well at six, with half a number off his back.” them,” Jones said. tributions to the game. the same level of pressure on my shoulders. “Since 2003 England are ranked fourth in The GWAA also voted Davis Love III for its BETTER SHAPE The pressure is probably still there but I don’t SURPRISE OMISSION the Six Nations and that’s not reflective of the ASAP Sports/Jim Murray Award for his coopera- Froome won a bronze medal in the time tri- feel it. I feel a lot more focused on the job at Jones said he would not name his new talent in the country so we have to change tion with the press, and J.B. Holmes with its Ben al at London 2012, when former Team Sky col- hand.” — Reuters captain until he has decided on his starting history.” — Reuters Hogan Award for staying active in golf despite a THURSDAY, JANUARY 14, 2016 SPORTS Kyrgios hit by Open injury scare at Kooyong

MELBOURNE: Nick Kyrgios suffered an warm-up event. “I started feeling it again characterises the club, said he was sorry that Spaniard said. “I played some good tennis match before a sparse crowd, 2014 champion Australian Open scare yesterday when he today when the treatment wore off. “I have to the match was unable to be completed. against a good player. I tried a few drop shots Kei Nishikori of Japan beat Australian teenage pulled out of his opening match at the think about next week, I really hate to do this “Even if it was a set and a half, it was hard near the end just to change things a bit and hopeful Omar Jasika 6-1, 6-7 (3/7), 10-4. Asia’s Kooyong Classic with a right foot injury. but I had to.” The colourful contender finished to play,” he said. “It was very hot on court they worked. “It’s good to play in the heat top player was cruising 6-1, 4-1 and seeming- The 20-year-old Australian handed David with 15 aces, including four in his final service (around 40 Celsius) and there is always a which we will be experiencing next week.” A ly in command when his challenger launched Goffin victory as he retired with the score at 6- game of the second set. “Hate withdrawing, wind. “I understand Nick’s worry and the pull- final match between German Alexander a fightback, breaking Nishikori as he served 7 (5/7), 3-2 to the Belgian. The year’s first so sorry to everyone @KooyongClassic I just out. He’s never easy to play with that big serve Zverev and Britain’s Kyle Edmund was can- for the match. Jasika took the set into a Grand Slam starts on Monday in Melbourne. have to make sure I’m right for next week & I and forehand.” Spain’s Pablo Carreno-Busta celled. Organisers were vague about the rea- tiebreak which he won as Nishikori put a “I felt it in training yesterday,” said Kyrgios, will be,” he tweeted after. Belgium’s Goffin, earlier beat the 2006 Australian Open finalist son, at one point suggesting excessive heat backhand long. But Nishikori claimed victory the world number 30, after pulling the plug as who had to deal not only with an injured Marcos Baghdatis 6-4, 6-4, without dropping and later citing what they claimed was a a few minutes later with success in the match- a precaution at the 12-man Grand Slam opponent but with the swirling wind which serve. “I had a good finish, I’m very happy,” the shoulder problem for Zverev. In an exhibition tiebreak. — AFP ‘Perfect’ Djokovic raises hopes of Golden Slam

MELBOURNE: Novak Djokovic is hitting four Melbourne finals-three of them to ever greater heights ahead of the Djokovic-but is continuing his dogged Australian Open-posing problems for his pursuit of a breakthrough. rivals, and raising distant hopes of the “I’m doing everything I can to try and first ever men’s “Golden Slam”. win here,” said the 28-year-old Scot, who Picking up where he left off after a has promised to leave early if his wife blistering 2015, Djokovic destroyed Kim Sears gives birth. Rafael Nadal in last week’s Qatar Open “My number one goal is to try and win final, in a performance the Spaniard here. It’d mean a lot because of how called “stratospheric”. many times I’ve been close.” Federer, as “I played against a player who did the third seed on rankings, could face everything perfect. I know nobody play- either Djokovic or Murray in the semi- ing tennis like this ever,” said the 14-time finals as the 17-time Grand Slam champi- Grand Slam-winner. on looks to win his first major title since No male player, and only Steffi Graf on Wimbledon 2012. the women’s side, has ever achieved the “Golden Slam”: winning all four major CLASSIC FINAL titles and Olympic singles gold in a single The Swiss maestro has won four year. Last season Djokovic fell just one Australian Opens, but lost to Djokovic at victory short of the first calendar-year last year’s Wimbledon and US Open Grand Slam since Rod Laver in 1969, after finals. At 34, he is running out of time to losing the French Open final to Stan add to his all-time record haul of Grand Wawrinka. Slam titles. Acknowledging his form, the 28-year- “Of course, Novak is the favourite for old said in Doha: “I’m hoping that I can the Australian Open. Plus he’s played well actually peak and play as well as I did there historically,” Federer said last week. today in Melbourne.” Nadal has won once in Australia, over A strong performance looks likely in Federer in a classic five-set final in 2009, Melbourne, Djokovic’s most successful and has had some of his career low Grand Slam where he has won five out of points with tournament-ending injuries five finals, including last year against in Melbourne. But he maintains he can SYDNEY: Grigor Dimitrov of Bulgaria hits a return to Pablo Cuevas of Uruguay during their men’s singles second round match at the Sydney Andy Murray. do well as he pursues his comeback from International tennis tournament in Sydney yesterday. — AFP But the 10-time major champion will a disappointing 2015, when he failed to not be looking too far beyond the year’s any Grand Slam titles. opening Grand Slam, which starts on “I am playing well, and I’m gonna Dimitrov face Dolgopolov Monday. “My thoughts are only directed keep working hard to try to be ready for to Melbourne and what I need to do Australia. And I think I will be. I am moti- there,” he said. vated for it,” the Spanish left-hander said. Switzerland’s Stan Wawrinka will also in Sydney quarters ‘IT’S A HUGE CHALLENGE’ be a contender after he conquered Murray, who will be in the bottom half Djokovic on the way to winning the 2014 SYDNEY: Grigor Dimitrov reached his second second set with his only break of the match. The 2013 champion will face Russian of the men’s draw and seeded to face Australian Open, and beat him again in consecutive quarter-final of he new season with That was all he needed as he worked his way to Teymuraz Gabashvili in the quarters. In other Djokovic in the January 31 final, sees the last year’s French Open final. a straight-sets win over Uruguayan Pablo Cuevas victory in one hour 37 minutes. matches Wednesday, Luxembourg’s Gilles Muller Serb as a huge challenge. “What Novak is The world number four tuned up by at the Sydney International yesterday. The The Bulgarian will face Dolgopolov in the was leading second seed Dominic Thiem 7-6 doing... last year he had an incredible beating Croatia’s Borna Coric for a third Bulgarian world number 28, looking for more quarters after the Ukrainian knocked out (7/2), 2-2 when the young Austrian retired with year,” he said. “Final of every tournament straight Chennai Open title in India last matches under new coach Franco Davin, ousted American qualifier Alexander Sarkissian 7-6 blisters on his right foot. bar one. “It’s been tough playing in an week. Outside the top five, Japan’s world Cuevas 7-6 (7/2), 6-4 and will next play Ukraine’s (8/6), 6-2. “Dangerous player. Never know what Thiem was coming off a semi-final loss to era with Novak, Roger (Federer) and Rafa number seven Kei Nishikori will be look- Aleksandr Dolgopolov in the quarters. to expect. Especially here. The conditions are Federer in Brisbane. Muller, a Sydney semi-final- (Nadal) but at the same time to have ing to get past the quarters for the first Dimitrov, who reached a career-high ranking pretty suitable for him,” Dimitrov said of ist last year, has now dropped just seven points guys like that to always be trying to time in Melbourne. Meanwhile, local of eight in 2014, lost in three sets to Roger Dolgopolov. “It’s a faster court and a little bit on his first serve over two matches, in defeating catch up to, to have to improve to try interest will focus on the antics of talent- Federer in the quarters of last week’s Brisbane windy. So it’s going to be definitely a tricky young guns Thiem and Croatia’s Borna Coric. and beat them, it’s a huge challenge.” ed but wayward young Aussies Bernard International. “I think right now I need to play match for me.” Muller, who also reached the fourth round of Murray carries the baggage of losing Tomic and Nick Kyrgios. — AFP more matches, as many matches as I can get ear- Australia’s top seed Bernard Tomic claimed a the Australian Open last year, will face ly on in the year,” Dimitrov said. quarter-final spot in the tournament for a fourth Frenchman Jeremy Chardy in the quarters. Sixth “It’s going to help me with my ranking, but straight year with a 6-2 6-2 romp over compatri- seed Chardy ousted Australian James also with the level that I’m trying to achieve. “I’ve ot Jordan Thompson in just 48 minutes in the Duckworth 7-6 (7/5), 6-4, while French qualifier worked a lot on a lot of things this off-season, so evening match. “I think always looking back it Nicolas Mahut downed fifth-seeded Italian I just want to make sure I put them into play and was my first title here, so the memory is always Andreas Seppi 6-3, 1-6, 6-3. just make them as a habit. That’s the thing that is there. With the memories comes the confidence,” Other winners were Gabashvili, 6-3, 6-3 over very important to me.” Tomic said. “I feel so good playing on that court. Argentina’s Federico Delbonis, and Serbian third Dimitrov took the opening set in 51 minutes Every time I step on that court I know this is seed Viktor Troicki, 6-1, 6-4 over Spaniard Tommy after a one-sided tie-break, and then opened the where it all started for me.” Robredo. — AFP Halep overcomes Pliskova to reach Sydney semis

SYDNEY: Romania’s Simona Halep fought off big- much, so that’s why it’s tough to play.” spin, so it’s a different player tomorrow, different serving Czech Karolina Pliskova to reach the semi- Halep finished with slightly more winners than style,” Halep said of facing Kuznetsova. finals of the Sydney International yesterday. Pliskova, 22 to 21, but far fewer errors, 33 to 43. The “I expected a tough one. Of course every match The world number two had been tested in two Romanian is battling an Achilles injury and admit- at this level is very tough, but I believe I have my tight previous matches, and Pliskova again made ted to feeling pain during her opening victory over chance.” Elsewhere Puerto Rican qualifier Monica things difficult for Halep. Halep had early breaks in Frenchwoman Caroline Garcia late Tuesday. It fol- Puig ended Australia’s Samantha Stosur’s run, 6-4, both sets only to be pulled back, before the tour- lowed her late withdrawal from the Brisbane 6-4 and will face eighth seed Belinda Bencic in the nament top seed closed out for a 6-4, 7-5 win over International last week. semis after the Swiss beat Russian Ekaterina the Czech fifth seed in one hour and 38 minutes in Halep will face former world number two Makarova 6-0, 2-6, 6-4 in an evening match. “It’s a blistering heat. Svetlana Kuznetsova in the last four after the very important win for me coming through three “It was tough today. Was very close. She’s play- Russian fought back from 1-5 down in the opening rounds of quallies and obviously coming through ing well, and she’s strong with the serve,” Halep set to knock out Italian Sara Errani 7-6 (7/1), 6-0. in the main,” Puig said. “I’ve lost to her twice before, said. “I expected that she’s going to hit all the balls, Halep leads Kuznetsova 3-2 in their previous so it was a pretty big win for me today considering so she did. Against her you don’t have rhythm too meetings. “I know that she’s playing a lot of top- the amount of times I played her.” —AFP MELBOURNE: Novak Djokovic of Serbia hits a return during a practice session ahead of the Australian Open tennis tournament in Melbourne yesterday. — AFP Ferrer leads top seeds into Auckland quarters

WELLINGTON: David Ferrer put last John Isner and South African Kevin week’s Doha disappointment behind him Anderson. Isner took the first set in a tie- with a comfortable straight-sets win in break against fellow American Sam his opening match at the Auckland Querrey, and then dropped the before Classic on Wednesday. fighting back to take the match 7-6 The 6-2, 6-4 victory over Australian (10/8), 6-7 (4/7), 6-4. qualifier Matthew Barton put the top Anderson was also tested in tie-breaks seed and four-time champion into the before overcoming Robin Haase of the quarter-finals to face Czech Lukas Rosol, Netherlands 7-6 (10/8), 7-6 (7/5). a surprise winner over fifth seed Benoit “It was a really tough match,” said Paire of France. Anderson. “It was a little windy. It was Ferrer had rushed to Auckland for a tough to find your rhythm. But I just wildcard entry after his opening-round stuck with it. It’s my first match. Given loss to Ukraine’s Ilya Marchenko in the that, I thought I played pretty well.” Qatar Open, and immediately showed Anderson, ranked 12th in the world, won his class as he won 23 of 26 first-serve the first set on a Haase double fault and points. was down 1-4 in the second-set tie-break The top four seeds all had first-round before winning six of the next seven byes, and all won their opening matches points. in the second round. Roberto Bautista Agust reached the Second seed Jo-Wilfried Tsonga was last eight with a 6-4, 7-6 (7/3) win over untroubled as he beat Philipp American Donald Young, while Fabio Kohlschreiber 6-3, 6-4 but it was a differ- Fognini took just 47 minutes to beat SYDNEY: Simona Halep of Romania hits a return against Karolina Pliskova of the Czech Republic during their women’s singles third round match ent story for the third and fourth seeds, Thiemo de Bakker 6-1, 6-1. at the Sydney International tennis tournament in Sydney yesterday. — AFP THURSDAY, JANUARY 14, 2016 SPORTS Khawaja into Australia squad as Warner takes paternity leave

SYDNEY: Top order batsman Usman miss matches two and three in Brisbane and selector Rod Marsh said in a news release. Indies in Perth nearly three years ago. but when I do get it hopefully I can take it Khawaja was brought into the Australia Melbourne. Khawaja, who recently made a “This call-up is a reward for that form and The 29-year-old hopes he can make the and be more than just a test cricketer. squad for the next two one-day internation- successful return to test cricket in the home it is great to have someone of his quality to opportunity count if he does get one. “The “At this moment I’m really happy with als against India yesterday after opener series against New Zealand and West Indies, step into the squad in David’s absence. hunger is to play as many forms of the game how I’m hitting the white ball.” The second David Warner was granted paternity leave. will replace his fellow left-hander, whose “We wish both David and Candice well as possible,” he told reporters at Sydney air- match against India takes place in Brisbane Warner scored five runs in Australia’s wife Candice is expecting their second child. and look forward to welcoming David back port. “I’ve made it clear that I’ve always want- on Friday with the teams meeting at the innings as the hosts registered a five-wicket “Usman has been in fantastic form this into the squad when circumstances allow.” ed to play one-dayers. Melbourne Cricket Ground on Sunday victory in the opening clash of the five- season and was unlucky to miss out on a Khawaja has played only three one-day “But sometimes it’s about timing. If I’m before the series concludes with fixtures in match series in Perth on Tuesday but will place in our squad ... in the first place,” chief internationals, the last coming against West going to get my opportunity, I don’t know, Canberra and Sydney. — Reuters England in position to capitalize on S Africa

JOHANNESBURG: The biggest issue for England said, is that the opener has “a bit of a bug.” He heading into the third test against South Africa practiced on Wednesday, albeit alone so he didn’t appears to be a virus that has put opening bats- infect the rest of the team, Cook said. Should he man Alex Hales’ participation in doubt. Compare not be fit, Gary Ballance would likely come in for that to the top-ranked Proteas, who are in the England. Other than that, England is content with midst of one of their most unsettled periods in its progress in the series, where it was the domi- recent times. nant force in Durban and for the first half of the Off a first series loss to India in 11 years, drawn second test in Cape Town. Hashim Amla suddenly resigned as South Africa England also may be in a better position to captain midway through this England series, and take advantage of the bouncy, quick, fast-bowler interim skipper AB de Villiers said yesterday he’s friendly pitches in Johannesburg and Centurion not sure if he wants the job permanently. “I’m still despite sounds from the South African camp that very committed (to the team),” De Villiers said. “To those conditions offer the home team a way back the job (of captain), I’m not sure.” As well as his into the series. doubts over taking the captaincy long-term, De With the return to fitness of James Anderson Villiers also said there was “a little bit of truth” in in Cape Town, England’s fast bowling attack is at reports that he had been considering retirement full strength with Anderson, Stuart Broad and after the series. “The two test matches, for now, is Steven Finn, and the added backup of allrounder all I’m focusing on,” he said. In charge for the Ben Stokes. remainder of the four-match contest, De Villiers’ “If the ball does fly through and seams around challenge will be to ensure the uncertainty sur- we have got a pretty good seam attack ... I am rounding test cricket’s No. 1 team and its best very comfortable with this team playing in any player doesn’t affect a young squad ahead of the conditions,” Cook said. South Africa is again with- decisive final two games against England. out the injured Dale Steyn and is not the fast- The third test starts today at the Wanderers in bowling force it used to be. Steyn will miss a sec- Johannesburg. England leads 1-0 following a ond straight match with a right shoulder prob- strong win in the series opener in Durban. A vic- lem. Morne Morkel will lead the attack in the tory in Johannesburg or in the final game in third test, while his three reinforcements will be Centurion, both pitches with reputations for chosen from a pretty inexperienced group: delivering results, would land England its first Kagiso Rabada has played just four tests, Chris series win over South Africa in more than a Morris (one test), Kyle Abbott (six tests) and decade. Significantly, it would only be England’s Hardus Viljoen is uncapped. second win in South Africa since the country South Africa may take a gamble on Viljoen, a returned from the sporting isolation of the muscular fast bowler who has energy and sheer apartheid years. It would also topple South Africa pace and who plays his domestic cricket at the from the No. 1 ranking - a ranking that appears a Wanderers. His enthusiasm could give a much- little shaky anyway. “It would be a great achieve- needed lift to an apparently unhappy South ment for this side to come here and beat South African team and its jaded stand-in captain. Africa away from home, and we’re in a position to “In the last two or three years I’ve been CHICAGO: Andrew Shaw #65 of the Chicago Blackhawks tries to get off a shot against Pekka Rinne #35 of the Nashville Predators as Shea Weber do that,” England captain Alastair Cook said. “The searching for the right answers to play a little bit #6 defends at the United Center on Tuesday in Chicago, Illinois. The Blackhawks defeated the Predators 3-2. — AFP opportunity is there and it’s just whether we’re less cricket in one way or another, to keep myself good enough to take it. fresh and to keep enjoying the game,” De Villiers “It’s an exciting time to play on what are prob- said. “I’ve found myself on the pitch in the past Blackhawks beat Predators ably two result wickets in these next two games. few years, every now and then, not enjoying We need to win one to win the series. That is a myself as much as I should be and that raises con- great situation to be in.” The news on Hales, Cook cerns within myself.” — AP for eighth straight win

CHICAGO: Andrew Shaw scored two goals and Chicago held on for a 3-2 win over Nashville on NHL results/standings Tuesday. Brent Seabrook also scored for the Blackhawks. Marian Hossa added two assists as Chicago extended its season-long winning Chicago 3, Nashville 2; Colorado 0, Tampa Bay 4; Arizona 4, Edmonton 3 (OT); St. Louis 5, New streak to eight games. Mike Ribeiro and Filip Jersey 2; Minnesota 2, Buffalo 3; Winnipeg 1, San Jose 4; NY Islanders 5, Columbus 2; Carolina 3, Forsberg scored for the Predators, who lost their Pittsburgh 2 (OT). fourth consecutive game. Eastern Conference Western Conference Atlantic Division Central Division ISLANDERS 5, BLUE JACKETS 2 PL W L OT GF GA PTS Dallas 44 29 11 4 149 116 62 Brock Nelson collected his first NHL hat-trick Florida 43 26 12 5 118 92 57 Chicago 45 28 13 4 129 106 60 and the New York Islanders snapped out of a Detroit 43 22 14 7 107 112 51 St. Louis 46 25 14 7 116 114 57 two-game offensive slump with a 5-2 win over Montreal 43 23 17 3 122 107 49 Minnesota 43 22 13 8 113 102 52 the Columbus Blue Jackets at Barclays Center. Tampa Bay 43 22 17 4 111 102 48 Nashville 43 19 17 7 109 118 45 Ryan Strome scored the game’s first goal and Boston 41 21 15 5 124 110 47 Colorado 44 21 20 3 125 127 45 Brian Strait scored in the third period for the Ottawa 43 20 17 6 119 131 46 Winnipeg 43 19 21 3 112 125 41 Islanders, who only managed 20 shots on goal in Toronto 40 16 17 7 104 112 39 a 4-0 loss to Philadelphia on Saturday. Thomas Buffalo 43 17 22 4 100 117 38 Pacific Division Greiss recorded 18 saves as the Islanders moved Metropolitan Division Los Angeles 42 27 12 3 112 92 57 into a tie for second place in the Metropolitan Washington 42 32 7 3 139 90 67 Arizona 42 22 16 4 120 128 48 Division with the New York Rangers heading into NY Rangers 42 23 14 5 123 110 51 San Jose 41 21 18 2 118 113 44 Thursday’s game between the longtime rivals at NY Islanders 43 23 15 5 119 109 51 Vancouver 43 17 16 10 105 120 44 Barclays Center. New Jersey 44 21 18 5 99 107 47 Anaheim 41 17 17 7 78 99 41 MELBOURNE: This file photo taken on December 17, 2011 shows Melbourne Stars Pittsburgh 42 20 16 6 99 103 46 Calgary 41 19 20 2 109 129 40 English batsman Luke Wright (L) hitting out at a delivery from Sydney Thunder COYOTES 4, OILERS 3 (OT) Carolina 44 19 18 7 105 120 45 Edmonton 44 17 23 4 108 131 38 bowler Fidel Edwards (R) during their T20 Big Bash cricket match at the Melbourne Max Domi had his first career hat-trick and Philadelphia 40 18 15 7 91 108 43 Note: Overtime losses (OT) worth 1 pt and not Cricket Ground (MCG). Australia’s domestic Twenty20 Big Bash League has hit the big Oliver Ekman-Larsson scored a power-play goal Columbus 44 15 25 4 111 144 34 included in loss column (L). time this year, with enormous crowds, controversy and quality cricket propelling it with 8.9 seconds remaining in overtime in into the mainstream in a threat to the traditional Test format. — AFP Arizona’s victory over Edmonton at Gila River Arena. Ekman-Larsson, who scored from the left SHARKS 4, JETS 1 BLUES 5, DEVILS 2 point, has six game-winning goals this season San Jose’s two third-period goals propelled it Patrik Berglund scored two power-play goals to S Lanka skipper pledges for the Coyotes, who overcame a two-goal past Winnipeg. lead St Louis over New Jersey. The Blues posted deficit in the third period to win their fourth Joe Pavelski and Joel Ward scored late to seal their first regulation victory since Dec 22, a span of action over ‘misconduct’ straight. Ekman-Larsson also had three the win after Chris Tierney and Joe Thornton 10 games. Ty Rattie, Scottie Upshall and David assists.Leon Draisaitl, Benoit Pouliot had a goal scored first-period goals for the Sharks. Nikolaj Backes also scored for the Blues. The Devils got COLOMBO: Sri Lanka skipper Angelo begun into the allegations that players and an assist for the Oilers, and Jordan Eberle Ehlers scored the Jets lone goal. goals from Bobby Farnham and Lee Stempniak. Mathews yesterday promised “no mercy” attended parties until 3 or 4am, and of ten- had three assists. Justin Schultz also scored for for any team mates found guilty of miscon- sion within the team and with interim Edmonton. SABRES 3, WILD 2 HURRICANES 3, PENGUINS 2 (OT) duct during a disastrous tour of New coach Jerome Jayaratne. Buffalo used a trio of first-period goals to spur Jeff Skinner scored a power-play goal with Zealand after the sports minister raised “I can’t deny or accept that these things LIGHTNING 4, AVALANCHE 0 a victory over Minnesota. Jamie McGinn, Rasmus 1:58 remaining in overtime as Carolina defeated allegations of drunken behaviour and happened,” Mathews told reporters at a Ben Bishop stopped 21 shots for his second Ristolainen and Brian Gionta all scored in the Pittsburgh at PNC Arena. Eric Staal and Kris squabbling. post-tournament press conference in shutout of the season, Steven Stamkos had opening stanza, as the Sabres built a lead they Versteeg scored earlier for the Hurricanes, who Dayasiri Jayasekera told AFP he had Colombo. “But, I can promise that there will two goals and Tampa Bay beat Colorado. would not relinquish. matched their season-high mark with a three- seen photos of national players at all-night be no mercy for any member found guilty Ondrej Palat and Tyler Johnson also had goals. Buffalo snapped a six-game losing streak on game winning streak. Cam Ward made 22 saves drinking parties just before crucial matches of misconduct.” He said the team could Vladislav Namestnikov and Victor Hedman had Sunday in Winnipeg, and has now won two in a for Carolina, which is 6-7 in overtime games. Kris against hosts New Zealand who achieved a have done better and admitted the New two assists each for the Lightning. Stamkos row. Ryan Suter scored shorthanded for Letang and Chris Kunitz had goals for the virtual clean sweep in the just-ended tour. Zealand tour was “demoralising”. notched his fifth multi-goal game of the sea- Minnesota and added an assist when Thomas Penguins while Marc-Andre Fleury stopped 18 Mathews, 28, said an official probe had Sri Lankan spectators heckled the son and 54th of his career. Vanek got a goal late. shots. — Reuters national team as it lost the final Twenty20 match while social media sites showed footage of player Tillakaratne Dilshan Australia’s Big Bash hits the heights engaging in an angry exchange with a spectator who asked him to retire. SYDNEY: Australia’s Twenty20 Big Bash League has stand the Big Bash is complementing and living in a Sydney Morning Herald reported on Monday that “As players, we don’t play to lose and finally hit the big time, with enormous crowds, symbiotic relationship with international cricket,” he the Big Bash had burst into the top 10 most attend- you get hurt when spectators say things quality cricket and a dash of controversy putting it said. Federation of International Cricketers’ ed sports leagues in the world alongside the NFL, like this,” Mathews said. “Fans are also hurt firmly in the public eye-in what could be a threat to Associations chief Tony Irish is less sure, fearing Test English Premier League and fellow T20 tourna- when we lose and you have to look at it the traditional Test format. Midway through the cricket could slowly die unless action is taken as ment, the Indian Premier League. To keep Test from both ways.” fifth season of the five-week domestic tournament, more stars opt for the lucrative, shorter format. cricket relevant and interesting in the face of T20’s Sri Lanka went to New Zealand as interest has never been greater, with a whopping Already several high-profile players have pre- rise, a host of former greats, led by Shane Warne defending champions of the shortest form 80,883 people packing the Melbourne Cricket ferred turning out in domestic T20 competitions- and Greg Chappell, have advocated four-day Tests of the game, but slipped to third position Ground for a recent clash between the Renegades where commercial interests, and hence wages, are and abolition of the coin toss. this month behind the West Indies and and the Stars. A Sydney derby this weekend rapidly growing-rather than for their country. “I would make it four-day Test cricket, 100 overs Australia after a resounding defeat in the between the Thunder and the Sixers is also expect- The once-formidable West Indies are one of the a day,” said Warne recently. Twenty20 matches. ed to be a heaving 42,000 sell-out. biggest losers with Chris Gayle, Dwayne Bravo and “I’d have two half-hour breaks rather than a 40- Sri Lanka also lost the Tests 0-2 and the This contrasts sharply with waning interest in Darren Sammy all showing off their talents in the minute lunch break and a 20-minute tea break, one-day series 1-3 to the hosts. The sports Test cricket, as seen in Australia’s recent series eight-team Big Bash League rather than the Test (and) I’d extend it by about half an hour to get minister said Sri Lanka would also focus on against the West Indies. Even the flagship first day series against Australia. “ICC events are strong those 100 overs in. I think that’s going to be more finding a long-term coach after Marvan of the Boxing Day Test, also at the cavernous because they have context... but bilateral cricket is appealing for people and it’s worth a try.” Atapattu quit weeks before his contract Melbourne Cricket Ground, could only attract some struggling,” Irish told London’s Daily Telegraph this Former Australian captain Mark Taylor has also COLOMBO: Sri Lanka’s cricket captain was due to expire in September last year. 53,000. “When you get 80,000 at the Big Bash at the week. “Players are starting to turn away from the suggested a Test Championship, where three Angelo Mathews gestures as he addresses Sri Lanka appointed Jayaratne as interim MCG and it’s more than you’ve had on day one at game because they have an alternative market points were awarded for a win and one point for a a press conference in Colombo yesterday. coach, initially for the home series against the Boxing Day Test, you can see people saying, now.” He cited the Big Bash League as an example draw, similar to football. Sri Lanka skipper Mathews promised “no the West Indies and then for the New well, which way is this going? Are the scales tip- of the changing trend. “Where are the crowds Powerbrokers, in Australia at least, recognise mercy” for any team mates found guilty of Zealand tour. ping?” Cricket Australia boss James Sutherland told going? Where is the interest? Where do the players the need to liven up Test cricket and successfully misconduct during a disastrous tour of Jayaratne, 49, had been head of coach- reporters. According to Sutherland, it will be a dif- really want to play?” hosted the first ever day-night Test, using a new New Zealand after the sports minister ing at Sri Lanka Cricket but his elevation to ferent scenario when stronger Test teams are in pink ball, in Adelaide in November in an experi- raised allegations of drunken behaviour oversee the national team was seen as a town. “In two years’ time when the next Ashes series BIG-HITTING STARS ment which could give a new lease of life to the ail- and squabbling. — AFP stop-gap arrangement. —AFP (against England) comes around, people will under- Illustrating its burgeoning pulling power, the ing five-day game. —AFP THURSDAY, JANUARY 14, 2016 SPORTS Neymar ordered to appear in court over Barcelona transfer

MADRID: Neymar will appear before a Oliveira and Odilio Rodriguez Filho, also FIFA recently said it was also analyzing a judge to testify in an investigation into have been asked to appear in court, as well complaint related to the transfer. Santos alleged irregularities involving his transfer as club representatives of both Barcelona claimed that Neymar and his father broke to Barcelona, Spain’s national court said and Santos. The complaint, made in June the terms of the player’s contract by start- yesterday. by investment group DIS, names Neymar, ing negotiations with Barcelona without Neymar’s parents, former Barcelona his father and Barcelona as defendants, the Brazilian club’s consent. president Sandro Rosell and current presi- along with Rosell and Bartomeu. The 23-year-old Neymar has also dent Josep Bartomeu also will have to The court analyzed the complaint and encountered problems with Brazil’s tax appear before a judge, according to court said there were indications of illegal acts by office, which last year froze assets related to documents. The Brazil striker is set to testify some of the involved parties in an attempt the player valued at about 189 million on Feb. 2, while Rosell and Bartomeu are to disguise the total amount that was paid Brazilian reals ($47 million) because of alle- expected to be in court on Feb. 1. to the Brazilian club. The Brazilian invest- gations of tax evasion. The national court last year rejected the ment group was entitled to 40 percent of Neymar’s case isn’t the only legal prob- request by Neymar and other defendants Neymar’s transfer from Santos, but it claims lem affecting Barcelona in Spain. Lionel to throw out a probe into the irregularities. it received smaller compensation than it Messi and his father will stand trial on three The court is looking into a complaint made should have because part of the transfer counts of tax fraud and could be sentenced by a Brazilian investment group which fee was concealed. to nearly two years in prison if found guilty. claims it was financially harmed when Neymar A date for the trial is expected to be Barcelona and Neymar allegedly withheld LAWSUIT announced in the next few days. Last year, the real amount of the player’s transfer fee Santos officially received a payment of Barcelona defender Javier Mascherano from Brazilian club Santos in 2013, in part 17.1 million euros ($18.5 million) for nearly 83.3 million euros ($90 million) to Rosell because of Neymar’s transfer fee. admitted to a court that he failed to pay to avoid paying the full amount of taxes. Neymar’s transfer, but investigations in acquire the Brazilian. A separate court in Rosell resigned from Barcelona because of nearly 1.5 million euros ($1.6 million) in tax- Santos’ former presidents, Luis Alvaro de Spain later showed that Barcelona spent Madrid is hearing a similar lawsuit against the allegations. es owed for 2011 and 2012. — AP Roma fires Garcia

ROME: Roma fired coach Rudi Garcia yester- Napoli.Spalletti, who coached Roma from day after only one win in its last 10 matches 2005-09, reportedly flew to Miami to meet in all competitions, with the club’s American with Pallotta to go over contract details. president saying “this is the right time for a Media reports suggested Roma would hire change.” Spalletti to an 18-month contract at 3 million While no immediate replacement was euros ($3.2 million) per season. announced, Luciano Spalletti was widely Roma said that youth club coach Alberto expected to be hired for his second stint in De Rossi would run yesterday’s training ses- charge of the Serie A club. “I’d like to thank sion. Garcia was hired in 2013 and Roma fin- Rudi Garcia for all of his hard work since join- ished runner-up in his first two seasons. A Frenchman who had previously coached Lille, Garcia quickly endeared himself to Roma fans by guiding the club to 10 straight wins to open the 2013-14 season.

UNIMPRESSIVE But troubles began this season following Roma’s derby win over Lazio in November, and the squad never really recovered from the 6-1 thrashing at Barcelona in the Champions League later that month. Roma managed to advance from the group stage of the Champions League following an unimpres- sive 0-0 draw with BATE Borisov and will next face Real Madrid in the round of 16. The rout by Barcelona highlighted Roma’s weak defense. The squad has conceded 22 goals in 19 Serie A matches - easily the worst among the top clubs. Garcia’s last match was a 1-1 draw at home with AC Milan on Saturday. Three days earlier, Roma wasted a two-goal lead in a 3-3 draw at Chievo Verona. And before the holiday break, Roma was elim- inated from the Italian Cup by second-divi- sion club Spezia.Spalletti could become the fifth manager for Roma’s American owners. Rudi Garcia The first man the Americans hired was Luis Enrique, who guided Barcelona to the ing the club,” said Roma president Jim Champions League title last season. Pallotta, part of a group of Boston executives The 56-year-old Spalletti won two Italian who purchased the three-time Italian champi- Cups and an Italian Super Cup with Roma. ST JAMES PARK: Newcastle United’s Aleksandar Mitrovic, left, scores his goal from a penalty kick during the English Premier League soccer ons in 2011 to become the first foreign-major- He then spent five years with Zenit St. match between Newcastle United and Manchester United at St James’ Park, Newcastle, England, Tuesday. — AP ity owners in Serie A. Petersburg before being fired in March 2014. “We’ve all enjoyed some great moments Spalletti also guided Roma to three straight during his time at Roma but we believe that runner-up finishes in Serie A. Then, after a this is the right time for a change.” After sixth-place finish in 2008-09, he resigned Dummett stuns United in beginning the season as an expected title after Roma lost the opening two matches contender, Roma is down to fifth place in the the following season. Roma next faces last- Italian league, seven points behind leader place Hellas Verona on Sunday. — AP St James’ Park thriller

tory over Sheffield United and he was on the A Daley Blind corner found Fellaini, whose mark from the spot again in the ninth minute at shot was blocked by Dummett, and Rooney Newcastle 3 St James’ Park. Referee Mike Dean judged that rolled a shot inches wide after a good Fellaini Chancel Mbemba had deliberately handled after challenge allowed Lingard to send his captain Marouane Fellaini headed the ball against his free. But Newcastle had appeared capable of outstretched arm. Rooney ignored the protests forging a path back into the contest well Man Utd 3 of the home team and supporters to calmly before the Wijnaldum goal, with De Gea saving score for the third consecutive game, low into well from the Dutchman and Coloccini show- the right-hand corner. ing great technique with a 25-yard shot that NEWCASTLE: Left-back Paul Dummett eclipsed There was nothing controversial about just missed the target. two-goal Wayne Rooney with a last-minute United’s second goal in the 38th minute, a text- The timing of Wijnaldum’s goal saw equaliser as Newcastle United secured a pulsat- book example of counter-attacking football Newcastle carry new-found belief into the sec- ing 3-3 home draw against Louis van Gaal’s started when Fellaini won the ball just inside his ond half and it was not long before Coloccini Manchester United on Tuesday. own half. He found Rooney, who powered into found Moussa Sissoko, who darted into the Rooney appeared to have settled the game the Newcastle area before feeding Lingard with area and beat Ashley Young impressively, only with a magnificent 79th-minute strike from the a magnificent reverse pass, allowing the young- to see his shot blocked by the ever-alert De edge of the area after Memphis Depay’s run and ster to steer his second goal for United between Gea. Within minutes, however, Lingard should shot ended with the ball ricocheting off goalkeeper Rob Elliot’s legs. have scored his second goal of the evening after Dummett into the path of the forward. Anthony Martial and Ander Herrera combined. But the Newcastle full-back had the last word VAN GAAL DISGUST But with the goal at his mercy, the youngster after Daryl Janmaat’s cross into the United area But Newcastle had already shown flashes of curled over. Van Gaal could not conceal his dis- BOURNEMOUTH: West Ham United’s Enner Valencia celebrates scoring his side’s sec- was headed out by Chris Smalling, allowing attacking prowess that suggested they were gust at that error and might have been further ond goal against AFC Bournemouth during their English Premier League soccer Dummett to unleash an unstoppable drive from capable of avoiding a fifth consecutive defeat on incensed after 63 minutes when Wijnaldum match at the Vitality Stadium, Bournemouth, England, Tuesday. — AP the edge of the area that flicked off Smalling and an evening that began with an emotional tribute played Jack Colback into a shooting position, flew high into the visitors’ goal. to their former goalkeeper Pavel Srnicek, who only for the midfielder to tumble far too easily Rooney and Jesse Lingard had apparently put died recently of a heart attack. under contact from Fellaini. Valencia and Payet the visitors in control before Georginio Their first goal was just as impressive as That proved a signal of things to come, Wijnaldum ended Newcastle’s run of 453 min- United’s second effort four minutes earlier as with Mitrovic equalising from the spot two send West Ham fifth utes without a goal to reduce the arrears. Fabricio Coloccini’s chip into the area was head- minutes later and Wijnaldum having a goal Aleksandar Mitrovic equalised with a 67th- ed away by Fellaini, only for Wijnaldum to vol- ruled out for a clear offside soon after that. minute penalty, awarded after Smalling wrestled ley past David de Gea from 12 yards. Given the But as chances were carved out at both ends, Carroll went into the game looking to score him to the ground at a Newcastle corner. scoring problems experienced by both teams Fellaini wasted the best remaining opening in a third consecutive league game for the Rooney had proved United’s saviour with a of late, it was an unexpected opening, and with a close-range header that he directed Bournemouth 1 first time in his career, but he was to last last-minute penalty in the weekend FA Cup vic- there was more to come. too close to Elliot. — AFP just 12 minutes. The one-time England striker pulled up after putting a cross into the box from the West Ham 3 West Ham right and was forced off, with Villa beat Palace to Nikica Jelavic replacing him. It was an untimely setback for the visitors and there BOURNEMOUTH: Enner Valencia scored was more bad news to come five minutes twice as West Ham United came from later when Arter put Bournemouth in front. snap 19-game winless run behind to win 3-1 at Bournemouth on The Republic of Ireland international col- Tuesday and climb to fifth place in the lected the ball on the edge of the box, shift- Premier League table. Bournemouth gave a ed it onto his right foot and dispatched a games, and looked in need of the striker their to win the next game and give a better per- full debut to £10 million ($14.5 million, 13.3 low shot that deceived West Ham goalkeep- Aston Villa 1 manager Alan Pardew is aiming to sign in the formance.” Palace started the match in lively million euros) record signing Benik Afobe er Adrian. transfer window. and confident fashion and Wilfried Zaha hit and took a 17th-minute lead through mid- It was Bournemouth’s turn to lose a play- Lescott’s goal came from a 58th minute the post inside the first minute, his crisp shot fielder Harry Arter. er early in the second half, with an injury to corner when Palace goalkeeper Wayne coming back off the woodwork with Villa West Ham lost Andy Carroll to injury in Matt Ritchie enabling loan signing Juan Crystal Palace 0 Hennessey dropped his routine header, and keeper Mark Bunn so bamboozled by the the early stages, but they equalised in the Iturbe to come on for his debut. watched in horror as it first hit his leg before winger’s effort he was sat on the ground. 67th minute courtesy of a memorable free- Although Dan Gosling warmed Adrian’s bobbling between his legs and across the But Villa grew in confidence and in the first kick from fit-again French playmaker Dimitri palms from range, there was more caution BIRMINGHAM: Aston Villa beat Crystal Palace goal-line. half Jordan Ayew, full of pace and ambition, Payet. Payet teed up Valencia for West Ham’s to Bournemouth’s play early in the second 1-0 to end a nightmare 19-game winless Villa proceeded to defend from deep with shot narrowly wide while Jordan Veretout second goal in the 74th minute and half and in the 67th minute West Ham lev- 20 minutes to go, eventually parking the bus forced a handy save by Hennessey too. elled. West Ham badly missed Payet during streak in the English Premier League on Valencia added a free-kick of his own six and simply playing for time. It was also French Villa’s dire form had sent statisticians scan- minutes from time as Slaven Bilic’s side his two-month absence with an ankle injury Tuesday with defender Joleon Lescott the coach Remi Garde’s first win in 11 games in ning the record books but the Midlanders are leapfrogged Manchester United. and he served a reminder of his importance hero of the hour. The east London club equalled a Premier to them by whipping a picture-perfect free- With empty claret and blue seats visible all the Villa hot-seat since replacing the sacked unlikely to be rewriting history for the wrong League record of eight games unbeaten kick over the wall and into the top-left cor- around Villa Park, rock bottom Villa went into Tim Sherwood. reasons now. Derby County went an astonish- and moved to within a point of the ner. Payet then produced dazzling skills their 21st game of the season on just eight Villa captain Micah Richards confronted ing 32 matches without a win in the Champions League places. before crossing for Valencia to sweep home points having won only once all season, on angry fans after their last game, a 1-1 draw at 2007/2008 season when they picked up a pal- Eddie Howe’s Bournemouth, who are from six yards and the Ecuador international the opening weekend against Bournemouth. fourth-tier minnows Wycombe Wanderers. try 11 points. Villa are now eight points from without a win in four league games, remain completed the scoring with a free-kick that But South Londoners Palace had failed to Garde also spoke to fans and after the safety and four behind second-from-bottom 16th, three points above the bottom three. beat Artur Boruc at his near post. — AFP score a goal in their last three Premier League game said: “The best apology we could give is Sunderland. — AFP Halep overcomes Neymar ordered Pliskova to reach to appear in court Sydney semis over Barcelona transfer THURSDAY, JANUARY 14, 201617 19 WADA concerned by new findings in Russian doping Page 15

ZURICH: FC Barcelona and Argentina’s forward Lionel Messi poses with his five ballon d’Or on Tuesday in Barcelona, one day after receiving his fifth trophy, the 2015 FIFA Ballon d’Or award for player of the year at the 2015 FIFA Ballon d’Or award ceremony at the Kongresshaus in Zurich. —AFP Cavs win 8th in row, 110-107 over Mavs

DALLAS: LeBron James had 27 points and the go-ahead layup in over- time, Kyrie Irving added 22 points and some big 3-pointers and the Cleveland Cavaliers extended their winning streak to eight games with a 110-107 victory over the Dallas Mavericks on Tuesday night. James’ NFL approves Rams move to layup with a minute left in overtime pushed the Cavs ahead 106-105. After an attempted 3 by Deron Williams rattled out for Dallas, Irving LA, Chargers option to join beat the shot clock with a 3-pointer from the top of the key. Cleveland never led until Irving made a 3-pointer with 10 minutes left in regula- HOUSTON: The Rams are moving back to Los need is a great facility,” NFL Commissioner Roger tion to make it 75-74. That was the first of nine lead changes over a span Angeles, maybe with company. The San Diego Goodell said at a news conference about 11 of less than 4 minutes that Irving capped with another 3 to put the Cavs Chargers and Oakland Raiders might end up hours after the meetings began. “I think what up 85-83. Chandler Parsons led Dallas with 25 points on 10-of-14 shoot- staying put, although the leadership of both happened over the last years is we had two out- ing. NFL teams didn’t come close to making that standing opportunities, both of these stadium commitment on Tuesday. Or one of them could projects were outstanding.” SPURS 109, PISTONS 99 be headed to L.A., too. Chargers chairman Dean Spanos was asked if Tony Parker scored 31 points, LaMarcus Aldridge added 22 points A long day of votes and re-votes ended with he intended to play in Los Angeles in 2016. “I’m and 13 rebounds, and San Antonio beat Detroit for its ninth straight vic- 30 of 32 NFL owners approving Rams owner going to take a day off tomorrow I think,” tory. Detroit had its three-game winning streak broken. Manu Ginobili Stan Kroenke’s ambitious plan to move his team Spanos said. “This has really been excruciating added 15 points while Tim Duncan had 14 points and nine rebounds for from St. Louis to the site of the old Hollywood for everyone. It’s very difficult to say right now the Spurs, who return to San Antonio trying to extend their 31-game Park racetrack in Inglewood, California, about 10 I’m going to do this or do that.” home winning streak Thursday against Cleveland. Kentavious Caldwell- miles from downtown LA. The Chargers have a Oakland is still in debt from a renovation 20 Pope led the Pistons with 25 points, while Andre Drummond added 17 yearlong option to join the Rams, followed by years ago when the Raiders moved back from points and 10 rebounds. the Raiders if the San Diego franchise declines. Los Angeles. City officials have said they won’t The Raiders and Chargers had a competing seek help from taxpayers with a new stadium KNICKS 120, CELTICS 114 proposal to share a new stadium in nearby and asked the NFL for more time to develop a Kristaps Porzingis scored 26 points, Arron Afflalo had 20 of his 24 in the second half, and New York beat Boston. Jerian Grant scored 10 of his Carson, but neither option got the 24 votes project in a response to the Raiders’ relocation 16 points in the fourth quarter and added eight assists in the best game needed for approval. After another negotiating plan. The NFL agreed. of his rookie season as the Knicks held off the Celtics despite losing lead- session on Tuesday afternoon, Kroenke’s $1.8 “We’ll see where the Raider nation ends up ing scorer Carmelo Anthony to a sprained right ankle seconds into the billion project prevailed. The decision ends the here,” said owner Mark Davis. “We’ll be working third quarter. Isaiah Thomas had 34 points for the Celtics, who lost their NFL’s 21-year absence from the nation’s second- really hard to find us a home. So for our fans fourth straight and fell to 19-19. Jae Crowder had 21. largest media market. and everything else, don’t feel bad. We’ll get it “I often said over those 21 years what we right.” — AP ROCKETS 107, GRIZZLIES 91 James Harden scored 25 points, Dwight Howard added 17 points and 14 rebounds and Houston beat Memphis. Terrence Jones finished DALLAS: Dallas Mavericks forward Chandler Parsons (25) with 20 points for Houston, 10 in the fourth quarter when the Rockets drives against Cleveland Cavaliers forward LeBron James pulled away to win their fourth straight after the game was tied at 83. during the second half of an NBA basketball game Tuesday, FIFA fires Valcke Marc Gasol led Memphis with 20 points, while Tony Allen added 17. in Dallas. The Cavaliers won 110-107 in overtime. — AP Courtney Lee finished with 16 and Mario Chalmers, Zach Randolph and last 12. Andrew Wiggins scored 20 points for Minnesota, which is 5-17 at GENEVA: FIFA yesterday said it had fired Sepp client “remains confident that he will be fully vin- Vince Carter all scored 10. The Rockets connected on 18 of 35 from out- home. Blatter’s former right-hand man, Jerome Valcke, dicated and history will recognise all of his contri- side the arc compared to only 7 of 18 for Memphis. the latest casualty in a multi-layered scandal that butions to the sport he loves.” PACERS 116, SUNS 117 has brought down the most powerful figures in He “is proud of all that was accomplished for BUCKS 106, BULLS 101 Paul George had 21 points and seven rebounds, and Indiana pulled world football. the game of football during his long tenure as Giannis Antetokounmpo had 29 points and 10 rebounds, and away in the fourth quarter to beat Phoenix. Indiana outscored Phoenix Valcke was FIFA’s secretary gen- Secretary General,” Berke added in an Milwaukee used a late rally to slip past Chicago. Greg Monroe added 17 36-21 in the final period, with George scoring nine points. Monta Ellis eral for nearly a decade, working email sent to AFP. FIFA said that points and 12 rebounds for Milwaukee. Jimmy Butler scored 30 points had all of his 14 points in the second half. George Hill added 20 points alongside the body’s then presi- Markus Kattner will continue to serve and Nikola Mirotic and Tony Snell added 17 apiece for Chicago, which and five assists for the Pacers. CJ Miles scored 19 points off the bench dent Blatter, who has been as acting secretary general, the used a 25-9 run late in the third quarter and early into the fourth to and went 4 of 6 from behind the arc. Center Ian Mahinmi added 10 banned for eight years over an body’s number two post. seemingly gain control of the game. The Bulls, who have lost three points and five rebounds. Devin Booker and Mirza Teletovic both fin- ethics violation. FIFA first suspended Valcke on straight, have scored 100 or more points for 12 consecutive games. But ished with 19 points for Phoenix, playing the second of a three-game Valcke, 55, was himself facing a September 17, when ethics commit- Chicago has allowed at least 100 points in eight of those games. road trip. Markieff Morris added 16. possible nine-year ban sought by tee investigators began probing the FIFA investigators over his alleged ticketing scheme. The suspension THUNDER 101, TIMBERWOLVES 96 LAKERS 95, PELICANS 91 role in a scheme to sell 2014 World was renewed on January 6. Kevin Durant shrugged off a slow start to finish with 30 points in Lou Williams scored nine of his 19 points in the fourth quarter, and Cup tickets on the black market. Investigators wrapped up that inquiry Oklahoma City’s victory over Minnesota. Durant scored 12 straight for Los Angeles rallied late to end its four-game losing streak. After Julius In a statement, FIFA said his last week and called for a fine of the Thunder in the final three minutes and also had seven rebounds. Jerome Valcke Randle hit the go-ahead shot with 43 seconds left, Williams added a employment contract had been 100,000 Swiss francs ($99,000/92,000), Russell Westbrook added 22 points, 11 assists and seven rebounds to clutch running jumper with 18 seconds to play. Los Angeles hung on to “terminated”, even before a verdict in the ticket along with the lengthy ban. Valcke has also been help the Thunder hold off a late charge from the struggling Wolves, one win the meeting of the Western Conference’s worst teams, surviving a case was decided. “The FIFA emergency commit- linked to a $10 million payment made by South game after giving up a big lead to the Portland Trail Blazers. The back-and-forth fourth quarter for just its ninth win of the season. Kobe tee decided, on 9 January 2016, to dismiss Jerome Africa to corruption-tainted former Caribbean foot- Thunder made 9 of 22 3-pointers to cruise to their seventh win in nine Bryant scored seven points in 16 minutes before leaving for good short- Valcke from the position of FIFA secretary general ball chief Jack Warner. US investigators reportedly games. Zach LaVine broke out of a miserable slump with 21 points, nine ly before halftime due to a sore Achilles tendon. Tyreke Evans scored 21 with immediate effect,” the statement said. believe this was a bribe to secure votes for the 2010 rebounds and four assists. Shabazz Muhammad scored 20 points for points for the Pelicans, who lost their fourth straight. New Orleans strug- Valcke’s US-based lawyer Barry Berke said his World Cup. — AFP the Timberwolves, who have lost seven straight games and 11 of their gled late without Anthony Davis, who sat out with a bruised back. —AP Egypt tumbles 4% as foreign traders exit

Page 22 Business UK charges Euribor 6 with six-year rate-rigging plot THURSDAY, JANUARY 14, 2016 Page 25 China exports down; China’s trade surprise brings relief better than forecast Page 24 Page 23

LAHORE: A Pakistani farmer drives a tractor trolley loaded with radishes on the way to the vegetable market in Lahore yesterday. — AFP Can car crashes become thing of past? Automakers imagine a crash-free world

DETROIT: Automakers are imagining a world where nobody ers is ensuring that they assist rather than irritate, Trainor “As we release more vehicles I think you’ll anticipate a lot Toyota recently introduced a new suite of features called dies in car accidents and they say it is closer than most peo- said. “If it false brakes too often, people get frustrated and of migration across the lineup,” Ford spokesman John Safety Sense which will be offered on nearly all models by ple think. While they maintain that the real solution to a they turn the system off,” he said. “We need to calibrate the Cangany said. GM unveiled a new rear-door monitor in its 2017. When first introduced on Lexus vehicles it cost an crash-free world lies in self-driving cars, a host of high-tech system so it gives the driver every last possible moment to GMC Acadia crossover Tuesday that reminds drivers to check additional $6,000. Toyota has now managed to bring the safety features are making drivers safer and better-in the take action.” In addition to accident avoidance, Volvo is the back seat for children before leaving the car. The safety price down to $300 to $630, spokesman Mike Kroll said. meantime. “The long term vision is that cars shouldn’t crash,” developing systems that reduce injuries when crashes are feature will eventually be included in all of its models. “Too Volvo spokesman Jim Trainor said Tuesday on the sidelines inescapable. Among these is a rear impact mitigation sys- many children are accidentally left behind in vehicles,” Mark Scandals hit confidence on the Detroit auto show. tem which senses if a car is approaching too quickly and Reuss, head of product development at GM, said while intro- Despite the science fiction-like advancements in safety Volvo-which has built its reputation on safety leadership- preconditions the interior for impact by tightening seatbelts ducing the feature. GM is the first automaker to use the alert technology, a slew of scandals has undermined trust in the has set a goal that by 2020 nobody will be killed or seriously and engaging brakes. system and is working on technology that can detect if a reliability of vehicles. Monday saw the first civil trial over a injured in its new cars. The past decade has seen dramatic child is left behind. deadly ignition switch defect which General Motors hid from development by various automakers in the field of collision- Safety for the masses About 30 to 40 children die every year in the United safety regulators for more than a decade and is linked to at avoidance technology. Blind-spot detectors now watch for Initially reserved for high-end luxury vehicles, the cost of States from heat stroke after being left in a hot vehicle, most least 124 deaths. Automakers are still working to replace oncoming vehicles, adaptive cruise controls reduce speed safety technology is falling and finding its way into lower- because their distracted parents simply forgot they were still potentially explosive airbags by Japanese supplier Takata in based on cars ahead, and camera systems warn drivers priced automobiles. The new Ford Fusion, which the in their car seats. “Obviously we want to protect our cus- 19 million vehicles in the United States. And Fiat Chrysler when they drift out of their lanes. Detectors can even pick automaker introduced at the Detroit auto show Monday, tomers,” Rich Latek, who heads marketing for GMC said. and Toyota have each become embroiled in scandal-and up on a drowsy driver’s subtle changes in behavior to indi- contains 20 driver-assistance technologies including a “We’re really looking at a goal to end up with zero collisions handed millions upon millions of dollars in fines-over cate it’s time for a break. pedestrian-detection system and a steering wheel that and zero fatalities. It’s a lofty goal but it’s something that’s improperly handling or even covering up defects in millions The key to making new safety features desirable to driv- vibrates if a driver begins drifting from the lane. possible with the technology that’s out there.” Meanwhile of vehicles. — AFP

Greece exits deflation Modi woos rural India with ATHENS: Greece emerged from 33 months of deflation in December, finally seeing some price rises after a bruis- new crop insurance scheme ing period of economic decline and political upheaval. NEW DELHI: India’s cabinet has cleared ture, home and parliamentary affairs. Inflation calculated to European Union norms rose 0.4 the launch of the country’s first major “I believe the prime minister’s crop percent in December, topping forecasts, data from the crop damage insurance scheme from the insurance scheme, inspired by the well- country’s statistics service showed yesterday. But the next fiscal year, a move that would fur- being of farmers, will bring about a headline consumer price index using Greece’s local ther strain government finances but help huge change in the lives of farmers.” methodology fell 0.2 percent year-on-year in December, Prime Minister Narendra Modi to woo Several debt-laden farmers committed although the annual pace of deflation decelerating from rural voters ahead of key elections. Stung suicide last year, and agriculture minis- the previous month. For years an inflation outlier in the by criticism of ignoring the concerns of ter Radha Mohan Singh has said that euro zone, Greece has been in deflation mode for the rural India where over two-thirds of the delays in clearing payouts for crop loss- last two-and-a-half years as wage and pension cuts in return for bailout aid and a protracted recession took a country’s 1.25 billion people live, the gov- es were the “biggest reason for destroy- heavy toll on Greek households’ income. ernment yesterday fielded as many as ing farm families”. Deflation in Greece, which signed up to its first three cabinet ministers to underline the The government would now ensure international bailout in 2010, hit its highest level in importance of the scheme whose budget faster settlements by increasing the use of November 2013, when consumer prices registered a will more than double in three years. technology, including smartphones to cap- 2.9 percent year-on-year decline. Foods, non-alcoholic Modi is trying to placate rural voters ture crop data. It would also reduce premi- beverages, healthcare, transportation, hotel and after the impact of unseasonal rains and ums to be paid by farmers to 2 percent for restaurant prices drove the EU-harmonized inflation two straight years of drought on agricul- summer-sown crops and 1.5 percent for index higher in December, the data showed. ture dented his popularity and con- winter crops. The current premium share Economists polled by Reuters had forecast an annual tributed to a humiliating loss for the rul- for farmers can go as high as 40 percent, rate of 0.2 percent for December. “EU-harmonized infla- ing Bharatiya Janata Party in elections which is one of the main reasons that only tion is expected to remain in slightly positive territory late last year in the largely rural state of about a tenth of India’s estimated 263 mil- over the first half of this year, though base effects from Bihar. Further elections are due in the lion cultivators opt for crop insurance. New the VAT (value added tax) hikes will start to abate from states of West Bengal, Kerala, Tamil Nadu Delhi will more than double the budget for July onwards,” said Eurobank economist Platon and Assam this year. “It is a historic day,” the crop insurance scheme to 77.50 billion Monokroussos. — Reuters NEW DELHI: An Indian cycle rickshaw puller wipes his face as he stands on a busy Modi tweeted after the scheme was rupees ($1.16 billion) in the fiscal year road in New Delhi, India yesterday. — AP announced by the ministers of agricul- beginning April 2018. — Reuters THURSDAY, JANUARY 14, 2016 BUSINESS Egypt tumbles 4% as foreign traders exit

DUBAI: Egypt’s index made its largest low. Lenders Qatar Islamic Bank and decline in two months to slump to a 25- Masraf Al Rayan each lost more than 3 month low yesterday as foreign funds MIDEAST STOCK MARKETS percent. “There is little fresh money sold stocks, while most Middle East entering the markets and what is creat- bourses also fell after giving back early- showed. Saudi Arabia’s bourse fell 0.5 which are considered speculative ing the unsustainable bounces are the session gains. Cairo’s benchmark percent to its lowest finish since stocks - such as Al Sagr Cooperative and day traders chasing a quick profit,” said dropped 4.0 percent to 6,205 points October 2011. Half-way through the Solidarity Saudi Takaful each tumbled an Abu Dhabi based analyst. Dubai’s with all 29 traded stocks down more session, the mood also turned negative more than 10 percent. “Traders were index managed to close near-flat after it than 1 percent. The index is down 11.4 as small and mid-cap stocks were cashing out of illiquid stocks because briefly dipped into negative territory. percent this year and its close was its aggressively sold. they aren’t offering investors attractive Losers outnumbered gainers 15 to 13, lowest since late 2013. The bourse had Petrochemical stocks were mixed, valuations, even after the recent sharp but banks helped steady the bourse. risen initially, but then plunged sud- with sector heavyweight Saudi Basic price corrections,” said a Riyadh-based Emirates NBD jumped 1.5 percent in denly. Industries (SABIC) up 1.5 percent. Saudi portfolio manager. unusually high volumes and Dubai “The mid-session sell-off was largely Kayan jumped 4.1 percent as investors Islamic Bank climbed 0.2 percent. unexpected and caught us off guard,” welcomed a lower-than-expected UAE, Qatar National Bank of Oman tumbled 5.4 said a Cairo-based stock trader. “The impact on its production costs from Bourses in the United Arab Emirates percent. The lender on Tuesday posted sharp price correction could have been changes to energy and feedstock and Qatar also failed to hold onto early a 29 percent rise in fourth-quarter net caused by foreign funds which are exit- prices. Small and mid-cap stocks nose gains, indicating little investor confi- profit. Muscat’s index fell 1.7 percent, its ing their positions.” Foreigners were net dived to ultimately drag down the dence in a sustained rebound. Doha’s largest decline since August 2015. — sellers for a fourth day, bourse data bourse. Some insurance companies - exchange fell 0.8 percent to a 28-month Reuters

Ford conducts first autonomous vehicle tests in the snow-covered environments

DUBAI: Ford is conducting the industry’s first itself - from the surrounding environment, sensing autonomous driving software,” said McBride. “We autonomous vehicle tests in snow-covered environ- nearby objects and using cues to determine the eventually want our autonomous vehicles to detect ments - a major step in the company’s plan to bring best driving path. But on snow-covered roads or in deteriorating conditions, decide whether it’s safe to fully autonomous vehicles to millions of customers high-density traffic, LiDAR and other sensors such as keep driving, and if so, for how long.” worldwide. Unlike other major automakers and cameras can’t see the road. This is also the case technology companies, which have tested when the sensor lens is covered by snow, grime or A pioneer in autonomy autonomous vehicle technology only in dry, mostly debris. Undaunted by this challenge, Ford and Winter driving still presents a host of challenges, sunny climates, Ford knows the future of University of Michigan technologists began collabo- but Ford’s testing marks an important achievement autonomous driving cannot rely on ideal conditions. rating toward a solution that would allow an on the road to autonomous driving. That road goes “It’s one thing for a car to drive itself in perfect autonomous vehicle to see on a snow-covered road. back roughly a decade, to the first-generation weather,” said Jim McBride, Ford technical leader for autonomous vehicle from Ford - a LiDAR-equipped autonomous vehicles. “It’s quite another to do so How snow autonomy works F-250 Super Duty. In 2013, Ford launched its sec- when the car’s sensors can’t see the road because To navigate snowy roads, Ford autonomous vehi- ond-generation autonomous vehicle platform, a it’s covered in snow. Weather isn’t perfect, and that’s cles are equipped with high-resolution 3D maps - Fusion Hybrid sedan using more advanced LiDAR why we’re testing autonomous vehicles in wintry complete with information about the road and sensors. This past summer, Ford transitioned its fully conditions - for the roughly 70 percent of US resi- what’s above it, including road markings, signs, autonomous vehicle development program from dents who live in snowy regions.” Ford’s winter geography, landmarks and topography. “Maps the research to advanced engineering phase, the weather testing takes place in Michigan, including developed by other companies don’t always work in second of three phases before entering production. at Mcity - a 32-acre, full-scale simulated real-world snow-covered landscapes,” said Ryan Eustice, associ- Earlier this month, Ford announced it is taking urban environment at the University of Michigan. ate professor at University of Michigan college of the next step - tripling its fully autonomous devel- Fully autonomous driving can’t rely on GPS, engineering. “The maps we created with Ford con- opment fleet to 30 vehicles being tested on roads which is accurate only to several yards - not enough tain useful information about the 3D environment and test tracks in California, Arizona and Michigan. to localize or identify the position of the vehicle. around the car, allowing the vehicle to localize even This makes the company’s fully autonomous vehi- And it’s key that an autonomous vehicle knows its with a blanket of snow covering the ground.” cle fleet the largest of all automakers. These third- precise location, not just within a city or on a road, An autonomous vehicle creates the maps while generation autonomous vehicles continue to be but in its actual driving lane - a variation of a few driving the test environment in favorable weather, based on a Fusion Hybrid sedan now featuring the inches makes a big difference. LiDAR, on the other with technologies automatically annotating fea- first auto-specific LiDAR sensor capable of han- hand, is much more accurate than GPS - identifying tures like traffic signs, trees and buildings. When the dling different driving scenarios - thanks in part to the Fusion Hybrid’s lane location right down to the vehicle can’t see the ground, it detects above- its longer range of around 200 meters. Building on centimeter. LiDAR emits short pulses of laser light to ground landmarks to pinpoint itself on the map, more than a decade of Ford autonomous vehicle precisely allow the vehicle to create a real-time, and then subsequently uses the map to drive suc- research, this advancement is a key element of high-definition 3D image of what’s around it. cessfully in inclement conditions. “The vehicle’s Ford Smart Mobility - the plan to take Ford to the In ideal weather, LiDAR is the most efficient normal safety systems, like electronic stability con- next level in connectivity, mobility, autonomous means of gathering important information and trol and traction control, which often are used on vehicles, the customer experience, and data and metadata - underlying information about the data slippery winter roads, work in unison with the analytics.

EXCHANGE RATES

Al-Muzaini Exchange Co. GOLD Saudi Riyals 81.960 US Dollars Mint 0.300750 0.304750 20 Gram 226.690 Jordanian Dinar 429.370 10 Gram 116.040 Egyptian Pound 38.814 Asia ASIAN COUNTRIES 5 Gram 58.700 Sri Lankan Rupees 2.123 Bangladesh Taka 0.003523 0.004123 Japanese Yen 2.589 Indian Rupees 4.563 Chinese Yuan 0.044508 0.048008 Indian Rupees 4.560 Pakistani Rupees 2.902 Hong Kong Dollar 0.037141 0.039891 Pakistani Rupees 2.902 UAE Exchange Centre WLL Bangladesh Taka 3.877 Indian Rupee 0.004217 0.004607 Srilankan Rupees 2.121 Philippines Pesso 6.470 Indonesian Rupiah 0.000017 0.000023 Nepali Rupees 2.860 CURRENCIES TELEX TRANSFER PER 1000 Cyprus pound 580.550 Japanese Yen 0.002504 0.002684 Singapore Dollar 212.240 Australian Dollar 203.08 Japanese Yen 3.595 Kenyan Shilling 0.002965 0.002965 Hongkong Dollar 39.230 Canadian Dollar 218.17 Syrian Pound 2.380 Korean Won 0.000240 0.000255 Bangladesh Taka 3.877 Swiss Franc 310.48 Nepalese Rupees 3.850 Malaysian Ringgit 0.066046 0.072046 Philippine Peso 6.434 Euro 335.10 Malaysian Ringgit 69.735 Nepalese Rupee 0.002885 0.003055 Thai Baht 8.401 US Dollar 304.45 Chinese Yuan Renminbi 46.740 Pakistan Rupee 0.002639 0.002919 Sterling Pound 444.75 Thai Bhat 9.355 Philippine Peso 0.006374 0.006654 GCC COUNTRIES Japanese Yen 2.63 Turkish Lira 101.100 Sierra Leone 0.000070 0.000076 Saudi Riyal 81.203 Bangladesh Taka 3.881 Singapore Dollar 0.208000 0.214000 Qatari Riyal 83.647 Indian Rupee 4.560 Bahrain Exchange Company South African Rand 0.011967 0.020467 Omani Riyal 83.647 Sri Lankan Rupee 2.118 Sri Lankan Rupee 0.001766 0.002346 Bahraini Dinar 808.690 Nepali Rupee 2.850 Taiwan 0.008975 0.009155 Pakistani Rupee 2.901 UAE Dirham 82.907 CURRENCY BUY SELL Thai Baht 0.008079 0.008629 UAE Dirhams 0.08285 Europe Bahraini Dinar 0.8091 ARAB COUNTRIES British Pound 0.435173 0.444173 Arab Egyptian Pound - Cash 38.936 Egyptian Pound 0.03879 Czech Korune 0.004219 0.016219 Jordanian Dinar 0.4330 Bahraini Dinar 0.800404 0.808404 Egyptian Pound - Transfer 38.936 Danish Krone 0.040273 0.045273 Omani Riyal 0.7906 Egyptian Pound 0.035158 0.038284 Yemen Riyal/for 1000 790.930 Euro 0.325371 0.333371 Qatari Riyal 0.08394 Iranian Riyal 0.000084 0.000085 Tunisian Dinar 149.930 Norwegian Krone 0.029995 0.035195 Saudi Riyal 0.08115 Iraqi Dinar 0.000201 0.000261 Jordanian Dinar 1.421 Romanian Leu 0.072951 0.072951 Jordanian Dinar 0.425272 0.432772 Lebanese Lira/for 1000 0.000 Slovakia 0.009097 0.019097 Kuwaiti Dinar 1.000000 1.000000 Syrian Lira 429.050 Dollarco Exchange Co. Ltd Swedish Krona 0.031625 0.036625 Lebanese Pound 0.000151 0.000251 Morocco Dirham 31.151 Swiss Franc 0.297680 0.307880 Moroccan Dirhams 0.021552 0.045552 Rate for Transfer Selling Rate Turkish Lira 0.096096 0.106396 Nigerian Naira 0.001258 0.001893 EUROPEAN & AMERICAN COUNTRIES US Dollar 304.800 Omani Riyal 0.784099 0.789779 US Dollar Transfer 304.350 Canadian Dollar 216.885 Australasia Qatar Riyal 0.082886 0.084099 Euro 443.590 Sterling Pound 443.575 Australian Dollar 0.203948 0.215448 Saudi Riyal 0.080273 0.081223 Sterling Pound 443.440 Euro 334.510 New Zealand Dollar 0.193103 0.202603 Syrian Pound 0.001290 0.001510 Canadian dollar 214.710 Swiss Frank 304.295 Tunisian Dinar 0.146446 0.154446 Turkish lira 100.070 Bahrain Dinar 806.370 America Turkish Lira 0.096096 0.106396 Swiss Franc 306.030 UAE Dirhams 83.225 Canadian Dollar 0.208372 0.216872 UAE Dirhams 0.081882 0.083031 Australian Dollar 213.500 Qatari Riyals 84.445 US Dollars 0.300250 0.304750 Yemeni Riyal 0.001376 0.001456 US Dollar Buying 303.150 THURSDAY, JANUARY 14, 2016 BUSINESS Foreign investment plummets in junta ruled Thailand

BANGKOK: Foreign investment in try’s lackluster economy. ment was only down slightly. Pattanapanchai said the drop-off was due offering liberal economic policies, a skilled Thailand plummeted last year, official After years of impressive growth, Krystal Tan, an Asia economist with to new investment incentives, which workforce and a strategic location as the data showed, the latest sign that the king- Thailand’s economy is struggling, mired in Capital Economics, said the trend was became effective in 2015, favoring proj- gateway to the greater Mekong region. dom’s once-vibrant economy continues high household debt, stuttering exports indicative of deeper fissures within the ects that employ high-tech, encourage But analysts say years of political instabili- to falter under prolonged military rule. and low consumer confidence. It also Thai economy, which was among the innovation, or strengthen Thailand’s role ty, including two military coups, have Total investment applied for by foreign faces stiff competition from increasingly slowest growing in the region last year. as a regional and international trading hampered the country’s economic poten- companies between January and attractive neighbors like Vietnam, “The 2015 [FDI] figures are very weak, hub. “The projects that we got last year tial-often referred to locally as the “lost November 2015 plunged 78 percent from Cambodia and Myanmar. Particularly wor- indicating foreign investor confidence in were not much, but almost 70 percent decade”. Earlier this month the World a year earlier to 93.8 billion baht ($2.62 rying for Prime Minister Prayut is a signifi- the economy remains fragile,” she said. were in our target sector,” she told AFP, Bank forecast that Thailand’s GDP growth billion), according to figures from cant drop off in investment from Japan- “More broadly, Thailand’s economic com- adding that the Board had expected FDI rate would slip from 2.5 percent in 2015 to Thailand’s state-run Board of Investment historically the largest investor in Thailand petitiveness is on the decline,” she added. inflow in 2015 to take a hit. “We under- just 2 percent this year, by far the gloomi- (BoI) sent to AFP late Tuesday. The figures by far-which slumped 81 percent. EU “The country continues to face significant stood that it would drop, we prepared for est regional prediction. Nearby Vietnam, will do little to cheer junta leader Prayut investment also plunged from 86.7 billion challenges on the political front that have it, but it’s still a little bit below what we on the other hand, reported a record Chan-O-Cha, who seized power in a May baht in 2014 to just 2 billion baht last year. negative repercussions for business and expected,” she said. number of foreign investment in 2015 2014 coup vowing to restore stability but Investment from the United States was investor confidence.” Thailand has historically been a top and the fastest growth rate in five years at who has struggled to kickstart the coun- also heavily down, while Chinese invest- But BoI deputy secretary general Ajarin choice for investors in Southeast Asia, 6.68 percent. — AFP

News in brief

Qatar National Bank net profit rises 5.3% DUBAI: Qatar National Bank (QNB), the Gulf’s largest lender, reported a 5.3 percent increase in fourth-quarter net profit yester- day, according to Reuters calculations, but still missed analysts’ forecasts. The bank reported a net profit of 2.58 billion riyals ($708.6 million) in the three months to Dec 31, compared with 2.45 billion riyals in the corresponding period of 2014, Reuters cal- culated. The bank did not provide a quarterly results breakdown in its earnings statement. Three analysts polled by Reuters had on average forecast QNB would make a quarterly net profit of 2.74 billion riyals. For the 12 month period, net profit in 2015 was 11.3 billion riyals, up from 10.5 billion riyals in the previous year, the bank said in a statement. QNB’s board proposed a cash dividend of 3.5 riyals per share and a bonus share dividend which would award two free shares for every 10 shares currently owned, the statement added. That compares with a cash dividend of 7.5 riyals per share the bank paid for 2014.

Omantel launches $129.9 million debut sukuk issue DUBAI: Oman Telecommunications Co (Omantel) has opened for subscription its debut 50 million rial ($129.9 million) sukuk issue, the former monopoly said yesterday. The Islamic bond will have a lifespan of five years, with investors allowed to subscribe in both US dollars and rials, Omantel said in an emailed statement. Subscription will run Jan 11 to Jan 26 inclusive, it said. The telecom opera- tor said on Monday it had mandated HSBC, National Bank of Oman and Standard Chartered as arrangers for the transaction.

QINGDAO: Workers inspect imported vehicles at a container port in Qingdao in eastern China’s Shandong province yesterday. China’s trade shrank in December but the Saudi market regulator decline was smaller than November’s in a positive sign for lackluster economic growth. — AP approves listing rules DUBAI: Saudi Arabia’s market regulator said it had approved rules governing the listing of real estate investment trusts (REITs), funds which could open the door to greater foreign China exports down; investment in the kingdom’s building sector. The Capital Market Authority (CMA) said it would only accept property appraisals by members of the Saudi Authority for Accredited Valuers (Taqeem), which is launching a licensing system for real estate valuation in the kingdom. The trusts are securities which trade better than forecast on stock markets but invest directly in properties and distribute profits as dividends. They are common investment tools in many markets, but are new to the Middle East, with Emirates A rare bright spot for second-largest economy REIT becoming the region’s first in April 2014. Eskan Bank also announced plans to list a REIT on Bahrain’s bourse in July. The approval by the market regulator, announced on state news BEIJING: Chinese exports exceeded expecta- are many factors in play,” he added. Southeast Asian Nations are China’s top three Beijing will not set a numerical target for agency SPA, comes after sources told Reuters in May that it was tions in December, spurring a rally on Asian Trade conditions “remained rather severe” trading partners. annual trade growth in 2016, the state-run China studying plans to introduce listing rules for REITs. markets yesterday, in a rare bright spot for the at the start of 2016, he told reporters, adding Global investors have been alarmed by slow- Economic Times newspaper reported earlier, say- world’s second-largest economy which has the outlook for the full year was “not opti- ing growth in the world’s second-largest econo- ing that commerce minister Gao Hucheng told a been hit by slowing growth and saw overall mistic”. Imports fell 7.6 percent to $164.1 bil- my, which is expected to have expanded last meeting that the government would instead aim Norway firm quits $1.5 bn trade drop last year. The Asian giant is key to lion in the month, Customs said, an improve- year at its slowest pace in a quarter of a century. to have “higher export growth than the world Nepal hydropower project the world’s economic performance, but its ment on the pace of decline in November and Official data on fourth-quarter and annual trade growth level”. The Chinese figures were ini- KATHMANDU: Norwegian company Statkraft has said it is imports have been hit by low prices for com- also better than the Bloomberg prediction of growth is due to be released next week. Beijing tially given in yuan terms, which showed a mar- dropping plans to build a $1.5 billion hydropower plant in modities such as oil and iron ore and the slow- an 11 percent drop. The December trade sur- is seeking to transition the country’s growth ginally better seven percent year-on-year fall in Nepal, citing bureaucratic hurdles and political instability in down in China’s infrastructure boom, while plus was $60.1 billion in dollar terms, a 21.1 model away from reliance on exports and fixed- annual two-way trade. However, overall global the troubled Himalayan nation. A vast network of fast-flow- exports have had to struggle with weakness in percent jump according to previous figures. asset investment towards a consumer-driven trade contracted last year, Bloomberg News ing rivers through the Himalayas means Nepal has huge partner economies. Even so December’s Markets in Hong Kong, Sydney and Tokyo all economy, but the reform is proving bumpy. reported, so that China’s export performance untapped hydropower resources, making it a significant exports were better than expectations, declin- closed higher on the trade figures, although China logged its worst economic performance was relatively strong. potential supplier to its energy-hungry neighbor, India. Yet ing 1.4 percent in dollar terms to $224.2 billion, Shanghai stocks ended down 2.4 percent since the global financial crisis in the third quar- “China actually outperformed the rest of the the country’s total installed power generation capacity is Customs said-while rising 2.3 percent meas- down. ter of 2015, with gross domestic product (GDP) world in exports, with its share in global exports only about 800 megawatts - 1.9 percent of its potential-and ured in China’s yuan currency. But analysts were cautious, warning of chal- rising just 6.9 percent-its lowest level in six years. rising,” it cited Larry Hu, head of China fails to fulfill even local demand, meaning Nepalis endure Economists had forecast a 4.1 percent fall lenges ahead. “The depreciation of the yuan Economics at Macquarie Securities in Hong blackouts of up to 15 hours a day. The Norwegian firm according to Bloomberg News. Higher risk cur- helped with exports and overseas demand Rising share Kong, as saying in a report ahead of the data. In entered an agreement in 2007 to build the Tamakoshi III rencies rose in line with the regional stock rally also strengthened with increasing new export For 2015 as a whole, China’s total trade fell dollar terms, yesterday’s statistics are likely to plant and generate 650 megawatts for export to India and as the upbeat trade report provided much- orders,” Ma Xiaoping, a Beijing-based analyst at eight percent year-on-year to $3.96 trillion, mean China has retained its title as the world’s other neighbors before transferring ownership to Nepal after needed respite from a volatile start to 2016. British bank HSBC said. “But it’s still uncertain Customs said. The figure was far below the gov- biggest trader in goods. US trade figures will not 25 years. In a statement released on Tuesday, Statkraft’s Beijing has lowered the value of its yuan cur- whether this recovery is sustainable or not.” ernment’s target of six percent growth and be released until February, but for the first 11 Nepal country director, Sandip Shah, said the company’s rency in recent weeks and months, which The monthly data offer “further signs of the marked the fourth year in a row that external months of the year it amounted to $3.48 trillion decision to quit “reflects the increased bureaucratic hurdles should make Chinese exports more competi- economy stabilizing”, Nomura analysts said in a commerce had missed its goal. China’s imports on a total balance of payments basis, according for foreign investments, a fragile political situation and a geo- tive on world markets, and Customs note. “Nevertheless, we still expect growth to slumped 14.1 percent on the previous year to to figures from the US census bureau. China’s political situation leading to a non-conducive project devel- spokesman Huang Songping said it “should resume a downtrend later in the year given $1.68 trillion, Customs said, with plunging com- annual trade surplus leaped to $594.5 billion, opment environment”. boost exports to some extent”. “But the effects ongoing structural headwinds.” The European modity prices key to the decline, while exports Customs said, a 55.4 percent rise according to will become weaker and weaker because there Union, United States and the Association of were down 2.8 percent to $2.28 trillion. previous figures. — AFP In U-turn, Davos forum China’s mayor tipped for promotion disinvites North Korea to help manage economy, markets

GENEVA: North Korea’s invitation to this North Korea, which last sent a delegation “We decided after the nuclear test that BEIJING: The mayor of one of China’s most month’s World Economic Forum meeting to the forum in 1998. Philipp Roesler, a ... there will be no opportunity for an inter- dynamic cities has emerged as the front- in Switzerland has been revoked, after member of the WEF managing board, told national global dialogue in the spirit of the runner to become Premier Li Keqiang’s lieu- Pyongyang carried out a fourth nuclear a Geneva news conference the forum had World Economic Forum. “Therefore we tenant to help tackle slowing economic test in defiance of a United Nations ban. invited the Democratic People’s Republic could not maintain our invitation to DPRK.” growth and turbulent financial markets, The World Economic Forum (WEF) said of Korea (DPRK) late last year because South Korea warned North Korea yester- sources said. Huang Qifan, 63, mayor of the early yesterday that Foreign Minister Ri Su “there had been some convincing, encour- day that the United States and its allies southwestern metropolis of Chongqing Yong would go to the resort town of aging signals out of the DPRK that there were working on sanctions to inflict since 2010, is tipped to replace Yang Jing, Davos for the gathering of the world’s may be an opportunity for international “bone-numbing pain” after the nuclear 62, as secretary-general of the State business and political elite from Jan 20-23, global dialogue”. “But we have all seen test, and called on China to do its part to Council, or cabinet, two sources with ties to but later said he was no longer welcome. what has happened last week,” Roesler rein in its isolated neighbor. the leadership and two financial industry There was no immediate reaction from said, referring to the nuclear explosion. South Korea is sending a delegation to sources said. Davos which the WEF said would be led by “Huang Qifan did an excellent job in Choi Kyung-hwan, who stepped down as Chongqing,” one source with leadership South Korea’s finance minister on Tuesday ties said. “Hopefully, his appointment in preparation to run in parliamentary elec- would boost investors’ confidence and tions in April. UN Secretary-General Ban Ki- stabilize the stock market.” The planned moon will attend, as will US Secretary of personnel change comes after renewed State John Kerry and Vice President Joe turmoil in China’s stock and currency mar- Biden. On Tuesday, the US House of kets sparked fresh concerns that the regu- BEIJING: An investor checks stock prices on her mobile phone at a broker- Representatives voted 418-2 to pass legisla- latory structure was not up to the task of age house in Beijing. — AP tion that would broaden sanctions on maintaining market stability as economic North Korea. Ri spent two decades in growth stalls. The central bank’s move to ment when reached by telephone. Li and four vice premiers, the sources said. Switzerland as ambassador and representa- soften the exchange rate last week trig- While the exact nature of his role is tive at the United Nations in Geneva. He gered panic selling in shares. The cabinet Chongqing revival unclear, the sources added that Huang acted as surrogate father to North Korean secretary-general helps the premier over- Chongqing’s economy grew at 11 per- would help Li coordinate various ministries leader Kim Jong Un when Kim was a stu- see the entire spectrum of portfolios from cent in the first nine months of 2015 from a and technically have similar, if not more dent at a Swiss school. Global security will the economy to finance, industry, agricul- year earlier, versus 10.9 percent in the clout than the vice premiers, who have spe- loom large at the Alpine forum, which will ture, energy, the environment, state plan- whole of 2014, defying overall slowing eco- cific portfolios. An announcement could be attended by more than 2,500 people, ning and technology, among others. The nomic growth in the world’s second-largest come after a meeting of the elite Standing COLOGNY: World Economic Forum (WEF) founder and executive chairman including business leaders, finance minis- State Council Information Office did not economy. It also retained its lead among 31 Committee of the National People’s Klaus Schwab gestures during a news conference on the program of the ters, central bankers, billionaires and immediately respond to faxed requests provinces and provincial-level municipali- Congress, or parliament, this month or Davos World Economic Forum WEF annual meeting at the Forum’s head- celebrities like US actor Leonardo DiCaprio for comment and the Chongqing city ties. If confirmed, Huang would be the sixth next, or during parliament’s annual full ses- quarters in Cologny yesterday. — AFP and Irish musician Bono. — Reuters government declined immediate com- most powerful cabinet official after Premier sion in March. — Reuters THURSDAY, JANUARY 14, 2016 BUSINESS China’s trade surprise brings relief Improved risk appetite lifts stocks, commodities

LONDON: Stock markets in Europe and 8-percent drop. A 4-percent fall in imports the fallout from low oil prices. “I am gener- Asia rose and oil prices jumped yesterday was also much smaller than many had ally positive on the global outlook but the after Chinese trade data cooled concerns feared, but the reaction was not uniformly basis for that is being sorely tested right over the world’s second biggest economy, positive. Prices for copper - of which China now,” one London-based investment man- steadying money and currency markets in is the world’s biggest consumer - rose, but ager said. “Sentiment is very fragile.” All of Shanghai and Hong Kong. Japan’s Nikkei iron ore prices fell and Shanghai shares Europe’s major markets gained more than 1 index jumped 2.6 percent and futures mar- themselves fell by about two percent. percent while Asian markets saw their first kets also pointed to a higher opening on Traders said the mood on many markets solid rally of the year, suggesting that some Wall Street after China reported exports was still shaky after an extremely volatile believe Beijing has done enough to gain dipped just 1.4 percent in dollar terms in start to 2016, driven by worries over con- control of the yuan for now. Overnight December, compared with forecasts of an flict in the Middle East, China’s finances and interest rates in Hong Kong, jacked up to

FUYANG: A woman reacts as she checks stock prices at a brokerage house in Fuyang in central China’s Anhui province. — AP

94 percent on Tuesday, were back momentum should be reasonably near 8 percent. strong and be supportive for the mar- More stability in China would also ket.” leave the way clearer for the US Investors also pulled cash out of Federal Reserve to raise interest rates European bond markets in favor of this year and the brighter tone drove stocks and the latest round of some 35 the dollar about half a percent higher billion euros of government debt set to 118.28 yen and up a third of cent to be sold in the euro zone this week against the euro. Australia’s dollar, also pushed up bond yields. Germany often a proxy for China on major cur- and Belgium are set to sell 10-year rency markets, gained 0.6 percent. bonds yesterday. US crude jumped “The yuan is no longer moving lower, almost a dollar to $31.19 a barrel, a but each and every piece of data from day after breaching the $30 barrier for China will be looked at with much the first time in 12 years. Benchmark attention,” BNP Paribas Fortis Global Brent was similarly higher at $31.57 a Markets’ head of research, Philippe barrel. US crude had fallen 17 percent Gijsels, said. “Going forward, the mar- in just seven sessions, a gift to con- ket will focus on the earnings season sumers across the globe but also a that is unfolding. European earnings strong force for disinflation. — Reuters

Oil prices rise - the first time in 8 days

LONDON: Oil prices rose for the first week to 480.071 million, compared time in eight days yesterday as posi- with analysts’ expectations for an tive Chinese trade data and an increase of 2.5 million barrels. Crude unexpected draw in weekly US stocks at the Cushing, Oklahoma crude oil inventories gave investors delivery hub fell by 302,000 barrels, reasons to buy crude futures. Brent the API said. crude, the global benchmark, was China reported exports dipped up 87 cents at $31.73 a barrel at just 1.4 percent in US dollar terms in 0954 GMT, but remained near lows December, compared to forecasts of last seen nearly 12 years ago. US an 8 percent drop, positively sur- West Texas Intermediate crude (WTI) prising world markets. The world’s was up 88 cents at $31.32 a barrel, second-biggest oil consumer has recovering from Tuesday’s dip below also been taking advantage of the $30. oil price rout to stock reserves and “The API inventory data triggered increase exports of refined prod- a profit-taking wave, that’s the main ucts, and may be set to overtake the reason for this uptick,” said Hans van United States as the world’s largest Cleef, senior energy economist at importer. But the bearish outlook ABN Amro in Amsterdam. “But the for oil remains. Analysts at Morgan overall sentiment is still negative, Stanley warned on Wednesday that meaning downside risk is still a rise in demand for crude could be greater than upside potential.” US lower than previously expected. crude stocks fell unexpectedly last “Any slowing in the rate of demand week, data from industry group the growth could delay the timing of American Petroleum Institute rebalancing and ultimately a price showed on Tuesday. Crude invento- recovery,” they said in a research ries fell by 3.9 million barrels in the note. — Reuters

Gold drops for fourth day on stronger dollar, shares

LONDON: Gold fell yesterday as a held the yuan steady and better-than- stronger dollar and a rebound in stock expected Chinese trade data helped markets reduced its appeal as a safe reduce some of bearishness toward the asset. Asian shares made their first real world’s second largest economy. But rally of the year after better-than- with Chinese economic growth slowing expected Chinese trade data, which and its stock markets still vulnerable, offered some rare optimism for the analysts see it as unlikely that gold will global economy. The pan-European lose too much ground. “It doesn’t mean FTSEurofirst 300 index rose 1.4 percent it’s all over, the market is pretty short after four declining sessions, making and a lot of the uncertainty about the gold less attractive. Spot gold was global economy has not been resolved,” down 0.4 percent to $1,082.30 an Macquarie’s Turner said. Holdings of the ounce by 1056 GMT while US gold world’s largest gold-backed exchange- futures were down 0.4 percent at traded fund, New York-listed SPDR Gold $1,080.80. Shares, rose 2.1 tons on Monday, data Gold rallied to a nine-week top of from the fund showed. $1,112 last week, but expectations of China launched interbank gold trad- further US interest rate increases low- ing at the beginning of this year as part ered demand for the non-interest-pay- of a broader drive to open up the ing metal while boosting the dollar. country’s bullion market and increase “The pause in the gold’s rally under- financial investment in the world’s lines the difficulty gold has in rallying largest consumer of the precious met- when there is expectation of Fed rate al. Among other precious metals, palla- hikes, even if other news is supportive,” dium rose 3 percent to $485.20 an Macquarie analyst Matthew Turner ounce, after sliding to a 5-1/2-year low said. “People still think the dollar and of $449.55 on Tuesday. Silver gained rates are going up and therefore the 0.3 percent at $13.83 an ounce, while medium-term case is bearish.” The platinum was up 1.4 percent at $844.69 Federal Reserve raised rates in an ounce. “Platinum has now been December and attention has shifted to cheaper than gold continuously for how many hikes will follow in 2016. precisely one year, which should gen- The dollar and risk-sensitive curren- erate increased jewelry demand for cies recovered ground against the yen platinum,” Commerzbank said in a and the euro after China’s central bank note. — Reuters THURSDAY, JANUARY 14, 2016 BUSINESS Russia announces new budget cuts amid oil slide

MOSCOW: Russia will cut its spending price of $50 a barrel and a deficit of meled by Western sanctions imposed by 10 percent this year, the finance three percent, which President due to Moscow’s meddling in Ukraine, minister said yesterday, as prices for Vladimir Putin has ordered must not as well as Russia’s counter-measures Moscow’s key export commodity be exceeded. which included an embargo on key slumped to new lows. “We have Crude prices on Tuesday dipped food imports. Budget cuts have agreed that ministries and (govern- below $30 a barrel for the first time in already affected the interior ministry, ment) agencies... will present their over 12 years. Siluanov said the oil which announced layoffs of about 10 proposals to the finance ministry for price would have to rise to $82 to fully percent of its workforce. If the govern- optimizing budget expenditure by balance this year’s budget. Siluanov ment fails to initiate austerity meas- around ten percent,” Finance Minister cautioned against expecting a “price ures, “the same thing will happen as in Anton Siluanov told an economic con- rise (for oil) in the immediate future,” 1998-99, with the public paying ference in Moscow, confirming media while economy minister Alexei through inflation for our failures in reports on Tuesday. Ulyukayev predicted that oil prices correlating the budget with the new “We have to take well thought-out would remain low for “a very long reality,” warned Siluanov, referring to a measures on how to bring the budget time.” While last year’s budget deficit previous economic crisis which saw in accordance with the new realities,” was only 2.6 percent, this year is Russia default on its debt. Annual he added. “In the current difficult con- expected to be more difficult. The inflation in 2015 reached 15.5 percent ditions, we must speak of a very government has been forced to dip and food prices grew more than 19 thrifty, strict budget policy, in order heavily into its reserves and abandon percent on average, with fruit and MOSCOW: People stand at a bus stop in front of an exchange office sign show- not to end up with high deficit levels support for the ruble, which has slid in vegetables becoming 29.5 percent ing the currency exchange rates of the Russian ruble, US dollar, and euro in or a high volume of debt,” he said. value. more expensive, the state statistics Moscow. — AP Russia’s 2016 budget is based on an oil The economy has also been pum- service said this week. — AFP PC shipments plunge UK charges Euribor 6 with as Apple bucks trend

SAN FRANCISCO: Last year ended with a upgrade to new PCs for security and perform- six-year rate-rigging plot record-setting drop in personal computer ship- ance improvements, according to IDC. “The ments, with Apple bucking the trend, a report free upgrade path to Windows 10 allowed First Euribor trial set for Sept 4, 2017 found Tuesday. The International Data some consumers who might otherwise have Corporation calculated that some 71.9 million shopped for new PCs during the holiday sea- personal computers (PCs) were shipped world- son to obtain a ‘new’ PC experience,” said IDC LONDON: Six French, German, British and wide in the final quarter of 2015, a 10.6 percent devices and displays research director Linn Danish bankers, who have been charged in drop from the same period a year earlier. The Huang. “Additionally, the launch of the iPad Pro Britain with being part of a six-year scheme PC market faced challenges including competi- may have siphoned off some consumer inter- with traders at major banks to manipulate tion from smartphones and tablets, and people est in traditional PCs.” Euribor benchmark interest rates, are set to waiting longer to buy new machines, accord- Chinese computer maker Lenovo main- face a jury trial on Sept 4, 2017. Christian ing to IDC. “The PC market remains competitive tained its top position in the market, shipping Bittar, once one of Deutsche Bank’s most prof- and the economic environment weakened fur- nearly 15.4 million PCs in the final quarter of itable derivatives traders, Achim Kraemer, ther with the recent drop in the Chinese stock last year, according to IDC. US rivals HP and Dell who is still at that bank and former Barclays market,” IDC Worldwide PC Tracker vice presi- were second and third, shipping approximately traders Philippe Moryoussef, Carlo Palombo, dent Loren Loverde said in a statement. 14.3 million and 10.2 million PCs respectively, Colin Bermingham and Sisse Bohart are “However, PC replacements should pick up the report showed. Apple saw its position charged with one count each of conspiracy to again in 2016, particularly later in the year.” improve, with shipments climbing 2.8 percent defraud between 2005 and 2011. Loverde expected an increase in the pace of to some 5.66 billion in a year-over-year com- businesses upgrading to computers powered parison, according to IDC. The report listed The UK Serious Fraud Office (SFO) alleges by new-generation Windows 10 software. Apple and Asus as essentially tied for four place they conspired with others at Barclays, Consumers should also be motivated to in the market in the quarter. — AFP Deutsche Bank, Societe Generale and other banks to defraud by rigging Euribor, the Euro interbank offered rate, for profit. Barclays and Deutsche Bank declined to comment. Societe Generale did not immediately respond to a Ahli United Bank announces request for comment. At a hearing yesterday at London’s winners in its ‘Weekly Draw’ Southwark Crown Court, Judge Nicholas Loraine-Smith scheduled the first dates for KUWAIT: Ahli United Bank held its weekly Abdullah Eissa Al Khaleel; Mohalab Abdullah the world’s first Euribor trial, which is expect- draw of Al-Hassad Islamic Saving program on Al Kandari; Issa Deloum Al Deloum; Abdull ed to last around three months. The group, January06, 2016. This program offers the Karim Ahmed Khaled; Iman Darwesh Ghloum; aged between 37 and 59 and resident in biggest prize amount to the largest number of Athari Yousef Mahmoued; Hanaa Mohd Al countries from Singapore to the United winners. The prize program succeeded in Humood; Thamer Hussain Al Sultan; Fadhel becoming the first and only prize account in Abdulla Ali; Lahib Dhiya Ahmed; Mohammad States, is the first to be charged in relation to Kuwait compliant with the Islamic Shari’a prin- Akbar Shaheen; Heyam Muneer Deeb; Jaffar Euribor, the euro counterpart of the London ciples. The program has been developed to Saeed Ebrahim; Abdulkarim Mohammed Ali; K interbank offered rate (Libor) - crucial bench- fulfil the needs of the Bank customers and S Menon; Lulwa Mohamed Ahmed; Fadheela marks for around $450 trillion of financial con- increase their opportunities in winning size- Isa Ali and A Rahman Abdulla Janahi. tracts and loans worldwide. A lawyer for Bittar able and attractive prizes in addition to enjoy- The Prize program of ‘Al Hassad Islamic has said previously he would contest criminal ing the latest banking advantages that Ahli Saving; from Ahli United Bank offers a weekly proceedings. Representatives of the others United Bank provides. grand prize worth KD 25,000 in addition to 25 have declined comment. On this occasion, the bank issued the fol- weekly prizes worth a total of KD 25,000 dis- An earlier initial hearing at a lower court LONDON: A combination of pictures shows (top row left to right) former employ- lowing press release: Al Hassad Islamic Saving tributed to 25 prizes, KD 1,000 for each winner. ended in confusion on Monday. The SFO had ees of Barclays bank, Carlo Palumbo, Sisse Bohart, Colin Bermingham; (bottom program offers the highest amounts of prizes Also, prizes of Al Hassad Islamic saving pro- planned to charge 11 bankers, but prosecu- row left to right) Philippe Moryoussef, Former employee of Deutsche Bank, which amount to KD 3.4 Million per year. This gram from Ahli United Bank offer 4 quarterly tors found out at the last minute that five for- Program also offers 26 weekly prizes, with the grand prizes announced in quarterly draws. eign nationals would not show up. The SFO Christian Bittar and Deutsche Bank’s Achim Kraemer at Southwark Crown Court in highest number of weekly winners. The Islamic Each is a ‘Salary for Life’ prize which is worth says it is still “considering its position” about London yesterday. — AFP Hassad Saving Account may be opened by the KD 25,000. how to proceed in its case against the five lowest amount to open an account, which is In general, Ahli United Bank continues to who did not appear, Germans Andreas The SFO has confirmed that the foreign Legal experts expect the SFO to seek a KD 100. offer innovative tools and means to meet the Hauschild, Joerg Vogt, Ardalan Gharagozlou suspects had the right to refuse the initial European arrest warrant as a precursor to The winner of the weekly grand prize in the needs of its customers to match the Bank’s and Kai-Uwe Kappauf, and Frenchman summons to appear. A lawyer for Vogt noted attempting extradition proceedings against amount of KD 25,000/- is: Abdulnabi long history of distinctive services which Stephane Esper. Yesterday’s hearing set a date the banker was not legally obliged to attend the other five. Since a global investigation Ramadhan Al Rowaish. The winners of the KD extend over 74 years during which the Bank of March 18 for the SFO to tell the court its Monday’s initial hearing. Legal representa- was spawned by US regulators in 2008, finan- 1,000 prize (each) are; Rashid Ahmad managed to take the lead among local banks. plans for the bankers who did not appear. tives for the other four did not respond to cial institutions have paid around $9.0 billion Mohammed; Ramadan Abdullah Hassan; For further information about ‘Al Hassad “The prosecution is considering what if any requests for comment about why they stayed to settle regulatory allegations of rate rigging Kayed Sandouh Al Defiry; Fouzi Jassim Al Islamic Saving’ account , customers may call at steps to take in relation to those absent,” away. The six who did appear and were and around 30 individuals have now been Sunni; Fahad Mohamad Al Ajmi; Alfahdah any Ahli United Bank branch, or call: ‘Hayakom’ Prosecutor James Waddington said. charged yesterday have been freed on bail. charged. — Reuters Abdulraheem Al Zaabi; Asharf A/Razaq J; service at Tel: 181 2000. VIVA Bahrain launches Unified Germany overshoots budget surplus target Communication Cloud Services BERLIN: Germany clocked up a bigger- of arrivals. It was the second year in a row than-expected budget surplus of 12.1 that Europe’s biggest economy has MANAMA: VIVA Bahrain, the Kingdom’s most Communications-as-a-Service (UCaaS), Video With enterprises in Bahrain facing chal- billion euros ($13 billion) in 2015, which achieved a balanced budget, or what it innovative telecom operator, has collaborat- as a service (VaaS) and Call Center as a serv- lenges to evolve digitally and react agilely in it plans to use to cover the costs of tak- terms a “black zero” in its public finances. ed with Avaya, a global leader in business ice (CCaaS). today’s increasingly competitive markets, ing in so many refugees, the finance min- The ministry said that government communications software, systems and serv- Through VIVA’s UCaaS offerings, business- business are increasingly looking to leverage istry said yesterday. “Thanks to the favor- spending amounted to 299.3 billion ices, to offer Unified Communications-as-a- es in Bahrain will benefit from greater flexi- emerging technology trends such as video, able economic trend and our forward- euros in 2015, 2.6 billion euros lower Service (UCaaS) for businesses across the bility, enabling them to respond quickly to mobility, social media and more. This collab- looking budget policy, the government than expected. At the same time, rev- island. VIVA Bahrain will host Avaya’s innova- changing business demands, improve cus- oration between Avaya and VIVA Bahrain will has set aside a provision of 12.1 billion enues totaled 311.4 billion euros, or 4.5 tive Unified Communications, Video and tomer experience, and manage costs more help businesses in the Kingdom deliver serv- euros,” said Finance Minister Wolfgang billion euros more than the government Contact Center solutions and make them effectively. This allows organizations the flex- ices to their customers faster at significantly Schaeuble. had anticipated. Tax revenues alone available to enterprises in a cloud services ibility to scale their unified communication reduced total cost of ownership (TCO) and “We will urgently need this provision came in 1.6 billion euros higher than model, enabling organizations to purchase services deployment up and down as per with a better return on investment (ROI). Eng to finance the additional costs of accom- expected at 281.7 billion euros. The min- modating and integrating the refugees,” istry said that, measured against gross the capacity and services they require, as their requirements, add new features and Ulaiyan Al Wetaid, VIVA CEO said, “Businesses Schaeuble said. Originally, Berlin had domestic product (GDP), the govern- and when needed, without large upfront functionality and benefit from efficient cus- in Bahrain are looking towards adopting ICT said it would set aside 5.0 billion euros to ment’s underlying or “structural” surplus costs. VIVA Bahrain will be offering Unified tomer service experience. in their daily operations to boost their pro- cover the costs of the refugee crisis. “This stood at 0.1 percent. Under EU rules, ductivity, growth and drive transformation. year, too, we don’t want take up any new member states are now allowed to run At VIVA, we recognize how this is an debt, if possible,” Schaeuble said. up public deficits in excess of 3.0 percent important enabler of innovation that Germany registered 1.1 million asylum of GDP and are obliged to target a bal- embraces new technology to help new seekers in 2015, with refugees from war- anced budget or even a surplus in the products, services and processes. Therefore, torn Syria making up almost 40 percent longer-term. — AFP through our collaboration with Avaya, VIVA will be introducing first-of-its-kind unified communication solutions in the MENA region and Bahrain. With this, our business customers will be able to experience improved and streamlined access to their data through a consolidated process of IT systems and achieve their business out- comes, through high levels of services deliv- ery.” “Avaya solutions, hosted by VIVA Bahrain, will give businesses in Bahrain the flexibility and agility they require to benefit from the latest technology trends and prepare for dig- ital transformation. Enterprises will be able to get access to Avaya’s innovative technolo- gy solutions at prices that suit their needs, while benefiting from the reliability and expertise that industry leaders such as Avaya and VIVA Bahrain bring to the market place.” said, Nidal Abou Ltaif, Avaya President, Asia German Chancellor Angela Merkel Pacific, Middle East, Africa and EU. THURSDAY, JANUARY 14, 2016 BUSINESS EU opens a debate on China trade status to seek US, industry views Status makes it harder to impose anti-dumping duties

BRUSSELS: The European Commission will con- rules, but I can’t say yet what those measures have told Reuters one compromise might be to sult industry and its trade partners in response will be.” agree temporary protection against cheaper to Beijing’s demand that trade barriers against it In a statement, the Commission said any deci- Chinese exports to protect EU industry. The steel be relaxed, opening a politically charged debate sion would have an impact on the European industry in particular has been a fierce opponent yesterday that will shape future ties with China. economy but gave no details. The EU is China’s of any loosening of trade barriers against China. The European Union’s 28 commissioners dis- biggest trade partner, and China is second only The industry association Eurofer, which has cussed for the first time the issue of granting to the United States for the EU. Chinese imports lodged a series of complaints against China, said China “market economy status” from December, to the EU were worth 302 billion euros ($330 bil- Chinese steel production over capacity was which Beijing says is its right 15 years after it lion) in 2014, more than triple their level at the some 400 million tons, more than twice the total joined the World Trade Organization. start of the century. The EU executive, which EU steel production of 170 million tons. That status would make it harder for Europe handles trade issues on behalf of EU govern- Chinese steel imports into the EU have dou- to impose anti-dumping duties on Chinese ments, said it would fully involve European bled in the past 18 months, with prices falling by goods sold at knock-down prices, changing the industry and liaise closely with its biggest trade 40 percent, it said. Aegis Europe, a group of MNSS’ Yokohama ‘save & be safe’ criteria for determining a fair price. “This issue partners on the issue, acknowledging this would about 30 European manufacturing sectors, has to be looked at from all important angles take some time. The bloc is now in a third year of including metals, chemicals, ceramics and tex- promotion announce winners given the subject’s importance for international talks with the United States on a free-trade deal tiles, said Beijing’s aggressively export-led econ- trade and also for the EU’s economy,” and Washington has indicated it sees no need to omy encouraged its enterprises to dump on for- Commission Vice President Frans Timmermans change its relationship with China. eign markets. Granting market economy status KUWAIT: Mohamed Naser Al Sayer & Sons from the Ministry of Commerce & Industry for said after the commissioners’ meeting. “If there to China would have a huge negative impact on Co (MNSS), one of the Al Sayer Group of Consumer protection affairs along with are measures to be taken related to this issue Job losses European industry, it said, citing a study saying Companies held the third and the final Krishna Kumar, General Manager Al Sayer then, of course, these individual measures will The bloc’s decision will be taken with EU gov- that to do so would put 1.7 million to 3.5 million draw to select the winners of ‘Save & Be Tires Oil and Paint division; Inderpal Singh have to be assessed for impact. Those are the ernments and the European Parliament. Officials European jobs at risk.—Reuters Safe’ promotion at the Yokohama Center in Senior Manager Tire Sales from Al Sayer Canada Dry. Yokohama and Mohammad Amin Nasimi Here are the list of winners from the Senior Manager After-Sales Marketing. third draw are: (1st prize) Fahad Saad Al- “Yokohama is a trusted tire brand across Ajmi; (2nd prize) Suben Narayan; (3rd the world. Its promising range of products prize) Mohammad Al-Hajeri; (4th prize) with advanced technology offers great Khaled Nasser Ibrahim; (5th prize) quality and outstanding durability. We will Mohammad Al-Ajmi. Mubarak Naser Al continue to offer our customers better val- Sayer, CEO Al Sayer Group Holding said ue deals supported with even better serv- “Tires, Oil and Paint division grew at record ice” said Mr. Krishna Kumar, General pace in 2015 driven by innovative selling in Manager Al Sayer Tires Oil and Paint divi- a highly competitive market so the “Save sion. Yokohama “Save & Be Safe” promotion and Be Safe” promotion could not have had commenced on 4 October 2015 and come at a better time. We are glad to see was valid till 4 January 2015. During the positive response from customers and we offer period for every KD 20 spent on pur- thank them for making this promotion a chasing Yokohama tires customers received grand success.” a coupon entitling them to enter one of the The draw was organized with the pres- three monthly draws to win fabulous cash ence of Abdul Aziz Ashkanani, Representative prizes. ABK wins ‘Best Customer Loyalty Program’ award

KUWAIT: Al Ahli Bank of Kuwait (ABK) by the program. In addition to earning recently announced that it has won the Skywards Miles on local and international ‘Best Customer Loyalty Program in Kuwait’ spends, new Signature and Infinite award from Banker Middle East, one of the Cardholders are rewarded with up to region’s leading banking industry maga- 10,000 bonus Miles. zines. The award, which was won in recog- Customers also receive complimentary nition of the Bank’s exceptional ABK airport lounge access at over 550 airports Emirates credit and prepaid card program, worldwide through the Lounge Key pro- has been a hit since its launch. The success gram. Commenting on the Bank’s achieve- of ABK Emirates credit and prepaid cards is ment, Garry Ceaplen, AGM Retail Banking testament to the Bank’s clear understand- at ABK said, “It is an honor for ABK to be ing of its customers’ needs and the excel- presented with the ‘Best Customer Loyalty lence in the services it provides. Program in Kuwait’ award. We continuously These include the ABK Emirates Visa seek partnerships that present our cus- Infinite card, the ABK Emirates Visa tomers with additional benefits to make Signature cards, and the ABK Emirates Visa every experience with the Bank an enjoy- Gold Prepaid Travel Card, for which the able and unique one. I would like to thank Bank was awarded the ‘Prepaid Marketing - the judging committee for recognizing the Best Use of Segmentation 2015’ Award by effort and the success of the program. I Visa International. They also include the would also like to congratulate the ABK ABK Emirates credit and prepaid card pro- team and the Emirates airline team on a job gram, for which the Bank recently well done in successfully jointly managing announced the ‘Billionth Mile’ landmark this product”. since the launch of the partnership in 2002, DrNejib Ben Khedher, Senior Vice in partnership with Emirates Airline. President, Emirates Skywards said: Lulu opens in Saudi, opens the The ABK Emirates credit and prepaid “Emirates Skywards continues to earn card program, gives access to an exclusive industry and consumer awards thanks to set of benefits that are specifically an innovative repertoire of rewards for our designed for premium customers and members. We also look for ways to add val- 121st hypermarket in Dammam promises to deliver rewards, recognition ue and further improve our products, and and a regular stream of benefits, features we are confident that our partnership with and services. As ‘Signature’ and ‘Infinite’ ABK will continue to grow from strength to DAMMAM: Marching ahead with its aggressive prominent citizens. Speaking at the inauguration, Arabic and Filipino cuisine, and Coffee shops, cardholders, customers are automatically strength in Kuwait.” For more information expansion in the Saudi Arabian market, Middle Lulu group chairman Yusuffali M.A. announced Pharmacy from ATM and money exchange. enrolled in the award-winning frequent fly- on Al Ahli Bank of Kuwait please visit East’s retail major, Lulu Hypermarkets has the proposed launch of 4 more hypermarkets this Revealing his investment plans, Yusuff Ali said “we er program of Emirates Airline; Emirates www.eahli.com or contact an ABK repre- opened its latest outlet in Dammam, the capital year, two in Jeddah and one each in Hail and have already invested more than SAR 800 million Skywards, which grants cardholders sentative via ‘Ahli Chat’ or by contacting a city of Eastern province of Saudi Arabia. It’s the Hofuf. “In 2017 we will launch 6 more in the till now and intend to further invest SAR 700 mil- ‘Skyward Miles’ that can be used for reward customer service agent via ‘AhlanAhli’ at lion by the end of 2017, taking our total invest- tickets, upgrades, or other rewards offers 1899899. ment to more than SAR 1.5 billion in the Kingdom”. “We are very confident that this great country will further prosper under the visionary leader- ship of HRH King Salman Bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, Crown Prince HRH Muhamed Bin Nayef Bin Abdulaziz Al Saud & Deputy Crown Prince HRH Mohamed bin Salman Bin Abdulaziz Al Saud. “The support and love extended by the Rulers gives us further impetus to serve the growing economy of this country. Lulu is committed to do its bit to help the kingdom by opening more outlets, thereby generating employment opportunities to talented Saudis. The opening of the Hypermarket in Dammam underscores our increasing presence in the region and our commitment to serve one of the growing 6th in the Kingdom and 121st in the GCC. The lat- Kingdom including in Makkah and Madina” and important markets in Saudi Arabia.” “We have est hypermarket was officially inaugurated by added Yusuff Ali. always believed that it’s our duty to nurture the HRH Prince Saud Bin Abdullah Bin Abdul Aziz The new hypermarket, located in Prince local talent and currently there are more than yesterday. Mohamed bin Fahad Road in Dammam provides 1500 Saudis who work with us and our goal is to The occasion was graced by Engineer a one-stop shopping destination for the growing provide employment to 5000 Saudi nationals by Abdullah Al Ahamed, President of Dammam city dwellers, which include a growing communi- the end of 2017” said Yusuff Ali. Currently Lulu has Municipality and several high ranking officials ty of Nationals and expatriates. The hypermarket more than 30% Saudis in their workforce and pro- from various government departments, represen- also houses Sparkys family entertainment, food vides best quality training to absorb them in vari- tatives from local business community and court consisting of authentic Arabic fine dining, ous managerial and specialized sections. Marmore examines, analyzes the private equity landscape

KUWAIT: Marmore MENA Intelligence, a research the limited number of viable targets in the PE eco- were launched earlier as specialized or sector- State owned enterprises which constitute mentation and well versed with sharia standards subsidiary of Kuwait Financial Centre “Markaz”, system may lead to over spending. focused funds six years ago have rolled back their most of the economic activity in GCC region are is a huge deterrent to the development of Islamic recently released its report on the Private Equity In the GCC, private equity is still at a nascent decision and broadened their mandate to rarely privatized. Even under the privatization ini- finance in general and Islamic private equity in industry in the GCC. In this report, Marmore exam- stage, but had witnessed significant growth become more opportunistic. tiative, only minority stakes in these enterprises particular. ines and analyzes the private equity landscape, between 2002 and 2008. But the onset of global In comparison to other GCC markets, UAE is a are floated in the stock exchange, which usually is The nascent legal and regulatory framework in highlighting deal flows, investment opportunities financial crisis stalled growth of the industry. predominant financial hub and acts as a gateway reserved for and subscribed by the nationals. GCC countries, characterized by stringent owner- in various sectors and fund transactions. The Fundraising had become anemic, despite the for entry into the Middle East region. Most PE Apart from the state enterprises, family owned ship restrictions, weak bankruptcy laws and high report also presents regulatory characteristics and sizeable amount of dry powder accumulated over funds are attracted to the relatively hassle free business form the majority of companies in the set-up costs, dampen investor enthusiasm. But industry challenges, and provides profiles of the boom years, and deals had stalled as acquisi- regulatory regime in the UAE, a consequence of GCC region. Family business houses are wealthy, the recent entry of UAE and Qatar into the MSCI major players in the region. tion finance became expensive and difficult to the efforts made by the country to attract foreign well-established and are often reluctant to sell Emerging Markets index has led to many market The PE industry has come a long way from the obtain. investments. Continued government spending their stakes to private equity firms. reforms across the region, especially in Saudi doom-and-gloom years post the 2008 financial Most PE funds in the GCC region have broad and increased focus on the non-oil sector are Islamic PE is constrained by lesser investment Arabia, aimed at improving disclosures and stan- crisis, to the industry peaking in 2014 due to suc- sector focus with investments ranging from expected to drive PE growth in the coming years. opportunities as only Sharia compliant projects dardizing corporate governance. Emergence of cessive years of zero interest rates and favorable healthcare to ICT, infrastructure and hard assets With the Dubai Expo 2020 and the FIFA World are sought after by these funds. Lack of uniformi- private equity would be a boon for most SMEs credit conditions. Booming global equity markets like real estate. Analysis reveals there is a strong Cup in Qatar looming ahead, the non-oil sector ty in the way sharia principles are applied in dif- and startup companies, which find it hard to lifted the valuations of PE assets, supported by focus on consumer spending themes such as comprising infrastructure, tourism, trade and ferent countries, due to absence of global sharia obtain adequate financing from banks due to robust corporate profits and improved IPO condi- restaurants, consumer goods, retail, ICT, leisure financial services is expected to get a major standards, leads to multiple regulatory checks stringent collateral requirements, including per- tions that allowed for profitable exits. This led to and entertainment sectors; and governments boost, which opens up avenues for investment and at times can lead to prolonged delays in sonal guarantees. With nearly 80 per cent of the waves of profit distributions, which restored limit- focused investments play such as infrastructure, for PE. But PE funds are likely to be confronted structuring and increase costs dramatically. companies in the space falling in the SME catego- ed partners’ confidence in the PE market, and education, healthcare etc. Given the deal scarcity with intense competition, not only with fundrais- Dearth of qualified, trained professionals with ry, private equity can emerge as an alternative increased their commitment to new PE funds. But and capital abundance, many of the funds that ing, but also in scouting attractive deals. expertise in investment strategies, legal docu- funding method. THURSDAY, JANUARY 14, 2016 t e c h n o l o g y Google reveals self-driving car slip-ups SAN FRANCISCO: Google yesterday said that Simulations determined that 13 of the 69 “dri- human drivers - never mind the 16-year-olds while its self-driving cars have safely driven ver-initiated disengagements” would have we send onto the streets to learn amidst the more than a million miles, there have been resulted in crashes if the car had been steering, rest of us.” Urmson was not ready to declare times when humans have had to take over to the report indicated. self-driving cars safer than those controlled by avoid crashing. System “anomalies” caused Two of the incidents involved traffic cones humans, but believed Google was making drivers to take the wheel 272 times in and three were blamed on reckless driving by progress toward getting them to market. California test cars in the 14 months leading up someone in another vehicle. Eight of the near- to December, Google said in a report to the misses took place over the 53,000 miles trav- Drivers still needed California Department of Motor Vehicles. The eled in California in 2014, while only five hap- California Department of Motor Vehicles test period saw cars travel more than 420,000 pened as the cars logged a hefty 370,000 miles officials last month proposed self-driving car miles (676,000 kilometers) across the state. during the 2015 part of the trial, according to regulations that would mandate that a person There were an additional 69 occasions when Urmson. “This trend looks good,” he said. be able to take the wheel if needed. California drivers seized control from automated systems Urmson cautioned, however, that the number has the potential to set precedent with its rules based on their own judgment calls, according could actually rise as Google self-driving cars for self-driving cars, and the proposed regula- to the report. The most common cause for are tested in trickier environments such as tions were seen as sure to slow down the tech- intervention occurred when technology did dangerous weather or traffic. nology’s progression as it heads mainstream. not properly sense a real-world situation, the “On our test track, we run tests that are “DMV got it exactly right and is putting our report indicated. designed to give us extra practice with rare or safety first,” said John Simpson, director of non- wacky situations,” Urmson said. Engineers also profit Consumer Watchdog Privacy Project. ‘Trend looks good’ use a powerful simulator to generate scenarios “How can Google propose a car with no steer- Google then plays out these situations on a and variations on circumstances. “Thanks to all ing wheel, brakes or driver when its own tests” simulator to reveal whether the vehicle would this testing, we can develop measurable confi- show so many failures, he added. Overall DETROIT: Google Inc Self Driving Car Project CEO John Krafcik speaks at have hit something had the human not taken dence in our abilities in various environments,” Google’s self-driving vehicles have logged more than 1.3 million miles (2 million kilome- the Automotive News World Congress in Detroit, Michigan. —AFP control, according to Chris Urmson, head of Urmson said. “This stands in contrast to the the Internet giant’s self-driving car team. hazy variability we accept in experienced ters), the company said. —AFP Coal India Ltd plans biggest tech overhaul to check rampant theft Company to spend $52 million on GPS tracking NEW DELHI: Coal India Ltd is mak- ances, though this has prompted Srivastava said. ply Coal India with tracking and ing its biggest tech overhaul in four criticism that the world’s third- Azim Premji, the billionaire chair- monitoring devices, including CCTV. decades to check rampant theft and largest carbon emitter is not doing man of Wipro, India’s third-largest Srivastava said that when he shed its image as an inefficient enough to check climate change. software services exporter, recently joined Mahanadi in 2011 there were behemoth, spurred by an impend- To build on those output gains met Swarup to offer some of the widespread discrepancies in weigh- ing opening up of the sector to pri- and meet a target to double pro- company’s tracking technologies. ing coal-laden vehicles, and un- vate firms for the first time since the duction to 1 billion tons by 2020, “This is Coal India’s biggest techno- monitored loading and offloading 1970s. The state-run company’s Coal Secretary Anil Swarup is priori- logical overhaul, and its impact that encouraged theft. The company monopoly had allowed it to delay tizing tech modernization already would be in billions of dollars,” has installed CCTV cameras at ship- the use of modern technology com- implemented at Mahanadi Swarup told Reuters. “The whole ment sites, hooked up trucks with mon in international mining, but it Coalfields, a Coal India unit. Swarup shift towards supplying quality coal satellites and fitted them with radio cannot afford to wait any longer as wants all seven of Coal India’s pro- to customers further increases the frequency identification tags to US spy chief James Clapper the government is set to soon ducing units to use a GPS-based use of technology to avoid pilfer- automatically transfer data to a con- announce a plan to allow private tracking system for their trucks and age.” Last year, Mahanadi blacklisted trol room at the company’s head- competitors like Adani Group to Google maps to electronically third-party contractors of 36 trucks, quarters. mine and sell coal. “fence” mining areas, which will each carrying up to 17 tonnes of It is also replacing static elec- US spy chief’s personal Coal India’s productivity is esti- alert managers if a truck diverts coal, after managers received tele- tronic weigh-bridges with in- mated at just one-eighth of its tech- from its route. Swarup will review phone alerts of route violations that motion bridges that can gather online accounts hacked nologically advanced rivals in the the units’ preparedness this month. could have led to theft, said data without trucks having to stop, United States, and as much as a fifth Srivastava. easing delivery backlogs. Srivastava Hackers bring down Thai websites of its annual output is stolen, cost- Lining up said the measures have tightened ing the company up to $1 billion The upgrade is expected to cost Changing perceptions control over errant truck drivers, WASHINGTON: US spy chief James protests erupted in neighboring Myanmar each year. Local “coal mafias” have around 3.5 billion rupees ($52 mil- The tech overhaul may also help and up to 90 percent of the coal Clapper’s personal online accounts have after the verdict, with many people there fought for years to control rackets lion) initially, but the attraction of Coal India change perceptions that mined is now weighed. But there is been hacked, his office confirmed Tuesday, believing the two workers, who denied that prey on the industry and feed a working with the world’s largest coal it’s a slow-moving government still scope to improve. “As of now, a few months after CIA director John killing the tourists, were scapegoats. Some vast black market. Tactics range mining company and the promise of giant, deterring investors from buy- we can only detect route violations, Brennan suffered a similar attack. Clapper’s rights workers say they believe police from infiltrating unions and trans- follow-on business is luring some ing its shares despite its dominant but there should be a system so an Office of the Director of National forced the two into confessing under port operations to bribery, extortion major companies. Indian software position in a resource-rich and ener- alert goes out if the GPS is removed Intelligence confirmed the hack but duress. Police denied that. and outright theft of coal. Under giants, including Wipro, as well as US gy-hungry country. Other local firms or tampered with,” Srivastava said. refused to provide details. “We are aware of In a message posted on the ‘We Are Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s gov- firm Honeywell and France’s Orange, such as CMC Ltd, ARS Software “There should also be a way to the matter and we reported it to the Anonymous’ Facebook page the hacking ernment, Coal India has raised out- are lining up for contracts, with fresh Engineering and Arya Omnitalk ensure the weight of coal at the appropriate authorities,” spokesman Brian group said it had shut down Thai judicial put at a record pace, helped by tenders to be launched possibly by Wireless Solutions have shown inter- loading site and offloading site is Hale said. websites in protest over the verdict. accelerated environmental clear- March, Mahanadi executive Deepak est in bidding for contracts to sup- the same.” —Reuters A teen hacker who goes by “Cracka” “Anonymous shuts down all Thai Court of claimed to have hacked Clapper’s home Justice website in protest over the Koh Tao telephone and Internet accounts, his per- murder verdict. Anonymous is supporting sonal email, and his wife’s Yahoo email, the campaign to ask tourists to boycott online magazine Motherboard reported. Thailand,” the group said. It also posted a Cracka told Motherboard that he had black and white graphic of a man wearing changed the settings on Clapper’s Verizon a Guy Fawkes mask, an image associated account so that calls to his home were with the Anonymous movement, with a rerouted to the California-based Free blindfold over his eyes and the words: Palestine Movement. Cracka is part of the “Failed Law. We Want Justice!” “Crackas with Attitude” group, which broke The group listed more than 200 web- into Brennan’s personal email account last sites it said it shut down. The Civil Court of year. Hackers from the group have said Thailand’s main website was not immedi- they are teenage high school students. ately accessible but the Courts of Justice website, which the group said it had Thai websites hacked hacked, was running as normal late yester- In another development, International day. Police Colonel Somporn Daengdee, hacking movement Anonymous said it deputy chief of the police Technology attacked hundreds of Thai government Crime Suppression Division, said police websites yesterday over death sentences had not received reports of government handed down to two migrant workers for websites being hacked but were looking the murder of two British tourists. A court into it. sentenced Myanmar migrant workers Zaw In an emotionally charged Facebook Lin and Win Zaw Htun, both 22, to death post on Tuesday, Witheridge’s sister criti- CALIFORNIA: A self-driving car traverses a parking lot at Google’s headquarters in Mountain View, California. —AFP on Dec 24 after finding them guilty of mur- cized the investigation and the police. dering tourists Hannah Witheridge, 23, and Miller’s family has said it supported the David Miller, 24, on a beach on the island court verdict and the work of the police. of Koh Tao in 2014. This month, Anonymous, a loose-knit In California tests, self-driving Witheridge had been raped and bludg- international network of activist hackers, eoned to death, according to police, and said it was responsible for cyber attacks on Miller suffered severe head injuries and Thai police websites in protest against the vehicles still need human help was left to drown in the surf. But the inves- Koh Tao verdict. Police confirmed the tigation drew allegations of police incom- attacks but said they were not on confi- LOS ANGELES: Futuristic self-driving cars travel- “That’s exactly why we test our vehicles with a affect public safety, and possibly was a false read- petence, torture and mishandling of evi- dential data. Reuters was unable to verify ing along California roads have needed plenty of steering wheel and pedals.” ing. John Simpson, a frequent critic of Google dence. Police rejected the complaints but who carried out the attacks. —Agencies old-fashioned human intervention to stay safe. The California Department of Motor Vehicles, who focuses on privacy issues for the nonprofit California’s Department of Motor Vehicles on which is writing new regulations for the technol- group Consumer Watchdog, said the company’s Tuesday released reports filed by seven compa- ogy, said it was still reviewing in the reports. report “underscores the need for a driver behind nies the agency gave permission to test proto- Google reported 272 cases in which the cars’ the steering wheel capable of taking control of type vehicles in public. The documents summa- software or onboard sensors failed. Though the robot car.” rized instances in which a human driver had to Google did not release detailed scenarios, the Google has argued to California regulators YouTube launches take over due to technology problems or other problems included issues with the self-driving that once the company concludes the cars are safety concerns. The reports show wildly different cars seeing traffic lights, yielding to pedestrians ready for the public to use, they should not need levels of success since on-road testing started in or committing traffic violations. There were also a steering wheel or pedals because human inter- Pakistan’s version September 2014. Experts in the technology said cases where intervention was needed because vention would actually make them less safe. ISLAMABAD: Google has launched a local- ernment official said yesterday Pakistan’s Google, whose cars drove the most by far, per- other drivers were reckless, and several dozen Google released its report Tuesday before the ized version of YouTube in Pakistan, poten- telecommunication authority could ask formed relatively well, though they also cau- instances of an “unwanted maneuver” by agency posted reports from other companies in tially paving the way for the country’s top Google to remove content it deems tioned that the testing typically happened dur- Google’s car. what Google described as an effort to be trans- court to lift a ban on the site over “blasphe- objectionable. If Google complies, it ing good weather. Bryant Walker Smith, a professor at the parent about its safety record. The company had mous content”. The site was blocked after could meet a condition set by the Other companies reported frequent instances University of South Carolina who closely follows lobbied against having to report disengage- “Innocence of Muslims” was uploaded, an Supreme Court for lifting the ban. “The in which the person who is required to be in the self driving car developments, said Google’s rate ments in the first place, saying the data could be American-made film that depicted the understanding is that on the localized front seat just in case - had to grab the wheel. of potential collisions was “not terribly high, but misinterpreted. The other companies testing self- Prophet Mohammed as a thuggish deviant version offensive and blasphemous con- Nissan, for example, tested just 1,485 miles in certainly not trivial.” He said it remains difficult to driving cars on California streets are Tesla Motors, and triggered protests across the Muslim tent could be blocked by Google on the public, but reported 106 cases where the driver gauge how self-driving cars compare to accident Mercedes-Benz, and parts suppliers Bosch and world-including in Pakistan, where more government’s request,” the official said. had to take control. The automaker has said it rates among human drivers, since even the best Delphi. than 20 people died in demonstrations. A Google spokesman confirmed that plans to have “commercially viable autonomous data underreport minor collisions that are never Google’s testing mostly involves driving Google said Tuesday users in Nepal, governments are allowed to request the drive vehicles” by 2020. A spokeswoman did not reported to authorities. While Google’s problem around the company’s Silicon Valley headquar- Pakistan and Sri Lanka would see a new removal of YouTube videos that violate return a request for comment. Google said its rate is “impressively low,” a trained safety driver ters or the streets of Austin, Texas. The company’s YouTube homepage featuring local con- local laws. “We have clear community cars needed human help 341 times over 424,000 should remain in the front seat, said Raj rate of human intervention has improved in tent in native languages. YouTube, owned guidelines, and when videos violate those miles. That would be the equivalent of about 10 Rajkumar, an engineering professor at Carnegie recent months, according to its data, but Urmson by California-based Google, has already rules, we remove them,” the spokesman times per year, given the 12,000 miles the aver- Mellon University who specializes in self-driving cautioned that the rate might again rise as launched similar initiatives in dozens of said. But the Internet giant said it would age US vehicle travels annually. cars. According to data in Google’s report, a driv- Google subjects the cars to more challenging other countries. The Supreme Court’s ban review requests before taking videos In 11 of the 341 instances, Google said its cars er typically took control within one second of the environments and weather conditions. Google in place since September 2012 applied to down. “Government requests to remove would have gotten in a crash. The head of the car asking for help. said its cars would have been responsible in YouTube’s global and localized sites. content will continue to be tracked and company’s self-driving car project said that while Drivers at other companies often reacted eight of the 11 avoided accidents, according to The new site, youtube.com.pk, is cur- included in our Transparency Report.” the results are encouraging, they also show the quickly as well, according to their reports, computer modeling the company performed lat- rently live but inaccessible inside Islamabad has been in intermittent talks technology has yet to reach his goal of not need- though Volkswagen Group of America reported er. In two other cases, its cars would have hit a Pakistan, and the government and with Google for several years over the ing someone behind the wheel. “There’s none that, in one case, it was more than 12 minutes traffic cone. Google cars have been involved in Google hope its creation will mean the issue, another source close to the matter where it was like, ‘Holy cow, we just avoided a big before the person took control of one of its test nine collisions since September 2014. In each Supreme Court will lift the ban, even if said, without providing a specific time- wreck,’” said Chris Urmson, Google’s self-driving Audis. Audi of America spokesman Brad Stertz case, the other car was responsible, according to only partially. Content on the local site frame for the unveiling of YouTube car project leader. “We’re seeing lots of improve- said he was gathering details on the incident, but an analysis by researchers at Virginia Tech can still be regulated, and a senior gov- Pakistan. —AFP ment. But it’s not quite ready yet,” Urmson said. believed it was a software glitch that did not University. —AP THURSDAY, JANUARY 14, 2016 HEALTH & SCIENCE Ebola: Profile of a prolific killer

MONROVIA: This is a factfile on Ebola (more than 3,900) and Liberia (more gorillas, monkeys, forest antelope and ops into a high fever, weakness, intense Possible treatments ahead of Liberia’s expected announce- than 4,800). porcupines are also suspected of having muscle and joint pain, headaches and Several tests have been carried out ment this week that it is officially free of transmitted Ebola to humans. Only one sore throats. That is often followed by with experimental drugs and vaccines Ebola transmission, bringing an end to Origins certified contact with an animal has vomiting and diarrhoea, skin eruptions, during the epidemic in west Africa. the worst ever outbreak of the disease Ebola was first identified in central been recorded in the current outbreak. kidney and liver failure, and internal and Among these are Avigan (favipiravir), an in West Africa. Africa. The tropical virus was named It has since been passed among external bleeding. antiviral treatment being developed by after a river in the Democratic Republic humans. Ebola is transmitted by contact the Japanese company Toyama Toll of Congo-then known as Zaire-where it with the blood, body fluids, secretions Avoiding infection Chemical. The best known is ZMapp, a The outbreak started in December came to light in 1976. Five species have or organs of an infected or recently In the absence of a confirmed vac- cocktail of three monoclonal (single 2013 in southern Guinea before spread- been identified to date (Zaire, Sudan, deceased person, but not by air. Those cine or cure, it is recommended that cell) antibiotics developed through a ing to two neighboring west African Bundibugyo, Reston and Tai Forest), the infected do not become contagious preventive measures be taken to stop Canadian/US partnership. The WHO countries. It has killed more than 11,300 first being historically the most virulent until the symptoms appear. They then the spread of Ebola-notably through said in July that the world “is on the people, out of 29,000 registered cases, with death rates that have reached 90 become more and more contagious hand-washing and using gel or alcohol- verge of an effective Ebola vaccine” according to World Health Organization percent among humans. until just after their death, which poses based disinfectants. A distance of sev- after Canadian drug VSV-EZEBOV was (WHO) estimates. The real figure may great risks during funerals. eral meters (yards) should also be kept found in clinical trials in Guinea to pro- be significantly higher. More than 99 Transmitting Ebola from infected people or bodies, and vide 100-percent protection from the percent of the victims were based in The virus’s natural reservoir animal is The symptoms healthcare providers must wear dispos- disease. The drug may therefore three neighboring nations-Guinea probably the bat, which does not con- Following an incubation period of able protective clothing that includes become the first licensed vaccine (more than 2,500 dead), Sierra Leone tract the disease itself. Chimpanzees, between two and 21 days, Ebola devel- masks and gloves. against the disease. — AFP

FDA panel favors approval for drug-oozing addiction implant

WASHINGTON: Federal health advisers rec- their cravings and symptoms, clouding the ommended approval Tuesday for an experi- picture of the implant’s performance. mental implant designed to treat patients Ultimately, most panelists said they were recovering from heroin and painkiller addic- swayed by an FDA analysis showing that tion. Despite shortcomings in company stud- Probuphine was at least as effective in avoid- ies, a majority of Food and Drug ing relapse as older treatments. Administration advisers said the implant offers important benefits not currently avail- Bleeding and infection able. The drug-oozing device is intended to Dr Rajesh Narendran, of the University of be a safer, more reliable approach to control- Pittsburgh, said prescribing instructions for ling cravings and withdrawal symptoms. the device must be “crystal clear” about which “Overall the data did have some problems,” patients should receive it. Braeburn only stud- said Dr. Thomas Grieger, of the Maryland ied the drug in patients who were already sta- Department of Health. “But I think clearly bilized on low-to-medium doses of buprenor- there was no evidence of significant risk with phine. The FDA previously rejected this agent and there is evidence of significant Probuphine in April 2012, judging the drug’s benefit and hopefully great promise.” dose was too low to reliably help the broad The advisers voted 12-5 in favor of the range of opioid-addicted patients. Another device from Braeburn Pharmaceuticals. The concern raised Tuesday involved the complex FDA is scheduled to make its formal decision surgical procedure needed to put in and by Feb 27. The matchstick-size implant, remove the rod-like implants, which are dubbed Probuphine, slowly releases a low inserted under the skin of the arm. According dose of buprenorphine over six months. to an FDA review, problems like bleeding and Currently buprenorphine is available as a pill infection were more frequent with or film that dissolves under the tongue. It is Probuphine than with contraceptive implants considered a safer, more palatable alternative that use similar drug-releasing technology. to methadone, the decades-old standard for Braeburn CEO Behshad Sheldon said controlling opioid addiction. Opioids are a Tuesday the company would aim to train powerful family of drugs that mimic the opi- 1,500 physicians to perform the procedure in NEW YORK: This file photo taken on November 07, 2014 shows an audience member photographing a slide showing um poppy, including medications like oxy- the initial six weeks after launch. “The few, the likeness of an Ebola virus during an Ebola safety presentation by the US. — AFP codone and illicit narcotics like heroin. current options are not enough to address More than 2.5 million Americans are the tremendous needs of the vast popula- addicted to opioids, according to federal esti- tion dealing with this complex disease,” With Ebola in check, are mates. But less than half are receiving med- Behshad said in a statement. Princeton, NJ- ication-based treatment to help control the based Braeburn licensed the US rights to problem. Braeburn executives told panelists Probuphine from its original developer, Titan Tuesday that its implant could help reduce Pharmaceuticals. we ready for next outbreak? cases of relapse among chronic drug Heroin and opioid painkillers caused abusers. Many recovering addicts struggle to 28,650 fatal overdoses in 2014, the highest stick with their daily medication, putting number on record in the US Despite those ‘We know how to stop the spread’ them at risk of returning to illicit drug use numbers, experts say buprenorphine and overdosing. But panelists questioned remains underused due to federal caps on MONROVIA: The world will have a col- through body fluids, and speedily trac- whether Braeburn’s studies accurately pre- prescribing, gaps in insurance and a lack of lective sigh of relief when west Africa’s ing those who had been in contact with dict Probuphine’s success. They cited short- acceptance by doctors. Along with increas- Ebola epidemic is finally declared at an them. The new knowledge came in comings in the company’s research including ing compliance, Probuphine has the poten- end after claiming more than 11,000 handy after Liberia-declared Ebola-free- missing urine samples from some study par- tial to address other problems with the oral lives over two years. But with a cure still had two further flare-ups, successfully ticipants. Additionally, many patients buprenorphine, including illegal diversion out of reach, and no vaccine on the mar- stopped in their tracks. “During the first received additional drug therapy to control and accidental poisoning in children. — AP ket, are we better prepared for next outbreak our doctors and healthcare time? Important lessons were learnt the workers were not (familiar with) the dis- hard way from the unprecedented dev- ease,” said Karteh. Eating taters pre-pregnancy astation and suffering wrought on “This is why a good number of them Liberia, Guinea and Sierra Leone-the (more than 500) died.” An ironic upside may boost diabetes risk countries hardest hit by the outbreak of the outbreak’s massive scale is that it which started in December 2013, say yielded thousands of survivors for med- PARIS: Eating lots of potatoes-especially chips the study published in the British Medical experts. Epidemiological protocols were ical research. This led to the discovery or crisps-is linked to a higher risk for women of Journal. The women were asked to report their improved. At first, many infected people that Ebola virus can live for several developing a type of diabetes that occurs dur- potato consumption during the year previous were not quarantined fast enough or months in the semen, spinal column ing pregnancy, a study said yesterday. So-called to becoming pregnant, rating intake from “nev- given the right type of care. and eye fluid of survivors-though the gestational diabetes can have long-term health er or less than once a month” to “six portions The World Health Organization’s implications and transmission risk are consequences for both mother and child, per day”. (WHO) much-criticized reaction lag led not yet clear. It was also recently found including a higher chance of heart disease and This data was matched against medical to an overhaul of epidemic response that survivors can suffer vision prob- other forms of diabetes. Potatoes-consumed records which showed whether they had devel- guidelines. Deployment of medical staff, lems, hearing loss and joint pain for KENEMA, Sierra Leone: This file photo taken on November 15, 2014 massively across the globe-contain important oped gestational diabetes. After taking other virus-blocking suits, medicines and oth- months after being declared cured. shows health workers wearing protective equipment dance as they nutrients, including vitamin C and potassium. factors such as age and family history of dia- er material is likely to happen much try to cheer up an Ebola patient at Kenama treatment center run by But compared to other vegetables and carbo- betes into account, the study found a strong link faster next time. “We know how to stop Scramble for drugs the Red cross Society on November 15, 2014. — AFP hydrates, they also contain extra starch, which is with taters, especially fried and baked. “Higher the spread,” Liberia’s chief medical officer The scale of the outbreak, and the associated with a more rapid increase in blood total potato consumption was significantly asso- Francis Karteh told AFP. “Liberia is no global scare caused when infected doc- The frontrunners are ZMapp, a cocktail the odds of recovery. sugar levels. ciated with an increased risk of gestational dia- longer at risk like the way it was.” The tors started returning home from west of three artificial Ebola antibodies made On the upside, doctors recently said Generally speaking, diabetes occurs when betes,” the researchers concluded. Doctors rec- WHO is preparing to declare on Friday Africa to Europe and the United States, by Mapp Biopharmaceutical in California a malaria drug given to Ebola patients in the body is no longer able to make enough ommend changes in diet and exercise with the an official end to this outbreak, which provided impetus for the fast-track and Avigan, an antiviral tablet devel- Liberia seemed to improve chances for insulin, a hormone that prompts cells in the onset of gestational diabetes but in severe cases infected more than 28,600 people and development of drugs. The resulting oped by a subsidiary of Japan’s Fujifilm survival. For now, the focus remains rap- body to absorb sugar from the blood for energy insulin treatment may be required. killed over 11,300. Before this epidemic, pharmaceutical scramble yielded several Holdings. id response, speedy quarantine, and and storage. Up to now, the possible associa- The solution? Eat other vegetables and fewer than 2,500 people were known to promising vaccine candidates. But none Both were given to infected medical quality care-including intravenous drip tion between gestational diabetes and eating legumes-a family including beans, peas and have been killed by the virus since it was have yet been tested in general, non- workers, though it is not sure that their to prevent dehydration-for those infect- spuds had not been investigated. To see if there lentils-instead of starchy spuds, the authors rec- first discovered in 1976. infected populations-the gold standard survival was due to the treatment. A ed. “We learnt a lot during this epidemic,” was a link, researchers led by Cuilin Zhang at ommend. Substituting two servings of potatoes for proving efficacy. lesser-known compound called GS- said Michel Van Herp of MSF. “The next the National Institutes of Health in Rockville, a week with other vegetables or whole grain Lessons learnt Similarly, none of the many potential 5734, developed by US-based Gilead epidemic will not be as dramatic.” Jean- Maryland used data from the Nurses’ Health foods yielded an approximately 10 percent Karteh said local doctors learnt much treatments under investigation have so Sciences, was given to a Scottish nurse Francois Delfraissy, French immunolo- Study II, which has monitored more than reduction in risk, they reported. Despite the sta- from organizations such as Medecins far been proven to work. Many drug hospitalized with a serious relapse gist, said keeping an eye on survivors, 115,000 women since 1989. tistical evidence, the researchers say that a Sans Frontieres (MSF or Doctors Without studies started when the epidemic was months after her initial recovery. She and boosting African early alert systems, Zhang and colleagues looked at the records direct cause-and-effect link between eating Borders), the Red Cross and the WHO, already declining and there were no recovered. Some treatments did not pan were crucial to breaking the transmis- for 15,632 women with no history of gestational potatoes and gestational diabetes “cannot be which deployed staff to help contain the longer enough patients for clinical trials. out. A study released last week conclud- sion chain. “Continued research into vac- diabetes or chronic disease who became preg- assumed.” But they noted that earlier studies epidemic. A key lesson was the need for Nevertheless, many studies have ed that transfusions of blood plasma cines, treatments and the virus reservoir, nant between 1991 and 2001. Of 21,693 single- have suggested that spuds can have a detri- quick, safe and hygienic burials of peo- advanced to the point that testing can from survivors-despite sky-high expec- both animal and human, is indispensi- foetus pregnancies, 854 — some four percent- mental effect on blood sugar levels due to their ple who died from the virus transmitted continue if there is another outbreak. tations-failed to significantly increase ble,” he said. — AFP developed gestational diabetes, according to high starch content. — AFP Residents fear for health in car-clogged Albanian capital

TIRANA, Albania: With her sick daughter in the regime until 1991, the Western Balkan city had just a Taxing dilemmas arms, Mira Lela pushes her way through the hallway few hundred cars on its roads in the 1990s. But today, In a bid to clean up the air, Albanian authorities of the doctor’s clinic, crowded with patients ailing through a mixture of pride, luxury-seeking and considered doubling taxes on ageing vehicles but from heavy pollution in Albania’s capital. “This is an necessity, given the lack of public transport, there are then dropped such plans. Analysts suggested the emergency, she has difficulty breathing,” said the more than 190,000 cars circulating in a city of about cost would weigh too heavily on citizens in one of tearful woman, forcing open the door to the office of one million people. the poorest countries in Europe. New cars are already Bardhyl Vaqari, who has worked in the specialist “Albanians take the car even when going to buy exempt from paying annual tax for the first three Tirana clinic for more than 20 years. “An acute asthma bread in a nearby store. That’s why the traffic is over- years, but authorities in 2012 lifted a levy on the attack,” said the doctor on seeing the child. “The loaded all day and this increases pollution levels,” said import of old vehicles as the EU considered it a “fiscal number of people with respiratory allergies and car- Altin Duka, a despairing 65-year-old shopkeeper. The discrimination”. diovascular problems has greatly increased,” he told average age of vehicles on Tirana’s roads is around 16 Tirana’s Mayor Erion Veliaj has pledged to battle AFP, adding that the number of patients on the clin- years, twice the European average, according to Gani against the fumes by increasing the number of green ic’s books has more than doubled to 8,000 in the last Cupi, deputy manager of Albania’s Road Transport spaces, introducing hybrid buses and improving four years. Services. Many of the vehicles do not meet the stan- infrastructure in the city, which is crammed with On the noisy and congested streets outside, dards of the European Union, which Albania hopes mostly illegal constructions. “The number of vehicles clapped-out bangers and Hummer trucks cross paths to join. “The traffic load, the age of vehicles, their does not stop growing,” he told AFP, pointing out with Mercedes, BMWs and overloaded buses that technical condition but also the poor quality of fuel that about 500 people die in the city each year TIRANA, Albania: A photo taken on November 12, 2015 shows a panoramic view of leave a trail of black smoke and heavy odour. Having are all factors contributing to the capital’s pollution,” “because of respiratory or cardiovascular problems Tirana covered in a layer of smog. — AFP been cut off from the world under a strict communist said Cupi. related to pollution”. — AFP THURSDAY, JANUARY 14, 2016 HEALTH & SCIENCE Experts to study food safety of oilfield wastewater

RANCHO CORDOVA, California: More field wastewater for irrigating tens of state. For farmers in California’s drought, chemicals on food is “largely unstudied test crops with the oilfield water to study farmers in drought-stricken California are thousands of acres in California. Almond, the question is “where’s the water going and unknown,” says the nonprofit Pacific how much of the chemicals wind up in using oilfield wastewater to irrigate, and pistachio and citrus growers are the main to come from if you want to maintain Institute, which studies water issues. the produce. a new panel on Tuesday began taking farmers already using such water. agriculture,” said Gabriele Ludwig, a rep- Researchers, for example, don’t know As of now, with so many unknowns one of the state’s deepest looks yet at the California’s aging oilfields require resentative of Almond Board of California the long-term toxicity of up to 80 percent about the hundreds of chemicals safety of using the chemical-laced water intensive drilling methods and generate and one of the members of the new pan- of the hundreds of materials used in oil- involved and their possible impact on on food crops. In the fourth year of lots of wastewater. In Central California’s el. field production, Pacific Institute crops, “We’re not able to answer the pub- California’s drought, at least five oilfields San Joaquin Valley, a center of the state’s The state officials, academic experts researcher Matthew Heberger told panel lic definitely and say there’s no problem,” in the state are now passing along their agriculture and oil businesses, oil compa- and industry representatives on the pan- members. Testing so far has found only said William Stringfellow, a panel mem- leftover production fluid to water dis- nies in 2013 produced 150 million barrels el are charged with studying the safety of negligible amounts of chemicals in the ber and environmental engineer at the tricts for irrigation, for recharging under- of oil - and nearly 2 billion barrels of irrigating food crops with oilfield waste- recycled oilfield water, said Clay Rodgers, Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory ground water supplies, and other uses, wastewater. Central California leads the water that may contain chemicals and a manager at the Central Valley Regional in Berkeley. The regional water board will experts said. Chevron and the California country in food production. It’s also the other material from hydraulic fracturing, Water Quality Control Board, which use the panel’s findings to guide its over- offshoot of Occidental Petroleum are main oil-producing base in California, the other intensive drilling methods and oil- assembled the panel. At least one local sight of the recycling of oilfield waste- among the oil companies supplying oil- country’s No. 3 oil-and-gas producing field maintenance. The effect of oilfield water district also has begun growing water, Rodgers said. — AFP

Ancient giraffe relative had thick legs, curly horns

PARIS: An ancient relative of the giraffe the eyes. “It would have been an impressive was a huge, heavy animal with thick legs, a and strong animal,” said Basu. “It’s face flat face and massive, curly horns flaring would have looked very different from a out from its skull, said a study yesterday. giraffe. Giraffe’s have very long, pointed Dubbed Sivatherium giganteum, the skulls. Sivatherium had a very short, flat- impressive creature would have been tened skull.” It lived somewhere between shorter than today’s giraffe, with a less the last five million and 12,000 years ago. elongated neck, a trio of British scientists Related to the giraffe and its cousin the wrote in the Royal Society journal Biology okapi, Sivatherium was possibly the largest Letters. Using bones dug up in India in the ruminant animal-those with multi-compart- 1830s and now in London’s Natural History mented stomachs-to ever have lived. Museum, the team built a computerized The first scientists to study Sivatherium 3D reconstruction of an animal they said bones misclassified the animal as an archa- would have stood about 1.8 meters (5.9 ic link between modern ruminants and a feet) tall at the shoulder and weighed long-extinct relative of elephants and rhi- about 1.2 tons. noceroses. For the new study, the skeleton “This was a heavy animal with thick legs,” was reconstructed using 26 fossil bones co-author Christopher Basu told AFP by from three individual animals. The ribs, email. Added to the large, flattened horns back and pelvis are missing. “We estimated or “ossicones” on the top of the skull, each what these might look like from giraffe and about 70 centimeters (28 inches) long, it okapi anatomy-the two living relatives,” also had two smaller, pointy horns just over said Basu. — AFP

TEXEL, northern Netherlands: In this image released by Ecomare nature museum, seal sanctuary, sea aquarium and a bird sanc- tuary, five sperm whales that beached on the Dutch island of Texel, northern Netherlands, have died. — AP 5 sperm whales die after beaching on Dutch island

THE HAGUE, Netherlands: Five (25-40 feet) were first spotted terday confirmed that all five were Wadden Sea off the Dutch coast. In sperm whales that beached on a stranded on a beach on the island dead. It was not clear why the 2012, a 12-meter humpback whale Dutch island have died before any- of Texel on Tuesday. A museum and whales beached themselves on the got stuck on a sandbank near the one could attempt a rescue opera- wildlife center on the island, island 100 kilometers (60 miles) coastal town of Den Helder, close PARIS: This handout image from the Royal Veterinary College shows the reconstruction tion. The whales, ranging in size Ecomare, says that experts who north of Amsterdam. Texel is one of to Texel, and died despite efforts to of a skeleton of an extinct giraffe-like animal, assumed to be the biggest ruminant from around eight to 12 meters studied the marine mammals yes- a string of islands in the shallow save the animal. — AP mammal ever to have lived. — AFP Europeans urge employers to ease menopause for women

PARIS: As more women remain in the workforce symptoms like insomnia may require flexible mones estrogen and progesterone in the years temperatures, poor ventilation, confined spaces, Sympathetic manner through their menopausal years, many employers schedules or efforts to reduce job-related stress. leading up to menopause and beyond, women excessive crowding, and insufficient spaces for rest In a Maturitas article outlining the EMAS recom- may need to do a better job of adopting policies “Very few employers are talking about menopause can experience symptoms ranging from irregular or bathroom breaks can all contribute to an envi- mendations, Amanda Griffiths of the University of that help ensure working conditions don’t make in relation to their occupational health and safety periods and vaginal dryness to mood swings and ronment that causes problems for menopausal Nottingham Innovation Park in the UK and col- women’s symptoms worse, recent European policies and procedures, and how they might best insomnia. For working women, menopause can women, the researchers also note. leagues note that managers might need training in guidelines urge. Employers need to be sensitive to support women, and those who manage them, also negatively impact job performance because it While more studies are still needed to deter- how to support menopausal women and deal with shifts in physical and mental health that women with transitioning through menopause,” said Gavin can impair concentration and memory. Many mine what specific interventions or policies in the any symptoms in a sympathetic manner. Among may experience during menopause, according to Jack of Monash University in Australia, lead author women are unable or unwilling to request accom- workplace might make remaining on the job easi- other things, employers can provide desk fans, air recommendations from the European Menopause of a separate research review of workplace polices modations that might make work easier, Jack and est for women during menopause, employers in conditioning and cold drinking water when women and Andropause Society (EMAS) recently pub- published in Maturitas. colleagues note in their review. the meantime should move forward with creating have hot flashes, for example, or offer flexible work lished in Maturitas. Women go through menopause when they At the same time, women who are overworked a culture that makes women feel comfortable dis- schedules for women with insomnia and take steps Symptoms like hot flashes, for example, may stop menstruating, typically between ages 45 and or stressed on the job may experience worse closing symptoms or requesting accommodations, to reduce stress that can exacerbate symptoms, the require cooler workplace temperatures, while 55. As the ovaries curb production of the hor- menopause symptoms, the researchers note. High the researchers conclude. recommendations also suggest. —Reuters WHAT’S ON THURSDAY, JANUARY 14, 2016

A group photo of the participants in the Decision-Making Strategies Under Risk and Uncertainty follow-on session. Participants at the event. KFAS holds workshop on Decision-Making Strategies he Kuwait Foundation for the demic institutions in Kuwait. pants since the launch of this international dles cooperation with internationally Advancement of Sciences (KFAS) held a The workshop entitled “Decision-Making program is 515 participants from both the pri- renowned institutions and universities. The Tfollow on workshop in collaboration Strategies Under Risk and Uncertainty” was vate and public sectors. office aims to facilitate knowledge and tech- with Harvard University attended by twenty chosen to enhance the skills of the private sec- Dr Shihab-Eldin explained that the distinc- nology transfer and introduce best practice in private sector executives who had participat- tor in managing risks through a framework tive partnership between the Foundation and science, public policy, and business manage- ed in the main workshop that was held last that is applicable in all their fields of work, he Harvard comprises several activities most ment from the developed world to Kuwait and May in Boston. said. The workshop examined a number of important of which is the executive workshop the Gulf region. The office also acts as a venue The workshop on decision-making strate- subjects most important of which are multi- program tailored for senior business execu- to solidify cultural and scientific cooperation gies held at the Regency Hotel, was followed party negotiations, innovative leadership and tives in Kuwait. Through this program, senior between Kuwaiti scientists and graduate stu- by a dinner to honor the seventy 2015 methods of acquiring the right information to executives are blindly selected on the basis of dents and their counterparts in these presti- Distinguished Executives who participated in make effective executive decisions, he added. competitive merit to allow them the chance to gious institutions in order to enhance devel- KFAS collaborative programs with Harvard The workshop, held for the first time in diversify their abilities and enhance their opment in Kuwait, its region and the world. Prof Kessely Hong, lecturer on Public Executive programs during the past year. KFAS Kuwait in collaboration with the Kennedy potentials and to establish a sustainable foun- The workshop comprises various lectures Policy at John F Kennedy School of Director-General, Dr Adnan Shihab-Eldin, said School, is the follow-on session to the 14th dation for knowledge transfer amongst this delivered by Prof Kessely Hong, lecturer on Government at Harvard University and during the dinner that the Kuwait Program in workshop held by KFAS. It is part of a series of network of executives. Public Policy at John F Kennedy School of the faculty chair of KFAS customized Harvard Kennedy School Executive Education executive training workshops in partnership The Director-General concluded that the Government at Harvard University and the fac- program at Harvard Kennedy School holds several annual activities that serve pri- with Harvard, a collaboration that has started Foundation was keen on establishing the ulty chair of KFAS customized program at Executive Education. vate sector executives and researches at aca- 15 years ago. The overall number of partici- “Office of International Programs”, which han- Harvard Kennedy School Executive Education. Agility rolls out chemical safety initiative for schools

gility, a leading global logistics provider, recently conducted a series of educational Aworkshops on chemical safety for 208 stu- dents from Qurain Public Middle School, Learners Own Academy, and Carmel School. Ten Agility employees volunteered to conduct the interactive workshops with the schools over a period of five weeks at Agility’s headquarters in Sulaibiya. These workshops were based on train- ing put together by Agility’s Chemicals specialty. Each year, thousands of children around the world are accidently exposed to chemicals that can lead to illness, injury or in some cases even death. Through the chemical safety workshops, Agility aims to reduce the risk of accidental expo- sure to home chemicals among children. LuLu Hypermarket highlights Siham Nuseibeh, Manager, Corporate Social Responsibility for Agility said: “This is the first the best of Australian food time that Agility is bringing such a unique train- ing program to middle and high schools in Kuwait. Agility is a specialist in chemical logistics uLu Hypermarket, the leading retail- and health conscious consumers. Other and we wanted to use our knowledge of chemi- er in the region and popular for brands featured in the Australian Fest 2016 cals, and in particular hazardous materials, to Ltheir exciting promotions, launched include Bertolli, Carmans, Admiral, Always build awareness among children in Kuwait. By ‘Australian Fest 2016’ on 13 January, in Fresh, Real Foods, Diegos, Old L Paso, driving such initiatives that grow awareness, we honor of Australia Day which is celebrat- Chicken Tonight, Goldyna, Sanitarium, aim to educate young people about the com- ed on26 January. The promotion, which is Freedom Foods and Slendier. mon usage of chemicals and the dangers associ- running from 13 - 23 January at all LuLu The promotion includes various items ated with them in the home.” outlets in Kuwait, is showcasing branded in the groceries, chilled and dairy, deli- This community initiative was conducted to Australian food products at very attrac- catessen, fruits and vegetables, and meat support Agility’s annual Global Education Drive providing these kids opportunities for education, Education Drive forms one of many community tive prices. A range of imported sections. Presenting the best-of-the-best that aims to support the education of children as well as building knowledge among others that volunteer programs that the company runs. Australian products from a wide spec- Australian products, shoppers at the around the world irrespective of social opportu- are more fortunate. Since 2006, Agility has completed over 1,150 trum of food categories await patrons at Australian Fest 2016 have the unique nity. This includes fundraising drives to collect A part of Agility’s Corporate Social community projects in over 80 countries around Lulu hypermarket outlets, introducing opportunity to access flavorsome foods school equipment for less privileged children, Responsibility program, the annual Global the world. new additions to the hypermarket’s regu- that impart a distinctive taste to Australian lar offerings. cuisine. The promotion highlights several LuLu Hypermarket, which prides itself Australian food brands that are well- on providing customers a value-driven known for providing quality products, shopping experience, has built an enviable including brands such as Australia’s Own, customer base in the country through their So Natural, Organics and Pure Harvest that commitment to delivering high-quality are known for their ethical and amazing products at competitive prices, while organic and natural products for the diet ensuring the utmost customer satisfaction. Career counseling offered at India Education Exhibition

he ninth edition of India Education institutions. Exhibition, which will be held on 15 Another special feature of the India Tand 16 January at Ramada Kuwait Education Exhibition 2016, is the participa- Hotel in Al Riggae area, is a one-stop infor- tion of independent career counselors who mation event on the various professional will be holding specialized seminars and and vocational courses that students in one-on-one sessions with interested stu- Kuwait can pursue in reputed institutions of dents and their parents. Among the coun- selors present during the two-day exhibition will be Sreevidhya Santosh, a leading Indian career counselor, with a proven track-record in team and confidence building. Ms Sreevidhya has been helping tens of thousands of students to recognize and real- ize their potential. An innovative and result driven leader, she focuses on providing stu- dents with the tools to achieve exceptional results in highly competitive environments that demand continuous improvement. She has shared her experience as a coun- selor, motivator and career guide with stu- dents at schools across India and the UAE. higher learning in India. During the education exhibition in Kuwait, The two-day event, which will be open Sreevidhya will be available to help students from 11am to 8pm on both days, will pro- make better informed education and career —Photos by Yasser Al-Zayyat vide students and their parents with the choices following their graduation. She will unique opportunity to interact directly with be conducting a series of free seminar on faculty members and administrators of ‘Career Planning’ on 15 January and individ- Fatwa & Legislation launches legal e-library some of the top universities in India. This ualized sessions on 16 January. Students he Fatwa and Legislation department experimentally launched its Legal Cultural centerís e-library last Monday with the aim of facilitating direct contact will help students get the lat- and their parents, who wish to attend the researchers’ access to legal information. Speaking at a press conference held for the occasion, the head of the departmentís technical committee est updated information on fee structure, seminars, while visiting the India Education Tfor development, chancellor Fuad Al-Majed said this projects comes within the departmentís development plan that eventually rhymes with the eligibility criteria and courses in high- Exhibition 2016 can register by calling stateís general development one. ‘This library and the law books and references it contains are of high value to lawmen and helps them cope with the demand at the participating educational 96969188. technological revolution’, he stressed. WHAT’S ON THURSDAY, JANUARY 14, 2016

Marina Hotel holds its annual staff party

arina Hotel Kuwait recently held Nabil Hammoud, General Manager, mitment always striving for excellence. included star of the night, best performer its annual staff party at Salwa thanked all the management and employ- The evening was made special by dis- and Mr & Ms Marina 2015 who were select- MSabah Al Ahmed Theater and Hall. ees for their great efforts and dedication tributing awards in various categories for ed by employees based on professional- The gathering gave everyone the opportu- throughout 2015 emphasizing the impor- Employee of the year, Supervisor of the ism, teamwork and peer relationship. The nity to celebrate the success and achieve- tance of team work to provide excellent year, long service award, employee of the event included exciting activities and a ments of 2015 and to welcome the New service which leads to great results. He month, and the best supervisor of the last variety of enjoyable entertaining competi- Year along with the challenges that it will also encouraged the staff to aim higher quarter of 2015. Additional rewards were tions were many gifts were distributed to bring. and work better through constant com- also distributed during the evening which participating employees and attendees. Sultan Telecom participates in the Gulf Defense and Aerospace Exhibition

he Gulf Defense and Aerospace ner OPTOKON, participated in the devices specialized in the field of (GDA) Exhibition’s third edition exhibition with equipment dedicated communications, fiber-optic cables, Twas opened under the patron- for the internal military communica- processing and infrastructure installa- age of His Highness the Amir Sheikh tions. OPTOKON is a leading global tion for communications networks. Sabah Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah These communications network and in the presence of HE Deputy cables and components are character- Prime Minister and Defense Minister ized to operate under a very tight Sheikh Khalid Al-Jarrah Al-Sabah on security system that counters piracy the 8th of December 2015. Also pres- and espionage, where any attempt to ent were several delegations of gov- hack the network is automatically ernmental and private companies detected and the system’s related sig- from various Arab and foreign coun- nals pinpoints espionage attempts. tries. This exhibition holds a special The fiber optic cable utilizes sen- position as it is one of the largest spe- sors and sends signals and alerts to a cialized military exhibitions in Kuwait monitoring system if there is any and the region and it comes under motion around the cable. The motion the auspices of the Ministry of could be due to life forms like animals Defense. The exhibitors consisted of a or humans, or it could be non-life large number of major international forms like vehicles. The system moni- companies specialized in military and tor gives details on the shape and defense technologies and solutions. weight of the body based on its natu- The participants in the exhibition - organization providing connectivity ral thermal image. held from 8th to 10th December at and infrastructure solutions for organ- At the exhibition, Chairman and the International Fairgrounds-demon- izations of all sizes. OPTOKON, an ISO Group Managing Director of The strated a variety of military hardware 9001:2008 approved company, pro- Sultan Center Ayman Sultan said: varying from various sectors; mar- vides complete networking solutions “Our Company’s participation in the ment and construction of the infra- plays in the State of Kuwait, saying: many of the large projects in the State itime, land and air; including tanks, unrivalled within the industry today. Gulf exhibition of defense and avia- structure for the State of Kuwait. We “Sultan Telecom intends to diversify of Kuwait and abroad. Sultan Telecom missile systems, military aircrafts and OPTOKON was founded in 1991 with tion is a strategic step for our compa- have participated in the development and expand its business in Kuwait and along with its subsidiaries, ArabianITS, multipurpose helicopters; offensive its headquarters in Jihlava in the ny to serve a vital sector of this projects for most ministries and we the region, and participating in this ATCO and Horizon Telecom offers its and defensive; and for training and Czech Republic. region. Our participation in such exhi- supply the latest technology in the exhibition is one of the basic steps to services in Bahrain as well. ArabianITS simulation programs. Also the latest Sultan Telecom, as one of the pio- bitions will increase our experiences field of telecommunications and diversify our activities.” focuses on providing Network technological systems were intro- neering companies in the field of and information of the company. information technology.“ Sultan Telecom is one of the major Security Solutions to the Banking and duced in the field of radar, air and mis- communications and communica- Sultan Telecom, since its inception, In his turn, Mamoun Sweiss CEO companies in Kuwait in the field of Financial Sectors in Kuwait whereas sile defense. tions infrastructure, has made a has been one of the first companies Sultan Telecom spoke about the internal and external communications ATCO focuses on providing low-volt- Sultan Telecom, along with its part- detailed presentation on modern that has contributed to the develop- important role that the company and has been a major contributor to age solutions. OSN signs long-term exclusive deal with NBC Universal International

SN, the leading pay-TV network in the almost 80 percent of the content in Arabic - either presence in the market but also reflects our com- ence in the Middle East and Northern Africa via and Warcraft, amongst others. On the series Middle East and North Africa, has signed a with subtitles or dubbed. mitment to delivering sought-after content first a long-term agreement with OSN that, for sub- front, viewers can look forward to outstanding Onew and extended long-term deal with David Butorac, Chief Executive Officer of OSN, and exclusively to our viewers. We do not operate scribers, boasts new programming localized in shows such as Suits, Mr. Robot, Bates Motel, NBC Universal International (NBCUI), a subsidiary said: “The pay-TV industry will be led by those as just content carriers; we also work with our Arabic, along with the launch of Syfy and also Brooklyn Nine-Nine, Grimm, Chicago Fire, of Comcast Corporation, with a valuable portfolio who own the most compelling content, and OSN partners to ensure that we can customize their ensures that OSN’s subscribers will continue to Chicago Med, as well as new drama, Game of of television series, films, news and entertainment is dominating the space of original and exclusive content for the local market. That is why we will enjoy the programming on CNBC and our criti- Silence. networks. The long-term deal takes OSN to the next level in home entertainment with first and exclusive access to compelling content from NBCUI and also consolidates OSN’s industry position, adding to its growing portfolio of new channels and unbeat- able content partnerships. The deal secures first pay window rights for OSN, in addition to exclusive over-the-top (OTT) content access on OSN Play, the award-winning digital platform that is free to subscribers, and GO, the fast-growing non-subscriber based online TV service. OSN will now also have exclusive rights to the popular channel, E! Entertainment Television, in Arabic, providing subscribers with unprecedented access to the sought-after world of pop culture. E!’s focus on localized entertainment program- ming in Arabic will bring news, views and all the celebrity buzz of regional stars - only on E! News. Further, E! will have dedicated primetime pro- gramming that is dubbed or subtitled in Arabic. Additionally, subscribers will have access to a programming through our long-term channel be focusing on localization and bringing amazing cally acclaimed TV series and films.” The NBCU portfolio also includes late-night world of science fiction entertainment as OSN and content partnerships such as with NBC Arabic content - through E! and Syfy.” The new Leading the worldwide box office in 2015 talk shows such as the award-winning The secures exclusive rights to Syfy in Arabic, from Universal International, which truly opens a uni- agreement also extends OSN’s carriage agree- with blockbuster hits such as Minions, Furious 7 Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon and Late mid-2016. The launch of the channel will bring verse of unmatched content available now only ment for CNBC. and Jurassic World, NBC Universal’s momentum Night with Seth Meyers; top news shows includ- Syfy’s year-round roster of acclaimed original for OSN subscribers. Belinda Menendez, President, NBC Universal continues with stellar upcoming theatrical ing the Today Show; and one of longest running series, original movies, classic science fiction and He added: “Our partnership with NBC International Distribution & Networks, com- releases including Ride Along 2, Untitled Next shows on television, Meet the Press, plus many fantasy programming to OSN subscriber, with Universal International not only consolidates our mented: “We are delighted to expand our pres- Bourne Chapter, The Huntsman Winter’s War more. THURSDAY, JANUARY 14, 2016 TV PROGRAMS

17:00 The Next Step 14:00 I Am Legend-PG15 17:25 Liv And Maddie 16:00 Jack The Giant Killer-PG15 17:50 Jessie 18:00 The Assault-PG15 18:15 Austin & Ally 19:45 Dying Of The Light-PG15 18:40 I Didn’t Do It 00:30 Cristela 21:30 Backdraft-PG15 00:20 Fast N’ Loud 19:05 Best Friends Whenever 01:00 The Nightly Show With Larry 01:10 Mythbusters 19:30 Violetta Wilmore 02:00 The Carbonaro Effect 20:20 The Next Step 02:30 The Big C 02:50 You Have Been Warned 20:45 Good Luck Charlie 04:00 Men At Work 03:40 Auction Hunters 21:35 Wizards Of Waverly Place 04:30 The Tonight Show Starring 22:00 Binny And The Ghost 04:05 The Liquidator Jimmy Fallon 00:00 Pretty Woman 04:30 Storage Wars Canada 22:25 Sabrina Secrets Of A 05:30 Young & Hungry Teenage Witch 02:00 Walk Of Shame 05:00 What Happened Next? 06:00 Til Death 04:00 The Nutty Professor (1996) 05:30 How Machines Work 22:50 Sabrina Secrets Of A 06:30 New Girl Teenage Witch 06:00 Chef 06:00 Ice Cold Gold 07:00 Late Night With Seth Meyers 08:00 A Simple Twist Of Fate 06:50 Wheeler Dealers 23:10 Wolfblood 08:00 Men At Work 23:35 Wolfblood 10:00 The Nutty Professor (1996) 07:40 Fast N’ Loud 08:30 Young & Hungry 12:00 Almost Christmas 08:30 Auction Hunters 10:30 New Girl 14:00 Until She Came Along 08:55 The Liquidator 11:00 The Tonight Show Starring 16:00 A Simple Twist Of Fate 09:20 Storage Wars Canada Jimmy Fallon 18:00 Rush Hour 09:45 What Happened Next? 12:00 Til Death 20:00 Multiplicity 10:10 How Machines Work 00:00 Keeping Up With The 12:30 Men At Work 22:00 We’re The Millers 10:35 Mythbusters 13:00 Young & Hungry 11:25 The Carbonaro Effect Kardashians 00:55 The Grace Helbig Show 13:30 New Girl 11:50 The Carbonaro Effect 15:30 Cristela 12:15 You Have Been Warned 01:25 Keeping Up With The Kardashians 16:00 The Nightly Show With Larry 13:05 Storage Hunters UK Wilmore 13:30 The Liquidator 02:20 E! News 03:15 #RichKids Of Beverly Hills 16:30 Til Death 13:55 Storage Wars Canada 17:00 Late Night With Seth Meyers 01:00 One Last Look-PG15 14:20 Yukon Men 04:10 The E! True Hollywood Story 05:05 E! Entertainment Special 18:00 Last Man Standing 03:00 Deadfall-PG15 15:10 Wheeler Dealers 18:30 Benched 05:00 Breathless-PG15 16:00 Misfit Garage 06:00 Keeping Up With The Kardashians 19:30 Baby Daddy 07:00 Return To Nim’s Island-PG 16:50 What Happened Next? 20:00 The Tonight Show Starring 09:00 Two Men In Town-PG15 17:15 How Machines Work 06:55 Keeping Up With The Kardashians Jimmy Fallon 11:00 Breathless-PG15 17:40 Predators Up Close With 21:00 Cristela 12:45 For Greater Glory-PG15 Joel Lambert 07:50 Style Star 08:20 E! News 21:30 The Nightly Show With Larry 15:15 A Promise-PG15 18:30 Deadly Islands Wilmore 17:00 Two Men In Town-PG15 19:20 Manhunt With Joel Lambert 09:15 Giuliana & Bill 11:10 #RichKids Of Beverly Hills 22:00 Web Therapy 19:00 Every Day-PG15 20:10 The Liquidator 22:30 Girls 21:00 Goodbye World-PG15 20:35 Storage Wars Canada 12:05 E! News 13:05 WAGs 23:00 The Big C 23:00 Jamesy Boy-18 21:00 What On Earth? 23:30 Late Night With Seth Meyers 21:50 Deadly Islands 14:05 New Money 22:40 Treasure Quest: Snake 15:00 Kourtney And Khloe Take Island The Hamptons 23:30 Wheeler Dealers 16:00 Kourtney And Khloe Take The Hamptons 00:00 Salem 17:00 Fashion Bloggers 01:00 Marvel’s Agents Of 01:00 The Factory 18:00 E! News S.H.I.E.L.D. 03:00 71 19:00 House Of DVF 02:00 The Flash 05:00 Diana 20:00 Keeping Up With The 03:00 American Horror Story: Hotel 07:00 Grand Central 00:35 Mythbusters Kardashians 04:00 The Fosters 08:45 Julie And Julia 01:20 How It’s Made 21:00 Dash Dolls 05:00 The Ellen DeGeneres Show 11:00 Diana 01:44 How It’s Made 22:00 E! News 06:00 Covert Affairs 13:00 Escobar: Paradise Lost 02:08 Strip The Cosmos 23:00 The Soup 07:00 Switched At Birth 15:00 Serial (Bad) Weddings 02:55 What Could Possibly Go 23:30 Sex With Brody 08:00 Odyssey 16:45 Julie And Julia Wrong? 09:00 The Fosters 19:00 Waitress 03:42 How The Universe Works 10:00 Covert Affairs 21:00 White Bird In A Blizzard 04:29 Mythbusters 11:00 Switched At Birth 22:45 Her 05:16 Strip The Cosmos 12:00 Coronation Street 06:03 What Could Possibly Go 13:00 The Ellen DeGeneres Show Wrong? 14:00 Odyssey 00:00 Diners, Drive-Ins And Dives 06:50 Mega Builders 15:00 Live Good Morning America 01:00 Chopped 07:37 How Do They Do It? 17:00 The Ellen DeGeneres Show 02:00 All Star Academy 08:00 How Do They Do It? 18:00 Odyssey 01:15 Rage-PG15 03:00 Man Fire Food 08:23 Mythbusters 19:00 American Idol 03:00 The Theory Of Everything 04:00 Diners, Drive-Ins And Dives 09:08 How The Universe Works 20:00 The Flash 05:15 A Gift Of Miracles-PG15 05:00 Guy’s Grocery Games 09:53 Mega Builders 21:00 Blindspot 07:00 Tarzan-PG 06:00 Chopped 10:38 How It’s Made 22:00 Empire 09:00 Transcendence-PG15 07:00 Man Fire Food 11:00 How It’s Made 23:00 Secrets And Lies 11:00 The Theory Of Everything- 11:23 Food Factory 08:00 Chopped PG15 11:45 Food Factory 09:00 Guy’s Grocery Games 13:15 Non-Stop-PG15 12:08 What Could Possibly Go 10:00 The Kitchen 15:00 The Intruders-PG15 Wrong? 11:00 Barefoot Contessa: Back To 16:45 Transcendence-PG15 12:53 Mega Builders Basics 18:45 Dawn Of The Planet Of The 13:38 Mythbusters 12:00 Chopped 00:00 The Ellen DeGeneres Show Apes-PG15 14:23 How It’s Made 13:00 Guy’s Big Bite 01:00 Good Morning America 21:00 Annabelle-PG15 14:46 How It’s Made 14:00 Diners, Drive-Ins And Dives 03:00 Downton Abbey 23:00 Stretch-18 15:10 How The Universe Works 15:00 Man Fire Food 04:00 Grimm 15:57 Food Factory 16:00 Chopped 05:00 Good Morning America 16:20 Food Factory 17:00 The Kitchen 07:00 Coronation Street ASSASSIN’S BULLET ON OSN MOVIES ACTION HD 16:44 What Could Possibly Go 18:00 Siba’s Table 08:00 The Ellen DeGeneres Show Wrong? 18:30 Grandma’s Secret Cookbook 10:40 Duplex 14:50 Miles From Tomorrow 07:50 Supa Strikas 09:00 Supernatural 12:10 Hair 15:15 Jake And The Never Land 08:15 Lab Rats 17:31 Mega Builders 19:00 Chopped 10:00 Coronation Street 18:18 How The Universe Works 20:00 Guy’s Grocery Games 01:00 Worms 14:10 Clifford Pirates 08:40 K. C. Undercover 11:00 The Ellen DeGeneres Show 02:45 The Unbeatables 15:40 Mannequin 15:40 Jake And The Never Land 09:10 Star vs The Forces Of Evil 19:05 Mythbusters 21:00 Rev Run’s Sunday Suppers 12:00 C.S.I. 19:50 How The Universe Works 22:00 Dinner At Tiffani’s 04:30 The Elf Who Stole Christmas 17:10 Waking Up In Reno Pirates 09:35 Kirby Buckets 13:00 Shark Tank 06:00 Jungle Book: Mowgli’s 18:45 Seven Years In Tibet 16:05 The Adventures Of The 10:00 Lab Rats 20:40 What Could Possibly Go 23:00 Reza, Spice Prince Of 03:05 Calimero 14:00 Supernatural Adventure 21:00 Breaking Bad Disney... 10:25 Kickin’ It Wrong? Thailand 03:20 Zou 15:00 Franklin & Bash 07:45 Hatching 22:00 The Heavenly Kid 16:35 Miles From Tomorrow 10:50 Mighty Med 21:25 How It’s Made 03:30 Loopdidoo 16:00 The Voice 09:45 Miffy The Movie 23:30 Desperately Seeking Susan 17:00 Sofia The First 11:20 Supa Strikas 21:50 How It’s Made 03:45 Art Attack 18:00 Shark Tank 11:15 Mamma Moo And Crow 01:15 The Haunted Palace 17:25 Aladdin 11:45 K. C. Undercover 22:15 How The Universe Works 04:10 Henry Hugglemonster 19:00 Supernatural 12:45 The Unbeatables 02:40 The Watsons Go To 17:50 Gummi Bears 12:10 Penn Zero: Part Time Hero 23:00 How The Universe Works 04:20 Calimero 20:00 C.S.I. 14:30 Hatching Birmingham 18:15 Chip ‘n’ Dales Rescue 12:35 Annedroids 23:45 What Could Possibly Go 04:35 Zou 21:00 Shark Tank 16:00 Jingle All The Way 2 Rangers 13:00 Jump In Wrong? 04:45 Loopdidoo 22:00 Downton Abbey 18:00 Miffy The Movie 18:40 Jake And The Never Land 14:25 Guardians Of The Galaxy 00:10 Pick Me! 05:00 Art Attack 23:00 Grimm 20:00 The Three Dogateers Pirates 14:30 Phineas And Ferb 01:05 Emmerdale 05:25 Henry Hugglemonster 22:00 Marvel’s Planet Hulk 19:05 Miles From Tomorrow 14:45 Phineas And Ferb 01:30 Coach Trip 05:35 Calimero 23:30 Jingle All The Way 2 19:30 Sofia The First 15:10 Disney Mickey Mouse 02:00 Coronation Street 05:50 Zou 19:55 Doc McStuffins 15:15 Rocket Monkeys 02:30 Murdoch Mysteries 06:00 Loopdidoo 00:40 Who On Earth Did I Marry? 20:15 Jake And The Never Land 15:40 Penn Zero: Part Time Hero 03:25 The Syndicate 06:15 Art Attack 01:30 The Haunted 03:00 Crime Stories Pirates 16:05 Star vs The Forces Of Evil 04:20 Safe House 00:00 22 Bullets 06:35 Henry Hugglemonster 02:20 Ghost Lab 04:00 Crimes That Shook Britain 20:45 Sheriff Callie’s Wild West 16:30 Kirby Buckets 02:00 Grace: The Possession 06:50 Calimero 03:10 Scorned: Crimes Of Passion 05:15 The Chase 05:00 The Ghost Inside My Child 21:05 Mickey Mouse Clubhouse 16:55 Gamers Guide To Pretty 04:00 Snitch 06:00 The Haunting Of... 07:00 Zou 04:00 Deadline: Crime With Tamron 06:10 Paddock To Plate 21:35 Sofia The First Much Everything 06:00 Turbulence 00:00 500 mph Storm-PG15 07:00 Homicide Hunter 07:20 Loopdidoo Hall 07:05 Coach Trip 22:00 Sofia The First 17:25 K. C. Undercover 08:00 Born To Race: Fast Track 02:00 Good Deeds-PG15 08:00 Surveillance Oz 07:35 Art Attack 04:45 Who On Earth Did I Marry? 07:30 The Syndicate 23:20 Lilo And Stitch 17:50 Supa Strikas 10:00 The Assault 04:00 Mr. Peabody & Sherman 09:00 Surveillance Oz 08:00 Calimero 05:10 Who On Earth Did I Marry? 08:25 Safe House 23:45 Cars Toons 18:15 Lab Rats 12:00 Snitch 06:00 Heaven’s Door-PG 10:00 Frenemies 08:10 Zou 05:30 The Haunted 09:20 Murdoch Mysteries 23:50 Zou 18:40 Mighty Med 14:00 Assassin’s Bullet 08:00 Tactical Force-PG15 10:30 Frenemies 08:25 Loopdidoo 06:20 Deadly Affairs 10:15 The Chase 00:05 Henry Hugglemonster 19:10 Annedroids 16:00 I Am Legend 10:00 For Better Or For Worse 11:00 Crimes That Shook Britain 08:40 Jake And The Never Land 07:10 True Crime With Aphrodite 11:10 Coach Trip 00:20 Calimero 19:35 Kickin’ It 18:00 Jack The Giant Killer 12:00 Taken 3-PG15 12:00 Crime Stories Pirates Jones 11:35 Pick Me! 00:35 Zou 20:00 K. C. Undercover 20:00 The Assault 14:00 Escape From Planet Earth 13:00 Homicide Hunter 09:05 Sofia The First 08:00 Dr. G: Medical Examiner 12:30 Paddock To Plate 00:50 Loopdidoo 20:25 Supa Strikas 21:45 Dying Of The Light 16:00 Tactical Force-PG15 14:00 I Survived 09:30 Miles From Tomorrow 08:50 On The Case With Paula 01:05 Art Attack 20:55 Lab Rats 13:25 Emmerdale 23:30 Backdraft 18:00 Maleficent-PG 15:00 Frenemies 10:05 Mickey Mouse Clubhouse Zahn 01:30 Henry Hugglemonster 21:20 Gamers Guide To Pretty 13:50 Coach Trip 20:00 Good People-PG15 15:30 Frenemies 10:35 Doc McStuffins 09:40 Fatal Encounters 01:45 Calimero Much Everything 14:20 Coronation Street 22:00 About Last Night-18 16:00 Crimes That Shook Britain 11:00 Sofia The First 10:30 Murder Shift 17:00 Crime Stories 02:00 Zou 21:45 Kickin’ It 14:45 Murdoch Mysteries 11:30 Jake And The Never Land 11:20 Deadly Affairs 18:00 The First 48 02:15 Loopdidoo 22:10 Phineas And Ferb 15:35 Pick Me! Pirates 12:10 True Crime With Aphrodite 19:00 I Survived 02:30 Art Attack 22:40 Super Matrak 16:30 Midsomer Murders 12:00 Miles From Tomorrow Jones 20:00 Homicide Hunter 02:55 Henry Hugglemonster 23:05 Super Matrak 18:20 Paddock To Plate 12:25 Special Agent Oso 13:00 The Will 00:00 Grace: The Possession-18 21:00 Crime Stories 23:30 Boyster 19:10 Coronation Street 12:40 The Hive 13:50 I Almost Got Away With It 02:00 Snitch-PG15 22:00 Crimes That Shook Britain 00:00 Programmes Start At 7:00am 19:35 Pick Me! 12:50 Handy Manny 14:40 California Investigator 04:00 Turbulence-PG15 23:00 50 Ways To Kill Your Lover KSA 15:05 Dr. G: Medical Examiner 20:30 Midsomer Murders 06:00 Born To Race: Fast Track 03:45 Thunderbirds Are Go 00:00 Private Crimes 13:15 Jungle Junction 15:55 Fatal Encounters 22:20 Coronation Street 08:00 The Assault-PG15 05:20 Charge Of The Light Brigade 00:30 Private Crimes 13:30 Mickey Mouse Clubhouse 16:45 On The Case With Paula 22:50 Emmerdale 10:00 Snitch-PG15 07:25 Cannon For Cordoba 01:00 Britain’s Darkest Taboos 14:00 Sofia The First 07:00 Penn Zero: Part Time Hero Zahn 23:15 Paddock To Plate 12:00 Assassin’s Bullet-PG15 09:10 Island Of The Lost 02:00 Britain’s Darkest Taboos 14:25 Sofia The First 07:25 Boyster 17:35 Murder Shift 03:00 Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles 18:25 I Almost Got Away With It 03:24 Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles 19:15 The Will 03:48 Henry Danger 20:05 Deadly Affairs 04:12 Nicky, Ricky, Dicky & Dawn 20:55 True Crime With Aphrodite 04:36 The Haunted Hathaways Jones 05:00 Winx Club 21:45 California Investigator 05:24 Sanjay And Craig 22:10 Who On Earth Did I Marry? 05:48 Sanjay And Craig 23:00 Deadly Affairs 06:12 SpongeBob SquarePants 06:36 SpongeBob SquarePants 07:00 Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles 07:24 Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles 07:48 Sanjay And Craig 08:12 Harvey Beaks 08:36 Breadwinners 00:00 Violetta 09:00 Get Blake 00:45 The Hive 09:24 Rabbids Invasion 00:50 Sabrina Secrets Of A 09:48 Henry Danger Teenage Witch 10:12 Nicky, Ricky, Dicky & Dawn 01:15 Sabrina Secrets Of A 10:36 The Haunted Hathaways Teenage Witch 11:00 Winx Club 01:40 Wolfblood 11:24 SpongeBob SquarePants 02:30 Violetta 11:48 SpongeBob SquarePants 03:15 The Hive 12:12 Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles 03:20 Sabrina Secrets Of A 12:36 Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles Teenage Witch 13:00 Breadwinners 03:45 Sabrina Secrets Of A 13:24 Breadwinners Teenage Witch 13:48 Get Blake 04:10 Wolfblood 14:12 Rabbids Invasion 05:00 Violetta 14:36 Henry Danger 05:45 The Hive 15:00 Nicky, Ricky, Dicky & Dawn 05:50 Mouk 15:24 SpongeBob SquarePants 06:00 Lolirock 15:48 SpongeBob SquarePants 06:25 Hank Zipzer 16:12 Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles 06:50 Girl Meets World 16:36 Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles 07:15 H2O: Just Add Water 17:00 Sanjay And Craig 08:05 Austin & Ally 17:24 Harvey Beaks 08:30 Austin & Ally 17:48 Breadwinners 08:55 Sabrina Secrets Of A 18:12 Henry Danger Teenage Witch 18:36 Nicky, Ricky, Dicky & Dawn 09:20 Sabrina Secrets Of A 19:00 The Haunted Hathaways Teenage Witch 19:24 Max & Shred 09:45 Jessie 19:48 SpongeBob SquarePants 10:10 Jessie 20:12 Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles 10:35 Geek Charming 20:36 Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles 12:10 Descendants Wicked World 21:00 Breadwinners 12:15 Disney Mickey Mouse 21:24 Breadwinners 12:20 Hank Zipzer 21:48 Sanjay And Craig 12:45 I Didn’t Do It 22:12 Sanjay And Craig 13:10 I Didn’t Do It 22:36 SpongeBob SquarePants 13:35 Liv And Maddie 23:00 SpongeBob SquarePants 14:00 Liv And Maddie 23:24 Henry Danger 14:25 Disney Mickey Mouse 23:48 Nicky, Ricky, Dicky & Dawn 14:30 H2O 00:12 Max & Shred 14:55 H2O 00:36 The Haunted Hathaways 15:20 Jessie 01:00 Sanjay And Craig 16:10 Violetta DAWN OF THE PLANET OF THE APES ON OSN MOVIES HD 01:24 Sanjay And Craig Classifieds

THURSDAY, JANUARY 14, 2016

Kuwait KNCC PROGRAMME FROM THURSDAY TO WEDNESDAY (14/01/2016 TO 20/01/2016)

SHARQIA-1 FANAR-2 KUNG FU STYLE 1:00 PM THE HATEFUL EIGHT 11:30 AM AVENUES-2 360 º- 3 KUNG FU STYLE 3:00 PM FORECLOSURE 2:45 PM KUNG FU STYLE 11:30 AM EXTRACTION 12:00 PM FORECLOSURE 5:00 PM THE HATEFUL EIGHT 4:30 PM KUNG FU STYLE 1:30 PM THE HATEFUL EIGHT 2:15 PM THE HATEFUL EIGHT 7:00 PM FORECLOSURE 7:45 PM KUNG FU STYLE 3:30 PM THE HATEFUL EIGHT 5:30 PM FORECLOSURE 10:15 PM FORECLOSURE 9:45 PM KUNG FU STYLE 5:30 PM THE HATEFUL EIGHT 8:45 PM THE HATEFUL EIGHT 12:15 AM THE HATEFUL EIGHT 11:45 PM KUNG FU STYLE 7:30 PM THE HATEFUL EIGHT 12:05 AM DADDY’S HOME 9:30 PM SHARQIA-2 FANAR-3 DADDY’S HOME 11:45 PM AL-KOUT.1 THE 5TH WAVE 11:30 AM KUNG FU STYLE 12:15 PM RIDE ALONG 2 11:45 AM RIDE ALONG 2 1:45 PM KUNG FU STYLE 2:15 PM AVENUES-3 RIDE ALONG 2 1:30 PM RIDE ALONG 2 3:45 PM KUNG FU STYLE 4:15 PM THE 5TH WAVE 1:15 PM RIDE ALONG 2 3:15 PM Accommodation RIDE ALONG 2 5:30 PM THE REVENANT 6:15 PM EXTRACTION 1:45 PM RIDE ALONG 2 5:00 PM THE 5TH WAVE 7:30 PM THE REVENANT 9:15 PM THE 5TH WAVE 3:45 PM RIDE ALONG 2 7:00 PM RIDE ALONG 2 10:00 PM THE REVENANT 12:15 AM THE 5TH WAVE 6:15 PM RIDE ALONG 2 9:00 PM Accommodation available THE 5TH WAVE 12:05 AM THE 5TH WAVE 8:45 PM RIDE ALONG 2 11:00 PM for a decent non-smoking FANAR-4 THE 5TH WAVE 11:15 PM RIDE ALONG 2 1:00 AM bachelor/ working SHARQIA-3 RIDE ALONG 2 12:15 PM lady/couple with a couple THE REVENANT 12:30 PM RIDE ALONG 2 2:15 PM AVENUES-4 AL-KOUT.2 THE GOOD, THE BAD, AND THE DEAD 1:30 PM RIDE ALONG 2 4:15 PM THE REVENANT 11:30 AM THE 5TH WAVE 1:00 PM in 2BR C-AC in Abbassiya THE REVENANT 3:30 PM RIDE ALONG 2 6:15 PM THE REVENANT 2:45 PM DADDY’S HOME 1:30 PM nearIntegrated school. NANNAKU PREMATHO-Telugu 3:30 PM RIDE ALONG 2 8:15 PM DILWALE - Hindi 5:45 PM DADDY’S HOME 3:30 PM Contact:66005134. THE REVENANT 6:30 PM RIDE ALONG 2 10:15 PM THE REVENANT 9:00 PM DADDY’S HOME 5:30 PM (C 5111) NANNAKU PREMATHO-Telugu 6:45 PM RIDE ALONG 2 12:15 AM THE REVENANT 12:15 AM THE 5TH WAVE 7:30 PM THE REVENANT 9:30 PM THE 5TH WAVE 10:00 PM 10-1-2016 NANNAKU PREMATHO-Telugu 10:00 PM FANAR-5 AVENUES-5 THE 5TH WAVE 12:30 AM THE GOOD, THE BAD, AND THE DEAD 12:30 AM THE 5TH WAVE 11:30 AM RIDE ALONG 2 12:30 PM THE GOOD, THE BAD, AND THE DEAD 1:15 AM THE 5TH WAVE 1:45 PM RIDE ALONG 2 2:30 PM AL-KOUT.3 Automated enquiry THE 5TH WAVE 4:15 PM RIDE ALONG 2 4:30 PM THE REVENANT 11:45 AM about the MUHALAB-1 DILWALE - Hindi 6:45 PM RIDE ALONG 2 6:30 PM THE REVENANT 2:45 PM KUNG FU STYLE 1:00 PM THE 5TH WAVE 9:45 PM THE 5TH WAVE 8:30 PM THE REVENANT 5:45 PM Civil ID card is KUNG FU STYLE 3:00 PM THE 5TH WAVE 12:45 AM RIDE ALONG 2 10:45 PM THE REVENANT 8:45 PM 1889988 KUNG FU STYLE 5:00 PM RIDE ALONG 2 12:45 AM THE REVENANT 11:45 PM NANNAKU PREMATHO-Telugu 7:00 PM MARINA-1 DILWALE - Hindi 7:00 PM FORECLOSURE 1:00 PM AVENUES-6 AL-KOUT.4 NANNAKU PREMATHO-Telugu 10:15 PM THE 5TH WAVE 3:00 PM DADDY’S HOME 12:00 PM KUNG FU STYLE 12:30 PM THE GOOD, THE BAD, AND THE DEAD 1:30 AM FORECLOSURE 5:30 PM DADDY’S HOME 2:15 PM KUNG FU STYLE 2:30 PM THE 5TH WAVE 7:30 PM DADDY’S HOME 2:00 PM KUNG FU STYLE 4:45 PM MUHALAB-2 FORECLOSURE 10:00 PM DADDY’S HOME 4:30 PM FORECLOSURE 6:45 PM THE 5TH WAVE 12:45 PM THE 5TH WAVE 12:05 AM NANNAKU PREMATHO-Telugu 4:00 PM FORECLOSURE 8:45 PM THE GOOD, THE BAD, AND THE DEAD 1:30 PM NANNAKU PREMATHO-Telugu 7:00 PM FORECLOSURE 10:45 PM THE REVENANT 3:30 PM MARINA-2 NANNAKU PREMATHO-Telugu 10:15 PM FORECLOSURE 12:45 AM 112 SOGGADE CHINNI NAYANA -Telugu 3:30 PM RIDE ALONG 2 12:45 PM THE GOOD, THE BAD, AND THE DEAD 1:30 AM THE REVENANT 6:30 PM RIDE ALONG 2 2:45 PM BAIRAQ-1 SOGGADE CHINNI NAYANA -Telugu 6:30 PM RIDE ALONG 2 4:45 PM AVENUES-7 RIDE ALONG 2 12:15 PM SOGGADE CHINNI NAYANA -Telugu 9:30 PM RIDE ALONG 2 6:45 PM FORECLOSURE 12:00 PM RIDE ALONG 2 2:00 PM RIDE ALONG 2 8:45 PM FORECLOSURE 2:00 PM RIDE ALONG 2 4:00 PM MUHALAB-3 RIDE ALONG 2 10:45 PM FORECLOSURE 4:00 PM RIDE ALONG 2 6:00 PM RIDE ALONG 2 11:30 AM RIDE ALONG 2 12:45 AM FORECLOSURE 6:00 PM RIDE ALONG 2 8:00 PM THE REVENANT 1:30 PM FORECLOSURE 8:00 PM RIDE ALONG 2 10:00 PM NANNAKU PREMATHO-Telugu 1:30 PM MARINA-3 FORECLOSURE 10:00 PM RIDE ALONG 2 12:05 AM THE REVENANT 4:30 PM KUNG FU STYLE 11:45 AM FORECLOSURE 12:05 AM NANNAKU PREMATHO-Telugu 4:45 PM KUNG FU STYLE 1:45 PM BAIRAQ-2 RIDE ALONG 2 8:00 PM KUNG FU STYLE 3:45 PM 360º- 1 KUNG FU STYLE 12:45 PM RIDE ALONG 2 9:45 PM THE REVENANT 5:45 PM THE REVENANT 11:30 AM THE 5TH WAVE 2:45 PM RIDE ALONG 2 11:30 PM THE REVENANT 8:45 PM NANNAKU PREMATHO-Telugu 1:45 PM KUNG FU STYLE 5:15 PM Prayer timings RIDE ALONG 2 1:15 AM THE REVENANT 11:45 PM THE REVENANT 2:30 PM DADDY’S HOME 7:15 PM THE REVENANT 5:45 PM THE 5TH WAVE 9:15 PM Fajr: 05:20 FANAR-1 AVENUES-1 THE REVENANT 9:00 PM THE 5TH WAVE 11:45 PM DADDY’S HOME 11:30 AM DILWALE - Hindi 12:45 PM THE REVENANT 12:15 AM Shorook 06:44 DADDY’S HOME 1:30 PM DILWALE - Hindi 3:45 PM BAIRAQ-3 THE REVENANT 3:30 PM SOGGADE CHINNI NAYANA -Telugu 3:45 PM 360º- 2 THE REVENANT 12:30 PM Duhr: 11:57 NANNAKU PREMATHO-Telugu 3:30 PM DILWALE - Hindi 6:45 PM CHALK N DUSTER - Hindi 11:30 AM DADDY’S HOME 1:30 PM Asr: 14:51 NANNAKU PREMATHO-Telugu 6:30 PM SOGGADE CHINNI NAYANA -Telugu 6:45 PM CHALK N DUSTER - Hindi 2:00 PM THE REVENANT 3:30 PM NANNAKU PREMATHO-Telugu 9:45 PM DILWALE - Hindi 9:45 PM DILWALE - Hindi 4:45 PM DILWALE - Hindi 6:30 PM Maghrib: 17:11 DADDY’S HOME 1:00 AM SOGGADE CHINNI NAYANA -Telugu 9:45 PM DILWALE - Hindi 8:00 PM THE REVENANT 9:30 PM THE 5TH WAVE 12:45 AM DILWALE - Hindi 11:15 PM THE REVENANT 12:30 AM Isha: 18:32

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

Arrival Flights on Thursday 14/1/2016 KAC 284 Dhaka 14:45 Departure Flights on Thursday 14/1/2016 KNE 481 Taif 14:50 Airlines Flt Route Time KAC 788 Jeddah 14:50 Airlines Flt Route Time KAC 673 Dubai 15:00 MSC 415 Sohag 00:05 GFA 221 Bahrain 15:00 AIC 976 Goa/Chennai 00:05 FDB 058 Dubai 15:10 KLM 411 Amsterdam/Dammam 00:20 KNE 472 Jeddah 15:05 JZR 528 Asyut 00:05 QTR 1079 Doha 15:10 JZR 267 Beirut 00:30 NIA 251 Alexandria 15:30 BBC 044 Dhaka 00:10 AXB 394 Kozhikode 15:20 JZR 539 Cairo 00:40 OMA 645 Muscat 15:30 PIA 216 KHI 00:40 FDB 069 Dubai 00:55 KAC 562 Amman 15:40 JZR 188 Dubai 15:40 FDB 072 Dubai 00:40 RJA 642 Amman 01:05 ABY 127 Sharjah 15:45 GFA 222 Bahrain 15:45 THY 772 Istanbul 01:05 UAE 857 Dubai 15:45 MSC 404 Asyut 00:55 KAC 617 Doha 15:45 SAI 441 Lahore 01:30 JAD 301 Amman 15:55 JAI 573 Mumbai 00:55 KAC 773 Riyadh 15:50 DLH 635 Doha 01:35 JZR 535 Cairo 16:10 MSC 416 Sohag 01:00 KAC 741 Dammam 15:50 PGT 858 Istanbul 02:00 JZR 779 Jeddah 16:10 KLM 411 Amsterdam 01:35 KAC 613 Bahrain 15:50 UAE 853 Dubai 02:30 QTR 1072 Doha 16:10 KAC 283 Dhaka 02:10 SVA 505 Jeddah 16:00 GFA 211 Bahrain 02:30 FDB 051 Dubai 16:30 THY 773 Istanbul 02:30 KNE 473 Jeddah 16:05 OMA 643 Muscat 02:55 JZR 257 Beirut 16:30 SAI 442 Lahore 02:30 FDB 067 Dubai 03:05 KNE 474 Jeddah 16:35 ABY 128 Sharjah 16:25 DLH 635 Frankfurt 02:35 MSR 612 Cairo 03:10 ETD 303 Abu Dhabi 16:40 OMA 646 Muscat 16:30 QTR 1076 Doha 03:15 RJA 640 Amman 16:55 KAC 203 Lahore 03:05 NIA 252 Alexandria 16:30 KKK 6507 Istanbul 03:20 KAC 542 Cairo 16:55 KAC 381 Delhi 03:30 JAD 302 Amman 16:40 ETD 305 Abu Dhabi 03:25 JZR 787 Riyadh 17:00 THY 771 Istanbul 07:05 KAC 563 Amman 16:45 LMU 510 Cairo 04:05 SVA 510 Riyadh 17:15 FDB 5062 Dubai 07:10 JZR 266 Beirut 17:05 JZR 503 Luxor 04:25 GFA 215 Bahrain 17:30 GFA 212 Bahrain 07:15 KNE 475 Jeddah 17:25 QTR 8511 Doha 04:40 MSR 614 Cairo 17:50 JZR 240 Amman 07:15 ETD 304 Abu Dhabi 17:30 DHX 170 Bahrain 05:40 KAC 678 Muscat/Abu Dhabi 17:50 FDB 054 Dubai 08:30 THY 770 Istanbul 05:55 KAC 118 New York 17:55 FDB 052 Dubai 17:35 QTR 1087 Doha 08:40 FDB 5061 Dubai 06:30 JZR 777 Jeddah 17:55 QTR 1073 Doha 17:40 BAW 157 London 06:40 UAE 875 Dubai 18:00 BAW 156 London 08:45 UAE 858 Dubai 17:45 JZR 529 Asyut 06:50 KAC 502 Beirut 18:00 SVA 513 Riyadh 08:50 JZR 538 Cairo 17:45 KAC 412 Manila/Bangkok 07:20 FDB 063 Dubai 18:05 JZR 256 Beirut 09:05 RJA 641 Amman 17:55 QTR 1086 Doha 07:40 JZR 177 Dubai 18:20 JZR 534 Cairo 09:15 SVA 511 Riyadh 18:15 FDB 053 Dubai 07:45 KAC 786 Jeddah 18:30 KAC 787 Jeddah 09:25 GFA 216 Bahrain 18:20 KAC 302 Mumbai 07:50 ABY 123 Sharjah 18:45 ABY 126 Sharjah 09:40 JZR 184 Dubai 18:40 SVA 512 Riyadh 07:50 KAC 742 Dammam 18:55 UAE 856 Dubai 09:55 KAC 206 Islamabad 08:25 QTR 1080 Doha 18:55 MSR 615 Cairo 18:50 KAC 101 London/New York 09:55 KAC 352 Kochi 08:30 KAC 614 Bahrain 19:10 JZR 238 Amman 18:50 KAC 346 Ahmedabad 08:30 KAC 774 Riyadh 19:25 KAC 541 Cairo 09:55 JZR 124 Bahrain 19:10 KAC 344 Chennai 08:30 GFA 217 Bahrain 19:30 IRA 668 Mashhad 10:00 JZR 554 Alexandria 19:10 UAE 855 Dubai 08:40 KAC 618 Doha 19:35 KAC 561 Amman 10:00 FDB 064 Dubai 19:20 KAC 362 Colombo 08:50 KAC 104 London 19:40 KAC 671 Dubai 10:05 ABY 124 Sharjah 19:25 KAC 332 Trivandrum 08:50 KAC 154 Istanbul 19:45 ETD 302 Abu Dhabi 10:25 UAE 876 Dubai 19:30 IRA 667 Esfahan 09:00 KAC 674 Dubai 19:45 KAC 501 Beirut 10:30 GFA 218 Bahrain 20:15 ABY 125 Sharjah 09:00 KAC 176 Geneva/Frankfurt 19:55 JZR 778 Jeddah 10:30 ETD 301 Abu Dhabi 09:20 MSR 618 Alexandria 20:05 KAC 353 BLR 20:40 FDB 056 Dubai 10:35 QTR 1070 Doha 09:25 KAC 538 Sohag 20:05 QTR 1081 Doha 20:50 FDB 055 Dubai 09:40 KNE 480 Taif 20:10 KAC 153 Istanbul 10:40 KAC 351 Kochi 20:50 OMA 641 Muscat 10:05 JZR 189 Dubai 20:15 KAC 677 Abu Dhabi/Muscat 10:50 KAC 543 Cairo 20:55 IRM 1180 Mashhad 10:10 FDB 061 Dubai 20:20 QTR 1071 Doha 11:00 KAC 343 Chennai 21:00 IRA 673 Ahwaz 10:10 OMA 647 Muscat 20:20 KAC 165 Rome/Paris 11:00 MSR 619 Alexandria 21:05 GFA 213 Bahrain 10:40 ABY 121 Sharjah 20:35 OMA 642 Muscat 11:05 KNE 461 Riyadh 21:10 SYR 341 Damascus 10:55 FDB 5053 Dubai 20:50 IRA 672 Ahwaz 11:10 ABY 122 Sharjah 21:15 UAE 873 Dubai 11:05 DLH 634 Frankfurt 20:55 IRM 1181 Mashhad 11:25 RBG 553 Alexandria 11:15 JAI 572 Mumbai 20:55 OMA 648 Muscat 21:20 GFA 214 Bahrain 11:25 JZR 165 Dubai 11:30 MEA 402 Beirut 21:20 FDB 062 Dubai 21:20 AGY 682 Asyut 11:40 ETD 307 Abu Dhabi 21:20 SYR 342 Damascus 11:55 DLH 634 Doha 21:45 NIA 151 Cairo 11:55 ALK 229 Colombo 21:25 RBG 554 Alexandria 12:00 FDB 5054 Dubai 21:50 MEA 404 Beirut 11:55 UAE 859 Dubai 21:40 JZR 776 Jeddah 12:20 DHX 171 Bahrain 21:50 KAC 204 Lahore 12:20 GFA 219 Bahrain 21:45 UAE 874 Dubai 12:30 JAI 571 Mumbai 21:55 FDB 075 Dubai 12:25 JZR 125 Bahrain 21:55 AGY 683 Alexandria 12:40 ETD 308 Abu Dhabi 22:10 MSC 401 Alexandria 12:30 QTR 1082 Doha 22:00 MEA 405 Beirut 12:55 KAC 301 Mumbai 22:10 JZR 561 Sohag 12:45 KLM 417 Amsterdam 22:05 NIA 152 Cairo 12:55 JZR 241 Amman 12:50 AIC 981 Chennai/Ahmedabad 22:25 MEA 403 Beirut 22:20 KAC 785 Jeddah 13:00 UAE 871 Dubai 12:50 ETD 309 Abu Dhabi 22:25 ALK 230 Colombo 22:25 MSR 610 Cairo 13:00 KAC 564 Amman 22:25 FDB 076 Dubai 13:10 GFA 220 Bahrain 22:30 THY 766 Istanbul 13:45 FDB 059 Dubai 22:30 MSC 402 Alexandria 13:30 UAE 860 Dubai 22:55 KAC 382 Delhi 13:50 JZR 185 Dubai 23:15 KAC 537 Sohag 13:35 QTR 1083 Doha 23:05 KNE 460 Riyadh 13:50 UAL 981 Bahrain 23:25 JZR 786 Riyadh 13:45 KLM 417 Dammam/Amsterdam 23:05 QTR 1078 Doha 14:10 PIA 205 Lahore 23:40 JZR 176 Dubai 13:45 KAC 205 Islamabad 23:10 FDB 057 Dubai 14:10 FDB 071 Dubai 23:45 MSR 611 Cairo 14:00 ETD 310 Abu Dhabi 23:15 AXB 393 Kozhikode 14:20 THY 764 Istanbul 23:50 UAE 872 Dubai 14:15 SVA 500 Jeddah 14:30 JAI 574 Mumbai 23:55 FDB 060 Dubai 23:35 THY 767 Istanbul 14:45 KAC 672 Dubai 14:45 MSC 403 Asyut 23:55 KAC 411 Bangkok/Manila 23:35 DIAL161 FOR AIRPORT INFORMATION stars34 THURSDAY, JANUARY 14, 2016 CROSSWORD 1137 STAR TRACK

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

You're quite sure of your ability to perform the impossible today, You want to be understood by your friends, especially if emo- even if your energy is dispersed over too many projects. Although your cur- tional distance has developed over the past few days. However, explaining rent confidence is refreshing, it might very well seem out of place. You yourself clearly is a challenge; others might not understand why you are so understand you should take your commitments more seriously, but you pos- passionate today. Nevertheless, you're eager to share your ideas about a sess an irrepressible certainty that everything is going to play out just the variety of things because discussing conceptual ideas feels safer than way you planned. Thankfully for you -- and annoyingly to others -- your intu- revealing your feelings. You may be quite a captivating conversationalist, ition is probably right on the mark. Allowing events to unfold organically but be careful not to speak in such vague generalities now that you lose now could magically lead to success. touch with your heart

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

Your uncharacteristic tendency to exaggerate today may turn Meaningful relationships with friends and colleagues offer you every little issue into an unnecessary drama. If people push your buttons, you the encouragement you seek these days. You might even receive some might just tell them exactly what's on your mind, whether or not it makes wonderful news, which can take the pressure off other stresses in your life. sense. Fortunately, the outcome could be better than you expect; at least, However, opportunities that come to you now will likely increase the com- everyone will know where you stand even if you were planning on keeping plexity of your everyday activities, prompting you to wonder if the poten- some of your misgivings under wraps. Nevertheless, it's still wise to put your tial benefits are really worth the extra effort. There's no need to respond opinions out into the open as gently as you can and then step back to give too quickly; run through all the logistics and then rely on your intuition to everyone room to respond. uncover the best answer.

Gemini (May 21-June 20) Sagittarius (November 22-December 21) Your current domestic situation may give you some valid rea- You are rambling a mile a minute now that loquacious Mercury is sons for doubt, but you can rise above the difficulties now. receiving loud signals from excessive Jupiter. Although you try to keep the Although you're unsure of your next move, you're lucky enough to receive ACROSS 4. A very poisonous metallic element that has conversation light, you can't shut off the flow of intense information. You may 1. The molecular weight of a substance expressed three allotropic forms. helpful guidance from someone you can trust. Your key planet Jupiter is be a bit mentally overstimulated but something keeps drawing you back into in grams. 5. Follower of Rastafarianism. blessing your 10th House of Status, bringing you closer to your goals. the less comfortable emotional realms today. It's tricky business because you 4. Any of several bog orchids of the genus 6. Surpassing the ordinary especially in size or Instead of worrying about what could go wrong today, acknowledge all that don't want to stop talking, but it's wise to know when to hold your tongue. In Arethusa having 1 or 2 showy flowers. scale. is right in your world; use the power of positive thinking to propel you fact, a silent meditation might be just what the doctor orders to help you 12. A federal agency established to regulate the 7. Hormone released by the hypothalamus that toward your preferred destination. release of new foods and health-related products. controls the release of thyroid-stimulating hor- regain your balance. 15. Any of various primates with short tails or no mone from the anterior pituitary. tail at all. 8. One of the 7 gods of happiness. 16. Sludge (rich in organic matter) that accumu- 9. Being or moving higher in position or greater in Cancer (June 21-July 22) Capricorn (December 22-January 19) lates at the bottom of lakes or oceans. some value. 17. A unit of absorbed ionizing radiation equal to 10. A port town on the Atlantic coast of Portugal Keeping your thoughts to yourself is challenging today, even if It's all too tempting to swing into action today and take charge of 100 ergs per gram of irradiated material. southeast of Lisbon. you know that it's prudent to remain quiet. Part of you feels as if it's your per- the situation, assuming that your plan is the best one. You know everything 18. A transparent optical device used to converge 11. (zoology) Pertaining to alulae. sonal responsibility to bring the information you have out into the light. will fall into place if you can stick to the program without any outside interfer- or diverge transmitted light and to form images. 12. Agitation resulting from active worry. Although you may wonder if your disclosure is appropriate, a friend might ence. Thankfully, your dogged attention to details adds to your overall pro- 20. Move as if through a sieve. 13. Herb of the Pacific islands grown throughout convince you to talk -- and once you start, you won't hold anything back. ductivity. However, your eagerness to demonstrate your competence might 21. A major waterfall in southern Africa. the tropics for its edible root and in temperate When in doubt, erring on the side of caution is your safest bet. The better part just be a way to cover your emotional vulnerability. Choose a trustworthy 23. A fraudulent business scheme. areas as an ornamental for its large glossy leaves. of valor is discretion. friend and share a part of yourself you normally don't let others see. 24. A crystalline metallic element not found in 14. The sixth month of the civil year. nature. 19. Perennial mountain rice native to 25. Someone who copies the words or behavior Mediterranean region and introduced into North of another. America. Leo (July 23-August 22) Aquarius (January 20- February 18) 27. One of the most common of the five major 22. Large family of important mostly marine food classes of immunoglobulins. fishes. Your secret admirer or a spiritual adviser may be the source of Opportunity knocks on a variety of strange doors today, offering you a chance to show off your innovative brilliance. However, if someone 30. Eaten as mush or as a thin gruel. 26. A hard brittle gray polyvalent metallic element good news today. Luckily, you could learn something that opens your mind presents a winning strategy now, it may not be as incredible as you think. 33. Having a melody (as distinguished from recita- that resembles iron but is not magnetic. to an entirely different way of looking at your current circumstances. Even if tive). 28. Come into the possession of something con- Remember, bountiful Jupiter is increasing the lighting on each cloud's silver you believe you should stick to your original agenda, stretch beyond your 37. The condition of not containing or being cov- crete or abstract. lining, so everything appears brighter than it actually is. Nevertheless, saying ered by a liquid (especially water). 29. A state in north central United States. current point of view and consider what's best for everyone involved. yes is still your best move, as long as you have a concrete end game in place. 41. Any of a class of alcohols having 2 hydroxyl 31. Indian nun and missionary (born in Albania) Adopting a less personal and more spiritual perspective paves new paths to Blending reality with the seeds of your imagination is a combination that groups in each molecule. dedicated to helping the poor in India (1910- success. leads to personal growth. 42. A period marked by distinctive character or 1997). reckoned from a fixed point or event. 32. A person who delivers a speech or oration. 43. A Hindu prince or king in India. 34. A slippery or viscous liquid or liquefiable sub- Virgo (August 23-September 22) Pisces (February 19-March 20) 45. Communicate electronically on the computer. stance not miscible with water. 48. Affect with wonder. 35. Of or relating to the African republic of You may be known for your critical thinking, but today your Someone may shock you with unexpected criticism today, refo- 51. A public promotion of some product or serv- Somalia or its people or their language and cul- thoughts carry you far past your usual limitations. Although your key planet cusing your attention back on reality. If your fantasies have hijacked your ice. ture. Mercury is retrograde, its harmonious trine to lucky Jupiter sends your mind goals, embrace the unsolicited advice you receive from others now, instead 52. Type and genus of the Isoetaceae and sole 36. Submerged freshwater perennials. to greener pastures. Much to your surprise, you could be less practical and of rejecting it out of hand. Be sure to establish healthy boundaries so you extant genus of the order Isoetales. 38. A member of an Iroquoian people formerly liv- can maintain your emotional sanity. Nurturing your confidence, not your 53. American prizefighter who won the world ing on the south shore of Lake Erie in northern more philosophical in your approach now. Keep in mind that it's not neces- skepticism, will guide you toward fulfillment. heavyweight championship three times (born in Ohio and northwest Pennsylvania and western sary to apply your ideas to something tangible at this time. Write down your 1942). New York. colorful visions while they last so you can make good use of them when your 55. A unit of weight for precious stones = 200 mg. 39. Spicy sauce of tomatoes and onions and chili feet return to earth. 56. United States writer (born in Poland) who peppers to accompany Mexican foods. wrote in Yiddish (1880-1957). 40. The cry made by sheep. WORD SEARCH PUZZLE Yesterday’s Solution 58. (folklore) A corpse that rises at night to drink 44. United States physicist and molecular biolo- the blood of the living. gist who helped develop the first atom bomb and 60. The longer of the two telegraphic signals used later opposed the use of all nuclear weapons in Morse code. (1898-1964). 62. According to the Old Testament he was a 46. English economist noted for his studies of pagan king of Israel and husband of Jezebel (9th international trade and finance (born in 1907). century BC). 47. A language spoken by the Atakapa people of 64. A pocket-size case for holding papers and the Gulf coast of Louisiana and Texas. paper money. 49. A member of the Siouan people formerly liv- 68. French writer who was the embodiment of ing in the Missouri river valley in NE Nebraska. 18th century Enlightenment (1694-1778). 50. A silvery ductile metallic element found prima- 72. A loose sleeveless outer garment made from rily in bauxite. aba cloth. 54. Before noon. 73. Long-legged web-footed black-and-white 57. Coins collectively. shorebird with slender upward-curving bill. 59. On a ship, train, plane or other vehicle. 76. An Italian poet famous for `The Divine 61. A shelter serving as a place of safety or sanctu- Comedy'--a journey through hell and purgatory ary. and paradise guided by Virgil and his idealized 63. (astronomy) The angular distance of a celestial Beatrice (1265-1321). point measured westward along the celestial 77. A unit of pain intensity. equator from the zenith crossing. 78. A tricycle (usually propelled by pedalling). 65. A slender double-reed instrument. 80. Type genus of the Ranidae. 66. A fine grained mineral having a soft soapy feel 81. A former agency (from 1946 to 1974) that was and consisting of hydrated magnesium silicate. responsible for research into atomic energy and 67. A sodium salt of carbonic acid. its peacetime uses in the United States. 69. Relatively small fast-moving sloth. 82. A lack of vitality. 70. An inactive volcano in Sicily. 83. Consisting of or involving two parts or compo- 71. A bluish shade of green. nents usually in pairs. 74. Electronic warfare undertaken to prevent or reduce an enemy's effective use of the electro- DOWN magnetic spectrum. 1. A master's degree in library science. 75. Of or relating to or characteristic of Thailand of 2. An organization of countries formed in 1961 to its people. agree on a common policy for the sale of petrole- 79. A soft silvery metallic element of the alkali um. earth group. 3. A Russian river. Yesterday’s Solution

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ctivision Blizzard Inc is enlisting the pro- ducer of “The Hateful Eight” to help lead Aits TV and film studio as the “Call of Duty” publisher prepares to take on Hollywood. The Santa Monica, California-based video game company announced yesterday that veteran producer Stacey Sher has been hired to serve as co-president of Activision Blizzard Studios with Nick van Dyk, the former Disney executive who was brought on last year as co-president of the new venture. “The idea of continuing the tradi- tion of inspired creativity that’s been the culture of this company for 35 years with some of the greatest intellectual property that hasn’t been locked up by other people was incredibly excit- Isabelle Huppert and Gerard Depardieu ing,” said Sher. Sher is a frequent collaborator with filmmak- ers Quentin Tarantino and Steven Soderbergh. Her credits include “Pulp Fiction,” “Django MK2 acquires Huppert, Unchained,” “Erin Brockovich,” “Contagion” and “Reno 911!” Activision unveiled plans in November to create and release its own TV and Depardieu’s ‘Mrs Hyde’ film series based on its games. In recent years, Ubisoft and Microsoft similarly launched divi- n the run up to the UniFrance Rendez- new capabilities. sions that were tasked with adapting game fran- Vous in Paris, MK2 has acquired interna- “We are thrilled to represent this chises to varying degrees of success. Itional sales rights to Serge Bozon’s “Mrs extraordinary new voice in French cinema “Activision Blizzard does not release a game Hyde,” a black comedy starring Isabelle that Serge Bozon has embodied since he unless it’s great, so it’s not a big leap to take that Academy Award-winning writer/director Quentin Tarantino, center, poses with actors Huppert, Gerard Depardieu and Romain began making films. We anticipate that culture and migrate it to this endeavor,” said Kurt Russell, right, and Samuel L Jackson for photos after arriving for the premier of Duris. “Mrs Hyde” marks Bozon’s follow-up with this adaptation of a world renowned Sher. “I think that’s a sensibility that we all share.” ‘The Hateful Eight” in Sydney yesterday. —AP to “Tip Top,” the critically-acclaimed come- story and simply the best possible French Activision’s first project is slated to be a TV show dy with Huppert which world premiered actors he will be able to spread his disrup- inspired by the kid-friendly “Skylanders” toy- keep the studio small and maintain creative con- films and TV. By having the right skill set and at Cannes’ Directors’ Fortnight and earned tive black humor further afield,” said MK2. game franchise, followed by films based on the trol over projects, similar to Pixar and Lucasfilm. controlling intellectual properties, rather than a special mention. Produced by David Huppert and Depardieu, two of France’s “Call of Duty” military shooter series. Could a While most video game adaptations haven’t turning them over to third parties, we can Thion’s Les Films Pelleas, the project is most iconic French thesps, last co-starred filmmaker like Tarantino or Soderbergh direct a been financially or critically well received, they ensure creative excellence.” Van Dyk and Sher freely inspired by Stevenson’s “Dr Jekyll in Guillaume Nicloux’s “Valley of Love,” a “Call of Duty” movie? Sher and van Dyk aren’t believe they can overcome the genre’s flop-filled said they’re currently working on the vision for and Mr Hyde.” Huppert stars as a timid critical success which competed at ruling out the possibility. past. “We understand our intellectual property, an interconnected “Call of Duty” film series. physics teacher despised by her pupils Cannes. Budgeted at 4 million Euros, “Mrs “Between the quality of our intellectual prop- fans and the universes better than anyone else,” However, they first need to find office space. and colleagues in a suburban high school. Hyde” will shoot next fall for an expected erty and Stacey’s relationships, I think we’re said van Dyk. “The creative sensibility that’s Activision Blizzard Studios won’t be housed in But after getting struck by lightning, she delivery in 2017. Haut et Court will release going to have amazing talent to work with,” said involved in making great games is orthogonal to the company’s headquarters in Santa Monica, wakes up with powerful and dangerous in France. —Reuters van Dyk. Sher and van Dyk said they plan to the creative sensibility needed to make great California.—AP ‘Fifty Shades’ and ‘Pixels’ among Razzies’ ‘worst film’ nominees

This photo provided by courtesy of Sony Pictures shows, Michelle Monaghan, from left, as Violet, Adam Sandler as Brenner, Josh Gad as Ludlow, and Peter Dinklage as Eddie, arriving outside the command center in Columbia Pictures’ “Pixels.” —AP photos

In this Feb 2, 2015 file photo, Channing Tatum attends the premiere of In this April 11, 2015 file photo, Kevin James arrives on a Warner Bros Pictures’ “Jupiter Ascending” at TCL Chinese Theatre in Segway to the premiere of “Paul Blart: Mall Cop 2” at AMC Hollywood, Calif. Loews Lincoln Square in New York.

s awards season heats up in Hollywood, the annu- al Razzies Awards yesterday named the year’s A complete list of this Aworst achievements in film with steamy romance This photo provided by courtesy Twentieth Century Fox shows, The Thing, from “Fifty Shades of Grey” and Adam Sandler’s video game left, Michael B. Jordan as Johnny Storm, Miles Teller as Dr Reed Richards, and Kate adventure “Pixels” among the top nominees, while year’s Razzies nominees Mara as Sue Storm, in a scene from the film, “Fantastic Four.” Sylvester Stallone was honored with a redemption. “Fifty Worst picture: Worst remake or sequel: Shades of Grey,” “Pixels,” sci-fi saga “Jupiter Ascending,” “Fantastic Four,” “Fifty Shades of “Alvin and The Chipmunks: The Road comedy “Paul Blart: Mall Cop 2,” all of which landed six Grey”, “Jupiter Ascending”, “Paul Blart Chip”; “Fantastic Four”; “Hot Tub Time nominations, and superhero “Fantastic 4,” which landed Mall Cop 2”, “Pixels.” Machine 2”; “Human Centipede 3”; “Paul five nods, will compete for the Razzies worst picture Blart Mall Cop 2.” award. Worst actor: The tongue-in-cheek Razzies, created in 1980, serve as Johnny Depp, “Mortdecai”; Jamie Worst screen combo: an antidote to Hollywood’s prestigious Oscars ceremony, Dornan, “Fifty Shades of Grey”; Kevin Miles Teller, Michael B Jordan, Kate as organizers choose to bestow winners of the year’s James, “Paul Blart Mall Cop 2”; Adam Mara and Jamie Bell, “Fantastic Four”; worst films with a gold spray-painted trophy worth $4.97. Sandler, “The Cobbler” and “Pixels”; Johnny Depp and his glued-on mus- Stallone, who won his first Golden Globe last week for Channing Tatum, “Jupiter Ascending.” tache, “Mortdecai “; Jamie Dornan and reprising his iconic role as Rocky Balboa in “Creed,” is Dakota Johnson, “Fifty Shades of Grey”; nominated for the Razzie Redeemer Award, going from Worst actress: Kevin James and either his Segway or an “all-time Razzie champ to 2015 award contender.” Katherine Heigl, “Home Sweet glued-on mustache, “Paul Blart Mall Cop He will compete for the title with Will Smith, nominat- Hell”; Dakota Johnson, “Fifty Shades 2”; Adam Sandler and any pair of shoes, ed for his redeeming role in “Concussion,” actor-director of Grey”; Mila Kunis, “Jupiter “The Cobbler.” Ascending”; Jennifer Lopez, “The Boy Elizabeth Banks for directing the hit “Pitch Perfect 2” and Next Door”; Gwyneth Paltrow, Worst director: horror filmmaker M Night Shyamalan for directing hit “Mortdecai.” Andy Fickman, “Paul Blart Mall Cop 2”; horror “The Visit” after a slew of flops. Winners of the Tom Six, “Human Centipede 3”; Sam Razzies are voted for online by around 900 members of Worst supporting actor: Taylor-Johnson, “Fifty Shades of Grey”; the Razzies committee, and anyone can sign up to vote, Chevy Chase, “Hot Tub Time Josh Trank, “Fantastic Four”; Andy and with memberships starting at $40. Machine 2” and “Vacation”; Josh Gad, Lana Wachowski, “Jupiter Ascending.” The “tacky” Razzies ceremony are traditionally held in “Pixels” and “The Wedding Ringer”; Hollywood on the night before the Feb. 28 Oscars cere- Kevin James, “Pixels”; Jason Lee, “Alvin Worst screenplay: mony, and those honored seldom show up. Perennial and the Chipmunks: Road Chip”; Simon Kinberg, Jeremy Slater and Razzie favorite Sandler, nominated for five consecutive Eddie Redmayne, “Jupiter Ascending.” Josh Trank, “Fantastic Four”; Kelly Marcel, years, this year scored nods for worst actor in “Pixels” “Fifty Shades of Grey”; Andy and Lana and worst screen combo for ‘Adam Sandler & Any Pair of Worst supporting actress: Wachowski, “Jupiter Ascending”; Kevin Shoes” for his role in “The Cobbler” - about a cobbler Kaley Cuoco-Sweeting, “Alvin and James and Nick Bakay, “Paul Blart Mall who can magically step into the shoes of his customers. the Chipmunks : Road Chip” and “The Cop 2”; Tim Herlihy and Timothy Eddie Redmayne, a potential best actor Oscar con- Wedding Ringer”; Rooney Mara, “Pan”; Dowling, “Pixels.” tender for his role in “The Danish Girl,” landed a worst Michelle Monaghan, “Pixels”; Julianne In this Feb 6, 2015 file photo, Jamie Dornan, left, and Dakota Johnson attend a actor Razzie nomination for “Jupiter Ascending,” while Moore, “Seventh Son”; Amanda Razzies redeemer award: special fan screening of “Fifty Shades of Grey” hosted by The Today Show at the Rooney Mara, potential Oscar best actress nominee,” Seyfried, “Love the Coopers” and Elizabeth Banks, M Night Shyamalan, Ziegfeld Theatre in New York. “ landed a worst supporting Razzie nod for her role as “Pan.” Will Smith and Sylvester Stallone. —AP LIFESTYLE37 THURSDAY, JANUARY 14, 2016 Music & Movies Cosby lawyers to ask Massachusetts judge to seal evidence in sex case

ttorneys for Bill Cosby are due in court He faces several civil suits. Cosby’s attorneys yesterday to ask a federal judge in are scheduled to argue before US Magistrate AMassachusetts toseal all testimony Judge David Hennessy in Worcester, related to a defamation lawsuit brought by Massachusetts, that any testimony related to seven women who have accused the comedi- the lawsuits be kept under seal until trial. “The an of sexual assault. Tamara Green sued Cosby law is clear: trial - not discovery - is the ‘fact- in December 2014, accusing him of lying finding’ process in which the public has a com- when he publicly denied having sexually mon law and constitutional interest,” Cosby’s assaulted her, and six other women have since attorneys wrote in a filing this week. “Mr. joined in the lawsuit. Cosby, 78, filed a coun- Cosby’s undisputed privacy interest and his This file photo of the Indian chief of the religious sect tersuit in US District Court in Massachusetts need for protection from annoyance, embar- Dera Sacha Sauda (DSS) Gurmeet Ram Rahim Singh last month, accusing the women of defaming rassment, and undue prejudice establish good shows him gesturing during a news conference. —AFP him. cause to enter the limited protective order he The seven are among more than 50 seeks.” women who have come forward to publicly Attorneys for the women have argued that accuse Cosby of sexually assaulting them after the request is unjustified. “Cosby himself has Indian TV comedian plying them with drugs or alcohol in alleged sought out publicity when it suits him - for attacks carried out over a number of decades. example, by defaming the plaintiffs as liars in The accusations toppled Cosby from his 2014,” lawyers for the seven women wrote. arrested for pedestal as one of America’s most-admired “That being so, the public should know all of comedians, who built a long career on family- the material facts surrounding this case, friendly humor. He was best known for his regarding whether defendant Cosby’s private ‘offensive’ guru act role as the dad Heathcliff Huxtable in the conduct comports with his public persona.” long-running 1980s television hit, “The Cosby Cosby testified in 2005 that he had obtained ndian police have arrested a popular comedian for Show.” Cosby has repeatedly denied wrongdo- the sedative drug Quaaludes, popular in the offending religious sentiments after he mimicked a con- ing. Last month prosecutors in Pennsylvania 1970s, intending to give them to young Itroversial spiritual guru on a television show, an official said yesterday. Kiku Sharda, 40, was sent to judicial custody charged him with a 2004 sexual assault days Bill Cosby arrives at court to face a felony charge of aggravated indecent women he desired to have sex with, according before the statute of limitations on that to court documents unsealed in July as part of for 14 days by a court in northern Haryana state after he alleged crime was to expire. assault, Wednesday, Dec 30, 2015, in Elkins Park, Pa. —AP a separate legal proceeding. —Reuters was arrested in Mumbai late Tuesday, a senior police officer told AFP. “A police team arrested the accused at a TV studio in Mumbai late last night following a complaint filed by one of the guru’s followers,” he said on the condition of anonymity. Sharda, who imitated guru Gurmeet Ram Rahim Singh in a TV appearance on December 27, has apologized for his act, saying it was only aimed at entertaining audiences. “I was given a dress, a script to read and directed to act,” Japan boy band SMAP mulling breakup he was quoted as saying by the Press Trust of India news agency. Singh, who heads the Dera Sacha Sauda sect, is apanese pop fans were rocked by news yesterday known as the “guru in bling” for his penchant for garish that evergreen boy band SMAP is mulling a breakup, clothes and jewelry. Dera Sacha Sauda describes itself as a Jending the group’s 30-year reign at the top of the social welfare and spiritual organization with millions of music business that has won them legions of fans across followers in India and abroad. The 48-year-old guru is Asia. One of Japan’s most popular and longest enduring already under police investigation for allegedly encourag- bands, the heartthrobs soared to the top of the charts ing 400 followers to undergo castrations at his ashram so with sugary pop songs and choreographed dances, but they could get closer to God. may split following a feud within their agency, according On its website, the group describes Singh as a saint as to reports. well as an author, inventor, scientist, philosopher, philan- News of the quintet’s possible breakup emerged on thropist, peace activist and “the ultimate humanitarian”. the front pages of major Japanese “sports” newspapers- Singh has also featured in two action movies and many which also carry entertainment stories-yesterday and music videos. Many celebrities came out in support of quickly spread as mainstream national dailies and public Sharda on Twitter yesterday, calling his arrest “shocking” broadcaster NHK rushed to confirm the reports. SMAP and “absurd”. “I don’t see our leaders getting arrested for was established as just another ubiquitous teenage boy behaving like comedians every day,” tweeted fellow come- band, but backed by the powerful Johnny & Associates dian Vir Das. —AFP agency its members have flourished as a group and also in their solo careers as actors and fixtures on popular vari- ety shows. Reports said four members plan to leave Johnny & Associates. “It is true that such talks and negotiations are Herbie Hancock, ongoing,” the agency said in a statement, referring to the reports without providing further details. The wrangling was reportedly sparked by tensions between the agent in Jefferson Airplane charge of SMAP and other top Johnny & Associates man- This picture taken on December 30, 2015 shows Japanese boy band SMAP members (from left to right) agers. Speculation about the group’s future was top news Masahiro Nakai, Tsuyoshi Kusanagi, Shingo Katori, Goro Inagaki and Takuya Kimura in Tokyo. —AFP on social media as forlorn fans lamented the possible among Grammy split. “SMAP... say it’s not true,” posted Twitter user People”, started out as a fresh-faced boy band in 1988. various members of the quintet. @hyougatanaka. Another user wrote emphatically: “Can Despite sometimes obvious musical shortcomings, they Weekly magazine Shukan Shincho reported in its latest honorees never accept SMAP breaking up!!!” are still the top J-pop boy band-even though the mem- edition published yesterday that SMAP as a group pro- Takuya Kimura, the most popular member who starred bers now range in age from 38 to 43. They retain an enor- duces annual revenue of 25 billion yen ($212 million). azz legend Herbie Hancock and 1960s countercultural in the Wong Kar-wai film “2046”, is the only member mous fan base among women in their 40s who came of Their popularity has also reached diplomatic heights, icons Jefferson Airplane will be among the latest recipi- expected to stay with the agency, reports said. SMAP, age as the band hit the big time, and who remain the with the band meeting then Chinese premier Wen Jiabao Jents of the Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award, the which cryptically stands for “Sports Music Assemble core viewers for the formulaic television dramas starring in Tokyo in 2011. —AFP Recording Academy announced yesterday. The award is giv- en annually to artists who contributed significantly to the recording industry and the broader culture. The new winners will be honored with a concert sometime in early 2016 sepa- rate from the February 15 ceremony of the Grammy Awards, the US music industry’s most prestigious prize. Hancock, 75, is one of the most celebrated living jazz artists. A pianist as well as composer, he revitalized rhythm sections to bring a new sense of melody. Hancock has won 14 Grammy Awards over his five- decade career, which has included crossover hits into pop. Jefferson Airplane helped create the psychedelic sound of the 1960s, with lasting hits such as “White Rabbit” and “Somebody to Love.” Bringing a harder rock edge to folk music, Jefferson Airplane offered anthems for the 1967 “Summer in Love” in the band’s hometown San Francisco and performed at the era’s defining festivals of Monterey and Woodstock. Other recipients of this year’s Lifetime Achievement Award include Celia Cruz, the late Cuban salsa singer who was one of the 20th century’s leading artists in Latin America, and Queen of R&B Ruth Brown, who brought a new audience to the genre with a string of hits in the 1950s. The other recip- ients are Earth, Wind and Fire, who became widely popular by bringing a wider pop audience to R&B; Run-D.M.C., who were among the pioneers of hip-hop in 1980s New York, and singer Linda Ronstadt, who has won 10 Grammys over a career that has taken her from pop to rock and across many other genres. The Recording Academy also named the latest recipients of its Trustee Award, which recognizes career In this Nov 26, 2014, photo, Geeling A tribute balloon is pictured in front of a mural of late British singer David Bowie, painted by Australian achievements outside of performance. This year’s winners Ching poses for a photo in Auckland, street artist James Cochran, aka Jimmy C, in Brixton, south London, two days after the announcement of will include the late John Cage, one of the leading US mod- New Zealand. —AP Bowie’s death. —AFP ernist composers of the 20th century. —AFP For Bowie, the Thin White Duke, inspiration was black

lender and pale, David Bowie counted the African-American musicians and would whisk the In one of the most visible signs of his comfort on contested-”China Girl.” The original lyrics-”I’m a mess dour Thin White Duke among his many incar- band out of town immediately after concerts to race, Bowie in 1992 married Somali-born supermod- without my little China Girl”-were often thought to Snations. But his first love was African-American avoid trouble. el Iman, a relationship that lasted until his death. In a be metaphorical, using street slang for heroin. But music and his views on race, like his music, were In 1975, as he exited his early glam-rock phase, 1993 interview with Arsenio Hall, Bowie said the Bowie’s 1983 version made no mistake that it was often ahead of their time. After the British rock leg- Bowie became one of the first white performers on couple’s celebrity status shielded them from bigotry about white male fetishization of Asian women. end’s shock death from cancer on Sunday at age 69, “Soul Train,” the television show that was a must- but voiced dismay that interracial couples were With a Chinese-inspired guitar riff by Nile Rodgers of a video went viral online of a dapper Bowie in 1983 watch for many African-Americans. Bowie per- more common in Europe than the United States at Chic fame, Bowie appears in the video dancing in accusing then-nascent MTV of ignoring African- formed two songs that would be among his most the time. But Bowie’s record on racial equality was Sydney’s Chinatown, trying to woo an Asian woman Americans, a trend “rampant through American famous-”Fame” and “Young Americans.” The songs marred by a flirtation with a philosophy that could by slanting his eyes with his fingers. media.” Bowie persists politely as MTV host Mark appeared on his “Young Americans” album, record- hardly be further removed-Nazism. Bowie described the video as an over-the-top Goodman insists that the network needs to “play the ed at Sigma Sound Studios, the legendary center of Just a year after appearing on “Soul Train,” Bowie parody of racial stereotypes and an indictment of music that we think an entire country is going to soul music in Philadelphia. was detained on the border of the Soviet Union and “invasion and exploitation.” But not all were con- like” and appear meaningful to “a 17-year-old” out- Poland for a collection of Nazi memorabilia. His vinced. In a widely read 1993 essay, academic side big US cities. “I tell you what maybe the Isley From soul to Hitler Great White Duke persona was grim and consciously Ellie Hisama acknowledged that Bowie intended Brothers or Marvin Gaye means to a black 17-year- The soul phase was not a sudden fad for Bowie, Aryan and Bowie described Hitler as an early rock irony but said the video still reflected Asian old. Surely he’s part of America as well,” Bowie said, raised in a modest household in the London area. star. Bowie later took pains to distance himself, say- stereotypes by depriving the girl of any voice. referring to classic African-American acts. “The one thing that really turned me on to wanting to ing he was out of his mind on drugs. He said he nev- The actress herself-Geeling Ng, now a restauran- Bowie, a skilled actor who was an MTV favorite be a musician, wanting to write, was black music- er embraced anti-Semitism but developed a mis- teur in Auckland-told the New Zealand Herald in the 1980s, was hardly risking his career through American black music-Little Richard and John guided fascination with the Nazis over their search after Bowie’s death she remained “utterly proud the interview and, soon afterward, Michael Jackson Coltrane in the 1950s,” Bowie told Record Collector in for the mythical Holy Grail in Glastonbury, England. to be China Girl.” Praise for Bowie has also come broke through the network’s color barrier. But the a 1993 interview. Bowie said he was eight years old from prominent African-American artists includ- episode was just one that showed Bowie to be a when he first heard Little Richard, the pioneering R&B ‘My little China Girl’ ing rapper Kanye West, who called him “one of leader on racial issues, even as his fan base was and funk artist. “I found it all very exciting-the feeling Bowie definitely declared himself off fascism my most important inspirations.” “So fearless, so largely white. Early in his career as he performed in of aggression that came through the arrangements. It after transformative years in the late 1970s in West creative, he gave us magic for a lifetime,” West the American South, which was just ending official was like breaking up the sky-his voice broke out of Berlin. During the period Bowie wrote with Iggy Pop tweeted. —AFP discrimination codes, Bowie insisted on playing with the skies-an extraordinary voice,” Bowie said. the song whose legacy has been among the most Herbie Hancock lifestyle THURSDAY, JANUARY 14, 2016 FASHION Stella McCartney on trend with star-studded Hollywood soiree

ove over New York City, Paris and McCartney, who has previously presented in best place to be and that there’s a huge mar- Milan, there’s a new fashionista on New York and London. “It’s such a great place ket out here and a huge client base.” Mthe rise: Los Angeles. Stella for music, for fashion, for film, for entertain- McCartney’s pre-fall collection included silky McCartney made a glitzy, star-studded ment, for the arts, and it just felt like the right dresses, oversized coats and cozy knitwear in Hollywood debut Tuesday. The British time and the right city.” playful patterns and animal prints. designer followed on the heels of brands like Gwyneth Paltrow, Kate Hudson, Katy Perry, Loose-fitting trousers and blouses had Burberry and Tom Ford who recently brought Orlando Bloom and Demi Lovato were among blue and gold diagonal stripes or geometric their runway shows to the West Coast. “It just the guests at the presentation held at the color-blocking, and feminine floral dresses really felt like the time to have it in LA,” said record store, Amoeba Music. “It’s a movement! were layered under colorful tulle. “The collec- I love it!” said celebrity stylist and designer tion is very much about celebrating the reju- Rachel Zoe. “I do think designers have really venation of a woman’s wardrobe,” said the fallen in love with LA ... I think everyone’s fig- designer and daughter of former Beatle Paul uring out this is the best place to live and the McCartney. “Looking at pieces that go from day to evening. ... Lots of prints, lots of cats, lots of leopard.” Models danced on platforms and played arcade games before perform- ances by Brian Wilson, Pink and Johnny Depp and Marilyn Manson. “I think it’s a great,” said “Mad Men” actress Kiernan Shipka. “LA is a really, really cool town and I love that Stella knows how to throw party.” — AP

Television personality Nicole Richie arrives at Stella McCartney Autumn 2016 Presentation at Amoeba Music in Los Angeles, California.

Comedian Chelsea Handler

Actress Amber Valletta

Actress Melanie Griffith

Singer Katy Perry

Actress Gwyneth Paltrow (left) and Stella McCartney

Stylist Rachel Zoe Comedian Sarah Silverman

Singer Mary J Blige

Kelly Osbourne

Actress Kate Hudson Model Kate Upton Singer Demi Lovato Actress Molly Sims lifestyle THURSDAY, JANUARY 14, 2016 FEATURES

People make their way past a Chinatown bank in San Francisco. Two women walk past a Chinatown mural in San Francisco. — AP Photos Step into the world of San Francisco’s Chinatown he best plan for tackling San Francisco’s that you may have trouble getting a seat “jook,” rice porridge served with a variety of Chinatown is no plan at all. Simply wan- when it’s busy. toppings. Other standbys include House of Tdering the wide streets and narrow Nanking, 919 Kearny St., and Great Eastern alleys will take you where you need to go. Where to eat Restaurant, 649 Jackson St, known for its Whether you just happen to be in town or are Tourists and locals alike rejoiced when Sam Cantonese-style seafood dishes. visiting for something specific like the Super Wo’s recently reopened. Before it closed in Bowl or Lunar New Year - the Year of the 2012, the restaurant had operated for more What to do Monkey dawns Feb 8 - spending a few hours than 100 years on Washington Street and was Grant is the main drag, but if you want to in the second-largest Chinatown in the known as a place for no-frills Cantonese fare see the more workaday side to Chinatown, United States (behind New York City) is where customers were once insulted by the take a walk on Stockton Street, known for its always worthwhile. “rudest waiter in the world,” the late Edsel Ford produce and live animal markets. Explore the Visit early and you’ll feel the rush of every- Fong. Sam Wo’s reopened in October at 713 tiny side streets where you’ll find everything day life as the food markets and bakeries hum Clay St, between Grant and Kearny. Try the from dive bars to tea houses to traditional with activity - this is a real community as well as a tourist attraction. Visit at dusk and Chinatown takes on a magical glow, the lanterns strung across Grant Street glowing red and the curio shop windows ablaze in a glitter of possibilities. Here’s a quick guide to getting the most out of your stroll.

How to get there An assortment of hats are shown for sale at a Chinatown shop on Grant Street in San A good place to start is the much-pho- Francisco. tographed gate at Bush Street and Grant Chinese apothecaries. Waverly Place, between understandably, is big here, with banners, fire- Avenue. This is Instagram central and a short Washington and Sacramento streets, is home works, food and flowers. This year, the two- walk from Union Square. You can also ride to several temples including Tien Hau, which week celebration wraps up with the traditional the cable car to Chinatown via either the has a different style on each floor culminating parade on Feb 20. This year’s flower fair will be Powell-Hyde or Powell-Mason lines. Cable with a temple dedicated to the Goddess of held Jan 30-31, from 10 am to 8 pm on cars make many stops; two possibilities for Heaven, 125 Waverly Place, free but donations Saturday and 9 am to 6 pm Sunday. Location: alighting are at Washington and Mason appreciated. Another interested temple is Grant Avenue from Clay to Broadway, and streets or Powell and California. Tickets, $7, Kong Chow Temple, known for its colorful Pacific, Jackson and Washington streets can be purchased at the turnaround at altars, and in the same building as the between Stockton and Kearny. Powell and Market streets or in advance Chinatown post office, 955 Stockton St. Looking to add a little scholarship to your online. You don’t have to queue at the turn- The Golden Gate Fortune Cookie Factory, is stroll? For a deeper dive into Chinatown history, around to board; you can walk a few blocks open seven days a week, 56 Ross Alley. consider one of the guided tours offered by the up the line-look for the brown and white Admission is free, but you need to pay 50 Chinese Cultural Center. Tickets are around $30 signs indicating stops. Be aware, though, Lanterns hang in Chinatown above Grant Street in San Francisco. cents to take a picture. Chinese New Year, for adults and reservations are required. —AP Ideas, products for a primp-perfect bathroom

hat makes a great bathroom, one per- fect for prepping and primping? A well- Wconsidered combination of fixtures, lighting and amenities - the kind we often first experience in a really nice hotel. “Bathrooms are the most private parts of our homes. They’re also the most private parts of hotels, our ‘homes away from home,’” says Los Angeles author Anneli Rufus, who has written travel books among oth- In this photo provided by Duravit, this free standing tub, part of Philippe Starck’s Cape ers. It’s the sense of a space that’s exclusively ours Cod collection for Duravit, is made of a newly-developed material that has a soft feel that’s that’s appealing, she says, enhanced by fittings warm to the touch. — AP photos

In this photo provided by Duravit, Philippe Starck’s Cape Cod vanity for Duravit evokes an easy yet elegant New England coastal vibe, with weathered wood vanities and slim-edge sinks in several shapes. The free standing tub is made of a newly-developed material that has a soft feel that’s warm to the touch. bathroom’s different lighting needs,” says interior some cases, the lights change color, so the mood designer Jessica Shankman of Laurel & Wolf in of the room can be adjusted, to provide a sooth- In this photo provided by Duravit, Philippe West Hollywood, California. ing blue, say, or a zesty yellow/orange glow. Or Starck’s Cape Cod vanity for Duravit evokes “I always recommend installing a dimmer to opt for a color-changing HotelSpa or DreamSpa an easy yet elegant New England coastal control the light output and create a different shower head from ipShower, with colors that shift vibe, with weathered wood vanities and atmosphere in the room,” she says. That might depending on the water temperature. Designers slim-edge sinks in several shapes. mean bright lights when you get dressed, for are also pulling in lighting from other rooms - This photo provided by Hastings Tile & Bath shows Hastings Tile & Bath’s Onda Vanity, part instance, and soft lighting while you soak in the such as chandeliers and pendants - to amp up the of their Design Flexibility Collection. and fluffy towels. We often want to recreate that tub. For makeup application, task lighting’s your drama and luxe look in a bathroom. luxury-hotel experience when we return home, best friend, she says: “I suggest mounting wall Warm and welcoming leather, mosaic or marble. says Paul Flowers, chief design officer for Lixil, the sconces on either side of the mirror to provide Geared up Sheila Schmitz, editor at the homes website Philippe Starck’s Cape Cod vanity features a Tokyo-based parent company of higher-end, shadow-free lighting on the face.” High tech and personalization continue to Houzz.com, sees a trend toward treating the vessel sink perched on a walnut, oak or beech bath-product brands like DXV and Grohe. The LED lighting has had a big impact on bath move into the bathroom. American Standard’s bathroom as more of a “living room.” wood slab, hewn to resemble driftwood. A coor- bathroom, he says, “is moving from a rational design. Old-school vanity lighting often involved SpaLet toilet/bidet by DXV features a heated seat, “Our users love it when they see a bathroom dinating free-standing bathtub is crafted of a space for cleaning and grooming into an emo- harsh fluorescents or intrusive marquee lights. temperature-controlled bidet, automated flush, warmed up with vintage and furniture-like new material with a satin finish and soft feel. tional space for relaxation and contemplation.” Now, the lighting can be embedded in the mirror and a seat that opens and closes via sensor. details,” she says. “Console tables, comfortable Undulating curves on the Onda collection of Some ways to bring the hotel-style bathroom itself, and the reflection can be warm and flatter- Bluetooth-enabled sound systems and vani- chairs, and new or repurposed dressers make a vanities and counter basins have a sensuous and home: ing. Duravit’s L-Cube mirror, for instance, is a ty mirrors embedded with TVs bring sound- bathroom feel more like a living space than just a playful vibe. Light the way frame of LED light that can be dimmed with a tracks and programs into the bathing environ- place to wash up.” Designer brand Axor teamed up with Flicking on that hotel bathroom light switch is touch of the hand. ment. And Broan-NuTone’s Premium Humidity Chameleon Concepts offers bespoke wall- Japanese design studio Nendo to create the often where the magic begins: Complexions look LEDs have also given product designers new Sensing Control monitors moisture levels and mounted vanities with or without decorative LampShower, which features an LED light healthier, skin smoother. “Typically, the best type places to put lighting, such as under toilet seat automatically turns on the fan before the mir- legs. Select your style and finish, and then add a encased in a brass showerhead that looks like a of lighting is layered, because it addresses the rims and around the perimeters of spa tubs. In rors steam up. front panel insert like patterned paper, faux lampshade. — AP Indian TV comedian arrested for ‘offensive’ guru act

THURSDAY, JANUARY 14, 2016 37

A visitor looks at an installation entitled “Untitled (Food For Thought series)” by Maha Malluh, displayed in the Saatchi Gallery in London, during a press preview for the gallery’s forthcoming exhibition “Champagne Life”. The exhibi- tion is set to run from today up to March 16, 2016 and features work by female artists from around the world. — AFP Powder horn believed owned by Alexander Hamilton sold

powder horn that some experts believe was Warren Richman acquired the horn from a patient wounded in a duel with Aaron Burr in 1804. used by Alexander Hamilton sold for in 1990 and spent years trying to document its Hamilton has lately become the unlikely subject of a A$115,620 at auction on what would have authenticity and studying its etchings, which smash musical that’s the hottest ticket in New York. been his birthday. Hamilton, the nation’s first treas- include a unicorn. A descendant, an arms appraiser Written by and starring Lin-Manuel Miranda, the In a Tuesday, Dec ury secretary and one of the country’s Founding and a forensic documents expert said they believe show tells the true story of how an orphan emigrant 15, 2015 photo, a Fathers, is now the focus of a blockbuster hip-hop Hamilton used the engraved piece of cow horn to from the Caribbean rose to the highest ranks of powder horn that Broadway musical called “Hamilton.” The owner of carry gunpowder. American society, as told by a young African- some experts the powder horn, a New Jersey dentist, hoped It is inscribed with his name and 1773, the year American and Latino cast. Visitation to the Hamilton believe was used buzz from the show would help boost bids, which he entered what today is Columbia University. Grange National Memorial in New York City is up by Alexander started at $10,000 on Monday at Sterling Hamilton would have used it leading troops during almost 250 percent per month since the Broadway Hamilton is Associates in Closter, New Jersey. the Revolutionary War and as an aide to Gen. show premiered, John Warren of the National Park photographed at The auction house owner, Steven D’Atri, said he George Washington. Hamilton’s birthday is recog- Service said. Copyright 2016 The Associated Press. Antique NJ in was happy with the price, but not surprised. He nized as Jan 11, but historians are not sure whether All rights reserved. This material may not be pub- Closter, NJ. — AP said the buyer did not wish to be identified. Dr he was born in 1755 or 1757. He was mortally lished, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed. — AP Murderer on vocals: Malawi prison band vies for Grammy glory

ON VOCALS: Convicted murderer Elias Chimenya, on bass guitar: burglar Stefano Nyerenda, and prison guard Thomas Binamo is one of the band’s songwriters. Malawi’s Zomba Prison Project band has a unique line-up that could grab global suc- cess at the recording industry’s prestigious Grammy Awards next month. Their 20-track record “I Have No Everything Here” has been nominated in the Best World Music Album category, with the winner to be announced at a gala ceremony in Los Angeles. Musical talent at the Zomba maxi- mum-security prison was unearthed in 2013 when US producer Ian Brennan spent two weeks working with 60 inmates and guards to make the album. Six hours of recordings were edited down into the final selection of songs, fea- turing 16 of the prison’s musicians, singing Malawi’s Zomba prison project band vocalists, Malawi Correctional servic- mainly in the local Chichewa language. es Sergeant Ines Kaunde (second right) and inmate Elias Chimenya (center) perform during a rehearsal. Elias Chimenya, 46, who is serving a life Members of Malawi’s Zomba prison project band pose for a photograph outside the Central Prison’s makeshift term for killing a man in a quarrel in the was recorded in a makeshift studio next to izing, and everyone should be humanized,” music studio at the end of a rehearsal. 1980s, wrote and sang the haunting ballad a noisy carpentry workshop, are tracks he said. “Some of these prisoners have been “Jealous Neighbor”, the album’s fifth track. “I called “Last Wishes”, “I Am Alone” and “Don’t proved innocent and released. Others are nated.” The prisoners were paid a small fee am a reformed person, and music has Hate Me”. “The nomination alone has caught up in bureaucracy for years. But yes, for the recording, and any profits will be helped me to be cool and deal with the sit- inspired us and already made us famous some people are in for life, for murder.” shared among them-including several who uation of being incarcerated for life,” he told both in Malawi and abroad,” said Binamo, Brennan said the prison, built in the have since been released. “When I heard AFP at the decrepit prison in the poor the prison guard who wrote the lyrics for a 1930s, was in poor repair but that the pris- the news, I said, ‘What is a Grammy?’” southern African nation. “(But) I hope to not song called “Please. Don’t Kill My Child.” recalled Little Dinizulu Mtengano, acting die in prison, and instead to be released to “Winning an award will be the icing on the chief commissioner of prisons in Malawi. take up a music career outside.” cake,” he added, as band members wearing “Straight from my lunch, I went to the white prison uniforms rehearsed a new prison to break it to them. They were sur- ‘Already made us famous’ song in the bare studio under a single light prised, but some knew what the Grammys More than two years after the recording bulb. were.” No one from the jail is expected to sessions, news of the award nomination “We teach vocals, keyboard, drums and attend the award ceremony on February came as a surprise to inmates. “We are baf- guitar until they become musicians. Playing 15. Also competing in their category are fled because we didn’t expect prisoners music can bring relief to them,” Binawo albums by South African choral group could be nominated,” said Nyerenda, the said. “Many people have a negative attitude Ladysmith Black Mambazo and Indian sitar 34-year-old guitarist, who expects to be towards the prison authorities. They think musician Anoushka Shankar, the daughter freed next year after serving a 10-year sen- we only punish convicts.” Brennan, who has of the late sitar maestro Ravi Shankar. tence for house burglary. The prison already worked regularly in US prisons, said he was Another of the prisoner performers, had an all-male band that tours local amazed by how music sessions in the Chikondi Salanje, a convicted thief who schools to spread HIV prevention messages. Zomba jail “did not have any rigid boundary sings the album’s opening track, said the But the Grammy-nominated album between guards and prisoners.” Malawi’s Zomba prison project band vocalists, Malawi Correctional servic- nomination led him to reflect on his time in includes other inmates-and half the songs jail. “This is the place where I discovered my “I was struck by how the voices are Malawi’s Zomba prison project band es Sergeant Ines Kaunde (second right) and inmate Elias Chimenya (center) are by women prisoners living in a separate potential,” he said. “I always tell myself that unique, unaffected and direct,” he added. drummer Ernest Kufandiko, an perform during a rehearsal. part of the jail where they have no instru- Brennan also defended the album, which if I were outside, I would have been killed or inmate, performs during a rehearsal ments except hand drums, buckets and was released last year, against accusations oners appeared to be relatively well-treat- make an effort to rehabilitate prisoners and faced something terrible. “But I am glad to pieces of pipe. that it celebrated criminals. “This is not at the Central Prison’s makeshift ed. “Considering the tremendous shortage provide decent conditions,” he told AFP. “It be part of the people that have put Malawi Among the songs on the album, which about glorifying anyone-it is about human- music studio. — AFP photos of resources, I would say prison officials do is an incredible thing that they were nomi- on the map.” — AFP