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WEDNESDAY, MAY 1, 2013 JAMADA ALTHANI 21, 1434 AH www.kuwaittimes.net Syria blast UAE leader’s Bollywood Dortmund kills 13 as Britain visit dynasties hang on at Russia bans clouded by keep it in Real to secure civilian7 flights ‘torture’8 claims the39 family berth20 in final Deporting expats for traffic Max 30º violations draws outrage Min 19º High Tide 04:29 & 14:53 Labour union official, ex-MP blast ‘inhuman’ measures Low Tide 09:38 & 22:38 40 PAGES NO: 15795 150 FILS By B Izzak and A Saleh conspiracy theories KUWAIT: Kuwait labour union and a former MP yester- day strongly criticized the interior ministry over reports of deporting hundreds of expatriates for committing Some pet!!! “grave” traffic offenses. Head of the expatriate manpow- er office at Kuwait Labour Union Abdulrahman Al- Ghanem said the measure will be a black page in Kuwait’s human rights record, while former MP Abdullah Al-Turaiji said deporting expats for traffic offenses is illegal. The two were commenting on statements by interior ministry assistant undersecretary for traffic affairs Maj By Badrya Darwish Gen Abdulfattah Al-Ali that 213 expatriates have been deported during the past few days for committing grave traffic violations. The violations included driving without a driver’s license, running the red traffic light for a second time, using private vehicles to carry passen- [email protected] gers and exceeding speed limits by 40 km, said Ali, adding that he has received instructions from the interi- or minister to apply the traffic law strictly. ecently a story about a snake which was found Ghanem however said that the implementation of in a kindergarten in Kuwait shocked us all. It the threat to deport 100,000 expats every year over the Rwas a long snake judging by the picture which next 10 years and deporting expat drivers like criminals was published on the front page of a local newspa- “will never be forgotten by their peoples”. Ghanem said per. Imagine if a child touched that snake and played in a statement that deporting expats randomly will with it. Luckily the snake was found by the harris of have far-reaching economic and social consequences. the school before it went inside the classrooms. They AMSTERDAM: Dutch King Willem-Alexander, Queen Maxima (right) and Princess Beatrix wave from the He said that authorities have failed to curb visa traders suspected that the snake was a runaway pet from a balcony of the Royal Palace yesterday. — AP who recruited thousands of expatriates for money and neighbourhood house. What a pet! as the ministry failed to punish those visa traders, it is A pet to me is a dog or a cat or a parrot in a cage now penalizing expatriates. that imitates my visitors or whistles when I come Willem-Alexander is He said the ministry has squarely put the blame on back home. In my opinion a snake is beyond a pet. expatriates for the demographic imbalances and resort- Immediately after the story came out, our reporters ed to oppressive measures against them. He also did an interview with an official from the Public sworn in Dutch king strongly criticized humiliating expatriates and using Authority for Agricultural Affairs and Fish Resources inhuman methods against them. Ghanem expressed (PAAAFR) who provided a long list of rules when it AMSTERDAM: The Netherlands’ Willem-Alexander bedecked in roses and oranges, before heading for outrage over deporting expatriates for committing traf- comes to bringing different animals into Kuwait. It was sworn in as Europe’s youngest monarch yester- the enthronement ceremony in the neighbouring fic offenses, insisting that the traffic law that is applica- mattered if an animal was considered extinct or not, day after his mother, queen Beatrix, abdicated and Nieuwe Kerk. Beatrix accompanied the king and ble to all and should be applied to expats through fines legal or illegal and the list goes on. I tell you that his country hailed the avowedly 21st-century king queen’s three daughters to the church, including or withdrawing their driver’s licenses and not deporting PAAAFR has strict rules. But the problem is in imple- with a massive, orange-hued party. Beatrix, 75, shed their eldest, now Princess of Orange Catharina- them. He rejected correcting a mistake with a bigger menting and applying them. They are simply a deco- a tear before signing the act of abdication at the Amalia, 9. The Dutch monarch is sworn in before a one, adding that “deportation” is a simple word but has ration on the shelf of the authority and it seems Royal Palace in Amsterdam, witnessed by Willem- joint session of the houses of parliament in the great economic and social effects. This contradicts the nobody is implementing them. Alexander, 46, his Argentine-born Queen Maxima, deconsecrated church, rather than crowned, because basics of human rights and deals with expatriates as if Maybe people take it lightly that a snake can 41, and members of the government. A cry went up church and royalty are separated in the Netherlands. they are not humans who commit mistakes or viola- crawl into a kindergarten or a wild beast can surprise from the 25,000 crowd in the Dam, the main square The king entered the church at a stately pace with tions, Ghanem said. you by jumping right in your face while you walk. opposite the palace where the signing was shown Maxima under an awning of fishing nets, an ancient Turaiji, a former senior interior ministry official, said This is what happened apparently. Coincidentally, I on giant screens. tradition in the seafaring nation. Before taking his on his Twitter account that there is no clause in the traf- read a story by Waleed Al-Jassem who criticized the Willem-Alexander, Maxima and Beatrix appeared oath, the king thanked his “dear mother” for the fic law that allows for the deportation of expatriates. “If wild animals co-living in residential houses. I salute in front of the crowds on the palace balcony, Continued on Page 13 an expatriate is deported over a traffic offense, this will him for his article. He mentioned that one of his Continued on Page 13 friends was in a tent not far from Surra. He went to his car and quickly rushed back into the tent with a pale face shivering and shouting: “There is a lion!” Just imagine! Many people have shared stories about wild ani- Obama vows new bid to shut Gitmo mals on the loose in Kuwait. On Instagram for exam- ple, there was a wild tiger on a leash on the boat with his owner. People were posting congratulatory comments for his pet. Such pet owners are not hid- Prison a ‘no man’s land’ ing themselves. On the contrary, they boast with WASHINGTON: US President Barack to believe we have to close reflected his frustration with their pets by posting pictures online. Maybe nobody Obama vowed yesterday to renew a Guantanamo. I think it is critical for us Congress, which he blamed for block- questions them about having such pets. Maybe they push to close the US military prison to understand that Guantanamo is ing his efforts to shut the jail during will learn a lesson if one of their kids or a member of in Guantanamo Bay, amid a growing not necessary to keep America safe. his first term. A spreading hunger their family gets hurt one day or if they get into seri- hunger strike by inmates at the con- “It is expensive. It is inefficient. It strike among inmates, who are ous trouble. troversial jail. Calling the prison a hurts us in terms of our international protesting their indefinite detention Why can’t we in Kuwait learn until things turn legal “no man’s land,” Obama told a standing. It lessens cooperation with without charges or trials, has put serious? Why can’t we follow rules and regulations? White House news conference he did our allies on counterterrorism efforts. Guantanamo back in the headlines Common sense should prevail. What is the fun in not want any inmates to die and It is a recruiting tool for extremists. It and placed Obama in a difficult posi- bringing in dangerous and wild species when we are urged Congress to help him find a needs to be closed,” he said. tion. The US president said it was “not not qualified to care for them. They might escape WASHINGTON: US President Barack Obama answers long-term solution that would allow His tough words were the most a surprise to me” that there were from their owners and hurt people. In any nation questions during a new conference in the Brady Press for prosecuting terror suspects while extensive the president has delivered “problems” at Guantanamo. such animals belong to the zoos for people to see Briefing Room of the White House yesterday. — AP shuttering Guantanamo. “I continue on Guantanamo for months and Continued on Page 13 them. There they are protected and taken care of. If you love these animals so much, you can go and watch them in the zoo. Have a safe day! Africans to lose as Firemen rescue girl US axes visa lottery left alone at home WASHINGTON: Africans could be the big them out through a lottery system,” said By Hanan Al-Saadoun Kuwait owed losers as the United States reforms its Bob Goodlatte, the Republican who immigration laws and eliminates the leads the House Judiciary Committee. KUWAIT: Firemen rescued a four- $11bn in Iraq green card lottery, of which Africans are “Our immigration laws shouldn’t be year-old Arab girl who was left alone the main beneficiaries. Half of the 50,000 based on the luck of the draw; rather, at home in Hawally yesterday morn- war damages residence permits handed out each year they should be designed strategically to ing and was about to jump from the are earmarked for Africans. It is a hugely benefit our country.” balcony. Captain Mohmoud Qabazard KUWAIT: Kuwait has received $2.43 billion in war popular program that has allowed hun- The “diversity visa” as it is known for- said the girl’s parents had left her reparations from Iraq since the start of the year and is dreds of thousands of Africans to settle mally, is set aside for people from coun- alone in the apartment and gone to in America since the mid 1990s. But the tries that see relatively few emigrants still owed another $11.2 billion, a senior Kuwaiti offi- fetch their children from school since ambitious reform project under debate depart for the United States. So cial said yesterday. “Kuwait received $1.3 billion in they did not employ any maid nor now in Washington, which would pro- Mexicans, Indians, Chinese and Filipinos, January and $1.13 billion on April 25,” the official had anyone else to babysit the girl. vide papers for a million undocumented for instance, are not eligible. Africans KUNA news agency cited Compensation Claims When the girl woke up, she found immigrants, contains a clause that would quickly became the main ones to cash in. Commission chief Khaled Al-Mudhaf as saying. herself all alone and began crying do away with the lottery. In its place All applicants need is a high school Speaking before the Geneva-based UN hysterically. She went out to the bal- would be a more selective immigration diploma or two years of work experience. Compensation Commission, Mudhaf called on cony and was trying to jump but was system based on skills, career and family Between 2010 and 2012, one in five Baghdad to continue to deposit five percent of its oil saved by firefighters who broke open ties. Africans who came to the United States revenues into the fund to ensure regular payments. the door and rescued her. Fire depart- For years the lottery has been in the to stay did so through the lottery. That ment officials called upon citizens Kuwait has so far received about $30 billion in war crosshairs of Republicans, who control made it the third most common method, reparations out of about $41 billion decided by the and the expats not to leave their chil- the House of Representatives and say it at 21 percent of the total, after family dren alone for even a short duration KUWAIT: Firemen are seen with a girl who UN compensation body established after Iraqi troops adds no value to the American economy. reunification (43 percent) and refugee were driven out of Kuwait in 1991 following a seven- of time as anything can happen in was rescued from the balcony of her “It’s clear that there are better ways to status or asylum seekers (23 percent). these crucial minutes. home in Hawally yesterday. month occupation. — AFP allocate visas than to randomly give Continued on Page 13 WEDNESDAY, MAY 1, 2013 LOCAL Jumeirah Beach Hotel ready for opening Hotel chain holds GCC road show

Piers Schreiber, Vice President-Jumeirah KUWAIT: Officials and some guests from Jumeirah Group pose here for souvenir photo KUWAIT: Jumeirah Messilah Beach Hotel & Spa Kuwait management and staff. Group before the road show held at the Jumeirah Messilah Beach Hotel & Spa ballroom — Photos by Yasser Al-Zayyat By Ben Garcia that your experience will be crafted by your months we are expecting Kuwaitis to book hotels increased by 161%. Signifying the versal. Two, a guest’s request will never be own expectations,” the Jumeirah Vice their hotel rooms. They want to be with us importance of guests from Kuwait staying in turned down. We will always find ways to sat- KUWAIT: Jumeirah Messilah Beach Hotel & President said. and they also want to refresh their memories, their properties, Jumeirah Group highlighted isfy our guest. Three, treat everyone with Spa has announced the soft opening of its Schreiber, who is also in charge of corpo- but there will be other people from GCC its 20 luxury hotels, resorts and residences respect, which means one should be kind luxurious property in Kuwait on May 7. The rate communications and public affairs, said countries, other than those from the corpo- across 11 destinations worldwide as partici- and sensitive to each other. That is part of the five-star hotel will be operated by Jumeirah the hotel is designed to be a destination in rate world,” he said. The hotel is located right pants got a first-hand insight into the first Jumeirah hotel environment and will remain Group, a global Dubai-based luxury hotel itself. “We may not have luxurious tourism in the Messilah area, along 30 Road (Fahaheel Jumeirah property to open in the Gulf region, so wherever you go in Jumeirah,” he beamed. chain and a member of Dubai Holding. On destinations here, but we have Jumeirah. We Expressway) and right at the tip of Sixth Ring outside of the UAE. During the road show, representatives Monday (April 29), Kuwait’s top tour opera- have fantastic facilities and we offer not just Road. “We have the best location and a great “Kuwaitis are the most travelled people in from Jumeirah Group properties in Dubai, tors and travel agencies had a sneak peek of luxurious rooms, but also the best culinary combination of luxurious rooms and good the world. For example, in London we a Abu Dhabi, Kuwait, Istanbul, London, Rome, the Jumeirah Messilah Beach Hotel & Spa and spa experience that one can ever have,” quality Wi-Fi, along with less traffic conges- noticed 400 percent increase in the number Frankfurt, the Maldives and Baku met with when it hosted the hotel chain’s annual GCC he added. Jumeirah plans to take pride in its tion. We also have fantastic meeting rooms, of Kuwaitis booked rooms in our hotels. We top tour operators, travel agencies and road show. Speaking with the Kuwait Times, seven restaurants, which will be opened ballrooms, and the biggest conference hall,” have a robust market in Kuwait right now,” clients in order to showcase the Jumeirah just before the road show began, Piers inside the hotel. “Three of the seven special- Schreiber pointed out. The hotel comprises Schreiber pointed out. brand promise - stay different - as well as Schreiber, Vice President-Jumeirah Group, ized restaurants are going to open along with 400 rooms and offers a perfect balance, from With regard to the issue about protecting highlight promotions for the upcoming sum- said the soft opening has been planned bear- the hotel rooms for our guests on May 7. We deluxe rooms right up to royal suites. “What is the environment, Schreiber noted that the mer holidays. The road show will next travel ing in mind the beginning of summer in recognized the fact that eating out at fine special about our design is the use of subject had been considered during the con- move to Doha to showcase Jumeirah Group’s Kuwait. May and June are the months when restaurants is a very important part of many mashrabiya. We have used it over our win- struction of the project. “Concern for the full range of luxurious and innovative offer- Kuwaitis and expatriates have their summer Kuwaitis’ lives. So we are preparing for that. dows to regulate the sun. It’s very traditional- environment has been a major consideration ings for business and leisure guests. Jumeirah vacation. The soft opening of the hotel will We will have the best restaurants that you ly Kuwaiti in that sense. Probably we’ll be dis- while building the hotel - from the chemicals properties include Etihad Towers in Abu be on May 7, but the grand gala opening is can ever imagine. We hired the best chefs playing pictures of the old hotel, especially we used, down to the air-conditioning unit. Dhabi; Burj Al Arab, Jumeirah Beach Hotel, scheduled for October. from all over the world to prepare the excel- those of the part which was destroyed during For example, our air-conditioning is Jumeirah Creekside Hotel, Jumeirah Emirates Jumeirah Group boasts a world-class lent menus,” Schreiber stated. the Iraqi occupation,” Schreiber stated. designed to switch off automatically when Towers, Jumeirah Zabeel Saray and Madinat portfolio of hotels and resorts, including the He said the hotel also recognizes that the Asked about the prospect of growth and there is no one using it. The design of the Jumeirah in Dubai; Jumeirah Dhevanafushi new Jumeirah Messilah Beach Hotel & Spa in domestic market-Kuwaitis and people living their expectations from the hotel industry hotel itself is energy-saving in a sense, and Jumeirah Vittaveli in the Maldives; Kuwait. “We own and operate many resorts in in Kuwait - is and has always been one of its business, he said: “We are entering Kuwait because of masrabiya,” he said. The hotel Jumeirah Himalayas Hotel in Shanghai; Dubai, but outside the UAE we only operate most important markets. Messilah Beach when the business is robust and the hotel employs more than 500 workers, who are Jumeirah Frankfurt in Germany; Jumeirah under our brand name, Jumeirah, and we Hotel, according to Schreiber, is deeply industry is growing. Though we cannot pre- hired from different countries. Grand Hotel via Veneto in Rome; Jumeirah deliver the promise of Jumeirah to our clients entrenched in the hearts of Kuwaiti families. dict the turnover, we’ve been noticing that “However beautiful the hotel is, the guest Port Soller Hotel & Spa in Mallorca, Spain; and loyal guests,” he said. “Jumeirah comes “I’ve heard about the history of old Messilah the hotel industry is doing great nowadays,” experience is always the primary concern of Pera Palace Hotel, Jumeirah in Istanbul; as with the same promise here, too - the prom- Hotel. People here have lots of fond memo- Schreiber mentioned. He noted that Kuwait everybody in the hotel. We have prepared well as Jumeirah Carlton Tower and Jumeirah ise to be different. The idea behind this prom- ries about the hotel. Messilah Beach Hotel contributes significantly to the revenue our staff, and the quality of service we give is Lowndes Hotel in London. Jumeirah Group ise is to respect our guests. If you noticed, hosted hundreds of marriage ceremonies, growth of the GCC market business in the reflected in the quality of training we pro- also runs the luxury serviced residences this hotel is really different - different in cultural programs, big conferences, parties. region, which has gone up by 41.2% com- vide. We believe in the value of our people brand, Jumeirah Living; the spa brand Talise; design and emphasis and different in style. Many Kuwaitis will come just to be reminded pared with last year. Revenue in the first and see to it that everybody in the family of Jumeirah Restaurants; Wild Wadi Waterpark; But our golden rule of service remains: We about their past. So we want to welcome quarter of 2013 from the Kuwaiti market for Jumeirah is happy. These are what we call The Emirates Academy of Hospitality deliver that promise by providing thoughtful them back at a new Jumeirah Hotel, which is hotels in Jumeirah’s Middle East, Africa and Jumeirah hallmarks: We follow three simple Management; and Sirius, its global loyalty and generous services to our guests, keeping now the most luxurious five star hotel in South Asia region grew by 56.6%, while principles: One, greet the guest with a smile programme. For more information on sum- in mind their individuality. And we promise Kuwait,” Schreiber quipped. “In a few days or Kuwaiti business at Jumeirah’s European before the guest greets you. Simple but uni- mer promotions, please visit Jumeirah.com. EQUATE earns ASSE Gold Award

KUWAIT: EQUATE Petrochemical Company has earned the Gold Award 2013 from the American Society of Safety Engineers (ASSE) Kuwait Chapter for the fifth consecu- tive year in the Manufacturing cate- gory. On this occasion, EQUATE President & CEO Mohammad Husain said, “EQUATE pursues excellence at all relevant levels. As a world-class company, we strive to maintain the best Environment, Health & Safety (EH&S) standards across the entire industrial sector in general and the petrochemical field in specific.” Husain added, “Best practices rel- evant to EH&S are not mere proce- dures and steps, yet they are related to the work environment of having A group photo at ASSE Kuwait Award Ceremony distinguished human resources who continuously excel in performance well as launch the Middle east’s First (PIC), The Dow Chemical Company and innovation, which have made Plant Water Recycling Project and (Dow), Boubyan Petrochemical EQUATE a pioneer in several fields. Kuwait’s First CO2 Recovery Project.” Company (BPC) and Qurain The health and safety of our employ- Husain expressed utmost appreci- Petrochemical Industries Company ees and their families, as well as the ation to EQUATE’s employees for (QPIC). Commencing production in whole community are our utmost their remarkable efforts to ensure 1997, EQUATE is the single operator priority.” their company’s success, as well as of a fully integrated world-scale Husain explained, “EQUATE’s pio- ASSE for its unwavering efforts to manufacturing facility producing neering practices have enabled it to promote a sound EH&S culture. over 5 million tons annually of high- become the first Kuwaiti organiza- Established in 1995, EQUATE is an quality petrochemical products tion to earn Responsible Care international joint venture between which are marketed throughout the accreditation and certification, as Petrochemical Industries Company Middle East, Asia, Africa and Europe.

Arab Media Forum winds up KJA participates KUWAIT: The Arab Media Forum recent study showed that social network- in Jordan wrapped up on Monday evening by ing services have managed to have course holding several session on Arab media strong presence in the media field. issues, with a constellation of Arab media But, he said he was against the impo- KUWAIT: Kuwaiti journalists par- figures participating. sition of restrictions and controls on ticipated in a training program Addressing the session, Director online press, which now have much in Amman, Jordan that focused General of the Arab Planning Institute influence on people. on online reporting and the rela- Bader Malallah said Kuwait, in spite of all In the seventh session, Al-Derwaza tionship between news websites what was happening at home, was seek- Chief Editor Salah Al-Allaj said the whole and freedom of speech, the ing to achieve comprehensive economic society should shoulder responsibility for Kuwait Journalists Association development. insults on social communication net- (KJA) said in a statement yester- The country’s development plan works. “Undoubtedly, it’s a social respon- day. came to address challenges and imbal- sibility in the first place,” Al-Allaj said. He The five-day event which ances facing Kuwait, mainly state budget believed that twitter bloggers, who have kicked off yesterday is being disequilibrium and extravagant invest- a large number of followers, do not nec- held in cooperation with the ment spending, he said. essarily observe ethical criteria. Jadal Media Training Center. He stressed the significance of sup- Nada Abdulsalam, a Lebanese media Titled ‘Online Media: Inevitability porting small-sized enterprises, pointing representative, said there is general talk of developing journalists’ capa- to a Kuwait-suggested Arab fund to back on credibility and social networking serv- bilities,’ the program features a small-sized enterprises. ices have helped in the promotion of In the sixth session of the forum, enti- information and news over the last cou- number of Jordanian experts tled: “The Press amid Comprehensive ple of years. She believed that each who will be delivering lectures Media Changes,” Moroccan Minister of social networking service has its own job about the relationship between Communications Mustafa Al-Khalfi said that is different from that of mass media. the new forms of media and the investment in human resources in the Egyptian writer Mohammad Al-Jarhi official state media. media sector requires more support and said social networking services are now Kuwait’s delegation is head- training. used by large numbers of Arab citizens. ed by KJA board member He called on press and media organi- In Egypt alone, there are 13 million Jassem Kamal, and includes zations to attach more attention to the facebook users, including 10,000 journal- journalists Ghannam Al-Ghanim, provision of training to their personnel. ists, he noted. Abdul-Aziz Hayat, Mohammad “Media and press institutions are One billion people view Youtube Ghadhanfari, Abdullah Al- required to focus more on training cours- everyday, he said, adding that social net- Majadi, Adel Adwani and es,” the Moroccan minister pointed out. working service users have managed to Mohammad Hassan. Muataz Kokash, a media expert, said a topple ruling regimes.—KUNA WEDNES DAY, MAY 1, 2013 LOCAL Zain honored for production of ‘Qattoura’ TV commercial

KUWAIT: Zain Group, a pioneer in education of young people either mobile telecommunications in 8 mar- through their writings, illustrations or kets across the Middle East and North other methods such as Zain’s ‘Qattoura’ Africa, has been honored by the (‘drop of water’ in Arabic) television Sharjah Media Corporation for its lead- commercial, which continues to raise ing role in corporate social responsibil- awareness. ity (CSR) and its use of creativity in The ‘Qattoura’ commercial is shown educating youth about the environ- every evening at Sharjah’s giant musi- ment. cal fountain at Al Majaz Waterfront, During the inaugural conference of and often receives applause from the the International Board on Books for audience. The fountain, the largest of Young People (IBBY) for the Region of its kind in the region, is 220 meters Central Asia and North Africa (CANA) wide and shoots water up to 100 that was held in Sharjah, Zain was hon- meters into the air. ored for its production of “Qatoura”; a The ‘Qattoura’ television commer- television commercial which teaches cial was produced 5 years ago and is KUWAIT: Qatoura, a television commercial which teaches children the children the importance of water con- considered to be one of the first initia- importance of water conservation. servation. tives implemented by a Middle East record number of downloads to reach The UAEBBY which was established in The honoring ceremony organized telecom operator to deal with the almost 1.7 million views to date. January 2010 as a non-profit organiza- by the Sharjah Media Corporation and issue of water conservation. In recent years, Zain’s commercials tion, organized and hosted the IBBY attended by Sheikha Bodour bint The ‘Qattoura’ song, which has have focused on a series of inspira- conference, held for the first time in an Sultan Al Qasimi, Patron of the United gone on to be adapted by many edu- tional and motivational messages with Arab country. The conference brings Arab Emirates Board on Books for cational institutes, was written by the the aim of passing on values to its together people and organizations Young People (UAEBBY) and Sheikh Kuwaiti writer, Heba Hammada who communities. The company continues from across the region that work in the Sultan bin Ahmed Al Qasimi, Chairman has worked with Zain on a number of to explore new and creative ways to children’s publishing industry, with the of the Sharjah Media Corporation, creative projects, most recently Zain’s convey its CSR messages, and focuses aim of enhancing the status of chil- highlighted the CSR efforts of a num- children’s theater performances. The on youth with the aim of instilling val- dren’s literature. This group includes ber of companies and individuals who commercial also attained remarkable ues and principles that equip young- authors, illustrators, publishers, librari- Sheikh Sultan bin Ahmed AlQasemi and Kholoud Al-Feeli Zain Group Corpora tion have played a role in enriching the viewership on YouTube, registering a sters to be responsible in their futures. ans and academic institutions. Indian Embassy to issue tamper-proof passports Enhanced security features to help prevent fraud By Sajeev K Peter Mehta. The application forms currently in use ing several incidents of counterfeiting by embedded details. The ghost photo in the the front overleaf page instead of page one. would remain the same. The ambassador, fraudsters. Instances of fraudsters replacing passport will make it more secure and tamp- The existing passports will be replaced by KUWAIT: The Indian Embassy, Kuwait will however, did not elaborate on the improved photographs in order to make fake passports er-proof, the sources added. In the new pass- the new version only upon their expiry, the soon start issuing passports with improved security features that are being introduced to have been reported. port, personal particulars of holders will be sources added. Talking about the new visa security features in order to prevent fraud avoid misuse and fraud. The passports offices According to sources, the new Indian printed on the second page instead of the processing system, the ambassador and counterfeiting of passports. in India started issuing passports with addi- passports will contain phantom images of inner cover page. The other particulars of informed that the Indian embassy in Kuwait “We will also start issuing passports with tional security features from last month. the passport holder apart from the photo- passport holders would be printed on page would soon implement online visa applica- enhanced security features soon along with India’s ministry of external affairs had pro- graphs currently appearing in the passport. 35 instead of the last page. tion system replacing the current system other Indian foreign missions across the posed several security features with a view to The new passports have been issued with Similarly, the signature and seal of the after carrying out required systems up-gra- world,” said Indian Ambassador Satish C making Indian passport tamper-proof follow- one ghost photograph which will contain passport issuing authority will be printed on dation in the embassy. KD5 million case being probed

KUWAIT: Investigations are soon expected to begin in a case of misappropriation that reportedly happened in the Ministry of Social Affairs and Labor involving KD5 million of public funds, a local newspaper reported yesterday quot- ing a source privy to the developments. The case, dubbed as involving one of the largest scams in the ministry’s history, comes after four cases filed by Minister Thekra Al-Rashidi after assuming office earlier this year, all of which pertain to labor frauds. The issue which was reportedly overlooked by three successive ministers involves multiple incidents of alleged squandering, includ- ing one about manipulation of tenders pertaining to hiring vehicles for the ministry’s use. The misappropriation, according to the complaint, had cost the ministry KD5 mil- lion. In that regard, the source who spoke to Al-Rai on the condition of anonymity explained that some of the brand- new cars were never actually used, while others clocked suspiciously high mileage which indicated that they were used for long distance travel. “Both the cases indicated that subcontracting between the company and people within the ministry was involved,” said the source who expected “current and former under- secretaries and senior officials to be summoned for investi- gations.” In other news, the Charity Organizations and Foundations Department in the MSAL has reportedly received nearly 25 requests as of Monday to obtain licens- es to collect donations during the upcoming holy month of Ramadan. As per a system put in place by the ministry in 2003, charity organizations are required to register with the department before Ramadan in order to obtain permission for collecting donations throughout the holy month. These donations can only be forwarded through bank account deductions and using the K-Net service for easier tracking. Cash donations are prohibited. The ministry col- lects receipt books after Ramadan to match the total amount collected for charity and can detect any possible violations. According to the source who spoke to Al-Jarida on the condition of anonymity, the ministry recorded the smallest number of violations last year, ninth since the ‘Ramadan Charity Project’ was implemented. Draft law to form food authority

KUWAIT: National Assembly approved a draft law for the formation of an authority tasked with food and nutrition before referring the issue to the cabinet, in a regular ses- sion yesterday. The body will be responsible for practicing all the func- tions, currently being carried out by several state bodies, related to the issue, thus relieving the burden on financial and human resources, enabling transparency and facilitat- ing the flow of information, explained the descriptive memo which accompanied the legislation. It will also work to ensure the safety and quality of food, holding those who try to breach regulations on these standards accountable. Additionally, the draft law, from article 1 to 11, provides a detailed description of the authority board hierarchy’s structural roles, its dos and don’ts, the mechanism of its meetings and decision-making process and the role of a minister, who will be placed in charge of the eventual state body. Article 12 warns against the trading of imported food ahead of determining its suitability for human consump- tion in accordance with national standards. And, article 13 highlights penalties ensued as a result of breaching the notice, including a temporary closure, for a period of no more than three months as a first warning, the confiscation of a license for an identical period as a second and the complete withdrawal of a business license if the breach were to be repeated for a third time. If the offender were to be found guilty of the offence, local courts have the right, according to article 14, to demand the offence be declared in local papers, the costs of which shall be carried by the defendant. The apparent minister who will head the body, accord- ing to article 16, has the right to authorise an investigation into the suitability of the imported foods, including the extraction and inspection of samples, carried out by the authority’s employees. Public prosecutors, alone, will be in charge of carrying out legal investigation, legal action and prosecution mat- ters on the concerned crimes, adds article 17.— KUNA WEDNESDAY, MAY 1, 2013 LOCAL

kuwait digest Letters to Badrya Anticorruption ‘Gulf dream’ authority at end phase

By Dr Yaqoub Al-Sharrah [email protected]

he cabinet has already decided to set up an anti-corruption authority as per the direc- Dear Ms. Badrya Darwish, T Every country has a right to safeguard the interests tions of His Highness the Amir which will prevent misuse of the state departments and of its citizens. But such drives in GCC countries are tak- ing a wrong turn and governments are going an extra thwart anyone trying to exploit his authority to mile to ostensibly over-protect their national interests serve personal agendas. but may end up actually eliciting negative results. In many state departments, the ground situa- As you mentioned in the article, targeting expats tion reflects an increased exploitation on the part cannot be a single point answer to all the problems in of officials over the years. There are cases of Kuwait. The new sets of rules which the government is embezzlement, deception and lawbreaking. It is planning to roll out will increase the cost of living which therefore not strange for Kuwait to establish an is already too high, thanks to a steep increase in house rent. authority specialized in combating corruption, a For any expat, obtaining a driving license is a night- step that many countries have already taken where mare now. All these measures are coming at a time similar departments help the state protect public when governments across the world are inviting talent- property. ed foreigners to their countries and encouraging them Putting the anticorruption authority into effect to bring their families. as soon as possible is necessary, given its impor- kuwait digest We don’t need the brilliance of an economist to tant role in enforcing the law as per needs of trans- understand the advantages that Kuwait or any country has when an expat lives with his or her family. They will parency and integrity. Unfortunately, however, our Govt playing with reality spend most of their earnings here. No rule in the form experience in enforcing important regulations is of tax law or anything else can make him spend as not a positive one. In fact, some laws end up being much as he would do if he has his family with him. shelved and eventually forgotten. By Thaar Al-Rashidi As you mentioned in the article, as long as Kuwait is It is strange that Kuwait never saw a state offi- not prepared to replace the expats with its own citizens, cial prosecuted on charges of corruption despite overnment has been playing with reality for the Nothing in what I say here while making the point they are an inevitable choice. Driving them out recurrent violations regarding public funds. Some past six months as far as local political matters are that the opposition is wrong means that I think the gov- overnight will have serious consequences for the peo- G ple’s socio-economic life. of these are even mentioned in the annual State concerned. Perhaps it is happening for the first ernment is right. I mean it is time to see the reality of the time in the history of Kuwait’s government that it bid on political scene. While the influence of the opposition has On the other hand, expats have also started realizing Audit Bureau reports. Combating corruption must that they have to look beyond the Gulf. The government be a task free of favoritism. Only then can it ensure something and ended up winning the bid. subsided very much as compared to last year, the gov- The government bid on the time factor, hoping that ernment seems to be winning. of India has officially started to convince the people that that a wrongdoer is held accountable through the opposition will destroy itself from the inside, that the While the opposition tried to raise the hopes through the “Gulf dream” has reached its end phase and people who would like to find fortune abroad have to find new appropriate measures. public will become fed up of following the opposition certain demands to impossible levels, the government horizons. Fighting corrupting is not about ‘cleansing’ the and its activities like rallies, strikes, speeches and press took the path of what was least real but achievable. society from erratic behavior because there is no releases. It turned out to be right. Thus, reality won and impossible hopes lost. Antony Augustine such thing as a ‘model society,’ but it is important The government bid that the street will become fed The opposition failed to promote itself outside the An expat from India to combat it through law enforcement and spread- up and it also turned out to be a winning bid. As far as parliament. The members of the opposition had hoped ing awareness among people, especially young- the public’s nature was concerned, it just loved the new that they will find support in the street after they lost Dear Mom Badrya, sters. It is not enough to penalize an official who style. Some of those who supported the political activi- their political strength, thanks to boycott of the elec- Hope things are well. I just wanted to acknowledge uses his position for illegal profiteering. What is ties found in these a new experience, sort of a “new tions. There is a simple reason for why this happened. your column about us expats. I was really happy reading required is proper direction and awareness as well style”. They had a “crush” on it, nothing more and nothing None of the opposition members, except for “Hadas,” it. I hope there are a lot of Kuwaitis like you who can as strict and equal enforcement of the law. less. Their support to the opposition was not prompted have a real political base. Yes, they do have a base which understand us expats. I am Evelyn, a Filipino citizen, by any conviction about principled reform, nor did they appreciates their work but you cannot depend on it in who earns a small salary but tries to survive through the Bringing up a generation raised on the values of believe in the opposition’s agenda. In fact, most of the case of a situation where political maneuvering is difficulties. I am here in Kuwait to help my family even respect for the law is a main factor that can help public did not know the opposition’s agenda in the first required. It is a mistake to count on it, but then that is though it is difficult living here. The house is too expen- change our behavior towards positive engage- place, although it carried the banner of political reform. exactly what the majority did. It pinned its hopes on sive compared to what I earn. Still I am here and strug- ment with all components of the society. This More important than this, the opposition, by raising those who were appreciating its work, but the opposi- gle and live in a small room. Madam, reading your col- requires proper education and well guided curricu- its demands sky high, put forth certain reform-oriented tion lost since people became fed up by the incessantly umn I felt here is hope. I wonder how will we cope since la aimed at inculcating patriotism and morality. amendments which were not feasible and could not be repeated speeches and demands that were clearly not expats like us earn KD 150 as salary if they imposed The anticorruption authority will not be able to implemented. The extremists among the opposition also feasible. The opposition has a nice reform platform, but such a tax on us? It will become so difficult to live. What play an active role without the support of the knew these to be impossible, and that these amounted does not have a logical mechanism of achieving it, at will we send to our family back home? Thank you, and more power to you. God bless you. state’s institutions because the goal we seek is not to nothing but unachievable political sloganeering. least not one that factors in the reality. only to send the violators to court, but also to The opposition made a bid that public will remain Therefore, its hopes collide with reality. It must dis- Evelyn enhance certain values that act as self-deterrents patient with it but it lost that bid; just as the government cover that it has not been able to achieve what it had against corrupt practices.—Al-Rai had bid that public will become fed up with the opposi- promised. It must review its calculations if it seriously I just read your story in the Kuwait Times (Military tion and it won the bid. wants to continue its political activities.—Al-Anbaa Atmosphere). At least, there is some one to speak about the problems faced by the expats. May Allah bless you. I digest have a request to make to you. Please write a few lines kuwait about another issue of interest to the expats. I am work- ing in an airlines company as a porter and all the porters work for a very low salary of around KD 98. You can well Restrictions on imagine how we must be surviving with such a meager salary. If the government was to allow such low salaried people to work a part time job, then they will be able to media freedom earn some extra money. In any case, expats end up tak- ing up these jobs illegally. It will be a good move to help By Abdellatif Al-Duaij the expats because they are also human beings. An expatriate ur politicians are looking at us as toys. They are Okidding with us. They make certain statements and announcements, and declare their well known stand. This adds to their prestige and improves kuwait digest their image in front of the people. But their true posi- tion, one that is not known publicly but should be, remains a secret till the issue blows over. Unified media The Speaker of the house assured us a few days ago that the unified media law will not go through without law project amendments. So, which law, Mr. Speaker, went through the National Assembly without amendments? Even after any law is discussed, differences remain and MPs By Sami Al-Nisf keep fighting over these. This is a foregone conclusion and everyone knows it. The Speaker did not need to waste his time, and ree media, the way it works in Kuwait, plays a more importantly, my time, and that of many others by Fgood role as it does in any country in the world. making worthless statements like these. What we want It prevents oppression, limits violations and to know is the stand of the National Assembly and its thefts. It makes the public a partner in what is going Speaker towards civil liberties. What is required is to on in the country, and it tells officials about what goes determine the kind of amendments that would have on in the minds of the people. On the other hand, the been brought forth regarding a law like the unified social media, which is run by ordinary citizens who are media law. not professionals and are not aware of punitive laws, Members of the democratic assembly were to could end up playing a negative role. Especially, when announce their stand and underline the flaws and it focusses on national unity, and talks against certain aberrations that the law was riddled with. A Speaker persons or beliefs. Here comes the need to teach, edu- who believes in liberties was to announce his rejection cate and organize the media in such a way so as to of the law in principle, and may have threatened the prevent demeaning writing and promoting good per- government to withdraw it no matter what. Our National Assembly Speaker, instead, welcomed the law. formance. Rather, he said it will be passed with some amend- Contrary to what many media persons promote ments. and repeat without thinking, all penalties are accept- This, regrettably, shows a confidence in the govern- able except imprisoning a journalist who might vio- ment that came up with a crazy law like the unified late the national unity laws, or write against the beliefs media law, thinking it will be passed. Now, as the gov- of others. Personally, I see that huge financial penal- ernment was defeated and was forced to withdraw it, ties hurt the media and journalists more. Mr. Ali Al-Rashid was supposed to be sorry because he All citizens, “starting from a minister to a guard,” did not take a democratic stand, which was to reject face certain penalties whenever they make mistakes. the proposed crazy law. Some stay for a short period in Kuwait’s luxury jails All statements made by our information minister where there is no torture or killing. were good for nothing. These were as useless, and even The luxury jail has become an easy path to achieve more mysterious, than the statements of the National first positions in parliamentary elections for those Assembly Speaker. who repeatedly lose these. The issue of huge financial We do not know why he cannot remain silent. He penalties, which no one is talking about, is the one said earlier that his government did not intend to limit that hurts all those working in the concerned media freedoms. This is like olives squeezed thrice. They are organization since the penalty is not limited to the no good and must find their way to the trash. What concerned person only. The media organization might does anyone mean by saying that Kuwait government face bankruptcy, and even closure, or may be forced will not curb freedoms? to reduce the number and allowances of the employ- How will it curb what is already curbed, or more ees, thanks to these penalties. Such fines may even accurately do we have any freedoms left to be curbed, force the concerned journalist to sell his house, thus to start with? Unless the information minister means making his family and his relatives suffer for no mis- that his government will not introduce additional take on their part. restrictions on media’s freedom. Even if you were to ask a relative of a media person, Is there anything that the government of which the information minister is a part did right? It is being whom I know very well, he may prefer going to jail to backed by regressive forces who are now crying over escape his daily predicament which is much like work- freedom. Is there anything left on which they want to ing for Joseph Stalin or Saddam Hussein. Last point: In scribble “banned”? Have we been left with any freedom Kuwait, the government earned the appreciation and that has not been suppressed? Or, are there any restric- cheers of private media men that was unprecedented tions still left that the information ministry wants to in the history of Kuwait after the withdrawal of the impose? — Al-Qabas proposed unified media law project.— Al-Anbaa WEDNESDAY, MAY 1, 2013 LOCAL 24,000 stateless residents fingerprinted in six months Files to be finalized this year

KUWAIT: The Criminal Evidence General who requested anonymity revealed that these 285 which include obtaining marriage, birth and death Department collected fingerprints of 24,000 state- cases were part of 580 files for residents to be nat- certificates, but their inability to help them less residents during the past six months, a step uralized by early July. achieve significant improvement in living condi- that is necessary for naturalization but is not an The parliament passed a bill last March dou- tions prompted several protests last year. The gov- indication that such a process could be imminent. bling the number of people the government can ernment also adopted last year a new form of Security sources quoted in a report published by naturalize each year to a maximum of 4,000. This security identifications for stateless residents, Al-Rai yesterday indicated that the fingerprints are came after the cabinet agreed to give priority in which were to be used as their main form of iden- required for “security and legal reasons” but did granting citizenship to stateless residents who tification. The cards contained color-coded tags not provide more details aside from the fact that meet the required conditions. referring to the category under which a holder is the step was taken “because the fingerprinted res- Kuwait has a large community of stateless resi- recognized in state records, including those eligi- idents had no official papers in state departments.” dents who demand citizenship as well as civil and ble for naturalization and others about whom the They further indicated while speaking on the con- social rights that they are deprived of, given their government claims to have proof that they belong dition of anonymity that all those fingerprinted illegal residence status. The government in the to other countries. were aged between 20 and 30 years. meantime argues that some of them are Arabs or In a related note, Undersecretary of the Meanwhile, the same department, which is descendent of Arab people who deliberately dis- Ministry of Awqaf and Islamic Affairs, Dr. Adel Al- part of the Interior Ministry, continues to receive posed of their original passports after coming to Falah, was quoted by Al-Qabas yesterday as assur- KUWAIT: A group photograph of the Kuwait Diving team members. stateless residents for DNA profiling (genetic fin- Kuwait and now seek citizenship in the oil-rich ing that stateless residents in Kuwait will have gerprinting) with an average of 120 people a day, country. equal opportunity to perform Hajj this year just as sent by the Citizenship General Department, the The Kuwaiti government established the during previous years. The official’s statement clar- Kuwait Diving team showcases Ministry of Health, the Ministry of Justice and the Central Agency for Illegal Residents in 2010 with a ified concerns that a quota system of nationalities Central Agency for Illegal Residents. The current five-year ultimatum to sort out the stateless resi- for pilgrims to be allowed entrance to Saudi its experience at conference plan calls for finalizing all files referred by the dents’ issue and identify those who meet condi- Arabia could introduce limits this year. KUWAIT: The Kuwait Diving team held yes- aforementioned departments before the end of tions of naturalization, including residents whose “The fate of Bedouin pilgrims does not hang on terday a workshop for the American Middle the year. Bedouin ancestors failed to register for citizenship the quotas’ volume,” he said, using the Arabic word East Network for Dialogue at Stanford Meanwhile, Al-Anba reported quoting a following Kuwait’s independence more than fifty for ‘without’ which is often used informally to refer (AMENDS), showcasing the team’s efforts Central Agency insider that files of 285 stateless years ago. to stateless residents, being a loose reference to and strategies in protecting the environ- residents have been referred last week to the cabi- The Central Agency adopted measures within a the fact that they live without a nationality since ment. net for a decision on naturalization. The source year to grant stateless residents several rights birth. —Al-Rai, Al-Anba & Al-Qabas Head of Foreign Relations at Kuwait Diving Team Dhari Al-Huwaila said that AMENDS members were given and overview of the team’s responsibilities and activities Importance of Gulf crescent since its inspection in December 1991 during a conference held at Stanford University in the state of California. societies’ work highlighted He also indicated that the AMENDS members were also introduced to the KUWAIT: Chairman of Kuwait Red shops, establishing a technical office the periodic meetings of the GCC upcoming missions to be carried out by the Kuwait Diving Team. The five-day confer- Crescent Society (KRCS) Barjas Al- for the Gulf Red Crescent societies as Supreme Council as the following Call for Barjas stressed the importance of the well as adopting guidelines in inter- one will be held in Kuwait in 2014, ence, included workshops operated by the Dhari Al-Huwaila youth and covering field. —KUNA ninth meeting of the committee of national law to respond to disasters KRCS Chairman added. off on the GCC red crescent societies’ and establishing a humanitarian work He mentioned that the Gulf heads, which was held in Bahrain to institute and an online link for the national associations own cadres as Labor Day Demographic development draw a roadmap for joint coordina- Red Crescent bodies. well as necessary qualifications to tion of humanitarian, social and relief Al-Barjas noted that the meeting operate on the humanitarian level, KUWAIT: The world’s labor communities in GCC countries services. also stressed the importance of coor- calling on all Gulf governments to and unions celebrate the World Labor The meeting, which concluded on dination between the GCC associa- support the efforts of these organiza- Day today, May 1st, which commemo- KUWAIT: The Gulf and peninsula studies structure in the GCC countries and the main Monday, was keen on strengthening tions, societies and General Secretariat tions on both humanitarian and relief rates laborers’ fight against capitalism center of the research department at Kuwait reasons for the demographic defects.” the Gulf national societies’ programs with regard to aid relief as well as uni- levels. and their sacrifices in their quest for University concluded its social, economic Dr Nizam Al-Shafee said, “The population to counter the effects of war and dis- fying stances, especially during elec- Al-Barjas praised the efforts of the achieving their just demands in their ulti- and cultural conference, titled “The demo- grew largely in the GCC countries during the asters, improve rehabilitation and tions of International Red Cross and GCC General Secretariat, which aim at mate desire to achieve universal social graphic development in GCC countries.” past 50 years, and the region became on training programs, and possess nec- Red Crescent societies during the promoting cooperation and coordi- justice. Locally, Kuwait Labor Union chair- The event was held under the patronage attractive area for inhabitants after remain- essary means to ensure that the aid is meetings of the general authority of nation between the Gulf Red person, Fayez Al-Muttiri, expressed his of Education and Higher Education Minister, ing repulsive all through history. delivered at the appropriate times the union, which is to take place in Crescent societies as well as the coor- congratulations to all employees and laborers, whether citizens or expats, on Dr Nayef Al-Hajraf, with the support of International data shows that the number of with maximum speed, Al-Barjas said Sydney, Australia on Nov 12 this year. dination between the GCC govern- this occasion. He also stressed the union’s Kuwait Foundation for the Advancement of people in these countries was around five yesterday. At the meeting, one of the resolu- mental, non-governmental and aca- keenness on fulfilling the demands of Sciences, and in cooperation with the Gulf million in 1950, rose to 13 million in 1980 He noted that the meeting dis- tions was to hold regular meetings for demic organizations to enhance their employment development symposium. and then to nearly 45 million in 2011. It is laborer working in both the government cussed important topics, including the heads of national organizations humanitarian role in the region and The second session of the conference believed that the number will surpass 50 mil- and the oil sectors. joint training, conferences, work- and associations in accordance with the world. —KUNA dealt with “the features of the inhabitants’ lion by 2013. LOCAL WEDNESDAY, MAY 1, 2013 ITQAN Academy moved to GUST campus KUWAIT: Boubyan Bank (The Best Up-and- of employees joining the Academy despite its Comer Islamic Financial Institution in the world) short record is a manifestation of the Bank’s announced the moving of ITQAN Academy to staff care to develop their capabilities and sci- inside the campus of Gulf University for Science entific qualifications and enhance their aca- & Technology (GUST), as part of the continuous demic expertise side by side with their practi- development plans witnessed in the Academy cal experience, which will have significant since its launch last July. impact on customer service in the future. The celebration for inauguration of the Noteworthy is that in cooperation with Academy’s new headquarters was attended by GUST under the Bank’s strategic partnership the Vice-Chairman of Boubyan Bank, Adel with the University, the Academic Partner, the Abdul-Wahab Al-Majed, the Chairman of the Academy provides a number of training pro- Board of Trustees of GUST Dr. Abdul-Rahman grams for the Bank’s staff, which give them the Al-Muhailan, Secretary-General of Kuwait’s opportunity to get 55% of the of MBA credits, Manpower & Government Restructuring and 50% of bachelor’s credits. KUWAIT: Traffic department checkings in progress in Souq Sharq yesterday. — Photos by Fouad Al-Shaikh Program (MGRP) for Manpower Affairs Fawzi A group of the teaching staff of the Al-Majdali, GM - Human Resources Group, Adel University possessing academic and practical Al-Hammad as well as a group of the Bank’s experience in addition to internationally certi- No increases on traffic and the University’s executives and teaching fied trainers in training and development in staff members. Boubyan Bank have carried out these special- Commenting on this event, Al-Majed said: ized training programs in many fields compris- “The moving of the Academy to the new head- ing accounting, finance, banking sciences, quarters represents a qualitative leap in its management and leadership for the Bank’s violation fees: Al-Ali record as it has now become part of GUST’s managers and staff joining ITQAN Academy as campus, the fact that gives the Bank’s staff well as the MBA program and Bachelor’s more privacy needed for professional academ- degree in specialized administrative sciences. Amendments need to go through NA, cabinet ic study, whether for the students of bachelor’s The Bank has recently made a new achieve- degree, MBA or even training courses. ment by being honored by Kuwait’s “This leap forms a new, distinguished addi- Manpower and Government Restructuring KUWAIT: The Ministry of Interior’s assistant tion in the Academy’s short record that Program (MGRP) for the Academy’s having the undersecretary for traffic affairs and the direc- emphasizes the care paid by the Bank for its best training plan and specialized training and tor of the traffic directorate, Maj Gen Abdul human resources and its ability and efforts to development programs for 2012 all over the Fattah Al-Ali denied any plans to increase the create more positive business atmosphere in a private sector in Kuwait fines levied for traffic violations. “What has way that is ultimately reflected on their expert- The Academy takes pride in this achieve- been going around across social networks is ise and customer service,” he added. ment made all over the private sector, espe- absolutely untrue and no official decision has On his part, Adel Al-Hammad referred to cially that it is granted by an authority been made yet,” he stressed. the partnership between the Bank and GUST, known for efficiency and striving to develop Further, Al-Ali stressed that any increase in which opened new vistas, whether through human resources and national cadres across fines or revenues that go to state treasury the type of programs provided or the distin- all sectors. need special laws and legislations which has guished lecturers, which will all contribute to Since starting the implementation of its to be submitted and recommended to the the continuous development of the Bank’s new strategy in 2010, the Bank takes into cabinet by the interior minister, and then staff. Al-Hammad pointed out that the number account that developing and growing the passed in parliament. “This bureaucratic and of the Bank’s staff who joined the Academy capabilities and expertise of human resources executive exercise has not taken place and since its launch last July reached 112 employ- should be the key pillar through which it will the MOI did not request imposing stricter ees, of which 56 employees in the MBA pro- be able realize all objectives related to suc- penalties of the sort,” he underlined. gram and 56 in bachelor’s degree program in cess of this strategy, and the top executive Al-Ali also explained that his predecessor, College of Business Administration. management of the Bank regards this issue as retired Lieutenant General Mustafa Al-Za’abi, Al-Hammad added that this large number a priority. and traffic sector commanders had prepared a proposal to increase the fines for traffic vio- lations and toughen the penalties in general. “But some of the views and suggestions were not referred to either the cabinet or the parlia- times and using a private vehicle as a taxi for deport expats in public interest in case they ment,” he added. six times or driving without a valid driver’s commit repeated crimes or violations,” he Moreover, Al-Ali stressed that it had been license for seven times continues to stay put added. decided to deport 213 expatriates for serious in Kuwait in total disregard of all laws,” he In addition, Al-Ali highlighted that such traffic violations committed last week such as explained. strict measures did not only involve expats. jumping red traffic lights, driving without a Al-Ali also pointed out that, according to “All motorists are equal before the law, valid license and using private vehicles as the law, jumping traffic lights equals premedi- whether they are citizens or expats,” he taxis. tated or attempted murder, using private stressed, noting that a traffic court had “Those decisions were not arbitrarily made vehicles as taxis constitutes a violation of recently sentenced a citizen to three months as alleged by some people. The violators’ traf- labor and residency laws and driving without in jail for repeatedly committing serious traffic fic violation records were taken into consider- a license equals working without a work per- violations. “Seven juvenile citizens were also ation and only those who had repeatedly mit. referred to prosecution for the similar crime committed the same violations in the past “According to our criminal and penal laws, and were released on a bail of KD 500 each, were deported. It is illogical that an expat penalties for such violations include deporta- which is equivalent to indicting them,” he driver with a record of jumping a red light ten tion. The law also authorizes the MOI to emphasized. Mystery behind ‘alcohol blackmail’ case resolved Hit-and-run suspect netted

KUWAIT: The Shuwaikh police Hospital, said after receiving treat- all these years. He also revealed that resolved the mystery behind a case in ment that a group of unknown he had been unable to issue identifi- which a man accused his brothers-in- assailants barged into his apartment, cations for his five children, thereby law of blackmailing him in a deal attacked him with sharp objects and depriving them of education during involving alcohol trade. Investigations then escaped. Investigations are on to that period. The man was referred to had been ongoing for two weeks ever determine the circumstances behind the proper authorities for further since a Kuwaiti man charged his wife’s the incident and the attackers’ action. two brothers of stealing KD 9,000 at motives. gunpoint. Detectives eventually Runaway driver found out that the money in question Illegal resident A motorist was arrested on was actually part of a deal in which Hawally police arrested a man who Monday following investigations the complainant purchased 50 car- had been living in Kuwait with an which followed a hit-and-run accident tons of imported liquor at a total cost expired visa for seven years, during reported recently in Sabah Al-Salem. of KD 25,000. The man reportedly which he failed to send his five chil- Police were able to identify the run- feigned he was being blackmailed dren to school. The Egyptian man away driver through descriptions of after he found that the boxes were raised suspicion when he claimed he his vehicle provided by the victim at stuffed with salt packets. Police had left his ID at home after he was the Adan Hospital. The man was hos- reportedly arrested the man’s broth- stopped at a patrol operation. He was pitalized after he sustained injuries ers-in-law and sent the three to the arrested after a fingerprint scan when he was hit by the vehicle at a proper authorities for further action. revealed that he was in violation of bus stop. The driver admitted to acci- residency regulations for seven years. dently hitting the pedestrian, and Suicide attempt The man said that a KD 4,500 debt explained that he fled from the scene A girl was hospitalized after she prevented him from renewing his visa due to fear. apparently tried to commit suicide at her family’s house in Sabah Al-Salem recently. According to the police Citizen’s car robbed report, an ambulance arrived at the Arab family’s house soon after the By Hanna Al-Saadoun back pain and a 24-year-old Kuwaiti girl’s father made an emergency call woman with multiple injuries besides after finding her unconscious. The KUWAIT: A citizen reported at the Al- pain in the neck. woman, whose age was not specified Waha police station about the robbery A 40-year-old Kuwaiti woman in the news report, was admitted to of his car from his driver. The car, a Land involved in the same accident also the intensive care unit where tests Cruiser, was being driven by his driver seemed hurt in the pelvis and left revealed that she suffered complica- when he was stopped by two persons shoulder as she complained of pain. All tions from an overdose of medicines. driving a small Japanese car. They were taken to the Mubarak Hospital. A case was filed for investigations. stopped him near a co-operative socie- A car accident at the Seventh Ring ty, threatened to slaughter him with a Road opposite Abdullah Al-Mubarak Prank call knife, and made off with the vehicle. A left a 24-year-old Kuwaiti man with Search is on for a man responsible case of theft by force was recorded. pain in the back and neck. He was tak- for a bomb hoax call claiming bomb Meanwhile, a Nepalese maid work- en to the Farwaniya Hospital. was planted in a Hawally school. ing for an Indian expat committed sui- A car accident at the Morocco Police, accompanied by explosives’ cide at her sponsor’s house in Salmiya. Express Road opposite Al-Qadesiya left specialists, combed the private school Security sources said the maid hanged a 35-year-old Egyptian expat with frac- after evacuating everyone, but even- herself with a rope that she had tied to tures in the feet. He was taken to the tually found no trace of explosives. the ceiling fan in her room. The maid Mubarak Hospital. Investigations went underway to was 50 years old and a case was regis- A car accident at the Nowaiseeb identify the man who said in the tered. Road resulted in pain in the right emergency call that he ran into some- Elsewhere, Hawally detectives shoulder for a 52-year-old Saudi man one while dropping his daughter off detained a soldier for damaging vehi- and multiple injuries for a 25-year-old to school who told him that bombs cles with a screwdriver. Several com- Saudi woman. Both were taken to the were planted around the school and plaints had been filed by citizens about Al-Adan Hospital. were about to explode. their cars being damaged on purpose. A car accident at Fahaheel Detective patrols monitoring the areas Expressway after Shuaiba Bridge Probe in attack spotted a person getting out of his car resulted in different injuries for a 22- Investigations were on to identify and spoiling four cars parked in the year-old Kuwaiti man who was taken and arrest male suspects who report- street. As many as 25 cases were regis- to the Al-Adan Hospital. edly attacked a man inside his Nugra tered against the unknown perpetrator, A car accident at Sharq, near the apartment on Monday. Paramedics who has finally been detected now. Sharq fire station, left a 26-year-old and police arrived at the scene shortly Egyptian expat with an injury in the after receiving an emergency call and Road accidents stomach and a 58-year-old woman found the injured man lying in a pool A car accident at the Fahaheel from the Philippines with facial of blood. The Egyptian man, who was Expressway opposite Al-Rumaithiya injuries. They were taken to the Al- rushed to the Mubarak Al-Kabeer left a 73-year-old Kuwaiti woman with Amiri Hospital. WEDNESDAY, MAY 1, 2013 UAE president starts Outraged lawmakers look to change military justice UK visit clouded by ‘torture’ claims Page 10 Page 8

DAMASCUS: Syrian Interior Minister Mohammed al-Shaar (3rd R) visits the site of a blast in the Marjeh district of Damascus yesterday. A blast in the central Damascus district of Marjeh killed at least 13 people, Syrian state television reported, a day after Prime Minister Wael al-Halqi survived a bomb attack elsewhere in the capital. — AFP Bomb blast kills 13 in Damascus Obama cautious, hints at eventual action

DAMASCUS: A bombing in the rebels fighting to oust President assassination. Monday said it had come under heart of Damascus killed at least 13 Bashar al-Assad. In July 2012, a suicide bomb threat when it flew over Syria. people yesterday, as US President The Syrian Observatory for attack killed Syria’s defence minis- The plane carrying 159 passen- Barack Obama said he would not be Human Rights reported 14 dead, ter and deputy defence minister gers said it detected “signs of com- rushed to act on allegations Syria including nine civilians and five and seriously wounded the interior bat actions” on the ground in Syria, was using chemical weapons. security forces members, in the minister. As bloodshed continued Russian officials said without pro- The attack in Marjeh district attack near the old interior ministry. unabated, the White House said viding further details. came a day after Syrian Prime Official television showed smoke Obama raised “concern over Syrian Interfax news agency, citing a Minister Wael al-Haqi survived a car billowing over the scene, with the chemical weapons” in a telephone source in Moscow, said unidentified bombing in an upscale neighbour- ministry’s windows blown out, a call with Russian President Vladimir assailants fired two land-to-air mis- hood of the capital. Russia, mean- business complex devastated and Putin. siles at the plane. The aircraft did while, banned its civilian planes cars damaged. Obama is under pressure not suffer any damage and landed from Syrian airspace after the crew Mutilated bodies could be seen because he warned last year the in Kazan on time. of one reported coming under in the street, and at least one body use or movement of chemical The Observatory said air raids on KABUL: NATO soldiers walk under country member threat over the war-hit country. wrapped in a white sheet was laid weapons by Assad’s forces would Tuesday killed 15 people on the flags at a NATO base at Kabul International Airport in Kabul, Afghanistan, yesterday. The US-led coali- Obama warned against rushing out alongside an ambulance. cross a US “red line”. Key political outskirts of Mennegh airport, near tion in Afghanistan says a roadside bomb has killed to judgement on Syria’s use of Uniformed and plainclothes securi- players are saying his credibility is the northern city of Aleppo which three of its service members. It said the attack chemical weapons but said proof of ty forces could be seen running on the line, but the White House is rebels have been trying to capture occurred yesterday in southern Afghanistan. — AP their use would trigger a “rethink” near the scene, as residents fled. seeking precise intelligence into for months. of his reluctance to use military “What mistake have we commit- how and when such weapons may Warplanes also bombed the Bombs kill 3 NATO force. “I’ve got to make sure I’ve got ted? I was going to work. Look at have been used. Jubar area of Damascus, and areas the facts. That’s what the American the bodies. Is this the freedom they Washington has been deeply of Homs, Raqa and Latakia troops, 5 Afghans people would expect,” he told a want?” a bystander told state frustrated that Russia has blocked provinces. On Monday, at least 159 White House news conference. media. On Monday, a car bomb tar- tougher action in the UN Security people were killed in nationwide KABUL: Roadside bomb attacks in Afghanistan killed “If I can establish in a way that geted Haqi’s convoy as it passed Council, including sanctions, violence, said the Observatory. three NATO service members and five Afghans yester- not only the United States but also through Mazzeh neighbourhood, against its long-time ally Syria. Underlining the dangers of cover- day, officials said, clear evidence that the insurgents’ the international community feel killing one of his bodyguards and Yesterday, Russia’s air transport ing the conflict, Italian daily La annual spring offensive is underway. confident in the use of chemical five other people, said the agency banned all Russian civilian Stampa said one of its journalists, The service members died in southern Afghanistan, weapons by the Assad regime, then Observatory. flights over Syria until further Domenico Quirico, has not been the US-led coalition in Afghanistan said in a brief state- ment that provided no other information. In another that is a game changer,” he warned. Halqi, appointed premier in notice. heard from since April 9. attack in the south of the country, a roadside bomb in State television said the latest August 2012 after his predecessor The ban comes after the crew of Media watchdog Reporters the Shah Wali Kot district of Damascus blast killed 13 people Riad Hijab defected to the opposi- a charter plane flying from the Without Borders says seven journal- Kandahar province killed three civilians and wound- and wounded 70, and blamed “cow- tion, is the latest in a growing list of Egyptian resort of Sharm el-Sheikh ists are now missing in Syria, while ed five, said Jawed Faisal, a spokesman for the provin- ardly” terrorists-the regime term for regime officials to be targeted for to the Russian city of Kazan on 23 others have been killed. — AFP cial governor. The Taleban and other insurgent groups make heavy use of roadside bombs. They are among the deadliest weapons in the Afghan war for civilians. In the north, in Archi district in the province of Kunduz, a roadside bomb killed two people, including a local police commander who had been credited with reducing the number of insurgent attacks in his area, said Abdul Nazar, a local council member. Commander Miran and his driver were killed and two other police officers were wounded when the car they were driving toward Kunduz City was destroyed by a bomb hidden on the road, said Nazar. Like many Afghans, Miran only used one name. The attacks came on the third day of what Taleban has called its spring offensive. The insurgents warned they would infiltrate enemy ranks to conduct “insider attacks” and target military and diplomatic sites with suicide bombers. In past years, spring has marked a significant upsurge in fighting between the Taliban and NATO forces along with their local allies. This fighting season is a key test, as the international coalition is scheduled to hand over security responsibilities to Afghan forces next year. Yesterday, Afghan and coalition security forces arrested two Taleban insurgents in Logar province, and on Monday Afghan security forces rushed to the assis- tance of local police under attack in Ghazni province and killed three insurgents and wounded four, NATO said in a statement. —AP INTERNATIONAL WEDNESDAY, MAY 1, 2013 New hearing in UAE trial over ‘political plot’ ABU DHABI: The trial of 94 UAE Islamist dissidents tatives of two local rights groups, were present. 2005. Eight rights groups urged the British govern- change their government.” “Other human rights accused of plotting to seize power in the Gulf state Prosecutors say the accused, who were arrested ment last week to press the UAE during Sheikh problems included reports of police and prison resumed yesterday as rights groups urged Britain to between March and December 2012, are linked to Khalifa’s visit on the “unfair trial” of dissidents. guard brutality,” it said. “The government continued pressure the visiting Emirati president on their the group Al-Islah, which has ties to the Muslim “The UAE has become a country where people to interfere with citizens’ privacy rights, and placed behalf. Brotherhood. who speak their mind get locked up, and those who some limits on freedom of movement.” Only 86 defendants, including 13 women, were Attorney General Salem Kobaish said they would get locked up face torture” said Sarah Leah Whitson, The UAE dismissed the report as “unbalanced,” present at the top state security court, WAM state be tried for “having created and led a movement HRW’s Middle East director in a joint statement with saying it ignored recent improvements, and insisted news agency reported. The rest are being tried in aimed at opposing the basic foundations on which other rights groups. that it was committed to bettering its rights record. absentia. The hearing was adjourned until Monday the state’s political system is built and at seizing A US State Department report this month said The trial is the largest in the history of the UAE, after the court panel listened to defence testimony. power.” The trial reconvened as UAE President the UAE has significant human rights problems, which has not seen any of the widespread pro- Foreign press and rights groups are not allowed Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed al-Nahayan began a state including “arbitrary arrests, incommunicado deten- reform protests that have swept other Arab states. access to the trial, but 143 relatives of the defen- visit to Britain, his first since he succeeded his father tions and lengthy pretrial detentions; limitations on However, authorities have boosted a crackdown on dants, as well as 21 Emirati journalists and represen- as a president of the federation of sheikhdoms in citizens’ civil liberties... and citizens’ inability to dissent and calls for democratic reform. — AFP Israel hails Arab League stance on land swaps ‘It’s definitely an important step, I welcome it’

JERUSALEM: Israel yesterday welcomed a shift in the terms of the 2002 Arab Peace Initiative fol- lowing top-level talks in Washington, with the proposal now endorsing the idea of mutually- agreed land swaps with the Palestinians. The principle of land swaps has been affirmed by Israel and the Palestinians in previous rounds of talks but has never formed part of the Saudi initiative. Under the original plan, Arab states would forge full diplomatic relations with the Jewish state in exchange for a withdrawal from land it occupied during the 1967 Six Day War. WINDSOR: Queen Elizabeth II and the Duke of Edinburgh greet the President of the Details of the revamped proposal emerged United Arab Emirates, Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan in Windsor Castle as he late on Monday following talks between top begins a State Visit to the UK. — AP Arab League members and US Secretary of State John Kerry. Israel’s chief peace negotiator Tzipi Livni hailed the move as “very good news” in an UAE president starts UK visit interview with military radio. “It’s definitely an important step-I welcome it,” clouded by ‘torture’ claims she said, although there was no immediate WINDSOR: The UAE president began a “Clearly we have a state visit, we have an response from the office of Israeli Prime Minister two-day state visit to Britain yesterday, dur- opportunity to build and strengthen rela- Benjamin Netanyahu. ing which he will be treated to ceremonial tions between our two countries and as Under terms of the original proposal, the Arab splendour but will also face questions over part of that we’ll be talking about a wide states would offer full diplomatic relations with claims of torture from three British men range of issues which will include concern Israel in exchange for “a total withdrawal by Israel JERUSALEM: In this Wednesday, Nov. 30, 2011 file photo, former Israeli Foreign Minister Tzipi jailed in Dubai. about these cases,” he said. to the June 4, 1967 lines” and the establishment Livni attends a news conference at the Knesset, Israel’s parliament, in Jerusalem. The Arab Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed al-Nahayan, “The prime minister’s clear there’s no of a Palestinian state. League’s decision to sweeten its decade-old proposal offering comprehensive peace with head of state of the United Arab Emirates, no-go areas in this. “We’ve asked for a full But Qatari Prime Minister Hamad bin Jassim Israel has placed Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu in a bind and swiftly exposed fissures in is being hosted by Queen Elizabeth II at impartial and independent investigation on Monday said that although a final deal should his new government. — AP Windsor Castle, west of London. Yesterday’s into the incidents.” Authorities in the UAE mean a two-state solution based on the pre-1967 programme focuses on meetings between have dismissed the allegations, saying an lines, it could involve a “comparable and mutual He has suggested the Arab Peace Initiative positive,” she said. “I hail the Arab League and its royalty, with the queen hosting a state internal investigation found them to be agreed minor swap of the land” to reflect the could provide a framework for a future deal. representatives who were in Washington over luncheon at which both heads of state “baseless”. realities of the burgeoning communities on the Speaking to reporters, he hailed Monday’s dis- this step.” She said Israel was looking for anything were to make speeches. Today the president will also visit ground. cussion as “very positive, very constructive” and which would break the current stalemate which Today the president will meet Prime Westminster Abbey for a short private tour “The Arab League delegation affirmed that praised the Arab League’s “very important role... has persisted since direct talks broke down in Minister David Cameron for talks, when the along with Prince Andrew, the queen’s sec- agreement should be based on the two-state in bringing about a peace in the Middle East, and September 2010 over a thorny dispute about premier was to raise the case of three ond son. solution on the basis of the 4th of June 1967 specifically by reaffirming the Arab Peace Israeli settlement building. British men who claim they were tortured He was to lay a wreath at its tomb of the lines, with the possible of comparable and mutu- Initiative.” “Let’s talk about it-we are ready for changes, by Dubai police after being arrested on unknown warrior. The president was then al agreed minor swap of the land,” he said at joint For Israel, the principle of swapping land is a something which will allow the Palestinians, I drugs charges. to visit Clarence House, the official resi- press conference with Kerry. way to hold on to densely-populated Jewish set- hope, to enter the (negotiating) room and make At the start of the visit, the president dence of Prince Charles, the queen’s oldest Such a position marks a departure from the tlement blocs built on occupied Palestinian land. the necessary compromises,” she said. enjoyed a carriage procession through son and the heir to the throne. He was to original text of the proposal, and comes closer to Although the Palestinians accept the idea of “It also gives a message to Israeli citizens: it is Windsor to the castle, which is thought to view displays by The Prince’s School of the US position as laid out by US President Barack “minor and mutually-agreed land swaps” they no longer just us ... talking with the Palestinians, be the queen’s favourite residence and Traditional Arts and the Oxford Centre for Obama in May 2011 that any agreement must be have rejected outright any idea of letting Israel there is a group of Arab states who are saying: where she spends most of her weekends. Islamic Studies, followed by a private meet- “based on the 1967 lines with mutually-agreed hold on to a large swathes of settlements. you reach an agreement with the Palestinians Guardsmen from the 1st Battalion Welsh ing with Charles to round off the visit. land swaps.” Until now, Netanyahu has categorically reject- and we will make peace with you, we will have Guards in their scarlet tunics and bearskins Britain normally stages two state visits Since taking office on February 1, Kerry has ed outright any return to what he has said would normalisation with you.” Kerry has already trav- formed a guard of honour. Cameron’s per year, aimed at strengthening the rela- plunged into the maelstrom of the Israeli- be the “indefensible” lines before June 4, 1967, elled three times to the region and met with top spokesman said nothing was off-limits for tionship with the visiting country. Palestinian conflict in the hope of breaking the although Livni welcomed the softening of the Israeli and Palestinian officials in pursuit of what the talks on Wednesday, when asked if he The last state visit by a UAE head of state impasse and seeing a resumption of some form Arab stance. he has called “a quiet strategy” for reviving the would discuss the claims that the three was in 1989. Queen Elizabeth has made of talks. “The things that were said last night were very diplomatic process.— AFP men were beaten and given electric shocks two state visits to the UAE, in 1979 and after being arrested. more recently in 2010. — AFP Armed gunmen surround Thousands needy after Sudan rebel attacks another Libyan ministry TRIPOLI: Gunmen demanding the sacking of for- EL RAHAD: Thousands of Sudanese need in control of Abu Kershola, where they said mer officials of the ousted Kadhafi regime sur- food, water and shelter, a source in an aid they seized an army garrison. Villagers from rounded the justice ministry yesterday, stepping organisation said yesterday, after they fled a that area earlier told AFP they were living up an action started at the foreign ministry, an offi- widening rebel offensive that swept rough under trees after fleeing. cial said. through a previously peaceful area. The rebels briefly occupied Umm “Several armed men in vehicles equipped with The source in Sudan’s Humanitarian Aid Rawaba, the second-largest town in North anti-aircraft guns surrounded the ministry of jus- Commission (HAC) told AFP that several Kordofan. Residents complained their com- tice,” spokesman Walid Ben Rabha told AFP. thousand from one district alone, Abu munity had been left undefended as the “They asked the minister and staff present to Kershola, had converged on the North insurgents shot up government buildings, leave their offices and close the ministry.” Kordofan town of El Rahad. hitting policemen. An AFP photographer saw more than 20 pick- “They are in a miserable situation,” said Government bombers and helicopters up trucks loaded with machine guns, anti-aircraft the source, asking for anonymity. He said a were in the air after the attack, they said. guns and rocket launchers and said they had team from HAC is in the area to assess peo- AFP’s photographer saw that the town’s blocked access to the building. ple’s needs. An AFP photographer reported power station had been left blackened and Dozens of gunmen making the same demand that government vehicles were still ferrying burned. The glass facade behind the colon- have kept the foreign ministry under siege since people on Monday night to three camps for nades of an official-looking three storey Sunday, paralysing its work. The interior ministry displaced people in the El Rahad area. Some building had been shattered, while smaller and national television station have also been of the homeless had sought shelter in buildings had been damaged by fire. attacked. schools. Except for occasional rebel forays over On Monday, angry police officers firing their Abu Kershola, in the far north of South the border from the conflict-plagued Darfur guns in the air stormed the interior ministry Kordofan state, was one of several areas in region, North Kordofan had been generally demanding higher wages. Prime Minister Ali North and South Kordofan which the Sudan peaceful. SRF said they attacked as part of Zeidan has denounced the encircling of the foreign Revolutionary Front (SRF) rebel alliance said their strategy to reach the capital Khartoum ministry and other such attacks. TRIPOLI: Libyan gunmen surround the Libyan Justice Ministry demanding a ban against those it attacked on Saturday. and overthrow the 24-year regime of On Sunday, he appealed to Libyans to support who worked under the former regime of ousted leader Moamer Gaddafi from holding senior Insurgents yesterday claimed to still be President Omar al-Bashir. — AFP the government in resisting armed groups “who positions yesterday, in the capital Tripoli. —AFP want to destabilise the country and terrorise for- Congress chief Mohammed Megaryef’s motorcade in western Libya as tribes from the towns of Nalut eigners and embassies,” but said the government without causing any casualties. and Tiji clashed with heavy weapons after an argu- would “not come into confrontation with anyone.” In other developments yesterday, clashes raged ment between two men, witnesses said. — AFP The government is struggling to assert its influ- ence across the country, where former rebels who fought to unseat Moamer Kadhafi in 2011 still con- Egypt walk-out at nuclear talks trol large amounts of territory. The latest events illustrate a rise in violence in GENEVA: The United States said yesterday it said in comments sent by email. The conference, Tripoli, where a car bomb struck the French regretted Egypt’s decision to walk out of U.N. talks which was supposed to be held last December in embassy last week, wounding two French guards on non-proliferation and still hoped all sides would Helsinki after being agreed at NPT talks in 2010, and a girl living nearby. Gunmen have said they will agree to hold a conference on banning nuclear was postponed a month before without a new lift their siege when their demands are met by a weapons in the Middle East. date being set. vote in the General National Congress-Libya’s high- Egypt withdrew from nuclear Non-Proliferation Western countries have voiced hope during the est political authority-on a bill calling for the expul- Treaty (NPT) talks in Geneva on Monday in protest two-week session that the delayed conference at what it called the failure to implement a 1995 could be convened this year. sion of former regime employees from top govern- resolution for a Middle East free of nuclear Iran and Syria called last week for a conference ment and political posts. weapons - an implicit criticism of Israel, believed to on banning nuclear weapons and urged major The bill could affect several senior government be the only nuclear-armed country in the region. powers to stop helping Israel acquire nuclear tech- figures and has roiled the country’s political class. “We regret the Egyptian decision to leave the nology. Egypt said it pulled out of the talks “to Under pressure, Congress adjourned until Sunday NPT Preparatory Committee meeting. It does not send a strong message of non-acceptance of the to allow its various political blocs to seek consen- affect the U.S. commitment to convening a confer- continued lack of seriousness in dealing with the sus on the bill. ence on a Middle East zone free of weapons of establishment of a nuclear-free zone in the Middle That came as protesters gathered in central mass destruction,” Thomas Countryman, US. East”. Israel has not ratified the 1970 NPT and Tripoli’s Martyrs Square and planned to hold a sit-in Assistant Secretary for International Security and therefore is not attending the Geneva session later yesterday in front of the Congress. Non-Proliferation, who heads the U.S. delegation, which ends on Friday. US and Israeli officials have In March, demonstrators encircled the assembly told Reuters. said a nuclear arms-free zone in the Middle East WEST BANK: Israeli police prevent Israeli settlers from blocking the main road near itself, trapping members inside the building for “We will continue to seek practical means to could not be a reality until there was broad Arab- Palestinian village of Hawara during a protest following the killing of Israeli settler several hours as they called for the adoption of the bring the parties together. We remain prepared to Israeli peace and Iran curbed its nuclear pro- by a Palestinian man, yesterday. An Israeli settler was killed by a knife-wielding law. assist in any way requested, but leadership must gramme, which Tehran denies has a weapons Palestinian in a stabbing attack at a bus stop in the northern West Bank, the army After the siege was lifted, gunmen targeted also come from states of the region,” Countryman dimension. — Reuters and police said. INTERNATIONAL WEDNESDAY, MAY 1, 2013 Jury to weigh fate of US abortion doctor in murder trial

PHILADELPHIA: The murder case against a Arkansas banning them at 12 weeks and North and legs. “You have three witnesses who saw a baby black community. McMahon said Gosnell was a Philadelphia doctor accused of killing four infants Dakota at six weeks. breathe and move, and he killed it,” Cameron said. physician who wanted to help his community. and a patient during late-term abortions was Gosnell is charged with first-degree murder for The clinic that prosecutors call a “house of hor- “Dr. Gosnell never turned down a desperate and expected to go to a jury yesterday. delivering live babies during late-term abortions rors” has been cited as powerful evidence by both troubled young lady because they didn’t have any Dr. Kermit Gosnell, 72, who ran the now-shut- and then deliberately severing their spinal cords, abortion and anti-abortion rights groups. money,” he said. Gosnell is also charged with mur- tered Women’s Medical Society Clinic, faces the prosecutors said. His defense contends there is no Reverend Frank Pavone, director of the anti- dering Karnamaya Mongar, 41, of Virginia, who died death penalty if convicted. The case focuses on evidence the babies were alive after they were abortion group Priests for Life, said the often gory from a drug overdose after going to him for an whether the infants were born alive and then killed. aborted. Defense lawyer Jack McMahon, in his clos- trial testimony “will change the conversation ... It’ll abortion, prosecutors said. A seven-woman, five-man jury in Common Pleas ing argument on Monday, cited testimony by help people engage and make them realize they’re The defense lawyer said Mongar was given Court, where the trial is in its sixth week, was to Medical Examiner Sam Gulino, who said none of the not just talking about a theoretical idea.” guideline amounts of the drug Demerol as an anes- begin deliberations on Tuesday, after receiving 47 babies tested randomly from the West Abortion-rights activists said Gosnell was an out- thesia during the abortion, as had hundreds of oth- instructions from Judge Jeffrey Minehart. Philadelphia clinic had been born alive. lier among predominantly safe and legal abortion er women at the clinic. Gosnell, who has been in jail The charges against Gosnell and nine of his “You may not like that evidence, but it is the evi- providers. “Gosnell ran a criminal enterprise, not a since his January 2011 arrest, is being tried along employees have added more fuel to the debate in dence,” McMahon said. Assistant District Attorney healthcare facility, and should be punished to the with Eileen O’Neill, a medical graduate student the United States about late-term abortions. Edward Cameron said in his closing argument that fullest extent of the law,” said Eric Ferrero, a accused of billing patients and insurance compa- It is legal in Pennsylvania to abort a fetus up to witnesses testified that one of the aborted babies spokesman for the Planned Parenthood Federation nies as if she had been a licensed doctor. Eight oth- 24 weeks into the pregnancy. Other states have was breathing before its neck was cut, another of America. Testimony has depicted a filthy clinic er defendants have pleaded guilty to a variety of recently put new restrictions on abortions, with made a whining sound and another moved its arms serving mostly low-income women in the largely charges and are awaiting sentencing.— Reuters New Italian premier to meet with German leader New government confirmed by Senate

BERLIN: Enrico Letta made his first trip abroad as Italy’s new premier yesterday, visit- ing Germany in his bid to persuade European leaders to ease the pressure on his country to pursue painful austerity measures. Letta, who has pledged to turn his coun- try’s stalling economy around, was meeting German Chancellor Angela Merkel in Berlin late yesterday, only hours after winning his final vote of approval by the Senate in Rome. Merkel, a strong advocate of structural VATICAN: In this March 23, 2013 file photo provided by the Vatican paper reforms, spending cuts and deficit reduction L’Osservatore Romano, Pope Francis, right, and Pope emeritus Benedict XVI meet in across Europe, has been much criticized dur- Castel Gandolfo. Vatican spokesman, the Rev. Federico Lombardi said yesterday that ing Italy’s election campaign for her tough retired Pope Benedict XVI is moving into his new retirement home in the Vatican gar- stance. Newspapers and politicians - including dens on Thursday. — AP some now backing Letta’s coalition govern- ment - have accused outgoing Premier Mario Pope Benedict to Monti’s government of being a mere stooge to “la Merkel” in Berlin. Analysts say Letta also seeks to reassure move back to Vatican financial markets about his government’s seri- ousness by working closely with Germany, VATICAN CITY: Pope Emeritus Benedict Benedict tries to influence Pope Francis’s Europe’s biggest economy. However, Letta XVI will move back to the Vatican yesterday decisions, something he has promised not can expect little leniency from Merkel. The to live out his retirement in a restored con- to do. Shortly before his resignation, vent close to where his successor now Benedict, now 86 and in failing health, said conservative leader - who is seeking re-elec- leads the Roman Catholic Church, the he would be “withdrawing into prayer” and tion in September - has made it clear that no Vatican said. would live out his remaining days “hidden Italian government should be allowed to fall Benedict has been living at the papal from the world”. significantly behind on the reforms and deficit targets agreed within the 17-nation eurozone. summer residence south of Rome since Some Church scholars worry that in the BERLIN: German Chancellor Angela Merkel and Italy’s new prime minister Enrico Letta shake Feb. 28 when he became the first pope in event that Francis undoes some of European Union Commission President hands following a press conference yesterday at the Chancellery in Berlin. Letta’s first official modern times to abdicate. He stayed there Benedict’s policies while he is still alive, the Jose Manuel Barroso was quick to congratu- trip abroad came a day after the new premier said his coalition government would act fast to while work was being done on the convent former pope could become a lightning rod late Letta following the Senate’s approval yes- reverse austerity, in a hard-hitting inaugural speech watched closely by Italy’s European part- inside the Vatican where he is expected to for conservatives and polarise the Church. terday, but reminded him of his “commitment ners — including Germany, the continent’s austerity champion. — AFP live out the rest of his days. Benedict now wears a simple white cas- to carry on the process of necessary reforms.” The presence of a reigning pope and a sock without a cape, while Francis wears a A spokesman for the EU’s top economic Brussels. The European tour aims also to ing to backlashes at the polls. EU leaders like former one is a new situation, but experts white cassock with a short cape, the tradi- official, Commissioner Olli Rehn, also dashed demonstrate that this government wants to Barroso have already hinted that they are con- say it would only cause difficulties if tional garb for a pope. — Reuters any hopes for leeway. “We have full confi- remain at the heart of the decision-making in sidering granting economically struggling dence in the government’s determination to Europe. countries like Italy or Spain more time to meet Most Muslims want sharia achieve the goals agreed for this year,” Simon Asking for patience from his own people, their targets to avoid choking off growth. O’Connor said. Letta said before the Senate vote that the Letta leads a still to be tested grand coali- The center-left Letta has pledged to road to economic recovery and it is unreason- tion that includes former premier Silvio law, split on interpretation respect Italy’s international commitments, but able to expect that “by tomorrow we can give Berlusconi’s conservatives. “Italy still faces a WASHINGTON: A majority of Muslims extremism, particularly in Egypt, Iraq and has also announced the immediate suspen- immediate responses” to Italy’s economic significant risk from the potential fragility of around the world want sharia law to be Tunisia. sion of an unpopular tax on primary resi- woes. Italy, the eurozone’s third-largest econ- the new coalition government and its tempo- implemented in their countries but are split In most countries, a majority of Muslims dences while he makes it fairer to less affluent omy, has suffered years of anemic growth and rary stability being endangered by conflict on how it should be applied, a Pew said a wife must obey her husband, taxpayers. He also pledged not to raise the is currently in recession. The unemployment between its various factions,” said IHS Insight Research Center study has found. although a majority also said a woman sales tax and to reduce some payroll taxes, rate is 11.5 percent and almost 40 percent of analyst Raj Badiani. A comprehensive study titled “The should decide whether or not to wear a but has yet to explain how to handle the those younger than 25 have no job, according Already, one key proposal - to put on hold World’s Muslims: Religion, Politics and veil. Most Muslims said they do not feel resulting shortfalls. to EU statistics. Italy’s debt burden has grown a property on primary residences - was being Society” conducted between 2008 and tension between their religion and modern “Reducing taxes is a priority,” Letta said to over 120 percent of the country’s annual picked apart by some of Letta’s key partners. 2012 focused on 38,000 people in 39 coun- life, prefer a democratic regime, enjoy Monday, promising he would “pinpoint a economic output - trailing only Greece’s debt Berlusconi said he will support the govern- tries and territories drawn from a global music or Western movies, even if such pas- strategy to revive growth without interfering level. ment only if the tax is repealed. But Italy’s Muslim community of 2.2 billion people. times are sometimes regarded as under- with the process to heal finances.” The 46- The EU’s austerity policies of spending cuts three main unions balked at an across-the- A solid majority of Muslims, notably in mining morality. year-old premier will also take his message to and higher taxes since the bloc’s debt crisis board cut, saying the money is needed for key Asia, Africa and the Middle East, were in An overwhelming majority viewed pros- Paris, where he meets Wednesday with erupted in 2010 has tried the patience of citi- programs and should be abolished only for favor of sharia-traditional Islamic law-being titution, homosexuality, suicide or alcohol President Francois Hollande, and then to zens in Greece, Portugal, Spain and Italy, lead- Italians with one residence. — AP adopted as the law of the land. The per- consumption as immoral but there are centage of those in favor of sharia being sharp differences on issues such as implemented as their country’s law varied polygamy. Only four percent polled in from eight percent in Azerbaijan to 99 per- Bosnia and Herzegovina considered Terrorist sleeper cell cent in Afghanistan. polygamy morally acceptable, against 87 The study revealed many Muslims were percent in Niger. in favor of applying sharia in the private A strong majority surveyed said so- dismantled in Mali sphere to settle family or property disputes. called honor killings could never be justi- However, in most countries surveyed, fied. The only exceptions came in BAMAKO: Police in Mali’s capital have dismantled a ter- do could be substantial, say experts. two major northern cities - Kidal and there was less support for severe punish- Afghanistan and Iraq, where majorities con- rorist cell belonging to the Movement for Oneness and MUJAO, and the two other Islamic Timbuktu. ments, such as cutting off the hands of doned executions of women deemed to Jihad in West Africa, or MUJAO, three officials confirmed extremist groups controlling northern The cell dismantled in Bamako did not thieves or executing people who convert have shamed their families by engaging in yesterday. Mali, were ousted from the main cities in have the capacity to do significant dam- from Islam to another faith. premarital sex or adultery. The presence of the cell confirms fears that the January, after a full-on military interven- age, said the official with the gen- A majority of Muslims are also in favor of Violence carried out in the name of Islam tion by over 2,000 French troops. darmerie in Bamako. “These are people freedom of religion, even while backing was also widely rejected. In the United jihadist groups, which sprang up last year in northern sharia. In Pakistan, for example, 84 percent States, 81 percent of Muslims said such vio- Mali, have succeeded in travelling past the numerous They have not succeeded, however, in who were based in the north and who of Muslims want sharia enshrined as official lence can “never” be justified against a glob- roadblocks to the country’s most populous city. flushing out entrenched cells in rural received military training,” he said. “When law but 75 percent believe non-Muslims al median of 73 percent. Substantial minori- The cell was first discovered more than a month ago, areas and since the French-led interven- the war started, they got spooked and are free to practice their religion. ties in Bangladesh, Egypt, Afghanistan and Sougalo Togola, press officer for the Ministry of Internal tion there have been repeated suicide they fled south. They are not experienced Around half of Muslims in the survey the Palestinian territories said violence was Security, told The Associated Press by telephone. The bombings in Gao, as well as in the other fighters.” — AP expressed concerns about religious permissible. — AFP information was confirmed by an intelligence official involved in the case, as well as by a member of the capi- tal’s gendarmerie, or paramilitary police. Both spoke on condition of anonymity because they were not author- ized to speak to the press. “There was indeed a MUJAO cell in Bamako and it’s been dismantled,” said the intelligence agent. Photographs of the seven suspects were published Tuesday on Maliweb.net, an online news portal which often publishes messages from the military. All seven have the last name “Diallo,” indicating they’re from the Peul ethnic group. MUJAO is led by commanders who splintered from al- Qaida in the Islamic Maghreb, the al-Qaida affiliate in North Africa. For years the fighters operated out of bases at the feet of the Sahara desert in the remote northern triangle of Mali. Then in March 2012, after a coup in Mali’s capital, they pushed south and succeeded in tak- ing the important provincial capital of Gao, located 1,200 (750 miles) northeast of the capital. The jihadists actively recruited locals, including from the Peul ethnic group, from the villages around Gao, an area of the country where some communities were already practicing a more conservative form of Islam, known as Wahabism. Although the cell dismantled in Bamako was in its early stages, experts have long STRASBOURG: Sergei Vlasenko (R), lawyer of jailed opposition leader and former warned that Mali’s central government is too weak to Ukrainian Prime Minister Yulia Tymoshenko, and Natasha Stretovych, her spokesper- stop the movement of potential jihadists to the capital. son, wait at the European Court of Human Rights (ECHR) before it ruled that Security at even the most crucial buildings in the cap- Tymoshenko’s detention was unlawful but threw out accusations of ill-treatment, ital, like the National Assembly, is lax and if a mature cell yesterday, in Strasbourg, eastern France. — AFP was able to take hold in Bamako, the damage they could WEDNESDAY, MAY 1, 2013 INTERNATIONAL

Massachusetts voters to decide US Senate primary winners

BOSTON: Massachusetts voters will Sen. Scott Brown won the seat but was liberal positions, against fellow Rep. percent went to Markey, an Associated security resume, which includes helping decide today which Republican and ousted last year in another high-profile Stephen Lynch, a former ironworker who Press review of Federal Election investigate the Sept. 11 attacks and the Democratic candidates will win their party race by Democratic challenger Elizabeth has tried to appeal to the party’s working- Commission reports found. failed attempt to blow up an airliner using primaries and head to the state’s second Warren. and middle-class base. The GOP primary race is pitting three shoe bombs. The 54-year-old Winslow said special US Senate election in four years. A win would help Senate Democrats Lynch, 58, has had to explain why he candidates: former US Attorney for he’s the only candidate with experience in The race to fill Secretary of State John maintain a caucus edge of 55-45 as they was the only member of the state’s House Massachusetts Michael Sullivan, business- all three branches of the government. Kerry’s former Senate seat has been over- press forward on major issues like immi- delegation to vote against President man Gabriel Gomez and state Rep. Daniel After 12 years as a private attorney, shadowed by the Boston Marathon gration and gun control. Barack Obama’s 2010 health care law, Winslow, former legal counsel for ex-gov- Winslow was appointed to a judgeship on bombings. A light turnout is expected. The Marathon bombs disrupted the while Markey, who won his first elected ernor and 2012 presidential nominee Mitt the state’s district court in 1995. He served Two Democrats, both members of the political race, forcing the candidates to office while in law school, has fended off Romney. eight years and left to join Romney’s state’s congressional delegation, and three temporarily suspend their campaigns. The efforts to portray him as a Washington Gomez, 47, has tried to portray himself administration as chief legal counsel. Republicans are vying for their parties’ bombings also brought national security insider. as the new face of the Republican Party. The state’s top elections official, nominations. and terrorism issues to the fore in a race Markey, 66, is better-funded, having The son of Colombian immigrants, Gomez Massachusetts Secretary of State William Even before the bombings, the cam- that was expected to turn on questions of raised $4.8 million through the end of the learned English in kindergarten, then Galvin, has said fewer than one in five paign had failed to capture the attention the economy, gun control, taxes, immigra- last reporting period, compared with $1.5 went on to become a Navy pilot and SEAL, registered voters could end up casting of voters compared with the 2010 special tion and abortion. million for Lynch. He’s also benefited from earn an MBA at Harvard and launch a pri- ballots. Polls are open from 7 a.m. to 8 election following the death of longtime The Democratic primary pits US Rep. outside spending. Of the more than $2.2 vate equity career. pm. The special Senate election is June Sen. Edward Kennedy. Former Republican Edward Markey, who has staked out more million spent by outside groups, nearly 84 Sullivan, 58, has pointed to his national 25. — AP Outraged lawmakers look to change military justice Sexual assault in the ranks is damaging institution

WASHINGTON: Outrage over an Air McCaskill, D-Mo., told senior officers at the discretion on whether to go to tri- tem is not working. Everyone knows Force officer’s decision to overturn a a congressional hearing last week. al, and to largely strip commanding that 19,000 sexual assaults and rapes a jury’s guilty verdict in a sexual assault Those women think “no matter what officers of the ability to toss out a ver- year is unacceptable,” she said. “I think case has Republicans and Democrats happens at the trial, no matter if they dict. the military has been trying to grasp joining forces on ambitious legislation believe me, some general is going to “Our goal would be to remove all this for a while now without success WASHINGTON: US President Barack Obama holds a press conference in the to change the military justice system. decide I’m a slut,” McCaskill said, cap- decision-making out of the chain of and so they may need some outside Brady Press Briefing Room of the White House in Washington, DC, yesterday. On both sides of the Capitol, lawmak- turing the frustration and anger over command about whether to prose- assistance in looking at it freshly. ... It’s The President answered questions from the press on a variety of topics. —AFP ers have interpreted Defense the case. cute a case and whether to bring a not one of those situations where Secretary Chuck Hagel’s recent pro- In the slow-moving Congress, law- case to the chain of command,” they can say, ‘We got this,’ because posal to essentially strip commanding they clearly don’t.” officers of their ability to reverse crimi- In the House, Reps. Mike Turner, R- US still not sure who nal convictions of service members as Ohio, and Niki Tsongas, D-Mass., who an opening to revise the decades-old have collaborated in the past on legis- Uniform Code of Military Justice. lation to help sexual assault victims in used chemical arms Congress repeatedly has chal- the military, are again writing legisla- lenged the military’s lack of resolve in tion to address the issue. This time, WASHINGTON: President Barack Obama He also renewed his call for lawmakers to fighting sexual assault in its ranks, an Turner said the focus is on reining in strongly suggested yesterday he would replace across-the-board federal spending offense considered far more prevalent the power of commanding officers to consider military action against Syria if it cuts. The administration favors a compre- than the reported cases of 3,192 in ensure they cannot set aside a convic- can be confirmed that President Bashar hensive plan to reduce deficits through tar- 2011, the most recent figure available. tion for sexual assault. Assad’s government used chemical geted spending cuts and higher taxes. Former Defense Secretary Leon “Each year that we have advanced weapons in the two-year-old civil war. Asked about the FBI’s investigation into a Panetta said that because so few vic- remedies to try to affect sexual assault At a White House news conference, the possible terrorist threat posed in the past by tims report the crime, the real number in the military, we found something president also defended the FBI in regard to Tamerlan Tsarnaev, a suspect in the Boston is closer to 19,000 assaults. unique and egregious was in the its efforts before the deadly bombing at the Marathon bombings who died in an escape Hagel acknowledged the problem Defense Department system that Boston Marathon two weeks ago. Asked attempt, the president said, “Based on what earlier this month in announcing his would re-victimize victims of sexual about Syria, the president said that while I’ve seen so far, the FBI performed its duties proposal to eliminate the discretion of assault. The case of Gen. Franklin set- there is evidence that chemical weapons , the Department of Homeland Security did a commanding officer to reverse a ting aside the sexual assault is were used inside the country, “we don’t what it was supposed to be doing.” court martial ruling, except for minor absolutely one of those,” Turner said in know when they were used, how they were “But this is hard stuff,” he said of the work offenses, and to require a command- an interview. used. We don’t know who used them. We needed to ferret out security threats at ing officer to explain in writing any “When we’ve talked to representa- don’t have a chain of custody that establish- home. He also said that “Russians have been changes that are made. tives at the Pentagon, they’ve indicat- es” exactly what happened. very cooperative with us since the Boston The crime of sexual assault in the ed that they in no way ever foresaw If it can be established that the Syrian bombing.” The bombing suspects are ranks “is damaging this institution. that someone would supplant their government used chemical weapons, he Russian natives who immigrated to the There are thousands of victims in the opinion for that of a tribunal,” he said. added, “we would have to rethink the range Boston area. Russian authorities told U.S. department, male and female, whose Turner’s aggressive effort on the issue of options that are available to us.” officials before the bombings they had con- lives and careers have been upended, stems in part from the brutal death of “Obviously there are options to me that are cerns about the family, but Moscow has and that is unacceptable,” the secretary Lance Cpl. Maria Lauterbach, 20, of on the shelf right now that we have not revealed details of wiretapped conversa- said. A single case has set off a recent Vandalia, Ohio, whose charred deployed,” he said, noting that he had tions only since the attack. outcry in Congress. remains were found in the backyard asked Pentagon planners last year for addi- Asked about a topic that links terrorism Lt. Col. James Wilkerson, a former of the North Carolina home of a for- tional possibilities. and his Obama’s legislative efforts, he said inspector general at Aviano Air Base in mer Marine corporal in January 2008. On another topic, Obama responded he would “re-engage with Congress” on the Italy, was found guilty last year of Lauterbach had accused Cesar with slight ridicule and humor when he was future of the prison for detainees at charges of abusive sexual contact, Lt Gen Craig Franklin Laurean of rape and of being the asked if he still had the political juice to Guantanamo in Cuba. As a candidate for the aggravated sexual assault and three father of her unborn baby. The two push his agenda through Congress after an White House in 2007 and 2008, Obama instances of conduct unbecoming of makers are quickly writing legislation Gillibrand said in a recent interview. were assigned to the same unit at the early second-term defeat on gun control called for closing the base, which was set up an officer and a gentleman. The inci- to change the Uniform Code of “And it would not just be for sexual Camp Lejeune Marine base. A jury legislation. as part of President George W. Bush’s dent involved a female contractor. Military Justice, which was established assault. We’re looking at all violent convicted Laurean of murder in the “Golly, I might just as well pack up and response to the terror attacks on Sept. 11, Wilkerson was sentenced to a year in 1950 and was revised in 1968 and crimes.” death of his pregnant colleague and go home,” he parried his questioner. 2001. Lawmakers objected and the facility in prison and dismissal from the serv- 1983. Commanding officers would retain he was sentenced to life in prison in Paraphrasing American humorist Mark remains open. ice, but Lt. Gen. Craig Franklin, com- Separate measures in the House their current authority in cases that August 2010. Twain, he said, “Rumors of my demise may Asked about a hunger strike by some mander of the 3rd Air Force at and Senate are expected to become are the equivalent of misdemeanors “The tragedy of the Maria be a little exaggerated at this point.” And he detainees, he said, “I don’t want these indi- Ramstein Air Base in Germany, provisions in annual defense policy in the civilian courts under her meas- Lauterbach case is the military knew expressed confidence that Congress would viduals to die,” and he said the Pentagon reviewed the case and overturned the bills, one of the few pieces of legisla- ure. And under Hagel’s proposal, she’d been subject to sexual assault, approve sweeping immigration legislation was doing what it could to manage the situ- jury’s verdict of guilty. tion that Congress passes every year. members of the military who are con- left her with the accused, told both of that he is seeking. ation. —AP Franklin explained in a six-page let- The Armed Services committees victed could still appeal. them that as soon as her baby was ter to the Air Force secretary that he are expected to complete the bills in Gillibrand said she also has been in born that they would do DNA testing found Wilkerson and his wife more June. Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand, D-N.Y., contact with Defense Department and then prosecute him. And then he believable than the alleged victim. the new chairwoman of the Senate lawyers, insisting that collaboration murdered her and buried her to elimi- The ability of a commanding officer to Armed Services personnel subcom- with the Pentagon is vital to ensuring nate the evidence,” Turner said. “It’s just reverse a jury verdict creates a single mittee, is working with members in that Congress gets the legislation outrageous to think that she could be impression for victims of sexual both parties on legislation to give right. left in such a vulnerable position that assault in the military, Sen. Claire Judge Advocate General prosecutors “Everyone knows the current sys- resulted in her death.” —AP Boston suspect’s defense team gets major boost

BOSTON: A prominent anti-death penalty lawyer Bowler denied, at least for now, a request from bomber Eric Rudolph; and most recently Jared who has managed to get life sentences for several Tsarnaev’s public defender, Miriam Conrad, to Loughner, who shot former Rep. Gabrielle high-profile clients, including the Unabomber, has appoint a second death penalty lawyer - David Giffords in the head. All received life sentences joined the defense team representing the Boston Bruck, a professor at Washington and Lee instead of the death penalty. Marathon bombing suspect. University School of Law. Clarke has rarely spoken publicly about her Dzhokhar Tsarnaev has been charged with Tsarnaev’s lawyers could renew their motion work and did not return a call seeking comment using a weapon of mass destruction during the to appoint another death penalty expert if he is Monday. However, at a speech Friday at a legal April 15 marathon. Three people were killed and indicted, the judge said. Clarke’s clients have conference in Los Angeles, she talked about how more than 260 injured when two bombs explod- included the Unabomber, Ted Kaczynski, who she had been “sucked into the black hole, the vor- ed near the finish line. killed three people and injured 23 during a tex” of death penalty cases 18 years ago when she A judge on Monday approved the appoint- nationwide bombing spree between 1978 and represented Smith. ment of death penalty expert Judy Clarke to 1995; Susan Smith, a woman who famously “I got a dose of understanding human behav- VALLEY SPRINGS: Teacher Cecilia Richardson ties a ribbon honoring murder defend 19-year-old Tsarnaev. But judge Marianne drowned her two children; Atlanta Olympics ior, and I learned what the death penalty does to vitim, Leila Fowler, at Jenny Lind Elementary School in Valley Springs, Calif., us,” she said. “I don’t think it’s a secret that I Monday. Authorities are searching for the killer of Fowler, 8, who was found oppose the death penalty.” Bruck has directed murdered by her 12-year-old brother in the family’s Valley Springs home Washington and Lee’s death penalty defense clin- Saturday. —AP ic, the Virginia Capital Case Clearinghouse, since 2004. In other developments in the Boston case: FBI agents visited the home of the in-laws of the sus- Planes collide near LA pect’s brother, Tamerlan Tsarnaev, and carried WESTLAKE VILLAGE: Two small airplanes had minor injuries. One was hospitalized away several bags. The brother was killed in a gun with a combined four people aboard collid- after complaining of back pain. battle with police. ed in midair over the Southern California Aaron Jesse, 47, said he had left work ear- CNN reported at least one bag was labeled mountains, sending one crashing into a ly for a round with friends at Westlake Golf DNA samples. FBI spokesman Jason Pack con- rocky ridge and killing its pilot while the sec- Course and saw the low-flying plane hit a firmed agents went to the North Kingstown ond was able to maneuver a belly-flop land- tree, spin around 180 degrees and land sur- home of Katherine Russell’s parents Monday. ing on the fairway of a nearby golf course, prisingly gently. Russell is Tsarnaev’s widow and has been staying officials said. “Finally being a bad golfer paid off,” Jesse there. Russell didn’t speak as she left her attor- Rescuers searched through the wreckage told the Los Angeles Times. “I hit it in the neys’ office in Providence. Attorney Amato of the plane that crashed and sparked a fire trees to the right. They landed 50 feet to the DeLuca says she’s doing everything she can to in rocky terrain in Calabasas on Monday and left of us in the center of the fairway. All we assist with the investigation. found a body that was believed to be the heard was a thud and then he made a gentle President Barack Obama and Russian President only person aboard, Los Angeles County bounce and slid down the center of the fair- Vladimir Putin discussed terrorism coordination sheriff’s spokesman Steve Whitmore said. way.” Monday in the wake of the Boston Marathon Firefighters responding to a report of a Federal Aviation Administration spokesman bombings. Obama expressed his “appreciation” small wildfire at about 2 pm spotted the air- Allen Kenitzer said a preliminary review of radar for Russia’s close cooperation after the attack. craft debris, put out the fire and began a records showed the two flight-paths crossed The suspected bombers are Russian natives search for survivors, county fire Inspector just after 2 pm. LOS ANGELES: In this April 26, 2013 file photo, Judy Clarke, a defense lawyer whose high- who immigrated to the Boston area. Russian Quvondo Johnson said. The plane had taken The golf-course plane, a single-engine profile clients include “Unabomber” Ted Kaczynski, Olympic bomber Eric Rudolph, and authorities told US officials before the bombings off from Santa Monica Airport in order to test Cessna 172RG, was flying west at an altitude Tucson shooter Jared Lee Loughner, speaks at Loyola Law School in Los Angeles. Clarke they had concerns about the family, but only its engine. of 3,500 feet when the second plane, also a was appointed yesterday to the team representing Dzhokhar Tsarnaev, the suspect in the revealed details of wiretapped conversations Three people on the plane that landed on Cessna 172RG, approached from the east since the attack. —AP Boston Marathon bombings. —AP a fairway while stunned golfers looked on after leaving Santa Monica Airport. —AP WEDNESDAY, MAY 1, 2013 INTERNATIONAL Imran Khan brazens out Pakistan campaign trail

SARGHODA: You can’t lead a revolution the May 11 polls. “We couldn’t take a risk. It’s screen party workers had hauled onto the stranglehold of dynastic politics. change, promising to improve governance and hide behind bullet-proof glass-at least just too dangerous. I mean you can’t risk the podium. To his supporters he is the hero But only in October 2011, when he and education, solve the energy crisis and not according to Imran Khan, wildcard con- life of other people,” the 60-year-old said. who led Pakistan’s cricket team to World attracted a crowd of more than 100,000 — balance the books by introducing tax tender for power at the ballot box in Khan has two sons by his ex-wife Jemima Cup victory in 1992 and then set up the mostly young people, women and middle reform and slashing expenditure. Pakistan next week. Khan, daughter of the late billionaire tycoon best cancer hospital in the country. class voters-in his home town of Lahore, did His core base is the emerging middle Visibly tired by 15-hour days, frenetic fly- James Goldsmith, but they live in Britain He went into politics in 1996, founding he emerge from celebrity lightweight into class, which is socially conservative. But to ing and driving round the country to and he has not seen them for several his Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaaf (Movement serious contender. alarmed detractors he is “Taleban Khan”- address tens of thousands in a campaign months. “My older son worries. You know he for Justice) party determined to break the He claims to be leading a “tsunami” of soft on Islamist militants and naive in his dominated by threats and fear of attack, the worries, obviously, because when he hears criticism of the US war on Al-Qaeda and the cricket legend is nothing if not focused. what’s going on in Pakistan,” he says. Khan Taleban. “This is a revolution taking place,” he told and Nawaz Sharif, the two-time prime min- He opposes US drone strikes and calls AFP after a couple of days of hard cam- ister whose PML-N party is tipped to win, for peace talks with the Taleban, which the paigning in Punjab, his home province and are the only two leaders addressing big ral- government blames for killing 30,000 peo- the political backbone of Pakistan which lies. ple over the last decade. Although Khan elects a little over half the seats in the The three main parties in the outgoing believes he will be Pakistan’s next prime national assembly. government, the PPP, the MQM and the minister, analysts say he is more likely to “When I came to politics 17 years ago, I ANP, have curtailed public gatherings in the secure 10-30 seats in the 342-member had already conquered my fear of dying face of direct Taleban threats. national assembly-a breakthrough that because I knew I was going to challenge Khan’s campaign is about mobilising the could make him kingmaker of an incoming the status quo,” the 60-year-old said. But masses, exploiting disaffection with a cor- coalition. security is clearly a major preoccupation. rupt elite, tapping into anti-American senti- But he refuses to share power with the Khan says he’s on the “top five hit list”. He ment that blames many of the countries PPP, which led the national government for may not use the bulletproof glass screens woes on the United States and promising to the last five years, or PML-N, which has used by other politicians at public rallies, fix a crippling power crisis. ruled Punjab, saying that his party will go but he travels in an armoured car with an “If my politics is different... I can’t be into opposition if they do not win. armed police escort. standing behind a bullet-proof screen and Scathing about Sharif and President Asif A rally in Karachi, Pakistan’s largest city, connecting with the people,” he said. When Ali Zardari, he does, however, have words of was cancelled on Sunday after attacks on he bounded up to the microphone in pity for former military ruler Pervez rival parties killed more than 20 people. Sarghoda, a university and garrison town in ISLAMABAD: Chairman of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaaf (PTI) or Movement Musharraf, who returned home last month Attacks targeting the election campaign the Punjab farm belt, he deliberately for Justice party Imran Khan gestures as he attends a general election from self-imposed exile only to be put have so far killed nearly 60 people ahead of stepped in front, not behind the protective campaign meeting in Murree, around 60 kms from Islamabad. — AFP under house arrest.— AFP Retailers promise to compensate Bangladesh victims’ families Building owner brought to Dhaka court DHAKA: Two Western retailers have prom- the second-largest exporter of garments in ensuring that victims and their families ised to compensate families of garment the world behind China. In November, a fire receive benefits now and in the future,” said workers killed while making their clothes in at the Tazreen Fashion factory in a suburb of spokeswoman Julija Hunter in an email. a Bangladesh factory building that col- Dhaka killed 112 people. Primark and Loblaw operate under codes of lapsed last week in the country’s worst The industry employs about 3.6 million conduct aimed at ensuring products are industrial accident. people, most of them women, some of made in good working conditions. The pledge from Britain’s Primark and whom earn as little as $38 a month. Spain’s fashion label Mango told its fol- Canada’s Loblaw came after the owner of Anger over the disaster has sparked days lowers on Facebook at the weekend that it the collapsed Rana Plaza was brought of protests and clashes. Many factories had not carried out a “social audit” of before a court in Dhaka on Monday, where remained closed on Monday due to labour Mayor’s company Phantom-Tak, with which lawyers and protesters chanted “hang him, unrest and police used tear-gas to quell it had an unfilled sample order, but would hang him”. demonstrations. have done so had it gone on to place a full At least 385 people were killed in the dis- Primark, which was supplied by one of order. SRINAGAR: Indian army soldiers inspect the parts after detecting and defus- aster, the latest incident to raise serious the factories operating at Rana Plaza, said The International Labour Organisation ing a bomb on the outskirts of Srinagar, India, yesterday. Indian army in questions about worker safety and low on Monday that it was working with a local (ILO), an agency of the United Nations, said Kashmir yesterday defused the bomb planted by suspected rebels fighting wages in the poor South Asian country that NGO to help victims of the disaster. it was sending a high-level mission to against Indian rule alongside a highway on the outskirts of the region’s relies on garments for 80 percent of its main city, the army said.— AP exports. With almost no hope left of finding fur- ther survivors, heavy machinery has been brought in to start clearing the mass of con- Pakistan court ‘bans crete and debris from the site in the com- mercial suburb of Savar, about 30 km (20 Musharraf for life’ miles) from the capital Dhaka. Eight people have been arrested - four PESHAWAR: A Pakistani court moved yester- “save” the country from militancy and eco- factory bosses, two engineers, building day to ban former military ruler Pervez nomic collapse but was barred from running owner Mohammed Sohel Rana and his Musharraf from contesting elections for the as a candidate over charges dating back to father, Abdul Khalek. Police are looking for a rest of his life, a step which his aides immedi- his 1999-2008 rule. fifth factory boss, Spanish citizen David ately vowed to challenge. He will now spend polling day in his Mayor, although it was unclear whether he The retired general has been humiliated Islamabad villa, which has been designated was in Bangladesh at the time of the acci- since returning last month from self-imposed as a jail, making his chances of even voting dent. exile to contest elections and is currently remote. Musharraf’s lawyer Ibrahim Satti told There were angry scenes as Rana, a local under house arrest. AFP that his client could request a postal leader of the ruling Awami League’s youth He will spend the May 11 general elec- vote but said a government-facilitated visit front, was led into court on Monday wear- tions under lock and key, after an anti-terror- to a polling station would be unlikely ing a helmet and protective police jacket, ism court in the garrison city of Rawalpindi “because of security concerns”. witnesses said. put him under house arrest for 14 days over The retired general is also under house “Put the killer on the gallows, he is not the death of politician Benazir Bhutto in arrest for sacking judges when he imposed worth any mercy or lenient penalty,” one 2007. emergency rule in 2007. Musharraf is onlooker outside the court shouted. Just hours later, a court in the northwest- accused of conspiracy to murder former Rana, who was arrested on Sunday by ern city of Peshawar dismissed an appeal prime minister Bhutto, whose Pakistan the elite Rapid Action Battalion apparently against his disqualification from standing for People’s Party was elected into power in trying to flee to India, was ordered to be DHAKA: Bangladeshi rescue workers search for survivors as they are seen through a election in the district of Chitral and banned 2008 on a wave of sympathy over her death held on remand for 15 days for interroga- hole in the roof a building that collapsed last Wednesday in Savar, near Dhaka, him for life from running for parliament, in a gun and suicide attack. lawyers said. Besides the sacking of judges, he faces a tion. Bangladesh. Hundreds of volunteers rushed to the site of a building that collapsed The ban extended to the lower and upper third legal case over the 2006 death of a Khalek, who officials said was named in last week to rescue thousands of people trapped in the rubble. — AP houses of the federal parliament and to all Baluch rebel leader and has been threatened documents as a legal owner of the Rana provincial assemblies, lawyer Mohibullah with death by the Taleban. Plaza building, was arrested in Dhaka on “Primark will pay compensation to the Bangladesh in the coming days. Tarichvi told AFP. A spokesman for Nobody has ever been convicted or jailed Monday. Those being held face charges of victims of this disaster who worked for its “Horror and regret must translate into Musharraf’s All Pakistan Muslim League par- for Bhutto’s assassination. Musharraf’s gov- faulty construction and causing unlawful supplier,” said the company, owned by FTSE firm action,” said ILO Director-General Guy ty, Muhammad Amjad, was circumspect. “We ernment blamed the killing on Pakistani death. 100-listed Associated British Foods. Ryder in a statement. “Action now can pre- can challenge it,” he told AFP. Taliban chief Baitullah Mehsud, who denied Bangladesh does carry out the death “This will include the provision of long- vent further tragedy.” A court in the eastern city of Lahore is any involvement and was killed in a US drone penalty for murder and for most serious cat- term aid for children who have lost parents, Officials in Bangladesh have said the scheduled to rule May 7 on separate appeals attack in 2009. egories of manslaughter. financial aid for those injured and payments eight-storey complex had been built on against his disqualification for the current But Bhutto’s son, Bilawal Bhutto Zardari, About 2,500 people have been rescued to the families of the deceased.” swampy ground without the correct per- election in other seats. He applied to stand in who is PPP chairman, has accused Musharraf from the wrecked building, which housed Loblaw Companies Ltd, which had some mits, and more than 3,000 workers - most of a total of four constituencies. of her murder. In 2010 a UN report said several factories on the upper floors, but of its Joe Fresh clothing line manufactured them young women - entered the building “If the court upholds the disqualification Bhutto’s death could have been prevented hundreds of the mostly female workers who at Rana Plaza, said it too was offering com- on Wednesday morning despite warnings then we will go to the Supreme Court,” and accused Musharraf’s government of fail- are thought to have been inside remain pensation. that it was structurally unsafe. Amjad said. Musharraf had promised to ing to give her adequate protection. — AFP unaccounted for. “We are working to ensure that we will A bank and shops in the building closed The collapse was the third major industri- deliver support in the best and most mean- after a jolt was felt and cracks were noticed CIA cash wrecks Afghan al incident in five months in Bangladesh, ingful way possible, and with the goal of on some pillars yesterday. — Reuters president’s image: Critics Politician acquitted KABUL: Revelations that the CIA handed its army and police and to fund most of its cash payments to Afghanistan’s presidential investments, but the Times said the CIA cash office provoked criticism but little surprise had been used to pay off warlords, lawmakers in anti-Sikh riots from opposition groups and transparency and others on whom Karzai relied for sup- campaigners in Kabul yesterday. port. NEW DELHI: An Indian court acquitted of Investigation convicted five other The New York Times reported on Monday “Karzai is trying to give an independent a ruling Congress party leader yesterday defendants yesterday in the case. that the US Central Intelligence Agency had picture of Afghanistan and of himself, and of charges he incited mobs to kill Sikhs Kumar is facing at least one other delivered tens of millions of dollars in suitcas- this definitely undermines his efforts,” during the country’s 1984 anti-Sikh case in connection with the riots, Khan es and backpacks to President Hamid Karzai’s Waheed Wafa, director of the Afghanistan riots. Former parliamentarian Sajjan said. The lengthy delay in a judgment in office over the past decade. Centre at Kabul University, told AFP. Kumar had faced a possible death sen- the case underscored both the slow Karzai declined to deny the report, instead More than 11 years after the Taleban were tence if he had been convicted of incit- pace of justice in India and the difficulty expressing his thanks to the spy agency for ousted, the president has taken an increas- ing a mob in the capital to kill a family in bringing powerful people to trial. what he called “small” amounts of money that ingly anti-US stance as he prepares to step of Sikhs in the violence that followed Gandhi was killed after violently sup- were put to good use such as helping ill and down when elections are held next year. But the assassination of Prime Minister pressing a Sikh insurgency that culmi- wounded Afghans. news of the CIA payments has dealt a further Indira Gandhi by her Sikh bodyguards. nated in an army assault on the Golden But critics said the secret payments under- blow to his hopes of leaving office with a rep- More than 3,000 Sikhs were killed dur- Temple, the holiest site in Sikhism, mined the president’s claim that he was fight- utation as a strong nationalist leader who ing the riots. After the ruling was read, where militant Sikhs had taken refuge. ing against US interference and trying to stood up to foreign meddling. establish Afghan sovereignty. “His receiving cash from foreign agencies an angry person in the courtroom threw In the days after her death, mobs of “Such money given to the office of the casts a big shadow over the independence a shoe at the judge, according to Indian Hindus went from house to house president is no doubt used to strengthen his and sovereignty of Afghanistan,” said media, and angry Sikhs gathered out- across northern India, pulling Sikhs position and weaken other democratic politi- Mahmoud Saikal, an anti-corruption cam- side the courthouse to protest. “This will from their homes, hacking many to cal groups,” Sayed Fazel Sancharaki, paigner and former deputy foreign minister. be a black spot on the judicial system of death and burning others alive. Top spokesman for the opposition National “This reveals he doesn’t believe that his India,” Manjeet Singh, a local Sikh leader, Congress party leaders have been Coalition, told AFP. Afghanistan is a functioning state. He told CNN-IBN television. Kumar’s lawyer, accused of fomenting the “These payments highlight President believes in illegality and he uses such money I.U. Khan, called the case an example of violence.Earlier this month, a Delhi Karzai’s lack of loyalty. It’s very unfortunate to buy supporters, patronage and to rally NEW DELHI: In this Tuesday, Aug. 9, 2005 file pho- “malicious prosecution.” court reopened a case against a former that such money is given in a non-transparent power.” Karzai openly acknowledged in 2010 to, India’s ruling Congress party leader Sajjan “It appears to be a case of no evi- minister from the Congress party who way and by foreign intelligence agencies.” that Iran had made cash payments to one of Kumar talks on a mobile phone at an event in New dence,” he told CNN-IBN. The special was accused of inciting a mob during Afghanistan relies on international aid to pay his top aides.— AFP Delhi. — AP court affiliated with the Central Bureau the riots.— AP WEDNESDAY, MAY 1, 2013 INTERNATIONAL

China dissident’s brother says home attacked with bottles BEIJING: Security personnel in eastern said. “This is a country of hoodlums, not a before meeting up with supporters who “They said he’s planning to go to Taiwan in June. China are carrying out a nightly harass- country of law,” Chen Guangcheng said of helped get him to Beijing where he was Taiwan to work on Taiwan independence, Reached in at his home in Dongshigu ment campaign against the brother of China from New York, where he is study- given refuge at the US Embassy. and to go to Tibet to support Tibet inde- village, Chen Guangfu said the security blind rights activist Chen Guangcheng, ing law at New York University. His escape caused a diplomatic tussle pendence,” Chen said. China claims self- personnel arrived just after 2 am yester- the two said yesterday, throwing rocks, “If you have principles, if you do what is with the United States at a time when ruled Taiwan as its own and insists on day, around the same time they had been bottles and dead poultry at his house for right, why are you afraid of people?” he then-US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton eventual unification, by force if necessary. arriving since April 18. 12 nights in a row. said. “Why do these kinds of things in the was visiting Beijing. He was then allowed Chen Guangcheng has not said he would “They don’t speak, they just do this,” he The attacks on the village home of middle of the night? What kind of person permission to go to the United States to try to visit restive Tibet, which China has said. “They throw things, put up little Chen Guangfu continued early yesterday, does this? Only thieves and the narrow- study. ruled with an iron hand since 1950. posters, they uproot my trees, pull out the he said. Two cars parked outside his house minded, spreading unchecked. But that’s Chen Guangfu, 56, said the attacks Chen, who campaigned for citizens’ vegetables my mother has been growing - in Shandong province, shining their head- how the Communist Party is now.” started on April 18, the same day his rights including against forced sterilisa- these kinds of things to try to scare us.” lights through the windows and again Chen Guangcheng made world head- brother had been put on a village tions in China and who received a human Police did not answer calls made from his security personnel threw rocks and beer lines last year when he escaped house Communist Party blacklist for his plans to rights award in the United States in phone, he said, and had refused to investi- bottles at the house and into the yard, he arrest and spent 20 hours on the run alone visit Taiwan and, the party said, Tibet. January, has accepted an invitation to visit gate the attacks. —Reuters US, South Korea wrap up drills as tensions simmer Obama, Park Geun-Hye to hold summit in Washington

SEOUL: The United States and South Korea yes- test in February. North Korea expert at the Sejong Institute, a terday wrapped up military drills at the centre of Relations between the two Koreas have been think-tank in Seoul. soaring tensions with North Korea, as further soured by a row over the Kaesong facto- He said a planned summit in Washington on Pyongyang ignored a new overture over a flag- ry park inside the North that was once a rare May 7 between the US President Barack Obama ship joint industrial zone. symbol of inter-Korea cooperation. Most remain- and South Korean leader Park Geun-Hye-who The two-month-long “Foal Eagle” air, ground ing South Korean workers quit the complex early took office in February-could be more significant and naval field training exercise-which involved yesterday, but seven supervisors stayed to in setting the tone for inter-Korean relations. more than 10,000 US troops along with a far resolve administrative issues. It was unclear “If the North finds the outcome of the summit higher number of South Korean personnel-had when they would return. unsatisfying or unacceptable, that means we would have to live in constant fear of another military provocation near the border,” Paik said. Incensed by fresh UN sanctions and the joint South Korea-US military exercises, the North has spent weeks issuing blistering threats of missile strikes and war. The Foal Eagle exercises “are the main factor of pushing the situation on the Korean Peninsula to the brink of a nuclear war”, the newspaper of the North’s communist party, the Rodong Sinmun, said on Monday. “The US and South Korean warmongers should bear in mind that they will not be able to escape a miserable doom if they ignite a nuclear war against the DPRK in the end,” it added. But after weeks of apocalyptic threats, the North’s state media has in recent days also reported on North Korean leader Kim Jong-Un’s This recent undated photograph obtained courtesy of Elizabeth Arnulfo shows visits to a football match and a health complex Arnulfo Babiera (R), who applied for a US green card a decade ago, in the hopes with his wife, in what was seen as a sign of eas- of reuniting with his sister, Elizabeth Arnulfo (L), a naturalized citizen. —AFP ing tensions. Pyongyang has regularly accused the United States of preparing to launch a nuclear strike on US green card limbo: For its territory, and reacted furiously to the use of nuclear-capable B-52s and B-2 stealth bombers one Filipino, a long wait in the joint South-US drills. PAJU: US military vehicles cross Unification bridge, which leads to the demilitarized “This year’s exercise was far more aggressive WASHINGTON: Arnulfo Babiera applied for green card drama is the unfortunate conse- zone separating North Korea from South Korea near the border village of Panmunjom and public in nature than previous drills,” Lee a US green card a decade ago, in the hopes quence of a law that no longer corresponds Jae-Joung, who served as the South’s unification in Paju, South Korea, yesterday. The US-South Korean drills, which North Korea calls of reuniting with his sister, a naturalized citi- to the reality of the flow of immigrants into war preparations, ended Tuesday, the United States Forces Korea said. —AP minister from 2006 to 2008, said in a radio inter- view. zen. But at the current rate, his wait could the United States. Madeleine Sumption, an infuriated Pyongyang. The North did not respond to a plea by South “That prompted the North to take a more extend until 2027. Foreigners seeking to expert at the Migration Policy Institute, “The drill is over but the South Korean and US Korean businessmen to visit Kaesong yesterday aggressive stance in turn, sparking the whole immigrate to the United States under a fam- notes that between 4.3 million and 4.7 mil- militaries will continue to watch out for potential for talks aimed at averting its permanent closure, cycle of escalating tensions,” Lee added. South ily reunification program may however see lion people have earned the right to live in provocations by the North, including a missile according to Seoul, despite hopes of an easing Korea’s Yonhap news agency reported on changes on the horizon, with a new reform the United States on a permanent basis, but launch,” Seoul’s defence ministry spokesman Kim of tensions after the end of the drills. Sunday that North Korea appeared to be prepar- seeking to resolve the four million cases in have been unable to move here. Min-Seok told reporters. Pyongyang regularly denounces joint US- ing for a major live-fire military exercise of its limbo, like that of Babiera. But a draft immigration reform bill The North is still maintaining a number of South Korean exercises as a rehearsal for inva- own involving artillery units and air force jets. “That is my dream, going to the United unveiled earlier this month by a bipartisan missiles and missile launchers that were recently sion, but Seoul and Washington have insisted A North Korean artillery attack on a South States of America-to earn more, to support group of US senators includes a clause that moved to its east coast in apparent preparation the recent manoeuvres were defensive in nature. Korean island in November 2010 killed four peo- my family here. My income would be would speed up the processing of the fami- for a launch, Kim added. The Korean peninsula “With the military drills over, at least we can ple. Seoul also holds Pyongyang responsible for greater than it is here,” Babiera told AFP by ly green card applications. has been in a state of heightened military ten- worry less about any accidental clash develop- the sinking of one of its naval vessels with the telephone from his home in Davao, in the From late 2014, and by 2021, all pending sion since the North carried out its third nuclear ing into a full-scale war,” said Paik Hak-Soon, a loss of 46 sailors the same year. —AFP southern Philippines. Babiera, a 58-year-old green card petitions should be handled. employee of a recruitment agency, earned “The backlog is just not an efficient way to the right to come to the United States when run an immigration system, and yet because his sister Elizabeth filed a green card appli- the law has not changed for so long, it’s China says cation on his behalf in 2003. But US law become the defining characteristic of how places a cap on the number of green cards the policy functions here,” Sumption said. suspects met to each year granted to a specific country to For backers of immigration reform, it is seven percent of the total. There are so inconceivable to even think about creating study Quran many requests from China, Mexico, India a path to citizenship for the 11 million and the Philippines that the wait seems undocumented migrants in the United BEIJING: The perpetrators of deadly violence last week in endless. States before dealing with those who fol- China’s Xinjiang region held secret Quran study sessions and Applications are handled in the order in lowed rules and waited at home. possessed extremist religious literature, authorities said yester- which they are received. For Filipino siblings “They are at the back of the line. day, accusations likely to be used by Beijing as justification for of US citizens, immigration authorities are Everyone who applied before them legally its strict rules on Islam in the vast northwestern territory. now processing applications filed in goes first,” said Republican Senator Marco The claims came amid new revelations about the April 23 October 1989. Babiera could be waiting Rubio, a co-author of the bill. clash in which 25 assailants, police officers and local govern- another 14 years. For Mexican brothers and Whenever his green card comes ment workers were killed near the city of Kashgar. It was one sisters, authorities are looking at cases dat- through, Babiera will be one of the last for- of the deadliest incidents of violence in Xinjiang since nearly ing back to 1996. For the unmarried children eigners to get one via a brother or sister. 200 people were killed in a July 2009 ethnic riot in the regional capital, Urumqi. Police say they arrested 19 suspects and killed of US citizens, the backlog dates to April The reform proposal, which will be debated six others, all of them from the region’s native Turkic Uighur 2006, no matter what the nationality. in Congress in the coming months, calls for Muslim ethnic group. “I’ll be retired before he comes here, I the sibling green card clause to be aban- The group was led by Kasmu Memet, who began hosting think!” said 56-year-old Elizabeth Babiera, a doned. Only children and spouses of US citi- the Quran study sessions in September, according to an nurse who lives in the Washington suburbs. zens and permanent residents will qualify. account from the Xinjiang police that was posted to official “I have nobody here. I see the other fami- US lawmakers henceforth want to priori- websites. In March, they began manufacturing swords and lies, they have all their brothers and sisters tize immigration on the basis of employ- KUALA LUMPUR: Election campaign posters featuring Malaysian Prime conducting test explosions in preparation for carrying out a here, and I envy them.” The Babiera family ment, and not family ties. —AFP Minister Najib Razak and his ruling National Front are on display in a suburb major attack this summer in densely populated areas of of Kuala Lumpur, yesterday. Malaysia will hold general elections on May 5 in Kashgar, the account said. what could be the toughest test of the ruling coalition’s 56-year grip on Although official media accounts of the incident have dif- power in Southeast Asia’s third-largest economy. —AP fered, yesterday’s report said the clash began after govern- ment inspectors discovered bomb making materials. The inspectors were then grabbed by the attackers and forced into Anwar faces last, best their hideout. Other attackers then arrived at the hideout and ambushed officers rushing to the scene before setting the building on shot in Malaysia vote fire, killing those held inside, the report said. Two assailants were shot to death in the fighting. KUALA LUMPUR: Cast into the political wilder- faces a formidable, dug-in foe, yet many analysts Members of the group then began rampaging through a ness 15 years ago by Malaysia’s regime, Anwar say the result is too close to call. market in the area and attacked the local township govern- Ibrahim faces his best and possibly last shot at An opposition victory would cap a remarkable ment headquarters, leading to the shooting death of one vengeance in climactic elections on Sunday. journey for Anwar, whose chameleon career has attacker, the report said. Three others then attacked a police The former heir-apparent to the ruling United transformed Malaysian politics. barracks and records offices and were all killed, it said. Malays National Organisation (UMNO) is today its He was an Islamic student leader whose natu- The report did not further identify the literature that was most feared enemy, having galvanised a diverse ral political skills caught the eye of authoritarian found, but said the group also possessed three flags inscribed opposition that now dreams of unseating one of former premier Mahathir Mohamad, who domi- with slogans promoting Islamic holy war. the world’s longest-serving governments. nated Malaysia for 22 years and fast-tracked A sprawling region that borders Central Asia, Afghanistan “I can be crazy in some ways, partly because I Anwar to the top. have gone through a lot,” Anwar, 65, told AFP in an Morphing into a reformist who was lionised in and Pakistan, Xinjiang sees recurrent violence pitting mem- interview. “But I just want to prove that you can the West, Anwar looked set to succeed Mahathir. bers of the Turkic Muslim Uighur (pronounced WEE’-gur) run the country with good governance, eliminate But a 1998 power struggle between them, in group against the authorities and majority ethnic Han Chinese corruption... and make Malaysia a mature democ- which Anwar criticised cronyism and graft, saw migrants. Beijing says China faces an organized terrorist threat racy.” UMNO has towered over the moderate him unceremoniously sacked and later jailed on from radical Muslim groups supported from overseas, but has Muslim country through a coalition government sodomy and corruption charges widely seen as provided little hard evidence. Many believe violence to be the since independence from Britain in 1957, but politically motivated. product of resentments over Han migration, economic mar- faces rising pressure over corruption and authori- His appearance in court with a black eye trig- ginalization, and restrictions on Uighur culture and religious tarian tactics. gered global opprobrium and unprecedented life. China imposes a raft of religious restrictions on Uighur reli- Much of the credit for the changing landscape anti-government protests in Malaysia, deeply gious life, including barring children and government employ- goes to the mercurial Anwar, whose charisma, polarising its politics. ees from mosques, ordering young men to trim their beards oratorical skills and appeal across multi-ethnic “The groundswell in Malaysian society today is and banning the wearing of veils by women. Beijing says it Malaysia’s racial lines breathed life into a once- a direct result. Many people became disillusioned,” treats minorities fairly and spends billions of dollars on MANILA: A resident carries their television as their area caught fire in subur- hapless opposition. said Ooi Kee Beng of the Institute of Southeast improving living standards in minority areas. — AP ban Quezon city, north of Manila, Philippines yesterday. Fire officials are still His three-party Pakatan Rakyat (People’s Pact) Asian Studies in Singapore. —AFP investigating the cause which left about 200 families homeless. —AP NEWS WEDNESDAY, MAY 1, 2013 Africans to lose as US axes visa... Palestinian killed in Gaza Continued from Page 1 But Michael Fix of the Migration Policy Institute said: “It really probably won’t By comparison, in the same period admit enough people to offset the only 10 percent of Europeans who effects of the loss of the diversity visa for by targeted Israeli strike became permanent residents and 3 per- some years after that. “It’s a long time cent of Asians did so through the lottery. away. It won’t be immediately offset by “It has proven to be a way of helping any means.” In West Bank, Palestinian stabs settler to death those who come from the continent of The diversity visas would vanish start- Africa, those who come from a number ing next year under the reform being GAZA/JERUSALEM: Israel yesterday launched of other areas where it is very difficult to negotiated. Only four percent of African its first targeted attack on a militant in Gaza get a visa,” said Sheila Jackson Lee, a immigrants - compared to 21 percent of since a war in November, killing a Palestinian member of the Congressional Black Asians and 22 percent of Europeans - jihadist in an air strike that put further strain on Caucus, whose members are all received a green card for employment a five-month-old ceasefire. There was also Democrats. But in an effort to preserve reasons in 2012. The National Association bloodshed in the Israeli-occupied West Bank, the comprehensive reform being negoti- for the Advancement of Colored People where for the first time since 2011, a Palestinian ated for months by the two parties, the says the number of African immigrants killed a Jewish settler. Israeli soldiers shot and Democrats and President Barack Obama will go down even with the merit-based wounded the attacker after he stabbed the agreed to ditch the lottery. system. “In essence, we’re concerned,” man at a busy intersection. Both incidents held Representative Charles Schumer, who said Hilary Shelton, the NAACP the potential of wider confrontation - along the authored the program in 1990, said it Washington bureau director. Dame Gaza frontier, where factions linked to al Qaeda was impossible to keep it. Schumer said Babou, who hosts a radio show that have been carrying out intermittent rocket the system that will replace it in 2017 is caters to Senegalese people in New York, attacks, and in the West Bank, where clashes merit-based and will also give Africans a said the scrapping of the lottery is dis- between stone-throwing Palestinians and the chance. On average they are more edu- heartening for Africans. “Every year many Israeli military intensified in recent months. cated than people from other continents. people thought this was going to be Israel said the Palestinian killed in the air And English-speaking Africans would get their year,” Babou said. “Again, what is strike, Haitham Al-Meshal, 29, was a jihadi who a boost because of that language skill. being eliminated is hope.” — AFP was an expert in making rockets. It accused him of involvement in a rocket attack from Egypt’s Obama vows new bid to shut... Sinai peninsula against Israel’s Red Sea resort of Eilat on April 17, which had caused no injuries URIF: Palestinians carry a wounded man during clashes with Israeli settlers in this West Continued from Page 1 suade Congress to find a way to close the or damage. “I had said we would not sit by qui- Bank village near Nablus yesterday after an Israeli settler was stabbed to death. — AFP Guantanamo prison, which was set up by etly and let this pass ... we will not accept a driz- and a dangerous escalation”, but he urged tory after the incident. “They are throwing Out of 166 inmates held at the prison at his predecessor, George W Bush, to hold zle of fire from Gaza or from Sinai,” Prime Egypt to press Israel “to abide by calm and stop stones and attempted to set a house on fire. the remote US naval base in southeastern those captured in Afghanistan and else- Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said after the the aggression”. They also hurled rocks at a school bus and Cuba, 100 are on hunger strike, according where after the attacks of Sept 11, 2001. strike. In the nearby West Bank, the killing of Eviatar smashed its windows. The situation is going to the latest tally from military officers. And “I’m going to reengage with Congress to try In Gaza, Meshal’s body was wrapped in a Borovsky, 31, stoked anger among settlers, who from bad to worse. A mosque was also of those, 21 detainees are being fed to make the case that this is not something black flag of the Salafi factions after the air complained the military had failed to respond attacked,” Daghlas said. through nasal tubes. “I don’t want these that’s in the best interest of the American strike, near a Hamas training camp. “The Sword strongly to mounting stone-throwing incidents. Nine Palestinians have been killed by Israeli individuals to die. Obviously, the Pentagon people. And it is not sustainable.” Obama of Islam” Salafi group, threatened to avenge his Borovsky’s attacker, who a military spokesman forces in the West Bank since the beginning of is trying to manage the situation as best as warned the situation would only get worse death, saying “the response will come very said grabbed his weapon after stabbing him, the year, mainly in clashes that have risen they can, but I think all of us should reflect and said it made no sense to hold more soon”. An Islamist website that carries state- was identified as Salam Assad Az-Zaghal of the sharply in recent months, raising fears that a on why exactly are we doing this,” he said. than 100 people in a “no man’s land” indefi- ments from Al-Qaeda-related groups, described mainstream Fatah movement. Palestinian offi- third popular uprising, or Intifada, might be in Obama has long argued for prosecuting nitely - even after the withdrawal of US Meshal as a leader of Magles Shoura Al- cials said he was released two months ago from the offing. The Palestinians want to establish a enemy combatants in civilian courts and forces from Iraq and soon in Afghanistan. It Mujahideen, which claimed responsibility for an Israeli prison after serving a 3-1/2-year term. state in the West Bank, the Gaza Strip and East transferring those cleared of wrongdoing is “contrary to who we are and our interests the Eilat hit. Hamas appeared to take softer Ghassan Daghlas, a Palestinian official in the Jerusalem, territories Israel captured in a 1967 tone. A spokesman for the movement, Fawzi to their home countries. As a candidate in and it needs to stop,” Obama said, adding: West Bank city of Nablus, said settlers launched war. Peace talks between the sides broke down Barhoum, said the Israeli attack was “unjustified 2008, Obama pledged to close the jail and “It is a hard case to make.” “large-scale attacks” in four villages in the terri- in 2010. — Reuters announced plans to close Guantanamo Rights groups, which have long immediately after entering office in 2009. branded the prison as a legal “black But a majority of lawmakers, particularly hole”, welcomed Obama’s remarks. “The Republicans, have insisted the jail should writing is on the wall. It’s time for the stay open, that the detainees are too dan- failed Guantanamo experiment to end gerous to hold on the US mainland and and for our nation to return to the values that the suspects should only be tried that have kept us strong,” Daphne before military tribunals. Eviatar of Human Rights First said in a Obama said he would try again to per- statement. — AFP Willem-Alexander is sworn...

Continued from Page 1 ble with around a million visitors flooding the city’s streets and canals to mark the “many beautiful years during which she abdication and enthronement. Over 10,000 was our queen.” “I’m treading in your foot- police have been deployed in Amsterdam, steps. I have a clear vision of my office. But with authorities saying they had arrested no one knows what the future brings,” he 70 people since Monday. The monarchy is said. “Wherever that path leads and howev- popular in the Netherlands, but some ques- er far it goes, I will carry your wisdom and tion the cost of the royal household and warmth with me,” he said. The king swore republicans are seeking to get the king’s “to preserve the independence and territo- Ä825,000 million tax-free salary reduced. ry of the kingdom to the best of my ability While Beatrix was known for her formal ... so help me God.” His ermine-lined cloak court, Willem-Alexander has already said has been criticised by animal rights that he will not be a “protocol fetishist”. activists in the Netherlands, but Willem- Beatrix’s enthronement in 1980 was marred Alexander noted that it is old and so no by violent protests and running street bat- blood had recently been shed for it. tles over a housing crisis that left the city MPs and senators then swore an oath to looking like a war zone. Anti-royalists this the king, although 16 MPs have refused to time have been allotted six locations in do so saying they have already pledged Amsterdam to stage protests. But only allegiance to the constitution. A who’s who around 100 republicans turned up for a of royals-in-waiting, including Britain’s protest at just one of the locations, an AFP Prince Charles, Spain’s Prince Felipe and correspondent reported. Japan’s Prince Naruhito and his wife, Crown Preparations for the day had been over- Princess Masako, attended the ceremony. shadowed by a rancorous debate about the Princess Masako is on her first trip abroad event’s official song, known as the in nearly seven years, while Prince Charles Koningslied, which many considered ill-fit- also attended Beatrix’s enthronement in ting, with its mix of traditional and rap 1980. Former UN secretary general Kofi music. The nation was to sing the Annan and International Olympic Koningslied as one yesterday evening, just Committee head Jacques Rogge also before the royal family headed off on a attended. water pageant behind Amsterdam’s central Police escorted two republicans from in train station. front of the royal palace shortly before the Maxima is largely responsible for hav- abdication after they brandished a large ing made her husband popular after an sign reading: “I’m not a subject”. They were allegedly boozy youth which earned him escorted to an authorised protest area but the nickname “Prince Pils”. Ever smiling, police later apologised for detaining the she has mastered the Dutch language anti-monarchists. Willem-Alexander is the and even taken a charity swim in first Dutch king since 1890 and the first of a Amsterdam’s canals, endearing herself new wave of relatively youthful European further in a country that expects their monarchs. “Beatrix has been queen for 33 royals to be at once normal and regal. years, our queen,” Ruud, 49, told AFP on the Speaking ahead of the enthronement, Dam after the abdication, a tear in his eye. Willem-Alexander said that “people can “She was a stabilising factor and a symbol address me as they wish because then of our country. It’s sad to see her go after all they can feel comfortable”. He stressed he these years, a page in our collective history wanted to “be a king that can bring socie- is turning.” ty together, representative and encour- Amsterdam’s population was set to dou- aging in the 21st century”. — AFP

Deporting expats for traffic...

Continued from Page 1 ner. “Expats have outstanding roles in var- ious fields in Kuwait,” he said, expressing be considered as a violation of the his wish that annually deporting 100,000 law,” Turaiji said. MP Khaled Hussein Al- expats will not be done arbitrarily and Shatti also urged the government not to become a black spot in Kuwait’s human mistreat expats and clearly explain how it rights record. Shatti expressed surprise plans to carry out its strategy to annually over deporting expats for committing deport 100,000 expats. “We are totally traffic violations and stressed that this with adjusting the imbalance in our pop- step might open the way wide for wasta, ulation, deporting marginal unnecessary favoritism and abuse of powers in viola- labor and fighting visa traffickers. I tion of basic human rights. strongly support law enforcement on In another development, the National whoever violates the state’s laws, yet at Assembly yesterday passed a law calling the same time am against arbitrarily to establish a Public Food Authority that tightening the screws on expats,” he said, will control the food sector, especially expressing his full rejection of “insulting” combating imports of expired foodstuff. expats by deporting them. “Laws must be The Assembly also approved another law applied in compliance with international to amend the commercial licences legis- human rights and values,” he emphasized. lation issued more than 40 years ago and Shatti agreed on measures to reduce Commerce and Industry Minister Anas Al- the number of marginal laborers who Saleh said the law will be implemented in have no work or jobs in Kuwait, provided less than three months to end red tape in this is done legally and in a civilized man- issuing commercial licences. 14 WEDNESDAY, MAY 1, 2013 ANALYSIS

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Issues

Maze behind EU ‘treaty change’

By Luke Baker

f there are two words that tense the jaws of European pol- Iicymakers and prompt a concerned sucking of teeth, they are treaty change. Like a nervous driver being told mid- route that he needs a different map if he’s going to get where he’s going, no one is sure whether the outcome will be road rage, a car crash or a smoother, if longer, journey. So when German Finance Minister Wolfgang Schaeuble spoke his mind during a meeting in Dublin on April 13 and said a change to the EU’s treaty was necessary if Europe was to Italy’s politics turned upside down build a fully-fledged banking union, there was more than a little angst in the corridors of Brussels. By Barry Moody In Schaeuble’s view, banking union - originally a three- for the re-election of President Giorgio manding lead before the election and skilful way ... he is losing popularity. It is step plan to create a single eurozone banking supervisor, a Napolitano against the 87-year-old head then obstinately pursued a policy of not a good moment for him,” Pasquino unified system for resolving problem banks and a single ive months ago, Silvio Berlusconi of state’s own wishes, as the only way to forging an alliance with Grillo, despite said. deposit-guarantee scheme - only makes sense if there are Fwas in steep decline and his party end a two-month impasse since the repeated rebuffs. Bersani’s problem is at Success by Letta could further under- strict rules for restructuring and winding up bad lenders. was in shambles. His centre-left election. the core of why the centre-left is falling mine Grillo. Letta, 46, has always operat- Since those are not explicitly laid out in existing law, some enemies looked triumphant and sat on a Berlusconi’s loyal protege Angelino apart. Its former communist left wing ed very much out of the limelight but he changes would have to be made to the fundamental under- 15-point opinion poll lead. Today that Alfano is Letta’s deputy and the billion- would not swallow the idea of allying is a respected, pro-European politician pinnings of the union, he argued. “If we want European insti- situation has turned 180 degrees. The aire businessman has effective power of with its traditional enemy Berlusconi from the Democratic Party’s right wing tutions for that,” said the lawyer, who measures his words centre-left is devastated by divisions and life and death over the government, giv- and although it is now apparently recon- and his government does appear to carefully, “we will need a treaty change.” the 76-year-old media tycoon has an ing him strong leverage to push through ciled to the Letta government, the party meet many of the electorate’s demands As with all pronouncements from Schaeuble over the opinion poll lead ranging from five to the centre-right’s policies led by aboli- could still collapse at any time. for change. He is the third youngest past three years of crisis, the first question on policymakers’ eight points. The extraordinary upset is tion of a hated housing tax. In his inau- The biggest winner of all is President Italian prime minister, and his cabinet lips was whether he was speaking for himself, as he often the result of powerful aftershocks from gural speech on Monday, Letta quickly Napolitano, who has succeeded in fend- line-up has an average age of 53 in con- does, or if his views were shared by Chancellor Angela an electoral earthquake in February nodded to this demand by blocking the ing off further uncertainty in a snap new trast to the much older composition of Merkel and represented a new red line. In this case, the when the populist 5-Star Movement next instalment of the tax in June election and installing the coalition gov- most governments. It also has a record answer remains unclear. Merkel has not expressed a defini- swept up a huge protest vote against although he did not commit to abolish- ernment he wanted as a bulwark against number of 7 women ministers out of 21. tive position on the issue, at least not in public, and senior Italy’s politicians and grabbed an ing it. “Berlusconi can kill the govern- Grillo’s anti-establishment party. It contains many lesser known faces, officials in Brussels who have regular contact with Berlin say they are still unsure how to read the signals emanating from unprecedented 25 percent to become ment from one day to the next,” respect- “Napolitano has been decisive. If it had meeting voters’ demands for the end of the chancellery. But in a sign that she has her doubts about the third force in parliament. ed commentator Sergio Romano told not been for him we would now be in a dominance by a corrupt political “caste”. the direction policy is moving in, especially ahead of elec- Now that the dust is starting to settle Reuters. major constitutional crisis,” Professor If Letta succeeds in maintaining unity tions in September when she will seek a third term, last week with the inauguration of a new broad- This power is not unqualified, howev- Gianfranco Pasquino of Johns Hopkins in the uncomfortable left-right coalition, Merkel ruled out the deposit-guarantee part of the banking based coalition government led by cen- er. Berlusconi has resisted heavy pres- University told Reuters. The former com- pushes through pro-growth policies, plan “for now”. tre-left politician Enrico Letta, it is possi- sure from his own party hardliners to go munist, dubbed “King George”, has rein- repeals the electoral law and makes oth- That in itself was not a huge surprise. The idea of a fund ble to see more clearly the winners and straight to elections, because doing so forced his status as Italy’s most popular er vital constitutional changes, he could where euro zone countries effectively cross-guarantee one losers from one of the most turbulent with the current flawed electoral law politician by far. pick up powerful momentum that would another’s deposits was always going to make Germany and periods in recent Italian political history. could end up with him in the same situa- The whole formation of the Letta gov- be bad news for Grillo. “I am convinced other northern European countries queasy, as it could mean One of the winners is Berlusconi. He has tion as the centre-left, which won a ernment is down to Napolitano’s protec- Grillo’s votes are borrowed votes, protest them bailing out a string of shaky, highly indebted banking gone from a pale, indecisive figure last whisker thin majority in February but tion and the assurances he wrung from votes, votes denied to somebody else. If systems to the south. But it was the first time Merkel had autumn to a position of strong influence was then left unable to rule. In addition, the parties in exchange for his agree- the government does well, if the situa- been so explicit and again raised doubts about her overall over Letta’s government, helped greatly Berlusconi seems intent on projecting ment to stay on as president. Castigating tion improves, if they change the trend commitment to banking union, which many see as the most by the implosion of the centre-left and an image of statesmanlike restraint and politicians for their failures in his own of unemployment and Letta gains popu- important initiative Europe has undertaken to resolve the his own astonishing resurgence since he responsibility. The electorate is bitterly inaugural speech a week ago, larity, Grillo’s votes will melt away,” crisis. So what does Germany want? Does it really want was forced from power in November angry at the economic pain of a deep Napolitano clearly threatened to resign Romano said. treaty change, or is Schaeuble just bringing it up to stall on 2011 as Italy faced a major financial recession and demands immediate if they did not act responsibly and form Letta’s momentum could also be bad banking union? And if Germany were to get treaty change, meltdown. action to relaunch the economy rather a government. Beppe Grillo’s storming news for Florence mayor Matteo Renzi, would it suddenly like banking union more? When quizzed, The four-times former premier’s unri- than a return to uncertainty and elec- success in February’s election may have 38, who had seemed set to be the cen- hesitant policymakers in Brussels - after clenching their jaws valled political and communication tioneering. Romano says Berlusconi has been diluted since, although he remains tre-left’s candidate in new elections but and sucking their teeth - shrug apologetically. They wish they knew what Germany really wanted. But they do know skills, despite the reputational damage also not given up his ambition to be the a danger to the traditional politicians. faces a far more difficult potential target two things: German elections are coming up and Germany’s from a string of sex and corruption scan- next Italian president, with Napolitano A series of missteps during the latest in Letta than Bersani, as long as the new constitutional court will probably have to be consulted, dals, are in stark contrast to the bungles very unlikely to continue for a full 7-year stage of the crisis, including some ill- prime minister survives. While Renzi especially on the single resolution scheme. “Germany has of hapless centre-left leader Pier Luigi term. judged inflammatory statements, may remains a potential game changer as a always had cold feet about banking union,” says one EU offi- Bersani. Berlusconi had consistently said Undoubtedly the biggest loser is the have lost him support and the formation dynamic and articulate politician, he cial, convinced that Berlin is determined to stall until after since the election that a grand coalition colourless and uninspiring Democratic of a credible government by establish- may now have to wait longer before he the Sept. 22 vote, if not long beyond. was the only way out of a vote that end- Party (PD) leader Bersani, who has ment parties looks like a setback for him. can move to centre-stage although he is Yet the reason why the words “treaty change” cause so ed with parliament divided three ways resigned after seeing party rebels sabo- “Grillo is now sliding towards the losing still in pole position to take over the PD much consternation is not so much down to the nitty-gritty and no group able to govern alone. He tage his two choices for president. side because he has not really used the leadership from Bersani at a vote in the of banking union. It’s about the interplay of member states was also one of those pushing hardest Bersani had already thrown away a com- parliamentary power he has in a very autumn. — Reuters and the very real risk that a minor opening of the treaty leads to a full-scale renegotiation of all 27 nations’ ties to the union - the dreaded opening of Pandora’s Box. The European Commission has said it is “100 percent sure” that it has the Assad fall would be best option for Israel legal grounds to implement banking union without chang- By John Davison ing the treaty. powerful paramilitary force” opposing jihadists becoming a dominant force in a worrying than the “possibility of chemi- But if Germany is convinced otherwise and other mem- Israel in the region, Spyer said. Earlier this future Syria,” Herzog cautioned. But cal or non-chemical weapons falling into ber states take its line, it may be impossible to move ahead rebel victory in Syria’s civil war month, Israel implicitly admitted carrying Assad clinging onto power would “out- wrong hands. This is a much more com- without biting the bullet and tinkering with the fundamen- Awould be the most positive out- out a January air weigh the risk of Islamist ele- plicated challenge to deal with,” said tal law, a trying and cumbersome process that, depending come for Israel despite fears of strike on a ments coming to the fore. Herzog. Eli Karmon, a senior fellow at the on how it is done, can take up to 18 months or more. That instability and a stronger jihadist pres- weapons convoy in Of course that’s not some- Institute for Policy and Strategy in immediately raises questions of timing. ence on the Golan should the regime col- Syria thought to thing Israelis would like to Herzliya, also saw the fallout of Assad’s If Germany is in election mode until September, no seri- lapse, analysts say. The Syrian conflict has be en route to see... (but they) have to ouster as a more manageable threat. ous discussions on either banking union or treaty change increasingly affected the Jewish state, as Lebanon’s choose between two “The most important thing is to see the can take place until the end of the year, at the earliest. But alarm mounts over the deployment of Hezbollah - a evils,” he said. fall of the regime. This will provoke ... the the next round of European Parliament elections will be held President Bashar Al-Assad’s chemical long-time A victorious weakening of Iran’s strategic position in in May 2014 and the European Commission and European weapons arsenal and the potential for it Damascus ally. jihadist-dominat- the Middle East... and Hezbollah will be Council will be reappointed only a few months later, making to fall into the hands of non-state mili- Mike Herzog, ed rebel force much more isolated and under pressure,” it all but impossible to have progress on any substantive tant groups. The conflict has split the former head of would not be he said. Karmon acknowledged the issue until the new leadership is in place. That moves the Israeli defence community into two strategic planning able to form as opposing view in certain defence and debate into early 2015, which puts it in close proximity to camps - those who oppose the fall of in the Israeli army cohesive and strategic circles. “There are some who Britain’s next election, expected in the spring of that year. Assad, and those who see his ouster as and a fellow at the large-scale a think the best thing would be to have Prime Minister David Cameron has already promised voters less dangerous for Israel. Washington threat to Israel as the regime and opposition fighting as a referendum on Britain’s membership of the EU, as long as But experts believe a rebel victory Institute for Near Assad, Iran and long as possible in order to weaken (both he is reelected and once he has renegotiated the UK’s rela- tionship with the rest of the union - a promise already caus- would have the best geostrategic impli- East Policy, agreed. Hezbollah working of) them,” he told AFP. ing consternation from Berlin to Budapest.—Reuters cations for Israel. “The defence advan- “Israel would be together, Herzog said. In any case, Israel cannot decisively tages of Assad going outweigh the better off without “There are other ele- influence the outcome of the Syrian con- potential security risks,” said Jonathan the Assad regime,” ments in Syria. It’s a very flict, the analysts noted, saying the best All articles appearing on these Spyer, a senior researcher at the Global he said, describing complex mixture of ethnic course of action for the Jewish state was Research in International Affairs Centre in the Syrian president and sectarian groups. It’s to avoid involvement unless its security is pages are the personal opinion of Herzliya, near Tel Aviv. The split in the as “a lynchpin” more likely to go in the directly threatened. Israel has already the writers. Kuwait Times takes no intelligence community “to some degree connecting Iran direction of... areas con- responded with fire to mortar and small responsibility for views expressed reflects the split that existed prior to the and Hezbollah. “If trolled by different arms fire spilling over the ceasefire line in therein. Kuwait Times invites read- uprising in Syria,” Spyer said. “The Assad the regime col- elements. We’re the occupied Golan Heights this year. ers to voice their opinions. Please regime is a dangerous force because of lapses this will be more likely to see What is assumed in government is that its alliance with Iran” but it is “not fanati- a very serious this scenario than a “40 years of quiet along the northern send submissions via email to: opin- cal,” and has never supported hardline blow to Iran, central government border will come to an end,” Herzog said. [email protected] or via snail Islamist groups such as those leading the Hezbollah and with control over At that stage, “both sides in the Israeli mail to PO Box 1301 Safat, Kuwait. rebel fighting. These groups pose the the whole axis. the whole of Syria,” (intelligence) discussion would have to The editor reserves the right to edit lesser risk, he maintains. “The presence of “This doesn’t he said. The per- agree on the practical measures needed fledgling armed groups on the border... come without ceived jihadist to be taken, which would boil down to any submission as necessary. is a concern. But Assad going would be a risks - the risk of threat, whilst a con- strengthening border security,” said blow to Hezbollah, which is the most Islamists and cern, was far less Spyer. — AFP SPORTS WEDNESDAY, MAY 1, 2013

Fernando gets eight-year ban FIFA’s Anti-Racism panel Habana to join Toulon BERNE: FIFA executive committee member Vernon Manilal Fernando of Sri Lanka ZURICH: Internationals Kevin-Prince Boateng of Ghana and Jozy PARIS: Heineken Cup finalists Toulon’s foreign shopping spree continued yester- has been banned for eight years for unethical behavior, soccer’s governing body said Altidore of the United States, who have both been racially abused day when they signed South Africa winger Bryan Habana for the next two sea- yesterday. Fernando was suspended following a two-day hearing of the FIFA ethics while playing, were named as part of FIFA’s new anti-racism Task sons. committee adjudicatory chamber, chaired by Hans-Joachim Eckert. “He was found Force yesterday. The group, launched by FIFA president Sepp Blatter “After Australian wing Drew Mitchell, South African Bryan Habana will garnish guilty of several breaches of the FIFA code of ethics,” FIFA said in a statement. last month is being chaired by Jeffrey Webb, the president of CON- the ranks of the ‘Red and Black’ for the next two seasons,” Toulon said in a state- Fernando joined the executive committee in 2011 at the same Congress in which CACAF, the confederation responsible for soccer in North and ment on their website (www.rctoulon.com). Western Province/Stormers wing president Sepp Blatter was re-elected for a fourth mandate and pledged to clean up Central America and the Caribbean. Habana, 29, won the 2007 World Cup with the Springboks and was voted the FIFA. Fernando was provisionally banned in March while Michael Garcia, head of the English Premier League referee Howard Webb, Theo Van International Rugby Board (IRB) player of that year. ethics committee’s investigative chamber, examined an alleged Seggelen, the head of the global players union FIFPro, Marcel Last week, Toulon announced that Australia wing Mitchell misuse of Asian Football Confederation (AFC) funds, a Mathier, chairman of FIFA’s disciplinary committee and Claudio would join for the next two seasons from Waratahs. Mitchell, source close to FIFA said at the time. Sulser, former chairman of FIFA’s ethics committee, are also on the Fernando was a close ally of former FIFA executive who has 60 caps with the Wallabies, will join during the 12-man panel. David Bernstein, the outgoing chairman of the European autumn, after the Four Nations. committee member and AFC president Mohamed Bin English FA is included as is Piara Powar, the head of European anti- Hammam. Both will reinforce the Toulon wings as Rudolffe Nicholas racism body FARE. Blatter, announcing the Task Force when he visit- Bin Hammam was banned from football for life by Wulf, Benjamin Lapeyre and David Smith all have limited inter- FIFA following his involvement in the 2011 bribery ed Edinburgh last month, said there had to be stronger sanctions in national experience. Habana has scored 47 tries from 82 scandal when he was standing against Blatter for force to tackle racism. caps with South Africa. Toulon, who are backed by president. “We have seen that fines achieve little, but point deductions and president Mourad Boudjellal’s personal money, have Bin Hammam pulled out of the election over a exclusion from competitions could be more effective measures,” he been relying on foreign players to mount their Top cash-for-votes scandal at a meeting in Port of Spain. said. UEFA General Secretary Gianni Infantino said earlier this month 14 and European Cup challenge. Fernando accompanied Bin Hammam on his ill-fated it was planning to introduce a minimum 10-game ban for anyone Only four French players featured in the Toulon trip to Trinidad which precipitated the Qatari’s found guilty of racism and that clubs could be forced to close part team who beat Saracens 24-12 in the Heineken downfall. — Reuters or all of their stadiums if fans racially abused players. — Reuters Cup semi-finals on Saturday.—Reuters Athletics down Angels

OAKLAND: Brandon Moss hit his second home run of the night with two outs in the bottom of the 19th inning to give the Oakland Athletics a 10-8 victory over the Los Angeles Angels early Tuesday in the longest major league game of the season. The teams were on the field for 6 hours, 32 minutes in a marathon game that ended at 1:41 a.m. on the West Coast. By time, it was the longest game ever played in Oakland - and the longest in Angels history. Oakland slugger Yoenis Cespedes singled off the left- center wall against closer Ernesto Frieri to drive in the tying run with two outs in the bottom of the ninth. Los Angeles went ahead 8-7 in the 15th on Brett Anderson’s bases-loaded walk to J.B. Shuck, but the A’s tied it in the bottom half on Adam Rosales’ two-out single off Jerome Williams after a costly error by first baseman Albert Pujols. Pujols homered twice earlier in the game and finished with four hits and three RBIs. Mark Trumbo also went deep for the Angels ATLANTA: Braves shortstop Andrelton Simmons (19) throws to first base from the and added a two-run double. infield dirt to force out Washington Nationals shortstop Ian Desmond during the The A’s finally pulled it out on Moss’ two- ninth inning. — AP run shot off Barry Enright (0-1), making his first big league appearance this season. Braves win over Nationals Jerry Blevins (2-0) worked 1 2-3 scoreless innings for the victory. It was the longest ATLANTA: Andrelton Simmons hit a tiebreak- Scott Hairston also homered for the Cubs. game in the majors since the Pittsburgh ing sacrifice fly in the seventh inning, then Kevin Gregg got the final out of the eighth Pirates won 6-3 in 19 innings at St. Louis on made an eye-popping play to start the ninth with runners on second and third and worked Aug. 19 last year, according to STATS. as the Atlanta Braves beat the Washington a perfect ninth for his fourth save. After a 5-13 Nationals 3-2 on Monday night and ended start to the season, the Cubs have won five of INDIANS 9, ROYALS 0 OAKLAND: Athleticsí Brandon Moss hits a game winning two-run home run against the Los their four-game losing streak. seven. In Kansas City, Ubaldo Jimenez pitched Angeles Angels during the nineteenth inning of a baseball game. — AP Atlanta beat the Nationals for the eighth Michael Bowden (1-1) got the win in relief into the eighth inning, Ryan Raburn hit two Brandon Barnes and Corporan had two-run Pelfrey (2-3) allowed four runs and seven hits straight time dating to last season. The Braves of Jeff Samardzija, who struck out eight in five home runs and Cleveland routed Kansas City doubles and Barnes added an RBI single and a in 5 1-3 innings. Josh Willingham went deep swept three games at Washington earlier this innings. Clayton Richard (0-3) gave up five to split their four-game series. double. Barnes and Corporan each set career for Minnesota. month. runs and seven hits in 5 2-3 innings. Raburn hit a three-run shot in the fifth highs for hits and RBIs. Houston bounced Washington’s Stephen Strasburg ended his inning and a solo homer in the eighth. He fin- back from a four-game sweep in Boston with MARINERS 6, ORIOLES 2 career-worst streak of losses in four straight GIANTS 6, DIAMONDBACKS 4 ished with four hits and Jason Kipnis also starts. He allowed two runs in six innings. In Phoenix, Brandon Belt hit a two-run sin- an enthusiastic win over the Yankees, who In Seattle, Michael Saunders homered in went deep to pace a suddenly potent Indians had just taken four straight from Toronto. his first at-bat since coming off the disabled Nationals manager Davey Johnson said the gle in the eighth inning, helping San Francisco offense. pitcher has a little tightness in his right fore- beat Arizona to end a five-game losing streak. The Astros had 17 hits in improving the AL’s list and Joe Saunders pitched his eighth Not that all the offense was needed. arm and was seen by a doctor after his start. Belt also had a solo homer in the second worst record to 8-18. Lucas Harrell (3-2) career complete game to lead Seattle over Johnson said the hard-throwing righty will be against Ian Kennedy. The first baseman broke Jimenez (1-2) allowed only two walks and an pitched 6 1-3 innings to get the victory. Baltimore in front of the smallest crowd in given medication. Strasburg, who is 1-4 with a a 4-all tie in the eighth after Brad Ziegler (1-1) infield single by Billy Butler over his first seven Vernon Wells had an RBI single in the sixth for Safeco Field history. 3.13 ERA, said he’ll be able to make his next gave up a leadoff double to Nick Noonan and innings. Otherwise, he kept the Royals off bal- New York. Kyle Seager had a two-run triple and Jason scheduled start. walked two. ance in a dazzling start that brought back Bay added three hits as the Mariners won Jordan Walden (1-0) struck out three in 1 2- Marco Scutaro had three hits and scored memories of the pitcher who once threw a TIGERS 4, TWINS 3 their third straight game for their longest win- 3 hitless innings. Craig Kimbrel closed for his two runs for the World Series champions. Jean no-hitter for the Colorado Rockies. In Detroit, Prince Fielder’s three-run homer ning streak of the season. Their latest victory ninth save. Tyler Clippard (1-1) took the loss. Machi (1-0) pitched a perfect seventh for his Meanwhile, Wade Davis (2-2) made a sec- in the sixth inning put Detroit ahead, and the came in front of 9,818 fans at the 14-year-old first major league win and Sergio Romo ond straight miserable start for the Royals. Tigers held on for their fourth straight win. ballpark. REDS 2, CARDINALS 1 worked the ninth for his ninth save. The The right-hander allowed eight runs, 12 hits Detroit trailed 3-1 when Andy Dirks Matt Wieters hit a two-run homer for In St Louis, Mat Latos outpitched Adam Diamondbacks scored all four of their runs in and three walks in 4 2-3 innings. reached on a bunt single and Miguel Cabrera Baltimore. Zach Britton (0-1) gave up six runs Wainwright, extending his scoreless innings the fourth inning on homers off Matt Cain. walked. Fielder hit the first pitch to left-center and 10 hits over six innings in his first start of streak to 17, and Cincinnati got an RBI apiece Jason Kubel had a two-run shot and Eric ASTROS 9, YANKEES 1 for an opposite-field homer. That part of the the season after being called up from Triple-A from Joey Votto and Xavier Paul in a victory Chavez and Martin Prado each hit a solo drive. In New York, Carlos Corporan homered fence is about 405 feet from home plate. Norfolk. Joe Saunders (2-3) yielded his first over St. Louis. among his four hits and drove in four runs to Max Scherzer (3-0) allowed three runs and earned run at Safeco Field this season in his Aroldis Chapman worked a perfect ninth MARLINS 4, METS 3 lead Houston. In their first game at Yankee six hits in 7 1-3 innings. He struck out 10 with- third home start, but went the distance for the for his sixth save, finishing off the third road In Miami, Nick Green hit a game-winning Stadium as an AL team, the Astros peppered out a walk. Drew Smyly finished the eighth first time since April 27, 2012. He allowed four victory in 11 games for the Reds and handing sacrifice fly and Miami rallied for two runs in Andy Pettitte (3-2) for 10 hits and seven runs, and got the first two outs of the ninth before hits, walked one and struck out two while St. Louis its third straight loss. the 15th inning to hand New York its fifth con- both season highs for the left-hander. Yadier Molina had three of the Cardinals’ secutive loss. Joaquin Benoit earned his second save. Mike improving to 8-0 at the Mariners’ home.—AP seven hits, including an RBI double off Marlins slugger Giancarlo Stanton limped Jonathan Broxton that produced their first run out of the game in the 10th inning with a in 17 innings. St. Louis stranded 10 runners. strained right hamstring and was placed on Wainwright (4-2) trailed just six pitches in. the 15-day disabled list after the game. Pishchalnikova given He walked two, one intentionally, after issuing Miami trailed 3-2 when Greg Dobbs sin- just one free pass in 37 1-3 innings over his gled with one out in the 15th against Shaun first five starts. Marcum (0-2), a starter working out of the Latos (2-0) worked around five hits and bullpen after the Mets ran out of relievers. 10-year doping ban three walks in his sixth quality start in as many Justin Ruggiano walked and Rob Brantly hit an outings this season. The Reds have scored just RBI single to right. four runs in his last three appearances. Green followed with a fly ball to left field, MOSCOW: Olympic discus silver medallist and Ruggiano scored easily. Green also tied Darya Pishchalnikova has been given a 10-year BREWERS 10, PIRATES 4 the game with a sac fly in the ninth against doping ban after failing a drugs test for the In Milwaukee, Brewers pitcher Yovani Mets closer Bobby Parnell, preventing Matt second time, the Russian athletics federation Gallardo hit one of five home runs for Harvey from improving to 5-0. (VFLA) said yesterday. A sample taken from Milwaukee, which went back-to-back twice The Mets went 1 for 18 with runners in Pishchalnikova in May last year was re-tested against Pittsburgh. scoring position. The lone hit was Ruben and proved positive for the anabolic steroid Gallardo (3-1) also tossed three-hit ball Tejada’s infield single to score the tiebreaking oxandrolone, the VFLA said on its website over seven innings, retiring his final 13 batters run with two outs in the 15th. New York’s oth- (www.rusathletics.com). while improving to 10-2 against Pittsburgh. er runs were driven in by John Buck, who tied The VFLA annulled all of Pishchalnikova’s He and Norichika Aoki hit consecutive homers a team record with his ninth home run in results from May 20, 2012, meaning she is set in the fourth before Carlos Gomez and April. to lose her London Olympic medal. Yuniesky Betancourt repeated the feat in the The Marlins grounded into five double The Russian served a doping ban of two fifth. plays. Jon Rauch (1-2) gave up one run in years nine months from July 2008 to April Jean Segura also connected for the three innings. The game lasted 5 hours, 31 2011. The 27-year-old was among seven lead- Brewers, who added three triples and minutes. By the end, the crowd of 15,605 had matched a season high for runs. They hit back- dwindled into the hundreds. ing female Russian athletes found guilty of to-back homers twice in a game for the first manipulating drug samples before the 2008 time since 2005. ROCKIES 12, DODGERS 2 Beijing Olympics. She won silver at the 2007 Milwaukee is 45-7 against the Pirates at In Los Angeles, Nolan Arenado hit his first world championships in Osaka, Japan, but was Miller Park since 2007, the best record by any major league home run, and Wilin Rosario and stripped of the medal after the International team against a division opponent during that Dexter Fowler also homered for the Rockies. Association of Athletics Federations (IAAF) stretch. Arenado, one of the Rockies’ top prospects annulled all her results from May that year. In a Pirates starter Wandy Rodriquez (2-1) playing in his second big league game, had separate case, European 800 metres champion walked four in a five-run first. Rodriguez, who his first three hits. His two-run homer in the Yelena Arzhakova was banned for two years, entered with a 1.66 ERA, had walked three fourth made it 12-0. starting from Jan. 29, 2013, for showing an batters in his first four starts this season. Tyler Chatwood (1-0) shut out the Dodgers “abnormal haemoglobin profile in her biologi- over six innings, striking out five with no cal passport”, the VFLA said. Arzhakova, 23, CUBS 5, PADRES 3 walks. He also had three hits and two RBIs. who finished sixth in the 800-metre Olympic In Chicago, Darwin Barney and Cody Dodgers starter Ted Lilly (0-1) was finished final in London won by team mate Mariya Darya Pishchalnikova Ransom each drove in two runs as Chicago after three innings, allowing five runs (four Savinova, will have all her results from July 12, onships in Moscow in August, had been tests than any other country in the world. defeated San Diego. Barney hit a pair of RBI earned) and eight hits. Josh Wall fared even 2011 nullified, meaning she will be stripped of wrongly singled out for being too soft on Some nations only do 500 tests a year. We did doubles and Ransom went 2 for 4 with a worse, giving up seven runs and eight hits in her European title. home run against the team that let him go two innings. The Dodgers used five relievers, drugs cheats. 3,500 tests last year alone and this year we It was the latest in a series of doping In an interview with Reuters last week, he plan to do over 4,000 tests in and out of com- this month. Both players also made nice including utility infielder Skip Schumaker, who offences by leading Russian athletes. VFLA defensive plays in the seventh inning with pitched a scoreless ninth inning. Jerry sounded a warning to potential doping petition, so don’t be surprised if you hear chief Valentin Balakhnichyov said his country, runners in scoring position to preserve the Hairston Jr. hit a two-run homer for the offenders, saying he expected more cases to about a few more suspensions coming our lead. Dodgers. — AP which will host the world athletics champi- be revealed in the future. “We do more drugs way,” he said.— Reuters SPORTS WEDNESDAY, MAY 1, 2013 Collins coming out will encourage more to follow suit

NEW YORK: Times are changing for gays in towards gays, reflected in several surveys of U.S. letes from other leagues following suit. sonal story will provide athletes and fans with a new American sports and National Basketball Association public attitudes, or a an understanding that homo- “I feel a movement coming,” Robbie Rogers, the role model.” Campaigners hope that Collins’s move (NBA) player Jason Collins’ decision to come out will phobia is no longer acceptable, there is no doubt former U.S. national team soccer player who came will help break down any fear that non-open gays encourage others in the top leagues to be open that professional sports are turning away from intol- out in February, tweeted on Monday shortly after may still have. about their sexuality. erance of gays. Collins’s announcement. “We hope his actions inspire confidence in others Two years ago, NBA great Kobe Bryant was fined In many ways, sports are simply catching up with Gay rights and anti-discrimination groups cer- who might have been afraid to live their lives openly $100,000 for using an anti-gay slur against a referee so much of American society where homophobic tainly believe that Collins is making things easier for until now - both on and off the court,” said NOH8 and on Monday the five-time NBA champion comments are unacceptable in the workplace and those who will come. Campaign co-founders Adam Bouska and Jeff applauded Collins for coming out as the first gay no one would even think to ask if gays would be “All of us have huge admiration for what Jason is Parshley. Collins, in his Sports Illustrated article on man in a major North American professional sports accepted in the office. doing,” said Patrick Burke, co-founder of equal rights Monday, cited his frustration at not being able to league. The question now is whether Collins’s move - and advocacy group You Can Play. participate openly in the debate about same-sex Bryant’s reaction illustrates, at the very least, the the widespread support for him - will lead to ath- “Jason’s courage in stepping forward with his per- marriage and that is a reminder that the issue of shift in what is considered acceptable language and homosexuality in the sports arena does not exist in a behaviour in US professional sports, the days when vacuum. insulting others by using a reference to homosexual- Sociologist Brian Powell at Indiana University ity are coming to a close. Bloomington believes that what follows in sport Indeed Collins’s very public coming out via the now may follow a similar pattern to how the debate front cover of Sports Illustrated magazine was greet- on marriage has unfolded. ed with a stream of supportive comments from “I don’t think there will be a huge number of peo- within professional sports in the United States with ple coming out but there will be a probably a steady only the slightest hint of any dissent. stream of people coming out, not unlike what hap- Mike Wallace, a wide receiver with the National pened last month when politicians came out in Football League’s Miami Dolphins, tweeted his favor of same-sex marriage,” he told Reuters. incomprehension that any male could prefer to be in “One day one person did and the next day anoth- a relationship with a man rather than a woman but er. I think the same will happen - it will be slower but was soon on the back foot. there will be an increased number of players coming “All these beautiful women in the world and guys out.” The next generation of professional athletes in wanna mess with other guys, SMH (Shaking My the United States are currently playing in college Head),” Wallace tweeted before deleting the mes- sports and Powell believes they will bring with them sage and apologising for any offense caused. a fresh attitude. Wallace’s reaction was not dissimilar to that of “What I hear, with college athletes, is the real San Francisco 49ers cornerback Chris Culliver who question for them is whether or not their team made headlines before this year’s Super Bowl by say- mates do their job. Competence and ability to play ing he would not welcome a gay player into the comes before anything else,” he said. team’s locker room. Culliver spent a pre-Super Bowl “The more athletes publicly come out, the more media session with scores of television cameras other athletes are going to be comfortable with this, pointed in his face as he repeated his apology for an simply because they can then stop thinking of it in hour. LOS ANGELES: In this photo provided by ABC, NBA basketball veteran Jason Collins (left) poses with terms of the person’s sexuality and focus on their Whether it is a genuine change of attitude George Stephanopoulos during an interview. — AP performance.” —Reuters Hawks and Nets triumph

ATLANTA: Josh Smith scored 29 points as the Atlanta Hawks built a 17-point lead at halftime, then withstood an Indiana comeback over the final two quarters to level its first round playoff series with a 102-91 victory in Game 4 on Monday. After struggling much of the second half, Smith made every big play down the stretch. He swished a rare 3-pointer, came up with an offen- sive rebound to set up a 3 by Kyle Korver, then finished off a fast break with a right-handed dunk. Paul George scored 18 of his 21 points in the second half as the Pacers made a game of it but couldn’t come back from a 57-40 deficit at the break. Tied at two wins apiece, the series returns to Indianapolis for Game 5 tonight.

Nets 110, Bulls 91 In New York, Brook Lopez had 28 points and 10 rebounds, and Deron Williams added 23 points and 10 assists as the Nets cut the Bulls’ lead to 3-2 in their first-round playoff series. Andray Blatche scored 10 of his 13 points in the fourth quarter and Gerald Wallace had con- WASHINGTON: NHL/Thurgood Marshall College Fund scholarship winner Richard secutive baskets down the stretch as the Nets Lucas of the Ed Snider Hockey Foundation poses for photographs with NHL finally pulled away in a game they led most of Commissioner Gary Bettman and the Stanley Cup after a briefing on the state of the way, but never by too much. Two days after hockey with members of the Congressional Hockey Caucus in the Rayburn House rallying for a 142-134 triple-overtime victory, the Office Building. — AFP Bulls were outscored 15-1 down the stretch and failed to set up a second-round series with Lockout forgotten as Miami. Instead they will host Game 6 on Thursday.

Stanley Cup chase begins Rockets 105, Thunder 103 In Houston, the Rockets escaped elimination TORONTO: The playoffs for a National Not since the Canadiens celebrated the when Chandler Parsons scored 27 points and Hockey League (NHL) season that nearly last of their 24 Stanley Cups in 1993 has the Patrick Beverley added 16 points with point never was open yesterday with memories treasured trophy been paraded through guard Jeremy Lin out with a bruised chest mus- of a bitter labor dispute all but forgotten in the streets of a Canadian city and the coun- cle. Houston avoided a four-game sweep in the favour of an intriguing race for the Stanley try is thirsting to see that drought end. best-of-seven series. Cup. Canadian attention will be focused on The Rockets led in the fourth quarter of each A compacted 48-game schedule that Toronto, Montreal, Ottawa and the of the last two games only to end up losing. And began in January with NHL players and Vancouver Canucks, who will all carry the it almost happened again Monday. owners apologizing to disgruntled fans and hopes of a hockey-mad nation into the Kevin Durant scored five quick points to cut promising a season packed with unpre- playoffs and try to return the Cup to its the Rockets’ lead to two. James Harden missed dictable results delivered in spades, setting spiritual home. two shots for Houston after that and the Thunder the stage for an equally fascinating play- Pittsburgh and Chicago enter the play- had a last chance. Reggie Jackson missed a jump offs. offs as the betting favorites with good rea- shot and Serge Ibaka grabbed the rebound, but The top-ranked Pittsburgh Penguins in son after record-smashing seasons. missed a layup at the buzzer. A stunned Ibaka fell the Eastern Conference and Chicago The Blackhawks, who open against the to the court after the miss. Blackhawks in the Western Conference Minnesota Wild, spent the entire campaign Durant scored 38 points in Oklahoma City’s begin as clear favorites to meet in a best- atop the West standings earning points in HOUSTON: Rockets’ Chandler Parsons (25) goes up for a shot as Oklahoma City Thunder’s second game without injured All-Star guard Kevin Durant (35) defends during the third quarter of Game 4 in a first-round NBA basketball of-seven games Stanley Cup final that will each of their first 24 games to shatter the Russell Westbrook. — AP be played in steamy late-June tempera- longest previous season-opening streak of playoff series. — AP tures. 16 games set by Anaheim. But if there are any lessons to be taken With plenty of firepower, led by Patrick from past years, it is that anything can hap- Kane and Jonathan Toews, the league’s Peng stuns Bartoli at Portugal Open pen. The Los Angeles Kings proved this just stingiest defense and spectacular play from last season by sneaking in as an eighth journeyman netminder Ray Emery, Chicago OEIRAS: China’s Peng Shuai showed event, had just limited time to train her meagre clay preparation by stun- beat Shahar Peer 6-4, 6-4 but German seed and upsetting the Western lost just seven times in regulation to claim little sign of a recent shoulder injury after returning to her homeland to ning Bartoli, the world number 14 number eight seed Julia Goerges lost Conference’s top three teams before the franchise’s second Presidents’ Trophy, as at the WTA Portugal Open yesterday treat a shoulder injury following a who is on a poor run having lost her to Monica Puig of Puerto Rico 7-6 defeating the New Jersey Devils to claim the NHL team with the best regular season as she knocked out French top seed Miami second-round loss more than a last four WTA matches dating back to (7/3), 6-2. the franchise’s first Stanley Cup. record. Marion Bartoli in the first round 6-0, 1- month ago. mid-March. Galina Voskoboeva of Kazakhstan The Kings are back in the postseason In the East, the Penguins also took a run 6, 6-4. After receiving treatment in her “I”m very happy to win in such beat Swede Sofia Arvidsson 6-3, 6-4 ready to open defense of their crown at the NHL record book reeling off 15 con- Peng, a 2010 semi-finalist in her hometown of Tianjin, she travelled on windy conditions,” said the 27-year- to next face two-time grand slam win- against the St. Louis Blues as part of a 16- secutive win in March to become the first only previous appearance at the to Germany where she made light of old Peng, ranked 34th in the world. ner and wild card entry Svetlana team playoff for hockey’s ‘Holy Grail.’ team to post a perfect calendar month “The clay was blowing around a lot, Kuznetsova. Wimbledon quarter-final- To get their names engraved on Lord (minimum, 10 games). making it even more difficult.” ist Tamira Paszek has gone winless for Stanley’s famous mug, however, players Already with a star-studded lineup fea- Peng won in an hour and three- three months since the Australian must survive one of sports’ ultimate tests of turing league most valuable players Sidney quarters as the erratic Bartoli pro- Open, with the 31st-ranked Austrian endurance and win four punishing best-of- Crosby and Evgeni Malkin, the Penguins duced eight double-faults and was losing her seventh straight match as seven series before finally hoisting the sil- loaded up for a Stanley Cup run at the broken five times. The quirky French she went down 6-1, 6-3 to Romanian ver Cup. trade deadline by adding former scoring player has reunited with her doctor Monica Niculescu. No team knows more about the playoff champion Jarome Iginla from Calgary, father Walter as coach after several Unseeded former French Open grind than the Detroit Red Wings, who are Dallas forward Brenden Morrow and San months of unsuccessful trials with winner Francesca Schiavone repeated in the postseason for a 22nd consecutive Jose defenseman Douglas Murray. other potential mentors including for- her win in last Sunday’s Marrakech year while the Toronto Maple Leafs Crosby, who was putting together mer Wimbledon champion Jana WTA final over the same opponent as snapped what had been the longest active another MVP campaign, missed the last Novotna, but is still looking for a win. she beat Spain’s Lourdes Dominguez playoff drought by returning to the post- month of the schedule with a broken jaw “The first match on clay is always 6-2, 4-6, 6-3. season for the first time since 2004. but is expected to be on the ice when the tough for me,” said Bartoli. “I had a lot In the men’s draw, France’s fifth- The Red Wings, who needed a win in Penguins open against the New York of trouble finding my game and my seeded Julien Benneteau like compa- their final regular season game to extend Islanders today. feet on the court. triot Bartoli failed to justify his seed- their streak, open against the Anaheim With Crosby fit and Washington Capitals “She was playing extremely well. I ing as he lost to Spanish qualifier Ducks late yesterday while the Maple Leafs forward Alexander Ovechkin back in top just tried my hardest and was able to Pablo Carreno-Busta 6-3, 6-4. face the Boston Bruins in an Original Six form fans are anticipating a potential show- play some good shots in the second But Spain’s eighth seed Tommy matchup starting today. down between the league’s two marquee set. I felt like the third was really close. Robredo secured a comeback win For hockey purists, the playoffs will pro- players. “We both started to play quite over compatriot Daniel Gimeno- vide a blast of nostalgia with all six original Ovechkin opened the season in a funk well, but at 3-3 when I had 40-15 she Traver 2-6, 7-5, 6-3. Spaniard Albert NHL franchises (Boston, Toronto, Detroit, but finished in a flurry by scoring 23 goals hit quite a lucky return and that really Ramos will line up in the second Chicago, Montreal Canadiens and New York in his final 23 contests to capture the hurt me. round against number two seed Rangers) competing for the first time since Rocket Richard trophy as the league’s top “It was a very difficult draw, but I Stanislas Wawrinka thanks to a defeat 1996. goal scorer. The Capitals and Rangers will think it is better for me to have those of Argentine Carlos Berlocq 7-6 (7/4), The opening round will also feature the meet in the playoffs for the fourth time in kind of matches early in the clay court 2-6, 6-3. first playoff clash between clubs from five seasons with Ovechkin going up season and try to improve for the big Spain’s David Ferrer is top seed but events coming up.” will not start his campaign until the Montreal and rival Ottawa since the against Henrik Lundqvist, the NHL’s reign- OEIRAS: China’s Shuai Peng returns the ball during her Portugal Open Montreal Maroons and the original ing Vezina Trophy winner as top netmin- Elsewhere in the opening round, second round as the top four seeds first round tennis match in Oeiras, outside Lisbon. Pong defeated top- third seed Anastasia Pavlyuchenkova receive byes. — AFP Senators franchise faced off in 1928. der. — Reuters seeded Marion Bartoli from France 6-0, 1-6, 6-4. — AP SPORTS WEDNESDAY, MAY 1, 2013

Tebow left to wonder what’s next

NEW YORK: Tim Tebow is one and done in New York. No more constant ques- tions about his uncertain role with the Jets. No more criticism of the mostly non-existent wildcat offense. No more shirtless jogs in the rain after practice. Now, the popular but polarizing quarter- back is left to wonder what’s left of his NFL career. Tebow was waived by the Jets on Monday morning when he showed up at the team’s facility ready to work out, the end of an embarrassingly unsuccess- ful one-season experiment in New York that produced more hype and headlines than production on the field. “Unfortunately,” coach Rex Ryan said in a three-paragraph news release issued by the team, “things did not work out the way we all had hoped.” It also left Tebow’s football future very much in doubt. “If he were to happen to call me, I would say, ‘Look, you’re starting over,’” former NFL GM Ted Sundquist said. “Tim Tebow needs to redefine who Tim Tebow is, in my opinion. He’s no longer a first-round quarterback.” That’s quite a fall for a player who came to New York in March 2012 as per- haps the biggest thing to hit Broadway since Joe Namath himself. There were billboards outside the Lincoln Tunnel in New Jersey welcoming Tebow, and sandwiches named after him at Manhattan delis. He also had a legion of fans who followed him because of his strong Christian beliefs, and in New York, he would be able to take advantage of countless media and marketing opportunities. And then, it all went terribly wrong. Or, more like it, the whole idea was completely flawed from the start. For Tebow. And for the Jets. “I think it’s fair to say,” Tebow said at the end of last sea- son, “that I’m a little disappointed.” A year after he threw a TD pass to win a playoff game in overtime for Denver, the Heisman Trophy winner with two championships at Florida and a nationwide following may have suited up for the last time. “I don’t see any team giving him a chance because teams don’t want to deal with the following that comes with Tebow,” ESPN analyst and former NFL offensive lineman Damien Woody said. “Maybe Canada.” No NFL team has made a pitch to get him. The only nibble so far came from the Montreal Alouettes. They hold his rights in the Canadian Football League and said he could come compete for a job — as a backup. Tebow took to Twitter a few hours after being waived, citing a bible verse: “Proverbs 3:5-6: Trust in the Lord with all your heart and do not lean on your own understanding,” Tebow wrote, “in all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will make your paths straight.” The Jacksonville Jaguars have already ruled themselves out of giving Tebow a happy homecoming. But maybe the Chicago Bears, whose new head coach Marc Trestman tutored Tebow before the NFL draft in 2010, could give him a look as their backup. Perhaps the San Diego Chargers would take a chance on him, adding to the circus-like atmosphere they’ll likely endure after drafting Manti Te’o. New coach Mike McCoy was Tebow’s offen- sive coordinator in Denver during the 2011 season, when the quarterback took over the offense and led the Broncos to comeback after comeback. What about Bill Belichick and the New England Patriots? It would certainly give Belichick another chance to tweak the Jets. As far as the CFL, it’s anyone’s guess as to whether Tebow would even be open to a move north of the border. “If you can find a club that’s mature enough to handle it as an organization, then you’re going to find the right spot for him,” Sundquist said. “What I mean by that is all the media mania and that sort of thing.” Tebow was brought to New York to be a dynamic addition to the offense, a complement to Mark Sanchez and a merchandising touchdown for the Jets. Instead, he attempted just eight passes for 39 yards and rushed 32 times for 102 yards — and stunningly had no touch- downs. The move to part ways had been expected for months, and the decision was sealed when new general manager John Idzik took former West Virginia star Geno Smith in the second round of the NFL draft Friday, giving New York six quarterbacks on its roster at the time — and creating uncertainty about Sanchez’s future, as well. “Had this happened back in February, Tim might have had a chance to at least participate in free agency,” said 2002 NFL MVP quarterback Rich Gannon, now an analyst for CBS Sports and SiriusXM NFL Radio. “I don’t think there would have been a strong market for him, but at least he would’ve had that opportunity.” Gannon added that it’s an even tougher situation for Tebow now because more than 20 quarter- backs were either drafted or signed as undrafted free agents in the last few days. “Look, it’s a two-way street, though,” Gannon said. “It’s a business. The Jets were trying to find somebody, a dance partner. Sometimes that goes into the draft and teams are calling around. I’m sure the Jets were trying to shop Tebow, and I’m sure they kept get- ting denied.” This is the same guy who led the Broncos to the postseason in 2011, but became expendable when Denver signed Peyton Manning as a free agent. Tebow was acquired by the Jets for a fourth-round draft pick and $1.5 million in salary. He was introduced at the Jets’ facility to plenty of fanfare at a lavish news conference, with Tebow repeatedly saying he was “excited” to be in New York. —AP SPORTS WEDNESDAY, MAY 1, 2013 Ali loves to watch the old Ali — daughter

NEW YORK: The boxer who pummeled opponents than what they thought he looked like.” from boxing because other boxers have slurred his arms, and by “knocking”, illustrating by clicking with his words as well as with his fast fists rarely Maintaining family life was important, she said, speech.” She said her father was never in denial over the roof of her mouth with her tongue. “I guess talks these days, and his dazzling footwork is a which led her sister, Rasheda Ali, to write a book his condition. “He was like ‘something’s happening’ that’s from his African roots. memory frozen on video tape and in the minds of called ‘I’ll Hold Your Hand So You Won’t Fall’. “It’s and he was trying to figure it out. He was dealing “It hasn’t been super sad for me until maybe the millions of admirers. actually a children’s book for parents to know how with it. past three years because we have the education But the spirit and sparkle in 71-year-old to teach their kids about Parkinson’s.” “The optimism he had, predicting rounds and and understanding of it. That’s everything, because Muhammad Ali’s eyes live on through a 30-year “My father’s grandchildren thought my dad was calling the knockout and saying he was beautiful you’re able to enjoy them the way they are.” struggle against the effects of Parkinson’s disease, sad or depressed, or didn’t like them or didn’t want and standing up for his faith... he was always confi- May May said her father never looked back after which has stricken about one million in the United to play, but it was just his face,” May May said. dent and optimistic. That was kind of how he was finally leaving the ring. “He always felt boxing was a States and six million worldwide. “It’s called the Parkinson’s mask, where the mus- with his disease, too. means to an end. And that end was to help and His daughter, Maryum (May May) Ali, said the cles in the face droop in a stoic look where you “He’s the kind of guy that pushed his body to the serve others.” She said Ali, who refused to fight in man who famously dubbed himself “The Greatest” don’t look like you have any emotion. limit. If boxing and what he went through in his the Vietnam War as a conscientious objector follow- gets a big kick from watching old footage of him- “His grandkids had watched old footage of him career didn’t put him down, he was not letting ing his conversion to Islam, grew more and more self. talking, acting crazy, rhyming, bragging...now they shaky hands stop him from going out. That‘s just spiritual. “That’s his favorite pastime. He loves to watch see him and they think ‘he’s mad at us’. She his make-up.” Ali had his world championship title taken away himself. He loves it,” May May told Reuters in an (Rasheda) told them, ‘look at his eyes, see how Ali continued to travel the world for decades. “He and his boxing licenses revoked before the U.S. interview on the eve of the annual Parkinson’s Unity much fun he’s having’.” still travels,” she said. “He has three homes - in his Supreme Court overturned his conviction for his Walk to advance awareness and education that “We saw slurring of the speech and slowness hometown of Louisville, in Michigan and in Arizona refusing induction. drew thousands to Central Park on Saturday. while he was (still) boxing,” said May May. “So there’s in the winter. You still see him at baseball games “I think if he hadn’t got Parkinson’s he would be “It brings him joy, because he’s not that person a really good chance that he had it much earlier sometimes. an Imam,” May May said, projecting her father as a any more but he can live through his old self. He than when he was diagnosed (in 1984). “He lives,” she said. “His spirit is still the same.” Muslim spiritual leader. “He would have been one of loves to watch his fights. I love to watch him watch- “We were thinking that whatever he had was May May said Ali communicates with his eyes, with the main people on TV defending true Islam and in ing.” Ali was ranked among the 20 most influential the time we’re living in right now, it would have Americans ever last year by Time Magazine for his been exceptional because people would have lis- humanitarianism and the inspiration he provided to tened to him.” people around the globe. “He used to propagate Islam with pamphlets. While he has battled Parkinson’s, a progressive Every time he would sign an autograph he would disorder in which dopamine levels in the brain sign it on a Muslim pamphlet. That was his life. He decline affecting messages to nerves controlling spent all his time doing that. People don’t know movement and coordination, May May champions that.” May May said he was humbled by the efforts to help educate and promote research into response he engendered. “‘I met the prime minister the disease. of Pakistan. I was at the White House’,” she recalled “He has 24-hour care and he needs assistance,” him saying. “‘A little old boy from Louisville, May May, at 45 the oldest of his nine children, said Kentucky. Anything can happen, anything can noting that his condition had worsened over the come true’.” Despite being a world figure, Ali got last three years. “His speech isn’t that great. giddy himself around some of his early idols. “But my father chills out. He watches the Super “He would get excited when he saw Little Bowl, and he gets massages. When I go visit him it’s Richard. He loved Little Richard,” May May said. “He like a little sabbatical with him. I’m like chilling out was tickled, tickled, tickled by James Brown. I would with him.” never see my Dad get excited, but if he saw one of A former rapper and comedian, an author and them...he loved his music, his oldies.” social activist, May May bears a strong resemblance Asked about his legacy, May May said: “Depends to her father with her bright eyes, round face, pro- on who you are. If you are Aryan nation you’re nounced cheekbones and spirit to match. going to hate him for being a draft dodger. She sounds just like the great man himself when “I used to ask him, ‘how did you have the guts to she lapses into some of his familiar patter, before stand up against the government?’ He said, ‘I reminiscing about his difficult times after first show- learned who I truly was as a black man’. ing symptoms. “He knew he was an equal human being and “I tell you what was hard for him. It was hard to no one was going to take that away from him. go out and hear people talking about him,” she said. And that was more important to him than a box- “Because he was proud and he didn’t want people ing career. “I’m a lot like my dad, and I’m proud to feeling sorry for him, because I think he felt better Muhammad Ali and Joe Frazer in action in this file photo say it.” — Reuters Warburton leads Lions but no place for Wilko

LONDON: Wales star Sam Warburton was named yesterday as captain of the 2013 British and Irish squad for the tour of Australia but there was no place for England great Jonny Wilkinson. At 24, Warburton became the youngest Welsh Lions tour captain in Lions history, but both England captain Chris Robshaw and 2003 World Cup-winning star Wilkinson were left out of coach SHEFFIELD: Stuart Bingham of England plays a shot as he takes on Ronnie O’Sullivan Warren Gatland’s 37-man squad. of England in their quarter-final match at the World Snooker Championships at The “Warren gave me a call, it’s been nine or 10 days Crucible in Sheffield. — AFP since I found out and the biggest secret I’ve had to keep,” Warburton told a news conference in O’Sullivan hits top gear London. “It’s unbelievable, an accolade very few people achieve and it’s an unbelievable honor. Gatland added: “In the last two or three years he’s to close on semi-finals been the most successful captain in the northern hemisphere. “I have a huge amount of respect for LONDON: Defending champion Ronnie ly salvaged a measure of pride by edging Sam, he’s an absolute professional and he leads O’Sullivan produced a stunning burst of the final frame of the session in the best-of- from the front.” form to establish a 7-1 lead over Stuart 25 frame contest, which resumes on The New Zealander said leaving the likes of Bingham in their quarter-final match at the Wednesday. Robshaw and Wilkinson out had been tough but World Championship yesterday. O’Sullivan Speaking on the BBC, former world said injuries could yet lead to late call-ups for those is playing in his first major tournament in champion Ken Doherty said: “He was fan- omitted from the original squad. over a year and complained of feeling “tired tastic. There’s nobody better to watch. It’s “If you look at previous tours six to eight players and jaded” after overcoming Ali Carter in effortless, and that’s the beauty of his tal- get injured and there will be a group of back-up the second round, but the 37-year-old ent.” If he reaches the semi-finals, O’Sullivan players who can be called upon.” unleashed a devastating display against will face either Shaun Murphy or Judd Ireland great and 2005 Lions captain Brian Bingham to close on the semi-finals. Trump. O’Driscoll was included, with the centre chosen for The four-time world champion pro- Murphy, the 2005 champion, established a his fourth successive tour with the combined side. Sam Warburton duced two century breaks, including a 6-2 lead in the first session of their encounter, Warburton led Wales to the 2011 World Cup semi- Youngs and hooker Tom Youngs the first brothers in As well as his squad, Gatland’s coaching party break of 133 in the sixth frame, and five with Barry Hawkins leading China’s Ding finals only to be sent off in a narrow defeat by a Lions squad since England’s Rory and Tony had a strong Welsh influence with Rob Howley, cur- breaks of over 50 to leave Bingham cling- Junhui 5-3 at the end of their opening ses- France in Auckland. Underwood and Scotland’s Gavin and Scott rently in caretaker charge of the Six Nations cham- ing on for dear life at the Crucible in sion. The day’s other quarter-final saw After he missed the early part of the current Hastings all toured New Zealand in 1993. pions and kicking specialist Neil Jenkins-both for- Gatland included only two recognised fly-halves mer Lions-among his assistants. Sheffield. Englishman Ricky Walden take a 6-2 lead over European season through injury, Warburton starred against Scotland and in the record 30-3 thrashing in Ireland’s Jonathan Sexton and England’s Owen Also in the backroom staff were England’s Bingham, the world number eight, final- Welsh qualifier Michael White. — AFP of England that saw Wales secure the Six Nations Farrell-both of whom Wilkinson, speaking after Graham Rowntree (forwards coach) and defence title. But his leadership credentials were called into kicking all of Toulon’s points in their 24-12 chief Andy Farrell, Owen’s father, whose inclusion Salvador’s WCup stadium to question after he appeared to want to concentrate European Cup semi-final win over Farrell’s Saracens came at the expense of Gatland’s long-time assis- on his own game during the Championship. at Twickenham on Sunday, said should be chosen tant Shaun Edwards. A squad of 16 backs and 21 spur Brazil northeast growth Gatland, seconded from Wales to coach the ahead of him. forwards-with Warburton one of 25 first-time Lions- Lions, selected 15 Welshmen in his squad-Wales’s There were nine Ireland players selected by is set to leave four weeks on Tuesday for Hong SALVADOR DE BAHIA: When laborer Brasilino ter and the port area, ahead of the World Cup. largest Lions representation in 36 years when Welsh Gatland, himself a former Ireland coach but, sur- Kong where they begin their 10-match tour against de Santos helped build the stadium in this By next year, 60 percent of the neighbor- fly-half great Phil Bennett was the appointed cap- prisingly there was no place for hooker Rory Best. the Barbarians on June 1. northeastern Brazilian metropolis in the late hoods will be equipped with high-speed tain for a losing tour of New Zealand. England pro- Scotland had three players in the Lions squad, The Lions play the first of three Tests against the 1940’s, little could he imagine he would be Internet access. “All the (World Cup) host cities vided 10 players including prop Matt Stevens, who including New Zealand-born wing Sean Maitland, Wallabies on June 22. This will be the Lions’ first back decades later toiling to modernize it for are tourist hubs which will benefit from the missed the 2009 tour while serving a two-year the cousin of Australian ‘bad boy’ Quade Cooper, tour of Australia since a side coached by Gatland’s next year’s World Cup. upgrading of infrastructures (ports, airports, drugs ban and retired from England duty after the although scrum-half/fly-half Greig Laidlaw was left compatriot Graham Henry, New Zealand’s 2011 Now 78, this grandson of a slave said he urban mobility, telecommunications),” said 2011 World Cup. out. The Lions will be looking for their first series World Cup-winning supremo, lost a three-Test finally got recognition for his years of hard Luis Fernandes, the executive director of the They also supplied brothers in scrum-half Ben win since defeating South Africa in 1997. series 2-1. — AFP work when he got a hug from Bahia state sports ministry. Governor Jaques Wagner at the inauguration The federal government, he added, has of Salvador’s renovated Arena Fonte Nova on invested $15 billion dollars to host the World Lions must get blend April 7. Cup and the 2016 Rio summer Olympics. And “I did not imagine then that we would one Ney Campello, Bahia’s sports secretary, noted day have the honor of hosting the World Cup,” with pride that the first three host stadiums Santos, one of 5,000 workers who rebuilt the delivered to world governing body FIFA for right to conquer Australia 50,000-seat stadium, said during a meeting next June’s Confederations Cup are located in with visiting foreign journalists. “But for me, northeastern cities: Fortaleza, Recife and LONDON: It is no coincidence that so few British time the Lions won a series, the likes of Scotland captain Chris Robshaw. Tom Croft, back from a the most important thing was getting a hug Salvador. The Salvador project was funded and Irish Lions teams return home with series vic- prop Tom Smith and veteran wing John Bentley broken neck and approaching the form that made from the governor,” he added, with tears in his through a public-private partnership between tories as the challenge of blending players from pressed past seemingly more thoroughbred him one of the leading players of the 2009 series, eyes. Fonte Nova, rebuilt by the OAS and with the firms OAS and Fonte Nova four countries in a few short weeks to take on names to play vital roles in the 2-1 win over the Toby Faletau, Jamie Heaslip, Dan Lydiate, Sean Odebrecht consortium at a cost of nearly $345 Participacoes, which will manage the stadium established test sides on home soil is immense. Springboks. O’Brien and Justin Tipuric are a group of the high- million, is one of the 12 stadiums that will host for 15 years. Two series wins, in South Africa in 1997 and Since then Matt Perry, Shane Byrne, Ugo est quality and certainly one of the touring party’s next year’s soccer World Cup. The local government meanwhile had to Australia in 1989, from the last nine attempts tells Monye and others have impressed the coaches strengths. It is also one of six arenas to be used for the borrow $210 million from the federal develop- its own story and with each passing tour it gets enough with their work in the tour games to earn There is plenty of variety in the second row and June 15-30 Confederations Cup, a dry run that ment bank BNDES and has 15 years to pay it harder. test slots and this year’s tour of Australia is likely some power and feisty attitude in the front as the for next year’s premier soccer event. The reno- back. With fewer warm-up games against increas- to throw up its own surprises. There were several Lions will expect to have the better of the scrums. vation has been a boon to the local economy. Maintenance of the arena is estimated at ingly weak opposition usually shorn of their test in the 37-man squad announced by coach Warren Behind them, however, they suffer somewhat It gave a 39-year-old laborer who identifies $10 million a year, including 50 percent to be players, creating partnerships, defensive systems, Gatland yesterday. New Zealand-born Scotland in comparison with the Wallabies, whose creative, himself only as Galego a chance to learn to paid by the concession holder. lineout codes and the overall gelling of a squad of winger Sean Maitland, who made his internation- direct and off-the-cuff running routinely punches read and write. The Bahia state government has just almost 40 players is a fiendishly tough challenge. al debut in this year’s Six Nations, England prop holes in the best-drilled defences, let alone one “This site enabled many people to get signed a $50 million contract over 10 years That, however, is part of the enduring attrac- Mako Vunipola, who has started only one test formed among a new team with just a few weeks ahead and to find work elsewhere. I was an with Brazilian brewer Itaipava and the stadium tion of the Lions, the last remaining link with the among his nine caps, and former England prop of practice. assistant bricklayer and now I am a carpenter,” was renamed “Itaipava Arena Fonte Nova”. old-time tours of the amateur game. Matt Stevens, who retired from international rug- There is no shortage of power in the midfield in he added. Campello said all these investments will also It is also why there is a virtual guarantee that by last year, were all unexpected choices. the shape of Brian O’Driscoll, Manu Tuilagi and One of the few women welders on the site, help “professionalize football and improve the the test teams will contain several players who The bulk of the squad, however, is tried and Welsh duo Jamie Roberts and Jonathan Davies but who only goes by the name Flor, said her no- management of the indebted clubs”. “Bahia would not have featured in most people’s sug- tested, not least the 15 Welshman, including cap- precious little guile. nonsense demeanor helped her get a promo- clubs are not doing well because of poor man- gested lineups when the squad was announced tain Sam Warburton, who have shown they can Gatland’s wide options look encouraging, with tion as supervisor and a salary hike from $400 agement. We need to change how their rev- as the coaches work tirelessly to get the blend operate at the highest level with their Six Nations George North and Alex Cuthbert so impressive in to $800. enues are distributed,” he said, pointing to just right. titles and run to the 2011 World Cup semi-finals. the Six Nations, backed up by Tommy Bowe and Much of Salvador, Brazil’s third most popu- higher stadium attendance in Bahia and Martin Johnson was a late injury replacement Warburton is a nailed-on starter in the back the speedy Maitland and fullback is also a position lous city with around 2.6 million people, is also Pernambuco states than in the southeastern on the 1993 tour of New Zealand but forced him- row but there is huge competition to play along- of strength with Leigh Halfpenny, Rob Kearney a getting a facelift, including the historic cen- states of Rio de Janeiro and Sao Paulo. —AFP self into the test team and four years later, the last side him, illustrated by the absence of England and Stuart Hogg. —Reuters SPORTS WEDNESDAY, MAY 1, 2013 Havelange quits, Blatter cleared of misconduct

BERNE: Joao Havelange has quit as FIFA’s honorary president while Sepp Blatter has been cleared of misconduct in the ISL bribery case, the final report into the matter by FIFA’s ethics committee said yesterday. The report, which brought the curtain down on a case which has clouded FIFA for the last decade, described Havelange’s behaviour as “morally and ethically reproachable” in his dealings with ISL, FIFA’s former marketing partner. The report by Hans-Joachim Eckert, head of the ethics committee’s adjudicatory cham- ber, cleared FIFA president Blatter, who was secretary-general at the time, of any wrong- doing. However, it added that Blatter had at one point been “clumsy” and questioned whether he should have known that ISL was making payments to top FIFA officials including Havelange, who was president from 1974 to 1998. PORTUGAL: Benfica’s Brazilian forward Rodrigo Lima (left) jumps for the ball during It also said that former South America the Portuguese League football match against Maritimo. —AFP Football Confederation president and FIFA executive committee member Nicolas Leoz, who quit his posts last week citing ill-health, Benfica hold off Maritimo had taken “bribes” from ISL which went bank- rupt in 2001. LISBON: Portuguese Premier League lead- Benfica have 73 points from 27 matches KUALA LUMPUR: The June 5, 1996 file photo shows then FIFA President Joao Havelange of ers Benfica grabbed a nervous a 2-1 win at and Porto 69. The league leaders host The report said that any action against 96- Brazil (left) and then FIFA General Secretary Joseph Blatter of Switzerland attending the Asian Maritimo on Monday thanks to a Lima Fenerbahce on Thursday in the second leg year-old Brazilian Havelange, who resigned Football Confederation (AFC) Congress in Kuala Lumpur. —AP penalty and a second-half own goal to of their Europa League semi-final having his position on April 18, and 84-year-old keep their four-point lead over second- lost 1-0 in the first leg in Istanbul last Parguayan Leoz would be “superfluous” fol- siderable amounts were channelled to over the years before the bankruptcy of ISL placed Porto. week.—Reuters lowing their resignations. “The ISL case is con- Havelange and to his son-in-law Ricardo that ISL had made payments (bribes) to other Brazilian striker Lima grabbed an early cluded for the ethics committee,” it said, Teixeira as well as to Nicolas Leoz, whereby FIFA officials. “President Blatter’s conduct opener from the spot for the Lisbon club adding that FIFA only introduced an ethics there is no indication that any form of service could not be classified in any way as miscon- who knew a win would bring them closer code in 2004. was given in return by the them. duct with regard to any ethics rules.” Eckert to a 33rd league title, but Maritimo defend- Match on TV “No further proceedings related to the ISL “These payments were apparently made also referred to a payment of 1.5 million Swiss er Igor Rossi equalised for the hosts. matter are warranted against any other foot- via front companies in order to cover up the francs ($1.60 million) which was sent to FIFA Benfica came out strongly in the second (Local Timings) ball official.” Details of the case were revealed true recipient and are to be qualified as “com- in 1997 and earmarked for Havelange. When it half and Rossi turned villain for Maritimo last July when a Swiss prosecutor said in a missions”, known today as “bribes”,” the report was brought to Blatter’s attention, he ordered when he deflected Eduardo Salvio’s cross UEFA Champions League legal document that Havelange and former said. it to be returned to ISL. into his own net after 72 minutes. Barcelona v Bayern 21:45 executive committee member Ricardo Teixeira “Leoz...claimed that all of the money he Blatter told the investigation he did not “We became very anxious after the 1-0. I Aljazeera Sport +3 took multi-million bribes from ISL on World received from ISL was donated by him to a suspect it was a commission. “The conduct of calmed the players down during the break Cup deals in the 1990s. school project, but only in January 2008 - President Blatter may have been clumsy and in the second half we played like Aljazeera Sport +4 FIFA subsequently set up its own investiga- eight years after he received it.” said the because there could be an internal need for champions,” Benfica coach Jorge Jesus told Aljazeera Sport HD1 report, adding that the Paraguayan had not clarification, but this does not lead to any Portuguese television SportTV. tion led by Michael Garcia, a U.S. attorney who heads the investigatory chamber of the ethics been “candid” with FIFA’s executive committee criminal or ethical misconduct,” said the committee. or the ethics investigation. It added: “There report. “It is clear that Havelange and Teixeira, as are... no indications whatsoever that President Blatter said he noted the report “with satis- football officials, should not have accepted Blatter was responsible for a cash flow to faction” “I have no doubt that FIFA, thanks to Election day dawns any bribe money, and should have had to pay Havelange, Teixeira or Leoz, or that he himself the governance reform process that I pro- it back since the money was in connection received any payments from the ISL Group, posed, now has the mechanisms and means for Asian soccer with the exploitation of media rights,” Eckert’s even in the form of hidden kick back pay- to ensure that such an issue — which has report said. ments. caused untold damage to the reputation of SINGAPORE: The Asian Football Sheikh Salman denied the claims, and “From money that passed through the “It must be questioned, however, whether our institution — does not happen again,” he Confederation heads to the polls on the accusations have not prevented the ISMM/ISL Group, it is certain that not incon- President Blatter knew or should have known said in a statement.—Reuters Thursday to finally elect a new leader, head of the influential Olympic Council but with question marks over the candi- of Asia, Sheikh Ahmad Al-Fahad Al- dates and only a two-year term for the Sabah, from backing his campaign. winner, hopes for reform at the crisis-hit Al Serkal has promised to declare all Mariners in Asian knock-outs body may have to be put on hold. benefits and expenses he accrues as United Arab Emirates soccer chief president should he win the vote in a SINGAPORE: Australia’s Central Coast Mariners Yousuf Al Serkal, Saudi Arabian Hafez Al transparency campaign that has offered reached the AFC Champions League knock-out Medlej, Thailand’s Worawi Makudi and the most detailed pledges of the quar- phase for the first time in their history yesterday Sheikh Salman bin Ebrahim Al-Khalifa of tet. despite being thrashed 3-0 by Kashiwa Reysol. Bahrain are running to succeed dis- Al Serkal and Sheikh Salman have Second-half goals from Masato Kudo, Cleo, graced former president Mohamed Bin both tipped themselves for victory but and Leandro Domingues left the Mariners with Hammam, banned from football for life with the duo likely to split the vote in by FIFA for bribery in 2011. the 13-member West Asian Soccer their hearts in their mouths but Suwon The AFC has been in limbo ever since Federation, Al Medlej has emerged as a Bluewings did the Australian side a favour by with lengthy appeals by the Qatari prov- compromise candidate. The Saudi offi- hanging on for a 2-2 draw with Guizhou Renhe. ing unsuccessful, while Zhang Jilong’s cial has been considered an outsider and China’s Guizhou equalised in the 87th minute interim leadership has been beset by frequently talked about pulling out of but they could not find the all-important winner numerous match fixing and graft scan- the race unless Sheikh Salman and Al that would have taken them through at the dals among member associations. Serkal withdraw. Mariners’ expense behind Kashiwa, who were Should Al Serkal or Al Medlej win the His campaign has helped increase his already qualified as winners of Group H. “That vote in Kuala Lumpur their attempts to profile, though, which could possibly softens the blow a little bit, but Kashiwa are a bring about reform could be hampered help with the 2015 election, should he quality side,” said Mariners coach Graham Arnold. by their lack of a voice at FIFA. The fourth stand, when the AFC presidency reverts “I thought we played very well up until the AFC seat, reserved for the president, on to a four-year term. first goal and we had a chance with one getting the world governing body’s all-powerful The shorter term on offer this time is cleared off the line but Kashiwa played very well. executive committee cannot be taken a result of Bin Hammam’s exit. The Qatari up again until 2015. was elected unopposed as AFC presi- We’re through to the last 16 that’s the main Worawi is the only candidate who dent for a third four-year term in 2011, thing. already holds a FIFA ‘exco’ seat having leaving two years on that cycle. “We’re thankful to Suwon for helping us tonight.” In Group G, Beijing Guoan and retained his position at the top table of Bin Hammam had been bidding to DOHA: Saudi Al-Hilal club player Nawaf Shaker celebrates after scoring a goal against Qatar’s Al- world soccer for another four years in become the first Asia head of FIFA but Rayyan club during their AFC Champions League football match. —AP Uzbekistan’s Bunyodkor also sealed their places 2011. his campaign ended in disgrace when in next month’s round of 16 as the final week of Sheikh Salman has opted to enter a he was found guilty of offering money to group games got into full swing. separate vote for a FIFA executive seat Caribbean voters in return for their back- Beijing ground out a 0-0 scoreline against and runs against Qatar 2022 World Cup ing in the election against Blatter. Japan’s Sanfrecce Hiroshima, who were already organiser Hassan Al Thawadi to replace Accompanying Bin Hammam on that eliminated, while Bunyodkor’s game with Zhang. ill-fated trip to Trinidad was Worawi, who Pohang Steelers finished 1-1. “How can we have a president who has also had to battle claims of wrong- The results mean Bunyodkor finish top of cannot have our voice in FIFA?” asked doing during his 16 years as a FIFA exec- Group G with 10 points, ahead of Beijing in sec- the Bahraini in an interview with Reuters utive committee member. earlier this month. “To have a candidate The Thai says he has the backing of ond spot. With Marcello Lippi’s Guangzhou running for just one post and not anoth- the Southeast Asian region’s 11 mem- Evergrande already qualified, China has more er I regard as a compromise, a weak bers but his hopes of attracting the than one team in the last 16 for the first time position just to accept what they can eight votes in South Asia could have tak- since 2005. get.” en a hit by FIFA’s 90-day suspension of Pohang scored a 93rd-minute equaliser Sheikh Salman looks to be favorite to Sri Lankan ally Manil Fernando, who was through Park Sung-Ho but it was far from claim a winning majority from the 47 also in Trinidad, for alleged misuse of enough as they needed to beat Bunyodkor by member associations and has talked AFC funds. two goals to progress. about bringing greater transparency to These issues, along with the very real Among late yesterday’s games, Al Hilal and Al the AFC, but his critics have raised ques- problems of matchfixing, disharmony Ain are both capable of qualifying along with tions about the crackdown of a pro- among some members and a lack of Iran’s Esteghlal in Group D, while Group C is democracy uprising at home in 2011. professionalism among others leaves already decided with Al Ahli top and Al Gharafa Two human rights groups called on the winner of the election with a tough second. Sixteen clubs were still in the running for FIFA President Sepp Blatter to remove task to get the AFC moving in the right the 46-year-old Manchester United-sup- direction. Worawi told Reuters last week the knock-out stages heading into this week’s porting member of the Bahraini royal he was the man for the job but also final group games. family from the election, saying local acknowledged the scale of the task. “I Group E is so close that Buriram United and players, referees and administrators don’t promise miracles,” the Thai said. “I Vegalta Sendai may have to be separated by a were tortured for their part in the upris- am not a magician. I don’t have a magic AUSTRALIA: Kashiwa Reysol Kim Changsoo kicks the ball during the AFC Champions League tally of yellow and red cards or even a special lot- ing. wand.” —Reuters football match against Central Coast Mariners of Australia. —AFP tery, depending on their results today. —AFP Ferguson sets sights on United transfer targets LONDON: Manchester United manager Alex “We’ve been doing a bit of work on that United have been linked with some high- Powell, Tom Cleverley and Danny Welbeck Ferguson revealed yesterday that he is over the last three or four months, targeting profile strikers in recent weeks, including (are all 23 or under). Shinji Kagawa and already plotting how to strengthen his squad who the players are that we feel could Robert Lewandowski of Borussia Dortmund Chicharito (Javier Hernandez) are 24. Jonny during the close-season transfer window. enhance us, make us better or help us main- and Atletico Madrid’s Radamel Falcao, but Evans is 25 and Wayne Rooney is hitting his United secured the Premier League title tain the level we’re at,” he told the club’s offi- Ferguson believes the squad already has sol- peak at 27. “Older players like Ryan Giggs, Paul last week, but with rivals Chelsea and cial magazine, Inside United. id foundations. Scholes and Rio Ferdinand may be coming Manchester City both expected to invest “Hopefully the players we bring into the “You have to look at the structure of the towards the end of their careers, but these heavily in new players in a bid to bridge the club in the next year or so will be of the qual- club at present, in terms of the number of younger players are the foundation for the next gap next season, Ferguson says his side can- ity we need. We’re competitive in the market- first-team players we have at 23 or under,” five or six years, irrespective of the players break- not afford to stand still in the transfer mar- we’re not Chelsea or Manchester City in Ferguson added. “David De Gea, Rafael, Phil ing through, like Adnan Januzaj, the Belgian ket. terms of money, but we’re competitive.” Jones, Chris Smalling, Alex Buttner, Nick boy, who’s really looking very good.”—AFP Ali loves to Havelange quits, watch the old Blatter cleared Ali — daughter of misconduct

WEDNESDAY, MAY 1, 2013 18 19

Peng stuns Bartoli at Portugal Open Page 16

SPAIN: Real Madrid’s defender Sergio Ramos (left) vies with Dortmund’s Polish striker Robert Lewandowski during the UEFA Champions League semi-final second leg football match. — AFP Dortmund hold on despite late Real rally

MADRID: Borussia Dortmund qualified for only their sec- an agonising five minutes of stoppage time to seal their Seconds later Ronaldo had an even better chance as he ing the underside of the bar. ond ever Champions League final as despite losing 2-0 to place at the final in Wembley next month. For Real and too chested down a long ball before volleying straight into Mourinho threw on Benzema and Kaka as a last throw Real Madrid at the Santiago Bernabeu they prevailed 4-3 coach Jose Mourinho it meant going out at the same stage Weidenfeller’s body before Kevin Grosskreutz could even of the dice 10 minutes into the second-half but it seemed on aggregate yesterday. for the third successive year. come on to take Dortmund back up to their full compli- to be a fruitless move as Madrid lost their shape against a Needing a huge turnaround from the first-leg last week The intense atmosphere created by the home fans ment. Ozil then had the best opportunity of the first-half as Dortmund side flowing with confidence. Another lovely Real seemed to have run out of steam after Gonzalo before kick-off was matched by their team’s energetic start a lovely reverse ball from Di Maria put him clean through move from the visitors saw Marco Reus tee up what Higuain, Cristiano Ronaldo and Mesut Ozil had passed up and Higuain missed a great chance after just four minutes on goal but he pulled his shot wide of the near post. seemed like a certain goal for Gundogan only for Lopez to early opportunities as he was slipped in by Ozil but Roman Weidenfeller stood After a chastening first 15 minutes though Dortmund somehow repel the ball with his trailing arm. However, after Robert Lewandowski had smashed the up well to block his effort. settled admirably as their patience in possession made an The hosts were then given a glimmer of hope eight underside of the bar and Diego Lopez prevented Ilkay Angel Di Maria and Ronaldo then saw efforts fly over increasingly desperate Madrid chase shadows for periods minutes from time when Kaka released Ozil and his cross Gundogan with an incredible save from close range, and Dortmund suffered a big blow on 12 minutes when of time. The Germans could even have gone into half-time was turned home by Benzema. Madrid were given a lifeline in the 83rd minute when sub- Mario Gotze pulled up with an injury after hitting a routine ahead on the night when Jakub Blaszczykowski fluffed his And they were soon rampant when Benzema set-up stitute Karim Benzema swept home Ozil’s low cross. ball forward. attempt from Lukasz Piszczek’s intelligent cutback. Ramos to crash home a second six minutes later. However, And six minutes later they had real hope of an incredi- However, whilst still playing with 10 men they had their Dortmund’s ascendancy continued after the break and a Ramos header that sailed wide in stoppage time was the ble comeback as captain Sergio Ramos rifled a shot into best chance of the opening period as Lewandowski con- Lewandowski sliced horribly over with a gilt-edged chance closest they came to sealing a remarkable comeback as the roof of the net. trolled a long free-kick from Gundogan but placed his shot five minutes after the restart before unluckily seeing his Dortmund booked their place to face either Barcelona, or Dortmund though withstood the Madrid onslaught in too close to Lopez who made a comfortable save. fierce drive from a narrow angle come back out after strik- more likely, Bayern Munich at Wembley. — AFP

Preview Cavendish to lead Messi’s fitness key to Barca’s comeback hopes Omega Giro bid MADRID: Barcelona admit any Captain Philip Lahm, Dante, Javi chance the Catalans have of over- Martinez, Luis Gustavo, Bastian PARIS: Isle of Man sprinter Mark Cavendish doctor who was sentenced yesterday to a turning a 4-0 first-leg defeat to Schweinsteiger and Mario Gomez is the leading name in the Omega Pharma year in prison for performing blood transfu- Bayern Munich in their Champions are all just one booking away from Quick-Step team for this year’s Giro d’Italia, sions on top cyclists be destroyed. League semi-final return today missing the showcase at Wembley which starts in Naples on Saturday. In her ruling Judge Julia Patricia depends very much on the fitness of should Bayern seal their passage Cavendish, 27, will not however be able Santamaria said Eufemiano Fuentes offered Lionel Messi. into the final next month. to count on the support of the Italian sprint the blood doping treatments for money, The World Player of the Year “I won’t be making any conces- veteran Alessandro Petacchi, who had been posing a “significant risk to the health” of looked out of sorts in Munich last sions,” Heynckes told the club’s web- linked with a move to the team by local those receiving the blood and banned him week as an energetic display from site. “I’ll select my best available media. from practising as a sports doctor for four the hosts tore Barca to pieces, but team. The players will have to show Petacchi had said after leaving the years. Messi did come off the bench to great discipline, which means: no Lampre team last week that he needed a She also refused to give the World Anti- score a wonderful individual goal gestures, no unnecessary fouls, and break from the sport but later admitted that Doping Agency (WADA) or any other anti- and set-up a second for Alexis they mustn’t let themselves be pro- he could be tempted by the prospect of doping authority access to the 211 blood Sanchez in Barca’s 2-2 draw with voked. That’s the decisive factor.” teaming up with another leading sprinter, bags seized in 2006 from Fuentes’ apart- Athletic Bilbao on Saturday. And having once experienced such as Cavendish. ments in police raids as part of the so-called And Barcelona assistant manager losing a tie after winning the first- Cavendish, who has won eight stages on “Operation Puerto” investigation. Jordi Roura believes Messi has start- leg 5-1 when manager of Borussia the Giro since 2008, will also be deprived of Instead she ordered the bags of blood, ed to find his feet again after being Monchengladbach against Real the support of the team’s other star names, which could identify other sportsmen impli- troubled by a hamstring injury for Madrid in 1985, Heynckes is deter- including Belgium’s Tom Boonen, Germany’s cated in the scandal to be destroyed once the past month. SPAIN: Barcelona’s midfielder Andres Iniesta takes part in a training mined not to make the same mis- time-trial specialist Tony Martin and Sylvain any appeals have been settled. “Messi is the best player in the session on the eve of the UEFA Champions League semi-final sec- take again. “We need the same atti- Chavanel of France. “All I can say is that I want to continue to world and obviously when you ond leg football match against Bayern Munich. — AFP tude, willingness to run and good “The presence of a pure sprinter such as work on this. For me, Operation Puerto is not Mark will change our approach to the race if over,” the director of Spain’s State Anti- don’t have him you notice it. He leg was their defending and manag- Germain on April 2 and he could be tactics,” he said. we compare it with our last participations,” Doping Agency, Ana Munoz, told a news makes the difference,” he told a er Tito Vilanova has even more thrown straight back into the side, “Barcelona are still the best team said Omega Pharma sporting director conference after the court issued its ruling. press conference after the Athletic problems at the back with Jordi although Vilanova also has the in the world. We know they’re capa- Davide Bramati. “I am going to ask the judge for any evi- game. Alba suspended for today’s clash. option of using either Eric Abidal or ble of stunning results at home, and “I think an immediate important moment dence of whatever nature, including the “He will continue with his recu- Adriano does return from suspen- Alex Song. Bayern by contrast will be they’ve overturned deficits in the will be the first stage in Naples. Everyone bags, so that these acts which she herself peration after the injury. He was sion and is expected to replace able to welcome back striker Mario past. Their pride has been wounded wants to fight for the first (leader’s) Pink considers to be infractions can be judged by very good today and we hope that Alba, however the biggest doubt Mandzukic after he too missed the and they’ll give it everything they’ve Jersey. “Besides Mark, we go into the race the competent authorities,” she added. little by little he arrives at his best remains who will partner Gerard first-leg through suspension. got. We’ll need a top performance.” with experienced guys such as (Michal) During his trial Fuentes said he worked level. He will continue improving Pique in central defence. And despite their comfortable Both Dante and Jerome Boateng Golas and (Jerome) Pineau who have experi- with clients from other sports including and the better Leo is the more Javier Mascherano returned to lead, manager Jupp Heynckes has missed training on Monday but ence going for the stage victories at the football, tennis, athletics and boxing but he chances we will have against light training on Monday well ahead said he won’t rest any of his six first- both are expected to line up in cen- Giro,” Bramati added. did not name them. Under Spanish law Bayern.” of the schedule planned for him team regulars that could miss the tral defence as German internation- Meanwhile, Spain’s state anti-doping Fuentes will not have to go to jail for a sen- Despite Messi not being at 100%, after suffering a lateral knee liga- final should they be booked at the al Toni Kroos remains Bayern’s only agency said it would appeal a court ruling tence of less than two years since he has no Barca’s principal problem in the first- ment injury against Paris Saint- Camp Nou. absentee through injury. — AFP that blood bags confiscated from a medical previous convictions. — AFP Shell to become UAE’s Bab sour gas partner Page 22

US home prices rise, seen Business helping economic recovery Page 23 WEDNESDAY, MAY 1, 2013 KIPCO reports KD8.6m Q1 net profit S&P affirms NBK’s ratings at A+, outlook stable Page 25 Page 26

PARIS: France’s President Francois Hollande (center), next to Junior Minister for Cities Francois Lamy (left), addresses teachers and pupils in a school during a visit focused on youth’s employment in Les Mureaux, outside Paris yester- day.—AFP France faces fresh recession threats Empty shops, tight wallets as consumer spending drops

PARIS: French consumers bought fewer “Household consumption will remain life- households who are cutting back on all but ployment or worry that more tax increases cars, tables and chairs, and clothes in the less this year and I wouldn’t expect much the essentials. “This place should be could come they could increase rainy day first part of the year, challenging the gov- change next year,” he said. swarming with people on a Saturday, and savings,” said Cedric Audenis, head of eco- UAE property ernment’s pledge to steer the euro-zone’s An opinion poll showed last week that there’s no one,” said vendor Hamid Ouafai, nomic forecasting at INSEE. second largest economy away from reces- 77 percent of people reckon their purchas- looking around, on a recent weekend, at “We would rather expect a growth sion. Consumer spending accounts for ing power will contract this year after the piles of boxes, lamps and chairs stand- rebound to come from abroad, because our stocks slide more than half of France’s output and is the shrinking in 2012 for the first time in nearly ing untouched around him in the Fly furni- partners like Germany and the United motor of the economy. It fell last year for 30 years. Some 58 percent of respondents ture shop. A quick look at his computer just States have better fundamentals and, at the first time in 19 years. plan to cut spending in the coming before 2 pm that day told Ouafai that his home, we don’t expect a rebound either MIDEAST STOCK MARKETS Record unemployment is still pushing months, the Mediaprism survey showed. section of the shop has grossed about from consumption or business investment,” households to keep their wallets closed. An Even sectors which have long been 1,500 euros so far, far from the target, he said. The government forecasts that DUBAI: Shares in Abu Dhabi’s Aldar Properties and unexpected rebound in March, largely due more resilient are also feeling the pinch, already revised down, of 7,000 euros for the household consumption will barely grow - Sorouh Real Estate fell yesterday after they reported to heating staying on through cold weath- with 40 percent of respondents saying in day. “People don’t have money to spend by 0.2 percent overall - this year and con- mixed first-quarter earnings, weighing on the emirate’s er, was not enough to stop a 0.4 percent the survey that they will spend less on anymore ... These are not happy days,” he tribute to keeping the economy just out of main stock index. Aldar dropped 3.3 percent after its January to March quarterly decline. food. “We are in a particularly difficult time said shaking his head. The household sav- recession. But many economists view the quarterly profit and revenue slumped by more than The data prompted Jacques Creyssel, for consumption, including for food,” ings rate will be key to how consumption forecast as too optimistic and instead pre- half. Shares in Sorouh, which will delist from the Abu head of the FCD business federation, to Creyssel said. His federation represents fares this year after the drop in consumer dict a slight contraction. Dhabi bourse in June and merge with Aldar, dipped 1.6 warn of a fresh contraction in purchasing France’s major retailers including Carrefour spending last year was mitigated by people In contrast, in EU powerhouse Germany, percent. Sorouh’s profit rose 21.6 percent, but revenue power this year. He called the March and Casino. digging into their savings. criticized in France for insisting on euro- fell 35 percent. rebound of 1.3 percent “technical.” The hushed alleys of a large mass-mar- “Will it be the same in 2013? Looking at zone-wide austerity, consumer morale rose “There’s a big difference between what you see in Philippe Waechter, chief economist at ket furniture shop on the edge of Paris are 2012 we would hope so but there is a risk. If to its highest since October 2007, data the (property) market and what companies report in Natixis Asset Management, agreed. indicative of the dearth of spending by households get more worried about unem- showed. — Reuters their earnings because they only record revenue from property sales when the property is delivered, not when it is sold,” said a regional property analyst on condition of anonymity. Despite yesterday’s earnings statements, “the sector seems to be picking up selectively and occu- Euro-zone jobless hit fresh pancy rates are improving.” Aldar shares are still up 13.3 percent in 2013 and Sorouh is up 48 percent. Aldar’s results were short of forecasts as gross profit margins record amid anti-austerity ire fell to about 25 percent from 50 percent in previous quarters due to a change in its revenue mix, the analyst said. “Maybe that is why we’re seeing more selling pres- BRUSSELS: European unemployment hit a political and social support.” “To restore this trust is today the most In March, 24 percent of under-25s were sure on Aldar’s shares - people were possibly hoping for fresh record in March with more than 19 Yet across Europe anger is rising important duty for national governments jobless in the euro-zone, and 23.5 percent more details on the merger, such as a specific timeline million people out of work as calls mount- against austerity as hard economic data and for the EU.” in the 27-nation EU against 22.5 percent for when the process will be completed,” the analyst ed across the continent for governments fails to show a turn-around. Greece, the In comparison, unemployment in the and 22.6 percent a year earlier, respec- added. Abu Dhabi’s index slipped 0.2 percent, down for to put the brakes on punishing austerity in euro-zone nation hardest hit by unem- United States was at 7.6 percent in March tively. In Greece it soared to a whopping a second day in three since Thursday’s 4-1/2 year peak. favor of policies to spur growth. ployment, saw joblessness climb relent- and 4.3 percent in Japan in February. “The 59.1 percent in January, the latest avail- Other Gulf markets were broadly positive, extending As recession continues to sap the euro- lessly to 27.2 percent in January, the latest gap between the countries with the high- able figure, and hit 55.9 percent in gains as an upbeat economic outlook buoyed investor zone and wider EU, the Eurostat data available figures, from 26.3 percent in est and lowest jobless rates remains Spain, 38.4 percent in Italy and 38.3 per- sentiment. “We continue to operate against a very sup- agency yesterday reported an extra 62,000 December. extremely high,” Andor added, calling for cent in Portugal. “Youth unemployment portive backdrop - the underlying drivers of the econo- people joining unemployment queues in Last weekend, the Greek parliament demand-side interventions such as a low- has potentially disastrous conse- my are strong, there is high government spending, valu- just four weeks in the 17-nation euro-zone agreed to fire another 14,000 civil servants er taxes, structural reforms and training. quences, especially if it prolongs, as ations are attractive and stocks offer very tempting as the jobless rate climbed for the 23rd as part of the belt-tightening measures The lowest unemployment rates were in young people can be cut off not only yields in a low interest rate environment,” said Rami consecutive month-hitting 12.1 percent in demanded in return for EU-IMF bailouts. Austria, which saw a slight fall to 4.7 per- from the labour market but from society Sidani, Schroders Middle East head of investment. March. Meanwhile Portugal, another bailed-out cent and in Germany, Europe’s biggest as a whole,” Commissioner Andor added. “The only risk for the rest of the year would be a sig- The frightening new figures, notably nation facing one of the euro-zone’s economy, where it remained unchanged “EU institutions and governments, busi- nificant deterioration on the global scene.” showing one out of four under-25s on the sharpest rises in unemployment — 17.5 at 5.4 percent. ness and social partners at all levels The Kuwait, Abu Dhabi and Dubai benchmarks have dole, but almost two in three in Greece percent in March against 15.1 percent in But the greatest cause for concern lay need to do all they can to avoid a ‘lost all gained more than 20 percent this year, while the and Spain, come amid an increasingly February-sought to agree new spending with youth unemployment. generation’”. — AFP economies of the six Gulf Coooperation Council coun- loud debate over the effects on jobs of the cuts after its Constitutional Court rejected tries are forecast to grow by at least 3 percent in 2013, cost-cutting measures pushed by 1.3 billion euros worth of austerity meas- according to this week’s Reuters poll of analysts. Germany and other austerity advocates. ures. The court deemed discriminatory the Renewed buying in blue chip stocks lifted Dubai’s After calls from France for a switch, cuts to civil servant salaries and pensions, index to a new 3-1/2 year high on Tuesday, although it is Italy’s new prime minister faces an early also decided in response to demands by still down 66 percent from its 2008 peak. test of his vow to reverse a policy he says EU-IMF lenders. In Cyprus, which saw a “Fundamentals have improved substantially, yet UAE is extinguishing his country’s economic huge month-to-month rise in unemploy- markets have lagged emerging markets since the global growth when he meets German ment to 14.2 percent against 10.7 percent financial crisis,” added Schroders’ Sidani. “There is more Chancellor Angela Merkel later in the day. the previous month, the parliament is to to go given valuations remain attractive - we’re still way Enrico Letta embarks on his first official debate the terms of a tough 10-billion- off peak levels, especially in blue chip stocks.” trip abroad as head of a coalition govern- euro EU-IMF bailout. In Riyadh, loss-making Zain Saudi fell 4.9 percent to ment a day after telling parliament that Across the full 27-nation EU, yesterday’s a week-low. After market hours, the loss-making “Italy is dying from austerity alone. data showed a total 26.5 million people telecommunications operator said it had extended $3 Growth policies cannot wait.” Last week out of work last month, or 10.9 percent, billion of loans due on Tuesday and Wednesday for up even the European Commission, which with 69,000 extra workers on the dole in to five weeks. HSBC Bank Oman, which was formed last since the outset of the crisis in 2008 had March. “Unemployment in Europe remains year by a merger of HSBC’s Oman unit and Oman thrown its weight behind fiscal cuts, unacceptably high,” said the EU’s employ- International Bank, rose 1.0 percent as investors give a admitted the tide might be turning on ment and social affairs commissioner lukewarm response to the lender’s quarterly profit austerity. Laszlo Andor of the dramatic year-on-year jump. “We’re not happy with the quality of the bank’s While it was “fundamentally right”, said rise. A year earlier joblessness stood at earnings - it’s still not able to secure decent non-interest Commission president Jose Manuel 11.0 percent in the euro-zone and 10.3 business,” said Adel Nasr, United Securities’ brokerage Barroso, “I think it has reached its limits in percent in the European Union. Recession, manager. “The costs of the merger are still high and to many aspects, because a policy to be suc- unemployment, lack of growth and pover- see the synergies from the merger will take longer than cessful not only has to be properly ty “have damaged trust in political and COLOMBO: Sri Lankan bank customers line up outside a state-run Bank of Ceylon we thought.” —Reuters designed. It has to have the minimum of economic systems across Europe”, he said. branch in the commercial hub of Pettah, in the capital Colombo yesterday. — AFP WEDNESDAY, MAY 1, 2013 BUSINESS Shell to become UAE’s Bab sour gas partner Dutch giant fends off Total bid

DUBAI: Royal Dutch Shell will partner Abu needs,” Shell Chief Executive Peter Voser said end of 2014. Because Bab sits in one of the Dhabi National Oil Co (ADNOC) in a multi- in a statement. Shell had been widely fields that make up the UAE’s onshore oil billion-dollar project to develop the Bab expected to win the contract to develop concession, some industry observers believe sour gas field, the partners said yesterday. Abu Dhabi’s Shah gas field in 2011, but lost the selection of Shell is likely to support its The choice of Shell ahead of rival bidder out to Occidental Petroleum. efforts to continue operating the oil fields Total to help treat the potentially deadly UAE state news agency WAM said earlier for decades. The UAE oil concession system gases in Bab offers Europe’s largest energy on Tuesday that ADNOC would own 60 per- allows international energy companies to company a chance to prove the effective- cent of the Bab joint venture’s equity and acquire equity in the OPEC member coun- ness of its latest gas technology. Shell would hold the rest. try’s hydrocarbon resources. The 30-year Bab venture also puts the Total was overlooked for the Bab project Big western oil companies including Anglo-Dutch giant in a strong position to despite a French charm offensive which Shell are long-standing partners with renew its role in the UAE’s largest onshore included a visit to the UAE by French ADNOC in the Abu Dhabi Company for oil concession, on which the Bab field President Francois Hollande in January. Bab, Onshore Oil Operations but face rival bids stands, when that contract comes up for and the almost as technically challenging to run the fields, which produce about 1.5 renewal early next year. Shah sour gas project, are vital to limit the million barrels per day from Asian compa- “We value our long and successful part- UAE’s growing gas imports over the next nies. Bids from international oil companies nership with ADNOC, and look forward to decade. Shah, which was developed first hoping to operate the onshore fields continuing to play a role in helping the because it is seen as less difficult than Bab to beyond 2014 are due by the start of TOKYO: A customer checks iPads at a booth of Japanese mobile communication giant Softbank at a United Arab Emirates meet its energy develop, is on track for completion by the October. — Reuters Tokyo electronics shop yesterday. — AFP Softbank chief defends Emaar Properties Abu Dhabi property Sprint takeover bid net profit slips 8% firms’ income drops DUBAI: DUBAI: TOKYO: Dubai’s largest property developer Emaar Abu Dhabi’s Aldar Properties , gling to emerge from the property The head of Japanese mobile operator would choose his firm’s offer, Son said: “I’m sure they Properties reported a worse than expected 8 percent drop set to come together in a state-backed market collapse in 2009, when prices Softbank yesterday defended his proposed $20 bil- need a few days to digest. “Today is the first time I’m in first-quarter net profit yesterday, hit by the costs of tap- merger with Sorouh Real Estate, dropped by nearly 50 percent from its lion takeover of US firm Sprint Nextel, which will see explaining our side of the story. ping into the recovery of house sales in the financial hub. reported lower quarterly earnings yes- peak in 2008. his already heavily indebted company taking on “I’m very positive that when they understand this The builder of the world’s tallest tower, the Burj Khalifa, terday in a fresh indication of contin- Aldar was rescued with govern- even more loans. Masayoshi Son said Softbank’s bid from 360 degrees... they will make the right choice, a showed profit of 556 million dirhams ($151.4 million) in ued weakness in the UAE capital’s ment aid of over $10 billion. In return, to buy 70 percent of Sprint ultimately offered a bet- prudent decision.” DISH said it was offering to buy the quarter ended March 31, compared to 606 million property sector. Aldar, Abu Dhabi’s it sold assets to the government ter deal for shareholders over the unsolicited $25.5 Sprint, the third-largest US wireless carrier, for $17.3 dirhams in the same period a year ago, it said in a state- largest developer and builder of the including the Ferrari World Theme billion bid from American satellite-television billion in cash and $8.2 billion in stock. Charlie Ergen, ment. A Reuters poll of six analysts had predicted an aver- Formula One race track, said on Park. In a state-backed move to consol- provider DISH Network. DISH’s chairman, has said his firm’s proposal “clearly age net profit of 600 million dirhams. Revenue for the Tuesday that both its quarterly rev- idate, the two developers decided to “We will bring growth to Sprint which Sprint has presents Sprint shareholders with a superior alterna- quarter was 2.11 billion dirhams, up 16 percent from 1.82 enue and net profit fell by more than merge operations in March to create a not seen in many years,” Son told a press briefing in tive to the pending Softbank proposal”. billion dirhams a year earlier. half. real estate entity with assets in excess Japan, rejecting the rival DISH bid as inadequate and Son’s press briefing came after Softbank yester- “The selling and marketing expenses is the main point Sorouh, which will delist from the of $13 billion. this quarter,” said Loic Pelichet, assistant vice president at “very complicated”. The head of Japan’s third-biggest day said its annual net profit had slipped 7.8 percent Abu Dhabi bourse in June and merge Aldar made a quarterly profit of NBK Capital. “Emaar has picked up their development mobile operator painted his firm as the one with on investment-linked losses. The firm posted a net with Aldar, reported a quarterly profit 154.3 million dirhams compared with more experience in debt-financed takeovers and profit of 289.40 billion yen ($2.96 billion) on sales of activity in the last two quarters and this has generated supplementary expenses for the company.” rise of 21.6 percent largely due to 478.2 million dirhams in the prior-year said Softbank’s bid could be consummated one year 3.38 trillion yen, up 5.5 percent from a year earlier, it reversal of contingencies on some period. Revenue for the quarter earlier than its rival. said. Costs of its selling, marketing, general and administra- tive expenses rose 26 percent to 531 million dirhams. completed projects. slumped to 1.6 billion dirhams com- The firm had addressed US regulators’ concerns Softbank has benefited from growing demand at Its revenue in the three months to pared to 3.6 billion dirhams in the first over national security tied to a foreign takeover of home for Apple’s iPhone and had been the only Emaar has led a gradual recovery in the emirate’s property market over the last six months, largely on the back of March 31 fell by more than a third to quarter of 2012. Sprint, he added. Earlier this month, Softbank said it Japanese mobile operator to offer the smartphone 632.2 million dirhams. Meanwhile Sorouh, the smaller was on track to seal the agreement, announced in until KDDI, the country’s second-largest operator, speculative buyers returning to a home sales market which collapsed after the 2008 financial crisis. Shares of Aldar and Sorouh were company among the two, reported a October, by the end of July. If successful, the deal joined the fray. For the full year to March, SoftBank Shares of Emaar ended 1.3 percent higher on the Dubai down 3.3 percent and 1.6 percent profit of 101.6 million dirhams com- would become the biggest overseas acquisition by a posted a 745-billion-yen operating profit, up 10.3 stock market ahead of the earnings announcement. The respectively on the Abu Dhabi bourse pared with 83.6 million dirhams during Japanese firm. percent, thanks to a strengthening of its network stock has climbed 47.7 percent this year as the developer at 0615 GMT. “The market is seeing the same period in 2012. When asked if he thought Sprint shareholders and customer base. — AFP announced a series of new projects that were sold out continuous supply (of properties) but This was largely due to other within hours of launching. it is controlled and managed in phases income of 36.6 million dirhams, which Its shopping malls and hospitality businesses was the to help the market absorb the supply,” the company said was a reversal of Japan crude imports biggest contributor accounting for 55 percent of the total said Sorouh’s chief operating officer contingencies on certain completed revenue, the statement added. The developer has claimed Gurjit Singh. projects. huge successes in pre-sales of its recently launched proj- The company is on track to deliver Sorouh’s revenue for the quarter from Iran rise 4.5% ects, with investors queuing overnight to buy apartment 7,000 units by end of 2014. dropped 35 percent to 632.2 million and villas on a first-come-first-served basis.—Reuters Developers in Abu Dhabi are strug- dirhams. — Reuters TOKYO: Japan’s crude oil imports from Iran rose 4.5 tions for Japan and 10 European Union nations last percent in March from a year ago, the same month month. The waivers mean that banks in the countries that the world’s third-largest oil importer won its third won’t be shut out of the US financial system because Islamic Bank of Britain narrows consecutive waiver from US sanctions on Tehran for of purchases of Iranian oil made after new sanctions reducing shipments from the country. were imposed on the country. Japan imported 1.39 million kilolitres (282,833 bar- Iran says its nuclear program is for peaceful pur- loss, gets capital from QIIB rels per day), Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry poses but the United States and its European allies SYDNEY: (METI) data showed yesterday. Supplies from Iran rose say it is aimed at developing an atomic weapon. Iran’s Islamic Bank of Britain (IBB) nar- the gap by nearly doubling to 117 million “The additional 10 million pounds of rowed its losses in 2012, Britain’s only pounds in 2012 versus 61 million pounds a capital will allow us to fund our asset by 46 percent from February. oil revenues have fallen by about 50 percent since sharia-compliant retail lender said, a week year earlier. The bank did not disclose per- growth and transformation program, as we The increase was the first year-on-year rise in tough EU and US measures were imposed last year, after it raised 10 million pounds ($15.5 mil- sonnel or administrative expenses, which in head towards a more stable and in the long monthly imports since June 2012, according to METI hurting business and cutting living standards for ordi- lion) from majority shareholder Qatar the past have represented the bulk of its term profitable financial position,” Sultan data. Buyers of Iranian crude like Japan are required nary Iranians. International Islamic Bank. IBB, which has costs. Choudhury, IBB’s managing director, said in to steadily cut purchases as the United States and Japan’s Ministry of Finance recently issued customs- struggled to turn a profit since its inception Last week, IBB raised 10 million pounds a statement. other western countries are seeking to choke off the cleared import data from Iran that showed purchases in 2004, posted a loss of 6.99 million by placing 1 billion shares with QIIB at a QIIB, which now owns 91 percent of IBB, Middle Eastern country’s revenue because of con- of Iranian oil fell 51 percent in March. The oil industry pounds in 2012 versus a loss of 9 million price of 1 penny each, raising the number has been in discussions since last June with cerns about Tehran’s nuclear program. considers METI data as the more reliable benchmark pounds a year earlier. of its outstanding ordinary shares to 4.5 bil- Qatari lender Masraf Al-Rayan to sell a con- The US extended 180-day waivers on Iran sanc- because it tracks tanker arrivals. — Reuters Home financing business helped narrow lion, according to regulatory filings. trolling stake in the British bank. — Reuters EXCHANGE RATES

Chinese Yuan 0.0450146 0.0500146 Philippine Peso 6.926 Omani Riyal 741.34 743.000 Eritrea-Nakfa 0.0164733 0.0195733 Commercial Bank of Kuwait Qatari Riyal 78.66 78.500 Thai Baht 9.758 Guinea Franc 0.0000442 0.0000502 Saudi Riyal 76.09 76.500 Malaysian ringgit 94.221 Hg Kong Dollar 0.0341871 0.0372871 US Dollar/KD .2770000 .2880000 Indian Rupee 0.0051832 0.0052472 GCC COUNTRIES GB Pound/KD .4310000 .4470000 Dollarco Exchange Co. Ltd Indonesian Rupiah 0.0000243 0.0000295 Euro .3680000 .3760000 Saudi Riyal 76.110 Jamaican Dollars 0.0028482 0.0038482 Swiss francs .3020000 .3170000 Qatari Riyal 78.422 Rate for Transfer Selling Rate Japanese Yen 0.0028420 0.0030220 Canadian Dollar .2780000 .2920000 Omani Riyal 741.330 US Dollar 285.050 Kenyan Shilling 0.0033506 0.0035806 Australian DLR .2940000 .3020000 Bahraini Dinar 758.070 Canadian Dollar 283.995 Malaysian Ringgit 0.0889274 0.0959274 Indian rupees .0040000 .0069000 UAE Dirham 77.717 Sterling Pound 443.550 Nepalese Rupee 0.0031258 0.0033258 Sri Lanka Rupee .0020000 .0035000 Euro 372.765 Pakistan Rupee 0.0028696 0.0029096 UAE dirhams .0771240 .0778990 ARAB COUNTRIES Swiss Frank 303.200 Philippine Peso 0.0064662 0.0069362 Bahraini dinars .7513970 .7589480 Egyptian Pound - Cash 39.950 Bahrain Dinar 754.675 Sierra Leone 0.0000728 0.0000758 Jordanian dinar .3930000 .4110000 Egyptian Pound - Transfer 40.648 UAE Dirhams 77.585 Singapore Dollar 0.2266191 0.2328191 Saudi riyals .0720000 .0770000 Yemen Riyal/for 1000 1.332 Qatari Riyals 78.245 Sri Lankan Rupee 0.0022063 0.0022483 Omani riyals .7366120 .7440150 Tunisian Dinar 178.310 Saudi Riyals 75.975 Thai Baht 0.0093633 0.0099633 Jordanian Dinar 403.050 Jordanian Dinar 401.825 Egyptian pounds .0370000 .0440000 Arab Lebanese Lira/for 1000 1.915 Egyptian Pound 40.693 CUSTOMER TRANSFER RATES Syrian Lier 3.101 Sri Lankan Rupees 2.248 Bahraini Dinar 0.7498071 0.7583071 Morocco Dirham 34.250 Indian Rupees 5.252 Egyptian Pound 0.0386455 0.0406755 US Dollar/KD .2841000 .2862000 Pakistani Rupees 2.890 Ethiopeanbirr 0.0128960 0.0193960 GB Pound/KD .4338920 .4370990 EUROPEAN & AMERICAN COUNTRIES Bangladesh Taka 3.655 Ghanaian Cedi 0.1484063 0.1501963 Euro .3707360 .3734770 Philippines Pesso 6.916 Iranian Riyal 0.0000793 0.0000798 US Dollar Transfer 285.300 Swiss francs .3043390 .3065880 Cyprus pound 699.240 Iraqi Dinar 0.0001734 0.0002334 Canadian dollars .2795430 .2816100 Euro 375.450 Japanese Yen 3.915 Jordanian Dinar 0.3965460 0.4040460 Danish Kroner .0497330 .0501010 Sterling Pound 444.780 Thai Bhat 10.175 Kuwaiti Dinar 1.0000000 1.0000000 Swedish Kroner .0443660 .0446940 Canadian dollar 282.480 Syrian Pound 4.070 Lebanese Pound 0.0001749 0.0001949 Australian dlr .2963730 .2985640 Turkish lira 158.720 Nepalese Rupees 3.360 Moroccan Dirhams 0.0218866 0.0458866 Hong Kong dlr .0365940 .0368650 Swiss Franc 305.950 Malaysian Ringgit 94.030 Nigerian Naira 0.0012117 0.0018467 Singapore dlr .2291130 .2308060 US Dollar Buying 284.100 Omani Riyal 0.7295089 0.7405089 Japanese yen .0029600 .0028810 Bahrain Exchange Company Qatar Riyal 0.0776546 0.0784376 Indian Rs/KD .0000000 .0052870 GOLD Saudi Riyal 0.0754933 O.0761333 Sri Lanka rupee .0000000 .0022880 20 Gram 298.000 CURRENCY BUY SELL Sudanese Pounds 0.0479373 0.0484873 Pakistan rupee .0000000 .0029190 10 Gram 150.000 Europe Syrian Pound 0.0031813 0.0034013 Bangladesh taka .0000000 .0036810 5 Gram 77.500 British Pound 0.4352684 0.4442684 Tunisian Dinar 0.1759937 0.1819937 UAE dirhams .0773800 .0779520 Czech Korune 0.0061592 0.0181592 UAE Dirhams 0.0761949 0.0776449 Bahraini dinars .7538810 .7594530 Danish Krone 0.0459298 0.0509298 Yemeni Riyal 0.0012862 0.0013862 Jordanian dinar .0000000 .4048090 UAE Exchange Centre WLL Euro 0.3671145 0.3746145 Saudi Riyal/KD .0757800 .0763400 Norwegian Krone 0.0447329 0.0499329 Al Mulla Exchange Omani riyals .7382100 .7436660 COUNTRY SELL DRAFT SELL CASH Scottish Pound 0.4304380 0.4379380 Philippine Peso .0000000 .0069870 Australian Dollar 297.58 295.500 Swedish Krona 0.0394504 0.0444504 Canadian Dollar 284.80 281.000 Swiss Franc 0.2977660 0.3047660 Currency Transfer Rate (Per 1000) Swiss Franc 304.50 307.000 US Dollar 284.700 Al-Muzaini Exchange Co. Euro 374.85 375.500 Australasia Euro 375.000 US Dollar 284.85 286.000 Australian Dollar 0.2842764 0.2962764 Pound Sterling 444.400 Sterling Pound 444.60 439.000 New Zealand Dollar 0.2350484 0.2450484 Canadian Dollar 282.650 ASIAN COUNTRIES Japanese Yen 2.98 3.300 Uganda Shilling 0.0001114 0.0001114 Japanese Yen 2.950 Japanese Yen 2.914 Bangladesh Taka 3.669 3.760 Indian Rupee 5.251 Indian Rupees 5.257 Indian Rupee 5.245 5.450 America Egyptian Pound 40.640 Pakistani Rupees 2.893 Sri Lankan Rupee 2.245 2.440 Canadian Dollar 0.2738091 0.2828091 Sri Lankan Rupee 2.244 Srilankan Rupees 2.245 Nepali Rupee 3.289 3.400 Colombian Peso 0.0001485 0.0001665 Bangladesh Taka 3.653 Nepali Rupees 3.285 Pakistani Rupee 2.897 2.980 US Dollars 0.2829500 0.2851000 Philippines Peso 6.915 Singapore Dollar 231.950 UAE Dirhams 77.62 78.300 Pakistan Rupee 2.895 Asia Hongkong Dollar 36.752 Bahraini Dinar 758.45 757.850 Bahraini Dinar 758.200 UAE Dirham 77.550 Bangladesh Taka 3.653 Egyptian Pound 40.69 41.000 Bangladesh Taka 0.0036111 0.0036661 Jordanian Dinar 405.80 410.000 Cape Vrde Escudo 0.0031627 0.0033927 Saudi Riyal 76.050 BUSINESS WEDNESDAY, MAY 1, 2013

Burgan Bank platinum sponsor of 2nd Youth Banking Conference

KUWAIT: Burgan Bank announced its sponsorship of Manager. On her part, El-Sherbini mentioned that commercial Bank and third largest by assets in Kuwait, (Tunisia), and fully owned Burgan Bank - Turkey, (col- the Second Youth Banking Conference organized by women’s role across the banking sector has been an with a significant focus on the corporate and financial lectively known as the “Burgan Bank Group”). Kuwait University’s College of Social Sciences. During instrumental one, of which they proved their abilities institutions sectors, as well as having a growing retail The Bank has continuously improved its perform- the conference, which took place between the 17th in the decision making process, placing plans, policies and private bank customer base. ance over the years through an expanded revenue and 18th of April, Chairman of Burgan Bank, Majed that are in line with the overall strategic objectives. Burgan Bank has five majority owned subsidiaries, structure, diversified funding sources, and a strong Essa Al-Ajeel discussed the importance of integrating El-Sherbini also highlighted that Burgan Bank which include Gulf Bank Algeria - AGB (Algeria), Bank capital base. The adoption of state-of-the-art services the Kuwaiti youth in the Kuwaiti banking sector, and adopts a learning-plus-application approach which of Baghdad - BOB (Iraq & Lebanon), Jordan Kuwait and technology has positioned it as a trendsetter in providing robust opportunities that held define their helps in the development of employees’ skills, and Bank - JKB (Jordan) Tunis International Bank - TIB the domestic market and within the MENA region. career path in a wide range of fields within the sector. help recruits to not only jumpstart their career but During his discussion, Al-Ajeel noted that Burgan also equip them with necessary experience to play an Bank achieved a Kuwaitization percentage of 67 %, a important role in the nation’s business and economic significant accomplishment for the bank, where it has development. consistently worked towards achieving its long-term Recently, Burgan Bank received the coveted “Best strategic objectives of nurturing the best talent local Employment Program in GCC” award by World talents, while also aligning itself with the develop- Finance Magazine’s Annual GCC Investment and mental goals of the country. Development Awards. The Banking Conference is the first leading confer- Burgan Bank presents a successful model of a pri- ence in the State of Kuwait that targets the youth age vate sector firm’s ability to attract young, ambitious group of the society. Amongst its main goals is to Kuwaitis, provide them with the skills through struc- introduce the varying banking options on a local lev- tured training and development programs to mold el, to raise awareness about the banking sector in the them into successful Bankers. The Bank strives to country, and to develop an understanding of the invest in its employees, reward them with best-in- banking system and the methods utilized. class benefit programs and pave the road for them to Moreover, the conference was also attended by take advantage of the various career development Halah El-Sherbini, Burgan Bank’s Chief Human and growth opportunities in the Bank. Resources and Development Officer - General Established in 1977, Burgan Bank is the youngest US home prices rise, seen helping economic recovery Labor costs rise 0.3% in first quarter

WASHINGTON: US home prices rose in cent gain. Following a spectacular col- wage inflation, a potential sign the ment said. Workers’ benefits rose 0.1 February at their fastest annual rate in lapse that fueled the 2007-09 recession, Federal Reserve has space to continue percent during the quarter, the slowest almost seven years, a fresh sign the the housing sector appears to have turn its monetary stimulus program. pace since 1999. A Labor Department housing market recovery will help a corner and adjusted prices have been The Employment Cost Index analyst said the data error probably did counter the drag on the economy from rising since February 2012. increased 0.3 percent in the first quarter, not have a major impact on that series. government belt tightening. The Major US stock indexes were lower in the Labor Department said on Tuesday. The department said benefits data for S&P/Case Shiller index of 20 metropoli- early trade. A separate report showed However, the data may have been dis- sales and office jobs had been left out of tan areas showed single-family home US labor costs rose less than expected in torted by an error found in benefits data the calculations for the increase in over- prices rose 9.3 percent in February from the first quarter and pointed to benign for sales and office workers, the depart- all benefits. a year earlier, according to a report Analysts polled by Reuters had released yesterday. expected a 0.5 percent increase in over- The data reinforces the view that ris- all labor costs. In the 12 months through ing home prices could make Americans March, compensation costs advanced feel better about spending this year, 1.8 percent. A sign for pharmaceutical company Pfizer Incorporated headquarters helping counter a hit to economic Fed policymakers yesterday begin a is displayed on 42 Street in New York. — AFP growth from tax hikes and government two-day meeting on monetary policy, spending cuts. That hit is already being with results scheduled to be announced Pfizer Q1 profit up, but felt. “The steady rise in home prices rein- today. A recent slew of weak US growth forces the current narrative of continued data has raised expectations the Federal drugmaker cuts outlook progress in the US housing market,” said Reserve will keep its pace of bond buy- Millan Mulraine, an economist at TD ing at $85 billion a month. NEW YORK: Pfizer Inc’s first-quarter billion to shareholders so far this Securities in New York. Other recent The Fed has kept overnight interest net income rose 53 percent as the year in dividends and share repur- data has pointed to less steam building rates near zero since late 2008 and it has world’s second-largest drugmaker chases. But some investors have in the housing market, but rising prices tripled its balance sheet to about $3 tril- benefited from a gain related to a been pushing for more divestitures. should give construction firms more lion through purchases of securities, joint venture with China. But Pfizer’s “They’re having trouble hitting their incentive to build new homes and which are aimed at pushing longer-term results fell short of Wall Street’s sales goals so they need to make up increase inventories. A dearth of homes borrowing costs lower. Wages and expectations, and the company for it with financial moves, like buy- on the market has been a recent factor salaries, which account for 70 percent of lowered its forecast for the year. ing back shares, that help prop up holding back sales. employment costs, increased 0.5 per- The current quarter shows that the stock price,” Erik Gordon, an The S&P/Case Shiller index showed cent in the first quarter, up from a 0.3 Pfizer continues to struggle after analyst and professor at University prices gained 1.2 percent in February on percent gain in the fourth quarter. A home is for sale in Auburn. Standard & Poor’s/Case-Shiller reported on losing US patent protection on of Michigan’s Ross School of a seasonally adjusted basis from They were up 1.6 percent in the 12 home prices in February yesterday. — AP some of its blockbuster drugs that Business, wrote in an email. January, topping forecasts for a 0.9 per- months through March. — Reuters bring in $1 million annually or During the first quarter, Pfizer, more. When popular drugs go off which is based in New York, said net patent, cheaper, generic versions of income was $2.75 billion, or 38 those medicines often pop in the cents per share, down from $1.79 Oman seeks $4bn Saudi summer crude burn to market, and that competition cuts billion, or 28 cents per share, a year into sales of roughly two-thirds of earlier. Excluding one-time items, keep pressure on output Pfizer’s drugs. adjusted income was 54 cents per loan for The biggest hit has been copy- share, a penny less than the fore- DUBAI: Saudi Arabia faces another summer of umes of Saudi oil into power plant furnaces last cat versions of Pfizer’s cholesterol cast of analysts surveyed by Duqm refinery heavy crude burning for power generation, with summer. fighter Lipitor, which was the FactSet. Results were boosted by a little more gas available and demand for cooling Were it not for Karan, combined with near world’s best-selling drug for nearly $490 million gain from the transfer MUSCAT: State-run Oman Oil Co is talking to bankers about rising each year in the kingdom. record high crude output pumping out more a decade until it lost exclusivity in of some product rights to its joint raising a $4 billion loan to build an oil refinery in the southern Roughly half of Saudi gas supply still comes associated gas, oil burning would have exceed- 2011 and in much of Europe last venture in China. In the year-ago coastal town of Duqm, a major part of the government’s effort from its vast oilfields, so summer air condition- ed the record 763,250 barrels a day (bpd) used year. Sales of Lipitor, which once quarter, Pfizer took charges totaling to build the country’s industrial base. Oman unveiled a plan to ing demand supports high oil output levels in power plants from June through September brought in about $13 billion a year, $1.66 billion, for litigation, acquisi- build a large petrochemical complex alongside a $6 billion because the kingdom needs more of both fuels last year. dropped 55 percent to $626 million tion and other costs. refinery in Duqm last year, as it seeks to expand downstream for its power stations. There have been no big Using stocks to meet the air-conditioning in the first quarter. Revenue in the latest quarter oil operations. gas fields brought online since the Karan project driven demand surge would avoid having to “Oman Oil Co is sounding out local banks to raise $4 billion Like many other drugmakers, was $13.5 billion, down 9 percent ramped up production in 2012, and it is unclear raise production above current levels of around for the Duqm refinery,” a senior Omani commercial banker, Pfizer has been cutting costs to from $14.89 billion a year earlier whether this independent gas field will be able 9.2 million bpd - a move which risks driving oil who did not want to identified, told Reuters on the sidelines boost profit, but there’s likely very and below analysts’ expectations of to run at full flow this summer. prices well below Saudi Arabia’s stated preferred little fat left to trim. Pfizer and most $13.99 billion. Pfizer said unfavor- of an investment seminar yesterday. “I also believe it will soon appoint a lead arranger for this loan,” he added. Saudi oil minister Ali Al-Naimi said on April 1 level of around $100 a barrel. of its rivals also have been focusing able currency exchange rates that Karan should be running at capacity “very Saudi oil strategists will have to weigh the on developing very-expensive reduced revenue by 1 percent, or 2 Oman Oil Co is developing the 230,000 barrel-per-day refinery project with International Petroleum Investment Co, soon,” but it is not clear whether it has been run- benefits of using crude stocks instead of raising drugs for rare disorders and on cents per share. The rest of the drop ning below capacity because spring power well head production - considering that using expanding sales in emerging mar- was due to lower sales, mostly due based in neighboring United Arab Emirates. It said last week it would build a 200 million barrel crude oil storage facility at demand was low or because it was still unable stocks means less potential gas supplies from kets such as China. But there’s a lim- to generic competition of its schizo- to run flat out. oilfields, which will further increase the amount it to how much money those strate- phrenia drug Geodon, which got Duqm, by far the world’s largest tank farm, at a cost of $1 bil- lion. Gulf Arab oil producers may see the facility, lying outside If Karan is able to run at full capacity all sum- of crude it needs to burn to keep the growing gies can generate. generic competition in the US last the Strait of Hormuz, as insurance against potential shipping mer it should help reduce the total volume of population cool. To please shareholders, the com- March, and for Lipitor. Sales of near- disruptions in the strait by Iran. crude burn compared to 2012, because it was But as most oil traders do not find out about pany also has been selling off non- ly two dozen other drugs - many The Omani government said last week it was seeking to not running at capacity until towards the end of production levels until the next month, and pharmaceutical assets and using former blockbuster medicines with raise $2.5 billion to expand an existing oil refinery at Sohar last peak demand season.Sources familiar with because export volumes have greater influence the proceeds to repurchase more annual sales of $1 billion or more - and pay for a previous loan. It also runs another refinery in the Saudi oil policy said last week that they expect- over prices, the kingdom could raise output if it shares. Indeed, Pfizer noted on also declined, mostly due to wors- capital Muscat. Sultan Qaboos bin Said, Oman’s ruler for 42 ed external demand for Saudi crude to remain needs the oil without immediately impacting Tuesday that it’s returned about $8 ening generic competition. — AP years, has picked Duqm, once a sleepy fishing village, as the steady from March through June 2013. prices or increasing exports. country’s next industrial centre, with investments of up to $15 But crude demand by Saudi power plants is But there is still some uncertainty over how billion targeted in petrochemicals and infrastructure over the set to surge from now until July, with a rise of much gas Karan will be able to supply, with one next 10 years. 356,000 barrels per day seen from March-June part of Saudi Aramco’s website saying it hit full “We are targeting $5 billion foreign investment at Duqm in 2011 and a jump of 400,000 bpd in the same capacity of 1.8 billion cubic feet per day (bcf/d) the next five years,” finance minister Darwish Al-Balushi told period of 2012, government data published in summer 2012, and another saying the pro- reporters yesterday, adding that projects worth $18 billion through the Joint Organizations Data Initiative cessing plant will reach full capacity by 2013. were either built or planned in the town. “With all that invest- (JODI) shows. Saudi oil officials and Saudi Aramco spokes- ment, Duqm will help to diversify the economy away from oil So if crude export demand does remain people were unable to comment immediately income,” he said. Oman is also investing heavily in airport and steady, the inevitable Saudi oil demand jump on Karan’s operational status. port operations in the southern city of Salalah, near the bor- means output will have to rise significantly. If A sharp rise in oil production from May to der with Yemen. Oil production accounts for 77 percent of Asian demand for Saudi crude falters, the surge June 2011 enabled Saudi Arabia to satisfy its government revenues and half of output in the $76 billion in domestic demand should still support pro- own surge in oil demand and boost exports to economy. Balushi reiterated on Tuesday that the government duction, especially as any reduction in output compensate for a fall in supplies during the would stick to its 2013 budget spending plan, despite a $22 would deal a double blow of depriving industry Libyan civil war. slide in global oil prices to the current $103 per barrel over the of gas feedstock while condemning even more Saudi oil exports have fallen relative to pro- last couple of months. “We are committed to 13 billion rial oil to burn in power plants because there is less duction in three of the four summers since ($33.8 billion) spending this year. That will not change. If oil associated gas. 2009, when domestic demand has eaten into prices are at an average of $100 per barrel we will achieve a Riyadh has long insisted that it adjusts oil exports each year, JODI data shows. surplus in 2013,” he said. supply to meet demand and not to steer prices. Meanwhile, stock withdrawals have The finance ministry boosted planned 2013 expenditure by nearly 30 percent over its 2012 budget to 12.9 billion rials, With Brent crude trading at around $104 a bar- remained relatively low, indicating that Saudi pencilling in a deficit of 1.7 billion rials based on an assumed rel on April 30, but the world economy still seen stocks have not been heavily used to support oil price of $85 per barrel. Since 2011, the government has as fragile, Saudi oil policy makers will be wary of exports over summer. hiked spending on welfare and job creation schemes to head raising production significantly to meet their Saudi electricity use has risen by about 6 per- NICOSIA: Cypriot left-wing supporters attend a protest outside the off social unrest following a wave of protests in the Arab own demand. cent annually over the last decade, with sum- parliament in the capital Nicosia yesterday. The Cypriot parliament world. Oman’s consultative Shura Council approved in They had hoped Karan would dampen the mer peak demand more than doubling from was to debate a 10-billion-euro EU bailout, as the government February a much higher minimum wage and curbs on foreign annual crude burning bonanza last year, but 2002 to over 48 gigawatts in 2011, according to warned that its rejection would have “catastrophic” consequences for labour to help prevent any repeat of 2011 protests against exceptionally hot weather forced record vol- the national electricity regulator. — Reuters the economy of the eastern Mediterranean island. — AFP joblessness. — Reuters WEDNESDAY, MAY 1, 2013 BUSINESS BP Q1 profits surge on Russian JV sale

LONDON: BP’s sale of its Russian joint venture total 19.75 percent interest in Rosneft. remains a higher risk investment in a traditionally helped it more than triple first-quarter profits, the The results come at a very uneasy time for the lower risk sector, with consensus opinion currently oil company said yesterday in a further sign that its company, which has been functioning under a denoting a hold, albeit a strong one.” The first disposal program in the wake of the Gulf of Mexico cloud since the 2010 well blowout in the Gulf of phase of the trial wrapped up earlier this month, oil spill disaster is on track. Mexico that killed 11 workers. Some 200 million featuring testimony by witnesses for the federal It said its replacement cost profits rose to $16.5 gallons of oil spilled, smearing the shoreline of sev- government, a team of private plaintiffs’ attorneys, billion from the $4.7 billion for the same period last eral states and fouling the Gulf of Mexico. rig owner Transocean Ltd. and cement contractor year, largely reflecting a one-off gain from the sale US government investigations blamed the spill Halliburton. This part of the trial is meant to identi- of its stake in TNK-BP. The replacement cost figure on cost-cutting and time-saving decisions made by fy the causes behind the BP’s Macondo well omits gains or losses in inventories, making it simi- BP. A trial in New Orleans to determine the compa- blowout and will assign fault to the companies. lar to net profit figures used by US oil companies. ny’s civil liability just wrapped up its first phase. The second phase of the trial will start in BP’s non-replacement cost net profit was $16.6 bil- Billions are at stake. Even as it tries to deal with September. This part of the trial will explore BP’s lion against $5.7 billion this time last year. the aftermath of 2010, BP is streamlining and efforts to stop the flow of oil - and assess how Group CEO Bob Dudley said the results “demon- undergoing dramatic change, said equity analyst much spilled. “While the final decision rests with strate the progress BP is making in delivering the Keith Bowman of Hargreaves Lansdown the court, BP believes the evidence and testimony performance milestones.” Investors certainly Stockbrokers. He said the oil giant continues to presented at trial confirms that it was not grossly thought so, and the stock was trading 3.5 percent shrink, with production down 5 percent year-over- negligent and that the accident was the result of higher in London at 473 pence. BP announced last year, “although new production opportunities are multiple causes, involving multiple parties,” the month that it was buying back $8 billion of shares being cultivated.” “In all, underlying progress is company said in a statement. The total charge for using money from the sale of its stake in Russian being made,” Bowman said. “However, until the the Gulf of Mexico oil spill remained at $42.2 bil- joint venture TNK-BP to Rosneft. BP now holds a uncertainty of US legal settlement is lifted, BP lion. — AP

BAYFIELD: Kourtney Hardwick, BP Florida operations manager, looks over a methane gas well site east of Bayfield, Colorado. BP PLC reported quarterly financial results yesterday.—AP Why did Cypriot banks keep buying Greek bonds?

NICOSIA: One day last October, a memory chases of such bonds. With these new instruc- stick containing special software for deleting tions, that day the bank bought debt worth data was placed into a desktop computer at 150 million euros, and a total of 400 million by Bank of Cyprus. Within minutes, 28,000 files the end of 2009, according to the consultants. were erased, according to investigators who There is, the report says, “no evidence” the had wanted to copy the data for an official public comment about “minimal exposure” to report into the collapse of the Cypriot banking Greece was ever “retracted or subsequently system. The deleted files included emails sent corrected by any of the bank’s executives”. and received in a crucial period in late 2009 Kypri told Reuters he could say little while and early 2010 when Bank of Cyprus, the an official inquiry continues, but he was quot- biggest lender on the island, spent billions of ed by the investigators saying he had been euros buying Greek bonds - at a time when unaware of the plan to return to buying Greek international banks were cutting exposure to bonds. Andreas Eliades, who was chief execu- the heavily indebted Athens government. tive until July 2012, told Reuters Kypri’s state- Those Greek bonds lost most of their value ment to Stockwatch referred only to a tempo- in last year’s EU-sanctioned bailout, playing a rary sell-off in response to short-term market key role in plunging Cyprus into an economic fluctuation. Another member of senior man- maelstrom. When banks turned to Cyprus’s agement at the time, Nicolas Karydas, gave own cash-strapped government for help in investigators and Reuters the same explana- plugging holes in their balance sheets, Nicosia tion. On Dec. 11, the day after the bank too needed an international rescue. Now peo- resumed purchases of Greek bonds, Karydas ple in the small euro zone republic, who have told the bank’s board that most of its Greek lost money and face years of grim austerity, bonds had been sold. But, the Alvarez and want to know who decided to plough their Marsal investigators, add: “The board was not savings into the doomed public accounts of informed that the repurchase of Greek gov- their bigger neighbour, and why. But answers ernment bonds had commenced the prior are proving elusive, not helped by the mysteri- day, after the divesture.” ous wiping of data at Bank of Cyprus. Karydas, group general manager of risk There has been public speculation about management and markets, who left the bank backroom diplomatic deals or misplaced soli- at the end of August last year, rejected any darity with Cypriots’ fellow Greek-speakers. suggestion the board was unaware of the But executives at the failed banks argue that investment strategy or that he misled the Greek bonds seemed a good investment at board. He said in an email response to Reuters the time - though that view is at odds with “all the executives” agreed to a policy that that of many bankers elsewhere in Europe, included possible Greek bond purchases at a who were doing all they could to limit their meeting in November 2009. “The ... sugges- own exposures to Greece. The confidential tions ... were also approved by the board of report, prepared for the Cypriot central bank directors in their Dec. 11 meeting,” Karydas by global consultants Alvarez and Marsal, said. “It seemed to be a consensus view that found that Bank of Cyprus had been willing, Greece would overcome the crisis.” By April from 2009 onwards, to invest in risky, high- 2010, the bank had expanded its holding of yielding Greek debt in a bid to offset an ero- Greek government bonds to 2.4 billion euros, sion of its balance sheet from rising non-per- a third more than the amount Kypri had told forming loans. Stockwatch had been sold four months The report, which Reuters has seen, alleges before. The investigators said this went that bank executives may not have revealed beyond the bank’s own approved 2-billion- details of bond purchases to board directors, euro limit but was approved retrospectively in avoided showing losses on the bonds, and May 2010. may later have delayed external investigation Eliades, the former group CEO, said that of the bond purchases. Greek bonds were still well rated at the time In December 2009, managers told media and in demand internationally: “We cannot and their own board that most of the bank’s judge, with today’s circumstances, actions Greek bondholdings had been sold - but the which took place at a different time when bank did not then disclose that it had almost Greek bonds had very high demand,” he said. immediately bought more. Bank of Cyprus has “Everyone was buying into Greek bonds.” By declined to comment on the report. Petros comparison, however, data from “stress tests” Clerides, the Cypriot attorney-general to carried out by EU authorities concerned about whom a copy of the report was delivered, the health of their banks, showed that at the declined any comment on the matter. end of 2010, most of the 10 biggest banks on Much attention in the crisis has hitherto the continent, many times larger than the focused on allegations of poor management Cypriot lenders, held nothing like as much at Cyprus’s other big lender, Laiki Bank, for- Greek debt as did Bank of Cyprus and Laiki. merly Marfin Popular. But the Alvarez and They had 2.2 billion and 3.3 billion euros Marsal report, whose broad findings emerged respectively, outstripped among top 10 banks earlier this month, raises questions, too, about only by French giants BNP Paribas and Societe the former management of Bank of Cyprus. Generale. The same EU data showed that The report noted “a culture whereby senior Britain’sBarclays had only 192 million euros management decisions were not challenged”. and Lloyds none at all. As investors’ fears over Michael Olympios, who heads an investors’ the solvency of Greece grew, the value of the association, Pasexa, that has complained of Greek bonds fell. The Bank of Cyprus made mismanagement, said: “There was clear cor- changes to the way it accounted for the bond porate governance failure here, and a lack of holdings, according to the Alvarez and Marsal disclosure to shareholders.” More broadly, he report, with the result that the growing poten- added: “If one wants to summarize the mess in tial losses were not spelled out to investors. our banking system, Lord Acton sums it up; In April 2010, it moved about 1.6 billion power tends to corrupt, and absolute power euros of Greek bonds from its trading account corrupts absolutely.” to its “held to maturity” book. This meant the Under last month’s bailout deal for the bank did not have to mark down the value of Cypriot state, Laiki is being closed and Bank of the bonds. Cyprus is being recapitalized. Large depositors The accounting move was made on the at Bank of Cyprus have seen virtually all of grounds that Greece would redeem the their deposits over an insured 100,000-euro bonds. The report authors said: “The justifica- ($131,000) threshold frozen and stand to see tion provided does not appear to be strong.” up to 60 percent of those converted into equi- Eliades told Reuters: “Nobody could possibly ty. Many in Cyprus, including hundreds of expect that a European country, in the euro, Russians who placed their faith in its once could possibly default.” Last year, however, booming offshore banking products, feel they the EU and IMF bailout terms relieved Greece have been unfairly treated; bank depositors in of the need to repay up to 80 percent on its Greece suffered no losses when that country bonds, leaving the Bank of Cyprus with losses was bailed out. of 1.8 billion euros. The bank declined to “They should have bought from different respond to an allegation made in the report governments rather than just Greece,” said that data that could have been relevant to Demetris Syllouris, who heads the Cyprus par- understanding why it bought so much Greek liament’s ethics committee which is looking debt may have been deleted. That data, the into the affair. “This caused 80 percent of the authors say, was wiped from the computer of problem we are in.” Aside from the wisdom of Christakis Patsalides, an executive involved in its investment strategy, it is the communica- buying bonds, using special software on Oct. tion of this strategy to investors that is in 18 last year. When investigators examined it, question. On Dec 10, 2009, Yiannis Kypri, a there was a 15-month gap in emails in 2009- general manager at Bank of Cyprus, told a 2010. Cypriot website, Stockwatch, that the bank There is no suggestion Patsalides himself had “minimal exposure to Greek sovereign deleted them. He told investigators that he debt” after reducing its holdings from 1.8 bil- was unaware of any missing data, according lion euros to 0.1 billion. to the report. Patsalides declined comment to The same day, according to the investiga- Reuters but told investigators for the report tors’ report, Andreas Eliades, then Bank of that had thought the bank’s ceiling for its Cyprus’s group chief executive officer, instruct- Greek bond holdings had been set at “too ed his treasury department to begin new pur- high a limit”. — Reuters BUSINESS WEDNESDAY, MAY 1, 2013

S&P affirms NBK’s Alghanim Motors welcomes Honda ratings at A+, Executive VP Tetsuo Iwamura outlook stable KUWAIT: After officially announcing ship with Alghanim Motors. Iwamura KUWAIT: Standard & Poor’s, the international credit that Alghanim Motors has become the highly praised the modern design of the rating agency, affirmed the long-term credit ratings of National Bank of Kuwait (NBK) at A+, the highest sole distributor of Honda Automobiles new car showroom as well as the level in the Middle East. All the bank’s ratings carry a sta- and Honda Power Products in Kuwait, of technology and precision employed ble outlook. Alghanim Motors welcomed Tetsuo in the service center. Iwamura also Earlier this month, Moody’s Investors Service has Iwamura, Executive Vice President, applauded the professional and system- affirmed NBK’s Aa3/ Prime- 1 long- and short-term Executive Officer and Representative atic processes at all Honda Alghanim deposit ratings and the bank’s C standalone bank Director of Honda Motor Co to Kuwait. facilities. financial strength rating (BFSR), equivalent to a Iwamura was accompanied by baseline credit assessment of a3, the highest in the Shunichi Uchida, Director of Honda Middle East. The outlook on the ratings is stable. Middle East and Hesham Fahmy El In its latest report on NBK, Standard & Poor’s Hawary, Senior General Manager - pointed out that NBK’s major rating strengths Network & Development Honda include the leading commercial position in its Middle East. domestic market, strong capitalization on the back Marking Iwamura’s first time ever in In turn, Alghanim expressed his of good earning capacity, and more resilient asset Kuwait, Alghanim Motors has placed pleasure in hosting Iwamura and the quality than that of its peers. great importance on ensuring the accompanying delegates, thanking The agency added that NBK’s business position guests were warmly welcomed, where- them for their continuous support and is strong. The bank’s business position will remain by Omar Kutayba Alghanim - Chief confidence in the newly founded part- stable, underpinned by its leading position in Executive Office, Alghanim Industries - nership, while highlighting the compa- Kuwait, long track record of good and stable per- personally took the guests on an elabo- ny’s promise to promoting both Honda formance, as well as good and experienced man- rate tour of the brand new Honda and Alghanim Motors’ brand names, agement. Standard & Poor’s assessed NBK’s capital and earnings as “strong,” mainly based on the Alghanim facilities. The tour included a backed by Alghanim Industries’ trusted bank’s level of capitalization and profitability. visit to the all-new Honda Alghanim reputation in providing top-notch cus- NBK has consistently been awarded the highest showroom located in Safat Alghanim in tomer service. Alghanim also empha- credit ratings of all banks in the region by the major Al-Rai; and the newly opened Honda sized that Alghanim Motors is commit- international rating agencies: Moody’s, Standard & Alghanim service center, located next ted to reintroducing a wider range of Poor’s and Fitch Ratings. NBK is the only Arab bank to Alghanim Industries in Shuwaikh. Honda products in Kuwait and match- to be listed among the world’s 50 safest banks sev- Believing in Honda’s promising ing customers’ needs with the best sales en times in a row. future in Kuwait, the visit serves as a and aftersales experience while meet- milestone in marking the new partner- ing international standards. Tetsuo Iwamura with Omar Kutayba Alghanim Markets steady despite growing ECB rate talk

MOSCOW: European markets steadied yesterday following rose 9.3 percent in February, the most in almost seven a strong performance the previous session despite grow- years. Separately the New York-based Conference Board ing expectations of an interest rate reduction from the said its consumer confidence index rose to 68.1 points in European Central Bank later this week. The expectation April from 61.9 in March. The Dow was down 0.5 percent at that the ECB will cut its main interest rate from the already 14,747.69 while the broader S&P 500 index was down 0.4 all-time low of 0.75 percent has grown sturdier after fig- percent at 1,587.27. ures yesterday showed euro-zone unemployment up at Stocks around the world have performed solidly over another record high of 12.1 percent. the past few weeks despite a run of mostly disappointing But while the rise in unemployment was not much of economic data. However, the upside for investors in stock a surprise, the sharp fall in inflation was. markets is that the soft patch may mean the world’s central Eurostat, the EU’s statistics office, said inflation rose 1.2 banks persevere with their easy and cheap monetary poli- percent in the year to April, way down from the 1.7 percent cies for longer than thought. rate recorded in March and markedly below market expec- “Risk appetite continues to be enlivened rather than tations for a modest decline to 1.6 percent. The preliminary encumbered by the slew of poor data this week, with April rate was the lowest since February 2010 and takes investors choosing to rely on optimism that the Fed will inflation even further below the ECB’s target of keeping leave its current stimulus in place and that the ECB will inflation “close to but below” 2 percent. look to cut its key lending rate,” said Brenda Kelly, senior Given that expectations of a rate cut were largely fac- market strategist at IG. The US Federal Reserve will later in tored in and following a solid session on Monday, stocks the day begin its two-day policy meeting. NEW DELHI: An Indian customer searches through products in a cosmetics shop in New Delhi yesterday. Food were solid, if unspectacular. “I think the reason for this mild As the week progresses, investors will be positioning giant Unilever has announced a $5.4-billion offer to raise its stake in its Indian subsidiary. — AFP response is that a rate cut has now already been priced themselves for perhaps the most important data release of into the markets,” said Craig Erlam, market analyst at Alpari. the month. On Friday, US nonfarm payrolls data for April Germany’s DAX added 0.6 percent to 7,919.70 while will be published, a key gauge of employment in the Unilever makes $5.4bn offer France’s CAC-40 was 0.2 percent lower at 3,860.98. Britain’s world’s largest economy. Earlier, Asian stocks closed higher. FTSE 100 was down 0.3 percent to 6,438.94. Hong Kong’s Hang Seng rose 0.7 percent to 22,737.01. The euro, which has dropped in recent days as investors South Korea’s Kospi advanced 1.2 percent to 1,963.95. to raise stake in India unit priced in a rate cut, was trading 0.3 percent higher at Australia’s S&P/ASX 200 added 1.3 percent to 5,191.20. $1.3143. Wall Street opened slightly lower after drug com- However, Japanese data showing only modest improve- MUMBAI: Food giant Unilever yesterday announced a sumption demand from the vast and growing middle-class pany Pfizer and other companies reported weak earnings. ment in manufacturing dampened sentiment there with $5.4-billion offer to raise its stake in its Indian subsidiary, was strong. “India is a consumption-led story and Unilever The earnings reports offset the impact of upbeat eco- Nikkei 225 index dropping 0.2 percent to close at eyeing explosive sales of branded consumer items to the wants to consolidate its position and get a fair share of this nomic indicators. The S&P/Case-Shiller home price index 13,860.86. — AP Asian country’s growing middle class. The Anglo-Dutch consumption,” added Ankur Bisen, vice-president in retail firm made an offer to buy another 22.5 percent of already and consumer goods at consultancy Technopak. majority-owned Hindustan Unilever (HUL) in a proposed India’s retail sector is estimated to be worth $490 bil- deal that would increase its control to 75 percent. lion, of which consumer goods constitute about 70 per- KSA, Egypt, Morocco lead efforts to evelop The offer, which saw HUL shares surge, is part of cent or $350 billion, according to Bisen. Last year, India’s Unilever’s plan to increase its presence in emerging mar- Congress-led government relaxed legislation to allow for- MENA’s renewable energy: Enrst& Young kets such as India, where HUL’s products such as skin fair- eign retailers such as US supermarket giant WalMart to set ness cream “Fair and Lovely” and Lux soaps are best-sellers. up shop in India and sell directly to Indian consumers to DUBAI: According to Ernst & Young’s “Renewable Energy increased in ranking from 14 to 12, after Mecca “This represents a further step in Unilever’s strategy to boost investment from abroad. Country Attractiveness Indices”, Saudi Arabia, Egypt, and Municipality’s recent announcement of its plans to build a invest in emerging markets,” said Paul Polman, Unilever’s On Monday, HUL reported a surprise 14.7 percent rise in Morocco are leading the MENA region’s Renewable Energy solar power plant. This initiative, announced in Q4 2012, chief executive, in a statement. net profit for the January-March quarter to 7.87 billion efforts. The latest edition of the quarterly report showed would make Mecca the first city in Saudi Arabia to develop Polman said the “long heritage” and the “significant” rupees ($145 million) in the three months to March, from that all three countries were highly ranked in terms of a renewable energy project. The Kingdom’s IDEA growth potential of India’s economy make it a long-term 6.86 billion rupees a year earlier. wind, solar, and all renewable indices, providing a bench- Polysilicon Company (IPC) also has plans to reach financial mark for the rest of the MENA region to follow. close on the funding for its Yanbu project by the end of priority for the group. Expectations had been for a profit of 7.5 billion rupees. Ernst & Young’s Renewable Energy Country 2013. The project, which will cost $1.1 billion, aims to pro- Unilever has proposed buying 487 million shares at 600 As well as making top brands for the consumer products Attractiveness Indices ranks forty countries based on their duce 10,000 metric tonnes of Polysilicon and 800 mega rupees per share, a premium of 20.6 percent on the closing market, HUL has a huge distribution network stretching renewable energy markets on a quarterly basis. Comprised watts of solar Wafers per year, which will be used to pro- price on Monday, with purchases to begin in June. Analysts across thousands of supermarkets and small retailers in by Ernst & Young’s Renewables Financial Advisors, the duce solar panels for the whole Middle East region. welcomed the move, which comes at a time when the con- India. report takes an in-depth look at each country’s individual Egypt rose by one point on the onshore wind index. sumer goods sector remains bright despite an overall slow- Shares in HUL, whose sales are watched by analysts as a technologies, renewable infrastructures, wind and solar The increase is attributed to Egypt’s recent announcement down in the Indian economy, which grew at an estimated barometer of consumer demand, were trading at 578.55 indices, as well as an overall renewables index. In addition, of its plans to hold an auction for the right to use land in five percent in last fiscal year. rupees later in morning trade, up 16.27 percent. Other con- the report provides deep insights into the renewables the Gulf of Suez in order to build wind power plants, which “India is one of the largest consumption stories going sumer stocks also rose, with Colgate Palmolive up 4.76 per- market, the recent trends and advances, and the chal- will have a capacity of up to 600 MW. Morocco saw an around in the world, which cannot be ignored,” said Anil cent to 1,470.0 rupees and Nestle India up 5.69 percent to lenges and outlook predicted for the future. increase in its ranking in the ‘All Renewables Index’, which Talreja, partner at consultancy Deloitte India. He said con- a high of 4,988.5 rupees. — AFP Nimer Abu Ali, MENA Head of Cleantech at Ernst & provides an overall score for each country for all renewable Young said: “We are very pleased to see the region’s dedi- energy technologies. This increase is attributed to a series cation to green power. In addition to Egypt, Saudi Arabia, of new initiatives it has been pursuing. Morocco recently and Morocco’s increased ranking in Ernst & Young’s report, announced its plans to install 4GW of wind and solar the United Arab Emirates was also highly ranked. The UAE’s capacity by 2020 and the recent expansion of its project most notable performance was in the solar index, where it pipeline signified that its plans are still on track. In addi- was ranked number 12. The Abu Dhabi Fund for tion, in Q4 2012 the Moroccan government agreed to fund Development has made a significant concessional loan of the first 160 MW phase of its flagship Ouarzazate CSP plant $250 million to help support government-led and backed and is looking to proceed to the second phase by the end renewable projects in developing countries. We look for- of 2013. There are also plans for an additional site, due in ward to seeing the future contributions of the UAE and the 2014. Morocco’s National Electricity and Water Office is rest of MENA to the renewable energy market.” also planning a wind project which will comprise of five The report’s solar index showed that Saudi Arabia separate wind farms.

EU mulls ways to protect bank depositors

BRUSSELS: Depositors should be the very last to suffer losses savers although this was later changed. A more favorable when a bank collapses, according to a proposal being dis- treatment of big depositors in the new EU law, charting how cussed by European Union countries and seen by Reuters, to deal with failing banks in a regime that could start in 2015, which would shield savers from the kind of losses they face in is backed by the European Central Bank and the International Cyprus. Monetary Fund. Ireland, which currently holds the rotating EU The idea comes as member countries finalize a new draft presidency, is also pushing for such concessions ahead of a law for the European Union that could make losses for larger meeting of EU finance ministers in May. savers a permanent feature of future banking crises. EU offi- “This would mean that they are not excluded from bail-in, cials, however, are nervous that such a regime will panic but other creditors would first absorb losses to their capacity savers, prompting them to withdraw money. before eligible depositors are bailed-in,” officials said in the In the paper, outlining the process of ‘bailing in’ savers and paper, dated April 29. other steps to deal with troubled banks, officials in Brussels Before any such softening of provisions, however, EU diplo- said that it might be wise to put depositors behind all bond- mats will need to convince Germany, which remains skeptical holders when dividing losses from a bank collapse. Small about making such concessions, according to one official savers, with less than 100,000 euros, will, in any event, be pro- familiar with the talks. Policymakers have sought to portray tected. But officials also raise the possibility of allowing the losses suffered by depositors at two of Cyprus’s banks as a national exemptions from losses for big depositors in their one-off, but experts believe it marks a change in approach in country if a bank fails. how Europe deals with troubled banks, sparing taxpayers who TAIPEI: A woman purchases produce from a street vendor in New Taipei City yesterday. Taiwan said yesterday its By striking such a compromise, officials hope to rebuild have been on the hook for previous bailouts. “After Cyprus, a economy grew slower than expected in the January-March quarter as exports were hit by sluggish demand in confidence after a botched attempt earlier this year to impose number of states would like more clarity,” said one official who Europe, the US and China. — AFP losses on depositors in Cyprus - initially also aimed at small is involved in the discussions.—Reuters WEDNESDAY, MAY 1, 2013 BUSINESS flydubai debuts in Dushanbe Airline brings operations to 33rd country in its network

KUWAIT: flydubai, Dubai’s innovative air- took delivery of its latest aircraft from Dushanbe International Airport the next line, inaugurated flights to Dushanbe the Boeing factory in Seattle. The 737- day at 0230hrs local time. The return yesterday with a ceremony in the 800 brings the airline’s total fleet to 29 flight, FZ778, leaves Dushanbe on Tajikistan capital. Speaking at a press aircraft. Wednesdays and Saturdays at 0450hrs, conference ahead of the flight landing, The start of services to Dushanbe ends landing in Dubai at 0730hrs local time. flydubai’s CEO, Ghaith Al-Ghaith, said: a busy month for flydubai during which “Today is an exciting day for flydubai as the airline also began flights to Round trip fares we start operations to our 33rd country. Mineralnye Vody, Russia, and the South Return fares to Dushanbe start at We are pleased to extend our reach in Sudanese capital, Juba, bringing its oper- KD155 while return fares to Dubai from Central Asia and as the first UAE airline ational network to 57 destinations across Dushanbe start at KD155, inclusive of serving Dushanbe, look forward to the Middle East, Southeast Europe, Russia, 20kg checked baggage, 7kg hand bag- encouraging trade and developing fur- Ukraine, Central Asia, Subcontinent and gage plus one small laptop bag or hand- ther relations between our countries.” North & East Africa. bag and taxes. A seat with extra Early tomorrow morning, Al Ghaith legroom costs KD7. Once on board, pas- will welcome inaugural flight, FZ777, at Flight details sengers can choose from a range of Dushanbe International Airport before Flights to Dushanbe operate twice a optional extras, including in-flight enter- returning to Dubai on board flight week on Tuesdays and Fridays. Flight tainment packages priced from 780fils or Ghaith Al-Ghaith and Jeyhun Efendi at a press conference in Dushanbe FZ778, which departs at 04:50. FZ777 is scheduled to depart Dubai select from the varied menu of refresh- Operations begin one day after flydubai Terminal 2 at 2205hrs, arriving at ments and duty free items. KIPCO reports KD8.6m first quarter net profit Double-digit growth being delivered: Hayat KUWAIT: KIPCO - the Kuwait Projects last year. KIPCO’s total revenues for lion ($102 million) from the KD25 example, our financial services and Company - has announced net profit the first three months of 2013 million ($90 million) reported in the media segments have both recorded of KD8.6 million ($30.2 million), or increased by 18 per cent to KD145 first quarter of 2012. a 26 percent increase in revenue for 6.34fils ($2.23 cents) per share for the million ($509 million) from KD123 KIPCO’s consolidated assets the first quarter. Our manufacturing first three months of 2013 - an million ($443 million) in the first increased in the first quarter of industries have reported a 20 per- increase of 1 per cent compared to quarter of 2012. 2013, to KD7.3 billion ($25.6 billion) cent rise in revenue for the same the KD8.5 million ($30.6 million) The company also saw a 16 per- from KD7.2 billion ($25.6 billion) for period, while our real estate opera- profit, or 6.20fils ($2.23 cents) per cent increase in operating profit for the year end 2012. Earnings per tions have recorded a similar share, reported for the same period the first quarter of 2013 to KD29 mil- share increased in the first quarter increase. We are confident that these Mohamed Al-Saad, Vice President - MENA Equities Department representing by 2 per cent to 6.34fils ($2.23 very positive trends will continue Markaz at the Awards Ceremony cents) compared to 6.2fils per share during 2013 and have a significant ($2.23 cents) for the first three impact on our results as the year months of 2012. progresses.” Masaud Hayat, KIPCO’s Chief The KIPCO Group is one of the Markaz Islamic Fund Executive Officer Banking, said the biggest holding companies in the company’s revenue expectations - Middle East and North Africa, with outlined at its recent Investor’s consolidated assets of $26 billion as receives Zawya Award Forum - were reflected in KIPCO’s at 31 March, 2013. first quarter results: The Group has significant owner- KUWAIT: Kuwait Financial Centre “Markaz” prudent risk management policy at Markaz “At our recent Shafafiyah ship interests in over 60 companies announced that Markaz Islamic Fund won an combined with our commitment to achieve Investor’s Forum, we said we expect- operating across 24 countries. The award in Zawya MENA Asset Management the best performance for our clients by fol- ed double-digit revenue growth group’s main business sectors are Conference and Awards 2013 in the category of lowing a research driven methodology and from our core companies during financial services, media, real estate “Kuwait Equity Islamic”. The awards are evaluat- investing in high quality assets. Our superi- 2013. These first quarter results show and manufacturing. Through its core ed by the renowned international agency, or performance is due to our risk conscious that we are on target to meet this companies, subsidiaries and affili- Thompson Reuters. approach and our commitment to con- expectation with solid performances ates, KIPCO also has interests in the The MENA Asset Management Awards stantly adjust risk as per the investment cli- Masaud Hayat, KIPCO’s Chief Executive Officer Banking being delivered across all sectors. For education and medical sectors. 2013 is a prestigious event to celebrate the mate requirements.” regional industry top performers and service Markaz’s track record in asset manage- providers through a certified, unique, trans- ment in Kuwait and the GCC extends back to parent, and well respected rating system cus- more than two decades. In 1983, the compa- Mazaya Qatar Real Estate tomized specifically to attend to the MENA ny started offering portfolio management Region needs. services in the Kuwaiti Market. Markaz has In light of this achievement, Mohamed been offering “Markaz Islamic Fund” since Co appoints new CEO Alsaad, Vice President - MENA Equities 2003. The fund aims to invest in Sharia Department at Markaz said: “We are glad to Compliant equities in Kuwait and has won KUWAIT: Mazaya Qatar Real Estate port this objective of investing in talented have received this Zawya Award for our four Lipper Awards in the years 2008, 2010, Development QSC has appointed engineer Qataris. “Eng Al-Hedfa has strategic and “Markaz Islamic Fund”. This achievement, 2011 and 2012. Hamad bin Ali Al-Hedfa as Chief Executive leadership experience in managing compa- among other awards, reaffirms Markaz’s Kuwait Financial Centre K.P.S.C “Markaz”, Officer, succeeding Seraj Al-Baker in a new nies and projects, and boasts extensive position as a leading asset management with total assets under management of over step that the company believes will knowledge in the local and international firm that delivers superior performance. KD903 million ($3.2 billion) as of December strengthen its efforts in bringing distinctive real estate markets. This decision also high- Our achievements are a result of our con- 31, 2012, was established in 1974 has competencies to its workforce and help light our deep faith that young Qatari com- stant effort to meet the stated investment become one of the leading asset manage- meet its corporate requirements. The petencies are the ideal ones to create an objectives across our diverse investment ment and investment banking institutions in changeover will take place today. added value to our company and its share- product range.” the Arabian Gulf Region. Markaz was listed Members of the Mazaya Qatar Board holders, and that the national affiliation, Alsaad added: “The award reflects our on the Kuwait Stock Exchange (KSE) in 1997. have all expressed their appreciation for bolstered by experience, professionalism the valued role and efforts that Al-Baker and constructive spirit, is the key factor in Al-Tajer Account, first put into the position, and wished him the our institutional development and growth”. Alghanim Industries and best in all his future endeavors. For his part, the new CEO said “I would account for business On the occasion of the announcement, like to thank the distinguished Board of Rasameel Investment Bank Rashid Fahed Al-Naimi, Chairman of Directors for granting me this trust, I will activities from ABK make sure with great faith that I will do my best to contribute to the development and KUWAIT: Al Ahli Bank of Kuwait is here to offer business mark first sukuk issuance growth of our company, to maintain and solutions combined with great service. As such ABK’s Al-Tajer KUWAIT: Alghanim Industries and Rasameel been awarded two prestigious awards by the expand its position, and to succeed in the account, tailored to cater to SMEs, especially retailers can Investment Bank recently announced the suc- Islamic Finance News (“IFN”) for the same evolution of its projects and investments add a fresh impetus to their business. Commenting on Al- cessful closing of YAAS Sukuk I Limited (Sukuk transaction in the categories of ‘Global Sukuk locally and internationally”. Tajer Account, Stewart Lockie, General Manager of Retail Al-Istithmar) which was issued on 8 April 2013. Deal of the Year’ and ‘Kuwait Deal of the Year’. Eng Al-Hedfa has considerable technical Banking said, “At ABK we try to support a range of our mer- The Shariah compliant asset backed security is IFN is considered to be one of the industry’s and managerial experience, which he chant’s banking needs, with Al-Tajer we cover their business the first of several planned issuances for leading Islamic finance publication companies. gained during his graduation in several requirements, whether it’s a start up or an established one.” Alghanim Industries’ electronics and home fur- Omar K Alghanim, Chief Executive Officer of positions, including at Qatar Gas, during “Merchants can benefit well from the Al-Tajer Account. By nishing retail credit (installment sales) busi- Alghanim Industries, said, “This issue is a major which he participated in building the installing their POS Terminal through ABK without an instal- ness. step for Alghanim Industries as it broadens the expansion projects both onshore and off- lation fee, and linking it to their Al-Tajer Account they can The ground-breaking issuance YAAS Sukuk I group’s access to public debt outlets and fur- shore during its development stages; after avail life time free cheque books, free credit card, free local entails both structural and originator provided ther diversifies our funding sources. In particu- this he took over as CEO of Business and international telex transfers, and free access to Al-Tajer credit enhancements established to mitigate lar, it will give us greater freedom and flexibility Development at The First Investor. From Account and POS detailed statements, in addition to many risks attributed to comingling of funds, liquidity as we continue the expansion of our electron- there, he contributed to the development other benefits. I would encourage ABK’s merchants and oth- and potential loss. The KD12.5 million Sukuk ics and home furnishings business.” Issam Z Al- of the company and in turning it into an er new merchants to open an Al-Tajer Account to enjoy var- was issued in two Classes of Certificates; KD10 Tawari, Chairman and Managing Director, international player in the field of invest- ied advantages; it is an exceptional offer and one that your million senior Class A Sukuk certificates with a Rasameel Structured Finance Company said, ments, which was expanded during his business needs to succeed!” profit of 6% pa and junior Class B of KD2.5 mil- “The interest from investors for YAAS Sukuk I administration to reach the USA, Brazil, lion Sukuk certificates with a profit 8% p.a. reflects the inclination toward low risk oppor- Russia, and Europe. Eng. Al-Hedfa is also a Emal wins debt deal Furthermore, the issuance offers quarterly tunities among business owners as it offers Hamad bin Ali Al-Hedfa board member in several local and interna- redemptions of principal and profit with a exceptional solutions for the investor and tional companies. ABU DHABI/LONDON: Emirates Aluminium has completed a scheduled maturity tenor of 22 months, a issuer, in terms of yield and risk appetite.” Mazaya Qatar Real Estate Development, Eng Al-Hedfa received a bachelor’s significant portion of the $4 billion fundraising to expand its weighted average repayment tenor of approxi- Al-Tawari added: “Rasameel’s success in the said: “The Mazaya Qatar Board of Directors degree with honors in Engineering from the smelter development, with the remaining debt to be final- mately 8 months. sale of Islamic issuing in the form of structured is keen to support and value the nation’s University of Texas A&M in the USA. Through ized in the coming weeks, the company said in a statement The Sukuk was privately placed with Sukuk for the first time in Kuwait to local and young and creative talent, giving them the his new position, he seeks “to play a vital to Reuters yesterday. However, the statement made no refer- investors whereby 70% of the subscribers rep- foreign investors clearly demonstrates their opportunity to confirm their capabilities in and important role in directing and manag- ence to the bond issue that was supposed to be part of the resenting local Kuwaiti financial institutions confidence in the company and Rasameel’s the top management levels of our compa- ing the business, investments and projects overall funding package. ‘A significant portion of the debt and the remaining 30% by international firms. capacity and ability to introduce new products ny. I’m glad to express the pleasure of the of Mazaya Qatar, in the light of the great financing package ($3.4 billion) was successfully closed in In addition, Alghanim Industries and to capitalize debt that are compliant with Board with this decision since it is consis- diversity and growth expected for its various late March with commercial banks and Islamic financiers,’ the Rasameel Structured Finance have recently Islamic Sharia.” tent with the policy of the company to sup- activities and investments in the region”. statement said. —Reuters Boeing takes full-page ads in Japan papers

TOKYO: Embattled plane-maker Boeing yesterday took measures to address all possible causes,” it said. key if Boeing is to see returns on its vast investment in The ad appeared in five national newspapers and a out full-page advertisements in major Japanese news- “If any trouble such as heating emerges, new casing the next-generation plane. major regional paper, including the Yomiuri, the Asahi, papers as it tries to piece together its reputation in the and exhaust systems will prevent any impact on the Despite Sunday’s successful test flight, it could be at and the Mainichi, three of the world’s four largest-sell- wake of the worldwide Dreamliner grounding. The US safety of flights and passengers and allow the plane to least a month before all the battery fixes are put in ing newspapers, with combined morning edition sales manufacturer is fighting a rearguard action in Japan, complete a safe flight to its destination,” it said. The place and the entire fleet is back in the air. of more than 21 million copies. the biggest single market for its troubled 787, which advertisement came after a modified Dreamliner took Between mid January-when the 787s were ground- Newspaper officials declined to discuss how much has been parked up around the globe since battery to the skies over Tokyo on Sunday with top Boeing and ed-and the end of May, ANA has cancelled a total of Boeing had paid for the ads, but Yomiuri company problems on two separate Japanese-owned planes in All Nippon Airways (ANA) executives aboard. 3601 international and domestic flights, while JAL has documents say a full page costs around 48 million yen January. “We deeply apologize to Japanese customers The US Federal Aviation Authority on Thursday cancelled or reduced a total of 766 flights, company ($490,000). The same document says a similar ad in and companies affected for the trouble and concern issued a formal approval of Boeing’s 787 battery fix, spokesmen said yesterday. “We express our deep grati- the Asahi sells for around 40 million yen. JAL said yes- caused by our new Boeing 787,” Boeing said in the ad, clearing the way for the aircraft to fly again. ANA and tude towards passengers, airlines, suppliers and the terday its net profit in the fiscal year to March fell 8.0 which has a photograph of an airborne Dreamliner. “We domestic rival Japan Airlines (JAL) account for around investigating authorities in each country... for their sup- percent to $1.8 billion, and added it was “trying to have suspended all flights since the trouble over batter- half the 50 Dreamliners in service worldwide and port on the occasion of resuming operations of the minimize” the financial impact from the three-month ies on the 787 emerged, but we have introduced safety regaining the confidence of Japan’s flying public will be completely modified 787,” Boeing said in the ad. grounding. —AFP WEDNESDAY, MAY 1, 2013 HEALTH & SCIENCE China career boost can come with health risks Expat execs leaving because of pollution

BEIJING: Whitney Foard Small months of growing pressure from a my pulmonary doctor and it said experience, China is one of the loved China and her job as a region- Chinese middle class that has you need to reconsider for your most desirable places because of al director of communications for a become more vocal about the qual- life’s sake what you’re doing and so the size of the market and growth top automaker. But after air pollu- ity of its air. that was it. I didn’t really have a and dynamism of the market,” said tion led to several stays in hospital “January was probably the choice, my doctor made it for me.” Christian Murck, the president of and finally a written warning from worst,” said Australian Andrew Ivo Hahn, the CEO of the China the American Chamber of her doctor telling her she needed to Moffatt, who worked for nine office of executive search consult- Commerce in China. leave, Small packed up and left for months in Beijing as regional man- ants Stanton Chase, said that in the Carl Hopkins, Asia managing Thailand. In doing so, the Ford ager for a chain of language schools last six months, air pollution has partner of legal search firm Major, Motor Co executive became anoth- before the pollution pushed him to become an issue for candidates Lindsey & Africa, said Chinese er expatriate to leave China return to Brisbane in March with his they approach. “It pops up increas- nationals who had studied abroad because of the country’s notorious- wife and 5-year-old son. “Back in ingly that people say ‘well we don’t at top universities or business ly bad air. Other top executives November I had been sick and then want to move to Beijing’ or ‘I can’t schools were reluctant to return whose careers would be boosted by we went on holiday to the beach in convince my family to move to unless they had elderly family to a stint in the world’s second-largest Hainan and it just reminded me of Beijing’,” he said. Two expats, one take care of. “There is an unwilling- economy and most populous con- Australia and I just thought we Western and one an overseas ness for these people to return to sumer market are put off when con- could be breathing this quality air Chinese, recently turned down gen- China because they have got a bet- sidering the move. every single day rather than pollut- eral manager and managing direc- ter standard of living in the States Reliable protection There is no official data on the ed air in Beijing,” he said. tor positions because of the air pol- or somewhere else than going to numbers leaving because of pollu- And it’s not only Beijing where lution, he said. Hahn thinks this Beijing and Shanghai with its cur- from Sebamed tion, but executive recruitment the air pollution is driving expats trend will only strengthen over the rent issues with pollution,” Hopkins companies say it is becoming hard- away. Ford transferred its regional next one or two years because the said, adding that this had become KUWAIT: er to attract top talent to China - Sebamed deodorant range • Without metal derivatives or both expats and Chinese nationals prevents body odour without impair- harmful chemical additives educated abroad. The European ing the natural function of the sweat • Active deodorizing ingredient tri- Chamber of Commerce in China glands, along with these other great ethyl citrate specifically inhibits says foreign managers leave for benefits: growth and metabolism of body- many different reasons but pollu- • Supports and protects the natural odour causing bacteria tion is almost always cited as one of barrier function of the skin’s acid man- • Reliable protection the factors and is becoming a larger tle • Does not impede the physiologi- concern. If the polluted skies con- • With the pH value of 5.5 of healthy cal functions of the sweat glands tinue, companies may have to fork skin • pH value of 5.5 supports natural out more for salaries or settle for • Without preservatives and colour ecological system of the skin for natu- less qualified candidates. Failure to additives ral deodorizing protection attract the best talent to crucial roles could result in missed com- mercial opportunities and other missteps. Poor air quality has also NIVEA stress protect deo added to the complaints that for- eign companies have about operat- launched across GCC ing in China. Even though China’s commercial potential remains vast, DUBAI: NIVEA has launched it Stress NIVEA Stress Protect Deodorant has groups representing foreign com- Protect Deodorant across the GCC, the been specifically tested to also combat panies say doing business is getting latest anti-perspirant with a formula this stress sweating and guarantees tougher due to slowing though still proven to protect against stress sweat- extra deodorant protection. With NIVEA robust economic growth, strict ing. “Stress is sadly part of the daily rou- Stress Protect Deodorant: Stress Internet censorship, limits on mar- tine in the GCC - whether it’s a big meet- Happens. Sweat Won’t.” ket access and intellectual property ing, job interview or entertaining family - NIVEA Stress Protect Deodorant is the theft. China’s rapid economic devel- and perspiration is one of the effects,” only product available to help counter- opment over the last three decades comments Dr Thomas Schmidt-Rose, act stress sweating. It contains an inno- has lifted hundreds of millions out BEIJING: In this Feb 28, 2013 photo, a giant electronic screen on Tiananmen Square shows an image vative formula that combines Stress of poverty but also ravaged the of Tiananmen Gate under blue skies as part of a propaganda video on a polluted day. —AP Protect Actives and a zinc complex to environment as heavy industry bur- provide extra protection against stress geoned, electricity demand soared headquarters from Bangkok to highest-level executives generally more prevalent over the last year. sweating and body odour and 48 hour and car ownership became a badge Shanghai in 2009. Four months “are not working primarily for their Hahn said the effects of expats antiperspirant protection. Available for of status for the newly affluent in after the move, Small, the director survival”. “They normally get a refusing to relocate to China aren’t both men and women, the formulas are big cities. Health risks from pollu- of communications, had her first decent pay, they are generally rea- going to be felt overnight, but proven - in a product in use test method tion of air, water and soil have major asthma attack. “I had never sonably well taken care of, so the eventually “either companies will (Trier Social Stress Test) - to minimize become a source of discontent with had asthma in my life, never ever quality of life actually it does matter, have to pay a higher price overall sweat by up to 85 percent and signifi- Communist Party rule among ordi- had asthma before China,” said particularly when they have chil- because maybe candidates may cantly reduce the formation of body odour. At the same time, the formula nary Chinese. Small, who quit the country in May dren,” he said. have to commute as an example, or contains avocado oil, which helps care Foreigners regularly check the last year. Her asthma was exacerbat- Some, however, say that China they may lower their standards or for the underarm skin. air quality readings put out by the ed by an allergy to coal, which is the has become too important eco- they may offer the position to To launch the new Stress Protect US Embassy and consulates on their source of about 70 percent of nomically for up-and-coming cor- somebody who may actually not be Deodorant in Europe, NIVEA Deo created Twitter feeds when deciding China’s energy. Her allergy was first porate executives to ignore. It gen- quite as qualified.” If the current a viral campaign where it illustrated a whether to go out for a run or let identified in 2005 after a six-week erates a large and growing share of trend hardens, it would have some stressful scenario among consumers. The their children play outside. The pol- assignment in Beijing ended with profits for global companies while economic impact, said Alistair candidates were lured to the airport by lution has become even more of a her being hospitalized for three still offering a vast untapped poten- Thornton, senior China economist from the Research team at NIVEA their friends and were called out to be a hot topic since January, when the days in Hong Kong with her lung tial. Its auto industry, now the at IHS in Beijing. “Expats contribute Deodorant in Hamburg. “This type of suspect of a crime. readings in Beijing went off the function at about 30 percent. world’s largest by number of vehi- almost nothing to China’s growth ‘stress-induced sweating’ - as compared The video has over 6.3 million viewers scale and beyond what is consid- In Shanghai, the asthma resur- cles sold, is expected to outstrip the because the numbers are just tiny, to sweating from heat or physical exer- worldwide in just two months with ered hazardous by the US faced. “Three hospitalizations later, US and Europe combined by 2020 but intangibly they contribute quite tion - has a more rapid onset and smells Saudi Arabia topping the list with over Environmental Protection Agency. my doctor said it was time to call it as car ownership rises from a low a significant amount” by introduc- stronger, making it hard to control. 880 thousand views. On the worst days, skyscrapers dis- quits,” she said. Her frequent treat- level of 50 vehicles per 1,000 peo- ing foreign technology, best prac- appeared into the capital’s murky ments - involving inhalers, steroids ple. “It’s increasingly important for tices and Western management skyline and masks multiplied on the and a nebulizer in the mornings people who want to have careers as techniques “that Chinese compa- streets and sold out at convenience and evenings to get medication managers in multinational compa- nies are harnessing and using to Living in US raises stores. At the same time, China’s deep into her lungs - meant the nies to have international experi- drive growth,” said Thornton. He is state media gave unprecedented medication became less effective. “I ence and as part of their career leaving Beijing in June with air pol- risk of allergies coverage to the pollution following actually got a written warning from path, and in terms of international lution one factor.— AP

WASHINGTON: Children born outside the the cutoff for being statistically significant. United States have a lower risk of asthma, “That is, the results may have become skin and food allergies, and living in the more significant if the study included a United States for a decade may raise a few thousand more children,” he said in an person’s allergy risk, said a study on email to AFP. The study concluded that Monday. The research in the Journal of “duration of residence in the United States the American Medical Association sug- is a previously unrecognized factor in the gests that certain environmental expo- epidemiology of atopic disease” and “for- sures could trigger allergies later in life, eign-born US residents might be at overcoming the protective effects of increased risk for later onset of allergic microbial exposure in childhood. The disease.” study examined records from 2007-2008 Previous research has shown that chil- phone surveys of nearly 92,000 people in dren who grow up in developing nations the United States, where food and skin tend to have lower rates of allergies, and allergies have been on the rise in recent experts believe this is because they are years. Conditions reported in the survey exposed to more infections and microbes included asthma, eczema, hay fever, and that build up their immune systems. food allergies. Allergies are essentially a symptom of a “Children born outside the United hypersensitive immune system, reacting States had significantly lower prevalence to substances that should normally be of any allergic diseases (20.3 percent) than considered harmless. The JAMA study those born in the United States (34.5 per- noted that the United States may not be cent),” said the study led by Jonathan alone in this phenomenon, since previous Silverberg of St. Luke’s-Roosevelt Hospital studies have found that immigrants in Center in New York. “However, foreign- Italy, Israel, and Australia had lower allergy born Americans develop increased risk for rates than natives. allergic disease with prolonged residence More research is needed to find out if in the United States,” it said. Children who allergies increase in those countries were born outside the United States but among immigrants who live there for came to live in the United States for long periods, said the study. “It’s not that BERLIN: Black bear brothers ‘Koda’ and ‘Kenai’ play with their mother in the bear enclosure at Tierpark yesterday. The male longer than 10 years showed “significant- living in the US is bad,” said Punita Ponda, American black bear cubs were born on Jan 3. — AFP ly” higher odds of developing eczema or a doctor in the division of pediatric allergy hay fever but not asthma or food allergies, and immunology at Cohen Children’s Young obesity doubles death risk before 55 said the research. It did not matter what Medical Center of New York. “Living in age they were when they arrived. developed countries is probably thought PARIS: Men who are obese in their early 20s are the group, 83 percent or 5,407, were within the increase in BMI corresponded to an increased Foreign-born children who resided in of as a risk factor compared to living in twice as likely as peers of average weight to die “normal” weight range - classified as a BMI of heart attack rate of five percent, high blood the United States for 10 years or more had developing countries,” explained Ponda, before reaching the age of 55, a study said yes- anything between 18.5 and 25. pressure and blood clot rates of 10 percent and nearly five times higher likelihood of who was not involved in the study. terday. Writing in the journal BMJ Open, a team Nearly half of the obese group were diag- an increased diabetes rate of 20 percent.” The eczema and more than six times higher “When you live in the US, you tend to of researchers reported on a 33-year study of nosed with type 2 diabetes or high blood pres- authors warned that ill health and early deaths 6,500 Danish men who were 22 years old in sure by age 55, had had a heart attack, a stroke from obesity will “in decades to come, place an odds of hay fever compared with foreign- lose some of that bacteria that is in the 1955. Of the group, 1.5 percent or 97 were obese or blood clots in the legs or lungs, or were dead. unprecedented burden on healthcare systems”. born children who lived in the US for up gut that protects you from allergies, and when they registered - which means they had a “They were... more than twice as likely to devel- While the study was done only in men, the link to two years. Silverberg said that the asth- you take up the bacteria of the people weight-to-height ratio (body mass index or BMI) op high blood pressure, have had a heart attack, was likely to also hold true for women, added ma levels seen in the study just missed around you.” —AFP of 30 or more, said the study authors. Most of or to have died,” said a statement. “Every unit the authors. — AFP WEDNESDAY, MAY 1, 2013 HEALTH & SCIENCE Girl gets windpipe made from stem cells

CHICAGO: A 2-year-old girl born without a on,” he said in a telephone interview. “This The stem-cell technique has been used to an Italian surgeon based in Sweden who patients’ own stem cells - five using man- windpipe now has a new one grown from is her only chance but she’s got a fantastic make other body parts besides windpipes pioneered the technique, a pediatric sur- made scaffolds like Hannah’s but in adults; her own stem cells, the youngest patient in one and an unbelievable one.” and holds promise for treating other birth geon at Children’s Hospital of Illinois in and nine using scaffolds made from cadav- the world to benefit from the experimental Only about one in 50,000 children defects and childhood diseases, her doc- Peoria who met Hannah’s family while on a er windpipes, including one in a 10-year- treatment. Hannah Warren has been worldwide are born with the same defect. tors said. The operation brought together business trip to South Korea, and Hannah - old British boy. He said only one patient unable to breathe, eat, drink or swallow on born to a Newfoundland man and Korean died, a 30-year-old man from Abingdon, her own since she was born in South Korea woman who married after he moved to Maryland, who had the operation in Nov in 2010. Until the operation at a central that country to teach English. 2011 to treat late-stage cancer of the Illinois hospital, she had spent her entire Hannah’s parents had read about Dr windpipe. He died in March 2012 of uncer- life in a hospital in Seoul. Doctors there Paolo Macchiarini’s success using stem-cell tain causes, Macchiarini said. told her parents there was no hope and based tracheas but couldn’t afford to pay Similar methods have been used to they expected her to die. The stem cells for the operation at his center, the grow bladders, urethras and last year a girl came from Hannah’s bone marrow, Karolinska Institute in Stockholm. So Dr in Sweden got a lab-made vein using her extracted with a special needle inserted Mark Holterman helped the family arrange own stem cells and a cadaver vein. into her hip bone. They were seeded in a to have the procedure at his Peoria hospi- Scientists hope to eventually use the lab onto a plastic scaffold, where it took tal, bringing in Macchiarini to lead the method to create solid organs, including less than a week for them to multiply and operation. Children’s Hospital waived the kidneys and livers, said Dr. Anthony Atala, create a new windpipe. cost, likely hundreds of thousands of dol- director of Wake Forest University’s About the size of a 3-inch tube of lars, Holterman said. Institute for Regenerative Medicine. He penne pasta, it was implanted April 9 in a Part of OSF Saint Francis Medical said the operation on Hannah Warren “is nine-hour procedure. Early signs indicate Center, the Roman Catholic hospital con- really showing that the technique is work- the windpipe is working, Hannah’s doctors siders the operation part of their mission able.” announced yesterday, although she is still to provide charity care, but also views it as Hannah had breathing difficulties at on a ventilator. They believe she will even- a way to champion a type of stem-cell birth and Korean doctors soon discovered tually be able to live at home and lead a therapy that doesn’t involve human the missing windpipe. They reconfigured normal life. “We feel like she’s reborn,” said embryos, the surgeons said. The Catholic her esophagus so that a breathing tube Hannah’s father, Darryl Warren. “They hope church opposes using stem cells derived could go down it from her mouth to her that she can do everything that a normal SEOUL: In this July 13, 2012 photo, Hannah Warren, 2, poses with her par- from human embryos in research or treat- lungs. The esophagus normally runs child can do but it’s going to take time. ents Lee Young-mi and Darryl Warren at Seoul National University ment. Macchiarini has been involved in 14 behind the windpipe and carries food to This is a brand new road that all of us are Hospital.— AP previous windpipe operations using the stomach.— AP WHAT’S ON WEDNESDAY, MAY 1, 2013 Kuwait Marriott organizes ‘Beach Clean Up’ drive

eriving from its global Spirit to Serve initiative, Kuwait Marriott SEND US YOUR Hotels recently organized a beach clean-up activity at the DKuwait Towers beach, where 25 associates participated along INSTAGRAM PICS with George Aoun, General Manager of Kuwait Marriott Hotels and the management team. hat’s more fun than clicking a beauti- This initiative, which took place on Thursday, April 18th, was organ- ful picture? Sharing it with others! Let ized by Essa Ghadban, Cluster Director of Loss Prevention and JW other people see the way you see Marriott Director of Government Relations, with the coordination of W the Municipality of Kuwait. George Aoun emphasized on the impor- Kuwait - through your lens. Friday Times will tance of preserving the environment and how it plays a vital role in feature snapshots of Kuwait through Instagram the ongoing corporate social responsibility of the hotel. feeds. If you want to share your Instagram pho- Commenting on this drive, Aoun said: “This year, coming upon the tos, email us at Environmental Awareness Month, we as the Kuwait Marriott Hotels [email protected] management team felt the need to host an extensive drive to include our bit for the earth and the environment of the country that we call ‘home’. It is important to encourage and educate people to keep coastal areas and beaches clean, and for that, we engage our like- Announcements minded employees and associates in such initiatives.” Marriott’s “Spirit to Serve” initiative is captured in uplifting human interest stories and important environmental issues across the world. NAFO ‘Samanwayam’ Through drives like the beach clean-up, Marriott strives to be a he 10th anniversary of NAFO Kuwait will be responsible member of the local community. It continues to become celebrated on May 10 at the American an important role in people’s lives, and help them overcome adversity, T International School Auditorium from 6pm embody a passion for service and achieve personal excellence. onwards. Indian Ambassador Satish C Mehta will inaugurate the event. Former Indian Ambassador to the US and the United Nations T P Sreenivasan and NSS Director Board Member Pandalam Sivankutty will be guests of honor. NAFO will also present an eclectic dance drama ‘Krishna’ which is conceived and choreographed by Padmashri Shobana. She will be accompanied by a 15-mem- ber troupe from Kalarpana Chennai and supported by Oscar winner Rasool Pookkutty. It has voice- overs in English by film personalities such as Irrfan Khan, Konkonasen, Shabaana Azmi, John Abraham, Prakash Raj, Stephen Devassy and P Rajeevan.

Konkani musical show nited Friends Club - Kuwait presents Kuwait Trio’s Konkani Songit Sanz (a Konkani musi- U cal evening) with fun filled comedy and songs, starring: Gracy Rodrigues, Clemmie Pereira, Irene Vaz, Lucy Aranha, Espy Crasto, Bab. Agnel, Katty de Navelim, Salu Faleiro, Gasper Crasto, Braz de Parra, Anthony D’Silva, Agnelo Fernandes, Seby & Seby, Zeferino Mendes, Lopes Bros., Comedian Nelson, Laurente Pereira & Cajetan de Sanvordem- Michael D’Silva-Mario de Majorda (Kuwait Trio). The show will be held on Friday, 10th May 2013 at 4 pm at the Indian Community School (Senior), Salmiya, Kuwait. Music will be provided by Maestro Shahu.

KALA-Balakalamela registration alakalamela-2013, the art and cultural com- petition for Indian students in Kuwait, B organized yearly by KALA-Kuwait is sched- Once again Kuwait National English School in Hawally held successfully its annual Charity day. Games and fun for small children as well as for bigger such as soak- uled to be conducted on 3 May 2013 at Indian ing the teacher and many others were taking place. Parents, staff and students enjoyed the afternoon in a sunny day at Kuwait National English School. All the mon- Public school, Salmiya. The completions are open ey raised on that occasion will be donated for charity to help the ones in needs through the Kuwaiti Red Crescent. Kuwait National English School likes to thank all for Indian students from Class 1 to 12 categorized the school community, sponsors and companies which helped on this annual Charity Day. as Sub Juniors (Class 1-4), Juniors (Class 5-8) and Seniors (9-12). The completions will be held for Bharathanatyam, Mohiniyattam, Folk Dance, Group Dance, Light Music, Classical Music, Fancy Dress, Elocution (English & Malayalam), Essay (English & Malayalam), Recitation (English & Malayalam) in 6 different stages in the venue. The registrations can be done through schools or directly through KALA web site ‘www.kalaonweb.com’ or directly handed over to any of the nearest KALA-units, or to sent to our e-mail ‘[email protected]’ on or before 20 April 2013. IMAX

IMAX film program Wednesday: Musical evening at Gulf English School ** 9:30am Showtime Available for Groups To The Arctic 3D 10:30am n Monday, 29th April, a musical tions of the music of Claude Debussy, J.S. in unison with great skill and knowledge teachers. The evening was coordinated by extravaganza was held at Gulf Bach and Edvard Grieg, amongst other of their instruments. There was also a col- Samantha Hines, Musical Director, who Tornado Alley 3D11:30am, 6:30pm, 9:30pm OEnglish School, Salmiyah. Students pieces. Other offerings came from a lection of home-made instruments that organized the proceedings. It was attend- Flight of Butterflies 3D 12:30pm, 7:30pm from all age groups across the Primary young violinist whose performance was were played wonderfully. The vocalists and ed by a full audience that included music- Journey to Mecca 5:30pm department took part, showcasing their both polished and inspired. The guitar drummers demonstrated how far they’d lovers, parents, relatives and the school Born to be Wild 3D 8:30pm talent. Pianists gave accomplished rendi- ensemble and recorder ensemble played come under the tutelage of their music Director Madame Hana Kahale.

Saturday: ** 9:30am Showtime Available for Groups Dr Sadhana Parashar visits IES, Bhavans Flight of Butterflies 3D 10:30am, 1:30pm, 8:30pm ndian Educational School, Bhavans host- improve the logical reasoning and linguistic Tornado Alley 3D 11:30am, ed a splendid evening of thanks giving, a capabilities of the students. get together for an interactive session She enlightened the teachers on the new 2:30pm, 5:30pm, 7:30pm, 9:30pm I and a dinner, in honour of Dr Sadhana courses and streams offered at the +1 level. To The Arctic 3D 12:30pm, Parashar , Director- Training CBSE. Dr All the queries were dealt with in equal 6:30pm Sadhana Parashar and her team of four oth- magnitude. Teachers emphasized the need er resource persons, on an official visit for to filter the difficult concepts in Grade 12 Born to be Wild 3D 3:30pm the CBSE-i training programme were given Mathematics to Grade 9 and 11 to which Dr Journey to Mecca 4:30pm an elite floral welcome by the IES manage- Sadhana emphasized the need to prepare ment. The invitees for the evening were the the students for entrance exams. She also Principals and Heads of Departments of the added that the revision of the syllabi is done Notes: Indian Schools of Kuwait. Mrs Divya Rajesh, scientifically and meticulously by a team of All films are in Arabic. For English, headsets are Director, Bhavans Middle East welcomed the professional and experienced teachers. Dr available upon request. deferential gathering and declared the floor Sadhana Parashar requested the empan- “Fires of Kuwait” is in English. Arabic headsets are open for discussion. Invariable minds and elled agent N.K Ramachandran Menon, erudite ambience were the hallmarks of the Chairman, Bhavans Middle East to organize available upon request. summit that lasted for about three hours in a nodal centre at Bhavans, Abu Dhabi to Film schedule is subject to changes without notice. the IES auditorium. involve the teachers of the Middle East in On an informally formal platform the the evaluation process. It will be a golden educators discussed the 21st century learn- feather added to the cap of Bhavan. ing techniques and teaching strategies The team of Principals and Vice Principals introduced by the CBSE. The teaching com- and Heads of Departments eulogized Dr munity that teamed up at IES raised various Sadhana Parashar and her team’s efforts in queries pertaining to the new changes in making the session a truly emboldening one Write to us the system and curriculum planning. To the and expressed their immense gratitude to many doubts raised on the conduct and the Chairman and the Principal for organiz- results of PSA. The principals suggested the ing an interactive session of such magni- Send to What’s On need to actively involve and take into tude. N.K Ramachandran Menon , Chairman, account the opinions of the principals and Bhavans Middle East, expressed his grati- upcoming events, birthdays or teachers before new policies are framed. Dr tude to Dr Sadhana for gracing the occasion celebrations by email: Sadhana encouraged the teachers to pre- amidst her busy schedule. Principal T pare sample PSA papers based on this year’s Premkumar appreciated the Principals and [email protected] PSA question papers to train the children. Heads of Departments of the Indian schools Fax: 24835619 / 20 She insisted on the need to incorporate the in Kuwait for making it to IES to be a part of type questions of PSA in the curriculum to the programme. WHAT’S ON WEDNESDAY, MAY 1, 2013 TDP MLAs Kesav, Revanth Embassy to visit Kuwait Sebamed goes Information

EMBASSY OF AUSTRALIA Instagram The Australian Embassy Kuwait does not have a visa or immigration department. All processing of visas and immigration matters in conducted by The Australian Consulate-General in Dubai. Email: info.aus- [email protected] (VFS) [email protected] (Visa Office); Tel: +971 4 355 1958 (VFS) - +971 4 508 7200 (Visa Office); Fax: +971 4 355 0708 (Visa Office). In Kuwait applications can be lodged at the Australian Visa Application Centre 4B 1st Floor, Al-Banwan Building Al-Qibla Area, Ali Al-Salem Street, opposite the Central Bank of Kuwait, embers of the Andhra Pradesh athra’ titled ‘Vasthunnaa Mee Kosam.’ Legislative Assembly and Telugu Pravasandra TDP, Kuwait President M Kuwait City, Kuwait. Working hours and days: MDesam Party leaders Payyavula Kesav Subbarayudu Naidu, President Koduri 09:30 - 17:30; Sunday - Thursday. Or visit their and Revanth Reddy will arrive in Kuwait on a Venkata Siva Rao, Secretary Malepati Suresh website www.vfs-au-gcc-com for more informa- three-day visit. Pravasandhra Telugu Desam, Babu Naidu and others are coordinating the tion. Kuwait citizens can apply for tourist visas Kuwait and TDP followers will organize a meeting. TDP legislators Kesav and Revath wll on-line at www.immi.gov.au/e visa/e676.htm. meeting this Friday at Carmel School, Khaitan attend the meeting as chief guests. e are glad to inform you that we launched our site on instagram. n n n n n n n at 4.30 pm to mark the successful completion Subbarayudu Naidu and other leaders called Follow us on @sebamedkuwait and (hashtag)#sebamedkuwait and EMBASSY OF CANADA of Telugu Desam President Chandra Babu upon the Telugu community members in Wsend us your shots involving all family members and be the lucky The Embassy of Canada in Kuwait does Naidu’s marathon walk when he covered Kuwait to attend the meeting and make the winner of a valuable prize from Sebamed products. 2,807 kilometer in 208 days during a ‘paaday- event a big success. not have a visa or immigration depart- ment. All processing of visa and immi- gration matters including enquiries is conduct- ed by the Canadian Embassy in Abu Dhabi, UAE. Individuals who are interested in working, studying, visiting or immigrating to Canada should contact the Canadian Embassy in Abu Dhabi, website: www.UAE.gc.ca or www.going- tocanada.gc.ca, E-mail: abdbi-im- [email protected]. The Embassy of Canada is located at Villa 24, Al-Mutawakei St, Block 4 in Da’aiyah. Please visit our website at www.Kuwait.gc.ca. The Embassy of Canada is open from 07:30 to 15:30 Sunday through Thursday. The reception is open from 07:30 to 12:30. Consular services for Canadian citizens are provided from 09:00 until 12:00, Sunday through Wednesday. n n n n n n n EMBASSY OF CYPRUS In its capacity as EU Local Presidency in the State of Kuwait, the Embassy of the Republic of Cyprus, on behalf of the Member States of the EU and associated States participating in the Schengen cooper- The Regency launches ‘Maharajah’ every Wednesday ation, would like to announce that as from rom Wednesday May 1st The Regency is delight- delicious keralite crÍpe known as Appam, made with From 7pm until 11pm each Wednesday Silk Road 2nd October 2012 all Schengen States’ ed to announce a delectable new culinary adven- rice batter and coconut milk and fresh items cooked will be bedecked in true ‘Maharajah’ style down to the Consulates in Kuwait will use the Visa Fture showcasing the finest flavours of India from live on the Tikka Grill; this is in addition to a cornucopia elegant national dress worn by the waiters and wait- Information System (VIS). The VIS is a central the northern, coastal and southern regions of India - of Indian desserts including the delicious creamy ice resses. With the pleasant weather upon us, weather database for the exchange of data on short- using the choicest ingredients complemented with cream known as kulfi as well as the ever-popular hal- permitting, the weekly promotion will be held on the stay (up to three months) visas between The Regency’s unbeatable international service stan- wa, laddu, barfi and jalebi. terrace of Silk Road allowing guests to partake in the Schengen States. The main objectives of the dards. The dazzling buffet menu has been concocted There are a range of crunchy salads and soups, all of superb evenings, metres from the sparkling sea. VIS are to facilitate visa application proce- by no less than thirty of the hotel’s stellar Indian culi- which make great starters. Over a dozen diverse main Since its establishment in 1981 as a landmark dures and checks at external border as well nary team under the guidance of Roger Friggieri, the courses make decisions difficult, choose from spicy beachfront property The Regency has prided itself on as to enhance security. The VIS will contain all hotel’s award-winning Executive Chef from Malta. dishes like the vindaloo curries, or the creamy korma, its celebrated standards of culinary excellence and the Schengen visa applications lodged by an The spread will include a plethora of home-cooked not forgetting popular vegetarian dishes made with timeless elegance. Kick start the weekend early with applicant over five years and the decisions favourites many of which will be cooked live, such as potato, chickpeas or vegetables such as kalma vada, Maharajah and enjoy food fit for a King! A la carte taken by any Schengen State’s consulate. This homemade paratha bread served with tasty dhal; the aloo jeera and channa peshawari. choices are also available. will allow applicants to establish more easily the lawful use of previous visas and their bona fide status. For the purpose of the VIS, Fostering young entrepreneurs applicants will be required to provide their biometric data (fingerprints and digital pho- tos) when applying for a Schengen visa. It is a Following the suc- he Student Association at the Gulf University for Science and simple and discreet procedure that only takes cess of their first a few minutes. Biometric data, along with the joint project, TTechnology (GUST) is arranging a seminar for Dr. Ayman Al Rowaih, who data provided in the Schengen visa applica- Egyptian caricaturist tion form, will be recorded in the VIS central Yasser Hussein coop- is a specialist in the Electronic Marketing for small and undeveloped database. Therefore, as from 2nd October erates for the second 2012, first-time applicants will have to appear time with columnist projects. The seminar will take place on the in person when lodging the application, in Mustafa Fathi to order to provide their fingerprints. For subse- design the cover of GUST campus in W1-010 on May 6 and 7, 2013. The seminar will start at 6. pm quent applications within 5 years the finger- his new book that prints can be copied from the previous appli- address media free- each day and will feature discussions about business, innovation, technology cation file in the VIS. The Cypriot Presidency doms. Hussein is would like to assure the people of Kuwait and credited for design- and other topics related to Kuwaiti youth and entrepreneurship. Al Rowaih all its permanent citizens that the Member ing the cover of States and associated States participating in Fathi’s ‘Home will also discuss how entrepreneurs can get the word out about their business- marketing and social media. For more the Schengen cooperation, have taken all Delivery’; a book necessary technical measures to facilitate the containing stories es. He will also discuss how important information, visit aymanalruwayeh.com the social media in establishing an The Gulf University for Science and rapid examination and the efficient process- about young people ing of visa applications and to ensure a quick who work in home online market. He stated that “Social Technology began operation in 2002 as media is considered to be a tool for the first private university in Kuwait. It is and discreet procedure for the implementa- delivery. The cooper- tion of the new VIS. ation is carried out electronic marketing”. It will help peo- based on an American-style model of online and through ple become network professionals and higher education and aims to serve the Facebook. manage successful websites. increasing educational demands of n n n n n n n Other common topics will be Kuwait and the Gulf region. It currently address in this seminar, such as direct hosts over3, 000 full-time students. For EMBASSY OF VATICAN investment in small businesses, techno- further information on the university, The Apostolic Nunciature (Embassy of logical integration, strategic thinking, visit www.gust.edu.kw the Holy See, Vatican in Kuwait presents its compliments to Kuwait Times Newspaper, and has the honor to inform the same that the Apostolic Nunciature has moved to a new location in Kuwait City. Please find GUST students launch Management Club below the new address: Yarmouk, Block 1, Street 2, Villa No: 1. P.O.Box 29724, Safat 13158, he recently founded, student-run Management Club at the Kuwait. Tel: 965 25337767, Fax: 965 25342066. Gulf University for Science and Technology (GUST) celebrated Email: [email protected] Tits launch by holding their very first series of seminars, and raffle draws on campus. It went on throughout the week for 4 days n n n n n n n and had various speakers attend to share their personal tips and educate students about management and the steps of starting and EMBASSY GREECE running successful businesses. Students especially from the man- The Embassy of Greece in Kuwait has the agement and marketing departments were extremely excited pleasure to announce that visa applica- about the week and did their best to attend all events specially the tions must be submitted to Schengen Visa lectures. Application Centre (VFS office) located at 12th The speakers were: Shamlan Al-Bahar, owner of Pink Coffee, floor, Al-Naser Tower, Fahad Al-Salem Street, Al- Areej Al-Kharafi, owner of Fortune Cookie boutique, Dhari Al- Qibla area, Kuwait City, (Parking at Souk Watia). For Muawed, founder of Klue, Essa Behbehani, owner of Choowy information please call 22281046 from 08:30 to Goowy, Fahad Al-Fulaij and Yousef Al-Saad, owners of The 17:00 (Sunday to Thursday). Working hours: Gathering Bistro, Abdulrahman Al-Terkait and Bader Al-Omar, own- Submission from 08:30 to 15:30. Passport collec- ers of The Breakfast Club, Latifa Al-Nassar, founder of Road Rush, tion from 16:00 to 17:00. For visa applications Abdulaziz Al-Loughani, former owner of 6alabat.com and Dhari Al- please visit the following website Wazzan, founder of P2BK. www.mfa.gr/kuwait. Each speaker did a great job of motivating students and inspir- ing them to start and run their own businesses by sharing stories n n n n n n n with the audience about their experiences. They not only shared personal stories about getting up and starting with work, the EMBASSY OF ALBANIA speakers also educated students about the skills they need to man- The Embassy of the Republic of Albania age their business successfully. They discussed the importance of to the State of Kuwait would like to working somewhere that motivates you, loving what you do, inform that on 03.04.2013, the new knowing what’s happening in your store/business, marketing your Albanian Ambassador, Kujtim Morina present- business so you gain customers and an audience. They also ed credential letters to His Highness, the Amir brought up the importance of building a relationship with employ- of the State of Kuwait, Sheikh Sabah Al-Ahmad ees and the importance of building a bond and trustful relationship Al-Jaber Al-Sabah. The address of the embassy with clients. The seminar ended with a draw for prizes and games is the same: Al - Zahra, Block 8, Street 802, Villa to sign up and be a part of at the center of campus. It was overall 169, Kuwait,P.O.BOX 3090, Safat 13131. The extremely successful and the Management Club did a great job ebassy offers consular services as well. Working with organizing their first seminar and getting students involved. hours are from 9:00 to 14:00, Sunday through All staff and students that attended got the most out of what each Thursday. speaker had to offer regarding tips and advice and left having gained knowledge about each business and its experiences. TV PROGRAMS WEDNESDAY, MAY 1, 2013

10:00 BBC World News 05:05 Evil Con Carne 15:05 Auction Hunters 13:15 Barefoot Contessa - Back To 10:30 World Business Report 05:30 Cow & Chicken 15:30 Baggage Battles Basics 10:45 BBC World News 06:00 Casper’s Scare School 16:00 Futurecar 13:40 Barefoot Contessa - Back To 11:00 BBC World News 06:30 Angelo Rules 16:55 Flying Wild Alaska Basics 03:15 Shamwari: A Wild Life 11:30 Hardtalk 07:00 Dreamworks Dragons: Riders 17:50 Mythbusters 14:05 Extra Virgin 03:40 Shamwari: A Wild Life 12:00 BBC World News Of Berk 18:45 Sons Of Guns 14:30 Diners, Drive-Ins & Dives 04:05 World Wild Vet 12:30 World Business Report 07:25 The Amazing World Of 19:40 How Do They Do It? 14:55 Diners, Drive-Ins & Dives 04:55 Call Of The Wildman 12:45 Sport Today Gumball 20:05 How It’s Made 15:20 Guy’s Big Bite 05:20 Baboons With Bill Bailey 13:00 BBC World News 07:45 Scooby Doo! Mystery 20:35 Auction Hunters 15:45 Chopped 05:45 Shamwari: A Wild Life 13:30 BBC World News Incorporated 21:00 Baggage Battles 16:35 Barefoot Contessa - Back To 06:10 Shamwari: A Wild Life 14:00 GMT With George Alagiah 08:10 Evil Con Carne 21:30 You Have Been Warned Basics 06:35 Wildlife SOS 14:30 GMT With George Alagiah 08:55 Adventure Time 22:25 Magic Of Science 17:00 Barefoot Contessa - Back To 07:00 The Really Wild Show 15:00 BBC World News 09:45 Regular Show 22:50 Magic Of Science Basics 07:25 Ned Bruha: Skunk Whisperer 15:30 World Business Report 10:35 Angelo Rules 23:20 Mythbusters 17:25 Diners, Drive-Ins & Dives 07:50 Ned Bruha: Skunk Whisperer 15:45 Sport Today 11:25 Ben 10: Ultimate Alien 17:50 Diners, Drive-Ins & Dives 08:15 Dogs 101 16:00 Impact With Mishal Husain 11:50 Ben 10: Ultimate Alien 18:15 Symon’s Suppers 09:10 Chris Humfrey’s Wildlife 16:30 Impact With Mishal Husain 12:15 Hero 108 18:40 Guy’s Big Bite 09:35 Chris Humfrey’s Wildlife 17:00 Impact With Mishal Husain 12:40 Hero 108 19:05 Guy’s Big Bite 17:30 Hardtalk 10:05 Wildest Africa 13:05 Mucha Lucha ! 03:35 Prototype This 19:30 Chopped 18:00 Global With John Sopel 11:00 Animal Cops Houston 13:30 Angelo Rules 04:25 Man-Made Marvels Asia 20:20 Chopped 18:30 Global With John Sopel 11:55 Call Of The Wildman 14:20 Evil Con Carne 05:15 Gadget Show - World Tour 21:10 Iron Chef America 19:00 Global With John Sopel 12:20 Wildlife SOS 15:10 Ben 10 05:40 The Tech Show 22:00 Charly’s Cake Angels 19:30 World Business Report 12:50 RSPCA: On The Frontline 15:35 Ben 10 06:05 Race To Mars 22:25 Charly’s Cake Angels 19:45 Sport Today 13:15 SSPCA: On The Wildside 16:00 Johnny Test 07:00 Space Pioneer 22:50 Unique Sweets 20:00 BBC World News 13:45 Animal Precinct 16:35 Scooby Doo! Mystery 07:50 NASA’s Greatest Missions 23:15 Unique Sweets 20:30 BBC Focus On Africa 14:40 Wildest Africa Incorporated 08:40 Gadget Show - World Tour 23:40 Diners, Drive-Ins & Dives 21:00 World News Today With 15:30 Baboons With Bill Bailey 17:00 Ben 10: Omniverse 09:05 The Tech Show Zeinab Badawi 16:00 The Really Wild Show 17:25 Dreamworks Dragons Riders 09:30 Smash Lab 21:30 World News Today With 16:30 Dogs 101 Of Berk 10:25 Sci-Fi Saved My Life Zeinab Badawi 17:25 Weird Creatures With Nick 17:50 The Amazing World Of 11:15 Kings Of Construction 22:00 World News Today With 03:45 I Almost Got Away With It Baker Gumball 12:05 The World’s Strangest UFO Zeinab Badawi 04:30 Dr G: Medical Examiner 18:20 Groomer Has It 18:15 Adventure Time Stories 22:30 World Business Report 05:20 A Haunting 19:15 Monkey Life 18:40 Regular Show 13:00 NASA’s Greatest Missions 22:45 Sport Today 06:10 Murder Shift 19:40 Rescue Vet 19:05 Total Drama World Tour 13:50 Patent Bending 23:00 Business Edition With Tanya 07:00 Mystery Diagnosis 20:10 Call Of The Wildman 19:30 Total Drama: Revenge Of The 14:20 Gadget Show - World Tour Beckett 07:50 Street Patrol 20:35 Baboons With Bill Bailey Island 14:45 The Tech Show 23:30 Hardtalk 08:15 Street Patrol 21:05 Wildest Africa 19:55 Starwars: The Clone Wars 15:10 Space Pioneer 22:00 Wildest Islands 20:20 Ben 10: Omniverse 08:40 Real Emergency Calls 16:00 Punkin Chunkin 2010 09:05 Who On Earth Did I Marry? 22:55 Wild France 20:45 Hero 108 16:55 Ecopolis 23:50 Animal Cops Phoenix 21:10 Young Justice 09:30 On The Case With Paula Zahn 17:45 Man-Made Marvels Asia 10:20 Murder Shift 21:35 Green Lantern: The Animated 18:35 Race To Mars 03:00 Dexter’s Laboratory Series 11:10 Disappeared 19:30 Space Pioneer 12:00 Mystery Diagnosis 03:30 Wacky Races 22:00 Ben 10 20:20 NASA’s Greatest Missions 03:55 Sylvester & Tweety Mysteries 22:25 Ben 10 12:50 Street Patrol 03:10 Coastal Kitchen 21:10 Gadget Show - World Tour 13:15 Street Patrol 03:35 Cash In The Attic 04:20 Tom & Jerry 22:50 Mucha Lucha ! 21:35 The Tech Show 04:45 The Garfield Show 23:15 Mucha Lucha ! 13:40 Forensic Detectives 04:20 Bargain Hunt 22:00 Space Pioneer 14:30 On The Case With Paula Zahn 05:05 Britain’s Dream Homes 05:00 Bananas In Pyjamas 23:40 Powerpuff Girls 22:50 The Colony 05:25 Gerald McBoing Boing 15:20 Real Emergency Calls 05:55 Gok’s Fashion Fix 23:40 Gadget Show - World Tour 15:45 Who On Earth Did I Marry? 06:45 New Scandinavian Cooking 05:45 Jelly Jamm 06:00 Ha Ha Hairies 16:10 Disappeared 07:15 The Roux Legacy 17:00 Murder Shift 07:50 Nigel Slater’s Simple Cooking 06:25 Bananas In Pyjamas 06:50 Lazytown 17:50 Forensic Detectives 08:15 Homes Under The Hammer 03:00 Anderson Cooper 360 07:15 Krypto: The Super Dog 18:40 On The Case With Paula Zahn 09:05 Bargain Hunt 04:00 Piers Morgan Live A SEPERATION ON OSN CINEMA 07:40 Baby Looney Tunes 19:30 Disappeared 09:50 Antiques Roadshow 05:00 Quest Means Business 03:05 Brandy & Mr Whiskers 08:05 Gerald McBoing Boing 20:20 Nightmare Next Door 10:40 Extreme Makeover: Home 06:00 The Situation Room 03:30 Brandy & Mr Whiskers 08:30 Cartoonito Tales 21:10 Couples Who Kill 08:30 Til Death Edition 07:00 World Sport 03:55 Replacements 08:55 Lazy Town 22:00 Nightmare Next Door 09:00 Breaking In 11:25 Masterchef: The Professionals 07:30 News Special 04:20 Replacements 09:45 Baby Looney Tunes 22:50 Nightmare Next Door 09:30 How I Met Your Mother 12:10 Come Dine With Me 08:00 World Report 04:45 Emperor’s New School 04:30 Take Shelter-PG15 07:00 AFL Premiership Highlights 10:10 Krypto: The Super Dog 23:40 I Almost Got Away With It 10:30 Gary Unmarried 13:00 The Roux Legacy 09:00 World Report 05:10 Emperor’s New School 06:30 B-Girl-PG15 08:00 Super Rugby 10:35 Cartoonito Tales 11:00 The Tonight Show With Jay 13:30 New Scandinavian Cooking 10:00 World Sport 05:35 Brandy & Mr Whiskers 08:00 Into The Wind-PG15 10:00 NRL Full Time 11:00 Jelly Jamm Leno 13:55 Bargain Hunt 10:30 Inside Africa 06:00 Mickey Mouse Clubhouse 09:00 The Adventures Of Tintin-PG 10:30 AFL Premiership Highlights 11:25 Gerald McBoing Boing 12:00 Arrested Development 14:40 Cash In The Attic 11:00 World Business Today 06:25 Doc McStuffins 11:00 Lady And The Tramp II: 11:30 European Challenge Cup 11:50 Lazy Town 12:30 Seinfeld 15:25 Antiques Roadshow 12:00 World One 06:40 Suite Life On Deck Scamp’s Adventure-FAM 13:30 Super Rugby 12:40 Jelly Jamm 13:00 Til Death 16:15 Extreme Makeover: Home 12:30 Inside The Middle East 07:10 A.N.T Farm 03:30 Texasville 12:30 Ring Of Deceit-PG15 14:30 PGA Tour Highlights 13:00 Tom & Jerry Kids 13:30 Gary Unmarried Edition 13:00 Amanpour 07:35 A.N.T Farm 05:35 The Amityville Horror 14:15 The Phantom Of The Opera At 15:30 Premier League Darts 13:25 A Pup Named Scooby-Doo 14:00 Friends 17:00 Homes Under The Hammer 13:30 CNN Newscenter 07:55 Jessie 07:30 Gate II The Royal Albert Hall-PG15 19:00 NHL 13:50 Moomins 15:00 How I Met Your Mother 17:55 Baking Mad With Eric Lanlard 14:00 Piers Morgan Live 08:20 Jessie 09:00 The Unforgiven 17:00 The Adventures Of Tintin-PG 21:00 Inside The PGA Tour 14:20 Sylvester & Tweety Mysteries 15:30 The Daily Show With Jon 18:20 The Good Cook 15:00 News Stream 08:45 Good Luck Charlie 11:05 The Crocodile Hunter: 19:00 Contagion-PG15 21:30 Trans World Sport 14:45 Tiny Toon Adventures Stewart 18:45 Baking Made Easy 16:00 World Business Today 09:10 Good Luck Charlie Collision Course 21:00 Locked In-PG15 22:30 AFL Premiership Highlights 15:10 The 13 Ghosts Of Scooby-Doo 16:00 The Colbert Report 19:10 New Scandinavian Cooking 17:00 International Desk 09:35 Austin And Ally 12:35 Saved 23:00 The Five Year Engagement-18 23:30 Super Rugby 15:35 Taz-Mania 16:30 Arrested Development 19:40 Come Dine With Me 18:00 Global Exchange 10:00 Bolt 14:05 Swamp Thing 16:00 Tom & Jerry Tales 17:00 Late Night With Jimmy Fallon 20:35 Extreme Makeover: Home 19:00 World Sport 11:30 Prankstars 15:35 Lights! Action! Music! 16:25 Moomins 18:00 Ben And Kate Edition 19:30 Inside The Middle East 11:40 Suite Life On Deck 16:35 Viva Maria! 16:50 The Garfield Show 18:30 The Simpsons 21:20 Antiques Roadshow 20:00 International Desk 12:05 Hannah Montana 18:30 Mgm’s Big Screen 03:00 Super Rugby 17:15 The Looney Tunes Show 19:00 Modern Family 04:30 Turandot 22:15 Bargain Hunt 21:00 Quest Means Business 12:30 Wizards Of Waverly Place 18:45 A Star For Two 05:00 PGA European Tour 17:40 Tiny Toon Adventures 19:30 The Mindy Project 06:00 Tinker Bell And The Secret Of 23:00 Homes Under The Hammer 22:00 Amanpour 12:55 Wizards Of Waverly Place 20:20 Kid Galahad Highlights 18:05 Taz-Mania 20:00 The Tonight Show With Jay The Wings 23:55 Cash In The Attic 22:30 CNN Newscenter 13:20 Jessie 22:00 True Blood 06:00 Trans World Sport 18:30 Sylvester & Tweety Mysteries Leno 08:00 Everyone’s Hero 23:00 Connect The World With 13:45 A.N.T. Farm 23:40 Alice 07:00 Golfing World 18:55 The 13 Ghosts Of Scooby-Doo 21:00 The Daily Show With Jon 10:00 Robots Becky Anderson 14:10 A.N.T. Farm 08:00 PGA European Tour 19:20 Pink Panther And Pals Stewart 11:30 The Adventures Of Don 14:35 Austin And Ally Highlights 19:45 The Looney Tunes Show 21:30 The Colbert Report Quixote 15:00 Austin And Ally 09:00 World Pool Masters 20:10 Taz-Mania 22:00 Weeds 13:00 Crab Island 15:25 Good Luck Charlie 10:00 World Cup Of Pool 03:00 Newsday 20:35 Puppy In My Pocket 03:30 Banged Up Abroad 22:30 It’s Always Sunny In 14:30 Tinker Bell And The Secret Of 15:50 Jessie 11:00 Trans World Sport 03:30 Asia Business Report 21:00 What’s New Scooby-Doo? 04:25 City Chase Rome The Wings 16:15 Shake It Up Philadelphia 12:00 Top 14 Highlights 03:45 Sport Today 21:25 Looney Tunes 03:00 Mythbusters 05:20 Departures 16:00 101 Dalmatians (1961) 16:40 A.N.T. Farm 23:00 Entourage 12:30 ICC Cricket 360 04:00 BBC World News 21:50 Dexter’s Laboratory 03:55 Border Security 06:15 Food Lover’s Guide To The 18:00 Robots 17:00 Toy Story 2 23:30 Late Night With Jimmy Fallon 13:00 Golfing World 04:30 Asia Business Report 22:15 Tom & Jerry Tales 04:20 Auction Hunters Planet 20:00 Teo: The Intergalactic Hunter 18:30 Prankstars 14:00 Futbol Mundial 04:45 Sport Today 23:05 Pink Panther And Pals 04:50 Baggage Battles 06:40 Earth Tripping 22:00 Crab Island 18:45 That’s So Raven 14:30 AFL Premiership Highlights 05:00 BBC World News 23:30 Pink Panther And Pals 05:15 How Do They Do It? 07:10 Exploring The Vine 23:30 Everyone’s Hero 19:10 Cory In The House 15:30 World Pool Masters 05:30 Asia Business Report 23:55 Moomins 05:40 How It’s Made 07:35 Kimchi Chronicles 19:35 Good Luck Charlie 16:30 World Cup Of Pool 05:45 Sport Today 06:05 Sons Of Guns 08:05 Somewhere In China 20:00 Jessie 03:00 Greek 17:30 European Challenge Cup 06:00 BBC World News 07:00 Mythbusters 09:00 Making Tracks 20:25 Wizards Of Waverly Place 04:00 House Of Cards 19:30 Asian Tour Golf Show 06:30 Hardtalk 07:50 Ultimate Survival 09:25 Making Tracks 20:50 Wizards Of Waverly Place 20:00 Super League 07:00 BBC World News 08:45 Flying Wild Alaska 09:55 Banged Up Abroad 05:00 Grey’s Anatomy 03:00 MSNBC All In With Chris Hayes 21:15 Phil Of The Future 21:30 Ladies European Tour 07:30 World Business Report 09:40 Border Security 10:50 Banged Up Abroad 06:00 Supernatural 04:00 MSNBC The Rachel Maddow 21:40 Hannah Montana Highlights 07:45 BBC World News 03:00 The A mazing World Of 10:05 Auction Hunters 11:45 City Chase Rome 07:00 Emmerdale Show 22:05 Jonas Los Angeles 22:30 Champions Tour Highlights 08:00 BBC World News Gumball 10:30 Baggage Battles 12:40 Departures 07:30 Coronation Street 05:00 MSNBC The Last Word With 22:30 Sonny With A Chance 23:30 Golfing World 08:30 World Business Report 03:25 Regular Show 10:55 How Do They Do It? 13:35 Food Lover’s Guide To The 08:00 The Closer Lawrence O’Donnell 22:55 Wizards Of Waverly Place 08:45 BBC World News 03:50 Ben 10: Omniverse 11:25 How It’s Made Planet 09:00 The Ellen DeGeneres Show 06:00 NBC Nightly News 23:20 Wizards Of Waverly Place 09:00 BBC World News 04:15 Scooby-D oo! Mystery 11:50 Dual Survival 14:00 Earth Tripping 10:00 Grey’s Anatomy 06:30 ABC World News With Diane 23:45 Hannah Montana 09:30 World Business Report Incorporated 12:45 Finding Bigfoot 14:30 Delinquent Gourmet 11:00 The Americans Sawyer 03:00 Ping Pong World 09:45 BBC World News 04:40 Powerpuff Girls 14:35 Border Security 14:55 Kimchi Chronicles 12:00 Emmerdale 07:00 Live NBC Nightly News 04:00 US Bass Fishing 15:25 Somewhere In China 12:30 Coronation Street 07:39 ABC Nightline 05:00 NHL 16:20 Market Values 13:00 The Ellen DeGeneres Show 08:06 Live MSNBC The Rachel 07:00 WWE Vintage Collection 16:45 Market Values 14:00 The Closer Maddow Show 08:00 WWE NXT 03:15 Style Star 17:15 Banged Up Abroad 15:00 Supernatural 09:00 MSNBC The Last Word With 09:00 Ping Pong World 03:40 Extreme Close-Up 18:10 Banged Up Abroad 16:00 Emmerdale Lawrence O’Donnell 10:00 US Bass Fishing 04:10 THS 19:05 City Chase Rome 16:30 Coronation Street 10:00 ABC World News Now 11:00 NHL 05:05 THS 20:00 Delinquent Gourmet 17:00 The Ellen DeGeneres Show 10:30 Live ABC World News Now 13:00 WWE SmackDown 06:00 THS 20:30 Kimchi Chronicles 18:00 The Closer 11:00 NBC Early Today 15:00 European Le Mans Series 07:50 Style Star 21:00 Food Lover’s Guide To The 19:00 Touch 11:30 ABC America This Morning 16:00 UIM Powerboat Champs 08:20 Opening Act Planet 20:00 Bones 12:00 ABC America This Morning 16:30 UIM Powerboat Champs 09:15 Opening Act 21:30 Earth Tripping 21:00 Castle 12:30 Live ABC America This 17:00 UIM Powerboat Champs 10:15 15 Remarkable Celebrity Body 22:00 Departures 22:00 The Client List Morning 17:30 UFC Bouncebacks 22:55 Food Lover’s Guide To The 23:00 Treme 13:00 Live ABC America This 20:30 NHL 12:05 Khloe And Lamar Planet Morning 22:30 European Le Mans Series 12:35 Khloe And Lamar 23:20 Market Values 13:30 MSNBC First Look 23:30 UIM Powerboat Champs 13:05 Married To Jonas 23:50 Travel Madness 14:00 Live NBC Today Show 13:35 Married To Jonas 17:57 Live MSNBC Hardball With 14:05 Kourtney & Kim Take New 03:45 RoboCop 2 Chris Matthews York 06:00 RoboCop 3 18:38 Live MSNBC The Ed Show 15:00 Style Star 04:00 RoboCop 3-PG15 08:00 Season Of The Witch 19:19 Live MSNBC The Rachel 03:45 Chicagolicious 15:30 E!es 06:00 Season Of The Witch-PG15 10:00 True Justice: Brotherhood Maddow Show 04:40 Open House 16:30 Extreme Close-Up 08:00 True Justice: Brotherhood- 12:00 True Justice: Blood Alley 20:00 MSNBC Andrea Mitchell 05:10 Videofashion News 17:00 Chasing The Saturdays PG15 14:00 Barricade 05:35 Videofashion Collections 17:30 Chasing The Saturdays Reports 10:00 True Justice: Blood Alley-PG15 16:00 True Justice: Brotherhood 06:05 Clean House: New York 18:00 E! News 21:00 MSNBC Newsnation 12:00 Barricade-PG15 17:45 Kingdom Of Heaven 07:00 Videofashion News 19:00 Fashion Police 22:00 MSNBC The Cycle 14:00 True Justice: Brotherhood- 20:15 Barricade 07:30 Videofashion News 20:00 E!es 23:00 MSNBC Martin Bashir PG15 22:00 Alien 08:00 Videofashion Daily 21:00 Kourtney And Kim Take Miami 15:45 Kingdom Of Heaven-PG15 09:00 Open House 22:00 Chasing The Saturdays 18:15 Barricade-PG15 09:30 Dress My Nest 22:30 E! News 20:00 Alien-18 10:00 Giuliana & Bill 23:30 Chelsea Lately 22:00 Gridlock’d-18 10:55 Tia And Tamera 04:00 The Year Dolly Parton Was My 04:00 Crisis Point-PG15 05:45 The Tree Of Life-PG15 11:55 Kimora: Life In The Fab Lane Mom-PG 12:50 Videofashion Specials 06:00 Hop-PG 08:00 A View From Here-PG15 10:00 The Big Year-PG 13:20 Videofashion Collections 08:00 The First Wives Club-PG 13:50 Chicagolicious 03:00 The Decoy Bride-PG15 10:00 Ernest Scared Stupid-PG15 12:00 Sherlock Holmes: A Game Of Shadows-PG15 14:45 How Do I Look? 03:00 Diners, Drive-Ins & Dives 05:00 Winx-FAM 12:00 The Year Dolly Parton Was My 15:40 How Do I Look? 07:00 Blank Slate-PG15 Mom-PG 14:15 Rio-FAM 03:25 Unique Eats 16:00 A View From Here-PG15 16:35 Built 03:50 Kid In A Candy Store 09:00 The Decoy Bride-PG15 14:00 In Her Shoes-PG15 17:30 Built 11:00 The Vow-PG15 16:15 Ernest Scared Stupid-PG15 18:00 Damsels In Distress-PG15 04:15 Andy Bates American Street 20:00 Coriolanus-PG15 18:25 Chicagolicious 13:00 Dangerous Flowers-PG15 18:00 Turner & Hooch-PG15 19:25 Jerseylicious Feasts 22:15 Outlaw Country-PG15 04:40 Chopped 15:00 Hidden Crimes-PG15 20:00 The Switch-18 20:20 Giuliana & Bill 05:30 Iron Chef America 16:45 A Separation-PG15 22:00 High School-18 21:15 Giuliana & Bill 06:10 Food Network Challenge 19:00 Young Adult-PG15 22:10 Kimora: House Of Fab 07:00 Diners, Drive-Ins & Dives 21:00 Cleanskin-18 23:05 Fashion Police 07:25 Diners, Drive-Ins & Dives 23:00 Husk-18 03:30 NRL Full Time 07:50 Unique Eats 03:00 Sleepy Hollow-PG15 04:00 NRL Premiership 08:15 Kid In A Candy Store 05:00 Water For Elephants-PG15 06:00 AFL Premiership Highlights 08:40 Andy Bates American Street 07:15 Courage-PG15 07:00 Snooker World Championship 03:00 Breaking In 03:20 Ziegfeld Follies-FAM Feasts 09:00 Separate Lies-PG15 11:00 Champions Tour Highlights 03:30 Friends 05:10 Never So Few-PG 09:05 Barefoot Contessa - Back To 11:00 Taken Back: Finding Haley- 12:00 Live Snooker World Basics 04:00 Seinfeld 07:00 Raintree County-PG PG15 Championship 09:30 The Next Iron Chef 04:30 The Tonight Show With Jay 16:00 NRL Full Time 09:45 The Comedians-PG 13:00 Kings Ransom-PG15 10:20 Extra Virgin Leno 16:30 Live Snooker World 12:15 Bronco Billy-PG 15:00 Separate Lies-PG15 10:45 Extra Virgin 05:30 Til Death Championship 14:10 White Heat-PG 11:10 Everyday Italian 06:00 Arrested Development 17:00 Yona Yona Penguin-PG 20:00 Futbol Mundial 16:00 Billy The Kid-PG 11:35 Unwrapped 06:30 Gary Unmarried 18:45 Mr. Nobody-PG15 20:30 PGA European Tour Weekly 17:40 Guns For San Sebastian-PG 12:00 Chef Hunter 07:00 Late Night With Jimmy Fallon 21:00 The Preacher’s Wife-PG15 21:00 Live Snooker World 19:35 Anchors Aweigh-FAM BARRICADE ON OSN ACTION HD 12:50 Grill It! With Bobby Flay 08:00 Seinfeld 23:15 The Intouchables-U Championship 22:00 Get Carter-18 Classifieds

WEDNESDAY, MAY 1, 2013

Kuwait ACCOMMODATION KNCC PROGRAMME FROM THURSDAY TO WEDNESDAY Sharing accommodation (25/04/2013 TO 01/05/2013) available for decent single person (male/female) with a separate room with SHARQIA-1 THE HAUNTING IN CONNECTICUT 2 2:15 PM attached bath in Amman THE HAUNTING IN CONNECTICUT 2 1:30 PM MARINA-2 NO TELL MOTEL (DIG) 4:30 PM Street near roundabout. NO TELL MOTEL (DIG) 3:30 PM FIRE WITH FIRE (DIG) 12:30 PM THE HAUNTING IN CONNECTICUT 2 6:15 PM Please call 5 pm to 10 pm SHADOW (DIG) (TELUGU) 5:15 PM OBLIVION (DIG) 2:45 PM NO TELL MOTEL (DIG) 8:30 PM 66321532. (C 4399) THE HAUNTING IN CONNECTICUT 2 5:30 PM OBLIVION (DIG) 5:15 PM NO TELL MOTEL (DIG) 10:15 PM 1-5-2013 NO FRI FIRE WITH FIRE (DIG) 7:45 PM NO TELL MOTEL (DIG) 12:05 AM NO TELL MOTEL (DIG) 8:15 PM OBLIVION (DIG) 9:45 PM NO SUN+ TUE+WED NO TELL MOTEL (DIG) 10:00 PM FIRE WITH FIRE (DIG) 12:15 AM Sharing accommodation NO TELL MOTEL (DIG) 12:05 AM BAIRAQ-3 available for decent bache- AVENUES-1 OBLIVION (DIG) 2:00 PM lor or family non smoking, SHARQIA-2 OBLIVION (DIG) 4:45 PM THE HAUNTING IN CONNECTICUT 2 1:15 PM Amman street, one big TAD, THE LOST EXPLORER (DIG-3D) 2:00 PM THE HAUNTING IN CONNECTICUT 2 3:30 PM OBLIVION (DIG) 7:15 PM SPIDERS (DIG-3D) 4:00 PM THE HOST (DIG) 6:00 PM EMPEROR (DIG) 10:00 PM room, opposite to Al TAD, THE LOST EXPLORER (DIG-3D) 6:00 PM THE HAUNTING IN CONNECTICUT 2 8:30 PM OBLIVION (DIG) 12:15 AM Rashed Hospital. Contact: THE HOST (DIG) 8:00 PM THE HOST (DIG) 10:45 PM NO SUN+ TUE+WED 66232356. (C 4395) SPIDERS (DIG-3D) 10:30 PM THE HAUNTING IN CONNECTICUT 2 1:15 AM 28-4-2013 SPIDERS (DIG-3D) 12:30 AM PLAZA AVENUES-2 SHADOW (DIG) (TELUGU) 7:00 PM SHARQIA-3 Seats-225 THE COMPANY YOU KEEP (DIG) 2:30 PM THU THE COMPANY YOU KEEP (DIG) 12:45 PM THE COMPANY YOU KEEP (DIG) 5:00 PM SHADOW (DIG) (TELUGU) 10:00 PM CHANGE OF NAME FIRE WITH FIRE (DIG) 3:15 PM THE COMPANY YOU KEEP (DIG) 7:30 PM THU OBLIVION (DIG) 5:15 PM THE COMPANY YOU KEEP (DIG) 10:00 PM SHADOW (DIG) (TELUGU) 3:45 PM I, Kamalapuram Basheer, FRI+MON FIRE WITH FIRE (DIG) 7:45 PM THE COMPANY YOU KEEP (DIG) 12:30 AM Indian Passport No: THE COMPANY YOU KEEP (DIG) 9:45 PM NO SUN+ TUE+WED SHADOW (DIG) (TELUGU) 6:45 PM OBLIVION (DIG) 12:15 AM NO THU K9684632 change my name 360º- 1 SHADOW (DIG) (TELUGU) 9:45 PM to Shaikh Basheer Ahmed. MUHALAB-1 NO TELL MOTEL (DIG) 1:15 PM NO THU (C 4398) THE HAUNTING IN CONNECTICUT 2 12:30 PM NO TELL MOTEL (DIG) 3:15 PM 29-4-2013 LAILA NO TELL MOTEL (DIG) 2:30 PM NO TELL MOTEL (DIG) 5:15 PM Prayer timings SHADOW (DIG) (TELUGU) 4:15 PM NO TELL MOTEL (DIG) 7:15 PM THE HOST (DIG) 5:45 PM FRI NO TELL MOTEL (DIG) 9:15 PM OBLIVION (DIG) 8:15 PM THE PUBLIC AUTHORITY Fajr: 03:41 THE HAUNTING IN CONNECTICUT 2 5:00 PM NO TELL MOTEL (DIG) 11:15 PM EMPEROR (DIG) 10:45 PM FOR CIVIL INFORMATION NO FRI NO TELL MOTEL (DIG) 1:15 AM Shorook 05:07 360º- 2 AJIAL.1 Automated enquiry about the NO TELL MOTEL (DIG) 7:15 PM Duhr: 11:45 NO TELL MOTEL (DIG) 9:00 PM THE HAUNTING IN CONNECTICUT 2 2:15 PM SHADOW (DIG) (TELUGU) 7:00 PM Civil ID card is NO TELL MOTEL (DIG) 10:45 PM THE HAUNTING IN CONNECTICUT 2 4:30 PM THU Asr: 15:21 THE HAUNTING IN CONNECTICUT 2 6:45 PM SHADOW (DIG) (TELUGU) 10:00 PM 1889988 MUHALAB-2 THE HAUNTING IN CONNECTICUT 2 9:00 PM THU Maghrib: 18:24 THE COMPANY YOU KEEP (DIG) 12:45 PM THE HAUNTING IN CONNECTICUT 2 11:30 PM SHADOW (DIG) (TELUGU) 3:45 PM OBLIVION (DIG) 3:15 PM FRI+SAT+MON Isha: 19:47 SHADOW (DIG) (TELUGU) 6:45 PM FIRE WITH FIRE (DIG) 5:45 PM 360º- 3 NO THU OBLIVION (DIG) 7:45 PM EMPEROR (DIG) 1:45 PM SHADOW (DIG) (TELUGU) 9:45 PM THE COMPANY YOU KEEP (DIG) 10:15 PM EMPEROR (DIG) 4:00 PM NO THU EMPEROR (DIG) 6:15 PM 112 Ministry of Interior MUHALAB-3 EMPEROR (DIG) 8:30 PM AJIAL.2 TAD, THE LOST EXPLORER (DIG-3D) 1:30 PM EMPEROR (DIG) 10:45 PM AASHIQUI 2 (DIG) (HINDI) 6:15 PM website: www.moi.gov.kw TAD, THE LOST EXPLORER (DIG-3D) 3:30 PM EMPEROR (DIG) 1:00 AM AASHIQUI 2 (DIG) (HINDI) 9:15 PM THE HOST (DIG) 5:30 PM AL-KOUT.1 SPIDERS (DIG-3D) 8:00 PM AJIAL.3 SPIDERS (DIG-3D) 10:00 PM TAD, THE LOST EXPLORER (DIG-3D) 12:45 PM NO TELL MOTEL (DIG) 6:00 PM SPIDERS (DIG-3D) 2:45 PM No: 15795 FANAR-1 NO TELL MOTEL (DIG) 8:00 PM TAD, THE LOST EXPLORER (DIG-3D) 4:45 PM NO TELL MOTEL (DIG) 10:00 PM OBLIVION (DIG) 1:45 PM SPIDERS (DIG-3D) 6:45 PM OBLIVION (DIG) 4:15 PM FIRE WITH FIRE (DIG) 8:45 PM AJIAL.4 IT TAKES A MAN AND A WOMAN (DIG) (FILIPINO)6:45 PM SPIDERS (DIG-3D) 10:45 PM SOUND THOMA (DIG) (MALAYALAM) 4:00 PM OBLIVION (DIG) 9:15 PM SPIDERS (DIG-3D) 12:45 AM FRI+SAT+MON OBLIVION (DIG) 11:45 PM SOUND THOMA (DIG) (MALAYALAM) 7:00 PM AL-KOUT.2 NO SUN+ TUE+WED SOUND THOMA (DIG) (MALAYALAM) 10:00 PM NO TELL MOTEL (DIG) 1:00 PM FANAR-2 THE HAUNTING IN CONNECTICUT 2 2:45 PM METRO-1 NO TELL MOTEL (DIG) 1:15 PM NO TELL MOTEL (DIG) 4:45 PM SHADOW (DIG) (TELUGU) 7:00 PM NO TELL MOTEL (DIG) 3:00 PM THE HAUNTING IN CONNECTICUT 2 6:30 PM THU THE HAUNTING IN CONNECTICUT 2 4:45 PM NO TELL MOTEL (DIG) 8:30 PM SHADOW (DIG) (TELUGU) 10:00 PM NO TELL MOTEL (DIG) 6:45 PM NO TELL MOTEL (DIG) 10:15 PM THU THE HAUNTING IN CONNECTICUT 2 8:30 PM NO TELL MOTEL (DIG) 12:05 AM SHADOW (DIG) (TELUGU) 3:30 PM NO TELL MOTEL (DIG) 10:30 PM FRI+SAT+MON NO TELL MOTEL (DIG) 12:15 AM BAIRAQ-1 SHADOW (DIG) (TELUGU) 6:30 PM TAD, THE LOST EXPLORER (DIG-3D) 1:30 PM NO THU MARINA-1 TAD, THE LOST EXPLORER (DIG-3D) 3:30 PM SHADOW (DIG) (TELUGU) 10:00 PM NO TELL MOTEL (DIG) 1:45 PM THE CROODS (DIG-3D) 5:30 PM NO THU NO TELL MOTEL (DIG) 3:30 PM SPIDERS (DIG-3D) 7:30 PM NO TELL MOTEL (DIG) 5:15 PM SPIDERS (DIG-3D) 9:30 PM METRO-2 THE HAUNTING IN CONNECTICUT 2 7:00 PM SPIDERS (DIG-3D) 11:30 PM SOUND THOMA (DIG) (MALAYALAM) 3:45 PM NO TELL MOTEL (DIG) 9:00 PM FRI+SAT+MON NO TELL MOTEL (DIG) 10:45 PM BAIRAQ-2 SOUND THOMA (DIG) (MALAYALAM) 6:45 PM THE HAUNTING IN CONNECTICUT 2 12:30 AM NO TELL MOTEL (DIG) 12:30 PM NO FRI

DIAL 161 FOR AIRPORT INFORMATION

Arrival Flights on Wednesday 1/5/2013 MSR 575 SHARM EL SHEIKH 14:15 Departure Flights on Wednesday 1/5/2013 UAE 872 DUBAI 14:15 Airlines Flt Route Time SVA 500 JEDDAH 14:30 Airlines Flt Route Time FDB 58 DUBAI 14:30 QTR 148 DOHA 00:15 KAC 788 JEDDAH 15:00 AIC 982 AHMEDABAD/AHMEDABAD 00:05 QTR 141 DOHA 14:55 JZR 267 BEIRUT 00:20 KAC 538 SHARM EL SHEIKH/SOHAG 15:50 JAI 573 MUMBAI 00:20 IRC 6693 MASHAD 15:00 JZR 539 CAIRO 00:40 RJA 640 AMMAN 15:55 UAL 981 WASHINGTON DC DULLES 00:25 MSR 576 SHARM EL SHEIKH 15:00 ETH 620 ADDIS ABABA 01:45 JZR 535 CAIRO 16:10 DLH 637 FRANKFURT 00:30 KAC 673 DUBAI 15:05 GFA 211 BAHRAIN 01:55 JZR 787 RIYADH 16:15 THY 773 ISTANBUL 02:20 KAC 617 DOHA 15:45 UAE 853 DUBAI 02:25 QTR 134 DOHA 16:15 ETH 621 ADDIS ABABA 02:45 SVA 503 MEDINAH/JEDDAH 15:45 ETD 305 ABU DHABI 02:30 IYE 824 SANAA/DOHA 16:30 UAE 854 DUBAI 03:45 CLX 792 HONG KONG 16:00 FDB 67 DUBAI 03:10 ETD 303 ABU DHABI 16:35 FDB 68 DUBAI 03:50 KAC 773 RIYADH 16:00 MSR 612 CAIRO 03:15 JZR 357 MASHAD 16:50 MSR 613 CAIRO 04:15 RJA 641 AMMAN 16:55 OMA 643 MUSCAT 03:20 UAE 857 DUBAI 16:55 OMA 644 MUSCAT 04:20 JZR 238 AMMAN 17:05 QTR 138 DOHA 03:30 ABY 127 SHARJAH 17:10 ETD 306 ABU DHABI 04:20 QTR 135 DOHA 17:15 DHX 170 BAHRAIN 04:20 SVA 510 RIYADH 17:20 QTR 139 DOHA 04:25 ETD 304 ABU DHABI 17:20 THY 770 ISTANBUL 04:35 GFA 215 BAHRAIN 17:20 QTR 149 DOHA 05:15 IYE 824 SANAA 17:30 FDB 69 DUBAI 05:50 UAL 982 WASHINGTON DC DULLES 17:25 JZR 560 SOHAG 05:35 JZR 538 CAIRO 17:40 KAC 412 MANILA/BANGKOK 06:15 JZR 177 DUBAI 17:30 FDB 70 DUBAI 06:30 ABY 128 SHARJAH 17:50 JZR 555 ALEXANDRIA 06:20 KNE 462 MEDINAH 17:45 GFA 212 BAHRAIN 07:00 UAE 858 DUBAI 18:15 BAW 157 LONDON 06:30 JZR 777 JEDDAH 17:50 THY 771 ISTANBUL 07:10 SVA 511 RIYADH 18:20 JZR 529 ASSIUT 06:40 KAC 542 CAIRO 18:15 JZR 164 DUBAI 7:25 GFA 216 BAHRAIN 18:20 KAC 206 ISLAMABAD 07:25 QTR 144 DOHA 18:25 KAC 537 SHARM EL SHEIKH/SOHAG 8:00 JZR 184 DUBAI 18:30 KAC 382 DELHI 07:30 KAC 786 JEDDAH 18:30 BAW 156 LONDON 08:25 JZR 266 BEIRUT 18:40 FDB 53 DUBAI 07:45 KAC 166 PARIS/ROME 18:40 FDB 54 DUBAI 08:25 UAL 982 BAHRAIN 18:40 KAC 302 MUMBAI 07:50 FDB 63 DUBAI 18:55 JZR 534 CAIRO 09:10 KNE 471 JEDDAH 18:45 KAC 352 COCHIN 08:05 GFA 219 BAHRAIN 19:05 KAC 789 MEDINAH 09:15 QTR 145 DOHA 19:25 KAC 344 CHENNAI 08:20 KAC 618 DOHA 19:10 KAC 671 DUBAI 09:25 FDB 64 DUBAI 19:35 UAE 855 DUBAI 08:25 MSC 405 SOHAG 19:15 ABY 126 SHARJAH 09:30 GFA 220 BAHRAIN 19:50 ETD 933 ABU DHABI 08:30 KAC 674 DUBAI 19:25 KAC 787 JEDDAH 09:35 JZR 134 BAHRAIN 20:05 MSC 404 ASSIUT 20:15 ABY 125 SHARJAH 08:50 KAC 774 RIYADH 19:25 UAE 856 DUBAI 09:50 QTR 132 DOHA 09:00 MSR 619 ALEXANDRIA 20:30 MSR 606 LUXOR 19:30 FDB 56 DUBAI 09:55 IRM 1186 TEHRAN 09:10 QTR 133 DOHA 10:00 JAI 571 MUMBAI 20:35 JAI 572 MUMBAI 19:35 FDB 55 DUBAI 09:15 KAC 117 NEW YORK 10:00 FDB 62 DUBAI 20:40 KAC 102 NEW YORK/LONDON 19:35 IRA 603 SHIRAZ 09:25 ETD 302 ABU DHABI 10:15 ABY 120 SHARJAH 20:45 FDB 61 DUBAI 20:00 ETD 301 ABU DHABI 09:30 IRA 602 SHIRAZ 10:25 KAC 361 COLOMBO 20:50 OMA 647 MUSCAT 20:00 GFA 213 BAHRAIN 10:40 IRM 1187 TEHRAN 10:30 KAC 331 TRIVANDRUM 20:50 ABY 129 SHARJAH 20:05 MEA 404 BEIRUT 10:55 ETD 934 ABU DHABI 10:30 OMA 648 MUSCAT 20:55 MEA 402 BEIRUT 20:15 IAW 157 BAGHDAD/NAJAF 11:00 JZR 356 MASHAD 11:00 KAC 351 COCHIN 21:05 TMA 213 BEIRUT 11:00 AXB 489 COCHIN/MANGALORE 20:35 GFA 214 BAHRAIN 11:25 MEA 403 BEIRUT 21:15 MSC 403 ASSIUT 11:30 KLM 417 AMSTERDAM 21:05 KAC 541 CAIRO 11:30 DHX 171 BAHRAIN 21:50 JZR 165 DUBAI 11:35 ALK 229 COLOMBO 21:10 MEA 405 BEIRUT 11:55 KLM 417 DAMMAM/AMSTERDAM 22:05 IRM 1188 MASHAD 11:45 UAE 859 DUBAI 21:15 IAW 158 NAJAF/BAGHDAD 12:00 ETD 308 ABU DHABI 22:15 JZR 561 SOHAG 12:00 ETD 307 ABU DHABI 21:30 TMA 209 DOHA 12:00 ALK 230 COLOMBO 22:20 KAC 284 DHAKA 12:05 QTR 136 DOHA 21:35 KAC 175 FRANKFURT/GENEVA 12:10 UAE 860 DUBAI 22:25 KNE 470 JEDDAH 12:10 GFA 217 BAHRAIN 21:45 JZR 776 JEDDAH 12:25 KAC 381 DELHI 22:30 SVA 9398 JEDDAH 12:15 DHX 372 BAHRAIN 22:00 MSC 406 SOHAG 12:30 QTR 137 DOHA 22:35 UAE 871 DUBAI 12:45 QTR 146 DOHA 22:00 KAC 103 LONDON 12:30 KAC 301 MUMBAI 22:40 MSR 610 CAIRO 13:00 FDB 59 DUBAI 22:20 JZR 786 RIYADH 12:50 GFA 218 BAHRAIN 22:45 THY 766 ISTANBUL 13:10 AIC 975 CHENNAI/GOA 22:25 KAC 785 JEDDAH 13:00 DHX 373 BAHRAIN 23:00 CLX 792 LUXEMBOURG 13:15 JZR 239 AMMAN 22:30 IRM 1189 MASHAD 13:10 KAC 205 ISLAMABAD 23:00 KNE 480 TAIF 13:25 JZR 185 DUBAI 22:40 KNE 461 MEDINAH 13:10 FDB 60 DUBAI 23:00 KAC 672 DUBAI 13:40 UAL 981 BAHRAIN 22:40 JZR 176 DUBAI 13:20 QTR 147 DOHA 23:05 QTR 140 DOHA 13:45 JZR 135 BAHRAIN 23:00 MSR 611 CAIRO 14:00 JZR 554 ALEXANDRIA 23:20 FDB 57 DUBAI 13:50 DLH 636 FRANKFURT 23:10 SVA 2398 JEDDAH 14:00 KAC 283 DHAKA 23:45 KAC 790 MEDINAH 13:55 JAI 574 MUMBAI 23:20 THY 767 ISTANBUL 14:10 KAC 415 KUALA LUMPUR/JAKARTA 23:50 IRC 6692 MASHAD 14:00 THY 772 ISTANBUL 23:45 KNE 481 TAIF 14:15 JZR 528 ASSIUT 23:55 Directorate General of Civil Aviation Home Page (www.kuwait-airport.com.kw) 34 WEDNESDAY, MAY 1, 2013 stars

CROSSWORD 176 STAR TRACK

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

There’s not a lot you can do to avoid some last minute chores which Emotions burst out into laughter or song, playfulness abounds, and require a lot of energy from you today. Though you’ve planned a quite out of the way there can seem like there is no limit to what’s out there for you. Take the ball and run with sort of day, it’s not likely to happen that easily with these other matters pressing. You’re it now and you’ll go far. It may be hard to take care of yourself when others at home or at best to do what has to be done and reschedule your quiet time for the following day. A work are insisting on attention. Do what you can to burn both ends of the candle, but don’t push too hard, you’ll just rain yourself without actually accomplishing all you want single rose can have as much of an impact on someone as a dozen if you’re trying to get on either front. Emotions are strong and upbeat today. Any plans you begin today a message across. Don’t assume that you need to be extravagant today to tell your heart regarding a relationship will be firm and supportive and continue to evolve that way. throb that you care. Even a post it note saying I love you place in strategic locations can Feelings of friendship and even love are at the top of the emotional list and it’s easy to bring more than a smile to your relationship. see the good side of the people around you.

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

You want at this time to take a good look at the limits, obligations, You may find that while your attention is turned inward, nice surprises expectations and rules that bind you. You can commit yourself to staying with those that may be coming your way on the professional front, as your reputation gets a boost, per- are useful, but you may want to change those which no longer serve your greatest good. haps from something you’d done long ago but had forgotten about. If someone offers This can be a very good time for making long range plans. Conversations have a particu- you a free ride, by all means take it and don’t be modest, because you will deserve the larly emotional, intimate, or nostalgic tone. Sharing memories and reminiscences, or dis- extra attention. Things are not as mellow as they might be, but resolution and progress cussing a very personal topic is likely now. You may have a significant communication (email, phone call, or personal discussion with someone who was once very important to are possible through mutual recognition and compromise of any issues that you have the you or with whom you have a long history. This is a good time to reflect, review, and get a courage to bring up. This could impact your priorities and goals, but be ready to give in perspective on emotional matters or things of the past. on small points in order to gain on the large ones.

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

You need to do something innovative, daring, unusual, liberating, excit- Avoid confrontations right now, which will put you at a disadvantage, use ing, and challenging. You are inclined to act on some of the wilder impuls- subtler means to gain your ends when emotions run high. You’re now embark- es and desires you feel from time to time. You crave stimulation. If you have an inventive ing on a trek into a land of dreams, not just passive daydreams, but vibrant visions of what may streak, you could make a startling discovery or breakthrough now. Disagreements or dif- be. The time has come to stop looking at the world as it is and start asking why. At this time you ACROSS DOWN ferences of opinion and viewpoints arise now between you and a partner. You may have are more temperamental, impassioned and inclined to act on the dictates of emotion and desire 1. East Indian tree bearing a profusion of 1. (Irish) Mother of the Tuatha De Danann. to speak your mind in a way that challenges or unnerves someone close to you. rather than reason, sounds like it’s just a cranky kind of day. Minor annoyances and others’ idio- intense vermilion velvet-textured blooms 2. (Babylonian) God of storms and wind. However, your mind is very active and sharp, and your reasoning power is good, so this is syncrasies seem to aggravate you more than usual. You could be in a fighting mood so take a and yielding a yellow dye. 3. Cubes of meat marinated and cooked on a a good time to try and work things out or maybe even find some compromises. few deep breathes and hang on, but not to someone else’s throat! 4. Lac purified by heating and filtering. skewer usually with vegetables. 11. The dialect of Albanian spoken in north- 4. The compass point that is one point east ern Albania and Yugoslavia. of due south. 15. A sweetened beverage of diluted fruit 5. Naturally occurring crystalline sodium Cancer (June 21-July 22) Capricorn (December 22-January 19) juice. chloride. CAPRICORN 16. Type genus of the Balaenidae. 6. Intelligence derived from non-communi- Relationship issues may bubble over now. Be careful not to let yourself Your mind is directed inward now. Reflecting on your personal life, and 17. Avatar of Vishnu. cations electromagnetic radiations from for- get too hot headed if there are issues you need to resolve with your partner. It’s best to the overall direction you are headed in, is very likely now. Thoughts of the past and the 18. Tag the base runner to get him out. eign sources (other than radioactive do so in a communicative way, talk about your problems and don’t bottle them up. choices you made are also prominent. Making a decision regarding your home or your 19. Elinvar is a trademark for a kind of nickel- sources). Reaching out to an older relative or another mature, experienced person can mean a lot family life is favored at this time. You are powerfully attracted, emotionally and sexually, chromium steel used for watch springs 7. A flowering shrub. to you and be mutually beneficial now. You are feeling sober and realistic about love at to someone you encounter at this time, and any romantic involvements you currently because its elasticity is constant over a wide 8. (New Testament) Disciple of Jesus. this time, and are interested in being with people you respect and can depend upon, have are intensified. Expect fireworks! Also, your relationships can become tempestuous, range of temperatures. 9. (Irish) Mother of the ancient Irish gods. from your oldest true-blue friends to your newest confidant. especially if your partner is not as responsive or as loving as you would like. 20. Make editorial changes (in a text). 10. Italian poet considered the national poet 21. (Old Testament) In Judeo-Christian of modern Italy (1835-1907). mythology. 11. A small explosive bomb thrown by hand Aquarius (January 20- February 18) 23. The basic unit of money in Peru. or fired from a missile. Leo (July 23-August 22) 24. Make a donation of. 12. Relating to the deepest parts of the Uncertainty and shifting grounds can mark the day’s outcomes, and 26. Type genus of the Blattidae. ocean (below 6000 meters). You could be most persuasive with others, and eloquent in speech and confidence may retreat in the face of a challenge. Confrontation is the wrong game to 29. A hard gray lustrous metallic element 13. Expel, as of gases and odors. communication. The situation is a natural for self-expression and lends itself to your particu- play, but pulling out entirely is equally unsuitable. Take judicious compromise now and that is highly corrosion-resistant. 14. A door-like movable barrier in a fence or lar ideas and thoughts. You could be seen by others as just the person to be put in charge of the resulting situation will improve, but don’t chase diminishing returns. Time for finding 31. Water frozen in the solid state. wall. some project requiring a conservative mind. There can be a fine line between an exciting yourself able to respond to friends and lovers and enter into relationships with a renewed 32. Harsh or corrosive in tone. 22. A master's degree in literature. adventure and risky behavior today, so try to stay on the safe side of the line. It’s a good sense of love and compassion is the mood for the day. Real breakthroughs in any rela- 35. Make less active or intense. 25. A city of east central Mexico (west of time to engage but perhaps to not be the designated driver both literally and figuratively. tionship can happen if you are willing to try some new or different approaches to a prob- 39. Austrian pianist and composer who stud- Veracruz). Let someone else have some control so that you can be safely irresponsible for a while. lem. ied with Beethoven and was a teacher of 27. (informal) Of the highest quality. Liszt (1791-1857). 28. An official prosecutor for a judicial dis- trict. 41. A heavy open wagon usually having two Virgo (August 23-September 22) wheels and drawn by an animal. 30. Having the wind against the forward side Pisces (February 19-March 20) 43. A monocotyledonous genus of the fami- of the sails. ly Iridaceae. 33. (Babylonian) Father of the gods. This month can highlight your ability and inclination to Stop flying off the handle over unimportant issues, because 45. The sign language used in the United 34. A colorless flammable volatile liquid choose well and faithfully respect new commitments and responsibilities. It one of the down-sides is that you won’t have any energy left for the impor- States. hydrocarbon used as a solvent. will probably give you some great choices to embrace, and some real clunkers tant stuff. Something that has been playing on your mind for some time 46. Being one hundred more than two hun- 36. (of persons) Highest in rank or authority to avoid. Remember that anything you do is likely to get you more embroiled shows clear signs of resolving itself. Relaxation, enjoyment, and pleasure are dred. or office. than you think. A sense of emotional coolness or detachment in personal rela- emphasized for you now. This is not a time to push yourself or be involved in 47. Wood of a sumac. 37. Worthless people. tionships is the energy you are now entering. It’s ideas and goals that count for activities that require intense energy. Cooperative, harmonious relationships 49. The act of swimming. 38. English aristocrat who was the first wife you now, more than personal concerns, and you may have little tolerance for are more important to you at this time. You feel like socializing and being 51. A Loloish language. of Prince Charles. people who do not operate at this level. friendly. 53. Of or relating to Oman or its people. 40. The relative magnitudes of two quanti- 54. Relating to or having the characteristics ties (usually expressed as a quotient). of bees. 42. A program under which employees regu- Word Search Yesterday’s Solution 55. (Scotland) A small loaf or roll of soft larly accumulate shares and may ultimately bread. assume control of the company. 57. A sudden short attack. 44. Being two more than ninety. 58. Knowledge gained through tradition or 48. Sauce for pasta. anecdote. 50. Great coolness and composure under strain. 59. Having the leading position or higher 52. At or near or toward the stern of a ship or score in a contest. tail of an airplane. 62. A heavy odorless colorless gas formed 56. A public promotion of some product or during respiration and by the decomposi- service. tion of organic substances. 60. An upward movement (especially a 63. Lacking or deprive of the sense of hear- rhythmical rising and falling). ing wholly or in part. 61. Worn or shabby from overuse or (of 69. A female domestic. pages) from having corners turned down. 73. A small narrow pointed missile that is 64. Amino acid that is formed in the liver and thrown or shot. converted into dopamine in the brain. 74. Type genus of the Otariidae. 65. Essential oil or perfume obtained from 75. Common Indian weaverbird. flowers. 76. (Old Testament) Adam's wife in Judeo- 66. A small amount of residue. Christian mythology. 67. A genus of Mustelidae. 79. A unit of absorbed ionizing radiation 68. Water falling in drops from vapor con- equal to 100 ergs per gram of irradiated densed in the atmosphere. material. 70. A river in north central Switzerland that 80. A doctor's degree in education. runs northeast into the Rhine. 81. Any plant of the genus Caragana having 71. The eighth month of the civil year. even-pinnate leaves and mostly yellow flow- 72. An informal term for a father. ers followed by seeds in a linear pod. 77. A white trivalent metallic element. 82. A period marked by distinctive character 78. A soft silvery metallic element of the or reckoned from a fixed point or event. alkali earth group. Yesterday’s Solution

Daily SuDoku Yesterday’s Solution WEDNESDAY, MAY 1, 2013 information

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

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Zeta-Jones checks into mental health facility

he ‘Chicago’ actress is expected to complete a 30-day program as a “proactive” Tmeasure to help with her condition, which can cause high and low mood swings as well as depression. Cece Yorke, her representative, told People magazine: “Catherine has proactively checked into a health care facility. “Previously Catherine has said that she is committed to periodic care in order to manage her health in an optimum manner.” Catherine, 43, first sought medical help in 2011 when she spent time in a Connnecticut-based mental health facility. A friend of the star’s added that she simply wants doctors to monitor her medication this time, saying: “There was no big problem. This was just a good time to do it. She is in between projects. “This has always been part of the plan. She would manage her health. She is vigilant about it.” The Welsh beauty and her husband Michael Douglas - who have children Carys, 10, and Dylan, 12, together - were last seen in public a week ago at the Film Society of Lincoln Center’s 40th Annual Chaplin Award Gala.

Sarah Harding ‘amazed’

he 31-year-old singer expects her for- Tmer bandmate Kimberley Walsh will get engaged to her long-term partner Justin Scott some time soon, but she is shocked that she and none of the other members of the band - Cheryl Cole, Nicola Roberts, and Nadine Coyle - have started fam- ilies. Asked if she can see anyone getting engaged, she said: “Kimberley has been with Justin [Scott] a very long time so I can see that happening. When’s he gonna put a ring on it? It’s been ages! I can’t believe none of us have done ‘a Saturdays’ and had kids or any- thing yet.” Although she is missing the group, Sarah is enjoying being “an individual” again but has vowed not to follow in Kimberley’s footsteps and take part in a show like ‘Strictly Come Dancing’. In an interview with the new issue of Britain’s Star magazine, she said: “Kimberley [Walsh] has been non-stop with the dancing. I don’t know how she got through that and the tour. The rehearsals nearly killed me! “Although I’m not a natural dancer so hopefully no one will ever ask me to go on ‘Strictly’. I’m more of the entertainer. I love getting a crowd going. But it is nice to be an individual now.” Keira Knightley set to wed he ‘Jack Reacher’ actress and her fiancÈ James Righton are planning to tie the knot in an intimate ceremony near Nice in front fo 100 Tclose friends and family members. A source told The Daily Mirror newspaper: “It’s all been a massively covert operation - her friends and family were only told recently about the ceremony. “They’ve all been told not to travel in big groups, to arrive separately and to Peter Andre all spread out where they’re staying so as not to draw attention to the wedding party.” The couple got engaged in May 2012 after meeting through mutual pal Alexa Chung, and Keira recently moved into a new home in East London with the Klaxons keyboardist. The 28-year-old actress - who previously dated her ‘Pride & Prejudice’ co-star Rupert Friend for five years - recently said they were in no rush to get married, sad over JLS hinting they would have a low-key ceremony when the time came. She joked: “I could have six fake weddings. God, that would be expen- sive. We’re not big-wedding types. I don’t need to have all that. he reality TV star and singer is good friends Twith the band - which consists of JB Gill, Marvin Humes, Aston Merrygold and Oritse Williams - and is upset they have decided to call it a day following the release of their greatest hits album ‘Goodbye’ and a farewell tour in December. Writing in his new! magazine column, Gwyneth he said: “I’m sad that JLS have split up, but I can understand why they wanted to go out on a high. “I’m good mates with all the lads from JLS and want to wish them the best of luck. Marvin Humes even invited me to his and Rochelle’s Paltrow’s wedding last year, but I couldn’t go. I was gut- ted!” The 40-year-old star believes he and Oritse will become even better friends now he has ‘unusual advice’ signed up with his manager Claire Powell. Peter added: “Oritse Williams is now being managed by Claire Powell, who manages me, and I know he actress was having dinner with she’s got lots of exciting stuff lined up for him. Tfriends including Chelsea Handler Being under the same management means we’ll when the unnamed woman told them probably get to hang out lots, which I’m looking she was furious with her spouse after a huge forward to.” bust up but Gwyneth told her to let go of her anger and gave her the unusual advice. Speaking on her late night chat show, Chelsea told the audience: “We were at a din- ner party one night and this girl was asking Chris Brown not for advice and Gwyneth is an amazing advice giver. “The woman was saying ‘I got into a big fight with my husband and I got home and I wanted to scream and yell’ and mad with his dad Gwyneth was like ‘Whatever you’re doing just do the opposite, just go at him with love and you give him a blow job.’” However, he 23-year-old rapper is still on probation for assaulting the ‘Stay’ hitmaker in 2009, and Gwyneth was embarrassed when her pal This father Clinton recently voiced his concern over their volatile relationship, saying they told the story, putting her head in her hands are both too “whimsical”, but Chris isn’t worried by his comments. A source told she said: “What if my mom is watching this HollywoodLife: “Chris ain’t mad at his dad for saying that. He loves his dad. Chris is going to do show?” Gwyneth previously admitted she him, regardless. It’s his relationship with Rihanna and no one else.” Although Clinton thinks believes one of the reasons why her 10 year Rihanna, 25 and Chris are better off apart, he admitted they were unlikely to listen to his point marriage has lasted is because she is willing of view. He said: “I really didn’t want him and Rihanna back together - because they are two to “compromise” in order to be there for individuals who are whimsical. You don’t have the balance. “You have to have a balance in a Coldplay star Chris Martin. relationship. You have to have someone who is spontaneous but you also need someone who is grounded and logical.

‘Unloved’ Paris Jackson reaches out to her mom

he 15-year-old daughter of the late singer Michael Jackson has been Tspending time with her biological mother Debbie Rowe, who gave up all parental rights to Paris and her brother Prince Michael, 16, when they were younger, and her family are relieved it seems to have giv- en the teenager a sense of stability. A source told People: “Paris has been going through a lot of teenage angst and feels a little bit unloved. So about three months ago Paris reached out to her mother and told her she wanted to establish a relationship with her. Debbie was open to it, and Katherine Jackson is supportive of the developing relationship. “Right now Paris is happy with the situation as it is.” Paris has spent time on Debbie’s ranch in Palmdale, Califorina, helping with her horses and has loved spending time away from Los Angeles. The source added: “She’s enjoyed telling friends how she’s helping take care of a pregnant mare on the ranch, and even how she was recently chased by a chicken.” lifestyle WEDNESDAY, MAY 1, 2013 Gossip Geri Halliwell has a crush on Eric Bana

he 40-year-old singer finds the ‘Hulk’ Tactor attractive and hopes his wife Rebecca Gleeson doesn’t mind her admitting it. She said: “I really think he is fantastic. I quite fancy him, but I think he’s married isn’t he? Okay, but I hope his wife doesn’t mind me saying I think he’s incredibly talented and a very attractive man.” Meanwhile, Geri has just been signed up by ‘Australia’s Got Talent’ after her former Spice Girls bandmate Mel B had to pull out when her ‘X Factor’ boss- es at Channel Seven argued she had an existing contract with the network and couldn’t leave them for the Channel Nine show. However, Mel is supportive, with Geri telling radio show ‘A Current Affair’: “She actually said I just want you to know I think you should do it cause you’re gonna have a great time and I love Australia. “I actually genuinely love the show, you know. I watch ‘Britain’s Got Talent’ and I’m a fan of the show. I think shows like that are brilliant and I love the opportuni- ty they Michelle Dockery to be give to normal, everyday people.” ‘Family Guy’ guest star he 31-year-old actress - who is best known for playing Lady Mary Crawley on ‘Downton Abbey’ - Twill lend her voice to an upcoming episode of the animated comedy. According to Entertainment Weekly, Michelle will “appear in a cutaway gag on the Griffins’ television playing... an aristocrat in a British period drama”. Celebrities who have recently appeared on ‘Family Guy’ include Jessica Biel, Drew Barrymore, Sofia Vergara, Ryan Reynolds, Johnny Depp, Elizabeth Banks and Kellan Lutz. Meanwhile, creator Julian Fellowes recently revealed there will be “tough times” for Lady Mary in ‘Downton Abbey’s fourth series. He insisted the new season will be a difficult one for Michelle’s alter- ego following the death of husband Matthew Crawley in the Christmas special, explaining: “There are tough times for Lady Mary I think we can say that.” She is also still dealing with the death of her sister Lady Sybil and Michelle has spoken about her sadness when Jessica Brown Findlay’s alter-ego was killed off, because the brunette beauty really misses her “distinctive” laugh.

Chelsea Handler doesn’t want kids

he 38-year-old chat show host admitted Twork is her priority and she doesn’t want to have kids and then have them raised by a nanny while she is busy. Speaking on ‘The Conversation with Amanda de Cadenet’, she explained: “I definitely don’t want to have kid. I don’t think I’d be a great mother. I don’t want to have a kid and have it raised by a nanny. I don’t have the time to raise a child. “Childhood was heartbreaking enough for anybody. I don’t know that I could handle my own child, especially if I had a girl, going through what I went through growing up. Not that it was so traumatic, but in many ways, it was in your own way.” While she has had an on/off romance with hotelier Andre Balazs over the past few years, Chelsea now believes the pair have worked out their differences and she Demi Moore reconciles with daughters says they are happier than ever. he 50-year-old actress was reportedly frozen out by Rumer, 24, Scout, 21, and Tallulah, 18, after they Tbecame tired of her constant partying but Rumer and Demi were spotted together in Los Angeles over the weekend, indicating they have buried the hatchet. The duo were in good spirits as they left a yoga class in West Hollywood and friends are hopeful their relationship is back on track. It was previously claimed Rumer and her sisters - whose father is Bruce Willis - were upset with their mother’s partying and wished she would maintain a lower profile following her split from Ashton Kutcher and subsequent rehab Jessica Simpson stint. A source said: “Rumer is really the one making the decision to do this as the oldest. Around the time Bruce’s wife Emma (Heming) had the baby (Mabel Ray), it was this scary sense of, ‘Demi went off her rocker again. “Bruce is now very much out of the spotlight and the kids were very happy about that. They started to mark daughter’s feeling that Demi needs to stay home and be more of a mother. She checked into rehab and they’d always been pushing for her to do that. (But) she came out partying and dancing on tables again.” first birthday he ‘Fashion Star’ mentor and her fiance Eric TJohnson - who will welcome a son in July - invited friends and family to an outdoor party at their Los Angeles home to wish Maxwell a happy birthday on Sunday. A source told Us Weekly: “They had ‘70s and ‘80s music playing on the speaker. Taylor Swift Everybody was having a great time being outside. “Kids were swimming in the pool with a lifeguard spends $17 watching, and many of them were swinging on swings and playing on a teeter totter.” Jessica, who “wore a floral tunic and looked great,” was joined by million on her younger sister Ashlee and pregnant best friend CaCee Cobb at the party. The source added: “They summer home all hung out together.” Meanwhile, Jessica recently revealed Maxwell is closer to her father than Jessica he ‘I Knew You Were Trouble’ singer has so she is hoping her second child - which she knows Tsplashed out on a mansion in Rhode to be a boy - will develop a special bond with her Island’s Watch Hill, which is situated on and become a “mamma’s boy”. a 5.23 acre estate, according to TMZ. Taylor, 23, is reported to have paid cash for the home, which was originally listed for $20 mil- lion. The savvy singer previously made almost $1 million profit on a property she Russell Crowe bought to be closer to her now ex-boyfriend Conor Kennedy. Taylor purchased a house across the street his grandmother in Hyannis Port, Massachusetts last year for $4.8 million digs up 50 trees but was eager to get rid of the 13-room he ‘Les Miserables’ actor took on the mammoth task of digging house when they split after a few months Ttrenches for his Plane Trees for drainage without the use of together and resold it for $5.675 million, machinery at his home in Coffs Harbour, Australia, and insisted earning her a profit of $875,000. Taylor previ- the heavy gardening work was a great workout. He wrote on his ously tried to deny that she ever owned the Twitter page: “1 hour and 20 mins pick and shovel digging trenches property, telling Vanity Fair magazine: around Plane trees prepping them for mulch, holy s**t great work “People say that about me, that I apparently out, 2 down 48 to go ! (sic)” In a later update, however, the 49-year- buy houses near every boy I like - that’s a old star appeared to be regretting his decision to garden unaided, thing that I apparently do. If I like you I will tweeting: “2 hrs on the pick and shovel, 8 more trees. 40 to go ... get- apparently buy up the real-estate market just ting that bitten off more than I can chew feeling (sic)” Explaining the to freak you out so you leave me.” reason for his digging marathon, the ‘Gladiator’ star said he was get- ting rid of surrounding kikuyu grass - which is often considered to be a toxic weed - to help his trees grow. —Agencies lifestyle WEDNESDAY, MAY 1, 2013

he Cyndi Lauper-scored “Kinky Boots” and “Billy Elliot” in 2009. “The Book of has earned a leading 13 Tony Award Mormon” nabbed 14 Tony nods in 2011. Tnominations, with the British import The leading actor in a play nominees are “Matilda: The Musical” close behind with 12. Tom Hanks for “Lucky Guy,” Nathan Lane for “Kinky Boots” is based on the 2005 British “The Nance,” Tracy Letts from “Who’s Afraid of movie about a real-life shoe factory that Virginia Woolf?”, David Hyde Pierce from “Vanya and Sonia and Masha and Spike” and Tom Sturridge from “Orphans.” “Matilda: The Musical” is a witty musical adaptation of the novel by Roald Dahl and is true to his bleak vision of childhood as a savage battleground. Both “Kinky Boots” and “Matilda” will com- pete for the best musical prize with the acro- batic “Bring It On: The Musical” and “A Christmas Story, The Musical,” adapted from the beloved holiday movie. Among the flurry of nominations, “Kinky Boots” also earned Fierstein a nod for best book, David Rockwell got one for sets, Jerry Mitchell for directing and for choreography, and nominations for its Johansson from the revival of “Cat on a Hot this one thing. Just as actors like to show off two leading men, Billy Porter and Stark Sands. This theater image Tin Roof.” their versatility, writers like to do it, too.” Annaleigh Ashford earned a featured role released by The O+M The best musical revival candidates are The nominations were announced nomination. Company shows the cast “Rodgers + Hammerstein’s Cinderella,” “Annie,” Tuesday in a televised event co-hosted by “Matilda” earned nominations for choreog- during a performance of “The Mystery of Edwin Drood” and “Pippin,” Tony winner Sutton Foster and “Modern raphy, Matthew Warchus’ directing, Chris the musical ‘Kinky Boots.’ which nabbed 10 nominations. Kenneth Family” star Jesse Tyler Ferguson. The awards Nightingale’s orchestrations, best book by The Cyndi Lauper-scored Posner had a great morning. The lighting will be broadcast on CBS from Radio City Dennis Kelly, Tim Minchin for lyrics and songs, ‘Kinky Boots’ has earned a designer got nominations for “Kinky Boots,” Music Hall on June 9. The Tony committee and Bertie Carvel for best leading role in a leading 13 Tony Award “Pippin” and “Rodgers + Hammerstein’s also said playwright Larry Kramer, author of musical. Carvel, who played the same evil nominations. — AP Cinderella.” He will face off against Hugh “The Normal Heart” and co-founder of the headmistress role in London, said he is enjoy- Vanstone, the lighting designer for “Matilda: Gay Men’s Health Crisis, will receive the ing his time in New York, although he did The Musical.” The best play nominees are Isabelle Stevenson Award for a “substantial admit to being nervous about how Richard Greenberg’s “The Assembled Parties,” contribution” on behalf of a charity or social Americans would react. “I feel like I’ve landed Nora Ephron’s “Lucky Guy,” Colm Toibin’s “The service organization.—AP on happy shores,” he said. “The show is in Testament of Mary” and Christopher Durang’s (From left) Choreographer struggles until it finds new life in fetish great shape. People are loving it.” “Vanya and Sonia and Masha and Spike.” Jerry Mitchell, Cyndi footwear. Lauper’s songs and a story by Minchin wasn’t going to get crazy follow- Playwright Douglas Carter Beane earned a Lauper and Harvey Harvey Fierstein have made it a crowd-pleas- ing the nomination: “I’m going to have a cof- best book nomination for the lush, big musi- Fierstein pictured at the er. “I walked my dog early this morning so I’d fee with my agent today. That’s about as crazy cal “Rodgers + Hammerstein’s Cinderella,” but open house for the be back in time to listen to the announce- as I’m going to get. We’re a low-key bunch of not for his more intimate play “The Nance,” Upcoming Musical ‘Kinky ment. It’s so great. It’s so great. I’m done cry- people. We all just get on with it,” he said. although it earned five nods. A veteran, he Boots,’ at the Al Hirshfeld ing a little bit. But I’m still thrilled and a little Some big names snubbed this year were Al rolled with it yesterday morning. “You just Theatre in New York. — AP stunned,” Lauper said. The haul did not match Pacino of “Glengarry Glen Ross,” Katie Holmes have to really enjoy it when you get nominat- the record number of nominations for a musi- in “Dead Accounts,” Bette Midler in “I’ll Eat You ed and you have to just not care when you’re cal, which is 15, set by “The Producers” in 2001 Last: A Chat With Sue Mengers” and Scarlett not,” he said. “It’s great to show I’m not just

ith just a few episodes left of Season 7 and no renew- al news yet, CBS’s “Rules of Engagement” takes a dra- Wmatic turn with Monday’s episode, titled “Timmy Quits.” Megyn Price, who plays Audrey, was given the chance to drive that episode home as its director. “I think the gift for me was that I was given a script that had depth and also comedy,” Price told TheWrap of her first crack at directing. “I had to direct David Spade, and Adhir Kalyan to go there,” she continued. “It’s a serious story that we’re talking about, but it’s completely entrenched in comedy. That’s a really tricky line to straddle, but it’s the only line that I find interesting.” On the episode, Russell (Spade) finally goes too far with assistant Timmy (Kalyan), which finally spurs him to resign. It’s a storyline that will continue through the end of the season. “It was important to me that we make this episode real so that it sets up the ending of our show,” Price says. The actress didn’t take shortcuts. Her part wasn’t minimized on the episode to Actor Kevin Spacey seen at give her more time to direct. The only part of the process she the premiere of Netflix’s didn’t take part in was the one-camera preshoot without an ‘House of Cards’, first original series, ‘House audience. of Cards’ in Washington. With plenty of experience directing theatre under her belt, — AP she still wanted to make sure to prepare as much as possible. Frank Ocean top She did that by looking up some directors who she looked up to. “Obviously, the happy blessing is that I have worked for a number of TV comedy directors in my life as an actor,” she said. Webby Awards “It was an easy road for me. I called up the directors I loved the most, and said, ‘Can I be a puppy and follow you around?’ All of etflix’s groundbreaking “House of Cards” may be them said yes, so that was great. the first digital series nominated for a best dra- It was a very different experience watching a director from Price says none of her cast mates hazed her while she was Nma Emmy. But it will start with a Webby. The their chair rather than from the set, and I feel like I got the most on the job - quite the opposite. “When Patrick was in a scene Webby Awards are honoring “House of Cards” producers incredible education.” One of the most surprising directing les- with Krista Allen, who was our guest star, he would come to Kevin Spacey and Dana Brunetti with a Webby special sons she learned was from Andy Ackerman (“Seinfeld,” me and ask questions,” she recalled. “It was so sweet that he achievement award. The political thriller, for which “Whitney”) about working with actors. “The truth is actors are trusted me to help him through a scene with someone else, Netflix released all 13 episodes at once, proved that dig- very vulnerable people,” Price said. “Once you make a comedi- but when it was the two of us, we adopted our normal bravado ital media can produce cable-quality drama. Netflix also an or a comedic actor feel safe, then they can turn on the mag- and smart-aleck stuff that we do with each other.”— Reuters won for best streaming media site. ic. If they don’t feel safe, they don’t feel comfortable being silly The 17th annual Webbys, which celebrate Internet and letting go.” achievement, was officially announced yesterday. Winners range from Justin Bieber (for the social media campaign for his fragrance launch) to The Onion (now with a record 19 total Webbys) to Nate Silver’s FiveThirtyEight blog for The New York Times. The Webby person of the year is Frank Ocean, the R&B singer, whom the Webbys hailed “for proving the power of the Web as a medium for cultural change when he announced his bisexuality to his Tumblr community.” Singled out for outstanding comedic performance is Jerry Seinfeld, whose 10-episode Web series “Comedian odies tense and noses twitching, the dogs sniff the fertile Susan Friedenberg. In a whirl of barks, pants and wagging tails, in Cars Getting Coffee” showcased the “Seinfeld” star hunting ground before them: a lower Manhattan alley, dogs tunnel among the bags and bolt down the alley as their hanging out with comedian friends. Webby categories Bgrimy, dim and perfect for rats. With a terse command - quarry tries to scurry away. are split into a regular award, chosen by the “Now!” - the chase is on. Circling, bounding over and pawing at a Within five minutes, the city has two fewer rats. In a scrappy, International Academy of Digital Arts and Sciences, and mound of garbage bags, the four dogs quickly have rodents on streetwise cousin of mannerly countryside fox hunts, on terrain a “people’s voice” award. The Australian rail safety public the run. “Come on ... I mean, ‘Tally ho!’ says one of their owners, far from the European farms and fields where many of the dogs’ service campaign Dumb Ways to Die, which went viral, ancestors were bred to scramble after vermin and foxes, their is an unlikely awards leader with seven Webbys. masters sport trash-poking sticks instead of riding crops and say GIF file inventor Steve Wilhite also will be honored it’s just as viable an exercise for the animals’ centuries-old skills. with a lifetime achievement award. While working at “It’s about maintaining the breed type through actual work,” CompuServe in the 1980s, Wilhite created the com- says Richard Reynolds, a New Jersey-based business analyst and pressed 8-bit GIF (or Graphics Interchange Format) that longtime dog breeder who might be considered the group’s remains a popular tool for lo-fi viral sharing. Another organizer - if it would accept being called organized. Known special achievement award will go to President Barack with a chuckle as the Ryders Alley Trencher-fed Society - parse Obama’s election campaign for its use of technology in the acronym - the rodent-hunters have been scouring down- last year’s presidential election. Claire Boucher, the town byways for more than a decade, meeting weekly when Canadian synth-pop singer who performs under the weather allows. name Grimes, is the Webby’s artist of the year. On a couple of recent nights, an eclectic group of ratters con- Other winners include HBO Go (four awards, includ- verged on an alley near City Hall about an hour after sunset. The ing best media streaming service), Lady Gaga (for best lineups included two border terriers; a wire-haired dachshund; a celebrity-fan social presence), Conan O’Brien (for best Jack Russell terrier/Australian cattle dog mix; a Patterdale terrier, celebrity-fan website) and The New York Times (best an intense, no-nonsense breed that’s uncommon in this country; news social presence). A complete list of the awards will and a feist, a type of dog developed in the American South to be posted later at: http://Winners.WebbyAwards.com. tree squirrels. “Get ‘im! Go!” Serge Lozach yelled as his cairn terri- The awards will be handed out in a ceremony hosted by er, Hudson, streaked down an alley after a fleeing rat. Unlike Patton Oswalt on May 21 in New York, and available to many of the other owners, Lozach doesn’t breed or show dogs, stream the following day. Acceptance speeches are but he has taken Hudson to several alley hunts.—AP famously limited to five words.— AP Susan Friedenberg of New York takes a rat from Tanner, her Border Terrier, that caught the rodent as a group of dog owners gathered in lower Manhattan to let their various breeds hunt rats in New York. — AP lifestyle WEDNESDAY, MAY 1, 2013

pain once again is home to the world’s top restaurant. Six US restaurants made the list, but only one broke into Avant-garde eatery El Celler de Can Roca in Girona, the top 10 - Daniel Humm’s Eleven Madison Park in New York SSpain, was named to the No 1 spot on Restaurant maga- was No 5, up from 10th place last year. Thomas Keller’s Per Se zine’s annual ranking of the world’s 50 best restaurants during in New York fell from sixth place to 11th, and his Yountville, a ceremony in London on Monday. Rene Redzepi’s innovative Calif., restaurant The French Laundry, came in at No 47, down Danish restaurant Noma had held the honor for the past three from 43rd. The French Laundry held the top spot in 2003 and years, after ousting renowned Spanish restaurant elBulli from 2004. Grant Achatz’ ulta-modernist Alinea in Chicago fell from the top spot in 2010. seventh to 15th this year. It had been in the top 10 since 2009. The three Michelin-starred El Celler is run by three brothers Eric Ripert’s seafood-focused Le Bernardin in New York held - Josep, Jordi and Joan Roca. It had been ranked No 2 for the fast at No 19, while Daniel Boulud’s Daniel in New York slipped past two years. Opened in 1986, El Celler is known for dishes from 25th to 29th. — AP that blend innovative cooking techniques with traditional ingredients, such as lobster parmentier with black trumpets and Iberian suckling pig with pepper sauce and garlic and Spanish Chefs Joan Roca (2nd left) Jordi quince terrine. Noma, which has a meticulous focus on indige- Roca (2nd right) and Josep Roca (right) of El nous ingredients, fell to No 2 on this year’s list. In third place is Celler de Can Roca Girona celebrate winning Modena, Italy’s Osteria Francescana, which has placed in the the World’s 50 Best Restaurants Awards 2013 top 10 restaurants since 2010. at the Guildhall in London. — AFP

s Indian cinema turns 100 years old, one powerful Bollywood dynasty can trace the roots of their star- Adom almost right back to the birth of the national film industry. “We have been there throughout. All the milestones of cinema, there has been some Kapoor or the other,” says 60-year-old Rishi Kapoor, who has notched up nearly 150 Hindi film credits over a four-decade acting career. It started with grandfather Prithviraj, a silver screen pioneer from the 1920s. Then came his son, the legendary Raj Kapoor, known as “the Showman” and “India’s Charlie Chaplin” for his roles as a loveable tramp. Raj’s three sons followed him into acting, with Rishi leading the way as his generation’s romantic hero. Now Rishi’s son Ranbir, 30, is touted as “the future of Bollywood” and his niece Kareena is a leading actress. That’s not to mention the Kapoor spouses, cousins, in-laws and other relatives who have taken a shot at movie stardom with varying degrees of success. “The audiences have always welcomed us and given an opportunity and we’ve lived up to it,” Rishi tells AFP at his sprawling bungalow in the film capital Mumbai, which he shares with wife Neetu, an actress, and their rising star son. Indian Bollywood The three of them will appear together in the film actor Aamir Khan “Besharam” (Shameless), which Rishi is just back from poses with actress Bollywood star Khan shooting in New Delhi. He jokes that he is done talking in interviews about his son, whose fame is fast eclipsing his Juhi Chawla In showbiz worldwide it helps to have connections, but Indian Bollywood — AFP own. “Whenever I talk about Ranbir... whatever I’ve said marks achievements about him is in the headlines,” he says in theatrical mock India is especially fond of its dynasties. In politics, 42-year- Bachchan family pose anger. “The article’s about me, not my son!” But he is clearly old Rahul Gandhi may run to be his family’s fourth-genera- during the launch of the amir Khan says he’s happy he’s been able to entertain delighted that Ranbir is continuing the family tradition, tion prime minister in polls next year. Indian businesses ‘Madhushala - The House people during his quarter-century as a Bollywood which he puts down to “our purpose, our resolve, our pas- also tend to stay in the family, be they small roadside food of Wine’ in tribute of the Astar. His debut film, “Qayamat Se Qayamat Tak,” which sion for cinema”. stalls or sprawling conglomerates such as consumer goods late Harivansh Rai premiered 25 years ago Monday, starred Khan opposite The lineage keeps producing talent-Ranbir won critical giant Godrej and the Reliance energy and telecoms Bachchan in Mumbai newcomer Juhi Chawla in a modern Romeo-and-Juliet tale acclaim for his turn as the deaf-and-mute hero of last year’s empires. — AFP that created box-office history. hit “Barfi!”-but it also shows the power of a surname in an “Networks count for a lot in India. It’s not just merit. If “I can’t believe how I have reached here, and I feel so hap- industry still mired in nepotism. As Indian cinema marks its your father’s in the business, he has an established network py from my heart that I was able to entertain people,” he told centenary this week, the main rivals to the title of and that’s very important,” says Dipankar Gupta, a former reporters at a press conference Monday. “I have tried to “Bollywood’s first family” are the Bachchans. Veteran super- sociology professor. “Democracy tends to mask in India make a place for myself in each and every Indian heart, I feel star Amitabh Bachchan married actress Jaya Bhaduri and that the patron-client relationship is essential, it keeps very happy about this.” In the past decade, he’s become one their son Abhishek has followed them into the movies, things going at every level.” A few outsiders have managed of Bollywood’s names and has the cachet to make any proj- albeit to much less acclaim, and married model and actress to break into cinema. Johar’s nepotism comments were ect he chooses. Khan performed as a child actor in a couple Aishwarya Rai. made at a panel titled “Gatecrashers who made the party: of films, but his career took off with the success of “Qayamat Among other famous film families are the Dutts, the the Out of Towners in Bollywood”, which highlighted a Se Qayamat Tak.” Several films made through the 1990s were Bhatts, the Deols, the Akhtars, the Chopras and the Johars. handful who have shown it is possible.— AFP box-office hits. “I’m a brand ambassador of nepotism,” admitted director In 2001, Khan turned producer with “Lagaan,”or “Tax,” a and producer Karan Johar at a recent conference on cine- film on poor farmers in British-ruled India challenging their ma in Mumbai. “If my father was not a film producer and he oppressors to a cricket match. The acclaimed period drama didn’t have that kind of contact with other illustrious film- was nominated for an Oscar for best foreign language film. makers, I would probably have been a fashion designer, I After the success of “Lagaan,” Khan acted in some of the would have been in the world of advertising.” biggest hits of the decade, including “Dil Chahta Hai,” or “What the Heart Desires,” “Rang De Basanti” or “Color Me Yellow,” and “Ghajini.” He produced, directed and acted in “Taare Zameen Par,” or “Stars on the Ground,” about the journey of a misunder- stood dyslexic child. His film “3 Idiots” examined the sorry state of India’s education system. He’s also thrown his weight behind social causes, joining anti-dam protesters and embracing an anti-corruption activist. Last year, Khan played host on an immensely popular television talk show which took up a slew of evils in Indian society, including the ram- pant abortion of female fetuses, caste discrimination and the slaying of brides in dowry disputes. The show, which made Indians confront some of the per- sistent flaws of modern India, was watched avidly by more than a third of the country. Khan says he sees his failures as being as important as his successes. “I give importance to my wrong steps because I have (had) the opportunity to learn from them and I was able to improve myself.” Known as a thinking person’s superstar, Khan’s latest movie was “Talaash” or “Search.” Time magazine named him this month to its list of the world’s 100 most influential people. — AP

Indian former President, Pratibha Patil (center) interacts with the wife of deceased film In this file photo, Bollywood actress Kareena Kapoor and director Yash Chopra, Pamela Chopra (left) and Indian Bollywood film actor Hrithik her father and actor Randhir Kapoor attend the UTV Roshan during the Dadasaheb Phalke Chitranagari Celebrate 100 years of Indian Cinema STARS ‘Walk of the Stars’ promenade launch and the and the 144th Dadasaheb Phalke Jayanti Awards’ Ceremony in Mumbai yesterday. unveiling of a brass statue of legendary Bollywood actor Raj Kapoor, in Mumbai. — AFP photos

ichael Jackson’s mother accused the promoter of his become the world’s biggest concert promoter through the The elder pair could appear as witnesses, alongside a string doomed final tour Monday of sacrificing the troubled doomed “This is it” series of concerts in London. of celebrities who may testify, including Quincy Jones, Diana Mstar in a “ruthless” pursuit of profit in the months “AEG had a problem and they wanted to fix it. And they did- Ross, and Spike Lee. Both of Jackson’s ex-wives, Lisa Marie before his 2009 death. At the opening of a trial pitting n’t care who got lost in the wash,” he said. “They were ruthless. Presley and Debbie Rowe, could also appear. The 50-year-old Katherine Jackson against AEG Live, her lawyer Brian Panish They wanted to be number one at all costs.” “Michael Jackson, singer died at his Los Angeles mansion on June 25, 2009 from alleged the promoter was negligent in hiring doctor Conrad Dr Conrad Murray and AEG Live each played a part in the ulti- an overdose of propofol, administered by Murray to help the Murray, who was convicted in 2011 of causing Jackson’s death. mate result, the death of Michael Jackson,” he said, but added: “Thriller” legend deal with chronic insomnia. But Anschutz Entertainment Group (AEG) lawyer Marvin “Without AEG none of this would ever have occurred.” But At the time of his death, he was rehearsing for a series of 50 Putnam argued the mega pop star had hidden the evidence of Putnam, in his opening statement, said AEG simply did not see shows in London, organized with AEG, in an attempt to revive his addiction and health woes from everyone, including his any red flags. “The truth is Mr. Jackson fooled everyone,” he said, his career and ease his financial woes. Much could turn on who family and the concert promoters. He claimed evidence pre- showing rehearsal footage from two days before his death to exactly was responsible for hiring and paying Murray a prom- sented at the trial will show that Jackson had used propofol-the illustrate how the singer had concealed his troubles in public. ised $150,000 a month, whether Jackson himself or AEG. Panish anesthetic drug which caused his death-since the 1990s to help “He made sure that nobody knew his deepest, darkest cited a string of emails at Monday’s opening session, including him sleep, and been repeatedly warned that it could kill him. secret,” aside from the doctors who prescribed him the drugs, one about Murray from AEG executive Paul Gongaware to tour “Mr Jackson got very good at hiding his addiction,” Putnam Putnam said. Katherine Jackson, wearing a blue trouser suit, director Kenny Ortega 11 days before Jackson’s death, which told the court, adding that “even his family and friends didn’t was greeted by fans shouting “We love you Mrs. Jackson” as she clearly implicated AEG.—AFP know” about his propofol abuse. Jackson’s 82-year-old mother arrived for the start of the trial, expected to last at least three sat impassively in the front row, flanked by his siblings Randy months. She is seeking billions of dollars in damages - $1.5 bil- and Rebbie, as details of the self-styled King of Pop’s long-term lion in lost income and an unspecified amount for emotional Randy and Rebbi Jackson, brother and sister of the late drug and alcohol abuse were listed in court. Panish accused loss and other damages-on behalf of Jackson’s children Prince, pop star Michael Jackson arrive at Los Angeles Superior AEG of neglecting its duty of care to Jackson, as it strove to 16, Paris, 14 and 11-year-old “Blanket.” Court. — AFP Bollywood dynasties keep39 it in the family WEDNESDAY, MAY 1, 2013

Members of the public gather in Dam Square in front of the Royal Palace in central Amsterdam as Queen Beatrix abdi- cates and hands the throne to her son Prince Willem-Alexander yesterday. — AFP photos

housands of party-goers wearing orange suits, wigs added, dressed in an all-orange outfit, using a Dutch flag as and sunglasses, drunk, stoned or as-yet sober flooded a cape and his hair dyed bright orange. He was hoping to TAmsterdam yesterday set on catching a glimpse of see the new king and Queen Maxima on the palace bal- their first king in over 120 years, Willem-Alexander. Over cony. Streets around the royal palace were blocked off with 25,000 people packed Amsterdam’s central Dam Square in typically Dutch obstacles: giant flower beds of tulips of front of the royal palace where Queen Beatrix signed her every color. abdication. Some were frustrated not to be able to get onto the Dam in time for the abdication, after which people headed in their thousands to the city’s Museumplein. The large open space is home to the Rijksmuseum and Van Gogh Museum, but today given over to concerts and partying. “This is fantastic!” said Anne Boonjer, 60 as she walked down to the Dam, recalling the riots that accompanied A woman cries during Queen Beatrix of the Netherlands’ Abdication ceremony as she watches it on a giant screen Beatrix’s investiture in 1980 because of a housing crisis. “I set up on Dam Square in Amsterdam yesterday. was here that day and it was truly awful, with bombs being thrown,” she said. Over 10,000 police are patrolling the event, and Amsterdam mayor Eberhard van der Laan warned ahead of the celebrations that police should be careful not to overre- act. The ever-mercantile Dutch sold merchandise including brightly orange coloured T-shirts emblazoned with playing cards featuring the faces of Willem-Alexander and his Argentine-born wife Maxima: “King and Queen.”Amsterdam’s many immigrant workers also got in on the act, with a bicycle taxi driver from Georgia who only identified himself as “Bojuk” saying: “Today’s going to be good for business.” People made last-minute purchases of a range of gratuitously orange products, including vuvuzelas and cannabis lollypops.Some streets of the Dutch capital were littered with the detritus from celebrations of Queen’s Night on Monday, a sea of A man with an inflatable orange crown on his head stands plastic glasses and crushed beer cans and puddles of vomit. in front of a screen during the Queen’s abdication ceremo- Nico Silberie, 25, from Aruba, a Caribbean nation that forms ny in Amsterdam yesterday. part of the kingdom of the Netherlands, was tired but unbowed.—AFP “Today is a day in which we get together as the Dutch and celebrate and the monarchy is of course a part of it,” Nick van Boor, 25 said, pushing his way through thronged A man wears an orange wig as he waits on Dam Square in Amsterdam yesterday ahead of Queen Beatrixí abdica- streets. “We really hope we can catch a glimpse of them,” he tion and Prince Willem-Alexanderís enthronement.

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