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TUESDAY, MARCH 4, 2014 JAMADA ALAWWAL 3, 1435 AH www.kuwaittimes.net UK envoy 11 dead in Alghanim Pistorius announces Islamabad Industries holds pleads ‘GREAT court suicide ‘Celebrate Kuwait’ not guilty British Week’2 attack11 networking30 event at13 trial Dashti questions Boeing Max 26º Min 14º exclusion from KAC deal High Tide 01:40 & 14:01 Low Tide North Zour probe panel to summon ministers 08:08 & 20:29 40 PAGES NO: 16094 150 FILS

By Dr M Ziad Al Alyan Dashti, a member of the legal and legislative com- mittee, expressed disgust at the exclusion of Boeing, KUWAIT: In an exclusive interview with Kuwait Times, Airbus’ main competitor, from the deal, recalling that MP Abdulhameed Dashti yesterday criticized Kuwait “the Americans are Kuwait’s allies”. The lawmaker said Airways (KAC) for signing a deal to purchase 25 Airbus that the government should have cooperated and planes and leasing 12 others while ignoring US manu- coordinated with the Assembly before signing the facturer Boeing. Dashti expressed his intention to fully deal. KAC signed the deal days after the Assembly investigate the deal, arguing that Kuwait should not ordered the probe. have rushed into such an important decision. In a related development, Dashti said that a second Dashti made it clear that his aim was not to upset committee investigating alleged irregularities in the Kuwait’s European friends; however he wants Kuwait to Al-Zour North Power Plant met yesterday with the maintain a balance. He expressed that the lack of trans- head of the government’s mega projects department. parency in the process was worrying, adding that The project was awarded to a consortium of French, “putting our eggs in one basket was not a wise deci- Japanese and local companies for around $2.5 billion, sion irrespective of price.” The reason for discussing this but several MPs claimed that the awarding process with Kuwait Times was to highlight to the international was faulty and demanded an investigation. Dashti said community the current thinking in the parliament. the committee received a number of answers but Dashti later told reporters that a panel formed by some of them were incomplete, adding that the com- the legal and legislative committee to probe the deal mittee will summon the ministers of commerce and will summon the KAC board to question it over the deal electricity next week. whose value has not been made public. He said the committee asked for the establishment The probe into the KAC deal was ordered by the contracts of the companies, adding that the replies of National Assembly last month. MPs voted to ask the the government team were not sufficient, especially legal and legislative committee to form a three-mem- that a number of suspected violations were commit- ber panel to investigate any wrongdoing. KAC chair- ted in the awarding of the project. The government woman Rasha Al-Roumi told a press conference on has already signed contracts with the winning consor- Sunday that the airline signed the deal without any tium that began construction work to build a power middlemen and managed to get a discount of over 10 and water desalination plant in the area close to the KUWAIT: MP Abdulhameed Dashti gestures during a session at the National Assembly in this recent file pho- percent during final negotiations in the last two borders with Saudi Arabia. Production is slated to to. — Photo by Yasser Al-Zayyat months. come onstream in 2016. MP blames expats for Bahrain blast kills 3 cops traffic jams, deaths Emirati police officer among dead By B Izzak and A Saleh workers] who drive decrepit vehicles, spreading death everywhere as the law KUWAIT: Independent MP Kamel Al- stands helpless against them,” the MP Awadhi yesterday blamed the large deduced. UAE jails 3 number of vehicles on Kuwait roads, In addition, 47,000 expatriate especially of expatriates, for the chronic employees in the government own traffic jams and accidents in the coun- more than 60,000 vehicles while around ‘Islamists’ try. He said that based on information 208,000 foreigners working in the pri- from the interior ministry, there are vate sector own as many as 290,000 DUBAI: The United Arab Emirates’ top court con- around 1.8 million registered vehicles in vehicles. As a result of the large number victed a Qatari doctor and sentenced him to seven the country and that expatriate owner- of vehicles on the roads, the number of years behind bars yesterday in the latest move by ship of vehicles is highly questionable. accidents rose from 56,660 in 2008 to the Gulf federation against the Muslim He said that based on official statis- 86,542 accidents in 2012, a 65 percent Brotherhood and its perceived Islamist allies. The tics, 8,000 expatriates having domestic jump, while deaths from traffic acci- Federal Supreme Court in the UAE capital Abu residencies own around 10,000 vehicles, dents rose from 410 to 454 in the same Dhabi found Dr Mahmoud Al-Jaidah guilty of although the law prohibits them from period, he said. charges linked to cooperating with an illegal clan- owning cars. “Most of them are [illegal Continued on Page 13 destine organization that aimed to overthrow the government, according to state news agency WAM. He will be deported after serving his sen- ‘Slave’ and ‘Gravity’ tence. The UAE, a federa- tion of seven semiau- share Oscar glory tonomous sheikdoms that includes Abu Dhabi and Dubai, claims that Islamist DAIH, Bahrain: Bahraini police lift the body of a comrade after a bomb exploded groups backed by the during clashes between protesters and security forces yesterday in this village Brotherhood have west of the capital Manama. — AFP sought to topple its DUBAI: A bomb explosion killed three serious attack on the security forces in Western-backed ruling policemen yesterday during confronta- terms of casualties since bomb attacks system. Jaidah was Mahmoud Al-Jaidah tions between security forces and “riot- became frequent in the Shiite-majority detained while transit- ers” in a Shiite village near the Bahraini Gulf kingdom that is ruled by the Sunni ing through Dubai airport on his way from Thailand capital, the interior ministry said. An Al-Khalifa dynasty. to Qatar in February last year. His family has said he Emirati police officer from a joint Gulf The Shiite-dominated opposition had no active role with the Brotherhood, and rights force in Bahrain was among the dead, swiftly condemned the bombing, stress- groups have raised concerns about Jaidah’s claims the UAE government said. First ing the “peaceful” nature of action to that he faced torture and improper treatment while Lieutenant Tariq Al-Shehi died along with voice political demands. The interior min- in pre-trial detention. two members of the Bahraini police force istry said on Twitter “three police person- Two other defendants, both Emiratis, were con- “while performing his national duty of nel died in a terror blast in Daih while victed of ties to the group and were each sen- maintaining order,” the United Arab police were dispersing rioters”. Earlier the tenced to five years behind bars. They were identi- Emirates’ interior ministry said in a state- ministry had said one officer and two fied as Abdul Wahid Hassan Al-Badi Al-Shehhi and ment carried by WAM state news agency. policemen were “seriously” wounded in Saeed Abdullah Al-Buraimi. A third Emirati being He is the first Gulf officer to be report- the village of Daih, on the outskirts of the tried on related charges, Taher Al-Tamimi, was ed killed since forces from the region capital Manama. It said the security acquitted. The UAE sees the Brotherhood and affili- rolled into Bahrain in March 2011 to forces had dispersed a “breakaway group HOLLYWOOD: (From left) Best actor Matthew McConaughey, best actress Cate ated groups as a threat to its political system. It is a Blanchett, best supporting actress Lupita Nyong’o and best supporting actor boost the kingdom’s security forces, of thugs who diverted from a funeral backer of Egypt’s transitional government, which which later quelled a month-long Shiite- route in Daih to riot”. Jared Leto pose in the press room during the 86th Academy Awards on Continued on Page 13 Sunday. — AFP (See Pages 36-40) led uprising. The explosion is the most Continued on Page 13 TUESDAY, MARCH 4, 2014 LOCAL

KUWAIT: His Highness the Deputy Amir and Crown Prince Sheikh Nawaf Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah and other dignitaries attend the graduation ceremony at Ali Al-Sabah Military Academy yesterday. Amir patronizes, CP attends officers’ graduation ceremony

KUWAIT: Under the patronage of His Highness the Amir and Supreme Commander of the Armed Forces Sheikh Sabah Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah the graduation ceremony of the 18th batch of university-level officers and the 41st group of commissioned officers was held yesterday at Ali Al-Sabah Military Academy. His Highness the Amir has deputized His Highness the Deputy Amir and Crown Prince Sheikh Nawaf Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah to attend the graduation ceremony. Sheikh Nawaf was received at the Academy by Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Defense Sheikh Khaled Jarrah Al-Sabah, the Army’s Chief of Staff Lt Gen Abdulrahman Mohammad Othman, Undersecretary of the Defence Ministry Jasser Abdulrazaq Al-Jasser, Dean of the Ali Al-Sabah Military Academy and other members of the Defense Council. The graduation ceremony was also attend- ed by National Assembly Speaker Marzouq Al- Hamad Al-Sabah, Deputy Minister of the Amiri Ahmad Abdulwahab Al-Omair welcomed the officers for their excellent performance and Highness the Crown Prince awarding the Ghanem, former National Assembly speaker Diwan Affairs Sheikh Ali Jarrah Al-Sabah, sen- prestigious guests and thanked His Highness high-level of discipline and congratulated graduates with their certificates. Sheikh Jassem Al-Khorafi, senior sheikhs, His ior officials of the state, and relatives of the the Crown Prince for his attendance and sup- them on their graduation. Nawaf also decorated excelling officers with Highness Sheikh Nasser Al-Mohammad Al- graduates. port to the Kuwaiti military. He reiterated army officers’ full allegiance awards. The graduates also put on a show Ahmad Al-Sabah, His Highness the Prime The ceremony began with playing the Al-Omair highlighted the professional and and loyalty to Kuwait and His Highness the that showcased their recently acquired mili- Minister Sheikh Jaber Al-Mubarak Al-Hamad national anthem and recitation of the Holy up-to-date training and high skills which the Amir. tary skills. The Academy’s officers also pre- Al-Sabah, First Deputy Prime Minister and Quran verses. graduated officers had gained during their Then a military parade was initiated for sented to His Highness a memorial gift on the Foreign Minister Sheikh Sabah Al-Khaled Al- Then, Dean of the Academy Maj Gen study in the Academy. He also thanked the both classes which was followed by His occasion. —KUNA Stage ready for unified Gulf Traffic Week ‘UK to continue pressuring KUWAIT: The upcoming unified GCC Traffic Week 2014 The traffic sector of the Interior Ministry is geared up for reflects integration and close security cooperation among partaking in the unified GCC Traffic Week 2014 in order to the member countries of the Gulf Cooperation Council find solutions to different traffic problems and to set out a Moscow to avert sanctions’ (GCC), a senior security official said here yesterday. single strategy for uniform traffic laws in the GCC countries, The Traffic Week is hoped to be a springboard for ensur- he said. Kuwait’s senior security officials attach much signifi- ing the safety of people and reducing the number of traffic cance to the traffic cause due to the fact that it concerns the GREAT British Week accidents in all the six GCC countries, the director of the whole of the society, Al-Hashash, who also doubles as the Interior Ministry’s public relations and moral guidance, Col acting chief of the ministry’s security information, pointed By Ben Garcia Adel Al-Hashash, said in news remarks. out.—KUNA KUWAIT: “The United Kingdom will continue to pressure Moscow to avert possible sanctions against Russia,” said Britain’s ambassador to Kuwait as he announced the ‘GREAT British Week’, a two-week-long program dedicated to Kuwait and Britain’s historical alliance. Frank Baker was reacting to queries by local media on the Ukraine’s conflict with Moscow. “Along with the EU and G8, we are very clear on our stand with regards to the Ukrainian issue. We continue to press diplomatic pres- sure on Moscow. It is too early to pre- dict on possible action, but we are united in our stand,” noted Baker. Baker announced the GREAT British Week in Kuwait from March 20 to April 4, 2014. “The historically close alliance Ambassador Frank Baker between Kuwait and the United showcase his skills in a cooking demo. British Council Head Andrew Glass Kingdom inspired the ‘GREAT British The highlight of the British Week also highlights their participation. “As Week’. 2014 is huge for all of us here - will be a talk by former British Prime an institution connected to education, we are very excited to showcase the Minister Sir John Major, who will we are going to highlight four main best of Britain to offer. We will be speak about the present and future things: 1) We are going to showcase showcasing our culture, best designs, ties between Kuwait and the UK. “A UK culture to display the dynamism, innovations, best cooking, and much lineup of iconic British cars will be dis- diversity and innovation of British more,” said Baker. International played in a parade along Gulf Road. people by bringing some street renowned fashion designer Maria Madeline Mitchell will deliver a dancers from Britain. 2) we will be Grachvogel will hold fashion shows at breathtaking performance at Dar Al- holding a symposium on renewable the Avenues. According to Tom Athar in addition to performances by energy. 3) An entrepreneurship semi- Shepherd, Head of the Political the Chaos Theory band. Some classic nar, and last but not least, 4) we will Section at the British Embassy, celebri- movies will also be shown at Kuwait promote our language - English - and ty chef Gary Rhodes will be here to cinemas,” Shepherd said. we’ll focus on children,” Glass noted. ABK presents its services at MPW

KUWAIT: Al Ahli Bank of Kuwait offers a multitude of banking services with exclusive privileges for its customers. The Bank will be present at the Ministry of Public Works until March 6 to introduce its products and serv- ices to employees, and to show- case essential benefits that can be availed upon salary transfer or when using an ABK Emirates credit card. The Bank also offers an attrac- tive package of gifts and services upon salary transfer. To begin with, a cash prize of KD 100 (or benefits up to KD 2,000), the ABK Emirates Visa Gold credit card free of charge for the first year, free travel insurance, free check- book for the first time, and amazing discounts through the ABK Advantage program at vari- ous retail outlets. Kuwait to participate in audit meeting KUWAIT: The State Audit Bureau is to par- Councilís report on monitoring ARABOSAI general budget of 2014; in addition, it will ticipate in the 50th meeting of the activities and the steps it has taken to examine the latest activities of INTOSAI, Executive Council of the Arab Organization ensure implementation of the Action Plan International Organization of Supreme of Supreme Audit Institutions (ARABOSAI), adopted by the General Assembly in the Audit Institutions. due to be held in Cairo from March 4 to 6. previous meeting. The Executive Council of ARABOSAI of The State Audit Bureau said yesterday, It will also tackle reports made by the the years (2013-2016) consists of Kuwait, in a press release that chief of the Bureau various committees to improve profes- Saudi Arabia, Iraq, Tunisia, UAE, Syria, Abdulaziz Al-Adsani will head the Kuwaiti sional standards and monitoring activities Mauritania, Morocco, Bahrain, Egypt, delegation to the meeting. in audit bureaus of member states. Lebanon and the National Palestinian The meeting will discuss Executive It will also discuss the organization Authority. — KUNA LOCAL TUESDAY, MARCH 4, 2014

Saudi cooperation on joint operations ‘satisfactory’ KUWAIT: “Saudi cooperation in the joint opera- tions zones in Wafra and Khafji is satisfactory and productive, made possible through Saudi Arabian Chevron and Aramco Gulf Operations,” said Minister of Oil and Minister of State for Parliament Affairs Dr Ali Saleh Al-Omair, yester- day. Al-Omair, who also serves as Kuwait Petroleum Corporation Chairman, said the Oil Ministry and KPC are both keen on providing all needed support for all Kuwait Gulf Oil Company (KGOC) operations. The minister, who was on a visit to KOGC HQ yesterday, added KGOC is engaged in key project that would improve its capabilities in all opera- tions related to oil extraction and boosting pro- duction volume. He expressed gratitude to the board as well as company cadres for the effort they put into this field as key players in the country’s oil sector, which is the backbone of the nation’s economy. The statement said the minister was briefed KUWAIT: His Highness the Prime Minister Sheikh Jaber Al-Mubarak Al-Hamad Al-Sabah receiving participants of Al-Arabi Magazine’s 13th Forum at Seif Palace yes- on the company’s future plans and ongoing proj- terday. ects. The minister and his accompanying delega- tion were also given a review of the main opera- tions at the joint operations zones. Premier supports cultural initiatives Kuwait Gulf Oil Company was founded on Feb 10, 2002 to represent the State of Kuwait in the KUWAIT: His Highness the Prime During the meeting, the Premier Kuwait, stressing importance of neces- of foreign languages upon it, asserting Divided Zone. Minister Sheikh Jaber Al-Mubarak Al- welcomed Kuwait’s participating sity to implement such cultural initia- at the same time that the way to The Divided Zone was established between Hamad Al-Sabah received at Seif Palace guests at the forum, affirming his fol- tives that maintain the Arab identity. strengthen Arabic culture in education the State of Kuwait and the Kingdom of Saudi yesterday, in presence of Minister of lowing and support of recommenda- In addition, His Highness the Prime starts from a young age through Arabia as a buffer zone along the International Information and Minister of State for tions that are to be issued at conclu- Minister pointed out the importance of encouraging children to read and ben- Boundary between the two countries in an effort Youth Affairs Sheikh Salman Sabah sion of the forum. making generations aware of the sig- efit from the use of technological to improve cooperation for development proj- Salem Al-Sabah, participants of Al- He lauded the proposal of construct- nificance of Arabic language and its sources to serve this noble goal in oth- ects in the border areas. — KUNA Arabi Magazine’s 13th Forum. ing an integrated linguistic complex in sciences in order to avoid domination er sciences. — KUNA Science, knowledge essential for human development Al-Arabi Magazine forum opens

Kuwait’s crude oil exports to Japan hits three-year high

TOKYO: Kuwait’s crude oil exports to Japan in January hit a four-year high of 11.32 million barrels, or 365,000 barrels per day (bpd), up 22.4 percent from a year earlier, government data showed. The figure was the highest since April 2010, when Kuwait’s crude shipments to Japan reached 12.28 million tons (409,000 bpd), according to a preliminary report released from the Japanese Natural Resources and Energy Agency. As Japan’s fourth-biggest oil provider last month, Kuwait supplied 9.1 percent of the Asian nation’s total crude imports. Japan’s overall imports of crude oil edged down 1.6 percent year-on-year to 4.0 mil- lion bpd for the second consecutive monthly decline. Shipments from the Middle East accounted for 83.2 percent of total, up 0.4 percentage points from KUWAIT: Minister of Information and Minister of State for Youth Affairs Sheikh Salman Sabah Salem Al-Homoud Al-Sabah visiting the exhibition after opening the a year before. Saudi Arabia remained Japan’s No.1 Al-Arabi Magazine 13th forum yesterday. oil supplier, although imports from the kingdom fell 11.2 percent from a year earlier to 1.14 million bpd, KUWAIT: Science and knowledge are event, said the Kuwaiti leadership has reasonable dialogue. spreads culture, knowledge, and enlight- followed by the United Arab Emirates with 820,000 two of the most important factors for always paid attention to intellect and Out of the importance of culture and enment across the Arab World and bpd, down 4.4 percent. Qatar ranked third with any human development, Minister of culture; he added that Kuwait has con- knowledge, the minister pointed out beyond; the magazine served as the 542,000 bpd and Russia fifth with 321,000 bpd, Information and Minister of State for stantly strived to build cultural bridges that many programs concerning art, cul- point of juncture of Arab cultural and respectively. Youth Affairs Sheikh Salman Sabah and open new horizons for inter-cultural ture and science will be launched in the intellectual creativity and a venue for Japan’s biggest refiner said last month it seeks Salem Al-Homoud Al-Sabah stressed dialogue because it believes that these country during the upcoming years; the exchange of views on the issue of the continuous and stable flow of energy from Kuwait yesterday. Sheikh Salman made this are the fundamentals of establishing aim for these programs is to set up an hour. Nonetheless, she noted that dur- and greater cooperation with its oil companies, remark in his speech at the opening of world peace and building civilizations. international cultural hub in this coun- ing all these past years the magazine including naphtha trading. Al-Arabi Magazine 13th forum, held dur- He pointed that that the vast use of try. focused on the explorations of man- “Kuwait has long been a reliable petroleum sup- ing the period March 3-6, which focuses the internet has made the gap between On her part, Al-Arabi Magazine Editor made products: in geography, architec- plier to Japan. I hope the country will maintain the on the Arab culture as part of the Silk these bridges even smaller where large in Chief Dr. Laila Al-Sabaan said that ture, customs, art and literature. contribution to stable and flexible supply of oil for Road development. variety of platforms invited people from since its inception in 1958, the magazine However, in the next phase of the maga- the Japanese people,” Yasushi Kimura, Chairman of Sheikh Salman, who represented His all walks of life to have open discussions; has been hailed by both elite and mass- zine more attention will be paid to man JX Holdings Inc. said. Highness he Prime Minister Sheikh Jaber hence, there should be more focus on es as a true reflection of the concerns of himself: the creator of all cultures and JX has the country’s largest oil refining capacity Al-Mubarak Al-Hamad Al-Sabah at the teaching younger generations the art of the Arab people and a beacon that civilizations. — KUNA and the top share of fuel sales. It plans to stop a crude oil distillation unit of the 180,000 bpd Muroran refinery in northern Japan this month as Ministry reviews energy part of efforts to reduce excess oil refining capacity, and convert it into a petrochemical plant from June. Some of its petrochemical products are going to preparations before summer be used for a newly-established paraxylene joint venture in South Korea that will go on-stream this By A Saleh ing results in consumption overload in par- year. allel with high temperatures that usually “We wish to chase the opportunities to material- KUWAIT: Top Ministry of Electricity and cross the 50 degrees C point multiple times ize naphtha imports as petrochemical feedstock Water officials met earlier this week in during the middle of summer. Capacity was order to discuss preparations to handle the improved to 14,000 megawatts per day that are expected to grow after we convert the gradual increase in consumption as sum- before last summer. There are seven fossil- Muroran refinery into a petrochemical plant,” mer draws near. The meeting was chaired fuel power plants in Kuwait that produce Kimura said. —KUNA by Undersecretary Jassar Al-Jassar, who electricity and desalinated water for a total reviewed the plan to deal with the con- population of nearly 4 million daily, with sumption rise until production at a new plans to fully operate the new power plant power plant goes underway early 2015. The in North Zour next year. While annual rein- Arab drug senior official was also briefed about main- forcement and maintenance operations at tenance operations through which outdat- power plants, transformers and distribution trader held ed and stolen cables were replaced around networks helped the MEW cope with the Kuwait. Kuwait has improved the total daily yearly increase in demand, senior ministry By Hanan Al-Saadoun production of electricity before summer in officials have repeatedly indicated that the the past few years, but challenges remains new power plant is necessary to avoid KUWAIT: Drugs Control General Department men as electricity used to power air condition- shortages in the future. arrested an Arab expat in possession of meth and KUWAIT: First Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Sheikh Sabah Khalid illicit tablets. An undercover agent pretended to buy Al-Hamad Al-Sabah and Mexican Foreign Secretary Jose Antonio Meade Kuribrena exchange documents after signing the agreements yesterday. drugs from him, and he was arrested during the sale. Call for unity of Gulf Arabs 750 gm of meth and 300 Tramadol tabs were found MANAMA: Bahraini Minister Prince Khalifa torted and false reports, until their credibility in his car. bin Salman Al Khalifa said yesterday that his has become questionable. Kuwait, Mexico sign agreements country is facing systematic terror backed by “But those organizations missed the fact Angry policeman KUWAIT: Kuwait and Mexico have two sides earlier yesterday, aimed at A policeman shattered the window pane of a traf- foreign powers with the aim of destabilizing that Gulf and Arab people enjoy full and signed two agreements to set up a joint enhancing bilateral ties and discussing the Gulf country. “We have been facing a sys- complete human rights thanks to their lead- fic police patrol car after being ticketed for a traffic committee to promote cooperation and issues of common interests. tematic terror powered by external powers,” ers’ resolve to safeguard the people’s rights violation. A security source said a car driven by a to exempt holders of diplomatic pass- The meeting was attended by the Premier said during his reception of the and meet their homelands needs.” policeman that was making exhaust noises and had visiting Arab Parliament President Ahmed He affirmed that national achievements ports from obtaining entry visas to Undersecretary of Foreign Ministry Kuwait and Mexico. Khaled Al-Jarrallah, Director of the stickers and illegal accessories, so he was asked to bin Mohammad Al-Jarwan. can be preserved by Gulf and Arab unity and park on the side of the road and hand over the keys. “But that has not deter us from maintain- that the proposal of Saudi King Abdullah bin The agreements were signed by First Foreign Ministry’s two Americas depart- Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign ment Ambassador Sheikh Ali Abdullah He refused and screamed, “I am a policeman, keeping ing our priorities, security, stability and Abdulaziz Al-Saud to move towards the Gulf me standing under the sun.” He also shouted and enjoying a peaceful life.” He regretted that Unity gives the Arab cooperation relations Minister Sheikh Sabah Khalid Al-Hamad Al-Ahmad Al-Sabah, Director of First some international organizations are pro- and joint action a great impetus. The Al-Sabah and Mexican Foreign Secretary Deptuy Premier and Foreign Minister’s insulted police officers at the checkpoint, so he was moting false reports about the situation in Bahraini Prime Minister wished the Arab Jose Antonio Meade Kuribrena who is on office Ambassador Dr. Ahmad Nasser Al- asked to get in the patrol car, but he refused. He was Bahrain. Parliament success in supporting the joint a three-day official visit to the State of Mohammad Al-Sabah, Kuwaiti envoy to then forced in, so he broke the window and insulted “We regret that some international organ- Arab action and reaching resolutions cope Kuwait. The signing of the agreements Mexico Sameh Jawhar Hayat and a host the policemen. He was taken to Salmiya police sta- izations have been recently listening to dis- with Arab nation’s expectations. —KUNA followed a meeting held between the of senior officials. — KUNA tion and charged with a misdemeanor. TUESDAY, MARCH 4, 2014 LOCAL

In my view in my view Technological ‘Gap’ between advancement Jordan masses

By Hassan Barari ot a while ago, King Abdallah expressed his frustration with some Jordanian politicians who warned against the scheme of the “alter- By Labeed Abdal N native homeland” for the Palestinians in Jordan. Since the US Secretary of State John Kerry announced that he would present a framework agreement for solving the Palestinian-Jordanian con- flict, Jordanians have been debating the conse- quences of Kerry’s effort on their country. Thus far, [email protected] the debate has been divisive. The overwhelming majority of Jordanians oppose echnological advancement is moving so fast, as Kerry’s ideas. In fact, many suspect that Jordan will innovations based on digital excellence are pro- accept Kerry’s ideas even if they turn Jordan to a per- Tduced on a daily basis, making services and com- manent homeland for refugees. Rumor has it that munications easier day after day. But the more the digi- Government Cabinet Jordan would accept resettling Palestinian refugees tal world makes our lives easier, the more problems in exchange for tens of billions of dollars. Skeptics come with it. The countless number of passports in the suspect that Jordan’s official line is amenable to this digital world requires protection systems in order to Al-Anbaa scenario. Indeed, this is a widespread impression in keep them secure, while users are also advised to Jordan. change their passwords periodically. The king has an uphill battle with these Protection systems are not something exclusive to entrenched conceptions on the part of the majority of Jordanians. He told his audience that he would Millions of people around announce the name of those who talk about the alternative homeland. He considered the mere talk- the world were left with lit- ing about this topic is tantamount to promoting the kuwait digest idea thus sedition! It is not the first time that the king tle option but to adapt with spoke about the issue. Time and again he reassured the electronic boom, and Jordanians that this notion is an “illusion.” And yet, Protection of public funds some political forces insist on bringing up this matter even be swept by the waves every time Palestinians and Israelis negotiate a solu- of electronic advancements By Mudaffar Abdullah which created addicts of s protecting public funds a big issue in Kuwait? My that are more like caretaker ones that are incapable of com- The king has an uphill bat- answer is definitely ‘NO’ because it is rather a symptom ing up with an agenda for which they can be held account- technology. Iof a political problem that can basically be summed up able. It has been spending fortunes on a budget that is tle with these entrenched as ‘the government’s mismanagement’. The government mostly used for payrolls. Such a state resulted in a opposi- conceptions on the part of passwords in the digital world. They have become a key uses public funds to keep providing low-quality public serv- tion incapable of achieving anything except through parlia- factor in protecting e-wallets from breaches or unautho- ices to citizens and expatriates, which maintains the model mentary membership and, in most cases, taking part in the majority of Jordanians. rized access. Millions of people around the world were of a ‘spending state’ in order to solve some political or social abusing public funds through passing laws merely in defi- left with little option but to adapt with the electronic problems or even to buy more time. ance of the government’s unwise spending. Likewise, the He told his audience that he boom, and even be swept by the waves of electronic Meanwhile, opposition groups are divided between government has been unable to move things forward by advancements which created addicts of technology. weak ones trying to protect public funds from being stolen, making a real accomplishment in any of the chronic prob- would announce the name Concern over excessive reliance on technology has while more effective ones keep recommending using them lems. of those who talk about the encouraged creating software such as ‘Brain Games’ that on devastating populist projects. Such a state of stagnancy will surely lead to resuming stimulate the mind with mathematical problems. This is a brief introduction on leaking information about public tension that has worn out the state politically alternative homeland. The search engine world is another point of concern. disagreement of views amongst opposition powers outside through forming two parliaments since dissolving the 2009 the parliament — those who have made no progress and one, and financially through squandering millions as incen- Search companies gather information, then list them tion. Even senior officials, such as former Prime are divided between those who want to amend the second tives for unproductive jobs. There is no hope of maintaining and sell them as digital surveys to major worldwide Minister Marouf Bakhit, warned that the Palestinian companies. This information are used in making market- article of the constitution, those who insist on Islamizing public funds as long as both the government and the oppo- laws and a third group that keeps defending public funds sition groups use it against each other in destroying Kuwaiti leadership might reach a deal with the Israelis at the ing strategies based on consumption patterns and inter- expense of Jordan. ests of people throughout the year all over the world. against ‘thieves’ we have so far failed to identify and bring to citizens. justice since the Iraqi invasion. So, we are still playing the The bottom line is: boredom is dominating because Many Jordanians have a difficult time believing Furthermore, the advancement in the robotic field also that the “alternative homeland” is not going to mate- brings concern after the introduction of new technolo- same tunes over and over! of lack of change resulting from political and public fail- The government has been boringly forming cabinets ure! —Al-Jarida rialize. This attitude has triggered unnecessary politi- gies that make robots more reliable in handling many cal tension in the country. Denying the existence of jobs carried out by humans, including domestic and such an option or a speech by the king is not going society works, as well as receptionists’ and secretaries’ to change this attitude. One needs to go to the bot- jobs. In my view It is truly an era filled with inventions and innova- tom of the issue to understand why many political tions that continue to advance until a level of artificial forces, as well as citizens, fear such an outcome. intelligence that competes with the human mind is Arab women are rising Put differently, it does not matter how many times achieved. But we must always remember to make sure the king reassure his people, still there are many citi- that the technological advancements never keeps us zens who still feel uneasy. A wide segment of our from playing our basic humanitarian role in building the By Rasheed Abou-Alsamh society does not trust the government, nor does it earth and maintaining peace. We should also make sure trust the institutions. The king reached this conclu- to maintain human supremacy over the machines and he stereotype of the Arab woman in the minds of anything done...this is something that I criticize the unem- sion earlier on. He had instructed the governments refrain from using smart innovations in wars and non-Arabs has often been that she is passive, stays at ployed women for. Many stay up late and they don’t do to work to restore people’s trust in it. destruction. Thome and financially dependent on men in her life, much,” Farhan said. Unfortunately, successive governments failed to either a father or husband. Princess Adila bint Abdullah, an advocate of women’s live up to this expectation. The insistence on a mod- A new e-book titled “Arab Women Rising,” authored by empowerment and campaigner against domestic vio- est package of reform has backfired. I believe that Nafeesa Syeed and Rahilla Zafar, puts an end to this lence, admits to the authors of this book that the influence the number of Jordanians who believe that the gov- kuwait digest stereotype, featuring interviews with 35 Arab women that of her position has helped the cause of women in Saudi ernment and the Parliament are trustworthy has tak- range in age from their 20s to their late 70s. They have Arabia and beyond. “I hope my support to combat domes- en a nosedive. Therefore, short of effective genuine Just stay chosen a broad range of women from Tunisia, Egypt, Saudi tic violence will influence Muslim women to stand up reform, senior officials will continue to suffer from a Arabia and the UAE that are doing innovative and ground- against any act considered to be disrespectful or demean- lack of credibility. at home breaking work in trash collection, microfinance, digital ing to their humanity,” she said in her interview. Political forces will not stop talking about the innovation to amplify minority rights, and filmmaking Despite all of these inspiring stories of Arab women ris- “alternative homeland” due to parochial political among many others. ing up against many odds to establish their own business- interests. Putting an end to these rumors entails gen- By Abdullatif Al-Duaij The e-book is 150 pages long, which means you can es, it has not been an easy journey, and still is a difficult uine reform and transparency on the part of the gov- dip into it and read what catches your attention first, as road to take. Reem Asaad, the Saudi activist and banker, ernment. This seems to be the only way to overcome he ‘geniuses’ in the parliament have allegedly reacted to each profile is independent. who started in the 2008 the successful campaign to allow the atmosphere of mistrust and confusion. recent columns demanding more official control in The story of Maali Alasousi, a Kuwaiti woman who women to sell lingerie in shops in the Kingdom, notes in Unfortunately, the official media has added fuel to Tnational celebrations. One MP went on to even propose moved to Yemen in order to run social projects to improve the foreword to this book that until 2011 the entire public laws to ‘regulate’ joy, or the way citizens express happiness. To the lives of the poor and needy, was especially inspiring. workplace in Saudi Arabia was dominated almost entirely fire. Instead of debating the issue rationally, it turned make it even more simple for those who are not on the same There she implemented programs to get Yemeni farmers by men. That has since been slowly changing after women against everyone warned against the alternative intellectual level of our lawmakers, a person will be arrested for of khat to switch to coffee; started microfinance projects were allowed to sell lingerie and are now seen working in homeland. One daily went a step further when it ‘improper’ or ‘excessive’ celebrations. Or a person can be prose- and campaigned against blindness. While doing this she supermarkets as cashiers and as saleswomen in perfume accused the veteran soldiers of bringing up this issue cuted because he or she did not laugh enough, laughed a little had to endure daily cuts of electricity of up to six hours shops. But much more is still required. for non-national agendas! bit too much, or made noise that is louder than the maximum and gasoline shortages. Although she has now been Still there is hope. The authors of the book note that That being said, the ruling elite thinks that it can allowed decibel rate. This is the only definition of ‘regulating’ forced to return to Kuwait because of the precarious secu- there are much higher levels of innovation for women than continue with in the same manner. To them, Jordan joy, and there is no other explanation. rity situation in Yemen, she notes that as an Arab she was for men. For every woman entrepreneur in the region, there can keep on with the same tools of ruling regardless It is simply an intervention in human behavior and official much more easily accepted by local populations than are six women who would like to set up a business. For of the changes that the Jordanian society has been dictation by those who are used or were raised on controlling western aid workers who are often killed for being sus- every male entrepreneur, there are only 2.5 more men who undergoing. More than anytime before, Jordan badly others. It reflects a backward desire to maintain the ‘tradition’ pected spies. intend to do the same. Arab governments, especially those needs a solid domestic front to deal with challenges. that the geniuses of the parliament and society are used to. Maha Al-Farhan, an Emirati woman who founded her in the Gulf, should make sure that barriers are removed for The only way for creating a solid internal front to The greatest tools of human advancement are those that are own medical and clinical research company in 2001, made women entrepreneurs who want to start their own busi- help Jordan face challenges is by empowering citi- me laugh in agreement when she said that Gulf women nesses. A World Bank study concluded that women entre- zens politically. Short of doing that, the trust gap will need to wake up early every day in order to get anything preneurs in the Arab world could provide better and more continue to grow and the cost of regaining it will be Expression of joy in particu- of significance accomplished in their lives. “Wake up early; innovative jobs through their businesses. That is something extremely high. lar is a human behavior that really, I’m serious. If you don’t wake up early, you can’t get I would like to see happen sooner rather than later. is subjected to the social and individual status of the peo- In my view ple. It is also connected to the atmosphere and natural con- Quick solution to problems ditions that form the occa- By Saad Dosari sion and sets the space in firmly believe that many of our social behaviors are to new lifestyles and behaviors. Unfortunately, a lot of and tea; all these within an hour or two and then we go to which people spontaneously linked to our sleeping habits. The common road rage, these behaviors have contributed baldy to our sleeping bed late! Igrumpiness, loss of productivity at workplaces and habits and consequently gave rise to sleep-related prob- Next example of behaviors affecting our sleep is the express their feelings. schools are only a few examples. I had earlier written an lems. Although sharing the burden of this new lifestyle addiction to screens. For a lot of us, from the first second article on the subject some weeks ago, “Sleepless nights in with rest of the world, we created other issues ourselves. of waking up in the morning, to the last second before Kingdom.” This is an extension of the same subject. A care- One of those is the tendency to eat late. Not only that falling asleep, it is a journey from one screen to another. connected with people’s direct behavior. This behavior is ful study of our behavioral pattern will reveal that many of but eating unhealthy meals. This happens at home, at the Although the modern life of work and even family is dic- responsible for many inventions, theories and philosophies our personal and emotional problems are caused due to nearest restaurant, and at wedding ceremonies. The last tating such needs but a lot of us tend to overdo it. that attempt to express human behavior, not organize or regu- the loss of those sweet and much-needed eight hours of time I attended a wedding function, we were served din- Drowsing off while watching TV, or even worse, watching late it. shuteye. ner at 12.30 in the morning! Of course that is after mid- TV in the bed, checking e-mails, Facebook, Twitter, I don’t think that Stalin, Kim Il-sung or even Castro ever Years ago, before the modern life as we know it with its night but technically speaking it is morning. Such habits WhatsApp messages in the darkness of the bedroom are enforced or even thought about regulating joy. Even Saddam Hussein who had the idea that people around him must main- TVs channels, smart phones, and fast food chains, people will affect one’s sleeping patterns. In addition to that one’s all bad habits. For a good night sleep, the mind needs to tain good appearance never forced that on any of the unlucky had a healthy lifestyle - early dinner, quiet nights and full stomach will be working overtime trying to deal with the be prepared to go to bed. The brain needs to relax, to get people that fell under his authority. Expression of joy in partic- eight hours of sleep. It came naturally by that time. No dis- late night arrivals, causing acids to leak into the esopha- in the mood for sleeping. The brain helps with that by ular is a human behavior that is subjected to the social and tracters demanding full attention day and night, to be gus, usually followed by a tired morning because the body introducing melatonin, a hormone that prepares the body individual status of the people. It is also connected to the connected, to be present whenever a message or an e- was not able to rest properly. Most health experts advise a to drowse and to drift into sleep. Being connected to the atmosphere and natural conditions that form the occasion and mail is sent your way. That was why that generation used three-hour difference between the last meal and bedtime phone, or to the TV, alerts the mind and prohibits the sen- sets the space in which people spontaneously express their to get up early in the morning, full of energy, in the right and to avoid fatty food in that meal altogether. Also, add sitive to light hormone from flowing into the blood. The feelings. mood, meeting the day’s challenges with open hearts and to the eating bad habits, the tendency to drink a lot of caf- result is staying up late, followed by a restless sleep. A backward person who is hurt by seeing people rejoice or minds. Words such as stress, exhaustion and work burnout feinated beverages throughout the day. Serving coffee The health risks related to sleep deprivation are on the express their joy excessively can simply stay at home. Or at were not even in their dictionary. and tea in our houses is not only a pastime; it is a sign of rise, especially for those at a young age. It is definitely least they can avoid gathering places of “crazy people” in these However, with new technologies things changed, as generosity and hospitality. Usually at family get together, alarming. We truly need to scrutinize our lifestyles. Simply occasions. He or she would certainly have nothing to lose if the benefits are so great to be overlooked. Along the way we arrive late at night and start by having coffee and tea, put, for a society to be productive, it needs to sleep, and they do so - especially that they contribute to depriving peo- we, and the rest of the world, started to change, to adapt followed by a heavy dinner, then a second round of coffee sleep well! ple from joy all year long. Al-Qabas TUESDAY, MARCH 4, 2014 LOCAL Ministry probes fugitive ‘smuggling’ reports Senior ministry official involved? KUWAIT: Local authorities launched investiga- mediating for the suspect’s release after the man ment afterwards and mediated for the suspect’s tions in recent reports suggesting that a senior was detained in early January with possession of release on behalf of a senior ministry official,” official has smuggled a fugitive out of the coun- a loaded handgun while attempting to enter said sources quoted in the same report. try, the Interior Ministry announced yesterday. Kuwait through the Nuwaiseeb southern border They added that the man was released “after The report which was reported by the press and checkpoint, according to a newspaper report a high-ranking officer in the State Security went viral on social networks in the past few yesterday. Department volunteered to pay his bail”, and days, indicates that a senior ministry official “A customs inspector found a Kora revolver was then helped out of the country after his helped a Gulf national leave the country despite loaded with 9 bullets with the man and he was name was not blacklisted in defiance of followed the fact that the man was charged with posses- referred with the contrabands to the Customs procedures. sion of an unlicensed firearm. General Department and then to the Nuwaiseeb “The public prosecution tried contacting the The ministry confirmed in its statement that police station,” said Farhan Al-Ajmi, the Salmi suspect, but discovered that his phone was ‘several security directorates and directors’ will and Nuwaiseeb Customs Supervisor. He was switched off and he had exited the country,” said be questioned as part of a ‘prompt and exten- quoted by Al-Rai yesterday who reported that the sources who spoke on the condition of sive investigation’ into the case ordered by the arrest took place on Jan 4 after which the anonymity. The Interior Ministry said that Lt Gen Deputy Prime Minister and Interior Minister suspect ended up at the Criminal Investigations Suleiman Al-Fahad, the ministry’s undersecre- Sheikh Mohammad Al-Khaled Al-Sabah. Department to face weapon smuggling charges. tary, has been assigned to supervise and follow The senior official in question is accused of “An influential person arrived at the depart- up with the investigations directly. KISR, KOC ink KD2m contract to conduct petroleum research

KUWAIT: A KD 2 million-contract was signed between Kuwait Institute for Scientific Research (KISR) and Kuwait Oil Cooperatives employ 183 bedoons Company (KOC) on conducting joint petro- leum research. KUWAIT: According to a senior official of the The official said he felt sure the number would The four-year contract is the fifth of its Central System for the Remedy of Status of Illegal rise very soon, recalling Central System Chairman kind to be signed by the two institutes Residents yesterday, “the number of illegal resi- Saleh Al-Fidhala’s directives to facilitate employ- since the mid-90s. KISR’ Director General Dr. dents (bedoons) employed in the cooperative ment for this segment of society in sectors Naji Al-Mutairi said that the contract will sector up to February 2014 has reached 183”. important to the economy and society. utilize KISR’s petroleum research center to The positions at the country’s cooperative “Steps are being taken in both the state and train KOC’s employees on conducting prop- societies were offered through “a mechanism the private sector to implement these directives,” er scientific research by the use of the latest launched by the central system three months he stressed. equipment. ago in cooperation with the Union of Al-Asfour expressed gratitude for the spirit of He said the center will also be giving Cooperative Societies.” cooperation on the part of Union of Cooperative laboratory and consultative services in the Assistant Secretary General for Technical and Societies Chairman Abdelaziz Al-Samhan and his fields of oil, gas and petrochemical produc- Information Affairs at the central system Waleed efforts to realize this employment mechanism. tion and water treatments. In addition, it Al-Asfour said, “15 cooperatives are members in To qualify for opportunities provided through will lessen the effect of oil production on this placement mechanism to date and four of this mechanism, the applicant must be regis- environment and will try to find solution to them accounted for the majority of placements. tered in the 1965 census, with children of Kuwaiti eliminate erosion issues seen across the These are Sulaibiya cooperative with 37 place- mothers and of those who served in the coun- KOC’s facilities. ments, Jabriya with 30, Dasma with 22, and try’s military given exemption from this condi- KISR’s petroleum research center has Khaitan with 20 placements.” tion, he finally put in. —KUNA recently put together a strategic plan for the years (2015-2020) and another future plan until 2030 to optimize the oil industry Kuwait, Zimbabwe discuss boosting ties in the country, Al-Mutairi pointed out. He concluded by saying that the con- HARARE: Kuwaiti Ambassador to Zimbabwe Summit, held in Kuwait in November, was consid- tract will not only achieve economic bene- Ahmad Khalid Al-Jiran met with Zimbabwean ered a new start for the Arab and African rela- fits but will also realize environmental ones. Finance Minister Patrick Chinamasa yesterday at tions. On his part, KISR’s petroleum research the latter’s office where they discussed boosting The Kuwaiti envoy relayed the greetings of center director Bader Al-Khayat said that bilateral ties. Kuwaiti Finance Minister Anas Saleh to his KISR has so much potential that should be The meeting also tackled issues of mutual Zimbabwean counterpart. KUWAIT: Facilities protection battalion at the Security Affairs Command of utilized through encouraging cooperation interest and the promotion of relations in all Meanwhile, the African Minister expressed his the National Guard carried out a practical exercise at Al-Maqwa transmis- between the institute and the country’s fields, especially, the economic ones. country’s aspirations for more cooperation with sion station that belongs to the Information Ministry yesterday. various sectors. —KUNA Al-Jiran pointed out that the Afro-Arab the state of Kuwait. —KUNA TUESDAY, MARCH 4, 2014 LOCAL Currency exchange shop theft in Andalus thwarted Students hurt in school bus accident

KUWAIT: Andalus police managed to thwart a society when the suspect hit him accidently workers before escaping. Criminal investigators robbery at a currency exchange shop by three and drove away. He gave a cell phone to police, lifted fingerprints from the scene as part of the suspects who remain at large. According to the and said that the suspect dropped it accidently ongoing investigation. police report, the suspects ran away and disap- during his escape. Investigations are ongoing. peared between apartment buildings after they Weapon smuggling were approached outside the shop by officers Fugitive at large Four men were arrested on smuggling who had grown suspicious of their behavior. A search is on for a fugitive who survived an charges after an unlicensed weapon was found The officers returned to the scene and discov- accident while he was driving a stolen vehicle, inside their car at the Nuwaiseeb border check- ered that the suspects had managed to break and managed to escape on foot. Jahra police point south of the country. The suspects, two the shop’s door open before police’s presence arrived at the scene in Naseem in response to Kuwaiti brothers and two Gulf nationals, were forced them to escape. Police also found shabu an emergency call, and found the pickup truck preparing to enter Kuwait when customs offi- (meth) and drug paraphernalia inside a car that turned upside down. Police did not find the cial decided to search their cars. They were tak- the suspects left behind, which was also discov- driver at the scene, before learning from eye- en in police custody for questioning after they ered to be reported stolen in Jahra. witnesses that he ran away after the accident failed to explain why an AK47 and 72 bullets Investigations are ongoing to identify and happened. Police discovered after inquiring were inside the car. arrest the suspects. about the vehicle that it was reported stolen at Jleeb Al-Shuyoukh police station. Instead of Kidnap attempt Bus accident removing it, police decided to monitor the car Investigations are ongoing in a case involv- Nine elementary school students were from a distance in order to capture the suspect ing a delivery man who accused a Rumathiya injured after their bus was involved in an acci- should he return back to the crash site. Soon resident of physical assault, while the Kuwaiti dent at the Seventh Ring Road Sunday. Three enough, police arrested a man who reportedly man said the driver attempted to kidnap his lit- students were hospitalized and their condition arrived and attempted to set the car back to its tle brother. The restaurant worker told local was described as stable, while the remaining normal position. He was taken for questioning police that a person beat him unprovoked six were treated onsite. Paramedics and police to reveal his involvement with the case. when he arrived at his house in order to deliver were present at the scene shortly after an a meal he had ordered. The Kuwaiti national emergency call was made, reporting that a bus Gym robbery confirmed the story when summoned for ques- lost balance and overturned at the highway. Salmiya detectives are looking to identify tioning, but explained that he used force and arrest five suspects who stormed a local because the Egyptian man attempted to kid- Hit-and-run suspect gym and stole KD13,000 in cash. According to nap his brother. The 10-year-old boy was sum- A man made it easier for South Surra police the case papers filed at the Salmiya police sta- moned to give his testimonies, and he said that to identify and arrest a driver that ran him over tion, the suspects started their assault by the delivery man asked him to get into his car in the area, after giving officers the suspect’s attacking two employees who were alone at when he came out to take the food. The deliv- cell phone which he dropped at the scene. The the gym at the time, then stole all the money in ery man was charged with attempted kidnap, Kuwaiti man had told local police station offi- the safe. The suspects also reportedly stole a while his foe was charged with battery and cers that he was walking near the area’s co-op cell phone belonging to one of the Filipino assault. US university honors Sheikh Mohammed

NEW YORK: Former Kuwaiti future for all peoples. plex dynamics shaping the region ble global citizens in anticipating Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign The inaugural recipient of the since the Arab Spring.” and confronting national and Minister Sheikh Dr Mohammad Award was the Nobel Laureate for The annual Symposium attracts international challenges. Brilliant 3D show at Sabah Al-Salem Al-Sabah was Peace, Martti Ahtisaari, the former scores of international leaders, The Institute is at the forefront awarded late Sunday the ‘Robert President of Finland. practitioners, academics, public of “thinking beyond boundaries and JoAnn Bendetson Public The Award was presented to intellectuals, and journalists who and acting across borders,” due to Wataniya building Diplomacy Award’ by the ‘Institute Sheikh Dr Mohammed during the engage in an intellectually wide- its unique approaches and ability for Global Leadership’, Tufts Institute’s 28th annual internation- ranging and intentionally diverse to create unusual partnerships KUWAIT: Wataniya Telecom, the first pri- responsibility, it developed this 3D show to University, in recognition of his “tru- al Norris and Margery Bendetson exchange through presentations, and juxtapositions. vate telecom operator in Kuwait and a offer its customers and the people of ly accomplished and dignified Symposium, held from Feb 27 to panel discussions, topical forums, Tufts University, established in member of the Ooredoo Group, presented Kuwait an experience that is rich and pays diplomatic career.” March 2, which focused on the and informal gatherings. 1852, is a private university with an extraordinary 3D show that took place tribute to the national spirit. The University established the future of the Middle East and The Institute’s goal is to prepare three campuses in the US State of at the New Wataniya Tower - Kuwait City. Wataniya continues to take great strides Wataniya took the viewers on a colorful towards growth, progress and innovation Award in 2011, under the leader- North Africa. new generations of critical Massachusetts and one campus in journey at its new building which is an in alignment with Kuwait. It also continues ship of the Institute for Global Sheikh Dr Mohammed, who thinkers for effective and ethical France. The total number of stu- exciting main landmark of Kuwait City and to provide new technology, offers and serv- Leadership, to recognize global holds a PhD in economics from leadership, who are able to com- dents is 10,837, including 1,348 a jewel adorning the city’s skyline. ices that are in line with the needs and leaders who have dedicated their Harvard University, was invited to prehend and deal with complexi- international students. It is dedi- As part of Wataniya’s commitment to its expectations of the people by constantly efforts to fostering the develop- the Symposium to also share his ty, bridge cultural and political dif- cated to educating new leaders customers in bringing the latest communi- making their lives easier and enriching ment of a united and peaceful “distinctive insights into the com- ferences, and engage as responsi- for a changing world. —KUNA cation technology and as part of its social their communication.

Warba Bank marks national days with elderly people KUWAIT: In line with its strategy aimed at supporting social solidarity through ongoing philanthropic and voluntary initiatives, Warba Bank visit- ed the House of Elderly People to cele- brate the National and Liberation Days with them. The visit is part and parcel of Warba Bank’s strategy to promote its position being a banking institution assuming an effective and remarkable role in serving community with its various segments and different age groups. Warba Bank is always keen to organize humanitarian activities that reflect the principles of the Islamic Sharia which have long been observed by Warba Bank throughout its businesses and social activities as well. At the end of the visit, Warba Bank’s team presented various valuable gifts to the elderly in appreciation of their contributions to bringing up promis- ing generations, and in an attempt to maintain good communication ties among all society segments. The visit featured a convivial family atmosphere full of supplications to Allah the Almighty to prolong the lives and maintain the health of the elderly. Warba Bank, an Islamic Bank established by virtue of an Amiri Decree, was officially registered in the Central Bank of Kuwait’s register of Islamic Banks on April 5, 2010. The State of Kuwait, represented by Kuwait Investment Authority (KIA), owns 24% of the bank’s total shares, while the remaining 76% of shares, fully subscribed by the government, has been equally allocated to all Kuwaiti nationals. Warba Bank offers a range of cus- tomized Sharia compliant services and solutions which are available through the banks three divisions of Retail Banking Group, Corporate Banking Group, and Investment and Treasury Group. Branching out in 6 strategic locations, Warba Bank has over 250 employees. TUESDAY, MARCH 4, 2014

11 dead in Islamabad Arson and looting displace thousands in Sudan’s Darfur court suicide attack

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Russian troops flood into Crimea US urges Russia to support sending OSCE monitors to Ukraine

MOSCOW/PEREVALNOYE: Russia paid a financial price sion. We call on Russia to join that consensus, make the the Maidan, where protesters manned barricades for three military. We have military specialisms. If we can build our yesterday for its military intervention in neighboring right choice and pull back its forces,” U.S. Assistant months to bring down Yanukovich, the morning crowds own mortar tube like that, we can do even better.... But it Ukraine, with stocks, bonds and the rouble plunging as Secretary of State Victoria Nuland told OSCE envoys in were smaller than in the past few days as people returned needs to be organized. You can’t just get a bunch of guys, President Vladimir Putin’s forces tightened their grip on the Vienna. to work. grab sticks and clubs and race off to Crimea.” Russian-speaking Crimea region. The Moscow stock market “Crimea, we are with you!” read one placard. “Putin - Britain’s International Institute for Strategic Studies esti- fell by 11.3 percent, wiping nearly $60 billion off the value Russian flags flying Hitler of the 21st century,” read another. Sergei mates Kiev has fewer than 130,000 troops under arms, of Russian companies in a day, and the central bank spent Russian forces have seized Crimea - an isolated Black Lavreynenko, 44, a librarian from Kiev, said Ukrainians with few planes fit to fly and few spare parts for a lone $10 billion of its reserves to prop up the rouble as investors Sea peninsula with an ethnic Russian majority, where were ready to take up arms to defend the country, and submarine. Russia, by contrast, has spent billions under took fright at escalating tensions with the West over the Moscow has a naval base - without firing a shot. On were frustrated at mixed messages from the authorities. Putin to upgrade and modernize the capabilities of forces former Soviet republic. Sunday they surrounded several small Ukrainian military “Of course we are all ready to go,” he said next to a display that were dilapidated after the breakup of the Soviet Ukraine said Russia was building up armored vehicles outposts there and demanded the Ukrainian troops dis- of homemade mortar tubes and molotov cocktails used in Union. Moscow’s special units are now seen as equals of on its side of a narrow stretch of water closest to Crimea arm. Some refused, leading to stand-offs, but no fighting. the uprising against Yanukovich. “We have all served in the the best in the world. — Reuters after Putin declared at the weekend he had the right to All eyes are now on whether Russia makes a military move invade his neighbor to protect Russian interests and citi- in predominantly Russian-speaking eastern Ukraine, zens. Both sides have so far avoided bloodshed, but the where pro-Moscow demonstrators have marched and market rout highlighted the damage the crisis could wreak raised Russian flags over public buildings in several cities on Russia’s sluggish economy, making it harder to balance in the last three days. the budget and potentially undermining business and Pro-Russian protesters occupied the first floor of the public support for Putin. regional government building in the eastern city of Russian Deputy Economy Minister Andrei Klepach said Donetsk, Yanukovich’s hometown, yesterday in the latest market “hysteria” would subside but strains with Brussels such action. Russia has staged war games with 150,000 and Washington - which has threatened visa bans, asset troops along the land border, but so far they have not freezes and trade curbs - would continue to weigh on the crossed. Kiev says Moscow is orchestrating the protests to economy. On the ground in Perevalnoye, half way between justify a wider invasion. the Crimean capital of Simferopol and the Black Sea, hun- Ukraine’s security council has ordered the general staff dreds of Russian troops in trucks and armored vehicles - to immediately put all armed forces on highest alert. without national insignia on their uniforms - surrounded However, Kiev’s small and underequipped military is seen two military compounds, confining Ukrainian soldiers, who as no match for Russia’s superpower might. While the EU have refused to surrender, as virtual prisoners. and NATO stepped up verbal pressure on Moscow, a Ukraine called up reservists on Sunday and Washington German spokesman said Merkel believed it was not too threatened to isolate Russia economically after Putin’s late to resolve the Ukrainian crisis by political means action provoked what Britain’s foreign minister called “the despite differences of opinion between Putin and the biggest crisis in Europe in the twenty-first century”. West. European Union foreign ministers began emergency talks The German leader, who speaks fluent Russian, has had on Ukraine but diplomats said they would press for media- several long telephone calls with the German-speaking tion to prevent escalation and hold in reserve the possibili- Putin since the crisis erupted with mass protests in Kiev, ty of sanctions against Moscow. creating a major policy dilemma for Berlin which is heavily The Organization for Security and Cooperation in dependent on Russian gas and has close economic ties. Europe (OSCE) said it was trying to convene an internation- “There is no doubt President Putin has a completely differ- al contact group to help defuse the crisis after Germany ent view on the situation and events in Crimea from the said Chancellor Angela Merkel had convinced Putin to German government and our Western partners,” accept such an initiative. Switzerland, which chairs the spokesman Steffen Seibert told reporters. But he added: “It pan-European security body, said the contact group would is still not too late to resolve this crisis peacefully by politi- support Ukraine during its transition and coordinate aid cal means.” and could also discuss sending observers to monitor the So far, the Western response has been largely symbolic. rights of national minorities. Obama and others suspended preparations for a G8 sum- The United States urged Moscow to support sending mit in Sochi, where Putin has just finished staging his $50 OSCE observers to Ukraine to help defuse tension. “There billion winter Olympic games. Some countries recalled will be very, very broad consensus for that monitoring mis- ambassadors. On Kiev’s Independence Square, known as

BRUSSELS: An anti-war demonstrator holds a sign as she takes part in a protest against Russian intervention in Ukraine yesterday. — AFP INTERNATIONAL TUESDAY, MARCH 4, 2014 Egypt policemen sentenced to 10 years for blogger death

ALEXANDRIA: An Egyptian court yesterday sen- A Facebook group entitled “We are all Khaled “You sold out your men!” Mahmud Abdel Rahman, a under Mubarak. tenced two policemen to 10 years in jail for the Said” helped organize the 18-day protests that lawyer for Said’s family, told AFP “justice has been Said’s supporters and opposition activists have killing of a blogger whose death rallied protesters in drove Mubarak’s hated police force from the streets delivered for all” and that the verdict sent a mes- often clashed with security forces, in particular dur- the 2011 revolt that toppled Hosni Mubarak. The and forced him to resign in February 2011. sage of “deterrence to a powerful institution.” ing the trial hearings. In January, seven activists verdict comes at a time when several activists have Yesterday’s sentencing comes amid renewed popu- Said’s sister Zahra, however, felt that the verdict were sentenced to two years in prison for a violent expressed fears that the autocratic rule and wide- larity for the police, who supported the ouster of was “still not enough”. But “the most important and unlicensed protest outside the court hearing spread police abuse prevalent under Mubarak were Islamist president Mohamed Morsi in July, and a thing is that the police were convicted in front of the Said case. returning. The two policemen were sentenced fol- pattern of acquittals for policemen tried for killing the people,” she told AFP. “The charge was also Since Morsi’s ouster, the military-installed gov- lowing a retrial for the manslaughter and torture of protesters during the anti-Mubarak revolt. Since changed from beating to death to torture, which ernment has pressed an extensive crackdown on Khaled Said in June 2010, after they had unlawfully Morsi’s ouster, Egypt has witnessed not only a crack- restores his (Said) dignity after many tried to smear protests, mainly those of his Islamist supporters, fre- arrested him at an Internet cafe in the down on his supporters, which Amnesty his reputation.” The lawyer for the accused, Ehab quently setting off violent street clashes. Three Mediterranean city of Alexandria. International says has left more than 1,400 people Aziz, said he was “not satisfied with the verdict “ and years after the overthrow of Mubarak, Egypt’s police Mahmoud Salah Mahmoud and Awad Ismail dead, but also arrests of top youth leaders who would appeal to the Court of Cassation. again faces accusations of brutality and ill treat- Suleiman had initially been sentenced to seven spearheaded the revolt against Mubarak. Police and the forensic authority had initially ment in detention centers, charges denied by the years in October 2011 for excessive brutality. Said’s said that Said choked to death after swallowing a interior ministry. death galvanized protests against then-president ‘Justice delivered’ packet of drugs. Another forensic report later said The police and army have come under frequent Mubarak, after pictures emerged online of the 28- Both defendants were in a caged dock when he died of asphyxiation after being beaten, and that attack by jihadist militants, mainly in the restive year-old’s mangled face. The government further judge Ismail Attiya delivered the verdict. They the packet of drugs was thrust in his mouth when Sinai Peninsula, with dozens killed since Morsi’s enraged Mubarak’s opponents when it tried to cov- showed little emotion on hearing the sentence. he was unconscious. Pictures of Said’s badly bruised ouster. Yesterday, two policemen were shot dead er up the killing by alleging he choked on a bag of Their lawyer said he would appeal the verdict, and face after his death spread on the Internet, and his and four wounded in four separate attacks across drugs. relatives yelled at police outside the court room: case became synonymous with police brutality the country. — AFP Libya vows to stay Arson and looting displace on democratic path thousands in Sudan’s Darfur TRIPOLI: Libyan authorities vowed yester- has not yet set a date. The head of an elect- day to pursue a democratic transition in ed panel tasked with preparing elections, the face of mounting lawlessness after two Nuri Al-Abbar, submitted his resignation to Peacekeepers denied access as villages ‘burned’ MPs were shot when protesters stormed the GNC on Sunday, saying Libya had to the country’s transitional parliament. On “end political tensions and restore order” Sunday, two members of the General before holding polls. He added that it KHARTOUM: Arson and looting by militia has dis- National Congress (GNC) were shot and would take another four or five months of placed about 20,000 people in Sudan’s Darfur, wounded as armed protesters stormed preparations before elections could go adding to the strain on agencies struggling to aid their building in Tripoli. In a separate inci- ahead. Libya’s political class is deeply almost two million uprooted by 11 years of war. dent, a French engineer was killed in the divided, and GNC members are still International peacekeepers in the region said they restive eastern city of Benghazi. demanding the resignation of Prime were deeply concerned about a reported escala- “I assure you we are committed to the Minister Ali Zeidan, although they have tion of violence in South Darfur state during the path of the February 17 revolution and to failed to oust him in a vote of confidence. past few days. “The violence has resulted in the pursue the democratic process,” GNC presi- Dozens of armed demonstrators on reported burning of a number of villages and the dent Nuri Abu Sahmein said in a televised Sunday demanded the GNC be dissolved displacement of a large number of civilians in the address, referring to the uprising that end- and railed against the “kidnapping” the vicinity of Um Gunya,” about 50 kilometers (30 ed Muammar Gaddafi’s four-decade rule. previous night of participants in a sit-in miles) southeast of the state capital Nyala, the Abu Sahmein said the MPs’ wounds were protest outside the parliament building. African Union-UN Mission in Darfur (UNAMID) said not life-threatening but condemned what They later attacked and “abused” in a statement. he termed a “flagrant aggression on the deputies, GNC spokesman Omar Hmidan Looting and civilian casualties have also been seat of legitimate sovereignty.” said, adding that their cars had been reported, UNAMID added. The UN’s World Food He urged former rebel fighters who destroyed. One GNC member told AFP that Program said about 20,000 people had fled to safe- ousted Gaddafi to protect the capital and the protesters, mostly young people ty at Saniya Deleiba, a village about 35 kilometers state institutions. Yesterday, ex-rebels armed with knives and sticks, entered the from Nyala. “There’s an estimated 20,000 new equipped with pick-up trucks mounted premises chanting “Resign, resign”. Two arrivals, most of whom are women and children,” with anti-aircraft guns were posted around members were “hit by bullets when they Amor Almagro, the WFP’s public information offi- the GNC building, where at least five tried to leave the venue in their cars,” cer, told AFP. A team is heading to the area today to burnt-out cars testified to the previous according to Abu Sahmein. determine how many are in need. day’s violence. Abu Sahmein said the GNC In Benghazi meanwhile, gunmen on “At the same time we are also dispatching a PALOCH: South Sudan government soldiers take a break near the Paloch oil fields in Upper was examining a roadmap for the han- Sunday shot dead a French engineer who convoy carrying 90 tons of food,” a 15-day supply of Nile State. — AFP dover of power “as quickly as possible” to worked for a company doing extensive sorghum and lentils, for the new arrivals, Almagro UNAMID said Sudanese authorities have not An 11-year-old rebellion by ethnic insurgents an elected body. The GNC, elected after work at a medical centre in the eastern said. Separate assessment teams were yesterday allowed peacekeepers in to the conflict zone. continues in Darfur but last year also saw a steep the 2011 uprising, has stirred popular city, which was the cradle of the 2011 counting how many people have also sought safe- “Peacekeepers have attempted to access the affect- escalation of tribal conflicts and a rise in criminality, anger by extending its mandate from early revolt. The government announced a six- ty at the Kalma and Al-Salam camps for displaced ed areas on several occasions, but have been UNAMID has said. Most of the “tribal” conflicts pit- February until the end of December. Under member ministerial team was sent to people in the Nyala area, she added. “With all the denied passage by the authorities,” the mission ted well-armed Arab militias against each other. pressure from demonstrators, the GNC, Benghazi to examine ways to restore order displacements that are happening, these camps said. The restriction is the latest of many cited by Analysts say Sudan’s cash-starved government can Libya’s highest political authority, has in the city, the scene of almost daily are finding themselves welcoming new arrivals,” UNAMID, despite an agreement with the govern- no longer control its former Arab tribal allies, announced early elections will be held but attacks on security forces. —AFP Almagro said. ment which says peacekeepers have freedom of whom it armed against the rebellion, and violent movement. competition for resources has intensified. —AFP Iran cutting sensitive nuke stocks, much work remains

VIENNA: Iran is reducing its most proliferation-prone enrichment level, which “has reached the halfway mark”, he nuclear stockpile as required by its landmark deal with told the IAEA’s 35-nation board, according to a copy of his world powers but much work remains to be done to speech. resolve all concerns about Tehran’s activities, the UN atom- Under the accord, Iran suspended enrichment of urani- ic watchdog chief said yesterday. Among measures Iran is um to 20 percent fissile concentration - a relatively short taking since the interim agreement took effect on Jan. 20 is technical step away from the level required for nuclear the dilution of its stock of higher-enriched uranium to a fis- bombs - and is taking action to neutralize its holding of the sile concentration less suitable for any attempt to fuel an material. In return, Iran is gradually winning access to $4.2 atomic bomb. Yukiya Amano, director general of the billion of its oil revenues frozen abroad and some other International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), indicated that sanctions relief. The funds will be paid out in eight transfers Iran had made sufficient progress in this regard to receive a on a schedule that started with a $550 million payment by scheduled March 1 installment of $450 million out of a Japan on Feb 1. total of $4.2 billion in previously blocked overseas funds. Last month, banking sources said South Korea was set The IAEA has a pivotal role in checking that Iran is living to make two payments in March totaling $1 billion. The up to its part of the six-month accord in curbing its disput- March 1 installment depended on Iran following a sched- ed nuclear program in exchange for some easing of sanc- ule for diluting part of its stockpile, which Amano’s com- tions that have impaired its oil-dependent economy. “As of ment suggested it now had. But it was not immediately today, measures agreed under the Joint Plan of Action are clear if the funds had already been transferred to Iran. being implemented as planned,” Amano said, referring to The Geneva deal was designed to buy time for negotia- the Nov. 24 agreement struck in Geneva between Iran and tions on a final settlement of the decade-old stand-off over the United States, Germany, France, Russia, China and nuclear activity that Iran says is peaceful but the West fears Britain. These included “the dilution of a proportion of may be latently aimed at developing a nuclear bomb capa- Iran’s inventory” of 20 percent uranium gas to a lower bility. New clashes in blockaded area of Damascus halt aid

DAMASCUS: Food deliveries to thou- Yarmouk-based activist who uses the voiced similar accusations. On Saturday, sands of people living in a blockaded area name Abu Akram. the rebels said Assad loyalists were sneak- in southern Damascus ground to a halt The truce, which took months to ing weapons into Yarmouk under the after a truce collapsed and clashes broke negotiate, collapsed after rebel gunmen guise of the joint patrols, delaying food out between Syrian rebels and forces loy- returned to Yarmouk on Sunday. They distribution and arresting young men al to the government, a UN official and had withdrawn from the area about a waiting for UN food parcels. activists said yesterday. The clashes, month ago as part of the truce, replaced A day later, the rebels returned and which erupted out on Sunday afternoon by a patrol of Palestinian gunmen, keep- clashes broke out between fighters of the and lasted until yesterday morning, were ing out both rebels and fighters loyal to Free Syrian Army, a Syrian Al-Qaeda affili- the most serious violence in weeks in the President Bashar Assad. ate, the Nusra Front, and other groups, Palestinian-dominated district of The rebels accused pro-Assad fighters and soldiers and gunmen of Assad-loyal Yarmouk and seriously undermined a of violating the truce, said Abu Akram. An Palestinian groups on the other, Abu tentative truce struck there in early activist group, “Palestinians of Syria” Akram said. —AP January. A UN spokesman in Damascus, Chris Gunness, urged all parties to “imme- diately allow” the resumption of aid to the area, where malnutrition is rife. The UN “remains deeply concerned about the desperate humanitarian situation in Yarmouk, and the fact that increasing ten- sions and resort to armed force have dis- rupted its efforts to alleviate the desper- ate plight of civilians,” Gunness said yes- terday. Activists estimate that over 100 peo- ple have died of hunger or hunger-relat- ed illnesses since a blockade began near- ly a year ago, preventing food and med- ical aid from entering Yarmouk. The halt in the food distribution in Yarmouk also underscores problems that bedevil a Feb 22 UN Security Council resolution that called on warring parties to facilitate food and aid deliveries to Syrians in need. The latest clashes also sparked concerns for DAMASCUS: In this file photo, residents of the besieged Yarmouk future aid deliveries. “It will be like it was Palestinian refugee camp wait to leave the camp, on the southern edge of before. We are back to zero,” said a the Syrian capital Damascus, Syria. — AP TUESDAY, MARCH 4, 2014 INTERNATIONAL

Remove kids from radical Muslim parents: London mayor

LONDON: Muslim youngsters who are mental about other cultures, plus a lack of tored by the security services trying to murder and death”. “This is absurd. The law should obvi- being radicalized by their parents should clarity in the law was making the police ensure their ranks are not swelled. “A child may be taken into care if he or ously treat radicalization as a form of child be treated as child abuse victims and and social services reluctant to intervene. Johnson added that the problem of she is being exposed to pornography, or is abuse,” and remove them into care “for removed from their families, London “The problem of radicalization is not get- extremist clerics was widely understood, being abused-but not if the child is being their own safety and for the safety of the Mayor Boris Johnson said yesterday. ting conspicuously worse-but nor is it but less so the fact that some young habituated to this utterly bleak and nihilis- public”. Johnson said authorities had like- Children at risk from Islamic extremism going away,” he wrote. people were now being radicalized at tic view of the world that could lead them wise “tiptoed around” pedophilia and should be taken into state care to prevent “The most important question now is home by their own guardians. “It is esti- to become murderers. “I have been told of female genital mutilation for “fear of them becoming “potential killers or sui- how we prevent other young men, and mated that there could be hundreds of at least one case where the younger sib- offending this or that minority”, and chil- cide bombers”, Johnson wrote in The Daily women, from succumbing to that awful children-especially those who come lings of a convicted terrorist are well on dren had suffered as a result. Britain needs Telegraph newspaper. virus: the contagion of radical Islamic within the orbit of the banned extremist the road to radicalization-and it is simply to be less phobic of intruding into the The Conservative said there was a extremism.” He said there were “a few group Al-Muhajiroun-who are being not clear that the law would support inter- ways of minority groups, the 49-year-old “built-in” British reluctance to be judg- thousand people” in London being moni- taught crazy stuff,” a “mad yearning for vention. said. —AFP ‘Rogue’ reporter phone-hacking defense shaky in 2009: Brooks News International funded hacker’s legal bills LONDON: Rebekah Brooks, the by a junior reporter at the paper “Because this was an email from The court heard that News former head of News Corp’s with the transcripts of 35 sepa- someone at the News of the International’s legal chief Tom British newspaper business, told a rate messages left by or for World allegedly for someone else Crone had agreed to fund London court yesterday she Gordon Taylor. at the News of the World. This Mulcaire’s legal team to fight the thought the company’s “rogue document obviously showed, if order to disclose names. “Our reporter” defense to phone-hack- “For Neville” email not involvement, a wider knowl- decision at News International ing looked shaky in 2009 when “Hello, this is the transcript for edge.” was to settle as confidentially as she landed the job as chief execu- Neville”, the email from January Brooks also told the court she possible to prevent further dam- tive. Brooks also told London’s Old Bailey court that Rupert Murdoch’s News International funded the legal bills for a man convicted of phone-hacking at DUSSELDORF: Figures of US intelligence leaker Edward Snowden (left) and one of their tabloids to keep US President Barack Obama are pictured during the traditional Rose secret any details about who he Monday parade yesterday. —AFP said might also have been involved. Brooks is on trial accused of conspiracy to intercept voicemail Women rebel in Italian messages on mobile phones, authorizing illegal payments to public officials and perverting the mafia heartland course of justice. She denies all charges. Giving evidence for a sev- ROCCELLA IONICA: As the police patrol outside ‘Alternatives exist’ enth day, Brooks, 45, was asked and pace the corridors of her office, anti-mafia The ‘Ndrangheta has been successful in com- about an article in the Guardian prosecutor Alessandra Cerreti speaks to AFP bining elements of archaic tradition with moder- newspaper from July 2009 which about her specialty-breaking the power of the nity and has proved particularly difficult to infil- detailed background to a 1 million clans by turning their women. Only a handful of trate because of its reliance on a tightly-knit net- pound ($1.68 million) settlement women have ever broken ranks with the ruthless work of families. between News International and and secretive ‘Ndrangheta mafia group based in One challenge to its power comes from an Gordon Taylor, the former head of the Calabria region in southern Italy, which con- unusual quarter-a feminine pink and green tele- the Professional Footballers’ trols the flow of cocaine from South America to vision studio in a palace in the town of Roccella Europe. The clans enforce a stringent code of loy- Ionica. “We show that alternatives exist,” said Association. alty that punishes rebellion by death but more Raffaella Rinaldis, who runs Fimmina TV- Taylor was named as a victim and more women born or married into the ”woman” in the Calabrian dialect-a local televi- of phone-hacking in 2007 when ‘Ndrangheta now want to “change the destiny of sion channel. private detective Glenn Mulcaire, their children”, said Cerreti, whose office is pro- “Belonging to the ‘Ndrangheta does not who worked for Murdoch’s News tected by a steel-reinforced door. mean belonging to some romanticized vision of of the World newspaper, and the “A mother who acts in the interests of her the mafia, it means belonging to something tabloid’s royal editor Clive children is hard to stop. That is what makes these repugnant and we tell that story on our channel,” Goodman were convicted. female turncoats particularly dangerous for the she said. With a team of 13 women and two men, Following the convictions, News LONDON: Former News International chief executive Rebekah Brooks and her husband Charlie ‘Ndrangheta,” she said. They want to “end the Rinaldis said she also aims to combat stereotypes International stated Goodman Brooks arrive at the Old Bailey, the Central Criminal Court yesterday. —AFP predestination in the ‘Ndrangheta in which sons in a region usually seen “through the prism of was a “rogue exception”, the are prepared to become killers by being taught organized crime” and she offers a mix of cultural court heard, a phrase that Brooks 2005 said. Brooks said she under- had agreed a deal with publicist age reputationally and financial- to handle knives from the age of 12 or 13”, said programs. said was first proffered by the stood that Neville referred to Max Clifford, who had also been ly,” Brooks told the court. “We had Sicilia-born Cerreti, who is herself one of a grow- Fimmina TV got a big interview recently with News of the World’s then editor Neville Thurlbeck, a senior identified as an original Mulcaire no visibility on what he may or ing number of women in Calabria standing up to Maria Carmela Lanzetta, the new Regional Affairs Colin Myler. reporter on the paper who has hacking victim in 2007, to settle may not say,” she said, describing the mafia. Minister in Italy’s cabinet and a former mayor of The Guardian article, pub- now admitted phone-hacking his legal action against the paper. Mulcaire as an unreliable witness. “The daughters become a currency for the the Calabrian town of Monasterace who also lished when Brooks had been offences. Asked what the effect As part of his litigation, Clifford’s In the end, Brooks reached a deal mafia” because “vendettas are laid to rest or challenged the ‘Ndrangheta. “There is no need to appointed chief executive but of this email had been, she lawyers were pushing for with Clifford personally to pro- alliances are created” when they are married off, be a hero. Doing your job well, respecting the before she had taken up the post, said:”It certainly showed just by Mulcaire to disclose who else at vide him with work from News she said in a tightly guarded office in Reggio rules and the constitution already means oppos- said phone-hacking was wide- glancing on it ... that the state- the News of the World knew International papers and to reim- Calabria, the region’s main city. Cerreti’s biggest ing the mafia,” she told Rinaldis. success so far has been the testimony of spread and not limited to ment, the emphaticness of the about hacking and she told the burse him for the years when Giuseppina Pesce, which last year helped sen- ‘It’s natural’ Mulcaire and Goodman. Within a company’s position that nobody court there was concern at News there had been a ban on using his tence 42 mobsters including her own father Elisabetta Tripodi, the mayor of Rosarno, a fortnight, further details else knew what Glenn Mulcaire International that a judge might services. The trial of Brooks and Salvatore to a total of 600 years in prison in a trial town of 15,000 inhabitants, said she is leading by emerged including an email sent was doing was looking shaky. force Mulcaire to give names. six others continues. —Reuters known as “All Inside”. example. “For ‘Ndrangheta women forced into a At least two of the women who have rebelled marginal role as subservient women, seeing oth- against the ‘Ndrangheta have paid with their ers engaged on a political level shows that lives. Lea Garofalo was lured to her death by her another way is possible,” she said. Tripodi has Sweden loses former partner in 2009 and her body was then been under protection since she was elected in dissolved in acid, while Maria Concetta Cacciola 2010. She has received threats and had cars foreign grads was “suicided” with hydrochloric acid in 2011 for burnt. speaking out. “Being against the mafia is not a choice, it’s to visa rules, fees The violence shows that female defiance is natural. As officials, we have to guarantee trans- shaking the clans “because it communicates parency and apply the law for everyone, whatev- STOCKHOLM: Sweden prides itself with being a country weakness-this idea that they can no longer con- er their name may be,” she said. The mayor often that welcomes immigrants, but foreigners like Chinese engi- trol ‘their’ women”. Cerreti said being a woman visits local schools, which are recruiting grounds neering student Zhao Shuqi may be excused if they think helped her communicate with the daughters, sis- for the ‘Ndrangheta, to explain that “the mafia is otherwise. During her years at Stockholm’s Royal Institute of ters and wives of the mafia because “they are a negative thing, not the romanticized version Technology (KTH), she has experienced an abrupt change in more trusting, we speak the same language”. that people see on television”. —AFP policy that has introduced fees for students from nations outside the EU. Zhao began her studies at KTH before fees were intro- duced in 2011, but since then she has paid a total of 290,000 kronor ($44,000, 33,000 euros), with the help of her parents and part-time jobs. That’s about 10 years of income for the average urban resident in China, and what’s more, once she has gotten her diploma, she is likely to be asked to leave the country, unless she does something about it. “I must find a job before I graduate, or else I cannot stay,” she said. Since introducing fees Swedish universities have struggled to attract foreign students, and critics now warn its visa system pushes highly qualified graduates out of the country. Until 2011, Sweden was one of the few countries in the world to offer free university places to all foreign stu- dents, attracting nearly 8,000 in the final year of the scheme. But when fees were introduced for non-EU nationals enrolments dropped by 80 percent to 1,600 with the great- est fall-off among African and Asian students. Sweden still offers stipendiums for particularly qualified post-graduate students from non-EU countries. But not enough to fill the empty seats left in lecture halls, like at KTH, which is one of Scandinavia’s most prestigious centers of higher learning and receives 5,000 applications per year for foreign bursaries but can only offer 60 funded places.

Visa expires KTH’s president, Peter Gudmundson, said that foreign graduates have contributed to Sweden’s industrial develop- ment and are seen as ambassadors for the country. “It’s quite common that they take jobs in Swedish companies outside Sweden,” he told AFP. But taking up jobs in Sweden is some- what harder, unless students are recruited before gradua- tion. In a recent op-ed article in the daily Dagens Nyheter, KTH president Gudmundson argued for a review of the fees decision and better visa arrangements. His counterpart at Gothenburg University, Pam Fredman, co-authored the arti- cle and said that Sweden makes it too hard for students who have lived in the country for several years to get visas, and that Sweden needs better links between education and industry. Carl Bennet, the head of a large investment fund, is one of several business leaders who has spoken out about the problem. —AFP INTERNATIONAL TUESDAY, MARCH 4, 2014 Eastern US braces for another storm 3,000 flights canceled, millions affected

WASHINGTON: Spring is in sight, but winter kept Arlington, Va. He and his wife were walking on the central and eastern states. Authorities warned of grid deck. Freezing rain and sleet moved across its icy hold on much of the country yesterday, with National Mall with their young daughter Sunday possible power outages and flight disruptions Kentucky, making road travel treacherous Sunday. up to a foot of snow and plummeting tempera- before the frigid weather blew in. Both bemoaned from weather that could affect millions. Officials warned residents to avoid unnecessary tures expected across the Mid-Atlantic states and the number of snowy days this year. “It’s been hard Nearly 3,000 flights in the United States were travel. Parts of the state could receive up to 8 up the East Coast. Snow began falling in the with a baby being stuck in the house,” said Nicole canceled early yesterday, according to flight track- inches of sleet and snow through yesterday. nation’s capital early yesterday, and officials Peace, who works in human resources. “We don’t ing site FlightAware.com. The bulk of the problems Churches throughout the state canceled services. warned people to stay off treacherous, icy roads - a really get the day off, but then we have to work were at airports in Washington, New York and Parts of West Virginia could also get up to a foot of refrain that has become familiar to residents in the from home with the baby, which is hard.” The fore- Philadelphia. There are more than 30,000 flights in snow. That sent residents on a hunt for food, Midwest, East and even Deep South this year. The casts were enough to shut much of Washington the United States on a typical day. In Ohio, crews in water and supplies. Linda McGilton of Charleston latest frigid blow of the harsh winter threatened as down. The federal government closed its Cincinnati were treating roads as a mix of freezing said she tries to be prepared but she also was not much as 10 inches of snow by the end of the day Washington-area offices yesterday, with non- rain and snow fell late Sunday. concerned. in Washington, Baltimore and elsewhere in the emergency personnel are granted excused Earlier in the day, Patty Lee was among those “I don’t try to panic. It doesn’t do any good,” Mid-Atlantic region. Up to 6 inches of snow was absences for the day. braved treacherous conditions, driving some 20 McGilton of Charleston said as she unloaded a gro- predicted to the north in Philadelphia, while near- School systems in Baltimore, Washington and miles from Cincinnati to suburban Blue Ash for a cery cart outside the Kroger store. Richmond, Va, ly a foot of snow was expected in parts of New many suburban areas were closed, as were all job interview. She joked that her first job test was was expected to get as many as 7 inches of snow Jersey. Smithsonian museums except for the National Air making it through the icy parking lot without yesterday. Katilynn Allan, 22, bemoaned the city’s Schools were canceled, bus service was halted and Space Museum. However, the US Supreme falling down.”The roads are deteriorating pretty unpredictable weather but said she was not too in places and federal government workers in the Court was expected to be open and had argu- quickly,” she said after returning to Cincinnati. A worried about driving if she had to make the short DC area were told to stay home yesterday. “We’re ments scheduled for yesterday. The wintry precipi- suspension bridge over the Ohio River between commute to her job as a financial planner. “It’s not tired of it. We’re sick of it,” said Martin Peace, a web tation moved across much of the nation Sunday, Cincinnati and Kentucky was closed Sunday too bad,” said Allan. “You just have to take it slow developer from the Washington suburb of bringing a mix of freezing rain and heavy snow to because of ice covering its hard-to-treat metal when there is ice on the road. — AP Brazil’s Carnival turns focus to glitzy parades

RIO DE JANEIRO: Brazil is known for its exotic fauna, but the creatures on display Sunday night for the opening round of Rio’s exuber- ant Carnival parade were a motley crew even by local standards. Full grown adults dressed up as Nemo the fish rubbed shoulders with weightlifting wolves with enviable six-packs, while bare-breasted dancers gyrated atop floats shaped like giant crustaceans or bedecked with XXL ants. The Carnival compe- tition sees the city’s top samba groups, or schools, parade in the Sambadrome, each delivering an over-the-top, hour-long display aimed at capturing the annual title. No excess is deemed too much, and each year the bar is raised that much higher. RIO DE JANEIRO: A performer from the Sao Clemente samba school parades through Sunday’s all-night-long displays saw a float the Sambadrome yesterday. — AP shaped like a mammoth wedding cake presided over by a larger-than-life Pope Serious samba stuff as Rio Francis, a herd of elderly gentlemen in jewel- toned bull costumes complete with sequin covered horns, and a dancing teepee sur- elite schools open battle rounded by native Brazilians in green feather headdresses. RIO DE JANEIRO: Rio’s Carnival burst into top which kicks off June 12 — that have seen thou- Though each school ostensibly has a gear late Sunday, adding a sultry yet competi- sands marching in outrage at corruption and tive edge to the event as elite samba schools shoddy public. theme, the costumes are often so varied and sometimes unidentifiable that it can be hard compete for the champions’ title at the fabled But Carnival has provided the perfect excuse RIO DE JANEIRO: Revelers from the Salgueiro samba school perform. — AFP Sambadrome. More than 70,000 people, includ- to let off steam, and most if not all revelers say to identify the common thread. Imperio da ing foreign tourists who paid hundreds of dol- now is a time to party, not protest. Another Tijuca, the school that opened this year’s com- decades or root for their favorite from the to the beauty of the costumes. Whichever lars for a close-up view, watched as dancers and group, Sao Clemente, injected dashes of petition, was ostensibly fielding an African bleachers. “I paraded for 15 years for one group comes in last falls from the top-tier drummers turned the arena into a polychrome Afroreggae and funk as it embarked on its cam- theme, so its huge crab-shaped float was a school,” said Jose Vieira, a retired restaurateur competition into a lower category contest. blur of sensuality and joy. A dozen Special paign to show off the history of the favelas, Rio’s perplexing choice. Mangueira, one of the who was soaking in the action from one of The competition continues Monday night Group schools, each consisting of several thou- slum districts, in song and dance. most famous schools known for its distinctive the exclusive areas sponsored by top Brazilian with displays by six additional schools. Rio’s sand scantily-clad dancers and drummers, are One of its floats bore along a statue of late green and pink colors, turned to Carnival itself companies where the elite gather to drink Carnival celebrations aren’t limited to the chasing the prestigious title while soccer-style missionary Mother Teresa. In all, six of the 12 for a parade that feted Brazil’s traditional cele- relegation lies in store for the tail-enders. The elite schools were to dance through until dawn and watch the parade from above. “It’s a won- Sambadrome, where even a ticket for the Sambadrome, designed by Brazilian modernist before the remainder parade Monday night. brations in a sea of salmon pink and lime derful experience. Even from up here in this bleachers can cost hundreds of dollars. The architect Oscar Niemeyer and located in the Earlier, there were still some vestiges of public green feathers. nice space, I really miss being down there.” city is also the site of nearly 500 raucous street heart of the iconic city, is celebrating its 30th protest as five people, wearing masks, clad in Each school has legions of loyal followers, Each samba school is judged in 10 cate- parties that begin at daybreak and pulse anniversary. As the schools entered the arena to prison garb and “chained” together by fake many of whom parade for the same group for gories, from the quality of the drum sections through the night. — AP strut their stuff, the parade ground along the handcuffs and shackles, held their own mini- famed 720 meter Sabucai Avenue shook to the parade to protest a recent political corruption pounding samba beat. scandal. Several key figures in the ruling Workers Thousands of Venezuelans Ground-shaking event Party were sentenced to jail terms last year, but “When I turned into the avenue the ground have generally benefited from a lenient semi- literally shook,” said Carnival ‘sovereign’ King open regime and party members have been Momo, who Friday declared the festivities open raising cash to pay their fines. “It’s ridiculous. The march despite Carnival and ordered joy by decree. “The sheer energy people never learn. The party people are paying was impressive-it’s a very happy night,” he told out, but the people already paid to fill these AFP. After two days of street parties drawing people’s pockets,” grumbled Neidr, a woman in CARACAS: Tens of thousands of Venezuelans well over a million people, the elite group of her 50s, watching the group limp along. skipped the traditional Carnival holiday that is dancers sashayed towards the Sambadrome. Nearby, a man hidden behind a black mask a yearly highlight for many to instead march First to go was the Imperio de Tijuca group, with the word “reporter” emblazoned on his in nationwide protests against President their thousands of glamorous dancers flaunting back held a cardboard television “camera” on his Nicolas Maduro’s government. The demon- toned and lithe bodies, parading atop and shoulder with a big white papier-mache dove strations, part of a wave of nearly month-old around magnificently decorated floats. “Vai perched on the front. A homemade banner read: protests that have left 18 people dead and tremer, o chao vai tremer (it will tremble, the “Yesterday, I made the news. Today, I am the more than 260 injured, were called in outrage ground will tremble)” ran one of the group’s news. Homage to Santiago,” a reference to cam- at insecurity, government repression and lyrics. Given that Samba came to Rio via pre- eraman Santiago Andrade, who died last month dominantly African immigrants from northern after being struck by a flare during a February 6 shortages of basic goods. “This is the people’s Bahia state, another lyric, “uniting races in faith protest in Rio. But on the whole, protest voices struggle against the inefficient government. and hope” was highly symbolic in a country col- have died down for the Carnival as some four Maduro, you have lost today the streets of onized by the Portuguese in the 16th century million Cariocas concentrate on the world’s Venezuela because the streets belong to the but where roughly half are black or mixed race. largest street party, dating back to the early 18th people,” Central University of Venezuela stu- Tijuca’s muse, Cinti Barbosa, led the dancers century, in typically hedonistic fashion. One sour dent leader Juan Requesens told nearly dressed as an African warrior queen. In a nod to note saw military police use tear gas Saturday to 20,000 people gathered in Caracas. Brazil’s motto, Order and Progress, one float con- disperse a group of cleaners demanding better The students called for a “genuine dia- sisted of a giant train, A Train Called Progress. pay and work conditions. A group of cleaners logue” with the president and for discussion That progress was put in question by recent demonstrated outside city hall Sunday as trash protests against expenditures for the World Cup- piled up high in the streets. — AFP on ending the standoff marred by violence. Several hours later, a group of radical protest- ers armed with sticks and stones gathered in Group seeks to double number the capital’s Plaza Altamira and faced off with members of the National Guard who respond- of US students abroad by 2019 ed with water cannons, tear gas and birdshot. Officials said the clash left 17 wounded CARACAS: Demonstrators chant anti-government slogans next to a statue of Cuban writer and WASHINGTON: An international educa- students into such programs, said Daniel from birdshot or suffering from gas inhalation. hero Jose Marti masked with a Venezuelan flag. — AP tion institute is working to double the Obst, the institute’s deputy vice president On Sunday, authorities also released dozens number of US students studying abroad for international partnerships. of protesters and an Italian photographer, but protesters marched in the western city of San make your dreams happen, to live the impos- by 2019. To reach the goal, the Institute The institute’s 100th anniversary is in that did nothing to appease the demonstra- Cristobal, the cradle of the protest movement. sible, we’re thinking of you tonight.” of International Education will focus on 2019. It has committed $2 million toward tors. Four marches converged in the after- Marches were also held in the cities of recruiting more low-income students its goal and is raising money for a study- Barquisimeto, Valencia and Puerto Ordaz. In Foreign reporters released and others who have not participated in abroad fund. It also has other partners noon at Plaza Brion in the wealthy Chacao dis- trict, with many protesters clad in white as San Cristobal, a university leader responded Maduro, who denounces the demonstra- high numbers. Already, 160 colleges and and is encouraging colleges and universi- to Maduro’s request that students participate tions as part of a Washington-backed coup plot universities have committed to partici- ties to look for ways to help students pay they blew horns and whistles, and carrying Venezuelan flags. in a national dialogue, already boycotted by aimed at toppling his government, has been pate. The institute’s campaign was being to study abroad, since cost is the largest the opposition. “I challenge Mr Maduro, if you accused of targeting the domestic and foreign announced yesterday. Hundreds of thou- barrier. Among the examples of what col- want dialogue, come to Tachira (state) and lis- media, while hundreds of people-including sands more international students annu- leges and universities have pledged to ‘Carnival without beach’ ten to the students,” said Catholic University opposition leaders-have been detained. A total ally come to the United States to study do, according to the institute: Demonstrators poked fun at Maduro’s deci- than the US sends abroad. About 10 per- Millikin University in Decatur, Ill., has sion to call a six-day holiday to mark the begin- student leader Genesis Garcia, quoted by the of 863 people have been arrested since cent of US students participate in some said it will encourage departments to ning of Carnival, an annual celebration that Ultimas Noticias newspaper. February 9, according to rights group Foro sort of study abroad program before introduce new minors in which students normally sees many Venezuelans leave the Penal said, with 30 still behind bars. Several for- graduation, with private liberal arts col- can earn most or all of their credits cities and head to the beach. Critics say the Protesters urged on at Oscars eign journalists, including an Italian photogra- leges, in particular, having higher partici- abroad, so they won’t worry about losing holiday was a cynical attempt to undermine The anti-government protesters were pher and an American reporter, were among pation rates. But the rate is lower at many a semester of work if they study in anoth- the demonstrations and many opposition may- even remembered thousands of miles away those arrested on Friday. institutions. For example, many commu- er country. North Dakota State University ors canceled ceremonies. In a nod to fellow citi- at the Academy Awards ceremony in Los Marco Ruiz, head of the SNTP press work- nity colleges see less than 1 percent of in Fargo seeks to match campus demo- zens making the traditional trip to the beach Angeles. Jared Leto on Sunday paid tribute ers’ union, said the arrests of foreign reporters students going abroad for study. graphics with those of students studying for Carnival festivities, protesters hoisted ban- to the protesters, along with the people of were part of a deliberate government policy The campaign, dubbed Generation abroad by reaching out to students in ners with messages like “I prefer a Carnival crisis-hit Ukraine, as he won the best sup- to intimidate the overseas press in the same Study Abroad, seeks to have 600,000 US underrepresented groups such as veter- without a beach to life without freedom.” porting actor Oscar for his work in “Dallas way they had already done with local media. students studying abroad annually in five ans, athletes and first-generation stu- The latest wave of protests, which erupted Buyers Club.” “To all of the dreamers out “The pattern of attacks that is repeating itself years in either credit or noncredit pro- dents. The University of Wisconsin- on February 4, has grown into the biggest there around the world watching this is now against international correspondents,” grams - compared with the 295,000 stu- Whitewater said it will establish an tonight, in places like Ukraine and Venezuela, Ruiz said. On Tuesday, Venezuela’s Foreign dents who did so in the 2011-12 school endowed study-abroad scholarship for threat to Maduro and his leftist government since he succeeded socialist icon Hugo I want to say, we are here,” Leto told the Minister Elias Jaua will meet with UN year. Career enhancement is one of the students with physical, learning or other Academy Awards crowd as he clutched his Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon in Geneva to main reasons it’s important to get more disabilities. — Reuters Chavez last year. Elsewhere across the coun- try, local media reported that thousands of golden statuette. “And as you struggle to discuss the protests. — AFP INTERNATIONAL TUESDAY, MARCH 4, 2014 11 dead in Islamabad court suicide attack Judge, policeman among those killed, 30 wounded

ISLAMABAD: Eleven people housing court chambers and including a judge were killed yes- lawyers’ offices. terday in a gun and suicide bomb attack on a court complex in Faltering peace efforts Islamabad, a rare strike at the heart On Sunday the Pakistani gov- of the heavily-guarded Pakistani ernment announced it was halting capital. Pakistan has been in the air strikes against suspected grip of a bloody homegrown Taleban hideouts in the restive Taleban insurgency since 2007 but tribal areas along the Afghan bor- there have been very few attacks in der in response to the ceasefire the LUCKNOW: BJP Prime Ministerial candidate Narendra Modi speaks during a rally. — AFP recent years in the capital. The militants called on Saturday. The Pakistani Taleban denied any con- main TTP spokesman said yester- Modi eyes Muslim voters nection to the assault, which came day the group was committed to two days after the militants the ceasefire and would stick to it announced a month-long ceasefire “strictly”. Asad Mansoor, BJP leader says Muslims better off in his state aimed at restarting stalled peace spokesman for Ahrar-ul-Hind, said talks with the government. it staged yesterday’s attack. “We LUCKNOW: Narendra Modi, the Hindu national- of Modi, but some are convinced by his message More than 110 people have now claim responsibility for the attack, ist leader tipped as India’s next prime minister, of economic development for all. been killed in militant attacks since we are an independent group and appealed to Muslim voters on Sunday and hit “We want people to unite, if that happens, Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif have no links with TTP,” he told AFP. out at rivals accusing him of bias against the India will be much more prosperous and more announced the talks in late “We were a part of TTP earlier but country’s largest religious minority. Addressing secure for Muslims,” said Amir Uddin, a scholar of January, leading some observers to now we operate independently.” hundreds of thousands of mainly Hindu support- Islam sporting a “Modi for PM” cap who travelled question the value of the process. The government began peace ers at a rally in the northern state of Uttar 200 km in a BJP bus to attend the rally. Muslims A spokesman for the Ahrar-ul-Hind talks with the TTP last month but Pradesh, Modi said his economic policies meant are among the most economically deprived sec- militant group, which recently split the dialogue broke down after mil- Muslims were better off in Gujarat, the western tions of Indian society. Hindus make up about 80 from the main Tehreek-e-Taleban itants killed 23 kidnapped soldiers. state he governs, than other parts of India. percent of India’s population while Muslims Pakistan (TTP) umbrella group, The military responded with a The rally in the state capital Lucknow, where a account for some 13 percent. Modi’s message is claimed yesterday’s attack. series of air strikes in the tribal third of the population is Muslim, was attended unlikely to win over Muslim voters in droves, but There have been reports of dis- areas that killed more than 100 by a sea of people clad in orange, the color asso- it may help convince other Indians who are agreement over talks within the insurgents, according to security ciated with Hinduism. The ground, which can drawn to his strong economic record but fear he TTP, and analysts have voiced fears officials. Maulana Sami-ul-Haq, the hold some 400,000, was not totally full. Modi, 63, is a divisive leader. His speech came just a few that any splintering of the move- head of the TTP negotiating team, has a strong lead in opinion polls ahead of the days after BJP President Rajnath Singh made ment would render the peace condemned the court attack and regionally phased general election voting due in conciliatory remarks to Muslims, saying the party process useless. But the radical urged the government to stick April and May, but the surveys suggest he may was ready to apologize for mistakes it may have still struggle to gather enough seats to form a made. He called on Muslims to give the BJP a cleric leading the TTP’s team for with the talks. Security analyst Talat government. Muslim votes could help. “We chance. talks insisted the dialogue could Masood said the continued vio- believe in economic development, while you play still succeed. lence was in danger of making the the politics of votes, letting Muslims languish in Focus on economic record talks process meaningless. “It only poverty,” Modi said, in a jibe at the government of Singh also struck a soft note on Sunday, mak- Blood, bullets, remains goes to show the multiplicity of Uttar Pradesh, which relies on Muslim support ing reference to Lucknow’s religious tolerance in Islamabad police chief Sikandar various militant organizations and has a poor development record. Modi is the 18th and 19th centuries under its Muslim Hayat said the attack began operating in Pakistan,” he told AFP. dogged by allegations he did not stop religious Nawab rulers, who built a famous Hindu temple around 9:00 am (0400 GMT) with The Taleban’s ceasefire riots in Gujarat over a decade ago, when at least in the city. Modi has roots in hard line pro-Hindu gunfire followed by two suicide announcement on Saturday was 1,000 people, mainly Muslims, were killed in retal- politics, but he has focused his election cam- blasts, which killed 11 people and met with skepticism by analysts, iation for the death of Hindu pilgrims in an attack paign almost entirely on his economic achieve- wounded 29. It was the first suicide ISLAMABAD: A Pakistani mother mourns the death of her daughter who said it may have been a tactic on a train. He denies the allegations and a ments in Gujarat, which has witnessed double- attack in Islamabad since June and young lawyer Faiz Tariq, outside a hospital mortuary yester- to allow them to regroup after they Supreme Court inquiry concluded there was not digit economic growth for a decade. He has the 2011 and the deadliest in the city day. — AFP had suffered heavy losses in air enough evidence to try him. strong support India’s corporate sector and since a huge truck bomb at the “Our intelligence agencies are ed a petition to prosecute former strikes. The government has struck investors, who hope he will replicate Gujarat’s Marriott Hotel killed 60 people in hopeful and I assure this house military ruler Pervez Musharraf peace agreements with the Wooing Muslims economic model on a national scale. September 2008. Interior Minister that we will nab the culprits and over a deadly raid on Islamabad’s Pakistani Taleban several times in Modi’s comments were his most direct On Sunday, Modi contrasted tension Chaudhry Nisar Ali Khan, address- bring them to justice,” Khan said. radical Red Mosque in 2007.The the past but they have failed to attempt to woo Muslim voters since being between religious communities in Uttar Pradesh, ing lawmakers in the National Blood, human remains and spent case against Musharraf later went yield lasting results. The umbrella named last year as the candidate of his Bharatiya which has seen dozens of riots in the past two Assembly, said the attack could bullet casings littered the court ahead and it was not clear militant group emerged in response Janata Party (BJP) or prime minister. Hindu- years, with a period of peace in Gujarat. BJP lead- complex in the prosperous F-8 sec- whether Awan was the intended Muslim relations have been a central part of ers blame the spate of riots in Uttar Pradesh on have been in response to the arrest to the raid on the Red Mosque in tor of the city which is popular target of yesterday’s attack. Indian politics for centuries. The Hindu national- the state government, run by the regional of seven high-profile terror sus- 2007, but Islamist violence in the ist BJP made its name 20 years ago by whipping Samajwadi Party, but concede privately that the pects by intelligence agencies on with foreigners, an AFP reporter Eyewitnesses described the gun- country began to surge in 2004 fol- up tensions between the communities. Because resulting polarization has helped their party the outskirts of Islamabad in the said. The dead included Judge men firing indiscriminately in the lowing the army’s deployment in of that history, most Indian Muslims are still wary draw Hindu voters. —Reuters past three days. Rafaqat Awan, who last year reject- warren of narrow, dusty streets the tribal areas. — AFP Will Bergdahl be left behind in Afghanistan?

WASHINGTON: The case of Army Sgt the planes are looking for him. Can you Eugene R Fidell, who teaches military Bowe Bergdahl, held by the Taleban since guys make a video of him and announce justice at Yale Law School, said if there is 2009, has arisen again as the US and other it all over Afghanistan that we have one of evidence that Bergdahl left his unit with- countries engage in diplomatic efforts to the Americans?” Rolling Stone magazine out permission, he could be charged with free him. But if he is released, will quoted emails Bergdahl is said to have being absent without leave (AWOL) or America’s only prisoner of the Afghan war sent to his parents that suggest he was desertion. Desertion during a time of war be viewed as a hero or a deserter? While disillusioned with America’s mission in can carry the death penalty. But Congress tattered yellow ribbons still adorn utility Afghanistan, had lost faith in the US never passed a declaration of war with poles in his native Hailey, Idaho, others are Army’s mission there and was considering respect to Afghanistan, and neither expressing conflicting thoughts about desertion. President George W Bush nor President Bergdahl’s plight as the war winds down, Bergdahl told his parents he was Barack Obama has determined that US with President Barack Obama threatening “ashamed to even be American.” Bergdahl, military operations in Afghanistan make to withdraw all US troops by year’s end who mailed home boxes containing his this a “time of war” for the purposes of the unless the Afghan government signs a uniform and books, also wrote: “The Uniform Code of Military Justice, Fidell crucial security agreement. future is too good to waste on lies. And said. Were Bergdahl to be charged with They are convinced that on June 30, life is way too short to care for the damna- desertion, the maximum penalty he would face is five years in prison and a dis- honorable discharge, if it’s proved that he deserted with the intent to avoid haz- ardous duty or to shirk important service. A case of AWOL, ended by the US appre- hending him, would not require proof that he intended to remain away perma- nently. The maximum punishment for that would be a dishonorable discharge and 18 months’ confinement, he said. “Someone is going to have to make a decision, based on a preliminary investi- gation, as to whether this is a desertion or AWOL rather than simply having the bad luck to have fallen into the wrong hands,” Fidell said. “The command can say ‘This fellow has been living in terrible condi- tions. We don’t approve of what he did but we’re not going to prosecute him,’” he said. “Or, the military could prosecute him as a way of signaling to others that ‘Look, you can’t simply go over the hill.’ ... It’s quite an interesting set of issues that will This image shows a frame grab from a video released by the Taleban con- have to be addressed as a matter of both taining footage of a man believed to be Bowe Bergdahl (left). — AP policy and law.” Desertion can be difficult to prove, 2009, just a few months after he arrived in tion of others, as well as to spend it help- said Ret. Maj Gen John Altenburg Jr, a Afghanistan, Bergdahl willingly walked ing fools with their ideas that are Washington attorney who served 28 years away from his unit, which was deployed in wrong.”The Associated Press could not as a lawyer in the Army. “There has to be Paktika province in eastern Afghanistan, independently authenticate the emails some evidence that he intended never to adjacent to the border with Pakistan. published by the magazine in 2012. come back - that he intended to remain While they do want Bergdahl home, they Bergdahl’s family has not commented on away from his unit permanently,” think he should have to answer allega- the allegations of desertion, according to Altenburg said. “I don’t know if they’ll tions that he deserted his unit. Col Tim Marsano, a spokesman for the charge him with anything. It will depend Bergdahl was last seen in a video the Idaho National Guard. Marsano is in regu- on the circumstances of his return and Taleban released in December. At this lar contact with Bergdahl’s mother, Jani, what he has to say.” year’s Grammys, celebrities were pho- and father, Bob, who has grown a long, Mary Schantag, chairman of the POW tographed wearing Bowe bracelets. In the thick beard and has worked to learn Network, an educational nonprofit group past two years, billboards with Bergdahl’s Pashto, the language spoken by his son’s founded in 1989, said it’s futile to specu- face have popped up in major cities. One captors. late. “He is an American soldier in enemy shows a smiling Bergdahl, in an Army uni- A senior Defense Department official hands. Period. Bring him home,” she said. form, with the message: “He fought for us. said that if Bergdahl is released, it could Rep. Duncan Hunter, a member of the ... Let’s fight for him!” be determined that he has more than House Armed Services Committee and for- A transcript of radio intercepts, pub- paid for leaving his unit - if that’s what mer Marine who served two tours in Iraq licly released through Wikileaks, indicates really happened - “and there’s every indi- and one in Afghanistan, agreed. “It’s hard that Bergdahl, then 23, was captured cator that he did.” Still, it’s a conundrum to imagine any circumstance where his while sitting in a makeshift latrine. “We for commanders under the Uniform Code captivity won’t be viewed as time served,” were attacking the post he was sitting,” of Military Justice and the equal applica- said Hunter, R-Calif. “The first order of busi- according to a radio intercept of a conver- tion of the law, according to the official, ness is securing his release and I don’t sation among insurgents. “He had no gun who spoke on condition of anonymity think it does an ounce of good to begin with him. They have all (the) Americans, because he was not authorized to publicly contemplating that far ahead when the ANA (Afghan National Army), helicopters, discuss the Bergdahl case. focus is on getting him home.”—AP TUESDAY, MARCH 4, 2014 INTERNATIONAL China attack risks driving ethnic wedge deeper KUNMING/BEIJING: Police swept a Residents of Kunming’s Dashuyin dis- borders former-Soviet Central Asia, political scientist at the Hong Kong meets this week in Beijing, told the Uighur district of the Chinese city of trict, where many Uighurs live, said Afghanistan, Pakistan and India, where University of Science & Technology. “This Communist Party mouthpiece, the Kunming hours after knife-wielding police came through the neighborhood more than 100 people have been killed may change some minds about the exis- People’s Daily, that such violence should assailants killed 29 people in a crowded hours after the attack, rounding up in the past year. tence of terrorist organizations in China.” not be linked to specific ethnic groups. station, underscoring the risk of ethnic dozens of people for questioning. Chinese media has criticized foreign The Xinhua news agency said a “ter- “If we end up taking our anger about tension spilling over from the remote Several Uighur men said they had been news organizations for their coverage of rorist gang of eight members”, with a this incident out on a particular ethnic Xinjiang region. China has vowed to interrogated for hours but not harmed. the Kunming attack, saying they glossed leader identified as Abdurehim Kurban, group and equate one ethnic group with crack down on what it says are militants One family from Xinjiang, grilling skew- over the danger of extremism in China was responsible for the attack. State tel- violent terrorism then that is completely bent on transforming Xinjiang into an ers of mutton over charcoal at a street by instead finding fault with govern- evision said earlier a female suspect was incorrect, this is exactly what the sepa- independent state called East Turkestan, side stall, said police had stormed into ment policies for spurring dissent. The wounded and captured in the attack. ratists want,” Zhu said. but it has also emphasised ethnic unity their home pointing guns. “It’s very government says Uighurs are granted The official Xinhua news agency report- There have been no signs of reprisals after what it described as a terrorist tense now. You can feel it,” said the 24- wide religious, cultural and linguistic ed on Monday that three suspects, against Uighurs in Kunming, but some attack on Saturday. year-old man running the stall, who freedoms. including another woman, had been Han Chinese residents voiced their Xinjiang, in China’s far west, is home declined to be identified. “Even though With shocking images of slashed vic- caught. Four were shot dead. anger. “They should just send them all to the Muslim Uighur people, many of people don’t say or do anything, they’re tims on the Internet, the high death toll “My impression is that ethnic polar- back, and not let them come to whom say they chafe at Chinese restric- staring at us all the time.” and the distance from Xinjiang, the ization is the driver behind this, not only Kunming anymore,” said Yang Jing at her tions on their culture and religion. In Kunming attack will provide a ready religion,” said Nicholas Bequelin, a senior sewing shop across the street from a Kunming, capital of the southwestern Shocking images, toll example for government leaders who researcher at Human Rights Watch. Uighur restaurant. “They’re hateful. Even province of Yunnan, many hundreds of Saturday’s violence was the first stress the growing threat they say China “Religion is the vehicle, the ready-made their small children steal things and miles from Xinjiang, members of the major attack blamed on people from faces. Experts say militant ideology does ideology that allows some people to fight, and the adults are even worse.” small Uighur community told Reuters Xinjiang at such a great distance from in part fuel the violence, but the level of embark on plans that are inhuman and Others said the attack would change they felt they were under a cloud of sus- the region since October, when a car organization has long been disputed. brutal.” attitudes. “You can’t blame all Xinjiang picion. “I alone have already been ploughed into tourists in Beijing’s “It certainly is the case that there is people for this,” said Li Baochang, pass- checked three times. The police point Tiananmen Square, killing the three peo- continued dispute of what exactly is the “Send them all back” ing through the Dashuyin district. “But their guns at us. We don’t know what ple in the vehicle and two bystanders. nature of the physical or armed conflict Zhu Weiqun, chairman of the ethnic suspicions are growing and sometimes, really happened,” Uighur restaurant Before those two incidents, violence had between separatist forces and the and religious affairs committee of the even if we don’t want to, the feelings in worker Aniwar Wuppur told Reuters. largely been confined to Xinjiang, which Chinese state,” said Barry Sautman, a top advisory body to parliament, which our hearts have changed.” — Reuters N Korea ‘provokes’ South N Korea fires 2 short-range missiles SEOUL: North Korea fired short-range missiles into the sea off its eastern coast for the second time in a week yesterday, prompting a warning from South Korea of “reckless provocation”. The missile tests have clearly been timed to coincide with annual South Korea-US military exercises which kicked off a week ago and run until mid- April. Two missiles were fired yesterday and both flew around 500 kilometers (310 miles) into the Sea of Japan, according to South Korea’s Defense Ministry. Four short-range Scud missiles were fired in similar fashion on Thursday. Both tests were con- demned by Seoul, which urged the North to cease all testing immediately and said it would consider calling for sanctions. “The North is tak- ing a double-faced stance by making conciliato- BEIJING: Australian missionary John Short (left) walks out from the airport terminal ry gestures on one hand and pushing ahead yesterday. —AP with reckless provocation on the other,” said Defense Ministry spokesman Kim Min-Seok. The Scuds are at the longer edge of the short- GOSEONG: South Korean Army’s 130mm multiple rocket launchers fire live rounds during an North Korea deports range spectrum, with an estimated reach of 300- exercise against possible attacks from North Korea yesterday. — AP 800 kilometers (185-500 miles) — capable of unusually protracted surge in military tensions, bloody naval clashes in the past. No shots were striking any target in the South. It is not unusual that saw North Korea issuing apocalyptic threats fired and the vessel retreated to its side of the Australian missionary for North Korea to carry out such tests, which of pre-emptive nuclear strikes. By contrast, this boundary after repeated warnings from the often go unreported by South Korea. But Kim year’s drills began as relations between Seoul South Korean navy. BEIJING: North Korea yesterday deported a given no indication he will be released said the Scud firings were of particular concern. and Pyongyang were enjoying something of a From yesterday, South Korea launched a two- 75-year-old Australian missionary, detained despite calls from Washington and appeals thaw. They overlapped with the end of the first day live-fire exercise involving an army artillery, last month for distributing religious material, from his family. ‘Show of force’ reunion for more than three years of families naval ships and jet fighters to test their readiness after he signed a detailed “confession” and North plays hawk and dove “We believe that the North is testing various divided by the Korean War-an event that raised against a North Korean incursion off the east apology. Hong Kong-based John Short Since the beginning of this year, North ballistic missiles with various ranges as a show of hopes of greater cross-border cooperation. coast, the South’s defense ministry said. It arrived in Beijing on a commercial flight Korea has played both hawk and dove, offer- force to threaten us,” he said. Washington initially Pyongyang had initially insisted that the joint declined to confirm a Yonhap news agency from Pyongyang just hours after the North’s ing conciliatory gestures one day and issu- played down Thursday’s firings, but later sug- exercises be postponed until after the reunions report that the exercise also involved drones, official KCNA news agency announced he ing dire threats the next. In what was seen as gested they violated UN sanctions imposed on finished. But Seoul refused and-in a rare conces- multiple rocket launchers and various other was being released. “I’m really, really tired,” a a major concession, it allowed the first the North’s missile program. UN Security Council sion-the North allowed the family gatherings on weapons. North Korea has hundreds of short- tearful Short said, breaking down in front of reunion for three years of families divided by resolutions prohibit North Korea “from launch- its territory to go ahead as scheduled. Most ana- range missiles and has developed and tested- reporters at Beijing airport. He had been the Korean War to go ahead, even though ing any ballistic missile, and this includes any lysts believe the missile tests reflect Pyongyang’s with limited success-several intermediate-range arrested week ago after leaving “Bible tracts” the event overlapped with the start of the Scud missile”, Pentagon spokesman Colonel need to flex its muscles in the wake of the models. Its claims to have a working inter-conti- in a Buddhist temple in Pyongyang during a annual South-US drills a week ago. Steven Warren said Friday. Pyongyang routinely reunion compromise. nental ballistic missile have been treated with tour. Pyongyang said it had acted out of humani- condemns the South-US joint exercises as Last week also saw an incursion by a North skepticism by most experts, but there is no His release came as North Korea fired two tarian reasons-the same motive it ascribed rehearsals for invasion. Korean patrol boat across the disputed Yellow doubt that it is pushing ahead with an active, short-range missiles into the sea, in a sign of to its decision to release Short. Last year they coincided with a sharp and Sea border that has been the scene of brief but ambitious missile development program. — AFP the tensions on the Korean peninsula fuelled At the same time, the North has flexed its by ongoing South Korea-US joint military military muscles by firing a total of six short- drills. KCNA said the “generous” decision to range missiles into the sea in the space of release and expel Short had been taken in five days. “The North is taking a double- Thailand protesters look to light of his advanced age and his display of faced stance by making conciliatory ges- contrition. The news agency released a copy tures on one hand and pushing ahead with of his confession, along with photos show- reckless provocation on the other,” South ing him affixing his thumb in red ink to the Defense Ministry spokesman Kim Min-Seok courts after vacating streets document which he also signed and read told reporters yesterday. out. Short’s signed statement stated that US BANGKOK: Anti-government protesters in they say has been taken hostage by her billion- “It seems likely she will be found guilty,” said “I realize that my actions are an indelible and other Western media reports labeling Thailand have retreated to a central Bangkok aire brother and former premier, Thaksin Kan Yuenyong, an analyst at the Siam hostile act against the independent right the North as a closed country without reli- park, freeing up traffic after blocking big inter- Shinawatra. Intelligence Unit think-tank. “At that point, she and laws of the (North),” the confession read. gious freedoms were “inaccurate and wrong”. sections for more than a month, but Thailand’s Although tension has eased on the streets, will have to suspend her duties if the case goes “I request forgiveness... and am willing to Although freedom of worship is enshrined in four-month political crisis looks no closer to a there was a reminder of the danger when two to court. The endgame that protesters are hop- bow down on my knees,” it said. Confessions North Korea’s constitution, it does not exist solution. The protesters, who moved to Lumpini grenades were thrown at a Bangkok criminal ing for is a way to suspend the whole cabinet so and self-criticisms-scripted by the authori- in practice and religious activity is severely Park on the weekend after orders from their court yesterday, although only one exploded that an interim, so-called neutral, prime minister ties-are normally a prerequisite for detained restricted to officially recognized groups leader, Suthep Thaugsuban, are banking on judi- and no injuries were reported, police said. Critics can be elected,” Kan said. foreigners seeking release in North Korea. linked to the government. cial intervention from courts widely seen as hos- have accused the criminal court of siding with Observers said Pyongyang likely regard- A UN-mandated commission published a tile to Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra to demonstrators after it rejected several govern- Red mobilization ed Short as harmless and had played up his damning report last month, detailing horrific bring down her government. ment requests for arrest warrants to be issued The confrontation broadly pits Bangkok’s deportation as an act of diplomatic largesse, human rights abuses in North Korea and “Bangkokians are able to go to work more for certain protest leaders. middle-class and southern Thais against sup- while continuing to hold a more high-profile concluding that they could comprise crimes easily but the state of play in Thailand has not Yingluck faces several legal challenges, the porters of Thaksin and Yingluck who mostly hail detainee-American-Korean missionary against humanity. In his statement, Short changed since protesters scaled back,” said most significant being negligence charges for from the poorer, rural north and northeast. The Kenneth Bae. “Holding someone of Short’s also admitted distributing religious texts on Siripan Nogsuan Sawasdee, a political analyst at mishandling a disastrous rice subsidy scheme. protesters rejected and disrupted a snap elec- age and nationality carries no real political the Pyongyang subway during a previous Chulalongkorn University in Bangkok. “He The scheme paid farmers above the market price tion called by Yingluck for Feb 2, when her party upside, and could even become a burden,” tour to the North in 2012. (Suthep) realizes that the fate of the government and has run out of funds, prompting farmers - almost certainly won the most votes. Fresh elec- said Yang Moo-Jin, a professor at the “I now realize the seriousness of my insult won’t be determined by his group but lies in the normally the prime minister’s biggest supporters tions were held in five provinces on Sunday and University of North Korean Studies in Seoul. to the Korean people... and for this I truly hands of independent organizations - the anti- - to demonstrate in Bangkok. passed off peacefully. Described by a North Korean court as a apologize,” it said. Australia has no diplomat- corruption body and the courts.” Hundreds of farmers joined anti-government But there is still no date set for elections in militant Christian evangelist, Bae was ic representation in North Korea, but its for- Demonstrators seeking to overthrow protesters led by Buddhist monk Luang Pu nine southern provinces where there was no arrested in November 2012 and later sen- eign ministry said his release was “welcome Yingluck took to the streets in November and Buddha Issara in a rally at the Finance Ministry voting on Feb. 2, meaning it is still impossible to tenced to 15 years’ hard labor on charges of news”. Short’s wife, Karen Short, told AFP in have since blockaded ministries, occupied gov- yesterday to demand payment but they dis- get a quorum to open parliament, elect a prime seeking to topple the government. He was Hong Kong that she was “amazingly thank- ernment offices and, in January, set up camp at persed later. Yingluck has been given until minister and get a government with full powers. shown on state TV last month, admitting to ful”. It was not immediately clear when Short major traffic intersections in Bangkok. They want March 14 by the National Anti-Corruption Yingluck heads a caretaker administration with “wrongdoings”-but Pyongyang has since would return to Hong Kong. —AFP Yingluck to resign to make way for an appointed Commission (NACC) to defend herself. It will only limited spending and borrowing powers, “people’s council” to overhaul a political system then decide whether there is a case to pursue. which has complicated the rice scheme prob- lems and other aspects of government business. She has kept away from the capital for much of the past two weeks but yesterday she went to Fisherman rescued the Centre for Maintaining Peace and Order, the body set up to oversee a state of emergency after tuna boat fire imposed in January. She spent several days last week in the north, a stronghold of the “red shirt” movement loyal to her brother Thaksin. TOKYO: An Indonesian fisherman was res- spokesman said. Three other men had been Thousands of Thaksin’s supporters have gath- cued yesterday floating in the Pacific, 24 found, although all were said to be in car- ered in Nakhon Ratchasima, northeast of the hours after his tuna fishing boat was seen diac arrest. The term is usually used in capital, and some of their leaders have threat- engulfed by fire. The man, identifying him- Japan by first responders before an acci- ened to come to Bangkok if Yingluck is removed self as Simon, was rescued by another fish- dent victim is certified dead by a doctor. from power, adding to fears of civil strife. “The ing boat helping in the search for the A coastguard plane was transporting red shirt mobilization is extremely worrying. Japanese-registered No. 8 Kaisei-maru, them to Japan, the spokesman added. They really see this situation as the work of the which was found in flames on Sunday, The coast guard originally received a elite who are trying to undermine their demo- about 410 kilometers (254 miles) south of report from a local fisheries radio station cratic rights,” analyst Kan said. Kochi prefecture in western Japan, the early Sunday that it could not contact Some Yingluck supporters have called for coastguard said. the 19-tonne vessel. More than four Thailand to be divided along north-south politi- Two Japanese and five Indonesian men hours later, a plane spotted the burning cal lines but she told reporters: “The government were on board the vessel when it stopped ship, with television footage showing the does not support this idea and it is against the responding to radio communications early bridge was in flames. It was unclear what law so I don’t think this will happen.” Tarit that day, according to the coastguard. “An caused the blaze. Searchers returned to Pendith, head of the Department of Special Indonesian native, who is calling himself the area’s waters yesterday but could not Investigation, Thailand’s equivalent of the FBI, Simon, has been found and rescued” by a locate the ship, which they said may asked red shirt leaders not to bring their sup- boat operating near No. 8 Kaisei-maru, a have sunk. The ship left the port of Kochi porters to Bangkok “in order to avoid confronta- spokesman for the coastguard said. on February 20 and had planned to tion”. Twenty people have been killed in protest- “He is very weak, but conscious. He is reach another port in nearby Wakayama related violence in Bangkok since Nov 30 and not in a life-threatening condition,” the prefecture today. —AFP BANGKOK: An anti-government protester rests at Lumpini Park yesterday. — AFP three in the eastern province of Trat. — Reuters NEWS TUESDAY, MARCH 4, 2014 Abu Ghaith goes on trial Pistorius pleads

NEW YORK: Osama bin Laden’s son-in-law was intro- duced to prospective jurors Monday at the start of his tri- not guilty at trial al on charges that he conspired to kill Americans and support terrorists in his role as Al-Qaeda’s spokesman after the Sept11 attacks. Sulaiman Abu Ghaith is the highest-ranking Al-Qaeda figure to face trial on US soil Witness tells of ‘bloodcurdling screams’ since the 9/11 attacks. The government plans to show PRETORIA: South African Paralympian star Oscar Pistorius jurors during its opening statement a picture of Abu pleaded not guilty yesterday to murdering his girlfriend as Ghaith seated with bin Laden and other Al-Qaeda leaders his trial opened with a neighbour testifying she heard on the day after Sept 11, 2001, as they make statements “bloodcurdling” screams on the night of the killing. Pistorius, about the attacks. whose trial is being broadcast live around the world, faces a US District Judge Lewis A. Kaplan asked Abu Ghaith to life sentence if convicted of the Valentine’s Day killing of turn and face the potential jurors before asking if any model and reality television star Reeva Steenkamp a year knew him. None did. The judge drew silence as well ago. After a state prosecutor charged that Pistorius “unlawful- when he asked if there was anyone who had never heard ly and intentionally did kill” Steenkamp, he entered a plea of of Al-Qaeda. The questioning was part of a process “not guilty, my lady”. designed to shrink a jury pool of dozens of prospective Pistorius, 27, a double amputee sporting hero known as jurors to the 12 anonymous jurors and several alternates the “Blade Runner” for his carbon-fibre running blades, also necessary before opening statements begin as early as Sulaiman Abu Ghaith pleaded not guilty to three unrelated gun charges. A single Wednesday. ed not guilty. Kaplan on Friday called the mistaken identi- judge, Thokozile Masipa, is presiding in the case that has The trial, expected to last about three weeks, began a ty claim “utterly meritless.” already been likened to the murder trial of American foot- year after Abu Ghaith was brought to the United States Abu Ghaith’s attorneys are also trying to enlist help baller OJ Simpson over the killing of his ex-wife and a friend following his capture in Jordan. Kaplan told prospective from professed 9/11 mastermind Khalid Sheik in 1995. In a statement read out by his lawyer Kenny jurors that the intent of the trial was to decide whether Mohammed to bolster the case for acquittal, though it Oldwage, Pistorius described her death as a “tragic accident” Abu Ghaith had conspired to kill Americans, whether he hasn’t come fast enough for them to gain permission saying he had mistaken his 29-year-old lover for an intruder. conspired to provide material support and resources to from Kaplan for Mohammed to testify, perhaps through a He admitted killing Steenkamp, but denied murderous terrorists and whether he actually supplied material sup- video link to Guantanamo Bay. If convicted, Abu Ghaith intent. “This allegation is denied in the strongest terms,” he port and resources to terrorists. Prosecution evidence could face life in prison. said. “We were in a loving relationship.” The first prosecution also will include post-9/11 videos in which the charismat- The Kuwaiti-born defendant was flown to the United witness to take the stand, Michelle Burger, said she and her ic bearded man promises more attacks on the United States a year ago from Jordan, where he was captured husband were awoken at around 3 am by “bloodcurdling States as devastating as those that destroyed the World as he headed to Kuwait, which had revoked his citizen- screams” coming from the Pistorius home in an upmarket Trade Center. ship after 9/11. In an affidavit, Abu Ghaith said he left Johannesburg gated community. “The Americans must know that the storm of airplanes Afghanistan in 2002 and entered Iran, where he was “She screamed terribly and she yelled for help,” the univer- will not stop, God willing, and there are thousands of arrested and held in prisons and interrogated exten- sity economist said. “It was something you can’t explain to young people who are as keen about death as Americans sively. He said he was heading home to Kuwait to see someone else, how anxious those screams were. Just after are about life,” Abu Ghaith said in an Oct. 9, 2001, speech. family when his flight landed instead in Amman, Jordan, her screams, I heard shots, four shots,” she said, describing In one widely circulated propaganda video, Abu Ghaith where he was handcuffed and turned over to American one clear shot then three clustered together. “Bang... bang, can be seen sitting with bin Laden and current Al-Qaeda authorities. bang, bang. I heard petrified screaming before the gunshots, PRETORIA: South African amputee Olympian sprint- leader Ayman Al-Zawahri against a rocky backdrop. Abu Ghaith is married to bin Laden’s eldest daughter, and just after the gunshots,” she said when pressed by er Oscar Pistorius arrives at the High Court yester- Defense lawyers for the balding and bearded defen- Fatima, one of nearly two dozen children bin Laden was Pistorius’s lawyer. day. — AFP dant, who wore a beige suit to court yesterday, asserted believed to have fathered before he was killed in Pakistan The trial opening marked the first time the victim’s moth- fired a pistol in public, once through the sunroof of a moving last week that some of the government’s evidence relates by US special forces in 2011. Before heading to er June came face-to-face with Pistorius since the killing. “I car and then at a busy restaurant. The state has a exhaustive to a detainee at Guantanamo Bay with a similar name to Afghanistan in 2000, Abu Ghaith was an imam at a want to look at Oscar, really look him in the eyes, and see for list of 107 witnesses that includes the defendant’s former girl- Abu Ghaith rather than to the defendant, who has plead- Kuwaiti mosque. — AP myself the truth about what he did to Reeva,” she told a friends, though it is unlikely everyone will be called to testify. British newspaper ahead of the trial. Further down from her If found guilty of premeditated murder, Pistorius faces 25 on the wood-panelled bench sat Pistorius’s brother Carl, sis- years in South Africa’s notoriously brutal jails and an abrupt UAE jails 3 ‘Islamists’ ter Aimee and a handful other relatives. end to his glittering sporting career. The state has already The state is seeking to prove that Pistorius killed admitted that ballistic tests suggest he might not have been Continued from Page 1 said he had only been allowed to meet with his lawyer Steenkamp in a rage after the couple quarrelled in the early wearing his prostheses when he fired the shots that killed twice since the start of his trial, both times in the pres- hours of Feb 14, 2013. Prosecutors are also expected to claim Steenkamp, which removes a key argument for premedita- has launched sweeping crackdowns on the group ence of state security officials. that Pistorius had watched pornography just before the tion. there following the ouster of former Islamist President The call came weeks after a United Nations human shooting, apparently contradicting his account of events. The Pistorius walked free on bail a year ago as the chief detec- Mohammed Morsi, one of its leading figures. rights expert said that the UAE’s judiciary is under the athlete, the first double amputee to compete against able- tive on the case and the prosecution’s star witness Hilton In January, the same court that tried Jaidah convict- “de facto control” of the country’s executive branch. The bodied athletes at the London 2012 Olympics, will also be Botha was sacked amid a scandal over botched handling of ed 30 men, most of them Egyptian, of setting up an ille- official, Gabriela Knaul, the UN Special Rapporteur on asked why he allegedly told security guards at his luxury evidence. During the bail application, Pistorius’s defence gal Brotherhood branch in the UAE. They received the independence of judges and lawyers, cited credible estate that everything was fine when they phoned after sketched the picture of a loving couple who even contem- prison terms ranging from three months to five years. claims that detainees who were held incommunicado hearing gunshots. plated marriage. CCTV footage emerged last week showing Another 69 people, including a cousin of one of the for months, exposed to extreme temperatures and In a bid to illustrate a history of reckless behaviour with the pair kissing and flirting at an upmarket Pretoria grocery UAE’s ruling sheikhs, were last year sentenced to up to sometimes electrocuted. She urged the government to firearms, the state claims that Pistorius on two occasions store 10 days before Steenkamp’s death. — AFP 15 years behind bars after being convicted of links to Al- allow independent investigations into claims of torture. Islah, an Islamist group suspected of ideological ties to Assistant Foreign Minister for Legal Affairs Abdul the Brotherhood. Rahim Al-Awadi has defended the judiciary’s independ- MP blames expats for traffic jams, deaths Amnesty International last month called on Emirati ence, saying it is guaranteed in the country’s constitu- authorities to release Jaidah and to investigate allega- tion. He said officials would consider Knaul’s recommen- Continued from Page 1 delayed until the next term starting late October. tions that he was tortured in detention. The rights dations as part of ongoing efforts to strengthen the Opponents of the pact say it violates Kuwait’s constitution group called his trial proceedings “grossly unfair” and judiciary and ensure human rights. — Agencies Losses from traffic accidents account for around 3.0 and laws, especially on the extradition of criminals. The percent of Kuwait’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP), which committee also decided to delay a vote on another agree- was around $184 billion in 2012. Awadhi criticized the cur- ment regulating security cooperation between Saudi Bahrain blast kills 3 policemen rent policy on vehicle ownership, especially for expatriates, Arabia and Kuwait. saying that 7,000 expats own 40,000 vehicles, adding that In another development, head of the Assembly’s Continued from Page 1 main Shiite formation, said they “regretted having casual- ownership of vehicles must be controlled. He also said human rights committee MP Faisal Al-Duwaisan said the ties regardless of which side they belonged to, including three Gulf citizens own 2,843 vehicles and four Kuwaitis panel decided to hold a meeting with the bedoons com- Witnesses reported hearing a blast in Daih during a security forces”. “The sanctity of the blood applies to own 4,328 vehicles. “That is not counting taxi offices that mittee in the presence of interior ministry officials to dis- confrontation between protesters and police who fired every human being,” said an opposition statement. operate around 13,190 vehicles and take advantage of the cuss demonstrations by bedoons in Taima in Jahra. tear gas and buckshot to disperse demonstrators. It called on supporters to “adhere to peaceful means state’s fuel subsidies,” Awadhi said. Duwaisan said the committee expressed concern over Clashes frequently erupt near Manama between security and condemn and disclaim criminal acts claimed by the Awadhi called for limiting the number of cars citizens reported violations by police in dealing with protesters, forces and Shiite protesters demanding the Khalifa family so-called Al-Ashtar Brigades or Resistance (brigades) or can own in a bid to reduce the number of accidents and especially after the arrest of a child, which represents a fla- surrender its grip on all key cabinet posts in favour of an any other party that claims responsibility for bomb casualties. The lawmaker concluded his statement by grant violation of human rights. The public prosecution elected government. Arab Spring-inspired protests attacks and violence.” Al-Ashtar Brigades has reportedly announcing plans to carry out a survey in order to obtain yesterday renewed the detention of eight bedoons, backed by Bahrain’s Shiite majority began in mid-Feb claimed responsibility for bomb attacks in the kingdom, citizens’ visions for a solution to the traffic problem. including the 14-year-old child Ali Al-Habeeb, for taking 2011 and were brutally crushed a month later. including a July bombing outside a Sunni mosque. The Meanwhile, the National Assembly’s foreign relations part in the protests. On Sunday, a policeman was wounded in a blast in the International Federation for Human Rights says at least committee yesterday decided to delay its vote on the con- Duwaisan said the committee decided to pay surprise Shiite village of Akr al-Sharqi, said the interior ministry. A 89 people have been killed since the Bahrain uprising policeman died of wounds sustained in a bomb blast in broke out. Last year the authorities increased the penal- troversial Gulf security pact till next month in order to visits to the central prison and deportation center in order the village of Dair during the commemoration of third ties for those convicted of violence, introducing the study the opinions of the Assembly’s team of constitution- to study the treatment of prisoners. “Failure to grant us anniversary of protests on Feb 14, the interior ministry death penalty or life sentences in cases which resulted in al experts. Last month, speaker Marzouq Al-Ghanem said permission would raise a lot of questions regarding the said at the time. Six-opposition groups, led by Al-Wefaq deaths or injuries. — AFP that a majority of MPs want a vote on the pact to be human rights situations with regards to prisoners,” he said. TUESDAY, MARCH 4, 2014 ANALYSIS

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Issues Erdogan faces popularity slide

By Dilay Gundogan ith local polls imminent, Turkish Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan can still draw tens of thousands to ral- Wlies on the campaign trail, but a mounting corruption scandal is doing unprecedented damage to his image. Voice recordings published online last week - allegedly of Erdogan and his son discussing how to hide large amounts of money - have sparked mass protests and creating rifts within the ruling Justice and Development Party (AKP). Analysts say the tapes have the potential to hurt the prime minister at local polls on March 30, a key test of Erdogan’s popularity ahead of a presi- dential election in August and parliamentary elections next year. “Even if their authenticity is still challenged, those tapes have definitively put the whole crisis in a different perspective by placing Erdogan personally in the middle of the storm,” said Life and a death sentence in Damascus Sinan Ulgen, chairman of the Istanbul Centre for Economics and Foreign Policy Studies. “They will have a major impact on the ne day last November, armed for ruining years of stability. “Things swear to God, I will put a bullet in you and the elderly were tolerated, he friends in government-controlled prime minister’s popularity,” he told AFP. rebels woke Hind and her were fine. Life was good,” she said. “I and your sisters and your father and said. “The (rebel) Free Syrian Army in Sayida Zeinab, a 10-minute walk If the party’s vote share drops too far, say observers, he may Ofamily at six in the morning reminded (the rebels) every time then I’m going to put a bullet in my those areas were not extreme. They away and home to thousands who start losing critical support within his own camp. “Centre-right and ordered them to march. “They they complained about food prices. own head!’ And I said: ‘I must be really promised not to harm government fled the embattled surrounding areas. Islamists within the party are very angry at the prime minister,” were taking us to our death. They ‘You don’t want to pay 200 pounds important then if I can make you kill loyalists living in their midst, on con- “I told him: “You’re inquiring about said Mehmet Akif Okur, associate professor at the Ankara-based had decided to execute us because for a bag of chickpeas? Why did you yourself.’ And he started to go crazy,” dition that they won’t collaborate my friend who lives in Sayida Zeinab? Gazi University. “If the AKP wins less than 40 percent, we could they said we were collaborators,” said do this, then?’” Her sentiments echo she recalled with a chuckle. with the regime. Some loyalist fami- You have all your family living in see mass resignations,” he told AFP. Eight lawmakers including a the 38-year-old. “They marched us those of other Assad loyalists and She refused to sell the rebels lies remained, but not military aged Sayida Zeinab...So what if I have a former culture minister have already resigned from the party, down the street, and I kept telling my Syrians who were ambivalent about bread during the months leading up men,” he said. Across south Damascus friend who lives in Sayida Zeinab?” lowering the number of AKP seats in parliament to 318 out of sister not to worry, that God would the uprising and blame the turmoil to a government siege. At that time, there had been only one sanctioned she said, sitting in the friend’s living 550. save us.” For over two years, since and economic collapse solely on the only women could venture out into public execution of collaborators, room. Hind’s own home is in one of “The Erdogan government has lost its legitimacy completely Syria’s armed uprising began to take rebels. the government-controlled areas when three men were executed last the sprawling suburbs around Sayida in the wake of the leaks,” said Dani Rodrik, professor of social sci- root in the suburbs of Damascus, with relative ease, and return with summer, he said. Zeinab. She asked Reuters not to ences at the US-based Institute for Advanced Study. “It is not just Hind had lived openly as a govern- Challenging the Rebels much needed food and medicine. As Hind says the rebels wanted to identify the suburb and to change about the magnitude of the corruption, which still needs to be ment loyalist while rebels gained Stuck in the rebel-held area, Hind well as food, some women smuggled execute her when it became clear her name because, she said, rebels established by impartial courts, but also the manner in which he ground around her. and the other remaining residents guns and equipment past the gov- they were losing the battle, and sus- who still want her dead would be has responded: by further polarising the nation and inciting Many thousands of civilians had endured months of isolation and a ernment checkpoints - something pected she had a role in passing on able to identify her. She, her sisters social conflict.” The leaked tapes, which Erdogan insists are fake, fled her neighbourhood south of the government siege before the rebels Hind also refused to do. intelligence. She denied the charge. and father, along with a couple of surfaced just as the premier appeared to be regaining control Syrian capital, escaping the growing finally retreated a few weeks ago. Life Recalling the day when she thought other families are all that remain of over a far-reaching corruption probe launched in December conflict and the increasingly radical in the neighbourhood, where law No Place for Young Men she might die, her rapid words barely the civilian population of her district. against some of his key allies. insurgents battling to overthrow and order soon collapsed, veered Farouq Al-Rifai, a rebel media keep up with her breath, or her tears. Close to a road network once Erdogan characterised the probe as a direct attack by a for- President Bashar Al-Assad. Her three between tragedy and comedy as activist for the Damascus southern She tells the story out of sequence, bustling with traffic, they are now sur- mer ally, the US-exiled Muslim cleric Fethullah Gulen, whose brothers went into hiding when Hind often taunted the rebels on her front, which includes Hind’s neigh- and her short sentences are interrupt- rounded by ruins. associates hold key positions in the police and the judiciary. The rebels took over her area in Dec 2012 streets. She once took off her plastic bourhood, acknowledged that no ed by emotional outbursts. Rebels Debris, blackened wreckage and combative premier responded ferociously, sacking hundreds of but Hind, the daughter of a displaced slipper and threatened to beat an military aged men could remain in alleged she had collaborated with rusty metal barely break the grey police and prosecutors and pushing through draconian laws Palestinian, chose to stay behind incensed fighter as they argued over rebel areas if they were openly gov- government troops. Her interrogator monochrome of destruction. Some tightening control over the judiciary and the Internet. with her sisters and care for her elder- who looted food. “He shouted: ‘I ernment loyalists. But loyalist women asked why she spent time with buildings have collapsed one floor ly father. “I’m already a refugee once. I on top of the other, the aluminium ‘Ready to Die’ won’t be a refugee twice,” she said. of their window frames looted long But the leaked tapes are the first time that Erdogan, who “Besides, where would I go?” ago. Syrian security forces, which turned 60 last week, has been directly implicated. The scandal Her decision to stand her ground now man checkpoints inside the has played out like a soap opera across the country, with Turks - an exception in a three-year conflict area, consider it a military zone that glued to Twitter in anticipation of new revelations. In the first which has displaced millions of is strictly off-limits to most civilians. and most spectacular recording, a voice purporting to be that of Syrians - marked the start of a Erdogan is heard telling his son Bilal to dispose of large sums of fraught relationship with rebels that Marching to Death cash stashed in several houses. “There is 30 million euros ($41 finally led to the local rebel council It was their recapture of the dis- million) more,” Bilal responds at one point. Erdogan has ordering her execution. It was a fate trict three months ago which, remained defiant, describing the tapes as fake and “vile” and she and her sisters only narrowly according to her own account, put “immoral” montage concocted by the so-called Gulenists. avoided when Assad’s forces Hind’s life in grave danger but ulti- Opinion polls show the scandal is hurting the AKP, whose launched an assault to recapture her mately saved her at the last minute. image had already been dented by mass anti-government district three months ago, Hind says. When she was being interrogated by protests in June. A January survey by the Metropoll research Hind’s story, starting with the out- the rebels who suspected her of company showed support for the AKP at 36.3 percent, far below break of anti-Assad protests in March helping the army, Hind recalls hold- the 50 percent it garnered in 2011’s parliamentary elections. 2011, illustrates Syria’s journey from ing her ground “even as my heart Erdogan however can still call on a huge following, particularly early calls for reform to the bloody started to sink”. When her interroga- among poorer and more pious voters, who hail him for oversee- civil war which has killed 140,000 tor told her to watch what she was ing a decade of roaring growth, and bringing Islam back into people. Her experience is also closely saying and lower her voice she the heart of government. “We have built 17,000 kilometres of entwined with the rise and fall of refused, saying she had done no roads,” he boasted during a rally in the eastern city of Sivas last rebel power in Damascus. wrong. “He said: ‘No problem. When month. “Could you do that in a country where corruption is the mufti returns after liberating widespread?” “Stand tall, don’t bow,” the crowd called back, say- Turning to Arms Sbeineh, he’ll be the one to carry out ing they were “ready to die” for him. Demonstrations broke out in her your execution.’” district early in 2011, initially in sup- But the rebels lost Sbeineh, a The ‘prime thief’ port of protests in the cities of Deraa nearby town, to government troops The tapes prompted fresh calls for the beleaguered govern- and Homs, the first centres of the who quickly advanced toward Hind’s ment to resign, with Kemal Kilicdaroglu, the leader of the main uprising against 40 years of Assad neighbourhood. The rebels knew opposition Republican People’s Party (CHP), calling the prime family rule. At first they were peace- Demonstrators wave the national flag during a pro-government protest in Damascus their battle would soon be lost, and minister the “prime thief”. Thousands of people have taken to ful. “And then, it seems that we went yesterday. —AFP photos Hind heard them in the middle of the streets across the country in protest over the corruption to bed one night and woke up in the the night chanting songs of sorrow scandal, with police on occasion firing tear gas and rubber bul- morning and found some of the men and mourning in the streets. They lets to disperse the demonstrators. But some believe that we had always known as our neigh- had run low on ammunition, and Erdogan’s political future, particularly his ambitions to become bours now had arms,” Hind recalls. they felt their commander had sold the president, will ultimately rest on the strength of the econo- “But they were very few at the time, them out. They donned military my, which has taken a battering in recent months, partly as a maybe two dozen.” She says the 20 or fatigues to look like army soldiers, result of the scandal. “If the economy shrinks, it will definitely so armed opponents of the president hoping they could escape in the affect the presidential election, because economic progress has quickly fled her neighbourhood dur- confusion. Many withdrew that been the main achievement of Erdogan since 2002,” Ulgen said. ing some of the first government night with their families to other Ates Ilyas Bassoy, author of “Why the AKP wins, why the CHP raids, but returned shortly afterwards rebel-held areas of south Damascus loses”, said voters may turn a blind eye to corruption allegations with more guns when Syrian authori- like Yarmouk Camp and Hajr Al- as long as the economy does not deteriorate. “The most honest ties seemed to relax security. Aswad. governments in Turkey’s history were toppled in times of eco- Things began to snowball from “But the few who stayed behind nomic crisis,” he told AFP. “But the most corrupt ones managed there, and as rebels acquired more were determined to execute us to retain their votes if the economy was stable.” —AFP light arms, Hind’s entire neighbour- before leaving,” she said. “They hood seemed to become militarized. marched us down the street, a group Soon, it was impossible for govern- of them ahead of us, another one ment troops to enter without risking behind us. My sister next to me in All articles appearing on these major casualties. “And as time went tears. There was lots of noise.” “Then, on, the rebels became more and a huge explosion. It was a hit from pages are the personal opinion of more Islamicised, their beards grew the army. The rebels scattered. There the writers. Kuwait Times takes no longer and longer,” said Hind, herself was chaos,” Hind said, catching her responsibility for views expressed an observant Muslim who has always breath as her eyes welled up. “Then, I worn a headscarf. Foreign fighters looked up and saw the army. It was therein. Kuwait Times invites read- began arriving. “From Jordan, Libya, mostly Hezbollah,” she said, referring ers to voice their opinions. Please Tunis. I even met a Chechen,” she to the Lebanese militia fighters sup- send submissions via email to: opin- said, adding they were few in num- porting Assad. “I ran up and down [email protected] or via snail bers. “Maybe a few dozen or so.” and I was screaming. I think I started The uprising around her turned to kiss them and cry. They didn’t mail to PO Box 1301 Safat, Kuwait. into a full-fledged civil war, forcing know what I was doing, and they The editor reserves the right to edit everyone in the neighbourhood to Syrian displaced residents of the besieged rebel-held town of Moadamiyet Al-Sham in were suspicious, but then they real- any submission as necessary. choose sides. Hind saw no reason to the suburbs of Damascus return to their homes on Sunday after rebels and the Syrian ized I was hysterical. God had given support the rebels, who she blamed regime reached a local truce. me a second life.” —Reuters TUESDAY, MARCH 4, 2014 SPORTS

Veh to quit Eintracht Juve coach slams Prandelli Li too busy for IPTL GERMANY: Eintracht Frankfurt coach Armin Veh has decided against renewing his con- ITALY: Juventus coach Antonio Conte has complained about impo- HONG KONG: Australian Open champion Li Na yesterday defended her decision to tract with the Bundesliga club and will leave at the end of the season. lite behaviour by his Italy counterpart Cesare Prandelli after defend- skip the International Premier Tennis League, as she targets more Grand Slams and the “I told the team this morning,” he said at a news conference on Monday. “I can’t imag- er Giorgio Chiellini was called up for Wednesday’s friendly against world number one spot. The inaugural edition of the IPTL takes place later this year ine my departure will have a negative effect on the team.” Spain. Chiellini, one of seven Juventus players in the squad, has not with matches in Bangkok, Mumbai, Singapore and Dubai geared to raise the profile of Veh, 53, took over in 2011 and led Eintracht out of the second division at the first played for three weeks because of a calf muscle injury and the Serie the game across Asia and the Middle East. attempt. They finished sixth on their top flight return last season, qualify- A champions said that they had planned to continue with his recov- But the event, modelled on cricket’s financially successful Indian Premier League, ing for the Europa League. His side have struggled this season but ery this week. “I expected a least to get a call from Prandelli to ask has been dealt a blow by the absence of Asia’s top male and female players-Japan’s Kei hauled themselves six points clear of the relegation playoff me how he was,” Conte, whose side beat AC Milan 2-0 away on Nishikori and second-ranked Li. The Chinese star became Asia’s first Grand Slam win- place with a dramatic 2-1 win over VfB Stuttgart on Sunday. Sunday evening, told reporters. ner at the 2011 French Open and followed it up with a second major title Eintracht were knocked out of the Europa League by “I find this type of behavior to be not very polite and not very at Melbourne in January, propelling her to a career-high rankings Porto in the last 32 and suffered an embarrassing first- educated. We give so many players to the national team and then position. round elimination in the German Cup by second division they do this to you and I don’t think it’s fair.” Conte said the Chiellini Women’s Tennis Association (WTA) chief Stacey Erzgebirge Aue. was on the bench against AC Milan but there had been no intention Allaster has placed the 32-year-old at the head of a Chairman Heribert Bruchhagen said Veh made his of fielding him. “Chiellini has not played for three weeks, he started concerted push into Asia including multiple new tour- decision to quit during the winter training camp in training again on Friday and I brought him to Milan so he could naments in China and the end-of-season champi- January. “Armin Veh informed us in Abu Dhabi he would savour the pitch but I didn’t think of using him. “I dislike seeing him onships in Singapore. In September, Li’s home city of not be extending his contract,” explained Bruchhagen. called up and it annoys me, they ask us so often for co-operation Wuhan will host a new, premier-level competition, one of six “We are all determined to continue working successfully and we give them a lot, because we supply a lot of players,” he said. WTA events on Chinese soil this year. with Armin Veh until the end of June.” Veh, a former mid- General manager Giuseppe Marotta agreed that the call-up was But the current hottest property in women’s tennis fielder who previously coached Augsburg, Hamburg SV, unexpected. “We intended to get him fully recovered this week and appears to have no room in her tightly-packed calendar for VfL Wolfsburg and Stuttgart, said he kept quiet at the so we did not expect this,” he said. “I don’t want controversy, and I say November and December’s IPTL-the brainchild of Indian dou- club’s request. —Reuters this because he has not yet played for us since the injury.” —Reuters bles star Mahesh Bhupathi. —Reuters Senators down Canucks

VANCOUVER: Cody Ceci scored a second-peri- od goal as the Ottawa Senators downed the Vancouver Canucks 4-2 before a crowd of more than 50,000 Sunday in the Heritage Classic. The Senators posted their first win in three games and kept pace in the race for the final playoff berth in the Eastern Conference. The Canucks suffered their ninth loss in 10 games and remained on the bubble in their quest for eighth place in the Western Conference. Clarke MacArthur, Erik Karlsson and Colin Greening - into an empty-net with 1:33 left in the game - also scored for Ottawa. The game was designed as a tribute to the 1915 Stanley Cup final series between the eventual-champion Vancouver Millionaires and Ottawa Senators. The Canucks wore maroon and cream-colored Millionaires replica jerseys while the Senators sported duds similar to those of their predecessors. Coaches wore varsity-styled jackets rather than their usual suits. The NHL’s outdoor series was forced to go indoors as the BC Place Stadium roof was closed due to rain.

FLYERS 5, CAPITALS 4 Vincent Lecavalier scored at 2:45 of over- time as the Philadelphia Flyers rallied from a two-goal deficit for a victory over the Washington Capitals. Trailing 4-2 entering the third period, the Flyers started their comeback when Jakub Voracek scored a power-play goal at 11:58. The Flyers were given a five-minute advantage when Dmitry Orlov was given a major penalty for boarding Brayden Schenn at 9:33. Claude Giroux sent the game to overtime when he scored his second goal of the game with 65 seconds left in the third. Adam Hall also scored for the Flyers, Kimmo Timonen had three assists and Steve Mason made 25 saves. Orlov scored two goals and fellow defense- man Mike Green had three assists for Washington. Marcus Johansson and Jay Beagle also scored for the Capitals in a physical game. Zain sponsors Kuwaiti car Braden Holtby had 31 saves. SHARKS 4, DEVILS 2 racing champion Ashkanani Matt Nieto scored the go-ahead goal at 6:20 of the third period and Alex Stalock made 21 KUWAIT: Zain, the leading telecommuni- The company also highlighted Zaid’s saves as San Jose defeated New Jersey. cation company in Kuwait, announced its spectacular achievements this season, Logan Couture and Raffi Torres also scored main sponsorship of the Kuwaiti car rac- where he won six races out of eight and and U.S. Olympian Joe Pavelski had the pri- ing Champion Zaid Ashkanani during the the runner up at the remaining two, and mary assists on the tying and winning goals as Porsche GT3 cup challenge Middle East. has become only 3 points away from the the Sharks won for the fifth time in six games. The first race took place at the ‘Dubai premiere rank at the region’s most excit- Patrick Marleau iced the game with a break- Autodrome’ in Dubai; the track which wit- ing and professional tournament. away goal with 2:25 to play, his 25th of the sea- nessed a victory by Zaid earlier this sea- Furthermore, considering Zaid as a son. Adam Henrique and Patrik Elias scored for son. national pride for raising the Kuwaiti flag the Devils, who had a two-game, post-Olympic In a press statement, Zain emphasized in all regional and international tourna- break winning streak snapped. Cory Schneider NEW YORK: Gregory Campbell No. 11 of the Boston Bruins celebrates scoring a goal during the challenging and willing spirit Zaid is ments, Zain granted its deepest wishes for had 18 saves for New Jersey. the third period of an NHL hockey game against the New York Rangers at Madison Square showing while preparing for his second the young car racing star to maintain his Garden. —AFP appearance in ‘Dubai Autodrome’. A simi- significant level of enthusiasm during the PANTHERS 5, ISLANDERS 3 BLUES 4, COYOTES 2 DUCKS 5, HURRICANES 3 lar spirit had previously allowed him to upcoming Bahrain races on the 7th and Scottie Upshall scored twice in the third peri- Patrik Berglund scored twice during St. Corey Perry had two goals and an assist in raise the Kuwaiti flag by winning his first 8th of March, as well as throughout the od as part of a four-goal Panthers surge as Louis’ four-goal, third-period rally as the Blues the first period, and Andrew Cogliano scored Florida downed New York. Upshall’s 11th of the track for this season at the same arena. rest of his career. beat the Phoenix Coyotes in goaltender Ryan a short-handed goal as the Anaheim Ducks season broke a 3-3 tie at 10:31 of the final peri- Miller’s debut. beat the Carolina Hurricanes for their second od. The goal came on the rebound of shot by Miller made 23 saves in his first game since straight victory out of the Olympic break. Agassi: IPTL a no-go if it Shawn Mattias, who also scored two goals for being acquired by St. Louis in a five-player deal Frederik Andersen made 49 saves for the the Panthers. with Buffalo on Friday. In addition to posting a NHL-leading Ducks, who jumped to a 5-0 Upshall tapped the loose puck past backup 284-186-57 record in 10-plus seasons, all with lead midway through the second period clashes with Thanksgiving goaltender Anders Nilsson, who started in place the Sabres, Miller entered the game 6-0-0 with and coasted to their third consecutive win of Evgeni Nabokov. Upshall scored again at a shutout and a 1.15 goals-against average in overall. LONDON: Andre Agassi will snub the inau- IPTL FORMAT 15:26 on the power play to make it 5-3 for gural International Premier Tennis League Agassi was selected for Singapore his career against Phoenix. Francois Beauchemin and Jakob Florida. Tim Thomas made 35 saves for the Kevin Shattenkirk and Magnus Paajarvi Silfverberg also scored as the Ducks won (IPTL) if it clashes with Thanksgiving, the along with world number one Serena Panthers. added goals for the Blues, who had been their NHL-best 43rd game and stayed five former world number one said the day Williams and Czech Tomas Berdych while The Islanders entered the third with a 3-1 scoreless for a franchise record 187:44 before points ahead of Chicago and St. Louis in the after being signed up by the Singapore 14-times major winner Sampras is set to advantage after Thomas Vanek scored twice in scoring three in a nine-plus minute span. overall league standings. franchise. join Rafa Nadal in the Mumbai team. the first and Ryan Strome added a goal late in Jeff Halpern scored his 150th career goal Alexander Semin, Andrej Sekera and The eight-times grand slam champi- Andy Murray and Novak Djokovic head the second. But Florida’s Marcel Goc and and Paul Bissonnette added his first goal since Patrick Dwyer scored in Carolina’s fifth on was named in Sunday’s player draft up the Bangkok and Dubai squads. Matthias scored early in the third to tie the game Dec. 14 for the Coyotes, who have lost four straight loss overall and its fourth in six days for the new Asia-based event but said Modelled on the successful Indian at 3 before Upshall’s late scores. straight and five of six. since the break. —AP he had since learned the first match Premier League cricket competition, the would clash with the November holiday. IPTL would take advantage of an earlier BRUINS 6, RANGERS 3 “It’s a good thing to take tennis to finish to the ATP and WTA seasons and Tuukka Rask made 19 saves in a one-sided NHL results/standings places in the world where they want to involve a five-set format made up of a first period, and defenseman Dougie Hamilton see it. There’s no downside in doing men’s singles, women’s singles, men’s had a goal and two assists to lift the Boston Philadelphia 5, Washington 4 (OT); San Jose 4, New Jersey 2; Florida 5, NY Islanders 3; Ottawa 4, that,” American Agassi told Reuters doubles, mixed doubles and a past cham- Bruins over the Rangers for their first season- Vancouver 2; Boston 6, NY Rangers 3; Colorado 6, Tampa Bay 3; St. Louis 4, Phoenix 2; Anaheim 5, ahead of his World Tennis Day show- pions singles. sweep of New York in 31 years. Rask was at his Carolina 3. down with former arch-rival Pete Fellow American Sampras also best early and finished with 39 saves. He outdu- eled New York netminder Henrik Lundqvist, who Western Conference Eastern Conference Sampras in London later yesterday. appeared slightly in the dark yesterday. Atlantic Division stopped 27 shots on his 32nd birthday but lost Pacific Division “My agreement to do it was based “It’s happened in the last 24 hours,” he told Boston 38 17 5 188 137 81 for the second straight day. The Bruins are 9-2-3 W L OTL GF GA PTS on a few very specific conditions. Reuters. “I’ve just been in talks with them Montreal 34 21 7 159 152 75 in their last 14 games. The Rangers fell one point Certainly economics played a little part and I’m excited to be a part of it. It’s a big Anaheim 43 14 5 202 150 91 Tampa Bay 34 22 5 177 156 73 behind second-place Philadelphia - which beat in it but also time away played another endeavour by the guys who are putting San Jose 39 17 6 188 151 84 Toronto 32 22 8 185 191 72 New York 4-2 on Saturday. Gregory Campbell part. the whole thing together. Los Angeles 34 22 6 150 133 74 Detroit 28 20 12 159 165 68 had two goals for Boston, while Milan Lucic, Ottawa 27 23 11 174 199 65 “I can’t be away for more than four or “It’s not an easy thing to do though Jarome Iginla and Carl Soderberg also scored. Vancouver 28 25 10 150 166 66 Florida 23 31 7 151 197 53 five days so I set some limitations and and we’ll have to see how it all plays out in Phoenix 27 23 11 169 180 65 had some dates in December. “Now I the next weeks. I’ll get more details when I Buffalo 18 34 8 122 180 44 AVALANCHE 6, LIGHTNING 3 Calgary 23 30 7 139 182 53 read in an email that the dates are over get home.” Nick Holden scored two goals, Ryan O’Reilly Edmonton 20 34 8 154 204 48 Metropolitan Division Thanksgiving,” said the 43-year-old Sampras said he would never have had a goal and an assist as the Colorado Pittsburgh 40 16 4 192 149 84 Agassi who is married to former entertained the idea of playing in the Avalanche rallied to beat the Tampa Bay women’s world number one Steffi Graf competition when he was at his peak. “I Central Division Philadelphia 32 24 6 174 180 70 Lightning. NY Rangers 33 26 3 162 157 69 and has two children. didn’t have a lot of time off so it would St. Louis 40 14 6 200 139 86 Semyon Varlamov stopped 31 shots and Erik Washington 29 23 10 184 186 68 “That would be a non-starter for me. have been a tricky thing to commit to,” Johnson and Tyson Barrie also scored for the Chicago 36 12 14 213 166 86 Six or seven days away is too much of a explained the 42-year-old American. Columbus 30 25 5 178 169 65 Avalanche, who have won two straight. Colorado 39 17 5 188 164 83 price to pay.” The draft for the IPTL set “It’s a long journey to Asia and I’m not New Jersey 26 23 13 148 153 65 Nate Thompson had two goals, Tom Pyatt Carolina 26 26 9 151 173 61 up by Indian doubles specialist Mahesh sure how it would have played out for me. Minnesota 33 21 7 150 148 73 also scored and Ben Bishop finished with 29 NY Islanders 23 32 8 173 215 54 Bhupathi saw the four teams - That was my time off.” The IPTL is sched- Dallas 28 22 10 170 169 66 saves for the Lightning. Holden tied it with a Note: Overtime losses (OTL) are worth one Winnipeg 30 26 6 174 178 66 Singapore, Dubai, Bangkok and uled to begin in Singapore on Nov. 28, the power-play goal at 5:12 of the third. It was point in the standings and are not included in Mumbai - bid for players. Organisers day after Thanksgiving, and a week after Colorado’s sixth power-play goal in the past Nashville 26 25 10 150 185 62 the loss column (L). said a total of $24 million was spent. the Davis Cup final. —Reuters three games. TUESDAY, MARCH 4, 2014 SPORTS Australia dominate South Africa

CAPE TOWN: Fast bowlers Ryan Harris four catches, missed a stumping off and Mitchell Johnson shared seven wick- Nathan Lyon when Du Plessis was on 30, ets as Australia continued their domina- then dropped a difficult leg side chance tion on the third day of the third and final off Harris when the batsman was on 35. Test against South Africa at Newlands With play starting 30 minutes earlier yesterday. because of rain which cut 51 overs from Australia bowled out South Africa for the second day’s play, Clarke’s declaration 287, a lead of 207, and added another 27 proved a shrewd move because there runs for no wicket before close of play. was early movement off the pitch for the Harris took three for 63 and Johnson bowlers. Smith was caught behind for four for 42. Captain Michael Clarke’s deci- five off a ball from Harris which seamed sion to declare at Australia’s overnight away from him. Smith has made only 42 total of 494 for seven paid off as his South runs in five innings in the series. African counterpart Graeme Smith failed Dean Elgar made 11 before he was again and South Africa lost four wickets superbly caught by Haddin off James before lunch. Pattinson, the wicketkeeper flinging him- Despite losing early wickets, South self to his right to hold an inside edge by Africa scored freely during an extended the left-hander. morning’s play, reaching 127 for four off Alviro Petersen and Hashim Amla 32 overs at lunch. added 53 off 58 balls with Petersen But with the Australian bowlers reaching a fluent half-century off 50 balls achieving reverse swing as the ball got with eight fours. But Petersen added only older, the scoring slowed to a trickle after three more before he gloved Mitchell in-form batsman AB de Villiers was Johnson down the leg side for Haddin to caught at second slip off Johnson for 14 take his third catch of the innings. soon after lunch. JP Duminy fell to a catch Amla looked in good form but was behind by Brad Haddin off Harris for four bowled for 38 when Harris made a ball before Faf du Plessis and Vernon swing back sharply to find a gap Philander came together in a seventh- between bat and pad. It was the first evi- wicket stand of 95, the best of the dence of reverse swing and it heralded a DHAKA: Afghanistan’s Asghar Stanikzai is bowled out by Sri Lanka’s Thisara Perera during the Asia Cup one-day international cricket innings. significant change in momentum with tournament. —AP Du Plessis battled his way to 67 before the remaining batsmen forced on to the Johnson returned to the attack and he defensive. edged a drive fast and low to gully, where Pattinson, picked in place of Peter Sri Lanka thump Afghanistan David Warner held a good catch. Siddle, because he offered more pace, Du Plessis, who faced 134 balls and took two for 77 and Shane Watson DHAKA: Four-time champions Sri Lanka The Islanders scored a challenging 253-6 Sri Lanka won all their three matches to gain 12 points, hit six fours, had two escapes. chipped in with the wicket of Kyle thumped newcomers Afghanistan by 129 with in-form Kumar Sangakkara hitting a leaving them to play a meaningless last game against hosts Wicketkeeper Brad Haddin, who took Abbott. —AFP runs to reach the final of the Asia Cup in solid 76 before they bowled their rivals out Bangladesh on Thursday before having a tilt at the title. Dhaka yesterday. for a paltry 124 in 38.4 overs. Afghanistan, who gave a good account of themselves by beating Bangladesh by 32 runs in their second match, found Sri Lanka’s pace-cum spin attack too hot to handle and only captain Mohammad Nabi (37), Asghar Stanikzai (27) and Noor Ali Zadran (21) were among the runs. Nabi hit a six and three boundaries off 43 balls before he fell leg-before to spinner Chaturanga de Silva in the 33rd over. Mystery spinner Ajantha Mendis took 3-11 in his seven overs while Thisara Perera chipped in with 3-29 in his full quota of ten overs. Paceman Suranga Lakmal (2-30) and left-armer de Silva fetched 2-29 to complete the rout. Only Nabi and Najibullah Zadran (11) could stay longer to put 48 runs for the sixth wicket before Afghanistan lost their last five wick- ets for a mere three runs. Sri Lankan captain Angelo Mathews said it was nice to qualify for the final. “It was a very important game for us because we had to book our place in the final,”said Mathews. “Afghanistan have a very good bowling attack and our batsmen found it hard on a slow pitch.” Nabi admitted his team was short on quality. “We bowled well in the first 35 overs and Sangakkara played SCOREBOARD very well,” said Nabi. “We started well with the bat, but then Mendis and Malinga bowled brilliantly.” CAPE TOWN: Ausralia’s Mitchell Johnson bowls to South Africa’s Alviro DHAKA: Complete scoreboard in the Asia Cup match between Sri Lanka and Afghanistan in Earlier, Sangakkara hit six fours and a six off 102 balls to Petersen during the third day of the third Test. —AP Dhaka yesterday: hold the innings together when the batsmen faltered after Sri Lanka: Afghanistan: Mathews won the toss and decided to bat. K. Perera b Ashraf 33 Mohammad Shahzad b Lakmal 7 Sangakkara came to the crease after opener Lahiru Thirimanne had gone for five in the sixth over, bowled by SCOREBOARD L. Thirimanne b Shapoor 5 Noor Ali Zadran c de Silva b Mendis 21 Asghar Stanikzai b Thisara 27 paceman Shapoor Zadran. Fellow opener Kusal Perera K. Sangakkara run out 76 scored a 49-ball 33 with four boundaries and a six, while CAPE TOWN: Close of play scoreboard on the third day of the third and final Test between Nawroz Mangal c Sangakkara b Thisara 4 M. Jayawardene c Nabi b Ashraf 14 Mahela Jayawardene made 14. But both fell to medium South Africa and Australia at Newlands yesterday. Samiullah Shinwari c Thirimanne b Lakmal 6 D. Chandimal b Hotak 26 pacer Mirwais Ashraf, who finished with 2-29 in eight overs, Australia, first innings A. de Villiers c Clarke b Johnson 14 Mohammad Nabi lbw de Silva 37 A. Mathews not out 45 to leave Sri Lanka struggling on 83-3. (overnight 494-7) F. du Plessis c Warner b Johnson 67 Najibullah Zadran c Mathews b Perera 11 Sangakkara, fresh from a match-winning hundred C. Rogers c Smith b Steyn 25 J. Duminy c Haddin b Harris 4 P. de Silva c Ashraf b Dawlat 17 Mirwais Ashraf c Thisara b de Silva 1 against India, added 74 for the fourth wicket with Dinesh D. Warner c De Villiers b Duminy 135 V. Philander not out 37 T. Perera not out 19 Hamza Hotak lbw b Mendis 1 Chandimal (26) to put his team on firmer ground. A. Doolan c Steyn b Philander 20 K. Abbott b Watson 3 Extras: (lb6, nb6, w6) 18 Dawlat Zadran b Mendis 0 Sangakkara was run out in the 38th over with Sri Lanka M. Clarke not out 161 D. Steyn c Watson b Johnson 28 Total (for six wkts; 50 overs) 253 Shapoor Zadran not out 0 on 158-5, as Afghanistan-buoyed by their upset win over S. Smith b Elgar 84 M. Morkel c Watson b Pattinson 7 S. Watson c Amla b Duminy 40 Fall of wickets: 1-14 (Thirimanne), 2-50 Extras: (lb2, w7) 9 Bangladesh-kept the pressure on. Extras (b8, lb3, nb3, w6) 20 B. Haddin c Amla b Duminy 13 Total: (all out; 38.4 overs) 124 But Mathews provided a late flurry with an unbeaten 45 Total (82.5 overs) 287 (Perera), 3-83 (Jayawardene), 4-157 off 41 balls, adding an unbeaten 69 with Thisara Perera (19 M. Johnson c De Villiers b Duminy 0 Fall of wickets: 1-8 (Shahzad), 2-53 Fall of wickets: 1-7 (Smith), 2-42 (Elgar), 3-95 (Chandimal), 5-158 (Sangakkara), 6-184 not out) to get his team past the 250 mark. R. Harris not out 4 (Stanikzai), 3-59 (Noor), 4-61 (Mangal), 5-73 (Petersen), 4-121 (Amla), 5-133 (De Villiers), (Silva) Afghanistan had brought back Noor Ali and Dawlat Extras (nb6, w6) 12 6-146 (Duminy), 7-241 (Du Plessis), 8-249 (Shinwari), 6-121 (Najibullah), 7-121 (Nabi), Total (7 wkts declared, 127.4 overs) 494 Bowling: Najibullah 3-0-9-0, Shapoor 9-1- Zadran for Karim Sadiq and Hamid Hassan from the line-up, (Abbott), 9-279 8-122 (Hotak), 9-124 (Dawlat) which upset Bangladesh on Saturday, but they failed to Fall of wickets: 1-65 (Rogers), 2-138 (Doolan), 46-1 (3w), Dawlat 9.2-0-60-1 (w1, nb6), (Steyn) Bowling: Malinga 5-0-23-0 (6w), Lakmal 7-2- keep the momentum. 3-217 (Warner), 4-401 (Smith), 5-456 Bowling: Harris 22-9-63-3 (1nb), Johnson 19-5- Ashraf 8-1-29-2, Nabi 6.4-1-23-0, Hotak 7-1- 30-2, Thisara 10-2-29-3, de Silva 9.4-1-29-2, Pakistan meet hosts Bangladesh today and need to win (Watson), 6-489 (Haddin), 7-489 (Johnson) 42-4, Pattinson 18.5-4-77-2 (2nb, 2w), Watson 43-1 (1w), Shinwari 4-0-20-0, Mangal 3-0-17- Mendis 7-2-11-3 (1w) to meet Sri Lanka in Saturday’s final. Defending champions Bowling: Steyn 10.1-0-44-1, Philander 26.4- 9-1-34-1, Lyon 12-1-53-0, Smith 2-0-7-0 0 (1w) Result: Sri Lanka won by 129 runs Pakistan have won two of their three matches, beating 2-116-1 (1nb), Morkel 23.5-2-94-0 (4nb, 2w), Afghanistan and India and going down to Sri Lanka. —AFP Duminy 17-0-73-4, Abbott 28-11-68-0 (1nb), Elgar 22-0-99-1 Australia, second innings Did not bat: J. Pattinson, N. Lyon. C. Rogers not out 1 D. Warner not out 25 Former coach Flower gets new England role South Africa, first innings Extras (lb1) 1 G. Smith c Haddin b Harris 5 Total (0 wkts, 6 overs) 27 LONDON: Former England head coach Andy And in a statement issued Monday the ECB the following year took the side to the top of the A. Petersen c Haddin b Johnson 53 Bowling: Morkel 3-0-24-0, Abbott 3-1-2-0 Flower was appointed to a new role within the said the new position would see Flower taking on world Test rankings. D. Elgar c Haddin b Pattinson 11 Australia lead by 234 runs with 10 second England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) hierarchy a wide-ranging role that would “incorporate work- Paul Downton, the recently-appointed ECB H. Amla b Harris 38 innings wickets remaining. yesterday with officials announcing he’d become ing with the next generation of England players managing director, said: “The ECB is delighted that their technical director of elite coaching. and coaches as well as being charged with creat- we are able to retain a man of Andy Flower’s expe- Flower resigned last month as coach of the ing a leadership programme for young England rience and quality. national side following the team’s humiliating 5-0 players”. “His record over the last five years speaks for Lahore longs for international Ashes series loss in Australia, a reverse that also Prior to the Ashes debacle, the 45-year-old itself and the ECB and Andy are excited about the cricket five years after attack signalled the end of star batsman Kevin Pietersen’s Flower-appointed as England coach in 2009 — future.” Former England wicket-keeper Downton international career. oversaw three Test series wins against Australia, added: “Not only will Andy work with both players LAHORE: For more than fifty years, Haji was pandemonium all around,” said Basheer, But at the time of his departure from the including the 2010/11 campaign ‘Down Under’. and coaches but he will also look to enhance the Basheer has prepared the pitch at Lahore’s who has been responsible for overseeing all coaching role, English cricket chiefs made it clear Under Flower’s guidance, England also won the relationship between the county coaches and the Gaddafi Stadium and witnessed some of 40 Tests as well as 48 one-dayers at the they wanted Flower to stay on in another capacity. 2010 World Twenty20 title in the Caribbean and England set-up.” cricket’s biggest moments including two ground. Flower, who will be based at the national crick- World Cups. “I called home to let them know I’m okay et performance centre at Loughborough The 74-year-old has been serving at the and then went to hospital with a colleague University in the English Midlands, said: “I see this ground since it hosted the first match in who suffered a gunshot on his shoulder and as a great opportunity for me as I start a new November 1959 but a terrorist attack on the returned home late night.” phase of my career. Sri Lankan team bus on March 3, 2009 put an A month later, the International Cricket “This role offers me a chance to make a real end to visits by international teams. “It’s five Council stripped Pakistan of its share of contribution to the ability and character of years now that we have not seen any top- World Cup 2011 matches. The Pakistan England players and coaches in the years to come,” level international cricket in Pakistan,” Cricket Board (PCB) convinced Bangladesh the former Zimbabwe batsman added. Basheer told AFP. “My heart aches when I see twice to visit for short series in 2012 but the England have yet to appoint a full-time head matches go on in other countries and I tours fell through over security fears. coach in succession to Flower, with limited overs always pray that I live to see the day when Pakistan was left to host newcomers chief Ashley Giles-currently in charge of the side in international cricket resumes in Pakistan.” Afghanistan for a short limited over (non- the Caribbean for one-day and Twenty20 series Eight people were killed and seven Sri international) series in 2011 while an against the West Indies-in pole position to take Lankan players were left injured in the International XI, comprising mostly retired over. attacks five years ago, which resulted in the players, also toured the country in 2012 for Earlier this month former South Africa batsman suspension of all international cricket in private matches. Gary Kirsten, who’d enjoyed successful spells as Pakistan and forced the national team to Pakistan’s new generation of players coach of both the Proteas and India, ruled himself play its home matches at neutral venues including Umar Akmal, Asad Shafiq, Azhar Ali out of the England job on family grounds. such as the United Arab Emirates. and Ahmed Shehzad have not played a sin- England are looking for a head coach across all Basheer remembers the day vividly. “It gle international game on their home soil. three major formats- Test, one-day internationals was terrible,” he said. “It was the third day of The imposing stands in the Gaddafi stadi- and Twenty20s. In December 2012 Flower ceded the second Test and I was at the ground um have still seen full houses, but only for coaching control of England’s one-day teams to when I suddenly heard gunfire and grenade domestic Twenty20 matches. “I have seen all former England spinner Giles. attacks. springs, every summer, every match and But when he resigned last month Flower said “I ran out towards the gate and after a few every joyous celebration at this stadium,” said he’d come to believe a man in his position needed minutes a police van came inside the ground Basheer, whose son followed in his footsteps Andy Flower to be “responsible across all formats”. —AFP followed by the Sri Lankan team bus and it and curates the Rawalpindi ground. —AFP TUESDAY, MARCH 4, 2014 SPORTS Woods quits Classic with back injury

FLORIDA: World number one Tiger Woods His early exit from the Honda Classic on withdrew from the Honda Classic during Sunday was probably a precaution more the final round on Sunday at Palm Beach than anything else, and it would be prema- Gardens in Florida, citing a back injury. ture to speculate that his back will hinder Woods retired on the 13th hole at PGA his preparation for the Masters. National, where he was five over par for the Nevertheless, the recovery period from day and level for the tournament, having back injuries is notoriously unpredictable. struggled to the turn in five-over 40. “If you’re hurting, you don’t need to risk “It’s my lower back with spasms,” Woods, injuring yourself even more,” said Luke 38, said in a statement. “It started this Guthrie, who played with fellow American morning warming up.” He said it was the Woods for the last two rounds at PGA same feeling he had during The Barclays National. tournament last August, where he finished “He’s had his share of problems with in obvious discomfort. injuries (so) there’s no reason to chance it.” His withdrawal comes less than six Guthrie observed that Woods hit a couple weeks before the first major of the year, the of uncharacteristic shots during the final Apr. 10-13 Masters at Augusta National. round. Woods, whose career major tally of 14 is “The drive on three was the first I second only to Jack Nicklaus, said it was noticed he wasn’t feeling the greatest (but) too soon to know whether he would be I didn’t think much of it maybe until 11 able to defend his title at the WGC-Cadillac (where) I noticed he was bending down Championship, starting in Miami on gingerly,” he said. Thursday. Guthrie felt that Woods had given maxi- “It’s too early to tell,” he said. “I need mum effort. “He was battling out there,” he treatment every day until Thursday to try to said. “It’s not like he was throwing in the calm it down and we’ll see how it is.” Woods towel.” last withdrew from a tournament at the Woods has competed in only one 2012 Cadillac Championship, citing an other event on the 2013-14 PGA Tour, Achilles injury which did not prove to be failing to make the 54-hole secondary serious. He bounced back two weeks later cut at the Farmers Insurance Open in to win the Arnold Palmer Invitational. January. —Reuters Fisher reels in title

PRETORIA: Ross Fisher ended a four-year many, many years, but I loved the greens PALM BEACH GARDENS: Russell Henley celebrates with the trophy after winning The Honda Classic at PGA National Resort and European Tour title drought with a three- here and got the lines correct most of the Spa. —AFP stroke victory on Sunday in the Tshwane time.” Open. The Englishman, ranked 82 in the world, The 33-year-old Englishman finished was a model of consistency over the course Henley wins Honda Classic with a two-under-par 70 on a wet, murky west of Highveld city Pretoria, shooting afternoon to win from Northern Irishman rounds of 66, 65, 67 and 70 for a 20-under FLORIDA: American Russell Henley under-par 272. Hawaii. “Just hanging in there and a little bit underserved. If I had won Michael Hoey and South African Danie van 268 total. emerged as the last man standing to Henley sounded as if was still in trying to enjoy every step.” today, I would have counted myself Tonder. He trailed compatriot Simon Dyson and win his second PGA Tour title in a shock as he spoke of his victory. “I very lucky.” Fisher, whose last triumph came at the South African Trevor Fisher junior by one four-way playoff for the Honda hope I can have a bunch more LAST-DAY PRESSURE A double-bogey at the par-four 2010 Irish Open, sealed first place with an shot following the opening round, took the Classic at Palm Beach Gardens in Sundays just like that in my career,” Henley was not the only one to 16th was the Northern Irishman’s eagle three on 15, his medium-distance second-round lead and was never headed Florida on Sunday. he told Golf Channel. “It was a rush feel nervous. None of the four play- undoing. After yanking his drive into left-to-right putt always on course for the during the weekend. Henley, 24, birdied the first extra to be out there playing with Rory ers who made the playoff negotiat- a fairway bunker, he hit a six-iron fat pin. Hoey did slash the five-stroke overnight hole, the par-five 18th, from two feet and the crowd. ed the difficult back nine in less than and came up short in the water in It gave him a four-shot cushion at the advantage of Fisher to a single shot after 11 in fading light to edge out Northern “I’ve never been part of a crowd 37 strokes as a firm course and the front of the green. par-72, 7,281-metre (7,964-yard) The Els holes by sinking a long birdie-three putt. Irishman Rory McIlroy, American so big cheering for me. It was an pressure affected all the contenders. “It’s a good finish, second runner- Club Copperleaf, the longest European cir- But the Irishman found water with his Ryan Palmer and Scotland’s Russell amazing feeling. It was so much fun.” Palmer had the best chance to win up of the season, but obviously it’s cuit layout. approach shot at the next hole, was pun- Knox on a dramatic afternoon at Henley appeared to have thrown in regulation, but he missed a five- going to be hard to get over “My target was a sub-70 final round and ished with a double-bogey six and slipped PGA National. away a chance of winning when he footer for par at the 72nd hole. because I had a great chance to win I fell just short after a bogey five on the three strokes off the pace. McIlroy surrendered a big lead dunked his six-iron into the water at McIlroy, however, had even more my first tournament of the season last,” Fisher told reporters. “It was testing Hoey closed with a 68 and Van Tonder with an error-strewn 74 in the final the par-three 15th for a double- to rue. The double major champion and I didn’t,” he said. out there owing to the weather conditions had a six-birdie 66 — the lowest score of round, though he made a birdie at bogey. led by three strokes after six holes Four weeks ago, McIlroy had a so I am thrilled to be champion. I had a the final round of the last of eight the 72nd hole to qualify for the But he steadied his apparently but played the next 11 in six over as similar if less dramatic fade during couple of wobbles but always believed the European Tour tournaments hosted by playoff after hitting a superb sec- sinking ship with pars on the final his swing deserted him and he the final round of the European trophy would be mine. South Africa. ond shot to 11 feet, only to miss three holes, which was enough to pulled a series of shots well left. Tour’s Dubai Desert Classic. “The 15th was the key hole. It was my Spaniard Carlos Del Moral (68), seeking the eagle putt. Henley (72), Palmer make the playoff. “I was so nervous “Seventy-four today wasn’t good He started the final day just two second birdie of the tournament there and a maiden European victory, also came with- (69) and Knox (71) also made mis- coming down the stretch,” said enough today to get the job done,” a strokes off the lead but slipped back I felt confident about the putt after taking in a shot of Fisher, but his inconsistency takes over the closing stretch to Henley, who won his maiden PGA stunned-looking McIlroy told NBC. with a closing 74 to finish joint my time reading the line. prevented a sustained challenge and he finish level with McIlroy at eight- Tour title at last year’s Sony Open in “Even if I had won it would have felt ninth. —Reuters “Putting has been my Achilles heel for came fourth. —AFP

Red Bull air race returns, Bonhomme beats old rival

ABU DHABI: The Red Bull Air Race World podium, and his old nemesis Arch in the penulti- such as the introduction of standardized engines Championship returned from a three-year break mate round of the high-speed, low-altitude rac- for all 12 pilots, would make the field more com- with a spectacular three-way battle for the victo- ing over the turquoise waters of the Arabian Gulf petitive and that is exactly what happened with ry in the bright blue skies over Abu Dhabi with but managed to fly nearly two seconds faster in McLeod, Matt Hall of Australia and Nigel Lamb of Britain’s Paul Bonhomme prevailing in front of the final round with the day’s best time - 56.439 Britain, and Martin Sonka of the Czech Republic thousands of spectators. seconds with Arch a blink of an eye behind in all flying within a second of each other in Britain’s Paul Bonhomme won the 2014 Red 57.776. It was a fittingly thrill-filled start to the Friday’s Qualifying session. Bull Air Race World Championship season open- 2014 season of the world’s fastest motorsport Results: 1. Paul Bonhomme (GBR), 2. Hannes er in Abu Dhabi on Saturday with a clutch per- series. Arch (AUT), 3. Pete McLeod (CAN), 4. Matt Hall formance in a pressure-packed finale ahead of “There was huge pressure out there and it (AUS), 5. Nigel Lamb (GBR), 6. Matthias Dolderer his perennial rival Austria’s Hannes Arch in sec- was so much work to get back here,” said (GER), 7. Martin Sonka (CZE), 8. Nicolas Ivanoff ond and Canada’s Pete McLeod in third. Bonhomme, who won the 2009 and 2010 cham- (FRA), 9. Yoshihide Muroya (JPN), 10. Peter The defending Champion had fallen behind pionship ahead of Arch. Besenyei (HUN), 11. Kirby Chambliss (USA), 12. both red-hot McLeod, who got a career-first But both were worried that rule changes, Michael Goulian (USA). Williams look to put barren Formula One years behind them PARIS: It’s been 17 years since Williams last two Mercedes cars of Lewis Hamilton and Nico as performance, it was good for the mileage those came way back in 1997 courtesy of ing split with Renault as their engine partner, won a world title, but Formula One’s grand old Rosberg. and reliability of the car which we know is Jacques Villeneuve and 2013 saw them collect are now powered by Mercedes with the men are showing unexpected signs of life after “We had a very good day Saturday doing needed for Australia. “You can never be sure just five points with a ninth-place finish con- German giant massaging Massa’s undoubted long, barren seasons in the wilderness. almost 100 laps,” said Brazilian driver Massa, that you are 100 percent ready for the first race, firming their worst ever season. speed with their trademark reliability. When four days of testing wrapped up in whose move to Williams has also seen his long- but I feel that what we have done in these days Bottas collected four of Williams’ five points They too will be key to a Williams rebirth in Bahrain on Sunday, it was Felipe Massa topping time race engineer Rob Smedley decamp from testing has been important for making sure last year and stays with the team after Lotus- 2014 and the indications over winter testing the time charts with the rejuvenated British Ferrari. that we have a car that can not only get to the bound Pastor Maldonado was dropped. were promising. In Bahrain, the most laps were team. “I’m really happy with the car and feel we end of the race, but that will have good per- It was Maldonado who was responsible for completed by Mercedes-powered teams- Massa, having left behind some trying found a good balance. We did so much work formance as well.” Williams’ most recent success at the 2012 Williams with 421 laps, Force India did 388 times with Ferrari where he was replaced by on the set-up but it is very important that we Such confidence has been rare at Williams Spanish Grand Prix, their first since Brazil in while the factory Mercedes team of Hamilton Kimi Raikkonen, clocked the best time at Sakhir, go to Australia prepared (the first race of the in recent times. A fixture in the world champi- 2004. and Rosberg completed 350. Of the 12 test 1min 33.25sec after an impressive 202 laps. season is on March 16 in Melbourne). “Of onship since 1977, Williams have appeared in “I think with this amount of testing we are days in the winter-four in Jerez and eight in Teammate Valtteri Bottas was fourth fastest course you are always happy when you see over 600 races, capturing nine constructors as prepared for Melbourne as we can be,” said Bahrain over two spells-Mercedes-backed cars overall with the Williams men sandwiching the your name at the top in first place, but as well titles and seven drivers crowns. But the last of 24-year-old Bottas. Interestingly, Williams, hav- topped the times on 11 of them. —AFP TUESDAY, MARCH 4, 2014 SPORTS

Shooter Sheikha Al-Rashidi in training. Al-Otaibi opens shooting course

By Abdellatif Sharaa Al-Otaibi pointed out the impor- International Shooting Grand Prix, as tance of the training course in polish- delegations started to arrive before KUWAIT: President of Kuwait and Arab ing the skills of new referees in the the official opening on March 8, in the Shooting Federations, Member of ISSF presence of an elite group of lectur- presence of Sheikh Salman Al- Eng Duaij Khalaf Al-Otaibi opened the ers and specialists in the field. He said Humoud, representing HH the Amir Asian pistol shooting course, that is the Asian shooting is witnessing a Al-Otaibi thanked HH for his patron- organized by KSF in coordination with great improvement under the leader- age of this annual Shooting Grand the Asian Shooting Federation. 58 par- ship of ASC president and ISSF Vice- Prix, which contributes significantly in ticipants representing 28 Asian coun- president Sheikh Salman Al-Humoud developing the sport of shooting in tries are taking part. Al-Sabah, who contributed to the Asia and the world. Meanwhile, Al-Otaibi welcomed those participat- development of the shooting sport in Kuwait national team is continuing its ing in the course as well as the German Asia, in addition to his support of training in the shotgun ranges, lecturer Berger and Dr. Kim IL Huan Arab and international shooting. preparing for the Grand Prix and the from Korea. Member of KSF, Director of He said that the shooting club is Arab championship to be held at ASC Engr Mohammad Al-Ghurba also finishing its preparations for the major Sheikh Sabah Al-Ahmad Olympic attended the opening ceremony. event of HH the Amir Third Shooting Complex. Shooter Nasser Al-Miqlid in training. Spanish confidence quietly building for title defence

MADRID: Spain will start the defence of the Firstly, any doubts surrounding captain Iker from that squad underlined the depth of talent World Cup they won for the first time in 2010 as Casillas’ position as first-choice goalkeeper have still on offer to Del Bosque. they ended in South Africa by facing the been eased as despite not playing in La Liga he Barcelona continue to be the most represent- Netherlands in Salvador on June 13. went nine games and over 950 minutes without ed club amongst Del Bosque’s latest squad with Whilst not as decisive as when the two sides conceding in the Copa del Rey and Champions seven of the 22 coming from the Spanish cham- met in the final four years ago, the presence of a League until he was finally beaten by Klass-Jan pions. highly-rated Chile side alongside Australia as Huntelaar’s spectacular consolation volley as Real And Barca boss Gerardo Martino’s rotation their opponents in Group B, allied to the Madrid thrashed Schalke 6-1 last week. policy could also prove beneficial to Spain come prospect of a last 16 clash against Brazil for the The lack of form and fitness shown by the June and July. Martino has insisted on limiting side that finishes second in group, make it imper- heroes of previous triumphs in David Villa and the likes of Xavi Hernandez and Andres ative for the holders to get off to a good start. Fernando Torres have been compensated by Iniesta’s minutes to ensure there is no repeat When the draw took place in December there Diego Costa’s switch of allegiance from Brazil to of the 7-0 aggregate thrashing a jaded Barca suf- was an initial air of pessimism around Spain’s his adopted land, whilst Alvaro Negredo’s stun- fered at the hands of Bayern Munich in last sea- chances to continue their historic run of winning ning start to life with Manchester City has also son’s Champions League semi-finals. three major championships in succession. made him a strong candidate to lead the line In Iniesta’s case in particular the rest accumu- A 3-0 beating handed down by Brazil in the come the summer. lated appears to have worked as he has hit his Confederations Cup final last year was still fresh Between them Costa and Negredo have best form in recent weeks as Barca’s bid for tro- in the memory as Spain plodded through qualifi- notched 50 goals this season and should add a phies on three fronts reaches a decisive stage. cation, scoring just 14 times in eight games. directness and physical presence to Spain’s play Finally, the performance of the Spanish sides in LONDON: Newcastle United’s manager Alan Pardew (right) and Hull City’s However, as winter turns to spring there is a that was missing even in winning the European Europe has also stoked confidence. Real Madrid, David Meyler (left) confront each other during the English Premier growing sensation that there could yet be Championships with Cesc Fabregas as a false Barcelona and Atletico Madrid all won away League match. —AP enough left in La Roja’s golden generation to nine in 2012. from home in the first legs of their Champions become the first side to retain the trophy since Costa has yet to make his debut for Spain, but League last 16 ties and whilst their progression Brazil in 1962. was included by Del Bosque in a 22-man squad in the competition will mean more games for a FA charge Pardew The principal issues that plagued Vicente del for Wednesday’s friendly at home to Italy. number of key players, it also demonstrates that Bosque’s side during 2013 for now appear to The absence of Torres, Villa and other World Spain’s best remain difficult to knock off their over headbutt have worked themselves out. Cup winners in Juan Mata and Fernando Llorente perch. —AFP Yeung found guilty of LONDON: Newcastle United manager Alan by Newcastle, who stopped short of sack- Counting down the days until Pardew was facing the prospect of a ing the fiery Englishman. “His behavior was money-laundering lengthy touchline ban after being charged unacceptable and is not the behavior we Brazil welcomes the world HONG KONG: Birmingham City Football Club boss Carson Yeung with “improper conduct” by the Football expect from the manager of Newcastle By Ronoldo Nazario de Lima and we will welcome World Cup visitors with was found guilty by a Hong Kong court yesterday of five counts of open arms. But until then, we must keep Association yesterday following his head- United,” the north-east club said in a state- money-laundering in a high-profile trial that cast a spotlight on KUWAIT: Only 100 days. It’s hard to believe it’s so working. butt on Hull’s David Meyler. ment. how the barber-turned-businessman made his fortune. close. It seems like only yesterday that Brazil was As a 2014 FIEA World Cup Local Organising Significantly, the FA said that “due to the Pardew, for his part, apologised after- Yeung, who had denied the charges of laundering $93 million confirmed as the 2014 FIFA World Cup host nation. Committee Management Board member, I have serious violent and/or aggressive nature of wards by saying: “It was a heat of the between January 2001 and December 2007, will be sentenced on I remember the excitement I felt once I realised been lucky enough to observe up close the dedi- the reported behaviour this case has been moment thing. I massively regret it. He was Friday. He faces up to seven years in jail. that my country was going to stage the most cation and skill of the workers who are helping to designated as non-standard”. Pardew has right on top of me and I wanted to just ease A former hair stylist to Hong Kong’s rich and famous, Yeung had important football event on the planet. construct this unique event. In all 12 host cities until 6:00pm local time (1800GMT) on him away from me but obviously I put my told the court he amassed his wealth through hairdressing, share Even though I won’t be out there on the field, I’ve witnessed the commitment of the thousands Thursday to respond to the charge. head in a forward motion. You can’t do trading, property purchases, gambling in the world’s casino hub of I’m starting to get the same butterflies in the of people who are striving to create the best A brief FA statement said: “Newcastle that. Macau and other investments. stomach as I used to do when a big game was World Cup possible. United manager Alan Pardew has been “I want to apologise to him, everyone at Prosecutors had pointed to what they said were suspicious coming up. After all, the World Cup will be a kind We faced some tough tests during the prepa- cheque payments made to Yeung by employees of Macau compa- charged in relation to an incident in his Hull and obviously my own fans as well. of “final” for Brazil, in terms of the country estab- rations. Last year, we hosted the best FIFA nies, including a junket operator, which earns commissions from side’s game against Hull City on 1 March “Sometimes when you’re on the sideline lishing Itself on the global stage. The spotlight will Confederations Cup in history. That’s not just my casinos to attract cash-rich gamblers. 2014. you can get involved in a moment like that. be on us, and it’s a great chance to show the world opinion, but also that of fans, journalists, and Delivering his verdict to a packed courtroom after a trial that “It is alleged that in the 72nd minute of I don’t think it was a headbutt. It wasn’t a just what’s so special about Brazil and the Brazilian even FIFA President Joseph S Blatter. Less than six lasted more than 50 days, District Court Judge Douglas Yau said the fixture, Pardew was involved in an inci- motion that was quick.” Pardew added he people. months later, we successfully organised another Yeung had lied about how he made his money and exaggerated dent with a Hull City player that amounted expected a touchline ban. With the World Cup and the 2016 Olympics challenging event, the Final Draw at the Costa do the amount of cash generated by his hair salon business and to improper conduct. “I believe my behavior over the years has taking place here in Brazil, we have the chance to Sauipe in Bahia. And after we discovered in through gambling. “Due to the serious violent and/or not resulted in too many fines and sitting in prove to the world not Just how much we love which cities the games would be played, the 32 “I find the defendant not a witness of truth. I find that he is aggressive nature of the reported behav- the stands, but this one probably will. “Sir sport, but also how strong we are economically. national teams that will dispute the tournament someone who is prepared to, and did try to, lie whenever he saw iour this case has been designated as non- Alex Ferguson (the retired Manchester Brazil is a world leader in biotechnology and one discussed their operational plans with members the need to do so,” the judge said. of the biggest meat, mineral and soya producers of the LOC, FIFA, and the Brazilian government. standard. “Pardew has until 6pm on United manager) once said to me, ‘go and Dressed in a dark suit and tie, Yeung appeared calm but looked on the planet. Very soon thousands of tourists and This exchange of ideas and opinions between Thursday 6 March 2014 to respond to the sit down’. I think he was probably right. I will tired during the court proceedings and did not react when the ver- foreign journalists will arrive on our doorstep, anx- organisers and national teams is an ongoing charge.” The Magpies boss was involved in have to sit down from now on.” dict was read out. ious to discover the real Brazil. process, and another key event, the National the nasty altercation when he clashed with Leading figures in English football con- English second tier club Birmingham City said the verdict Although Brazil is a country of great social con- Teams Workshop at the Costao do Santinho in Meyler during Newcastle’s 4-1 away demned Pardew’s conduct, with League would not affect its day-to-day operations, adding that its parent trasts, we have made significant progress In tack- Florianopolis, took place last month. Subjects Premier League win at the KC Stadium on Managers’ Association chief executive company would continue to seek new investment. Saturday. Richard Bevan saying: “It’s unacceptable, it’s ling this problem in recent years. We are a diverse such as safety, transport, and how the teams are but unified society, a land of talented, determined, to be looked after were discussed in detail. Shortly before the statement from the inappropriate and it’s insupportable from “STRANGE BUSINESS DEALINGS” creative and innovative people characteristics that Now we’re really on the home straight. Since FA, English football’s governing body, every perspective and Alan knows that.” The trial has revealed the flamboyant businessman’s close ties are captured perfectly by Neymar’s dizzying, magi- the beginning of the year two new stadiums Humberside Police said they would take no It is not the first time the 52-year-old to Macau’s casino world, both as an investor and gambler, and how cal dribbles, the music of Tom Jobim, and the sci- have opened: The Arena das Dunas, in Natal, and that facilitated business investments that helped him amass his action against Pardew. Pardew had been involved in an unsavoury entific achievements of Miguel Nicolelis, whose the new Estadio Beira-Rio in Porto Alegre. They’re wealth. The judge said he found it “extremely strange” that some of “Having reviewed the circumstances of incident on the touchline. In 2006, when in exoskeleton research has given paraplegics hope beautiful, just like the Arena Amazonia, the Arena Yeung’s business dealings were conducted without a written the incident, it has been agreed that the charge of West Ham, his exuberant celebra- that they may one day walk again. da Baixada, the Arena Pantanal and the Arena agreement, even when the amount of money involved was huge. matter will be dealt with by the FA rather tion of a goal led to a row with Arsenal Brazil is such a colorful country, blessed with Corinthians, which are also almost ready. “Unless, of course, those engaged in such a transaction would than considering any criminal proceedings,” manager Arsene Wenger while in breathtaking natural beauty. Tourists that come By the time the World Cup begins, all the sta- rather there not be records,” Judge Yau said. Yeung initially bought the force said. September 2012 he was fined £20,000 for here for the World Cup should prepare them- diums will have carried out test events. These are 29.91 percent of the shares in Birmingham City Football Club in “Whilst we appreciate that some people shoving a linesman and banned for two selves for an unforgettable experience. Whether of vital importance so that the tournament 2007 and then acquired the rest of the shares for approximately may have found the behavior displayed at matches after disputing the award of a it’s from visiting the beaches of the northeast, organisers can make final adjustments to their 81.5 million pounds ($130 million) in 2009, through his company, the game on Saturday offensive, throw-in. witnessing the vastness of the Amazon River, or plans. Birmingham International Holdings Ltd. Humberside Police will not be taking any And it was only in January that Pardew taking in the dazzling blend of ocean and moun- There is not much time left now until the He stepped down as chairman and executive director of the tains that makes Rio de Janeiro such a special tournament begins and the greatest players on further action.” escaped FA action for swearing at listed company last month while he awaited a verdict. A week lat- place, every visitor will take home a treasured the planet go head to head. Messi, Cristiano Manchester City manager Manuel Pellegrini er, the indebted parent said it was selling a 12 percent share in its personal memory. Ronaido, Iniesta, Neymar... I can’t wait. I’ll be ‘UNACCEPTABLE BEHAVIOUR’ during City’s 2-0 win at Newcastle’s St UK subsidiary for HK$45 million ($5.8 million) to a little-known Brazil is a place of great happiness and joy, expecting you in Brazil. See you at the World Cup! Pardew was fined £100,000 ($167,000) James’ Park ground. —AFP Chinese advertising firm. —Reuters TUESDAY, MARCH 4, 2014 SPORTS Llorente, Tevez double act strikes again for Juve ITALY: The Fernando Llorente and Carlos is what I’m there for.” Tevez double act struck again on Sunday A Dries Mertens penalty gave Napoli the with both players scoring to give Juventus lead at relegation threatened Livorno in the a 2-0 win at AC Milan which strengthened 32nd minute but the hosts levelled before their grip on Serie A. halftime when Reina allowed Ibrahima Llorente opened the scoring with his Mbaye’s shot to slip under his body. “We 11th goal of the season and Tevez rifled a should have made the game safe,” said spectacular long-range effort in off the exasperated Napoli coach Rafael Benitez. underside of the crossbar, making him the “I’m disappointed. We had control of the championship’s topscorer with 15. match in the first half and we should have Third-placed Napoli once again slipped made the most of it.” up against lowly opposition, drawing 1-1 at A fifth-minute goal by Albania captain Livorno after an own goal by goalkeeper Lorik Cana gave Lazio the points at fourth Pepe Reina, and fading Fiorentina lost 1-0 placed Fiorentina, who have won only one at home to Lazio. of their last six games. Sassuolo substitute Domenico Berardi contrived to get himself sent off after only LASHING OUT 48 seconds on the pitch as the Serie A Berardi, Sassuolo’s leading scorer with strugglers lost 1-0 to Parma, their fifth 12 goals, came on in the 71st minute, hav- straight defeat under coach Alberto ing been dropped, and the 19-year-old was Malesani. Juventus are well on course for dismissed almost immediately for lashing their third successive Serie A title after out at Cristian Molinaro. completing the double over Milan, who are Sassuolo, bottom of the table with 17 a modest 10th. points, have lost every game since their 4-3 Antonio Conte’s side have 69 points win over AC Milan in mid-January and nev- from 26 games, 11 ahead of AS Roma who er recovered after Marco Parolo scored for were held to a goalless draw at home by sixth-placed Parma in the second minute. Inter Milan on Saturday. Eusebio Di Francesco, who led Sassuolo Napoli are a further six points back in out of Serie B last season, was fired at the third. Clarence Seedorf’s Milan dominated end of January and replaced by Malesani the first half at San Siro with Kaka having who has lost his first five games in charge. one shot cleared off the line by Leonardo Berardi was one of four players sent off Bonucci before being denied by a Gianluigi in Serie A on Sunday. Bologna had Buffon save. Jonathan Cristaldo dismissed after he was ITALY: Atletico Madrid Brazilian forward Diego Costa (right) tries an acrobatic shot as AC Milan defender Ignazio Abate tries to But Juventus went ahead one minute booked twice in a minute although they stop him in this file photo. —AP before halftime when Claudio Marchisio held on for a goalless draw at Verona and pounced on a mistake and a quick also missed a penalty when Rolando exchange passes led to Llorente scoring Bianchi’s effort was saved by Rafael. from close range. Bostjan Cesar was sent off for two yellow World Cup teams mark 99 Tevez made the game safe in the 68th cards as lowly Chievo Verona went down minute when he collected the ball in space, 2-1 at Atalanta while Catania, who are in took a couple of strides forward and scored the relegation zone, had Giuseppe Bellusci days to go with friendlies with a powerful rising shot from 25 metres. sent off in the first half of their 2-0 defeat “We made the most of our chances, and at Genoa. Sampdoria won 2-0 at Torino had a bit of good luck,” Buffon told and Cagliari beat Udinese 3-0 in the other LONDON: World Cup contenders will hope to It’s not hard to see why. Diego Costa has 21 France debut against the Netherlands. reporters. “I made some good saves which games. —Reuters find out this week if they are better prepared for goals for Atletico Madrid this season - second Griezmann was previously banned from rep- the tournament than some of the Brazilian stadi- only to Real Madrid forward Cristiano Ronaldo in resenting France until the end of 2013 for going ums they will be playing in. Spain. to a nightclub in 2012 during the playoffs for the The 32 finalists will mark 99 days until the “He’s done enough to merit being here,” 2013 Under-21 European Championship. opening match in Brazil by playing friendlies Spain defender Sergio Ramos said. “He can bring tomorrow, the last chance for many coaches to a lot of positive qualities.” Diego Costa will col- NEW FACES FOR GERMANY test players before naming their World Cup lect make his first appearance on familiar territo- With several long-term injured players, squads. ry: Atletico’s Vicente Calderon Stadium. including Sami Khedira and Ilkay Gundogan, Eighteen of the qualified nations will face-off Germany coach Joachim Loew must test other against each other, with the most eye-catching IMMOBILE GETS THE CALL options before the World Cup. game seeing world champion Spain taking Italy. The focus is on the strike force for Italy, too. It was still a surprise move putting four new- Here after five things to know about tomor- Mario Balotelli is out injured and Daniele De comers in the squad to face Chile - especially row’s matches: Rossi was dropped for breaking Cesare Sampdoria defender Shkodran Mustafi. Prandelli’s code of ethics while playing for Roma. Although Mustafi has played for all German jun- DIEGO COSTA’S SPAIN DEBUT So Torino forward Ciro Immobile has been called ior teams, his club football has been mainly This is more than just a friendly for Diego for up the first time after scoring 13 goals this abroad and he is hardly known in Germany. Costa. It’s a chance for the Brazilian-born striker season. Apart from the injured Thomas Mueller and Sven to make his long-awaited debut for Spain. Bender, Loew also left out Mario Gomez, Mats The naturalized Spanish citizen brings a more FRENCH REDEMPTION Hummels, Marco Reus, Julian Draxler and physical, tenacious forward to the squad, with coach Behind Cristiano Ronaldo and Diego Costa, Benedikt Hoewedes, who all only recently Vicente del Bosque dropping Fernando Torres and third place in the Spanish league scoring chart is returned to action. Forward Max Kruse and goal- David Villa, key players from successful World Cup held by Antoine Griezmann with 15 goals. And keeper Rene Adler have been in poor form and and European Championship campaigns. the Real Sociedad forward could now make his were also dropped. —AP Taricco: Poyet is a consensus boss LONDON: Gustavo Poyet has plotted a Sunderland revival by opting for a consensus rather than a dictatorial approach to management, according to his number two Mauricio Taricco. The north-east club looked down and out when the for- mer Uruguay midfielder replaced controversial Italian Paolo Di Canio in October, with the team seemingly strand- ed at the foot of the Premier League with one point from seven matches. Sunderland’s fortunes have improved under Poyet, climbing to third from bottom, advancing to the FA Cup quarter-finals and reaching Sunday’s League Cup final at Wembley where they gave strong favorites Manchester ITALY: Juventus’ midfielder Andrea Pirlo (left) vies with AC Milan’s Brazilian City an early fright before going down 3-1. “We talk a lot with the players, we listen to them and forward Kaka during the Serie A football match. —AFP then we try tactically to put them on the pitch in a way that they can give their best,” Taricco told Reuters in an interview after the final. Taylor: Campbell “I think these things help to be able to play as we did against a team that ... if you try to stand up to them as equals they will overrun you,” he added of Premier League wrong on racism title-chasing City. Argentine Taricco said the South American duo believe LONDON: Former England manager Graham going. Sol has never had the demeanor where player involvement is vital to the way they work. “We’re Taylor said Sol Campbell was giving his biogra- he is aggressive on the pitch and put people in open and honest. I like to give players things I didn’t have phy “a good sell” as he rejected the ex centre- their place,” added Wright, who played along- as a player, like analysing how to get the best out of me,” back’s claims he was not chosen as national side Campbell for England in the 1990s. added the Sunderland assistant. team captain because he was black. “During “People say David Beckham wasn’t like that, “This is something we talked about when we were play- my time as England manager I never had any but he only had to raise his eyebrows to put ers,” he said of his former Tottenham Hotspur team mate influence from the FA (England’s governing someone in their place. Maybe Sol could have Poyet. Football Association) on who should be grown into it but it’s down to the manager who “We talked about our ideas, what we wanted to do England captain regarding a player’s race,” he wants. and ultimately to win and enjoy success obviously. I think Taylor told the BBC. “Sol was more than good enough to be a the two things go hand in hand ... but many people think “I gave the captaincy to Paul Ince (the black captain but I personally believe there were you have to be a bad person to manage a team. former Manchester United and Liverpool mid- better candidates at the time.” John Barnes, “The team had a good shape on Sunday and played fielder) and I was never given the impression the former England winger who as a black good football against a great team,” said Taricco. “City by the FA that I should not have given it to him,” player in the late 1970s and early 1980s had scored two quality goals. They’ve spent 300, 400 million added Taylor, England manager from 1990- bananas thrown at him by racist fans and was pounds, their players are on 250,000 pounds a week, PORTUGAL: Benfica’s Serbian midfielder Ljubomir Fejsa (right) vies with 1993. subjected to abusive taunts from the terraces, that’s the difference.” Belenenses’ defender Joao Meira during the Portuguese League football “Sol is making a real go of giving his book a also thought Campbell was wide of the mark. Taricco, who also worked under Poyet at match. —AFP good sell. I cannot go along with what he is “I don’t think Sol would have been captain Championship club Brighton and Hove Albion, said life saying.” Campbell, one of the leading black for 10 years because if you look at who the was tough towards the foot of the Premier League table. English footballers of his generation, claimed captains were-Tony Adams and then after that “We found ourselves with an enormous (points) he would have been captain of the national Alan Shearer,” Barnes said. deficit when we got there and although we’re now in a Majestic Gaitan goal side “for more than 10 years” had he been “Then David Beckham became captain situation where we depend on ourselves, it’s hard,” he white. and that was a PR exercise for the FA. I don’t explained. gives Benfica victory He made the controversial allegations in a think necessarily it was because of the colour “During each match we’re either with our backs to the new biography, extracts of which were seri- of Sol’s skin.” wall or we’re just out of the drop zone. When we arrived alised in Britain’s Sunday Times last weekend. Sven Goran-Eriksson, England manager for we were down,” said Taricco. PORTUGAL: Nicolas Gaitan ran nearly 50 “Nico is in excellent form and very con- The 39-year-old former Tottenham Hotspur much of Campbell’s international career, was The 40-year-old said he had no ambitions to take over metres and chipped the opposing goal- fident,” said Benfica coach Jorge Jesus. “He and Arsenal defender said: “I believe if I was equally adamant race had played no part in a club as the number one. “He’s a leader, I’m not,” Taricco keeper to score an extraordinary goal and scored an excellent goal.” Benfica, who white, I would have been England captain for his captaincy choice. said of Poyet. “I always told Gustavo that when he need- give Portuguese league leaders Benfica a have 52 points from 21 games, stayed five more than 10 years-it’s as simple as that. “Not a chance - during my years, not a ed me I could help him. 1-0 win at Belenenses on Sunday. clear of Sporting who beat Braga 2-1 on “I think the FA (England’s governing chance,” the Swede told Britain’s Daily “We have two different points of view. He’s in love The Argentine collected the ball near Saturday. Football Association) wished I was white. I had Telegraph in an interview published yester- with football, I like it a lot but try to get away from it the touchline around 10 metres inside his Third-placed Porto (43 points), champi- the credibility, performance-wise to be captain,” day. from time to time. “He finds that difficult so I help him own half and accelerated away from three ons for the past three seasons, dropped added Campbell, who led his country on three Sunday saw former FA executive director with that. If it weren’t for him I don’t think I’d be so opponents. He then burst between two further behind when they were held 2-2 occasions. David Davies, at the organisation when involved,” said Taricco. defenders to give himself a clear run on at Vitoria Guimaraes after leading 2-0. But other black former England internation- Campbell was a player, deny English football “I’m here because I like what he’s doing. I share a lot of goal and chipped the ball over goalkeep- Ricardo Quaresma, with a penalty, and als disputed Campbell’s contention, with chiefs applied any kind of pressure on man- what he thinks, I like the way he treats the players. I er Matt Jones from around 25 metres. Luis Carlos Lica put Porto in control but Arsenal great Ian Wright saying: “I think he’s got agers over the choice of national captain. “My would have liked to have him as my manager. The eighth-minute goal was the high Moussa Maazou pulled one back before the credentials to be captain, but to be captain belief is (the allegations) are wrong,” Davies “I’m sure if he’d been my manager I’d have been a bet- point of an otherwise scrappy game the break and Marco Matias levelled sev- for 10 years? I’m not sure when you see some said. ter player. He would have valued me more, he would which ended with Belenenses fuming en minutes after the restart. of the players that were around then.” So far the current FA hierarchy have made have planned matches to help me and my team mates.” over a disallowed goal when Tiago Bottom club Pacos de Ferreira gave no public response to Campbell’s remarks and Sunderland, who are one point from Premier League Caeiro’s second-half effort was ruled out new coach Jorge Costa a winning start ‘BETTER CANDIDATES’ British media reports said it was understood safety with 12 games to go, visit mid-table Hull City in after the referee consulted with the with a 3-1 victory over Maritimo, only “I want a captain that goes in and gets you they had no plans to comment. —AFP the FA Cup on Sunday. —Reuters linesman. their fourth of the season. —Reuters Sri Lanka thump Henley wins Afghanistan Honda Classic

TUESDAY, MARCH 4, 2014 16 17

Former coach Flower gets new England role Page 16

PHOENIX: Atlanta Hawks’ DeMarre Carroll (front) tries to pass the ball away from Phoenix Suns’ Goran Dragic, of Slovenia, during the second half of an NBA basketball game. —AP Spurs pound Mavs, Bulls roll

SAN ANTONIO: Tony Parker had 22 points and ures in its ninth win in the last 10 games. The Bulls his foot. half to help Phoenix score 79 points before the Monday to the Milwaukee Bucks, the NBA’s worst seven assists in his return from a six-game also reached 100 points for the fourth consecutive Curry scored 34 points and David Lee had 20 break, the most in the NBA this season, as the Suns team. The 76ers have the NBA’s second-worst absence, leading the San Antonio Spurs’ balanced game for the first time since Oct. 30-Nov. 5, 2010. points and 11 rebounds as the Warriors lost for just held on to beat Atlanta. record, while the Magic have the third-worst. attack in a 112-106 win over the Dallas Mavericks DJ Augustin had 21 of his 23 points in the the second time in their past seven games. The first-half total was two shy of the US Thaddeus Young had 29 points for Philadelphia on Sunday. fourth quarter as Chicago (33-26) improved to 21- THUNDER 116, BOBCATS 99 Airways Center record for points in a half. The pre- and Michael Carter-Williams added 17 points and Tim Duncan scored 17 points, Kawhi Leonard 8 since Jan. 1 and a season-high seven games Kevin Durant scored 28 points and Russell vious high for Phoenix in any half this season was 11 rebounds. Magic guards Jameer Nelson and added 16 and Boris Diaw had 13 points and 10 above .500 overall. Jimmy Butler scored 19 points Westbrook had 26 to lead Oklahoma City past 67, but 63 percent shooting, including 12 of 18 on Arron Afflalo were out with injuries. rebounds for San Antonio. Manu Ginobili had 15 and Carlos Boozer had 14. While the Bulls are gal- Charlotte. Durant made just 8 of 24 field goals, but 3-pointers in the first half, shattered the team points and seven assists and Tiago Splitter had 11 loping through the weak Eastern Conference, the sank all 12 of his free throws. mark. Green finished with 33 points and Phoenix PACERS 94, JAZZ 91 points as the Spurs extended their winning streak Knicks are floundering. Westbrook was 10 of 12 from the floor in 25 tied a season high with 15 3-pointers and set a sea- David West scored 25 points, Paul George to three games. minutes in his fifth game since returning from son high with its 129 point output. Jeff Teague had added 22, as Indiana beat Utah for its fifth straight Dirk Nowitzki scored 22 points, Vince Carter RAPTORS 104, WARRIORS 98 right knee surgery. Reggie Jackson scored 17 29 points and eight assists for the Hawks, and Mike victory. Indianapolis native Gordon Hayward had added 21 and Monta Ellis had 17 for the Mavericks, DeMar DeRozan scored 32 points and Kyle points and Serge Ibaka had 15 points and 10 Scott added 20 points. 21 points and Derrick Favors scored 17 for the Jazz, who have lost eight straight to the Spurs. Lowry had 13 as Toronto beat Golden State for its rebounds for Oklahoma City, which won its second nine of them in the first eight minutes as Utah Parker looked refreshed after not playing since first victory in eight tries against Warriors guard straight after losing its first three games following MAGIC 92, 76ERS 81 opened a 14-4 lead. Feb. 10 for what was officially listed as “rest,” but Stephen Curry. the All-Star break. Oklahoma City outrebounded Tobias Harris scored a career-high 31 points as A dunk from Favors cut the Pacers’ lead to 89-86 unofficially was due to a series of lower body mal- Greivis Vasquez and Patrick Patterson each the Bobcats 44-29. Orlando beat Philadelphia for the second time in with a minute left to play, and West missed a adies. added 12 points and Jonas Valanciuas had 10 for Al Jefferson scored 25 points and Anthony less than a week, extending the 76ers losing streak jumper to give Utah a chance to tie with 35 sec- the Raptors, who had lost 11 of their previous 13 Tolliver added 17 for the Bobcats, who had won to 14 games. onds remaining. Hayward cut the Indiana lead to BULLS 109, KNICKS 90 meetings with the Warriors. four straight before losses to San Antonio and Nikola Vucevic had 18 points and 17 rebounds one, but Lance Stephenson sank two free throws Joakim Noah had 13 points, 12 rebounds and Toronto’s only previous victory over Golden Oklahoma City. for Orlando, which outscored Philadelphia 26-12 in to seal the win.Ian Mahinmi came off the bench to 14 assists for his fifth career triple-double, leading State since Curry was drafted was an 83-75 home the fourth quarter to earn the win. score nine points for the Pacers and provide key Chicago over New York. win on March 4, 2012, a victory that came while SUNS 129, HAWKS 120 The 76ers’ skid is their longest since 1994, when minutes, as Roy Hibbert struggled to contain Chicago had seven players score in double fig- the guard was sidelined by a strained tendon in Gerald Green hit 5 of 6 3-pointers in the first they lost 15 straight, and includes a loss last Favors. — AP Indian boxing out in the cold after AIBA decision LAUSANNE: The Indian Amateur Boxing suspension lifted by IOC. Federation (IABF) has been provisionally “Nevertheless, before and after the excluded by the sport’s global governing IOA election and lifting of suspension, body, the International Amateur Boxing AIBA received different claims from vari- Association (AIBA), it was announced ous groups of people on the way the yesterday. sport of boxing was managed in India The IABF had already been suspended and it has therefore now become totally in December 2012 but the AIBA had impossible for AIBA to make proper judg- promised to review that decision once ments in terms of handling the National the International Olympic Committee Federation’s affairs in India.” ALASKA: Nathan Schroeder drives his dog team down the trail just after the start of the 2014 Iditarod Trail Sled Dog Race out of Willow. The had lifted its suspension of the Indian The AIBA, whose president is the race will take mushers nearly a thousand miles to the finish line in Nome, on Alaskaís western coast. — AP Olympic Association, which it did last reformist Wu Ching-Kuo of Taiwan, said month just prior to the Winter Olympics the situation would be maintained until Iditarod sled dog race underway in Alaska in Sochi. they felt that a group of people they However, in a strongly-worded state- could deal with had been elected to run WILLOW: A New Zealander was the those in the field are Mitch Seavey, last Iditarod, “and it was this year.” She is a last month won his second consecutive ment yesterday the AIBA said that, hav- amateur boxing in India. first musher en route to the town of year’s champion, and his son, Dallas rookie this year, and she wants the Yukon Quest International Sled Dog ing looked at the situation again, they “Based on the reasons set out above Nome when the Iditarod Trail Sled Dog Seavey, the 2012 winner. prize given to all first-year mushers to Race. The conditions now are the same had no option but to go a step further and in accordance with article 18.2 of the Race began Sunday. “The last two winners might create finish the race: a belt buckle. as they were for the start of the Quest, Curt Perano and 68 other mushers more media interest,” Dallas Seavey If she gets it, the buckle goes to her he said. and provisionally exclude the IABF. AIBA Statutes, the IABF is now provision- began the world’s most famous sled- said before the race started. “But it husband. “Without him, I couldn’t be His wife, musher Aliy Zirkle, will be “It is with much regret that the ally excluded from AIBA Membership as dog race by crossing frozen Willow doesn’t mean that we’re necessarily the on the trail line at all, so I’m going to using this team on the race while International Boxing Association of today (Monday). Lake about 50 miles (80 kilometers) two most competitive racers this year.” get him a buckle,” Dabakk said. Moore races other dogs. Executive Committee (EC) has decided to “The AIBA EC will make a final deci- north of Anchorage. Adding to the uncertainty of this Aaron Burmeister wants to be the Zirkle has finished second in the end any official relationship with its cur- sion and rehabilitate a National It was a staggered start, meaning year’s race is an influx of Scandinavian first musher from Nome to win the Iditarod the last two years, and her rent suspended member, the Indian Federation for boxing in India as soon as one musher left every two minutes. mushers, including two-time champi- Iditarod. We haven’t had a winner from team might give her the needed boost Amateur Boxing Federation after an it deems that it has found the right The order was drawn at a musher’s on Robert Sorlie. Nome yet. I’m working as hard as I can this year because trail familiarity in the extensive evaluation and assessment of group of people who will support the banquet Thursday night in Anchorage. “I don’t think we’re trying to take it to be able to do that,” he said. Yukon Quest. “Our dogs have gone all issues surrounding the sport of box- principles of AIBA in terms of ethics and The finish line is on Front Street in over,” Sorlie said. Instead, there are so Burmeister welcomes the return of over 1,000 miles, and they know what ing in India. “After the suspension since fairness and who care primarily about Nome, which runs parallel to the many Scandinavians here because the the Norwegian mushers because they to expect,” Moore said. December 6, 2012, AIBA has not recog- the boxers and our beloved sport and Bering Sea coast. Standing between Iditarod is the world standard for long- bring more competition to the race. Newton Marshall of St. Anne, nized any official activities and did not not about their personal interests. the mushers and the finish line are distance dog races, he said. “When I win the Iditarod, I want to have Jamaica, is another international mush- support the officers from this National “AIBA will now wait for requests by about 1,000 miles of unforgiving Alaska The influx of five Norwegians, or the best competition in the world er at the race. He’s competing in his Federation for almost 16 months. any organization or person to submit an terrain, including two mountain “invasion” as Yvonne Dabakk of Oslo there,” Burmeister said. The trail condi- fourth Iditarod. Marshall’s race strategy “However, AIBA promised itself to application and once contacted, full ranges, untamed wilderness, the described it, is likely just a coincidence, tions could prove to be an advantage is simple: He just wants to finish the review the situation in IABF when the guidelines for the new application mighty Yukon River and the wind- she said. Dabakk said she believes all for one musher’s wife. race. He plans to take it slow and sim- Indian Olympic Association (IOA) gets its process will be given.” — AFP whipped Bering Sea coast. Among had independent plans to race the Allen Moore of Two Rivers, Alaska, ple “and get to Nome,” he said. — AP Australia to relax Qantas foreign ownership limits

Page 22 Business Etihad CEO gives 50-50 chance for Alitalia deal TUESDAY, MARCH 4, 2014 Page 23 flydubai posts 47% profit Dubai property: Why things look different now rise over 2012 results Page 25 Page 26

MOSCOW: People walk past a currency exchange office in downtown Moscow yesterday. Russia’s markets have dropped about 10 percent and its currency has fallen to its lowest point ever against the dollar and the euro because of the crisis in neighboringRussian Ukraine. — AP markets nosedive

Black Monday as Ukraine panic takes hold

MOSCOW: Investors in Russia reacted with panic yesterday huge contract to export gas to Ukraine as well as banking to the potentially disastrous economic consequences of interests in the country-fell 12.50 percent. Russia’s biggest Russian military intervention in Ukraine, with Moscow lender Sberbank was down 15.57 percent. stock markets crashing up to 12 percent and the ruble Global stock markets were down sharply on tensions plunging to historic lows against the dollar and euro. over Russia’s military advance into Ukraine. US stocks fol- Russia’s central bank hiked its main interest rate in an lowed declines on European exchanges yesterday. The emergency move to stem capital flight and the losses for Dow Jones industrial average dropped 143 points, or 0.9 the ruble, amid what risks becoming at least Russia’s worst percent, to 16,178 shortly after the US stock market economic crisis since 2009. opened. The Standard & Poor’s 500 index fell 14 points, or President Vladimir Putin on Saturday had won approval 0.8 percent, to 1,844 and the Nasdaq skidded 47 points, or from Russia’s upper house for the sending of troops to 1 percent, at 4,260. Ukraine due to the stand-off in Crimea following the oust- In Europe, Germany’s DAX sank 272 points, or 2.8 per- ing of pro-Moscow president Viktor Yanukovych. cent, to 9,419. Britain’s FTSE 100 dropped 100 points, or 1.5 Economists warned the move risks creating a litany of percent, to 6,709. The benchmark Russian stock exchange further trouble for the Russian economy, which is already dropped 12.5 percent. Meanwhile oil climbed 1.6 percent battling chronically slow growth. Russia faces becoming an on supply concerns. Russia is a major exporter. international economic pariah, with US Secretary of State The ruble has already been under major pressure in John Kerry already warning Putin that Moscow faces losing recent weeks due to investor nerves about emerging mar- the right to host the G8 this year in Sochi and could even kets and Russia’s flimsy medium-term growth prospects. be expelled from the group of top nations itself. But the Ukraine crisis yesterday pushed it to levels not seen Military intervention would drain further resources from even in Russia’s 2009 financial crisis that followed the col- a Russian budget already stretched by costs like the Sochi lapse of Lehman Brothers and the Georgia war. The ruble Olympics, alarm already nervous investors, limit Russia’s plunged in value to trade at 50.22 rubles to the euro. On economic ties with the West and force Russian companies Friday it stood at 49.58. into huge write-offs in Ukraine. “Sochi was already expen- It was a similar story with the ruble/dollar trade, with sive. Military adventures and strained relations with the one dollar worth 36.45 rubles. At close of play on Friday it West can be much more expensive than that,” said econo- was 36.28. mist Holger Schmieding at Berenberg Bank in London. ‘Worse than after 2008 war’ “Russia cannot afford that in the long run,” he added. The economic consequences of intervention in Ukraine Kerry himself gave a bleak assessment of the conse- risk becoming a huge headache for Putin and have paral- quences for Russia, saying Putin may be hit by “asset lels with the 2008 war with Georgia over the region of freezes on Russian business, American business may pull South Ossetia, which fed into Russia’s 2009 financial crisis. back, there may be a further tumble of the ruble.” However the magnitude of the Ukraine situation means a Russian economic crisis in 2014 could be even more seri- Black Monday ous. The MICEX stock market in Moscow was trading down “Unlike the five-day war in South Ossetia, we are con- 10.94 percent while the RTS bourse had fallen by 12.03 per- cerned that the tensions in Ukraine will very likely last con- cent at around 1320 GMT. It was also a Black Monday of siderably longer, having a prolonged negative effect on carnage on the stock markets for some Russian blue chip Russia’s economic environment,” economist Natalya Orlova shares. Stocks in Russian gas giant Gazprom-which has a at Alfa Bank said in a note to clients. — Agencies Gulf stocks plunge on Ukraine

MIDEAST STOCK MARKETS DUBAI: Middle East stock markets slid yesterday as a height- week low. Abu Dhabi’s measure dropped 1.8 percent. ened threat of armed conflict between Ukraine and Russia KUWAIT triggered widespread selling, despite the benefit of higher oil Kuwait’s bourse tumbled 1.9 percent to a five-month low prices to Gulf energy exporters. as a crackdown by the market regulator on improper trading Brent crude oil jumped almost $3 to $111.98 per barrel but sparked a sell-off by retail traders in small-cap stocks. Asian and European stock markets fell roughly 2 percent or “The CMA (Capital Markets Authority) has been active in more, prompting retail investors in the Gulf, who have bid the last few months and is cracking down on insider and ille- their markets up sharply in recent months, to take profits. gitimate trading,” said Fouad Abdulrahman Alhadlaq, deputy Cairo’s benchmark index slid 2.7 percent, down for a second general manager at Al-Dar Asset Management. “It has sus- straight session from last week’s 65-month high to trim its pended a few big speculators and they can’t buy and sell in 2014 gains to 15.9 percent. the market.” Speculation in Kuwait tends to focus on small- Saudi Arabia’s bourse, whose heavyweight petrochemical caps, which are easier to manipulate because of their small firms stand to benefit the most from any surge in oil prices, free floats. Kuwait’s index ended at 7,494 points, below techni- slipped 0.8 percent. The petrochemical sector’s index lost 1.0 cal support at the December low of 7,501 points; any close percent. below that level on Tuesday would confirm a break, leaving “Ukraine is a good pretext to book profits but there’s no no major chart support before the September 2013 low of fundamental reason for the selling pressure,” said John 7,132 points. Sfakianakis, chief investment strategist at Saudi investment In Qatar, Mesaieed Petrochemical, the market’s first new firm MASIC. “I don’t see a deep correction as justified, and oil listing since 2010, fell by its daily limit of 10 percent for a sec- prices going up is a good sign for the region.” ond straight session. The stock soared 450 percent in its debut Bargain-hunters could be quick to return as soon as mili- last Wednesday on the back of retail investor buying, valuing tary tensions ease, he added. Dubai’s index lost 1.9 percent to the stock at nearly three times levels which analysts consider trim its 2014 gains to 21.8 percent as it slumped to a two- fair.— Reuters TUESDAY, MARCH 4, 2014 BUSINESS

Bahrain eyes external sharia audits for Islamic banks

MANAMA: Bahrain’s Waqf Fund, a non-profit tiatives. Bahraini regulators do not have to accept tions certify they are following sharia principles. AAOIFI’s sharia auditor certification mandatory body set up by the central bank, has proposed its proposals but since it is chaired by the central The Waqf Fund will develop a framework for for people involved in the review process. mandatory external sharia audits for Islamic bank’s executive director of banking supervision, external sharia audits with a team of audit firms, Bahrain is one of the few jurisdictions where financial institutions to help strengthen compli- Khalid Hamad, its recommendation appears like- scholars and the Bahrain-based Accounting and AAOIFI standards are mandatory. Many countries, ance and improve the image of the industry. ly to be adopted. Auditing Organization for Islamic Financial including Malaysia and Pakistan, have over the Regulators around the world are increasing their Institutions (AAOIFI). “An independent sharia past year taken steps to overhaul their Islamic scrutiny of Islamic finance, including the boards FRAMEWORK audit should be made mandatory by regulators finance rules; the reforms have included taking a of sharia scholars who rule on whether activities While the proposal is for Bahrain, it may have in order to achieve the desired benefits,” the fund more active role in monitoring sharia scholars. In follow religious principles. an impact on Islamic finance globally because of said in a statement yesterday. Malaysia, scholars are now legally accountable Since sharia boards tend to be paid by the Bahrain’s central role in the industry. The propos- Because it suggests that sharia compliance for the financial products they approve and liable institutions whose activities they oversee, the al ties in with growing pressure for reforms to the audits be part of the existing external auditor to fines and prison time for wrongdoing. scholars can be open to accusations of conflicts sharia oversight system in other countries. For framework, the Bahraini fund’s proposal is more Bahrain’s central bank will release a new regu- of interest - prompting calls for separate and example, Kuwait’s central bank governor specific than Hashel’s proposal in Kuwait. latory framework for Islamic insurance (takaful) independent oversight. The Waqf Fund, estab- Mohammad al-Hashel suggested in a December The Waqf Fund also called for a revamp of this quarter, in an overhaul of standards which lished in 2006, is backed by 21 institutions such speech that an independent legal entity should AAOIFI standards to provide more detail on the regulator hopes will attract new business in a as banks and mostly focuses on educational ini- oversee the way in which Islamic financial institu- sharia review and audit functions, while making sector it helped to pioneer. — Reuters

in the news Bank Muscat

Al-Maha wins Oman plans $1.3bn Air fuel supply deal DUBAI: Al-Maha Petroleum Products Marketing Co has won a contract to supply half of Oman Air’s aviation fuel Islamic bond needs at Muscat airport until 2016, the Omani fuel retail- er said yesterday. Al Maha already supplies half of Oman Air’s fuel at Muscat airport, while Shell Oman Marketing program Company supplies the rest. Both companies’ current contracts expire on March 31, 2014. After a tender, MUSCAT: Bank Muscat, Oman’s largest lender, plans to Shell’s contract was not renewed, while Al-Maha has establish a 500 million rial ($1.3 billion) Islamic bond pro- renewed its 2-year deal valued at around 83 million gram this year, and expects to conduct the first sukuk issue Omani rials ($215.58 million), the two fuel suppliers said by an Omani bank in September, a bank official was quot- in stock market statements. Shell Oman Marketing ed as saying. The bank will seek shareholder approval for Company, a subsidiary of Europe’s largest oil and gas its sukuk program at a meeting on March 19 and regulato- company Royal Dutch Shell Plc , said there would be no ry approval thereafter, the Times of Oman quoted material impact on its 2014 earnings as a result of the Sulaiman Al-Harthy, group general manager of Islamic contract expiry. Originally part of the government- banking, as saying. owned Oman Refinery Company, Al Maha became a Sukuk tranches will be of varying maturities and curren- general Omani joint stock company in 2004. cies; some will be issued in international markets, and both CANBERRA: The Australian government decided to relax legislation that prevents foreign airlines from holding public subscriptions and private placements will be used, more than 35 percent of Qantas any single foreign investor from holding more than a 25 percent stake. Al-Futtaim plans mall Harthy told the newspaper. The sukuk will help to avert any with Dubai Holding unit mismatches between assets and liabilities at the bank, he DUBAI: Dubai-based shopping mall developer Majid Al added. Issuance of sukuk is an important ingredient in Futtaim plans to invest 275 million dirhams ($75 million) developing an Islamic banking industry in Oman, the last Australia to relax Qantas over the next two years on building a mall as part of a country in the six-nation Gulf Cooperation Council to project operated by Dubai Holding, the investment accommodate sharia-compliant banking. vehicle of the emirate’s ruler. Majid Al-Futtaim said yes- Bank Muscat is one of several conventional banks which terday it had bought 1 million square feet of land in offer Islamic finance through standalone units; two full- foreign ownership limits Dubai’s International Media Production Zone, which is fledged Islamic banks started operations last year, Al Izz run by TECOM Investments, a unit of Dubai Holding. Islamic Bank and Bank Nizwa. “The 275 million dirhams will cover the cost of buying Last November, Omani real estate developer Tilal the land and building phase one of the mall,” said Development Co sold the country’s first sukuk, raising 50 Carrier posts record half-year loss George Kostas, chief executive of Majid Al Futtaim million rials through a five-year deal. The Omani govern- ment has been laying plans to sell a sovereign sukuk of its CANBERRA: The Australian govern- line. ernment debt guarantee for Qantas, Properties. “The project will be done in two or three phases and we expect it to hit full maturity within the own, and that issue may occur this year, according to com- ment decided yesterday to relax for- “I have enormous faith in the abili- complains that its main competitor, ments by some officials. Harthy was also quoted as saying eign ownership restrictions on Qantas ty of Qantas to compete and to flour- Virgin Australia, has cheaper access to next five to 10 years.” The plan is part of 3 billion dirhams of investments which privately owned Majid Al-Futtaim Bank Muscat was seeking permission from shareholders for Airways after the national carrier post- ish, but I think it is best placed to com- capital because of its state owners. another sukuk program worth 1 billion Saudi riyals ($265 ed a record half-year loss. Prime pete and to flourish if it is unshackled Virgin Australia is 64 percent owned envisages making in Dubai before the emirate hosts the 2020 World Expo in 2020, Kostas said. million) by its Saudi Arabian branch. Minister Tony Abbott said his Cabinet and un-propped up by government,” by three state-owned carriers: In addition, Bank Muscat will seek permission from ministers had agreed to repeal legisla- Abbott told reporters. While part of Air New Zealand, Etihad Airways shareholders to expand its Euro Medium Term Note pro- tion that prevents foreign airlines the Qantas Sales Act would be and Singapore Airlines. The opposi- Al-Noor Hospitals targets home growth in 2014 gram to $2 billion from $800 million, the newspaper from holding more than 35 percent of repealed, foreign ownership of the air- tion Labor and Greens parties, which reported. — Reuters the airline and any single foreign line could still be curbed by other leg- hold a Senate majority, reacted to the ABU DHABI: Abu Dhabi healthcare firm Al-Noor investor from holding more than a 25 islation. news by repeating their opposition to Hospitals will focus on growing its business in its domes- percent stake. The Qantas Sale Act, The Air Aviation Act states foreign ownership of Qantas. tic market this year, its chief strategy officer said yester- Oman targets big which became law in 1992 as the Australian-based international carriers Labor aviation spokesman day, after reporting a slight increase in 2013 net profit. In state-owned airline was about to be have to be 51 percent Australian- Anthony Albanese said his party its first full-year financial results since going public, the rise in gas output privatized, also mandates 51 percent owned with headquarters in Australia. would be prepared to consider oil-rich emirate’s largest private healthcare provider Australian ownership. Abbott suggested Qantas could avoid changes to the 35 percent cap on for- reported a net profit of $61.7 million for 2013 compared MUSCAT: Oman expects a significant increase in its natu- The government could struggle to this restriction by splitting its interna- eign airline ownership of Qantas and with $60.5 million in 2012, according to a statement. ral gas output over the next five years but little improve- pass the changes through a hostile tional and domestic businesses. the 25 percent cap for any individual Revenue for the group, which operates three hospitals ment in oil production, its undersecretary for oil and gas Senate, where opposition parties have A foreign takeover bid for Qantas foreign investor. and 12 clinics in the United Arab Emirates, rose 12.5 per- said yesterday. voiced objections to any reforms that would also be subjected to a national He said splitting Qantas into sepa- cent year-on-year to $365 million in 2013. The results Oman aims to raise gas output to an average of 120 were broadly in line with expectations, although the could send Qantas jobs overseas. interest test by the Foreign rate international and domestic carri- million cubic meters per day (mcm/d) over the five-year Qantas last week posted a first-half Investment Review Board. ers was against the national interest. number of revenue-generating physicians added was slightly below forecasts, Jefferies said in a note. Al-Noor period from 2014 through 2018, Salim Al-Aufi told jour- loss of 235 million Australian dollars Qantas’ credit rating was down- “We support Qantas remaining an nalists yesterday, a gain of 17.65 percent over 2013. In ($211 million) amid tougher competi- graded from investment grade to junk Australian airline,” Albanese said, has proposed a dividend of 9 pence per share for 2013, 2013, gas production rose to an average of 102 mcm/d, tion and said it would cut 5,000 jobs. in December when it warned of a adding that requires that majority the statement added. Sami Alom, chief strategy officer Abbott said the Cabinet yesterday looming interim loss of up to AU$300 ownership be based in Australia, as at Al Noor, said on a media call that Al Noor was focused up 3.7 percent from the previous year. Oman’s modest gas ruled out guaranteeing a loan for million and 1,000 job cuts. well as the airline’s headquarters, on growing its business in the UAE in 2014 and was exports have been constrained over the last few years as it Qantas. The government had earlier Qantas chief executive Alan Joyce, board of directors and maintenance looking at opportunities across the Gulf Arab state. has struggled to raise production quickly enough to keep discussed the possibility with the air- who has argued for an Australian gov- staff. — AP pace with its own demand growth. — Reuters

EXCHANGE RATES

Philippine Peso 0.006372 0.006652 Al-Muzaini Exchange Co. UAE Exchange Centre WLL Syrian Pound 2.970 Nepalese Rupees 3.835 Sierra Leone 0.000069 0.000075 Malaysian Ringgit 86.905 Singapore Dollar 0.219578 0.225578 ASIAN COUNTRIES COUNTRY SELL DRAFT SELL CASH Chinese Yuan Renminbi 46.225 South African Rand 0.020532 0.029032 Japanese Yen 2.780 Australian Dollar 256.15 253.15 Thai Bhat 9.635 Sri Lankan Rupee 0.001865 0.002445 Indian Rupees 4.564 Canadian Dollar 259.05 260.05 Turkish Lira 127.385 Taiwan 0.009183 0.009363 Pakistani Rupees 2.686 Swiss Franc 325.52 323.52 Thai Baht 0.008339 0.008889 Srilankan Rupees 2.155 Euro 392.90 393.90 Nepali Rupees 2.854 US Dollar 281.55 284.55 Bahrain Exchange Company Arab Singapore Dollar 223.310 Sterling Pound 475.69 478.69 Bahraini Dinar 0.741953 0.749953 Hongkong Dollar 36.360 Japanese Yen 2.83 2.85 Egyptian Pound 0.036772 0.039872 Bangladesh Taka 3.624 CURRENCY BUY SELL Iranian Riyal 0.000078 0.000079 Philippine Peso 6.326 Bangladesh Taka 3.624 3.894 Iraqi Dinar 0.000182 0.000242 Thai Baht 8.675 Indian Rupee 4.565 4.865 Europe Jordanian Dinar 0.393730 0.401230 Irani Riyal transfer 0.271 Sri Lankan Rupee 2.155 2.590 Belgian Franc 0.007332 0.008332 Kuwaiti Dinar 1.0000000 1.0000000 Irani Riyal cash 0.273 Nepali Rupee 2.861 3.396 British Pound 0.465710 0.474710 Lebanese Pound 0.000138 0.000238 Pakistani Rupee 2.691 2.790 Czech Korune 0.006015 0.018015 Moroccan Dirhams 0.024316 0.048316 GCC COUNTRIES Danish Krone 0.048154 0.053154 Nigerian Naira 0.001192 0.001827 Saudi Riyal 75.270 UAE Dirhams 76.72 77.19 Euro 0.384105 0.391605 Omani Riyal 0.726824 0.732504 Qatari Riyal 77.556 Bahraini Dinar 749.37 751.44 Norwegian Krone 0.043072 0.046272 Qatar Riyal 0.076790 0.078003 Omani Riyal 733.240 Egyptian Pound 40.44 41.04 Romanian Leu 0.081413 0.81413 Saudi Riyal 0.074603 0.075303 Bahraini Dinar 749.700 Jordanian Dinar 400.72 406.37 Slovakia 0.008066 0.018066 Syrian Pound 0.002162 0.002382 UAE Dirham 76.870 Omani Riyal 732.21 739.51 Swedish Krona 0.039989 0.044989 Tunisian Dinar 0.174840 0.182840 Qatari Riyal 77.75 78.30 Swiss Franc 0.314741 0.324941 Turkish Lira 0.124565 0.131565 ARAB COUNTRIES Saudi Riyal 75.21 75.61 Turkish Lira 0.124565 0.131565 UAE Dirhams 0.075837 0.076986 Egyptian Pound - Cash39.275 Yemeni Riyal 0.001281 0.001361 Australasia Egyptian Pound - Transfer 40.096 Dollarco Exchange Co. Ltd Yemen Riyal/for 1000 1.317 Australian Dollar 0.243476 0.254976 Tunisian Dinar 179.140 New Zealand Dollar 0.230277 0.239777 Al Mulla Exchange Rate for Transfer Selling Rate Jordanian Dinar 398.600 US Dollar 282.350 Lebanese Lira/for 1000 1.894 America Canadian Dollar 256.765 Currency Transfer Rate (Per 1000) Syrian Lira 2.012 Canadian Dollar 0.250052 0.258552 Sterling Pound 471.690 US Dollar 281.600 Morocco Dirham 35.491 US Dollars 0.278050 0.282400 Euro 388.340 Euro 389.900 US Dollars Mint 0.278550 0.282400 Swiss Frank 318.220 EUROPEAN & AMERICAN COUNTRIES Pound Sterling 472.700 Bahrain Dinar 745.540 US Dollar Transfer 282.150 Asia Canadian Dollar 255.450 UAE Dirhams 76.850 Euro 390.350 Bangladesh Taka 0.003314 0.003914 Indian Rupee 4.550 Qatari Riyals 78.400 Sterling Pound 473.730 Chinese Yuan 0.045059 0.048559 Saudi Riyals 76.160 Egyptian Pound 40.092 Canadian dollar 255.920 Hong Kong Dollar 0.034293 0.037043 Jordanian Dinar 397.915 Sri Lankan Rupee 2.152 Turkish lira 126.810 Indian Rupee 0.004302 0.004703 Egyptian Pound 40.507 Bangladesh Taka 3.623 Swiss Franc 321.720 Indonesian Rupiah 0.000019 0.000025 Sri Lankan Rupees 2.153 Philippines Peso 6.305 Australian Dollar 252.670 Japanese Yen 0.002692 0.002872 Indian Rupees 4.559 US Dollar Buying 280.950 Kenyan Shilling 0.003346 0.003346 Pakistan Rupee 2.687 Pakistani Rupees 2.688 Korean Won 0.000254 0.000269 Bahraini Dinar 749.850 Bangladesh Taka 3.627 GOLD Malaysian Ringgit 0.082334 0.088334 UAE Dirham 76.700 Philippines Pesso 6.313 20 Gram 240.000 Nepalese Rupee 0.003064 0.003234 Saudi Riyal 75.150 Cyprus pound 693.510 10 Gram 121.000 Pakistan Rupee 0.002416 0.002696 *Rates are subject to change 5 Gram 62.500 Japanese Yen 3.770 TUESDAY, MARCH 4, 2014 BUSINESS Global factory growth stumbles as demand falls

LONDON/BEIJING: Manufacturers lishing modest growth, it is still finding numbers were a little disappointing across Europe and Asia changed down a it hard to build up momentum.” Gross compared to what we have seen in gear last month as falling demand from domestic product across the region recent months,” said Commerzbank’s abroad hurt Chinese output and expanded 0.3 percent in the final three Dixon. European factory growth dipped from months of last year, thanks to stronger Although Chinese factories were January’s 2-1/2 year high. But while the expansion in France and Germany, and struggling to expand as export orders surveys across Asia were more down- is expected to match that pace each fell, services firms regained some beat, data from the euro-zone showed quarter this year. momentum. China’s official non-manu- output rose in all of the bloc’s four To meet demand, firms increased facturing PMI rose to a three-month biggest economies for the first time in headcount for the second month. But high. almost three years. worryingly for the European Central “If the services PMI is to be believed, “They are all building up to a pic- Bank, which meets this week to set poli- the service sector is not doing so bad, ture which says it’s going to be okay cy, inflation pressures subsided again. but ... the manufacturing, or the invest- but nothing particularly stellar. They Average input costs declined for the first ment-heavy sector, not as well,” said Wei are not helping the case for a decent time in six months and although facto- Yao, China economist at Societe pick-up in the first half of the year,” ries were able to raise their prices slight- Generale in Hong Kong. said Peter Dixon at Commerzbank. ly, they barely brought them up from In recent weeks, other Chinese indi- Markit’s final Euro-zone Manufacturing January, possibly stoking fears of defla- cators have also been mixed. Weak Purchasing Managers’ Index (PMI) tion in the region. investment and declining PMIs have came in at 53.2 last month, up from a In one bright spot, British manufac- been countered by surprisingly buoyant flash reading of 53.0 but below turing grew quicker than expected, exports and bank lending figures. KATHMANDU: Nepalese farmers carry wicker baskets of supplies as they return January’s 54.0 - which was the highest adding to signs that the country’s eco- Parliament’s annual session is due to to their homes in the village of Khokana on the outskirts of Kathmandu yester- since May 2011. A reading above 50 nomic recovery is broadening out. Job start tomorrow and will provide the day. The traditional Newari village is famous for its unusual mustard-oil har- indicates growth in activity. creation in the sector hit a 33-month next marker for financial markets on the vesting process in which a heavy wooden beam is used to crush mustard seeds The index measuring manufacturing high. outlook for the world’s second-biggest in order to extract the oil. —AFP output, which feeds into a composite economy. growth rate was achievable this year. fell below 50 for the first time in five PMI that is seen as a good gauge of FRAGILE CHINA Premier Li Keqiang is widely expect- “We don’t think policymakers will months but Japanese manufacturers are growth, dipped from January’s 33- The HSBC/Markit PMI on China man- ed to say the government will maintain attach a big weight to the PMI readings still growing strongly, aided by the month high. “(This) reinforces suspicion ufacturing fell to 48.5, a seven-month the 2013 growth target of 7.5 percent in in January and February,” they said in a aggressive economic stimulus policies that it is going to be far from plain sail- low and the third straight monthly 2014. Although the pace of expansion client note. “We think the government promoted by Prime Minister Shinzo Abe. ing for the euro-zone in 2014,” said decline in the index. A government PMI has slowed sharply from the breakneck has enough policy room to achieve 7.5 In India, whose economy is less reliant Howard Archer at IHS Global Insight. on Saturday had suggested the slowest double-digit pace of the last three percent GDP growth this year.” on exports, the PMI rose to its highest “While the euro-zone may be estab- growth in eight months. “The Chinese decades, analysts at BofAML said that An HSBC/Markit PMI on South Korea level in a year. — Reuters Etihad CEO gives 50-50 chance for Alitalia deal Airline posts 48% rise in net profit for 2013

ABU DHABI: Etihad Airways’ talks on investing in Wednesday. Alitalia has cut costs and refreshed tenth year of operation,” said the carrier in a struggling Italian carrier Alitalia could swing its fleet since being rescued and privatized in statement. Net profit was up from $42 million either way and hinge on terms laid down by the 2008. But it has focused on domestic and region- registered in 2012, said the company that oper- Abu Dhabi-based airline, Etihad’s chief executive al markets where it has struggled to compete ates an 89-plane fleet and serves 94 destina- said yesterday. against low-cost airlines and fast trains on the tions. “This is another important step forward in Talks between the airlines intensified last busy Milan-Rome route. A tie-up with Etihad our journey as a growing, commercially success- month and sources close to the matter said could bring Alitalia resources it needs to invest ful business,” said Etihad’s chief executive officer Etihad might be interested in buying a stake of in a new strategy based on long-haul routes. James Hogan. up to 40 percent in the Italian carrier. Asked in Unlisted Etihad has made a series of acquisi- “We have hit every financial target for each of an interview how confident he was at this stage tions in recent months, taking minority equity the last seven years, bringing sustainable prof- of the deal going through, James Hogan said: stakes in Virgin Australia and Aer Lingus and rais- itability to a business which has grown from just BILBAO: Christine Lagarde, Managing Director IMF (center) looks up, between “It’s 50-50.” He added that the talks could go ing its shareholdings in Air Berlin and Air $300 million in revenues in 2005 to more than Spanish King Juan Carlos (left), and Spanish Minister of Economy, Luis de Guindos, either way. “We had also entered into due dili- Seychelles. $6 billion today,” he added. right, as they take part of Global Forum Spain, in Bilbao northern Spain yesterday. gence with other airlines in the past and walked Hogan said Etihad could increase its stake in Started in 2003, Etihad is expanding rapidly The first edition of Global Forum Spain discusses about the central issues of the away.” Hogan said the deal could only go ahead Virgin Australia by a further 3 to 6 percentage and has bought minor shares in several smaller European and the World economies in 2014. —AP if Alitalia met Etihad’s criteria on costs, profitabil- points over the next six months. Currently it has carriers around the world as it competes with ity, restructuring, the airline’s network and a stake of about 20 percent. larger Gulf rivals Emirates and Qatar Airways. It strong management. He did not provide further The Gulf carrier also plans about three or four said last month that it has entered the final stage details. code-sharing deals this year, in which it would of an assessment whether to purchase a stake in As Boeing, Airbus factories Sources have said Etihad wants heavy share flights with other airlines. But it has ruled Italy’s debt-laden airline Alitalia. Etihad owns 29 restructuring of Alitalia’s debt and was also ask- out joining any global alliances. percent of Air Berlin, 40 percent of Air hum, suppliers get rattled ing for job cuts at the Italian airline. “I have not Etihad Airways, meanwhile, said yesterday it Seychelles, 19.9 percent of Virgin Australia and commented on job cuts,” Hogan said when posted a 48 percent increase in its net profit last three percent of Aer Lingus. It also owns a 24- NEW YORK: The world’s largest plane makers Demanding lower prices in exchange for sales asked if job cuts were needed at Alitalia. Etihad year, reaching $62 million, as revenues surged percent stake in India’s Jet Airways, and 33.3 per- are soaring these days, fueled by historic is a well-known tactic in other industries. Big is expected to finish examining Alitalia’s books 27 percent to $6.1 billion. “This marked the third cent in the Swiss carrier Etihad Regional, former- demand for new jets that has cranked up retailers like Wal-Mart Stores Inc and Costco within a month, Alitalia’s chief executive said last successive year of net profitability, in the airline’s ly known as Darwin Airline. — Agencies their factories to record speeds. But booming Wholesale Corp are famous for it. But the sales of aircraft, far from being a bonanza for large price cuts now hitting suppliers are new, suppliers, are spurring brutal competition and are landing hard in an industry where between Airbus Group NV and Boeing Co, sales volumes are relatively low. US consumer spending rises which are demanding better deals from the Boeing and Airbus also make far less mon- companies that make billions of parts the fac- ey selling finished planes than suppliers earn tories need. from selling parts. Boeing’s jetliner business, more than income in January GM Nameplate is one such company. The for example, made an operating profit of 10.8 400-employee Seattle firm makes the signs percent last year, compared with an average WASHINGTON: US consumer spending rose more than and placards posted on everything from over- of about 16 percent for suppliers. Airbus’ personal income in January, government data released head bins to emergency exits: about 1,500 commercial aircraft profit was 4 percent. yesterday showed. Consumer spending, the main driver of signs per plane, or 1.6 million a year to Boeing “Plane makers have a legitimate gripe,” the US economy, climbed 0.4 percent in January from alone. As Boeing sped up jet output by 40 said Tom Captain, head of the global aero- December, while income grew 0.3 percent, the Commerce percent over the last three years, it not only space and defense consulting practice at Department said. asked GM Nameplate to turn out more signs. Deloitte. To some extent, aircraft makers are The report also revealed significantly weaker consumer It also wanted a 15 to 20 percent price cut, victims of their customers, the airlines. Planes spending in December, the crucial year-end holiday shop- said Paul Michaels, director of GMN are technical marvels that operate with great ping month. Spending growth in December was revised Aerospace, the aircraft division. precision and safety, but the flying public still lower to 0.1 percent, compared to the prior estimate of 0.4 “That’s huge,” Michaels said. Boeing also demands fares that cost less than a good percent. For January, analysts had estimated a 0.1 percent wanted GMN to show it was able to meet hotel room, and jet fuel costs are likely to gain for spending, while the income rise was in line with faster production speeds, and that it had the remain high. So airlines are driving hard bar- expectations. Inflation remained well below the Federal financial health to stay in business. The com- gains to pay as little as possible for jets. Reserve’s 2.0 percent target for price stability. The personal pany spent a week with two Boeing coaches Boeing is selling some jets more aggres- consumption expenditures price index edged up 0.1 per- going over its factory. Michaels says he now sively, since Airbus has gained 60 percent of cent in January, slowing from a 0.2 percent rise in expects to hit the price target in 2016 and the market for new single-aisle planes, a mar- December, and was up just 1.2 percent year-on-year. ultimately to be better off. But “it was very ket that represents more than half of the new Excluding food and energy, core PCE prices rose 0.1 per- nerve-racking at first.” planes to be delivered over the next 20 years. cent for the second consecutive month, and 1.1 percent The price pressure has left many small-tier Boeing recently launched an internal cam- from a year ago. The personal saving rate was unchanged suppliers grappling with whether to invest paign to fight for market share, opening itself from December at 4.3 percent of disposable personal and grow, sell to big players or simply fold. to more negotiations over price. But that income. For all of 2013, consumer spending rose 3.1 per- “It’s forcing suppliers to say either I’m in the requires driving down the cost of building game or out of the game,” said Christian planes. Boeing and Airbus also are making cent, slowing from 4.1 percent in 2012. Personal income DETROIT: Jesus Rodriguez grinds steel at the IDEAL Group in Detroit. The Institute Schiller, managing director at Cascadia their own operations more efficient, as they was up 2.8 percent, compared with a gain of 4.2 percent for Supply Management reported on US manufacturing activity in February yester- Capital, a Seattle investment bank. “They can’t press suppliers to do the same, and are offer- the prior year. — AFP day.—AP just stay still.” ing to help. He and others predict buyouts in the sec- “It’s not going away,” Boeing supply chain tor will rise this year as pressure grows, even vice president Stan Deal said of its cost-cut- though prices for small companies already ting program, Partnering for Success. What’s Ukraine raises Russian gas are relatively high. Since suppliers provide most important to Boeing, he said, “is main- more than two-thirds of a jetliner’s content by taining or gaining our long-term competitive value, they are obvious places for Boeing and advantage.” imports, eyes price hike Airbus to find cost savings. But squeezing too hard could cause production snarls and hurt Fear of bankruptcy KIEV/LONDON: Ukraine has increased gas imports as of Feb. 24, according to two Russian industry supplies via Ukraine can stop any day,” said Mikhail an industry that is struggling to keep up with Of course, many suppliers also are benefit- from Russia over the last few days, a spokesman for sources. Both Gazprom and Naftogaz declined to Korchemkin of US-based consultancy East rising demand. ing from the boom. Larger companies and Ukraine’s gas transit monopoly said yesterday, comment on the increase in gas supplies. European Gas Analysis. those with proprietary products say they amid warnings that state gas producer Gazprom “The heating season is ending, and Ukraine Rising output, falling prices have more leverage to push back against might scrap a discount on prices. As concerns grow Transit threat would be able to live on without any imports of Airbus last week said it will notch up pro- price pressure. Even when margins fall, larger over gas supplies after Russian President Vladimir Ukraine, a sprawling country of 46 million peo- Russian gas for about seven months. Gazprom duction of its single-aisle A320 planes by volume can compensate and boost total prof- Putin won parliamentary approval to invade ple, is also a key transit route for Russian gas to the would be losing about one-third of its monthly nearly 10 percent, matching a similar move it. Still, concern is rising because many small- Ukraine, analysts say Kiev is trying to import as European Union and Turkey, where Gazprom export revenue.” by Boeing. Both companies also are building er suppliers lack the capital and access to tal- much gas as possible at the lower prices. increased its supply share to 30 percent in 2013 by Andrei Kruglov, Gazprom’s chief financial officer, many of their double-aisle plans at faster ent to make the price concessions plane mak- Moscow, enraged with Ukraine’s new pro-EU boosting exports to a historic high of 162.7 bcm. repeated warnings that the company may increase rates. By 2017, Boeing and Airbus will be ers are demanding. “Some suppliers will have government, has warned Kiev it could lose the dis- More than half of that, or 86 bcm, went through gas prices for Ukraine after Russia agreed in churning out a staggering 138 new jetliners a trouble and may not be able to step up to the count it currently gets from Gazprom due to Kiev’s Ukraine. Russia has been accused of using gas as a December to reduce it by about a third, to $268.50 month. Smaller plane makers Embraer SA and challenge and thus go out of business, or sign outstanding gas debt. way to pressure its neighbor, and in earlier price per 1,000 cubic metres from around $400, which Bombardier Inc also are raising output and contracts they cannot deliver on,” said “We doubled our gas imports from Russia. We disputes in 2006 and 2009 Moscow has cut off sup- Ukraine had paid since 2009. bringing new jets to market. Captain, of Deloitte. A 2011 study by imported 45 million cubic metres of gas on March plies at the height of winter. The agreement to cut gas prices was reached As thousands of suppliers gear up, Boeing PricewaterhouseCoopers of more than 100 1, 2014, compared with 20 million on March 1, Gazprom says there has been no effect on tran- after ousted President Viktor Yanukovich spurned and Airbus are pitting them against each oth- aerospace suppliers found that 20 percent 2013,” said Maxim Belyavsky, a spokesman for sit from events in Ukraine, where the West says an EU trade deal in favor of closer ties to Moscow. er in price competitions to drive down suppli- were at high risk of being unable to keep up Ukraine’s gas transit monopoly Ukrtransgas. Russian troops have taken control of the southern He fled Ukraine over a week ago, and surfaced in er prices more than in the past, suppliers say. with rising production and had relatively Ukraine is a major buyer of gas from Gazprom, Crimea peninsula, home to Russia’s Black Sea fleet Russia on Friday. Gazprom put Ukraine’s outstand- Boeing says it will put companies that weak financial strength. which exported almost 26 bcm of gas to its neigh- and a large population of ethnic Russians. ing gas bill at over $1.5 billion. don’t cut prices on a “no fly” list that bars The pressure has increased since then, bor last year, more than half of the 50.4 bcm it con- Gazprom’s Deputy Chief Executive Alexander Ukraine cut Russian gas purchases last year, say- them from future work, while rewarding said Scott Thompson, head of PwC’s US aero- sumed. Medvedev said on Monday that transit would be at ing the price was too high for its fragile economy, those do with the chance to bid on more space and defense business. Suppliers that Russian gas industry sources also said Ukrainian least 70 bcm this year. But some analysts said the which faces $6 billion in foreign debt payments work. Both plane makers also are vying for a make commodity products, such as GM state energy company Naftogaz had imported 27.6 seizure of Crimea put the transit in jeopardy. this year. Ukraine’s new rulers say they need piece of the spare parts market, demanding Nameplate, are most at risk of losing work to million cubic metres (mcm) on Feb. 26, 45.8 mcm “(Russian President) Vladimir Putin’s Crimean around $35 billion over the next two years and royalties on parts that are sold directly to air- rivals, since they face the greatest number of on Feb. 27, 60 mcm on Feb. 28 and 44.5 mcm on plan increases the risk of interruption of transit have asked the International Monetary Fund for lines and never enter their factories. competitors. — Reuters March 1. This was compared with 28 mcm per day flows of Russian gas through Ukraine. Russian gas financial help.—Reuters BUSINESS TUESDAY, MARCH 4, 2014 Asian shares hit by Ukraine tensions

HONG KONG: Asian markets mostly fell Later in the day HSBC said its final PMI yesterday as growing fears of a conflict fell to 48.5 last month, the weakest reading between Ukraine and Russia sent traders since July when the figure stood at 47.7, scurrying for safer assets, with the yen according to the British bank. China’s eco- surging and oil prices also seeing big gains. nomic growth has weakened in recent The downbeat atmosphere was com- years, hitting 7.7 percent in 2013, the low- pounded in some markets by another dis- est level since 1999. Analysts expect a fur- appointing set of manufacturing figures ther drop to 7.5 percent this year. Eyes will from China that added to concerns about now be on the annual National People’s growth in the world’s number two econo- Congress, which opens this week. my. Tokyo shed 1.27 percent, or 188.84 The event will be closely watched for points, to 14,652.23, Sydney fell 0.38 per- the disclosure of China’s annual growth tar- cent, or 20.5 points, to 5,384.3 and Seoul get. The events in Europe overshadowed a lost 0.77 percent, or 15.30 points, to end at strong lead from Wall Street Friday, where 1,964.69. the Dow rose 0.30 percent and the S&P 500 Hong Kong tumbled 1.47 percent, or tacked on 0.28 percent to a new record 336.29 points to 22,500.67. However, high. The Nasdaq, however, ended 0.25 Shanghai rose 0.92 percent, or 18.93 points, percent lower. The broad advance came to 2,075.23 as investors brushed off the despite the Commerce Department saying weak manufacturing figures ahead of US gross domestic product growth in the Beijing’s annual policy gathering later in final quarter of 2013 came in at 2.4 percent, the week. The long-running political crisis compared with its initial estimate of a 3.2 in Ukraine took another turn Saturday percent expansion. when lawmakers in Moscow voted to allow The downward revision was bigger than President Vladimir Putin to send troops into analysts’ forecast of 2.6 percent and includ- Crimea, a mainly Russian-speaking penin- ed a cut to closely watched consumer sula in the southeast of the ex-Soviet state. spending growth. However, analysts said In what has become the most serious investors view the latest data as partly the crisis since the end of the Cold War, global result of extremely cold weather that has leaders condemned the move as Ukraine’s depressed economic activity. new Western-backed prime minister Gold fetched $1,344.94 an ounce at Arseniy Yatsenyuk warned: “We are on the 1045 GMT, compared with $1,329.05 late brink of a disaster.” US President Barack Friday. Obama branded the move a “violation of Ukrainian sovereignty”, while Secretary of In other markets State John Kerry warned Moscow faced Bangkok added 1.05 percent, or 13.88 being kicked out of the Group of Eight eco- points, to 1,339.21. Airports of Thailand nomic grouping if it did not step back. gained 3.20 percent to 193.50 baht, while Atsushi Hirano, head of FX sales Japan at oil company PTT rose 2.39 percent to Royal Bank of Scotland, told Dow Jones 300.00 baht. Newswires: “Tensions have risen with the Jakarta dropped 0.78 percent, or 36.01 United States. Stocks are likely to be nega- points, to 4,584.21. Bank Negara Indonesia tively affected.” fell 2.20 percent to 4,450 rupiah, while tin The tensions sent investors scurrying to producer Timah gained 2.17 percent to the yen, which is considered a safe bet in 1,650 rupiah. times of political and economic uncertain- Kuala Lumpur slid 0.60 percent, or 10.97 ty. In afternoon trade the dollar was at points, to 1,824.69. IHH Healthcare lost 2.3 101.33 yen, compared with 101.76 yen in percent to 3.75 ringgit while budget carrier New York Friday afternoon, while the euro AirAsia ended 2.0 percent lower at 2.50. fetched 139.51 yen against 140.44 yen. Taipei fell 0.44 percent, or 37.60 points, The euro bought $1.3777 against to 8,601.98. Taiwan Semiconductor $1.3800. Manufacturing Co. was unchanged at Tw$108.0 while Cathay Financial Holdings China data fuels growth fears eased 1.12 percent to Tw$44.2. With Russia also a huge supplier of oil to Wellington added 0.35 percent, or 17.37 European nations, the price of both main points, to a record high of 5,007.40. crude contracts also spiked. New York’s Fletcher Building rose 0.32 percent to main contract, West Texas Intermediate for NZ$9.45 and Air New Zealand added 1.41 April delivery, gained $1.72 to $104.31 in percent to NZ$1.80. afternoon trade, and Brent North Sea crude Manila closed 0.27 percent lower, giving for April jumped $2.14 to $111.21. up 17.47 points to 6,407.52. Universal There were renewed worries about the Robina fell 2.14 percent to 137 pesos but health of China’s economy after Beijing said Aboitiz Power surged 5.53 percent to 41 its official purchasing managers’ index pesos. (PMI) of manufacturing activity fell to an Mumbai fell 0.82 percent, or 173.47 eight-month low of 50.2 last month. The points, to 20,946.65. Jaiprakash Power figure represents the third straight drop fol- Ventures fell 15.51 percent, or 2.57 rupees, lowing a reading of 50.5 in January, 51.0 in to 14.00 while HCL Technologies fell 4.53 December and 51.4 in November. percent, or 71.45 rupees, to 1504.55. A figure above 50 indicates expansion Singapore lost 0.75 percent, or 23.31 while one below shows contraction. points, to 3,087.47. Oil rig maker Keppel However, officials stressed that the result Corp eased 0.57 percent to Sg$10.41 while was skewed by the Chinese New Year holi- real estate developer Capital and dropped days at the start of the month. 1.05 percent to Sg$2.82. — AFP

TOKYO: A man walks past a share price board in Tokyo yesterday. Japanese stocks fell 188.84 points to close at 14,652.23 at the Tokyo Stock Exchange on fears of a con- flict between Russia and Ukraine after Moscow’s decision to send troops into the for- mer Soviet republic was blasted by world leaders as a “clear violation” of its sover- eignty. — AFP New financial services jobs in London up 25%

LONDON: London’s financial services Investment in banks’ front office tech- sector created 25 percent more jobs in nology, particularly for algorithmic February than a year ago, new data trading programs in foreign exchange, showed yesterday, showing the indus- has created demand for skilled person- try may be recovering from the restruc- nel that can hone trading systems to turing and redundancies prompted by speed execution times, Astbury the financial crisis. After a strong Marsden said. January, the City hiring market showed “This is potentially a huge growth no signs of slowing down last month, area for banks, and one in which hiring with 3,220 new jobs created, compared could be substantial for some time,” said with 2,575 added in February 2013, Cameron. A strong IPO pipeline has also according to financial services recruiter triggered new hires at brokerage hous- Astbury Marsden. es, smaller banks and other advisers. Job creation in the past three months Investment banks have been looking was 34 percent ahead of the same peri- to add jobs in growth areas like the od the previous year, the figures show. Renminbi and Sukuk - instruments simi- The data suggests London’s banks and lar to bonds that comply with Islamic financial services companies are return- law - markets, the recruiter said. ing to growth after slashing thousands The UK wants to become Europe’s of jobs in the face of a lengthy recession major offshore hub for trading China’s and a series of industry scandals that currency, hoping it will deliver a big followed the financial crisis. boost to the financial sector and the “The confident mood is underlined wider economy. by the fact that the banks have It is also aiming to be the main shrugged off recent emerging market Western centre of Islamic finance and is wobbles and remain upbeat about the planning to become the first Western long-term prospects for developed country to issue a sukuk later this year. economies,” said Mark Cameron, chief Financial services firms employ 675,600 operating officer at Astbury Marsden. people in London and contributed 174 “The FTSE 100’s recent 14 year high billion pounds ($291.60 billion) to the UK shows that investors’ appetite for risk economy in 2012, according to industry has well and truly recovered.” lobby group TheCityUK. — Reuters BUSINESS TUESDAY, MARCH 4, 2014

Citi Research Report Dubai property: Why things look different now There’s little room for complacency

KUWAIT: As Dubai’s property market booms and large-scale projects are announced, parallels are emerging with the property bubble that affected the emi- rate six years ago. While we have for some time been highlighting our concerns regarding the sustainability of asset price inflation, this month we turn to the key question of whether this is leading to the kind of economic and financial volatility that Dubai experienced in 2008/2009. We believe that Dubai is experiencing a sound and balanced cyclical economic upswing. But as a small open economy, Dubai remains exposed to exogenous shocks, such as the impact of EM tapering or a potential hard landing in China, and that these could have a significant impact on domestic assets prices. Today, we con- sider that Dubai is much more resilient to such shocks than it was at the height of the previous cycle in mid-2008, for three main reasons. The first of these is a more sound and liquid banking system. In contrast to mid- authorities are aware of these risks and collapsed and a global liquidity squeeze marched on. tally strong economic story that is in dan- 2008,bank liquidity is less vulnerable to have responded with a number of meas- impaired its ability to refinance its bur- Hotel occupancy and room rates are ris- ger of once again being overshadowed by exogenous shocks and is likely to remain ures to curb speculative demand and to geoning debt burden. ing steadily against a backdrop of exuberance in asset markets, and an supportive of local asset markets. strengthen the prudential regulation of the Even in the immediate aftermath of the increased capacity. International passenger uneasy sense of dÈj‡ vu is setting in. But is The second is the progress Dubai has real estate and banking sectors. Whether crisis back in 2010 we argued that Dubai’s and freight traffic through DXB are among this creating the sort of vulnerability that made on deleveraging and smoothing these measures are sufficient to prevent a fundamentals were sound and that growth the world’s highest... and rising quickly. And Dubai suffered from in 2008/2009? debt maturities. Refinancing risk among repeat of the property-led volatility of prospects looked strong. Dubai’s economic it’s not just house prices - Dubai assets some of Dubai’s most significant 2008/2009 remains to be seen, however, recovery, which has been gaining momen- across the board have been rallying on the Why things are different today Government Related Entities (GREs) has and as a result we argue that there is little tum for some time, therefore comes as little back of improved sentiment, which was We will not speculate as to what trig- been significantly reduced. room on the part of investors for compla- surprise. But what we hadn’t expected back given a further boost when Dubai was gers might result in an asset price correc- Finally, rising property prices have not, cency. in 2010 was a strong recovery in the prop- awarded the right to host EXPO 2020, tion in Dubai. The candidates are many and to date, led to a significant rise in construc- erty sector so soon. According to Cluttons which is expected to draw millions of visi- varied, including the impact of Fed taper- tion and leverage. Despite the differences, Booming Dubai data, average property prices have risen by tors to the emirate and lead to a construc- ing, an unanticipated fall in oil prices, a we also recognize that Dubai’s is a dynamic Dubai is booming. GDP growth in 2013 around 40% in the past 12 months, with tion-led stimulus to the economy over the hard landing in China and regional geopo- and fast-changing economic landscape. reached 4.7%, according to official statis- growth in villa prices having peaked at over coming years. The Dubai Financial Market litical risks, to name but a few. Triggers, by Signs may emerge that construction activi- tics, and is on a rising trend. Indicators of 50% in mid-2013. According to Jones Lang General Index rallied 108% in 2013, given their very nature, are often impossible to ty is responding to potential speculative economic activity, from hotel occupancy to Lasalle, property prices are less than 10% an additional spur by the UAE’s impending predict. Rather, the purpose of this note is demand in the real estate market, and that international passenger and freight traffic off their peak of August 2008 and will reclassification from ‘frontier market’ to to examine Dubai’s current vulnerability to this is leading to oversupply issues and ris- through Dubai International Airport (DXB), almost certainly surpass these peaks in the ‘emerging market’ in the MSCI index this an asset price correction relative to mid- ing corporate sector leverage. In such cir- all point to a high and rising level of eco- course of this year. We have been highlight- summer, while spreads on Dubai debt 2008, independently of what may trigger cumstances, we believe vulnerability to nomic activity in this dynamic emirate that ing our concerns regarding this unantici- (both sovereign and quasi sovereign) have such a correction. In considering this, we exogenous shocks is likely to creep back in 2008/2009 had suffered a major eco- pated development for some time and all compressed sharply. see several reasons why Dubai’s resilience into Dubai’s economy. We believe the nomic downturn when its property market the while the rise in housing prices has This all paints a picture of a fundamen- today is significantly stronger. Carmakers pack premium features in small packages GENEVA AUTO SHOW

GENEVA: European carmakers are putting their longest ever market slump in the rear view mirror, shifting from survival to revival as they head into the Geneva Auto Show with dozens of car pre- miers, particularly for small models packed with premium features. Analysts are projecting growth in new car sales in Europe at anywhere from 2 percent to 4 percent in 2014, the first year of gains since 2007, when sales reached an all-time high of 16 million before getting hit by the finan- Gene Sperling cial crisis. But consumer appetite will remain mild, analysts say, until Europe can get economies churning again and unemployment rates down, Sperling, Obama’s quirky the only cure to lagging consumer confidence. “We don’t see a fast recovery,” said Falk Frey, a economic aide makes exit senior vice president at Moody’s analyst services in Frankfurt. Moody’s forecasts a 2 percent growth WASHINGTON: It seems fitting that Gene says, ‘Gene, I just asked you if you want to be in car sales this year to just over 13 million, but Sperling, a White House economic aide with a the national economic policy director for the underlines that will still be 20 percent, or 3 million taste for the theatrical, is heading to Democratic nominee for president of the units, below the 2007 peak. Hollywood when he ends his latest West Wing United States. You and I both know you would Some predict the European market will never tenure this week. come take this job for free.’” hit that high again, meaning there will continue Sperling is exiting stage left to cap a com- “And so that was the end of the negotia- bined 12 years as an economic adviser to tion,” said Sperling. Sperling’s reputation for to be fierce competition for driver loyalties. One Democratic presidents Bill Clinton and Barack being able to explain arcane economic sub- Geneva Auto Show buzzword is small. Mass car- Obama, a remarkable show of stamina given jects in an accessible way has made him a makers are adding premium design features to GENEVA: Employees work during the last preparations at the Mazda booth, prior to the open- the punishing hours and sharp elbows in popular briefer for reporters over the years. their city cars as they fight back against premium ing of the press preview days at the Geneva International Motor Show in Geneva. — AP Washington. He is not ruling out a possible This is why eyebrows were lifted all over carmakers’ moving in on their small car territory. ing the return of turbocharged powertrains. already traveled by the Fiat 500, which is offering return, but the current episode of Sperling’s Washington a year ago when famed Small SUVs continue to be a trend. “Everyone who Ermini Seittosei is bringing out a unique num- an updated version. A joint venture between PSA life finds him reuniting with his family in Los Watergate reporter Bob Woodward accused hasn’t come to that party will be coming,” said IHS bered car. Peugeot Citroen and Toyota results in a trio of Angeles, where wife Allison Abner is a TV Sperling of threatening him in an email when auto analyst Tim Urquhart. small-car premiers on the same platform from the writer. Every White House has a version of he said Woodward would regret some of his Not that the sports car segment will allow city Sperling, the savvy adviser who delights in reporting on a budget deal with congressional SPIFFY SMALL CARS same factory that are helping the automakers cars to steal their thunder. Lamborghini, McLaren European automakers are taking their bread- achieve better economies of scale: Peugeot 108, talking about the intricacies of economic poli- Republicans. and Ferrari all have something new to show - and cy and who can, for example, speak in long Even Obama was amused at the notion and-butter small cars to a new level, focusing on Citroen C1 and Toyota Aygo. Renault Twingo gets the historic Italian carmaker Ermini Seiottosei is fun and styling, not just economy. It’s a road an update, going for an edgier look. — AP stretches without interruption about such that the bespectacled Sperling would threaten back after a decades-long hiatus. The Geneva things as how to rebuild manufacturing in anybody. show opens its doors to journalists on Tuesday, America’s Rust Belt. “Who knew Gene could be so intimidat- and to the public on Thursday. It runs through But what distinguishes Sperling from oth- ing?” he said at the Gridiron Club journalists’ March 16. ers is his occasional flamboyance, like the time dinner last year. “Or let me phrase it differently, British manufacturing he stepped off a New Zealand bridge and ‘Who knew anybody named Gene could be so plunged 150 feet (46 metres) toward a river, intimidating?’” SMALL SUVS saved from oblivion only by bungee cords on Sperling is part of a powerful group of The market for small SUVs is growing across sustains momentum his legs. This from a man scared of heights. It advisers who carved out names for themselves the globe with young people and downsizing was during Clinton’s 1999 trip to Queenstown, in the Clinton administration and have had baby-boomers alike attracted to the high drive New Zealand, and he says he would have major roles under Obama, such as Obama position, big cargo area and maneuverability. LONDON: British manufacturing strengthened built up should provide the resources to fund fur- backed away except he did not want to chick- adviser John Podesta or former Treasury Jeep will offer its new Renegade and Citroen is last month and mortgage approvals hit their ther growth in investment.” en out in front of the watching White House Secretary Timothy Geithner. rolling out the C4 Cactus - a one-time funky con- highest level in January since November 2007, Sterling cut its losses against the dollar and press corps. Sperling, 55, said his first six months in the cept car which has been given a shot at the roads data showed yesterday, underlining the momen- rose against the euro after the data, while British His initial thought when the bungee cords Obama administration in 2009, as a counselor while promising to revolutionize car interiors. tum behind the country’s economic recovery. government bonds tracked Bunds higher on the caught him? to Geithner shortly after Obama took office, Hiring in factories picked up at the fastest rate day as the Ukraine crisis spurred investors to seek were the hardest of his time in government PLUG-IN HYBRIDS since May 2011, according to a survey gauging safe haven assets. “I’M GOING TO LIVE!” because the economy was plunging with no Plug-in hybrids promise to be another trend in manufacturing activity, while new orders contin- “That was my one daredevil moment,” end in sight. Back then during yet another cri- Geneva. A regular hybrid pairs a conventional ued to pile in. ROBUST GROWTH Sperling said with a chuckle during an hour- sis meeting in the Oval Office, Obama asked engine with an electric one to increase energy The surprisingly swift economic revival has The Markit/CIPS Manufacturing Purchasing long exit interview in his West Wing office. “It him, “Gene, is it always like this?” Sperling has efficiency. Plug-in versions have batteries that been driven largely by consumer spending and Managers’ Index (PMI) ticked up to 56.9 from 56.6 gave me a very confident, flamboyant image ... most recently been helping Obama launch a an upturn in Britain’s housing market, which in January, higher than the 56.5 expected by that wasn’t at all reflective of my actual charac- series of manufacturing institutes in selected don’t rely solely on the combustion engines to ter personality.” Sperling played a key role in cities to draw public and private investment in recharge, but can also be plugged into the power shows no signs of abating. Figures from the Bank economists in a Reuters poll. Readings above 50 many of the major economic policies of the creating jobs for the middle class. supply - giving the car the ability to make short of England showed lenders approved 76,947 point to growth in activity. That meant British past 20 years, such as Clinton’s 1993 plan to He’s found Washington to be a place where trips using only its electric power. Volkswagen will mortgages in January, the most since near the manufacturing activity expanded faster last jump-start the economy in the aftermath of people of all political stripes gather to pursue be unveiling the Golf GTE, with a range of 31 start of the financial crisis, compared with 72,798 month than in all of its major European peers. recession and subsequent expansion of the deeply held views motivated by their ideals for miles (nearly 50 kilometers) in all-electric mode in December and more than forecast by analysts. The employment subindex rose at its fastest Earned Income Tax Credit and student loan the country. “The thing that the president says for a theoretical driving range of 584 miles (939 But there was another fall in lending to busi- pace since May 2011, as companies came under programs. His entry into Clinton’s world in and that is repeated often is that this is a small kilometers) when the full engine is in use. nesses, even if the pace of decline slowed, in a strain to meet demand with existing capacity. 1992 is worthy of a segment on the old “West part of your life where you have an unprece- reminder that the recovery has yet to take hold Manufacturing accounts for around a 10th of Wing” television show, for which he once con- dented ability to do good for millions of peo- SUPER SPORTSCARS fully in other areas of the economy. The Bank of Britain’s economy. “The survey suggests we sulted. He had been working for New York ple and that’s what makes this most special. Automobili Lamborghini SpA, a division of England has said exports and business invest- should expect another quarter of robust econom- Governor Mario Cuomo. But when Cuomo And I think that’s what drives most of us to Volkswagen AG, is unveiling its Huracan LP 610-4, ment will need to strengthen in 2014 for growth ic growth in the first quarter,” said Rob Dobson, decided not to run for president, he hoped the want to be here, that’s what makes it so the successor to its most-successful car ever, the to last, while finance minister George Osborne senior economist at Markit, which compiles the Clinton campaign would come a-calling. painful to leave,” he said. Gallardo, which stopped production in November has said he plans to help boost investment and survey. Overall, the PMI suggested manufacturers With Sperling’s departure, speculation after a decade. The carbon fiber and aluminum exporters in his budget due on March 19. were mostly unbowed by the floods that have A QUICK NEGOTIATION turns on what he might do next. Loyal to the “Today’s CIPS manufacturing survey data for submerged swathes of southwest England. A When Clinton aide George Stephano- Clintons, his name immediately emerges as a Huracan, which means hurricane and also refers February provided further upbeat signs for the report from Fitch ratings agency yesterday also poulous called to offer him the job of Clinton’s potential economic adviser to Hillary Clinton to a bull, the Lamborghini logo, comes with a new economic policy director, Sperling’s inclination should she decide to run for president in 2016. gasoline injection system that provides more health of the UK economy,” said Andrew showed insurers should find losses from the bad was to ask about salary and whether he would His successor as director of the White power with less consumption. McLaren is launch- Goodwin, senior economic adviser to the EY ITEM weather manageable. Economists polled by be included in the daily strategy meetings. House National Economic Council is Jeffrey ing the new 650S, which it boasts is faster than Club. “Admittedly, the latest BoE data on lending Reuters expect the economy will grow around 0.6 “And there’s this long pause and George Zients. — Reuters the legendary F1 road car from the 1990s. Ferrari in January points to credit to firms continuing to percent from quarter to quarter this year, with is rolling out the V8 California T convertible, mark- fall. But the large cash piles that many firms have house prices set to rise strongly. —Reuters TUESDAY, MARCH 4, 2014 BUSINESS Chevrolet sweeps 2014 N American Car and Truck of the Year Awards! Corvette Stingray, Silverado represent brand’s first double win DETROIT: The all-new Chevrolet Corvette Stingray and All-NewSilverado 1500 are the 2014 North American Car and Truck of the Year. “Chevrolet is in the midst of the most aggressive product transformation in the brand’s more than 100-year history,” said Alan Batey, General Motors senior vice president, Global Chevrolet. “The Corvette and Silverado truly embody the passion, commitment and focus that is driving us to deliver the most expressive designs, inno- vative technologies and engaging performance in every vehicle that wears the bowtie,”. Presentation of the North American Car and Truck of the Year awards open media days each year at the North American International Auto Show in Detroit. Forty-nine automotive journal- Malabar Gold & Diamonds opens ists from the United States and Canada vote to 111th showroom in Abu Dhabi recognize the most outstanding vehicles of the year based on factors including innovation, ABU DHABI: Malabar Gold & Diamonds, to cater the growing customer needs. The design, safety, handling, driver satisfaction and the leading jewellery retailer opened their country alone will witness the opening of 3 value for money. (0-60mph) in 3.8 seconds. thetic look. The new design is more muscular, 111th showroom in Capital Mall, Mussafah, new outlets during the first quarter of The Corvette Stingray’s provocative exterior The new Corvette Stingray interior blends more functional and more aerodynamic. A twin- Abu Dhabi, on 27th February 2014. The 2014, which will take their total number of styling is as functional as it is elegant. The goal fine materials and craftsmanship with advanced port grille, full-width bumper and dual power showroom was inaugurated by the young outlets in the UAE to 19. Their new outlet in was a bold design statement that embraced the technologies that contribute to a more connect- dome hood create a strong presence, which is and vibrant Indian film actor Dulquer Ruwais Mall, Abu Dhabi is one of the latest advanced technology of the car while enhanc- ed and more engaging driving experience. Every carried through in sculpted body sides and fend- Salman in the presence of Indian film ventures of Malabar Gold & Diamonds in ing its overall performance in everything from feature and detail in the interior is designed to er flares along with an all-new interior which is actress Shriya Saran and Ahamed M P - the UAE. In Abu Dhabi, they have two more the wind tunnel to the track. While no single enhance the driver’s connection to the Corvette. developed entirely around functionality. The All Chairman - Malabar Group, other Directors, showrooms in Madinat Zayed Shopping detail is repeated from previous generations, the It starts with the fighter jet inspired wraparound New 2014 Silverado intelligently integrates the personalities from media and well wishers. Centre and Hamdan Street. In UAE, they new Corvette Stingray includes the distinctive cockpit; continues to build with the smaller smartest technologies into the interior. The Group’s 4th showroom in Abu Dhabi are all set to open outlets in Fujairah and profile defined by a long dash-to-axle ratio and steering wheel, more supportive seats, and high- redesigned front seats are built for all-day com- features intricately designed international Ras Al Khaimah and plans are also under- the greenhouse evoking the canopy of a fighter definition, configurable screens, and is finished fort Crafted from stain-resistant high-wear vinyl, collection of classic, contemporary and way for renovating their showrooms in jet with dual-element tail lamps. To this founda- in gorgeous materials. cloth or leather. Both Silverado Crew Cab and quality jewellery crafted in gold, diamond prime locations such as Al Nahda, Bur tion, designers built a form vocabulary from two Silverado’s available 5.3L EcoTec3 V-8 gener- Double Cab have redesigned seating that offers and platinum. This outlet will also take part Dubai, Kuwaithath- Al Ain, Gold Souk etc- very different sources: aerospace and nature. ates 355 horsepower for confident towing and increased foot room and leg room in the second in the ‘Studs & Drops Festival’ till March during this period to substantially enhance The new Corvette Stingray is the most power- hauling, yet seamlessly switches to four cylin- row. Accessing the rear seat and getting in and 25th, a unique campaign of Malabar Gold & the shopping experience of the customers. ful standard model ever, with 455 horsepower ders to save fuel during light-load driving. With out is easier thanks to wider openings and larger Diamonds that runs solely for earrings, dis- With 37 retail stores located across the and 624 Nm (460 lb-ft) of torque from a 6.2L V-8 an EPA estimated highway fuel economy of up doors on Crew Cab and Double Cab models. playing an extensive collection of studs entire GCC region, 1 in Singapore and 111 engine - and 460 horsepower and 630 Nm (465 to 10.2 L/100km (23 mpg), Silverado offers the Visit any of Yusuf A Alghanim & Sons and drops from over 20 countries. outlets globally, Malabar Gold & Diamonds lb-ft) with the available performance exhaust best fuel economy of any V-8 pickup. Automotive showrooms to test drive the All- To add more glitter to this occasion, the is one of the most prominent jewellery system - enabling models with the available Z51 Silverado’s exterior design blends strong New 2014 Silverado and book the All-New group announced fabulous inaugural chains with its presence in 8 countries. The Performance Package to sprint from 0-100 km/h Chevy truck heritage with a refined, modern aes- Corvette. offers. The customers who purchase dia- group has a strong focus in the GCC and Far mond jewellery worth AED 5,000 get a 1 East countries. With their dynamic expan- gm gold coin absolutely free and a free sion plans, the group fortifies their business gold coin can be availed with every pur- in the areas of their operations and spread chase of gold jewellery worth AED 3,000. their operations into the key markets in the These offers are valid at this outlet till 15th region. As a part of this effort, they will March 2014. open more outlets in GCC and Singapore The jewellery chain expands its pres- shortly. They also have plans to spread their ence in the UAE in line with its aggressive operations to other Far East countries, UK expansion plans to extend their reach and and USA in the near future.

Gulf Bank launches new smart mobile application for online trading customers

KUWAIT: Gulf Bank announced the launch bank balance to buy and sell shares at their Flydubai reports 47% profit of an online trading application which has convenience. The Bank’s team developed been specifically designed for customers to the new application to provide its cus- trade on the Kuwait Stock Exchange (KSE) if tomers with access to the same level of increase over 2012 results they are on the move. The applications are service it promises its branch customers, available for Apple’s iPhone and iPad, as from anywhere in the world. Gulf Bank’s well as Android users, and can be down- systems use the most secure and advanced Airline reports $60.7 million profit for 2013 loaded starting 9th February 2014. digital technology, so that smartphone Gulf Bank identified customers’ need to banking and online trading is safe, as well KUWAIT: flydubai yesterday announced full-year within a five hour flying radius of Dubai and has ger offering. In line with the planned roll-out of as now being easier, more efficient and 2013 net profit of AED 222.8 million ($60.7 million) opened up 46 routes that were previously under- this project nine aircraft have been retrofitted with more convenient. an increase of 47 per cent compared to 2012. fly- served or did not have direct air links to Dubai. This a business class cabin and all five aircraft delivered In addition to the new application, Gulf dubai continues to play a prominent role in the has offered passengers in these markets access to a since August have been configured with two class- Bank’s mobile phone banking services, UAE’s aviation industry. The contribution it makes more convenient travel option. Passenger num- es. To ensure consistency of this new offering fly- which are available in Arabic and English, in support of its thriving commercial and tourism bers across flydubai’s network demonstrates strong dubai continued to push ahead with expanding allow customers to carry out a range of sectors is demonstrated by revenue of AED 3.7 bil- demand with 17 percent growth in Africa, 24 per- this service across its network and by the end of banking transactions without the need for lion ($1.0 billion). cent in the Caucasus, 39 percent in Central Asia, 55 December 2013 Business Class was available on 28 a computer or having to visit any of the His Highness Sheikh Ahmed Bin Saeed Al- percent in Europe including Russia, 37 percent in routes including Bucharest, Doha, Kabul, MalÈ, Bank’s branches. Customers can use their Maktoum, Chairman of flydubai, said: “2013 was a the GCC and Middle East, 41 percent in the Riyadh and Yekaterinburg. mobile phone or smartphone to check remarkable year for flydubai. We started the year Subcontinent and these markets remain its geo- Ghaith Al Ghaith, CEO of flydubai, said: “recog- their account details and statements, having achieved our first full year of profitability; graphic focus. The newly refurbished Departures nizing the expectation that has been set for us by review their transactions history, request a we launched Business Class services across our net- hall, opened in May, provides a convenient start to carrying Dubai’s name we continue to lead in prod- printed statement, check credit card details work and to support our future growth we placed our passengers’ journey. Improved facilities, offer- uct innovation to meet the travel needs of our cus- and statements, arrange transfers between the largest single-aisle Boeing aircraft order in the ing a better customer experience, included 52 tomers. Our disciplined approach to managing the other Gulf Bank accounts, make local and Middle East.” check-in counters as well as self-service check-in efficiency of the airline has enabled us to deliver an international transfers, make credit card to Commenting on the results, Sheikh Ahmed Bin kiosks; made available for the first time. increased profit for 2013.” account transfers, settle their bills and Saeed Al-Maktoum, said: “our 2013 profit rounds off flydubai grew its international team, drawn many other services. The services are easily another successful year for flydubai. The increase from 99 nationalities, to more than 2,250 employ- Aircraft order available through a downloadable applica- in profitability and focus on ensuring the efficiency ees including 499 pilots and 922 cabin crew. Ghaith At the 2013 Dubai Airshow, flydubai committed tion, and work on all the major smartphone of our operations, in spite of a complex operating Al Ghaith, CEO of flydubai, said: “Our results reflect to ordering 75 Boeing 737 MAX 8s and 11 Next- platforms, including Android, BlackBerry, environment, demonstrates the strength of our the strategic gap we fill, in particular, the approach Generation Boeing 737-800s, valued at $8.8 billion iPhone and Nokia. business model. flydubai remains focused on play- we have taken to open up 46 routes that did not at list prices. In addition, the airline retains pur- To find out more about Gulf Bank’s most ing a vital role in the UAE’s economic development previously have direct air links to Dubai. The chase rights for 25 more 737 MAXs. The first aircraft recent promotions, anyone can visit the and creating free flows of trade and tourism in pre- achievements of the past year could not have been from this order, 11 Next-Generation Boeing 737- trade while on the move and without Bank’s bilingual website at www.e-gulf- viously underserved markets.” delivered without the commitment and hard work 800s, will be delivered between 2016 and 2017. going to the Bank’s or KSE’s online trading bank.com, call the Customer Contact of our experienced team, together with our part- Deliveries of the first Boeing 737 MAX will com- websites. Through this latest application, Center on 1805805, or visit one of Gulf Operational performance ners, who are focused on exceeding our passen- mence in the second half of 2017 and continue Gulf Bank is offering its customers the Bank’s 57 branches for assistance and guid- Continued demand for travel within a five hour gers’ expectations on board flydubai.” until the end of 2023. As one of the most reliable opportunity to trade on KSE using their ance. flying radius of Dubai resulted in an increase in and efficient single-aisle aircraft models of its type, passenger numbers to 6.82 million a 38 per cent Cost performance currently available today, these aircraft will support increase compared to 2012. Fuel expense remains the single largest operat- flydubai’s continued growth and replace some of Aircraft delivery was accelerated resulting in ing cost and is 39.5 per cent of total cost. During the original aircraft in its fleet. The remaining air- seven new Next-Generation Boeing 737-800 air- the last quarter of 2013, flydubai started hedging craft from the order placed at the 2008 craft joining the fleet last year. Together with the and 29 percent of the total fuel requirements for Farnborough Airshow will be delivered by the end rolling retrofit program a total of 14 aircraft are 2014 have been hedged. of 2015. configured with a business class cabin. Ancillary revenue remained a significant com- The airline, which operates an average of 1,100 ponent of total revenues and accounted for 14.6 Aircraft financing flights a week, launched 17 new routes during per cent of total revenues in 2013. flydubai Cargo, In 2013, flydubai continued to diversify its 2013 bringing the network to 66 destinations. It a growing ancillary revenue stream, continued to sources of funding. The positive response received doubled its network in Russia to eight destinations; demonstrate strong growth and implemented the from the market is an endorsement of flydubai’s underlined the commitment to its network in the use of electronic Air Waybills (e-AWB) across its strategy and continuing growth. During the year, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia with 10 destinations, operations. Other ancillary revenue items include an agreement for USD 228 million was signed with many of which have not previously had direct flydubai’s inflight entertainment, on board sales, five regional and international banks to finance six flights to Dubai, as well as Salalah in Oman. It end- seat preferences, checked baggage allowance, car Next-Generation Boeing 737-800 aircraft. AED6.6 ed the year with the first direct flights to Chisinau, rental, hotel bookings, travel insurance and visa billion (USD 1.8 billion) has been raised in competi- the capital of Moldova. facilitation services. October 2013 saw the launch tive financing or committed from the market to flydubai has strategically expanded its network of Business Class an evolution of flydubai’s passen- fund the acquisition of 43 aircraft to date. Citadel Capital swings to EGP 10.5m standalone net profit in FY 2013

CBK announces EGYPT: Citadel Capital (CCAP.CA on the Egyptian investments,” said Citadel Capital Chairman and part of its ongoing transformation into an investment Exchange), the leading investment company in Africa Founder Ahmed Heikal. “The result has been improv- company that will hold majority stakes in its sub- KD100,000 prize winner and the Middle East, announced yesterday its stand- ing financial performance, particular at the Citadel sidiaries in five core industries: energy, transportation, alone financial results for the fourth quarter and full- Capital standalone level and the level of our opera- agrifoods, mining and cement. year 2013, reporting a net profit of EGP 10.5 million tional core platforms. We look forward to the success- Citadel Capital will continue to report its KUWAIT: The Commercial Bank of Kuwait over the prize check. on revenues of EGP 126.6 million for FY13. ful conclusion of the capital increase in late March, Consolidated financial results as it continues its trans- announced Qassem Mohammad Al-Hamad An interest-free account, the Najma By comparison, the firm reported a net loss of EGP which will propel us well down the road in our trans- formation into an investment company that should as the newest winner of the 100,000 grand account entitles clients for a chance to win 66.4 million in FY12; the fourth quarter of the year formation into an investment company.” be judged by the consolidated performance of its prize. The draw was held for Najma KD7,000 a day the largest daily prize in just-ended marks the fourth consecutive quarter of The release of the standalone figure comes as the investments. While it typically discloses both Account clients on the National Day and Kuwait, in addition to a ticket to enter four profitability for the firm, driven by steady advisory firm prepares for the second and final round of sub- Standalone and Consolidated Financials in the same Liberation Day occasions. annual draws, each for a KD100,000 Grand fees, net financing gains and proceeds from divi- scriptions to the capital increase. Citadel Capital dis- Business Review, the firm is reporting Standalone Prize, organized during the national holi- Paul Dawood, the General Manager of dends. “Prudent management mitigated risk across closed earlier this month that it had completed its Financials only at this time to satisfy a regulatory the Banking Services Department at the days, the CBK anniversary on June 19th, the board in 2013 ≠- at Citadel Capital as a standalone planned purchases of additional stakes in platform requirement for the finalization of the ongoing EGP CBK, welcomed Al-Hamad and handed and during the Eid Al-Fitr and Eid Al-Adha. entity and across our portfolio of core and non-core companies totaling approximately EGP 3.5 billion as 3.64 billion capital increase. TUESDAY, MARCH 4, 2014 technology Better batteries are key to climate change: Kemp LONDON: Finding a better way to store and ships. “Compared to gasoline and the high cost and weight. Department of Energy, the world’s focuses on nuclear and solar thermal electrical energy is the single biggest diesel, other options may have more For grid applications, some truly biggest funder of science research. energy, all these programmes concen- breakthrough needed to tackle climate energy per unit weight, but none have enormous batteries have been built. The Most of the department’s research trate on developing better batteries. change. But the goal of developing bat- more energy per unit volume,” the U.S. city of Fairbanks in Alaska has installed a focuses on more mature technologies. Since 2010, ARPA-E has allocated well teries that are lighter, as well as more Energy Information Administration battery system weighing 1,300 tonnes Its Advanced Research Projects Agency- over $100 million of funding to 47 bat- compact, powerful and affordable explained in a recent note (“Few trans- and taking up 2,000 square metres Energy (ARPA-E), however, is a spe- tery-related projects, according to the remains frustratingly elusive. portation fuels surpass the energy densi- (21,000 square feet) in a warehouse cialised unit that aims to catalyse the agency’s website. Virtually all usable energy on Earth ties of gasoline and diesel”, Jan. 3, 2014). capable of providing 40 megawatts of development of less advanced technolo- BEEST is funding research that explic- originates from the sun: wind, solar, Liquefied natural gas contains more power for up to seven minutes in the gies with transformational potential by itly aims to make batteries comparable wood, even fossil fuels. Oil, gas and coal energy per unit of weight but takes up event of a power failure (Daily Telegraph, providing early-stage funding, technical to gasoline and diesel. “To offer perform- are simply the fossilised remains of much more space. Ethanol is inferior in “World’s biggest battery switched on in assistance and commercial expertise. ance comparable to gasoline-powered organisms that lived in ancient forests, weight and volume terms. Batteries are Alaska” 2003). Established in 2007, ARPA-E was cars, electric vehicles must be able to lakes and seas, which relied on photo- generally heavier and need more space Given Fairbanks’ isolated location and modelled on the Pentagon’s Defense deliver the kind of power that will make synthesis to harness the sun’s energy. than gasoline or diesel. Most are also winter temperatures as much as 50 Advanced Research Projects Agency, electric cars fast, responsive and exciting The amount of solar energy reaching much more expensive. degrees Celsius below zero (minus 58 credited with helping develop the glob- to drive,” ARPA-E emphasises. Earth’s surface every year is many orders Burning those fossil fuels, however, Fahrenheit), a secure supply of electricity al positioning system, the stealth fighter “They also must be able to travel at of magnitude greater than that needed contributes to global warming. The chal- is vital. The battery is intended to keep and computer networking. least 300 miles (480 km) on a single to meet all the needs of the planet’s lenge is to develop more effective ener- the lights on long enough to start up According to the US National charge - the approximate driving range growing population. gy storage that can compete with gaso- auxiliary diesel generators. Academy of Science, ARPA-E was per tank of gas - for a comparable cost. Solar radiation reaching the planet’s line and diesel. Better batteries are likely Even bigger batteries have been designed to support “creative out-of- This would require batteries with double surface is equivalent to more than 150 to prove the only realistic option. built. In 2011, China’s State Grid the-box transformational generic energy the energy density and one-third the watts per square metre on average, Corporation commissioned a giant bat- research that industry by itself cannot or cost of today’s state-of-the-art lithium- according to Roger Barry at the Grid scale, vehicles tery array that can supply 20-36 will not support and in which the risk ion battery packs.” University of Colorado (“Atmosphere, Improved storage is needed at two megawatt-hours of electricity. The may be high but success would provide ARPA-E is funding research to re-eval- weather and climate”, 2010). very different levels: grid scale (for exam- Zhangbei National Energy Storage and dramatic benefits to the nation”. uate each component of a battery (posi- The problem is how to store that ple to store solar electricity for use at Transmission Demonstration Project, in The agency has an annual budget of tive and negative electrodes as well as energy in a usable form available when night) where it can be stationary, and on Hebei province, is coupled with a wind $275 million. Most of the funding is allo- the electrolyte) and the materials used and where needed. Solar panels are not a smaller, more mobile scale (to replace farm and solar power plant, and claims cated to 18 focus areas. Five of them to make them. useful at night, or in the winter at high gasoline and diesel with electricity as to be the largest battery array in the concern energy storage - more than any “BEEST projects are exploring a vari- latitudes, or when the sun is temporarily the source of power in cars, trucks and world. Crucially, Zhangbei was intended other area of energy technology. ety of potential solutions including radi- obscured by clouds. Solar energy ulti- ships). Various options have been devel- to prove that wind and solar can provide The storage-related programmes are: cal improvement of today’s lithium-ion mately drives the wind too. But wind tur- oped for stationary grid-scale storage - a reliable source of power on demand. Advanced Management and Protection technologies, designs using other met- bines are useless on a still day. including pump hydro, flywheels and But in most cases, batteries are still too Energy Storage Devices (AMPED); als such as magnesium, sodium and zinc, The ideal storage medium has a high compressed air systems. Better batteries heavy, too large and too expensive to Batteries for Electrical Energy Storage in and new ways of using lithium in lithi- energy content but is light, compact and are the most promising technology for offer an effective solution to grid-scale Transportation (BEEST); Grid-Scale um-sulfur and lithium-air batteries,” the affordable. Liquid fuels refined from grid-scale applications, however, and and vehicle storage needs. Rampable Intermittent Dispatchable agency explains. petroleum, especially gasoline and probably the only one for small-scale Storage (GRIDS); High-Energy Advanced At a much bigger scale, GRIDS is diesel, have the best combination of mobile applications. Advanced research Thermal Storage (HEATS); and Robust funding research into technology that energy content, density and weight, Small-scale batteries are already used Developing smaller, lighter and more Affordable Next Generation Energy could be used to back up intermittent which makes them especially desirable in electric vehicles and plug-in hybrid powerful batteries is now one of the top Storage Systems (RANGE). wind and solar generation with storage in mobile applications like cars, trucks electric vehicles. The main problem is research priorities for the US With the exception of HEATS, which anywhere. — AP Mouse Interface, for Grim Fandango

y now you’ve heard some clever mod- der has added mouse controls to the BLucasArts classic adventure Grim Fandango, allowing you to play the game without having to awkwardly steer Manny Calavera around like a friggin’ cargo barge. I’ve actually tried it out, and I can answer all of your questions. Is the mod hard to install? Not really! Does it work? Almost entirely! Can I squeeze an entire column out of telling you how to get it running? Most definitely. Read on to learn how you can point - finally point - in Grim Fandango. Just like Manny’s doing! Essentially, you’re looking at a four step process to get both Grim Fandango and the mod running on current PCs. The example below is from my machine, using Windows 7, though it appears you can get it running on Mac and other versions of Windows as well. SINGAPORE: This photograph taken on February 10, 2014 shows Singapore Airlines Except possibly Windows 8. Sorry. Also, you passenger aircraft taxis along tarmac for take-off at Changi International Airport in will need to find your old Grim Fandango Singapore. Wi-Fi services in aircraft, hobbled in the past by slow speeds, could soon discs, which brings us to Step One. take off after new technology enables passengers to surf the web as if they were in a coffee shop offering Internet access, Internet executives say. — AFP Step One: Find Your Old ahead and copy/replace. It’s fine. sponsive tank through screen after screen, hit- Grim Fandango Discs While you’re dragging stuff into that folder, ting the brakes as he passed an item that They’re in a box in your closet, most likely you’ll also need download the official Grim made him briefly glance in its direction, Cisco cleared in rights case the bottom box under a tower of other, heav- Fandango patch. It’s on this page, labeled throwing him into reverse to rewind him to ier boxes, so pull all those boxes out and stack gfupd.exe. Don’t run it, just download it and the precise spot, missing, and shoving him WASHINGTON: A US court has cleared against Cisco,” company general counsel them against a wall where you’ll leave them stick it into the same folder you put the .LAB forward again. And lets not talk about the Cisco Systems over liability for human rights Mark Chandler said in a statement. for a good three weeks until you’re sick of files into. Okay? endless cycling through his inventory, the abuses in China, in a case closely watched “As the court noted, Congress and the your cats using them as a jungle gym. You close-up of his chest as he pulled the items by the global technology sector and Commerce Department expressly permit don’t have time to put them back now — Step Three: Install ResidualVM out of his pockets, one by one. Deck of Cards. activists. the sale of this networking technology. This you’ve got a game to install! and Put Grim Fandango Into It Work Order. Cat Balloon. Loaf of Bread. Loaf of The Maryland judge dismissed the case, is no surprise given that it has helped bil- ResidualVM is the doohickey that will let Bread. Loaf of Bread. LOAF. OF. BREAD. Vexing! saying Cisco-one of the biggest makers of lions of people in nearly every nation Now that you’ve got the box, start rooting you play Grim Fandango (and tons of other computer networking equipment-was not around the world to access information pre- around in it like a desperate raccoon. Dig at fault for abuses carried out by Beijing viously unavailable or inaccessible.” deeper! Under the board game that has LucasArts games) on your modern PC. Here is Step Four: The Easiest Step! using the “Golden Shield” censorship and The ruling could be significant in a similar spilled dice and cards and game pieces all the download page for the various versions Glottis is waiting. But this won’t take long. surveillance project to find, arrest and tor- case filed in California by members of the over the place. Past the box of tax software (remember, I’m using Windows 7 in this exam- The modder’s instructions seem a little ture political opponents. Falungong religious group, which has been from 2007 that you’re holding onto for some ple) and I used the auto-installer to save a few vague and daunting at first. He drops a few It was the latest test of a 1789 US law branded by China an “evil cult” and banned. reason. Under your old high school yearbook, steps. Download it, install it, and run it. links and casually dispenses worlds like clone, which may be used by foreign nationals to The decision also suggests the US courts though quickly flip through it because you Reading about it couldn’t hurt, either. It’s a build, and binaries, and there’s a Readme file seek redress in American courts over human are reining in the use of the Alien Tort just heard on Facebook that Tommy Hillman useful tool for older games. that doesn’t actually have instructions on rights abuses. Statute, which was little used for 200 years died but there were TWO Tommy Hillmans in When it runs, you’ll see a window with a what to do but tells you to read another Judge Peter Messitte, in a February 24 until the 1980s, when rights activists began your school and you’re not sure if it was button that says “Add Game...” Click it, and Readme. Frankly... I just took a wild guess. I opinion, sidestepped some of the key legal suing on that basis. Tommy “Waffles” Hillman or Tommy “Didn’t navigate to the desktop GRIM folder you’ve dragged the files from his download folder questions in ruling that the court lacked The US Supreme Court in recent months Have A Nickname” Hillman and you need to been adding files to — OR — you may want into my GIRM folder, and then double-clicked jurisdiction over the US tech giant’s activi- has struck down lawsuits seeking redress check their old pictures to be sure. (It was to preemptively move the GRIM folder to an the .exe file I’d just dragged over, and you ties, but added that he “harbors doubt that against German carmaker Daimler for abus- Tommy Waffles. RIP.) easier spot to navigate to, because it’s one of know what? It worked. it worked great. corporations are immune” from the Alien es in Argentina’s “dirty war,” and against those kinda archaic file browser things that So. Just visit this page. Where the post links Tort law. Messitte wrote that “from all that Royal Dutch Shell for its role in Nigeria’s Games on discs? Movies on tape? makes it hard to browse to your desktop. Like, two current binaries, download the Windows appears, Cisco technology remains a neutral political crackdowns. it thinks C:/ is the end-all-be-all of file loca- version. Grab the files within (mouse.lab and product that can be used in innumerable “The courts have substantially narrowed What’s next: phones attached to walls? tions. Know what I mean? Anyway, however residualvm.exe), drag them to the folder you non-controversial ways” and that the the interpretation” of the tort law, says Gary Hey, you’ve found it! Your original Grim Chinese plaintiffs “failed to indicate with any Hufbauer, a senior fellow at the Peterson Fandango discs! Also, you’ve found a bunch of you want to do it, find your GRIM folder and put everything else in earlier. Double-click logic what it means to customize technolo- Institute for International Economics and co- other old games you suddenly, desperately select it. residualvm.exe. When the window opens, gy that would permit the sort of human author or a 2001 book on the law. want to play, and will keep out on your desk click Start. Remember that Alt-Enter changes rights violations alleged here, such as tor- Hufbauer said that if the courts had acted for the next six months with every intention Click Start. The game will start your screen size and F1 brings up your game ture.” differently, it could have opened the flood- of playing them, but you never will get in that little window, like magic! options. gates to litigation, clogging up US dockets around to it and eventually you’ll just shove Even if you called your folder GIRM, it A clickable inventory. All is right in the Activists disappointed and “it would be a big deterrent factor for US them back in the box that will wind up back at knows it’s Grim Fandango. What an age we world. Activists hoping to use the US courts to companies doing business overseas.” the bottom of the closet again until you’re live in. And hey! You can now point and mouse- hold corporations accountable for complici- gripped by a sudden bout of nostalgia in Guess what? You can now play Grim click where you want Manny to go! You can ty in rights abuses expressed disappoint- Public pressure about three years. Fandango! That was easy and probably didn’t click on the things you want him to look at! ment over the decision. “While a tech com- While the US courts have been unrecep- Note: You also found VHS copies of the require any of my blather about closets and You can double-click to make him hurry up. pany could not (and should not) be held tive to lawsuits, multinational companies are original Star Wars trilogy, pristine, from before boxes and dead classmates! You can even hold the space bar and see all accountable when governments misuse facing pressure on other fronts to step up George Lucas got his stupid hands all over When you start the game, it may be in a the places you can walk to or things you can general-use products for nefarious purpos- efforts on human rights. Public campaigns them! Well, technically, he got his hands on teeny tiny window, but pressing Alt-Enter will interact with! Middle-mouse brings up your es, early evidence indicates that Cisco did in recent years have focused on Google and (or should) pop it up to fill your screen. If it inventory and puts things away, and you can much more,” say Cindy Cohn and Rainey Yahoo activities in China. them back when he made them the first time. doesn’t, I don’t know what to tell you. If you click on items instead of cycling through Reitman of the Electronic Frontier “There is a broad movement that has But this is from after then but before he got Foundation (EFF) in a blog post. been holding companies accountable on his older, stupider hands all over them a sec- want it in a size between small and full, I also them! It’s like the second greatest crime of “This included actively customizing, mar- human rights for a long time,” says Rebecca ond time. Also, it doesn’t matter because you don’t know what to do. Also, hitting F1 will LucasArts has been undone! (The first being keting and providing support for its moni- MacKinnon, a New America Foundation fel- don’t have a VHS player anymore. Let’s contin- bring up the Grim Fandango menu. I can tell Force Commander.) toring and censorship technologies even as low who heads a “Ranking Digital Rights” ue! you that. Putting breadcrumbs on a Robert No more steering. Just click it and he’ll get it knew that they would be used to identify, project assessing the conduct of major tech- Time to cram a folder with files, just like a Frost balloon to scare away dead pigeons. Of there. locate, and surveil Chinese democracy and nology firms. vacuum tube full of chemicals. course! It’s so simple! I haven’t played through the entire game religious freedom activists.” Some firms including Facebook, Yahoo Of course, this is the old Grim Fandango, yet, but I got to the bridge with the fire- The EFF filed a brief supporting the plain- and Google have adopted principles for pri- Step Two: Drag A Bunch the one where LucasArts attempted to take beavers. You know, that bridge. To that point, tiff, dissident writer Du Daobin, and has vacy and human rights under the aegis of of Stuff Into A Folder the “point” out of “point-and-click.” Why did everything worked fine, though for the puzzle been documenting other cases in which the non-government Global Network This is a snap. Create a folder on your desk- they do it? What were they thinking? Well, I in the woods with the wheelbarrow and the technology supplied by Western companies Initiative, “but unfortunately Cisco has not top named GRIM. Or, if you’re careless, as I think this quote from Jurassic Park might sum pumps, I had to use the traditional Numpad is being used by repressive governments taken that step,” MacKinnon said. was, GIRM. Pop in Grim Fandango Disc A. Your it up: “I’ve been present for the birth of every keys to make Manny push the wheelbarrow around the world. MacKinnon told AFP she hopes her proj- computer will probably be all “What am I sup- single creature on this island!” Wait, wrong back and forth. Also, when it was time to stick “Technologies are being created and cus- ect will get companies to carry out “human posed to do with this old thing?” Just open quote. That’s the quote that makes me want a badge in my mouth, I had to use the Enter tomized with the explicit purpose of helping rights assessments” and other measures to the disc like a folder, find the GRIMDATA folder to punch Richard Attenborough in the belly key to do it. Everything else worked great repressive regimes track down, detain, tor- ensure their products and services are not so hard his glasses fall off. The quote I’m look- with the mouse. Keep in mind, this mod is still ture and murder people,” the EFF activists used for repression. on it, and select every file that ends with .LAB. ing for is: “Your scientists were so preoccupied being worked on and bug-checked, and even said. “It’s time for Western companies and The rankings, which are due in 2015, can Drag those .LAB files into your GRIM (or American officials to stop pretending this add pressure from shareholders, govern- GIRM!) desktop folder. with whether or not they could that they ResidualVM doesn’t always work 100%. isn’t true.” ments and the general public. Repeat with the second (B) Grim disc. As didn’t stop to think if they should!” — For the moment, though, this is a great Cisco welcomed the court decision. “As “We think a low score will shine a spot- you’re moving those files, your computer will I have many fond memories of Grim solution, and fantastic work by modder Tobias we stated when the lawsuit was originally light on the laggards and help improve their ask if it should copy/replace a couple things, Fandango, yet they are tarnished by the frus- Pfaff. Thank you, Tobias! Finally, you can drive filed, there is no basis for the allegations conduct,” MacKinnon said.— AFP or if it should not. Tell it that it should. Go tration of trying to drive Manny like an unre- Manny around properly. TUESDAY, MARCH 4, 2014 HEALTH & SCIENCE Age-old indicators under stress in high Bolivia

CUTUSUMA: For centuries, farmers in In the reeds on Titicaca’s shore, he Condori says the “bio-indicators” he such as wind direction and cloud move- typical indicator of abundant rain, said the fragile ecosystems of the high Andes points out the height of the nests built follows most closely have helped reduce ment traditionally have told farmers Jose Luis Quiruchi, a Quechua communi- have looked to the behavior of plants by birds known as quilli quilli, a diminu- agricultural losses 40 percent in whether frosts are imminent. A strong ty leader in the Potosi region, Bolivia’s and animals to figure out what crops to tive species similar to hummingbirds. Cutusuma and surrounding communi- easterly breeze on March 13 indicates as poorest. grow and when. Farmers have long used the locations of ties. Scientists, however, stress there are much, he says. Reeds also dried up at that time of If reeds dried up in the late summer, those nests as measures of how much no empirical data to support the beliefs. Reading those signs has become year, another traditional indicator of dri- rainless weather lay ahead, they the lake will rise and the amount of rain- The indicators are catalogued in what more difficult as climate change alters er weather ahead. We expected little believed. If the Andean fox made a howl- fall to come. are known as Pachagrama, registries everything from animal behavior to the rain, but instead the opposite happened,” ing appearance, abundant rains were “This year they initially built their whose name derives from “Pachamama,” weather. There are no scientific studies as Quiruchi said. Anticipating drier condi- thought sure to come. But increasingly nests about 40 centimeters (1.3 feet) the native Andean word for “Mother yet on how climate change may modify tions, farmers planted potatoes in low- erratic weather that scientists attribute above the water level. Then they disman- Earth.” Communities compile and share animal behavior used as indicators. “Yet lying areas. Now, they fear the tubers will to global warming is rendering their age- tled them,” Condori says. Twice, in fact, the registry information, which is espe- it is also certain that these meteorologi- become water-logged and rot. old methods less reliable, endangering did the birds dismantle nests before cially crucial from September to cal phenomena are occurring in an Agronomist Nelson Tapia of the harvests in a region where life is hard in finally reweaving them at nearly twice November when the dry season ends atmosphere that has warmed by 0.8 Universidad Mayor de San Simon in the best of times. their original height. “We knew it was and farmers need to know how soon to degrees (Celsius),” or 1.4 degrees Cochabamba says climate change offers Experts may scoff at such folk science, going to rain a lot,” he says. plant, when the rains will begin and how Fahrenheit, since pre-industrial times, some benefits for high-altitude farmers. but the men and women who till the And so it did, so much so that rivers in long they will last. said Dirk Hoffmann, a German who They can grow certain fruits and vegeta- high mountain soil continue to swear by the Amazon basin have flooded their It’s in that season they look for guid- heads the nonprofit Bolivian Mountain bles at higher altitudes, with apricots the traditional indicators, and Bolivia’s banks, submerging thousands of homes. ance to the southern lapwing, a long- Institute. and corn as well as citrus fruits now government has even incorporated That rain augured well, by contrast, for legged plover that likes grasslands. If the Indeed, the observations of local growing as high up as 3,000 meters them into climate reports provided to this Aymara community’s potato crop. female drops her eggs on the crest of a indigenous coincide with scientific data (9,800 feet) in the Cochabamba valley. farmers when it lacked modern data Landlocked and poor, Bolivia relies on a furrow, a lot of rain is expected and farm- that show the rainy season is both less However, the negative effects are from meteorological stations. weak meteorological reporting system - ers will plant potatoes rather than predictable and begins later, Hoffman greater, he said, with highland farmers “They work for me,” assures Francisco with just 50 weather stations nationwide. quinoa, which requires less water. But if said. “Previously, the rainy period lasted losing crop variety and planting in short- Condori, 45, after checking the previous Farming is also decidedly low tech in the she deposits them inside the furrow, it four months. Now it’s shorter but the er cycles. The director of the govern- night’s precipitation on a homemade mountainous part of the country. supposedly will be a dry year. amount of rain has not decreased,” he ment’s risk management agency, Lucio rain gauge on Lake Titicaca’s southern The size of the spots on the eggs is said. Tito, insists the traditional indicators still shore, the hills around him shining pur- Bio-indicators another indicator of whether to plant In Bolivia’s drier southern high plains, have their value despite the changing cli- ple with flowering potato plants. Ox-driven plows overwhelmingly out- potatoes or quinoa. “If the spots are big, farmers who follow one popular tradi- mate. “They should not be dismissed,” he Condori is a well-heeded font of number tractors, a far cry from the east- it’s potatoes. If they are small, it’s quinoa,” tional indicator say they were misled this said. “They should be combined with sci- ancestral knowledge for fellow farmers ern lowlands, where highly mechanized Condori says. Lately, however, the birds year when the Andean fox did not entific knowledge to form a strategy in these treeless climes frequently pun- rice and soy farming yields the bulk of have been erratic in where they lay their appear and howl full-throated from the against climate change. That’s what we’re ished by frosts, hailstorms and drought. Bolivian agricultural exports. eggs. Other indicators Condori follows hilltops in August or September. That’s a doing.” —AP Myanmar says Doctors Without Borders can stay Negotiations continue between Ministry of Health, MSF

YANGON: A day after Doctors Without Borders announced its expulsion from Myanmar, the government backpedaled, saying the aid organi- zation would be allowed to resume operations everywhere but Rakhine, a state plagued by bloody bouts of sectarian violence. The Nobel Peace Prize-winning group expressed grave concern Saturday about the fate of tens of thousands of vulnerable people in the state, which is home to the country’s long- persecuted minority Rohingya Muslim commu- GOTEBORG: In this April 4, 2012 photo made available by the University of Goteborg nity. Many have been displaced by violence and in Sweden, the Swedish research team practices before the operations to transplant are living in crowded camps, where they have lit- wombs at the Sahlgrenska Hospital in Goteborg, Sweden. Swedish doctor Mats tle or no access to adequate health care. Brannstrom says four Swedish women who received transplanted wombs have had They are “currently facing a humanitarian embryos transferred into them in an attempt to get pregnant. —AP medical crisis,” Doctors Without Borders said in a statement. Myanmar, a predominantly Buddhist nation of 60 million people, has been grappling 4 women with new wombs with sectarian violence since it moved from dic- tatorship to a nominally civilian government in are trying to get pregnant 2011. Up to 280 people have been killed and more than 140,000 others forced to flee their LONDON: A Swedish doctor says four four of the seven women might successful- homes, most of them Rohingya. Swedish women who received transplant- ly give birth. “One or two more will per- Doctors Without Borders, which provides care ed wombs have had embryos transferred haps get pregnant and miscarry and one or across religious, ethnic and racial lines, has come SITTWE: A displaced Muslim woman carries a bag of aid she collected from a humanitarian into them in an attempt to get pregnant. two won’t be able to get pregnant,” he said. under fire for working on the behalf of the centre at a camp on the outskirts of Sittwe in Rakhine state of western Myanmar. — AFP Since 2012, nine women have received Brannstrom said any woman who does Rohingya. It was told earlier in the week that its wombs donated by relatives in an experi- get pregnant will be on a low dose of drugs license was being revoked, in part because it ‘Humanitarian medical crisis’ mental procedure designed to test whether to keep from rejecting the transplanted was hiring “Bengalis,” the name Myanmar’s gov- Richard Horsey, an independent analyst, said ‘Hardliner elements’ it’s possible to transfer a uterus into a womb and will be monitored as a high-risk ernment uses to refer to Rohingya. The group Rakhine nationalists, who have called for all Unrest in Rakhine sparked anti-Muslim vio- woman so she can give birth to her own pregnancy. He said some women had also was accused of being impartial and lacking international aid groups including the United lence across the country last year that has tar- child. The women had in-vitro fertilization received their new wombs from their transparency. Nations to leave the state, could see the MSF nished Myanmar’s reformist image and caused before the transplant, using their own eggs mothers and there was a higher rate of Presidential spokesman Ye Htut said negotia- suspension as an endorsement of their calls. international concern. Tens of thousands of to make embryos. complications with older uteruses. tions were continuing between the Ministry of “What next? If the Rakhine nationalists think Rohingya have fled Myanmar in rickety boats “We have already begun transferring The transplants are intended to benefit Health and Doctors Without Borders about the they can kick people out, if they have a success since the violence began, mostly heading for embryos into four of the women and plan women unable to have children because aid agency’s work in Rakhine. with MSF, they will move on to the next target,” Malaysia, in what activists say is an increasingly to make attempts with the others when they lost a uterus to cancer or were born Earlier, experts had warn that the decision he told AFP. formalised human trafficking network. Hundreds they are ready,” said Dr. Mats Brannstrom, a without one. About one girl in 4,500 is born last week to halt MSF’s activities in Rakhine MSF, which has operated in Myanmar for over have drowned in rough seas making the professor of obstetrics and gynecology at with MRKH, where she doesn’t have a sends a chilling message to humanitarian agen- two decades, on Friday said the government had attempt. the University of Goteburg, who is leading womb. cies working in the impoverished western state, instructed it to cease all operations in the coun- Speaking a dialect similar to one in neigh- the research. Brannstrom said the transplanted which remains volatile following two major try. But authorities have since softened their bouring Bangladesh, the estimated 800,000 He would not say Monday whether any wombs would be removed after a maxi- eruptions of communal bloodshed in 2012 that stance, allowing the organisation to resume its Rohingya in Myanmar are seen by the govern- of the women are pregnant. Of the nine mum of two pregnancies. “Based on our left over a hundred thousand people displaced, work everywhere but Rakhine. ment and many Burmese as illegal immigrants who got transplanted wombs, two had to previous work and animal studies, we are mainly Muslims. The medical group, which insists it gives and rendered effectively stateless. Horsey said have them removed because of complica- optimistic,” he said. “But we cannot guaran- In one of the bleak, dusty camps which are treatment purely on need, had programmes in the country’s reformist leadership was under tions. Brannstrom predicted that three or tee anything.” — AP clustered on the outskirts of the state capital nine townships across Rakhine, including pro- intense pressure from Buddhist nationalists in Sittwe, displaced people swarmed a humanitari- viding primary healthcare to Rohingya commu- Rakhine and wider Myanmar society. “It seems an centre handing out household goods during nities who are prevented from accessing state that they feel they have to do something to a recent AFP visit to the area. In the Muslim facilities. appease these hardliner elements and that is a Snake eats crocodile camps most of the inhabitants are Rohingya-a It warned that tens of thousands of people in worrying signal of how much power those ele- stateless minority viewed as illegal migrants by Rakhine were facing a “humanitarian medical cri- ments have,” he told AFP. SYDNEY: A huge snake has won a life and His wife Tiffany described the battle as Myanmar authorities-although there are other sis” as a result of the decision, adding that MSF Myanmar President Thein Sein, a former junta death battle against a crocodile in “just unbelievable”. “We were sort of think- Muslim ethnic groups taking shelter after the was continuing to negotiate with the govern- general who won international plaudits for Australia, swallowing the animal whole ing that the snake had bitten off a little violence. Many Muslims are prevented from ment over access to the state. MSF has faced a sweeping reforms since taking power three after a lengthy struggle before amazed more than it could chew,” she told the working by travel restrictions that seal them concerted campaign of local protests in recent years ago, mooted sending displaced Muslims in onlookers. Travis Corlis, who watched the Australian Broadcasting Corporation. “But within a vast compound, leaving them reliant on weeks, after saying it treated injured people in Rakhine to a third country or UN-administered fight at Queensland’s Lake Moondarra, near it did. It actually ate the crocodile.” international aid for necessities Ethnic Rakhine its clinic near Du Chee Yar Tan village in northern camps after the first wave of violence in 2012. the mining town of Mount Isa, on Sunday, She added: “When you actually looked Buddhists were also displaced in the fighting, Rakhine. His calls were welcomed by a cabal of radical said the snake, thought to be a python, was at the snake, you could actually see the but they do not face the same restrictions as The United Nations has said dozens of monks, who have been accused of using their about 10 feet (three metres) long and crocodile’s ridges, legs and everything Muslims and are largely able to access employ- Rohingya men, women and children are privileged position in Myanmar society to fuel “healthy looking”. inside its belly.” Tiffany said the crocodile ment and services. believed to have been killed in January in an sectarian tensions. The crocodile, which the snake coiled had struggled to keep its head out of the An aid group visited by AFP asked not to be attack in the area by ethnic Rakhines allegedly Monks in Rakhine have appeared at protests itself around, was about three feet in water, and while both animals had clearly singled out in reporting amid bitter resentment aided by police. against international organisations and some length, he said. “They had quite the strug- tired during their marathon fight for sur- among ethnic Rakhine Buddhist nationalist The episode has been strongly denied by the clerics express deep mistrust towards Muslim gle in the water,” he told AFP. “It was an vival, “finally, the croc sort of gave in”. groups over the dispensing of support. government. Chris Lewa, director of the Arakan communities. Nandawbatha, from Abaya ongoing battle. “We were just standing Travis Corlis said while crocodiles and “They neglect our people,” said Shwe Maung, Project which campaigns on Rohingya rights, monastery in Sittwe, accused aid groups of stok- there in amazement watching it.” snakes were both common in the area, he a senior member of the Rakhine Nationalities said the MSF suspension was “extremely worry- ing the violence to justify their work. Corlis said several hours after he first had never seen them battle each other in Development Party, in comments made before ing” and could prompt further campaigns “If there were no problems between the two saw the encounter, he noticed the snake such a way. Freshwater crocodiles are the MSF announcement. “They are not for us, against other aid organisations. “This is unac- communities they could not stay here. So they had pulled the crocodile onto the banks of known to inhabit Lake Moondarra and we know that, but they are helping our enemies,” ceptable in a country that claimed to be on a create problems. They are the origin of the con- the lake and released its prey, which by this Travis Corlis said a recent drought had seen he told AFP. path to democratisation,” Lewa said. flicts here,” he said. —Agencies stage was dead. “About 10 minutes later the water level drop, making them more the crocodile was gone,” he said, referring visible. “I think it might just have been to the creature being eaten. nature at its best,” he said. —AFP FDA reconsiders heart safety of common pills

WASHINGTON: Federal health experts are taking a heart problems as much as its peers. The finding ers will have to wrestle with reams of data that are second look this week at the heart safety of pain came from Oxford University researchers who often riddled with complicating factors: medications used by millions of Americans to treat reviewed results from more than 700 NSAID studies The Oxford analysis is difficult to interpret arthritis and other everyday aches and pains. involving roughly 350,000 patients. because it combines information from hundreds of The Food and Drug Administration began a two- Panelists will vote on whether naproxen has a unrelated studies. While this approach is useful in day meeting to examine the latest research on anti- lower risk of heart problems than other NSAIDs. getting a broad view of rare events - such as heart inflammatory medicines called NSAIDS, which serve Panelists will also discuss whether naproxen should attacks - it is not considered the strongest form of as the backbone of US pain treatment. be relabeled based on the latest safety data. The FDA medical evidence. Almost all of the data under dis- The key question is whether naproxen - the key is not required to follow the group’s advice, though it cussion come from studies of prescription NSAID ingredient in Bayer’s Aleve and many other generic often does. If implemented, the labeling change pain relievers, which are taken at higher doses and pain pills - carries a lower risk of heart attack and could reshape the multibillion-dollar market for for longer periods than over-the-counter NSAIDs. But stroke than rival medications like ibuprofen, sold as drugs used to treat muscle pain, arthritis and panelists will be asked to make recommendations on Advil by Pfizer and Motrin by Johnson & Johnson, headaches. Last year US consumers bought more the use of non-prescription drugs as well. among others. Debate about whether one drug is than 275 million boxes of over-the-counter ibupro- The meeting mainly consisted of presentations safer than others in the class has waged for more fen and naproxen, representing $1.7 billion in sales, dissecting the latest findings from academics, FDA than a decade without a clear answer, underscoring according to retail tracker IRI. Prescription NSAIDs scientists and drug company staffers. The pharma- the lingering questions that hang over even the brought in billions more, led by the Pfizer’s block- ceutical companies generally staked out positions most established medicines. buster Celebrex, with sales of $2.9 billion. that would most benefit their respective MOUNT ISA: This picture taken and released yesterday by Travis Corlis of TNT CORLIS The FDA is asking its panel of medical experts to products.Bayer, which markets Aleve, said the drug’s shows a snake eating a crocodile at Queensland’s Lake Moondarra, near the mining review a massive analysis published last year sug- Complicating labeling should reflect the new research suggesting town of Mount Isa. —AFP gesting that naproxen does not increase the risk of But before any changes can be made, FDA advis- it is a safer option. —AP TUESDAY, MARCH 4, 2014 HEALTH & SCIENCE WHAT’S ON TUESDAY, MARCH 4 , 2014 Alghanim Industries holds ‘Celebrate Kuwait’ networking event

lghanim Industries (AI) recently employees from a wide selection of AI raffle draw. ence and freedom. Tonight’s event is a company, that is specifically designed held a ‘Celebrate Kuwait’ informal businesses. To mark the occasion, the Omar K. Alghanim, CEO - Alghanim way in which we can share this unique to encourage employees to meet peo- Anetworking event for its employ- venue was decorated with Kuwaiti her- Industries, along with members of his occasion with our employees and also ple from other AI business units, net- ees as part of its annual tradition of itage displays, traditional diwaniya set- senior management team, attended the provide an opportunity for them to work with their colleagues and engage honoring Kuwait’s National and tings and Kuwait flags. Kuwaiti food event. Commenting on the occasion, he meet and socialize with colleagues in a with senior management, away from Liberation Days. and sweets were also served, live tradi- said: “The National and Liberation Day relaxed and informal setting.” the formality of an office environment. The event, which was held at the tional music performed by a local music holidays are a very special time in Alghanim Industries’ ‘Celebrate Alghanim Industries Head Office in troupe and traditional Kuwait-themed Kuwait, when the whole country has an Kuwait’ event forms a part of a larger Shuwaikh, was attended by over 350 gifts were presented to the winners of a opportunity to celebrate its independ- networking program, sponsored by the

Greetings Summer camp for Palestinians

he state of Palestine will hold summer camps Rami Tahboub said the time for this program is from Palestine in Kuwait call upon the Palestinian youth for the Palestinian youth abroad, in order to 15/8/2014 until 25/8/2014, and the target age is 15- residing in Kuwait who wish to participate in the Tmaintain contacts and exchange experiences 25 years. He said the reception, stay and transport camps to come to the embassy in Bayan, block 13, between the Palestinian people, and this activity will will be covered, while airline tickets will be paid by street 7, no. 24 to get the forms and fill them. be made an annual event. the participant. Ambassador of the State of Palestine in Kuwait Based on the above, the embassy of the State of

Kuwait Beautiful and Green art competition

uwait Times for the eighth time students from all schools sector with develops its green thumb. an objective of generating awareness KWhat is the best way to get the of the environment by giving them youth involved in saving nation an opportunity to express their development than asking them how thoughts about protecting the envi- we can protect Kuwait’s environment ronment on painting paper. and save it from destruction! The competition is open to all To this end, Kuwait Times has schools students from 6 to 18 years, organized an open art competition the competition started from 3rd of for school students on the topic of March till 3rd of April, 2014. The Kuwait Beautiful and Green. The selected winners stand to walk away theme of this art competition was with exiting prizes. Kuwait Beautiful chosen keeping in mind the need for and Green is sponsored by Saudi immediate action to protect our Arabian Chevron. For more informa- beautiful country from pollution and tion you can call Marketing Today is a very special day, because it is the day environment damage. The art com- Department on 24835616/7 or by when we first saw our Angel. May you never petition is targeted around 15,000 email us on [email protected] grow up for us! Have a lovely birthday Malavika Sreejith from amma, acha and ammu chai.

Announcements Embassy Of India he Embassy will remain closed on the follow- ing date in the month of March 2014. Holi, 17 TMarch, 2014 Monday. Hala Baisakhi ndian Cultural Society Kuwait presents “Hala Baisakhi Celebration” a show that will bring Ithree dimensional entertainments on Friday 28th March at 4pm at AIS auditorium. With support from Sardar Swaran Singh Ji group, ICS brings a family comedy show featuring Aanjan Srivastav, Himani Shivpuri, Vibha Anand, Sachin & Piyush along with Live Concert by Charming playback singer Shibani Kashyap accompanied by Kuwait”s own talent for Baisakhi Gidda, Bhangra & folk.

Write to us ‘We all in love with Kuwait’ Send to What’s On he Embassy of India, Kuwait, participated in the “Kuwait House of National Works”. Tour operators and Travel Agencies in Kuwait. Many upcoming events, birthdays or Annual Festival titled “We all in love with Kuwait” The Embassy also joined the celebrations along with visitors came to the India Pavilion and showed keen celebrations by email: Tfrom 24 - 27 February, 2014. The event was hosted the Ministries and other Embassies on the occasion of interest in various places of tourist interest. At the end with much enthusiasm at Om Kalthoom Hall, 360 Mall, the Independence Day and the Liberation of Kuwait. A of the event, Kuwait House of National Works appreci- [email protected] which witnessed participation by many Diplomatic cultural function was also held. The India Pavilion was ated the participation of the Embassy in the event. Fax: 24835619 / 20 Missions resident in Kuwait and various cultural organi- well-decorated with “Incredible India” tourism promo- zations. The event was held under the auspices of tion material and travel packages from various local WHAT’S ON TUESDAY, MARCH 4 , 2014

Remal International Festival opens world’s largest sand village & lightshow event

nder the patronage of His Highness Sheikh over the past seven years. In this context, it is worth ing work in terms of quality and complexity. Also, the In terms of entertainment, the festival promises visi- Sabah Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah, Amir of mentioning that P2BK is a non-profit organization sand sculptures were made using modern methods tors a rich program of activities consisting of more than UKuwait, Remal International Festival which based on a set of principles designed to encourage cre- allowing them to remain solid for extended periods of 2,000 vivid shows conducted by international teams, opened at the Kuwait International Fairgrounds will be ativity and promote a sense of pride and accomplish- time. Furthermore, research has indicated that the sand special children’s programs including a treasure hunt in open to the public until April 26. ment. in Kuwait is the best in the world for creating sand a maze, light shows and the “Garden Of Lights” which The festival is the manifestation of Proud 2 Be Remal Village is unique from all aspects as the festi- sculptures. will be the first of its kind in Kuwait and the region. Kuwaiti (P2BK) Founder & President, Dhari Hamad Al- val’s management succeeded in gathering 73 of the Additionally, the sand sculptures at Remal Additionally, a selection of cafes and restaurants will Wazzan’s creative vision, who provided the Kuwaiti world’s top sand sculptors from 24 countries to con- International Festival will represent some of the largest complete the festival’s offering to guarantee an unfor- youth with the opportunity to showcase their creations struct the sand village on an area of 30,000 square ever made and are the first ones to allow visitors to gettable cultural and entertainment experience. and ideas within the framework of the activities of P2BK meters using over 35,000 tons of sand to create amaz- move around, above and through them. TV PROGRAMS TUESDAY, MARCH 4, 2014

10:45 How Do They Do It? 11:25 Jessie 11:10 How It’s Made 11:50 That’s So Raven 11:35 Fast N’ Loud 12:15 Hannah Montana 12:25 World’s Top 5 12:35 Hannah Montana SHOW BITS: 00:00 My Family 13:15 Overhaulin’ 2013 13:00 Meet The Robinsons 00:30 Tough Guy Or Chicken? 14:05 Border Security 14:35 Dog With A Blog 01:20 Call The Midwife 14:30 Auction Kings 15:00 Good Luck Charlie 02:15 Stella 14:55 Dallas Car Sharks 15:25 Gravity Falls Stars kick back after 03:00 New Tricks 15:20 Flying Wild Alaska 15:50 Austin & Ally 03:55 The Vicar Of Dibley 16:10 Fast N’ Loud 16:10 Violetta 04:25 My Family 17:00 Ultimate Survival 17:00 Dog With A Blog hard night’s work 05:00 Mr Bloom’s Nursery 17:50 Wheeler Dealers 17:20 Austin & Ally 05:20 Balamory 18:40 You Have Been Warned 17:40 Gravity Falls 05:40 Nina And The Neurons 19:30 Sons Of Guns fter a hard night’s work at the Oscars, stars are 18:10 Jessie ready to party. In a parking lot converted tem- 05:50 Bobinogs 20:20 How Do They Do It? 18:30 Good Luck Charlie 06:00 The Large Family 20:45 How It’s Made porarily by Vanity Fair magazine into a swank and 18:55 A.N.T. Farm A 06:10 Mr Bloom’s Nursery 21:10 Auction Kings 19:20 Violetta invitation- only West Hollywood club, celebrities mostly 06:30 Balamory 21:35 Dallas Car Sharks 20:05 Jessie skipped the In N Out burgers and drinks to schmooze. 06:50 Nina And The Neurons 22:00 Gold Rush 20:30 Good Luck Charlie Ellen DeGeneres, looking as relaxed as she did hosting, 07:05 Bobinogs 22:50 Alaska Gold Diggers 20:50 Dog With A Blog chatted intently with Sacha Baron Cohen. Portia Di 07:15 The Large Family 23:40 Gold Divers: Under The Ice 21:15 Gravity Falls 07:25 Walk On The Wild Side Rossi, was by her side, talking to Ryan Seacrest. Spike 07:55 The Vicar Of Dibley 21:40 Shake It Up Lee and Edward Norton attempted to catch up, shout- 08:25 Friday Night Dinner 22:00 Austin & Ally ing at each other over music that included the appropri- 08:50 2 Point 4 Children 22:25 A.N.T. Farm ate “Celebration.” 09:20 Doctors 22:50 Good Luck Charlie In one corner, three veteran stars created a memo- 09:50 Casualty 23:10 Wizards Of Waverly Place 00:15 How Tech Works rable photo op that had several partygoers pulling out 10:40 Last Man Standing 23:35 Wizards Of Waverly Place 00:40 Oddities their cameras. Nominee Bruce Dern (“Nebraska”) was 11:30 The Vicar Of Dibley 01:05 Oddities joined by Mickey Rooney on one side and 1995 Oscar 12:00 The Weakest Link 01:30 Weird Connections 12:45 2 Point 4 Children winner Martin Landau (“Ed Wood”) on the other. Jared 13:15 Friday Night Dinner 02:00 Moon Machines Leto, who passed his supporting actor Oscar among 02:50 The Science Of Star Wars 13:45 Walk On The Wild Side 00:15 My Sri Lanka With Peter reporters earlier Sunday, was as generous at the party. 14:15 Doctors 03:45 The Science Of Star Wars The “Dallas Buyers Club” star invited two statuesque 04:35 The Science Of Star Wars Kuruvita 14:45 Casualty 00:45 One Man & His Campervan blondes to appreciate the trophy’s heft, and they 15:35 Last Man Standing 05:25 Joao Magueijo’s Big Bang 06:15 The Gadget Show 01:10 Food Lover’s Guide To The appeared duly impressed - with one inviting her 16:25 The Weakest Link Planet boyfriend over to share the experience. 17:10 Eastenders 06:40 Tech Toys 360 07:05 Weird Connections 02:35 Eat Street Pink’s performance of “Over the Rainbow” during a 17:40 Doctors 03:00 My Sri Lanka With Peter 07:30 Weird Connections 75th anniversary salute to “The Wizard of Oz” drew com- 18:10 Being Erica Kuruvita 08:00 Bang Goes The Theory pliments. “It was an honor,” she replied to one well-wish- 19:00 My Family 03:30 Bondi Rescue 08:50 How Tech Works 19:30 Little Britain 03:55 Eat Street er. In the crowd of some 1,000 partygoers, one nominee 09:15 How Tech Works 20:00 New Tricks 04:25 Deadly Arts who didn’t claim a trophy still looked like a winner: 20:50 Spooks 09:40 The Gadget Show 05:20 Somewhere In China “American Hustle” star Jennifer Lawrence, who lost in 21:40 The Vicar Of Dibley 10:05 Tech Toys 360 06:15 Earth Tripping the supporting actress category to Lupita Nyong’o of 22:10 Call The Midwife 10:30 Through The Wormhole With 06:40 Maverick Chef “Twelve Years a Slave.” Lawrence had changed from the Morgan Freeman 07:10 Eat Street elegant red Dior dress she wore for the ceremony into a 11:25 Engineering Thrills 07:35 My Sri Lanka With Peter 12:20 Da Vinci’s Machines sexy sheath that sparkled with what appeared to be tiny Kuruvita mirrors. She couldn’t be overlooked, trophy or not. 13:10 Joao Magueijo’s Big Bang 08:05 One Man & His Campervan 14:00 Building The Future 00:00 Cash In The Attic 08:30 Food Lover’s Guide To The 14:50 Weird Connections Planet Blanchett: It’s not easy being front-runner 00:45 The Hairy Bikers: Mums 15:20 The Gadget Show Winning acting honors at other major awards shows Know Best 09:00 Mega Food 15:45 Tech Toys 360 09:55 Eat Street didn’t make the Oscars ceremony any easier for Cate 01:35 Come Dine With Me 16:10 Eco-Tech 02:25 Come Dine With Me: 10:20 My Sri Lanka With Peter Blanchett. The night figured to be a coronation for the 17:00 Through The Wormhole With Kuruvita Supersized actress, who’d won best actress honors at the Screen Morgan Freeman 10:50 Bondi Rescue 04:00 Bargain Hunt: Famous Finds Actors Guild, Golden Globe Awards and other shows for 17:55 Da Vinci’s Machines 11:15 Eat Street 04:45 Bargain Hunt: Famous Finds her role in “Blue Jasmine.” Instead, the prospect of wait- 18:45 Engineered 11:45 Deadly Arts 05:30 Bargain Hunt: Famous Finds 19:35 Test Case 12:40 Somewhere In China ing until nearly the end of Sunday’s ceremony proved 06:15 Bargain Hunt: Famous Finds 20:00 Bigger, Better, Faster, 13:35 Earth Tripping NITRO CIRCUS: THE MOVIE ON OSN MOVIES HD ACTION stressful for the two-time Oscar winner. 07:00 Raymond Blanc’s Kitchen Stronger 14:00 Maverick Chef “It was an intense, unbearable pressure which I’m so Secrets 20:30 Man-Made Marvels China 14:30 Eat Street glad is over,” Blanchett said after her win. “It has been 07:30 Raymond Blanc’s Kitchen 21:20 Nyc: Inside Out 14:55 My Sri Lanka With Peter every year.”Blanchett, who has been nominated for act- Secrets 22:10 Food Factory Kuruvita 00:00 Rewind-PG15 ing Oscars five times, took a hiatus from films in recent 08:00 Cash In The Attic 22:35 Tech Toys 360 15:25 One Man & His Campervan 00:00 Cellmates-PG15 02:00 Olympus Has Fallen-PG15 years to focus on theater work. She won a best support- 08:45 Bargain Hunt: Famous Finds 23:00 Man-Made Marvels China 15:50 Food Lover’s Guide To The OSN FIRST COMEDY HD 02:00 Take This Waltz-18 04:00 3 Holiday Tails-PG 09:30 Celebrity MasterChef 23:50 Nyc: Inside Out Planet 00:00 The Goodwin Games 04:00 10 Things I Hate About You- 06:00 Love Birds-PG15 10:25 Come Dine With Me: 16:20 Mega Food 00:30 The Daily Show With Jon PG15 08:00 Magic Journey To Africa- Supersized 17:15 Eat Street Stewart 06:00 House Arrest-FAM PG15 12:00 The Hairy Bikers: Mums 17:40 My Sri Lanka With Peter 01:00 The Colbert Report 08:00 My Dog’s Christmas Miracle- 09:45 Dead Lines-PG15 Know Best Kuruvita 01:30 Saturday Night Live PG15 11:15 Olympus Has Fallen-PG15 12:50 Raymond Blanc’s Kitchen 18:10 Bondi Rescue 02:30 Enlightened 10:00 Scrooged-PG15 13:15 Neverland-PG Secrets 18:35 Eat Street 03:00 1600 Penn 12:00 10 Things I Hate About You- 16:00 Magic Journey To Africa- 13:20 Fantasy Homes By The Sea 00:00 The Suite Life Of Zack & Cody 19:05 Deadly Arts 03:30 1600 Penn PG15 PG15 14:05 Antiques Roadshow 00:20 The Suite Life Of Zack & Cody 20:00 Eat Street 04:00 Seinfeld 14:00 Rookie Of The Year-PG 17:45 Rock Of Ages-PG15 15:00 Homes Under The Hammer 00:45 Jonas 20:30 My Sri Lanka With Peter 04:30 The Tonight Show Starring 16:00 Scrooged-PG15 20:00 Fire With Fire-18 15:55 Homes Under The Hammer 01:05 Jonas Kuruvita Jimmy Fallon 18:00 Mad Buddies-PG15 22:00 The Man With The Iron Fists- 16:50 Bargain Hunt 01:30 Suite Life On Deck 21:00 Mega Food 05:30 Seinfeld 20:00 Not Suitable For Children- 18 17:35 Cash In The Attic 01:50 Suite Life On Deck 22:00 Deadliest Journeys 06:00 The War At Home PG15 23:45 Neverland-PG 18:20 Antiques Roadshow 02:15 Wizards Of Waverly Place 22:25 First Ascent 06:30 Friends 22:00 Cellmates-PG15 19:15 The Planners 02:35 Wizards Of Waverly Place 22:55 One Man & His Campervan 07:00 Late Night With Seth Meyers 20:10 Rachel Khoo’s Kitchen 03:00 The Suite Life Of Zack & Cody 23:20 Delinquent Gourmet 08:00 Seinfeld Notebook: London 03:20 The Suite Life Of Zack & Cody 23:50 My Sri Lanka With Peter 08:30 Seinfeld 20:35 Come Dine With Me 03:45 Jonas Kuruvita 09:00 1600 Penn 02:00 ICC Cricket 360 21:30 Come Dine With Me 04:05 Jonas 09:30 2 Broke Girls Ellen DeGeneres, left, embraces Lupita Nyong’o 22:20 Antiques Roadshow 04:30 Suite Life On Deck 02:30 Total Rugby 10:00 Two And A Half Men 01:00 Snow Flower And The Secret 03:00 Snooker The Welsh Open backstage after she won best supporting actress 23:15 Bargain Hunt 04:50 Suite Life On Deck 10:30 Friends 05:15 Wizards Of Waverly Place Fan-PG15 06:00 Trans World Sport for ‘12 Years a Slave’. —AP 11:00 The Tonight Show Starring 03:00 Down The Shore-PG15 07:00 Super Rugby 05:35 Wizards Of Waverly Place Jimmy Fallon 06:00 Austin & Ally 00:30 E!ES 05:00 Courage-PG15 09:00 Super Rugby ing actress Oscar in 2005 for “The Aviator.” 01:30 Live From The Red Carpet 12:00 The War At Home 07:00 The First Grader-PG15 11:00 Top 14 Highlights 06:25 Dog With A Blog 12:30 Seinfeld “Every year I watch this thing remotely and every year 06:45 Suite Life On Deck 04:30 E!ES 09:00 Snow Flower And The Secret 13:00 PGA European Tour there are five, six, 10, 12 or 20 performances by women 05:30 E!ES 13:00 Seinfeld Fan-PG15 17:30 Futbol Mundial 07:10 A.N.T. Farm 13:30 Friends that I’m gob smacked by and inspired by,” she said. “And 07:35 Wolfblood 06:00 E! Entertainment Special 11:00 Down The Shore-PG15 18:00 Golfing World 00:05 Gold Divers: Under The Ice 14:00 1600 Penn it gets whittled down to five. To be in conversation with 07:55 Gravity Falls 07:00 E!ES 13:00 Taken Back: Finding Haley- 19:00 PGA Tour Highlights 00:55 Bear Grylls: Extreme... 14:30 2 Broke Girls those women by proxy ... that’s the privilege and the rest 08:20 That’s So Raven 08:00 Live From The Red Carpet PG15 20:00 PGA European Tour 07:00 Car vs Wild 15:00 Two And A Half Men is just chocolate.” 08:45 Jessie 11:00 Live From The Red Carpet 15:00 The Trial-PG15 Highlights 07:50 Robson Green’s Extreme 15:30 The Daily Show With Jon 09:05 Good Luck Charlie 14:00 Live From The Red Carpet 17:00 Wrecked-PG15 21:00 Top 14 Highlights Fishing Challenge Stewart 09:30 Shake It Up 17:00 The Drama Queen 19:00 The Tall Man-PG15 21:30 ICC Cricket 360 Not missing a moment of Oscar glory 08:40 Fast N’ Loud 16:00 The Colbert Report 09:55 Austin & Ally 18:00 E! News 21:00 Zero Dark Thirty-18 22:00 Snooker The Welsh Open Jared Leto made sure he captured every aspect of his 09:30 Border Security 16:30 The War At Home 10:15 A.N.T. Farm 19:00 THS 23:45 Machine Gun Preacher-18 Oscar moment, going so far as to film the one-minute 09:55 Auction Kings 17:00 Late Night With Seth Meyers 10:40 Dog With A Blog 20:00 Live From The Red Carpet process it took to engrave his name on his best support- 10:20 Dallas Car Sharks 18:00 1600 Penn 11:05 Suite Life On Deck 23:00 E!ES ing actor trophy after the show. Matthew McConaughey 18:30 1600 Penn also dropped by the Oscar engraving station at the 19:00 2 Broke Girls 19:30 Trophy Wife 01:30 Futbol Mundial Governor’s Ball to have his name placed on his best actor 20:00 Whitney 02:00 Trans World Sport trophy. He commemorated the moment with pictures of 20:30 The Goodwin Games 03:00 PGA European Tour himself and his wife, Camila Alves McConaughey 01:00 The Last Weekend-PG15 21:00 The Daily Show Global 07:00 PGA Tour Spike Jonze arrived at the engraving table just 03:15 The Gospel-PG15 Edition 12:30 Trans World Sport moments ahead of fellow Oscar winner Alfonso Cuaron. 05:15 Caught Inside-PG15 21:30 The Colbert Report Global 13:30 Super Rugby “Hey, no cutting!” Jonze, the best original screenplay 07:00 Planet Of The Apes (1968)- Edition 15:30 ICC Cricket 360 PG15 winner, joked before posing for photos with Cuaron, the 22:00 Hello Ladies 16:00 Snooker 09:00 The Presidio-PG15 best director winner. The engraving station has been 22:30 Eastbound & Down 19:00 Super Rugby 11:00 The Gospel-PG15 going for five years, and nearly every winner stops by. 23:00 Enlightened 21:00 Bellator MMA 2014 13:00 Wild Card-PG15 23:30 Whitney 23:00 NHL 15:00 Me And You-PG15 What’s so funny? 17:00 The Presidio-PG15 What interrupted Jennifer Lawrence’s presentation of 19:00 Shark City-18 the best actor trophy? That would be Ellen DeGeneres 21:00 Sleepy Hollow-18 and the cast of “Dallas Buyers Club.” As the “American 23:00 A Dangerous Woman-18 00:00 Warehouse 13 Hustle” actress waltzed on stage, DeGeneres cautiously 01:00 Top Gear (UK) 00:00 Champions League T20 exited, making sure last year’s best actress winner didn’t 02:05 Supernatural Highlights take another tumble before DeGeneres, who had earlier 03:00 The Americans 00:30 Big Bash League Highlights teased Lawrence about falling, got off stage. While most 04:00 Franklin & Bash 01:30 ICC Cricket 360 of the crowd didn’t catch the joke, Jared Leto, Matthew 05:00 Suits 02:00 Asia Cup Highlights McConaughey and their cohorts laughed loudly, causing 01:15 Werewolf: The Beast Among 03:00 ICC Cricket LG Awards 2013 06:00 Warehouse 13 Us-18 Lawrence to go off script. McConaughey had the last 07:00 Parenthood 04:00 ICC Under 19 World Cup 03:00 The Expatriate-PG15 2014 Highlights laugh. He won the best actor prize seconds later. 08:00 Switched At Birth 05:00 American Girl: McKenna 09:00 Top Gear (UK) 05:00 Shoots For The Stars-PG 06:00 Australia v England T20I Bathroom-line admiration 10:05 Suits 07:00 One Life-PG15 When Zac Efron found himself behind Daniel Day- 11:00 Franklin & Bash 07:00 Asia Cup Highlights 09:00 The Good Doctor-PG15 08:00 Asia Cup Highlights Lewis in the backstage bathroom line, he used the 12:00 Emmerdale 11:00 Love Will Keep Us Together- 12:30 Coronation Street 09:00 ICC Cricket 360 opportunity to express his admiration. “I’m such a huge PG15 10:00 Asia Cup Highlights fan. Your work inspires us all,” Efron said, shaking the 13:00 The Ellen DeGeneres Show 13:00 Cirque Du Soleil: Worlds 14:00 Switched At Birth 10:45 Live Asia Cup Oscar winner’s hand. “It’s great to have someone like you Away-PG 19:00 ICC Cricket 360 to watch and be inspired by.” Although gracious, Day- 15:00 Warehouse 13 15:00 Red Lights-PG15 16:00 Emmerdale 19:30 Asia Cup Highlights Lewis didn’t want to spend too much time collecting 17:00 The Good Doctor-PG15 20:30 Asia Cup Highlights 16:30 Coronation Street 19:00 Parker-PG15 accolades. “I’m just going to sneak in there before some- 17:00 The Ellen DeGeneres Show 21:30 Asia Cup Highlights one else does,” he said as he made a beeline for the bath- 21:00 The Watch-18 22:30 ICC Cricket 360 18:00 Switched At Birth 23:00 Bullet To The Head-18 room. 19:00 Betrayal 23:00 Asia Cup Highlights 20:00 Revenge Quickquote: Penelope Cruz 21:00 The Blacklist “I have to remember to breathe” - Penelope Cruz to 22:00 Strike Back Robert DeNiro before taking the Oscar stage to present 00:00 Haunted History the screenplay awards. 01:00 Luke And Lucy: The Texas 01:00 Ancient Aliens Rangers 02:00 Pawn Stars UK An Oscar moment to remember 02:45 Problem Child 2 03:00 Heroes Of War: Poland Lupita Nyong’o’s best supporting actress win wasn’t 04:30 Tinker Bell And The Secret Of 04:00 Haunted History just a major moment for the newcomer - it touched The Wings 05:00 Swamp People everyone in the Dolby Theatre - both in the audience 00:00 The Veteran-18 06:00 Pawn Stars UK 06:00 Open Season and backstage. Charlize Theron and Chris Hemsworth, 02:00 Graystone-PG15 08:00 The Apple & The Worm 07:00 Ancient Aliens 04:00 The Philly Kid-PG15 09:30 Madagascar 08:00 Shipping Wars who’d presented the previous award, stayed backstage 06:00 Nitro Circus: The Movie-PG15 11:00 Quest For A Heart 08:30 Shipping Wars to watch the category on a monitor. When the clip of 08:00 Ice Quake-PG15 12:30 Problem Child 2 09:00 Ancient Aliens Nyong’o’s performance was shown, Hemsworth clapped 10:00 The Apparition-PG15 14:15 Back To The Sea 10:00 Storage Wars Texas and Theron said, “So good.” When Nyong’o’s name was 12:00 Ultraviolet-PG15 16:00 The Lucky Dragon 10:30 Counting Cars called, the stars cheered, as did the other backstage 14:00 Ice Quake-PG15 18:00 Madagascar 11:00 Pawn Stars workers. When a teary-eyed Nyong’o walked off stage 16:00 Howard The Duck-PG 20:00 Home Alone: The Holiday 11:30 Pawn Stars and into the theater hallway, Ellen DeGeneres was wait- 18:00 Ultraviolet-PG15 Heist 12:00 Storage Wars ing to greet her. “Yay, yay, yay!” DeGeneres said. “You won 20:00 Seconds Apart-PG15 21:30 Back To The Sea 12:30 Storage Wars an Oscar! And it was such a beautiful speech. —AP THE EXPATRIATE ON OSN MOVIES HD 22:00 The Big I Am-18 23:15 The Lucky Dragon 13:00 Shipping Wars Classifieds

TUESDAY, MARCH 4, 2014

Kuwait KNCC PROGRAMME FROM THURSDAY TO WEDNESDAY (27/02/2014 TO 05/03/2014)

SHARQIA-1 NON-STOP (DIG) 10:00 PM POMPEII (DIG-3D) 7:30 PM POMPEII (DIG) 12:45 PM NON-STOP (DIG) 12:15 AM NO THU 3 DAYS TO KILL (DIG) 3:00 PM NO SUN+TUE+WED Special Show “3 DAYS TO KILL (DIG)” 7:30 PM POMPEII (DIG) 5:15 PM THU 3 DAYS TO KILL (DIG) 7:30 PM FANAR-5 3 DAYS TO KILL (DIG) 9:45 PM POMPEII (DIG) 9:45 PM POMPEII (DIG) 12:30 PM POMPEII (DIG) 12:05 AM 3 DAYS TO KILL (DIG) 12:05 AM CODE RED (DIG) 2:45 PM NO SUN+TUE+WED POMPEII (DIG) 4:45 PM 360º- 1 SHARQIA-2 THE MONUMENTS MEN (DIG) 7:00 PM PATRICK (DIG) 2:00 PM THE LEGO MOVIE (DIG-3D) 1:30 PM POMPEII (DIG) 9:30 PM PATRICK (DIG) 4:15 PM NON-STOP (DIG) 3:30 PM POMPEII (DIG) 11:45 PM PATRICK (DIG) 6:30 PM ROBOCOP (DIG) 5:45 PM NO SUN+TUE+WED PATRICK (DIG) 8:45 PM NON-STOP (DIG) 8:00 PM PATRICK (DIG) 11:00 PM LOST NON-STOP (DIG) 10:15 PM MARINA-1 PATRICK (DIG) 1:15 AM NON-STOP (DIG) 12:30 AM 3 DAYS TO KILL (DIG) 1:45 PM NO SUN+TUE+WED Original document Policy 3 DAYS TO KILL (DIG) 4:00 PM SHARQIA-3 WER (DIG) 6:30 PM 360º- 2 633001470/633001464/633 WER (DIG) 12:45 PM 3 DAYS TO KILL (DIG) 8:30 PM 3 DAYS TO KILL (DIG) 2:15 PM 002341/633000763/633000 PATRICK (DIG) 2:45 PM WER (DIG) 11:00 PM 3 DAYS TO KILL (DIG) 4:45 PM 828 of Muhammad Afzal WER (DIG) 4:45 PM WER (DIG) 1:00 AM 3 DAYS TO KILL (DIG) 7:15 PM Mughal by the State Life PATRICK (DIG) 6:45 PM NO SUN+TUE+WED 3 DAYS TO KILL (DIG) 9:45 PM Insurance Corporation of WER (DIG) 8:45 PM 3 DAYS TO KILL (DIG) 12:15 AM PATRICK (DIG) 10:45 PM MARINA-2 NO SUN+TUE+WED Pakistan, Gulf Zone is WER (DIG) 12:45 AM ROBOCOP (DIG) 1:00 PM reported to have been lost. PATRICK (DIG) 3:30 PM 360º- 3 Anyone finding the same or MUHALAB-1 PATRICK (DIG) 5:45 PM OGGY AND THE COCKROACHES: claiming any interest in it 3 DAYS TO KILL (DIG) 1:00 PM PATRICK (DIG) 7:45 PM THE MOVIE (DIG) 2:00 PM should communicate with THE LEGO MOVIE (DIG) 3:15 PM POMPEII (DIG) 9:45 PM OGGY AND THE COCKROACHES: 3 DAYS TO KILL (DIG) 5:15 PM PATRICK (DIG) 12:05 AM THE MOVIE (DIG) 4:00 PM State Life Office Kuwait Tel: NO THU+FRI+MON NO SUN+TUE+WED OGGY AND THE COCKROACHES: 22452208. (C 4655) BHIMAVARAM BULLODU (DIG) (Telugu) 5:15 PM THE MOVIE (DIG) 6:00 PM 4-3-2014 THU+FRI+MON MARINA-3 AMERICAN HUSTLE (DIG) 8:15 PM KHOUTAT GIMI (DIG) 8:00 PM POMPEII (DIG-3D) 1:30 PM AMERICAN HUSTLE (DIG) 10:45 PM 3 DAYS TO KILL (DIG) 10:00 PM NON-STOP (DIG) 3:45 PM WER (DIG) 1:15 AM POMPEII (DIG-3D) 6:00 PM NO SUN+TUE+WED MATRIMONIAL MUHALAB-2 NON-STOP (DIG) 8:15 PM WER (DIG) 2:00 PM NON-STOP (DIG) 10:30 PM AL-KOUT.1 Marthomite parents invite PATRICK (DIG) 4:00 PM NON-STOP (DIG) 12:45 AM POMPEII (DIG) 12:45 PM WER (DIG) 6:00 PM NO SUN+TUE+WED 3 DAYS TO KILL (DIG) 3:00 PM marriage proposal for their PATRICK (DIG) 8:00 PM POMPEII (DIG) 5:15 PM daughter 26 years, fair (MD WER (DIG) 10:00 PM AVENUES-1 3 DAYS TO KILL (DIG) 7:30 PM Radiology) studying in a OGGY AND THE COCKROACHES: POMPEII (DIG) 9:45 PM reputed Medical college in MUHALAB-3 THE MOVIE (DIG) 1:00 PM 3 DAYS TO KILL (DIG) 12:05 AM India. Looking for a suitable POMPEII (DIG-3D) 12:45 PM OGGY AND THE COCKROACHES: NO SUN+TUE+WED NON-STOP (DIG) 3:00 PM THE MOVIE (DIG) 3:00 PM proposal from God fearing NON-STOP (DIG) 5:15 PM OGGY AND THE COCKROACHES: AL-KOUT.2 family of professionally POMPEII (DIG-3D) 7:30 PM THE MOVIE (DIG) 5:00 PM PATRICK (DIG) 2:00 PM qualified doctors/medical NON-STOP (DIG) 9:45 PM ROBOCOP (DIG) 7:00 PM KHOUTAT GIMI (DIG) 4:00 PM student (preferably MD). ROBOCOP (DIG) 9:30 PM PATRICK (DIG) 6:00 PM Interested may contact at: FANAR-1 ROBOCOP (DIG) 12:05 AM KHOUTAT GIMI (DIG) 8:00 PM PATRICK (DIG) 12:45 PM PATRICK (DIG) 10:00 PM Email: [email protected] PATRICK (DIG) 3:15 PM AVENUES-2 PATRICK (DIG) 12:15 AM (C 4654) WINTER’S TALE (DIG) 5:15 PM THE MONUMENTS MEN (DIG) 2:15 PM NO SUN+TUE+WED 4-3-2014 PATRICK (DIG) 7:30 PM AMERICAN HUSTLE (DIG) 4:45 PM PATRICK (DIG) 9:45 PM THE MONUMENTS MEN (DIG) 7:15 PM AL-KOUT.3 Christian Orthodox par- PATRICK (DIG) 12:05 AM THE MONUMENTS MEN (DIG) 9:45 PM NON-STOP (DIG) 1:00 PM THE MONUMENTS MEN (DIG) 12:15 AM NON-STOP (DIG) 3:30 PM ents from Central FANAR-2 NO SUN+TUE+WED THE MONUMENTS MEN (DIG) 5:45 PM Travancore, residing at 3 DAYS TO KILL (DIG) 1:30 PM NON-STOP (DIG) 8:15 PM Tiruvalla invite proposals KHOUTAT GIMI (DIG) 4:00 PM AVENUES-3 NON-STOP (DIG) 10:30 PM for their daughter 25 years, 3 DAYS TO KILL (DIG) 6:00 PM 3 DAYS TO KILL (DIG) 1:15 PM NON-STOP (DIG) 12:45 AM 5’7” (M.Tech Structural KHOUTAT GIMI (DIG) 8:15 PM 3 DAYS TO KILL (DIG) 3:45 PM NO SUN+TUE+WED 3 DAYS TO KILL (DIG) 10:15 PM 3 DAYS TO KILL (DIG) 6:15 PM Engineering from NIT 3 DAYS TO KILL (DIG) 12:30 AM 3 DAYS TO KILL (DIG) 8:45 PM AL-KOUT.4 Calicut) from well to do and 3 DAYS TO KILL (DIG) 11:15 PM WER (DIG) 1:00 PM settled boys having FANAR-3 WER (DIG) 3:00 PM M.Tech/B.Tech/CA/MBA. WER (DIG) 1:00 PM AVENUES-4 WER (DIG) 5:00 PM Preferably from ROBOCOP (DIG) 3:15 PM NON-STOP (DIG) 1:30 PM CODE RED (DIG) 7:00 PM GUNDAY (DIG) (HINDI) 5:45 PM NON-STOP (DIG) 3:45 PM WER (DIG) 9:00 PM Orthodox/Jacobite family. WER (DIG) 8:45 PM NON-STOP (DIG) 6:00 PM WER (DIG) 11:00 PM Interested may contact WER (DIG) 10:45 PM NON-STOP (DIG) 8:15 PM WER (DIG) 1:00 AM email at WER (DIG) 12:45 AM NON-STOP (DIG) 10:30 PM NO SUN+TUE+WED [email protected]. NON-STOP (DIG) 12:45 AM FANAR-4 BAIRAQ-1 2-3-2014 NON-STOP (DIG) 1:15 PM AVENUES-5 THE LEGO MOVIE (DIG-3D) 1:00 PM THE LEGO MOVIE (DIG-3D) 3:30 PM 3 DAYS TO KILL (DIG) 12:45 PM POMPEII (DIG-3D) 3:00 PM NON-STOP (DIG) 5:30 PM POMPEII (DIG) 3:00 PM WER (DIG) 5:15 PM NON-STOP (DIG) 7:45 PM 3 DAYS TO KILL (DIG) 5:15 PM POMPEII (DIG-3D) 7:15 PM

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

Arrival Flights on Tuesday 4/3/2014 TMA 213 Beirut 12:10 Airlines Flt Route Time UAE 871 Dubai 12:50 BBC 043 Dhaka/Doha 00:05 JZR 561 Sohag 12:55 JAI 574 Mumbai 00:10 MSR 610 Cairo 13:00 KLM 411 Amsterdam 00:30 KAC 514 Tehran 13:45 JZR 539 Cairo 00:40 FDB 057 Dubai 13:50 THY 772 Istanbul 00:45 QTR 1078 Doha 13:55 QTR 1084 Doha 00:55 KAC 672 Dubai 14:00 PIA 239 Sialkot 01:05 KAC 546 Alexandria 14:05 DLH 637 Dammam 01:10 SVA 500 Jeddah 14:30 PGT 858 Istanbul 01:30 KNE 472 Jeddah 14:35 ETH 620 Addis Ababa 01:45 JZR 325 Al Najaf 16:05 GFA 211 Bahrain 02:10 UAE 857 Dubai 16:40 THY 764 Istanbul 02:15 QTR 1072 Doha 16:40 JZR 267 Beirut 02:30 ETD 303 Abu Dhabi 16:50 UAE 853 Dubai 02:35 KAC 562 Amman 16:50 ETD 305 Abu Dhabi 02:45 RJA 640 Amman 16:55 JAI 576 Kochi/Abu Dhabi 02:50 SVA 510 Riyadh 17:15 TAR 328 Tunis/Dubai 02:55 ABY 127 Sharjah 17:25 OMA 643 Muscat 03:05 Departure Flights on Tuesday 4/3/2014 MSR 612 Cairo 03:10 Airlines Flt Route Time RJA 642 Amman 03:15 AIC 976 Goa/Chennai 00:05 QTR 1076 Doha 03:45 PIA 206 Lahore 00:10 FDB 067 Dubai 04:20 AXB 490 Mangalore/Kochi 00:15 THY 770 Istanbul 05:35 JAI 573 Mumbai 01:10 DHX 170 Bahrain 05:40 BBC 044 Chittagong/Dhaka 01:45 JZR 503 Luxor 05:50 KLM 411 Amsterdam 01:45 FDB 069 Dubai 05:50 DLH 637 Frankfurt 02:10 KAC 416 Jakarta/Kuala Lumpur 06:25 PIA 240 Sialkot 02:20 BAW 157 London 06:40 ETH 621 Addis Ababa 02:45 KAC 412 Manila/Bangkok 06:45 THY 773 Istanbul 02:55 FDB 054 Dubai 08:30 KAC 785 Jeddah 13:00 KAC 206 Islamabad 07:40 PGT 859 Istanbul 03:20 BAW 156 London 08:45 JZR 176 Dubai 13:45 QTR 1086 Doha 07:50 TAR 328 Tunis 03:45 QTR 1087 Doha 08:50 TMA 223 Dubai/Beirut 13:45 FDB 053 Dubai 07:50 UAE 854 Dubai 03:50 SVA 513 Riyadh 09:15 MSR 611 Cairo 14:00 KAC 302 Mumbai 07:55 ETD 306 Abu Dhabi 04:00 KAC 513 Tehran 09:25 UAE 872 Dubai 14:15 KAC 352 Kochi 08:10 OMA 644 Muscat 04:05 KAC 671 Dubai 09:30 FDB 058 Dubai 14:30 SVA 512 Riyadh 08:15 MSR 613 Cairo 04:10 ABY 126 Sharjah 09:40 QTR 1079 Doha 14:55 KAC 332 Trivandrum 08:15 QTR 1085 Doha 04:15 KAC 101 London/New York 09:50 KAC 673 Dubai 15:05 UAE 856 Dubai 09:55 UAE 855 Dubai 08:40 FDB 068 Dubai 05:00 KAC 741 Dammam 15:20 ETD 302 Abu Dhabi 10:05 KAC 362 Colombo 08:45 QTR 1077 Doha 05:15 KAC 617 Doha 15:30 KAC 284 Dhaka 08:50 JZR 560 Sohag 06:20 FDB 056 Dubai 10:20 QTR 1071 Doha 10:55 KNE 473 Jeddah 15:30 ABY 125 Sharjah 09:00 FDB 070 Dubai 06:30 SVA 501 Jeddah 15:45 ETD 301 Abu Dhabi 09:20 JAI 575 Abu Dhabi/Kochi 06:45 IRA 618 Lar 10:55 KAC 773 Riyadh 16:05 FDB 055 Dubai 09:40 JZR 164 Dubai 06:55 KAC 561 Amman 11:25 JZR 238 Amman 16:55 QTR 1070 Doha 09:55 THY 765 Istanbul 07:05 GFA 214 Bahrain 11:25 ETD 304 Abu Dhabi 17:35 IRA 619 Lar 10:05 RJA 643 Amman 07:05 KAC 541 Cairo 11:30 GFA 213 Bahrain 10:40 KAC 545 Alexandria 07:15 KAC 165 Rome/Paris 11:50 QTR 1073 Doha 17:40 JZR 165 Dubai 11:30 GFA 212 Bahrain 07:15 KAC 677 Muscat/Abu Dhabi 12:20 UAE 858 Dubai 17:50 MEA 404 Beirut 11:55 THY 771 Istanbul 07:30 JZR 324 Al Najaf 12:40 RJA 641 Amman 17:55 MEA 405 Beirut 12:55 DHX 171 Bahrain 21:50 DIAL161 FOR AIRPORT INFORMATION stars34 TUESDAY, MARCH 4, 2014

CROSSWORD 476 STAR TRACK

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

You may decide to ride on the new city transportation system. A sense of You may want to take part in a working partnership or group activities. You adventure creates the desire to go into interesting places and you may appreciate your responsibilities and duty. Problems are valued for the lessons they repre- make a few plans for some weekend adventure. For today, it is work and making the best sent, rather than perceived as obstacles, and you teach others with this attitude. This is a progress that you can. You do well as you talk a customer into just the right pair of shoes good day to get things done. Good eye-hand coordination and a persistent effort make or just the right piece of furniture. When you take your break, consider a trip to a book- most tasks run well. You can really get your thoughts and ideas across with good commu- store-this is a good time to expand your thinking. Books to help you make more sales will nication. You may feel like exercising different muscles this afternoon . . . Perhaps a bicycle give you some of the answers you have been seeking. The memory of a dream is fun con- ride with a friend. Marriage and other close relationships give rise to great expectations as versation this evening. A loved one wants to talk about his or her dreams as well. A dream a new cycle gets underway in your life. This evening is a good time to enjoy and appreciate diary may be fun for each of you to keep-future contemplation. your station in life. Life is good.

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

The labor of your hard work will show great rewards soon. Perhaps you will You may feel particularly independent today. An early morning run or bicy- be working with some new project this week. Whatever the case, you are interested in cle ride may help you to adjust to the rest of your day or . . . Just enjoy the ability to be out- getting as much accomplished as possible. You put a lot of effort and forethought into of-doors. There is much mental busywork today. Teamwork in the workplace proves to be whatever it is you are doing. Your personality is magnetic and is contagious. People love successful on every level. There is a great deal of growth to be enjoyed, especially in the working with you. You will be highly successful in the results that you set out to achieve. area of clients. You will want to be showing your gratitude and appreciation for others who Allow your positive energy to work through you now. Emotions today, as well as the feel- share your workday. The clients are happy with the all the results of the group today. A ings of those around you, may become very clear. If you are staying a little later in the heightened interest in health, as well as an urge to get things organized, is strong this workplace this evening you will most certainly find yourself chatting and interacting with afternoon and you may find yourself hiring someone to build racks in the garage and friendly co-workers. Enjoy dinner out tonight. laundry room so that you can become more in control.

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

By noon you will be receiving praises and rewards for the results of your This is a great time to be with others. Your work may be filled with lots of hard work. You may be giving a lecture, finishing a creative project or bak- volunteer opportunities. If work is slow, this would be the time to step up ing a cake. Whatever you do now will create rave reviews. Friends this afternoon may and volunteer. If your day is packed full of responsibilities, find one thing that you can unconsciously bring to bear an old issue you thought had become unimportant. Take a share with a co-worker and work together to help eliminate the extra work. Working with- ACROSS Nigeria. look at the things that move or twist your emotions the most and you may shed some rather than against-the flow should be easy to do. You are at the end of a long phase in light on what is really behind some long-term issue. You may find yourself reflecting on your life that will leave you with some real insight into your very own personal growth and 1. The cry made by sheep. 6. Having deserted a cause or principle. development, particularly regarding the spirit. Go with the flow and when you find your- 4. Resembling a fork. 7. A condition (mostly in boys) characterized your own youth or some event in the past. This evening you may enjoy a good movie or book or feel like escaping from day-to-day realities for a while. You can appreciate an self frustrated, know that you are fighting the flow of life-stop and become quiet. Read 12. A federally chartered savings bank. by behavioral and learning disorders. imaginative approach and may value futuristic ideas. about meditation and gently try a few techniques. 15. A federal agency established to coordi- 8. Dignified manner or conduct. nate programs aimed at reducing pollution 9. An unabridged dictionary constructed on and protecting the environment. historical principles. Capricorn (December 22-January 19) 16. Dutifully complying with the commands 10. An organization of independent states to Cancer (June 21-July 22) or instructions of those in authority. A round table discussion may lead to subjects that are outside the realm of promote international peace and security. You will have several opportunities to express your opinion today. You will your work. It is time to take notes and study the trend of conversation-pick- 17. A flat wing-shaped process or winglike 11. Characterized by dignity and propriety. be able to put your ideals into practice and enlarge the range of your creativeness. This ing up new ways to become better informed. Later today you could check out the busi- part of an organism. 12. A person of Iranian descent. may mean your work is on display. Spend a little time to take care of any last minute ness magazines. Eventually you will be able to communicate ideas about ways to improve 18. The sense organ for hearing and equilibri- details-mental discipline should come easily. Problems should find easy explanations current business. There are new techniques that will help you and your company move 13. A thin strip (wood or metal). under your keen examination. You share time with a friend this afternoon and find your- um. forward and become more productive. Make sure you have all your information on paper 14. Common Indian weaverbird. self in an ongoing, deep conversation about the story of life and living. You usually share for all to view. This is a good workday and has possibilities for future advancement. This 19. Having or involving the use of hands. 21. Show a response or a reaction to some- intelligent ideas with friends because your friends are very intelligent, but the conversa- evening is perfect for enjoying your family. Travel can be considered soon. For the immedi- 20. An orderly arrangement. thing. tions this evening are fun and contagious. Avoid addictive behaviors and focus on main- ate future, plan some in-town travel to a public garden or zoo. taining that balance that you have worked hard to achieve. 22. Be earlier in time. 23. (Greek mythology) A sorceress who 25. An iconic mental representation. detained Odysseus on her island and turned 27. The wife or widow of a czar. his men into swine. Leo (July 23-August 22) Aquarius (January 20- February 18) 30. A radioactive element of the actinide 24. A piece of information about circum- series. stances that exist or events that have This can be a phase of sublime spiritual development, to be sure. You Becoming involved with cleanup committees for the office is a good thing. 33. A city in central New York. should, however, be aware of the tendencies to believe too quickly, too deeply, or to Office cleaning crews come and go but they are not going to file the folders and clean off occurred. the desks. You and another co-worker work out a reward system for keeping the depart- 37. Remove with or as if with a ladle. become dependent on things or people that seem to offer quick and easy answers. 26. A resident of Kansas. Communicating and getting your message across to others is very important just now . . . ment tidy and someone may decide it is time to concentrate on some current project. 40. Relating to or characteristic of or occur- 28. Deliberately arranged for effect. You may even find yourself expressing your own sign language. While you seem to attract Work moves faster when you can find what you need and everyone seems to be in a good ring in the air. 29. Having help. people with opposing viewpoints, it is a good day to study the unusual. Relationships mood and intent to complete whatever work is at hand. At home this afternoon, you may 41. One of the five major classes of tend to intensify during this time. You may feel unusually affectionate and physical now decide to put up new paper-towel racks or shelving. You do not waste any time getting 31. Of or relating to the spine or spinal cord. things accomplished. After dinner, you and your neighborhood friends may discuss local immunoglobulins. with a cheerful and optimistic attitude. Romance can be quite enjoyable this evening, 32. And nothing more. especially if you say yes to a dinner date. businesses and citizen projects. 43. Someone who works (or provides work- 34. A former agency (from 1946 to 1974) that ers) during a strike. was responsible for research into atomic 46. A tricycle (usually propelled by pedalling). energy and its peacetime uses in the United Virgo (August 23-September 22) Pisces (February 19-March 20) 48. Small arctic whale the male having a long States. spiral ivory tusk. 35. A class of proteins produced in lymph tis- Remain optimistic when you face restrictions, limitations or delays. This birthday you seem to glow . . . You are in good spirits and you may find 50. A public promotion of some product or Acceptance is the key to unlocking the doors of opportunity and growth. yourself busy and consumed with the important things that only you can do best. You sue in vertebrates and that function as anti- Reach beyond your norm and make every effort now to finish what you begin. Your per- service. may buzz around like a bee, tending to the things that are most important down to the lit- bodies in the immune response. sonal popularity is on the upswing. Whatever you are doing, keep it going! In everything tle things that catch the eye of a client or customer who navigates to you like honey. You 51. An alliance made up of states that had 36. An expensive vessel propelled by sail or you do, create a balance and make sure your energies match the things you strive to may forget that in part of giving and providing for others, there is receiving. People like to been Soviet Socialist Republics in the Soviet power and used for cruising or racing. achieve. Others credit you for your ability to make practical decisions concerning group give and they like to feel good about giving so it would be good to be the gracious receiv- issues. You have a true understanding of young people and may be asked to help with Union prior to its dissolution in Dec 1991. 38. Squash bugs. er this day. There are some wonderful adventures coming your way for the coming 53. With neatness. some leadership program this afternoon. There is a chance to draw close to a loved one months and you are ready to participate. Social interaction is informative and fun this 39. An honorary degree in science. this evening. Consider a dream diary to record your dreams. evening. Enjoy the attention. Happy birthday! 57. 10 jiao equal 1 yuan. 42. Harsh or corrosive in tone. 60. A Chadic language spoken south of Lake 44. (formal) Ordinary and not refined. Chad. 45. A grant made by a law court. Word Search 64. A river in north central Switzerland that 47. The United Nations agency concerned runs northeast into the Rhine. with civil aviation. 68. The month following February and pre- 49. A rare heavy polyvalent metallic element ceding April. that resembles manganese chemically and is 69. A doctor who practices veterinary medi- used in some alloys. cine. 52. A person who is very poor. 70. Widely distributed family of carnivorous 54. A game in which darts are thrown at a percoid fishes having a large air bladder used dartboard. to produce sound. 55. The cardinal number that is the sum of 71. A plant hormone promoting elongation one and one and one. of stems and roots. 56. The basic unit of money in Sweden. 72. An associate degree in applied science. 58. The United Nations agency concerned 73. A waterway that feeds water to a mill or with atomic energy. water wheel or turbine. 59. An elaborate song for solo voice. 74. A white linen liturgical vestment with 61. Type genus of the Amiidae. sleeves. 62. Any of numerous local fertility and nature deities worshipped by ancient Semitic peo- DOWN ples. 1. A short high tone produced as a signal or 63. An Arabic speaking person who lives in warning. Arabia or North Africa. 2. South American armadillo with three 65. A hormone secreted by the anterior pitu- bands of bony plates. itary gland that controls the degree of pig- 3. A river in north central Switzerland that mentation in melanocytes. runs northeast into the Rhine. 66. (informal) Of the highest quality. 4. A historical area and former kingdom in the Czech Republic. 67. A sweetened beverage of diluted fruit 5. A large Yoruba city in southwestern juice. Yesterday’s Solution

Daily SuDoku Yesterday’s Solution TUESDAY, MARCH 4, 2014 information

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

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

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

Nuzha 22526804 Afghanistan 0093 Iran 0098 Albania 00355 Iraq 00964 Industrial Shuwaikh 24814764 Algeria 00213 Ireland 00353 Qadsiya 22515088 Andorra 00376 Italy 0039 Angola 00244 Ivory Coast 00225 Dasmah 22532265 Anguilla 001264 Jamaica 001876 Antiga 001268 Japan 0081 Bneid Al-Gar 22531908 Argentina 0054 Jordan 00962 Shaab 22518752 Armenia 00374 Kazakhstan 007 Australia 0061 Kenya 00254 Qibla 22459381 Austria 0043 Kiribati 00686 Bahamas 001242 Kuwait 00965 Ayoun Al-Qibla 22451082 Bahrain 00973 Kyrgyzstan 00996 Mirqab 22456536 Bangladesh 00880 Laos 00856 Barbados 001246 Latvia 00371 Sharq 22465401 Belarus 00375 Lebanon 00961 Belgium 0032 Liberia 00231 Salmiya 25746401 Belize 00501 Libya 00218 Jabriya 25316254 Benin 00229 Lithuania 00370 Bermuda 001441 Luxembourg 00352 Maidan Hawally 25623444 Bhutan 00975 Macau 00853 Bolivia 00591 Macedonia 00389 Bayan 25388462 Bosnia 00387 Madagascar 00261 Mishref 25381200 Botswana 00267 Majorca 0034 Brazil 0055 Malawi 00265 W Hawally 22630786 Brunei 00673 Malaysia 0060 Bulgaria 00359 Maldives 00960 Sabah 24810221 Burkina 00226 Mali 00223 Jahra 24770319 Burundi 00257 Malta 00356 Cambodia 00855 Marshall Islands 00692 New Jahra 24575755 Cameroon 00237 Martinique 00596 Canada 001 Mauritania 00222 West Jahra 24772608 Cape Verde 00238 Mauritius 00230 South Jahra 24775066 Cayman Islands 001345 Mayotte 00269 Central African 00236 Mexico 0052 North Jahra 24775992 Chad 00235 Micronesia 00691 Chile 0056 Moldova 00373 North Jleeb 24311795 China 0086 Monaco 00377 Ardhiya 24884079 Colombia 0057 Mongolia 00976 Comoros 00269 Montserrat 001664 Firdous 24892674 Congo 00242 Morocco 00212 Cook Islands 00682 Mozambique 00258 Omariya 24719048 Costa Rica 00506 Myanmar (Burma) 0095 N Khaitan 24710044 Croatia 00385 Namibia 00264 Cuba 0053 Nepal 00977 Fintas 23900322 Cyprus 00357 Netherlands (Holland) Cyprus (Northern) 0090392 0031 Czech Republic 00420 Netherlands Antilles 00599 Denmark 0045 New Caledonia 00687 Diego Garcia 00246 New Zealand 0064 PRIVATE CLINICS Djibouti 00253 Nicaragua 00505 Dominica 001767 Nigar 00227 Dominican Republic 001809 Nigeria 00234 Ecuador 00593 Niue 00683 Egypt 0020 Norfolk Island 00672 El Salvador 00503 Northern Ireland (UK) Plastic Surgeons Paediatricians Ophthalmologists Endocrinologist England (UK) 0044 0044 Dr. Abidallah Al-Mansoor 25622444 Dr. Mohammad Al-Khalaf 22547272 Dr. Khaled Hamadi 25665898 Equatorial Guinea 00240 North Korea 00850 Dr. Abd Al-Naser Al-Othman 25339330 Dr. Samy Al-Rabeea 25752222 Dr. Abdal-Redha Lari 22617700 Dr. Abd Al-Aziz Al-Rashed 25340300 Eritrea 00291 Norway 0047 Dr. Masoma Habeeb 25321171 Dr. Abdel Quttainah 25625030/60 Dr. Zahra Qabazard 25710444 Dr. Ahmad Al-Ansari 25658888 Estonia 00372 Oman 00968 Dr. Mubarak Al-Ajmy 25739999 Ethiopia 00251 Pakistan 0092 Family Doctor Dr. Sohail Qamar 22621099 Dr. Mohsen Abel 25757700 Dr. Kamal Al-Shomr 25329924 Falkland Islands 00500 Palau 00680 Dr Divya Damodar 23729596/23729581 Dr. Snaa Maaroof 25713514 Faroe Islands 00298 Panama 00507 Dr Adnan Hasan Alwayl 25732223 Physiotherapists & VD Psychiatrists Dr. Pradip Gujare 23713100 Dr. Abdallah Al-Baghly 25732223 Fiji 00679 Papua New Guinea 00675 Dr. Zacharias Mathew 24334282 Dr. Deyaa Shehab 25722291 Ear, Nose & Throat (ENT) Dr. Esam Al-Ansari 22635047 Finland 00358 Paraguay 00595 Dr. Ahmed Fouad Mouner 24555050 Ext 510 Dr Eisa M. Al-Balhan 22613623/0 (1) Ear, Nose and Throat (2) Plastic Surgeon Dr. Musaed Faraj Khamees 22666288 France 0033 Peru 0051 French Guiana 00594 Philippines 0063 Dr. Abdallah Al-Ali 25644660 Gynaecologists & Obstetricians Dr. Abdul Mohsin Jafar, Rheumatologists: French Polynesia 00689 Poland 0048 Dr. Abd Al-Hameed Al-Taweel 25646478 DrAdrian arbe 23729596/23729581 FRCS (Canada) 25655535 Gabon 00241 Portugal 00351 Dr. Sanad Al-Fathalah 25311996 Dentists Dr. Verginia s.Marin 2572-6666 ext 8321 Dr. Adel Al-Awadi 25330060 Gambia 00220 Puerto Rico 001787 Dr. Mohammad Al-Daaory 25731988 Dr. Fozeya Ali Al-Qatan 22655539 Dr Anil Thomas 3729596/3729581 Georgia 00995 Qatar 00974 Dr. Ismail Al-Fodary 22620166 Dr. Khaled Al-Jarallah 25722290 Dr. Majeda Khalefa Aliytami 25343406 Dr. Shamah Al-Matar 22641071/2 Germany 0049 Romania 0040 Dr. Mahmoud Al-Booz 25651426 Ghana 00233 Russian Federation 007 Dr. Ahmad Al-Khooly 25739272 Dr. Anesah Al-Rasheed 22562226 Internist, Chest & Heart General Practitioners Gibraltar 00350 Rwanda 00250 Dr. Salem soso 22618787 Dr. Abidallah Al-Amer 22561444 Dr. Mohamme Y Majidi 24555050 Ext 123 DR.Mohammes Akkad 24555050 Ext 210 Greece 0030 Saint Helena 00290 Dr. Faysal Al-Fozan 22619557 General Surgeons Dr. Yousef Al-Omar 24719312 Dr. Mohammad Zubaid Greenland 00299 Saint Kitts 001869 Dr. Abdallateef Al-Katrash 22525888 Dr. Tarek Al-Mikhazeem 23926920 Dr. Amer Zawaz Al-Amer 22610044 MB, ChB, FRCPC, PACC Grenada 001473 Saint Lucia 001758 Dr. Abidallah Al-Duweisan 25653755 Dr. Kathem Maarafi 25730465 Dr. Mohammad Yousef Basher 25327148 Assistant Professor Of Medicine Guadeloupe 00590 Saint Pierre 00508 Dr. Bader Al-Ansari 25620111 Guam 001671 Saint Vincent 001784 Dr. Abdallah Ahmad Eyadah 25655528 Internists, Chest & Heart Head, Division of Cardiology Dr. Nabeel Al-Ayoobi 24577781 Neurologists Mubarak Al-Kabeer Hospital Guatemala 00502 Samoa US 00684 Dr. Adnan Ebil 22639939 Guinea 00224 Samoa West 00685 Dr. Dina Abidallah Al-Refae 25333501 Dr. Sohal Najem Al-Shemeri 25633324 Consultant Cardiologist Dr. Mousa Khadada 22666300 Guyana 00592 San Marino 00378 Urologists Dr. Jasem Mola Hassan 25345875 Dr. Latefa Al-Duweisan 25728004 Dr. Farida Al-Habib 2611555-2622555 Haiti 00509 Sao Tone 00239 Dr. Ali Naser Al-Serfy 22641534 Gastrologists MD, PH.D, FACC Holland (Netherlands) 0031 Saudi Arabia 00966 Dr. Fawzi Taher Abul 22639955 Dr. Nadem Al-Ghabra 25355515 Dr. Sami Aman 22636464 Inaya German Medical Center Honduras 00504 Scotland (UK) 0044 Dr. Khaleel Abidallah Al-Awadi 22616660 Dr. Mobarak Aldoub 24726446 Dr. Mohammad Al-Shamaly 25322030 Te: 2575077 Hong Kong 00852 Senegal 00221 Dr. Adel Al-Hunayan FRCS (C) 25313120 Dr Nasser Behbehani 25654300/3 Dr. Foad Abidallah Al-Ali 22633135 Fax: 25723123 Hungary 0036 Seychelles 00284 Dr. Leons Joseph 66703427 Ibiza (Spain) 0034 Sierra Leone 00232 Soor Center Iceland 00354 Singapore 0065 Psychologists [email protected] Tel: 2290-1677 Kaizen center William Schuilenberg, RPC 2290-1677 India 0091 Slovakia 00421 /Psychotherapists www.soorcenter.com Zaina Al Zabin, M.Sc. 2290-1677 Fax: 2290 1688 25716707 Indian Ocean 00873 Slovenia 00386 Indonesia 0062 Solomon Islands 00677 lifestyle TUESDAY, MARCH 4, 2014 OSCARS Lupita Nyong’o’s ice blue or Lupita JLaw’s bright red? Nyong’o hat’s a wrap, Lupita Nyong’o, but may all Lupita Nyong’o the best dresses keep coming your way. “I felt Lupita’s dress was glorious,” Rubenstein TWith a supporting actress Oscar now in her said. “She’s just not making a mistake.” He possession, a tearful Nyong’o concluded a red- praised her color choice and the full-pleated carpet season Sunday night as a fashion darling gown with a plunging bodice. The color, he for sexy silhouettes and colors that wow. She said, was perfect for her dark skin tone. He called her jeweled headband a nice touch of youth and wit. “There are now so many other awards shows where you can take chances. You can be silly, you can be funny. The Oscars is like corona- tion night. On Oscar night you look for classic glamour, you look for the glam- our that really is defined for us by Hollywood, by the movies that we’ve seen. All those great Edith Head cos- tumes. ... The way Grace Kelly was dressed by Hitchcock. That’s what we have drilled into our head as what glamour is and so many people reference that type of glamour,” Rubenstein said. On this night, Nyong’o was among them. “She carries herself so beautifully. She has such poise. Such grace,” he said. Marquez added: “I loved this, full stop. Every single bit of it. The col- or is perfect, the way the skirt flows and moves is sublime. She won the entire night as far as I’m Olivia Wilde concerned.” Fitzgerald said he “loved it, but not as much. I think the neckline is too plunging and too wide. Everything else about is pret- ty close to Cate Blanchett Cate didn’t disappoint at the 86th Academy Awards, wearing a pale blue Prada goddess gown and a sparkly gold-and-diamond headband from Fred Leighton. Nor did Jennifer Lawrence in a $2 mil- lion, 100-carat diamond necklace from Neil Lane to accent her girl-on-fire orange-red strapless dress from Dior. On Cate Amy Adams Blanchett’s ears were 33 carats of opal in a huge drop design that did justice to her beaded Armani gown in a light tan color. perfect, though. It’s a Sandra Bullock red as in years and carpets past. Blanchett’s heavily embellished gown fresh take on the princess gown, with an even Was it Navy blue? Royal blue? Simply, dark Marquez called it, “Another stunner for the night - sparkled under the lights at the Dolby Theatre in fresher take on the tiara.” blue? Whatever. It was a deep-tone Alexander and a personal best for her. She tends toward colorless, Los Angeles when she collected her Oscar for McQueen and an example of an edgy fashion slinky dresses and pin-straight hair. It’s refreshing to see Jennifer Lawrence house offering up an Old Hollywood-style stun- something with some shape.” Fitzgerald also lauded her Ok, so yeah, she tripped again, this time on ner, Rubenstein said. Both Rubenstein and loose, sideswept hair - a deep and dramatic side part the red carpet as opposed to running up the Stanley called the look Navy, noting a pleated another trend of the night. He called the dress “crazy- Oscar steps to collect a statuette, but she gig- draping that fell to one side. It was in line with a dramatic. It’s the kind of look, top to bottom, that gled it off and stunned in strapless Dior akin to lot of blue, some green, and not quite so much makes you step back and say ‘Now, that’s a movie star.’” the bright color of a Calvin Klein she wore in 2011. Of a Lupita versus Jennifer smackdown, Charlize Theron Kerry Washington Rubenstein chided: “C’mon now, they both Black made a reappearance, said Rubenstein, and it looked beautiful. Jennifer’s was also a beautiful remains a dynamic color. Theron was elegant in black color.” Lawrence, with a swept-back bob, pulled Dior, paired with a $15 million Harry Winston necklace off a bit of ruffle at the hip. It was a form-fitting that had a cluster of diamonds at the center. “Her sim- dress in contrast to her full gown at last year’s ple dress and massive necklace was a classic yet fresh Oscars, when she stumbled as she made her way look,” Stanley said. The look had invisible straps and a up the stairs to collect her award for “Silver curvy plunge, clinging to her body with a partially Linings Playbook.” sheer train in back. “As far as I’m concerned, this is the “The Dolby is a very big theater and when look that won the night,” Fitzgerald said. “She’s serving you wear a dress with a lot of volume like she did up serious Madame X here,” as in sexy, dark and myste- last year, you kind of get lost in that volume,” rious. Theron’s short hair fell over her forehead from Rubenstein said. “The more body-conscious the evening’s popular side part. dress really focuses on you.” Fitzgerald and Marquez were not quite as impressed. “I’ll say it: I’m bored,” Marquez said. “It has none of the dra- ma of last year’s Dior gown. It’s just another slinky gown on a night with more than enough of them.” Fitzgerald added: “I have to agree. And the red seems kind of done. It just doesn’t feel very fresh.”

Sandra Bullock best actress in “Blue Jasmine.” While she’s not under contract by Giorgio Armani, Blanchett does favor the house. “Armani has made dona- tions to the theater that she and her husband run in Sydney, so she’s very loyal to him,” said Hal Rubenstein, editor at large of InStyle magazine. Muted colors, like those worn by Blanchett and Nyong’o’s ice blue, were one of the night’s big trends, said Estee Stanley, a stylist who worked with Portia de Rossi, in a regal Naeem Khan halter with beads and lace, and Jessica Biel, dressed in a metallic sparkler from Chanel dripped with diamond jewelry from Tiffany. Fitted, body-conscious gowns prevailed on the red carpet, said fashion bloggers Tom Fitzgerald and Lorenzo Marquez. “The colors of the night were pinks and blues. Statement necklaces were Angelina Jolie back,” Fitzgerald said. But Marquez mused: “A general sameness hung over the whole thing. There was not enough experimentation.” While some of the necklines plunged, said Rubenstein, “there was nothing overtly sexy. Lady Gaga

They were all fairly reserved.” Here’s our five to Lawrence Jennifer talk about: Hudson Kate lifestyle TUESDAY, MARCH 4, 2014 OSCARS

Charlize Theron

Jessica Biel Kristen Bell green Escada for Viola Davis, along with Portia de Rossi Amy Adams paler looks like Nyong’o’s for Portia de She wore a blue column strapless by Rossi, who wore an ivory Naeem Khan with Gucci with a lapel-like, fold-over at the chose an ice grey strapless dress by the a beaded halter. designer, saying “I wanted something dra- strapless part. It was another Navy and Idina Menzel, among the evening’s per- stuck close to the body, flowing into a matic and ice princess-like because I’m formers, showed off a diamond collar neck- here for ‘Frozen.’” short train at the hem. “There were lace with her black gown at the Dolby Jenna Dewan-Tatum columns, columns, columns,” Rubenstein Theatre in Los Angeles. Kate Hudson went said of that time-tested silhouette, and Men show some flair full-on Hollywood in draped white Versace, Hollywood’s men, not to be outdone, Adams was a prime example. The simple while the night’s more subdued looks silhouette left plenty of room for her had a few fashion statements of their own included Julia Roberts, in a dark Givenchy to make. White dinner jackets were all the Tiffany jewels. They included with a ruffle at the waist. Anne Hathaway rhodochrosite, lapis and turquoise earrings rage-Matthew McConaughey and Jared presented during the ceremony as the Leto, both winners for their roles in “Dallas with diamonds in 18-karat yellow gold, lights set the sparking bodice of her black worth $35,000, and a $1.4 million yellow Buyers Club,” adopted the trend. Gucci gown dancing. McConaughey’s bow tie was black, while diamond bracelet, also in 18-karat yellow Even Lady Gaga went for classic, in a gold. The earrings? “Stunning,” Stanley said. Leto’s was burgundy. Leonardo DiCaprio, a gold strapless gown she wore with a long best actor nominee for “The Wolf of Wall sash around her neck. Angelina Jolie opted Street,” and Kevin Spacey, a producer of Others for a grey sequined gown by Lebanese Olivia Wilde went for a chic black sleeve- best picture nominee “Captain Phillips,” designer Elie Saab, while Naomi Watts wore both sported blue tuxedos. less Valentino that draped rather than a beaded white form-fitting Calvin Klein hugged her baby bump. It was a switch Pharrell Williams, a nominee in the best dress. Jessica Biel donned a column Chanel original song category for “Happy” from from the tight green - but still gorgeous - gown beaded with pastel pink and blue look she wore at the Golden Globes in “Despicable Me 2,” sported a classic tuxedo sequins and Jennifer Garner picked a pale jacket... and long shorts, designed by January. Fellow pregnant lady Kerry silver beaded flapper-style Oscar de la Washington went for a loose-fitting pleat- Lanvin. But for his performance, he Renta dress. donned a black version of the huge ed plum Jason Wu dress as her bump Julie Delpy wore a shimmering silver accessory this time around. Canadian Mountie-style hat designed by Jenny Packham dress, while Kristen Vivienne Westwood that he wore to the Classic dark blues and blacks were Chenoweth and Kristen Bell wore metallic joined by jewel tones, including a bright Grammys in January, creating major fash- beaded gowns by Roberto Cavalli. Bell ion buzz. — Agencies Designer Donatella Versace and Musician Lady Gaga Penelope Cruz

Georgina Chapman Goldie Hawn Actor Matthew McConaughey and Camila Alves Jared Leto Leonardo DiCaprio Pharrell Williams and Helen Lasichanh Worst dressed

Julie Delpy Anne Hathaway Julia Roberts Whoopi Goldberg and Alex Martin Naomi Watts Jennifer Garner lifestyle TUESDAY, MARCH 4, 2014 ‘12 YearsOSCARS a Slave’ rises up at Academy Awards

Director Steve McQueen accepts the Best Picture award for ‘12 Years a Slave’ with (back row) actors Sarah Paulson, Benedict Cumberbatch, Lupita Nyong’o, screenwriter John Ridley, actor Chiwetel Ejiofor, producers Arnon Milchan, Dede Gardner, Jeremy Kleiner and Anthony Katagas, actress Adepero Oduye and producer Brad Pitt onstage during the Oscars at the Dolby Theatre on March 2, 2014 in Hollywood, California. — AP/AFP photos

erhaps atoning for past sins, night’s top award-winner. Cleaning up in Gandolfini and others. Best documentary attention to their plight. Anti-govern- Hollywood named the brutal, technical categories like cinematography went to the crowd-pleasing backup ment protests have roiled the country in Punshrinking historical drama “12 and visual effects, it earned seven Oscars singer ode “20 Feet From Stardom.” One recent weeks. Years a Slave” best picture at the 86th including best director for Alfonso of its stars, Darlene Love, accepted the annual Academy Awards. Steve Cuaron. The Mexican filmmaker is the cat- award singing the gospel tune “His Eye Is “The Great Beauty” McQueen’s slavery odyssey, based on egory’s first Latino winner. “It was a trans- on the Sparrow”: “I sing because I’m hap- best foreign language Solomon Northup’s 1853 memoir, has formative experience,” said Cuaron, who py/ I sing because I’m free.” Disney’s glob- Italy’s “The Great Beauty” won the been hailed as a landmark corrective to spent some five years making the film al hit “Frozen” won best animated film, Oscar for best foreign language film. In the movie industry’s virtual blindness to and developing its visual effects. “For a lot marking - somewhat remarkably - the accepting the award for his rumination on slavery, instead creating whiter tales like of people, that transformation was wis- studio’s first win in the 14 years of the life and Rome’s decadence, director Paolo 1940 best-picture winner “Gone With the dom. For me, it was the color of my hair.” best animated feature category. (Pixar, Sorrentino thanked his heroes, including Wind.” “12 Years a Slave” is the first best- To his star Sandra Bullock, the sole person which Disney owns, has regularly domi- Federico Fellini, Martin Scorsese and soc- picture winner directed by a black film- on screen for much of the lost-in-space nated.) The film’s hit single, “Let It Go,” cer star Diego Maradona. In her opening,

Will Smith, right, presents Brad Pitt with the award for the Best Picture for “12 Years a Slave”. hoped would be a record-setter on the Cinderella of the awards season - won Twitter. (It was: Long before midnight, the best supporting actress for her indelible photo had been retweeted more than 2 impression as the tortured slave Patsey. million times and momentarily crashed It’s the feature film debut for the 31-year- Twitter.) One participant, Meryl Streep, old actress. “It doesn’t escape me for one giddily exclaimed: “I’ve never tweeted moment that so much joy in my life is before!” But in celebrating a movie year thanks to so much pain in someone else’s, roundly considered an exceptionally and so I want to salute the spirit of Patsy deep one, the Oscars fittingly spread the for her guidance,” said Nyong’o. She also awards around. The starved stars of the thanked director Steve McQueen: “I’m Texas AIDS drama “Dallas Buyers Club” certain that the dead are standing about were feted: Matthew McConaughey for you and they are watching and they are Director Steve McQueen, left, celebrates with the cast and crew of ‘12 best actor and Jared Leto for best sup- grateful, and so am I.” John Ridley won (From left) Director Alfonso Cuaron accepts the Best Achievement in Years a Slave’. porting actor. best adapted screenplay for “12 Years a Directing award for ‘Gravity’ from actors Angelina Jolie and Sidney Poitier. maker. “Everyone deserves not just to sur- drama, he said: “Sandra, you are ‘Gravity.’” Slave,” shifting praise to Northup: “Those won best original song. “We’re all just try- DeGeneres gently mocked Hollywood’s vive, but to live,” said McQueen, who ded- But history belonged to “12 Years a ‘The world is round, people!’ are his words. That is his life.” Spike Jonze ing to make films that touch people,” said insularity, referring to the headlines that icated the honor to those, past and pres- Slave,” a modestly budgeted drama pro- McConaughey’s award capped a star- took best original screenplay for his futur- co-director Chris Buck backstage. “Once have swamped the Los Angeles area lately ent, who have endured slavery. “This is duced by Brad Pitt’s production company, tling career turnaround, a conscious redi- istic romance “Her,” the category Russell in a while, you get lucky.” with a slightly less serious news event. the most important legacy of Solomon Plan B, that has made $50 million world- rection by the actor to tack away from the had the best chance of winning. “It has been raining,” said DeGeneres. Northup.” The normally reserved wide - a far cry from the more than $700 romantic comedies he regularly starred Thinking of Ukraine and Venezuela “We’re fine. Thank you for your prayers.” McQueen promptly bounced up and million “Gravity” has hauled in. Ellen in, and move toward more challenging ‘The Wizard of Oz’ tribute Though the Oscar ceremony is usually ABC, which aired the ceremony, hoped down on stage, later matter-of-factly DeGeneres, in a nimble second stint as films. “It sort of feels like a culmination,” Though the ceremony lacked a big a glitzy bubble separate from real-world the drama of a razor-thin best-picture race explaining his joy physically took over: host that seemed designed as an anti- he said backstage. Leto passed around opening number, it had a steady musical happenings, international events were would be enough to entice viewers. The “So, Van Halen. Jump.” A year after cele- dote to the crude humor of Seth his Oscar to members of the press back- beat to it. To a standing ovation, Bono immediately referenced. In his accept- show last year drew an audience of 40.3 brating Ben Affleck’s “Argo” over Steven MacFarlane last year, summarized the stage, urging them to “fondle” it. The and U2 played an acoustic version of ance speech, Leto addressed people in million, up from 39.3 million the year Spielberg’s “Lincoln,” the Academy of academy’s options in her opening mono- long-haired actor, who has devoted him- “Ordinary Love,” from “Mandela: Long Ukraine and Venezuela. “We are here and before when the silent-film ode “The Motion Picture Arts and Sciences opted logue: “Possibility number one: ‘12 Years a self in recent years to his rock band 30 Walk to Freedom.” Pharrell Williams had as you struggle to make your dreams Artist” won best picture. There was a for stark realism over more the plainly Slave’ wins best picture. Possibility num- Seconds to Mars, gravely vowed: “I will Streep and Leonardo DiCaprio dancing in happen, to live the impossible, we’re sense of deja vu Sunday. As she hit the red entertaining candidates: the 3-D space ber two: You’re all racists.” revel tonight.” the aisles with “Happy” from “Despicable thinking of you,” said Leto. Russian state- carpet, “American Hustle” star Jennifer marvel “Gravity” and the starry 1970s Cate Blanchett took best actress for Me 2.” Pink was cheered for her rendition owned broadcaster Channel One Russia Lawrence briefly collapsed in a heap of caper “American Hustle.” DeGeneres’ selfie crashes Twitter her fallen socialite in Woody Allen’s “Blue of “Somewhere Over the Rainbow,” part of said it would not broadcast the Oscars laughter, just as she tripped ascending DeGeneres presided over a smooth if Jasmine,” her second Oscar. Accepting the a 75th anniversary tribute to “The Wizard live because of the necessity for news the stairs last year to accept best actress ‘Sandra, you are ‘Gravity’ safe ceremony, punctuated by politics, award, she challenged Hollywood not to of Oz.” And Bette Midler sang - what else? coverage of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine’s for “Silver Linings Playbook.”“If you win Those two films came in as the lead- pizza and photo-bombing. Freely circulat- think of films starring women as “niche - “Wind Beneath My Wing” for the in Crimea peninsula. It will instead transmit tonight,” said DeGeneres, “I think we ing nominee getters. David O. Russell’s ing in the crowd, she had pizza delivered, experiences”: “The world is round, peo- memoriam segment - an especially heart- the Oscars early Tuesday morning, local should bring you the Oscar.”No delivery “American Hustle” went home empty- appealing to Harvey Weinstein to pitch in, ple!” she declared to hearty applause. felt one, considering the deaths of Philip time. Venezuelan protesters, via social was needed, as the night belonged to “12 handed, but “Gravity” triumphed as the and gathered stars to snap a selfie she Draped in Nairobi blue, Lupita Nyong’o - Seymour Hoffman, Harold Ramis, James media, urged Oscar winners to bring Years a Slave.”— AP

Actress Cate Blanchett accepts the Best Performance by Actor Jared Leto accepts the Best Performance by an Director Steve McQueen poses in the press room with Actor Matthew McConaughey accepts the Best an Actress in a Leading Role award for ‘Blue Jasmine’. Actor in a Supporting Role award for ‘Dallas Buyers the award for best picture for ‘12 Years a Slave’. Performance by an Actor in a Leading Role award for Club’. ‘Dallas Buyers Club’. lifestyle TUESDAY, MARCH 4, 2014 OSCARS

Singer Pharrell Williams performs onstage.

Spike Jonze accepts the award for the John Ridley poses in the press room with Morgan Neville accepts the award for Best Actress Goldie Hawn speaks onstage. Best Original Screenplay of the year for the award for Best Adapted Screenplay of Documentary Feature of the year for ‘20 ‘Her’. the year for “12 Years a Slave”. Feet From Stardom’.

Alfonso Cuaron poses in the press room with his awards for Best Film Editing, Best Director, Best Visual Effects, Best Cinematography, Best Sound Mixing and Best Sound Editing for “Gravity”.

Complete list of Oscar winners Best picture:“12 Years a Slave” Best actor: Matthew McConaughey, “Dallas Harrison Ford and Calista Flockhart arrive. Musicians The Edge, Bono, Larry Mullen Jr, and Buyers Club” Adam Clayton of U2 perform onstage. Best actress: Cate Blanchett, “Blue Jasmine” Best supporting actor: Jared Leto, “Dallas Buyers Club” Best supporting actress: Lupita Nyong’o, “12 Years a Slave” Best director: Alfonso Cuaron, “Gravity” Best original screenplay: Spike Jonze, “Her” Best adapted screenplay: John Ridley, “12 Years a Slave” Best foreign language film: “The Great Beauty” (Italy) Best animated feature:“Frozen” Best original song: “Let It Go” from “Frozen,” music and lyrics by Kristen Anderson-Lopez Nicholas Reed, left, and Malcolm Clarke accept the Filmmakers Laurent Witz and Alexandre Espigares and Robert Lopez award for Best Short Subject Documentary of the pose with their Best Short Film, Animated award TV personality/actress Whoopi Best original score: Steven Price, “Gravity” Singer Pink performs onstage. year for ‘The Lady in Number 6: Music Saved My Life’. for ‘Mr Hublot’. Goldberg speaks onstage. Best visual effects:“Gravity” Best film editing:“Gravity” Best cinematography: “Gravity” Best sound mixing:“Gravity” Best sound editing: “Gravity” Best costume design:“The Great Gatsby” Best production design: “The Great Gatsby” Best make-up and hairstyling: “Dallas Buyers Club” Best animated short film:“Mr Hublot” Best live action short film: “Helium” Best documentary feature: “20 Feet from Stardom” Best documentary short: “The Lady in Number 6: Music Saved My Life”

Films with multiple wins: “Gravity - 7 “12 Years a Slave” - 3 “Dallas Buyers Club” - 3 “Frozen” - 2 “The Great Gatsby” - 2 —AFP

Songwriters Kristen Anderson-Lopez and Robert Lopez Costume designer Catherine Martin holds her Best Anders Walter, left, and Kim Magnusson pose in the press celebrate Best Achievement in Music Written for Motion Achievement in Costume Design award for ‘The Great Gatsby’ room with the award for Best Live Action Short Film of the Pictures, Original Song award for ‘Let It Go’ from ‘Frozen’. with presenters and Samuel L Jackson and Naomi Watts. year for ‘Helium’.

(From left) Student Directors Chris filmmakers Zaineb Buck and Jennifer Abdul-Nabi, Jean Lee stand with Paul Isaacs, Tayo producer Peter Amos, Nathan Del Vecho after Flanagan-Frankl, winning the Best Director Paolo Sorrentino celebrates winning Mackenna Millet, Animated Feature Best Foreign Language Film for ‘The Great and Bryson Kemp Film award for Beauty’ (Italian). speak onstage. ‘Frozen’. ‘12 Years a Slave’ rises up at Academy Awards

TUESDAY, MARCH 4, 2014 38

Host Ellen DeGeneres speaks onstage. — AP/AFP photos Ellen DeGeneres brings pizza and deadpan affability to Oscars Key quotes from Oscars night

Host Ellen DeGeneres with pizza delivery man onstage. Host Ellen DeGeneres and actor Jared Leto onstage.

omedienne and talk show star Ellen DeGeneres returned as Oscar host on Sunday, bringing her Cdeadpan affability, and free pizza, to the 86th Actresses Jennifer Lawrence and Lupita Nyong’o backstage. —AFP Academy Awards show while still poking fun at Hollywood royalty. In a back-to-basics approach to a live, The following is a list of key quotes from the 86th Academy Awards held 3 1/2- hour telecast that largely eschewed sophisticated Sunday at the Dolby Theatre in Hollywood: clip montages and lavish song-and-dance productions, DeGeneres displayed her flair for playing informality for Facing a painful past, and present: laughs. “I dedicate this award to all the people who have endured slavery and the Shrugging off complaints from some critics that the 21 million people who still suffer slavery today.”Director Steve McQueen, on breezy levity of her first Oscar stint in 2007 was at odds accepting the best picture Oscar for his epic “12 Years a Slave.” with the Academy Awards’ traditional sense of decorum, DeGeneres forayed into the Dolby Theatre audience sev- Inspiration from above: eral times during Sunday’s show to mingle with the film “To my father, I know he’s up there right now, with a big pot of gumbo. He’s industry elite, as she did seven years before. She handed a faux consolation prize - a pair of lottery tickets - to got a lemon meringue pie, and he’s probably up there with a cold can of “American Hustle” star Bradley Cooper after he lost his bid Miller Lite.” Matthew McConaughey, best actor Oscar winner for his role in for best supporting actor; took a “selfie” snapshot with a “Dallas Buyers Club.” group of nominees that was swiftly re-tweeted more than Acting her age “Sit down, you’re too old to be standing.” Cate Blanchett, 44, to the Academy Awards audience who greets her with a standing ovation as she accepts her best actress Oscar for portraying a fallen New York socialite in This image released by Ellen DeGeneres shows actors front row from left, Jared Leto, Jennifer “Blue Jasmine.” Lawrence, Meryl Streep, Ellen DeGeneres, Bradley Cooper, Peter Nyong’o Jr., and, second row, from left, Channing Tatum, Julia Roberts, Kevin Spacey, Brad Pitt, Lupita Nyong’o and Angelina Jolie as A selfie seen round the world they pose for a ‘selfie’ portrait on a cell phone. “We crashed and broke Twitter. We have made history!” Oscar Host Ellen DeGeneres, after a “selfie” photograph of her surrounded by A-listers includ- Wizard of Oz,” lit up social media site Twitter earlier on ing Meryl Streep and Brad Pitt became the most retweeted Twitter message Sunday after a red carpet appearance in which she ever. The photo has been retweeted more than 2.2 million times, shattering looked shaky, sported a blue streak in her hair, and was the previous record of 800,000 set by President Barack Obama’s re-election apparently bra-less under her blue silk pants suit. In message in November 2012. another pithy moment, DeGeneres declared two possible scenarios for the final outcome of the Oscar race: Leto on Ukraine, Venezuela “Possibility No. 1, ‘12 Years a Slave’ wins best picture. “To all of the dreamers out there around the world watching this tonight, in Host Ellen DeGeneres speaks onstage. Possibility No. 2, you’re all racists.” places like Ukraine and Venezuela, I want to say, we are here. And as you Her most sexually explicit gag of the night came when she referred obliquely to Jonah Hill’s masturbation scene struggle to make your dreams happen, to live the impossible, we’re think- 2 million times during the show; and even ushered a piz- ing of you tonight.” Jared Leto, accepting the first major award of the za delivery guy into the auditorium to hand out slices to in the film “The Wolf of Wall Street” and her own sexual evening, for best supporting actor in “Dallas Buyers Club.” the stars, then called on producer Harvey Weinstein to orientation. “You showed us something in that film that I pay the tip. have not seen for a very, very long time,” she told Hill. “No pressure, only a billion people are watching, DeGeneres, 56, made broadcast history in 1997 as the Filipino pride whatever you feel is right,” she shouted. While mostly first openly gay lead character on US prime-time televi- “Filipino pride. I’m so excited, I’m just sending love to the Philippines. I veering away from the ribald streak that marked Seth Actors Kevin Spacey, actors Lupita Nyong’o, Brad sion, shortly after she came out publicly as a lesbian in know they’ve had a tough year and I just send out my feelings to them.” MacFarlane’s widely panned, and far more provocative, Pitt, and host Ellen DeGeneres in the audience. real life. Her return Oscar engagement came a year after Robert Lopez, whose tune “Let It Go” from the animated feature “Frozen” stint as emcee last year, DeGeneres showed she was not MacFarlane, the creator of the animated sitcom “Family won the Oscar for best original song, on becoming the first Filipino- gratulated Squibb for her role in “Nebraska.” She then Guy,” drew critical scorn for a risque performance that above mocking the movie industry’s biggest stars. American to win an Academy Award. With his win, Lopez has earned a rare raised her voice to directly address Squibb as if the nomi- included zingers about gays, Jews and domestic violence, She zeroed in on supporting actress nominee, and last “EGOT”: he has won an Emmy, a Grammy, an Oscar and a Tony. nee were hard of hearing, saying, “I’m telling everyone and a musical tribute to female frontal nudity called “We year’s best actress winner, Jennifer Lawrence, recalling that you were wonderful in ‘Nebraska.’” Saw Your Boobs.” A first-timer’s thrill that the star famously tripped on the stairs to the stage Early reviews of DeGeneres’ latest performance were on her way to accepting her Oscar in 2013. DeGeneres Leto and Liza mostly positive. Variety’s TV columnist Brian Lowry gave “I can’t believe this is in my hands.” Kenyan actress Lupita Nyong’o, back- also alluded to how Lawrence, 23, nominated for her role But in perhaps her most cutting jab of the night, her points for “playful jabs” at the stars that “managed to stage after accepting her Oscar statuette for best supporting actress for her in “American Hustle,” stumbled again on the red carpet on DeGeneres recognized the presence in the audience of feel fun without being mean-spirited,” saying that her role in “12 Years a Slave.” Sunday. veteran actress-singer and Oscar winner Liza Minnelli by opening monologue “screamed of a desire to dial back “If you win tonight, I think we should bring you the calling attention to “one of the most amazing Liza the show to safer terrain.” USA Today said DeGeneres Understatement of the evening Oscar,” DeGeneres dead-panned, as the audience, includ- Minnelli impersonators I have ever seen in my life.” As the kicked off her sophomore Oscar run “in uproarious fash- “Making a film can be a traumatic experience.”Alfonso Cuaron, picking up ing Lawrence, erupted in laughter. Turning to June camera cut to Minnelli, and back to DeGeneres, the host ion,” and the Washington Post review said that DeGeneres his Oscar for best director for his 3D space drama “Gravity,” the night’s big Squibb, whom she noted was the oldest performer ever added, “Good job, sir.” Minnelli, 67, who was honored later “told jokes that were easy on the ears, gentle on the mind winner with seven awards. — AFP nominated for an acting Oscar at age 84, DeGeneres con- in the evening in a tribute to her mother’s movie, “The and, for the most part, sparingly nice.” — Reuters