TWITTER CELEBS @newsofbahrain BUSINESS 10 UAE to deposit $3 bn in Pakistan central bank INSTAGRAM Sandra Bullock opens /nobmedia 22 up about her family LINKEDIN SATURDAY newsofbahrain DECEMBER 2018 Bullock feels lucky to live in a moment where she can choose WHATSAPP 200 FILS 38444680 ISSUE NO. 7968 how her family looks like. “We’re very lucky that we get FACEBOOK /nobmedia to live in this moment in time where we get to choose what MAIL [email protected] our family looks like, and I got to do that in real life,” people.com WEBSITE newsofbahrain.com quoted Bullock as saying. P13

Record audience watched ‘best World Cup ever’ - FIFA 15 SPORTS WORLD 7 Police consider shooting down drones at airport

UN to send observers to Yemen Kingdom to host ninth GCC Child Forum New York TDT | Manama he UN Security Council and Arab Union for Voluntary with others, he said. Tyesterday voted unan- Work President, Hassan Bu He affirmed that HH Shaikh imously to send a civilian he Good Word Society Hazza, stated that the forum Isa bin Ali’s patronage of the observer mission to Yemen will organise the ninth features educational, cultural HH Shaikh Isa bin Ali’s forum reflects Bahrain’s interest to monitor a fragile truce in TGCC Child Forum, in and service programmes and patronage of the forum in ensuring the good upbringing the strategic Red Sea port co-operation with the Arab Un- activities, to be presented and reflects Bahrain’s of youngsters. of Hodeidah and supervise ion for Voluntary Work. overseen by educational experts. interest in ensuring He pointed out that children the departure of combat- Honorary President of the He noted that the forum aims aged between seven and 13 may ants. Good Word Society, Shaikh Isa to develop children and prepare the good upbringing of register in the forum’s activi- The Britain-drafted res- bin Ali bin Khalifa Al Khalifa, a generation with leadership youngsters. ties between December 20 and olution was adopted by all will patronise the forum which skills that would serve their so- MR BU HAZZA January 5. 15 council members after a will be held between January 15 ciety and nation. An “Arab Exhibition” will be week of tough negotiations. and 18, 2019, under the theme Through workshops, games held on the sidelines of the fo- The text also endorsed the “We learn life through games”. and various programmes, the ipants the values of voluntary help them create positive re - rum with the participation of results of recent peace Good Word Society Chairman forum aims to teach the partic- work, hone their life skills and lationships and communicate the embassies of Arab countries. talks in Sweden aimed at ending the four-year-long conflict. Britain’s UN Ambassador Karen Pierce praised the The move coincided council’s unanimity “on • this very important issue with reports that US that affected so many mil- Defence Secretary Jim lions of citizens in Yemen Mattis had tendered today”. his resignation. US President Donald No big deal! Israeli gunfire kills Trump• considers the three Gazans war in Afghanistan Gaza Ashraf Ghani government downplays the US move to a lost cause and has withdraw half of its troops from Afghanistan sraeli forces shot and long pushed to pull Ikilled three Palestinians, the troops out. including a teenager, in the Gaza Strip during the latest Islamabad of weekly protests along the border with Israel yes- fter the Americans caught terday, Palestinian health everyone by surprise officials said. with its announcement 7,000 A troops will be About 8,000 Palestinians to withdraw nearly half of its withdrawn from gathered near the border troops from Afghanistan, Presi- Afghanistan as part of fence, the Israeli military dent Ashraf Ghani’s government the Trump directive. said. Most kept their dis- downplayed the significance of tance, while some burned the move on Friday by saying tires and tried to throw an that Washington’s plans would explosive device into Isra- have no impact on the security refused to do,” said Bill Roggio el, though it did not land situation in the country. an Afghanistan analyst with the across the border, the mil- Reports of the sudden depar- Nearly 2,400 American soldiers have died in Afghanistan since the 2001 US-led invasion. Washington-based Foundation itary said. ture of 7,000 troops came a day for Defence of Democracies. A military spokeswoman after US President Donald Trump not clear if he took the decision certain to complicate efforts to Afghanistan’s security forc- said the troops responded announced the withdrawal of based on Trump’s order to pull reach a peace deal, mostly be- es rely heavily on US airpower with “riot dispersal means” American forces from Syria; and out troops from Syria and Af- cause it gives the Taliban lev- against both Taliban and an up- and fired in accordance follows closely on the heels of ghanistan. A complete withdrawal erage by allowing them to hold start Islamic State affiliate, and with Israeli procedure. talks between the Taliban’s rep- The Taliban welcomed news of US forces would off until a total US withdrawal, Afghan military officials note the resentatives and US diplomats in of the US plan while the Afghan very likely cause or step up their demands over a announcement by the Trump ad- the UAE for solutions to end the generals warned Friday it would the Taliban to weakened Afghan government. ministration comes as the coun- Afghan conflict. be a blow to the morale of the “I believe the Taliban will try’s security is at its worst since The move coincided with country’s beleaguered security make gains in key see this as a reason to stall, and 2014, when more than 100,000 reports that US Defence Secre- forces, who come under daily at- areas throughout therefore it dis-incentivises the NATO troops pulled out of the tary Jim Mattis had tendered tacks from the insurgent fighters. Afghanistan. Taliban to actually talk to the country and handed off security his resignation. However, it was The announcement seems Afghan government, which it has to Afghans. DON’T MISS IT ROGGIO

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ISB Mega Fair 02 a big hit Mattis resignation sparks alarm Gender Mattis resigns after clash with Trump Gen Mattis appeared to clash with Mr Trump Jim Mattis, the U.S. defence secretary, is the fourth member of President over his decision to withdraw troops from Syria and equality Connecticut Senator Chris Murphy Trump’s cabinet to resign or be forced out in less than two weeks • Afghanistan. milestone for called Gen Mattis’ apparent protest Jim Mattis, Secretary of Defence: Retired four-star In his resignation letter, Gen Mattis, 68, said the 03 Marine general quits December 20, one day after Bahrain’s edu resignation “a national security crisis”. President Trump declares victory over so-called president had the right to appoint someone “whose Islamic State on Twitter and views are better aligned with yours”. segment announces withdrawal of 2,000 Democratic Senator Mark Warner, who is vice Washington DC U.S. troops from Syria and roughly 7,000 troops from chair of the Senate Intelligence Committee, labelled Jenadriyah Afghanistan the development “scary”. Festival he abrupt resignation of Defence Secretary Ryan Zinke, Secretary of “Secretary Mattis has been an island of stability 04 begins Jim Mattis has alarmed an already tense Interior: Quits December 15 amidst the chaos of the Trump administration,” Capitol Hill, causing lawmakers on both sides amid ethics investigations he said. Connecticut Senator Chris Murphy called in style T into his business dealings, travel to speak out. and policy decisions Gen Mattis’ apparent protest resignation “a national Democrats decried the latest Trump adminis- Nick Ayers, Chief of staff to vice security crisis”. tration departure as a “crisis”, but Republicans also president: Quits December 9 after Senator Jack Reed of Rhode Island, ranking mem- voiced concern. refusing Trump’s offer to be his ber on the Armed Services committee, said, “Pres- Senators Mitch McConnell and Marco Rubio called new chief of staff ident Trump is leading the country in the wrong John F. Kelly, White House chief of staff: Quits the move distressing and damaging to the US on the December 8 amid rumours that he found Trump direction and Secretary Mattis isn’t willing to go along world stage. impossible to control with it”. See page 6 Sources: Associated Press, Reuters Pictures: Associated Press © GRAPHIC NEWS SATURDAY, DECEMBER 22, 2018 02

St Christopher’s Cathedral gears up for Christmas season TDT | Manama Christmas story through readings and carols and putting the Nativity scene t Christopher’s Cathedral will host together by building the crib. an event-packed Christmas sea- “At the Cathedral is the popular Sson this year, according to church Christingle Service where each family officials. is given a christingle, a tradition dating It will begin on Sunday at 6.15 pm back to the eighteenth century Germa- with the traditional ‘Nine Lessons and ny. Both services are aimed especially at Carols’ inspired by the famous King’s young families, but the young of heart College Cambridge Christmas Eve Ser- will catch the joy of the season. vice. “On Christmas Eve at 11.30pm is “In Bahrain it takes on its distinc- the traditional Midnight Mass or First tive character with a choir from the Communion of Christmas, a quiet, re- Manama Singers, conducted by their flective, but joyful way to welcome the musical director Jo Mings, but also a birth of Christ. Swahili carol from the Cathedral’s East “Christmas Day, Tuesday 25th De- African community and a Tamil carol cember also provides a choice of ser- from the Cathedral’s Tamil-speaking vices: The Tamil- speaking congrega- congregation.” tion has a Holy Communion service at Many dignitaries including British 5.30am and at 10.00am at Awali and Ambassador Simon Martin head teach- 10.30am in St Christopher’s Cathedral ers from St Christopher’s School and there are Holy Communion Services. the British School of Bahrain, Ian Fel- “We look forward to welcoming lows and Julie Anne Gilbert and the friends, family and visitors to our ser- Chaplain of the Royal Navy Mark Man- The cathedral will hold special services as part of the Christmas season. vices over Christmas. This is such a spe- der are expected to attend the event. cial time of year and we try to explore “It promises to be a very special ser- its depth in simple, but meaningful vice with wonderful music, the op - community involvement,” said Dean “On Monday, December 24, Christ- of two services: at Awali Church there ways and in the beauty of music and portunity to sing familiar carols and Chris Butt. mas eve at 4.30 pm there is a choice is a traditional Crib Service telling the Christmas carols,” he added. ISB Mega Fair a big hit Revenue generated will be used for the benefit of needy children

A team of renowned singers entertained the crowd. Indian Ambassador Alok Kumar Sinha speaks at the event. to enjoy the entertainment pro- Vice-Chairman Jayafar held in connection with the Andalus Spikers won the Vol- Chilies emerged second in cin- The revenue grammes held as part of the fair. Maidani, Asst Secretary Pre- event. leyball Championship. They de- ematic dance contest and Sharp • Bollywood singer Priyanka malatha NS, EC Members Adv The competition was held in feated Riffa KMCC in the final. Shooters bagged third place. generated from the Negi and team entertained the Binu Mannil Varughese, Mo- association with Nikon Ashrafs. The winners received the A variety of game stalls for fair will be utilised crowd with peppy songs and hammad Khursheed Alam, There were around 400 entries prize at the concluding ceremo- kids and entertainment pro - for helping the needy the Indian school students pre- Rajesh M N, Ajayakrishnan V, in the competition on the top- ny. Mega Fair football games will grammes made the Mega Fair children and for the sented spectacular western and Saji George, Deepak Gopalakr- ic ‘Daily Life in Bahrain’ and be held from January 3 onwards 2018 attractive to the visitors. Arabic dance. ishnan, Mohammed Nayaz the winner was selected from a at the Isa Town school ground. Many food stalls that were welfare of ISB staff. ISB Chairman Prince S Nata- Ullah and staff representative short-list of 34 participants, said prepared by the Indian School rajan released the Indian School Johnson K Devassy were also Mr Antony. Folk dance staff gave an opportunity to taste TDT | Manama Mega Fair Souvenir. ISB Secre- in attendance. homely Indian delicacies. tary Saji Antony, Principal V R Cricket tournament Diva Sensations emerged win- The Mega Raffle draw winner he Indian School Bahrain Palaniswamy, Mega Fair General Photography contest ners in both folk dance and cine- will get a Mitsubishi car spon- (ISB) Mega Fair 2018 con- Convener S Inayadullah, Exec- Sherwin Williams Paint matic dance organised as part of sored by Zayani Motors. Tcluded on a high note on utive Committee Members and S Jayaraj, a Senior Electri- emerged winner in the cricket the Mega Fair. In the folk dance The revenue generated from Friday at the Isa Town campus. Organising Committee members cal Engineer at the Ministry of tournament. In the final they contest, the Dazzlers won the the fair will be utilised for help- Tens of thousands of visitors were present at the concluding Works, won the first prize in beat New Generation School by second prize and Malarani won ing the needy children and for flocked to the school campus ceremony. the photography competition nine wickets. third prize. the welfare of ISB staff.

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Malayalam playback singer Vidhu Prathap headlined the musical show. Folk dance contest was held as part of the event. SATURDAY, DECEMBER 22, 2018 03

Ex-flight attendant Gender equality milestone held for growing marijuana TDT | Manama for Bahrain’s edu segment Ali Tarif former flight at- tendant will face Bahrain ranked third in GCC region in gender equality report published by World Economic Forum Atrial for growing marijuana at home. According to prosecu- on gender equality published by analysis also warns about the tors, the 56-year-old man The rankings are the World Economic Forum. possible emergence of new gen- was arrested following a •designed to create The Kingdom came behind the der gaps in advanced technolo- raid by the Department UAE and Kuwait in the World Countries where the gies, such as the risks associated of Drug Control, which global awareness of Economic Forum’s Global Gen- next generation of with emerging gender gaps in Ar- discovered that he was the challenges posed der Gap Report for 2018. women are becoming tificial Intelligence-related skills. growing 28 pots of mar- by gender gaps and the Bahrain was ranked 132nd “In an era when human skills ijuana at his house in overall while the United Arab leaders in their are increasingly important and Arad. opportunities created Emirates was ranked 121. Kuwait domains are poised for complementary to technology, He was also found pos- by reducing them. received a rank of 126 and Saudi further success. the world cannot afford to de- sessing a gun illegally. He Arabia obtained a rank of 141 in MR SCHWAB prive itself of women’s talent in faces charges of cultivat- The Global Gender the list. sectors in which talent is already ing narcotic substance •Gap Index was first Bahrain’s best-ranked indice scarce.” apart from possessing a was educational attainment for “Across the four subindexes, gun illegally. introduced by the World women, ranking 42nd globally education, health and political Klaus Schwab, Founder and on average, the largest gender Upon interrogation, Economic Forum in while the worst indice for the criteria, and provides country Executive Chairman, World Eco- disparity is on Political Empow- the suspect admitted 2006 as a framework for nation was political empower- rankings that allow for effective nomic Forum said, “This report erment, which today maintains a that he had been using capturing the magnitude ment (143). comparisons across regions and finds that, globally, although gap of 77.1 per cent. marijuana for the past The Kingdom was ranked income groups. many countries have achieved “The Economic Participation 15 years and three years of gender-based 128th in economic participation The rankings are designed to important milestones towards and Opportunity gap is the sec- ago he decided to grow it disparities and tracking and opportunity. create global awareness of the gender parity across education, ond-largest at 41.9pc, while the after obtaining marijua- their progress over time. The Global Gender Gap In- challenges posed by gender gaps health, economic and political Educational Attainment and na seeds from a British dex was first introduced by the and the opportunities created by systems, there remains much to Health and Survival gaps are friend. TDT | Manama World Economic Forum in 2006 reducing them. be done. significantly lower at 4.4pc and Other narcotic sub- Mohammed Zafran as a framework for capturing the The methodology and quanti- “On the one hand, countries 4.6pc, respectively. stances including hash- magnitude of gender-based dis- tative analysis behind the rank- where the next generation of “Among them, on average, only ish, clonazepam and parities and tracking their pro- ings are intended to serve as women are becoming leaders the Economic Participation and bromazepam were also he Kingdom has been gress over time. a basis for designing effective in their domains are poised for Opportunity gap has slightly re- seized from his posses- ranked third in the GCC The Index benchmarks na- measures for reducing gender further success. duced since last year,” the report sion, the prosecutors Tregion in a global report tional gender gaps on economic, gaps. “On the other hand, this year’s stated. added. SATURDAY, DECEMBER 22, 2018 04 Jenadriyah Festival begins in style HM King’s Personal Representative attends the festival

King Salman receives HH Shaikh Abdulla at the opening ceremony. The festival has attracted thousands of visitors, both local and from abroad.

Manama The Jenadriyah Festival is and Bahrain’s Ambassador to dian of the Two Holy Mosques ble success of the festival that Mosques in honour of senior held under the patronage of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, and wishes of good health and reflects the originality of the guests of Al Jenadriyah Herit- n behalf of HM King the Custodian of the Two Holy Shaikh Hamoud bin Abdullah happiness and to the Saudi Saudi heritage. age and Cultural Festival. Hamad bin Isa Al Mosques King Salman bin Ab- Al Khalifa, also attended. people durable progress and HM the King’s Personal HH Shaikh Abdullah bin OKhalifa, HM the King’s dulaziz Al Saud of Saudi Arabia The Custodian of the Two prosperity. Representative, alongside the Hamad commended the Saudi Personal Representative HH and organised by the Ministry Holy Mosques received HM the He praised the longstanding Custodian of the Two Holy efforts to organise this out - Shaikh Abdullah bin Hamad of the National Guard. King’s Personal Representative fraternal bilateral relations, Mosques and heads of Gulf del- standing annual event that mir- Al Khalifa attended the open- HH Shaikh Isa bin Salman bin in the presence of heads of Gulf stressing HM the King’s keen egation, watched the annual rors determination to preserve ing ceremony of the 33rd Na - Hamad Al Khalifa; HH Shaikh delegations participating in the interest in participating in the camel race held as part of the the genuine Saudi heritage, tional Festival of Heritage and Isa bin Abdullah bin Hamad Jenadriyah Festival. launch of the 33rd edition of festival events. wishing the national festival Culture (Jenadriyah Festival) Al Khalifa; Director-Gener- HM the King’s Personal Rep- the notable heritage festival of HH Shaikh Abdullah attend- even greater success in years themed ‘Faithfulness and Loy- al of the Royal Family, Shaikh resentative conveyed HM the the Jenadriyah. ed a dinner banquet hosted by to come to highlight the bright alty’. Salman bin Khalid Al Khalifa King’s greetings to the Custo- He pointed out the remarka- the Custodian of the Two Holy image of the Saudi culture. PR Professionals to step up Bahrain operations TDT | Manama ment company Room 32, a subsidiary of of Mcindies. Infrastructure, health, logistics, etc. Mcindies Holding Company, the group Under its global expansion strategy, Currently, PRP offers a pan India reach eading Indian public relations that publishes The Daily Tribune. PRP plans to strengthen its reach and with its nine offices and over 105 em- company PR Professionals is The newspaper quoted Sarvesh Ku- Our strengths lie in brand presence in European and Mid- ployees and 150 plus associates. The Lplanning to step up Bahrain op- mar Tiwari, Founder, and Managing making the most effective dle Eastern markets. The company will three offshore offices in UK, Germany erations, Business Standard reported. Director, PR Professionals, as saying, communication strategies also be exploring opportunities in oth- and Bahrain will strengthen its reach The Manama (KOB) office has be- “We are overjoyed to announce our and executing them with er markets and look forward to opening globally. come PRP’s third international office Bahrain operations and our partner- precision and flair. many more offices abroad. “Our strengths lie in making the after London and Germany. ship with Room 32. PRP started off in the year 2011 with most effective communication strat- The firm initiated its global opera- “I am sure that, we will complement MR TIWARI a handful of people and in fast for - egies and executing them with preci- tions early this year and achieved its each other with our business and ex- ward seven years have grown steadily sion and flair. What sets us apart from first phase target of establishing oper- pertise. Our collaborative approach leading Public Relation Company, PR with a compound annual growth rate others is we have been pushing the ations in Europe and the Middle East will allow us to offer our clients with Professionals. The tie-up will extend of almost 72 per cent since 2014. The boundaries of communications and within the year, the newspaper said. strategies built on local knowledge, our portfolio and help us in offering a firm started with real estate clients setting yardsticks with our imagina- PRP’s operation in Bahrain is support- regional support and global reach.” broader spectrum of services to our cli- but with time it branched out to many tion, ingenuity and alertness for our ed by country’s leading event manage- “We are glad to partner with India’s ents,” said P Unnikrishnan, Chairman other verticals like education, telecom, clients,” Mr Tiwari pointed out.

Kochi Metro Bahrain Short-Film Fest 2018 concludes TDT | Manama

he first edition of Kochi Metro Bahrain Short-Film I am particularly TFest 2018 held in associa- delighted to bring in the tion with NIKON Middle East and aspiring and established Cineco (exhibition partner) has concluded. talents across GCC The festival, a brainchild of and India under one renowned South Indian actor platform and even lined Raveendran, was held under the up high-profile film patronage of Capital Governor personalities. Shaikh Hisham bin Abdulrahman MR RAVEENDRAN Al Khalifa and it was inaugurated by Deputy Governor Hassan Ab- ly delighted to bring in the aspir- dullah Al Madani. ing and established talents across The Cineco X, Oasis Mall, Juf- GCC and India under one platform fair Screens had been the nerve and even lined up high-profile centre of the event, hosting film personalities. screenings and the red carpet. “We have honoured three emi- The movies screened included nent film personalities from Arab the works of Bahraini filmmakers cinema world including distin- Mohammed Bu Ali, Ghadeer Ali, Mr Raveendran, centre, with other festival organisers at the inaugural ceremony. guished International Film Festi- Saudi filmmaker Farhat and Bah- val Directors Masoud Amralla Al rain-based filmmaker Ram Gopal tivities were staged on the side- dance items and skits. entries by a jury composed of Os- NIKON representative Ms Reem. Ali, (Dubai), Mohamed Al Kandy Menon. lines of the festival including folk The winning 15 short films were car-nominated Indian filmmak- Speaking to Tribune, Mr (Oman) and Ahmed Al Mulla Arabic and Indian cultural ac- dance, traditional musical and selected from over more than 45 er Salim Ahmed, Mr Bu Ali and Raveendran said, “I am particular- (Saudi).” SATURDAY, DECEMBER 22, 2018 05 Kingdom welcomes Malaysia’s interest in construction sector Malaysian construction companies keen on exploring the construction segment of the Kingdom TDT | Manama

ahrain has welcomed Ma- laysia’s strong interest in Bahrain’s strong Bthe island country’s con- real estate growth struction industry, the Malaysia continued with a External Trade Development number of residential, Corporation (MATRADE) said, The Nation reported. commercial According to the newspaper, and hospitality this was attested by Housing developments coming Minister Bassim Alhamer during on stream into the new MATRADE’s Export Acceleration year. Mission for the Services Sector MATRADE to the kingdom. “Mr Alhamer looks forward to forging partnership with Ma- Council. laysia by fostering closer engage- “Some of the key projects un- ment between the government of der discussion were an immedi- both countries.” ate parcel of 400 of 3,300 hous- He also invited Malaysian ing units in a township in West companies to form partnerships Manama,” it pointed out. with Bahraini developers to un- It added that the Bahraini gov- dertake government-related pro- ernment planned to build 40,000 jects, especially public housing public housing units through- in the kingdom, MATRADE, the out the country during the 2015- national trade promotion agency 2020 period. said in a statement Thursday. The MATRADE delegation also The mission was led by MAT- attended the fifth Arab Housing RADE Deputy Chief Executive Conference held in Manama, Officer Wan Latiff Wan Musa. where Malaysia was the only According to MATRADE, Bah- non-Arab country taking part. rain’s construction industry has Construction is one of the fast-growing segments of Bahrain economy. a strong focus on transportation and industrial infrastructure, as tinued with a number of residen- it said. well as the construction of tens tial, commercial and hospitality MATRADE said the mis - of thousands of affordable hous- developments coming on stream sion also attended roundta- ing units. into the new year 2019 and on- ble meetings with Bahraini “These developments are wards. companies and held meetings expected to be among the key “Malaysian construction com- with key organisations such drivers of growth for the sector panies are well qualified and as the Ministry of Housing, in the near future, with much highly experienced. This will Bahrain Economic Develop- of this coming from govern - serve as strong credentials to be ment Board, Urban Planning ment-backed projects,” it said. given the opportunity to partici- and Development Authority, MATRADE said Bahrain’s pate in the construction of social Bahrain Society of Engineers, strong real estate growth con- housing projects in Bahrain,” and Bahrain ASEAN Business

BTECH gets new board of directors

The newly-elected board of directors. TDT | Manama Moreover, BTECH’s financial report for the year 2016-2017 ahrain Technology Com- presented during the AGM and panies Society’s (BTECH) has been approved by members BAnnual General Meeting of the society. recently held under the super- Funds were collected vision of the society’s Senior through membership, spon- Board Advisor Ahmed Al Hu- sorship support and project jairy, has re-elected Ubaydli donations. Ubaydli as the chairman. Later, BTECH president pro- The new board of directors Mr Ubaydli posed BTECH’s business strate- of BTECH for 2019-2020 are: gy for the term 2018-2020 par- Ubaydli Ubaydli, Chairman, Dr nual Managerial report of the alleled to ICT developments Osama Albaharna, Vice-Chair- Society for 2016-2017, which in Bahrain, the region and the man, Rashid Al Sinan, Secre- included all the activities and world. tary, Tareq Fakhroo, Treasurer, events carried out by “BTECH” He also proposed Society’s S M Hussaini, Board Director, during that period inside and mission and vision which will BPO Committee, Hani Awachi, outside Bahrain. focus on exploring ICT sector Head of Membership Commit- The managerial report re- developments and building tee, and Mirza Asrar Baig and flected a positive and grow- on its pillars such as sector’s Head of Cybersecurity Com- ing society who has reached skilled human resources, quali- mittee. an international level in pro- fied university graduates, prox- During the AGM, members moting the ICT industry of the imity to Saudi market and the of BTECH approved the An- Kingdom. advanced infrastructure. 06 SATURDAY, DECEMBER 22, 2018 world US defence chief quits

transgender soldiers. stability amidst the chaos of He hinted at Mattis’s depar- the Trump administration” and ture as far back as October, tell- voiced fears of policy driven by ing CBS: “It could be that he is “the president’s erratic whims.” (leaving). I think he’s sort of a Meanwhile, Senate Majority Because you have Democrat, if you want to know Leader Mitch McConnell was It could be that he is the right to have a the truth... He may leave. I mean, unusually pointed, calling for (leaving). I think he’s secretary of defence at some point, everybody leaves.” the US to “maintain a clear-eyed sort of a Democrat, if whose views are On Twitter Thursday, how- understanding of our friends you want to know the better aligned with ever, Trump had only praise for and foes, and recognise that na- truth... He may leave. his defence secretary, who will tions like Russia are among the I mean, at some yours. I believe it serve until the end of February, latter.” is right for me to crediting him with achieving He said he was “particularly point, everybody step down from my “tremendous progress.” distressed that he is resigning leaves position due to sharp differences with ‘National security crisis’ the president on these and other US lawmakers across the po- key aspects of America’s global litical spectrum voiced concern leadership.” JIM MATTIS over a rebirth of the Islamic Trump was quick to note DONALD TRUMP US DEFENCE SECRETARY SAID IN A State group in Syria and sound- that he has ramped up mili - HINTED AT MATTIS’S DEPARTURE AS FAR LETTER TO TRUMP ed an alarm as Mattis unmoors tary spending, but he has been BACK AS OCTOBER from the unpredictable admin- most interested in deploying wistration. troops at home to carry out Senator Marco Rubio, a mem- his key domestic goal o f gration. ber of Trump’s Republican Party, cracking down o n “Does the USA want to be the Mattis, a battle-hardened retired four- said Mattis in his letter “makes unauthorised immi- Policeman of the Middle East, ident. it abundantly clear that we are getting NOTHING but spending star general seen as a moderating force “My views on treating allies headed towards a series of grave precious lives and trillions of with respect and also being policy errors which dollars protecting others who, on the often impulsive president clear-eyed about both malign will endanger our na- in almost all cases, do not ap- actors and strategic competi- tion, damage our al- preciate what we are doing? Do States would no longer be the tors are strongly held and in - liances and empower we want to be there forever? Trump decided on a “policeman of the Middle East” formed by over four decades our adversaries.” Time for others to finally fight,” • and saying the 2,000-strong US of immersion in these issues,” Democratic Senator he tweeted. “significant withdrawal” force in Syria was no longer Mattis wrote. Mark Warner called in a much larger US needed as the Islamic State One day after the surprise Mattis “an island of operation -- Afghanistan group had been defeated. announcement on Syria, a US Mattis, a battle-hardened re- official said that Trump had US forces, accompanied by Kurdish tired four-star general seen as also decided on a “significant People’s Protection Units (YPG) fighters, Some 14,000 US drive their armoured vehicles near • a moderating force on the often withdrawal” in a much larger US troops are fighting the impulsive president, made little operation -- Afghanistan. the northern Syrian village of Taliban in Afghanistan attempt to hide his disagree - Some 14,000 troops are fight- Darbasiyah, on the border with Turkey. ments with Trump. ing the Taliban in Afghanistan AFP | Washington, United States “Because you have the right as part of the longest-ever US to have a secretary of defence war, launched in response to the whose views are better aligned September 11, 2001 attacks. The S Defence Secretary Jim with yours,” Mattis said in a let- Wall Street Journal reported Mattis resigned Thurs- ter to Trump, “I believe it is right that more than half would be Uday, leading a chorus of for me to step down from my returning. protests at home and abroad position.” Trump has surrounded him- after President Donald Trump Mattis hailed the coalition to self with former military men ordered a complete troop pull- defeat Islamic State as well as and shown an uncharacteristic out from Syria and a significant NATO, the nearly 70-year-old public deference toward Mattis, withdrawal from Afghanistan. alliance between North America a bookish 68-year-old who has Trump steadfastly defended and Europe whose cost-effec- disagreed with the president be- his sudden push for retrench- tiveness has been questioned by hind the scenes on issues from ment, vowing that the United the businessman turned pres- Russia to Iran to accepting

US arrested 10,000 gang members in 2018, says immigration agency Sydney pummelled by tennis ball sized hail Sydney, Australia Miami, United States smashed through car wind - Immigration authorities also shields and turned the Harbour he US this year arrested confiscated over 820 firearms ustralia’s largest city was Many drivers sought into a bubbling and splashing Tover 10,000 members of and more than 2.7 tons of il- Apicking up the pieces Fri- refuge under roofed cauldron. “transnational gangs,” its im- legal drugs, ICE added in its day after a series of lightning petrol stations and Many drivers sought refuge migration enforcement agen- statement. and hailstorms pummelled cars a few brave surfers under roofed petrol stations and cy announced Thursday -- in- Of those deported, more with ice blocks the size of tennis in the water at the a few brave surfers in the water cluding over 2,000 members than 1,300 were affiliat - balls. city’s famed Bondi at the city’s famed Bondi Beach of MS-13, regularly cited as a ed with MS-13, which oper- The authorities issued a se- hid under their boards. threat by US President Donald ates in the US and Central vere storm warning, but that Hailstorms are fairly common Trump. America. was not enough to prevent dam- in the state of New South Wales US Immigration and Cus- Fighting the gang -- full age that is already running into es,” the Insurance Council of in the antipodean summer, al- toms Enforcement (ICE) said name Mara Salvatrucha the tens of millions of dollars. Australia said. though one on this scale has it also deported over 5,800 sus- -- became a top priority for “As of 6:30 am we are at When the storms hit, Syd - not been seen since 1999, when pected gang members, up nine the US Justice Department 15,000 claims and AUS$80 mil- neysiders looked on in desper- hailstones caused an estimated A boy holding a large hailstone in percent on 2017. last year. lion (US$57 million) in damag- ation as cauliflower-shaped hail AUS$1.7 billion in damage. Sydney. SATURDAY, DECEMBER 22, 2018 07

Japan pledges With eye on china, to buy more US military equipment, under pressure Japan ups defence from Trump

ernment said yesterday, as Tokyo the US military’s Aegis Ashore helicopter carriers so that they Beijing immediately ex - more US mil- i - The government beefs up its missile defence and land-based missile interceptor can launch fighters. pressed its “strong dissatisfac- tary equipment, under • deploys stealth jets in a bid to system, the officials said. Abe’s government argues tion and opposition” to the pro- pressure from President Don- set aside $47 billion counter China. The FY 2019 allocation covers the efforts are necessary given gramme unveiled on Tuesday, ald Trump. The US leader has for defence The defence spending was six F-35A stealth jets, and part growing defence challenges in urging Tokyo “to adhere to a repeatedly complained about part of a $912-billion national of it will be spent on Japan’s the region, including tensions purely defensive policy”. Washington’s huge trade defi- For six F-35A budget for the fiscal year starting first aircraft carriers since World with North Korea, and particu- Last year, China unveiled its cit with Tokyo and also urged stealth• jets, and first in April 2019, approved by Prime War II. The budget is the initial larly “strong concerns” about first domestically built aircraft Abe to expand the country’s Minister Shinzo Abe’s cabinet. allocation of Japan’s new five- the expansion of China’s mili- carrier as it continues to assert defensive capacity. For his part, aircraft carriers The government decided to year defence plan, announced on tary footprint. claims in the South China Sea. Abe has campaigned for years set aside 5.26 trillion yen ($47 Tuesday as the latest in a series But the move is controversial, Beijing’s first carrier, the Liaon- to amend Japan’s pacifist con- Tokyo, Japan billion) for defence, the fifth of steps under Abe to boost the with critics arguing it shifts To- ing, is a second-hand Soviet ship stitution, arguing that it ties the record year in a row, defence nation’s military. kyo further away from its com- built nearly 30 years ago and hands of the country’s Self-De- apan’s defence budget will ministry officials said. Under the multi-year pro - mitment to strictly defensive commissioned in 2012. fense Forces (SDF) even in pro- Jswell to a record $47 billion The defence funding will gramme through March 2024, capabilities under Japan’s post- Japan’s new programme tecting the country’s allies from for the next fiscal year, the gov- cover the cost of introducing Japan will upgrade two existing WWII pacifist constitution. comes after pledges to buy attack. ‘Don’t fall in love on Facebook’ Police consider shooting AFP | Mumbai, India

n Indian man released this week af- Ater being jailed for six years in Pa - down drones at airport kistan issued advice yesterday not to follow his example and fall in love on Gatwick Airport, United Facebook. Kingdom Hamid Nehal Ansari illegally entered Pakistan from Afghanistan in 2012 to meet ritish police were yesterday a woman he had fallen for on the social Bconsidering shooting down media network. the drone that has grounded But Pakistani police were waiting for him flights and caused chaos at Lon- at the woman’s house and arrested him on don’s Gatwick Airport, with the spot. The engineer was later jailed for passengers set to face a third spying and forging documents. day of disruption. “Do not be emotional about strangers and Police said it was a “tactical don’t fall in love on social media including option” after more than 50 Facebook,” Ansari said three days after be- sightings of the device near ing released and returning to India. the airfield since Wednesday Passengers wait at London Gatwick Airport Local media showed Ansari hugging his night when the runway was mother and bowing to touch his head to first closed. ators, while military resources and the airport was only able the ground after crossing over to India at Police and airport authori- have been deployed to safe - to reopen its sole runway due an overland border on Tuesday. ties believe the drone is being guard Britain’s second-busiest to the “additional mitigating “Getting deported was the happiest mo- flown in a deliberate act to dis- airport. measures” provided by govern- ment of my life,” the 33-year-old later said rupt the airport at one of the A Gatwick spokesman said ment agencies and the military. by phone from his home in Mumbai. busiest times of year, leaving that 91 of Friday’s 412 sched- Transport Secretary Chris “(Now I will) start a business, get married tens of thousands of passen- uled arrivals had been can - Grayling told the BBC that “mil- and work on building back my life. No more gers stranded just days before celled, while 64 of 371 sched- itary capabilities” were being social for me,” Ansari said. Christmas. uled departures had also been deployed”. Arch-rivals Pakistan and India have scrapped. “There are a range of meas- fought three major wars since independ- Gatwick reopens Gatwick’s chief operating of- ures which are there today ence from Britain in 1947. They routine- Released Indian prisoner Hamid Ansari (L), accompanied by his Gatwick Airport reopened ficer Chris Woodroofe told BBC which should give passengers ly arrest each other’s citizens on spying mother Fauzia Ansari (C), father Nehal Ansari (R) and brother Dr while police are still hunting radio that police were yet to confidence that they are safe to charges Khalid Ansari (3R), arrives at the India Pakistan Wagah border for the drone operator or oper- find the operator of the drones fly,” he said.

Russia probes Carlos Ghosn re- BBC after British Americans have grown fatter, shorter arrested over fresh regulator warns RT Washington, United States allegations as the nation battles with an “A significant linear increase Women’s average height also mericans have got fatter ongoing obesity epidemic and a in body weight was seen over fell one tenth of an inch since Tokyo, Japan Moscow, Russia Aover the past two decades, record 40 percent of Americans time for both men and women,” 1999. adding girth to their bellies are considered obese. said the report, based on data BMI, a key health indicator apanese prosecutors ussia’s broadcasting and even growing fractionally Average weight, waist circum- from physical exams on more which is calculated as ratio of Jre-arrested former Nis- Rwatchdog yesterday shorter on average, according fer- ence, and body than 47,000 people nationwide height and weight, showed men san boss Carlos Ghosn over said it was probing the BBC to federal health data released mass index over the age of 20. climbed from an average of 27.8 fresh allegations Friday, ap- in retaliation after the Brit- Thursday. ( BMI) in The average American man in 1999 to 29.1 in 2015. parently dashing his hopes ish regulator said Krem- The report gave no spe- adults have weighs 197.9 pounds (89.8 kilo- Women went from a 27.8 to of being home for Christmas lin-funded RT television cific reasons for the increased grams), according to the most 28.2. in the latest twist to a roller- broke broadcasting stand- trends, which over the past recent year for which data is Those BMIs put both men and coaster saga. ards. come as no 18 years, said available, 2015-2016. women squarely in the “over- The case of the once-re- The Roskomnadzor surprise the report by That’s up eight pounds from weight” range -- the normal vered 64-year-old tycoon watchdog said it is “starting the Nation- 1999-2000, when the average range is typically 18.5-24.9. has gripped Japan and the control measures” into the al Center male body weight was 189 (86 According to the latest data business world since he was compliance with Russian for Health kg). from the Centers for Disease arrested as he stepped off law of BBC World News, an Statistics. Women have packed on the Control and Prevention, 39.8 his private jet at Tokyo’s international channel avail- pounds too, going from an aver- percent of Americans are con- Haneda Airport on Novem- able in Russia, and the BBC’s age of 164 lbs (74 kg) in 1999 to sidered obese, a total of more ber 19. websites. Roskomnadzor 171 lb (77 kg) in 18 years. than 93 million people. He had appeared set said the checks were “due Men’s average waist size has Doctors say there are plenty for release Friday af - to the situation over the is- crept from 39 to 40 inches (99 of reasons to maintain a normal ter a court surprisingly suing of a decision by the cm to 102 cm), while women’s weight, as obesity raises the risk rejected the prosecu - British regulator on viola- waists grew three inches -- 36 of heart disease, stroke, type 2 tors’ demand to extend tions by RT channel.” to 39 inches (92 to 98 cm) -- in diabetes and certain types of his detention for further Britain’s Ofcom regulator that time span. cancer. questioning. said Thursday it had found American men today are Obesity also packs a punch to But instead of being freed violations of impartiality slightly shorter: five foot 9.2 the economy. The estimated an- on bail, Ghosn was arrested rules in seven of RT’s shows inches (175.6 cm) in 1999, and nual medical cost in the United Friday over separate alle- broadcast after the Salis- five foot 9.1 inches (175.4 cm) States is $147 billion, according gations of financial wrong- bury nerve agent attack. by 2015. to the CDC. doing. 08 SATURDAY, DECEMBER 22, 2018 society

Ministry of Work, Municipalities Affairs and Urban Planning held a training course on traffic accident procedures.

As part of Discover Islam “Beat the Cold” team’s 16th week distribution, food packets, warm clothes, biscuits, soap and shampoo were given to the construction workers in the Juffair area.

Ayyappa Seva Sangam Bahrain chapter in association with InterAds International organised an inter-faith meet in connection with the traditional folklore festival of Lord Ayyappa.

The New Millennium School - DPS Bahrain celebrated Christmas with great fervor and enthusiasm. The entire school reverberated with the echoes of Christmas carols and wore a festive look with bells, streamers and beautifully decorated Christmas trees. Several activities such as decorating Christmas Trees and Stockings, making Christmas Cards and Hand- crafted bells were organised for the students. The special assemblies were organised by the teachers for students. The assemblies highlighted the spirit of giving and sharing during Christmas. The Indian School Bahrain (ISB) Mega Fair 2018 was inaugurated by Chief Guest Indian Ambassador Alok Kumar Sinha in the presence of ISB Chairman Prince S Natarajan, Organising Committee General Convener S Inayadullah, ISB Secretary Saji Antony, Principals VR Palaniswamy, Pamela Xavier and the Executive Committee members. 08 SATURDAY, DECEMBER 22, 2018 SATURDAY, DECEMBER 22, 2018 09 society

Ministry of Work, Municipalities Affairs and Urban Planning held a training course on traffic accident procedures.

As part of its ongoing endeavours to recognise and appreciate its human capital, including the former employees, BBK, Bahrain’s pioneer in retail and commercial banking, held the third reunion for its alumni employees at the Gulf Convention Centre, Gulf Hotel Bahrain. It was attended by VIPs from the financial sector, former and current BBK Board members, the Executive Management and a large As part of Discover Islam “Beat the Cold” team’s 16th week distribution, food packets, warm clothes, biscuits, soap and shampoo were given to the construction workers in the Juffair area. number of former employees.

Bahrain Indian School conducted a multitude of activities encapsulating the history and culture of Bahrain. The activities ranged from talks on Bahrain, quiz competition, craft making activities, special assembly, bulletin board decoration and raising funds for charity by organising a Fun and Food festival. Directors Himanshu Verma and Ritu Verma and Principal Saji Jacob extended their best wishes and heartfelt congratulations to the wise leadership, the government Quality Education School celebrated Bahrain National Day in style. The event began with the recital of the Holy Quran and to the people of the and the Bahrain National Anthem, followed by an inspiring address by the Principal, Dr Ravi Warrier, who emphasised Kingdom of Bahrain on the on the importance of identifying our individual roles as citizens of the country and working towards enhancing our occasion of National Day. contributions for the same.

Ayyappa Seva Sangam Bahrain chapter in association with InterAds International organised an inter-faith meet in connection with the traditional folklore festival of Lord Ayyappa.

The New Millennium School - DPS Bahrain celebrated Christmas with great fervor and enthusiasm. The entire school reverberated with the echoes of Christmas carols and wore a festive look with bells, streamers and beautifully decorated Christmas trees. Several activities such as decorating Christmas Trees and Stockings, making Christmas Cards and Hand- crafted bells were organised for the students. The special assemblies were organised by the teachers for students. The assemblies highlighted the spirit of giving and sharing during Christmas. The Indian School Bahrain (ISB) Mega Fair 2018 was inaugurated by Chief Guest Indian Ambassador Alok Kumar Sinha in the presence of ISB Chairman Prince S Natarajan, Organising Committee General Convener S Inayadullah, ISB Secretary Saji Antony, Principals VR Palaniswamy, Pamela Xavier and the Executive Committee members. 10 SATURDAY, DECEMBER 22, 2018 business

Boeing lands UAE to deposit $3 bn in jet deals with Pakistan central bank Nigeria, Saudi bank in the past year. for $9.3 billion Pakistan is facing A team from the International a• widening balance Monetary Fund in November its first deliveries to Saudi Ara- visited Pakistan for talks with The two deals will bia were in 1945, as those DC-3 of payments crisis officials on a possible IMF bail- • aircraft “gave birth to commer- out but the discussions ended be worth around $17.6 cial air travel in the kingdom”. Pakistan last received without any agreement. billion at list prices Flyeadeal is a subsidiary of an• IMF bailout in 2013 to Pakistan -- a regular borrower Saudi Arabian Airlines and from the IMF since the 1980s -- flies to a range of domestic the tune of $6.6 billion 50 jets to Nigeria’s last received an IMF bailout in Green• Air and 30 to destinations across the king- 2013 to the tune of $6.6 billion. dom. It also secured It also secured $6 billion in Saudi carrier flyadeal Boeing quoted the director $6• billion in funding funding from Saudi Arabia and general of Saudi Arabian Air- from Saudi Arabia struck a 12-month deal for a Paris, France lines, Saleh bin Nasser Al-Jass- cash lifeline during Pakistani er, as saying: “The demand for Prime Minister Imran Khan’s S planemaker Boeing yes- air transport services in the Islamabad has also visit to the kingdom in October. Uterday said it had agreed domestic market of the King- received• billions of Khan thanked the UAE on Fri- deals worth an overall $9.3 dom of Saudi Arabia has grown dollars in Chinese loans day “for supporting Pakistan so billion to sell 50 jets to Nige- exponentially,” adding flyadeal generously in our testing times”. ria’s Green Air and 30 to Saudi had ambitions eventually to “This reflects our com - carrier flyadeal. “cover new markets outside of Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emir- mitment and friendship The company lauded the Ni- Saudi Arabia”. ates that has remained steadfast geria accord, which includes The flyadeal is for the over the years,” he said on a further 50 options, as the 189-seater 737 MAX 8, whose he United Arab Emirates Twitter. largest signed to date in Africa. operating costs Boeing said will deposit $3 billion in The UAE announcement came As with the Saudi deal, the were eight percent lower than Tthe central bank of Paki- Imran Khan (Courtesy of NYT) days after Pakistan attended Nigerians are purchasing sin- the carrier’s current fleet of stan to help “enhance liquidity” reconciliation talks between gle-aisle 737 MAX planes. Airbus A320s. If all the pur- as the country struggles with a said. currency” at the central bank, the United States and Taliban “While flyadeal has been chase options are exercised, balance of payments crisis, state Quoting a statement from the it added. officials from Afghanistan operating new Airbus A320s, the two deals unveiled Friday media said yesterday. ADFD, the state news agency Pakistan is facing a widening hosted by the wealthy Gulf the airline says it has selected will be worth around $17.6 bil- The transfer of 11 billion dir- said the amount is meant “to balance of payments crisis. The state in Abu Dhabi. the 737 MAX for the future,” lion at list prices. hams by the government-owned support the financial and mon- rupee plunged almost five per- Islamabad has also received Boeing said in a statement. Abu Dhabi Fund for Develop- etary policy of the Islamic Re- cent to a record low at the end billions of dollars in Chinese The firm ment (ADFD) is expected to public of Pakistan”. of Novem- ber, after what loans to finance ambitious in- noted be carried out in the “coming It will “enhance liquidity and appeared to be a sixth de- frastructure projects. days”, the WAM news agency monetary reserves of foreign valuation by the central

Representative picture Airbus delivers first helicopters to First ever Arctic bank Ukraine robbery goes south Kiev, Ukraine Oslo, Norway spokesman for the local gover- Malaysia wants $7.5 bn from kraine yesterday pre- man has robbed a bank on nor said. Usented the first two of Athe northernmost settle- The odds of the heist suc- 55 helicopters it ordered ment in the world -- a remote ceeding were, however, always Goldman over 1MDB: report from European aerospace Arctic island in the Norwegian low on the archipelago, famous giant Airbus for civil use archipelago of Svalbard -- but for glaciers and ice caps. said. Goldman has previously in a deal worth over half a was caught hours later, au - The capital, Longyearbyen, said it will fight the charges billion euros. thorities said yesterday. has around 2,000 inhabit - brought against it by Malaysian The two H225 Super The heist was the first ever ants and practically everyone authorities and that members Puma helicopters went on bank robbery in living memory knows each other. The airport of the former government in display in Kiev’s Boryspil on the territory, which is locat- is the main means of leaving Kuala Lumpur and 1MDB em- international airport dur- ed in the Arctic Ocean, about the settlement. ployees lied to the bank. ing a handover ceremony halfway between continental “A man with a firearm seized In a response to Lim’s com- attended by Ukrainian Pres- Norway and the North Pole. a sum of money. He was arrest- ments, Goldman noted that a ident Petro Poroshenko and “There was an armed rob- ed quite quickly,” Carlsen said. huge portion of money raised Airbus officials. bery at around 10.40 am Authorities declined to give in the bond issues was “stolen “This is an extraordinary (09:40 GMT),” Terje Carlsen, a more details about the sus - for the benefit of members of event, clear evidence of the pect’s identity, the amount Finance minister Lim Guan Eng (file) the Malaysian government and strengthening of the mate- stolen or the weapon used for their associates”, the Financial rial resources for our bor- the robbery. Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia as the bank helped arranged Times reported. der guards, for our rescue Commentators on social me- three bond issues worth $6.5 The ex-Goldman bankers workers, for the National dia were quick to make fun of billion for the investment ve- named in the Malaysian charges Guard,” Poroshenko said at the failed bank robbery. alaysia’s finance minister hicle. are Tim Leissner, who worked KNOW WHAT the ceremony. “The most reckless bank Mwants Goldman Sachs to Malaysia this week filed as Southeast Asia chairman, In July, Ukraine signed robbery in Norwegian histo- pay $7.5 billion in reparations criminal charges against the and former managing director a contract with Airbus to ry?” said one Twitter user. over its dealings with scan - bank and two of its former em- Ng Chong Hwa. buy 55 of its civil helicopters “He probably forgot to think dal-hit state fund 1MDB, a re- ployees, alleging they took part Ng appeared before a Kuala for 555 million euros ($634 The capital, about his escape route,” com- port said yesterday, adding to in a scheme to steal huge sums Lumpur court on Wednesday million at the current rate). Longyearbyen, mented another. the Wall Street giant’s woes. while raising cash for the fund. and pleaded not guilty. Eighty-five percent of has around 2,000 The Svalbard archipelago, Billions of dollars were pur- Finance minister Lim Guan He has also been indicted in that amount will be cov - inhabitants and roughly twice the size of Bel- portedly stolen from the fund Eng told the Financial Times the US, and American officials ered by a loan from the gium, lies about 1,000 kilo - and used to buy everything that Goldman should return the are seeking his extradition. French treasury and French practically everyone metres (600 miles) from the from yachts to artwork, in an $6.5 billion raised in the bond Leissner has been indicted in banks. knows each other. North Pole. audacious fraud that alleged- issues plus $1 billion, to cover the US and has pleaded guilty. The 24 H125, 10 H145 and The airport is the Temperatures in winter reg- ly involved former Malaysian fees they earned plus interest Malaysia also hit fugitive fi- 21 H225 helicopters are set main means of leav- ularly plunge to below minus leader Najib Razak and contrib- payments on the bonds. nancier Low Taek Jho, a sus- to be used for civil securi- ing the settlement 20 degrees Celsius (minus 4 uted to his government’s shock “We are not only looking at pected mastermind of the 1MDB ty needs including border Fahrenheit) and can drop be- defeat in May elections. just the (bond) fees and issu- fraud, with new charges ths monitoring, policing and low minus 40. Goldman is facing growing ance (volumes). We are looking week. He maintains his inno- emergency situations. scrutiny over its links to 1MDB for a much larger sum,” Lim cence. SATURDAY, DECEMBER 22, 2018 11

Sri Lanka averts $1.5bn foreign debt default China plans more stimulus to boost economic growth from every province and President Xi region attended, Xinhua Finance Minister Mangala • said. China would “con- Samaraweera Jinping pledged We must tinue to implement a pro- implement Colombo, Sri Lanka further opening active fiscal policy and a of the economy the consensus prudent monetary policy,” reached in the statement said. he Sri Lankan govern- The meeting Argentina The meeting pushed for Tment yesterday secured • between the more fiscal measures and parliamentary approval to pushed for more “a larger tax cut”. Beijing fiscal measures and Chinese and avert a debt default of $1.5 US heads of has already put in place billion after the annual “a larger tax cut” one round of tax cuts for budget was blocked by a state and push the middle and lower class seven-week political crisis. forward economic this year. AFP | Beijing, China MPs voted 102 to six to ap- and trade Policymakers said prove an interim budget to negotiations they would increase the pay for urgent government hina’s top policy- scale of local govern - expenditure in the first four makers yesterday ment bond issuance and CENTRAL ECONOMIC WORK months of 2019. Csignalled more CONFERENCE STATEMENT solve financing problems Finance Minister Manga- support for the economy for small and medium la Samaraweera said he was next year with tax cuts and enterprises. finalising an appropriation other policy measures as a China’s President Xi Jinping (file) Beijing will work to re- The meeting said China bill for next year when Pres- bruising battle on debt and lax market access, protect would “keep the economy ident Maithripala Sirisena a trade war with the US agency Xinhua. steadily”, the statement the legitimate rights and running in a reasonable sacked the government on have weighed on growth. Economic data has said. interests of foreign busi- range,” next year. October 26, plunging the The meeting headed by shown China’s economy “We must implement nessmen in China, espe- Leaders will work to country into a constitution- President Xi Jinping also slowing this autumn, with the consensus reached in cially IP rights, and allow “enhance spending pow- al crisis. pledged further opening Chinese consumer spend- Argentina between the them to operate inde - er, let the people eat with “We don’t have time to of the economy, better KNOW WHAT ing growing at its slowest Chinese and US heads of pendently in more areas, ease, dress satisfactorily, present a new budget, but protection of intellectu- pace in 15 years during state and push forward Xinhua said. and use things comforta- we need to meet our (debt al property rights and to November and factories economic and trade ne- bly,” Xinhua said. and salary) obligations,” Sa- push forward trade nego- easing up on production. gotiations,” the readout ‘Larger tax cut’ Policymakers indicat- maraweera told parliament tiations with Washington. The world’s num- Xi and US President said. China’s top officials ed they would continue to introduce the vote on the The outcome of the an- ber two economy Donald Trump agreed to Comprehensive open- hammer out their broad to push deleveraging and interim budget. nual Central Economic expanded at its a 90-day tariff truce this ing up is listed as one of plans for the next 12 handle local government Legislators approved Work Conference, during slowest pace for month, as the two sides try the seven major tasks for months during the three- debt risks. four months of govern - which leaders review past nine years in Ju- to find a more permanent next year -- but critics say day closed-door meeting. “We must do a good job ment spending pending a policy and plan for the solution to the trade dis- Beijing has long promised Besides Xi, the entire in preventing and resolv- full-fledged budget around upcoming year, was pub- ly-September pute. Trade frictions with much while delivering lit- Politburo standing com- ing major risks,” the state- February. lished by the state news the US have been “handled tle. mittee, and top leaders ment said.

Google gets EU e-money US GDP up 3.4pc in Q3, held down by exports licence in Lithuania Washington, United States first three months of 2015. even more sluggish. Purchases Trump’s aggressive trade pol- of durable goods -- big ticket Vilnius, Lithuania hub for fintech firms. S growth in the July-Sep- icies, and especially the tariff items like appliances, vehicles Britain-based companies Utember quarter was slightly retaliation from China, has im- and machinery -- rose in No - ithuania’s central bank fear they may lose “passport- slower than previously report- peded exports, with soybean vember compared to October, Lsaid yesterdau it has ing” rights to provide payment ed, dragged down by the large sales nearly grinding to a halt. but much less than expected. granted Google a pan-Euro- or e-money services to cus- drop in exports amid President The strong US dollar also has Orders were up 0.8pc last pean e-money licence as the tomers in the EU after Brexit Donald Trump’s multi-front made American goods more ex- month, less than half the in - Baltic eurozone state seeks to in March 2019. trade wars. pensive. crease economists had forecast, attract firms concerned that “In the light of the upcom- With hundreds of billions of The smaller rise in consumer according to a separate Com- Brexit may bar them from the ing UK-EU split, we are receiv- goods hit by retaliatory tariffs, spending, largely the result of merce Department report. That EU market. ing more inquiries than ever US exports fell by the largest lower fuel costs, also contrib- follows a big drop in October, Google Payment Lithuania before from startups and glob- amount since early 2009 at the uted to the downward revision and will drag on GDP in the final “will be able to issue electron- al enterprises all searching for height of the global financial to GDP growth, the Commerce quarter of 2018. ic money and provide payment one thing –- the next major crisis. Department said. Excluding transportation services to ensure smooth fintech hub,” Mantas Katinas, Gross domestic product ex- Meanwhile, residential in- goods, durable goods orders fell operation of its marketplac- who heads Invest Lithuania panded by 3.4 per cent in the vestment fell 3.6pc, only partly 0.3pc compared to October, and es across Europe”, it said in a agency, told AFP. third quarter rather than the offset by 1.1pc gain in non-resi- when defense is removed, the statement. Google has e-money licence 3.5pc previously reported, due dential, or business, investment, drop was 0.1pc. Lithuania, a nation of 2.8 in Britain, but its spokesman in large measure to the 4.9pc Donald Trump (file) data borne out by the slowdown Orders are still 8.4pc higher million people, says Brexit has declined to elaborate if Brexit drop in exports, five-tenths in home construction and sales. than they were through Novem- given a boost to its efforts to was a factor to set up a sepa- more than the Commerce De- Goods exports dropped 8.1pc, Other data show fourth quar- ber 2017, but have been on a de- become a northern European rate subsidiary. partment originally estimated. the biggest decline since the ter growth is shaping up to be clining trend for three months.

Indonesia takes majority stake in Ford recalling ‘Limited’ French breach of EU 410,000 US pickups massive Grasberg mine Reuters | Washington Jakarta, Indonesia Ten percent of the Inalum deficit limit ‘acceptable’: Moscovici stake will go to the Papua re- ord Motor Co is re - ndonesia yesterday finalised gional government. Paris, France that France would be the only Fcalling 410,000 pickup Ia $3.8 billion deal with US Indonesian President Joko EU country to breach the limit trucks in the United States mining giant Freeport-McMo- Widodo, who pushed for Free- uropean Economic Affairs next year. He stressed that there with engine block heaters Ran to take a 51 per cent stake port to relinquish control of ECommissioner Pierre Mos- was no defined sanction in case for fire risks. in the giant Grasberg mine, the its Papuan mining operations, covici yesterday said France’s of a “temporary” breach of the The second largest U.S. president said. said the deal means more tax likely breach next year of the 3pc ceiling, providing it did not automaker said the recall The announcement finally and royalties revenue for the EU-mandated deficit limit of last more than a year. covers some 2015-2019 Ford brings an end to a fierce stand- government. 3.0 per cent of GDP would be “Providing this breach is F-150 trucks, along with off between Freeport and the “Today is also a historical “acceptable” providing it was temporary, exceptional and, I the 2017-2019 Ford F-250 government over rights to one moment, Freeport has operat- “limited”. should add, limited, it is accept- Super Duty, F-350 Super of the world’s biggest gold and ed in Indonesia since 1973,” he “The French deficit as fore- able,” he said. Duty, F-450 Super Duty, copper mines. said in a televised statement. cast (by the government) today But he also warned France and F-550 Super Duty pick- Indonesian state-owned The agreement means Free- should reach 3.2 percent (of against allowing its overall pub- up trucks. Ford said water mining firm Inalum will get port will cede its ownership GDP) in 2019; I think such a fig- EU Commissioner of Economic and lic debt -- currently hovering and contaminants may get the majority interest in the stake but will keep operating ure is not unrealistic,” Moscov- Financial Affairs, Taxation and close to 100pc of GDP -- to bal- into the block heater cable’s Grasberg mine, from just un- the huge complex in the jun- ici told Public Senat television. Customs Pierre Moscovici loon, saying the country cannot splice connector causing der 10pc now, the company gles of Indonesia’s Papua prov- “3.2pc is a high figure, above the former French finance and “live long with such a high pub- corrosion and damage and said in a statement. ince until 2041. the well-known 3pc figure,” economy minister said, adding lic debt level”. potentially a fire. SATURDAY, DECEMBER 22, 2018 12 Stocks, oil slide on US tensions Key figures around 1430 GMT • Prospects of London - FTSE 100:  0.3pc at 6,694.26 points US government Frankfurt - DAX 30:  0.1pc at 10,597.29 shutdown increased Paris - CAC 40:  0.4pc at 4,675.35 EURO STOXX 50:  0.4pc at 2,986.76 Rising tensions between• US, China also New York - Dow:  0.1pc at 22,902.86 unnerved markets Tokyo - Nikkei 225: N 1.1pc at 20,166.19 (close) Hong Kong - Hang Seng:  0.5pc at 25,753.42 (close) Crude’s latest falls Shanghai - Composite:  0.8pc at 2,516.25 (close) added• to anxiety on Euro/dollar: N at $1.1420 from $1.1450 at 2200 GMT financial markets Dollar/yen:  at 111.15 yen from 111.24 yen Pound/dollar:  at $1.2652 from $1.2659 AFP | London, United Kingdom Oil - Brent Crude:  86 cents at $53.49 per barrel Oil - West Texas Inter:  19 cents at $45.69 uropean stocks extend- ed losses yesterday and Eoil prices struck mul - conflict. little effect. “There’s nothing ti-month lows as political tur- OPEC can do about that predic- bulence in Washington, renewed ‘Well and truly over’ ament,” Sam Margolin, a Wolfe fears over US-China relations “The global rally in stocks Research LLC analyst, said. and economic growth strains seen in the past couple of years “The solution lies only in mar- weighed on markets. is now well and truly over”, said ket confidence around global “Stocks are... in the red, with David Cheetham at XTB, noting growth, the US-China trade war, the risk of a US government shut- that London’s FTSE index was and the pace of Fed rate hikes.” down taking the blame,” said Traders work on the floor at the closing bell of the Dow Industrial Average at the New York Stock Exchange seeing its worst December since Elsewhere Friday, Japanese Joshua Mahony, market analyst 2002. “But the question going stocks again bore the brunt of at IG trading group. ing Christmas time shutdown market concerns about econom- Beijing’s security services. forward is whether this is the Asian losses, with the Nikkei New York equities were steady of the US government loomed ic growth,” said Michael McCa- US officials said the indict- start of a bear market or simply falling further into bear market at the opening after a torrid ses- as President Donald Trump rthy, chief market strategist at ment showed President Xi Jin- a pause and period of consolida- territory to hit a fresh 15-month sion Thursday when they shed and congressional Democrats CMC Markets and Stockbroking. ping had not fulfilled his pledge tion,” he said. low and regional shares on two per cent, the latest losses in remained far apart on a stopgap Rising tensions between the to stop cybercrime, but it drew Crude’s latest falls added to course for the worst week since a bruising December that has set funding bill held up by discord world’s two largest economies a furious response from Beijing, anxiety on financial markets, as October. up Wall Street for its worst year over money for a wall on the have also unnerved markets, which accused Washington of key contracts were again testing Nissan shares slipped 2.04pc since the 2007 financial crisis, Mexican border. with China hitting back at the “fabricating facts”. lows not seen since the summer after former chairman Carlos with the Nasdaq now almost “A potential US government US after the Justice Department The row erupted as the two of 2017. Ghosn faced a fresh allegations 20pc off its 2018 peak. shutdown and US accusations of indicted two alleged Chinese sides prepare for talks next Analysts said OPEC moves to that could keep him in detention The prospect of an embarrass- Chinese hacking fuelled existing hackers accused of having ties to month to resolve their trade cut production would likely have well into 2019. Trump warns of ‘very long’ Siemens boss takes aim shutdown without wall funds at Chinese buyouts Washington, United States workers will be furloughed right before Christmas without Frankfurt am Main, Germany ened rules on non- EU share the start.” resident Donald Trump a paycheck. purchases or acquisitions of Under the new legislation Pyesterday threatened a Trump appeared to hard- iemens boss Joe Kaeser strategic companies, in a meas- approved by Chancellor An- “very long” government shut- en his demand for $5 billion Syesterday lashed out at the ure aimed at curbing Chinese gela Merkel’s government on down if opposition Demo - in funding for the wall on the practices used by Chinese in- takeovers. Wednesday, Germany plans to crats refuse to approve funds US-Mexico border, a pet project vestors to exercise total control Alarm has grown in Germa- lower the threshold where re- for more border security and he has fought for since he began over foreign firms, as disquiet ny about the sell-off of vital views apply to foreign purchase a wall on the US border with campaigning for president in grows about China’s appetite technologies to the highest bid- offers of 10 percent of strategic Mexico. 2015. for German technology and der since Chinese appliance companies, down from 25 per- “Shutdown today if Demo- “Even President Ronald Rea- know-how. giant Midea acquired Kuka for cent now. crats do not vote for Border gan tried for 8 years to build The recent ousting of robotics 4.6 billion euros ($5 billion) in Security!,” Trump fumed, a Border Wall, or Fence, and maker Kuka’s chief executive 2016. one of a string of tweets on Even President was unable to do so. Others also Till Reuter two years after the Kaeser said Siemens was it- the subject. Ronald Reagan tried have tried. We will get it done, prestigious German firm was self interested in purchasing “The Democrats, whose for 8 years to build a one way or the other!” Trump taken over by Chinese group Kuka at the time but the Ger- votes we need in the Senate, Border Wall, or Fence, wrote. Midea, was just the latest ex- man conglomerate could not will probably vote against Bor- and was unable to do According to Trump, “The ample, Kaeser told the regional justify the high asking price. der Security and the Wall even Democrats are trying to belittle daily Augsburger Allgemeine. “They were convinced that though they know it is DESPER- so. Others also have the concept of a Wall, calling it “The Chinese go into a com- with the Chinese everything ATELY NEEDED. tried. We will get it old fashioned. The fact is there pany, give guarantees about em- would stay the same, except “If the Dems vote no, there done, one way or the is nothing else’s that will work, ployment and then everything that the market would be ten will be a shutdown that will other! and that has been true for thou- is calm for a while. At some times bigger,” the Siemens chief Joe last for a very long time. People DONALD TRUMP sands of years. point, they set up a separate executive told the daily. Kaeser don’t want Open Borders and “It’s like the wheel, there company that swallows the old “Of course hindsight Crime!” is nothing better. I know one, and take away the research is everything, Trump and congressional the US government up and run- tech better than anyone, & and development.” but they Democrats remain far apart ning. technology..... on a Border is The unusually frank com- could have as a midnight Friday deadline Without an agreement key only effective in conjunction ments come just days after the expected looms to approve funds to keep agencies will close and many with a Wall.” German government tough- this from Brazil to ‘actively’ boost farm exports: next foreign minister Brasília, Brazil interests,” Ernesto Araujo said won’t stop exporting chicken new government takes office on trading partner -- and the pres- razil is to throw its diplo - in a series of tweets. and soya, beef and sugar, but will January 1. ident-elect’s promise -- hastily Bmatic muscle behind a push Araujo promised to inject a also move to export hope and The 51-year-old, who never backpedalled -- to move Brazil’s to “actively and systematically” good dose of ideology into trade freedom,” he said. held the post of ambassador, em- embassy in Israel to Jerusalem. increase exports from its huge and Brazil’s dealings with other “The fact we are an agricultur- bodies Bolsonaro’s stance of en- Bolsonaro has repeatedly said farm sector, the country’s next countries, while railing against al power doesn’t stop us having couraging business and foreign that China “is buying Brazil.” foreign minister said yesterday. the foreign policies of leftist ideas and fighting for them.” investment while downplaying But his country is doing very “Agriculture’s strength will be leaders who ruled the country Araujo was a mid-ranking the need to fight climate change well in terms of increased soya part of the project to increase between 2003 and 2010. public worker in Brazil’s for- or protect the environment. exports to China after Beijing Brazil’s power. At the same time, He also said a new agribusi- eign ministry when far-right The foreign policy inexperi- imposed a 25 percent tariff on US projecting the image of a country ness department would be cre- president-elect Jair Bolsona- ence of Bolsonaro and his team soybeans in retaliation for tariffs that is confident, big and strong ated in his ministry. ro tapped him to become the has been evident in rash rhetoric on Chinese goods ordered by US will further serve agriculture’s “New foreign policy: Brazil Ernesto Araujo country’s top diplomat. The against China -- Brazil’s biggest President Donald Trump. 13 SATURDAY, DECEMBER 22, 2018

ZERO (PG-15) OASIS JUFFAIR: DAILAY AT: (KIDS CINEMA): CITYCENTRE DAILY AT: 10.45 AM. + 3.00 + 7.15 (HINDI/DRAMA/COMEDY/ROMANTIC) NEW 2.15 + 8.45 PM. + 11.30 PM. SHAH RUKH KHAN, ANUSHKA SHARMA, SEEF (II) DAILY AT: 11.15 AM. + 1.30 + 3.45 + 6.00 + 8.15 + 10.30 PM. HUNTER KILLER KATRINA KAIF (PG-15) (ACTION/THRILLER) Sandra Bullock STARTING FRIDAY 21st 9-SPIDER MAN INTO THE SPIDER GERARD BUTLER, GARY OLDMAN, OASIS JUFFAIR DAILY AT: 11.00 AM + 2.00 + COMMON 5.00 + 8.00 + 11.00 PM. VERSE CITYCENTRE DAILY AT: 6.15 + 8.45 + 11.15 PM. CITYCENTRE DAILY AT 10.30 AM. + 10.45 AM. (PG) (ANIMATION/ACTION/ADVENTURE) NEW + 11.45 AM. + 1.30 + 2.00 + 3.00 + 4.45 + 5.15 HAILEE STEINFELD, NICOLAS CAGE, THE POSSESSION OF HANNAH GRACE + 6.15 + 8.00 + 8.30 + 9.30 + 11.15 PM. + 11.45 MAHERSHALA ALI opens up about PM. + (12.45 MN. THURS./FRI.) (18+) (THRILLER/HORROR) DAILY AT (VIPII): 10.30 AM. + 1.45 + 5.00 + OASIS JUFFAIR DAILY AT: (KIDS CINEMA): 6.15 SHAY MITCHELL, STANA KATIC, LOUIS 8.15 + 11.30 PM. DAILY AT: (3D)(KIDS CINEMA): 11.00 PM. HERTHUM SEEF (I) DAILY AT: 11.00 AM. + 12.00 + 1.00 + CITYCENTRE DAILY AT : 11.00 AM. + 1.30 + 4.00 CITYCENTRE DAILY AT: 11.15 AM. + 3.15 + 7.15 2.00 + 3.00 + 4.00 + 5.00 + 6.00 + 7.00 + 8.00 + 6.30 + 9.00 + 11.30 PM. + 11.15 PM. + 9.00 + 10.00 + 11.00 PM. + 12.00 MN. + (1.00 SEEF (II) DAILY AT: 12.00 + 4.30 + 9.00 PM. her family AM. THURS./FRI.) EL BADLAH SAAR DAILY AT : 12.45 + 3.15 + 5.45 PM. SAAR DAILY AT : 10.45 AM. + 1.45 + 4.45 + 7.45 (PG-13) (ARABIC/COMEDY) + 8.15 PM. + (10.45 PM. + 11.15 PM. THURS./FRI.) WADI AL SAIL DAILY AT: 1.30 + 6.15 + 11.00 PM. IANS | Los Angeles are actually given the family that TAMER HOSNY, AKRAM HOSNI, WADI AL SAIL DAILY AT: 11.15 AM + 11.45 AM. CREED II MAJED EL MASRY, AMINA KHALIL is going to take the best care of + 2.15 + 2.45 + 5.15 + 5.45 + 8.15 + 8.45 + 11.15 ctress Sandra Bullock feels lucky to live you, that wants to take care of you, + 11.45 PM (PG-13) (DRAMA/ACTION/SPORT) CITYCENTRE DAILY AT: 1.30 + 5.45 + 10.00 PM. in a moment where she can choose how that wants to be there for you, and TESSA THOMPSON, MICHAEL B. JORDAN, her family looks like. how that looks is very different BUMBLEBEE (PG-13) SYLVESTER STALLONE ODIYAN A (ACTION /ADVENTURE/SCI-FICTION) NEW (PG-13)(MALAYALAM) NEW “We’re very lucky that we get to live in this from what most people expect. DAILY AT: 3.00 + 8.15 PM. HAILEE STEINFELD, JOHN CENA, JORGE MOHANLAL, PRAKASH RAJ, moment in time where we get to choose what “But I think what I loved is CITYCENTRE DAILY AT: 12.45 + 3.30 + 6.15 + LENDEBORG JR. MANJU WARRIER our family looks like, and I got to do that in real that it sort of mirrored what I feel Sandra 9.00 + 11.45 PM. life,” people.com quoted Bullock as saying. about real life, in that my family Bullock OASIS JUFFAIR DAILY AT: 10.45 AM. + 1.15 + CITYCENTRE DAILY AT: 11.30 AM. + 2.30 + 5.30 “You imagine so many things for yourself, is not how most people thought it 3.45 + 6.15 + 8.45 + 11.15 PM. KANAA (PG-13) (TAMIL) NEW + 8.30 + 11.30 PM. but when it appears it is better than anything would look, but it’s better.” DAILY AT (VIP): 12.15 + 2.45 + 5.15 + 7.45 + STARTING THURSDAY 7.00 PM ONWARDS 10.15 PM. VOX LUX you could ever imagine. And in (‘Bird Box’), it The actress, who is dating Bryan AISHWARYA RAJESH, SATHYARAJ, (15+) (DRAMA/MUSCIAL) NEW is about family in a sense, in that ‘sight’ has us Randall, said her own biggest fear CITYCENTRE DAILY AT: 11.30 AM. + 2.00 + 4.30 SIVAKARTHIKEYAN, DARSHAN, BLADE + 7.00 + 9.30 + 12.00 MN. + (1.00 AM.THURS./ NATALIE PORTMAN, JUDE LAW, choosing things based on a preconceived notion is “being away from my children”. FRI.) SHANKAR, RAFFEY CASSIDY of what that image must be like, when in fact it’s Bullock is known for movies like DAILY AT (IMAX 3D): 11.00 AM. + 1.30 + 4.00 + OASIS JUFFAIR DAILY AT: 12.15 + 5.30 + 10.45 the exact opposite,” added the 54-year-old. “Miss Congeniality”, “The Blind Side”, “The 6.30 + 9.00 + 11.30 PM. PM. SEEF (II) DAILY AT: 10.45 AM. + 3.00 + 7.15 + The mother of two continued: “And here are Proposal” and “Crash” -- which will air on Star DAILY AT (VIPI): 10.30 AM. + 1.00 + 3.30 + 6.00 SEEF (I) DAILY AT: 11.30 AM. + 2.30 + 5.30 + 11.30 PM. + 8.30 + 11.00 PM. 8.30 + 11.30 PM. these people who have that taken away, and you Movies Select HD in December. REMI, NOBODY’S BOY SEEF (II) DAILY AT: 11.15 AM. + 12.15 + 1.45 + 2.45 + 4.15 + 5.15 + 6.45 + 7.45 + 9.15 + 10.15 + KEDARNATH (PG) (ADVENTURE/ DRAMA/FAMILY) (NEW) 11.45 PM. + (12.45 MN. THURS./FRI.) (PG-15)(HINDI/DRAMA/ROMANTIC) NATALIE PORTMAN, JUDE LAW, RAFFEY SAAR DAILY AT : 11.00 AM. + 1.30 + 4.00 + 6.30 RAJINIKANTH, AKSHAY KUMAR, CASSIDY + 9.00 + (11.30 PM. THURS./FRI.) Will Smith says his AMY JACKSON SEEF (II) DAILY AT: 1.45 + 5.45 + 9.45 PM. Will Ferrell promises WADI AL SAIL DAILY AT: 11.15 AM. + 1.45 + 4.15 character of Genie in + 6.45 + 9.15 + 11.45 PM. OASIS JUFFAIR DAILY AT: 2.45 + 8.15 PM. ‘Aladdin’ will serve CHRISTMAS ELF smart jokes and slapstick ANCHOR’S UP JOSEPH (PG-15) (MALAYALAM) (DRAMA) (NEW) as Robin Williams (G) (ANIMATION/ADVENTURE) NEW JOJU GEORGE, MALAVIKA MENON, KIM SHAW, SEAN PATRICK THOMAS, homage in ‘Holmes & Watson’ MARIE BLOKHUS, ANDERZ EIDE, JAMES ELIYA NICHOLLE TOM ANI | Washington MARCUS GUNNARSEN OASIS JUFFAIR DAILY AT: 12.00 + 5.30 + 11.00 SEEF (II) DAILY AT: 1.00 + 5.15 + 9.30 PM. Reuters | Los Angeles visioned a film with “almost PM. (KIDS CINEMA): 10.45 AM. + 12.30 + 4.30 PM. a Mel Brooks-ian kind of ap- CITYCENTRE LITTLE MISS DOLITTLE ollywood actor Will omic actors Will Ferrell proach,” referring to the direc- CITYCENTRE DAILY AT: 11.15 AM. + 1.00 + 2.45 (PG) (ADVENTURE/FAMILY) (NEW) + 4.30 PM. Smith is all set to hit and John C. Reilly reunite tor famous for spoofs such as ASHER (15+) (CRIME/DRAMA) NEW PERI BAUMEISTER, AYLIN TEZEL, H C SEEF (II) DAILY AT: 11.00 AM + 12.45 + 2.30 PM the theatres as ‘Genie’ in on the big screen on Christ- “Blazing Saddles” and “Young FAMKE JANSSEN, RON PERLMAN, RICHARD CHRISTOPH MARIA HERBST the upcoming live-action mas in the film “Holmes & Frankenstein.” DREYFUSS MAARI (2) (TAMIL ) (NEW) SEEF (II) DAILY AT: 4.15 + 6.30 + 8.45 + 11.00 adaptation of ‘Aladdin.’ In a Watson,” a spoof of the fa- The “Holmes & Watson” STARTING FRIDAY 21st CITYCENTRE DAILY AT: 11.15 AM. + 3.30 + 7.45 PM. + 12.00 MN. recent interview, he opened mous stories about the film “has some smart DHANUSH, SAI PALLAVI,TOVINO THOMAS, SEETHAKAATHI up about the task he has legendary British detec- jokes, but it also has VIDYA PRADEEP, KRISHNA KULASEKARAN ANNA AND THE APOCALPSE (PG-13) (TAMIL) (NEW) taken up of recreating the tive duo. some jokes that are pure (15+) (COMEDY/ MUSICAL /HORROR) NEW OASIS JUFFAIR DAILY AT: 10.45 AM. + 1.45 + VIJAY SETHUPATHY, PARVATHY NAIR, iconic character which was In the movie, Sherlock slapstick and go for the 4.45 + 7.45 + 10.45 PM. ELLA HUNT, MALCOLM CUMMING, REMYA NAMBEESAN originally voiced by Robin Holmes (Ferrell) and his joke that will make you SEEF (II) DAILY AT: 11.30 AM. + 2.30 + 5.30 + SARAH SWIRE Williams. partner Doctor Wat- blush,” Ferrell told 8.30 + 11.30 PM. SEEF (II) DAILY AT:10.30 AM. + 1.30 + 4.45 + CITYCENTRE DAILY AT: 1.15 + 5.15 + 9.15 PM. “Whenever you’re doing son (Reilly) set Reuters. AL HAMRA DAILY AT 11.30 AM. + 5.45 + (12.00 8.00 + 11.15 PM. things that are iconic, it’s out to stop a plot Ferrell and MN. FRI.) SEEF (II) DAILY AT: 11.45 AM. + 3.45 + 7.45 + AL HAMRA DAILY AT: 2.30 + 8.45 PM. 11.45 PM. always terrifying. The ques- to assassinate Reilly previ- SEETHAKAATHI AUTORSHA tion is always: Where was Queen Victo- ously ap - RALPH BREAKS THE INTERNET (PG-13) (TAMIL) (NEW) (PG-15)(MALAYALAM) NEW there meat left on the bone? ria. peared (PG) (ANIMATION/ADVENTURE/COMEDY) VIJAY SETHUPATHY, PARVATHY NAIR, AISHWARYA RAJESH, SATHYARAJ, Robin didn’t leave a lot of The film together JOHN C. REILLY, SARAH SILVARMAN, REMYA NAMBEESAN SIVAKARTHIKEYAN, DARSHAN, meat on the bone with the takes a far on screen GAL GADOT character,” Entertainment different in “Step OASIS JUFFAIR DAILY AT: 12.30 + 3.45 + 7.00 BLADE SHANKAR, + 10.15 PM. CITYCENTRE DAILY AT: 11.30 AM. + 1.45 + 4.00 Weekly quoted Smith as tone from Brothers” + 6.15 + 8.30 + 10.45 PM. SEEF (I) DAILY AT: 3.15 + 8.45 PM. Will saying. the classic and “Tallade- AQUAMAN WADI AL SAIL DAILY AT: 11.15 AM. + 4.00 + Ferrell SINGAMSILUKKUVARUPATTI SINGAM While the late actor, who mysteries written ga Nights.” (P-15) (ACTION/ADVENTURE) 8.45 PM. passed away in 2014, surely by Sir Arthur Co- Reilly said (PG-15) (TAMIL) (NEW) JASON MOMOA, AMBER HEARD, SECOND ACT (PG-15) (COMEDY) NEW STARTING THURSDAY 7.00 PM ONWARDS did a brilliant job of craft- nan Doyle. Ferrell he hopes Holmes NICOLE KIDMAN ing Genie into a character said from the be - purists will wel - JENNIFER LOPEZ, VANESSA HUDGENS, MILO VISHNU VISHAL, REGINA CASSANDRA, OASIS JUFFAIR: 10.30 AM. + 1.30 + 4.30 + 7.30 VENTIMIGLIA OVIYA, YOGI BABU, ANANDARAJ everybody loves, Smith tried ginning that he en- come the new take. + 10.30 PM. CITYCENTRE DAILY AT: 1.00 + 5.15 + 9.30 PM. SEEF (I) DAILY AT: 12.30 + 6.00 + 11.30 PM. to give it his own little twist. CITYCENTRE DAILY AT : 10.30 AM. + 12.00 + In the process, he made SEEF (II) DAILY AT: 2.30 + 7.00 + 11.30 PM. 1.00 + 3.00 + 4.00 + 6.00 + 7.00 + 9.00 + 10.00 PADI PADI LECHE MANASU sure to keep Wil - + 12.00 MN. JOHNNY ENGLISH STRIKES AGAIN liam alive in the (1.00 AM. THURS./FRI.) (PG-15) (TELGU) (NEW) (PG) (COMEDY/ACTION/ADVENTURE) STARTING FRIDAY 21st character. SEEF (II) DAILY AT 11.45 AM. + 2.45 + 5.45 + ROWAN ATKINSON, OLGA KURYLENKO, Gomez healthier 8.45 + 11.45 PM. + (12.45 MN. THURS./FRI.) SHARWANAND, SAI PALLAVI “I started to EMMA THOMPSON feel confident SAAR DAILY AT : 11.00 AM. + 2.00 + 5.00 + 8.00 SEEF (I) DAILY AT: 10.45 AM. + 4.45 + 10.45 PM. PM. + (11.00 PM. THURS./FRI.) CITYCENTRE DAILY AT: 12.00 + 2.00 + 4.00 + that I could deliv- 6.00 + 8.00 + 10.00 + 12.00 MN er something that after treatment WADI AL SAIL DAILY AT: 11.30 AM. + 2.30 + ANTARIKSHAM 9000 KMPH 5.30 + 8.30 + 11.30 PM. was a homage ROBIN HOOD (PG-15) (TELGU) (NEW) STARTING FRIDAY 21st to Robin Wil- ANI | Washington RALPH BREAKS THE INTERNET (PG-15) (ACTION/ADVENTURE) VARUN TEJ, ADITI RAO HYDARI, liams but was (PG) (ANIMATION/ADVENTURE/COMEDY) TARON EGERTON, EVE HEWSON, LAVANYA TRIPATHI, SATYEDEV musically dif- merican singer Selena Gomez, JOHN C. REILLY, SARAH SILVARMAN, JAMIE FOXX ferent. Just Awho recently underwent mental GAL GADOT SEEF (I) DAILY AT: 1.45 + 7.45 PM. the flavour health treatment following an emo- of the char- tional breakdown, has now become and feeling good. She’s been spending time with acter would healthier and happier, sources her friends and family and just getting back into be differ- said. her normal routine. She’s healthy and feeling a lot REQUIRED ent enough The 26-year-old singer was happier. The time away was good for her to reset and unique spotted with her friends at several and figure out some new ways of dealing with the One sales executive enough that places in California looking visibly issues that have been bringing her down,” a source required for a watch it would be fitter, reported E! Online. told E! News. botique in Bahrain City in a differ- The ‘Slow Down’ singer was The source also shared how Gomez is maintaining Center. Sent your CV to ent lane, dressed in a white sports bra, a daily routine of working out and eating healthy. [email protected] versus try- black leggings, and a colour “She’s focused on her physical and mental ing to com- Will coordinated cap. Selena well-being and is conscious of the things she pete,” he said. Smith “Selena’s back at her house Gomez needs to do to stay healthy,” the source added. 14 SATURDAY, DECEMBER 22, 2018 sports

Wheeler aims Middleweight title shot after Brave 20 Ozil has Arsenal future says Emery

club’s highest-paid player players, in the squad.” Ozil had missed on the sidelines. Ozil’s lack of game-time BETTER American wrestler Sidney Wheeler in action (file photo) • Asked if Ozil will be in has led to rumours linking four recent games the squad to face Burn - him with a January move with a back problem ley, Emery said: “Yes. I away from the club, al - TDT | Manama KNOW want every player with though when asked if the merican wrestler Sidney AFP | London a good mentality to former Germany inter- AWheeler will be making help us and give us national has a future his Middleweight debut for their characteris- at Arsenal, Emery Mesut Ozil has recently Brave Combat Federation in I had a horrible esut Ozil will return tics and quality. replied: “Yes, why returned from a seri- the biggest stage possible: he time making to the Arsenal squad We need Mesut not?” ous Achilles issue that will be one half of Brave 20’s 170lbs, that’s the Mfor Saturday’s Premier Ozil. It remains to be had kept him out since main event, set for Hyderabad, truth. I have no League visit of Burnley, with “Every player seen what role India, this Saturday (22), as he manager Unai Emery saying he wants to play Ozil plays at May takes on fellow top prospect business fighting believes the midfielder has a and be OK to the week- Khamzat Chimaev. at Welterweight, future at the Emirates Stadium. help the team end but it He started against both Qa- And “The Kid” is ready to I’m too big. I walk Ozil did not make the sub - when we appears rabag and Southampton and put his weight troubles behind around at 205lbs stitutes’ bench for the League need. The unlikely came on at the interval against as he moves on to a new divi- so the cut to Cup quarter-final defeat to ri- frustra- that captain Lau- Spurs but, despite being without sion and hopes to become the Middleweight is vals Tottenham in midweek and tion is the rent Koscielny a number of injured defenders, first-ever Brave Middleweight perfect for me has been on the fringes of the same for will feature. Emery is keen not to ask too world champion. team in recent weeks. everybody The 33-year- much of Koscielny at a delicate Wheeler has admitted the SIDNEY WHEELER He missed four recent games when they old has re - stage of his comeback. cut to Welterweight was be- terweight. And Wheeler is ad- with a back problem but has didn’t play in a match. cently re- “Koscielny is OK but he played coming too taxing for him and amant that the change doesn’t started just once since Novem- “But I spoke with him and turned two matches this week and to- claims he’s about to show the interfere with his game plan. ber 11 -- and that was a Europa with regularity in the season. from a morrow will be a lot for him,” world a new and improved “Injuries are part of the League dead rubber at home to I am telling him what we need serious he said. version of himself after making game. I’ve had opponents Qarabag. from him and he has the com- Achilles “We also need to be calm with the jump up to Middleweight. changed before. Props to The 30-year-old was a main- mitment to help us and the qual- issue that him, to take time for a lot of “I had a horrible time mak- Khamzat for taking this fight. stay in the Gunners side un - ity and the characteristics to had kept matches before he continues ing 170lbs, that’s the truth. I He’s a wonderful fighter and I der previous manager Arsene help us when the team needs him out playing. But I trust him and we have no business fighting at hope he’s in shape, as I know Wenger but Emery has shown his moments in the pitch in one Mesut Ozil since have solutions for who can play Welterweight, I’m too big. I he took this on short notice. he has no issue with keeping the game. Tomorrow he is in the 18 May. in this position.” walk around at 205lbs so the The game plan doesn’t change. cut to Middleweight is per- I’m going in there to win and fect for me. You guys are going to make a statement and that’s to see a faster and stronger what I plan on doing”. Brave CF announces weigh-in results ahead of Brave 20 Keane accuses Sidney Wheeler in there. I Brave 20 takes place at the hope this leads me to fight for Gachobowli Indoor Stadium, TDT | Manama the fans and media. ers missed weight. This in - Man Utd players of the Middleweight title soon. in Hyderabad, and marks the The event also marks the cludes both the Indian fighters ‘getting away with That’s my short-term goal second time Brave Combat rave Combat Federation partnership between MTV and Kantharaj Shankar and Nelson right now” says the wrestler. Federation has landed in India. Bheld the official weigh-ins Brave Combat Federation to Paes who are featured in the murder’ Sidney was supposed to fight Less than a week after Brave for Brave 20 taking place on broadcast the event live in main card of the fight night. Leon Aliu at Brave 20, but the 20, the promotion moves on 22nd December in the Gachi- India. Brave 20 features the Also missed weight is Farhad AFP | London Italian had to pull out due to to Saudi Arabia, where it will bowli Indoor Stadium in Hy- largest line up of professional Hazratzada from Afghanistan injury, making way for Chi- hold Brave 21, the year’s end- derabad, India. Mixed Martial Artists from In- who will face Nidhin Koshy in ormer Manchester Unit- maev to move up from Wel- ing show. The public weigh-ins were dia. 9 Indian fighters are fea- the prelims. Fed captain Roy Keane held at Peoples’ Plaza. The tured to compete in the fight The event also has a rep - has accused the current fighters faced off for the final night. resentation of athletes from 11 crop of players at Old Traf- time ahead of the fight night Among 20 fighters who nations including USA, Sweden, ford of getting away “with Burnley’s Lennon undergoes surgery and answered questions from weighed in, three of the fight- New Zealand, Morocco, India, murder” and of throwing Jordan, Italy, Brazil, England, Jose Mourinho “under the Reuters | London tenham Hotspur. Official weigh-in results Main card Indonesia and Afghanistan. In bus”. “It’s a tidying up situation. the main event, Sidney Wheel- The Irishman’s broadside urnley winger Aaron Len- He’s happy with it and the sur- Sidney Wheeler (84.14 Kg) vs. Khamzat Chimaev (83.9 Kg) - Middleweight bout er from USA will face Kham- comes just days after Mour- Bnon faces a spell on the geon is happy with it,” Dyche John Brewin (70.72 Kg) vs. Anas Siraj Mounir (70.26 Kg) - Lightweight bout zat Chimaev from Sweden in a inho was sacked as United sidelines after having knee sur- told a news conference ahead Jalal Al Daaja (61.3 Kg) vs. Kantharaj Shankar (62.72 Kg) - Bantamweight bout Middleweight bout. manager, having presided gery to repair damaged carti- of Saturday’s league trip to Micol Di Segni (52.52 Kg) vs. Maria Ribeiro (52.56 Kg) - Strawweight bout The co-main event will fea- over their worst-ever start lage, the Premier League side’s fifth-placed Arsenal. Nelson Paes (66.46 Kg) vs. Ali Qaisi (66.14 Kg) - Featherweight bout ture John Brewin from New to a Premier League season. manager Sean Dyche said on “Hopefully it will be a Prelims Zealand taking on Anas Siraj Mourinho had reportedly Thursday. straight-forward recovery, al- Mounir from Morocco. Brave fallen out with several of Lennon has played in all beit some time.” Rob Beech (119.22 Kg) vs. Mandeep Singh (99.94 Kg) - Heavyweight bout 20 is the first Mixed Martial his first-team stars towards but one of Burnley’s 17 league Burnley are 18th in the Kushal Vyas (61.3 Kg) vs. Angad Bisht (61.54 Kg) - Bantamweight bout Arts event taking place in the end of his tenure and games this season and picked league standings with 12 Satendar Bankura (71.38 Kg) vs. Oloan Silalahi (70.24 Kg) - Middleweight bout India which will be broad - Keane feels the behaviour up the injury in Saturday’s 1-0 points after three wins, three Farhad Hazratzada (81.46 Kg) vs. Nidhin Koshy (84.26 Kg) - Lightweight bout casted live on Abu Dhabi of the players may be at least defeat at his former club Tot- draws and 11 defeats. Sarabjit Singh (56.6 Kg) vs. Satya Behuria (56.8 Kg) - Flyweight bout Sports. partly to blame.

Imam, Haris steer Pakistan to victory in Tour warm-up

AFP | Benoni, South Africa in their only warm-up match crease over the course of their ahead of the first Test starting at two innings. First innings cen- mam-ul-Haq and Haris So- Centurion on Wednesday. turions Azhar Ali and Babar Ihail hit half-centuries as the Earlier left-arm fast bowler Azam did not bat in the second touring Pakistanis beat a South Mohammad Amir, recalled to innings. African Invitation XI by six the Test squad, took three for 96 Left-handers Imam and Haris wickets at Willowmoore Park 35 before the Invitation team runs were scored in batted fluently in a third wicket yesterday. declared their second innings partnership by Imam and partnership of 96 in 21.5 overs Haris in 21.5 overs to set at Seef District too Set to make 195 in approx- on 182 for seven. to set up the win. Imam made imately 50 overs, the tourists Most of Pakistan’s likely Test up the win 66 off 93 balls, while Haris cruised home in 40.2 overs to top order batsmen spent a rea- was unbeaten on 73 off 87 Um al Hassan +973 17728699 Seef District +973 17364999 complete a satisfactory workout sonable amount of time at the deliveries. SATURDAY, DECEMBER 22, 2018 15

Barcelona sign Colombian defender Murillo on loan Higuain the latest victim AFP | Barcelona arcelona have signed BColombian internation- al centre-back Jeison Mu- rillo on loan from Valencia until the end of the season, of Milan No.9 shirt the two clubs announced on Thursday. The La Liga leaders have 3-1 at Olympiakos in between. with Gazzetta dello Sport that The most impres- marksmanship. struggled defensively this AC Milan’s number They host Fiorentina at San he did not want to go. sive performer was “Higuain is as disappoint- season, conceding 19 goals • Siro on Saturday and, although “They told me that I could not Gianluca Lapadula, ed with anyone about the in 11 league games before nine shirt has proved they are fourth with 27 points stay and that they were trying to who scored eight situation,” said Gattuso. a run of three consecutive something of a jinx they are closer to Udinese in find a solution. The best solution goals in 27 outings “We need his goals, clean sheets, while also los- for its wearers over 17th (13 points) than to leaders was Milan,” he said. in 2016/17 — only to but above all we need his ing defenders Samuel Um- the past few seasons Juventus (45). When Milan faced Juventus be loaned to Genoa character and his experi- titi and Thomas Vermaelen Milan paid Juventus 18 mil- last month, Higuain’s nerves at the end of the sea- ence, he has to be an add- to injuries. lion euros ($20.63 million) in were clearly frayed as he missed son. ed value and motivate his Barcelona said that they Reuters | Milan August to loan Higuain for a a penalty and was later sent off teammates. will have an option to make season and while have an option for his furious reaction to a deci- H e the deal for Murillo perma- orced out of Juventus to to buy him for 36 million euros sion that went against him. can do nent in June for 25 million make way for Cristiano there is already much specu- more.” euros ($28.7 million). FRonaldo in the summer, lation in the Italian media that Unlucky number nine? Spanish media reported Gonzalo Higuain has now be- they may let him go. Higuain, who has scored sev- that Barca coach Ernesto come the latest victim of AC Higuain, who scored 55 goals en goals for Milan, is not the first Valverde had made a spe- Milan’s infamous number nine in 105 appearances during two player to struggle with the club’s cial request for the club to shirt. seasons at Juventus, left the number nine shirt. sign Murillo, despite the The Argentine has failed to Turin club shortly after they Portugal forward Andre Sil- 26-year-old having played score in his last seven games in signed Ronaldo in July but made va, who wore it last season, only one La Liga match all all competitions, a spell stretch- it clear in a recent interview scored only two goals in 24 season. ing back to the match against Serie A appearances after a 40 Gonzalo Sampdoria on Oct. 28. million euros move from FC Higuain Deprived of the sort of ser- BETTER Porto. vice he enjoyed at Juventus, the Three seasons ago, the shirt Pele sends birthday 31-year-old argues with refer- belonged to Luiz Adriano, who wishes to Mbappe ees and remonstrates with his KNOW managed four goals in 26 out- younger team mates, flapping ings, while two players wore Coach Genn- his arms in exasperation, when it in 2014/15 without success aro Gattuso AFP | Sao Paulo, Brazil the ball is not passed to him in - Fernando Torres scoring once said before the way he wants. Higuain has scored in 10 games and Mattia Destro Tuesday’s 0-0 ylian Mbappe got a Milan too have fallen into a 55 goals in 105 three times in 15. draw at Bologna Kglowing “happy birth- rut, drawing 0-0 in their last two appearances during Alexandre Pato failed to score that a change day” wish from Pele on Serie A games and suffering an in four appearances in 2012/13 in attitude from Thursday, further feeding embarrassing group stage exit in two seasons at Ju- and nobody was allocated the Higuain was as football fans’ comparisons the Europa League after losing ventus shirt in 2013/14. important as better of the 20-year-old with the Brazilian legend. “Only special talents show themselves so early. Happy birthday, Kylian. At just 20, I am excited by what is still Record audience Everton’s new stadium to be equipped for safe-standing to come,” Pele tweeted in English and Portuguese. Reuters | London The French forward watched ‘best World scored four goals in this verton said on Thursday year’s World Cup, includ- Ethat their proposed new sta- ing one in the final that saw Cup ever’ - FIFA dium will be “future-proofed” France beat Croatia 4-2 to to enable “safe-standing” areas clinch the trophy. should regulations change. That made him just the The Merseyside outfit, who second teenager to score in have played at Goodison Park a World Cup final after Pele, since 1892, last year formally who did so in 1958. agreed a 200-year land lease at Pele, 78, has several times the proposed Bramley Moore used his Twitter account to Dock site. express his admiration for On Thursday the Premier A general view of Everton’s Goodison Park Staduim Mbappe. League club announced that it was proposing a capacity of make it easy to adopt a rail Liverpool City Council. French players lifts World Cup trophy as they celebrate winning (file photo) 52,000 for the new stadium, ris- seating/safe standing solution, Everton say they will submit ing to 62,000 in the future with which will offer optionality a detailed planning application Asensio to miss Club Reuters | Zurich final, which gave them their two stands de - and flexibility, should the law for the stadium in the second second World Cup title follow- signed to house change in future,” Everton said half of 2019. World Cup final record audience of more ing their triumph in 1998, was safe-standing in a statement on their website. “At this stage, it is important Athan 3.5 billion people the most watched game of the areas. The proposed capacity and to stress that this is our ‘pro- Reuters | Abu Dhabi watched this year’s World competition. “The de - design of the new stadium is posed’ capacity and it is what Cup in Russia, with the final It was followed by England’s sign of two of subject to further public con- we are currently working to- eal Madrid forward between France and Croatia semi-final defeat to Croatia the stands sultation with fans and impor- wards,” Colin Chong, Stadium RMarco Asensio has attracting 1.12 billion viewers, and the other last-four clash will tant stakeholders, including Development Director, said. been ruled out of today’s world soccer’s governing body between France and Bel- FIFA Club World Cup fi - said yesterday. gium. nal against Al Ain after the FIFA said 3.572 billion view- “These figures really European champions con- ers - more than half of the do support the claim firmed he had sustained a global population aged four that Russia 2018 was World Cup winners France thigh injury. and over - watched some part the best World Cup The Spain international, of the official coverage, which ever,” said FIFA’s chief organised yet unexciting, says Xavi who has underperformed was broadcast live in every ter- commercial officer, “unenthusiastic” due to their and a four-times Champions this season and has not ritory worldwide from June 14 Philippe Le Floc’h. style of play. League winner with Barca, un- scored in La Liga since to July 15. “The fact that half Didier Deschamps’ side, impressed. September, picked up the The global in-home TV au- the world’s population containing the likes of Kylian “All France say to me is that injury in Wednesday’s 3-1 dience watching at least one watched the FIFA World Mbappe, Antoine Griezmann they are the champions,” Xavi win over Kashima Antlers minute of the coverage ac - Cup reflects not just the high and Paul Pogba, beat Croatia said in an interview with Span- in the semi-finals. counted for almost 3.3 billion quality of our award-winning Reuters | 4-2 in an action-packed fi- ish newspaper Marca published He came on as a substi- viewers, a 2.2 percent increase live coverage, but also that fans Barcelona nal in Moscow after beating yesterday. tute and then had to be re- on the 2014 edition hosted in everywhere are insatiable for Argentina 4-3 in the tourna- “They are an organised team, placed 14 minutes later. Brazil, according to FIFA’s au- world-class football.” ormer ment’s stand-out game in the not very exciting, but they have “After tests carried out on dit of audience data published The World Cup coverage FSpain last 16. a lot of qualities. They work our player Marco Asensio yesterday. reached around 1.6bn individ- and Barcelona They also saw off Uruguay hard, they counterattack like by the medical staff, he has A further 309.7 million uals in Asia, with 655.7m view- midfielder Xavi and Belgium on their way to rockets, you have Griezmann been diagnosed with a grade caught the action on digital ers (18.4 percent of the global has said France’s the final. and Mbappe running back two injury in the quadri - platforms, public viewing ar- total) in China, who failed to World Cup tri- Yet their performances left to defend. That’s fine, but it ceps in his right leg,” said eas or in bars and restaurants. qualify for the tournament. Xavi umph this year Xavi, one of the heroes of doesn’t make me feel enthu- a medical report from Real France’s 4-2 victory in the left him feeling Spain’s 2010 World Cup win siastic.” yesterday. SATURDAY, DECEMBER 22, 2018 16

Solskjaer has nothing to lose in dream job: Warnock Solskjaer would ‘love’ Reuters | London ardiff City boss Neil CWarnock said Ole Gun- nar Solskjaer’s stint as Man- chester United’s caretaker manager could be the best job the Norwegian will have in his life as he has nothing full-time United job to lose Warnock backed the for- mer striker to steady the ship at Old Trafford and Ole Gunnar emerge as a top contender • for the job permanently. Solskjaer is in charge at “It’s the best job Ole will Manchester United until £1.8m have in his life, because you ($2.3 million) has been the end of the season paid to Norway’s Molde by can’t lose,” Warnock told re- Manchester United to take porters ahead of Saturday’s AFP | Manchester Ole Gunnar Solskjaer ‘on Premier League meeting loan’ as caretaker manager between the teams. until the end of the season “Hold the fort until the le Gunnar Solskjaer told end of the season, if he does his first official press well he’ll get a couple of Oconference as Manches- years. If he doesn’t, he’ll go ter United’s caretaker manager English football, winning 13 back to where he was enjoy- yesterday that he would relish Premier League titles and two ing anyhow. It’s a different the opportunity to be the per- Champions Leagues. type of management with manent boss. Solskjaer will begin his Unit- Mike Phelan coming in (as The 45-year-old Norwegian, a ed reign at Cardiff City, the assistant). With the players legendary former player at Old only other Premier League they’ve got, I bet he can’t Trafford, has been appointed club he has managed -- he believe his luck.” interim boss until the end of the had a difficult eight-month Mourinho was sacked season, replacing Jose Mourin- spell in South Wales and was with United sixth in stand- ho, who was sacked on Tuesday. unable to save the club from ings after their worst start Solskjaer, on loan from Nor- relegation. to the campaign in 28 years way’s Molde, conceded that he But he said he had learned following a limp 3-1 defeat has not looked beyond the end Ole Gunnar Solskjaer waves to fans (file photo) from his mistakes. to arch-rivals Liverpool. of the current campaign with Solskjaer would not be drawn The Portuguese had a the club where he spent nearly to be manager of Manchester United have made their worst players and it’s about communi- on his relationship with Paul number of problems with 15 years as a player and coach. United and I am one of them. start in the Premier League era cation. I’ll sit down and speak to Pogba, who lost his place under his players both on and off But he said he would be inter- But it is not something we’ve and languish 19 points behind the ones not playing, tell them Mourinho and was in conflict the pitch, most notably with ested in taking the job perma- talked about, they’ll do a process leaders Liverpool, and 11 off the what I expect of them. with the coach. the club’s record signing nently should the opportunity now for the next six months.” Champions League places. “When you’re at Man United “It’s about getting every play- Paul Pogba, and Warnock arise. “My job is to help the players, there are a set of demands and er to the best, speaking to them, suggested that “player pow- “When you get a job like this make them grasp the opportu- one is to be a team player and I the training ground, the philos- er” was a factor in his sack- and they ask you to sign for six United hero nity now because they all want don’t think anyone has been on ophy, principles, how we want ing after 2-1/2 years. months, you say ‘yeah’,” he said. Solskjaer, renowned for his to be part of Man United,” said the bench more than me. That’s to play,” said Solskjaer, who “Player power with Jose “I’m happy to help out and my threat off the bench and still re- Solskjaer. always my comeback to players, coached Pogba in the reserves is the worst thing in man- job now for the next six months vered by United supporters for “I’m going to be here to help you might come on and make an at Old Trafford. agement. I had that at Crys- is to do as well as I can and move scoring the winning goal in the them, help the team, that is impact.” “It doesn’t matter what team tal Palace and Queens Park the club forward as well as I can. 1999 Champions League final, down to man management. I had Solskjaer spoke of the debt you’re coaching, they all want to Rangers and you can’t real- “I understand there are so faces a daunting challenge as he the best manager as a player and he owed to Alex Ferguson, who have a picture of how you want ly win, you have to leave,” many managers who would love replaces Mourinho. coach to learn how he dealt with built a team that dominated to play, the qualities. Warnock added. Neymar went home early ‘with Hazard set for ‘false nine’ role my permission’, says Tuchel again for striker-less Chelsea

AFP | Paris After today, PSG’s next match AFP | London score the decisive goal. Al- and I want to see him very is against Pontlivy, from the varo Morata returned to happy,” Sarr said. eymar, who is already on regional fifth division, in the helsea boss Maurizio Sarri training on Thursday fol- Danny Drinkwater’s Nholiday in Brazil, is skip- French Cup on Jan- Cis contemplating deploying lowing a knee injury. future at Stamford Bridge ping Paris Saint-Germain’s last uary 6. Their Eden Hazard as a “false nine” “There isn’t the best looks bleak after Sarri match of the year “with my KNOW WHAT next league for a third straight Premier position for Hazard,” Sarri cast doubt over his permission” manager Thomas match is at Am- League game to set him “free”. said yesterday. “Hazard future. Tuchel told a press conference iens on January The Blues, fourth in the Pre- is a wonderful player, The former in Paris yesterday. PSG are 10 points 12. mier League, play Leicester with a very high level Leicester PSG’s star striker posted In- clear and are un- Tuchel said he today, after beating champi- of imagination. He midfielder stagram images of himself in was hoping ons Manchester City and then needs to be let free has played Brazil with his family on Thurs- beaten in Ligue 1 this to use the Brighton without fielding a rec- on the pitch. just 30 min- day. season break to ognised striker in the starting “I think there utes so far Neymar was rested for the strength- line-up. isn’t the this season -- club’s previous match, against en his Olivier Giroud played the full right posi- in August’s Com- Orleans in the French League Belgrade,” Tuchel said. “It was a squad. game as Chelsea beat Bourne- tion for him. munity Shield Cup on Tuesday because of risk but it was super important mouth in the League Cup on We need to have a very defeat to Man- thigh pains. to take the risk. We are glad that Wednesday, when Hazard high level of organisa- chester City. Asked yesterday, on the eve of things were not worse after the came off the bench to tion based on his move- “He’s suitable a Ligue 1 match against Nantes, match.” ments.” for a midfield if the club had signed off on “He wants to play every game, Sarri’s assistant with two mid- Neymar’s early departure, against Orleans and Nantes,” boss Gianfranco Zola fielders,” said Tuchel answered “Yes.” the German added. “It’s always on Tuesday admitted Sarri. “With The player “left with my per- the same with him, but it’s time There isn’t the Chelsea were admirers three he is not mission,” the coach said adding, to be smart and take no chances best position for of striker Callum Wil- really a central with a laugh: “it’s better that with this injury.” Hazard. He is a son, but Sarri said he midfielder, way!” Tuchel said Neymar could wonderful player, is keen not to upset he’s not suit- Neymar’s last appearance now “stay relaxed and rest for with a very high Bournemouth boss able to play was against Red Star Belgrade two weeks”. Neymar level of imagination. Eddie Howe. centre right in a key Champions League PSG are 10 points clear and He needs to be let “I don’t know about Eden or centre left. match on December 11 when he are unbeaten in Ligue 1 this sea- Wilson, be - Hazard For him, the scored as PSG won 4-1 to secure son. Visiting Nantes are mired free on the cause, as you problem is a place in the last 16. in mid table under former PSG pitch know Eddie only my foot- “Ney played injured against coach Vahid Halilhodzic. MAURIZIO SARRI is a friend ball.”

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