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SUNDAY, MAY 25, 2014 RAJAB 26, 1435 AH www.kuwaittimes.net Going ‘vertical’ Seven dead in Turkish drama Real fight back feasible solution ‘mass murder’ ‘Winter Sleep’ to beat Atletico for housing shooting at US wins Cannes and win 10th demands5 college9 town top15 prize European20 crown Pope urges Syria peace Max 43º Min 29º at start of Mideast tour High Tide 09:03 & 2:03 Francis calls for religious freedom • Vatican refers to ‘State of Palestine’ Low Tide 02:44 & 15:42 40 PAGES NO: 16176 150 FILS AMMAN: Pope Francis made an urgent plea yesterday Motorists can use for peace in war-torn Syria as he kicked off a three-day pilgrimage to the Middle East. And he called for reli- emergency lanes gious freedom to be upheld throughout a region rav- KUWAIT: The Interior Ministry said in a statement aged by war and bloodshed, where a dwindling yesterday that the emergency lane can be used by Christian population faces daily persecution. As he motorists during rush hours in a bid to ease traffic walked off the plane onto a red carpet at Amman air- jams, although these lanes are designated for port, his white robes flapping in the hot desert wind, he ambulance, fire, police and civil defence vehicles. was greeted by officials and two children dressed in tra- Driving will be allowed on the left emergency lane ditional costume who handed him bouquets of irises, only at a maximum speed of 45 km/h. The roads the national flower of Jordan. where driving on emergency lanes is allowed are On a trip which continues today in the Palestinian King Faisal Road and King Abdulaziz Road from the territories and Israel, Francis reserved his biggest public Sixth Ring Road to the First Ring Road in order to event for Jordan, an open-air mass at Amman’s main increase their capacity from 6 am to 9 am and 12:30 international stadium where he was joyously welcomed pm to 3:30 pm. by 40,000 pilgrims. Entering the stadium in an open- topped white jeep, he smiled and waved at the crowds, his white skullcap flying off in the breeze. Babies and Iran executes toddlers were passed through the crowd to be held by him for a moment and blessed, as thousands of bal- billionaire for loons were released into the air. “Peace is not something which can be bought, it is a $2.6bn fraud gift to be sought patiently and to be crafted through TEHRAN: A billionaire businessman at the heart of a the actions, great and small, of our everyday lives,” he $2.6 billion state bank scam in Iran, the largest fraud told the crowd packed into a sea of blue and red chairs case since the country’s 1979 Islamic Revolution, was on a sweltering May afternoon. A Muslim call to prayer executed yesterday, state television reported. sounded out nearby as the pope concluded his homily, Authorities put Mahafarid Amir Khosravi, also known as in which he stressed the need to work together to over- Amir Mansour Aria, to death at Evin prison, just north of come divisions. “Diversity of ideas and persons should the capital, Tehran, the TV reported. AMMAN: Pope Francis shares a light moment with Jordan’s King Abdullah II yesterday during a welcome cer- not trigger rejection or prove an obstacle,” he said. Continued on Page 15 emony. — AFP Continued on Page 15 SUNDAY, MAY 25, 2014 LOCAL

Abdulaziz Al-Sulaiman Abdullah Al-Enezi Ahmad Al-Qdhaibi Haidar Ghadanfari 8 more candidates submit nominations

KUWAIT: Eight more candidates have submitted their nomination papers on the fifth day of candidacy for the National Assembly by-election, due on June 26, the Ministry of Interior’s Elections Affairs Department announced yesterday. In a press statement, the Department said that three candidates came from the second constituency, two from the third constituency; and three from the fourth constituency. These new nominations take the number of candi- dates for the five vacant seats up to 52 including three women. By-elections will be held in the three constituencies over five vacant parliamentary seats after the resigna- tions early this month of the five MPs. — KUNA

Mohammed Al-Masri Mohammed Al-Mutairi Mohammed Al-Rashidi No plans to ban deployment of domestic helpers to Kuwait Filipino overseas employment officials in town

By Ben Garcia imposed by the government but this is not what interior and social affairs ministries, so there are dif- the workers want, so they’ll do it their own way. So ficulties. But rest assured that talks are continuing KUWAIT: The Philippines will not ban or temporari- from our side, we want them to be protected and and hopefully by the end of this year, we’ll be able ly suspend deployment of household service work- be documented when they are planning to work or to sign the domestic labor MoU with Kuwait,” he ers (HSWs) to Kuwait. This was disclosed by two vis- go out of the Philippines,” Cacdac said. added. iting overseas employment heads - Overseas He said according to the law in the Philippines, Early this year, a group of Filipino community Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA) the POEA and the Department of Foreign Affairs leaders led by Sandigan Kuwait President Ann Administrator Carmelita Dimzon and Philippine should collaborate on OFW concerns on the coun- Abunda turned over about 10,000 signatures gath- Overseas Employment Administration (POEA) try certification system in terms of giving protec- ered from Filipinos in Kuwait favoring a call for an Administrator Hans Cacdac. The two officials are tion to their nationals. “In the case of Kuwait, they immediate suspension of sending domestic helpers to Kuwait. The signature campaign for the moratorium was called in response to the rising number of maltreatment, abuse and rape cases against Filipinas in Kuwait. The signatures were then turned over to the Department of Foreign Affairs and Department of Labor and Employment in Manila by Philippine Consul General to Kuwait Raul Dado. Although there are some within the Filipino community who do not want this moratorium to be imposed, a majority of Filipinos here favor the move. “We shall continue to call for a moratorium for our domestic helpers. This will not end our cam- paign - we want to know the truth behind dump- ing our call for a moratorium. Why did they do that? Besides, Kuwait hasn’t signed the so-called domestic labor MoU, so we are firm on our call for a moratorium since there are abuses and maltreat- ment among our housemaids,” Abunda mentioned. For her part, Dimzon reminds recruitment agen- cies to always consider the value of human lives and well-being of housemaids they deploy. “I KUWAIT:OWWA Administrator Carmelita Dimson (second left) and POEA Administrator Hans always remind recruitment agencies to select the Cacdac (center) with Philippine Labor Attache to Kuwait Atty Cesar Chavez, Assistant Labor best employers for our workers. Take an extra mile Attache Ching Ardivilla and Welfare Officer Norlita Lugtu after meeting Filipino local to help them get the best since they’ll be working reporters. far away from their families. Be mindful of the con- ditions of our workers and not be too concerned of currently in the country for senior official-level come up recommendations (from the DFA) where what they can get (money) from them,” she men- meetings under the so-called Abu-Dhabi Dialogue they advised both countries to engage in bilateral tioned. (ADD). negotiations to improve the conditions of our The two officials also visited the Philippine The ADD is an agglomeration of all labor- workers. That is exactly what we are doing right Embassy shelter where they spoke to some of the exporting and labor-receiving states that seek to now,” he pointed out. Cacdac was asked if a memo- runaway housemaids. “When I visited the shelter standardize and implement protocols as well as randum of understanding (MoU) for domestic yesterday, I cried, because I saw about 100 of them policies beneficial for both workers and employers. helpers between Kuwait and Philippines will be at the ‘Bahay Kalinga’ (shelter). They are supposed The Philippines is the current chairman of the ADD finally signed this year. “The Amir of Kuwait visited to be working but they ended up in the shelter. and the chairmanship will be turned over to the the Philippines in 2012, and during his visit, the They want to work, but they have problems with Kuwaiti side this November. Under the chairman- two countries signed a general MoU for the protec- their employers. I think it’s a matter of luck when KUWAIT: The ambassador of the Republic of Azerbaijan Ural Rzayer held on ship of the Philippines, according to Cacdac, the tion of our workers in Kuwait. An MoU for domestic you reach an employer. But how do you choose Wednesday a reception on the occasion of the National Day of his country in Crowne ADD was able to come up with a complete frame- workers was specifically mentioned too and the your employer? These are the real challenges,” Plaza Hotel. It was attended by a number of dioplomats and other dignitaries. work for regional collaboration on the protection provisions of the MoU are still being discussed,” he Dimzon admitted. “I feel the pain every time I see — Photos by Joseph Shagra and assistance of migrant workers. “We don’t want noted. workers going home without anything and some to engage in drastic measures like banning our Cacdac admitted though that there are some of them are already disoriented because of the workers or temporarily suspending the deploy- complications being tackled from the Kuwaiti side. abuses and maltreatment they suffered,” she con- Strict control to prevent ment of our workers - this needs thorough studies “The complications arise from the fact that domes- cluded. because in the past, suspension did not work for tic helpers’ concerns in Kuwait fall in the hands of The two visiting officials were accompanied us, like what happened in Jordan and Lebanon; it the Ministry of Interior while the general MoU we during a press conference by Philippine Labor cheating in final exams worsened human trafficking and illegal migration. signed was with the Ministry of Social Affairs and Attache to Kuwait Cesar Chavez, Assistant Labor KUWAIT: Mariam Al-Wetaid, fied dates of the final exams. The ministry People will go by the backdoor. Banning or sus- Labor. Now with the domestic helper MoU, we are Attache Ching Ardivilla and Welfare Officer Norlita Undersecretary of the Ministry of explained that the start dates were pending deployment of housemaids can be dealing with two government agencies here, the Lugtu. Education, met senior ministry officials and advanced in order to ensure that the tests stressed on the need for strict control in end before the beginning of Ramadan on order to prevent cheating during the June 28. According to the new schedule, VIVA offers special promotion on Jordan Independence Day upcoming final exams. The officials were fourth and fifth graders, as well as middle told to prevent a repeat of cheating inci- school students, will start their finals one KUWAIT: VIVA, Kuwait’s fastest-growing and most this occasion and reaffirms its commitment towards communication, information and entertainment dents that happened in previous years. day earlier on June 3. Meanwhile, high developed telecom operator, announced yesterday offering all that is pioneering and advanced in the experiences. The company has rapidly established Students will be inspected for phones and school finals will start on June 11 instead of the launch of a special promotion for its prepaid telecom industry, and to continue presenting its an unrivalled position in the market through its cus- cheat sheets as they enter the examination the 15th. and postpaid customers in celebration of the customers with an exceptional experience. tomer centric approach. VIVA’s quest is to be the hall, Al-Watan reported yesterday. But the new instructions created frus- Independence Day of the Hashemite Kingdom of Customers interested in this special offer can vis- mobile brand of choice in Kuwait by being transpar- The meeting saw heated discussion as tration among school administrations and Jordan. For every five minutes during a call made to it any of the VIVA branches for additional informa- ent, engaging, energetic and fulfilling. VIVA contin- Wetaid told the officials that they will be teachers, who believe there is another rea- families and friends in Jordan on this occasion, VIVA tion and activation. To find out more about VIVA’s ues to take a considerable share of the market by held responsible for any negligence of dis- son for the tests’ rescheduling since will grant customers five free minutes in return. This numerous competitive promotions, products and offering an innovative range of best value products, order during tests. This prompted response Ramadan’s start date is already known. promotion is valid for the 24 hours of May 25. packages visit any of the 53 VIVA branches or visit services and content propositions; a state of the art, from Talaq Al-Haim, Director of the They feel instead that the ministry made This promotion was designed by VIVA for this our website at www.viva.com.kw , or contact its 24 nationwide network and world-class service. VIVA Mubarak Al-Kabeer Department, who its decision in order to ensure that the special occasion, to grant Jordanians the opportuni- hour call center at 102. offers internet speeds of more than 100 Mbps, due argued that the undersecretary should finals finish before the parliamentary by- ty to speak to their loved ones at half price and VIVA is the fastest-growing telecom operator in to the implementation of the most advanced fourth share the responsibility as well. elections set to take place on June 26, share the joys of this celebrated day. Kuwait. Launched in December 2008, VIVA makes generation (4G LTE) network in Kuwait resulting in In other news, the MoE on Thursday according to sources quoted by Al-Jarida VIVA congratulates the Jordanian community on things Possible for its customers by transforming superior coverage, performance and reliability. informed schools about the official modi- yesterday. p3.e$S_Layout 1 5/24/14 9:54 PM Page 1

SUN DAY, MAY 25, 2014 LOCAL

Photo of the day

KUWAIT: People mill about at the heritage souq at The Avenues. The recreation of the old Kuwaiti marketplace adds a whiff of the past to the fashionably modern mall. — Photo by Joseph Shagra Robotics Competition helps students improve skills Intellectually, physically useful Zour refinery tenders expected this month By A Saleh

KUWAIT: The Central Tenders Committee (CTC) gave approval to rehabilitate six consortia to compete for three packages of the Zour refinery project, one of mega projects Kuwait National Petroleum Company (KNPC) said it plans to invest $35 billion in to build in the coming years. The KNPC meanwhile gave a dead- line until June 1 for eliminated companies to file griev- ances. The three tenders for the KD 2.5 billion ($8.9 bil- lion) project are expected to be put for tendering sometime this month. Each consortium can compete for and win tenders of all packages. The first package pertains with operational units, the second with back- up units and the third with connectivity, steam, elec- tricity, and water units. The first consortium is led by US-based Fluor Corp and includes South Korea’s Hyundai Heavy Industries. Japan’s JGC Corp leads another consortium with South Korea’s GS Engineering & Construction and S K KUWAIT: A group photo of the winners with the minister and other officials. Engineering & Construction. The third consortium is led by Britain’s Petrofac and includes South Korea’s By Nawara Fattahova schools are in charge of applying this study more attractive for students. Robotics does work that may be impossible for Samsung Engineering and US-based Chicago Bridge & through various activities. The initiative of should be included in the curriculum,” humans. And holding such competitions Iron Company. KUWAIT: Five hundred students of elemen- SACGC is great as it provides a scientific and added Mulaifi. expresses the interest in talented students,” Italy’s Saipem leads a consortium with South tary and intermediate grades from various competitive atmosphere for the students Dr Bader Al-Omar, Chairman of SACGC, Omar added. Korea’s Hyundai Engineering & Construction, Italy’s public and privates schools participated in which help them to achieve the necessary noted that the center in cooperation with Deputy Director of the Sabah Al-Ahmad Maire Tecnimont and South Korea’s Daelim Industrial. the first National Robotics Competition held creativity,” he said during the honoring cere- the Ministry of Education has succeeded in Center Dr Riyadh Al-Sharaf said that the con- The fifth consortium is led by Spain’s TRSA, and by the Sabah Al-Ahmad Center for mony. this project for talented students. “These test was offered to all elementary and inter- includes China Petrochemical Corporation and South Giftedness and Creativity (SACGC) in associ- “This contest is geared towards highlight- classes aim to discover talented students, mediate students at private and public Korea’s Hanwha Engineering & Construction. The sixth ation with the Kuwait Foundation for the ing the role of robotics as educational tools adopt them and prepare them to be nation- schools. Employing the best of what robot- and final consortium is led by US-based KBR with Advancement of Sciences (KFAS) and the that encourage students to think, design, al leaders. Through this competition, we aim ics offers is the main goal of the event. “This China Huanqiu Contracting and Engineering Ministry of Education on Wednesday and implement and employ educational princi- to spread scientific awareness among the is the first time to hold this contest, and we Corporation. A seventh consortium, led by Japan’s Thursday at the Arabi Sports Club. Minister ples and put them into practical use. youth and direct students to technology intend to hold it annually. I would like to Chiyoda Corp, initially submitted a bit before the of Education Ahmad Al-Mulaifi suggested Participation in this competition gives stu- and science fields from early grades in excit- invite schools that didn’t participate this Japanese firm withdrew it in April. The estimated KD transforming schools from places of theory dents self-confidence and a background of ing and attractive ways to suit their mental year to join this competition next year. I 3.4 billion ($12 billion) North Zour project will become into workshops that are intellectually and engineering, not only about robots, but also and psychological growth,” he pointed out. expect that after 10 years, we will have a Kuwait’s fourth oil refinery when it is completed physically useful. “In order to improve edu- of coming up with ideas and designing and “Robotics is one of the most developed generation that is able to build a medical around 2017 as the KNPC anticipates. Last month, cation, it’s necessary to include practical executing them. This provides them with and applied technological fields in our daily robot and other robots that may help in dai- KNPC signed three contracts for the Clean Fuel Project aspects to the curriculum, which develops leadership skills, creative thinking and team- life. It has also spread into education around ly life, and we will remember this competi- (CFP) worth KD 3.4 billion ($12.1 billion) with consortia the way of thinking of the students. The work for their better future. This also makes the world, as it executes various abilities and tion which helped them,” he explained. led by JGC Corp, Petrofac and Fluor Corp.

British Council displays sound art with ‘Kuwait Scapes’

KUWAIT: After a long wait, British Council is ture ‘Amarilly Of Clothes Line Alley’ as part of the building historically known as “Al Adal”. “Our work proud to announce “Kuwait Scapes’, a series of Southbank 2012 WOW festival. in Arts seeks to inspire by encouraging creative events under the “Bright Spaces” initiative to Roshi Nasehi said: “I have travelled to Kuwait dialogue and exchange between artists and com- bring Sound Arts to the public community of last January by way of research and had the munities in Kuwait and the UK. Bringing Arts to Kuwait, introducing UK-based sound artist Roshi opportunity to visit many sites: The Souk, the the public is our main theme for our current proj- Nasehi to deliver a number of workshops and Malls, the beginning of the desert and the sea. ects where we step outside of the gallery space to events to raise awareness of the current and tradi- Kuwait Scapes is a series of ‘sonic events’ that will engage with the local environment, culture and tional sounds of Kuwait. include, sound installations, performances and local artists. We are very happy to support the Roshi Nasehi is a Welsh born singer-composer audio walks along with supporting workshops remarkably dynamic development of the Arts of Iranian parentage with a track record in elec- and discussions in some of Kuwait’s water and scene in Kuwait and have had the great pleasure tro-acoustic performance, recording and work- leisure spaces. of working with great local partners like shops. She moved to London in 2000 and before British Council has worked with a number of LOYAC,”said Mais Montazar - Assistant Director, long formed her own genre “experimental, elec- strategic partners in Kuwait to deliver this project British Council Roshi’s love for the intricacy of tronic Welsh-Iranian folk pop” featuring Pars Radio such as, The Avenues, LOYAC and Dar Al Athaar Al sounds has made it fit for expressing this kind of with prolific percussionist/producer Graham Islamiyah, and has displayed their work in three art in Kuwait. With a view to widen the local par- Dowdall. high profile places in Kuwait; The Scientific ticipation and enjoyment of the arts, the British Roshi has also received several prestigious Centre, The Avenues, and The Fish Market of Council Kuwait has sought to commission a new commissions including BBC Radio 3, So & So Sharq which enabled them to enrich and high- piece of work that steps outside of the gallery Circus Theatre and Birds Eye View for whom she light certain aspects of the Kuwaiti customs and space in order to engage with the local environ- created a live score to Mary Pickford’s 1918 fea- history via sounds such as the art of tin can boat ment, culture and the work of Kuwaiti artists. SUNDAY, MAY 25, 2014 LOCAL

Local Spotlight In my view Open letter to Lebanese Ban-ki Moon elections

By Muna Al-Fuzai

By Labeed Abdal

[email protected] Al-Watan

his article is an open letter to UN Secretary General [email protected] Ban-ki Moon. It is a plea to the head of the UN and its Tagencies to support the call to save thousands of Filipina housemaids who come to work in this region with no guarantees to ensure their safety, welfare and some- iscussion has intensified inside and outside times survival. Lebanon to elect a new president today in Dorder to avoid troubles that could rock the Dear head of the UN, Arab republic if the deadline passes without a The aim of this article is to condemn and express my replacement for Michel Suleiman in office. In the deepest regret for all kinds of abuses against Filipino meantime, the presidential elections in Syria early domestic laborers in the Gulf region. As a human rights June could also be an opportunity for a solution to activist and a Kuwaiti citizen, I believe there is an urgent kuwait digest the three-year-long crisis that saw millions of need to revise regulations to protect Filipina domestic refugees cross the country’s border into Lebanon. workers and their civil and human rights. Due to the No one can deny that Syria has become a disaster increase in crimes against these ladies, I have an ethical There are more than five senses! area with over 100,000 killed, continuous destruc- obligation to call on all human rights agencies and organi- tion and millions of people forced to leave to nearby zations to urge the Philippine government to stop sending countries. The United Nations is therefore required their female citizens to this part of the world as house- By Prof Ghanem Al-Najjar to have some presence in order to secure the elec- maids until new procedures applied. tions process and reach a safe road. I understand governments send their citizens to work eople take and handle so many ideas for granted. A clear work plan is key to giving hope that a abroad as a source of income, but this should not be at the Some of them may even go further into holding solution in Syria can be worked out. Syria needs true expense of their dead bodies. In Kuwait, the rate of corrup- Ptight to and defending them with all their power. Human senses are not just efforts to help it overcome the crisis it is going tion and the use of influence make it hard for the victims to The most common examples of this are particularly associ- through, whether regarding reforms or guarantee- stand in court against their sponsors. Therefore, the spon- ated with our religious beliefs. People tend to brand so the five we know of - sight, ing freedoms and rights. Syria and Lebanon alike sorship system needs to be scrapped and a new system many beliefs and practices as religious while they are have been suffering from inside and outside inter- must be applied, taking into account work relations, as a nothing more than mere judgments made by some people hearing, smell, taste and ferences that led to conflicts and hurt efforts to maid’s job is not less than any other business relationship. at certain times. They can sometimes be nothing more achieve national reconciliation and unity. The current rules now are not only insufficient, but are dis- than social practices originating from traditions, customs touch. What is the name of Such crises are often considered a hard test for criminatory against the maid. In fact, the number of locals and norms. Yet, people hold to them firmly to the extent people, requiring public unity to preserve national who get prosecuted and hanged due to crimes against that they may accordingly befriend or antagonize some- the sense responsible for sovereignty. The Syrian people need to put aside all their female maids are rare compared to the number of body. religious and ethnic conflicts that can be used by maids who get hanged in public due to similar crimes. There are also non-religious examples such as those feeling hot, cold and humid troublemakers to stir up trouble in their country. It is essential that we call on the Philippine government related to health and medicine. Some people strongly to stop sending their female citizens to suffer and die here. believe that eating fish and milk together causes leprosy, weather? The new revisions should not only focus on wages but the getting an anesthetic injection to the back causes paralysis work atmosphere and the right to have free legal represen- and many other baseless beliefs people keep on repeating. straight? What is the name of the sense responsible for mak- tation at local courts and other official departments. All In addition, there are examples of our general beliefs such ing man sense earth’s slight quakes when they take place? kuwait digest female victims are poor and fail to hire attorneys. In most as saying that man has five senses. This was also men- I know your answer will not be seeing, hearing, cases, the sponsor knows this gap and uses it to offer mon- tioned in poetry and songs and some people went as far smelling, tasting, touching nor even the sixth sense. So, do ey to buy the silence of the victim and send her back home. as claiming the presence of a sixth sense - a supernatural you see that we have more than five senses?! How about Most of these female maids run away from rape, harass- one beyond normal laws! repeating this idea without thinking about it? More impor- Palestinian ment and/or physical and verbal abuse to fall into prostitu- Well, ladies and gentlemen, human senses are not just tantly, how many similar ideas will we keep on holding to? tion. This letter is a call for the UN to support this humane the five we know of - sight, hearing, smell, taste and touch. How many such ideas will go on controlling whom to plea to urgently save and protect the humanity of those Your answers to the following questions will actually prove befriend and whom to antagonize? Those are mere Holocaust poor ladies. this. What is the name of the sense responsible for feeling inquiries that each one of us should ask himself and Regards, hot, cold and humid weather? What is the name of the answer frankly! Muna Al-Fuzai sense responsible for man’s feeling that he is standing up — Translated by Kuwait Times from Al-Jarida By Dr Marwan Nayef

did not wish to write about the Palestinian Nakba. So many comments and analyses have been written in an attempt to diagnose the kuwait digest I causes. I believe that it is impossible to under- stand what those reasons are. Attempts at that are also futile as Israel goes on with its plan, Misguided sometimes through deception, other times through military action, and some other times operations through conflict between Muslims, Arabs and Palestinians so that they fight each other while it achieves its goals without any losses or efforts. By Abdellatif Al-Duaij If I were unbiased, I would have expressed admiration for their leaders. I believe though he misguided operations of Kuwait that the best way to fight the Zionists is through Transparency Society are being uncovered dai- the same methods they use. One of the main pil- Tly. Misguiding the international community, lars of their strength is their continuous intimida- then relying on this misguidance to misguide people tion and extortion of the world using the in Kuwait, and also misguiding some political figures Holocaust. I am not going to argue with how who were receiving misguided reports from accurate reports about the Holocaust or the Transparency International, and they published these number of casualties are. I am not going to deny to inflate claims of the growing spread of corruption that burning human beings to death within that all those figures declared war against. The hours is a horrific torment. Muslim Brotherhood, as claims have it, dominates or But let us speak about what the Jews did to controls the Transparency Society, and the same the Palestinians. They killed them - in 1948, 50 Muslim Brotherhood led the Kuwaiti movement against corruption and all influential parties that are massacres were committed and 531 villages allegedly sabotaging the country. were destroyed by the Jews. They forced the I challenged the Transparency Society months Palestinians out of their homes - 75 percent of before it was exposed, to explain to us the tools used Palestinians became refugees in 19 camps in the to determine the alleged growth of corruption in West Bank, 8 in Gaza, 10 in Jordan, 12 in Lebanon Kuwait, and the standards of measuring this growth and 9 in Syria. They confiscated their properties - and the means used to monitor the sources of the 78 percent of Palestine’s land was seized in 1948. “alleged” corruption and determine the places of its Currently, they control their life and way of living. spread. The society kept silent, of course. What they practice against Palestinians is slow The basics of transparency here is to explain, be it death, something that is arguably harder and the Kuwaiti society or the international one, under harsher compared to dying quickly. Their prac- which our society sought cover, and spread its poi- tice is continuing, which makes it perhaps more son and lies under its international banner and repu- extreme compared to the Holocaust. tation, provided that it has a reputation, to explain This column was inspired by an idea that the means, methods and statistics it relied on to determine corruption and measure its growth with came to my mind, which is to remove the word accuracy and transparency. ‘Nakba’ from the dictionary of the Palestinian I have a strong conviction that corruption exists... cause, and replace it with the term ‘Palestinian rather I have stronger belief that Kuwait tops coun- Holocaust’. The Arab League must adopt the new tries, with regret, in the spread of corruption and its name first before it can be used by the global increase, but the corruption that I feel and know it media and United Nations. exists is that of the state’s administrative system, and I believe that this will free the world from the ahead of it is the corruption of the Kuwaiti citizen feel of guilt regarding the Jewish Holocaust, who grew up with a lack of control and no discipline when they discover that Jews continue to prac- that was provided by the welfare society they were tice atrocities against the Palestinians. The world raised in. There is no doubt that this corruption pro- might start looking at the Palestinians as victims vides a suitable environment for major manipulators who need to be helped, and put pressure on and influentials to achieve their interests easily and Israel to grant them some of their rights. with “transparency” too. Another step that the Palestinian state could The Transparency Society here, and the rest of the so called “hirak” (movements), found or promoted do to put pressure on Israel, is to request com- the “authority’s” corruption only. Or the corruption of pensations from Germany, because the numbered individuals, where it summarized all our Holocaust that the Nazi Germany committed problems in those people’s activities. In fact, it was against the Jews has led to the Palestinian clear at one time that all our problems and issues Holocaust. It can also demand compensation were limited to corruption only, and that eradicating from the United Kingdom due to the Balfour or limiting it will open the development road and Declaration. place us on the sought-after development path, with I cannot deny that I was enthusiastic while all our inability, political and social backwardness. writing this column, but when I finished the pre- The role that Kuwait Transparency Society played, vious paragraph, I was struck by the realization as some of its members revealed, was dangerous, that we are divided nations filed with tribal and and in my view criminal. It is necessary for state fanatic conflicts over all issues, even when it establishments including the public prosecution to comes to God’s religion. Therefore, my column correct this role, and deny the false claims that are will likely end up like everything else written made by the transparency society here, or the moth- er society, against Kuwait. about the issue. —Translated by Kuwait Times from Al-Qabas — Translated by Kuwait Times from Al-Qabas SUNDAY, MAY 25, 2014 LOCAL

KUWAIT: Shaikha Al-Bahar, NBK deputy group CEO with NBK officials in a group picture with NBK Academy graduates. NBK celebrates graduation of ninth batch

KUWAIT: National Bank of Kuwait (NBK) cele- and develop national human resources. Khalife, General Manager, Private Banking Emad Al Ablani, NBK Deputy General Manager, offering them a range of career and profes- brated the graduation of the ninth batch of NBK organized a special ceremony for the Group, Adel Hechme, General Manager, Human Resources Group, along with other sional development opportunities. NBK newly hired young Kuwaitis from NBK graduation of the newly hired young Kuwaitis. Human Resources Group, Parkson Cheong, NBK officials. Academy programs run for five months and Academy. NBK Academy aims to train and The ceremony was attended by Shaikha Al- Group Chief Risk Officer, Carl Ainger, Group NBK Academy is the first initiative of its are specially tailored to provide trainees with develop the professional skills of young Bahar, NBK deputy group CEO, General Chief Internal Auditor, Dimitrios Kokosioulis, kind in the private sector in Kuwait and is part theoretical and practical skills covering the dif- Kuwaitis as part of NBK’s strategy to attract Manager, Consumer Banking Group, Malek General Manager, Operations Group, and of NBK’s strategy to attract young Kuwaitis by ferent aspects of the banking industry. Second electricity equipment theft reported in one week Increase in power demand

KUWAIT: Equipment worth half a million ple blackout reports from the three targeted lenge to the ministry as it tries to keep trans- Kuwaiti dinars were stolen from separate trans- areas. Technicians who were sent to the scene formers as intact as possible to face the growing formers around Ahmadi, for the second time in discovered that the perpetrators followed similar demand. Minister of Electricity and Water less than a week while preliminary investigations methods to commit the theft compared to the Abdulaziz Al-Ibrahim announced last week that indicate that the perpetrators in both cases are previous crime, Al-Anba reported yesterday. the increase in demand exceeded the ministry’s the same. The recent cases shed light on the challenge expectations, describing the situation as a ‘dan- The newest case was discovered over the that MEW faces to prevent theft at its facilities, gerous indication.’ The ministry hopes that weekend at 13 transformers in Abu Hlaifa, which has been blamed for blackouts reported improved daily production capacity, currently Mahboulah and Fintas, where unknown thieves last summer across Kuwait. MEW Undersecretary estimated at 14,000 megawatts, can help it cope ran away with KD 500,000 worth of equipment. Ahmad Al-Jassar had announced recently that a with the increasing demand. On that regard, Al- In last week’s theft, worth KD 700,000 were deal to hire 1,300 security guards to protect Watan reported yesterday that the MEW stolen from 13 transformers in Riqqa and transformers around Kuwait from theft is expect- launched operation at the first transportation Ahmadi. ed to be signed soon, but did not provide a date. phase of the North Zoor Power Plant, with a The newest crime was discovered after the Increased energy consumption in parallel capacity to transport 4,000 megawatts of elec- Ministry of Electricity and Water received multi- with the raising temperature brings greater chal- tricity generated by other power plants.

KUWAIT: Zain Chief Executive Officer Omar Saud Al-Omar receiving the Annual Health, Safety and Environment Excellence Award. Zain CEO Gets HSE Excellence Award

KUWAIT: Zain, the leading telecommunica- paign proved positively effective in improv- tions company in Kuwait, is proud to ing economic development, improving announce that Chief Executive Officer specific HSE aspects, and improving com- Omar Saud Al-Omar was awarded the petitiveness of the establishment in the Annual Health, Safety and Environment Kuwaiti market. Excellence Award. This annually held event, Zain explained that the campaign deliv- organized by Kuwait National Petroleum ered a strong message to its target audi- Company, sheds light on sustainable proj- ence, highlighting the very serious and ects and initiatives undertaken by Kuwait’s somber consequences of the improper use public and private organizations. of mobile devices while driving. The com- Zain explained in a press statement that pany recognizes the important role social this yearly award aims at raising health, media plays in the lives of young audi- safety and environment standards in ences, and specifically for this reason, the Kuwait, while recognizing the distin- latest campaign was developed using guished contributions of Kuwait’s key play- social media language to ensure young ers in the fields of sustainable business, people’s attention to it. whether from the private or the public sec- It is worth noting that, as part of Zain’s tors. keenness to be part of events and initia- The company was awarded with the this tives that highlight its leading position in year’s seventh Excellence award for its CSR, the company recently participated in highly impactful ‘Drive Zain’ awareness the eleventh Corporate Social Responsibly campaign that targeted social media users (CSR) Summit 2014, held in Dubai, where and aimed at promoting the responsible prominent CSR figures from the private use of mobile phones while driving. Zain, sector across the Arab world travelled to being one of the region’s top leaders in the participate in the annual event that is rec- fields of corporate social responsibility and ognized as one of the region’s most promi- sustainability, expressed its utmost pride in nent CSR gatherings. this latest achievement, adding to the long Zain was awarded the Gold Award for list of achievements it obtained by being a Excellence in Corporate Social socially responsible company with a clear Responsibility from the Arab Organization and firm CSR strategy. for Social Responsibility in 2012 and 2013. The company was recognized for its series CSR initiative of CSR initiatives and programs, which The company’s ‘Drive Zain’ campaign were assessed to have had a deep and won the award for meeting all the criteria meaningful impact on many groups, insti- that assured the project would add to the tutions, and agencies across multiple com- overall quality of HSE in Kuwait. The cam- munities.

Vertical housing ... feasible solution for Kuwaitis’ housing demands KUWAIT: The increasing demands for hous- others. He indicated that PAHW will hopefully ing, which reached over 100,000 requests be handing the northwest Sulaibikhat and recently according to the Public Authority for Jaber Al-Ahmad city projects by January Housing Welfare (PAHW), require a feasible 2015. He said that the projects would consist solution that would enable citizens to have of 396 government housing units and 310 housing in a short period of time rather than apartments. Citizens, on their part, had their the long wait. views in regards to the idea vertical housing. Working on a solution, PAHW is devising a They mostly disliked the notion. mechanism that would decrease the waiting Mahmoud Busheri said that the idea period to less than 15 years. would not result in a solution for the housing A possible answer for the current predica- problem in Kuwait, indicating that the prob- ment is vertical housing programs where lem was in the population cluster in specific people could be living in apartments instead areas and the high price of land. of waiting for a house to be allocated to Busheri said that the government should them. PAHW took an initiative on the matter work on plans to solve the problem by allow- and started to construct vertical housing ing citizens to benefit financially from proper- units in the northwest Sulaibikhat area and ty they acquired which in turn might enable Jaber Al-Ahmad city. The vertical housing them to buy land to build their houses. The idea is not new to Kuwait; it was previously land ownership will eventually return to the conducted during the 1980s with the con- government which could provide an alterna- struction of Al-Sawaber complex. tive for citizens after a while. Head of Urban Development at PAHW On his part, Suleiman Al-Refaei said that Nasser Al-Khuraibit said that vertical housing he purchased an apartment not for the pur- units in northwest Sulaibikhat area consisted pose of dwelling in it but rather as an invest- of seven-floor buildings with 350 and 400 ment that might help him buy a house in the square meters apartments. future. He noted that Kuwait citizens were not Government services would be fully avail- used to the idea of vertical housing and said able, said the official, noting that such hous- that lands should be used to construct hous- ing projects would be provided with facilities ing projects that would meet citizens’ such as mosques, schools, health center, and demands. — KUNA LOCAL SUNDAY, MAY 25, 2014

‘Mango Mania’ festival at Lu&Lu Hypermarket

KUWAIT: Lu&Lu Hypermarket kicked off its annual mango festival, “Mango Mania” with an inauguration ceremony on May 21 at its Al-Qurain branch. Special guest Sheikha Naeema Al-Ahmed Al-Jaber Al- Sabah inaugurated the festival at 7pm as the Hypermarket staff, well-wishers and customers applauded. All present were eager about the launch of the promotion that will last till May 31. More than 150 varieties of mangoes from different countries are on display allowing customers a wide choice of delectable fruit to enjoy in the summer months. Customers should not miss out on the opportunity to sam- ple Lu&Lu’s amazing offerings at all the branches of the Hypermarket. For Lu&Lu Hypermarket, this event is another way to show its commitment towards building a diverse and rich- er shopping experience. The brand is associated with excel- lence in retailing and a reasonable pricing structure that its customers have benefited from. Activities such as the man- go festival are an exciting attraction for customers who want the best when shopping.

— Photos by Joseph Shagra Two dead, four injured in three-car accident 60 arrested for illegal partying KUWAIT: Two people were killed and four were injured in an the desert, and his employer was there to rush him to the hos- accident reported at the Fahaheel Highway. Police and para- pital where doctors saved his life. The savior was sleeping medics were present at the Fintas Bridge where the three-car inside his private property in Salmi when he woke up by his accident took place, but discovered that two people were employee’s cries for help. The Kuwaiti man rushed the shep- already dead. They rushed the injured people to the hospital, herd to the Jahra Hospital after he discovered that the while police called criminal investigators to examine the scene Sudanese national was stung by a scorpion while herding and lift the dead bodies to the forensic department. An inves- sheep nearby. The man’s case was described as stable after tigation went underway to determine the circumstances doctors controlled the poison before it spread across his body. behind the accident. Missing ring Fugitive nabbed A woman lost her diamond ring inside a Sharq mall after Ahmadi police arrested a fugitive with her male compan- she took it off to wash her hands but forgot to take it back ion after she was caught driving under the influence of drugs. when she finished. The Kuwaiti woman told local police that The Kuwaiti couple was also charged with drug possession she put the ring on the sink, but could not find it when she after police found six hashish rolls inside their car. The arrest rushed back to the ladies’ room as soon as she remembered it. happened Friday night in Mangaf after patrol officers forced Investigations are ongoing. the driver to stop her car when she first attempted to escape. An identity check revealed that the woman is wanted for non- Dead woman payment of a KD 29,000 debt. The two were referred to the A woman who was found dead inside a Jahra apartment proper authorities to face charges. recently died due to complications while delivering a baby, according to preliminary investigations. The forensic depart- Illegal partying ment’s report indicated that the woman was nine months Dozens were arrested during a police raid to a party host- pregnant when she died, and that her health condition ing illegal activities at an undisclosed location in Kuwait. The worsened during home birth. The Asian woman reportedly operation took place based on information about a secret par- died 48 hours before her body was found last Thursday, ty in which alcohol was served. Police arrested around 60 men according to the forensic report. No beat marks were found and women, most of whom were half-naked and suspected to on the victim’s body, while police are waiting for tests be under the influence, according to the news report. They results to reveal whether the woman had taken medications were taken to the Criminal Investigations Department for fur- to induce delivery. Meanwhile, investigations revealed the ther action. woman was likely accompanied by her husband at the time of her death. Detectives are currently looking to identify Shepherd saved and arrest the man under suspicions that he could be A shepherd needed help when he was bit by a scorpion in involved in the incident.

KUWAIT: Seven people were saved from a fire reported yesterday afternoon in Hasawi. Firefighters used ladders to enter the house and free children and adults who were trapped behind thick smoke. Jleeb Al-Shoyoukh and Ardia firefighters arrived at the scene shortly after the fire was reported, and worked simultaneously to tackle the blaze and evacuate residents. No injuries were reported in the incident. — By Hanan Al-Saadoun US motorists under siege in ‘Carjack City’

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SUNDAY, MAY 25, 2014 Qaeda gunmen storm Yemeni city; 30 killed

SANAA: Yemeni soldiers inspect passing vehicles at a checkpoint in the Yemeni capital Sanaa. — AFP

ADEN: At least 30 people were killed in an overnight raid by gun- men on a city in southeastern Yemen, residents and a local offi- cial said yesterday, as Al-Qaeda continues its fightback against a government offensive in the country. Armed with rocket-pro- pelled grenades, mortars and explosives, attackers drove in from the surrounding desert on 15 pickup trucks into Seyoun after detonating a car bomb at the entrance to the city in Hadramout province. Al Qaeda has carried out many hit-and-run attacks since the Yemeni army drove it from its southern strongholds in Abyan and Shabwa provinces last month. The West is concerned the group could use Yemen, which borders major oil producer Saudi Arabia, as a base for international attacks. The militants targeted at least seven locations, including the main military posts, the local police headquarters, bank branches and the airport. Calling the raid a “treacherous terrorist act”, the commander of the local military division said the army had regained control of the city. Major General Mohammed Al-Somla said a number of people had been killed and wounded during the attack on his base and other locations. The army had driven attackers out of the city and was using warplanes, he said in a statement on the Defense Ministry website. A local official, who asked not to be identified, said 20 attackers and 10 members of the security serv- ices were killed in the fighting. “They wanted to capture the city and control it,” the official told Reuters.

Casualties Residents said the city’s electricity supply was cut during the attack and they heard explosions and gunfire throughout the night. The militants briefly captured some buildings before with- drawing yesterday. Local officials said they suspected the attack was led by Jalal Balaidi, a senior Al-Qaeda figure in the region. Hadramout province stretches from the port of Mukalla in the south to the Saudi border, through arid valleys and empty desert, landscape Al-Qaeda uses to its advantage across the Middle East. A regional website, Al-Mukalla Al-Yawm, said the attackers were wearing Yemeni army uniforms. It said that dozens of casu- alties were taken to local hospitals. A US ally, with a population of 25 million, Yemen is trying to end three years of political unrest, which began when mass protests erupted in 2011 against Ali Abdullah Saleh, the president of 33 years, who stepped down. Apart from the fight against Al-Qaeda, the government faces a push by southern separatists for independence and battles with rebels from the Shiite Muslim Houthi movement, which is trying to extend its control over the north. — Reuters Shooting at Jewish Museum kills three BRUSSELS: Two men and a woman were killed and one per- son seriously injured during a shooting at the Jewish Museum in central Brussels yesterday, with Belgium’s interior minister saying anti-Semitic motives could be behind the attack. A spokesman for the Brussels fire brigade said the shooter drove up to the museum, went inside and fired shots. “According to the information we have at the moment, it was a solitary shooter and it seems to have happened inside the museum,” Pierre Meys, Brussels fire brigade spokesman, told French channel BFM TV. “There were a lot of witnesses and the investigation is moving fast.” Police cordoned off the area, a busy tourist dis- trict in central Brussels packed with cafes, restaurants and antique furniture shops. Belgium’s interior minister, Joelle Milquet, was quoted saying by the RTBF Belgian television station that anti-Semitic motives could be behind the attack. “It’s a shooting ... at the Jewish Museum,” she was quoted say- ing. “All of this can lead to suspicions of an act of anti- Semitism.” About half of Belgium’s 42,000-strong Jewish community lives in Brussels. Security around all Jewish institutions in the country has been raised to the highest level, and Prime Minister Elio Di Rupo was meeting with police and senior offi- cials to discuss the situation. Foreign Minister Didier Reynders, who was in the area at the time of the shooting, said witness- es had told him the suspected shooter was carrying bags when he entered the museum. — Reuters p8_Layout 1 5/24/14 9:53 PM Page 1

SUNDAY, MAY 25, 2014 INTERNATIONAL

Tight security as Shiites throng Baghdad for rituals BAGHDAD: Throngs of Shiite Muslims shippers from across Baghdad, and the converged on a shrine in north rest of the country, have been walking Baghdad yesterday for annual com- to Kadhimiyah, site of a shrine dedicated memoration rituals under heavy securi- to Imam Musa Kadhim, the seventh of ty after a string of deadly attacks in the 12 revered imams in Shiite Islam, who Iraqi capital. Attacks elsewhere in the died in 799 AD. country, meanwhile, left 10 people Sunni militants regard Shiites as dead amid a protracted surge in nation- apostates and, as in previous years, mul- wide unrest that has fuelled fears Iraq is tiple attacks have targeted worshippers slipping back into the all-out communal in the run-up to the Imam Kadhim com- conflict that plagued it in 2006 and memorations. Three bombings in the 2007. Much of the city was on lockdown capital, including two carried out by sui- yesterday for the climax of the rites to cide attackers, on May 22 killed 21 peo- mark the death of a revered figure in ple, while mortar fire on Friday struck a Shiite Islam, with Baghdad’s security district adjacent to Kadhimiyah, killing forces looking to deter Sunni militant three more. Outside of Baghdad yester- groups which often target Iraq’s majori- day, a series of attacks killed 10 people, ty community. including three farmers who were kid- Several major roads were closed off napped in the early hours of the morn- and a wide variety of vehicles barred ing and found beheaded later the same from the streets, as security forces also day in the northern province of Kirkuk. relied on aerial cover and sniffer dogs. Attacks also struck in the restive Organizers say millions of pilgrims are provinces of Nineveh and Salaheddin, expected to visit the shrine in the officials said. Violence has surged in the BAGHDAD: Iraqi security forces conduct body checks on Shiite pilgrims as they march to the shrine of Imam Moussa Al- Kadhimiyah neighborhood of north past year to its highest level since 2008, Kadhim in Baghdad yesterday. — AP Baghdad between Saturday and Sunday, while anti-government fighters also when the commemoration rituals are to control an entire city a short drive from operations against militants, claiming to civil war in neighboring Syria for the ernment must also do more to reach climax, though the figure could not be Baghdad and parts of another. The have killed around 90 yesterday alone, surge in violence. Analysts and diplo- out to disgruntled minority Sunnis and independently verified. For days wor- authorities have trumpeted security and blame external factors such as the mats, however, say the Shiite-led gov- undermine support for militancy.—AFP Egypt revolutionary youth fear repression under Sisi

CAIRO: After having spearheaded a Friday. Several high-ranking security rival, Hamdeen Sabbahi, a veteran left- 2011 uprising that toppled Egypt’s officials confirmed the death of Shadi ist leader and sole challenger to the strongman and former air force chief El-Menei, considered to be the head of former military commander. In the Hosni Mubarak, many young revolu- the Sinai-based Ansar Beit Al-Maqdis almost 11 months since Morsi was tionaries are now in jail and an ex- (Partisans of Jerusalem). A court has ousted by Sisi, more than 1,400 people army chief is about to become presi- sentenced three other leading have been killed in a police crackdown dent. Their dramatic reversal in for- activists, including Ahmed Maher, to on the Islamist’s supporters. More tunes could well presage a return to three years in prison for violating a than 15,000 supporters of Morsi have the repression of the Mubarak era, restrictive demonstration law. Alaa also been jailed, while hundreds of activists fear. Abdel Fattah al-Sisi, who Abdel Fattah, a symbol of the revolt them have been sentenced to death overthrew elected Islamist president against Mubarak, is on trial on similar after speedy trials. Mohamed Morsi last July, is expected charges. And last month a court The repression has extended to to sweep the 26-27 election amid a banned Maher’s April 6 youth move- secular-leaning youth groups which clamor for a new strongman to restore ment which helped engineer the anti- demonstrated against a protest law stability. Mubarak uprising. which bans all but police-sanctioned Sisi, who had been Mubarak’s mili- rallies. The April 6 movement has tary intelligence chief before Morsi ‘Worse than Mubarak’ called for a boycott of what it called a fatefully made him army chief, toppled “Sisi’s presidency will not return “cosmetic” election. “Egypt has found a the Islamist with the approval of mil- (Egypt) to the Mubarak era, it will be military president,” joked Amr Ali, a lions of protesters, including some of worse than the Mubarak regime,” leader of the youth group. “It’s back to the revolutionary youth.The ouster set Abdel Fattah, who opposed Morsi’s the era of repression,” he said, standing off the bloodiest period in the coun- presidency, told AFP as he arrived at a few meters from the iconic Tahrir try’s recent history, with a crackdown Cairo court for a session of his trial last Square, where hundreds of thousands on Islamists now extending to secular week. For Abdel Fattah, the result of of demonstrators protested for 18 activists. Security forces in the Sinai the election to be contested next days in early 2011 to oust Mubarak. peninsula killed the leader of Egypt’s Monday and Tuesday was a “foregone Now only Sisi supporters are author- deadliest militant group, Ansar Beit al- conclusion” and Sisi “already the de ized to hold rallies at the square, with Maqdis, along with three senior mem- facto power” in Egypt. the roundabout becoming increasing- bers overnight, officials said early He said he would vote for Sisi’s only ly inaccessible for other groups.—AFP MOGADISHU: Somali security forces evacuate the body of a dead soldier in Mogadishu after Somalia’s Shebab rebels launched a major attack on the national parliament yesterday. — AFP Al Shabaab hits Somali parliament, four dead Two bombs rock parliament compound

MOGADISHU: Al Shabaab stormed Sheikh Abdiasis Abu Musab. The than two decades after the fall of dic- Somalia’s parliament yesterday, killing attack on parliament, a building about tator Mohamed Siad Barre tipped the at least four people in a bomb and 300 meters from the president’s country into chaos. In February at gun assault that the United Nations palace that is guarded by African least 11 people were killed when Al called “an attack against the people”. Union peacekeepers and Somali Shabaab attacked the presidential The attack - by the group that killed forces, showed that the al Qaeda- compound. In April they killed two 67 people at a Kenyan shopping mall linked group remains capable of hit- lawmakers. last year - started with a car bomb at a ting the centre of Mogadishu despite A Western diplomat who has gate to the heavily fortified parlia- being pushed out of the capital two worked with regional intelligence ment compound, followed by a sui- years ago. agencies said the attack would add to cide bombing and then a gun battle “The terrorists have once again pressure on President Hassan Sheikh which continued for hours. A police shown that they are against all Mohamud from about 100 parliamen- officer confirmed four of his col- Somalis, by killing our innocent broth- tarians who last month called for him leagues were killed and local media ers and sisters. These cowardly, despi- to be impeached over worsening said the total death might number cable actions are not a demonstration security. “The federal government is dozens. Reuters witnesses saw four of the true Islamic faith,” said Prime exercising no control,” the diplomat bodies at the scene and saw a soldier Minister Abdiweli Sheikh Ahmed. said. “Those ... in parliament will start fall from a rooftop after being shot. Nicholas Kay, Special Representative asking questions: what is this guy Reuters television pictures showed a of the UN Secretary-General for achieving?” The diplomat said the large pool of blood near blast site, and Somalia, said: “The Federal Parliament attack also showed that a surge by the a man with his shirt drenched in represents the people of Somalia and African Union peacekeeping troops blood running away from the scene. their hopes and aspirations for a had not weakened Al Shabaab’s Hours after the initial explosion, peaceful and stable future. Today’s capacity to wage asymmetric warfare gunfire and smaller blasts could still attack is an attack against the people in the capital, where coordination be heard around the parliament. “We of Somalia for which there can be no between Somali and foreign intelli- are behind the suicide bombing, justification.” gence agencies is poor. “Because intel- explosions and the fighting inside the ligence is fragmented, Al Shabaab is so-called Somali parliament house, Losing control slipping through the net,” said the and still heavy fighting is going on Somalia’s government is struggling diplomat. “They are becoming more inside,” said Al Shabaab spokesman to impose any sense of order, more dangerous.” —Reuters Syria rebels, army agree on truce near key city

BEIRUT: Syrian rebels and govern- without being attacked, or later said that although rebels were quite ment forces have agreed to a truce in arrested. A Syrian activist who uses strong in Al-Waar, they were under an opposition held area near the cen- the name Thaer Khalidiya said the pressure from the residents to leave tral city of Homs, activists said yester- truce went into effect on Friday and the area. He said many of local resi- day. The cease-fire, which started on was to last for three days, until Sunday dents feared they would suffer depri- Friday, comes as troops loyal to night. Rami Abdurrahman of the vation and hunger, akin to what civil- President Bashar Assad are trying to Britain-based Syrian Observatory for ians in rebel-held parts of Homs expe- seize as many rebel-held parts of Human Rights and the Hezbollah rienced, if the siege in al-Waar contin- major urban centers as possible ahead channel Al-Manar, which supports ued for much longer. Pro-government of the June 3 presidential elections. Assad, also reported the cease-fire. forces control the Syrian capital, Assad is widely expected to win a It is similar to a cease-fire agreed on Damascus, and recently assumed con- third, seven-year mandate, but oppo- in early May that ultimately allowed trol of all of Homs. They have also sition activists have criticized the vote for the evacuation of hundreds of stepped up their assault in the north- as being illegitimate because it is tak- rebels from opposition-held parts of ern city of Aleppo, Syria’s largest, to ing place amid a raging civil war. Old Homs. Assad’s forces have been take back rebel-held areas. But gov- Syria’s conflict, which began as an combining bombings of besieged, ernment-held areas are not entirely uprising against Assad’s rule, is now in opposition-held areas with negotiated secure. A car bomb killed two people its fourth year and has killed about cease-fires and evacuation deals to in an upscale part of Damascus yester- 160,000 people, activists say. reclaim rebel-held territory. Al-Waar day. On Thursday night, a mortar The truce in Al-Waar, which lies has been under a government block- attack on Assad’s supporters gathered across the Orontes River from Homs, is ade for about six months that has pre- at an election campaign tent in the meant to enable the warring sites to vented food and fuel from entering southern city of Daraa killed 39 peo- negotiate an agreement that will the area, where tens of thousands of ple and wounding 205 others, Syrian allow the rebels to leave the area civilians live. Khalidiya, the activist, state TV said Friday.— AP SUNDAY, MAY 25, 2014 INTERNATIONAL

Arizona wildfire fighting strategy: Let blaze grow US motorists under FLAGSTAFF: Firefighters say a wildfire “There might be a huge spike in size, but burning through forested hillsides in a we want the public to know we’re con- scenic northern Arizona canyon could trolling the fire,” fire spokesman Dillon siege in ‘Carjack City’ dramatically expand as crews scramble to Winiecki said “We are fighting it on our get the upper hand in less rugged terrain. own terms.” Wild land fire teams are going to allow The human-caused Slide Fire started the flames to burn through flatter lands Tuesday and by Friday had burned more Armed auto thieves target drivers, cars and into a sort of catcher’s mitt to the than 11 square miles in and around Oak north and the west, Deputy Incident Creek Canyon, a scenic recreation area DETROIT: When they pull up to a gas station Commander Pruett Small said Friday. That along the highway between Sedona and these days, Detroit drivers are looking beyond the means the fire could grow to nearly 36 Flagstaff that normally would be filled price per gallon at a far more threatening concern: square miles, nearly tripling in size. The with tourists as Memorial Day approach- carjackers. The armed auto thieves have become goals for fire managers are to protect the es. The cause is under investigation, but a so common here that parts of the bankrupt 300 structures threatened in Oak Creek campfire has been ruled out, said metropolis are referred to as “Carjack City,” and Canyon, keep the fire from pushing into Coconino National Forest spokeswoman many motorists fear getting out of their vehicles the communities of Forest Highlands and Heather Noel. Slide Rock State Park is even for a few moments to fill a tank. So gas sta- Kachina Village to the east, and minimize among the destinations that are closed. tions are taking steps to protect customers, and the potential for flooding. It is one of the most-visited tourist spots the city has formed a special police team to go Fire managers said the blaze has cost in Arizona, with swimming holes and nat- after suspects. Convicted carjackers will even get $2.2 million to fight as of Friday and ural water slides that draw tens of thou- their faces and prison sentences plastered onto might take up to 10 more days to fully sands of people during summer months. billboards. control. No injuries have been reported as Weather conditions for the fire over “You need to catch these people and make a a result of the fire and no structures have the next several days look favorable, good example of them,” said Mousa Bazzi, who burned, according to fire incident com- with increased humidity and a chance of owns a Mobil station in a semi-desolate neighbor- mander Tony Sciacca. He said the fire rain. Firefighters have established con- hood bordering Detroit’s east riverfront. He keeps grew by 500 to 1,000 acres on Friday and tainment lines around 5 percent of the his business well-lit and continually has two to remained at 5 percent contained as crews fire nearest to where it started just north four employees inside to ensure “there’s always an took advantage of cool and calm weather of Slide Rock State Park. Their work also extra hand or two” in case of trouble. Authorities to carry out plans to choke off the blaze included creating buffer zones around blame many of the carjackings, ironically, on as Memorial Day travelers were forced to resorts and homes, putting in a sprinkler improvements in vehicle security. Anti-theft alter their travel plans because of the fire. system around a fish hatchery in the equipment, GPS systems and advanced locks now Hotshot crews marched along a wind- canyon and quickly knocking down spot prevent many vehicles from being driven without DETROIT: In a photo shot from video provided by the Detroit police, car thieves take the tires ing highway that is a key front in their fires that escaped the main blaze. Some a key in the ignition. off a Ford Fusion. Detroit police reported 720 carjackings last year in the city of 700,000 peo- effort and set fire to the ground to rob 900 firefighters were assigned to the fire That makes it difficult or impossible for thieves ple. — AP the wildfire of fuel and keep it from cross- Friday. The fire was moving away from to steal parked cars, leading them to target vehi- ing the road. Helicopters dropped explo- Sedona, but that didn’t ease concerns of cles that are occupied, said Jonathan Parnell, of caught up to the SUV and got shot in the leg by similar campaign that includes billboards with sive chemicals in the steepest parts of the business owners who worry the blaze Detroit’s auto-theft squad. Also contributing to the carjacker, who was later arrested. photos of convicted carjackers started last sum- canyon that firefighters can’t reach. Crews will keep customers away from the pre- the thefts is a strong demand for stolen wheels Now, Buckman said, she tries not to pump gas mer in Newark. on the plateau widened lines to the mier tourist destination over the week- and tires, police said. Bazzi’s station displays pale- at all. “If the night catches me, I won’t pump gas in Detroit police have also announced a partner- northwest where the fire was spreading. end. — AP green decals depicting a lighthouse - a symbol the city,” she said. “Or I’ll call somebody to meet ship with General Motors’ OnStar roadside assis- that his business has joined the city’s anti-carjack- me.” It’s difficult to know how Detroit’s carjackings tance service to track down stolen vehicles and ing effort. To be part of the program, stations must rank nationally because many police agencies promote rewards tied to an anonymous tip line. have security cameras, good lighting, be open 24 lump carjackings with all armed robberies in To avoid becoming a victim, security guard Greg hours and have clerks willing to help motorists annual reports to the FBI. Newark, New Jersey, Champion wears a handgun on his hip whenever Drive-by shooting and provide a phone for emergency calls. with a population of 280,000, had 382 carjackings he’s pumping gas. “I don’t want to surprise you,” “There is a waiting list,” Sgt Michael Woody said. last year, giving it a per capita rate that is actually Champion said. “I want you to know I’m armed, kills 7 in California “We have so many gas stations that want to higher than Detroit’s. Memphis, Tennessee, with a and I want you to know I can defend myself, and I become a lighthouse. You get better protection population of 655,000, had slightly more than 400 want you to go somewhere else.” Christine Reed with that big sticker in the window that tells crimi- carjackings over three years from 2011 through takes the opposite approach. The 27-year-old CALIFORNIA: At least seven people were Witnesses reported seeing a black BMW 2013. El Paso, a rapidly growing western Texas city mother of two won’t stop for gas in Detroit. She killed when a lone gunman sprayed gunfire speeding through the streets and spraying nals there is proper equipment that will help of 670,000, reported only 15 carjackings last year lives north of the city in Warren and works four from a car in a drive-by shooting near a col- bullets at people and other targets in Isla police investigate these crimes.” Detroit police and 18 in 2012. days a week cleaning offices downtown. lege campus in the California city of Santa Vista, California’s KEYT-TV reported. The reported 720 carjackings last year in the city of If she’s in a bad section of town, Reed said, she Barbara, including the suspected shooter, sheriff said the gunman twice exchanged fewer than 700,000 people. That’s down from Carjackings in 2014 passes through red lights because it’s tougher to authorities said yesterday. Seven more peo- fire with deputies before his vehicle crashed. nearly 850 in 2011 and 1,231 in 2008. The decline ple were wounded in what the Santa The suspect was found dead in the car from may partly be due to Detroit’s freefalling popula- Through May 19, Detroit has recorded 191 car- carjack a moving target. “It’s not a safe place any- Barbara County Sheriff described as a pre- a gunshot wound to the head, and authori- tion, but the thefts still exceed the carjackings in jackings in 2014, including the Feb 24 shooting more,” Reed said. “It’s dangerous.” The state- meditated atrocity late on Friday in the town ties recovered a semiautomatic handgun, he some comparably sized US cities. death of CVS security guard Courtney Meeks, who appointed emergency manager tasked with of Isla Vista near the campus of the said. “We have obtained and are currently Sharlonda Buckman, executive director of a rushed toward a car being taken by three men, restructuring Detroit’s $18 billion in debt has said University of California at Santa Barbara. analyzing both written and videotaped evi- Detroit nonprofit, was at a gas station on an and the Feb 4 slaying of Donald Bradshaw, a 68- crime needs to be reduced to make the city attrac- “This incident appears to be a mass murder dence that suggests this atrocity was a pre- October morning when she ran inside for aspirin. year-old man who was beaten to death with a tire tive to new residents and businesses. That’s going situation,” Santa Barbara County Sheriff Bill meditated mass murder,” Brown said. He Back inside her SUV, she was just closing the door iron after he was carjacked at an intersection. to take more and better resources, said Wayne Brown told a televised news conference. “We could not immediately say whether the sus- when she saw a carjacker shove his gun inside. Prosecutors, the FBI and Detroit police recently County Prosecutor Kym Worthy, who complains currently have seven people confirmed pected gunman was killed by deputies in She screamed and jumped out of the vehicle. The announced a campaign to spread the word about that she has only a few assistants to try carjack- dead, that includes the suspect and six vic- the exchange of fire or died of a self-inflicted carjacker jumped in and drove off. Three other stiffer federal penalties for carjacking, which can ings. “When nobody has any resources ... all we tims.” wound. — Reuters customers gave chase in their vehicles. One include the death penalty if someone is killed. A can be is reactive,” she said. — AP INTERNATIONAL SUNDAY, MAY 25, 2014

Beijing heightens security in Urumqi after deadly attack

URUMQI: Security was tight yesterday in Urumqi, Four of them died at the scene, Xinhua news agency the capital of China’s Xinjiang, two days after the said, while another was arrested in Bayingolin, a vast volatile Muslim Uighur homeland suffered its prefecture south of Urumqi. bloodiest attack in years, leaving 43 people dead, The men “took part in a terrorist attack on including four assailants. Armed paramilitary Thursday that killed 39 innocent people and injured police were on patrol at many locations across the another 94,” Xinhua said, making clear that the sus- city, after attackers in two vehicles ploughed into pects were not included in the death toll figure. The shoppers and traders and threw explosives at a one-year campaign against terrorists and religious street market Thursday. At North Park Street, the extremist groups would target “gun and explosive scene of the attack, groups of four or five armed manufacturing dens and terrorist training camps,” paramilitary police stood about ten metres apart state media said. It was launched as more than 1,000 holding rifles. military personnel and police staged a drill through Meanwhile patrols of police marched up and the streets of Urumqi Friday in a defiant show of down the road with riot shields. The area would have force. Beijing described the market attack as the lat- previously seen scores of traders selling groceries est “severe terrorist incident” to hit the far western and fruit on wooden trailers and from cardboard region. boxes. However, the street market has been closed Critics of China’s policies in Xinjiang say that ten- since Thursday’s bloody attack and traffic was not sions in the region are driven by cultural oppression, allowed through yesterday. Police were stopping intrusive security measures and immigration by journalists at the scene, taking details and warning majority Han Chinese which have led to decades of against taking pictures. “It (the environment) is very discrimination and economic inequality. Meanwhile, good today,” a policewoman told AFP, pointing to the authorities in charge of Beijing’s underground rail bustling shops along the road. network said yesterday they would boost security At a nearby supermarket, a trader said the armed checks at stations in response to the latest attacks, presence was welcome. “We have got back to normal state media reported. A measure launched in very quickly,” said the man, who did not give his January which involves passengers at six stations name. “We are not worried anymore.” State media near Tiananmen Square being required to go said late Friday that Xinjiang had launched a “one- through security checks has been extended to a fur- year campaign against terrorist violence”, as details of ther three stations, the Xinhua report said, without XINJIANG: Chinese paramilitary policemen stand guard on a city square in Urumqi in China’s the suspects involved with the attack were released. identifying which stations. — AFP Xinjiang region yesterday. — AFP

Slavyansk’s children face trauma of war Kiev pins hopes on oligarch in SLAVYANSK: Every day, Ibrahim, a six-year-old boy living “There have been intense clashes outside the town for battle against east separatists in the eastern Ukraine town of Slavyansk, asks the same the past three days, so we sleep on the ground under tables question: “Mummy, when will the war end?” His parents are to protect against the windows being blown in,” said Nastia, not sure how to explain that their home has become a saying they have grown used to their walls shaking from Ukrainians elect new president today stronghold of pro-Russian rebels who have been facing off explosions. “The children ask a ton of questions and I don’t against the Ukrainian army over the past six weeks. But like know what to say. At the end of the day, we no longer know DNIPROPETROVSK: Ukrainian self-defense fighters who clashed Defense Force, said the force now has nearly 15,000 people, any child that feels his question isn’t being answered prop- who is protecting us against who,” added Nadia, the mother with armed pro-Russian separatists are at the forefront of Kiev’s including some 2,000 combat-ready troops organized in four bat- erly, Ibrahim stubbornly persists with his questioning. “I of a three-year-old boy and a girl of six. “I tell them the efforts to prevent the country splitting. Co-funded by Igor talions. The battalions still formally take orders from Ukraine’s don’t know how to respond,” his mother Nastia said at the armed men that we see everywhere are there to defend us. Kolomoisky, one of Ukraine’s richest men, they play a more army and law enforcement bodies but earn about twice as much gates of his school. “At the start, we did everything to keep We try to reassure them as best we can,” she said, while her assertive role than the unarmed miners and metalworkers work- as the average salary and are better equipped, he said. Ukraine’s up a normal life but now it’s impossible. Every night, there children play on a rusty slide nearby. “Everything used to be ing for another oligarch, Rinat Akhmetov, who more recently political crisis has shone a harsh spotlight on the parlous state of are explosions and the roads are full of armed men,” she so peaceful here.” spoke against the rebels. the ex-Soviet republic’s military forces. said, pointing out some uniformed rebels a few metres Last week, UN children’s agency UNICEF raised fears of At least two people were killed in Friday’s firefight involving “The problem is that there was never such a thing really as the away, rifles and rocket launchers slung over their backs. the collapsing situation in Ukraine and its impact on the the pro-Ukrainian ‘Donbass Battalion’ allied to Kolomoisky. The Ukrainian army. Our top generals, most senior officers still do not A little more than one month after Kiev launched its lives of children. “Two days ago, we heard an explosion so violence took place just two days before a presidential election see Ukraine as a truly separate and sovereign country,” said Bereza, “counter-terrorism” operation against the insurgents in loud that my little girl woke up screaming. She seemed the separatists have vowed to disrupt. Kolomoisky, appointed more than two decades after the fall of the Soviet Union in 1991 eastern Ukraine, signs of war are everywhere in Slavyansk, a completely dazed but too scared to cry,” said Olona, who governor of the eastern region of Dnipropetrovsk in March, has gave Ukraine independence. In Dnipropetrovsk, where Ukrainian town of 110,000 people that has become the epicenter of lives in a suburb of Slavyansk. “I try to make her believe spent tens of millions of dollars, an aide said, to prevent his territo- yellow-and-blue national flags are seen all around the city of one the conflict. Tree branches, tyres and wooden pallettes bar- that it’s a firework. It’s clear she doesn’t believe me, but I ry falling, like the regions of Donetsk and Luhansk further to the million people, there is much less tension than in and around ricade all the large avenues of Slavyansk. The main build- don’t know what else to say. Our life has turned into a east, into separatist hands and being proclaimed autonomous Donetsk, but Bereza’s men feel the deadly gravity of Ukraine’s ings are guarded by armed men, and patrols consisting of a nightmare.” On a recent day in one local school, there are “people’s republics”. predicament. “I thought the war was long over for me, it’s still hard dozen men tour the roads. On the outskirts, the town is few children in the playground. “We have fewer and fewer Among Ukraine’s five richest men, the 51-year-old has put a to believe we are fighting on our own soil,” said Oleksandr Rybich, encircled by Ukrainian government troops, facing off children. These last few days, barely a third are showing up,” $10,000 bounty on the head of any Russian “saboteur” and has who served in Afghanistan in the Soviet army in 1980s, and now against lines of insurgents. Every night, there are sporadic said school director Gertruda Gagachyova. “At the same bought up weapons from people to help pacify the region. With mans the Bratske check-point outside Dnipropetrovsk. clashes between the two camps trying to regain control of time, I understand that most parents are too scared of the Kiev’s blessing, he is now seeking to expand his influence with an one or another checkpoint. fighting to bring their children to school. —AFP offensive to win back ground in the two neighboring regions, Oligarchs at odds where the separatists have seized strategic public buildings and Many in Dnipropetrovsk compare Kolomoisky favourably with called for union with Russia. The forces allied to him are already Ukraine’s richest man, Akhmetov, who is based in Donetsk where patrolling four western districts of the Donetsk region where he he owns steel mills and coal mines. Akhmetov kept a diplomatic helped install pro-Ukrainian locals in governing roles and three silence as separatists took control of the city. Kolomoisky, who is a more districts are expected to follow, according to his aides. senior figure within Ukraine’s Jewish community, co-owns the country’s largest lender Privatbank. Belatedly, Akhmetov con- Consolidating factor demned the separatists this week and ordered his workers to join “We are doing all this in agreement with the central govern- daily protests to register their opposition to the separatists who ment. We coordinate and cooperate with Kiev, they accept that have seized public buildings and other key sites in several cities we are influential as a consolidating factor in the east,” and towns. “We were just lucky to get a better oligarch,” said Kolomoisky’s deputy Borys Filatov said. “Our goal is to knit the Yevgeny Khapatko, a 24-year-old self-defense member at the country back together,” said the 42-year-old lawyer and real-estate Bratske spot. “Much of Kolomoisky’s business is here, he is trying businessman after a meeting with voters in the Dnipropetrovsk to protect that. Akhmetov has stronger ties with Russia. In the end region that represents some 7 percent of Ukraine’s population, he has overplayed his hand.” with 3.3 million people. Ukraine’s long-running political crisis esca- In Donetsk, where many accept Moscow’s line that Kiev is now lated sharply in February when mass street protests toppled ruled by dangerous nationalists bent on making Russian speakers Moscow-backed president Viktor Yanukovich and he fled to second-class citizens, Kolomoisky is viewed very differently. Russia. Moscow then grabbed Ukraine’s Crimea region after “Before all these events, I thought Kolomoisky was a normal busi- declaring Kiev’s interim authorities illegitimate and hostile to nessman. Now Kolomoisky has taken a pro-Nazi, pro-fascist Russian speakers. It remains unclear to what extent voters in the stance that I cannot understand,” said Nikolai Zagoruyko, head of eastern regions will be able to take part in today’s election. the Party of the Regions faction in Donetsk’s regional parliament. In a sign of the trust Kiev now has in Kolomoisky and his politi- “He is financing mercenaries ... He and Kiev will tear the country cal clout in Ukraine’s Russian-speaking south-east, his ally Igor apart,” added Zagoruyko, whose party was once led by the ousted Palitsa was named head of Odessa region and tasked with easing president Yanukovich. “Akhmetov and other businessmen in the tensions after dozens were killed in clashes in the port city earlier Donetsk region sought to distance themselves from all this, to in May. Igor Bereza, a commander in Kolomoisky’s National prevent the conflict and the violence,” he said. — Reuters Zuma sworn in for second term as S Africa president

PRETORIA: South African President Jacob Zuma vowed to who gathered, Mahlomola Khumalo did not vote for Zuma, spearhead a “radical social economic transformation” as he but wanted to be there to help the country unite. “It was was sworn in for a second term before dignitaries and a very important because it’s for our nation so we can sup- cheering crowd of thousands yesterday. “Today marks the port the president and support our nation,” he said during beginning of the second phase of our transition from the long hours spent waiting for proceedings to get under apartheid to a national democratic society,” he said, prom- way. ising more black empowerment and a bigger economic In Zuma’s 2009 inaugural address he implored the gov- role for the state. The ceremony took place in the ernment to “hold ourselves to the highest standards of serv- amphitheatre of Pretoria’s English colonial-style Union ice, probity and integrity.” Five years on, having brushed off Buildings-the seat of government-where just five months sex scandals, numerous corruption charges and accusations before Nelson Mandela’s body lay in state. of peddling influence to well-connected businessmen, he Zuma paid tribute to the former leader and founder of still faces questions about how $23 million of taxpayers the nation, hailing the work he did to transform South cash was used to do-up his private home. The 72-year-old Africa from international pariah to toast of the world. promised the state would perform better and be more Kings, presidents and prime ministers from across Africa, accountable with “firm consequences where there is a fail- including Zimbabwe’s Robert Mugabe and Nigeria’s ure to deliver services to our people.” South Africans will Goodluck Jonathan, but none from Europe or North now look to the formation of Zuma’s next cabinet for a hint America, looked on. Zuma had a rocky first term, repeated- of whether his promises will be realised. — AFP ly criticised for alleged corruption and high unemploy- ment, as well as enduring daily protests over poor public services. After a turbulent five years there was an air of relief about Saturday’s celebrations. After chief justice Mogoeng Mogoeng administered the oath of office and concluded the legal formalities Zuma broke into a broad smile. A traditional praise singer clad in leopard skin hailed Zuma as a “warrior for social justice” declaring “the bones of our ancestors are vibrating” as women in the audience ululated. Military helicopters and a low-flying South African Airways Airbus A340-600 buzzed the crowd, reliving a similar jubilant fly-over a decade earli- er when the newly freed “Rainbow Nation” won the rugby world cup in Johannesburg. But the mood of the nation is much changed as Zuma enters the coda of a deeply con- troversial political career. Mandela is gone, and so too the youthful exuberance of a reborn nation released from decades of racist rule. South Africa recently lost its place as the continent’s largest econ- omy to Nigeria, and is seems unable to tackle levels of inequality that are as extreme as anywhere on earth. While PRETORIA: South African president Jacob Zuma is sworn in voters at the May 7 election showed near boundless loyalty for a second term in Pretoria, South Africa yesterday. to the ANC, which won 62 percent of the popular vote, Zuma was sworn in after the country’s fifth democratic their allegiance to Zuma is less clear. One of the thousands elections. — AP SUNDAY, MAY 25, 2014 INTERNATIONAL Bomb attacks kill seven in Pakistan ISLAMABAD: Three separate bomb attacks in the capital since a blast tore attacks-two in the capital Islamabad and through a fruit and vegetable market in one in a restive tribal region-killed six sol- April, killing at least 22 people. That was the diers and one civilian in Pakistan yesterday, deadliest bombing in Islamabad since a officials said. The explosions followed three huge truck bomb at the Marriott Hotel in days of intensive Pakistani military airstrikes 2008. Mohammad Ali, a police official, said against Taleban hideouts near the Afghan yesterday’s second blast came from a “low- border, which killed at least 75 people. intensity” device planted in a car. “No one There was no immediate claim of responsi- was hurt,” he told reporters. bility for the blasts but they come as the The third bomb hit a convoy of paramili- government is locked in stop-start peace tary Frontier Corps in a remote village of the talks with Tehreek-e-Taleban Pakistan (TTP), troubled Mohmand tribal district 150 kilo- who have waged a seven-year insurgency meters northwest of Islamabad along the in the country. The first blast struck an border with Afghanistan. Six soldiers died upmarket shopping area close to the centre and another was injured. “It was an IED of Islamabad around 2:00 am, killing a secu- blast. A total of six security personnel rity guard and wounding another. “One embraced Shahadat (Martyrdom),” the offi- ISLAMABAD: Motorists ride past a banner of Pakistani Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif hanging on an electricity pole in Islamabad, Pakistan. Sharif watchman has died in the hospital, he was cial told AFP, adding that four troops had will attend the inauguration of India’s Prime Minister-designate Narendra Modi, a first for the nuclear-armed rivals, officials said yesterday. — AP very critically wounded and did not survive,” died immediately and two later in hospital. police official Chaudhry Hafiz Hussain said. Thousands have been killed in militant vio- “The second watchman is getting medical lence in recent years but attacks on the cap- treatment,” he added. ital, much of which is heavily guarded, have Pakistani Prime Minister to Images broadcast on local television been rare. Peace talks between TTP and the showed broken glass and branches strewn government began in February but have across the pavement. The second explosion made little progress. A month-long cease- came half an hour after the first, in a differ- fire between Pakistan and the Taleban attend Modi’s inauguration ent part of the city. They were the first expired last month. — AFP Invitation could signal thaw in tensions Two top leaders of India’s ISLAMABAD: Pakistan’s Prime Minister Nawaz of national security. smooth a potentially perilous transition in anti-corruption party quit Sharif has accepted an invitation to attend the Officials in Pakistan are also hopeful that Afghanistan as most NATO combat forces pre- inauguration of Indian Prime Minister-desig- Modi will seize an opportunity to rebuild ties, pare to leave by the end of this year. NEW DELHI: India’s upstart anti-corrup- ted that his decision to quit in a row over nate Narendra Modi, a first in the history of because he is much less vulnerable to the Afghanistan has long been seen as a proxy tion party suffered a blow yesterday when an anti-corruption bill was a mistake. His the nuclear-armed rivals, an official said yes- charges of weakness that plagued Singh. battleground where Pakistan’s Inter-Services two of their leaders quit after accusing party won only four seats in India’s recent terday. “There will be a bilateral meeting on “Both prime ministers are very business Intelligence agency has been accused of their high-profile chief of impulsive deci- general election, which the right-wing the sidelines between Prime Minister Nawaz friendly and focused on the economy. Both sponsoring attacks on Indian targets. India’s sion-making. Shazia Ilmi and G R Gopinath Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) won by a land- Sharif and Modi,” Mohyuddin Wani, the joint have a majority in parliament and don’t need consulate in the western Afghan city of Herat of the Aam Aadmi (Common Man) Party slide. Gopinath, one of the many profes- secretary of the prime minister’s office said. a coalition,” said Imtiaz Gul, the head of was attacked by heavily armed insurgents on said they did not approve of the “sensa- sionals who joined Aam Aadmi Party after “Sharif will also be calling on the Indian Islamabad think-tank the Centre for Research Friday. All the insurgents were killed, an tionalism” agenda followed by the fledg- it successfully tapped into growing anger president.” Pakistan and India have fought and Security Studies. “This invitation is a posi- Indian official said, and five security guards ling party’s leader Arvind Kejriwal. among public over widespread corrup- three wars since independence in 1947. Ties tive step - it marks a break from the Cold War- were wounded. Pakistan has long complained They were referring to Kejriwal’s recent tion, also slammed Kejriwal’s decision to have been particularly tense since the 2008 era mentality that has overshadowed the rela- about the number of Indian consulates in decision of choosing to remain behind remain in jail. attacks on Mumbai blamed by India on tionship.” Afghan cities, fearful that friendship between bars rather than pay bail of Rs 10,000 “This kind of agitation can’t be equated Pakistan-based militants. Sharif came to pow- India and Afghanistan could leave it isolated. ($170) in a defamation case. “One strongly with activism,” Gopinath, who founded a er last year promising to rebuild relations with Normalizing trade On Friday, however, Pakistan’s Foreign believes that instead of wasting our collec- low-cost Indian airline, told the NDTV India but has been under pressure to toughen Modi’s ambitious economic agenda will Ministry was quick to condemn the attack on tive energy in this bail-jail imbroglio, news network. “It’s an individual defama- his stance from hardliners at home, particular- require India to open markets and normalize India’s Herat consulate, an indication that Arvind (Kejriwal) should actually be tion case. you must have patience, if you ly within the army. trade with neighbors. He could find Sharif, a bilateral ties could be entering a new phase. A spending time with cadres,” Ilmi, one of accuse someone of corruption you have The top source of friction is his aim to proponent of free markets with a history of Pakistani information ministry official said: the founder members of the party, said in to prove it in court.” The resignations will boost trade with India. Many army officers say conciliatory gestures towards New Delhi, an “We still have to gauge what Modi’s govern- her resignation letter. Kejriwal has been have a bearing on the long-term future of India must vacate its part of the disputed ter- ally in that. The relationship improved the last ment’s stand is on the many issues that branded a “drama queen” by opponents the party which political analysts say risks ritory of Kashmir before ties can improve. In time the BJP took power, in 1998, under Prime remain unresolved between Pakistan and for choosing to go to jail rather than pay running out of steam. Another high-pro- India too, former Prime Minister Manmohan Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee, who rode a bus India. “The inaugural speech will hopefully set bail during a court hearing on Wednesday. file members of the party, Ashutosh, who Singh’s efforts to rebuild economic and diplo- to Lahore during Sharif’s previous stint in the tone of relations and we can take it from He will remain behind bars till June 6. uses just one name, has hinted he would matic ties fell apart when deadly skirmishes power to sign a peace accord. Three months there,” the official said, requesting anonymity The self-styled anti-corruption cam- seek greener pastures in light of AAP’s broke out along the border in Kashmir last later, the Pakistani army torpedoed Sharif’s as he was not authorized to comment. Former paigner served a 49-day stint as Delhi chief poll debacle. “Time to think, to introspect, year. Modi’s Bharatiya Janata Party has long attempts to improve ties by secretly sending military ruler General Pervez Musharraf was minister before quitting, after his party to plan, to move. Life does not stop, it advocated a tough stance on Pakistan, a view soldiers disguised as militants to capture the last Pakistani head of state to visit India, in made a spectacular debut in state elec- continues,” he tweeted earlier in the reflected in his election campaign that pro- Indian outposts in the heights of Kargil, in the 2005. Last year, Singh, then prime minister, tions last December. He has since admit- week. — AFP duced a parliamentary majority. The new north of Indian Kashmir. declined Sharif’s invitation to attend his oath- Indian leader is seen as a hardliner on issues Lasting India-Pakistan peace would help taking ceremony. — Reuters SUNDAY, MAY 25, 2014 INTERNATIONAL Myanmar land grab victims turn to black magic YANGON: Victims of land grabs in Myanmar have evictions have continued. Some who have challenged eagerly tested newfound freedoms by protesting and the system have been charged with disrupting public sending petitions to the president and parliament, to tranquility or violating a new law on peaceful assem- no avail. Now some are turning to old ways: Curses and blies, offenses punishable by up to two years in prison. black magic. Coffins marked with the names of those Sein Thein and other families from Michaung Kan who seized property have been set ablaze. In rugged were among those staging frequent protests in front central regions of the country, aggrieved villagers have of Yangon’s city hall. Their sit-in protest is in its second prayed for mountain gods to unleash their wrath. “This month, but with few options available to them, some is our last weapon,” said Sein Than, who was among now see appealing to mystical forces as a last resort. 200 families evicted from homes at Michaung Kan in “We sought the powers of the demon to put an evil eastern Yangon, where they had lived for generations. spell on those people who grabbed our land,” said Sein He and dozens of others presented offerings - and Than. Myanmar is predominantly Buddhist, but spirit pleas - to “demons of the Earth.” worship and animists are tolerated and deeply embed- “Punish those who grab our land and desecrate the ded in the society. People worship spirits either to pagoda,” they chanted this month in front of a ward off evil befalling them or to bring good fortune. Buddhist temple. “Drag them to the lowest level of Belief in black magic and supernatural powers are being and keep them there forever.” Land seizures by more common in rural and ethnic areas. the military, the government and private companies It was uncommon, if not unheard of, to see people linked to junta cronies have long been commonplace attempt to use black magic against Myanmar’s former in this Southeast Asian country, whether for develop- military rulers. Though successive Myanmar leaders ment or the extraction of natural resources. Many of have consulted astrologers for advice and guidance, BAGO: Land grab victim farmers set fire to three coffins as they perform the funeral for those who con- those who lost their land in the biggest land grabs in there has been little to suggest that the tactics have fiscated more than 1,000 acres of their farmland in Bago, Myanmar. —AP the 1990s were relocated to remote areas. Some upset officials. About 200 kilometers north of Yangon, became squatters on their own land, or were allowed Myanmar’s biggest city, farmers in Thegone township spirits of the mountains to punish those responsible company, but our demands remain unanswered so far,” to continue farming if they paid rent. Some houses of in Bago region went to a cemetery in mid-April and for their suffering. Women went to a spirit house at the said Than Than Htwe, a villager from Tone village farmers who did not give up their land have been bull- burned three mock coffins, wishing for the deaths for edge of Wet Hmay village to ask the guardians of the whose 4 acres of farmland was taken by the mine com- dozed. those who confiscated more than 1,000 acres of farm- region’s 33 mountains to turn the people who stole pany, a joint venture between a military-controlled The elected government that ended a half-century land. They prayed that their tormentors would go their land into stone statues. They carried bamboo holding company and China’s Wanbao Mining Ltd. “We of dictatorship in 2011 has restored speech freedoms, through the same pain and distress the farmers have baskets filled with offerings such as coconuts, bananas, now turn desperately to the spirits to help us and we released political prisoners and implemented other felt. pickled tea leaves and cheroots, a sort of cigar made believe those evil people will be punished,” he said. changes that have prompted the international com- In central Myanmar’s Magwe region, where hun- with ingredients such as tamarind, charcoal and the That was one case in which officials did react. Five munity to ease sanctions. Many victims of land grabs dreds have been displaced by a copper mine project, stem of an indigenous plant. “We have appealed to organizers of the coffin burning have been charged had hoped new government would help them, but people have held ceremonies calling on the guardian various levels of government, we have appealed to the with disrupting tranquility.—AP News Opposition to Thailand coup in brief

simmers, ex-PM in ‘safe place’ Crocodile kills fisherman MANILA: A crocodile killed a fisherman in the Philippines and was discovered by coast guard workers with the man still locked in its jaws, an offi- King acknowledges military takeover cial said yesterday. The coast guard first noticed an empty rowing boat rocking in the Rio Tuba river in BANGKOK: Former Thai Prime Minister Yingluck on Friday when she and about from her cabinet were being held in army his sister. the western island of Palawan late Thursday, said Yingluck Shinawatra was in a “safe place” 150 other people, most of them political facilities in Saraburi. Army deputy The army said yesterday that King Lieutenant Greanata Jude. When they approached, yesterday, an aide said, after being held by associates, were summoned to an army spokesman Winthai Suvaree told a news Bhumibol Adulyadej had acknowledged they found the fisherman’s body tied to the vessel the army following a coup, as opposition to facility in Bangkok. More people were sum- conference that anyone being held would the military takeover, a significant formality and in the mouth of the 12-to-15 feet crocodile the takeover grew among her supporters moned this weekend, including some out- not be detained for more than seven days. in a country where the monarchy is the who was trying to wrest the body away, Jude said. and pro-democracy activists. The army spoken academics. He did not mention Yingluck. most important institution. An undercur- “On the side of the boat was the body of the victim moved on Thursday after failing to forge a A senior officer told Reuters Yingluck Thailand’s political woes are the latest rent of the crisis is anxiety over the issue of being bitten by a crocodile. The body was tied to royal succession. The king, the world’s the boat,” she said. The coast guard fired a gun at longest-reigning monarch, is 86 and spent the reptile, which caused it to release the body and the years from 2009 to 2013 in hospital. flee. They recovered the body but it was not clear if Crown Prince Vajiralongkorn does not com- the crocodile was hurt, she added. The fisherman mand the same devotion as his father, but was from a nearby village and had gone diving for some Thaksin supporters have recently sea cucumbers. He had tied the line to his boat to been making a point of their loyalty to the keep it from drifting away while he was underwa- prince. ter, coast guard official Jude said. The boat appar- Reforms before election ently drifted from the sea into the Rio Tuba river Despite international calls for the although it is not clear where the fisherman restoration of democratic government, encountered the crocodile, she added. army chief General Prayuth Chan-ocha has not promised a swift return to civilian rule, Bahrainis, police clash insisting there must be broad reforms and DUBAI: Angry Bahrainis preparing to bury a stability first. “We must have economic, teenager killed in clashes with police in a Shiite vil- social and political reforms before elec- lage near the capital torched a police car, the interi- tions,” Prayuth told civil servants on Friday or ministry said yesterday. The ministry said the in his first comments on his plans since the police car caught fire and burned on Friday night coup. “If the situation is peaceful, we are after being hit by a Molotov cocktail in the village ready to return power to the people.” of Mikshaa, west of Manama. Witnesses said police But reforms could take many months used tear gas to disperse people who had gathered and stability could be elusive. Many coun- in protest for a second consecutive night Friday. tries have issued travel warnings for Mahmud Mohsen, 15, died after being hit by bird- Thailand. The United States swiftly con- shot on Wednesday, the main Shiite opposition demned the coup and has said it is review- bloc Al-Wefaq said. His funeral was to be held yes- ing its aid to Thailand. The US State terday. The ministry said it has opened an enquiry Department said on Friday it had suspend- into the death of Mohsen, whom Al-Wefaq claimed ed about $3.5 million in military aid, includ- was hit when security forces opened fire on ing a portion for training. Human Rights demonstrators. That incident occurred during a cer- Watch said rights in Thailand were in “free emony to mark the death of a Shiite killed in an fall”. In what appeared to be a quick move explosion on May 16. Bahrain remains deeply divid- to win over some of Thaksin’s core support- ed three years after security forces crushed an Arab ers, Prayuth said on Friday paying farmers Spring-inspired uprising, with persistent protests money owed under a failed subsidy sparking clashes with police, scores of Shiites jailed scheme organized by Yingluck’s govern- BANGKOK: Thai soldiers scuffle with protesters during an anti-coup demonstration at the Victory Monument in Bangkok, on “terror” charges and reconciliation talks dead- ment was a priority. Thailand yesterday. —AP locked. compromise in a power struggle between could be held for up to a week and media chapter in a nearly decade-long clash Stirrings of opposition 28 killed in Sudan Yingluck’s populist government and the reported she had been taken to an army between the Bangkok-based establishment The military has banned gatherings of KHARTOUM: At least 28 people have been killed in royalist establishment, which brought base in Saraburi province north of and Thaksin Shinawatra, a former telecom- more than five people, censored the media renewed fighting between two Sudanese ethnic months of sometimes violent unrest to Bangkok, but an aide denied that. “Now munications tycoon who broke the mould and imposed a 10 pm to 5 am curfew, but groups, tribal sources said yesterday. Battles Bangkok’s streets. she’s in a safe place ... She has not been of Thai politics with pro-poor policies that that has not stopped some from showing between the Hamar and Maaliya tribes began Consolidating its grip, the military dis- detained in any military camp. That’s all I won him huge support and repeated elec- their disapproval. About 200 people gath- Thursday in the border region of West Kordofan solved the Senate yesterday, the only leg- can say at this moment,” the aide said, toral victories. Thaksin was ousted in a 2006 ered outside a mall complex in north and East Darfur states, tribal leaders from each side islative assembly still functioning in declining to be identified. A source from coup and left the country after a 2008 graft Bangkok early yesterday, holding up hand- said. Over the past two years, as Sudan’s economy Thailand. It also sacked three top security her Puea Thai Party said Yingluck was not conviction, but he remains Thailand’s most written slogans such as “Anti the Coup” and weakened, inter-communal clashes over resources officials who were seen as close to the oust- absolutely free because soldiers were mon- influential politician and was the guiding “Get out Dictators”. Police tried to move have intensified in Sudan’s Darfur region, a ed government. The military detained itoring her, and several former ministers hand behind the government of Yingluck, them on, a Reuters reporter said. The February report by United Nations chief Ban Ki- crowd, with young men on motorcycles moon said. Tribal militias have become involved in leading the way, then moved south to the those conflicts, he said. “Thirty-two people from Early nights in Bangkok as Victory Monument but police lined up both sides were killed,” a Hamar leader said, but a across the road to try to block them. There Maaliya source reported 28 deaths up to Friday was some pushing and plastic water bot- night. “Fighting might start again at any time,” the coup tames tourist party tles were thrown. Maaliya chief said, adding tensions were sparked by About 100 people also gathered in a the theft of some cattle. “Local leaders contained nearby shopping area and some on pedes- the situation but then unknown people came on BANGKOK: Foreign tourists navigating Taluri Dvash, 26. He had walked over to one of April marked an 18 percent drop, while Hong trian overpasses. Soldiers dispersed the camels and burned a Maaliya village, killing six, so Bangkok’s temples lamented the taming the city’s main political protest sites after cur- Kong visitors fell 42 percent and Japanese crowd, detaining several people, a Reuters fighting started again,” the Maaliya source said. The effect of a military coup on the city’s rowdy few on Thursday, hoping to witness exciting tourist numbers were nearly 20 percent lower. photographer said. About 200 people gath- Hamar leader said certain parties, whom he did not nightlife but otherwise shrugged off any safe- scenes, only to find disappointingly subdued China recommended visitors “raise their ered for a second day in the northern city identify, want to disrupt reconciliation efforts ty fears despite warnings by foreign govern- food stalls serving calm patrons. Thailand has consciousness of danger” and “take stronger of Chiang Mai, Thaksin’s hometown, and planned for late May between the two tribes. ments. As a junta closed its grip on power been rocked by months of deadly political security measures” when travelling in the there were some scuffles. Soldiers detained over the kingdom and soldiers keep watch in turmoil as protesters demanded the removal country. The US embassy in Bangkok has rec- two people, a Reuters reporter said. Such Quake hits Greek coast the capital, its historic heart was still busy of the civilian government, effectively para- ommended that its citizens “reconsider any small protests appear spontaneous and ATHENS: An earthquake of 6.4 magnitude struck with foreign holiday-makers ambling noncha- lyzing politics in the kingdom. non-essential travel to Thailand”, while Britain off the coast of northern Greece yesterday and was lantly in Thailand’s famed sunshine. Thursday’s military takeover-the king- warned of a “risk of a violent reaction” to the leaderless but the real danger for the mili- felt as far away as neighboring Turkey and Bulgaria Many were largely unperturbed by dom’s 19th actual or attempted coup since coup. A briefing at the US State Department tary would be a sustained mass campaign but there were no reports of serious casualties or Thursday’s military overthrow of the civilian 1932 - saw a crackdown on civil liberties on Thursday took a mildly comedic turn when by Thaksin’s “red shirt” loyalists. Thaksin’s destruction, police and fire brigade officials said. government of the “Land of Smiles”, where under martial law. But international flights spokeswoman Jen Psaki was asked what peo- supporters in his northern and northeast- The US Geological Survey (USGS) said the quake months of escalating political unrest has dealt are still in operation, with those travelling to ple should do if they had honeymoons, bach- ern heartlands have repeatedly said they occurred some 77 km south-southwest of a heavy blow to its key tourism industry.”We and from airports among the few exempt elor and bachelorette parties planned in would act if another pro-Thaksin govern- Alexandroupolis, between the islands of Lemnos saw the bars closing-it was weird to see from the night curfew. The army crackdown Thailand-the location of the bawdy ment was forced from power unconstitu- and Samothrace, at a depth of 10 km. Greek police everything closing because it never closes,” has drawn strong international opprobrium Hollywood movie “The Hangover: Part II”. tionally. said the quake had caused minor damage to shops Israeli student Maayan Sher, 22, said of the and warnings about travelling to the Psaki said Americans were being advised Thaksin has not commented publicly and houses on the two islands. The USGS down- military-imposed 10 pm-5 am curfew. Southeast Asian holiday hotspot. Locals inter- not to depart. “I’d advise any bachelor or bach- since the coup but a resolute, well-financed wardly revised its first reading of 7.2. Greece, at the Strolling near the city’s Grand Palace with two viewed by AFP had a broad range of reactions elorette to consult our website,” she added. campaign by his red shirts, whose ranks southeastern end of Europe, is often buffeted by friends on Friday she said “I didn’t feel in any to the coup, but those whose businesses rely But honeymooners Robin and Brandon, who include armed activists, would be a major earthquakes. Most cause no serious damage but a way threatened. We do understand that we on tourism were largely negative. “Curfew, no gave only their first names, said they were not test for the military. The use of force to put 5.9 magnitude quake in 1999 killed 143 people. “It are not the target.” Having recently finished election. It is not good in Thailand now,” said overly worried. “People here take a very calm down protesters could squander any legiti- lasted very long and it was very intense. We haven’t military service herself, she said she felt more Amon, a driver of a “tuk tuk” taxi. approach, so if they are not worried then I am macy the military leaders may have after got the full picture of the damage caused yet,” the sympathy than fear for the rank-and-file Tourist arrivals in the first four months of not worried. But it is a bit concerning,” Robin saying they took power in the first place to mayor of Lemnos, Antonis Chatzidiamantis, told troops caught up in the political drama. 2014 were down nearly 5 percent on a year said during a stroll among souvenir stalls in end violence and restore order. A 2010 Mega TV. He said one woman - who a police official earlier at 8.6 million, amid the political tur- the Khao San Road tourist area. The newly- crackdown on Thaksin’s supporters ended said was a British tourist - was slightly injured at the ‘We want to party’ moil, according to official figures. As a result, weds, who arrived in the capital Wednesday in serious bloodshed and damage to the Aegean island’s airport when part of the ceiling col- But her friends admitted they were consid- Thailand’s economy shrank 0.6 percent year- and were due to fly to the Thai resort island of army’s image. Just over a year later a pro- lapsed. “It was very strong - cupboards, glasses, cof- ering cutting short their stay in the city. “It’s on-year in January-March due to falling con- Samui today, said they had coped with the Thaksin government was back in power fee cups, they all broke,” an elderly Lemnos resident not because we are scared but because every- sumer confidence and the tourist slump. military-imposed overnight curfew by “just after Yingluck’s sweeping election victo- told Greek radio. thing is closing and we want to party,” said China’s 1.3 million arrivals from January to having a much earlier night”.—AFP ry.— Reuters SUNDAY, MAY 25, 2014 INTERNATIONAL

Child soldiers pay a heavy price in troubled Colombia States look to the past BOGOTA: At age 10, Maria was forced to trade FARC. “We made them dig a hole about two a doll for an assault rifle. An unpaid family meters deep, put them in it and then finished for execution methods debt made her easy prey for the them off with a shot,” Maria said. Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia Of combat against the army or paramili- (FARC), Latin America’s oldest insurgent tary militia groups, she remembers bombard- group. Maria witnessed atrocities, including ments and “the hand or leg of a colleague Lawmakers mull firing squad, gas chamber the execution of civilians, and was herself falling beside me.” Raped by one of her com- NASHVILLE: The disarray surrounding lethal raped. She describes her childhood as “years manders, Maria took advantage of the greed injection in the US is beginning to steer states lost waiting for nothing but death.” Now 26, of another boss to get permission to go off back toward methods of execution that many she is leading a life far from the battlefields, and collect a “revolutionary tax” from some had long ago deemed less humane than the and it is one that symbolizes the hopes of a farmers. This allowed her to escape. She was needle. Tennessee jumped out front this week generation in Colombia, where voters will go not quite 15 years old. with a law that could essentially bring back the to the polls today to choose a new president. electric chair. Elsewhere around the country, Peace negotiations to finally end the ‘Dead or alive’ lawmakers have been talking about reviving the bloodshed are on the line in the election, with Then came four days of walking through firing squad and the gas chamber, methods President Juan Manuel Santos seeking a sec- the jungle, with just some sugar for suste- largely abandoned a generation ago. The reason: ond term to continue the talks and opposition nance. She also killed snakes to eat them. “At Lethal injection - the primary means of execu- rival Oscar Zuluaga hoping to freeze them if a time like that, you do not feel the fatigue. tion in all 32 states with capital punishment - is he wins. Indeed, children paid a heavy toll in Dead or alive, you want to be free,” said Maria. under fire as never before because of botched the war that has pitted the FARC against suc- After surrendering to the army, she endured executions, drug shortages caused by a cessive governments for 50 years.More than another ordeal as the authorities tried to find European-led boycott, and a flurry of lawsuits 5,000 children forcibly recruited by illegal her family. She was shuffled from foster home over the new chemicals that states are using fighting groups — 6 percent of them by the to foster home, and then ended up living on instead. FARC, which defends the practice-have been the street for nearly a year-from child soldier The US Supreme Court reinstated the death taken in by Colombian child protection servic- to young, pregnant beggar. penalty in 1976, but around the country the es from 1999 to 2013, according to a govern- At the time, for people labeled derisively as number of executions has declined steadily ment report. Around 70 percent of them suf- “rehabs,” finding any kind of work was very dif- since peaking in 1999. The number of states that fered sexual assault and 84 percent of them ficult. “As soon as people knew where I came carry the death penalty has also been declining, actually fought in the war. from, they would throw me out,” she said. with six dropping it in the last eight years. The Maria said she was saved by the Colombian Tennessee legislation signed into law by $5,000 debt Agency for Reintegration, a government Republican Gov. Bill Haslam on Thursday would Maria’s ordeal began over money. The only agency that helps illegal fighters return to allow the state to use electrocution against any family she had, her grandmother and an aunt, civilian life. She belatedly got her high school current or future death row inmate if lethal injec- living in central Colombia, contracted a debt diploma and two years ago, she got married. tion drugs become unavailable. NASHVILLE: In this file photo, Ricky Bell, then warden at Riverbend Maximum Security equivalent to $5,000 with the FARC, and could With her husband, she had a second daugh- In truth, Tennessee never did abandon the Institution in Nashville, Tenn gives a tour of the prison’s execution chamber. — AP not pay it back. So they gave up their little girl ter. She also opened up a small grocery store electric chair; killers who committed their crimes effect of driving states toward methods that are force death row inmates challenging lethal injec- to the guerrilla army. Maria, who asked that on the ground floor of her house in a working before the state adopted lethal injection in 1999 her real name not be used, says she will never class area of Bogota. considered even worse. Wyoming lawmakers are tion to back off. “It might be the design that, have been given the choice of electrocution or talking about changing the law to allow the fir- ‘Hey, if you fight against this hard enough and forget the day of her forced enlistment at the Of her former life, all she has left is a few the needle. But the new law could take that farm where she lived. Two rebels came for her. photos of herself, looking frail in her rebel ing squad, while their counterparts in Utah have say we can’t use lethal injection, fine, we’ll strap choice away from the inmates and make every- proposed repealing a law that ended firing your guy in the chair,’” Berman said. “I was frightened and started to run. One of garb. Using her past to help others, Maria one on death row subject to the electric chair. them caught me and said ‘You cannot escape now works with the government rehabilita- squads for prisoners convicted after 2004. Nashville defense attorney David Raybin, a Deborah Denno, a professor at Fordham Law Missouri law allows for the gas chamber, and former prosecutor who wrote Tennessee’s death because now you belong to us’,” she recount- tion agency that helped her, and has even School who has studied executions for more ed. Her abductors tattooed her nom de met with one of her former commanders, politicians from both parties last year suggested penalty statutes in 1976, warned that the switch than two decades, called Tennessee’s law rebuilding one. could entangle the state in legal challenges that guerre on her fingers. who asked for her forgiveness. She is opti- unprecedented. “No state has gone backward, to For five years, with an AK-47 rifle slung mistic about peace talks that have been During the electric-chair debate in Tennessee, could prolong death row cases for many years. go back in time to a prior method of execution,” one lawmaker said he would support hanging Tennessee has no lethal injection drugs on hand, across her shoulder, she wandered with the under way with the government since she said. “For over a century, they have all moved rebels in “a forest with trees so tall the sun November 2012.She hopes the rebels will and the firing squad, too. Another legislator, though officials insist they can obtain them forward.” Republican Rep. Dennis Powers, the bill’s House when needed. There are 74 prisoners on the could not penetrate it.” Her only education be able to acknowledge their mistakes, Some attorneys warned that changing the was military. “If you held the rifle wrong, your from extortion to enlisting children “who sponsor, shrugged off legal and ethical concerns state’s death row, and the next execution is method of execution on inmates who were orig- about the measure. “It’s not our job to judge. scheduled for October. The last time Tennessee shoulder would dislocate upon firing,” she did not even know why there were at war.” inally subject to lethal injection would be said. She witnessed atrocities, like that of “If the FARC wanted to help poor people, That’s God’s job to judge,” Powers said. “Our job used the electric chair was in 2007, when Daryl unconstitutional. Other experts noted that the is to arrange the meeting.” Douglas Berman, a Holton, who killed his three sons and a step- some villagers abducted and then executed why take away the little bit that they had?” legal and political attacks on lethal injection as because they could not pay a ransom to the she asks. — AFP law professor at Ohio State University, said the daughter with a rifle in a garage, chose electro- cruel and unusual have had the unintended new Tennessee law could be part of an effort to cution. — AP SUNDAY, MAY 25, 2014 ANALYSIS

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Issues Xinjiang attack marks dramatic shift in tactics

By Felicia Sonmez

he bombing of a civilian market in Xinjiang represents a shift in tactics by militants towards more spectacular Tattacks, analysts say, to invite a disproportionate response by China and so radicalise the Muslim Uighur US plays down warming China-Russia ties homeland. At least 31 people were killed and more than 90 wounded when assailants threw explosives and ploughed By Matthew Lee Washington had hoped to revive and exploit in the early days of tion with pragmatic solutions,” French Foreign Minister Laurent two off-road vehicles through a crowd in the regional capital the Ukraine crisis. “Our view is that there are global relationships Fabius said last week at the Brookings Institution, in which he Urumqi Thursday. The vast, resource-rich region - which was he Obama administration is playing down an increasingly that many countries have: Russia and China; the United States and spoke of the need not to alienate the so-called BRICS group of rocked by inter-ethnic riots that killed around 200 people in warm relationship between its main global rivals, China and Russia; the United States and China,” State Department spokes- nations, which includes Russia and China (as well as Brazil, India 2009 - is regularly hit by violent flare-ups between Chinese TRussia, that it may have inadvertently encouraged. US offi- woman Jen Psaki said this week. “And, you know, it is not a sur- and South Africa). “They consider that the international order is authorities and the mainly Muslim Uighur minority. cials maintain there is nothing to fear from the growing alliance prise to us that countries that are neighbors communicating biased in favor of ‘the West’,” he said. “We might disagree but we But the latest incident was notable for its scale, tech- between Moscow and Beijing, even as each throws its weight about how to work together, whether that’s through an economic have to take into account this perception.” nique and explicit targeting of civilians, experts told AFP. “In around in neighboring regions like Ukraine and the South China partnership or otherwise.” Nearly a year ago, well before the crisis in Ukraine boiled over, the past in Xinjiang, you had individuals targeting govern- Sea and at international forums like the United Nations, where on Administration officials say both Russia and China share US two respected diplomatic scholars predicted that a Russia-China ment officials and police,” said Michael Clarke, a professor at Thursday they double-vetoed the latest in a series of Security concerns about proliferation and terrorism and both have been convergence was not only possible, but likely and dangerous. Griffith University in Brisbane who has authored a book on Council resolutions on Syria. cooperative in dealing with the North Korean and Iranian nuclear They warned against dismissing the “possibility of a global realign- Beijing’s policy in the region. “Now, it seems to have made Yet when coupled with growing cooperation between programs and Syria’s chemical weapons stockpiles. But that coop- ment set in motion by China and Russia, which feel threatened by the shift to a much more indiscriminate attack, the model of Russian President Vladimir Putin and his Chinese counterpart, Xi eration is limited and its impact has yet to be determined as none American and European policies and by having to function in the a classic terror attack. “It’s a very large attack in the middle of Jinping, in other areas - notably, a new $400 billion natural gas of those three problems have been addressed conclusively. And world’s Western-made system.” the regional capital,” Clarke said, adding that it had “a differ- deal and apparent agreement on the crisis in Ukraine many privately, some in the administration have expressed concerns “Today, Moscow and Beijing have room for maneuver and a ent level of sophistication” to previous incidents and took believe Russia and China may now or may soon represent a pow- similar to those raised publicly by more than a few former officials foundation for mutual cooperation that could damage American place in a neighbourhood mostly populated by Han erful new alliance challenging not only the United States, but also and experts. interests,” wrote Leslie Gelb of the nonpartisan Council on Foreign Chinese, the country’s ethnic majority. the Western democratic tradition that the US has championed Current officials, speaking on condition of anonymity because Relations and Dmitry Simes of the Center for the National Interest, Many of those killed and wounded were elderly resi- globally. To hear the Obama administration tell it, a burgeoning they were not authorized to speak about internal administration which aligns itself with the “realism” school of foreign policy. They dents doing their daily shopping. The White House called it a Russia-China friendship is a natural and expected occurrence and deliberations, acknowledge a certain amount of unease over the argued in the summer of 2013 that Russian-Chinese ties were “horrific terrorist attack”- which Chinese state broadcaster poses no particular risk beyond blunting the impact of US and Moscow-Beijing rapprochement, but they note the relationship largely an “unintended consequence of American policies aimed CCTV seized on as the first time that Washington has used European sanctions imposed over Ukraine. US officials also reject has always been punctuated by ups and downs. Some experts at other objectives;” notably, “the pursuit of democratic and such a label for an incident within Xinjiang’s borders. It the notion that they may have made China more willing to do and former officials, however, offer a starker view. “We may well be humanitarian triumphalism.” comes just weeks after a stabbing spree and explosion at an business with Moscow with the Justice Department’s indictment getting a glimpse of the future of geopolitics - two autocracies in And they pointed out that both countries face ethnic, religious Urumqi railway station left two assailants and a civilian dead of five Chinese military cyber-hackers on the eve of Putin’s trip to common cause against liberal principles,” said Stephen and territorial challenges with neighbors, in which the United and 79 people wounded. Other high-profile attacks else- China this week to seal the gas deal. Sestanovich, a former American diplomat now at Columbia States has nearly always supported or appeared to back their where in China over the past year have also been blamed by “With respect to President Putin and China, we don’t see any University who served as the US ambassador at-large to the opponents. For Russia, these include Ukraine, Georgia and authorities on separatists from Xinjiang. A mass stabbing at relationship whatsoever to an agreement with respect to gas and nations that made up the Soviet Union during the Clinton admin- Moldova; for China they include Taiwan, Vietnam, the Philippines a train station in the southwestern city of Kunming killed 29 an energy supply between Russia and China that they’ve been istration. “This may be self-defeating for both of them, but that and Japan. What would happen, Gelb and Simes asked, if China people and wounded 143 in March. Last October, three fam- working on for 10 years,” Secretary of State John Kerry said doesn’t mean it’ll go away,” he said. and Russia offered Iran “security guarantees or promised to ily members from Xinjiang died when they drove a car into Wednesday. “This isn’t new. This isn’t a sudden response to what’s rebuild its nuclear infrastructure after a US or Israeli attack?” What crowds of tourists at Beijing’s Tiananmen Square, killing two been going on. And if the world benefits as a result of that, it’s fine. ‘Zero-Polar World’ would happen, they asked, if China offered support for guerrillas people before the vehicle burst into flames. That’s not what’s at stake here.” Some in Europe - particularly France, which often has chafed at in the Philippines or the Kremlin encouraged separatism among Nor does the administration appear particularly troubled by American dominance since the collapse of the Soviet Union - Russian-speaking minorities in the Baltics? “If US relations with Hardline Steps Risk Backlash the possibility of a long-term strategic partnership between China seem to recognize the potential issues. “We are now all confronted Russia and China sour,” they wrote, “these nightmares can’t be Gardner Bovingdon, a noted Xinjiang scholar at Indiana and Russia, which split during the Cold War in a rift that with what I call a zero-polar world. We need to address this situa- excluded.” — AP University, said that Beijing maintains a tight grip on infor- mation and little is known about the perpetrators of such acts or their motivations. But the attacks could suggest a “politique du pire” strategy, he said - a move by militants to provoke a harsher crackdown in Xinjiang, thus radicalising Thai junta races to rescue, braces for backlash more Uighurs and making it easier to recruit people to their cause. “If we think these folks are playing a long game, the By Martin Petty feared was heading towards armed conflict and irreparable diately clear how many others may have been detained. calculation might be, ‘We commit violence now, the state damage. Yingluck was forced from office by a court on May 7 for abuse cracks down, Uighurs become angry and more Uighurs join f Prayuth Chan-ocha’s decision to stage Thailand’s latest in a That’s seen as unlikely, however, as Prayuth could be out of of power and is accused by Bangkok’s middle classes of in,’” said Bovingdon, who has been barred by authorities long list of coups was as impulsive as he suggests, then the his depth handling a yawning social divide, an economy in entrenching brother Thaksin’s legacy of cronyism and corrup- from visiting Xinjiang for more than a decade. “I think it’s the Istern-faced general has a Herculean task managing the fall- poor shape and rival political factions with shadowy militant tion. The military has also banned Yingluck and 154 activists same calculation for Palestinians who do bombings,” he out and deciding what happens next. Seizing power in elements adept at carrying out bombings and drive-by shoot- and political figures, mostly allies of the deposed government, added. “A small number of people who have committed on Thailand is one thing, running the country is another, and after ings. More palatable, according to analysts, is that the Senate - from travelling overseas, from where Thaksin has exercised a the path of violence... do things that will come back to affect overthrowing populist tycoon Thaksin Shinawatra’s political Thailand’s only legislative arm functioning now - would strong influence over the red shirts and two elected govern- most of the population.” juggernaut for a second time in eight years, the generals appoint an interim prime minister to choose a cabinet, a ments. China’s Communist Party has long attributed attacks in should be prepared for a backlash. process with a semblance of democracy that could soften the Though the red shirts’ response to the coup has been mut- Xinjiang to overseas-based terror groups, including the The military top brass appeared to have been chastened by blow of the putsch. ed, they aren’t expected to sit quietly. They’ve already started Turkestan Islamic Party and the East Turkestan Islamic the experience of 2010, when a crackdown on Thaksin’s “red “It will follow the usual coup template, but this time, with to defy protest bans in their north and northeast strongholds, Movement. Most scholars remain sceptical of those claims, shirt” supporters ended in serious bloodshed. They had repeat- more repression,” said Thitinan Pongsudhirak, a politics and where Thaksin’s micro-loans, virtually free healthcare and gen- however, with some arguing that Beijing exaggerates the edly said since that the army would stay out of politics. Now, by regional security expert at Bangkok’s Chulalongkorn erous subsidies since 2001 transformed Thai politics and won threat posed by such groups to justify its hardline measures. detaining senior politicians, declaring martial law, shutting University. “They’ll move to set up a government, maybe with him the hearts and votes of millions. It might be a while before Xinjiang’s tensions are instead triggered by cultural and reli- down partisan media and announcing curfews and bans on support of the Senate, then begin to deal with damage control. they get a chance to vote their party back into power, and gious repression as well as resentment that economic devel- public gatherings, analysts say it has set the wheels in motion “Most challenging for the army will be domestic defiance, whoever gets to runs the country in the meantime could be in opment has mostly benefited an influx of ethnic Han, they for a repressive crackdown to avert any new insurrection. “It’s a opposition and resistance and they will clamp down all over for a rough ride. “Even if the next government is full of tech- say. China’s Global Times newspaper, which is close to the very dangerous situation. I can’t see Thaksin’s supporters the country. We may see a level of repression not seen in a long nocrats, they will all be part of an anti-Thaksin network that ruling party and normally takes a nationalistic tone, responding peacefully or nonchalantly,” said Andrew Walker, a time in Thailand.” doesn’t trust elections and won’t be in a hurry to hold them acknowledged in an editorial Friday that “policy errors in the 20-year Thailand expert and dean of the college of Asia Pacific On Friday, the junta looked to be moving to snuff out soon and risk bringing another Thaksin proxy to power,” Pavin course of history partly contributed to the current plight”. studies at the Australia National University. “We’re looking at a potential opposition, detaining former premier Yingluck added. “It will still be a military regime, it will struggle to gov- Christopher Johnson, senior adviser at the Centre for prolonged effort to neutralise pro-Thaksin forces and any suc- Shinawatra, who had been among dozens of politicians and ern and could be ruthless depending on how Thaksin and his Strategic and International Studies in Washington, said that cessful attempt to do that would be very oppressive indeed.” bureaucrats ordered to report to the military. It was not imme- supporters respond.” — Reuters more liberal government policies were hardly likely in the Thaksin himself was toppled by the army in 2006, after win- near term. But he added: “Sooner or later, I think they have ning two landslide election victories with the support of the to kind of come to that reality, because the evidence is just rural masses in the poorer north and northeast. The red shirts smacking them in the face.” formed after that, and they have since grown in number and Uighur militants in Xinjiang are potentially becoming are increasingly organised, defiant and militant in what they more influenced by the tactics of other Islamist groups in call a fight against a meddling military and a royalist establish- the wider region, said Clarke, but added “the deeper issue ment threatened by Thaksin’s rise. They have long promised to concerns wider Uighur society”. “Why are we seeing a fight back against any intervention to remove their govern- greater radicalisation in fringe elements?” he asked, pointing ments and could launch a challenge to a junta that risks spi- to the arrest in January of Ilham Tohti, a Uighur academic ralling out of control. who has criticised Beijing’s policies in Xinjiang but is known The army says it was forced to launch the coup to bring as a moderate. Tohti has been charged with separatism, peace to Thailand. But the men with guns may have shot which can carry the death penalty. “He never called for the themselves in the foot. “The coup in 2006 gave birth to the red independence of Xinjiang,” Clarke said. “If a moderate voice shirts, so the military created a monster and it now has to deal such as that has been very much quashed, then in a sense with it,” said Pavin Chachavalpongpun of the Center for there is no... avenue to legitimate manifestation of griev- Southeast Asian Studies at Kyoto University. “This, sadly, will ances.” — AFP end with another round of conflict.” Most experts point to the irony of the generals intervening as a circuit-breaker in a polar- ising, often violent conflict, when they sided with a Bangkok All articles appearing on these pages oligarchy to topple Thaksin, a billionaire whose massive elec- toral popularity rattled Thailand’s decades-old royalist status are the personal opinion of the writ- quo. ers. Kuwait Times takes no responsibil- ity for views expressed therein. Kuwait Damage Control Despite a steady flow of televised announcements, the jun- Times invites readers to voice their ta has offered only vague hints about its next move. Few opinions. Please send submissions via believe the military was naive enough to stage a putsch with- email to: [email protected] or out first having a strategy in place, or a plan B if talks between bickering political factions collapsed. Prayuth has taken over via snail mail to PO Box 1301 Safat, the powers of prime minister, but it was not clear if he intend- Kuwait. The editor reserves the right ed to hold on to the position. One possibility is that he to edit any submission as necessary. appoints himself interim prime minister, a strongman with a rescue remit to reform and stabilise a country many Thais An anti-coup protester is taken away from the site of a gathering by Thai soldiers in Bangkok yesterday. — AFP NEWS SUNDAY, MAY 25, 2014

Epic Turkish drama ‘Winter Sleep’ wins Cannes top prize

CANNES, France: Turkey’s Nuri Bilge Ceylan won the Palme Guney shared the gong with “Missing” by Costa Gavras. d’Or top prize at the Cannes Film Festival yesterday for “Winter Campion said she had been “scared” by the film’s epic length Sleep”, a slow-burn domestic drama that mesmerised audi- before she saw it. “I thought ‘Oh my God, I’m going to need a ences despite its more than three-hour length. Jury president toilet break’,” she joked. “(But) the film had such a beautiful Jane Campion, the New Zealand filmmaker, handed over the rhythm and took me in - I could have stayed there for anoth- trophy to Ceylan, who beat out 17 other contenders including er couple of hours.” Ceylan had already won awards at David Cronenberg, Jean-Luc Godard and the Oscar-winning Cannes for his previous films “Uzak”, “Climates”, “Three director of “The Artist”, Michel Hazanavicius, to claim top hon- Monkeys” and “Once Upon a Time in Anatolia”. And bookies ours. Ceylan dedicated the prize to the Turkish youth “who lost had tipped “Winter Sleep” even before its screening as the their lives” in violent anti-government protests that have rocked favourite to capture the Palme d’Or, based on his track record Turkey over the last year. and a sense that he was due. Set in Turkey’s stunning Julianne Moore won best actress for her role as a shallow Cappadocia region, “Winter Sleep” drew rave reviews after its starlet in Cronenberg’s biting Hollywood satire “Maps to the red-carpet premiere and a lengthy standing ovation. Stars”. And Britain’s Timothy Spall claimed the best actor prize The film stars Haluk Bilginer, known to international audi- for his role in “Mr Turner”, a lush historical biopic of 19th cen- ences from the long-running British soap opera “EastEnders”, tury painter JMW Turner by director Mike Leigh. Having beat- as a wealthy retired actor living with his much younger wife en a battle with cancer in the mid-1990s, Spall fought back (Melisa Sozen) and his recently divorced sister (popular comic tears as he thanked the jury, and God “to still be alive”. actress Demet Akbag). Bennett Miller scooped up the best director award for Based on short stories by Anton Chekhov, their tense tri- “Foxcatcher”, a Hollywood film based on the real-life murder angle plays out in a quaint hotel serving hikers and of an Olympic wrestler by multi-millionaire John du Pont. motocross enthusiasts in the rugged region. Aydin, the hus- Pope Francis sits in a golf cart with King Abdullah II of Jordan yesterday as they visit Bethany, a site on the Critics embraced the 47-year-old’s third feature film after band, acts like the benevolent monarch of his remote com- “Capote” and “Moneyball”, and viewers were left particularly munity, dispensing charity and, when he sees fit, harsh disci- eastern bank of the River Jordan where some Christians believe Jesus (PBUH) was baptized. — AFP stunned by Steve Carell, whose performance as the pline to the villagers. He sees himself, however, as a champi- deranged, sinister du Pont marked a complete turnaround on of enlightened reason in conservative Muslim Anatolia, Pope urges Syria peace at start of Mideast... from his previous funny man roles. “It’s really something to be and a guardian of Turkey’s rich cultural tradition. supported, and to have people who have faith in you, and to Their intricately pitched, often remarkably lengthy dia- Continued from Page 1 upheld throughout the Middle East and the entire come out the other side,” Miller said. The runner-up Grand logues, written by Ceylan and his wife Ebru, dig deep and world,” he said. Ahead of his arrival in a region roiled by Prix went to Italian director Alice Rohrwacher, one of two drew comparisons to Swedish director Ingmar Bergman, a His landmark first visit to the Holy Land, billed by the political and religious division, the Argentine pope said women in competition, for her lyrical look at the rural life of a master of moral questioning and the personal drama writ Vatican as a “pilgrimage of prayer,” is chiefly aimed at he felt like the biblical prophet Daniel heading to the family of beekeepers, “The Wonders”. And the third-place Jury large. Ebru Ceylan admitted to reporters at the festival that Prize was shared by the oldest and youngest filmmakers in the writing process with her husband was “very intense - we boosting ties with Muslims and Jews, as well as seeking lions’ den. “I feel like Daniel, but now I know that the the race, 25-year-old Xavier Dolan for his innovative drama often had quite serious quarrels”. closer unity with Orthodox Christian leaders. “Lasting lions don’t bite,” he told reporters travelling with him on “Mommy” and Godard, 83, with the 3D extravaganza Trade magazine Variety swooned over the film’s “vibrantly peace for the entire region... requires that a peaceful his plane. “Goodbye to Language”. Best screenplay went to “Leviathan”, conceived, fully fleshed-out human characters”. It said Ceylan solution be found to the crisis in Syria, as well as a just At the stadium mass, he revelled in the raucous a harrowing drama assailing abuse of power in today’s Russia was “at the peak of his powers” with the film, “a richly solution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict,” the pope said greeting of pilgrims as he toured the crowd in his open- by Andrei Zvyagintsev. engrossing and ravishingly beautiful magnum opus that at the royal palace, ahead of a meeting with Syrian topped vehicle, reaching out to grasp hands as people A Beautiful Rhythm surely qualifies as the least boring 196-minute movie ever refugees on the banks of the River Jordan. Syria’s civil pressed around his slowly moving jeep on all sides, “Winter Sleep” marked the first win at the world’s biggest made”. Ceylan expressed “great surprise” in winning the prize war, which began in 2011, is estimated to have claimed prompting scuffles with the security detail jogging cinema showcase for Turkey since 1982, when “Yol” by Yilmaz in a historic year for the industry in Turkey. — AFP at least 162,000 lives and forced another 2.7 million alongside. “This pope is special,” said 77-year-old Sister people to flee to neighbouring countries, 450,000 of Rachel, highlighting his dedication to the downtrodden. them Christians. “He only wants to see the poor and the diseased. He is Iran executes billionaire for $2.6bn fraud Jordan’s King Abdullah II told Francis his “humanity the protector of the helpless.” and wisdom” could contribute to easing the crisis con- The pope will take a short helicopter flight early Continued from Page 1 Khosravi’s business empire included more than 35 com- fronting Syrian refugees and the burden on host coun- today across the River Jordan to Bethlehem, the birth- panies from mineral water production to a football club tries like Jordan. Abdullah himself drove the pontiff in a place of Jesus (PBUH) in the West Bank, making a six- He was sentenced to death after being convicted of and meat imports from Brazil. According to Iranian golf cart to the reputed site of Jesus’ (PBUH) baptism on hour visit to what the Vatican’s official program calls “corruption on earth...through bribery and money laun- media reports, the bank fraud began in 2007. A total of the River Jordan, chatting to the 77-year-old Francis “the State of Palestine”, a terminology Israel rejects. dering,” a justice department statement carried by 39 defendants were convicted in the case. Four received squeezed in beside him, another sign of the pontiff’s There he will hold a mass and begin his two-day tour of Iranian media said. death sentences, two got life sentences and the rest famed informality. The pope stood for a few minutes in the Palestinian territories and Israel. Francis said the Khosravi’s lawyer, Gholam Ali Riahi, was quoted by received sentences of up to 25 years in prison. silent prayer on the riverbank, his head bowed, before main reason for his visit is a historic meeting in news website khabaronline.ir as saying that the death The trials raised questions about corruption at senior sentence was carried out without him being given any levels in Iran’s tightly controlled economy during the being driven by the king, once again in the cart, to Jerusalem with the Orthodox Patriarch of notice. Death sentences in Iran are usually carried out administration of former President Mahmoud speak and pray with some of the 600,000 refugees host- Constantinople, Bartholomew I, and “to pray for peace by hanging. “I had not been informed about the execu- Ahmadinejad. Mahmoud Reza Khavari, a former head of ed by Jordan and hear their accounts of suffering in in that land, which has suffered so much”. tion of my client,” Riahi said. “All the assets of my client Bank Melli, another major Iranian bank, escaped to Syria. Palestinians regard the pope’s visit, and the fact that are at the disposal of the prosecutor’s office.” Canada in 2011 after he resigned over the case. He faces Speaking earlier, Francis urged respect for religious he is flying in directly from Jordan instead of going The fraud involved using forged documents to get charges over the case in Iran and remains on the Islamic freedom in a region where the Holy See has called for through Israel’s security barrier from Jerusalem, as a credit at one of Iran’s top financial institutions, Bank Republic’s wanted list. Khavari previously admitted that an end to the ongoing persecution of Christians. major morale boost. Jordan, a majority of whose popu- Saderat, to purchase assets including state-owned com- his bank partially was involved in the fraud, but had “Religious freedom is, in fact, a fundamental human lation is of Palestinian origin, signed a peace accord panies like major steel producer Khuzestan Steel Co. maintained his innocence. — Agencies right and I cannot fail to express my hope that it will be with Israel 20 years ago. — Agencies SUNDAY, MAY 25, 2014 SPORTS

QPR secures EPL promotion Villa axe Culverhouse Chelsea to sell Luiz LONDON: Bobby Zamora scored a 90th minute goal to secure 10-man LONDON: Aston Villa have dismissed assistant manager Ian LONDON: Even in the cosmopolitan world of European football, with players of a Queens Park Rangers promotion to the Premier League with a 1-0 win dozen nationalities on the books of a single club, coaches can see advantages in against Derby County in the Championship playoff final yesterday. Culverhouse after an internal investigation which followed his suspension last month, British media reported. pairing compatriots which is why Chelsea have decided to sell David Luiz. Having been reduced to 10 men when Gary O’Neil was sent off in the The Premier league club’s manager Jose Mourinho is happy 60th minute, Derby laid siege to the QPR goal. But Sky Sports said Culverhouse and head of football operations to stick with English centre-backs John Terry and Gary with extra-time beckoning, Zamora stepped up to Gary Karsa, who is believed to have been sacked earlier this Cahill and allow Luiz to link up with fellow Brazil secure QPR a win in what is considered to be the month, were dismissed for alleged disciplinary reasons. international Thiago Silva in the Paris Saint- most lucrative fixture in soccer. Following a lacklus- The club, however, did not release details of the incident Germain defence. The clubs announced on Friday tre first half, Derby dominated after the break but described by owner Randy Lerner as “unexpected issues that that they had agreed a fee for Luiz which British Steve McClaren’s freescoring side were left to rue could have very easily set the club back”. media estimated was between 40 and 50 million their inability to grab the decisive goal when a Culverhouse joined Wycombe in 2005, one year before the pounds ($67.37 and $84.30 million) - a world defensive error allowed Zamora to curl in with their arrival of current Aston Villa manager Paul Lambert, and has record for a defender, beating the 36 million PSG only shot on target. Promotion via the playoff since served as his assistant at Colchester United and Norwich paid for Silva in 2012 - in a deal that suits all parties. City before arriving at Villa Park in 2012. Chelsea, moving closer towards breaking even, will final will be worth at least 80 million pounds be able to give their Portuguese coach Mourinho ($134 million) for QPR who returned to Goalkeeper Shay Given and youth team coach Gordan Cowan were appointed as their replacements on a temporary basis fol- funds towards the new striker he covets and the Premier League after spending just French champions PSG have recruited one one season in the Championship (sec- lowing the incident but Lambert must now begin his search for permanent replacements. —Reuters of the potential stand-out players at next ond division). —Reuters month’s World Cup.—Reuters Blue Jays down Athletics

TORONTO: Liam Hendriks won his season debut and Steve Tolleson hit a two-run home run as the Toronto Blue Jays beat the Oakland Athletics 3-2 in the American League on Friday for their ninth victory in 11 games. Brandon Moss homered for the seventh time in 18 games for the Athletics, who lost their second straight following a five-game winning streak. Oakland’s loss was just its third in the past 14 games overall. Hendriks (1-0) allowed one run and three hits in 5 2-3 innings. The right-hander walked three and struck out three. Aaron Loup pitched 1 1-3 innings, Steve Delabar got one out in the eighth and Brett Cecil got the final two, striking out Derek Norris to strand runners at first and second. Casey Janssen finished for his sixth save in six chances, stranding Coco Crisp at third as Jed Lowrie grounded out. Tolleson hit Toronto’s MLB-leading 68th home run when he connected off Scott Kazmir (5-2) in the second, his first of the year. The drive also scored Brett Lawrie, who reached on a fielder’s choice. Kazmir allowed PHILADELPHIA: Los Angeles Dodgers catcher AJ Ellis (17) covers home as Philadelphia three runs and five hits in seven innings. He Phillies’ Ben Revere is forced out on a ball hit by Jimmy Rollins during the seventh walked one and struck out two. inning. —AP TIGERS 7, RANGERS 2 Dodgers blank Phillies Anibal Sanchez gave Detroit a much-need- ed quality start as the Tigers ended their four- PHILADELPHIA: Clayton Kershaw limit- PIRATES 4, NATIONALS 3 game losing streak with victory over Texas. ed Philadelphia to two hits in six innings Charlie Morton worked into the sixth Austin Jackson and Andrew Romine home- and Carl Crawford hit a solo homer as the inning to end a lengthy losing streak as red for Detroit, and Ian Kinsler doubled three Los Angeles Dodgers beat the Phillies 2-0 Pittsburgh beat Washington. Morton (1- times against his former team. Sanchez (2-2) in the National League on Friday. 6) allowed one run on five hits in 5 2-3 allowed two runs and five hits over seven Kershaw (3-1) bounced back from his workmanlike innings for his first victory innings. roughest outing in two years with an since September. Pedro Alvarez hit his Scott Baker (0-1) allowed six runs and eight excellent performance, striking out nine. ninth home run of the season after being hits for the Rangers, who put Prince Fielder on The two-time Cy Young Award winner dropped from fourth to sixth in the line- the disabled list before the game with what is allowed seven runs in 1 2-3 innings - the up. Ike Davis, who replaced Alvarez as likely to be a season-ending neck problem. second-shortest outing of his career in the cleanup hitter, went 2 for 4 with two Romine’s solo homer in the sixth was the first an 18-7 loss to Arizona last Saturday. runs scored. Jason Grilli picked up his of his career. Roberto Hernandez (2-2) allowed two first save since April 14 in his return from ANGELS 6, ROYALS 1 runs and seven hits in 6 1-3 innings in his the disabled list. Mike Trout homered and threw out a run- first start since May 9. Hernandez pitched The Pirates have won three straight ner at third base and Chris Iannetta also went out of the bullpen the past two weeks and four of five. Jordan Zimmerman (3-2) deep as Los Angeles moved to a season-beat because the Phillies didn’t need a fifth labored through six innings to lose for seven games over .500. starter. The Dodgers have won three of the first time in over a month. four. The Phillies have lost three in a row, CJ Wilson (6-3) allowed a run and four hits in 6 1-3 innings, striking out three and walk- tying their season low of five games BRAVES 3, ROCKIES 2 under .500. ing four. Wilson also hit two batters, including Gerald Laird drove in two runs with leadoff man Nori Aoki with his 105th and final Four relievers combined to finish off two hits, including a tiebreaking single in the three-hitter. Brian Wilson had a per- pitch. Aoki had two singles and a double. The the eighth, and Atlanta beat Colorado Angels won for the 11th time in 14 games. fect eighth and Kenley Jansen closed it after the Rockies lost third baseman Danny Duffy (2-4) gave up five runs and out for his 14th save in 15 tries. Nolan Arenado to a broken finger. TORONTO: Blue Jays second baseman Steve Tolleson takes to the air as he turns a double play after nine hits over six innings in his fourth start forcing out Oakland Athletics’ Nick Punto during the seventh inning of a baseball game. —AP Arenado left the game in the second since he began filling in for Bruce Chen, who BREWERS 9, MARLINS 5 inning after fracturing his left middle fin- has a sore back. Mark Reynolds hit a pair of two-run ger on a head-first slide into second homers as Milwaukee won a record-set- MLB results/standings base. Ramiro Pena, who replaced third RAYS 1, RED SOX 0 ting slugfest at Marlins Park. Giancarlo baseman Chris Johnson in the third Pinch-hitter Cole Figueroa had an RBI dou- Baltimore 8, Cleveland 4; LA Dodgers 2, Philadelphia 0; Pittsburgh 4, Washington 3; Toronto 3, Oakland 2; Detroit 7, Stanton and Garrett Jones hit two solo inning, led off the eighth with a double ble in the bottom of the ninth inning to lead Texas 2; Cincinnati 5, St. Louis 3; Milwaukee 9, Miami 5; Tampa Bay 1, Boston 0; Atlanta 3, Colorado 2; Chicago White homers apiece for Miami, and Khris Davis to the centerfield wall off Adam Ottavino Tampa Bay past Boston. Desmond Jennings Sox 6, NY Yankees 5; LA Angels 6, Kansas City 1; Seattle 6, Houston 1; San Diego 11, Chicago Cubs 1; San Francisco 6, homered for Milwaukee. The teams com- Minnesota 2. (0-1). After Andrelton Simmons and Dan drew a one-out walk in the ninth off Andrew bined for seven homers, the most since Uggla struck out, Laird lined the single to Miller (1-3). Burke Badenhop entered and, American League National League the pitcher-friendly ballpark opened in left and advanced to second when Corey after Jennings stole second, Figueroa drove in Eastern Division Eastern Division W L PCT GB 2012. Dickerson’s throw bounced past catcher the winning run on a drive to right-center. Atlanta 27 20 .574 - Toronto 27 22 .551 - Miami 25 24 .510 3 Reynolds homered in the fourth and Jordan Pacheco. Juan Carlos Oviedo (1-0), the third Tampa again in the fifth, increasing his season Baltimore 24 22 .522 1.5 Washington 24 24 .500 3.5 David Carpenter (4-0) pitched a score- Bay reliever, pitched the ninth and got the NY Yankees 24 23 .511 2 NY Mets 21 25 .457 5.5 total to 11. It was his 20th career multi- less eighth, and Craig Kimbrel struck out win. John Lackey gave up five hits, including Tampa Bay 21 28 .429 6 homer game. Philadelphia 20 25 .444 6 the side in the ninth for his 13th save. three by Evan Longoria, in seven-plus shutout Boston 20 27 .426 6 Central Division Milwaukee didn’t need slugger Ryan Central Division Michael Cuddyer hit a home run for innings for the Red Sox, who have lost eight in Milwaukee 29 20 .592 - Detroit 28 16 .636 - Braun, who sat out after a flare-up of the St. Louis 26 22 .542 2.5 Colorado. a row. Boston has only scored 16 runs during Minnesota 23 22 .511 5.5 oblique strain that sent him to the dis- its longest skid since dropping the final eight Cincinnati 22 24 .478 5.5 abled list earlier this season. Chicago White Sox 25 25 .500 6 PADRES 11, CUBS 1 games of the 2012 season. Kansas City 23 24 .489 6.5 Pittsburgh 21 26 .447 7 Miami lost despite hitting a season- Yonder Alonso and Yasmani Grandal Cleveland 23 26 .469 7.5 Chicago Cubs 17 29 .370 10.5 high four home runs. Stanton’s two tape- homered, and Chase Headley drove in ORIOLES 8, INDIANS 4 Western Division Western Division San Francisco 30 18 .625 - measure homers increased his season three runs as San Diego ended a four- Chris Davis homered and had four RBIs and Oakland 30 18 .625 - LA Angels 27 20 .574 2.5 Colorado 26 22 .542 4 total to 14, most in the NL, and his 47 game skid. Adam Jones had three hits and scored three RBIs lead the majors. It was his 12th Seattle 24 23 .511 5.5 LA Dodgers 26 23 .531 4.5 The Padres set a season-high in runs runs as Baltimore beat Cleveland to end the career multi-homer game, tying Hanley Texas 23 25 .479 7 San Diego 22 27 .449 8.5 and had 12 hits. Everyone but Will Indians’ four-game winning streak. Houston 17 32 .347 13.5 Arizona 18 31 .367 12.5 Ramirez’s club record. Marco Estrada (4- Venable had at least one hit among the Nelson Cruz hit his 15th homer and Nick 2) didn’t pitch from the stretch until starting position players. Markakis had four hits for the Orioles, who there were two out in the seventh, Tim Stauffer (2-0) was the beneficiary. have 38 runs and 62 hits in their last five because all four of Miami’s baserunners Making his first start since May 14, 2012, games. to that point hit home runs. He gave up China defend Uber Cup title at Washington, Stauffer pitched five Davis hit a two-run double in the third five runs and departed after 6 2-3 shutout innings and gave up two hits. inning and put Baltimore up 5-4 in the fifth innings. Tom Koehler (4-4) went five NEW DELHI: A charged-up China defended ago in Uber Cup, China lost to Korea. I was in He struck out five, with a walk and hit with his seventh homer, the fourth in four innings and gave up seven innings, games. their Uber Cup title with a 3-1 victory against that team and I know that feeling. We were including both homers by Reynolds. batter, and earned his win as a starter Japan in yesterday’s final to find some solace so depressed. The men’s team goes through win since Sept. 16, 2011, against Arizona. Bud Norris (3-4) gave up four runs, six hits and three walks in six innings to earn his first after the same opponents had ended the the same but we will come back.” World num- REDS 5, CARDINALS 3 Edwin Jackson (3-4) took the loss, allow- badminton powerhouse’s decade-old ber one Li gave China the perfect start with ing eight runs and nine hits in just four win since May 1. Cleveland’s T.J. House (0-1) Todd Frazier hit a three-run homer off allowed five runs and 11 hits in six innings. Thomas Cup reign barely 24 hours ago. her 21-15 21-5 victory against Japan’s num- Shelby Miller and Devin Mesoraco added innings. World’s top two women players Li Xuerui ber one Minatsu Mitani. a solo shot as Cincinnati beat St. Louis to and Wang Shixian won their singles matches Li began sluggishly, trailing 6-10 before INTERLEAGUE MARINERS 6, ASTROS 1 tighten the top of the NL Central divi- Felix Hernandez struck out nine over eight in straight games before Zhao Yunlei and she put her foot down and won the next 12 GIANTS 6, TWINS 2 sion. strong innings for his third straight victory Wang Xiaoli joined hands to clinch the sec- points to surge ahead never to look back Pablo Sandoval and Brandon Hicks The Reds moved within three games and Willie Bloomquist hit his first home run ond doubles to secure the biennial women’s again in the 36-minute contest. homered to back a wild Tim Lincecum in of the second-place Cardinals, who have since 2011 for Seattle. team championship for the 13th time. Her dominant display made the second San Francisco’s win. Lincecum (4-3) won seven of their last nine games while Hernandez (6-1) allowed only five hits and Olympic champion Li would not concede game a completely lop-sided contest but Li, struck out four and walked six in six staying right behind division-leading continued a strong last two weeks on the Friday’s Thomas Cup defeat had hurt the who did not seem very happy despite receiv- Milwaukee. innings. He allowed five hits and also had mound. After going more than a month entire contingent but world number two ing the Female Player of the Year award from Miller (6-3) had won six straight deci- two wild pitches, escaping trouble in between victories, Hernandez has struck out Wang was more forthright. the Badminton World Federation (BWF) on sions, the best such streak of his career. nearly every inning. 21 and walked just two over his last three “It did give us some extra motivation,” said Friday. “My name is wrongly spelt on the BWF He allowed five runs in five innings, Joe Mauer and Chris Parmelee drove starts. Wang, who took 45 minutes to down Japan’s award. This is the first time I got this award including Frazier’s ninth homer in the in Minnesota’s only runs in the third. Bloomquist drove in three runs, but the Sayaka Takahashi 21-16 21-12 at the Siri Fort and I want the right one,” she said in mock third inning. Homer Bailey (4-3) escaped Sandoval hit a three-run shot in the first, highlight was his two-run homer just inside Complex. anger before a BWF official promised to fix it numerous threats during his six innings. and Hicks hit his eighth homer off Kyle the left-field foul pole in the sixth off Rudy “People are looking into China’s defeat for her. Aroldis Chapman gave up a hit in the Gibson (4-4) in the fourth and drove in Owens, who was making his MLB debut. It because China does not lose that often,” the Japan clawed back into the contest when ninth while getting his fourth save in five another run in the seventh. Gibson gave was his first homer since Aug. 10, 2011, when shuttler, beads of sweat all over her face and Misaki Matsutomo and Ayaka Takahashi chances, with his fastball topping out at up five runs and five hits in five Bloomquist was playing for Arizona, a span of neck, said through a translator. claimed the first doubles 21-18, 21-9 before 102 mph (164 kph). innings.—AP 626 at-bats.—AP “We cannot be beaten easily. Four years Wang put China ahead. —Reuters SUNDAY, MAY 25, 2014 SPORTS

Stormers win two in a row Photo of the day CAPE TOWN: Western Stormers won suc- through a Van Wyk try and a conversion cessive Super 15 matches for the first time and penalty from fly-half Kurt Coleman. this season by outplaying Central Cheetahs Those scores coupled with the Fourie try 33-0 yesterday in awful Cape Town condi- made up the first-half total for Stormers, tions. who suffered a late, pre-match blow when The home side were ahead within five centre and Springboks skipper Jean de minutes when hooker Deon Fourie barged Villiers withdrew injured. over at Newlands stadium, led 15-0 at half- A reason why traditional play-offs con- time, and were rarely under pressure. tenders Stormers have battled this season A bonus-point victory for scoring four is a long casualty list and stand-in captain tries lifted the Cape Town franchise two and flank Schalk Burger quit at half-time places to 11th while the Cheetahs dropped nursing a sore neck. one place to 13th on the combined stand- Fellow Springbok Siya Kolisi took his ings. place and scored the third try with 10 min- Wind, rain, cold and a slippery pitch utes left after penalties by Coleman and his ensured the South African derby was never replacement, Peter Grant, had put the going to be a classic and while Stormers game beyond Cheetahs’ reach. executed the basics well, Cheetahs were Grant converted the third try and after woeful. Stormers lock Michael Rhodes was sin- Cheetahs skipper and hooker Adriaan binned for hair-pulling, New Zealand-born Strauss was yellow-carded midway through left-wing Sailosi Tagicakibau dotted down the first half for a dangerous tackle on to complete the rout. right-wing Kobus van Wyk and his 10- Stormers are away to leaders Coastal minute absence proved expensive. Sharks in Durban next weekend while Stormers used their numerical advan- Cheetahs have a bye in the final round tage to score 10 unanswered points before a June break for Test matches.—AFP Hurricanes stun Chiefs WELLINGTON: The counter-attacking In his battle with Barrett to determine skills of the Wellington Hurricanes who will be named next weekend as the knocked the defending champion Waikato All Blacks pivot in place of the unavailable Chiefs out of the Super 15 top six with a Dan Carter, it was Barrett who made the stunning 45-8 victory here yesterday. most of his chances, and converted all six The long-range specialists ran in six tries as well. tries for a bonus-point win that propelled Battling into a stiff southerly breeze in them up to fourth place on the tightly- the first half, the Hurricanes toyed with packed leader board, where only four the stilted Chiefs defence with Andre points separate the second-placed NSW Taylor scoring first, ending a 60-metre Participants start during the Wings for Life World Run in Kakheti, Georgia.— www.redbull.com Waratahs and now seventh Chiefs. move ignited by All Blacks wing Julian The Hurricanes, bouncing back from a Savea. Fellow All Blacks flyer Corey Jane loss to the Otago Highlanders last week, sparked the second try from inside the have now won six of their past eight Hurricanes’ half before off-loading to Toulon retain European Cup games after starting the year as one of the Barrett who took play up to the line where least fancied sides. prop Ben Franks loomed up to finish the They laid the ground work for the rout move. Centre Alapati Leiua started off the CARDIFF: Jonny Wilkinson’s final playing into the wind in the first half when third try scoring move, which Savea fin- match in Britain ended in joy for they stunned the Chiefs with three tries ished off. the England great as reigning that originated inside their own half. The Chiefs, who had used the wind to champions Toulon beat Saracens Despite the Hurricanes leading the kick for territory in the first half, had scant 23-6 in the European Cup final at competition in clean breaks and defend- reward with only a penalty to Gareth Cardiff’s Millennium Stadium yes- ers beaten, the Chiefs seemed unprepared Anscombe and a try to Liam Squire during terday. Toulon captain Wilkinson 13 for their ability to attack from afar. his brief cameo as a blood-bin replace- points in a match where the star- As the tries mounted against them, the ment for Sam Cane. studded French side scored tries confidence waned in the two-times cham- After a Barrett penalty extended the through Australia’s Matt Giteau and pion Chiefs whose reputation for piling on lead to 24-8 soon after half-time, Savea South Africa’s Juan Smith. the points in the second half was left in scored the bonus-point try from another All Saracens had to show for tatters and their brief scoring completed long-range effort in which Barrett, twice, their efforts were two penalties very early in the match. Jane and Leuia all handled in a move that from Owen Farrell, Wilkinson’s cur- Not even the return of fly-half Aaron swept half the field. They Hurricanes then rent successor as England fly-half. Cruden, after a lengthy spell sidelined showed they could score from close range Victory meant Toulon, who with a broken thumb, could ignite the with forwards Jack Lam and Brad Shield edged out French rivals Clermont Chiefs. In his battle. both driving over. —AFP 16-15 in last season’s final, became only the third team after England’s Leicester and Irish province Leinster to retain the European Cup. Nadal still the man to beat This win also kept Toulon on course for a ‘double’ ahead of next PARIS: If this season’s records are supposed Serbian second seed, who has never won weekend’s French Top 14 final with to provide an indication to the man who the French Open, said. Castres. That match is now set to be will be crowned ‘king of Roland Garros’, Besides Djokovic, whom he could meet Wilkinson’s last after he announced Rafa Nadal’s hopes of winning a record- in the final, Nadal has a possible semi-final his retirement earlier this week. “It’s CARDIFF: RC Toulon’s Jonny Wilkinson lifts the trophy after winning the Heineken Cup Final at the extending ninth French Open title could be match against Wawrinka, the man who a hell of a feeling,” said Wilkinson, Millennium Stadium. —AP in jeopardy. defeated him in the Australian Open final. for whom this win marked an early they revitalised a stuttering match started the move with an outside 23-6 when, after Farrell’s late hit on For the first time in a decade, the world Everyone has been warned, however, birthday present-he turns 35 today. with their first try. In the build-up to break before passing to Smith, who Springbok wing Bryan Habana, he number one lost three matches on red dirt that Nadal is feeling better after a patchy “I am proud to be part of this this match Saracens coach Mark took the ball brilliantly one-handed landed a 40-metre penalty. There in the build-up to the claycourt major and start to the claycourt season. “The dynamic team and be part of this. The sea- McCall had highlighted Giteau as a behind him. Former Springbok was no way back for Saracens and a the Spaniard could have to beat all three is positive, it’s true, so that’s always impor- son has one more week to go, I will dangerman and he was proved Smith exchanged passes with crowd of nearly 68,000 cheered conquerors - Nicolas Almagro, David Ferrer tant for the confidence. I felt that in Rome I take this with me forever.” right in the 29th minute. Wilkinson Lobbe in a neat one-two before Wilkinson to the echo when Toulon and Novak Djokovic - if he is to successfully was able to play without that anxiety that I Saracens also have a shot at switched play with an inside pass crossing for a fine try. coach Bernard Laporte, the former defend his title on June 8. played with in the first two tournaments domestic glory as next Saturday to Giteau, whose clever chip kick Wilkinson duly converted to France boss, replaced him late on Nadal also admitted to suffering jitters and some moments in Madrid, too,” Nadal sees them playing Northampton in into space saw Drew Mitchell beat make it 20-6 and that soon became with Maxime Mermoz.—AFP following his quarter-final exits at the explained. the English Premiership final. Saracens full-back Alex Goode to Monte Carlo Masters and the Barcelona Former world number one Roger Under the closed roof of the the high bouncing ball. Former Open, by Ferrer and Almagro respectively, Federer, who won the last of his record 17 Millennium Stadium, Toulon once Wallaby wing Mitchell then passed and those results proved that Nadal was no grand slam titles at Wimbledon in 2012, more looked to get the better of out of the tackle to the supporting longer the indestructible force that he once believes he is in top shape. Saracens following their 24-12 Giteau, who’d followed up his own was on clay. “I feel very strong. That’s how I feel. It’s semi-final win over the London kick, and the centre raced in for a While the results have offered hope to been really solid in practice; no setbacks in club last season-a match where try. Wilkinson made light of a diffi- his opponents, they are also aware that matches; I have been able to back them up Wilkinson kicked all his side’s cult conversion from out near the Roland Garros is another story for Nadal. time and time again,” the Swiss fourth seed points. For Saracens captain Steve touchline to give Toulon a 7-3 lead. The muscular left-hander carries a said. Borthwick, like Wilkinson, this was And that became 10-3 when, two spine-chilling 59-1 record into this year’s The women’s draw is a bit of a free-for- set to be his penultimate match minutes before half-time, a huge tournament, having lost his only match on all behind the top favorites, holder Serena before retirement. drive by the powerful Toulon pack the Parisian clay in 2009. Williams and last year’s runner-up Maria from a lineout saw Wilkinson land a “I’m far behind Rafa and Novak. They are Sharapova, who could meet as early as the STUTTERING MATCH drop-goal off his weaker, right foot- really above the other players,” Swiss third quarter-finals. The London club appearing in just as he’d done to seal England’s seed and Australian Open champion Stan Williams, champion in 2002, had to wait their first European final of any 2003 World Cup final win over Wawrinka, who won the Monte Carlo title, 11 long years to win her second Suzanne kind, took a second-minute lead Australia in Sydney. told a news conference. Lenglen Cup last June but is determined when Toulon’s former All Blacks Seven points down at the break, “When they are really on the courts they not to hang around that long for a third tri- prop Carl Heyman was penalised Saracens needed to score first in are difficult to fight against.” Djokovic, who umph. for popping up at a scrum. the second half and did so when beat Nadal in the Rome Masters final in “I don’t know what clicked or didn’t Farrell kicked the penalty and Farrell landed a routine penalty three sets last week, believes a grand slam click (on clay). I grew up on hard courts, Saracens led 3-0. Argentina centre after Toulon collapsed a scrum. is a special occasion. and then when I turned 10 I played only Marcelo Bosch, Saracens’ long- However, Wilkinson then kicked “It’s obviously different from the Rome clay until I turned pro,” said Williams, who range kick specialist and Farrell a penalty after flanker and man-of- tournament. It’s a grand slam, a two-week will draw level with Martina Navratilova both saw 45 metre penalty efforts the-match Steffon Armitage had long event, best-of-five (sets). Almost all of and Chris Evert’s haul of 18 majors if she fall short. But with Toulon down to got over the ball at a tackle. the players who are participating in the wins in Paris. “I’m really good now. I’m 14 men after Lobbe was sent to the Toulon then sealed victory with CARDIFF: RC Toulon’ís Juan Smith scores a try during the Heineken event have an extra motivation to perform great. I feel like this is the only place I sin-bin for tackling airborne a match-clinching try on the hour. Cup Final rugby match at the Millennium Stadium. —AP well compared to the other events,” the want to be.”—Reuters Saracens-lock Alistair Hargreaves, France centre Mathieu Bastareaud Battaglin wins Giro stage

OROPA: Enrico Battaglin won the Pozzovivo, however, struggled to 14th stage of the Giro d’Italia yester- maintain the pace and only gained day while overall leader Rigoberto less than 30 seconds on Uran, sec- Uran had a tough day in the moun- ond-placed Cadel Evans and third- tains. placed Rafal Majka. Battaglin pipped fellow Italian Uran, who cracked in the final Dario Cataldo at the end of a 164- metres, leads Evans by 32 seconds km hilly trek from Aglie after being and Majka by 1:35, while Pozzovivo initially dropped by his breakaway sits 2:11 off the pace. “It was a very companions. tough day. There are a lot of other “I am not used to winning that mountain stages and the only kind of stages. At the beginning I standings that will matter are the did not think our breakaway could final standings,” said Uran. go all the way,” Battaglin told BeIN Quintana, who with Pozzovivo Sport. looks the strongest in the moun- Four kilometres from the finish, tains, is 3:04 behind Uran and in in the final category-one ascent, sixth place with five stages in the Italian climber Domenico Pozzovivo mountains left. Today’s 15th stage attacked and among the top con- takes the peloton over 225 km from tenders, only Colombian Nairo Valdengo and Plan Di ITALY: Italian cyclist Enrico Battaglin celebrates his victory as he crosses the finish line of the 14th stage (164 km) of the 7th9 Giro díItalia, Tour of Italy. —AFP Quintana could follow. Montecampione.—Reuters SUNDAY, MAY 25, 2014 SPORTS Hamilton enthralled by Monaco madness MONACO: Insane, ridiculous, terrifying, Hamilton’s boyhood hero, the late triple incredible - a lap of the Monaco Grand Prix champion Ayrton Senna, was the master of circuit is all that and more for Lewis Monaco with five wins. One qualifying lap Hamilton and he cannot get enough of it. in 1988 was so sensationally quick it The Formula One championship leader seemed almost superhuman. is an old hand at mastering the most glam- orous and historic street circuit in motor- SO FAST sport but he still finds it as awesome, and The Briton has only admiration for such stomach-churning, as when he first arrived an achievement, knowing only too well as a rookie in 2007. how hard the metal-fenced layout can bite Asked ahead of Sunday’s race which the unwary - and how fast it feels even if part of the layout most made his hair stand the average speed is the slowest of any on end, the Mercedes driver - a winner in race. “It’s a circuit that you really have to the Mediterranean principality on his way walk very slowly before you can run. You’re to the 2008 title with McLaren - smiled. not running before you get to Sunday “There’s not a single part that doesn’t,” probably,” he said. replied the Briton, who will be chasing his “It’s so fast. You go up that hill (to Casino fifth successive win of the season. “It’s the Square) at almost 200 miles an hour, you whole track. get up there and you can’t even see the “I wish you could feel what we feel when corner at the top as it drops down. we go round,” he added. “It’s like when you “You’re just looking at the sky and all of go on the scariest roller coaster ride, and a sudden the corner arrives and you can’t when they drop off the cliff and you go see around it. Oh man, I’m just getting down and that first bit... excited thinking about it.” “That fear factor, the initial part that One mistake, the slightest clip of the lasts for just a split second - here it’s the crash barriers, can end in carnage. Brake a whole lap. It’s scary but it’s cool. It’s all fraction too late, in the new V6 turbo these different emotions in one. It’s just the hybrid cars that are far more prone to skip- most incredible roller coaster ride.” ping out of line, and the wall awaits. Three rookies will be racing a Formula “That’s why it’s the best track because MONTE CARLO: Mercedes’ German driver Nico Rosberg drives at the Monaco street circuit during the Monaco Formula One Grand Prix. —AFP One car around Monaco for the first time, there’s no room for error,” said Hamilton. with Toro Rosso’s Russian Daniil Kvyat “It’s ridiculous, it’s insane how fast we go standing out as the only one never to have through there,” he added of the swimming competed there previously in any of the pool complex after cars have blasted Rosberg on Monaco pole junior series. through the tunnel and out into the sun- Hamilton grinned at the thought: “It’s light along the harbor side. “The coolest MONACO: Germany’s Nico Rosberg took a con- going to be like being in the room with thing is that they keep the race on, they troversial pole position at the Monaco Grand Freddy Krueger,” he said, referring to the fic- allow us to race here. It’s the most real race Prix yesterday after an incident that denied tional serial killer of horror movie fame. there is.”—Reuters unhappy Mercedes team mate and champi- onship leader Lewis Hamilton the chance to beat him. Formula One stewards summoned Mercedes Coach salutes Molinari’s to a hearing afterwards but, after reviewing video evidence, decided no offence had been sweet 65 at Wentworth committed. The German had locked-up on the way into VIRGINIA WATER: Francesco Molinari’s was right on line, hit the flag and went Mirabeau during the key final seconds of qualify- long-time coach Denis Pugh looked like the straight in so that was a bonus.” Molinari is ing and skidded down the escape road, bringing cat who devoured the cream yesterday not a prolific winner on the European Tour out yellow warning flags that forced other driv- after the Italian produced one of the best and prides himself on his consistency. The ers to slow. performances of his career. Italian, renowned for his rock steady game The excursion, with Rosberg then putting the The 2010 and 2012 Ryder Cup player from tee to green, has three victories to his car into reverse, came just as Hamilton - behind charged through the field in the BMW PGA credit but the last came at the 2012 him on the track - was on his final quick lap. Championship at Wentworth with a Spanish Open. Hamilton, winner of the last four races but sparkling seven-under-par 65 that con- “I am not a guy who misses five cuts in a never before on pole in the principality, had tained six birdies and an eagle. row and then goes on to win a tourna- been faster through the first sector but had to “Francesco’s been doing well in practice ment,” said Molinari. “It’s important for me settle for second place on the grid for the sea- and generally he’s been in good shape,” a to build up my confidence. son’s showcase race. grinning Pugh told Reuters in an interview “It’s been a steady year with some good “I’m happy it worked out. Pole at home is fan- as the early-morning clouds and rain gave finishes and hopefully this week will be tastic - it couldn’t be better,” a smiling Rosberg, way to bright sunshine on the outskirts of another one. I would have liked to have last year’s winner from pole and Hamilton’s clos- London. won in the last two years but I’ve never est title rival, told reporters. “He’s been swinging the club beautifully been a guy who has won too many tourna- “I’m sorry for what happened to Lewis. I didn’t and I think today was probably as good as ments. “My strength is my consistency and I know where exactly he was. But once I was I’ve seen him play.” Englishman Pugh was just have to try and put myself in a good reversing I didn’t see who was coming up. Of MONTE CARLO: Mercedes’ British driver Lewis Hamilton (left) and Mercedes’ German driver also pleased Molinari avoided the tempta- position week after week and hopefully my course it’s not great, but that’s the way it is.” Nico Rosberg pose in the parc ferme of the Monaco street circuit after the qualifying session of tion to go for broke at the water-guarded time will come.” Hamilton, a forced smile on his face at the the Monaco Formula One Grand Prix. —AFP 18th. “He used his brain at the last, he laid With the US Open and British Open on post-qualifying news conference, said it was up and two-putted for his par five,” said the the horizon in the next two months and ‘ironic’ for his rival to secure pole in such a fash- outside front I think it was, or the inside, and “I think all three of us don’t seem to be too coach after the Italian surged into title con- the Ryder Cup qualification process hotting ion. Speaking later to the BBC, the Briton went that put me off line. I was still trying to make it pleased with ourselves,” observed Ricciardo, sit- tention on six-under 210. “He didn’t go for up, Molinari seems to be coming into form further. Asked whether he felt Rosberg had done but then in the last moment I had to turn out.” ting alongside Hamilton and Rosberg at a post- the green in two, go for glory and end up at the right time. it on purpose, he replied: ‘potentially’. Hamilton, who said only days ago he was qualifying news conference. like a dope.” He was fourth at last month’s China However, Mercedes motorsport director Toto hungrier than his team mate for the title, has a The Ferrari pairing of Alonso and Kimi Molinari said the highlight of his day Open and then tied for sixth at the Players Wolff rejected that: “I don’t think anybody does three-point lead after five races, all won by Raikkonen filled the third row. The stewards was a chip-in for a three at the par-five Championship in Florida, the tournament that deliberately in modern Formula One,” he Mercedes who have also started all from pole. were given more work on an eventful afternoon. 17th. “It was a really good day and it could dubbed golf’s unofficial fifth major. told reporters. With Mercedes so dominant, the driver pair- Felipe Massa was furious when Caterham’s have been even better,” the 31-year-old Molinari has featured in the last two “He (Rosberg) missed his braking, which was ing is the talk of Formula One with all eyes Swedish rookie Marcus Ericsson rammed his said. “I managed to hold it together on 13 Ryder Cups and he certainly does not want in order to beat his team mate, and he took the watching for signs of their intense rivalry shifting Williams at Mirabeau in an incident that meant and 14 - I missed both those greens and to miss out on the chance of making it a exit. That’s it. There is nothing to add. up a gear into open feuding. he missed the second phase and qualified 16th. had two 10-footers for par. hat-trick when Europe defend the biennial “That moment is very intense when you lose Comparisons have been made with the high- “I gave him the space and he went over my “I holed those and then got my reward team event against the United States in out in qualifying to your team mate, but give it ly combustible 1988/89 McLaren pairing of car. I don’t know what more there is to say. The at 17 with a nice eagle. I hit two good shots Scotland in September. half an hour and he will have calmed down.” Ayrton Senna and Alain Prost, who clashed infa- race tomorrow will be very tough. I feel disap- just short of the green which was a nice “The Ryder Cup plays a part in my think- mously on the track while fighting for the title. pointed,” said the Brazilian. position because the flag was short and ing,” he explained. “After you’ve played in a SCHUMACHER INCIDENT Hamilton, a boyhood fan of Senna, recalled Ericsson was ordered to start from the pit left. couple you definitely do not want to miss it The incident nonetheless revived memories that famous feud when asked whether he and lane and handed two penalty points. Russian but I’m also conscious of how hard it is of Michael Schumacher’s infamous 2006 pole lap Rosberg needed to sort things out. rookie Daniil Kvyat, who qualified an impressive NICE BONUS going to be to make the team so I need a when the seven-times world champion blocked “I don’t know if Senna and Prost talked about ninth for Toro Rosso despite skidding into the “I hit my chip a bit too firm really but it lot more days like today.” —Reuters the Rascasse corner and prevented Renault’s it, but I quite liked the way Senna dealt with that barriers at the tunnel exit in the first phase of Fernando Alonso from going faster. so I’ll take a page out of his book,” he said, with- qualifying, was reprimanded for impeding the On that occasion, Ferrari’s German driver was out elaboration. Lotus of Venezuelan Pastor Maldonado. sent to the back of the grid for an ‘incorrect Australian Daniel Ricciardo will start in third Danish rookie Kevin Magnussen qualified Steely-eyed Blixt has got action’. Rosberg, who has said he knew he had a place, the clean side of the track, for Red Bull eighth on his Monaco F1 debut but 2009 world ‘banker’ lap from earlier in the session and had with quadruple world champion team mate champion team mate Jenson Button, a former what it takes — Jacklin just pushed a little too hard. “I just locked up the Sebastian Vettel alongside. winner, was only 12th for McLaren. —Reuters

VIRGINIA WATER: Rookie trio Jonas Blixt, “Dubuisson has gone a bit quiet since then Victor Dubuisson and Joost Luiten will be but he may just be getting accustomed to Garnett leads in Texas welcome additions if they manage to quali- his new status. fy for Europe’s Ryder Cup team later this Texas: Little-known Brice Garnett took control of the Crowne Plaza year, according to four-times skipper Tony NO FLUKE Invitational in Texas on Friday as world number one Adam Scott end- Jacklin. “It takes time but clearly the kid’s got ed a frustrating day on the greens with a long birdie putt at the last to The 69-year-old Englishman, however, is talent and given a level-playing field, and if finish six shots off the pace. less complimentary about Scotland’s he proves his recent performances were no Scott, who replaced Tiger Woods as golf’s leading player on Stephen Gallacher who is another player fluke, he’ll be a decent addition to Europe’s Monday, was in danger of missing the cut after an unimpressive front on the fringes of selection for the side that team. “Dubuisson says he’s a bit of a loner nine but found his game in time to avoid an embarrassing early exit will defend the trophy against the United but I think he has a pleasant disposition. from Colonial Country Club in Fort Worth. States at Gleneagles in September. He’s got a nice demeanour about him and “I’ve got to have a low 60 tomorrow and try and get myself in with Florida-based Swede Blixt followed up he is probably a shoe-in for the team,” a realistic shout on Sunday,” Australian Scott told Golf Channel after his fourth place at the 2013 US PGA added Jacklin who is the ambassador for shooting a two-under-par 68 for a one-under 139 halfway total. Championship by finishing joint second Glenmorangie, spirit of the British Open “I was a little shaky of the tee on the front side (but) I just started behind Bubba Watson in last month’s US (www.glenmorangie.com/golf). hitting some good shots on the back nine.” The 33-year-old picked up Masters at Augusta on his first appearance “We are probably going to have Luiten shots from close range at the 12th and 13th holes and his closing at the opening major of the season. as well. He’s pretty consistent week in, birdie, from 20 feet after hitting a nice approach shot from a divot, “There is no doubt Europe have some week out. These guys are giving it their certainly boosted his spirits as he extended the PGA Tour’s longest cut quality players,” Jacklin told Reuters in an best and they deserve a shot at it.” streak to 34. interview during the BMW PGA Jacklin, though, is less sure about “I felt really good coming in,” Scott said. “Hopefully it was a sign of Championship at Wentworth. Gallacher even though the Scot has some- what’s to come on the weekend. Tomorrow is an important day for me “This guy Blixt impresses me, I must say. thing of a Ryder Cup pedigree, being the now.” He is a determined individual, he’s mentally nephew of multiple former player and skip- While Scott attracted a large afternoon gallery, the unheralded tough and I loved the way he contained per Bernard. Garnett was barely noticed as he took control of the tournament by himself at Augusta. Gallacher, another possible rookie at firing a 66 in the morning to head fellow Americans Chris Stroud (64) “I always look out for the determination Gleneagles, recorded the third European and mental toughness of today’s players Tour victory of his career by landing the and Robert Streb (68) by one stroke. and Blixt to me looked totally engaged in Dubai Classic crown in February but the The FedExCup points leader Jimmy Walker (68) was two shots off the job at hand last month,” added Europe’s man who led Europe to two Ryder Cup the pace after almost collecting a birdie of the feathered variety at most successful Ryder Cup captain. “There wins, one tie and one defeat from 1983-89 the 17th hole, where his ball appeared to brush a bird high in the sky was no suggestion of him backing off, he is not convinced with his credentials. just after the apex of his tee shot. looked as tough as” ... and Jacklin’s voice “I’m not being unkind but Stephen looks First round leader Dustin Johnson (70) was also two strokes back. “I suddenly trailed off as he banged his palm a bit iffy sometimes, as if he’s not sure,” haven’t hit the ball great this year but typically the strength of my on a wooden table for emphasis. said the Florida-based Englishman. “He’s a game is hitting fairways and greens,” said Garnett. “I’m just trying to The winner of the 1969 British Open and bit tender-minded maybe. You’ve got to hit as many greens as possible and I’ve had the putter working so far.” 1970 US Open also said he liked what he have that mental toughness. You’ve got to Garnett, 30, is having a decent first season on the U.S. circuit and saw in Frenchman Dubuisson, who claimed be able to walk through walls and be as occupies 101st place in the FedExCup standings. “Each and every his first European win when he eclipsed the hard as nails.“It was quoted once that the week the rookies feel more comfortable,” he said. “I know I have. You likes of Tiger Woods and Justin Rose at last softest thing about me out on the course may not get into some tournaments you’d like but it’s been fun and year’s Turkish Open, and Dutchman Luiten. was my teeth. You can be the nicest guy I’m learning each and every day.” Just eight strokes separate the 75 “I saw Dubuisson against Jason Day in in the world when you’re off the course players who made the cut. World number four Matt Kuchar, who the WGC Match Play final in Arizona in but when you’re out there playing tourna- could have gone to top spot with a victory this week, instead bowed February and Day looked dazed at times ment golf you’ve got to have that mental TEXAS: Brice Garnett putts on the 18th hole during the second round of out early, only his second missed cut since the PGA Championship in even though he won,” said Jacklin. toughness.”—Reuters the PGA Colonial golf tournament in Fort Worth. —AP August, 2012.—Reuters SUNDAY, MAY 25, 2014 SPORTS Busch’s Double bid highlights Indy 500

INDIANAPOLIS: Dale Earnhardt Jr. is going to following a concussion. He leads the five-car owner Michael never had the chance to drink because there’s no right answer,” he said. “Do Friday’s final practice session. watch. So will Jimmie Johnson, Jeff Gordon, Andretti stable, which has Marco Andretti the celebratory milk in victory lane. you lead? Should you be fourth? I’ve been in “I think as we all know the competition is Tony Stewart and Clint Bowyer. NASCAR’s and Carlos Munoz in the two rows behind Boy, does Marco want this. “This is the this race with a shot to win a ton of times, extremely tough and it looks like there’s biggest names all plan to tune in to the Hinchcliffe. Further back in the field is biggest race in the world and I have so much and there’s no right answer, and it’s so unset- many good cars out there,” said Dixon, noting Indianapolis 500 to watch Kurt Busch run the Hunter-Reay and Busch, the former NASCAR respect for it and I want nothing more in my tling for me.” the Ganassi organization has a penchant for first leg in his attempt to complete The champion who will start 12th in Marco life than to add my name to the list of cham- Adding to the angst had to be the sud- dragging through race preparations and then Double. Andretti’s backup car because he crashed his pions,” Andretti said. “I feel like I have the car den emergence of the Ganassi cars, which showing up on Carb Day and race day. “We Millions of other casual fans will also turn primary on Monday. and the team and the crew to do it, but being finally showed the speed they’d been lack- definitely don’t do it on purpose. But, yes, last their attention to Indianapolis Motor year we kind of did the same thing, and the Speedway on Sunday, where Busch’s debut cars were actually pretty horrible in the race. will bring new eyeballs to the “Greatest Hopefully that’s not going to happen.” Spectacle In Racing.” Although the Indy 500 Kanaan is one of three drivers in the field has always been the crown jewel of motor- who can win a second consecutive Indy 500. sports, the slumping IndyCar Series struggles Joining him in that quirky statistic is 1995 to gain much traction outside the showcase winner Jacques Villeneuve and Montoya, who race. “I think he does bring attention, and I won in 2000. Both bolted for Formula One think the series does need that added atten- the next season and finally make their long tion,” 2012 series champion Ryan Hunter- awaited returns to the Indy 500. Reay said of Busch. “The racing in the IndyCar Villeneuve’s return has brought some Series has been called the best kept secret in attention, but few consider him a threat to racing, and it is some of the best action out win. Montoya? Everybody expects the there, so I think it’s a great opportunity for Colombian to be in the mix. Although he’s some fans who wouldn’t necessarily tune in struggled to regain his footing through the to check it out and see what it’s all about and first four races of the season after 14 years how good the racing is.” away from IndyCar, Montoya quickly slipped Fans will be treated to one of the most back into form at Indy, a track he raced dur- wide-open races in recent memory. No single ing his stints in both Formula One and driver or team has risen to the top this sea- NASCAR. son. And with so much attention on Busch, “I think I have a really good shot at win- who will become just the fourth driver in his- ning it, I really do,” Montoya said. “With my tory to compete in both the 500 and oval experience in NASCAR and knowing this NASCAR’s Coca-Cola 600 on the same day, so place really well, and being with Team many other elements of this magical race at Penske, chances of winning don’t come much historic Indianapolis Motor Speedway have better than that.” been somewhat overlooked. “I don’t know There are many drivers in the field who that there’s a favorite at all this year,” said feel this could be their year. From Ed Graham Rahal. “I feel like it is extremely wide Carpenter, who starts from the pole for the open at this point, even as a driver myself, I second consecutive Indy 500, to dark horses couldn’t even tell you who I would pick. I Josef Newgarden, Justin Wilson and Buddy have no clue.” Indy is a race in which three Lazier, one of six former race winners in the owners - Andretti, Ganassi and Penske - typi- field. cally have the cars to beat. That, at least, is no “Last year, there were nine guys that different this year as Andretti Autosport put could win this race, this year I think it is dou- three of its five entries in the top 10, while ble,” Kanaan said. “Honda caught up with Team Penske got all three of its cars in. INDIANAPOLIS: The top of the Borg-Warner Trophy is shown during the drivers meeting for the Indianapolis 500 IndyCar auto race at the Chevy, last year I think Chevy had an advan- “I’m sure we’ve got the winner sitting Indianapolis Motor Speedway. The 98th running of the Indianapolis 500 is today. —AP tage, we don’t know fuel mileage right now, here,” Roger Penske said of Helio Castroneves, nobody is going to want to lead, saving fuel Juan Pablo Montoya and Will Power. If one had to pick a favorite from that the ninth year in it and seeing everything ing for two weeks on Carb Day. After lag- is going to be a huge factor. If you are not But Andretti feels just as strongly about its group, it would be Marco Andretti, who will under the sun go wrong, I can’t be overconfi- ging behind and failing to move into the the leader, which is the most exposed guy chances, especially after James Hinchcliffe make a ninth attempt at ending the family dent.” Why? final round of qualifying, defending race on earth, then you are going to be saving. qualified in the middle of the front row three heartache in this race. His grandfather, Mario, “I’ve been having this same recurring winner Tony Kanaan and defending We simply don’t know how this thing is days after he was medically cleared to drive won just once, in 1969, while father and car nightmare of where to be in the closing laps IndyCar champion Scott Dixon went 1-2 in going to play out.”—AP Liberia on the crest of a wave as surfing takes off

ROBERTSPORT: Sam Brown Jr allows himself a can be hungry,” he said. Brown and Bright are “I can’t say the sport of surfing is single-hand- grin and even a quick thumbs-up as he snaps part of a 30-strong community that surf at edly keeping the peace but I believe there is a onto his longboard, taming the monstrous wave Shipwreck’s, one of Africa’s longest left-hand strong correlation,” said Brody, the brother of US rearing up behind him like an unleashed, froth- breaks across from the historic cotton tree where actor Adam Brody of “The O.C.” fame. ing beast. Liberia’s first president, Joseph Jenkins Roberts, “When you have a large population of youth The 21-year-old Liberian has joined a grow- carved his name after arriving by ship from with nothing to do, there’s the temptation to get ing number of surfing devotees in the west Virgina in 1829 to what was then a colony for involved with drugs, to get involved with guns.” African nation of Liberia, attracted by the perfect free African-Americans. Kwepunha runs a sharing system allowing waves in what is being touted as one of the The Atlantic here swells up from the southern local youngsters to borrow surfboards on condi- world’s last genuinely unspoilt paradises for the hemisphere, heaving itself onto the coast in a tion that they are attending school, taking part sport. perfect peel, forming a wave surfers call a in beach clean-ups, and being generally respon- “What makes surfing in Liberia so good is the “pipeline”, which they can ride for 200 yards sible citizens. “The kids in this community, I can’t waves,” Brown says as he settles back on the (metres) or more. say they are perfect angels-they are arguing beach, evidently pleased with expressing an with each other and bickering. But they are obvious insight but one that bears repeating to SURF SCHOOL fighting over who caught the best wave, not send a message to surfers worldwide. Moritz Fahsig, 38, and his girlfriend Susi going back to civil war,” Brody said. Liberia is still known around the globe for Brandt, 31, have taken time away from jobs in While some Westerners may want to keep the back-to-back civil wars between 1989 and 2003 online marketing in Munich to surf at coastline a secret, locals in Robertsport hope the that left more than 200,000 people dead and the Robertsport, lured by stories of wide open surge in surfing can help alleviate the economic country in ruins, with images of drugged-up expanses of coastline a world away from the and social problems of a war-ravaged communi- child soldiers brandishing machine guns crowded beaches of Australia or South Africa. ty that survives on the meagre spoils of artisanal beamed across the world. “In other places, when you are alone you are fishing. But surf tourism is slowly picking up and the lucky. Here, when you have even one person to Brody, who has a masters degree focusing on BALTIMORE: Christian Walsh No. 19 of the Duke Blue Devils scores a second half goal country is gaining a reputation for its faultless share your good wave with then you are lucky,” sustainable tourism, believes a tourist influx is against the Denver Pioneers during the semifinals of the 2014 NCAA Division I Men’s left-hand point breaks-locations where waves Moritz told AFP. inevitable, but is determined to ensure that new Lacrosse Championship at M&T Bank Stadium. —AFP break offshore-its spectacular beaches and Surfers used to have to camp on the beach visitors, surf schools and hotels preserve Liberia’s water as warm as the welcome from the friendly but the accommodation has been rather more culture and environment and benefit the local locals. civilised since Sean Brody and Daniel Hopkins, economy. “Tourism will come. It’s just important Rio 2016 chief determined Legend has it that the first surfers appeared both 29, opened Kwepunha Retreat, Liberia’s to us to be here early on to try to set up a sus- in Liberia in the 1970s, but it wasn’t until a film first surf school with rooms, five years ago. tainable model,” he said.—AFP Games will be ready on time about the nascent sport began winning awards at festivals in 2008 that a steady stream of ATHENS: Brazil will prove the doubters plagued by delays, rising costs and bad tourists began. wrong and deliver the 2016 Olympics communication between different lev- US student filmmakers Nicholai Lidow and on time and within budget, Carlos els of the Brazilian government and Britton Caillouette had come in 2006 to shoot Arthur Nuzman, president of the 2016 organisers, prompting criticism from “Sliding Liberia”, which tells the story of Alfred Lomax, who became the country’s first surfer Rio Games organising committee, has international sports federations. after finding a bodyboard in a Monrovia rubbish said. The IOC announced a series of bin while fleeing rebels. In a rare interview given to interna- unprecedented measures in April to The film began pulling in surfers from tional media, Nuzman conceded that kick-start lagging preparations, includ- America and Europe as well as expats living in delays had slowed the work down, ing setting up a special task force, Monrovia, who in turn encouraged locals like with the final venue master plan hav- employing extra monitors and sending Brown, who lives with his parents and little sister ing not been completed until last project managers and teams of in Robertsport, a poor northwestern fishing vil- September, but he insisted everything experts. lage. “We didn’t know anything about surfing in would be ready. Amid problems with stadium con- Liberia during the war. It was tourists who intro- “We know don’t have time to lose struction, labour unrest and security in duced the game to Liberia. When they come, we and we are not standing still,” Nuzman, other parts of the country, thousands sit with them and they talk to us about the game who is also the head of the Brazilian of troops were deployed to Rio’s slums and we listen,” Brown said. Olympic Committee, told yesterday’s in February to wrest them back from edition of Greek newspaper the control of drug gangs and crimi- AFRICA’S BEST WAVES Kathimerini. nals. Liberia’s best waves are found around Brown’s “Bringing the Games to Brazil was Turning to the finances behind the village, walking distance from Sierra Leone on an ambition I held for a very long time Games, Nuzman said the role of his the Cape Mount peninsula and just up the coast and we are determined that we will organising committee should be dis- from Lake Piso, a sparkling 40-square-mile (100- deliver a Games to be proud of, within tinguished from that of the three levels square-kilometre), oblong lake that dominates the agreed schedules and budgets.” of government - the central adminis- western Liberia. Reaching Robertsport involves a three-hour, Last month International Olympic tration and regional and municipal 70-mile drive northwest from Monrovia, mainly Committee (IOC) vice president John authorities. along a dirt track that snakes through cassava Coates labelled Brazil’s preparations “Transparency is a key theme in our fields, palm oil plantations and dense forest the worst he had ever seen and critical- project and we have worked very hard which eventually give way to a stunning coast- ly behind schedule. together with our government part- line. Attending an Olympic forum in ners to deliver robust and transparent Decrepit plantation-style houses, many aban- Sydney, Coates told delegates con- budgets,” he said. “It is important to doned during the war, line wide boulevards that struction had not started on some ven- draw the distinction between the buffer the hills on the edge of town. ues, infrastructure was significantly Organising Committee budget, which A deep underwater trench off a short stretch delayed and water quality was also a comes entirely from private resources, of southwest-facing coast creates five perfect major concern two years out from the and the government infrastructure, point breaks within walking distance of each Games, although he later said he was legacy and venue budgets which are other, described by those in the know as the certain the city would be able to host a for the long-term improvement of the best quality lefthanders in Africa, perhaps the “great” event. city to benefit its residents and involve world. Nuzman responded by saying that private and public money.” In January Claudius Bright, a 20-year-old high school “working as a team is the best and only officials said the operating budget for student from Robertsport, has been surfing for way to make this progress, but we the Olympics and Paralympics had three years and has ambitions-if not the money- need constructive criticism which can jumped 27 percent from prior esti- to study agriculture at university. help us improve”. mates to 7 billion reals ($3.15 billion), “When I started surfing it was really tough The first Games on the South citing factors such as inflation and because it makes the muscles tired. When we don’t have food at home to eat, we come to the LIBERIA: Liberian surfer Sam Sowa Jr rides his surfboard in Robertsport. After a decade of American continent have been costs for new technology.—Reuters water and don’t surf, because after surfing, you peace, Liberia is becoming known among surfers for Africa’s best waves. —AFP SUNDAY, MAY 25, 2014

LISBON: Real goalkeeper Iker Casillas lifts the Champion League trophy, at the end of the Champions League final soccerChampion match against Atletico Madrid at the Luz stadium. — AP of champions LISBON: Real Madrid won the Champions League for the another free-kick from distance over before the 10th time thanks to extra time goals from Gareth Bale, Portuguese captain headed just wide from a corner. Marcelo and Cristiano Ronaldo as they came from behind As Real took more risks to find the equaliser, though, in dramatic circumstances to beat Atletico Madrid 4-1 in Atletico were also becoming more dangerous on the break Lisbon yesterday. and Adrian was unfortunate to see his goalbound effort Atletico seemed set for their first ever European crown deflected just wide by Sami Khedira. as they led deep into stoppage time thanks to Diego Bale wasted another good opening as he sprinted onto Godin’s first-half header, but Sergio Ramos took the game Ronaldo’s pass, but chose the wrong option in trying to into extra time with a towering header in the 93rd minute. squeeze the ball home at the near post and dumped the And for the second time this season having already ball into the side netting. scored the winner to hand Real the Copa del Rey against Just when Atletico thought they had the trophy won, Barcelona last month, Bale scored the crucial goal when he though, Real got their reward as Ramos rose to power Luka headed into an empty net after Thibaut Courtois had par- Modric’s corner past the helpless Courtois. ried Angel di Maria’s effort. Atletico’s tiredness then showed in the second period of With Atletico committed to finding an equaliser, Real extra time as Real had too much pace and power and final- were able to counter-attack at will and Marcelo killed the ly went in front 10 minutes from the end when Di Maria game off when his low shot had too much power for Courtois before Ronaldo sealed his return to Lisbon with a burst into the area and despite his effort being saved by fourth from the penalty spot. Courtois, Bale was on hand to head in at the back post. Atletico’s top scorer Diego Costa had been surprisingly Courtois also got a hand to Marcelo’s low drive eight included in Diego Simeone’s starting line-up despite suf- minutes later, but the Belgian international couldn’t keep it fering a hamstring injury just seven days ago as Atletico out. And Ronaldo got the goal he craved back in his home- clinched the La Liga title against Barcelona. However, the land when he was clipped by Gabi moments later and got Brazilian-born striker lasted just nine minutes as he hob- back up to slam the resulting penalty home. — AFP bled off to be replaced by Adrian Lopez. After a quiet start the game came to life just before the Last 10 CL winners half hour when Raul Garcia was shown a yellow card for chopping down Di Maria and Ramos joined him in the Last 10 Champions League winners after Real Madrid book for squaring up to Garcia. Ronaldo’s resulting free- beat Atletico Madrid 4-1 in yesterdayís final: kick was comfortably dealt with by Courtois, but Real missed a golden chance to open the scoring minutes later 2013/14: Real Madrid through Bale. 2012/13: Bayern Munich The Welshman pounced on Tiago’s errant pass in mid- 2011/12: Chelsea field and scampered forward into the area but side-footed 2010/11: Barcelona wide on his favoured left foot. 2009/10: Inter Milan Three minutes later it was Atletico who took the lead as 2008/09: Barcelona Juanfran headed a cleared corner back into the box and 2007/08: Man Utd Godin took advantage of indecision by Iker Casillas to loop 2006/07: AC Milan the ball over the Spanish captain and just over the line. 2005/06: Barcelona Ronaldo had a couple of half-chances to level at the 2004/05: Liverpool. start of the second-half as Courtois awkwardly tipped

LISBON: Real Madrid’s players pose with the trophy at the end of the UEFA Champions League final Real Madrid vs Atletico de Madrid at Luz stadium. — AFP China halts dollar deals with Afghan banks

Page 22 Business Kuwait’s public debt investments rise SUNDAY, MAY 25, 2014 Page 25 US new home sales rise, but momentum lacking Abu Dhabi tourism industry plans Kuwait roadshow Page 26 Page 23

ST PETERSBURG: A Russian patrol boat guards the St Petersburg International Economic Forum 2014 (SPIEF 2014) in St Petersburg. The Saint Petersburg Economic Forum is touted as Russia’s answer to Davos, an annual meeting of global business leaders which President Vladimir Putin has attended every year since 2005 and often uses to sign major deals and rub shoulders with state leaders. — AFP Russian CEOs see relief from uncertainty Businesses want let-up in high-stakes standoff with West ST PETERSBURG, Russia: With the Russian nomic forum in St. Petersburg. The ruble rose 0.5 economic ties - particularly the lucrative energy voices struck a victorious note after Putin’s months to see whether or not there are more economy and stock market in the doldrums, percent against the dollar, adding to recent industry. That weighed heavily on confidence, speech, they spent much of their time at the positive engagements with Ukraine, particularly CEOs gathered at a business forum here were gains to trade at 34.1 rubles - its strongest level leading investors to pull money out of the coun- forum sparring publicly with more conservative avoiding a gas war.” eager for some sign of a let-up in their country’s since February, before Russia made moves to try in droves. members of the elite, who rallied for Russia to Existing corporate deals are nevertheless high-stakes standoff with the West over Ukraine. annex Ukraine’s Crimean Peninsula in early That has helped weaken Russia’s economy, defy sanctions and find a way forward economi- likely to continue, particularly in sectors like President Vladimir Putin delivered, promising to March. Putin signaled that he would back the which is sliding into recession, according to cally without rapprochement with the West. energy, where investment plans are huge and respect the result of today’s presidential elec- Sunday elections and seek peace and stability in some estimates. It contracted by 0.5 percent in “This forum is of a different sort,” said Bernard take months of negotiation to complete. On tions in Ukraine, a move which decreases the Ukraine, where the US and the European Union the first three months of the year compared Sucher, a Moscow-based entrepreneur and Friday, French oil company Total said it was risk of more sanctions against Russia. have accused Russia of fomenting unrest with the previous quarter. The Kremlin has board member of Aton, an investment compa- going ahead with a joint venture with Russia’s Stock indexes in Moscow and the ruble ral- against the pro-Western government in Kiev. moved to defuse tensions with Ukraine in ny. “On the one hand you have people who are Lukoil. The deal had been under negotiation lied. But many experts believe it’s not so simple: The frontrunner in Ukraine’s Sunday election is recent weeks, announcing on Monday that all very pugnacious and nationalistic, (on the oth- since December. foreign investors could continue to hold back the billionaire candy-maker Petro Poroshenko, Russian troops had left the border with Ukraine er) there those people who are downright Many say Russia has also failed to resolve from Russia in coming months to see whether who played a prominent role in the three- and returned to their regular bases. Many at the scared and depressed.” deep-seated barriers to economic growth, such Moscow is truly willing to engage the new Kiev month long protest movement that helped oust forum praised Putin’s speech, saying his remarks Foreign investors, however, are likely to as corruption and a byzantine bureaucracy. Part government and kick-start important economic Ukraine’s Russia-leaning president in February. on Ukraine were key to stabilizing Russia’s flag- remain cautious as they wait to see whether of Putin’s economic plan unveiled on Friday reforms at home. ging economy and staving off further sanctions. Moscow will foster productive ties with the new called for more government investment to boost “The rally is based on encouraging words, Sanctions “This (Putin’s comments on Ukraine) was the Kiev government. One potential boiling point the national economy - something that has but for the next stage of market improvement The promise was important because Russia’s most important economic news of the day,” said between the two countries is Ukraine’s massive often led to large scale corruption in the past. we want to see what actually happens,” said markets and economy have taken a hit in recent former finance minister Alexei Kudrin, who debt for Russian gas. Last week Putin said that “If the best Russia has got to stimulate a Chris Weafer, an analyst at Macro Advisory in months as western countries imposed econom- resigned after a dispute in 2011 over economic Ukraine’s gas bill stood at $3.5 billion, and recession-era economy is more of the same, Moscow. “I don’t think we’ll recover all the losses ic sanctions on many leaders for the role in the reforms with then-President Dmitry Medvedev. threatened that Moscow could stop delivering then they’re going to have a deeper recession,” we’ve seen.” Ukraine crisis. Though most of the sanctions “Russia is not going to increasingly isolate itself gas from June 1 if Kiev does not start paying in said Sucher. “And they’re going to have fewer In Moscow, the MICEX stock index rose 0.6 were on individuals, there were concerns that or restrict its cooperation with the west.” advance. “Now there’s just a sense of relief,” said resources when they try to do something percent after Putin’s speech at an annual eco- they could be broaden in the future and impact While Kudrin and other more liberal Russian Weafer. “I think the investors will wait a couple of again.” — AP Rosneft, BP to explore for shale oil in Russia

ST PETERSBURG, Russia: Rosneft and BP signed an agree- He was also present at the signing but did not sign it him- ment yesterday to jointly explore for hard-to-recover oil in self. “President (Putin) has urged us today to invest into Russia, the first major deal for the state-run Russian oil com- shale oil... There’s so many natural resources in Russia, the pany since the West imposed sanctions over Ukraine in openness and partnerships Russia has with companies from March. Rosneft chief executive Igor Sechin, a close ally of all over the world is a good thing for energy,” Dudley said on President Vladimir Putin, has been targeted by US sanctions Saturday after meeting Putin in private along with other along with some other members of Putin’s so-called inner energy executives. circle following Russia’s annexation of Crimea from Ukraine Earlier this week, Russia and China signed a gas contract in March. worth $400 billion against the background of the worst Western energy bosses saved the St Petersburg East-West standoff since the Cold War. Moscow is already International Economic forum from a complete failure by supplying oil to Asia via the East Siberia-Pacific Ocean effectively standing by Russia as heads of top banks and pipeline. The US Energy Information Administration esti- many other firms did not show up for fear of reprisals over mates Russian recoverable shale oil resources at 75 billion the sanctions. “Our country has a goal not only to sustain barrels, more than the 58 billion barrels held by the United and improve positions of one of the leading energy suppli- States, now the leader in shale oil production. ers but to become one of the leaders of starting transforma- Rosneft has previously also reached agreements with tion of the global energy,” Putin told the forum on Saturday. ExxonMobil of the United States and Norway’s Statoil to Russia is the world’s leading oil producer with current explore for hard-to-recover oil. output of around 10.5 million barrels per day (bpd) but the bulk of production is coming from depleted western Business as usual Siberian deposits. Moscow is hoping to repeat the shale oil Global energy executives at the forum included Royal boom in the United States, which changed the global ener- Dutch Shell’s Ben van Beurden, Total’s Christophe de gy landscape as Washington is gradually cutting oil imports Margerie, Eni’s Claudio Descalzi and ExxonMobil and preparing to start exports, pushing other producers like Development Company’s Neil Duffin. Russia to forge closer business ties with Asia. With Putin Most of them kept a low profile or had a short message attending the ceremony, Sechin and BP Russia head David to deliver - business as usual. “My message to Russia is sim- Campbell signed an agreement at the St Petersburg ple - business as usual,” said de Margerie who signed a deal International Economic Forum to jointly explore for hard-to- with private Russian firm Lukoil to explore for unconven- recover oil in the Volga-Urals region of central Russia. tional oil during the forum. Rosneft will hold 51 percent of the joint venture which Dudley, who had bumpy relations with Russia as head of will explore the so-called Domanic formation and BP will TNK-BP, now part of Rosneft, told reporters that BP is not hold 49 percent. BP holds an almost 20 percent stake in going to sell its stake in Rosneft. “I think it is important to Rosneft. come and to watch and listen... to where the things are ST PETERSBURG: Russian President Vladimir Putin (center) looks on as Rosneft President Igor Sechin (right) shakes “We are very pleased to be a part of Russian energy com- going... We have responsibility to stand with our partners in hands with Seadrill Vice-President and a director Tor Olav Troim (left) during an agreement signing ceremony at plex,” Bob Dudley, chief executive with BP, told the forum. difficult time,” he said. — Reuters the St Petersburg International Economic Forum 2014 (SPIEF 2014) in St Petersburg yesterday. —AFP SUNDAY, MAY 25, 2014 BUSINESS

Why it makes sense to invest in UK real estate By Fahed Boodai, mence activity. Chairman, Gatehouse Bank Ethical investment n many cases, when Gulf investors Furthermore from a sharia-compli- look at the UK as a destination for ance perspective, the fact that afford- Icapital deployment, it is often able housing is essentially an ethical London, which enjoys the majority of investment, as well as the fact that such attention. True, as a global city, London projects help to grow the wider econo- has a lot to offer in terms of investment my, ensures that not only does the opportunities - its real estate is boom- investor benefit, but many others do as ing, and the City of London is at the well. heart of the world’s financial industry. It I look at the UK real estate market as is highly likely that as a city it has fea- an anti recessionary measure due to the tured as a tourist destination for many in continued demand and lack of supply. this market at some point over the past In addition to affordable housing, we five years. That being said the UK has a have been active in student accommo- lot more to offer than just London and dation across a number of cities to sup- prime real estate. port the demand by the growing univer- Taking real estate as a theme, and sity population in the UK. looking at it on a broader scale than At broader level, the UK offers a num- investing in a singular property that can ber of advantages for the investor. provide personal accommodation when Combining a sound regulatory environ- required and a return upon a future sale, ment with perhaps the most established we can look beyond London. Student real estate legal framework globally cov- housing, and beyond that, affordable ering the rights and rules for every par- DURBAN: An activist gestures during a protest against chemical giant Monsanto in Durban yesterday. Marches against Monsanto and geneti- housing is an area that has the potential ticipant in the sector, it is a market that cally modified organisms (GMO) food and seeds were held across South Africa and in other countries with protestors calling attention to the for significant growth. has few, if any peers globally. dangers posed by GMO food. — AFP Every year, there are over 150,000 My experience in investing in this households that require affordable market, which goes back some twenty housing, and the provision of affordable years, has shown that the market is homes is high up on the Government open to outside investment, and is very agenda, meaning that investment is a liquid and developed. I would go as far Afghanistan suffers trade blow welcome solution, and not a trouble- as saying that there is a familiarity that some force from outside. In our long comes with investing in the UK that is China halts dollar deals with its banks experience of investing into the UK in not apparent when looking to the US schemes that have a social as well as market. Ultimately there is a genuine KABUL: Chinese banks have halted dollar trans- means that it could in June be blacklisted by the being held with members of parliament and economic benefit, the regulatory frame- opportunity for the sophisticated actions with most Afghan commercial banks, Financial Action Task Force (FATF), an interna- other officials to get the provisions written back work is such that government, whether Kuwaiti investor to become involved the central bank governor said, making it diffi- tional body that sets standards on how coun- into the draft before it was passed to the upper national or local is highly supportive, with a market that, at an overall level is cult for businesses to pay for imports from one tries combat money laundering. house for approval. It was unclear why the law advising on the correct legal and invest- very mature, but when looking at cer- of Afghanistan’s biggest trading partners. “China Banks have been struggling since FATF had been changed without the bank’s knowl- ment structures. Additionally there are a tain sectors, offers opportunities for is a major country that was handling those bank threatened Afghanistan with the punishment edge. “Frankly, no one wants to talk about it. number of other bodies that seek to tremendous growth and return. transfers, and now they have told the banks early this year. “That has been affecting our Very sensitive issue,” said a financial sector offi- support inward investment such as UK Furthermore in the case of affordable they can’t do it,” governor Noorullah Delawari banks’ ability to transfer money for anything,” cial, speaking on the condition of anonymity Trade & Investment, which can identify housing projects, we, as investors have said. The impact on business had been felt Delawari said, describing for example how stu- because he is not authorized to talk to the projects that are not only seeking the opportunity to help address a huge immediately, he said. Despite intense pressure dents abroad were unable to receive money media. The impact of being added to the black- investment, but also “shovel ready” that issue, ensuring value from both the from Western backers, Afghanistan has so far from their parents. Chinese banks and officials list would be “devastating”, he added. is to say approved in principle to com- investment and ethical perspective. failed to pass laws meeting global standards were not immediately available for comment. In the meantime, the central bank is hoping against money laundering and terrorist financ- to convince FATF to delay its decision because ing. That has prompted banks from various Time pressure Afghanistan’s presidential elections are under countries to halt trade with its commercial Time is running out before the FATF decision way. Afghans will head to the polls on June 14 Britain awards $15bn London banks. The Chinese move was part of a trend in June. The draft legislation recently submitted for a second round of voting after no candidate that was making it increasingly difficult for the to parliament, in its current form, will not save won an absolute majority in the first round on rail deal to Go-Ahead business banks to execute international transactions, Afghanistan from the blacklist even if it is April 5. “It would be unfair to have the new gov- Delawari said. “Some of our banks cannot do passed in time. The governor said this was ernment deal with the major problems caused LONDON: Britain awarded an 8.9 billion further details. any direct transactions” because their corre- because certain provisions included in the cen- by the blacklist. So we are hoping this process pound ($15 billion) contract to run the It paid out 81 pence per share for the 12 spondent banks in the United States, Europe, tral bank’s original draft had been removed will be extended,” Delawari said, adding that expanded Thameslink rail network in London months ended June 29, 2013. Germany or Turkey had halted dealings, he said. without its knowledge by the Ministry of this was a long shot. “The blacklist will cause to an operator majority owned by Go-Ahead , “Now even transferring money to China to Justice. “They made some changes to the law serious problems that would affect our banks’ ousting rival FirstGroup. The new seven-year French partner import goods has been affected.” The Afghan without discussing it with us,” Delawari said. ability to transfer money in and out of the coun- Thameslink contract is part of Britain’s 6.5 bil- Govia, 35 percent owned by France’s Keolis government’s failure to pass key measures The governor said emergency meetings were try. We want to avoid that.”— Reuters lion pound upgrade to improve services on which is 70 percent owned by French national major commuter routes across the capital. rail company SNCF, estimated franchise pay- Govia, which is 65 percent owned by Go- ments at 1.1 billion pounds in the first full year Ahead, beat four shortlisted bidders in the of operation, and is targeting a profit margin Greek shipping tycoon makes a first competition for a rail franchise since 2012, of about 3 percent over the life of the con- when the government was forced to pull a tract. Together the Thameslink routes will car- contract after flaws were found in the way it ry more passengers than any other franchise rare political foray in port town handled bids. The Thameslink contract covers in Britain. Passengers will travel in 1,140 new rail connections between London and towns carriages being built by Germany’s Siemens, in southern England including Brighton, due to be delivered between 2016 and 2018. Marinakis promises to revive port, create jobs Portsmouth and Cambridge, plus Gatwick and Govia beat bidders Abellio, FirstGroup, Luton airports. MTR and Stagecoach to win the contract PIRAEUS: Best known as owner of Greece’s toward a discredited class of party politicians shipowners. Marinakis’s critics say he represents It brings together two previous rail fran- which will run for seven years from most successful soccer club, shipping tycoon they blame for pushing the country close to a new trend of magnates using their wealth to chises, one of which had been operated by September. In the two years since the bun- Evangelos Marinakis has now burst on to the bankruptcy. win political office with the intention of Govia and the other by First Group. Analysts gled rail award, the government has avoided political scene - and has already scored an early Marinakis, 46, is running on the “Piraeus, defending their business interests. Some com- said the contract win was a coup for Go- full competitive processes across the country’s victory. The Olympiakos FC president’s unusual Winner” ticket, promising to revive his home pare him with former Italian prime minister and Ahead, giving it certainty over rail earnings. privatized rail industry and instead negotiated foray into politics has taken the port town of town and create badly needed jobs with the media boss Silvio Berlusconi, who has faced Shares in the company opened 11 percent direct contract awards. But the Thameslink Piraeus by storm. A candidate from an inde- same business acumen that helped Olympiakos similar accusations. higher, hitting an all-time high in early trading process marks the start of a new round of pendent list co-founded by Marinakis has won to win 12 out of the past 14 Greek soccer cham- “This is a new kind of fruit in our politics and on Friday, and were up 8 percent at 0945 GMT. competitions, with the award of the East Coast the first round of mayoral elections, even pionships. “I was born and raised in Piraeus,” he it’s a very dangerous one,” said Panos Skourletis, Shares in FirstGroup traded down 1.9 per- line due this November. though it was set up just four weeks ago, and told To Vima newspaper. “I care about Piraeus. spokesman for Greece’s main opposition party, cent, paring earlier losses of as much as 5 per- FirstGroup is under pressure after it the tycoon himself is running to become a We are fighting for the port of our hearts.” His the radical leftist Syriza. For now, Marinakis is cent. The contract, from which Govia will deferred the restart of dividend payments councillor. promises go down well in Piraeus, which suf- prevailing. His candidate for mayor - former receive about 8.9 billion pounds in franchise and said it had to focus on rebuilding its Rarely has big business mingled so openly fered badly during the six-year debt crisis even club spokesman Yannis Moralis - won the first payments, will boost Go-Ahead’s profits by finances on Wednesday. It is among the bid- with politics in a country where contacts though it is home to hundreds of shipping round last weekend with 33 percent of the vote about 150 million to 200 million pounds over ders for the East Coast line, along with a joint between the two are usually conducted behind firms doing business across the world and is and looks likely to beat the government- the contract’s seven-year period, Go-Ahead bid from Keolis and Eurostar, and InterCity the scenes. Shipowners have usually kept a one of the world’s biggest passenger ports, backed incumbent in Sunday’s run-off. “It’s a finance director Keith Down said. Railways, a joint venture between very low profile as they enjoy a preferential tax where tourists board ferries to the Greek good thing he is running, it’s about time we “This should generate cash for us and Stagecoach and Virgin Holdings. It said was regime that has created thousands of shipping islands. tried somebody who comes from outside poli- therefore we should be in a position to review disappointed not to be awarded Thameslink jobs in Piraeus, but made them unpopular with It is also a time of uncertainty for the port tics,” said Alexandros Nanopoulos, who sells our dividend policy in due course,” Down said but was on course to meet its stated medi- average Greeks whose tax bills soared in the which is due to be privatized under the govern- magazines for 3 euros apiece on the street a in an interview with Reuters, without giving um-term targets. —Reuters economic crisis. Marinakis’s success, in many ment’s program to turn around the economy, few metres (yards) from rows of luxurious ways, reflects disillusionment among Greeks despite opposition from Marinakis and fellow yachts at the port.—Reuters EXCHANGE RATES

Al-Muzaini Exchange Co. UAE Exchange Centre WLL Syrian Pound 2.900 Sierra Leone 0.000069 0.000075 Nepalese Rupees 3.880 Singapore Dollar 0.222234 0.228234 South African Rand 0.021483 0.029983 ASIAN COUNTRIES Malaysian Ringgit 87.040 COUNTRY SELL DRAFT SELL CASH Chinese Yuan Renminbi 45.395 Sri Lankan Rupee 0.001867 0.002447 Japanese Yen 2.791 Australian Dollar 268.84 261.84 Thai Bhat 9.680 Taiwan 0.009246 0.009426 Indian Rupees 4.805 Canadian Dollar 262.66 263.66 Turkish Lira 134.045 Thai Baht 0.008375 0.008925 Pakistani Rupees 2.855 Swiss Franc 321.42 319.42 Arab Srilankan Rupees 2.162 Euro 390.18 391.18 Bahraini Dinar 0.742616 0.750616 Nepali Rupees 3.024 US Dollar 281.70 284.70 Egyptian Pound 0.036454 0.039554 Singapore Dollar 225.930 Sterling Pound 478.47 481.47 Bahrain Exchange Company Iranian Riyal 0.000078 0.000079 Hongkong Dollar 36.414 Japanese Yen 2.85 2.87 Iraqi Dinar 0.000181 0.000241 Bangladesh Taka 3.630 Bangladesh Taka 3.631 3.901 CURRENCY BUY SELL Jordanian Dinar 0.394084 0.401584 Philippine Peso 6.455 Indian Rupee 4.800 5.100 Europe Kuwaiti Dinar 1.0000000 1.0000000 Thai Baht 8.693 Sri Lankan Rupee 2.161 2.596 Belgian Franc 0.007339 0.008339 Lebanese Pound 0.000138 0.000238 Irani Riyal transfer 0.271 Nepali Rupee 3.004 3.539 British Pound 0.468862 0.477862 Moroccan Dirhams 0.025311 0.049311 Irani Riyal cash 0.273 Pakistani Rupee 2.861 2.790 Czech Korune 0.006188 0.018188 Nigerian Naira 0.001193 0.001828 GCC COUNTRIES UAE Dirhams 76.76 77.23 Danish Krone 0.047577 0.052577 Omani Riyal 0.727474 0.733154 Saudi Riyal 75.310 Bahraini Dinar 749.77 751.84 Euro 0.379746 0.387746 Qatar Riyal 0.076858 0.078071 Qatari Riyal 77.598 Egyptian Pound 39.57 40.17 Norwegian Krone 0.043412 0.048612 Jordanian Dinar 400.93 406.58 Saudi Riyal 0.074670 0.075370 Omani Riyal 733.630 Romanian Leu 0.081485 0.81485 Omani Riyal 732.60 739.90 Syrian Pound 0.001751 0.001971 Bahraini Dinar 750.100 Slovakia 0.008078 0.018078 Qatari Riyal 77.79 78.34 Tunisian Dinar 0.169698 0.177698 UAE Dirham 76.911 Swedish Krona 0.038812 0.043812 Saudi Riyal 75.25 75.65 Turkish Lira 0.138703 0.145703 ARAB COUNTRIES Swiss Franc 0.309101 0.319301 Turkish Lira 0.138703 0.145703 UAE Dirhams 0.075905 0.077054 Egyptian Pound - Cash 39.650 Yemeni Riyal 0.001283 0.001363 Egyptian Pound - Transfer 39.583 Dollarco Exchange Co. Ltd Australasia Yemen Riyal/for 1000 1.318 Australian Dollar 0.253573 0.264073 Tunisian Dinar 174.800 New Zealand Dollar 0.235276 0.244776 Rate for Transfer Selling Rate America Al Mulla Exchange Jordanian Dinar 398.810 US Dollar 281.500 Canadian Dollar 0.254512 0.263012 Lebanese Lira/for 1000 1.895 Canadian Dollar 259.510 US Dollars 0.278300 0.282650 Syrian Lira 2.013 Sterling Pound 475.750 Currency Transfer Rate (Per 1000) Morocco Dirham 35.156 Euro 391.810 US Dollars Mint 0.278800 0.282650 US Dollar 281.700 Asia EUROPEAN & AMERICAN COUNTRIES Swiss Frank 320.975 Euro 388.300 Bangladesh Taka 0.003331 0.003931 US Dollar Transfer 282.300 Bahrain Dinar 749.235 Pound Sterlng 476.100 Chinese Yuan 0.044083 0.047583 Euro 388.300 UAE Dirhams 76.620 Canadian Dollar 260.000 Hong Kong Dollar 0.034348 0.037098 Sterling Pound 476.660 Qatari Riyals 78.200 Indian Rupee 4.798 Indian Rupee 0.004482 0.004883 Canadian dollar 259.590 Saudi Riyals 75.340 Egyptian Pound 39.530 Jordanian Dinar 396.715 Indonesian Rupiah 0.000020 0.000026 Turkish lira 133.380 Sri Lankan Rupee 2.160 Egyptian Pound 40.115 Japanese Yen 0.002687 0.002867 Swiss Franc 317.910 Bangladesh Taka 3.628 Sri Lankan Rupees 2.154 Kenyan Shilling 0.003295 0.003295 Australian Dollar 261.550 Philippines Peso 6.440 Indian Rupees 4.679 Korean Won 0.000265 0.000280 US Dollar Buying 281.100 Pakistan Rupee 2.852 Pakistani Rupees 2.852 Malaysian Ringgit 0.083757 0.089757 GOLD Bahraini Dinar 750.200 Bangladesh Taka 3.622 Nepalese Rupee 0.003003 0.003173 20 Gram 245.000 UAE Dirham 76.650 Philippines Pesso 6.322 Pakistan Rupee 0.002664 0.002944 10 Gram 124.000 Saudi Riyal 75.250 Cyprus pound 691.420 Philippine Peso 0.006335 0.006615 5 Gram 64.000 Japanese Yen 3.750 *Rates are subject to change BUSINESS SUNDAY, MAY 25, 2014

A manager’s guide to effective meetings Bayt.com weekly report

eetings are a vital part of an organization’s been sent at least two days in advance, and that you Do document your meeting group member has been talking for longer than work culture, but they are also despised by have detailed the meeting agenda to your team Often points discussed and promises made their allocated time and their concerns do not Mmany professionals. They are seen to be a members by email. To start on time, it is best if you during meetings do not see the light of the day. affect the group as a whole, then cut them off waste of time, disruptive to productivity, and inef- are early and the first to arrive. That’s why recording meeting minutes is impor- politely, asking them to carry out the discussion fective as a medium for decision making. When not tant. It helps capture the essential information, i.e. later with you in a one-on-one discussion. moderated and carried out properly, meetings do Don’t monopolize the meeting the decisions made and the assigned actions. more harm than good. According to the Bayt.com Do your meetings end up having a few people Documenting the meeting makes it easier to Do plan the next meeting ‘Distractions at Work in the MENA’ poll, December do most of the talking? Often meetings are ineffec- resolve any ambiguity that may occur afterwards At the end of the meeting draw out the discus- 2013, 18 percent of professionals in the region see tive because they involve a few opinionated mem- and helps keep the plan of action on track. sion points for the next meeting. Ask your team fellow co-workers as their top distraction at work. bers who are the only ones participating. As the Though quick meetings, such as daily huddles, for their input while building the agenda for the While having a daily, weekly and monthly team manager and moderator of the group meeting, you need not be documented, it’s a good idea to doc- next meeting. This will encourage their participa- meeting does seem a tad too much, the good news need to be firm and prevent a talkative group mem- ument strategic-level meetings, such as monthly tion in the next meeting.Hopefully these quick is that it is your choice to make the daily huddle any- ber from monopolizing the meeting, while encour- and quarterly meetings. pointers will help elevate your meetings from thing between 10 and 45 minutes. aging the more reticent group members to voice being a ‘black hole’ of time and productivity to Here, the HR experts at Bayt.com, the Middle their opinions. One way to encourage shy members Don’t stray off track helpful drivers of success. East’s #1 job site, present the do’s and don’ts for car- to participate would be to ask them to prepare a As the moderator leading the meeting, you are Don’t leave without a clear plan of action rying out effective and productive meeting sessions: particular area to discuss, so that they can present responsible for making sure that all members stay If the meeting is about how to achieve specific on it during the meeting. This will help ease them on the agenda. To accomplish this, set your meet- goals then it’s important to have a clearly drawn Do prepare for the meeting out of their comfort zone. 7 in 10 professionals in ing agenda with realistic time limits. You can out plan of action outlining what needs to be Time is a precious resource, and no one wants the MENA region feel they can disagree with their sequence the agenda in a way where the points done. For every action plan nominate one mem- their time wasted. To make sure your meetings get manager without fear of getting in trouble when concerning the whole group are discussed first, ber as the point person who will ensure that the off to a flying start, plan and prepare for them well given the opportunity to voice their opinion, as per followed by points which may be one-on-on. This plan is on track. This person can also handle the beforehand. Good preparation includes making sure the Bayt.com ‘Employee Engagement in the MENA’ will make it easy for group members to slip out of related task of updating the progress report. the conference room is booked, email invites have poll, March 2014. the meeting once their part is dealt with. If a US new home sales rise, but momentum lacking Sales gains fail to mark break from slump

WASHINGTON: Sales of new US single-family homes rose in November 2010. Nevertheless, the stock of new houses on April and the stock of houses on the market hit a 3-1/2 year the market remains more than 50 percent below its pre- high, but economists said the market was still not clearly gain- recession level. At April’s sales pace it would take 5.3 ing steam. Sales increased 6.4 percent to a seasonally adjusted months to clear the supply of houses on the market, down annual rate of 433,000 units, the Commerce Department said from 5.6 months in March. With inventories rising, the on Friday. The rise ended two straight months of declines and median price of a new home fell 1.3 percent to $275,800 beat Wall Street expectations, but sales remained in line with from April last year. — Reuters their sluggish first-quarter average. “The data have yet to show a meaningful pickup in activity early on in the spring fol- lowing the unusually harsh winter,” said Daniel Silver, an econ- omist at JPMorgan in New York. But investors welcomed the Gauge of US report and snapped up homebuilder shares, such as Lennar Corp and DR Horton Inc. A run-up in mortgage rates and economy posts home prices over the last year has weighed on the market. Sales have also been hampered by a shortage of properties and the brutally cold winter. 0.4% April gain The slump has caught the attention of the Federal Reserve, which is scaling back the amount of money it is pumping into WASHINGTON: A gauge designed to predict the econo- the economy through monthly bond purchases. Minutes of my’s future health posted a solid gain in April, further evi- the Fed’s April 29-30 policy meeting released earlier this week dence of stronger growth after a severe winter damp- showed officials citing a range of factors for the weakness, ened activity. including “higher home prices, construction bottlenecks stem- The Conference Board said that its index of leading BEIJING: A store worker takes a photo with a pedestrian yesterday. — AFP ming from a scarcity of labor and harsh winter weather, input indicators increased 0.4 percent in April following an cost pressures, or a shortage in the supply of available lots.” upwardly revised 1 percent gain in March. The strength in April was led by improving housing and financial mar- Glimmers of hope ket conditions. “Despite a brutal winter which brought US factory data upbeat, But there are glimmers of hope. Sales of previously the economy to a halt, the overall trend in the leading owned homes rose in April, with the inventory of houses economic index has remained positive,” said Conference for sale reaching the highest level in nearly two years, a Board economist Ken Goldstein. He said stronger spend- EU business stays strong report showed on Thursday. And, according to Freddie ing by consumers and higher business investment Mac, rates on fixed 30-year mortgages fell to an average should bolster growth in coming months. NEW YORK/LONDON: US manufacturing growth picked up Rate cut of 4.14 percent this week, a near seven-month low, which The overall economy grew at a barely discernible 0.1 to a three-month high in May, while private business activity Decent overall growth is good news for the ECB, but with should help to improve affordability. percent rate in the January-March quarter but many ana- in the euro zone grew at just under its fastest pace in three official inflation at 0.7 percent, well below the central bank’s “We’re still digging ourselves out of the soft patch we lysts expect growth will bounce back to an annual rate years, surveys showed. In Asia, China’s factory sector turned in 2 percent ceiling, it will be concerned that companies saw last fall and this winter,” said Diane Swonk, chief over 3.5 percent in the current April-June quarter and its best performance this year in May but still contracted for slashed prices for the 26th month running to drum up trade. economist at Mesirow Financial in Chicago. In the will remain above 3 percent in the second half of this the fifth straight month, while Japanese factory activity The ECB is expected to cut what little it has left of its main Midwest, new home sales jumped to their highest level year. For April, five of the 10 forward-pointing indicators cooled slightly in May but at a slower pace than in April. interest rate and push the deposit rate below zero next since November 2007 last month. Sales also rose in the made positive contributions. The largest contribution Financial data firm Markit said its preliminary or “flash” U.S. month, a Reuters poll predicted this week. South. But they were flat in the West and recorded their came from the spread in interest rates followed by a big Manufacturing Purchasing Managers Index rose to 56.2 in May “Today’s data are a reminder of the fragility and uneven- largest decline since October 2012 in the Northeast. jump in building permits. The biggest negative factor from 55.4 in April, while factory output growth hit its fastest ness of the recovery. With inflation low and a sustained euro The inventory of new houses on the market increased holding the index back was a drop in average weekly pace since February 2011, rising to 59.6 from 58.2. zone recovery not yet assured, further ECB easing in June 0.5 percent to 192,000 units, the highest level since manufacturing hours. — AP “The US manufacturing is certainly in an expansion mode, looks all but certain,” said Martin van Vliet at ING. The eco- and that’s a good indication going forward, that it will remain nomic picture was also mixed for the world’s second-largest on the bullish side of the equation for sometime,” said Peter economy, China. HSBC/Markit’s Flash China Manufacturing Cardillo, chief market economist at Rockwell Global Capital in PMI rose to 49.7 in May from April’s 48.1, reaching its high- New York. World stock indexes edged higher on Thursday as est since December and beating the median forecast of the data boosted investors’ appetite for risky assets. 48.1. In Europe, an unexpected pickup in the service industry Sub-indexes measuring output as well as domestic and was offset by lackluster factory activity, but was enough to foreign demand all recovered sharply. But factory jobs were show the euro zone’s fragile recovery has some traction. shed for the 13th month and the overall index still pointed “Overall, the data is a bit of a relief after disappointing first- to contraction. quarter figures,” said Christian Schulz, senior economist at Premier Li Keqiang said in March it was acceptable for Berenberg Bank. “In China, the authorities are doing some- GDP growth to be slightly below the 7.5 percent target this thing and the economy is responding. (But) the European year as long as the job market held up. Previously, he has Central Bank is worried because it looks like inflation will stay said growth of at least 7.2 percent was needed to create suf- low for a long period of time.” ficient jobs. But just as China and the ECB look set to ease Markit’s Composite Purchasing Managers’ Index for the policy the Bank of England is becoming the favorite to be currency bloc, seen as a good indicator of growth, edged the first major central bank to hike interest rates - probably down to 53.9 from a near three-year high of 54.0 in April, in the second quarter of next year. matching the consensus forecast in a Reuters poll of analysts. Federal Reserve policymakers last month also began lay- Readings above 50 indicate expansion, and Markit said the ing groundwork for an eventual retreat from easy monetary index pointed to second-quarter economic growth of 0.5 per- policy with a discussion of how to best control interest rates cent, which would be the strongest in three years and better as they remove trillions of dollars from the financial system. than the 0.3 percent predicted in a Reuters poll on Meanwhile a survey showed Japanese factory activity con- Wednesday. tracted slightly in May but at a slower pace than in April, But the data also revealed the biggest split between the suggesting some recovery from the impact of a sales tax euro zone’s two largest economies since February. France con- increase last month. The Markit/JMMA flash Japan WASHINGTON: US Trade Representative Mike Froman (right) Rep Sander Levin (left) and Sen Debbie Stabenow tracted while Germany bounded ahead, although led by serv- Manufacturing PMI rose to a seasonally adjusted 49.9 in May leave the podium after speaking to reporters regarding a World Trade Organization case involving China and the ices rather than manufacturing. from April’s 49.4. — Reuters US auto industry on Friday. — AP US states scrutinize insurance enrollment workers

DOVER: Republican lawmakers around the country are said that requiring background checks is reasonable, cronyism.” “I think the states need to put at least some that there have been no complaints about enrollment adding criminal background checks or licensing but cautioned that there should be no blanket prohibi- system of background checks in place for navigators,” assistants. requirements for workers hired to help people enroll in tion against hiring people with criminal records. he added. In Delaware, records obtained by The AP show that health insurance under the Affordable Care Act, taking “To the extent that an individual got into a barroom Delaware, California and Nevada - all with some enrollment assistants have criminal records. aim at perceived security risks involving customers’ brawl and was convicted of assault, that may likely not Democrat-controlled legislatures - are among states Others have been sued, sometimes repeatedly, for personal information. More than a dozen GOP-con- be a candidate for doing identity theft,” he said. While taking a case-by-case approach to applicants with unpaid debts and taxes. trolled states have passed legislation tightening states continue to eye tighter restrictions, a federal criminal records, in contrast to measures in some of the A committee established to consider Delaware requirements for the enrollment counselors, and bills judge has halted enactment of a Missouri law that GOP-controlled states, such as Texas and Louisiana, applicants with criminal records has reviewed about 15 in other states are pending. While the federal govern- required health care guides to be licensed by the state. that allow the denial of a navigator license to anyone cases. The panel did not recommend that any applicant ment does not require criminal background checks for District Judge Ortrie Smith said it “constitutes an convicted of a felony. Republican lawmakers in be denied certification, including a person whose crim- navigators, states can set their own rules. Arizona Gov impermissible obstacle” to the federal law and was thus California recently introduced legislation prohibiting inal past prompted one official to express concerns Jan Brewer last month signed a bill requiring licensing pre-empted. Missouri officials are appealing that rul- people with certain felonies from working as enroll- about the “violent nature” of the charges. The commit- and background checks for navigators who help peo- ing. Even in states that require background checks, a ment assistants after learning that 31 people with tee did conclude that one person, who had no convic- ple buy health insurance on the federal marketplace. criminal record often is not an automatic disqualifier. criminal records were previously approved. The legisla- tions but at least nine arrests, including one involving a Republican proponents said the requirements will help Meanwhile, the conservative watchdog group tion failed in committee. weapon, had a history of anger problems and was “a protect consumers from identity theft. Louisiana’s leg- Judicial Watch is suing to force the Obama administra- The California attorney general’s office says it has loose cannon” whose candidacy should be terminated. islature unanimously approved a similar measure with tion to release records regarding the awarding of navi- not received any complaints of enrollment assistants But officials said the person was withdrawn from the a Senate vote Tuesday. Still, there’s no sign that enroll- gator contracts. The group also is seeking records relat- misusing personal information. California exchange program by the contracting “marketplace guide” ment guides, even those with criminal records, have ed to federal requirements for navigators. officials have defended their background check sys- agency before a final decision was rendered. misused consumers’ personal information in any state. Judicial Watch president Tom Fitton said Americans tem, saying the 31 workers were rehabilitated. “I think what Delaware’s done seems to be the right “I have no idea what’s motivating them, but I have have a right to know what systems are in place to pro- Similarly, Nevada regulators say eight enrollment thing,” said Susan Gauvey, a federal magistrate judge in seen efforts over the past few years to make Obamacare tect their health care information from being misused. assisters in that state who have criminal records were Baltimore who is a proponent of affording job opportu- fall apart, and this may be part of that,” said Alfred “Our concerns are the lack of transparency,” said Fitton, thoroughly vetted. “We know how much personal nities for ex-offenders. “You don’t automatically Blumstein, a Carnegie Mellon University criminologist who believes the current process for choosing naviga- information is on the line,” said Jake Sunderland, a exclude someone, but you look to see if there’s a good who has written about hiring ex-offenders. Blumstein tor entities involves “old-fashioned patronage and spokesman for Nevada’s Division of Insurance, adding and proper fit.” —AP SUNDAY, MAY 25, 2014 BUSINESS

Kuwait stocks face selling pressure

BAYAN WEEKLY MARKET REPORT

KUWAIT: Kuwait Stock Exchange (KSE) ended last week in closing in 2013, while the weighted index increased by the red zone. The Price Index closed at 7,346.83 points, 7.74 percent, and the KSX-15 recorded 10.81 percent down by 0.77 percent from the week before closing, the growth. weighted Index decreased by 0.84 percent after closing at 487.92 points, whereas the KSX-15 Index closed at 1,183.92 Sectors’ Indices points down by 0.89 percent. Furthermore, last week’s Nine of KSE’s sectors ended last week in the red zone, average daily turnover decreased by 0.42 percent, com- tow recorded increases, whereas the Health Care sector’s pared to the preceding week, reaching KD 21.96 million, index closed with no change from the week before. The whereas trading volume average was 170.09 million shares, Industrial sector headed the losers list as its index declined recording a decrease of 22.72 percent. by 1.65 percent to end the week’s activity at 1,127.15 The stock market indicators were combined to end the points. The Telecommunications sector was second on the week in the red zone, among a fluctuated performance, losers’ list, which index declined by 1.52 percent, closing at due to the increased number of selling operations per- 793.82 points, followed by the Banking sector, as its index formed on many stocks, and the decreased purchasing closed at 1,119.95 points at a loss of 0.89 percent. The con- operations by the investors in light of the negative envi- sumer services sector was the least declining as its index ronment that is surrounding the market, in addition to the closed at 1,166.42 points with a 0.39 percent decrease. limited purchasing operations in general, which decreased On the other hand, last week’s highest gainer was the the liquidity pumped to the market. oil & gas sector, achieving 0.61 percent growth rate as its Moreover, the stock market initiated last week’s activi- index closed at 1,220.12 points. Whereas, in the second ties positively, whereas all its indicators realized increases place, the Consumer Goods sector’s index closed at as a result to the random purchasing operations that 1,303.51 points recording 0.46 percent increase. included many stocks, especially the leading ones; howev- er, the profit collection operations and the quick specula- Sectors’ activity tions witnessed thereafter, caused the stock market to The Financial Services sector dominated total trade vol- decline once again rapidly. ume during last week with 376.57 million shares changing The selling operations witnessed by the stock market hands, representing 44.28 percent of the total market trad- during most of the weekly sessions were concentrated on ing volume. The Real Estate sector was second in terms of the blue-chip and large-cap stocks, which negatively trading volume as the sector’s traded shares were 28.98 affected the three indices, especially the Weighted and percent of last week’s total trading volume, with a total of KSX-15 indices which were the most losers, however, the 246.50 million shares. stock market was able to take an upward direction in some On the other hand, the Banking sector’s stocks were the of the week’s sessions, supported by the return of the highest traded in terms of value; with a turnover of KD quick speculations on the small-cap stocks in particular, in 41.30 million or 37.62 percent of last week’s total market addition to the random purchasing operations executed trading value. The Financial Services sector took the sec- on some leading stocks, but such behavior did not last ond place as the sector’s last week turnover was KD 29.77 long, as the market declined again right after. million represented 27.11 percent of the total market trad- For the annual performance, the price index ended last ing value. —Prepared by the Studies & Research week recording 2.68 percent annual loss compared to its Department, Bayan Investment Co.

Fear strikes out on US market Gecina bucks light-volume trend in Europe markets WALL STREET WEEKLY OUTLOOK EDINBURGH: French real-estate firm Pechlaner, who helps manage $13 billion NEW YORK: Whatever investors are worried about Gecina bucked the trend of low volumes in of assets at Ashburton Investments. “The right now, those concerns are not showing up in Wall European share trading, as investors gener- elections are having an effect only at the Street’s fear gauge. That scares some. On the other ally steered clear of big bets before a long margin.” hand, it more than likely means that stocks will keep weekend in Britain and elections in Britain’s FTSE 100 mildly underper- taking things slow and steady. The CBOE Volatility Ukraine and across the European Union. formed, down 0.1 percent, after its anti-EU Index, or VIX, closed on Friday at 11.36, its lowest level Gecina fell 1.3 percent in volumes nearly UKIP party made strong gains in local elec- since March 2013. That means investors see less risk four times its 90-day average after a share tions. Dutch blue-chips slightly outper- ahead, particularly with the S&P 500 ending at a record placing worth roughly 1 percent of share formed after an exit poll for the EU elec- high again on Friday. capital. tions indicated that the anti-Islam, With the typically slow summer months just ahead The real-estate investment trust was eurosceptic Freedom Party had fallen well and little on the horizon to shake the market from its one of the most heavily traded stock rela- short of its goal of topping the poll in the current course, investors could be looking at even low- tive to its 90-day average on the Netherlands. er VIX levels, some analysts said. FTSEurofirst 300, which saw trade across “Volumes are very low at the moment “It’s not that there’s no likelihood of a correction. It’s the index at a mere 75 percent of its aver- going into Bank Holiday weekend. The that people don’t perceive anything to derail the train age. results we have seen to date in the elec- at this point,” said Andrew Wilkinson, chief market ana- Some analysts had warned that the EU’s tions are not a huge surprise, and have not lyst at Interactive Brokers LLC in Greenwich, marathon parliamentary election, which led to any change in my view on the mar- Connecticut. “So I think people are beginning to won- ends on Sunday, could worry investors if kets,” Neil Wilkinson, European equities der: Are we heading back to single-digit volatility?” The strong performances by eurosceptic par- fund manager at Royal London Asset S&P 500’s record high and the drop in the VIX are not ties undermined governments’ efforts to Management, said. the only signs that fear is not a factor on Wall Street. NEW YORK: Trader Gregory Rowe works on the floor of the New York Stock Exchange on move towards greater integration. But the At the close, the FTSEurofirst 300 index Volume is down as well. S&P 500 E-mini futures vol- Friday. Stocks inched higher early Friday in quiet trading ahead of the Memorial Day prospect of the vote only affected share of top European shares was up 0.2 percent ume was below the 1.52 million daily average of the weekend. —AP prices marginally on Friday, traders said. at 1,369.17 points after closing 0.1 percent past year on every day this week except Tuesday. Transportation Average hit record territory late Friday, recent days. “The lower the VIX, the more overbought Italian stocks gained 1.8 percent, the higher in the previous session. The index The market’s gain has come despite concerns nearly breaking above the 8,000 level. the market gets, leaving it vulnerable to some kind of top performing index in Europe, with climbed to 1,372.81 on May 15, its highest about a slowdown in China and weakness in small-cap “One of the reasons the VIX is so low, we haven’t setback,” said Donald Selkin, chief market strategist at banks benefiting from lower sovereign since 2008. Russian shares came under names. Typically small-cap stocks lead the market’s really done anything this year. We haven’t moved an National Securities in New York. But the lack of volatility bond yields despite uncertainty over the pressure as tensions were high in Ukraine, advance when the U.S. economy is improving. awful lot,” said J J Kinahan, chief derivatives officer of TD is also showing up in the foreign-exchange and com- vote. where more than a dozen servicemen However, the recent selloff in small-cap stocks, Ameritrade in Chicago. modities markets, according to Bespoke Investment “It would need an extraordinary nega- were reported killed on Thursday in a clash which drove the Russell 2000 index briefly into correc- For the year, the S&P 500 has gained just 2.8 per- Group analysts. They noted lower implied volatility in tive result to change a view of Europe with pro-Russian separatists. Ukraine votes tion territory last week, seems to have slowed. The cent. To be sure, some analysts say the lack of volatility options in the foreign-exchange market as well as where everything has been recovering on Sunday in a presidential election. Russell gained 2.1 percent this week, its biggest weekly suggests a complacency that could encourage exces- recent stability in the PowerShares Deutsche Bank recently. The bond market hasn’t taken Volumes in Russia-exposed stocks, such as bounce in more than a month. The index is less than 7 sive risk-taking. New York Federal Reserve Bank Agriculture Index exchange-traded fund. “If the VIX fright, and that’s an indicator that equity Renault, Raiffeisen Bank and Carlsberg, percent below its record close of 1,208.65 in early President William Dudley and Dallas Fed President index is pricing in too little volatility, then why is it markets will be supported,” said Veronika were especially light. — Reuters March. At the same time, the Dow Jones Richard Fisher have both expressed such concerns in wrong to do so?” Bespoke analysts wrote. — Reuters BUSINESS SUNDAY, MAY 25, 2014

Kuwait’s public debt investments rise to KD1.577bn

AL-SHALL WEEKLY ECONOMIC REPORT

KUWAIT: In its monthly monetary statistics release for the such as the Public Institution for Social Securities -excluding resigned before the end of one year of its new composition the drop in total operations expenditures. month of March 2014, the Central Bank of Kuwait said that the the government- amounted to about KD 32.299 billion, or plus the resignation of one minister. In addition, there is a In details, total operational revenues increased to KD balance of the total public debt investments have risen by KD 86.1 percent, and the share of private sector clients’ deposits statement from the opposition calling for amending 36 arti- 29.8 million (KD 28.6 million), an increase by KD 1.2 million. 50 million to become KD 1.577 billion in the end of March in Kuwaiti dinars scored about KD 29.018 billion, or 89.8 per- cles of the Constitution. The situation will be worse if it trans- That was achieved from the rise in the net interests revenues 2014 (KD 1.527 billion in December 2013). Public debt invest- cent, and equivalent to about KD 3.281 billion in foreign cur- lated into institutional performance and measurement of peo- by KD 935 thousand million to KD 21.1 million (KD 20.1 mil- ments consist of the longer-in-term Treasury bonds with a KD rencies for private sector clients, too. ple’s fears. lion in the same period 2013). Item of profits from invest- 1.577 billion balance (KD 1.527 billion in the end of December The average interest rates on customers’ deposits for a ments in securities increased by KD 374,000 to KD 608,000 2013), and the Treasury bills with “zero balance” (since July term, in both the Kuwaiti dinar and the US dollar, compared Three Gulf stock exchanges (KD 234,000 for the same period 2013). Likewise, item of a 2012”. Average interest rate on Treasury bonds, for a period of with the end of December 2013, the bulletin stated that it and Morgan Stanley Index share in the results of an associate company increased by KD one year was 1 percent (since August 2012). Local banks cap- continued its slight decline on the US dollar deposits but Since the announcement of Dubai, Qatar and Abu Dhabi 110,000 to KD 439,000 (KD 329,000 in the same period 2013). ture about 98.6 percent of the total public debt investments picked up its slight rise again on the Kuwaiti dinar deposits by stock exchanges joining Morgan Stanley index for the emerg- On the other hand, total operational expenses decreased (about 98.4 percent in the end of December 2013). Thus, the 5 percent on the 3-month deposits. The difference in the aver- ing markets on 11/06/2013, the speculative expectations of a by KD 265,000 to KD 8.7 million (KD 9 million for the same total domestic debt scores about KD 1.577 billion, or about 3.1 age interest rates on customers’ deposits for a term was still in rise in the indices of those markets were pushing their indica- period 2013) due to a drop in all items of operational percent, of the nominal GDP for the year 2013, estimated at favor of the Kuwaiti dinar in the end of the two periods. It tors upwards, although joining the Morgan Stanley index, expenses. Item of staff expenses and other operational about KD 50.8 billion. scored 0.439 points for one-month deposits, 0.499 points despite its importance, does not have the same meaning for expenses and depreciations dropped. Total provisions rose The Central Bank’s bulletin states that total credit facilities for 3-month deposits, about 0.574 points for 6-month the states that need additional foreign liquidity flow to their by KD 676,000, 5.7 percent, and scored KD12.6 million (KD for residents from local banks amounted to approximately KD deposits, and 0.562 points for 12-month deposits. That differ- markets. Since the beginning of this year until Thursday 11.9 million in the same period 2013). Thus the net profit 29.519 billion, representing approximately 54.5 percent of the ence in the end of December 2013 was about 0.407 points for 15/05/2014, the official day for the declaration, these three margin increased to 30.6 percent (27 percent for the same total local banks’ assets, which is higher by KD 558.3 million one-month deposits, 0.460 points for 3-month deposits, about markets lead gains of three out of the top four markets in the period 2013). than its amount in the end of December 2013, with a quarter- 0.528 points for 6-month deposits, and 0.509 points for 12- Gulf by approximately 53.8 percent for Dubai, 26.3 percent Total bank assets scored KD 3.494 billion, an increase by ly growth rate of about 1.9 percent. Total personal facilities month deposits. The monthly average exchange rate for the for Qatar, 17.2 percent for Bahrain market and about 17 per- 9.4 percent, (KD 3.193 billion in the end of 2013) and went scored KD 11.609 billion or 39.3 percent of total credit facilities Kuwaiti dinar, against the US dollar, was 281.340 fils per one cent for Abu Dhabi, which is among the highest gains on a up by 15.4 percent compared with KD 3.028 billion in the (about KD 11.282 billion in the end of December 2013), a US dollar, up by about 0.4 percent compared with the month- global markets level. first quarter 2013. The clients’ loans and advances portfolio, quarterly growth rate of about 2.9 percent and a growth rate ly average for December 2013 when it was 282.393 fils per one As the Morgan Stanley index imposes conditions on listed which is the largest component of the bank’s assets, of approximately 12.4 percent during the period from March US dollar. companies within it, such as big capital value of no less than increased by about KD 132.6 million, 6.1 percent, putting its 2013 to March 2014. Installment loans there from were worth half billion US dollars, annual turnover of shares -liquidity- of total at about KD 2.322 billion (66.5 percent of total assets) KD 7.241 billion, 62.4 percent of total personal facilities, Lessons of Great Depression not less than 20 percent, flexibility in foreign ownership of its versus KD 2.189 billion (68.6 percent of the bank’s total including approximately KD 2.865 billion, or 24.7 percent of When the Great Depression crisis occurred in October shares, in addition to special disclosure controls and market assets) in the end of December 2013. This portfolio increased total personal facilities, and KD 1.175 billion in consumer 1929, most world leaders then denied its occurrence starting regulations, it was easy to limit the candidate companies. by KD 272 million, or 13.3 percent when compared with the loans. Credit facilities for real estate sector scored about KD with the US President “Hoover”, the origin of the crisis, and When the names of the 17 companies nominated by Morgan same period of 2013 and scored about KD 2.050 billion (67.7 7.661 billion, or 26 percent of the total (about KD 7.601 billion passing through the conflicting political leaderships through- Stanley were announced, they were within traders’ expecta- percent of total assets). Item of cash and balances at banks in the end of December 2013), a quarterly growth rate of out Europe, including the exploitation of the crisis to strength- tions. We opted for the purpose of documentation, to com- increased by 72.3 percent to KD 270.2 million (7.7 percent of about 0.8 percent, a growth rate of approximately 6.3 percent en the control of the Nazis over Germany by taking advantage pare the changes in their prices since the beginning of this total assets) vis-a-vis KD 197.9 million (6.2 percent of total during the period from March 2013 to March 2014 .The trade of the people’s misery which led to their winning of 1933 elec- year with the performance of the three markets’ indices. assets) in the end of 2013. Likewise, it increased by KD 35.3 sector scored KD 2.862 billion, or 9.7 percent, (about KD 2.744 tions, and not ending with the Marxist Russia, which consid- In Dubai market, 5 companies have been nominated to million, 15 percent, above its amount in the end of March billion in the end of December 2013), the contracting sector ered the fall of the other, the capitalist world, as victory for its join the index and its index gained from the beginning of the 2013, when it scored KD 234.9 million (7.8 percent of total about KD 1. 925 billion, or 6.5 percent, (approximately KD approach. Denial of that crisis helped stretch its repercussions year until 15/05/2014 approximately 53.8 percent. While one assets). 1.916 billion in the end of December 2013), the industry sec- for 17 years, a global war that claimed the lives of tens of mil- company performance, out of 5 companies, excelled the Figures indicate that the bank’s liabilities (without calcu- tor about KD1.828 billion, or about 6.2 percent, (about KD lions of people, and polarizations that changed the world over index’s performance, the other four companies performed lating equities) increased by KD 309.8 million, 11.7 percent, 1.774 billion at the end of December 2013), and to financial half a century afterwards. In the 2008 crisis, the learning and below that of the general index as in table. and scored KD 2.962 billion (KD 2.652 billion in the end of institutions -non-banks- about KD 1.490 billion, or 5 percent, benefit of our contemporary world from history led to an early Qatar exchange index gained nearly 26.3 percent as noted 2013) and increased by KD 451.6 million, 18 percent growth (about KD 1.612 billion in the end of December 2013. recognition of the crisis as the potential of a 1929-like crisis. earlier and 4 companies out of 10 candidates for entering the rate, when compared with the total in the end of the first The bulletin also points that total deposits at local banks This early recognition was followed by a meeting for the index achieved higher performance than the general index, quarter of 2013. amounted to approximately KD 37.507 billion, representing adversaries -like the new G20 which includes the United while the other six companies achieved lower performance as Analysis of the bank’s financial statements calculated on approximately 69.3 percent of total local banks’ liabilities up States, Europe, China and Russia- in addition to bilateral meet- in table. annual basis indicates a rise in all the bank’s indexes com- by about KD 1.065 billion from its amount in the end of ings and others to build the confrontation strategy. As a result, Abu Dhabi exchange index gained nearly 17 percent. It is pared with the same period 2013. Return on average equi- December 2013, or a quarterly growth rate by about 2.9 per- the world managed to overcome its crisis at an endurable cost the only market where the performance of most of the nomi- ties index (ROE) rose to 6.1 percent from about 5.5 percent. cent. Share of the private sector’s clients of those deposits in in record time. nated companies surpassed that of the general index. Three Likewise, the return on the average capital (ROC) increased the comprehensive definition, including major institutions In Kuwait, 10 percent of the National Assembly deputies companies have achieved higher performance, while one to 20.1 percent (17.5 percent). Likewise, return on the aver- company performed below the performance of the general age assets average (ROA) also increased slightly to 1 percent index as in table. (0.9 percent in the same period 2013). We are not supposed to derive conclusive results from the The bank per share earnings (EPS) increased to 5 fils (4 foregoing such as saying that there is no connection between fils in the same period 2013). Price multiplier to the earning the nomination of the companies to join the index and their per share (P/E) scored 22.5 times (35.6 times in the same comparative performance in their markets; we have to wait period last year) due to the retreat in the per share market until the beginning of June they will be officially listed, wait value by 21.1 percent compared with its price on for a while and repeat the test. All the companies listed in the 31/03/2013. However the EPS profit increased by 25 percent Morgan Stanley index are subject to vetting every 6 months. over its level on March 31, 2013. P/B scored 1.4 times (1.8 Complying companies with the requirements remain and the times in the same period last year). non-complying will be excluded. Therefore, the complying companies might achieve better performance than others. Weekly performance of KSE The performance of Kuwait Stock Exchange (KSE) for the Al-Ahli Bank of Kuwait financial results last week was less active than the previous one with all Al-Ahli Bank of Kuwait announced results of its opera- major indices showing a decrease, as well as the general tions for the first quarter of 2014 which showed that the index. AlShall Index (value index) closed at 489.3 points at bank’s net profits, after deducting taxes scored about KD the closing of last Thursday, showing a decrease of about 8.13 million, up by KD 1.06 million, 15 percent, ( KD 7.07 mil- 3.3 points or about 0.7 percent comparing to last week and lion in the first quarter of 2013). The reason for the rise in the an increase of 34.6 points or about 7.6 percent compared net profits is due to a rise in total operational revenues and with the end of 2013. BUSINESS SUNDAY, MAY 25, 2014 Abu Dhabi’s tourism industry looks to build on rising Kuwaiti arrivals Roadshow planned as Kuwaiti guests rise 49 percent

ABU DHBAI: Abu Dhabi’s tourism industry is heading to challenges, mall activations and the best summer deals around Middle East film premiere, live kids’ shows, comedy extrava- Kuwait this month for a roadshow aimed at persuading the for hotels and attractions. We want to persuade travellers that ganzas, showcases from renowned Arab stars, a musical the- country’s travel industry that the emirate has everything to sat- any time is a good time to have a great time in Abu Dhabi and atre experience and an enchanting illusionist. Over at ADNEC isfy its outbound tourists. Led by Abu Dhabi Tourism & Culture event organisers are working with stakeholders to package from August 8, audiences will thrill to the groundbreaking Authority (TCA Abu Dhabi), a 20-strong delegation of hoteliers, around our headline events.” Shadowland show by internationally acclaimed dance troupe Salem Mulaifi attraction operators and Etihad Airways, will meet Kuwaiti trav- FLASH Entertainment will stage six headline events from Pilobolus Dance Theatre. The first show of its kind to combine el influencers in Kuwait City on May 25. July 28 until August 29. The du Forum, Yas Island, will be trans- shadow theatre with dance, which has since inspired similar The roadshow comes as Kuwait ranks among Abu Dhabi’s formed into Abu Dhabi’s largest FIFA World Cup viewing venue products around the world, Shadowland is a mix of shadow Tawasul Telecom Top 20 overseas source markets for hotel guests. In Q1 this and the hub of Ramadan festivities from June 12. FLASH will theatre, dance, circus and concert, incorporating multiple mov- year,7,344 Kuwaitis stayed in the emirate’s hotels - a 49 percent also run family events in Abu Dhabi’s Western Region and its ing screens of different sizes and shapes in a performance that increase on the first three months of last year. heritage heartland of Al-Ain during August. merges projected images and front-of-screen choreography. sponsored “In Q1 our Kuwaiti guests delivered 18,751 guest nights and Another three headline shows will be presented by The Created in collaboration with lead writer for the popular while this was up by 61 percent on the same period last year, it Alchemy Project-Entertainment, on behalf of the authority, at animated series SpongeBob SquarePants Steven Banks, the only equates to an average-length-of-stay of 2.55 nights,” said Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre (ADNEC). Etihad Airways story is a surreal experience of a young girl’s sensational world International Mubarak Al Shamisi, Country Manager GCC, TCA Abu Dhabi. is supporting the program as the official airline partner. as she comes of age; a universal and intimately portrayed tale “We believe we can do much better and our aim is to convince that is both intensely dramatic and funny. Shadowland is set to Telecom Week the Kuwaiti travel trade, and its customers, that there is now so Summer season a rhythmic original score by popular American musician, pro- much more to do and see in Abu Dhabi that they should stay Abu Dhabi Summer Season gets off to a fairy tale start from ducer and film composer David Poe, which ranges from ballads KUWAIT: longer to enjoy more. “We realize we are up against tough June 6-16 at ADNEC, with the prestigious Royal Moscow Ballet to hard-driving rock numbers. The leading provider of MPL based services in the competition with Kuwaitis being a key GCC market on our and two lead soloists from the world-renowned Bolshoi Ballet Bringing the curtain down on Abu Dhabi Summer Season Gulf region and the Middle East, Tawasul Telecom sponsored doorstep and other destinations also pursuing this business. performing Cinderella set to the magnificent score of the cele- in true grand finale style and running from August 21st at for the fifth consecutive year the International Telecom Week However, we have the right product, particularly for families. brated 20th century Russian composer Sergei Prokofiev, organ- ADNEC is the multi-award-winning contemporary circus the- (ITW) which was held from May 11 to 14th at the Hayat We are an extremely safe destination, we have family-specific ized by The Alchemy Project-Entertainment. atrical La Verit‡ - which features a gigantic, original backdrop Regency hotel in Chicago/USA. product and are an emirate which has openly retained its her- Also in June, FLASH Entertainment and Dome Connect, in created in New York in 1944 by the Spanish surrealist painter The prominent event gathered an elite group of partici- itage in which Gulf nationals will feel comfortable and which collaboration with du Forum on Abu Dhabi’s entertainment Salvador Dali. La Verit‡ (The Truth) was written and is directed pants who have joined from all around the world with over will engage expatriates.” district of Yas Island, will host a football frenzy. This will be the by the acclaimed Daniele FinziPasca - the creative genius 5,300 delegates representing around 1,700 companies special- emirate’s largest FIFA World Cup viewing venue for every behind Cirque du Soleil’s Corteo and the closing ceremony of ized in all aspects of the Telecom industry including wireless Airlinks match of the tournament (June 12 - July 13), complete with a the Sochi Olympics - and is a theatrical homage to Dali’s life and internet providers, experts in data services, satellite and Abu Dhabi benefits from good airlinks with Kuwait with 37 fully-themed fan zone, heritage zone and indoor bazaar for a and work. Originally created for the ballet Tristan and Isolde at telecom networks providers. flights a week from Kuwait International to Abu Dhabi summer of family togetherness and sporting celebration. The Metropolitan Opera in New York City, the hand painted Committed to developing and upgrading the telecom infra- International, 28 of them being Etihad Airways’ services. “It’s for the entire family with separate areas for ladies, fami- backdrop stuns in an aesthetically beautiful production. structure in the Gulf region, Tawasul Telecom’s objectives of In particular, Abu Dhabi will be promoting its upcoming lies and football mega fans,” said Al Shamisi. Every FIFA World La Verit‡ features a cast of 13 acrobats who play instru- sponsoring the occasion stem from its keen interest to seize and most exciting, show-packed summer season to date. Abu Cup match will be shown on a giant 6 x 4 metre LED screen, ments, sing, juggle, contort, clown, and dance. It is a vibrant target new business partnerships while simultaneously com- Dhabi Summer Season - featuring headline, blockbuster inter- with additional mega screens around the venue, there’ll be explosion of color, beauty, offbeat humor and impossible bal- municate with international pioneers in the telecom industry national theatre, ballet, comedy and illusionist shows, regional comfortable seating with a relaxed and entertaining atmos- ances which channels Dali’s surrealist vision. Meanwhile, Yas in targeting and seizing new business partnership, while simul- film premieres, World Cup extravaganzas and a host of locally- phere and unique fan and family zones, including Iftar Island’s hotels and attractions are planning the coolest sum- taneously engaging with existing partners and industry lead- produced activities in hotels, malls and attractions - will run Ramadan dinners, kids play areas, shopping zones and prayer mer ever with hot 2 for 1 deals which will run until September ers. from June 5-August 31. areas. 30. This includes offers at restaurants, spas and the key leisure Salem Almulaifi, Business Development Director at Tawasul “We have teamed up with leading event producers to deliv- “The World Cup viewing area will hold up to 800 people. attractions of Yas Marina Circuit, the Yas Links golf course, Telecom said: “ITW is a key event in the telecom industry er headline shows and loads of action, including concerts and This will be the biggest World Cup viewing venue in Abu Dhabi YasWaterworld and Ferrari World Abu Dhabi. worldwide considering the number of companies participating performances by artists from throughout the Middle East, and the next best thing to actually being at the matches,” In addition, special activities from a ‘Go Wet This Summer’ and the high level of organization. It has provided a valuable Russia and the USA, hosting comedy nights, live kids’ shows, added Shamisi. event at Al Ain Sportplex Club, to Summer Zoo Nights at Al Ain opportunity for us where we met the leaders in the telecom theatre spectaculars and a regional film premiere,” explained Al Zoo, kids’ summer camps, shooting, squash and volleyball industry and simultaneously reinforced relations with our Shamisi. “Activities are spread across the emirate with events Entertainment competitions will be held at a variety of venues throughout the clients and succeeded in establishing new business relations, ranging from international performances to local sporting The full FLASH Entertainment program will include a emirate. which go perfectly in parallel with our expansion strategy”. Tawasul Telecom has proven itself to be a key player in the industry. The Company spared no effort to continuously sup- port the telecom sector by providing its sponsorship to leading events of the industry such as Capacity Middle East 2014, held previously this year in Dubai while its events’ calendar for the upcoming period includes other strategic ones which will help to raise the company’s profile, and provide the foundation for long lasting strategic business partnerships for years to come.

SAMENA Telecommunications Council participates in ITU regional forum

KUWAIT: SAMENA Telecommunications Council partici- pated at the ‘ITU Regional Forum on Digital Terrestrial Television Broadcasting Services in the Arab Region’ held in Dubai, UAE, from May 17 to 20, 2014 in coordination Nestle Ajyal Salima Program becomes first with UAE TRA. George Salama, Senior Manager, Public Policy, repre- sented SAMENA Telecommunications Council at the from ME to join EPODE int’l network Forum where he made a presentation on the ‘Role and Importance of 700/800MHz Digital Dividend band for DUBAI: The NestlÈ Healthy Kids Program - Ajyal Salima has needed to educated children about nutrition and health. Agriculture and Food Sciences Faculty. “This actually drives Mobile Broadband Services’. The presentation focused on become the first from the Middle East to join the EPODE further engagement because all entities would like their chil- topics such as mobile broadband socio-economic International Network (EIN), which encompasses over 36 pro- Gatekeepers dren and students to know more, do well and be healthier.” impact, current status of mobile data usage versus terres- grams in 24 countries working to tackle childhood obesity by “Health and education authorities are the gatekeepers of “We are delighted to be able to incorporate programs such trial TV, importance of spectrum harmonization, and promoting partnership among various entities including the NestlÈ Ajyal Salima Program, as their engagement and as NestlÈ Ajyal Salima into our schools’ curriculum to promote measures to ensure strategic coordination with broad- companies, governments, and NGOs. support are essential for sustaining the initiative in schools,” healthy living and nutrition from an early age,” said Ahmad casters. Speaking at the11th Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) said Karine Antoniades Turk, Creating Shared Value (CSV) Abdul-Rahman, Head of the Health & Physical Education Unit “As the demand for data continues to grow, it Summit in Dubai where the Program was presented as a case Manager - NestlÈ Middle East.”We hope that the Program will - Dubai Educational Zone, Ministry of Education- a key becomes vital to explore new potential spectrum bands study on impactful corporate-public collaborations, EIN’s positively impact policies, and bring concerned stakeholders Program partner in Dubai since 2012 along with the Dubai for telecom services. One of the main outcomes of the General Secretary Dr. Jean-Michel Borys said:”At EPODE our closer together on the long-term.” Health Authority; the Princess Haya Initiative for the ITU World Radiocommunication Conference (WRC 2012) entire ethos revolves around the realization that public and First launched in 2010 by the American University of Beirut Development of Health, Physical Education & School Sports; was the allocation of 700MHz band for mobile services, private partnerships are key to implementing and sustaining (AUB) and NestlÈ with the support of the Lebanese Ministry of and NestlÈ Middle East.”The biggest challenge we face is how which is currently used by TV terrestrial broadcasters. In community-based interventions, and we welcomed Ajyal Education and Higher Education, a recent study commemo- best to ensure that our students maintain the good habits the SAMENA region, the percentage of terrestrial broad- Salima into our global family because of its alignment with rating three years of Ajyal Salima’s implementation in they learn through the Program.” caster users is minimal due to the emergence of satellite our principles, and the fact that it’s already demonstrated its Lebanon found nine-eleven year-olds eat vegetables twice One of the company’s key CSV initiatives, the NestlÈ and IPTV. Regional harmonisation is essential in ensuring efficacy on the ground.” more frequently and their general nutrition awareness Healthy Kids Global Program was launched globally in 2009 the optimal and efficient utilization of such bands. To This year’s CSR Summit reaffirmed that children’s nutrition increases significantly following interventions by the Program. and runs in partnership with governments, academia, and shun fragmentation, spectrum bands plan needs to be and health is a vital issue for people in the Middle East, with “We use validated instruments to measure impact and NGOs in over 68 countries around the world reaching to date designed in a harmonised way across different regions. 91 percent of respondents during an attendees polling ses- change, including measurements of knowledge, eating more than six million kids. This will also have a positive impact on network upgrade sion saying they are concerned about the matter. Eighty two behavior and other obesity-related factors,” said Dr Carla The regional Ajyal Salima curriculum is rolling out progres- costs and handset prices,” said George Salama. percent of respondents also said partnership between gov- Habib Mourad, who devised the Program in her PHD thesis sively in the Middle East, with Saudi Arabia scheduled as its “SAMENA Telecommunications Council is encourag- ernments, schools, parents, the private sector and NGOs is under the guidance of Dr Nahla Hwalla, AUB’s Dean of next destination. ing telecom regulatory authorities to have flexible spec- trum allocation strategies for telecom operators. We believe that the available spectrum resulting from the digital switch over (800-700MHz) is of great value for telecom services as it provides wide coverage with large number of subscribers. A harmonized band plan is a must for efficient utilisation and to draw maximum bene- fits out of the digital dividend,” he added. The Forum which was held at Gloria Hotel - Dubai, brought to the forefront constructive insights from topics such as transition from analogue to digital terrestrial tel- evision broadcasting and the need for regional coordina- tion and cooperation in this sector. Challenges related to digital transition in the Arab region, including the cost of transition, the interoperability and digital dividend, were other topics discussed at the Forum. Technical standards, frequency planning and coordination and spectrum sharing issues were also addressed at the forum. Al-Muzaini Exchange announces winners of daily ‘Cash Promo’ draw

KUWAIT: Al-Muzaini Exchange Co, Kuwait’s leading Exchange Musead Al Milam — Mubarkia now with network branches that spans over 60 branches and Remittance Company, announced yesterday the daily located across Kuwait. To ensure customer satisfaction, winners of the Cash Promo draws. The fourth draw was con- Upon using any of Al-Muzaini’s services which consist of arrival and departure sections of the Kuwait International ducted on 22 May 2014 at the Consumer Protection Andallus Western Union, Drafts, Money transfers, Travelers Cheques, airport and the Sheikh Saad airport guarantee 24 hours 7 Department under the supervision of Ahmad Al-Hamad rep- Couriers (DHL), or Bank Notes, customers will automatically days a week full service. resentative from the Ministry of Commerce. be included in the draw. Al- Muzaini has launched this pro- Al-Muzaini Exchange Company provides customers a The lucky winners of KD 100 cash prize for the period of 15 motion with an aim to offer its customers, extended oppor- broad range of services that includes issuing checks and May - 21 May 2014 are: tunities to fulfill their dreams in an easy and simple man- collection of checks drawn on foreign banks and the sale ner. and purchase of foreign currencies and remittances (to all Darbar Basha — Salmiya Coop The fifth draw is scheduled to take place on 1 June, fol- parts of the world), DHL related services while also benefit- Ismael Yousif — Khaitan lowed by the final draw on 9 June 2014. Al-Muzaini advises ting from Western Union’s varied services that are on offer. Emmanuel Mayor — Airport everyone to take advantage of this promotion by using any For further information on any of Al-Muzaini Exchange Abdulmajeed Al Bloushi — Bayan Coop of its services for a chance to become a winner. Company’s services customers are urged to visit their near- Ahmad Hadi — Jahra Al- Muzaini Exchange Company, a pioneer and leader in est branch, call the company’s call center on 1888818, or Kamal Mourtada — Rumaithiya the foreign exchange business in Kuwait for over 70 years log on to the company’s website www.muzaini.com. SUNDAY, MAY 25, 2014 technology Facebook expands privacy checkup tool

NEW YORK: More Facebook users can use and other privacy issues. effort to help guard users’ privacy is part taking our responsibility seriously to cordial than last year’s gathering, which expect to see a blue cartoon dinosaur Besides providing all of its 1.3 billion of Facebook’s commitment to “loving the make sure people have control over who was held while Facebook’s stock was hov- popping up in their feeds, reminding users with a privacy check-up, Facebook people we serve.” That’s a “symbolic shift,” they are sharing with,” Zuckerberg told ering around $24 - more than one-third them to check their privacy settings. No also will set default controls on new users’ Zuckerberg said, for a decade-old compa- Facebook shareholders during the Menlo below its initial public offering price of stranger to privacy fiascos, Facebook had posts to “friends.” Previously, the posts ny that has repeatedly irritated its users Park, California, company’s annual meet- $38 in May 2012. Boosted by already made the tool available to users were programmed so they could be seen with design changes that appeared ing. “Over time, we think that is going to Zuckerberg’s successful efforts to sell who were posting public updates. The by anyone on the Internet, unless the aimed at sharing personal information serve everyone who is using Facebook more ads on mobile devices, Facebook’s feature is designed to remind people how user manually changed the control. CEO more widely to help sell more advertising better and help us achieve our long-term stock added 3 cents Thursday to close at widely they share posts, what apps they Mark Zuckerberg said Thursday that the based on their interests. “We think this is goals.” The 90-minute meeting was more $60.52.—AP

Cyber failures spark search for new security approach

WASHINGTON: With cybersecurity’s most ciated with malicious activity,” according to glaring failures in the limelight, many a blog post by Symantec’s James Hanlon. experts say it’s time for a new approach. In recent weeks, the security community has Hardware security approach been rocked by news of a massive breach But others in the cybersecurity commu- at online giant eBay affecting as many as nity dispute that approach. The idea of pre- 145 million customers, following another dicting and halting attacks “is utter non- that hit as many as 110 million at retailer sense,” said Simon Crosby co-founder of the Target. A US indictment earlier this month security firm Bromium, which uses a hard- accused members of a shadowy Chinese ware-based solution that isolates comput- military unit for allegedly hacking US com- ers to prevent the spread of an infection. panies for trade secrets, a charge denied by Crosby said he views as unlikely “the ability Beijing. The incidents highlight huge gaps to pick through the noise to find a bad guy in cybersecurity, or the ease in which mali- before he does bad thing.” He said cious actors can break into a single com- Bromium offers a better solution “by mak- puter and subsequently penetrate a net- ing the system defend itself by design.” work or cloud. “The old model (for cyberse- Johannes Ullrich, a researcher with the curity) doesn’t work,” said James Lewis of SANS Institute, said hardware isolation “is a the Center for Strategic and International solid approach,” but just one of many new Studies. “It is getting worse and getting out options being explored. Ullrich said that in of control... One of the dilemmas is that hunting for malware, “you cannot come up when people have a choice between secu- with a list of everything that is bad, but rity and utility, they often choose utility.” what you can do is enumerate what is sup- A survey released Wednesday by the posed to be there.” This “white list” security firm Trustwave said it identified approach has a higher chance of success, 691 breaches across 24 countries last year, Ullrich said. with the number of incidents up 53.6 per- cent over 2012. “As long as criminals can ‘Hunting ghosts’ make money by stealing data and selling The old notion of using anti-virus soft- that sensitive information on the black ware, which updates itself based on new market, we don’t expect data compromises malware “signatures,” is rapidly losing cre- DONA: Women make ‘canari’, a small spherical jar, under a mobile solar-powered streetlamp named by locals as ‘Foroba Yelen’, in the Bambara to subside,” the report said. Much of the dence. A 2012 study by the security firm language, at the village of Dona in the Segou region, northeast of Bamako. — AFP problem stems from so-called “phishing” Imperva said most software only detected attacks in which emails are disguised as around five percent of malware. Another coming from a trusted person. When links firm, FireEye, concluded last year that 82 Solar lamps made from bike are opened, hackers can install malicious percent of malware disappears after one software allowing them to control a com- hour and 70 percent exists just once. “With puter, and potentially an entire network. the half-life of malware being so short, we parts transform lives in Mali A report by security firm Symantec can draw the conclusion that the function found a 91 percent increase in targeted signature-based AV (anti-virus) serves has “spearphishing” attacks in 2013 and said become more akin to ghost hunting than Mali plagued by chronic electricity outages more than 552 million identities were threat detection and prevention,” said a exposed via breaches. IBM recently blog post by FireEye’s Zheng Bu and Rob CINZANA: Mobile solar-powered streetlamps unveiled a new cyber defense system Rachwald. Ullrich said that over time, com- made from old bicycle parts are transforming aimed at thwarting attacks before they panies need to invest more in information lives in Mali, where villagers often work by happen, with predictive analytics. security and develop strategies before the night to escape the heat despite 90 per cent Symantec suggests a similar approach tout- problems subside. “Security will never pre- having no mains electricity. The project is the ing its platform “that aggregates and corre- vent every single breach,” he said. “You brainchild of Italian architect Matteo Ferroni, lates unfiltered alerts from a diverse set of want to keep it at a manageable level, to who visited the Segou region, 235 kilometers technologies, harnessing global threat stay in business. That’s what security is all northeast of Bamako, in 2010 and noticed the intelligence to detect traffic patterns asso- about.”— AFP locals were mainly sleeping during the searing day and getting up in the evening to work. “Soon I realized how important is night time in a community accustomed to glimmering flash- lights and moonlight,” he says on his website. Some of these flashlights, he noted, were petroleum lamps which-apart from being dan- gerous to work with-provide a flickering light which might be inadequate for the work of a butcher or a seamstress. It was then that he hit on the idea of a simple, mobile alternative made of a recycled metal pole, propping up a rechargeable LED lighting unit and attached to an old bicycle wheel which could be moved easily from place to place as required. Today his invention, named by locals as “Foroba Yelen”, which means “collective light” in the Bambara language, has transformed lives in the 72-village rural commune of Cinzana, SANOGOLA: Students attend evening classes with a mobile solar-powered streetlamp named by where 35,000 people live. locals as ‘Foroba Yelen’ at the village of Sanogola in the Segou region, northeast of Bamako. — AFP Alou Coulibaly, who went to book one of the streetlamps for the baptism of his newborn Segou, makes the main body of the lamp from nesses but is also being used at funerals and girl, had nothing but praise for the initiative, old bicycle parts while Aboubacar Dagnon, a births at Cinzana’s community clinic. telling AFP it had improved the lives of poor tea producer, makes the housing for the LED While villagers like Alou Coulibaly require SHANGHAI: Photo shows a 12-storey building alleged in a report by the Internet villagers who could not afford a generator or bulbs from recycled aluminium cookware. them only occasionally, others, such as potter security firm Mandiant as the home of a Chinese military-led hacking group after the the fuel to run one. The project began in 2011 Djeneba Djoni are putting the lamps to regu- firm reportedly traced a host of cyberattacks to the building in Shanghai’s northern when Ferroni created the first prototype from Electricity outages lar use. “We worked before by the light of the suburb of Gaoqiao. —AFP an old bike. “Since then I have worked with “The tool, designed to be manufactured by moon and with a torch attached to our heads, local craftsmen to develop its details so that it local craftsmen, entered into work, social life like hunters,” he said. Mali, a country of over could be replicated anywhere in Mali. The LED and cults of a community... at present more 16 million people, has been plagued in recent unit was developed with the expertise of light- then 90 lamps have spread over 17 villages years by chronic electricity outages. The gov- China drawn by Israel’s ing engineers in Italy,” he said. and three health centres,” Ferroni said. People ernment reported on Wednesday that the Ferroni returned to Mali with his prototype, go to the home of Issouf Dagnon, a resident of country had managed to supply just 45 per- innovation, technology designing the first mobile lamp in Segou and Cinzana, to charge the lamps’ batteries or book cent of its electricity demand last year. The taking it to Sanogola, one of the commune’s a unit for 250 francs ($0.52, 0.40 euros) per administration in Bamako says Mali’s EDM-SA villages, in 2011. He put locals in touch with night, with the fee going towards mainte- energy company-two-thirds owned by the TEL AVIV: China’s purchase of a controlling Western or US brands. the Swiss foundation eLand, which supports nance. Each village benefiting from the state and a third owned by a subsidiary of the stake in Israel’s largest food maker reflects a The deal to sell 56 percent of Israel’s initiatives in the field of architecture for sus- scheme gets a set of four street lamps and a Aga Khan group-is in crisis, failing to ensure broader surge in Chinese investment in an iconic dairy firm Tnuva to China’s state- tainable development and provided work- 50-watt solar panel at a total cost of 500 euros an adequate supply despite state subsidies economy largely tethered to Western mar- owned Bright Food Group Co Ltd has hit an shops teaching young people how to replicate ($685), financed by eLand. Today Foroba Yelen worth 87.7 million euros ($120 million) in kets. The deal, announced on Thursday, especially raw nerve. Founded more than the lamps. Amadou Sidibe, a welder based in is meeting the needs of numerous small busi- 2013. —AFP gives China access to Israel’s high tech 80 years ago as a farming cooperative, expertise, cachet among consumers made Tnuva is a symbol of Israel’s potent agricul- wary by domestic food production scan- tural past. “What normal country puts its dals and an alternative place to put their food security and its entire milk industry in money amid trade obstacles from a wary the hands of China?” opposition member of Japan launches a new satellite United States. In return, China offers a large parliament Shelly Yachimovich said on market and source of funding at a time of Thursday. Israel’s former spy chief Ephraim TOKYO: Japan successfully gering the Fukushima nuclear crisis. growing calls, especially in Europe, for a Halevy, who also opposes the deal, has launched a new mapping satellite The island nation is also routinely boycott of Israel over its failure to make called on parliament to devise ways of pro- yesterday that will be used to sur- hit by typhoons while scientists say peace with the Palestinians. tecting its major assets. Underscoring con- vey damage from natural disasters Mount Fuji could erupt at any time. Overshadowed by its high profile move cerns of possible espionage, Israel’s internal and changes affecting rainforests. The new satellite, nicknamed into Africa, China’s role in Israel as been security agency Shin Bet last year adver- The Advanced Land Observing “Daichi-2”, will “conduct a health growing fast, despite concern among tised for fluent Chinese speakers to serve in Satellite-2 (ALOS-2) will be able to check mainly of the Earth’s land Israelis that strategic assets may slip from the Tel Aviv area, and presumably keep an see scars left by catastrophes such areas in detail,” JAXA project man- their grasp. Economy Ministry chief scien- eye on growing numbers of Chinese visi- as Japan’s 2011 tsunami as well as ager Shinichi Suzuki said. tist Avi Hasson said the country was second tors. The economy ministry has played monitor progress made in recon- The satellite will collect data last year after the United States in terms of down the potential problems. “One of the struction, officials from the Japan related to deformation of the joint projects between Israel and foreign reasons that I assume people have con- Aerospace Exploration Agency said. Earth’s crust, but also the impact of firms backed by his office, which funds cerns is that it’s the unknown. China is still a “The satellite was successfully put floods and landslides, he said. The high tech start-ups and facilitates business riddle for many people,” said Ohad Cohen, in orbit,” said an official from satellite’s predecessor was used to abroad. “In 2014 I think China will be num- head of the Israeli Economy Ministry’s for- Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, whose monitor damage caused by the ber one,” Hasson told Reuters. “Three years eign trade department. H-IIA rocket was used in the launch 2011 earthquake and tsunami. The ago they were at zero.” from a space centre on the south- device uses a special radar to Economy Minister Naftali Bennet said Business first ern island of Tanegashima. observe the planet’s surface at Israel was “going East”, telling a high tech Unlike in many other countries, there The satellite will provide valu- night, during bad weather and conference Asia had overtaken the US as are no ‘Chinatowns’ in Israeli cities to serve able data for Japan, which sits on even through vegetation. JAXA Israel’s second largest export destination as a bridge, but growing contacts and trade the Pacific Ring of Fire and experi- plans to use the new satellite to after Europe. “We are shifting our econom- visits should improve mutual understand- ences 20 percent of all major earth- regularly study tropical rain forests, ic resources to Bangalore, Africa and China, ing and Israeli’s welcome China’s reluctance quakes. Memories are still fresh of which are difficult to observe China, China,” he said on Thursday. Not to get involved in the Middle East. “China the deadly 9.0-magnitude earth- because of the thick clouds that fre- everyone in Israel is delighted by the grow- doesn’t care. The Arab-Israel conflict to KAGOSIMA: Japan’s H-IIA rocket lifts off from the space centre on the quake in March 2011 that quently cover them. It will also be ing Chinese presence, and some argue them is irrelevant,” said a source who has southern island of Tanegashima yesterday. Japan successfully launched unleashed a tsunami that devastat- used to observe snow and ice con- their firms will have to pay more for direct worked on recent China-Israel deals and a new mapping satellite yesterday that will be used to survey damage ed the northern Pacific coast, killing ditions in polar areas, officials investment than more sought-after declined to be named.— Reuters from natural disasters and changes affecting rainforests. — AFP more than 18,000 people and trig- said.—AFP SUNDAY, MAY 25, 2014 HEALTH & SCIENCE Meteor shower over North America a dud

WASHINGTON: Astronomers and amateur sky The best photos posted online on sites like Flickr, little bit hard to predict,” said Paul Wiegert, associate meteor showers,” Wiegert said. watchers across North America went to bed early including those from NASA, show a sky lit with stars professor at the University of Western Ontario. The annual Perseids meteor show that lasts for yesterday disappointed by a meteor shower hyped with occasional streaks of light. This meteor shower originates from the trail of several days in August is made up of shooting stars as “potentially spectacular” that, in the end, was a NASA had a live feed camera pointed towards dust behind a small, dim comet known as that barrel by at a pace of 150,000 miles (241,000 dud. the sky, but despite the site’s upbeat music there 209P/Linear. The debris gets tugged into Earth’s kilometers) per hour. The US Naval Observatory described the was little to see. The #Camelopardalis were a bust,” orbit this year by the force of gravity from Jupiter. The Camelopardalids meteors moved slower, Camelopardalids meteor shower on Friday as a read a posting on Twitter. “From 12:45am-4:30am Meteor showers consist of space rocks that burn traveling at around 36,000 miles (58,000 kilometers) “potentially spectacular show,” but that potential EDT: 12 small faint ones, 1 bright one, & 1 sporadic. I up upon hitting the top of Earth’s atmosphere, pro- per hour, Cooke said. was never fulfilled. stayed up for this?” ducing a bright flash of light that gives the appear- The show did not impress “Space Junkie,” who The meteor shower could be seen by people in ance of a falling star. wote on Twitter: dear #Camelopardalis ... thanks for the United States, Canada and Mexico starting Hard to predict A key piece of this meteor shower mystery lies in the meteor-less yawn factory. take notes from the around 0230 GMT yesterday, according to NASA. One Twitter user wrote: “#Camelopardalis. More the ancient trail of dust behind the comet, which #persedis this july.” A weak showing, combined with passing clouds like #Cantopenmyeyelinds when my alarm goes off was produced centuries ago. Astronomers flew in from Europe to observe the and light pollution from towns and cities, conspired at 8 am.” In their defense, astronomers weren’t Initial predictions were that a few hundred skies from a remote astronomy base in to turn what many hoped would be a light show entirely sure what to expect from a comet they only meteors would be visible per hour, or a few mete- Saskatchewan, Canada, Cooke said, while others extravaganza into a sleepless night of stargazing discovered in 2004. ors per minute-”not a special-effects extravaganza traveled to the US southwest where the forecast punctuated by occasional streaks of light. “Meteor showers are like the weather. They are a ... but it is in line with many of the strong annual was for clear weather. —- AFP E. coli detected in US health care law Portland, Oregon water supply still fails to impress

PORTLAND: A citywide boil notice was to keep people hydrated,” he said. “But issued for Portland after E. coli was clearly I got here too late.” detected in the water supply. The samples that tested positive for Public opinion runs deeply negative The Portland Water Bureau said bacteria were collected this week from Friday that residents should boil all tap two uncovered reservoirs at Mount WASHINGTON: President Barack Obama cele- water used for drinking, food prepara- Tabor. The Water Bureau said it collects brated when sign-ups for his health care law tion, tooth brushing and ice for at least about 240 bacterial samples per month topped 8 million, far exceeding expectations after one minute. Ice or any beverages pre- throughout the system, and the test to a slipshod launch. Most Americans, however, pared with un-boiled tap water on or determine the presence of bacteria remain unimpressed. A new Associated Press-GfK after Tuesday should be dumped. takes 18 hours. poll finds that public opinion continues to run The notice, which also covers several “The chance of any health problems deeply negative on the Affordable Care Act, suburban cities, affects about 670,000 related to this water test result is low,” Obama’s signature effort to cover the uninsured. people. It will remain in effect until Tri-County Health Officer Dr. Paul Lewis Forty-three percent oppose the law, compared tests show the water system is clean. said. “If any problems occur, we would with just 28 percent in support. The pattern illus- That could be Saturday. expect diarrhea.” trates why the health care law remains a favored “We’re painfully aware that we’re The Water Bureau is investigating target for Republicans seeking a Senate majority going into a holiday weekend and that the cause of the contamination. The in the midterm elections. this is an inconvenience for people,” city said contamination can occur when The poll does have a bright spot for the City Commissioner Nick Fish said. “We there is a loss of water pressure, a pipe administration: Those who signed up for cover- regret that, but we’re also guided by breaks or when conditions expose age aren’t reeling from sticker shock. Most said good science and regulations.” drinking water to outside elements, they found premiums in line with what they The boil notice produced the such as animal waste. expected, or even lower. But even that was dimin- expected public response: The city The Water Bureau drew national ished by another finding: More than one-third of website crashed from heavy traffic, and attention last month when it discarded those who said they or someone in their house- bottled water flew from supermarket more than 35 million gallons of drink- hold tried to enroll, were ultimately unable to do shelves. ing water because a teenager allegedly so. For the White House, it’s an uncomfortable Matt Smith, who works at a law firm, urinated into a reservoir at Mount reminder of the technical problems that para- went to a downtown Safeway store to Tabor. That reservoir was one of the two lyzed the HealthCare.gov website for weeks after WASHINGTON: President Barack Obama speaks in the Brady Press Briefing Room of the White stock up on water for a host of after- that tested positive for E. coli. it went live last fall. House in Washington, following his meeting with Veterans Affairs Secretary Eric Shinseki. noon meetings. He found just a few The reservoir is one of five the city is After weeks of criticism for his detached response, Obama showed new resolve this week on bottles left. in the process of replacing with under- Cross-currents the growing crisis over veterans’ health care. — AP “We can’t cancel them because that ground storage to comply with federal The example of business owner Henry Kulik But last fall’s launch of new health insurance mar- Freeman says he’s no big fan of the president. But would cost a lot of money and we have regulations. — AP shows some of the cross-currents of public opin- kets was paralyzed technical problems. The deba- now into his late 30s, Freeman thought it would ion. Kulik is disabled as a result of Lou Gehrig’s dis- cle contributed to the departure of health secre- be a good idea to get health insurance through ease, a condition that destroys the brain’s ability tary Kathleen Sebelius. the new law. It took several tries to navigate the to control muscle movement. His family runs sev- federal enrollment website, but Freeman says he’s eral stores that sell ice cream and other summer Political backlash generally satisfied. His main complaint is that his refreshments in the Philadelphia area. Kulik says After Congress approved the law in 2010, a new doctor is about an hour away, in a bigger he doesn’t believe the federal government should political backlash over its Medicare cuts, tax town to the east. require people to carry health insurance, as the increases and new regulations helped “I can see if some of the kinks can be worked law does. And he can understand worries about Republicans win the House. This fall the GOP is out this could be a very positive thing in the long the cost to taxpayers. On the other hand, he’s following a similar strategy with the Senate at run,” Freeman said. “We should be in a position to been able to slash what his family pays for health stake. “Republicans hold an advantage on this be healthiest country in the world.” The poll found insurance by purchasing coverage through the issue among people who feel strongly about it,” that sign-up success translated into higher law’s new insurance markets and by taking said Robert Blendon of the Harvard School of approval for the health care law. Among those advantage of tax credits to lower the premiums. Public Health, who follows opinion trends on who succeeded in purchasing coverage, 51 per- Before the law, his family was paying $2,400 a health care. cent back the law, compared with 30 percent month. Now it’s several hundred dollars. And Still, just 17 percent of poll respondents said among those who tried to sign up and weren’t Kulik says the insurance for himself, his wife, and the law will be completely repealed. While that successful. In the tiny coastal Oregon town of three children is comparable to what they had represents an increase of 5 percentage points Reedsport, locksmith Marvin Plunkett says he’s before. “I think there is a lot of misinformation,” he from March, the poll found that 67 percent disappointed that public opinion about the law says. Obama’s health care law offers subsidized believe the health law will be implemented with remains so negative. He was able to gain cover- PORTLAND: A man purchases some of the last bottled water available yesterday private coverage to middle-class people who at a Safeway store in Portland. — AP changes, whether major or superficial. In age through the state’s expanded Medicaid pro- have no health plan on the job, and it expands Walhalla, South Carolina, digital publisher Greg gram. — AP Medicaid to pick up low-income uninsured adults. Exotic bugs get new home at Houston Zoo

HOUSTON: The Houston Zoo this weekend dwarfed by the giant cave cockroaches from animals. Pollinating insects are important for opens its first insectarium in the park’s 92-year Panama and northern South America that are plant reproduction and crop production. history, featuring some exotic and venomous housed in one of the 25 aquarium-like exhibits. Spiders, for example, are crucial for controlling species in more than two dozen custom habi- Other impressive insects on display are pest insects that otherwise would devour food tats that make up what’s being dubbed “The black Asian forest scorpions from Malaysia, crops. “They’re not just creepy crawly things we Bug House.” white-eyed assassin bugs from South Africa want to get rid of,” Hodge said. “Insects are a “They’re fascinating and they’re just hard to and blue death feigning beetles, which flop good indicator of how the planet is doing as a see out in the wild,” Kevin Hodge, curator of the over on their blue backs and play dead when whole.” Children’s Zoo at the park, said Friday as work- confronted with desert predators that prefer The new 2,000-square-foot “Bug House” ers were putting final touches on the $3 million live victims. The bug house also is home for a building is the result of about two years of project. “Most of these insects around here no red-spotted longhorn beetle, which hails from work and eight months of construction. It one’s ever going to see on a trip to Africa or Southeast Asia, and a Gooty sapphire tarantula, required multiple US Department of Malaysia. A lot of times they’re at the very tops named for the town in southern India where it Agriculture inspections and permits covering of trees and could be among thousands of ani- was discovered. the building itself, species, and native and exot- mals living on one huge canopy tree.” ic insects.. A specialized insect display seems appropri- Good indicator “We’re taking something that people rarely ate in Houston, a city that’s grown up on what Insects and spiders - there are more than a see and are bringing them into a place where was a swamp and where disease-carrying mos- million species of them - are vital as recyclers, they can appreciate nature,” Hodge said. The quitoes and 2-inch-long flying cockroaches are aiding in decomposition and cleanup of organ- 55-acre Houston Zoo is among the nation’s accepted facts of life. ic matter. They also help in food production, most visited zoos, last year attracting some 2.2 NEW YORK: A deceased 55-foot long finback whale sits on a dry dock in Jersey City, The homegrown roaches, though, are silk production and are a food source for other million visitors. —- AP after it was pulled out of the water. A spokesman for the Marine Mammal Stranding Center said it is not uncommon for whales to make their way into shipping lanes as they travel up and the down the East Coast. — AP More whales being hit by ships along US East Coast NEW YORK: A cruise ship heading for New “Nobody wants to hit a whale,” said York this month struck and killed a whale Marjorie Mooney-Seus, a spokeswoman. “So and dragged it into the Hudson River, part of we want people to have a greater awareness a higher-than-usual rate of strikes along the that they’re out there now.” Eastern Seaboard for this time of year, a fed- The usual rate of whale strikes by ships is eral agency said. about one every few weeks, she said, com- There were three whale strikes recently, pared with the three in the past few weeks. including one in which a cruise ship hit a sei whale and did not discover it until it reached Feeding ground port, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric NOAA said it counted 28 whale strikes in Administration said. Northeastern waters between 2006 and In a similar case, a sei whale was found 2010. Worldwide, a National Marine Fisheries dead and attached to a container ship that Service survey covering 1975 through 2002 was docking near Philadelphia, NOAA said. found 292 records of confirmed or possible The whales may be following food ship strikes to large whales. sources closer to shore, NOAA said. An Rob DiGiovanni, who heads a marine increased food supply has recently been cit- mammal rescue group on Long Island, said ed for a large increase in the number of he’s seeing “more evidence of ship strikes humpback whales off Massachusetts. and that’s definitely a concern.” In the past, The agency issued a reminder to his Riverhead Foundation for Marine mariners of measures already in place to Research and Preservation would go a cou- HOUSTON: Zoo employees at the Houston Zoo’s new bug house get their first look at the exhibits yesterday in Houston. The Bug House, open- protect whales, including speed limits and ple of years without seeing a large whale ing this weekend, has 30 species of native and exotic insects on display. — AP distances. that had been hit by a ship. — AP

WHAT’S ON SUNDAY, MAY 25, 2014

Jumeirah Messilah Beach Hotel & Spa brings Restaurant Week to Kuwait

umeirah Messilah Beach Hotel & Spa in ber of homemade desserts. Recognized internationally for its culinary Kuwait is set to welcome Jumeirah Hakan Petek, General Manager, said: “We are excellence and creativity, Jumeirah Group’s JRestaurant Week at the Garden Cafe and delighted to participate in the Jumeirah prominent food event invites diners to experi- Olio. From Friday May 23, until Saturday, May 31, Restaurant Week for the first time. When it ence the world’s finest cuisine at special rates. 2014, the Garden Cafe will present a buffet comes to dining, Jumeirah is beyond outstand- Having expanded its range of participating menu with hot and cold appetizers, soups and ing and we are proud to bring this luxurious culi- restaurants from 38 in 2012 to over 60 restau- Asian and Middle Eastern dishes. At Olio, guests nary extravaganza to Kuwait through Olio and rants in 2014, the renowned dining experience can enjoy a special three course set menu that the Garden Cafe. We invite diners to join us and now counts outlets from Abu Dhabi, Baku,Dubai, includes soups, salads and Italian main courses. enjoy delectable dishes over extraordinary cre- Frankfurt, Istanbul, Kuwait, London, the To complete Italian night, Olio will offer a num- ative menus during this week.” Maldives, Mallorca and Shanghai.

n May 21, 2014, The French School of Kuwait bers of the French Business Council of Kuwait kindly shed Career counselling forum at organized a career counselling forum. Twenty two light on the demands and requirements of worldwide job Oprofessionals, from renowned local and interna- markets. Christian NakhlÈ, French ambassador to Kuwait, tional firms, were present to answer all the queries of the addressed the young and conversed with those interest- French School of Kuwait high school students regarding employmentand career ed in the diplomatic field. opportunities in the upcoming years. Furthermore, mem-

Therapy? But my child is still young!

arents often find it difficult to accept that their child behavior and guide them through the change. requires therapy because of behavioral problems or Parents are also encouraged to model the behavior they Pdifficulties in learning, especially when this is recom- want their child to adopt. “You are your child’s first and mended by the school or a professional party. “We associ- most important teacher. If you want a polite, self-managed ate the idea of therapy with a mistake that we as parents child, you must be a well-mannered and self-regulated per- could have committed, or an issue that can’t be solved. This son yourself,” says Erheim. Therapists encourage parents to is why parents become defensive to the idea that their increase positive interaction with their child, for example child needs therapy,” explains Resha Erheim, M.Ed., by offering praise when the child does well, and also by Bilingual Counselor at Fawzia Sultan Rehabilitation paying positive attention to the child and spending quality Institute (FSRI), Kuwait’s not-for-profit multidisciplinary time in engaging activities. physical and cognitive rehabilitation center for children and adults. Step 4: Be open to the therapist’s Erheim adds, “It is important for parents to accept that suggestions for new parenting skills therapy is a step to finding a solution to what is affecting No parent wants to be told what to do. When a therapist Future Eye Theatre elects office-bearers their child. This is the first step towards their child’s wellbe- brings along suggestions, parents need to listen first, with- ing”. Parents then have a primordial role to play during out defensiveness or counter arguments. This point sup- uture Eye Theatre, Kuwait, an open arena for theatre peo- Sajeev K Peter, Vice president - Shemejkumar KK, General their child’s treatment. “They become co-therapists during ports the trust that has been built with the therapist. ple, elected its new office-bearers at a meeting held in Secretary - Sajeeshkumar P G, General Convener - Subbaraman the process,” says Erheim. Erheim lays out four steps par- Erheim says, “Don’t misinterpret a therapist’s suggestions, Salmiya yesterday. While reviewing Future Eye Theatre’s A R, Treasurer - Deepak L B Nair, Subin Hassan - Publicity and ents can help their child get a more effective treatment. they are not here to undermine your role as parents. On F activities over the last one year, the meeting congratulated Media Secretary, Joint Secretary - Praveen Aduthila, Rajeshwari the contrary, accept the feedback with openness and flexi- Shemejkumar K K, Future Eye Theatre Vice president, for bag- Subbaraman - Ladies Wing Coordinator, Krishnakumar - Event Step 1: Collaborate with the bility knowing that the intent is to improve your child’s ging the ‘Best Director’ award in a GCC-wide theatre festival Coordinator. therapist during the therapy behavior. Give suggestions a try, as they may often yield organized by Kerala Sangeetha Nataka Akademi in February Executive members are: Dr Prathap Unnithan (Salmiya area While parents can have strong opinions to what their good results.” “Parenting can be stressful, and you need the this year. The meeting also discussed the new opportunities rep), Raghavan (Mangaf area rep), Biju Samuel, Sunil Shivanand child needs, it is important to consider therapy as a collab- support too. Allocate time for yourself to do things you and challenges before theatre activists in the context of emerg- (Fahaheel area rep), Sunil K Cherian, Santhosh Kumar, Madhu orative effort between parents and the therapist, where enjoy, or partake in your own supportive counseling as ing new trends and concepts in a post-modern theatre world. Balakrishnan, Gopakumar, Deepan M George, Sreeraj, Geetha everyone works as a team. Research has shown that well. Sometimes parents’ personal issues shadow and The new office-bearers of Future Eye Theatre are: President - Nair and Remya Ratheesh. parental involvement in a child’s treatment improves the affect their child’s behavior”, concludes Erheim. efficacy of therapy. “Cooperation and support is a critical aspect to the success of treatment. Together with the ther- apist, the best way to support the overall treatment of the child is to set and define the roles and responsibilities of each parent at home”, says Erheim.

Step 2: Build a mutually trusting relationship with the therapist Erheim says, “A therapist’s aim is to help the child, and also to guide parents in helping their child, not to take sides with the school or any professional party.” When a child starts the therapy process, parents must prioritize sharing their concerns, thoughts and daily routine. “Information like this is essential to building the treatment plan, and parents should be comfortable in knowing they will not be judged for their role as a parent. The key is to trust the therapy process and the therapist, it may take time, but it will definitely take a lot of effort,” adds Erheim. Sharing concerns also includes discussing issues or a mis- communication without casting blame, and, together with the therapist, place solutions.

Step 3: Focus on supporting your child’s therapy process outside the planned sessions Therapy sessions are effective faster when parents set a routine at home, give psychological support, and provide a FAIPS students enjoy trip to US stable environment as a whole. “Establish a routine at home, then note your child’s responses and involve the ittle did we, the students of FAIPS, know that we could at making guests feel like they are in a movie set with rides, took about seven hours. We saw how the traffic on this busy therapist in the process. In addition, encourage mutual reach for the stars even before we imagined about it. We shows and attractions inspired by popular films. town slowly built up to the peak as the evening neared. We respect in communication with your child and avoid “you” were eagerly waiting for March 19, 2014 as we were very For the next three days, we had the NASA camp in which we stayed at a hotel in China Town, one of the well-known areas statements that blame the child for misbehaving, and L excited about our journey to the US. These opportunities come had to build robots and we had to program them. The first two there. The next day, we went to The Town of Brands - Times instead use “I” statements to show the child the correct very seldom and we were lucky enough to have one. When the days, we built the robot and programmed it the way we were Square. It was lined with beautifully designed tall buildings of all D-DAY arrived the parents of all the 27 students came to see off assigned to. The last day, we were taken around for a NASA tour the brands of the world. We visited the 9/11 memorial built in their children at the airport. The students who were in the trip in which we saw the launch pads from which many of the suc- the memory of those who had lost their lives in the crash of the were Aarav, Aditya, Ananya, Devansh, Dikshita, Pratheek, cessful rockets were launched, the NASA headquarters, a small twin towers in New York. We also visited Manhattan. We were Richisha, Sandeepan, Sarah, Sharvari, Sharanya,Shruti, Sooraj building but with big ideas blooming inside and then we were surrounded by tall buildings everywhere. We saw the duo of the and Ziyad of class 8 and Adnan, Aman, Anushka, Dwaipayan, taken into a museum in which we saw Atlantis, modules of two bridges- The Brooklyn Bridge and The Manhattan Bridge. Kushagra, Mediha, Naina, Naman, Manu Hari, Nrupa, Rohan, range rovers, The International Space Station and many more. Then we took a cruise to Liberty Island where the magnificent Suruchi and Yagna of class 9. All of us were extremely excited as After this wonderful journey in Orlando, we took a flight and Statue of Liberty stands tall. The cruise went around the statue the savoring chance had a lot for us in store. After a longish jour- landed in Washington- the Capital of the United States of as we all watched the statue from the deck of the cruise with ney of about five hours from Kuwait to Frankfurt we had a wait America. It was a beautiful city. awe and wonder. After the hectic journey of New York, we left of 6 hours in the world’s second largest airport. After this wait we We visited the Lincoln memorial built in the honor of the for Kuwait- not really an awaited moment. embarked on a long and tedious journey of 11 hours, and we 16th president of The United States- Abraham Lincoln. In the It was the best trip of our lives so far and we will never forget finally landed in Orlando - The city of Magic. building, a huge statue of Abraham Lincoln magnanimously sit- the places, the people and most of all the people who accompa- The first day of trip started off in Sea World, a popular water ting on a chair built in the memory of one of the greatest states- nied us on this trip - Jagat Joshi, Vandana - the teachers who park there. It was a pleasant surprise, the day we were in Sea man the world has ever seen. We stood at the very spot on the were assigned to conduct the trip and set right the naughty stu- World as we came to know it was the 50th anniversary, and so steps of Lincoln memorial on which Martin Luther King stood dents that we are when we make mischief and parents- Surya there were many events taking place such as dance, mime show and gave that thunderous, vibrant and unforgettable speech - ‘I Prakash and Ramani who chipped in with their share of repri- etc. The next was the most mesmerizing experience ever, The have a dream’ that literally took the nation by storm and paved mand for us children whenever required by the teachers. They Disney World. It was the most wondrous and magical thing we way for a new leaf to be turned in the history of US. Then, we were all very much concerned about our safety. Without them had ever seen, the Magic Kingdom. As soon as we entered the went to see the White House - The house of the President. It is a our trip would have been incomplete. On March 31, 2014, all of Magic Kingdom we saw an enchanting sight: The Disney Castle, beautiful house of spotless white marble that shone bright in us went to our respective homes with only one thought in our which sent spurts of pleasure though our spine. The next was daylight. We also saw from outside the Smithsonian Museums mind - the world is a book, and those who do not travel read one of the best theme parks in the US and that was Universal built in a row. Due to paucity in time we could just squeeze in only one page of it. Our sincere gratitude and heartfelt thanks to Orlando. It is the second largest resort after the Walt Disney enough time to have a visit to the Air and Space Museum where our Principal who encouraged us to embark on such trips, Lucy World. It has combined film production studio and theme park in greats like Wright brothers cherished history, developments in Cherian the chief coordinator of the trip who worked tirelessly features and is composed of themed areas and attractions based space travel were all well exhibited. After a short visit to planning every minute detail along with our principal to make Resha Erheim on the film industry. The themes of Universal Studios are aimed Washington, we went to New York in a bus, the journey of which our trip most comfortable and most memorable one. WHAT’S ON SUNDAY, MAY 25, 2014

Marina Hotel Kuwait hosts gala dinner for Chaine des Rotisseurs

osting its Chaine des Rotisseurs dinner, Marina Hotel La Chaine des Rotisseurs is the oldest and most prestigious indeed an honour once again to host the Chaine des Rotisseurs members were treated to an epicurean adven- Kuwait presented a uniquely-themed Hungarian gala international gastronomic society, devoted to the promotion Rotisseurs at Marina Hotel, as we see in this event a valuable ture where Executive Sous Chef and his talented culinary Hdinner at the Atlantis restaurant. The annual event of fine dining as well as the camaraderie and pleasures of the opportunity to exchange ideas and experiences with partners team pushed boundaries to entice and satiate the Chaine brought together professional members who appreciate and table. Nabil Hammoud, General Manager of the hotel, wel- in the field. Marina Hotel specializes in providing outstanding members and their guests with their culinary master- share a mutual interest in cuisine, and fine dining. The dinner comed the Chaine members and dignitaries. The evening service for every occasion and we very much look forward to pieces. Chaine des Rotisseurs is one of the world’s oldest was held in the presence of a number of dignitaries including commenced with an authentic menu consisting of flavorsome welcoming our esteemed guests year after year.” gastronomic societies which is organized regularly to the Ambassadors of Hungary, Cuba, Lebanon, Malaysia, delicacies. This year, Marina Hotel adopted the Hungarian theme strengthen the relationship among all prestigious mem- Greece, Japan and Germany. Thanking the Chaine des Rotisseurs, Hammoud said, “It is for the first time in Kuwait, where the Chaine des bers in the region. AUK announces establishment of AUK-IEEE student branch

n a reception held last week at the AUK auditori- extend beyond engineering students to incorpo- ty) is the concept of using the-state-of-art electro- um, the Electrical and Computer Engineering rate the whole student body and the wider local vehicles to address environmental and economic IDepartment at AUK announced the kick-off of community. concerns. According to Dr Hummes, “sustainability the AUK-IEEE (The Institute of Electrical and Flowing from his talk about community is becoming a main goal in Kuwait, the region, and Electronics Engineers) student branch. The evening engagement and social responsibility, the keynote the world. With the advancement in e-mobility, the also featured the launch of the Electrical and speaker gave a presentation (A Century of Energy Kuwaiti society can play a pioneering role in the Computer Engineering Seminar Series 2014 Conversion, Prospects for the 21st Century) reflect- region if adopted such a growing technology.” The (ECESS’14) held under the theme of Triple-Es: ing the rising concerns of scientists and engineers talk investigated the impact of e-mobility on the Energy, Ecology, and the Environment. The event about the impacts of energy systems on the envi- Kuwaiti environment and economy, as well as its was attended the AUK President, Deans of ronment. According to Professor Chaaban, electrical infrastructure. It addressed issues, such Colleges, AUK faculty, staff and students, as well as throughout the 20th century, energy industries as, expansions of current infrastructure to include selected industry invitees. Keynote speech and have been giving attention to the ‘economic’ factor quick charging stations and the national economic presentation were given by Professor Farid B of any operation, “the main objective was to benefits of introducing e-mobility solutions. Chaaban, Chair of the Electrical Engineering achieve the most economically feasible operation”. The aim of the ECE seminar was to help stu- Department at the American University of Beirut However, with the rising environmental concerts, dents understand engineering ethical and profes- (AUB). “the environmental (ecological) factor has been sional responsibility, to understand the impact of The AUK-IEEE student branch is the second added into this process and hence scientists and engineering solutions in economic, environmental, branch in Kuwait; it received its international affilia- engineers are currently becoming more concerned and societal contexts, and to gain knowledge of tion on the 11th of March, 2014. “It is an added val- ue to the academic and extra-curricular portfolio of our engineering students,” said Dr Issam Damaj, Chair of the Electrical and Computer Engineering Department, during his opening speech. “It is a high outpost for an effective recognition on the national and international levels, and a high out- post for a constructive community engagement,” he added. Kholod Al-Shmary, the first Chair of the AUK- IEEE student branch felt that before the establish- ment of the branch, there was no outlet for engi- neering students to “meet, share ideas, provide support, or solve problems.” With the AUK IEEE stu- dent branch, “students will have the opportunity to meet and learn from their fellow students, as well as faculty members and professionals in the field.” Similar to its correspondent branches world- with the 3 E’s: Energy, Economy, and Ecology,” said contemporary issues surrounding the practice. wide, the IEEE student branch at AUK is expected Professor Chaaban. Other anticipated events of the IEEE student to offer a range of activities and advantages to stu- Following the keynote speech, the IEEE student branch include the Electrical and Computer dents, including the IEEE membership, project branch presented the ECE seminar series as its Engineering Exhibition coming up in December exhibitions, meetings, training, and field trips. inaugural educational activity this semester. 2014, the Student Professional IEEE Awareness Through AUK-IEEE student branch, students can Introduced by the master of ceremonies, Dr Conference, and the establishment of a Student participate in regional conferences, workshops, Mohamed Al-Abd, the first talk discussed e- Branch Library for IEEE publications at AUK. The and competitions as IEEE members. Professor Mobility in Kuwait and was presented by Dr Detlef branch also plans to continue co-organizing the Chaaban provided an overview of the IEEE student Hummes, Assistant Professor of Electrical annual ECE seminar series. branch at AUB, emphasizing that its activities Engineering at AUK. E-mobility (or electro mobili-

AUK library opens doors to high school students

n preparation for the new academic year and the American Academy for Girls were 2014-2015, the AUK library has received among those who visited AUK in guided Ia number of visits this semester from campus tours coordinated collaboratively high schools students, aiming to explore by the AUK library and the Office of Dean of the College of Arts and Sciences, Dr Rawda Awwad presents Professor Farid Chaaban with AUK President, Professor Dr Nizar the different facilities and services the Admissions. certificate of appreciation to the keynote speaker. Hamzeh. Library offers to learners. Students from the The visitor groups were received by American International School, American Library Director, Asma Al-Kanan and Creativity Academy, Future Bilingual School Director of Admissions, Maher Dabouseh. The campus and Library tours included ori- entation sessions by AUK Reference Librarian, Zainab Al-Attabi, who provided demos introducing to the students the online resources and tools needed to con- duct database searches, find academic materials, and support their essays with resources. Throughout the sessions stu- dents learnt new techniques on how the library can contribute to their academic life by facilitating information quests and knowledge acquisition. “Many of the senior students have found the tour and research demonstration very informative and helpful,” Shannon Rooney, American Academy for Girls School Librarian “The university’s main library is a Keynote speaker, Professor Farid B Group photo featuring AUK management, faculty, students, and guests. refuge and a place they can seek for assis- Chaaban, Chair of the Electrical tance with their academic research,” she Engineering Department added. “What was most impressive was the graciousness, kindness and warm reception from the AUK staff”. The American University of Kuwait (AUK) Ukraine Embassy announcement is an independent, private, equal opportu- nity, and co-educational liberal arts institu- he Embassy of Ukraine in the State of Hawalli, Jabriya, bl.10, str. 6, build. 5. are kindly advised to refer to the Embassy’s tion of higher education. The educational, Kuwait would like to inform that the The working hours of the polling station: website to check their data in the Electoral cultural and administrative structure, meth- external polling station No 900046 of the Sunday-Thursday, from 15.00 to 17.00 pm. Register as well as to pick up their personal ods and standards of AUK are based on the T Presidential elections was created in the Today the working hours of the polling station invitation from the polling station if they did American model of higher learning. The Embassy’s premises at the following address: from 8.00 am to 20.00 pm. Citizens of Ukraine not receive this document by post. language of instruction is English. TV PROGRAMS SUNDAY, MAY 25, 2014

03:25 Vera 16:00 The Glass Slipper-FAM 20:00 Cajun Pawn Stars 05:15 May The Best House Win 17:45 The Barretts Of Wimpole 20:30 Cajun Pawn Stars Abroad Street-PG 21:00 Pawn Stars 06:10 The Jonathan Ross Show 19:50 The Champ-PG 21:30 Storage Wars 00:45 I’m Alive 07:05 Paul O’grady: For The Love Of 22:00 The Gypsy Moths 22:00 Storage Wars Texas 00:30 Treehouse Masters 01:35 Untamed & Uncut Dogs 23:50 The Wild Bunch-U 22:30 Storage Wars Texas 01:20 Mind Control Freaks 02:25 Roaring With Pride 07:30 Vera 23:00 Duck Dynasty 01:45 Mind Control Freaks 03:15 Natural World 09:20 May The Best House Win 23:30 Duck Dynasty 04:05 Wildest Indochina 02:10 Mythbusters Abroad 04:55 Animal Cops South Africa 03:00 You Have Been Warned 10:15 Doc Martin 05:45 The Wild Life Of Tim Faulkner 03:50 Border Security 11:10 Emmerdale 06:10 The Wild Life Of Tim Faulkner 04:15 Baggage Battles 12:00 Coronation Street 00:00 Storage Wars 04:40 Lost And Sold 12:30 The Jonathan Ross Show 00:30 Pawn Stars 06:35 Steve Irwin’s Wildlife Warriors 00:10 Hoarding: Buried Alive 05:05 How It’s Made 13:25 May The Best House Win 01:00 Pawn Stars 07:00 Animal Airport 01:00 Iyanla, Fix My Life 05:30 How Stuff’s Made Abroad 01:30 Pawn Stars 07:25 Preposterous Pets 01:50 Breaking Amish 06:00 Survive That! 14:20 Doc Martin 02:00 Cajun Pawn Stars 08:15 Untamed China With Nigel 02:40 Sister Wives Special 07:00 You Have Been Warned 15:10 Paul O’grady: For The Love Of 02:30 Cajun Pawn Stars Marven 03:30 I Didn’t Know I Was Pregnant 07:50 Finding Bigfoot Dogs 03:00 Storage Wars 09:10 Steve Irwin’s Wildlife Warriors 03:55 Long Island Medium 08:40 Fast N’ Loud 15:35 The Chase 03:30 Storage Wars 09:35 Steve Irwin’s Wildlife Warriors 04:20 Say Yes To The Dress 09:30 Border Security 16:30 56 Up 04:00 Pawn Stars 04:45 Say Yes To The Dress 10:05 Roaring With Pride 09:55 Baggage Battles 17:25 The Hungry Sailors 04:30 Pawn Stars 05:10 Toddlers & Tiaras 11:00 Animal Precinct 10:20 Lost And Sold 18:20 Doc Martin 05:00 Shaun Ryder On UFOs 06:00 Oprah: Behind The Scenes 11:55 Animal Airport 10:45 How It’s Made 19:10 Coronation Street 06:00 Storage Wars Texas 07:00 What Not To Wear 12:20 Steve Irwin’s Wildlife Warriors 11:10 How Stuff’s Made 19:35 The Chase 06:30 Counting Cars 07:50 Ultimate Shopper 12:50 ER Vets 11:35 Treehouse Masters 20:30 56 Up 07:00 Pawn Stars 08:40 Craft Wars 13:15 ER Vets 12:25 Mind Control Freaks 21:25 The Hungry Sailors 07:30 Pawn Stars 09:30 Toddlers & Tiaras 13:45 The Jeff Corwin Experience 12:50 Mind Control Freaks 22:20 Coronation Street 08:00 American Restoration 10:20 Say Yes To The Dress 14:40 Roaring With Pride 13:15 Mythbusters 22:50 Emmerdale 08:30 Cajun Pawn Stars 10:45 Say Yes To The Dress 15:30 Tanked 14:05 Border Security 23:45 Doc Martin 09:00 Storage Wars Texas 11:10 Cake Boss 16:30 Untamed China With Nigel 14:30 Baggage Battles 09:30 Counting Cars 14:55 Lost And Sold 10:00 Pawn Stars 11:35 Jon & Kate Plus 8 Marven 12:00 Little People, Big World 17:25 The Wild Life Of Tim Faulkner 15:20 World’s Biggest Ship 10:30 Pawn Stars 16:10 Fast N’ Loud 12:25 Oprah: Behind The Scenes 17:50 The Wild Life Of Tim Faulkner 11:00 Storage Wars 17:00 Flying Wild Alaska 11:30 Storage Wars 13:15 Oprah’s Next Chapter 18:20 Journey Of Life 14:05 Oprah’s Next Chapter 17:50 Wheeler Dealers 00:00 80s: The Decade That Made 12:00 Pawn Stars 19:15 Gator Boys 14:55 Extreme Couponing All-Stars 18:40 You Have Been Warned Us 12:30 Pawn Stars 20:10 Swimming With Monsters: 15:20 Cake Boss 19:30 Survive That! 01:00 Hard Time 13:00 Ancient Aliens Steve Backshall 15:45 What Not To Wear 20:20 How It’s Made 02:00 Brave New World 14:00 Cajun Pawn Stars 21:05 Roaring With Pride 16:35 Toddlers & Tiaras 20:45 How Stuff’s Made 03:00 Situation Critical 14:30 Cajun Pawn Stars 22:00 Gator Boys 17:25 Say Yes To The Dress 21:10 Baggage Battles 04:00 The Indestructibles 15:00 Pawn Stars 17:50 Say Yes To The Dress 22:55 Swimming With Monsters: 21:35 Lost And Sold 04:30 The Indestructibles 15:30 Pawn Stars 18:15 Jon & Kate Plus 8 Steve Backshall 22:00 Sons Of Guns 05:00 Naked Science 16:00 Pawn Stars 18:40 Little People, Big World 23:50 Animal Cops South Africa 22:50 Saint Hoods 06:00 Megastructures 16:30 Pawn Stars 19:10 Oprah: Behind The Scenes 23:40 The Fighters 07:00 80s Greatest 17:00 Pawn Stars 20:05 Extreme Couponing All-Stars 08:00 80s: The Decade That Made 17:30 Pawn Stars 20:30 Cake Boss Us 18:00 Storage Wars 21:00 Secret Eaters 09:00 Hard Time 18:30 Storage Wars 21:55 My 600lb Life 10:00 Brave New World 19:00 Pawn Stars 22:50 Long Island Medium 11:00 Situation Critical 19:30 Pawn Stars 00:10 Doctors 23:15 Sister Wives 00:40 Mistresses 00:00 Chelsea Lately 12:00 The Indestructibles 01:30 The Weakest Link 00:30 The Dance Scene 12:30 The Indestructibles 02:15 Alan Carr: Chatty Man 00:55 The Dance Scene 13:00 Naked Science 01:25 Style Star 14:00 Megastructures 03:00 The Job Lot 01:50 Style Star 15:00 80s Greatest Stars draw public, 03:25 The Children 02:20 E!ES 16:00 80s: The Decade That Made 04:15 The Weakest Link 03:15 Extreme Close-Up Us DOUBLE JEOPARDY ON OSN MOVIES HD ACTION but market brings 05:00 Nuzzle & Scratch: Frock n Roll 03:40 Extreme Close-Up 17:00 Hard Time 05:20 The Green Balloon Club 04:10 E!ES 18:00 Inside 16:00 Swamp Shark-PG15 22:00 Krazzy Planet money to Cannes 05:45 Nina And The Neurons: In 05:05 E!ES 19:00 Cosmos: A Spacetime The Lab 18:00 Rewind-PG15 23:30 Sky Force 06:00 THS Odyssey hile attention in Cannes is focused on film 06:00 Balamory 20:00 Double Jeopardy-18 07:50 Style Star 20:00 JFK: The Final Hours premieres and stars on the red carpet, 06:20 Nuzzle & Scratch: Frock n Roll 22:00 Officer Down-18 08:20 E! News 22:00 Family Guns movie sales and deals struck by high rollers 06:40 The Green Balloon Club 09:15 Opening Act 23:00 None of the Above W 00:30 The Daily Show With Jon and bit players are what keep the Mediterranean 07:05 Nina And The Neurons: In 10:15 Married To Jonas 23:30 None of the Above Stewart seaside town awash in money. Eighteen film titles The Lab 10:40 Chasing The Saturdays 01:30 Sean Saves The World 00:00 Battlestar Galactica: Blood & ranging from 83-year-old French director Jean-Luc 07:20 The Weakest Link 11:10 Eric And Jessie: Game On Chrome 02:00 Getting On 00:00 Elektra Luxx-18 Godard’s “Adieu au Langage” (Goodbye to Language) 08:05 Twenty Twelve 11:35 Eric And Jessie: Game On 01:45 Iron Man 3 02:30 Wilfred to 25-year-old Canadian director Xavier Dolan’s 08:35 The Job Lot 12:05 E! News 02:00 The Hot Potato-PG15 04:00 3 Times A Charm 03:00 The Simpsons “Mommy” are competing for the top Palme d’Or 09:00 Eastenders 13:05 Extreme Close-Up 04:00 Overboard-PG15 06:00 From Prada To Nada 00:20 Mudcats 03:30 Back In The Game prize. 09:30 Doctors 13:35 THS 04:00 Seinfeld 06:00 Problem Child-PG 08:00 You Will Meet A Tall Dark 01:10 When Sharks Attack But that is just a drop in the bucket compared to 10:00 The Weakest Link 14:30 Style Star 04:30 The Tonight Show Starring 08:00 Muppets From Space-FAM Stranger 15:00 Keeping Up With The 02:00 Ultimate Predators GPU what festival officials estimate are some 5,000 films 10:45 Princess Margaret: A Love Jimmy Fallon 10:00 10 Things I Hate About You- 10:00 Love Birds Kardashians 02:50 Dead or Alive shown here, in complete form or as trailers, to poten- Story 05:30 My Boys 11:45 Iron Man 3 16:00 Keeping Up With The 03:45 Maneater Manhunt PG15 tial buyers or investors. There were fewer big-budget 11:40 After You’ve Gone 06:30 Friends 14:00 Interview With A Hitman Kardashians 04:40 Built For The Kill 12:00 Overboard-PG15 16:00 You Will Meet A Tall Dark Hollywood titles in the Cannes market this year, but 12:10 The Job Lot 07:00 Late Night With Seth Meyers 17:00 Giuliana & Bill 05:35 Ultimate Predators GPU 14:00 The Sisterhood Of The Stranger Jerome Paillard, chief executive of the Marche du 12:40 Twenty Twelve 08:00 Seinfeld 18:00 E! News 06:30 Dead or Alive Traveling Pants-PG15 18:00 Red 2 Film (Film Market), sees that as cyclical. 13:10 Eastenders 07:25 Maneater Manhunt 08:30 My Boys 19:00 Pop Innovators 16:00 10 Things I Hate About You- 20:00 Ruby Sparks “It’s not necessarily a short-term threat because 13:45 Doctors 08:20 Monster Fish 09:00 The Simpsons 20:00 #RichKids Of Beverly Hills 22:00 21 & Over most of the business we do isn’t on those sorts of 14:15 The Weakest Link 09:15 Mudcats 09:30 The Mindy Project PG15 20:30 #RichKids Of Beverly Hills 10:00 Modern Family films,” Paillard told Reuters in an interview. “You know 15:00 Princess Margaret: A Love 10:10 World’s Weirdest: Animal 18:00 The Producers-PG15 21:00 Fashion Police 10:30 Friends we have 5,000 titles in the market and this doesn’t Story 21:30 The Fabulist Taboo 20:15 Jesus Henry Christ-PG15 11:05 Animals Gone Wild 11:00 The Tonight Show Starring change. The diversity of Cannes is still there.” It’s 15:50 After You’ve Gone 22:00 Party On 22:00 Elektra Luxx-18 02:00 AFL Premiership Highlights 12:00 Monster Fish Jimmy Fallon enough to attract big names, like veteran producer 16:20 Lark Rise To Candleford 22:30 E! News 03:00 Premier League Darts 12:55 Phantom Wolverine 12:30 Seinfeld Harvey Weinstein, and newcomers like media mogul 17:10 Eastenders 23:30 Chelsea Lately 06:30 ICC Cricket 360 13:50 Dead or Alive 13:00 My Boys Haim Saban. 17:40 Doctors 07:00 AFL Premiership Highlights 14:45 Maneater Manhunt 13:30 Friends The Weinstein Co announced it had bought the 18:10 The Weakest Link 08:00 Super Rugby 15:40 Monster Fish 14:00 Back In The Game US distribution rights to the musical film “Sing Street” 19:00 Bleak Old Shop Of Stuff 10:00 Super Rugby 16:35 Mudcats 14:30 The Mindy Project set in Dublin during the 1980s, with a soundtrack 19:30 The Cafe 01:00 The Good Doctor 12:00 Golfing World 17:30 Snake Underworld 15:00 Modern Family from U2’s Bono and the Edge, for what trade publica- 20:00 The Children 03:00 Blue Like Jazz 13:00 PGA Tour Highlights 18:25 Animals Gone Wild 15:30 The Daily Show With Jon 05:00 Dark Horse 14:00 AFL Premiership Highlights tions said was $3 million. It also struck a deal with 20:45 Love Life 19:20 Phantom Wolverine Stewart 07:00 Scents And Sensibility 15:00 NRL Premiership producers Emile Sherman and Iain Canning, who 21:30 Getting On 00:35 The Jonathan Ross Show 20:10 Dead or Alive 17:00 Late Night With Seth Meyers 09:00 The Good Doctor 17:00 HSBC Sevens World Series were behind the global hit “The King’s Speech”, for 22:00 Incredible Journeys With 01:30 Emmerdale 21:00 Maneater Manhunt 18:00 Baby Daddy 11:00 The Twilight Saga: Breaking 20:00 NRL Full Time worldwide rights to “Lion” about a five-year-old Steve Leonard 02:25 Coronation Street 21:50 Monster Fish 18:30 New Girl Dawn Pt. 2 20:30 Futbol Mundial Indian boy who takes the wrong train and is separat- 22:50 The Weakest Link 02:55 Paul O’grady: For The Love Of 22:40 Mudcats 19:00 The Mindy Project 13:00 A Woman 21:00 Golfing World ed from his family for decades, for a reported $12 23:35 Eastenders Dogs 23:30 Snake Underworld 19:30 Brooklyn Nine-Nine 20:00 The Tonight Show Starring 15:00 Kathmandu Lullaby 22:00 NRL Premiership million. Jimmy Fallon 17:00 Someday This Pain Will Be Saban, a media mogul who heads up the largest 21:00 The Daily Show With Jon Useful To You American Spanish-language broadcaster, Univision, Stewart 19:00 The Company You Keep announced the first big deal for his new Saban Films, 22:00 Family Guy 21:00 01:00 PGA Tour Highlights purchasing North American rights to Tommy Lee 22:30 Getting On 23:00 Zero Dark Thirty 02:00 Live NHL Jones’s frontier drama “The Homesman”. With deals 23:00 Wilfred 05:00 NRL Premiership like those and others, it wasn’t so much a question of 23:30 Late Night With Seth Meyers 07:00 Golfing World quantity as of quality, David Glasser, chief operating 09:00 NRL Premiership officer of The Weinstein Company, told Reuters. “For 10:00 Prague Marathon The Weinstein Company I think we had an extremely 13:00 Futbol Mundial 01:00 Savages-18 13:30 Sevens World Series fruitful and well-represented film festival,” he said. “If 00:00 The Glades 03:15 Flatliners-18 Highlights we’re not making it, the stuff we’re buying needs to 01:00 Chicago Fire 05:15 Life Happens-PG15 14:00 ICC Cricket 360 look and feel and smell like a Weinstein movie and 02:00 Bates Motel 07:00 Tricks Of A Woman-PG15 14:30 Golfing World we’re seeing a lot of product out there. So maybe the 03:00 Nip/Tuck 09:00 Encounter With Danger- 15:30 IndyCar Series volume of numbers may be different this year but I 06:00 The Glades PG15 18:00 NHL think the quality is up.” 07:00 Devious Maids 11:00 Darling Companion-PG15 20:00 IndyCar Highlights 08:00 Helix 13:00 Remember Sunday-PG15 21:00 Bellator MMA Season 10 Good for producers 12:00 Emmerdale 15:00 Another Harvest Moon-PG15 23:00 Super Rugby The market also appeared to have worked for at 12:30 Coronation Street 17:00 Darling Companion-PG15 least some of the independent producers who 13:00 The Ellen DeGeneres Show 19:00 You Got Served: Beat The Paillard says have become among the most influen- 14:00 Helix World-PG15 tial forces in the Cannes marketplace. “This year we 15:00 The Glades 21:00 Charlie Wilson’s War-18 have about 5,000 producers, they are really coming 16:00 Emmerdale 23:00 Once Fallen-18 16:30 Coronation Street to Cannes to find partners, to find co-financiers, co- 17:00 The Ellen DeGeneres Show 02:00 ICC Cricket 360 producers, to find new opportunities and that works, 18:00 Helix 02:30 IPL Highlights that shows the face of the market we’re in,” Paillard 19:00 Necessary Roughness 03:30 IPL Highlights said. 20:00 American Idol 00:45 The Wrath Of Cain-18 04:30 IPL Highlights John Foster, President and CEO of Texas-based 21:00 Chicago Fire 02:15 Grave Encounters-18 05:30 IPL Highlights Odyssey Pictures Corporation, grumbled at the 23:00 Nip/Tuck 04:00 The Saint-PG15 06:30 ICC Cricket 360 beginning of the market last week that attendance 06:00 Unbreakable-PG15 07:00 IPL Highlights looked sparse, in part because of a French pilots’ 08:00 Vanishing On 7th Street- 08:00 IPL Highlights strike, but by the end he had changed his tune. PG15 09:00 ICC Cricket 360 “There was still some good networking, good meet- 09:45 The Dark Knight Rises-PG15 09:30 IPL Highlights 01:00 Dragon Eyes ings and good activity,” Foster said. 12:30 Dick Tracy-PG15 10:30 IPL Highlights 02:45 The Wrath Of Cain He said his company had struck a deal for North 14:15 Vanishing On 7th Street- 11:30 IPL Highlights 04:15 Grave Encounters American distribution for a US film, the name of PG15 12:30 IPL Highlights 06:00 The Saint which he said he could not divulge because details 16:00 Broken Path-PG15 13:30 Live IPL 08:00 Unbreakable remained to be worked out, and he made some con- 18:00 Dick Tracy-PG15 17:00 ICC Cricket 360 10:00 Vanishing On 7th Street tacts for movies he is producing. “The independent 20:00 The Bay-PG15 17:30 Live IPL 11:45 The Dark Knight Rises markets are very important for the economy of the 21:00 ICC Cricket 360 14:30 Dick Tracy modest budget-to-low budget films; that’s what 21:30 IPL 16:15 Vanishing On 7th Street makes kind of the flow of the business happen,” he 18:00 Broken Path said. 20:00 Dick Tracy 01:00 Emperor’s Secret It worked also for Julian Richards, producer and 22:00 The Bay 02:45 Gnomeo & Juliet director with London-based Jinga films, who said 04:30 Wheelers that one of his best titles at Cannes had been the 06:00 Cher Ami 01:30 The Prodigal-PG modest-budget Irish-made horror film “The Canal”. It 08:00 The Apple & The Worm 03:25 Flipper’s New Adventure- is films like “The Canal”, with small budgets and no 09:45 Problem Child 2 FAM big-name stars, that Richards said work best in a 05:15 Hotel Paradiso-PG 00:00 Commando-18 11:30 Wizards And Giants global market where rights to a country like Malaysia 07:00 The Main Attraction-PG 02:00 Apartment 1303-PG15 13:00 Gnomeo & Juliet 09:20 Les Girls-PG might only net $30,000.”It’s not a sustainable busi- 04:00 Legendary Amazons-PG15 14:30 Krazzy Planet ness, though occasionally there’s that film that goes 16:00 Sky Force 11:15 Speedway-FAM 06:00 Kung Fu Hustle-PG15 12:50 Hotel Paradiso-PG through the roof.” — Reuters 10:00 Orcs!-PG15 18:00 Problem Child 2 20:00 Turboosters 14:25 Girl Happy-FAM GRAVE ENCOUNTERS ON OSN MOVIES ACTION 12:00 Rewind-PG15 Classifieds

SUNDAY, MAY 25, 2014

Kuwait SITUATION VACANT A lady in needed to work as a part timer in an apart- ment located in Salmiya. Please must be well organ- KNCC PROGRAMME FROM THURSDAY TO WEDNESDAY ized, super-clean with (22/05/2014 TO 28/05/2014) pleasant personality. Time is flexible and salary is SHARQIA-1 JIRAN AL SAAD (DIG) 5:45 PM excellent. Call 60966285. GODZILLA (DIG) 1:45 PM JIRAN AL SAAD (DIG) 8:00 PM (C 4727) X-MEN: DAYS OF FUTURE PAST (DIG) 4:15 PM JIRAN AL SAAD (DIG) 10:15 PM 22-5-2014 THE AMAZING SPIDER-MAN 2 (DIG) 6:45 PM JIRAN AL SAAD (DIG) 12:30 AM GODZILLA (DIG) 9:30 PM NO SUN+TUE+WED MALEFICENT (DIG) 9:30 PM SITUATION WANTED GODZILLA (DIG) 12:05 AM FANAR-2 NO SUN+TUE+WED THE AMAZING SPIDER-MAN 2 (DIG) 1:45 PM B.Com, PG in Social Work, THE AMAZING SPIDER-MAN 2 (DIG) 4:30 PM PG Diploma in Computer. SHARQIA-2 GODZILLA (DIG) 7:15 PM 14 years of experience (5 X-MEN: DAYS OF FUTURE PAST (DIG) 1:00 PM GODZILLA (DIG) 9:45 PM years in Kuwait) in finaliza- LEGENDS OF OZ: DOROTHY’S RETURN 1:30 PM MALEFICENT (DIG) 9:45 PM tion of company accounts, LEGENDS OF OZ: DOROTHY’S RETURN) 3:30 PM GODZILLA (DIG) 12:15 AM bank reconciliation, payroll LEGENDS OF OZ: DOROTHY’S RETURN (DIG) management. Experience in 5:30 PM FANAR-3 Tally ERP-9, Bann ERP etc. X-MEN: DAYS OF FUTURE PAST (DIG) 7:30 PM CHEF (DIG) 1:15 PM Kuwait driving license. Mob: X-MEN: DAYS OF FUTURE PAST (DIG-3D) 10:00 PM CHEF (DIG) 3:45 PM 65990299, mail ID: X-MEN: DAYS OF FUTURE PAST (DIG) 12:30 AM THE LAST DAYS ON MARS (DIG) 6:00 PM [email protected] CHEF (DIG) 8:15 PM (C 4728) ELISA KHATAFHA JAMEEL (DIG) 10:30 PM SHARQIA-3 25-5-2014 JIRAN AL SAAD (DIG) 1:30 PM THE LAST DAYS ON MARS (DIG) 1:15 AM JIRAN AL SAAD (DIG) 3:45 PM CHEF (DIG) 6:00 PM FANAR-4 JIRAN AL SAAD (DIG) 8:15 PM LEGENDS OF OZ: DOROTHY’S RETURN 1:30 PM CHANGE OF NAME JIRAN AL SAAD (DIG) 10:30 PM LEGENDS OF OZ: DOROTHY’S RETURN 3:30 PM CHEF (DIG) 12:45 AM LEGENDS OF OZ: DOROTHY’S RETURN 5:30 PM I, Raji Cyril, Passport No: NO SUN+TUE+WED X-MEN: DAYS OF FUTURE PAST (DIG-3D) 7:30 PM K2835299, hereby change X-MEN: DAYS OF FUTURE PAST (DIG) 10:00 PM my name to RAJI RAPHAEL. MUHALAB-1 X-MEN: DAYS OF FUTURE PAST (DIG) 12:30 AM (C 4731) JIRAN AL SAAD (DIG) 1:00 PM 25-5-2014 LEGENDS OF OZ: DOROTHY’S RETURN 3:15 PM FANAR-5 LEGENDS OF OZ: DOROTHY’S RETURN 5:15 PM X-MEN: DAYS OF FUTURE PAST (DIG) 12:45 PM I, George David Joseph, JIRAN AL SAAD (DIG) 7:15 PM MANAM (DIG) (Telugu) 3:30 PM son of Mr. George David JIRAN AL SAAD (DIG) 9:30 PM FRI+SAT+MON holder of Indian Passport JIRAN AL SAAD (DIG) 11:45 PM ELISA KHATAFHA JAMEEL (DIG 3:30 PM No. J 1331685, presently NO SUN+TUE+WED NO FRI+SAT+MON residing at flat #36, bldg. MANAM (DIG) (Telugu) 6:30 PM #15169, street #6, block #4, MUHALAB-2 ELISA KHATAFHA JAMEEL (DIG) 6:30 PM Jaleeb Al Shuwaikh, Kuwait CHEF (DIG) 1:30 PM MANAM (DIG) (Telugu) 9:30 PM do hereby change my MANAM (DIG) (Telugu) 4:00 PM ELISA KHATAFHA JAMEEL (DIG) 9:30 PM name as Joseph George THE AMAZING SPIDER-MAN 2 (DIG) 4:00 PM ELISA KHATAFHA JAMEEL (DIG) 12:45 AM with immediate effect. NO FRI+MON (C 4726) MANAM (DIG) (Telugu) 7:00 PM MARINA-1 21-5-2014 NO THU CHEF (DIG) 12:45 PM THE AMAZING SPIDER-MAN 2 (DIG) 7:00 PM JIRAN AL SAAD (DIG) 3:00 PM I, Bhaskar Hungarkatha CHEF (DIG) 10:00 PM CHEF (DIG) 5:15 PM holder of Indian Passport NO WED JIRAN AL SAAD (DIG) 7:30 PM No. G0638528, hereby wish MALEFICENT (DIG) 10:00 PM JIRAN AL SAAD (DIG) 9:45 PM to change my name to CHEF (DIG) 12:15 AM CHEF (DIG) 12:05 AM JOHN D’ALMEIDA for all NO SUN+TUE+WED purposes. (C 4723) MARINA-2 MUHALAB-3 X-MEN: DAYS OF FUTURE PAST (DIG) 1:30 PM FOR SALE Prayer timings LEGENDS OF OZ: DOROTHY’S RETURN (DIG-3D) THE AMAZING SPIDER-MAN 2 (DIG) 4:00 PM 112 2:45 PM X-MEN: DAYS OF FUTURE PAST (DIG) 6:45 PM Toyota Yaris - 2011, white GODZILLA (DIG-3D) 2:45 PM X-MEN: DAYS OF FUTURE PAST (DIG) 9:15 PM color, excellent condition, Fajr: 03:19 X-MEN: DAYS OF FUTURE PAST (DIG-3D) 5:15 PM X-MEN: DAYS OF FUTURE PAST (DIG) 12:05 AM KD 2,200. Tel: 50994848. Shorook 04:51 GODZILLA (DIG) 7:45 PM NO SUN+TUE+WED (C 4729) THE PUBLIC AUTHORITY FOR X-MEN: DAYS OF FUTURE PAST (DIG) 10:15 PM Duhr: 11:45 CIVIL INFORMATION X-MEN: DAYS OF FUTURE PAST (DIG) 12:45 AM MARINA-3 Mitsubishi Lancer 2011 - NO SUN+TUE+WED LEGENDS OF OZ: DOROTHY’S RETURN 1:45 PM GLX - maroon color, sun- Asr: 15:20 Automated enquiry aboutthe LEGENDS OF OZ: DOROTHY’S RETURN 3:45 PM roof, spoiler + wheel cap, FANAR-1 LEGENDS OF OZ: DOROTHY’S RETURN 5:45 PM km 64,000, KD 1,950. Tel: Maghrib: 18:39 Civil ID card is GODZILLA (DIG) 1:00 PM GODZILLA (DIG) 7:45 PM 66729295. (C 4730) Isha: 20:08 JIRAN AL SAAD (DIG) 3:30 PM GODZILLA (DIG) 10:15 PM 25-5-2014 1889988

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

Arrival Flights on Sunday 25/5/2014 MEA 404 Beirut 10:55 GFA 219 Bahrain 21:45 KAC 785 Jeddah 13:00 Airlines Flt Route Time IRC 6507 Shiraz 11:00 AIC 981 Chennai/Hyderabad/Ahmedabad 22:25 JZR 152 Dubai 13:10 QTR 1084 Doha 00:05 JZR 151 Dubai 11:50 UAL 981 Bahrain 22:40 SYR 342 Latakia 13:20 JZR 239 Amman 00:20 JZR 561 Sohag 12:00 JZR 157 Dubai 22:55 IRC 529 Ahwaz 13:50 JZR 267 Beirut 00:25 SYR 341 Latakia 12:20 BBC 043 Dhaka 23:10 MSR 611 Cairo 14:00 JZR 539 Cairo 00:30 UAE 871 Dubai 12:45 JAI 574 Mumbai 23:20 THY 767 Istanbul 14:10 PGT 858 Istanbul 01:25 IRC 528 Ahwaz 12:50 THY 772 Istanbul 23:45 UAE 872 Dubai 14:15 THY 764 Istanbul 01:40 MSR 610 Cairo 13:00 PIA 205 Lahore 23:50 KAC 561 Amman 14:45 RJA 642 Amman 01:45 THY 766 Istanbul 13:10 QTR 1079 Doha 14:55 ETH 620 Addis Ababa 01:45 KAC 742 Dammam 13:30 Departure Flights on Sunday 25/5/2014 GFA 222 Bahrain 15:05 GFA 211 Bahrain 01:55 KAC 672 Dubai 13:40 Airlines Flt Route Time KAC 617 Doha 15:15 UAE 853 Dubai 02:25 QTR 1078 Doha 13:45 AIC 976 Goa/Chennai 00:05 KAC 673 Dubai 15:20 ETD 305 Abu Dhabi 02:30 GFA 221 Bahrain 14:20 JAI 573 Mumbai 00:20 KNE 473 Jeddah 15:35 JAI 576 Kochi/Abu Dhabi 02:35 SVA 500 Jeddah 14:30 UAL 981 IAD 00:25 SVA 503 Madinah/Jeddah 15:45 FDB 5067 Dubai 03:05 KNE 472 Jeddah 14:40 DLH 635 Frankfurt 01:35 KAC 773 Riyadh 15:50 MSR 612 Cairo 03:15 UAE 857 Dubai 14:55 THY 773 Istanbul 02:20 ABY 128 Sharjah 16:15 QTR 1076 Doha 03:25 KAC 788 Jeddah 15:00 ETH 621 Addis Ababa 02:45 KAC 513 Tehran 16:20 QTR 1084 Doha 00:05 ABY 127 Sharjah 15:35 PGT 859 Istanbul 02:55 FDB 051 Dubai 16:35 JZR 239 Amman 00:20 RJA 640 Amman 15:55 FDB 5068 Dubai 03:45 RJA 641 Amman 16:55 JZR 267 Beirut 00:25 FDB 051 Dubai 15:55 MSR 613 Cairo 04:15 JZR 266 Beirut 17:05 JZR 539 Cairo 00:30 JZR 787 Riyadh 16:15 ETD 306 Abu Dhabi 04:20 QTR 1073 Doha 17:20 PGT 858 Istanbul 01:25 QTR 1072 Doha 16:15 QTR 1077 Doha 04:25 JZR 538 Cairo 17:40 THY 764 Istanbul 01:40 ETD 303 Abu Dhabi 16:45 QTR 1085 Doha 05:20 ETD 304 Abu Dhabi 17:45 RJA 642 Amman 01:45 SVA 510 Riyadh 17:15 UAE 854 Dubai 05:30 UAE 858 Dubai 18:15 ETH 620 Addis Ababa 01:45 UAL 982 IAD 17:25 JZR 560 Sohag 05:35 SVA 511 Riyadh 18:15 GFA 211 Bahrain 01:55 GFA 215 Bahrain 17:30 CLX 732 Hong Kong 05:45 GFA 216 Bahrain 18:20 UAE 853 Dubai 02:25 JZR 153 Dubai 17:45 THY 765 Istanbul 06:00 JZR 156 Dubai 18:20 ETD 305 Abu Dhabi 02:30 JZR 777 Jeddah 17:50 RJA 643 Amman 06:05 UAL 982 Bahrain 18:40 JAI 576 Kochi/Abu Dhabi 02:35 JZR 483 Istanbul 17:55 JAI 575 Abu Dhabi/Kochi 06:30 JZR 238 Amman 18:45 FDB 5067 Dubai 03:05 KAC 542 Cairo 18:15 FDB 056 Dubai 06:35 JZR 134 Bahrain 18:50 MSR 612 Cairo 03:15 RBG 553 Alexandria 18:20 THY 771 Istanbul 06:50 RBG 554 Alexandria 19:00 QTR 1076 Doha 03:25 QTR 1080 Doha 18:25 GFA 212 Bahrain 07:00 QTR 1081 Doha 19:25 CLX 732 Luxembourg 03:40 KAC 786 Jeddah 18:30 JZR 150 Dubai 07:15 ABY 120 Sharjah 19:40 JZR 553 Alexandria 04:10 KAC 166 Paris/Rome 18:40 QTR 8632 Lahore 07:25 GFA 218 Bahrain 19:50 KAC 544 Cairo 04:10 AXB 393 Kozhikode 18:55 FDB 054 Dubai 07:50 AXB 394 Kozhikode 19:55 THY 770 Istanbul 04:35 ABY 129 Sharjah 19:00 BAW 156 London 08:25 MSR 619 Alexandria 20:30 DHX 170 Bahrain 05:10 KAC 618 Doha 19:00 SVA 513 Riyadh 08:55 KAC 283 Dhaka 20:30 FDB 055 Dubai 05:50 GFA 217 Bahrain 19:05 QTR 1087 Doha 08:55 JAI 571 Mumbai 20:35 QTR 8632 Doha 05:55 KAC 774 Riyadh 19:15 KAC 171 Frankfurt 08:55 FDB 5062 Dubai 20:50 KAC 412 Manila/Bangkok 06:15 KAC 502 Beirut 19:20 KAC 671 Dubai 09:25 KAC 361 Colombo 20:50 BAW 157 London 06:35 MSR 606 Luxor 19:30 ABY 126 Sharjah 09:30 OMA 648 Muscat 20:55 FDB 053 Dubai 07:00 KAC 102 New York/London 19:35 KAC 787 Jeddah 09:35 DLH 636 Dammam 21:00 KAC 382 Delhi 07:30 JAI 572 Mumbai 19:35 JZR 482 Istanbul 09:45 FDB 064 Dubai 21:15 KAC 206 Islamabad 07:50 KAC 674 Dubai 19:40 UAE 856 Dubai 09:50 MEA 403 Beirut 21:15 KAC 302 Mumbai 07:50 OMA 647 Muscat 19:55 KAC 117 New York 10:00 DHX 171 Bahrain 21:50 QTR 1086 Doha 07:55 KAC 562 Amman 20:00 ETD 302 Abu Dhabi 10:15 KLM 417 Dammam/Amsterdam 22:05 SVA 512 Riyadh 07:55 FDB 5061 Dubai 20:05 FDB 5056 Dubai 10:15 ETD 308 Abu Dhabi 22:15 KAC 332 Trivandrum 08:00 MEA 402 Beirut 20:15 IRA 664 Shiraz 10:25 ALK 230 Colombo 22:20 KAC 352 Kochi 08:05 DLH 636 Frankfurt 20:15 KAC 741 Dammam 10:30 UAE 860 Dubai 22:25 KAC 286 Dhaka 08:15 FDB 063 Dubai 20:15 QTR 1071 Doha 11:00 KAC 343 Chennai 22:30 UAE 855 Dubai 08:25 KAC 514 Tehran 20:50 KAC 541 Cairo 11:30 KAC 362 Colombo 08:45 KLM 417 Amsterdam 21:05 GFA 214 Bahrain 11:35 QTR 1075 Doha 22:40 ABY 125 Sharjah 08:50 ALK 229 Colombo 21:10 KAC 501 Beirut 11:40 KAC 301 Mumbai 22:40 IRA 665 Shiraz 09:25 UAE 859 Dubai 21:15 MEA 405 Beirut 11:55 GFA 220 Bahrain 22:45 ETD 301 Abu Dhabi 09:30 KAC 172 Frankfurt 21:15 IRC 6508 Shiraz 12:00 KAC 351 Kochi 23:00 FDB 5055 Dubai 09:35 QTR 1074 Doha 21:30 JZR 776 Jeddah 12:15 KAC 205 Islamabad 23:35 QTR 1070 Doha 10:00 ETD 307 Abu Dhabi 21:30 KAC 103 London 12:30 KAC 411 Bangkok/Manila 23:40 GFA 213 Bahrain 10:40 JZR 135 Bahrain 21:45 JZR 786 Riyadh 12:50 KAC 415 Kuala Lumpur/Jakarta 23:50 DIAL161 FOR AIRPORT INFORMATION stars34 SUNDAY, MAY 25, 2014 CROSSWORD 558 STAR TRACK

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

For you to turn down an invitation, it takes something as life-or-death as a You're undeniably sociable -- it's what you're most famous for! That com- natural disaster. No matter where you're going, you insist on getting there bines well with your ability to soothe troubled waters, no matter how first, mingling with absolutely everyone and leaving first, too -- so that you many others have tried and failed before you arrived. Use those skills to can be the first to ring the next doorbell, of course! For most of us -- like add yet another successful outcome to your resume. This time out, the your current companion, for example, it can be an exhausting pace. Be others saying this dispute just can't be solved may be right. Don't beat merciful and walk just a little slower. yourself up if it turns out that way!

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

You've been holding onto a secret for several days, at least. It probably has If anyone knows that nothing ever happens until all conditions are right, nothing to do with the person you've been seeing so much of lately, but you do -- so when someone close calls to vent because things aren't pro- because you've spent so much time together, they might think there's gressing as they want, try to get that point across. You could also remind something wrong. You don't have to let the secret out to clear the air -- in them that they're not alone and that other peoples' agendas can interfere fact, you don't even have to get close to discussing what's really on your with their own. If this is the hundredth time you've had to say this, just tell mind. Just let them know they're in the clear. them to grow up!

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

That recent confusion about where to go from here professionally passes Weird variables that come into play when you meet someone fascinating ACROSS get food. quickly if you give it a chance. If you can't quite seem to pin your boss or never mean much to you or get in the way of getting to know them. You 1. A loose sleeveless outer garment made 7. Sluggish tailless Australian arboreal marsu- client down to a definite time for that big meeting, be patient. While you're tend to drop what you're doing and give them your full attention immedi- from aba cloth. pial with gray furry ears and coat. waiting, distract yourself with something easy you can pull off with only ately. That's due to happen now -- just be sure not to hurt anyone's feel- 4. A language spoken by the Atakapa people 8. Type genus of the family Arcidae. half of your brain operating, while you mull over the really important stuff. ings in the process! The person you're supposed to be devoting that atten- of the Gulf coast of Louisiana and Texas. 9. A form of entertainment that enacts a story tion to might feel left out. 12. Water that has condensed on a cool sur- by a sequence of images giving the illusion of face overnight from water vapor in the air. continuous movement. 15. United States liquid unit equal to 4 quarts 10. (Irish) Mother of the ancient Irish gods. or 3.785 liters. 11. A colorless odorless gaseous element that 16. A nonmetallic univalent element. give a red glow in a vacuum tube. Cancer (June 21-July 22) Capricorn (December 22-January 19) 17. Water frozen in the solid state. 12. The length of a straight line passing 18. An ugly evil-looking old woman. through the center of a circle and connecting 19. Genus of tropical plants with creeping two points on the circumference. Believe it or not, your unshakable feeling of dread seems to actually be Put the phone down -- you don't need emergency psychological care, and rootstocks and small umbellate flowers. 13. Electronic warfare undertaken to insure getting better. This morning, you wake up feeling like it might actually be you're not going to give anyone the impression that you do just because 21. By bad luck. effective friendly use of the electromagnetic on its way out for good -- then some fool says or does something to make they spot a tear in your eye for the first time. It's okay -- whether it's nostal- 25. Swelling from excessive accumulation of spectrum in spite of the enemy's use of elec- you worry. Don't give fools any power over you, your mood or your rela- gia (a likely cause) or frustration, you have every right to let your feelings serous fluid in tissue. tronic warfare. tionships with loved ones. You need to take charge. show. Just because you have the right, that doesn't mean you're comfort- 29. Alternatively, a member of the family 14. Flightless New Zealand rail of thievish dis- able with it -- but at least try it out. Nymphaeaceae. position having short wings each with a spur 32. Remove color from. used in fighting. 36. (zoology) Lacking a tail or taillike 20. Dormouse of southern Europe and north- appendage. ern Africa. Leo (July 23-August 22) Aquarius (January 20- February 18) 38. The blood group whose red cells carry 22. The capital and largest city of South both the A and B antigens. Korea. 39. A sock with a separation for the big toe. 23. Cubes of meat marinated and cooked on Most people don't like power struggles -- and some dislike them so It's never easy to fool you, as you're far too smart. You can spot a phony a 40. A public area set aside as a pedestrian a skewer usually with vegetables. intensely that they do just about anything to avoid them! Unfortunately, mile away, regardless of how sure they are that they've perfected their tech- walk. 24. Resinlike substance secreted by certain lac they get tossed in your path on a regular basis anyway. Whether you like nique. At the moment, though, you still need to be careful of misplacing 41. A member of an extinct North American insects. them or not, they're a terrific way to learn to defend yourself. Keep that in money -- literally, figuratively or via some bizarre bookkeeping error. Call Indian people who lived in the Pit river valley 26. A doctor's degree in dental medicine. mind when someone starts pushing your buttons for what seems like no someone who isn't quite so involved to check over your figures. It couldn't in northern California. 27. A city in southern Turkey on the Seyhan good reason. hurt! 43. An acute inflammatory disease occurring River. in the intestines of premature infants. 28. Having nine hinged bands of bony plates. 44. South American wood sorrel cultivated for 30. Any of various spiny trees or shrubs of the its edible tubers. genus Acacia. Virgo (August 23-September 22) Pisces (February 19-March 20) 48. Situated in a particular spot or position. 31. When dried yields a hard substance used 53. Genus of New Zealand mat-forming herbs e.g. in golf balls. or subshrubs. 33. East Indian tart yellow berrylike fruit. It may seem that you're being led astray by someone you love. It might It's another emotional day for you -- and another day of feeling powerless 55. A short composition for a solo instrument. 34. The wood of an African obeche tree. even seem like they're trying to make a fool of you. There's just one person to keep your face from betraying each and every emotion that flows 57. Decapod having eyes on short stalks and 35. An abundance of material possessions who can determine what's really going on, and that's you. Do yourself a through you. The good part is that everyone who loves you also loves your a broad flattened carapace with a small and resources. favor before you finish up the investigation: Be sure you've got all your abdomen folded under the thorax and pin- 37. Having an eye or eyes or eyelike feature ability to feel so intently. It's not just endearing, but also enviable. For most, facts straight and that you're not just rehashing an old grudge, or any old letting feelings show is even more of a battle than herding cats. cers. especially as specified. incidents that involve jealousy. 58. Any of a number of fishes of the family 42. A public promotion of some product or Carangidae. service. 61. (South African) A camp defended by a cir- 45. A United Nations agency created by a cular formation of wagons. multinational treaty to promote trade by the WORD SEARCH PUZZLE 63. Type genus of the Alcidae comprising reduction of tariffs and import quotas. Yesterday’s Solution solely the razorbill. 46. Small and round and shiny like a shiny 67. An accidental happening. bead or button. 71. A river in north central Switzerland that 47. Jordan's port. runs northeast into the Rhine. 49. Employed in accomplishing something. 72. The compass point that is one point south 50. God of war and sky. of due west. 51. Of or relating to or inhabiting the land as 73. A popular tourist area in northwestern opposed to the sea or air. England including England's largest lake and 52. Title for a civil or military leader (especially highest mountain. in Turkey). 74. An agency of the United Nations affiliated 54. Any organic compound formed by with the World Bank. adding alcohol molecules to aldehyde mole- 75. How long something has existed. cules. 76. Trees or shrubs of the families Ebenaceae 56. Having been taken into the mouth for or Sapotaceae or Styracaceae or consumption. Symplocaceae. 59. Open-heart surgery in which the rib cage 77. A young woman making her debut into is opened and a section of a blood vessel is society. grafted from the aorta to the coronary artery to bypass the blocked section of the coronary DOWN artery and improve the blood supply to the 1. Title for a civil or military leader (especially heart. in Turkey). 60. A domed or vaulted recess or projection 2. Any of numerous local fertility and nature on a building especially the east end of a deities worshipped by ancient Semitic peo- church. ples. 62. Offering fun and gaiety. 3. Primitive chlorophyll-containing mainly 64. Set down according to a plan. aquatic eukaryotic organisms lacking true 65. (of a young animal) Abandoned by its stems and roots and leaves. mother and raised by hand. 4. A federation of North American labor 66. An Arabic speaking person who lives in unions that merged with the Congress of Arabia or North Africa. Industrial Organizations in 1955. 68. Fermented alcoholic beverage similar to 5. A soft gray malleable metallic element that but heavier than beer. resembles tin but discolors on exposure to 69. Light informal conversation for social air. occasions. 6. A vending machine from which you can 70. A doctor's degree in dental surgery. Yesterday’s Solution

Daily SuDoku Yesterday’s Solution SUNDAY, MAY 25, 2014 information

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

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

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

Nuzha 22526804 Afghanistan 0093 Iran 0098 Albania 00355 Iraq 00964 Industrial Shuwaikh 24814764 Algeria 00213 Ireland 00353 Qadsiya 22515088 Andorra 00376 Italy 0039 Angola 00244 Ivory Coast 00225 Dasmah 22532265 Anguilla 001264 Jamaica 001876 Antiga 001268 Japan 0081 Bneid Al-Gar 22531908 Argentina 0054 Jordan 00962 Shaab 22518752 Armenia 00374 Kazakhstan 007 Australia 0061 Kenya 00254 Qibla 22459381 Austria 0043 Kiribati 00686 Bahamas 001242 Kuwait 00965 Ayoun Al-Qibla 22451082 Bahrain 00973 Kyrgyzstan 00996 Mirqab 22456536 Bangladesh 00880 Laos 00856 Barbados 001246 Latvia 00371 Sharq 22465401 Belarus 00375 Lebanon 00961 Belgium 0032 Liberia 00231 Salmiya 25746401 Belize 00501 Libya 00218 Jabriya 25316254 Benin 00229 Lithuania 00370 Bermuda 001441 Luxembourg 00352 Maidan Hawally 25623444 Bhutan 00975 Macau 00853 Bolivia 00591 Macedonia 00389 Bayan 25388462 Bosnia 00387 Madagascar 00261 Mishref 25381200 Botswana 00267 Majorca 0034 Brazil 0055 Malawi 00265 W Hawally 22630786 Brunei 00673 Malaysia 0060 Bulgaria 00359 Maldives 00960 Sabah 24810221 Burkina 00226 Mali 00223 Jahra 24770319 Burundi 00257 Malta 00356 Cambodia 00855 Marshall Islands 00692 New Jahra 24575755 Cameroon 00237 Martinique 00596 Canada 001 Mauritania 00222 West Jahra 24772608 Cape Verde 00238 Mauritius 00230 South Jahra 24775066 Cayman Islands 001345 Mayotte 00269 Central African 00236 Mexico 0052 North Jahra 24775992 Chad 00235 Micronesia 00691 Chile 0056 Moldova 00373 North Jleeb 24311795 China 0086 Monaco 00377 Ardhiya 24884079 Colombia 0057 Mongolia 00976 Comoros 00269 Montserrat 001664 Firdous 24892674 Congo 00242 Morocco 00212 Cook Islands 00682 Mozambique 00258 Omariya 24719048 Costa Rica 00506 Myanmar (Burma) 0095 N Khaitan 24710044 Croatia 00385 Namibia 00264 Cuba 0053 Nepal 00977 Fintas 23900322 Cyprus 00357 Netherlands (Holland) Cyprus (Northern) 0090392 0031 Czech Republic 00420 Netherlands Antilles 00599 Denmark 0045 New Caledonia 00687 Diego Garcia 00246 New Zealand 0064 PRIVATE CLINICS Djibouti 00253 Nicaragua 00505 Dominica 001767 Nigar 00227 Dominican Republic 001809 Nigeria 00234 Ecuador 00593 Niue 00683 Egypt 0020 Norfolk Island 00672 El Salvador 00503 Northern Ireland (UK) Plastic Surgeons Paediatricians Ophthalmologists Endocrinologist England (UK) 0044 0044 Dr. Abidallah Al-Mansoor 25622444 Dr. Mohammad Al-Khalaf 22547272 Dr. Khaled Hamadi 25665898 Equatorial Guinea 00240 North Korea 00850 Dr. Abd Al-Naser Al-Othman 25339330 Dr. Samy Al-Rabeea 25752222 Dr. Abdal-Redha Lari 22617700 Dr. Abd Al-Aziz Al-Rashed 25340300 Eritrea 00291 Norway 0047 Dr. Masoma Habeeb 25321171 Dr. Abdel Quttainah 25625030/60 Dr. Zahra Qabazard 25710444 Dr. Ahmad Al-Ansari 25658888 Estonia 00372 Oman 00968 Dr. Mubarak Al-Ajmy 25739999 Ethiopia 00251 Pakistan 0092 Family Doctor Dr. Sohail Qamar 22621099 Dr. Mohsen Abel 25757700 Dr. Kamal Al-Shomr 25329924 Falkland Islands 00500 Palau 00680 Dr Divya Damodar 23729596/23729581 Dr. Snaa Maaroof 25713514 Faroe Islands 00298 Panama 00507 Dr Adnan Hasan Alwayl 25732223 Physiotherapists & VD Psychiatrists Dr. Pradip Gujare 23713100 Dr. Abdallah Al-Baghly 25732223 Fiji 00679 Papua New Guinea 00675 Dr. Zacharias Mathew 24334282 Dr. Deyaa Shehab 25722291 Ear, Nose & Throat (ENT) Dr. Esam Al-Ansari 22635047 Finland 00358 Paraguay 00595 Dr. Ahmed Fouad Mouner 24555050 Ext 510 Dr Eisa M. Al-Balhan 22613623/0 Dermatology Dr. Musaed Faraj Khamees 22666288 France 0033 Peru 0051 French Guiana 00594 Philippines 0063 Dr. Abdallah Al-Ali 25644660 Gynaecologists & Obstetricians Dr. Mohammed Salam Rheumatologists: French Polynesia 00689 Poland 0048 Dr. Abd Al-Hameed Al-Taweel 25646478 DrAdrian arbe 23729596/23729581 Bern University 23845955 Gabon 00241 Portugal 00351 Dr. Sanad Al-Fathalah 25311996 Dentists Dr. Verginia s.Marin 2572-6666 ext 8321 Dr. Adel Al-Awadi 25330060 Gambia 00220 Puerto Rico 001787 Dr. Mohammad Al-Daaory 25731988 Dr. Fozeya Ali Al-Qatan 22655539 Dr Anil Thomas 3729596/3729581 Georgia 00995 Qatar 00974 Dr. Ismail Al-Fodary 22620166 Dr. Khaled Al-Jarallah 25722290 Dr. Majeda Khalefa Aliytami 25343406 Dr. Shamah Al-Matar 22641071/2 Germany 0049 Romania 0040 Dr. Mahmoud Al-Booz 25651426 Ghana 00233 Russian Federation 007 Dr. Ahmad Al-Khooly 25739272 Dr. Anesah Al-Rasheed 22562226 Internist, Chest & Heart General Practitioners Gibraltar 00350 Rwanda 00250 Dr. Salem soso 22618787 Dr. Abidallah Al-Amer 22561444 Dr. Mohamme Y Majidi 24555050 Ext 123 DR.Mohammes Akkad 24555050 Ext 210 Greece 0030 Saint Helena 00290 Dr. Faysal Al-Fozan 22619557 General Surgeons Dr. Yousef Al-Omar 24719312 Dr. Mohammad Zubaid Greenland 00299 Saint Kitts 001869 Dr. Abdallateef Al-Katrash 22525888 Dr. Tarek Al-Mikhazeem 23926920 Dr. Amer Zawaz Al-Amer 22610044 MB, ChB, FRCPC, PACC Grenada 001473 Saint Lucia 001758 Dr. Abidallah Al-Duweisan 25653755 Dr. Kathem Maarafi 25730465 Dr. Mohammad Yousef Basher 25327148 Assistant Professor Of Medicine Guadeloupe 00590 Saint Pierre 00508 Dr. Bader Al-Ansari 25620111 Guam 001671 Saint Vincent 001784 Dr. Abdallah Ahmad Eyadah 25655528 Internists, Chest & Heart Head, Division of Cardiology Dr. Nabeel Al-Ayoobi 24577781 Neurologists Mubarak Al-Kabeer Hospital Guatemala 00502 Samoa US 00684 Dr. Adnan Ebil 22639939 Guinea 00224 Samoa West 00685 Dr. Dina Abidallah Al-Refae 25333501 Dr. Sohal Najem Al-Shemeri 25633324 Consultant Cardiologist Dr. Mousa Khadada 22666300 Guyana 00592 San Marino 00378 Urologists Dr. Jasem Mola Hassan 25345875 Dr. Latefa Al-Duweisan 25728004 Dr. Farida Al-Habib 2611555-2622555 Haiti 00509 Sao Tone 00239 Dr. Ali Naser Al-Serfy 22641534 Gastrologists MD, PH.D, FACC Holland (Netherlands) 0031 Saudi Arabia 00966 Dr. Fawzi Taher Abul 22639955 Dr. Nadem Al-Ghabra 25355515 Dr. Sami Aman 22636464 Inaya German Medical Center Honduras 00504 Scotland (UK) 0044 Dr. Khaleel Abidallah Al-Awadi 22616660 Dr. Mobarak Aldoub 24726446 Dr. Mohammad Al-Shamaly 25322030 Te: 2575077 Hong Kong 00852 Senegal 00221 Dr. Adel Al-Hunayan FRCS (C) 25313120 Dr Nasser Behbehani 25654300/3 Dr. Foad Abidallah Al-Ali 22633135 Fax: 25723123 Hungary 0036 Seychelles 00284 Dr. Leons Joseph 66703427 Ibiza (Spain) 0034 Sierra Leone 00232 Soor Center Iceland 00354 Singapore 0065 Psychologists [email protected] Tel: 2290-1677 Kaizen center William Schuilenberg, RPC 2290-1677 India 0091 Slovakia 00421 /Psychotherapists www.soorcenter.com Zaina Al Zabin, M.Sc. 2290-1677 Fax: 2290 1688 25716707 Indian Ocean 00873 Slovenia 00386 Indonesia 0062 Solomon Islands 00677 lifestyle SUNDAY, MAY 25, 2014

Gossip

Jolie wants her daughters to be proud of themselves

he ‘Maleficent’ actress - who raises children negative opinions of her when she was younger, Maddox, 12, Pax, 10, Zahara, nine, Shiloh, sev- she hopes she is now a good role model. She told Ten, and five-year-old twins Knox and Vivienne Stylist magazine: “It’s a funny thing. I have been in with fiance Brad Pitt - thinks young women have the public for so long, and people have opinions too many opinions “forced” on them, so she wants that I was darker or I was this or that. “But I never her girls to develop their own individuality. She hurt anybody or ever said anything cruel about any- said: “I think of my girls and I just want them to be body. “I never intentionally did anything to impose proud of who they are and know who they are. myself on another person or hurt or shock. “I just There is so much being forced upon young people wanted to be very free and I was just growing up. I today about what they should be like. “You see so feel like I’ve always been the same person; I am my much opinion being thrown at young people and mother’s daughter. “But I’m trying every day, like everything they do gets sent out into the media everybody, to be a better mother and a better per- and then gets rated. I would like for young girls to son. And any time I catch myself being less than I be able to find out who they each individually are want to be, I want to stop and check myself. “In and be really proud of it, no matter what comes doing so, if I have become a role model for any their way.” The actress always tries to be a “better young women, I hope I’m a good one.” person”, and though she can’t understand people’s

Robert Pattinson is ‘bad’ at auditioning he ‘Twilight Saga’ actor - who recently admitted he doesn’t know if he has an audience outside the popular franchise - was afraid he wouldn’t Tget the lead role in his upcoming drama, ‘The Rover,’ because he still gets nervous in front of casting directors. The 27-year-old British star said: “I’m so bad at auditioning and I was terrified that I wasn’t going to get it.” Despite his high profile and huge success, producers made Robert fight for the role in the Australian film, which tells the story of a ruthless ex-soldier who tracks down the men who stole his only valuable possession, alongside Guy Pearce. He told ‘ET Canada’ at the Cannes International Film Festival: “I really, really fought for it.” Once he landed the role, the heartthrob relaxed. He explained: “It’s a charac- ter that doesn’t really have any constraints, it’s not really specified where he’s from or what his desires are, or really what his mental state is, and I felt really relaxed doing it because you could just do whatever you wanted basically.” Robert says the movie helped boost his confidence. He explained: “I felt for a second that I kind of knew what I was doing a little bit. Because I just sort of fell into acting, I’ve never really felt like that before.”

Mark Wahlberg wants his kids to trust him

he 42-year-old actor - who has kids Ella, 10, Michael, eight, Brendan, five, and Grace, four, with wife Rhea Durham - thinks it is important to have a close rela- Ttionship with his family so they aren’t “terrified” of him, but he insists that doesn’t mean he won’t administer discipline when needed. He said: “I think the most important thing is to always be involved in every aspect of their life. To give them enough trust that they can share things with you. I don’t want them to be terrified of me, you know? “But I don’t want them to think they can do whatever they want and get away with it, either, because they can’t.” The ‘Transformers: Age of Extinction’ star - who spent time in prison when he was younger - is proud of his success but worries his wealth means his kids won’t “appreciate” things in the way he did when he was younger and growing up in a poor area. He told the new issue of Esquire magazine: “The biggest thing for me is, you know, as quickly as I was able to turn it around, to get from there to here, from me having nothing as a kid to me here now, providing everything for my kids, it’s like, I worry that maybe they won’t appreciate things. “I worry that maybe they’ll have a sense of entitlement. You don’t wanna give your kids everything without giving them the tools to be great people.”

Keira Knightley takes it easy he British actress, who shot to fame in ‘Bend It Like Beckham’ when she was 18, says playing troubled characters in movies Tlike ‘Anna Karenina’ took a toll on her, but she has finally learned how to relax off set. She said: “In each of my [recent] films, I either died or was subjected to a new situation that was more hor- rific than the last. “I was spending so much time being neurotic and beating myself up.” Keira, who married The Klaxons rocker James Righton in front of just 11 friends and family members in France in May 2013, signed up for her upcoming feel-good film, ‘Begin Again,’ as she “wanted more positive vibrations.” Despite her huge success, the 29-year-old beauty only recent made peace with her decision to be an actress. She told the digital June edition of Modern Luxury’s Beach magazine: “For a long time, I had trouble saying I was an actress, but today I can. I’m still just as stressed out when I start a film shoot, and I’m not happy with everything that I do - far from it. But with time and each new film, I continue to learn, unlearn and learn again, and therefore I build who I am.” The ‘Pirates of Caribbean’ star is determined to maintain a private life and explained why she quit Twitter after just 12 hours. She said: “It made Mike Myers me feel a little bit like being in a school playground and not being popular. I like being private.” — Bangshowbiz obsessed with KFC icon Colonel Sanders

he ‘Austin Powers’ actor has always been fascinated with the mascot and viewed the fast food as “exotic” Twhen he was younger, and now finds himself sketch- Kimberley Walsh ing likenesses of the famous face on a regular basis. He admitted: “I make about a painting a week. I started paint- ing about two and a half, three years ago. “My first paint- ing was of my wife, Kelly. My second one was of my dog, doesn’t want to spoil her baby George Harrison. And then I got into this Colonel Sanders thing. “Growing up in Canada, looking south at America, he former Girls Aloud singer is expecting her first child with boyfriend Justin Scott they are so amazing at creating identity that they even and despite her fame and success, she is determined to raise her child to be down- have enough leftover to come up with the colonel who is Tto-earth. She said: “It’s going to get so much love, but I’m going to make sure my the colonel of chicken! “Our whole family was obsessed baby’s not spoilt. My upbringing was very different to the life I have now, so I’ll keep things with the Colonel. For me show business was buying down-to-earth.” The ‘Sound of the Underground’ hitmaker is particularly concerned that Kentucky Fried Chicken. Because it was nationally adver- her friends and former bandmates Nicola Roberts and Cheryl Cole will be over-generous tised, and it seemed exotic. First of all, it’s a great character. towards her little one. She added in her column for Britain’s OK! magazine: “Nicola said in “He has his own unique silhouette-you can draw him in an interview that she cannot wait for me to have the baby so her and Cheryl can go crazy three lines. On the day that Lucian Freud died, I painted my buying presents. They’ve actually started already. even though I’ve told them I don’t want version of a Freud with the Colonel, holding a palette, any clothes until the baby’s born. “It’s sweet they’re so excited. We grew up together and painting himself. Then I did the Colonel with the Pearl they’re such good friends that they’ll feel like aunties. I showed them the latest scan and Earring. Then I did the Colonel Lisa. You know, which is the they both said they already love the baby, even though they haven’t met it yet. “I’m think- Mona Lisa with the Colonel. This is so just a hobby. It is just ing I might have to rein them in at some point. Perhaps it’s a good thing I don’t know the making stuff. That’s all I want to do, is just make stuff. “[Do I sex - they can’t buy as much.” still paint him?] Oh yeah. Yeah, I do. It’s just a fun constant.” lifestyle SUNDAY, MAY 25, 2014

Gossip Heidi Klum feels free when she’s naked

he 41-year-old supermodel admits she regularly lies in ference, but that’s normal. I’m not trying to be like, ‘I’m 20!’ the sun topless because she hates tan lines, and she Because I’m not.” Heidi - who has four children, Leni, nine, Thas always been comfortable stripping off in public Henry, eight, Johan, seven, and Lou, four, who she jointly because her parents took her to nudist beaches while was raises with her ex-husband Seal - is very strict with her diet growing up. In an interview in Us Weekly magazine, the and exercises regularly to maintain her trim figure, but has German beauty said: “People laugh when I say this, but I stopped weighing herself. The catwalk queen - who is cur- grew up going to nude beaches with my parents. It was very rently in a relationship with 27-year-old art dealer Vito free. I took my top off, and I still do. I don’t like to have tan Schnabel - said: “I go up and down at times, which is tricky lines.” Heidi is considered to be one of the world’s most for my stylist. It’s like, ‘Oopsie!’ But we just take the dress out. beautiful women, and works hard to stay looking great. But My scale ran out of batteries a year ago, and I never put new the ‘America’s Got Talent’ judge insists she isn’t “ageless” and ones in.” can notice a difference in her body and looks. She said: “If you put me a 20 year old next to me, of course you see a dif-

George Clooney surprises Amal Alamuddin

Pink sparks pregnancy rumors eorge Clooney took Amal Alamuddin on a sur- dictable he is. The set visit to Downton Abbey was the prise tour of the ‘Downton Abbey’ set. The 53- icing on the cake of a crazy few hours.” The couple are Gyear-old actor, who became engaged to the said to have indulged in a romantic stroll around the he ‘Just Give Me A Reason’ hitmaker, who already has last year she is desperate to extend her family because she British human rights lawyer last month, arrived at his grounds of Highclere Castle, where the ITV period dra- two-year-old daughter Willow with husband Carey thinks motherhood is the “best thing”. She said: “I want a fiancee’s London home unannounced earlier this week ma is set. Meanwhile, ‘The Monuments Men’ star is THart, further fuelled speculation she is expecting basketball team [of kids]. It’s [motherhood is] the best and whisked her away on a trip to nearby Surrey, in expected to meet his future mother-in-law, who lives their second child today as she appeared to reveal her thing I’ve done. “In 10 years I’ll have an 11-year-old and an southeast England, where he took her to visit the set in nearby Buckinghamshire, while visiting the UK. It’s pregnancy cravings on Twitter. The 34-year-old star tweet- eight-year-old and a five-year-old and a three-year-old and of one of her favorite TV shows. A source told The Sun been reported that George will relocate to London ed: “I love that every time I find a box of Girl Scout cookies a six-month-old and 18 dogs and a horse.” Pink and Carey newspaper: “George took Amal completely by surprise. once the pair have married so that Amal can continue I’m pregnant. Guilty: I’m having a thin mint:)” The singer’s began dating in 2001, before getting engaged in 2005 “He turned up at nearly midnight after jetting into her work as a barrister at the Doughty Street mysterious comments come shortly after her husband was after she proposed to the hunk during a motocross race in Heathrow. “George literally told Amal to grab some Chambers. spotted rubbing her stomach in New York City last month. California. The couple got married a year later in Costa Rica clothes before they jumped in a cab down to Surrey. An eyewitness previously said: “They were cuddling and he on January 7, 2006. “She thought it was so romantic, she loves how unpre- kept rubbing her tummy. She was quick to move his hand away in case anyone saw. But it was pretty obvious.” The ‘So What’ hitmaker - whose real name is Alecia Hart - admitted

Jeremy Renner is ‘miserable’ without his daughter

he 43-year-old actor, who has a 14-month-old girl, Ava, with ex-girlfriend Sonni Pacheco, says becoming a father Thas been the best thing that’s ever happened in his life and he tries to spend as much time as possible with his child. Asked about his feelings on fatherhood, the ‘Avengers’ star said: “It’s the best thing I’ve ever done. I like starting and ending my day with her. When I don’t, life is quite miserable.” Renner admits that having a child has also completely changed his attitude to his career. He explained to the new issue of People magazine: “I thought I liked what I do for a living, but now I have this little wonderful creature, and she kind of squashes all that. She’s messed up my life in the most beautiful way possible. She takes Kurt Cobain all of my love.” Aside from his success in Hollywood, Renner makes a lot of money from renovating old properties and sell- ing them in Los Angeles. The actor, who sold one mansion for is ‘Santa Claus’ to his daughter $17 million profit, gets a kick from restoring old buildings back to their former beauty. He said: “I could probably make a lot rances Bean Cobain was just a baby when her more money razing the structure and building something new. famous father committed suicide in 1994 and her But in LA there’s a lot of great architecture, especially from the Fmother Courtney Love says it is hard for the 21- 1920s. I find great homes that need some love and bring them year-old artist to hear other people’s stories and memo- back.” ries of her dad because she has none herself. Courtney said: “You have to put yourself in Franny’s shoes when it comes to her father because she feels like she’s related to Santa Claus. Like, everyone loves him but she says she retains no memory of Santa Claus. “Whereas I can remember him, his laugh, what he was like in bed, and Cheryl Cole with her new love is happy how he was with her.” Courtney - who, like her late spouse, has battled drug addiction - feels grateful her daughter is “sensible” and hopes she won’t follow in her parents’ footsteps. She said: “The cool thing about Frances is that she knows she’s related to two junkies. “I mean, she might smoke, but she’s sensible. I thank God she was never introduced to prescription drugs when she was grown up.” The Hole singer is incredibly proud of her daughter - who she was estranged from 2009 he couple started dating over a month ago, before making it official at until last year - though says her beauty “freaks her out”. Cannes Film Festival over the last week and it is said the former Girls Aloud She said: “We’re great now, we live four doors down Tsinger is delighted to be in a relationship with Jean-Bernard Fernandez- Versini. A source told The Sun newspaper: “She’s really happy. They’re an item and from each other in LA. “She’s an avid reader, she’s read Cheryl is ready to find love again. “After a difficult few years, she wants to get back all the classics. And she’s so beautiful, like, Angelina out there and start having some fun. Things are going brilliantly in her professional beautiful, a little too beautiful. It’s freaking me out.” And life - she has a new song out soon and can’t wait to return to ‘The X Factor’. “But at Courtney approves of her daughter’s engagement to the end of the day she wants to be in a relationship because that is what will make The Eeries rocker Isaiah Silva. She told Britain’s Grazia her really happy.” After the couple appeared at glitzy showbiz parties at the annual magazine: “He looks like Kurt right? He’s a saint because film festival - and also dined at his luxury restaurant Cosy Box - the two stars were she’s a handful and I’ve no idea where she gets that said to be one of the “most electric” celebrity pairings at the event. An insider said: from.” “There’s great chemistry between them. They have been the most electric couple in Cannes.” lifestyle SUNDAY, MAY 25, 2014 Life’s a beach!

This photo shows Human senses are not just the five we know of - Here is the list of top 10 beaches for 2014 compiled by Dr Beach, aka Professor Stephen Leatherman of Florida International University, based on factors that include cleanliness, safety and amenities. 1. Duke Kahanamoku Beach, Waikiki, Oahu, Hawaii 2. Barefoot Beach, Bonita Springs, Florida 3. St George Island State Park, Florida Panhandle 4. Waimanalo Bay Beach Park, Oahu, Hawaii 5. Hamoa Beach, Maui, Hawaii 6. Cape Hatteras, Outer Banks of North Carolina 7. Cape Florida State Park, Key Biscayne, Florida 8. Coast Guard Beach, Cape Cod, Massachusetts 9. Beachwalker Park, Kiawah Island, South Carolina 10. Delnor-Wiggins Pass State Park, Naples, Florida. — AP

The beach at Delnor-Wiggins Pass State Park in Naples, Fla. Hamoa Beach in Maui, Hawaii.

Surfer Kainoa Haas, 22 (left) stands on grass fronting Duke Kahanamoku Beach as a wedding couple is photographed in The Cape Florida lighthouse at sunset at Bill Baggs Cape Florida State Park, in Key Biscayne, Fla. the Honolulu tourist neighborhood of Waikiki.

Duke Kahanamoku Beach in the Honolulu tourist neighborhood of Waikiki in Hawaii. A woman relaxes on Waimanalo Bay Beach Park in Oahu, St George Island Beach in Florida. Hawaii.

TAKREEM announces jury board

aven’t we all dreamt that by the age of Society. 29 we would be running our own com- The jury board this year included Queen Hpany? Do you think that even with a Noor Al-Hussein, Princess Banderi Abdul disability, it is still possible to achieve ambi- Rahman Al-Faisal, Shaikha Paula Al-Sabah, tious goals? How many women campaign for Sheikha Mai Al-Khalifa, Issa Abu-Issa, Sheikh human rights in their society and experience Saleh Al-Turki, Dr Hanan Ashrawi, AndrÈ pressures, torture and persecution? Can you Azoulay, Carlos Ghosn, Anis Haggar, Nora put a name to those great researchers and Joumblatt, Dr Suad Juffali, Samer Khoury, Lady doctors that are revolutionizing the sciences Hayat Palumbo, Raja Sidawi, Dr Adnan Yousif, and medical fields? and Moataz Al-Alfi. The meeting was chaired TAKREEM’s mission is to spot those stories, by the former US Ambassador in Lebanon, Dr find ways to feature them and celebrate the Vincent Battle. success of those behind. TAKREEM Jury Board The jury board meeting was followed by a has recently convened in London and deliber- dinner offered by Ricardo Karam, Founder of ated on the 2014 laureates in the following TAKREEM, at the Mandarin Oriental Hotel. The fields: Young Entrepreneur, Humanitarian and names of the laureates will be disclosed during Civic Services, Environmental Development TAKREEM annual Awards Ceremony to be held and Sustainability, Scientific and Technological on November 8 in Marrakesh. TAKREEM was Achievement, Innovation in Education, granted the support of CCC, Renault-Nissan Cultural Excellence, Arab Woman of the Year, Alliance, Salam International Investment, Outstanding Corporate Leadership and AMEC, NESMA Holding, TOTAL, Barclays and Exceptional International Contribution to Arab Falcon. lifestyle SUNDAY, MAY 25, 2014

Wedding day in Florence for Kim Kardashian, Kanye West

elevision personality Kim Kardashian and rap- per Kanye West celebrated their wedding yes- Tterday in a 16th century castle overlooking the historic city of Florence. City authorities have confirmed the event, overseen by a Protestant pas- tor, is taking place in the Forte di Belvedere, set on a hill overlooking the city which the couple have hired for the night for 300,000 euros ($408,900). But few other details have leaked out ahead of the lavish festivities. A private security firm has kept curious fans, paparazzi and television cameras from getting too close to the site, a Renaissance strong- hold with high sloping walls that have been boost- ed by specially erected privacy screens. West, 36, a rapper, entrepreneur and self- declared romantic, proposed to 33-year-old reality TV star Kardashian in an empty baseball stadium with a specially hired orchestra, the event shown during an episode of the TV show “Keeping up with the Kardashians”. The couple, known collectively as “Kimye”, will celebrate their nuptials accompanied by their daughter North and around 200 family and close friends. As the castle is not normally autho- rised to hold weddings, it is unclear whether the event will count as a legal marriage ceremony, however. The guest list has been kept a tight secret but several celebrity magazines said power couple Jay- suppliers have been threatened with a $5 million Florence have received letters warning them that Fans gather to watch Z and Beyonce and Canadian singer Justin Bieber penalty if they reveal details of the event and the music will be booming out until midnight. guests arriving. — AP were expected with other rumored attendances guests will be asked to hand in their mobile Vanessa Beecroft, an Italian-born artist and including actor Will Smith, singer Rihanna and TV phones to stop anyone taking “selfies” or other pic- friend of West, whose performance art pieces regu- talk show host Oprah Winfrey. Following a pre- tures. Most Florence residents appeared to take the larly feature groups of nude female models, has set wedding party and a visit to the historic Chateau preparations in their stride but groups of fans wait- up a show within the fort and has promised to de Versailles outside Paris on Friday, most are arriv- ed outside the luxury hotels and the party site, leave one of her works to the city of Florence. How ing by private plane in Florence’s main airport and hoping for a glimpse of the celebrity couple and much the final bill will come to is a closely guarded leaving today morning. They will be put up in two their guests. secret but if past celebrity practice is any guide, of the city’s most luxurious hotels, where a team of “I’ve come here to see Kim Kardashian, I’ve been the couple may be able to defray some of the around 10 of West’s assistants have been oversee- following her since 2008 and I like her a lot,” said expense by showing the wedding on television or ing preparations for the past week. Torrential rain Italian fan Lora Marotta. “I’m obsessed so I’ve come selling exclusive coverage rights. — Reuters on Friday night had cleared by yesterday and was here to see her and will not leave until I’ve seen American reality TV star Kim Kardashian (left) and not expected to pose a problem. her,” she said. The guests will be escorted by city American singer Kanye West (right) leave their residence police to the event where they will dine on cater- in Paris. — AFP No selfies ing provided by Galateo, one of Florence’s most According to the local La Nazione newspaper, famous caterers. Residents in the San Nicola area of

100-year-old VIVID beggar celebrated as living saint in Bulgaria

The 100-year-old Dobri Dobrev, known as “Grandpa” Dobri. — AFP photos

100-year-old beggar in a threadbare Elena Genova, a distant relative, in their coat, “Grandpa” Dobri, is already cele- native village of Baylovo, 40 kilometers (25 Abrated as a saint in Bulgaria-a symbol miles) east of Sofia. “He left his wife and their of goodness in a country ravaged by poverty four children, including a new born baby, to Aloxxi International and corruption. For over 20 years, Dobri take up different jobs around monasteries,” Dobrev has been begging on the streets of she said. Sofia, collecting alms worth tens of thou- “In the past 20 years, he has devoted him- hosts VIP event sands of euros. And he has given it all to the self to collecting alms.” She affectionately calls Bulgarian Orthodox Church. him “Grandpa” Dobri and often helps him loxxi International in association with This has made him the largest private count the money he has collected. The old Beauty Essentials W.L.L. Kuwait will be donor of the golden-domed Alexander man lives in a small room basically furnished launching an exclusive event which will A Nevski cathedral even as he maintains an with a bed and a table next to the church in revolutionize the professional hair-color and hair ascetic lifestyle. Baylovo, which was renovated with 10,000 care industry in Kuwait. During this event, you “Take some bread, it comes from God!” the leva donated by him. A neighbor or another will have the opportunity to discover and learn hunched old man mutters under his straggly helper gives him a ride when he needs to go about the superior performance of Aloxxi’s white beard, offering believers the buns that to Sofia. Creative Colors as well as observe and experi- other people give him as they drop coins into ence the exclusive techniques used by top inter- his plastic cup and bend to kiss his hand. “He Fans on Facebook national professionals from USA in the hair color gave us 35,700 leva (18,250 euros, $24,900) in The media dubbed Dobri “The Living Saint and care industry. 2009, while living a life deprived of all com- from Baylovo”, and his name-which comes Come and explore Aloxxi’s unique color per- fort,” Bishop Tikhon, chairman of the cathe- from the Bulgarian word for “good”-has sonalities - interactive consultation processes dral’s trustees board, told AFP. “Dobri is an become a symbol for goodness in a country and salon partnership programs; including prac- extremely rare phenomenon.” where religious faith has been on the rise tical strategies to grow the business of hair color Several smaller monasteries and churches since the fall of communism 25 years ago. “My and care. also say they have received between 2,500 10-year-old granddaughter won a literary Teri Dougherty, Aloxxi’s Artistic Advisor and and 10,000 euros each from the small man competition on ‘goodness’ by writing about International Hair Color Exchange’s ‘Top Colorist wearing peasant leather sandals. These sums Dobri,” said Ivanka, who sells candles in the of the Year’, from USA will make an exciting pres- are considerable in Bulgaria, which remains Sofia cathedral. entation together with live demonstrations of the European Union’s poorest member seven “God gave him the gift of clairvoyance: he the latest techniques used in professional hair years after joining the bloc and where the told one mother where to find her missing color and care. average monthly salary is about 420 euros. daughter,” added Maria Zabova, who rings Don’t miss out for this unique VIP Event, the bells at Alexander Nevski. Graffiti artists which will be held in Kuwait on June 11, 2014, at ‘Richness of his soul’ recently painted a huge image of the white- the Jumeirah Messilah Beach Hotel. The invita- Dobri is a comforting figure to Bulgarians haired man holding a candle on a 10-storey tion is specifically for leading salon owners and amid pervasive corruption and deprivation, building in a Sofia neighborhood. An Internet top professionals within the hair care industry, to sociologists say. “While the media is full of site-www.saintdobry.com-and two pages on attend and actively participate in this event. scandalous reports on the luxurious lifestyle the social media Facebook created by his fans of certain Church dignitaries, Grandpa Dobri praise his “goodness, honesty, purity, gen- personifies moral values such as self-denial erosity and holiness.” Certain admirers have and generosity,” said Theodora Karamelska, a already suggested that Dobri’s saintliness sociology professor at Sofia’s New Bulgarian should eventually become official with a can- University. onization. — AFP For Bulgarians he is like a saint “thanks to his romantic appearance and the richness of his soul,” she added. The background of this man, who refuses any interviews, is patchy. Born in the summer of 1914, he partially lost his hearing in one of the bombings of the Bulgarian capital during World War II. “This made him pious in his own way,” said

Dobri Dobrev, known as A light show called “Vivid” is performed on the Sydney Opera House in “Grandpa” Sydney. “Vivid” is a major outdoor cultural event featuring light installa- Dobri, tions and projections with the annual event this year running from May 23 begs for to June 9. — AFP photos alms. Wedding day in Florence for Kim Kardashian, Kanye West

SUNDAY, MAY 25, 2014 39

US director Quentin Tarantino, US actress Uma Thurman, US actor John Travolta, US actress Kelly Preston and US producer Lawrence Bender arrive for the screening of the film “Sils Maria” at the 67th edition of the Cannes Film Festival in Cannes, southern France. — AFP/AP photos Predicting the Palme d’Or a guessing game

he Palme d’Or is cinema’s answer to the papal conclave. running according to the Irish bookies, it means absolutely The top award of the Cannes Film Festival isn’t nothing,” said Cronenberg, speaking before the odds were Tannounced by a plume of white smoke, but its delibera- posted for his Cannes entry, the Hollywood satire “Maps to the tions are shrouded in an almost-holy secrecy. While the Stars.” When he was jury president, he urged other members world’s media is consumed by analyzing the merits and Palme to avoid reading press reports during the festival. chances of each film in the competition, the jury silently files The then-controversial decision for “Rosetta” has not only in and out of theaters, their opinions left to pure conjecture. been vindicated by history (the widely acclaimed Dardennes Whereas Hollywood’s long award season often leads to a won the Palme again in 2005 with “The Child”), but it could be fairly predictable Academy Awards, the Oscars’ European poised for a historic repeat. The Dardennes’ “Two Days, One equal in prestige is entirely opaque. No one even knows who Night,” starring Marion Cotillard, could make them the first the favorites are; it’s purely a matter of what the jury led by directors to win the Palme d’Or three times. (Six other direc- director Jane Campion responds to. This year’s Palme d’Or tors, including Francis Ford Coppola, have won it twice.) winner was set to be announced in an awards ceremony yes- But many believe the jury will reward the film with best terday night at the culmination of 10 days of movie-going actress for Cotillard. Similar thinking goes that Mike Leigh’s frenzy on the French Riviera. biopic of the British painter JMW Turner - “Mr Turner” - though roundly acclaimed, will be cited for Timothy Spall’s leading performance. Still, Bennett Miller’s wrestling drama “Foxcatcher,” featuring a dramatic turn by Steve Carell, may have a say in that top award.

Palme mix Oddsmaker Neil Young, who rates Palme chances on his British-Thai Film Lounge blog, has Nuri Bilge Ceylan’s lengthy, philosophiz- model and ing “Winter Sleep” as the 4-1 favorite. It’s trailed by “Leviathan” actress Araya and “Mommy,” a mother-son drama by 25-year-old Canadian Hargate poses. wunderkind Xavier Dolan. Many other films could be in the Palme mix. Perhaps the most raucous film at the festival was “Wild Tales,” an Argentine collection of revenge tales. “Timbuktu” drew admiration for its humanistic depiction of life in a Mali village under fundamentalist Taliban rule. And the only thing more difficult than summarizing Jean-Luc Godard’s 3-D art-house explosion “Goodbye to Language” might be try- ing to guess how a jury would rate it. Winners can often be determined by jury dynamics. When Olivier Assayas was a member of Robert DeNiro’s jury in 2001, he was among the advocates for Terrence Malick’s “The Tree of Life.” The film became one of Cannes’ most celebrated winners. British model Amy Of the 18 films competing for the Palme, presumed “A few of us had to fight for it,” said Assayas, who’s in con- Willerton poses as she favorites include the languorous Turkish film “Winter Sleep,” tention this year with the drama “Clouds of Sils Maria.” “I was arrives for the screening of the small-town Russian epic “Leviathan” and the French work- proud to be one of the ones supporting that film.” the film “Sils Maria”. ing-class drama “Two Days, One Night.” But no one really does Along with Campion (a Palme-winner for “The Piano,” know. “When I was on the jury, people were saying stuff about which shared the prize with “Farewell My Concubine”), this what we must be thinking and it was nothing like what we year’s jury includes Sofia Coppola, Willem Dafoe, Gael Garcia were thinking,” says David Cronenberg, who presided over the Bernal and others. There may be one sure thing this year. It 1999 jury. “‘They’d say ‘This movie is obviously the front-run- can probably be safely assumed that Atom Egoyan’s widely ner’ or ‘This actor is obviously the front-runner,’ and we weren’t panned kidnapping thriller “Captive,” starring Ryan Reynolds, thinking those things at all.” That year was one of the biggest won’t be winning the Palme. — AP surprise winners in the history of Cannes. The Dardenne brothers’ “Rosetta” won over the perceived favorite, Pedro Almodovar’s “All About My Mother.” “Rosetta” was the last film to screen during the festival and the Belgian brothers were largely unknown at the time. (From left) Russian actor and director Andrey Zvyagintsev, Russian actor Vladimir ‘Maps to the stars’ Vdovichenkov, Russian actress Elena Lyadova, Russian actor Roman Madianov and Russian “When somebody says your film is number three in the actor Aleksey Serebryakov pose as they arrive for the screening of the film “Leviathan”.

(From left) Actress Demet Akbag, director Nuri Bilgle Ceylan, actor Haluk Jury members of “Un Certain Regard” (left to right) Senegalese director Moussa (From left) German actress Angela Winkler, French producer Charles Gillibert, Bilginer and actress Melisa Soezen pose for photographers with signs reading Toure, Norwegian actress Maria Bonnevie, Argentine director Pablo Trapero, French director Olivier Assayas, US actress Kristen Stewart, French actress “soma”, a reference to Turkey’s worst mining incident in which hundreds of French actress Geraldine Pailhas and president of the Criterion Collection Peter Juliette Binoche, US actress Chloe Moretz, German actor Lars Eidinger, Austrian miners were killed. Becker pose as they arrive to announce the winner of “Un Certain Regard”. actress Nora von Waldstatten and French actress Claire Tran pose.