SUBSCRIPTION

SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 23, 2014 RABI ALTHANI 23, 1435 AH www.kuwaittimes.net Joint efforts Chelsea to identify, stretch lead prosecute visa with last-gasp traffickers winner 2 20 INSIDE Protesters take Kiev, Max 24º Min 09º president slams coup High Tide 02:42 & 14:58 Low Tide Opposition icon Tymoshenko walks free 09:05 & 21:39 40 PAGES NO: 16086 150 FILS

KIEV: Protesters took control of Ukraine’s that assertion. capital yesterday, seizing the president’s But Yanukovych vowed flatly to fight office as parliament voted to remove him any attempt to topple him. “They are try- and hold new elections. President Viktor ing to scare me. I have no intention to Yanukovych described the events as a leave the country. I am not going to coup and insisted he would not step resign; I’m the legitimately elected presi- down. After a tumultuous week that left dent,” Yanukovych said in a televised scores dead and Ukraine’s political des- statement, clearly shaken and with long tiny in flux, fears mounted that the coun- pauses in his speaking. “Everything that try could split in two - a Europe-leaning is happening today is, to a greater west and a Russian-leaning east and degree, vandalism and banditry and a south. Parliament arranged the release of coup d’etat,” he said. “I will do everything Yanukovych’s arch-rival, former Prime to protect my country from breakup, to Minister Yulia Tymoshenko, who was on stop bloodshed.” her way to Kiev to join the protesters. Ukraine, a nation of 46 million, has She promised to run for president, and huge strategic importance to Russia, said she will “make it so that no drop of Europe and the United States. The coun- blood that was spilled will be forgotten”. try’s western regions, angered by corrup- Yanukovych said he would not recog- tion in Yanukovych’s government, want nize any of the lawmakers’ decisions as to be closer to the European Union and valid. He left Kiev for his support base in have rejected Yanukovych’s authority in the country’s Russian-speaking east, many cities. Eastern Ukraine, which where lawmakers questioned the legiti- accounts for the bulk of the nation’s eco- macy of the newly empowered legisla- nomic output, favors closer ties with ture and called for volunteer militias to Russia and has largely supported the uphold order. “This is a political knockout president. The three-month protest for Yanukovych,” charismatic former-box- movement was prompted by the presi- er-turned-opposition-leader Vitali dent’s decision to abort an agreement Klitschko said in a statement yesterday. with the EU in favor of a deal with “Yanukovych is no longer president.” Moscow. Newly-elected parliament speaker “The people have won, because we Oleksandr Turchynov said Yanukovych fought for our future,” said opposition “tried to take a plane to Russia but... was leader Vitali Klitschko to a euphoric Protesters celebrate as they ride atop of a truck in central Kiev yesterday. (Inset) Ukraine’s jailed pro- blocked in doing so by border police”. crowd of thousands gathered on Kiev’s Western opposition icon Yulia Tymoshenko leaves a hospital in Kharkiv yesterday. — AP/AFP There was no immediate confirmation of Continued on Page 13 Morsi slams Ailing Bouteflika PAGE Venus wins first PAGE ‘void’ trial to seek reelection title in16 months

CAIRO: Egypt’s deposed president Mohamed Morsi yesterday rejected the right of a court to try him and Security flags over WhatsApp urged supporters from a courtroom dock to contin- ue their “revolution”, as a protest movement demanding his reinstatement shrinks before a fierce WASHINGTON: The Facebook deal for that when they send messages, the police crackdown. The defiant call came during WhatsApp drew attention for its whop- recipient’s device may not be secure. But Morsi’s trial on charges related to jailbreaks and ping price tag, but has also brought out it says it does not store any chat history attacks on police, as a separate court acquitted six Mexico drug kingpin fresh criticism over security for the bil- and that messages are wiped off its sys- police officers of killing protesters during the 2011 lions of messages delivered on the plat- tem after delivery. uprising against his predecessor Hosni Mubarak. ‘El Chapo’ captured form. WhatsApp, which is to be acquired Yet security researchers and others Morsi’s Muslim Brotherhood still stages diminish- for $19 billion, says on its website that point out that there may be vulnerabili- ing weekly protests despite a crackdown that has MEXICO CITY: The reign of the world’s without a shot fired, the official said. “communication between your phone ties in the system used by some 450 mil- killed more than 1,400 people since the military most notorious drug trafficker came to The United States had offered a $5 mil- and our server is fully encrypted”. The lion people globally. Paul Jauregui at the overthrew him in July, after just one year in office. an abrupt end yesterday when Mexican lion reward for information leading to company warns users need to be aware Continued on Page13 “The revolution of the people won’t stop - continue marines swooped on Sinaloa cartel the arrest of Guzman, who is accused of your peaceful revolution,” said Morsi during the sec- leader Joaquin “El Chapo” Guzman, a US being behind much of the drug vio- ond hearing of the trial, one of three under way for security official told AFP. After 13 years lence that has plagued Mexico for years. the deposed leader. “As far as I’m concerned, these on the run, Guzman was captured at His arrest deals a major blow to procedures are void and I don’t accept them,” he around 6:00 am local time in a hotel in Mexico’s biggest drug cartel, an empire said. Speaking from inside a glass cage, Morsi also Mazatlan, a resort city located on the that stretches along the Pacific coast insisted that he remains the “president” of Egypt. “I Pacific coast state of Sinaloa, apparently and smuggles drugs to the United am present here by force,” he said. States, Europe and Asia. Mexican forces He also blamed Field Marshal Abdel Fattah Al-Sisi, were acting on a tip-off from the US the army chief who led his overthrow and who is Drug Enforcement Agency and US expected to stand in and win presidential elections Homeland Security intelligence, the this spring, for the bloodshed across Egypt. “The official said on condition of anonymity. head of the coup, the defence minister, has killed “We’ve been actively tracking him for more than 3,000 people in the streets. He is the one five weeks. Because of that pressure, he who killed them and it was not investigated, but he fled in the last couple of days to will be held accountable,” said Morsi. Defence lawyer Mazatlan,” the official told AFP. “He had a Kamal Mandour demanded that Sisi be investigated small contingent with him,” the official for “toppling the regime” of Morsi and for detaining said. him. Another defence lawyer, Mohamed Abu Leila, Guzman was believed to have been asked the panel of judges to withdraw from the trial. hiding in a house in Culiacan, Sinaloa’s Morsi and 130 other defendants including largest city, but had fled as Mexican Palestinian and Lebanese militants are charged with troops hunted for him. The house had organising jailbreaks and attacking police stations extra-thick walls and escape tunnels, during the 2011 revolt against Mubarak. the official said. NEW YORK: The logo of WhatsApp, the popular messaging service bought by Continued on Page 13 Joaquin Guzman Continued on Page 13 Facebook for $19 billion, is seen on a smartphone. — AFP (See Page 27) Bomb kills 3 at Lebanon army post HERMEL, Lebanon: A massive suicide car to the war raging in neighbouring Syria. eastern Lebanon and southern Beirut have bomb targeting an army checkpoint in the Yesterday’s suicide car blast ripped through been targeted by a wave of violent attacks eastern Lebanese town of Hermel near war- the checkpoint which lies at the main in recent months, since the Shiite group torn Syria killed a civilian and two soldiers entrance of Hermel, and at which cars are acknowledged it sent fighters to support yesterday. The bomb is the latest in a string routinely stopped and searched by army President Bashar Al-Assad’s troops in Syria’s of blasts, many of them suicide attacks, tar- troops. Immediately after the attack, mili- war. Until yesterday, the attacks had all geting areas where Lebanon’s powerful tary police imposed a security cordon on killed civilians. Shiite movement Hezbollah is a dominant Hermel, as they searched for suspects and Hezbollah television channel Al-Manar force. A medical official who spoke to AFP evidence, said the National News Agency broadcast amateur footage showing a on condition of anonymity said two sol- (NNA). The agency also said Lebanon’s judi- huge fire rise above the checkpoint. The diers and a civilian were killed in the latest cial authorities ordered the collection of sound of people screaming can be heard. attack, and that 16 others, five of them sol- evidence at the scene of the blast, as well The blast comes just four days after three diers, were wounded. as a DNA test on the remains of the attack- people died in a twin bomb attack target- Hermel, in the Bekaa Valley, has seen er’s body. ing the cultural centre of Hezbollah backer KUWAIT: Popular Kuwaiti singer Abdullah Al-Ruwaished performs during a Hala multiple attacks in recent months related Areas under Hezbollah domination in Iran. — AFP February musical concert at the Ice Skating Rink at the weekend. (See Page 3) SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 23, 2014 LOCAL

RIYADH: A huge reception, organized by the Kuwaiti diplomatic mission in the Kingdom, marking Kuwait’s 53rd anniversary of the National Day and the 23rd Anniversary of the Liberation Day, in progress yesterday. Saudi-Kuwaiti relations ‘at peak’

RIYADH: Bilateral relations bonding the Sheikh Jaber Al-Mubarak Al-Hamad Al-Sabah these relations, between the two leaderships, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia with the State of and the Kuwaiti people on the national occa- governments and peoples, and we beseech Kuwait are currently at the top, affirmed the sions. (HA) Allah to maintain these bonds and pro- Kuwaiti Ambassador to Saudi Arabia. Kuwait, while it celebrates today, the tect the leaders, my master the Custodian of The Kuwaiti-Saudi ties “are at the peak of national ceremonies, recalls a history of the Two Holy Mosques and His Highness the development,” said Sheikh Thamer Jaber Al- accomplishments and the people sacrifices for Amir of the State of Kuwait.” Ahmad Al-Sabah, on sidelines of a huge making a bright future, said Sheikh Thamer on Dya Eddin, the dean of the diplomatic reception, organized by the Kuwaiti diplomat- the fringes of the gathering, attended by top corps and the ambassador of Djibouti in ic mission in the Kingdom, marking Kuwait’s figures, namely Riyadh Region Amir, Prince Riyadh, praised the Kuwaiti leaders for main- 53rd anniversary of the National Day and the Khaled Bandar Bin Abdul-Aziz Al-Saud. Also taining balanced ties with states of the world 23rd Anniversary of the Liberation Day. attending was a large number of Arab, foreign over the years and hailed the Kuwaiti’s gener- Sheikh Thamer Jaber Al-Ahmad, who led diplomats, businessmen, media personnel and ous aid to nations in need for assistance. the Kuwaiti mission during the major gather- Kuwaiti citizens. Oleg Ozerov, the Russian ambassador, laud- ing that drew a large number of dignitaries, This large gathering signals the solid and ed on the occasion the current level of ties noted while addressing the distinctive rela- family ties between the two countries “that between Kuwait and Moscow affirming “these tions between the two GCC member states, live as one people on a one land,” the relations have been rapidly improving.” Riyadh’s brotherly and sincere stance on Ambassador Sheikh Thamer Jaber Al-Ahmad For his part, the Chinese ambassador Kuwait’s side when it was targeted with the stated. expressed pleasure for sharing the Kuwaitis 1990 aggression by the former Iraqi regime. their joy on the national occasions and praised The ambassador expressed congratulations Generous aid the Kuwaiti leaders for adopting moderate to His Highness the Amir Sheikh Sabah Al- The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and the State and sagacious stances for sake of global peace Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah, His Highness the of Kuwait have been bonded “with ties of and stability. Such sentiments were also Crown Prince Sheikh Nawaf Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber blood and brotherhood. echoed by the British charge d’affaires and Al-Sabah, His Highness the Prime Minister “Words fail to express the closeness of attending American diplomats. —KUNA Kuwait looks to improve human rights record Joint efforts to identify, prosecute visa traffickers

By Ahmad Jabr down on illicit companies, it can blacklist them. hopes to improve its human rights record ahead But there could be thousands more companies of the release of annual international reports, KUWAIT: The Ministry of Social Affairs and Labor breaking the law because the ministry doesn’t which have ranked the Gulf state in low tiers in prepares to launch efforts in cooperation with have an efficient and comprehensive system for the past few years. The US Department of State other state departments in order to identify fake detecting companies suspected of illegal visa Trafficking in Persons Report ranks Kuwait in its companies in Kuwait, so that proper legal action activities. The MSAL has realized that no serious latest issue in Tier 3, which is for countries whose can be taken accordingly. The step, if successful, effort against visa traffickers can be taken with- governments do not fully comply with the mini- will be considered the biggest action against out improving the system - an archival system mum standards (of the Trafficking Victims visa traffickers who use licenses of inactive com- introduced a number of years ago with a data- Protection Act) and are not making significant panies in order to obtain work permits, which base containing information about companies in efforts to do so. “Although the government are then sold to workers either inside or outside Kuwait, their registered workers, the number of enacted an anti-trafficking law in March 2013, Kuwait. workers each company is allowed to recruit and the government did not demonstrate significant Thousands of people have been arrested and other information. efforts to prosecute and convict trafficking deported in ongoing crackdowns against illegal The first step in this direction is to assign min- offenders using previously existing laws,” the residents in Kuwait since April last year. Illegal istry employees to handle the system that is cur- report reads. residents are those with expired visas, facing rently operated by a private company. By having If Kuwait manages to improve its classifica- criminal court cases or fugitives as well as those its own staff members with full authorities to tion in this year’s report, a lot of the credit currently detained or reported for absconding. access the system, the ministry hopes to address would go to minister Subaih. “The visas file is Their numbers are estimated at 120,000 as of Jan hacking of the database which has been a com- being reviewed thoroughly and will be opened 2014. Many of them are victims of visa traffick- mon way to commit labor related-violations, after the [database] system is upgraded to avoid ing, a form of human trafficking in which work- according to sources who spoke to Al-Qabas dai- errors experienced in the past,” Subaih said last ers - often low-wage laborers looking for a ly yesterday. The current database can be easily week. She explained that the plan is to create a chance to work in the oil-rich Gulf region - are hacked and until a more secure system is provid- ‘solid base’ before the matter is open widely to brought in by work permits issued illegally ed, the ministry believes that it can rely on address problems that affect employers and through loopholes in the foreign labor recruit- employees “who will be held accountable for employees alike. ment system. They are left with no jobs after every piece of data entered through their they arrive in Kuwait, which leaves them prone accounts”, said ministry sources. “Since every Visa Transfer to hard labor, mistreatment and extortion by transaction will carry the name of the employee Hiring in the private sector is currently paying large amounts of money to renew their who added it to the system, the ministry will closed, but the plan according to recent reports expired visas. have more control to detect incorrect informa- is to allow firms to hire staff freely starting from tion,” the sources explained. April 1 after steps are taken in order to ensure KUWAIT: Environment Public Authority inspectors holding inspections yesterday. Change in direction that the employer adheres to labor regulations. The crackdown against illegals has been met Coordination The decision could coincide with officially with frequent criticism against the government Improving the automation system is one step announcing the establishment of the Public for failure to pair those efforts with steps to in a larger plan to tackle visa trafficking once Labor Authority, which is touted as Kuwait’s EPA starts strict identify and prosecute visa traffickers. That and for all. “The main goal of this step is to alternative for the sponsorship or ‘kafala’ system changed after Minister of Social Affairs and retrieve data and information of fake companies that currently handles the affairs of the coun- Labor Hind Al-Subaih decided to focus on the registered in the MSAL database or licensed by try’s population of 2.7 million expatriates who main cause of visa trafficking - fake companies - the Ministry of Commerce and Industry,” the make up 68 percent of the country’s 3.9 million inspections shortly after she joined the Cabinet in early sources said. “Coordination is needed to tally the population. The sponsorship system has been January. During the first week of this month, number of fake companies and refer them to the the cause of criticism against Kuwait, both from By Hanan Al-Saadoun Subaih launched legal proceedings against 43 public prosecution.” inside and outside, as it is blamed for violations companies for illegal practices. Last week, local Furthermore, efforts to eliminate fake compa- practiced against low-skilled labor forces. KUWAIT: Head of the Inspection dailies reported that assistant undersecretary for nies are also aimed at identifying Kuwaitis who Furthermore, the system lacks regulations to and Legal Action Team at the labor sector Jamal Al-Dousary referred the receive financial support from the government organize the affairs of more than 800,000 Environment Public Authority files of 2,000 companies to the Criminal paid to private sector employees by claiming domestic workers in the state. The labor author- (EPA) Ayman Bujabara said his Investigations Department in the Interior that they are employed by companies that have ity, which the parliament had passed a bill to team had confiscated 2,000 cans of Ministry in order to probe their potential no actual activity. Those efforts will be taken in establish last year, would exclusively handle the “foam” and issued a number of involvement in trafficking crimes. Since then, at cooperation with the Manpower and affairs of expatriate labor forces once set up, citations for violating stores. least 53 more companies have been referred to Government Restructuring Program, according including hiring in local companies based on Bujabara said that inspections the public prosecution on trafficking charges. to the sources. employers’ requirements. But despite pressure targeted 215 stores in 15 locations to launch the authority as soon as possible, of Kuwait city, northern and south- System improvement Improving human rights there is currently no set date for when it will ern areas. He said those included Now that the ministry has begun to crack The recent activity comes as the government officially start functioning. Hawally, Maidan Hawally, Salmiya, Qurain markets, Mangaf, Fahaheel, and supermarkets on the Expressway, Kabd, Sharq, Safat, birds market, Friday market, indus- trial Shuwaikh, Ardhiya markets and Jahra. He said the team will continue its campaigns as national and lib- eration days celebrations are draw- ing near. Kuwait Embassy in Prague celebrates national days

PRAGUE: Kuwait Embassy in Czech ing his speech at the ceremony, the depth Republic held a reception yesterday to of Kuwaiti-Czech relations, which celebrat- mark Kuwait’s national days: the 53rd ed last year the 50th anniversary of estab- Independence Day and 23rd Liberation lishing their diplomatic relations. Day. The ceremony was attended by a For his part, Boruvka praised, in his Municipality holds inspection number of senior officials, as well as politi- speech, the distinctive relations between cal, parliamentary, academic, and diplo- the two countries, pointing out that Kuwait matic figures, notably Czech Minister for is a main partner of the Czech Republic. By Hanan Al Saadoun tors. He said that instructions included the inten- account. Meanwhile, Deputy Director of Public Human Rights Jiri Dienstbier, Minister of In addition, he noted the development sifying of field campaigns and make sure all Relations Department Abdelmohsen Aba Al- Culture Daniel Herman, and Deputy of trade exchange, expressing his country’s KUWAIT: Director General of Kuwait health conditions are met for all food material. Khail said municipality inspectors will be on the Minister of Foreign Affairs Karel Boruvka, aspiration for the visit of Kuwaiti Deputy Municipality Ahmad Al-Subaih instructed vari- He added that public cleanliness must be look out for roaming vendors who become embassy indicated in a statement, a copy of Prime Minister and Minister of Commerce ous sectors to monitor food facilities and roam- observed. He said it is the responsibility of all active during such occasions, by selling danger- which was obtained by KUNA. and Industry to Prague to discuss bilateral ing vendors. He said it is necessary to impose and all supervisory activities will be evaluated, ous material such as fireworks and foam cans, The statement mentioned that Kuwait cooperation between the two counties and the maximum of legal action against all viola- and those who were laxing will be held to besides food. Ambassador Ayman Al-Adsani lauded, dur- ways to improve them. — KUNA LOCAL SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 23, 2014 Health Ministry ready to deal with bird flu

KUWAIT: Kuwaiti Health Ministry announced yesterday its readiness to handle any appearance of the bird flu visrus, avian flu H7N9, after the death of dozens of peo- ple in China. The ministry’s statement noted that the National Health and Family Planning Commission (NHF- PC) of China notified World Health Organization (WHO) of nine additional laboratory-confirmed cases of human infection with avian influenza A(H7N9) virus. The total laboratory-confirmed cases in China have reached 360, including 67 deaths. Nonetheless, WHO has not confirmed human to human transmission of the virus; hence, it has not recommended taking any pre- cautionary procedures at exit points nor it banned trav- elling to China for trade or leisure. However, Kuwait’s Health Ministry said in its state- ment that health departments at ports and land bor- ders are fully ready to deal with this virus once WHO advises to monitor travelers. Hospitals and health centers across the country were also notified to follow the recommended procedures regarding this deadly disease. — KUNA Kuwaiti youth achievements on display KUWAIT: The social group known as “Nartaqi Group” is due to organize a large gathering today aimed at show- casing the achievements of young people in various modes of activities, the Group’s coordinator Dr Musaad Al-Zaid said. To be held at the National Library, the forum will see the participation of many people from the private and public sectors, including numerous volunteer groups and organizations, he said, adding that the functions of the forum would last all day long. Fundamentally, he said, the forum’s focus would be on seminars with subjects that matter to young people, interviews with distinguished guests, exhibitions of artefacts and art work by the youth, and a host of enter- taining contests and games. Held to coincide with the KUWAIT: Kuwait Times Editor-in-Chief Abd Al-Rahman Al-Alyan recently paid a visti to the Remal Sand Sculpture Village at the Mishref Fairgrounds where he toured nation’s celebrations of the national and liberation days, the sculptures. The sculptures will be opened until late April and depict scenes from the famous book, Elf Layla wa Layla (1001 Nights). There are also nightly shows the forum will take place under the auspices of the and a light show. —Photos by Joseph Shagra Ministry of Youth Affairs. —KUNA Hala Festival musical concerts ‘big success’ Six Arab singers perform

Abdullah Al-Ruwaished Ahlam Diana Hadad Nabeel Shieil Jaber Al-Kaser By Nawara Fattahova who was raised and spent her child- Ruwaished, who came onstage at Sheil was the second star of the hood in Kuwait. She then moved to 2:25 am. It was amazing how the concert, who came onstage at mid- KUWAIT: The fifth musical concert the UAE where she is residing now audience welcomed him, and he night. It seemed he was not feeling of the Hala February festival was and from where she started her had prepared a surprise for them - a very well, as he only performed for held on Thursday night at the Ice career. She released her first album duet with Muhandis. He also an hour. He released his first album Skating Rink. This was the most suc- in 1992 and became popular in the stepped off the stage to welcome in 1981. Sheil concluded at 1:05 am. cessful, crowded and longest con- Arab world. She concluded her per- disabled fans. He kept singing till The last star of this concert was cert out of all the concerts held this formance at 11:35 pm. 4:50 am, just five minutes before the popular Emirati star Ahlam, who year. The tickets were sold out two The second star of the concert Fajr prayer. came onstage at 1:40 am. She is a weeks before the concert. Due to was the Iraqi singer Majid Al- The final concert of this year’s controversial singer and has had the high demand, the organizers Muhandis, who holds a Saudi pass- festival was held on Friday night at many conflicts with other stars and opened side seats for the public and port. He came onstage at midnight the same venue. It started at 10:10 the media, but has a huge number added more seats to every possible to great applause of his fans, espe- pm with Saudi singer Jaber Al-Kaser. of fans. Many accuse her of being space, adding to the rink’s 3,000 cially women. He released his first Although he is not very popular self-seeking based on her state- seats. The organizers even sold album in 1992 and became very outside the Kingdom, many of his ments and interviews. She also some of the media seats. Rumors popular for his romantic songs. fans attended this concert. He printed her photo on small paper said that tickets were sold on the Muhandis concluded his perform- released his first album 10 years flags where she called herself ‘the black market for KD 400. ance at 2am. ago. He concluded his performance artiste of Arabs’, which were placed The concert started at 10 pm The concert concluded with pop- at 11:30 pm. on the seats of the theatre. She con- with Lebanese singer Diana Hadad, ular Kuwaiti singer Abdullah Al- Popular Kuwaiti singer Nabeel cluded a 4 am. Majid Al-Muhandis NBK sponsors KALD campaign

KUWAIT: National Bank of Kuwait with the bank’s customary and (NBK) sponsors the Kuwaiti’s ongoing spirit of corporate citizen- Association for Learning ship as well as the vital role it plays Differences (KALD) campaign to in supporting all students, youths support children with learning diffi- and educational issues.” culties, Hyperactivity and deficit Commenting on the aims of set- attention. ting up special activities for the Shaikha Al-Bahar, NBK Kuwait youth, Al-Sayyer said: “Activities like Chief Executive Officer, received camps and carnivals are great KALD Chairwoman Amaal Al-Sayyer opportunities for the youth to and expressed NBK’s utmost sup- show their capabilities and talents, port for KALD in its efforts to help to strengthen their self-esteem and the Children. to develop their social skills.” “NBK’s sponsorship is part of its KALD is a social welfare associa- ongoing drive to fulfill its corporate tion that collaboratively works social responsibilities”, said Al- towards helping students with Bahar. “NBK endeavors to shoulder learning differences in private its social responsibilities and share schools in Kuwait, and works with the various private and public towards identifying and developing sector institutions the burdens and the capabilities of these students responsibilities of broader national and to support them academically, efforts towards social advance- psychologically and socially ment”. through awareness, training, and Al-Bahar added “NBK’s sponsor- entertainment programs for the KUWAIT: Oil Minister Ali Al-Omair (right) gets briefed on Kuwait Petroleum ship and support to KALD for the students, their families and their NBK Kuwait Chief Executive Officer Shaikha Al-Bahar and KALD Company operations during a field visit yesterday. —KUNA third consecutive year comes in line schools. Chairperson Amaal Al-Sayyer SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 23, 2014 LOCAL Duo held for mugging in Maidan Hawally Military man hurt in Sulaibiya

KUWAIT: Two teenagers were arrested while a to the hospital. Investigations are ongoing in The two were taken to the proper authorities third one managed to escape after police search for suspects. to face charges. caught them mugging a pedestrian in Maidan Hawally recently. The officers were surveying Police offender Absconding woman the area based on multiple reports from pedes- Investigations are ongoing to identify and A woman reported missing nearly two years trians in Hawally and Maidan Hawally who said arrest a man who pointed a gun at a police offi- ago arrived to the Mubarak Hospital on Friday they were mugged at knifepoint. The suspects cer in Saad Al-Abdullah for unknown reasons. with severe bleeding, and doctors discovered ran away after police saw them mugging an The incident took place outside the area’s that she had just had a miscarriage. Police Asian man, but the officers managed to catch police station on Thursday. According to the arrived at the medical facility after medical two of them while the third escaped. Police policeman’s accounts, the suspect pulled his staff reported that the Asian woman was hos- found KD60 they had stolen from the Asian car over then came out with a gun in hand. He pitalized by staff from her country’s embassy. man, as well as pocketknives in the youngsters’ then pointed a gun at the officer and verbally The woman was admitted inside the intensive possession. The suspects, 17-year-old Kuwaiti assaulted him, before driving away without care unit in a critical condition and diagnosed and Egyptian nationals, were taken for ques- giving explanations to the perplexed police- with acute anemia, low blood pressure and tioning during which they admitted responsi- man. Patrol officers went in search for the sus- severe bleeding. Police were able to identify bility for five mugging cases. Investigations are pect after the policeman gave descriptions of the woman and discovered that she was ongoing in search for the third suspect. his Chevrolet Lumina, but the man was reported missing in 2012. Police are waiting for nowhere to be found. A case was filed. the woman’s condition to stabilize so that she Sulaibiya attack can be questioned on her disappearance and A military man was injured after he was sub- Man arrested the circumstances of her abortion. jected to attack in Sulaibiya which featured A Farwaniya man faces charges after police bedoon protests for the past few days. found a woman reported missing by her Cross-dresser held According to the police report, the Ministry of employer inside his apartment recently. A cross-dresser was arrested in Hawally with Defense employee was driving home late Investigations were ongoing in search for the possession of drugs and an unlicensed firearm. Thursday night when he stopped and stepped domestic helper who had escaped from her Patrol officers pulled the man over to be appre- down from his car to remove a garbage can employer’s house several months ago. hended for imitating the opposite sex; a crimi- that was set on fire in the middle of the road. Farwaniya detectives received information that nal charge in Kuwait’s Penal Code. Police found The man was attacked by several people who the Filipina national was staying with an drug pills when they searched the man’s purse, beat him up and escaped, leaving him with Egyptian man inside his room, located at a then they searched the car and found a pistol injuries to his head and back. Police and para- workers’ residence in Farwaniya. Police raided and brass knuckles in the glove box. He was medics arrived at the scene after the incident the apartment Thursday night with a warrant taken to the proper authorities for further was reported, and the serviceman was helped in hand, and placed the couple under arrest. action. Stage ready for Kuwaiti celebrations in Pakistan ISLAMABAD: The preparations are in brating the National Day along with State of Kuwait on the occasion. He cles and in signing a number of full swing to celebrate the 53rd them.” He said that a large gathering prayed that May Allah repeat the agreements and memorandums of National Day and 23rd Anniversary of including ministers, senators and occasion for the state of Kuwait for a understanding between our two Liberation Day of the State of Kuwait other senior officials would be long time. countries.” in Pakistan on Feb 25 as Kuwaiti attending the ceremony in the capi- He said, “Pakistan and Kuwait are The Information Minister, Petroleum Ambassador to Pakistan Nawaf tal city Islamabad. enjoying excellent relations at recent Minister, Minister for Religious Affairs, Abdulaziz Al-Enezi would host a cere- Al-Enezi extended his sincere times especially after the visit of His President of Azad Jammu and Kashmir mony on the occasion. felicitation to His Highness the Amir Highness Prime Minister Sheikh and many more Pakistani Senators The Ambassador said, “It would of the State of Kuwait Sheikh Sabah Jaber Al-Mubarak Al-Hamad Al- and Parliamentarians would attend not be new for Kuwait to see Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah and to Sabah to Pakistan that was resulted the ceremony hosted on the occa- Pakistani brothers wishing and cele- the Government and people of the in the removal of a number of obsta- sion. —KUNA IWAKI, Japan: Kuwaiti and Japanese officials attend the inauguration of Kuwait and Fukushima Friendship Memorial Japanese Garden/Park yesterday. Japan’s tsunami-hit aquarium opens Kuwait memorial garden IWAKI, Japan: Japan’s tsunami-stricken marine catastrophe to help post-quake reconstruction in science museum yesterday inaugurated Kuwait the three hardest-hit prefectures including and Fukushima Friendship Memorial Japanese Fukushima. Garden/Park, which was built with gratitude to Kuwait for its unstinting support as the first step Closest friendship of acceleration of the reconstruction process For his part, Ambassador Al-Otaibi lauded the from the 2011 earthquake-tsunami disaster. remarkable people-to-people relationship An opening ceremony for the memorial gar- between the two countries. den was held at Aquamarine Fukushima in the “We are pleased to see that the Kuwaiti peo- northeastern coastal city of Iwaki, with atten- ple, upon the initiative of His Highness the Amir, dance of Kuwaiti Ambassador to Japan have been able to contribute to the closest Abdulrahman Al-Otaibi and his wife Jamilah Al- friendship our country enjoys with any nation on Otaibi, Kuwait Institute for Scientific Research earth. As we celebrate the inauguration of this (KISR) Director General Dr Naji Al-Mutairi and new milestone that will forever remind us of how other Kuwaiti and Japanese dignitaries. The deeply rooted is our friendship, let us also cele- 5,000 sqm-garden features such spots as a stone brate our close partnership, which benefits our monument carved the word “salam (peace)” in two nations and, indeed, the entire world in so Arabic, a pond and mote representing desert many ways,” Al-Otaibi said. oasis and a greenhouse that accommodates an “The past few years have brought together a exhibition reproducing desert oasis environment great number of organizations and individuals and Kuwaiti flora and fauna. from both nations to discuss the historical legacy With Kuwait’s financial aid, Aquamarine and futures of our societies, especially, Fukushima has been working on the projects to Aquamarine Fukushima and KISR whose partner- upgrade its facilities and improve visitor services, ship and collaboration goes back decades in and to contribute to the recovery of the region. time,” he highlighted the cooperative ties The plan includes a mountain village project, an between two institutes. I commend the commit- initiative to develop the museum’s outdoor ment and dynamic leadership and forward nature experience areas. thinking of their directors that has brought these two organizations heightened respect and admi- Great encouragement ration from both nations, but we need our con- During his state visit to Japan in March 2012, tinued efforts to nurture and extend that friend- His Highness the Amir announced the $3 million ship. We need the efforts of organizations such grant for the restoration of the severely-dam- Aquamarine Fukushima and KISR and Kuwait aged aquarium and the promotion of science University and others, to keep us moving for- and technology, which gave a great encourage- ward,” he added. ment to the people of Fukushima and deepened Opened in 2000 on the coast of the Pacific friendship between the two sides. Ocean, Aquamarine Fukushima has been a pop- In his speech at the opening ceremony, ular attraction, where people of all ages can Fukushima Governor Yuhei Sato expressed grati- enjoy learning various mysteries of the sea. tude to His Highness the Amir for the grant for Although there were no human casualties in the rehabilitation of Aquamarine Fukushima and Aquamarine Fukushima, tsunami waves hit the Kuwait’s support since the disaster hit the prefec- main building with full force, killing 90 percent of ture. “Aquamarine Fukushima is recognized as a marine animals in the aquarium. Aquamarine symbol of recovery of Fukushima Prefecture, and Fukushima was closed after the disaster but the newly-opened memorial garden is a proof of resumed business within four months. close Kuwait-Fukushima relationship,” said Sato. Dr Al-Mutairi said KISR and various Japanese He also renewed his determination to institutes have expanded scientific cooperation address full restoration of his prefecture, which is since the organization was established in 1967 the home to the crippled Fukushima Daiichi by Japan’s Arabian Oil Company. Such a deep- nuclear power plant, saying, “Let’s start from rooted bilateral relationship is behind Kuwait’s Fukushima. To realize new Fukushima, we appre- decision to have offered support to Aquamarine ciate continued support from all of you.” Fukushima, Dr Al-Mutairi said. A magnitude 9.0-quake and ensuring tsuna- Aquamarine Fukushima Executive Director mi on March 11, 2011 left nearly 19, 000 people Yoshitaka Abe, who worked at KISR as a dead or missing in the region and crippled the researcher in 1968-1969, expressed gratitude to Fukushima Daiichi nuclear power plant, which is His Highness the Amir for generous donation located 55 km north of Iwaki. Kuwait also and the ambassador for working as a bridge extended the donation of 5 million barrels of between Kuwait and his aquarium as well as crude oil worth about $500 million soon after the Fukushima Prefecture. —KUNA KNPC plans two major development projects KUWAIT: Kuwait National Petroleum Company ever Kuwaiti petroleum project. (KNPC) spokesman Khaled Al-Assousi said that “We are partners with the government in the company plans to a set up a number of implementing the state development plan,” Al- major development projects in the coming peri- Assousi said. He pointed out that the gas project od including the fifth liquefied petroleum gas is also part of the state development plan and train. In statements to reporters on the sidelines that it envisages adding a 5th LPG train for pro- of the company’s celebrations of Kuwait national cessing additional gases from fields, and refining holidays, Al-Assousi said that the fifth gas train plants. He noted that the project aims to project is making inroads as the company has increase Kuwait’s production of liquefied to got numerous government approvals. meet the growing demand for it in local market, He added that KNPC is also about to sign especially for operating power plants, as well as contracts of the clean fuel project, the biggest to export it. —KUNA LOCAL SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 23, 2014

Kuwait: Maj Gen Abdulfattah Al-Ali, the Assistant Undersecretary for Traffic Affairs at the Interior Ministry, awarded Hawally Traffic Department officers during a ceremony organized recently at the Police Officers Club. Tunisia keen on further KAC deal with Airbus ‘not developing ties with Kuwait TUNIS: Relations between Tunisia and embark on a future visit to Kuwait to dis- contradicting’ NA probe Kuwait are very strong and it would be ben- cuss issues of mutual interests with officials eficial for both nations to further develop there. the ties in all possible domains, said On his part, Kuwaiti Ambassador Fahad Govt rethinking privatization plans ? Tunisian Foreign Minister Mongi Hamdi. Al-Awadhi said that he was satisfied that Speaking on the sideline of the Kuwaiti key Tunisian officials and members of the By A Saleh lations including the KAC privatization law that MPs approved without accepting any governmental alter- Embassy’s reception celebrating the 53rd Arab and foreign diplomatic corps attended passed,” they said. natives”. Those efforts are expected to face opposition National Day and 23rd Liberation the Embassy’s celebrations, indicating that KUWAIT: Kuwait Airways’ decision to sign contracts Meanwhile, MP Faisal Al-Shaya that the announced from Shaya who calls for the bill to be postponed until Anniversary, held late on Friday, Hamdi said such huge turnout reflected Kuwait’s inter- with Airbus does not interfere with an ongoing parlia- deal give indications that the government could be the panel has the chance to review the government’s that he was proud to share Kuwait’s joy in national status. He also expressed Kuwait’s mentary investigation into the national carrier’s deals, rethinking KAC privatization plans. “Buying 25 aircraft proposals. the national celebrations. He affirmed that eagerness to bolster bilateral relations with government sources said in response to allegations in contracts that last till 2019 means that it is illogical his country was seeking more strategic Tunisia in all possible spheres, affirming that making the deal official was a ‘show of noncoop- to say that the government plans to privatize KAC,” Zour contract cooperation with GCC countries especially that officials in both countries would seek eration’ with the National Assembly. State-owned said Shaya, who is the head of the parliament’s finan- Separately, a government committee formed to Kuwait, adding that he would like to means to further develop the ties. — KUNA Kuwait Airways announced on Wednesday signing the cial committee. He told Al-Rai daily that the financial probe allegations of violations in the North Zour pow- estimated $4.0 billion deal to buy 25 new aircraft and obligations in the contracts could cause problems er plant contract has reached a preliminary conclusion lease 12 more. “The deal has been discussed thor- “when KAC is put for sale with a fleet that it is yet to that the project was awarded correctly. Several MPs oughly and approved by several state departments receive”. had argued that violations were committed in the after it was reviewed by legal experts inside and out- awarding process since the deal was announced last side Kuwait,” said the sources who spoke on the condi- Rent allowance month. They further indicated recently that a probe tion of anonymity. “There was no reason to delay the In other news, Shaya revealed that the Cabinet committee formed by the finance ministry has given deal even further as a result.” plans next week to provide alternatives for the chil- recommendations to put the project on hold. But According to the sources, KAC wanted to avoid los- dren allowance bill that the government rejects on according to sources, no such recommendation was ing a major deal to rejuvenate its ageing fleet since claims that it would negatively affect the national made. “Finance minister Anas Al-Saleh is waiting for Airbus had several other offers on the table “ready to budget. In an update, sources revealed that financial the final report in order to release an official response be signed”. “The parliament has the right to review the committee members are lobbying to have a meeting to lawmakers’ allegations,” said the sources who spoke deal which is not considered in violation of local regu- before that “during which the proposed bill will be on the condition of anonymity. Kuwait eager to boost ties with Myanmar

KUALA LUMPUR: Kuwait is eager to bolster relations with the Republic Union of Myanmar, said Kuwaiti Ambassador to Myanmar Issa Al-Shimali yesterday. This statement came during the Kuwaiti Embassy’s reception in celebration of the 53rd National Day and 53rd Anniversary of Liberation. The reception was attended by senior officials from the Myanmar government and members of the diplomatic corps. Ambassador Al-Shimali said that Kuwait was eager to boost relations with Myanmar, noting that the opening of a Kuwaiti Embassy in Myanmar’s capital Naypyidaw in 2012 was a step TUNIS: Kuwaiti Embassy celebrating the country’s National and Liberation day towards further developing these ties. The Kuwaiti Ambassador anniversaries in Tunis. took the chance to congratulate the Kuwaiti leadership and peo- KUALA LUMPUR: Kuwaiti Ambassador to Myanmar Issa Al-Shimali and other dignitaries ple on the advent of Kuwait’s national celebrations. — KUNA at the embassy celebration. SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 23, 2014 LOCAL

in my view In my view Reasons behind ‘Outbreak’ of high rents corruption By Suleiman Al-Dulaijan he rent law in Kuwait organizes the relationship between the tenant and owner. The tenant can Tonly demand rent decrease in accordance with the law, and so does the owner when it comes to rent By Labeed Abdal increase. There are several Arab and Gulf states that lack a similar law, which led to irregular rent increases annu- ally and many cases in court. After a notable hike in rents between 2003 and 2007 in Dubai, the local government set a limit for the annual rent increase. This helped stabi- lize, not reduce, rents until the global financial crisis. [email protected] In Kuwait, there is scarcity in researches or reports Children allowances that point out the actual reasons behind increases of rents, which rose by at least 30 percent during the past he demonstrations in Ukraine, Turkey and Arab three years. Merchants cannot be blamed here, as a per- Spring countries share something in common, son who offers part of his private home for rent to meet Twhich is corruption that has become an epidem- financial obligations, or someone who buys an invest- ic spreading through the world. The ‘outbreak’ of cor- ment land for a high price, often finds the need to ruption is met in the meantime with extensive collab- increase the rent. Al-Sabah orative efforts worldwide, and we have seen efforts in There are several reasons which, in my opinion, result Government that direction within our Gulf region. These efforts collectively in rent increases in Kuwait: give the impression that the entire world agrees on 1- Increased land prices. This reflects on the total cost of the need of eliminating corrupt cells from all countries the property, leading to an increase in the rent value. in order to protect them and maintain their presence 2- High cost of labor forces. This became a factor espe- in the international community. cially after local authorities activated residency regu- There is no doubt in my opinion that global organi- lations and deported illegal residents. zations such as Transparency International benefit a 3- Lack of investment opportunities. Instead, investors lot from how countries are listed in the corruption shifted their funds to property (land or buildings). kuwait digest index. The countries’ authorities lay down better foun- 4- Pay increases in the past 10 years, especially in the dations for land evaluation for investment, as well as public sector (salaries and allowances). This resulted requirements of decision making and transportation in inflation of prices, including property prices when The spending increase risk of capitals. In the end, countries with ‘safer’ invest- the buyer’s capability to take bank loans increased ment environments and those more attractive for after they received a pay raise. local and foreign investors always remain on top. By Abdullah Al-Nibari 5- Population increase. The total population exceeded 3.8 million by the end of 2003, which raised demand he increasing expenditure in the state’s budget is ment in which he explained that the average salary of an Many countries around the on rental units (flats, houses and apartment build- and will continue to be a subject of main concern oil sector’s employee reaches KD 5,476, which is four ings). world fight corruption by acti- Tfor Kuwaitis, as long as the budget relies mainly on times the average salary of a public sector employee. The 6- Shortage in supply met by increase in demand from oil revenues which make up over 90 percent of the issue of salary discrepancy was raised multiple times vating and improving the local and expatriate tenants. national income. Oil revenues are affected by several fac- before that. A study presented in 2011 by then parlia- 7- The government’s inability to provide swift solutions tors, including domestic consumption and oil prices in ment speaker Ahmad Al-Saadoun points out the wide investment environment. Gulf for the housing crisis, which increased demand on the global market. And while oil production is destined gap in payrolls not only between the oil and public sec- rental units. to fall given the fact that oil is a depleting resource, local tors, but also between state departments. states, for example, have always 8- Lack of innovative real estate products, such as apart- consumption continues to increase. This fact, in addition The disparity in salaries creates flaws that leads to two been keen on guaranteeing lux- ment ownership. to the fluctuations in oil prices, show us the risks that results - the first is labor demands for equal pay, and the But what are the possible ways to achieve stability in that the national budget faces. second is a wave of labor forces’ exodus from certain urious living for their citizens. rent values? To answer this question, we have to work Current spending continues to increase on an annual departments to others with higher pay. The fact that on achieving the following: basis. It reached over KD 21 billion in the 2013/2014 fiscal employment in Kuwait is based on wasta (connection) 1- Providing alternative and feasible investment oppor- year, which is considered four times as much as it was a instead of qualifications further adds to those problems. Many countries around the world fight corruption tunities other than real estate, which is something decade before. Official statistics indicate that payrolls, Allowances, which vary in their numbers, shapes and by activating and improving the investment envi- that the government must handle through its inde- allowances and subsidies take around 75 percent of the forms, are a main factor behind the differences in payroll. ronment. Gulf states, for example, have always been pendent and subordinate authorities. total spending in the state’s budget. Public sector’s Financial privileges awarded to a group of staff become keen on guaranteeing luxurious living for their citi- 2- Provide true alternatives to tenants, especially salaries tripled in the period between 2003/2004 and with time ‘gains’ that cannot be easily eliminated, which zens. But this approach, however, must be con- Kuwaitis who do not wish to live in investment areas. 2013/2014. is exactly the problem currently faced in the oil sector. trolled so that it does not create an increasing con- 3- Provide new investment areas to the market, in order These concerns encouraged efforts to examine the The best solution to end the chaotic employment sumer and unproductive pattern. Therefore, invest- to take liquidity from housing areas. burden that payroll and subsidies leave on the state’s method in the public sector is to establish a system that ment should be opened to Gulf states’ citizens by 4- Cut or reduce rent allowances, which can effectively budget, especially after payrolls recorded a 22.7 percent addresses employees’ situation and salaries based on allowing them to invest in state-owned firms as well drop rents. increase in the 2008/2009 budget. Examination started subjective standards. The system must include fixed as own shares in investments carried out by the 5- Allow financing bodies, with support from the gov- by focusing on the disparity in public sector salaries, measures to assess salaries and allowances based on public or private sectors. ernment, to help those who struggle to pay the which has become a distinctive feature for this type of qualifications and job requirements in order to achieve It is important to point out however that while monthly rent. —Al-Qabas spending. equality. Otherwise, the current system will continue to improving investment opportunities is required, MP Adnan Abdulsamad, the head of the parliament’s lead to more labor demands and conflicts, as well as fail- efforts in this regard should go in parallel with coop- budgets committee, commented on this in a press state- ure to achieve justice and equality. —Al-Qabas eration to fight corruption and money laundering, in addition to applying international regulations with kuwait digest regards to governance of public funds’ usage. These regulations are required to prevent misuse of funds Everybody claims In my view that can go to finance terrorism either directly or patriotism, but... indirectly. Is Bashar Assad the sole Bashar Assad? By Dr Shamlan Y Al-Essa kuwait digest emocracy all over the world is a basic ingredient in the stability, prosperity and building of any Top priority to Dcountry. It is also a main motivator for people to prove their loyalty and sincerity to their country, except road safety in Kuwait as elections and wrong democratic practices and the misunderstanding of the meaning of freedom is By Harun Yahya By Dr Naji Saud Al-Zaid an element of destruction and corruption, because when democracy exists in a backward society in the ach time a statement is made by any ministry Third World, it becomes a destructive element for the that it is serious about implementing a certain most important bases of the modern state. There is no Elaw, we feel happy because this decisiveness room to mention all aspects of corruption in our country makes us optimistic about implementing the law, in all state establishments due to the democratic prac- [email protected] even if it is not done as it is supposed to be. But we tice and free elections. We will concentrate in this article wonder if these laws do exist in the first place, then on the spread of corruption, absence of credibility and why wasn’t there decisiveness and enthusiasm to theft of public funds in the field of sports. he optimistic predictions that the Arab Spring would expected transitional government. Russia interfered with a Everybody knows that elections of members of the bring forth democracy in the dictatorial Arab geography diplomatic move that impeded the discussions and a general implement them?! The law of banning the use of board in sports clubs are done through direct voting Thas turned into a nightmare in Syria. The most innocent consensus was made for resolving the matter at the Geneva II mobile phones while driving does exist! The law of the according to competing lists and for any list to win, can- demands for human rights by the general public were sup- Conference. use of seatbelts does exist! didates bribe members through payment of fees on pressed with the most ruthless methods. The Baathists, believ- What was Geneva II Conference heading for? Suddenly, the Interior Ministry decided to strictly behalf of the general assembly members, then when a ing that differences of opinion and sects between the majority The purpose of the conference was to find a resolution for implement this law starting from 15/2/2014, as if it certain list wins, the winners promise paybacks. of the public and the state would be detrimental for the regime ending the violence and to put an end to the war that has was saying that we were not strict with its implemen- in Syria, began crushing the opposition in the most brutal way. resulted in the death of more than 130 thousand people, and Corruption here starts directly and indirectly, as unquali- tation before, and decided to implement it now, so Meanwhile, the Syrian community was already fragile and for opening humanitarian aid corridors and to establish a tran- fied persons are appointed administratively or technical- was the implementation of the law linked with seri- removed from the consciousness of being a united nation and sitional government in the country. The UN Special Advisor, ly in the sports associations councils, and remain in their ousness and conviction? jobs until the lists that appointed them fail. therefore the opposition consisted of largely fragmented Lakhdar Brahimi, carried out intermediation on these topics. groups. During the Baath regime, social groups were differenti- The major conflict that arose at this conference was whether We know that the assistant undersecretary for traf- The biggest dilemma is that members of the sports fic affairs is a serious person, and we thank him for his councils reward those who supported them in the elec- ated between their closeness to the regime or not, but diver- President Assad should resign or not. enthusiastic efforts to prevent violations and chal- tions from state funds, with what is called “partial profes- gences routinely multiplied due to religious, ethnic or sectarian The Syrian regime, backed by its powerful allies, claimed sionalism”, as players who do not know the basics about differences. A low-level conflict has been going on for years that 44 members of the Syria National Coalition did not repre- lenge wasta, and the media is full of his achievements, the concerned game at the clubs. They are in most cases amongst Christians, Sunni Muslims who are much or less in sent the entire opposition in the country, and insisted the gov- such as publication of statistics about traffic viola- old and register their names in any sports (volleyball, opposition to the regime, as well as social groups including ernment should definitely involve Assad or the Baath Party; as tions, but most of them, with regret, are for wrongly basketball, football, tennis, handball, etc) and they merchants and students seeking democracy, and particularly a result, the conference was pulled back from its initial posi- parking in places short of enough parking areas, such receive KD 400 from the government without exerting Kurds and Turkmen residing close to the Turkish border with no tion. Following an almost half hour assembly with the parties, as hospitals, universities, schools, cooperatives, min- any effort or even attending training and matches. Some citizenship rights. Brahimi made an apology to the Syrian people, reluctantly istries, service centers and many other places. So is of those individuals are receiving salaries since tens of The Syrian state presumes it is punishing the opposition announcing that conference closed with no resolution, and this problem that of the citizen and expatriate, or it is through devastating the country’s cities by means of recurrent the parties went back to their respective countries. years without knowing where are the stadiums of the the problem of planning in general in the state? There bombardments. The opposition, which initially appeared as While such lengthy diplomatic conferences are held, thou- sport they selected!! Members of the board of clubs and is no chance to park at important facilities, other than association use their posts to appoint relatives and one body, started to disintegrate gradually. Maybe there is sands of people are still being murdered, wounded, maimed only one Baath Party and one Assad, but there are far more and seeking shelter in bordering countries. Turkey’s efforts for in no-parking areas, and circumstances make the cousins from the tribe, sect and family without taking in patron break the law because he has to. consideration the appointment of qualified sportspeo- than one opposition group and of course, there are innumer- uniting the opposition in Syria under the framework of the Let us go back to the law banning the use of ple needed by every sport - then we complain about the able armed organizations. The significance of foreign support ‘Friends of Syria’ group and its aspirations for their internation- mobile phones while driving, as there is no doubt the drop of sports level in our country. to either the regime or the opposition defines the impact any al recognition is again far from bringing a resolute outcome. In the absence of supervision by the Public Authority particular group will make. Turkey, the neighbor of Syria with the longest border, has been implementation of that law will limit what areis some- for Youth and Sports (PAYS) and the sports associations For that reason since Russia, Iran and China fortify the actively involved in the affairs for the unity of Syria and in times fatal accidents. Also, not fastening seatbelts that turn a closed eye if the player is registered or not, Baath regime, it is almost impossible to counter the ongoing securing the democratic rights of its people. while driving is an important law to protect the driver, trains or not and participates in matches or not. What is massacres with an adequate or credible response in the inter- Moreover, Turkey has opened its borders to 700,000 people but what is the punishment set by the law for those really regretful is that the bogus money-taking players national arena. To this very day, the civil war that began in of a variety of ethnicities and faiths not as refugees, but as violations? The amount is considered small regardless are equal to our young champions who win local, Gulf March 2011 and has resulted in the death of hundreds of thou- guests and employed its own resources to provide relatively of any increase, and in most cases parents are the sands of civilians, led to millions of others forced to seek pro- better accommodation when compared to other countries as and Arab championships, so the players who are com- ones who pay and it is not a big loss for any reckless tection in neighboring countries, persists in the most bloody noted by UN representatives. However, the conundrum of the mitted to daily training and play in matches will feel driver, rather he may ridicule it when his car’s regis- way. Syrian people is dreadful, and it is exceedingly difficult to cor- injustice because their salaries are equal to those of tration is re renewed. bogus money-taking ones. There are various complicated reasons why such incidents rect it from outside. do not receive much reaction from the international commu- The settlement of the Syrian crisis could be accomplished The reasons behind basic traffic accidents such as Finally, we ask: What to do? And how can the ministry crossing a red light, over-speeding and use of the of youth or PAYS correct matters and prevent the corrup- nity. First and foremost, China and Russia, countries that pos- with Turkey acting as a catalyst for convincing the major pow- mobile phone while driving are known by all, but tion that is widespread in sports? We need a strong super- sess veto rights in the UN Security Council, consider the per- ers; in particular, at a time when the international isolation of visory body at PAYS to make sure that players, their ages petuation of the Syrian regime to be crucial, and Shiite Iran Iran is lessening, that could be an important opportunity. The implementing the law will be more strict and deter- and commitment to training are registered. It should also gives support in terms of its sectarian advocacy; the passive right set of circumstances allowing Iran to open up globally to ring than publishing statistics about no-parking cita- monitor their participation in local and regional champi- politics of the West along with the general weakness of the US the world would lead the country to change its policies regard- tions for example, because available parking sports onships. Such things will not become a reality in our coun- position to influence events in Syria has brought the conflict to ing Syria. That would mean the most important obstacle are not enough even for half of the users’ needs. So, try which that distorted democratic principles. Everyone a bloody stalemate. before a solution without Assad could be put aside. Surely, why not increase the amount of fines for over-speed- warns to benefit from the lactating cow (the government) The initial meetings between the opposition and the Baath Russia must be won over by giving assurances regarding its ing, running red lights and using mobile phones while without feeding the cow (the country) with the necessary regime along with the UN permanent member states were interests in Syria. Only then can the EU and US contribute to a driving, and a driver who repeats offences should end held on June 30th, 2012 in Geneva. The consensus was to end resolution with a degree of ease. food, which is work, production and sacrifice for the sake in jail and his license suspended for a long time to be of the country. Everybody claims patriotism, but in reality, the bloodshed in the country, but with no path to a resolution NOTE: The writer has authored more than 300 books translat- an impasse formed when deciding who would be on the ed in 73 languages on politics, religion and science. a real deterrent, not a fine ridiculed by the violator there’s nothing. —Al-Watan who laughs while dealing with the law. —Al-Qabas SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 23, 2014

Modi condemns Why is US spending so much on F-35 fighter? China ‘expansionist mindset’ Page 10 PAGE 11

BOSTON: A plane passenger checks her cell phone before a flight in Boston. While one government agency considers allowing cellphone calls on passenger planes, another now wants to ban them. — AP Mixed signals over in-flight use of cellphones Federal agencies sending different info

WASHINGTON: When it comes to deciding whether airline the Transportation Department’s notice. quent fliers, is also getting into the act. Lawmakers are push- offering Wi-Fi in flight. Last October, the Federal Aviation passengers can use their cellphones in flight, federal agen- In an Associated Press-GfK poll three months ago, 48 per- ing legislation to require transportation regulators to imple- Administration, which regulates safety, dropped its ban on cies are sending different signals to consumers. The cent of those surveyed opposed letting cellphones be used ment a ban on calls. “When it comes to cellphones on planes, the use of personal electronic devices such as tablets, music Transportation Department, which regulates aviation con- for voice calls while planes are in flight, while 19 percent were tap, don’t talk,” Rep Bill Shuster, R-Pa, chairman of the House players and smartphones during takeoffs and landings as sumer issues, indicated in a notice posted online Friday that it in favor and 30 percent were neutral. Among those who’d Transportation and Infrastructure Committee, said last week long as devices are set to airplane mode. Passengers can is considering retaining the 23-year-old ban on the calls, and flown four or more times in the previous year, the rate of as the committee gave bipartisan approval to his bill. send email, text or surf the Internet when planes are above asked for public comment. Two months ago, the Federal opposition soared to 78 percent. Delta Air Lines told the gov- The FCC ban was adopted in 1991 based on concern the 10,000 feet in altitude. The agency said it is no longer worried Communications Commission voted to pursue allowing the ernment last year that 64 percent of its passengers indicated calls from planes might interfere with cellular networks on the devices will interfere with cockpit electronics. However, calls. The FCC has responsibility for determining whether the that the ability to make phone calls in flight would have a the ground, but technological advances have resolved those phone calls during all phases of flight are still prohibited use of cellphones in flight would interfere with cellular net- negative impact on their onboard experience. The FCC has worries. In 2005, the FCC cleared the way for airlines to begin under the FCC ban. — AP works on the ground. already received more than 1,200 public comments on its Polls show that many passengers, particularly frequent proposal, almost all of them opposed to lifting the ban. fliers, oppose allowing in-flight calls from passengers’ cell- “Nobody, absolutely nobody, wants to be the involuntary phones. Echoing their concerns, the Transportation audience of another passenger’s telephone conversation,” Department said it believes allowing passengers to make one commenter said Friday. “It is the equivalent of torture to cellphone calls “may be harmful or injurious” to others. be forced to listen to the incessant prattling of a seatmate, “People tend to talk louder on cellphones than when they’re compounded by the impossibility of escape.” Among the having face-to-face conversations,” the department said. most ardent opponents of lifting the ban are flight atten- “They are also likely to talk more and further increase the dants, who worry that phone conversation will spark argu- noise on a flight, as passengers would not be simply talking ments between passengers and even acts of violence. to the persons sitting next to them but can call whomever “Allowing passengers to use cellphones during commer- they like.” cial flights will add unacceptable risks to aviation security, Some planes already have seat-back phones, but they are compromise a flight attendant’s ability to maintain order in rarely used, the department said, adding that the concern “is an emergency, increase cabin noise and tension among pas- not about individual calls, but rather the cumulative impact sengers and interfere with crew members in the perform- of allowing in-flight calls in close quarters.” At the FCC, ance of their duties as first responders in the cabin,” said Chairman Tom Wheeler has said he wants to repeal the ban Corey Caldwell, a spokeswoman for the Association of Flight on cellphone use in flight, calling it restrictive and outdated. Attendants, responding to the department’s proposal. The He also wants the airlines, not the government, to have final association represents nearly 60,000 flight attendants at 19 say on in-flight calling. He declined to comment Friday on carriers. Congress, inhabited by some of the nation’s most fre-

AGRA: Investigators take photographs at the charred residence where accused Indian auto-rickshaw driver Bunty Sharma immolated himself after killing his wife, US national Arian Willingar from Pennsylvania. — AFP American-Indian love story ends tragically Rickshaw driver fatally stabs American wife, kills self AGRA: An Indian rickshaw driver stabbed his American wife to The US embassy in New Delhi refused to comment on the death before setting himself ablaze, police said yesterday, in a case but Mathur cited embassy officials as saying that they violent end to a whirlwind romance scripted in the backdrop had informed the victim’s family about her death. “We are pre- of the Taj Mahal. Bunty Sharma, 32, killed 35-year-old Arian serving the body of the victim until further instructions from Willingar from Pennsylvania on a deserted roadside in the the embassy,” Mathur said. The case grabbed headlines yester- tourist city of Agra after the couple had a fight late Thursday, day with local newspapers offering details of their Bollywood- senior police officer Shalabh Mathur said. Sharma later com- style romance. At the end of her July trip, Willingar stayed mitted suicide by setting himself on fire, he said. The couple back as her friends returned home and married Sharma in a first met when Willingar visited Agra last July with her friends ceremony held on the rooftop of a hotel located in the back- to see the Taj Mahal, the world famous monument of love. drop of the Taj Mahal. But the romance soon fizzled out and Romance blossomed, they got married and began living the couple began living separately in December, reports said. together but soon had a falling out over suspicions of infideli- The Times of India featured a black-and-white mugshot of the ty. Sharma accused her “of smoking too much, talking to other couple on its front-page, showing Willingar dressed as a tradi- men and not staying at home”, the Indian Express reported. tional Indian bride. — AFP SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 23, 2014 INTERNATIONAL

Algeria’s Bouteflika, a veteran dogged by controversy ALGIERS: Algeria’s Abdelaziz Bouteflika, 1999 as the candidate of the ruling propel Bouteflika to a second term in often illegally, as youth unemployment who is to seek a fourth presidential term National Liberation Front (FLN) after all 2004. The resignation shortly afterwards remains high despite windfall oil rev- in an April election, helped to end a dev- the other candidates withdrew, citing of Mohamed Lamari, a Moscow-trained enues. When the Arab Spring burst into astating civil war and contain Arab Spring fears of electoral fraud. former army chief and key proponent of life in January 2011, Algeria witnessed protests. One of the few remaining veter- A dapper figure known for wearing a eradicating the armed Islamists during deadly social unrest, and a month later ans of the war of independence against three-piece suit even in baking Saharan the civil war, was a step forward in curb- Bouteflika acceded to an opposition France, the 76-year-old first came to pow- conditions, Bouteflika was credited by ing the military’s power. And the death in demand, lifting a 19-year state of emer- er in 1999, but has been dogged by ill many Algerians with helping end the 2007 of General Smain Lamari, a close ally gency. To head off further unrest he health and corruption scandals. He has murderous civil war in the 1990s that of the shadowy intelligence chief announced piecemeal political reforms, also never freed himself from the perva- killed at least 150,000 people. The mili- Mohamed “Tewfik” Mediene, the power- including boosting the role of independent sive control of the unelected military, tary-backed government’s decision to ful hidden force in Algerian politics, was parties. But these reforms won little sup- despite being determined to roll back its cancel elections in 1991 which an Islamic thought to further strengthen Bouteflika’s port from the opposition, and legislative power and that of intelligence leaders party had been poised to win sparked a hand. elections in May 2012 saw the FLN tighten who have dominated Algerian politics decade of appalling bloodletting. Islamist But he never succeeded in neutraliz- its control of parliament. Bouteflika’s third since independence. insurgents attacked both the military and ing Mediene, despite steps to emascu- term in office has been dogged by specula- “I’m not three quarters of a president,” civilians amid allegations of shocking late the military intelligence agency in tion about his health, and even rumors he he said after being elected in 1999, abuses by both sides. Bouteflika pro- 2012 alongside sweeping cabinet had died, after he underwent surgery in addressing critics who saw him as anoth- posed an amnesty for rebels who laid changes. Bouteflika began a third term Paris in 2005 for a stomach ulcer. Bouteflika er puppet of the army chiefs. But despite down their arms and twice secured pub- in 2009 following a constitutional was hospitalized in France again in April his efforts to reduce their influence, the lic endorsement for “national reconcilia- amendment allowing him to stand last year after a mini-stroke, spending three army and the DRS intelligence agency are tion” through referendums. again. His supporters argue that under months recovering and chairing just two still widely considered to be the real pow- his stewardship public and private cabinet meetings in 2013. Despite his ill- er in Algeria. The army has chosen all of Major gamble pays off investment has created millions of jobs health, in November the FLN named him the country’s post-independence leaders- The first, in September 1999, was a and dramatically lowered unemploy- as its candidate in the presidential election and Bouteflika was no different. With the major gamble but paid off, leading to a ment. But a lack of opportunity contin- due in April. Bouteflika never married and Algerian President military’s support, he stood unopposed in sharp decrease in violence that helped ues to drive many Algerians abroad, has no children.— AFP Abdelaziz Bouteflika As Iraq hands out vote IDs, violence rages on

Govt announces 72-hour truce in militant-held Fallujah

BAGHDAD: Iraqi election officials began hand- ing out new, computerized voter identification cards yesterday across the capital as the country prepares for its first nationwide election since the withdrawal of US troops. But the more than $100 million push to modernize voting comes as officials can’t distribute cards in embattled Anbar province, where Al-Qaeda fighters seized ALEPPO: Syrian men carry wounded children following an air strike attack by gov- control of parts of two cities, and as militant ernment forces on the northern Syrian city of Aleppo yesterday. —AFP attacks rage on unabated, killing at least 14 peo- ple alone yesterday and wounding nearly two dozen. The new voter cards, which include a com- Syria regime warplanes puter chip, will allow election officials to check a voter’s identity and try to halt fraud. Several Iraqi raid rebel-held bastion political blocs alleged that some people voted multiple times in the last vote in 2010, although BEIRUT: Syria’s air force staged more air raids of the international highway” linking Damascus the results of the election were not widely dis- yesterday on the key rebel-held bastion of and the central city of Homs, an activist in puted. In previous elections, voters had to go Yabrud north of Damascus, as clashes also Qalamun told AFP by Skype. Calling himself through lists glued outside balloting centers to raged on the capital’s outskirts, a monitoring Amer, he said he believed the bombing had find their names before going inside. Spanish group said. The Syrian Observatory for Human intensified as the army and Hezbollah “fail to technology firm Indra signed a five-year deal with Iraq to supply the new system and train Rights also said that in the northeast, Kurdish make the advance on the ground they want. So ARBIL: Sunni Muslim Iraqis, who fled Fallujah, register their names at the Ministry of fighters seized the town of Tal Barak from they are besieging and punishing Yabrud”. In election officials. Nearly 22 million Iraqis are eligible to cast Displacement and Migration office in Arbil, the capital of the autonomous Kurdish region of jihadists. Regime forces launched a new round northeast Damascus, fresh fighting raged in northern Iraq yesterday.—AFP of aerial and tank bombardment on several Jubar district, one of the areas hit by an August their ballots in coming April 30 parliamentary areas in and around Yabrud, the main town in 21 chemical weapons attack that killed hun- elections. Prime Minister Nouri Al-Maliki is eying Jassim said. “It looks like they made big effort for journalists. Fierce clashes pitting government the Qalamun mountain range and with a mixed dreds of people. Most of Jubar is under rebel a third term in office despite objections from it, for the sake of Iraqi people. This will ensure security forces and allied Sunni tribal militias Muslim and Christian population, two weeks control, and it has seen a massive escalation of political rivals who accuse him of marginalizing our rights and prevent any means of forgery in against a coalition of insurgents also have been into a campaign aimed at seizing it from rebels. fighting since February 9 as the army seeks to partners and seizing control of state institutions the election.” raging in western Iraq’s Anbar province since The Britain-based Observatory said yesterday’s crush resistance there, the Observatory said. to consolidate power. In a televised speech Meanwhile yesterday, two bombs targeted a late December. An Al-Qaeda offshoot and other attacks targeted several mountainous areas Wednesday, Al-Maliki reiterated a pledge to not four-vehicle patrol in the town of Al-Saadiyah, insurgent groups have taken control of the city around Yabrud as well as the town itself, which Kurds capture town delay elections because of the violence, calling 140 kilometers northeast of Baghdad, a police of Fallujah and parts of the provincial capital, was once home to some 50,000 people. Meanwhile, Syrian activists say Kurdish fight- on people to overcome any reluctance to pick officer said. Militants opened fire on the troops Ramadi. Thousands have fled the violence. Because of the violence, some “12,800 peo- ers have captured a northeastern town near the up cards “because their vote will be decisive this after the bombing in an attack that killed nine Yesterday, Al-Maliki announced a three-day halt ple” have fled across the border into the Iraqi border after days of combat with members time.” Voters in 13 of Iraq’s 18 provinces began to and wounded four, he said. The attack came of military operations in Fallujah as a “goodwill” Lebanese town of Arsal in just 12 days, the of an Al-Qaeda breakaway group. The Britain- receive cards three weeks ago, Independent hours after three car bombs exploded in the city gesture. In a statement read on state television, UNHCR estimates. Shiite forces from Lebanon’s based Syrian Observatory for Human Rights High Electoral Commission official Aziz Al- of Tikrit, some 130 kilometers north of Baghdad, Al-Maliki said the halt began Friday and will last Hezbollah movement are supporting the regu- and a Syria-based activist who identified him- Kheikani said. Distribution began yesterday in another police officer said. The officer said the through Monday after requests from clerics and lar Syrian army in Qalamun. Hezbollah says self as Salar Al-Kurdi say members of the so- four new provinces, including the capital, blasts near the homes of local security and civil- tribal sheiks to halt the bloodletting. Al-Maliki’s most of the vehicles used in car bombings of its called People’s Protection Units captured Tel Baghdad, he said. Saddam Raheem Jassim, a res- ian officials killed five people and wounded 18. statement did not say whether military opera- Lebanon strongholds came from Brak yesterday. It was the latest gain by Kurds in ident of Baghdad, received his card yesterday Two medical officials confirmed figures. All offi- tions would resume after the halt. Government Yabrud.”Hezbollah is fighting to close off the almost a year of fighting with the Islamic State and praised the effort. “This identity chip for vot- cials spoke on condition of anonymity as they officials could not be immediately reached for border, while the army wants to secure control of Iraq and the Levant. — Agencies ers, looking at its form and shape, is good,” were not authorized to release information to comment.— AP Syrians in remote north Shuneh feel abandoned

NORTHERN SHUNEH: Every day at dawn, us.” He wiped off his sweat with a red-check- teenager Sultan Ahmad Al-Saleh gets up and ered headdress under the scorching heat of starts work, 12 hours in the fields picking the arid valley. He’s worried that his children vegetables in this remote corner of north- are missing out on an education - and most western Jordan. It’s what he’s been doing for importantly, about his family’s health. “If I, my the past three years, ever since he was 14 wife or any of my children fall gravely ill in years old and his family fled here to escape the middle of the night, we may die before Syria’s civil war. The boy and his family are anyone gets here to help us,” he shouted. part of a nearly forgotten pocket of Syria’s In total, about 2.3 million Syrians have fled refugee crisis - some 1,200 families who have the three-year old Syrian conflict, seeking ended up living in squalid, impromptu tent shelter in Jordan, Lebanon, Turkey, Egypt and communities in the Jordan Valley. Until Iraq, according to UNHCR figures. As in recently, they have lived below the radar Jordan, most have moved into established among the 1.2 million Syrians who have communities or in organized camps, especial- flooded into Jordan since the conflict next ly in Turkey. But in a few places, like near door began in early 2011. Lebanon’s border with Syria and in the Jordan The majority of those refugees have Valley, thousands still end up in self-made, moved into Jordan’s towns and cities, many informal camps. of them impoverished but able to reach facili- In the largest of the Jordan Valley camps, ties and access aid from the United Nations home to around 2,000 people, tents are and other international groups. Jordan also clumped together in a gully between a steep has two organized encampments near the line of Jordan’s mountains and the Jordan riv- northern border with Syria. The largest of er, forming the border with Israel. The them is Zaatari camp, with a population of refugees have received tents from the UN, 120,000, where refugees are under direct care but have to pay rent to the Jordanian farmers of the United Nations and the Jordanian gov- on whose land they’ve set up and pay for the ernment. In total, international aid reaches electricity that has been strung out to them about 595,000 registered refugees. and the water supplies being shipped in. On But the approximately 7,000 Syrians living a visit the past week by The Associated Press, here, half of them children, have been largely children, some as young as four, played bare- scraping by on their own. Most of them are foot in the dust. Some slid down a gravel hill farming families from Syria’s central on a torn-up plastic bucket near a trash NORTHERN SHUNEH: Jordanian volunteer teacher Mohammed Marahleh holds a physical education class for Syrian refugees in Northern provinces of Hama and Homs, both heavy dump. A five-year-old girl named Rima Shuneh area of Jordan Valley, north of Amman, Jordan. — AP battle zones between rebels and government clutched on two wooden sticks she called her Both said they earn about 10 Jordanian to improve other areas, including children’s “Clean up the dust off your feet and come forces. Hoping to find livelihoods, they fled to doll as she watched the boys play. dinars, around $14 for a day’s work, and they accessibility to education and ending child in,” he shouted as some 70 refugee boys fil- Jordan’s breadbasket, in the northern Jordan Few of the kids attend school, and most work six or seven days a week - half of it goes labor. tered into a classroom under a white plastic Valley near the border with Israel, to work on work in the fields with their parents. “Life has for rent and the rest is barely enough to pay Jordanian teacher Mohammad Marahleh tent. He said his wife gives lessons to a similar the area’s vegetable farms. Over time, with no meaning to me,” said al-Saleh, the 17-year- for utilities. Ali Awad, a 12-year-old also doing and his wife have volunteered through number of girls. “I volunteered because I felt their growing numbers, five separate tent old. “When I am off work, I get bored to death farm work, said he envied boys his age who UNICEF - the UN agency helping refugee chil- bad seeing these children wasting their time camps have cropped up, isolated down long because I have no school and there isn’t “enjoy a normal childhood.” “They can access dren - to give informal weekly classes to chil- playing, instead of going to school,” he said. dirt roads, with no health care or schools and much to do around this ghost town anyway.” Facebook, they have cell phones, football dren in the largest valley settlement. It’s part He said there were dozens of other children little access to UN food aid. Only in the past His friend, 16-year-old Saleh Khaled playgrounds and can go swimming,” he said. of an effort by UNICEF and the independent whose families refuse to let them attend his year have UN agencies begun reaching them Mohammad, who also works in the fields, “But look at us. We have nothing here except charity Save the Children to provide informal classes and insist that they go back to a prop- with some supplies. said: “My life has been totally wasted.” “I had the mountains and farms,” Volker Schimmel, education for some 30,000 refugee children er school. On a hill overlooking the settle- “We are the untold story of the Syrian cri- wished to be an agricultural engineer, but I an urban planner with the UN refugee in Jordan who are not eligible to go back to ment, Jordanian farmer Raafat Madahneh, 18, sis,” said 48-year-old Abu Ahmad, a farmer dropped out of school when I was in the agency, said 95 percent of the 7,000 Syrians school because they have missed months of stood watching the refugees. “Although they who fled here with his wife and five children ninth grade a year ago and it’s difficult for me living in the Jordan Valley camps now receive classes, sometimes even years, because of the compete with us for jobs, we feel bad for from the Syrian village of Maan, near Hama. to go back now because I have to work to UNHCR assistance, including food coupons conflict, said UNICEF communication officer them, help them and share our food and “The world seems to have forgotten about provide for my family,” said the boy. and cash assistance. But the agency is trying Melanie Sharpe. water with them,” he said.—AP SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 23, 2014 INTERNATIONAL NJ’s Christie keeps low profile as Dems attack New Jersey Gov moving cautiously to repair battered image

WASHINGTON: Moving cautiously to repair his bly in the context of fundraising.” Of the New Jersey scandal, Cox said, “I don’t image, New Jersey Gov Chris Christie is maintain- Oklahoma Gov Mary Fallin said that she and see it as an issue.” Democrats are using Christie’s ing a low profile this weekend as the nation’s other governors are trying not to “get distracted struggles, along with the recent indictment of governors gather in Washington. Republican offi- by all this noise.” Next week Christie is scheduled former Virginia Gov Bob McDonnell, to undercut cials have been eager to change the subject as to lead his second New Jersey town hall-style the message of Republican governors acting as Democrats link Christie’s troubles to vulnerable meeting in as many weeks. He is also set to main- change agents. Party officials also jumped on GOP governors in a challenging election season. tain an aggressive national travel schedule in the the disclosure this week of tens of thousands of The usually outspoken Christie is scheduled to coming months. The Republican Governors emails that appeared to mix official and cam- attend just one public event over the three-day Association already announced his plans to travel paign business while Wisconsin’s Scott Walker CALIFORNIA: Cars and trucks move slowly across PCH (Pacific Coast Highway) annual meeting. He avoided a media-sponsored to Texas, Massachusetts, Georgia, Connecticut was serving as county executive and running for passing by Cirque du Soleil and Santa Monica Pier during evening rush hour forum on Friday, wasn’t granting interviews, and Utah and the association’s executive director, governor in 2010, a campaign he won. “Especially won’t attend a White House dinner and was skip- Phil Cox, said that’s just the beginning. “I know as other Republican candidates and governors on Hollywood Freeway, Highway 101, in Santa Monica California. —AFP ping a news conference hosted by the we’ve got 10 to 12 trips planned over the next bring Christie in to campaign for them, we’re Republican Governors Association, an organiza- two to three months,” Cox said. “You’re going to going to continue to talk about how he got Plan to split California into tion he heads. see Governor Christie and many of our governors things done in New Jersey,” said Michael Czin, Christie is leaving Washington early to cele- out across the country campaigning for our can- spokesman for the Democratic National six states gaining ground brate his daughter’s birthday and focus on an didates.” Committee.—AP upcoming budget address, according to his LOS ANGELES: A plan to divide California ous counties, cities and towns.” office. Advisers privately acknowledge a larger into six separate US states is closer to mak- In 2012, California was tied with Russia effort to reduce media coverage of ongoing ing it on to a November ballot, with organiz- and Italy-all with a GDP of approximately abuse-of-power investigations in New Jersey that New politics shop aiming to ers gaining approval to collect signatures. $2.0 trillion-for eighth place in world GDP threaten to derail his ambitious political future. The seemingly far-fetched initiative, spon- rankings, according to the Center for When elected to his second term last fall, Christie keep Obama, Dems in tune sored by Silicon Valley venture capitalist Tim Continuing Study of the California was considered one of his party’s strongest Draper, claims “political representation of Economy.The proposal would create a state prospective presidential candidates. “Governor WASHINGTON: For as long as Barack Obama has campaign visits and coordinating his endorsements. California’s diverse population and out of Silicon Valley, home to tech giants Christie may be hiding under a bridge some- been president, Democrats (Dems) have complained In 2012, Obama’s place at the top of the ballot economies has rendered the state nearly Google, Facebook and Apple. It would also where or stuck in traffic, but the fact that he’s a he’s done far too little to help elect his party’s candi- helped attract Democratic voters to the polls, giving ungovernable.” create South California, which would include liability for Republican governors remains readily dates. Now the White House political office, shuttered an indirect but critical boost to candidates in other And on Tuesday, the California Secretary Hollywood and the US entertainment indus- apparent this weekend,” said Vermont Gov. Peter by Obama three years ago, is back and in full swing. races. While he’s still his party’s top fundraiser, polling of State’s office gave the movement a boost, try. West California, Central California, North Shumlin, chairman of the Democratic Governors The six-person team set up shop last month, ahead of suggests that Obama is now more of a liability than an saying that proponents “may begin collect- California, and Jefferson in the most north- Association. midterm elections in November in which Democratic asset in many of the moderate or conservative-leaning ing petition signatures.”At least 807,615 vot- ern part of the state, would also go it alone. Scandal erupted in New Jersey six weeks ago losses could render Obama’s final years in office an areas where Democrats face their toughest races. ers-representing eight percent of the total According to the proposal, voters over- when internal emails revealed that senior mem- exercise in futility. Many Democrats have already said in no uncertain ballots cast for governor in the 2010 elec- whelming approved dividing California in bers of the Christie administration ordered traffic Working out of the same building that houses Vice terms they’d prefer Obama stay away. As Obama tion-will need to sign the petition by July 18 two in 1859, but Congress did not act due to lanes closed near the George Washington Bridge, President Joe Biden’s staff, the office provides real- advances a second-term agenda that includes to make it on to the ballot. The proposal the Civil War. Draper, who has funded more perhaps to punish a Democratic mayor. The clo- time, constant communication between the White unprecedented emissions rules for power plants, aims to split the state-America’s most popu- than 400 companies including Skype and sures created days of gridlock that ensnared House and the myriad political groups working to implementation of his unpopular health care law and lous with around 38 million inhabitants-into Baidu, is founder of venture capital firm commuters, schoolchildren and emergency elect Democrats this year. One White House official a controversial pipeline decision, it’s inevitable that “six smaller state governments, while pre- Draper Fisher Jurvetson in Menlo Park, responders. Federal authorities are conducting a described the office as an “early warning system” in a some of his actions will pose problems for Democrats. serving the historical boundaries of the vari- California.—AFP criminal investigation, while state lawmakers are year when Republicans will spend a fortune trying to Some already have in the form of tens of millions of pursuing their own civil probe. Christie has use Obama’s political weaknesses against his fellow dollars in television ads attacking Democrats who denied personal involvement, but five people Democrats. Democrats are anxiously protecting their have supported Obama’s agenda. NY mayor in hot water close to him have been fired or have resigned. fragile Senate majority and hope to gain House seats, That’s a small fraction of what Republicans will Republican governors seemed keen on avoid- while Obama is pushing legislative proposals that spend this year seeking to exploit Obama’s political on dangerous driving ing questions about Christie’s leadership of the have hit roadblocks despite his insistence that they vulnerabilities in the midterms. But by ensuring organization responsible for electing GOP gover- enjoy broad political support. Democrats aren’t caught off guard, the White House NEW YORK: New York’s mayor fanned accusations a crackdown on dangerous driving designed to nors. Republicans face a challenging political As Obama’s re-election campaign was ramping up believes it can help mitigate the damage. And where of hypocrisy on Friday after refusing to answer slash traffic deaths. But at a considerably delayed map going into the November midterm con- in 2011, Obama closed the office and shifted his polit- Obama can help, he will. Obama has committed to questions about his SUV violating traffic rules two news conference, de Blasio devoted more than an tests.They are defending 22 of the 36 governor ical operation to Chicago. Since the campaign ended, more than 18 fundraisers for Democratic committees days after he ordered a crackdown on dangerous hour to healthcare and repeatedly batted aside any seats up for election, including six in states that a handful of top White House aides have picked up and outside groups this year, with more expected. His driving. Bill de Blasio, who has promised to curb questions on the traffic incident. He read out a short President Barack Obama carried twice. Michigan responsibility for dealing with political matters on an re-election campaign has handed over its coveted massive inequality, infuriated journalists when he statement saying he had “great respect” for the train- Republican Gov Rick Snyder, who faces his first ad hoc basis. But until recently, there was no single voter file to the Democratic National Committee. blocked any questions about the incident at a con- ing and protocols of police, who guard his security, re-election this fall, said he appreciates Christie’s point of contact. Led by top adviser David Simas, the Democrats are also seeking to coalesce behind a uni- siderably delayed news conference. New York’s local and that he was “committed, obviously, to traffic support as chairman of the governors association resurrected office now serves as the clearinghouse for fied economic message about middle class opportu- CBS news channel on Thursday filmed his official safety”. He referred everyone to a police statement but declined to say whether he wanted Christie a torrent of election-year requests, data and advice nity that the White House hopes will resonate even in vehicle as it ran two stop signs, changed lanes with- saying the mayor’s drivers have “specialized training” to visit Michigan on his behalf. “I have a good flowing in and out of the West Wing. The office will states where voters are likely to oppose Obama’s call, out signalling and went over the speed limit. based on “security as well as safety” and then walked relationship with Governor Christie,” Snyder said also advise Obama on how he can be most helpful to for example, to repeal the oil and gas industry’s tax Just two days earlier the Democrat had ordered out, ending the press conference. —AFP when asked whether he would campaign along- Democrats, screening appeals for fundraisers and breaks. —AP side Christie. “If he’s probably coming it’s proba- INTERNATIONAL SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 23, 2014

Tymoshenko, tenacious thorn in Ukrainian leader’s side

KIEV: Ukraine’s jailed ex-premier Yulia Tymoshenko, finding herself the target of a string of criminal investi- Dzerkalo Tyzhnia. whom parliament voted to free immediately yesterday, is gations she claimed were aimed at eliminating her As Yanukovych’s regime appeared close to collapse one of the country’s most divisive politicians and a per- from politics. She was first arrested in August 2011, after a peace deal was reached on Friday, Tymoshenko sistent thorn in the side of beleaguered President Viktor then sentenced to seven years in October that year on was back in the spotlight. Yesterday, parliament over- Yanukovych. Tymoshenko, jailed for seven years on abuse controversial charges of abusing her power in a 2009 whelmingly voted for her to be immediately released of power charges in 2011, is a hugely polarising figure in gas deal signed with Russia during her premiership. Her and two of her close allies were named interim interior Ukraine and has been a prominent pro-European voice in jailing, which Tymoshenko argued was the result of a minister and speaker of the parliament. Analysts say a country torn between rival allegiances to Moscow and vendetta pursued by Yanukovych and his “family” of Tymoshenko remains a political force to be reckoned the West. She is loved by her supporters as an unflinching close relatives and oligarchs, prompted anger in the with, though she may now have been surpassed by defender of Ukrainian sovereignty and its European West and a crisis in Ukraine’s relations with the opposition leaders such as former heavyweight boxing future who was ruthlessly punished by Yanukovych for European Union. champion Vitali Klitschko and ally Arseniy Yatsenyuk, daring to challenge his power. who spearheaded the Independence Square protests. But for her detractors, Tymoshenko, 52, is an Guiding protests from prison Tymoshenko was born in the industrial city of unscrupulous political opportunist with no fixed ideas Seeking to burnish her credentials as Ukraine’s num- Dnipropetrovsk in central Ukraine and in her early who became enormously rich in the corruption-stained ber one champion of EU integration, Tymoshenko said career was aligned with power brokers from that region 1990s and deserves what she got. A slender, telegenic her own fate should not stand in the way of Kiev sign- rather than the Donetsk stronghold of Yanukovych. blonde known for wearing her long hair in an elabo- ing an Association Agreement with the bloc. When After rising to prominence as head of a gas utility, she rately braided crown, Tymoshenko’s looks belie a steely Yanukovych unexpectedly snubbed the deal on became a deputy prime minister under the presidency temperament that has been compared to former British November 21 in favor of closer ties with Russia, mem- of Leonid Kuchma in 1999, but was fired in 2001 after prime minister Margaret Thatcher’s-one of her heroines. bers of her Batkivshchyna (Fatherland) party were at Ukraine’s former Prime Minister and leader of the falling out with him. She was briefly imprisoned then Known at home as the “Iron Lady”, after Thatcher, or the heart of street protests that erupted and demands opposition Yulia Tymoshenko on gas smuggling charges that were later quashed. Her simply by the Ukrainian word for “she”-”vona”- for her release remained vocal. husband Olexander has now taken asylum in the Czech Tymoshenko was a leader of the 2004 Orange Over the next three months, pro-European demon- moved due to serious back problems-Tymoshenko has Republic. But their British-educated daughter Yevgenia, Revolution that forced the annulment of elections ini- strators turned Kiev’s iconic Independence Square into played a role in the protests, urging the opposition to who married and then separated from a British heavy tially awarded to Yanukovych. a battle zone, where fierce clashes between protesters stay strong and oust her nemesis. “The only subject of rock singer, has become one of the greatest defenders She challenged Yanukovych in a bitterly contested and police have left dozens dead this week. Even from negotiation with Yanukovych is the conditions of his of her mother, with whom she bears a striking resem- 2010 presidential election, losing in a run-off and then her detention in a prison hospital-where she was departure,” she said in a recent interview with weekly blance.— AFP Why is US spending so much on F-35 fighter?

WASHINGTON: Despite incessant techni- Revolutionary warplane? cal problems and delays, the US military The aircraft is billed as the ultimate has no plans to cancel the new F-35 fighter stealth attack plane, with a design enabling jet, the costliest weapons program in it to evade radar detection. When the F-35 Pentagon history. The Joint Strike Fighter confronts an adversary in the air, the ene- has been touted as a technological wonder my plane “will die before it even knows it’s that will dominate the skies but it has suf- even in a fight,” Air Force chief General fered one setback after another, putting Mark Welsh told CBS television’s “60 the project seven years behind schedule Minutes” show. Equipped to fly at super- and $167 billion over budget. As the sonic speeds and outfitted with elaborate Pentagon prepares to unveil its proposed software, the F-35 resembles a flying com- budget for 2015, the program’s survival is puter. Through the visor of a hi-tech helmet not in doubt but it remains unclear how linked up with cameras on the plane, the many planes will be built in the end and pilot can see through the floor of the cock- how many foreign partners will be willing pit to the ground below-providing the pilot to buy it. an unprecedented 360-degree picture. ROME: Italian President Giorgio Napolitano (fourth from right in the front row) poses for a family photo with Premier Matteo Renzi (fifth from left in the The point of no return The effect of the delays front row) at the end of a swearing in ceremony of the new government at the Quirinale Presidential Palace, in Rome yesterday. — AP After more than a decade since it was The aircraft will not enter into service launched, officials insist there is no going before 2016, ten years after its first flight. back on the program, as the plane is sup- The main cause of the delay was a decision posed to form the backbone of the future to start building the plane before testing Renzi, fresh-faced fighter jet fleet. The US Air Force and the was finished. As a result, bugs and other Marine Corps have not invested in an alter- technical glitches keep forcing repairs and native, having put all their eggs in the F-35 redesign work, slowing down production. basket. The Navy, in theory, could bail out if The 24 million lines of code for the plane’s cabinet sworn in it wanted and opt to buy more F-18 jets, software have posed a persistent but it is under intense pressure to keep in headache, and the jet has yet to attain the line. The project has become “too big to level of performance and reliability expect- fail,” said Gordon Adams, a professor at ed. On Friday, the program office acknowl- Youngest government in Italy’s history American University and former White edged to AFP that the F-35B, the short- House official. The F-35 enjoys broad back- takeoff variant for the Marine Corps, suf- ROME: Italy’s youngest-ever prime minister renowned political sensibility, appreciated and val- ble of bringing hope.” ing in Congress, as contractor Lockheed fered cracks in its bulkheads during stress Matteo Renzi and his fresh-faced cabinet were ued in Europe and international forums,” said The former Boy Scout’s diplomatic skills are like- Martin has spread the work for the plane tests. As a result, the durability tests have sworn in yesterday, amid widespread skepticism Stefano Folli of Il Sole 24 Ore. “Italy’s credibility will ly to be sorely tested by his centre-left and right across 45 US states. Foreign allies also have been suspended and the plane may have that the new government has the political maturity rest almost entirely on his shoulders, representing coalition government-as well as a need to keep on committed to the program, and to be modified. to tackle the country’s formidable challenges. The both the newness of the Renzi government but his side ex-premier Silvio Berlusconi, whose Forza Washington has promised to deliver a Like other weapons programs in the former mayor of Florence was accompanied by his also continuity with the things that matter,” he said. Italia party will be in opposition but will be key to game-changing plane. past, the technical problems are driving up wife and three children dressed in the colors of the Italy is struggling to reverse the effects of a deep pushing through reforms. “It doesn’t just depend the cost of each plane, and that is forcing Italian flag-to the formal ceremony in Italy’s presi- recession and is lumbered with a public debt on Renzi. Berlusconi holds in his hand the second How much does it cost? Washington to scale back the number of dential palace, and smiled widely as he watched equivalent to 130 percent of total economic out- majority, the power to push through reforms”, the As a one-size-fits-all plane, and with US aircraft it will buy. The Pentagon already his new team sworn in by President Giorgio put. The unemployment rate stands at a near Corriere della Sera daily said. Many political allies invited to take part, the program has announced plans to purchase only 34 Napolitano. record 12.7 percent, with joblessness at 41.6 per- observers said that, should Renzi fail, it would likely originally was touted as a money-saving of the jets in fiscal year 2015, instead of the The centre-left leader takes over the reins of the cent among the young. Accepting the role of open the door to the anti-establishment Five Star idea. But the program’s costs have snow- 42 originally planned. What countries plan euro-zone’s third largest economy in a period of prime minister on Friday after three hours of talks party. “The acrobat is on the high wire, alone and balled, for an estimated 68 percent to buy the aircraft? - Apart from the United increasing frustration among ordinary Italians hard with president Giorgio Napolitano, Renzi spoke of without a safety net. Let’s hope he manages: other- increase over its initial price tag. The States, eight countries are taking part in hit by a deep recession and weary of broken politi- the “responsibility, delicacy and extraordinary hon- wise the only thing that remains are the populist Pentagon now plans to spend $391.2 bil- the program: Australia, Britain, Canada, cal promises. In his 16-strong cabinet, half of the or which comes from creating a government capa- clowns,” La Repubblica said. — AFP lion on 2,443 aircraft, with each plane Denmark, Italy, the Netherlands, Norway new ministers are women and-with an average age of 47.8 years-it is the youngest government in Italy’s costing a staggering $160 million. When and Turkey. Israel has expressed an interest history. Renzi is “gambling on freshness, newness Pope names new cardinals, taking into account the cost of flying and in the plane, as has Japan, South Korea and and energy”, but “doubts must be raised over the maintaining the F-35 over the course of its Singapore. Some governments have government’s experience and ability to have a bear- life, the program could surpass a trillion ordered their first aircraft but with the cost ing on the worst post-war economic crisis Italy has many from outside Europe dollars, according to the Government of each plane rising, purchase plans remain known,” said political watcher Mario Calabresi in La Accountability Office. tentative. —AFP Stampa daily. Il Sole 24 Ore financial daily warned VATICAN CITY: Pope Francis appointed his first ‘Your courage needed’ that “Italians are waiting for reforms, not just pretty batch of cardinals yesterday, as his predecessor “I will tell you what the Church needs: she smiles.” Benedict made a surprise rare appearance at the cer- needs you, your cooperation and even more European partners will be watching closely to emony naming the new “princes of the Church.” The your communion. The Church needs your see whether the 39-year-old can revolutionize the new cardinals were presented with scarlet-red biret- courage,” he said. The 77-year-old called on the halls of power after ousting his predecessor Enrico tas and gold rings at a grandiose ceremony in St new cardinals to show “compassion, especially Letta for failing to enact reforms in a country often Peter’s Basilica that Vatican observers say should at this time of pain and suffering for so many perceived as stifled by corruption and bureaucracy. help correct a perceived bias towards European car- countries throughout the world.” Francis is keen The new prime minister had made it clear he was dinals. Nine of the 19 cardinals appointed yesterday to nourish faith in developing countries, to reluctant to keep a team came from South America, Africa and Asia. Former combat the decline of practicing believers in that worked with Letta, but many analysts pope Benedict XVI, who last year became the first Europe, the Church’s traditional power base. expressed surprise over the former Florence may- pontiff to retire since the Middle Ages, joined the The first non-European pope in nearly 1,300 or’s decision to change the majority of posts, cardinals in the front row of the basilica. The 86-year- years bestowed the honor of the red cap on the including key offices such as foreign minister. old seemed cheerful as he sat cloaked in his white archbishops of Buenos Aires in Argentina, Rio “Renzi seems to be betting everything on himself, papal garments in the midst of the red-robed cardi- de Janeiro in Brazil, Santiago in Chile, Managua on his political energy,” editorialist Ezio Mauro for nals. He and Francis hugged at the start of the cere- in Nicaragua and Les Cayes in Haiti. Aurelio Poli, La Repubblica daily said, while Marco Travaglio in Il mony and shook hands warmly at the end. Sixteen 66, took over the post of Buenos Aires archbish- Fatto Quotidiano described the new cabinet as “a of the 19 cardinals are under the age of 80 and can op from Francis, who was a regular visitor to the boiled chicken soup which disappoints even the therefore take part in the secretive conclave that city’s slums before he became pope almost a most lukewarm expectations.” elects new popes from among their ranks. In an indi- year ago. Chibly Langlois, 55, is the Church’s cation of the importance of the developing world for first cardinal from Haiti, one of the poorest On the high wire the Argentine pope-a fierce critic of economic countries of the world. According to Vatican Most political watchers agreed that Renzi’s best inequality-half are non-Europeans, including five watcher John Allen, Francis is taking the idea of decision was to give the key post of finance minis- cardinals from South America, two Africans and two privileging the periphery even further, by WASHINGTON: This undated handout image shows the F-35 JSF. As the Pentagon pre- Asians. Francis, in a cream mantle embroidered with choosing Haiti over the region’s three Catholic pares to unveil its proposed budget for 2015, the F-35 fighter jet program’s survival is not ter to Pier Carlo Padoan, the chief economist at the Organization for Economic Cooperation and gold, called on the new cardinals to be “peacemak- powerhouses-Cuba, Puerto Rico or the in doubt but it remains unclear how many planes will be built in the end and how many ers, building peace by our hopes and our prayers.” Dominican Republic.—AFP foreign partners will be willing to buy. — AFP Development (OECD). “He is an expert, with a Germany finds foreign policy voice in the Ukrainian crisis BERLIN: Germany, often accused of stepping too lightly on the Poland’s Radoslaw Sikorski held all-night marathon talks with Marshall Fund of the United States, warned about the new deal once divided the city. The same historic site was chosen again world stage, has taken an unusually vocal and active stand over President Viktor Yanukovych. On Friday they were able to witness that “you have to be very cautious ... a lot of things can still go this month for an address by Dmytro Bulatov, the Ukrainian the Ukrainian crisis and is helping mediate an end to the turmoil. the signing of the deal, in which the embattled leader promised a horribly wrong”. But he also said that, if successful, it may prove opposition activist who was abducted and tortured by assailants In the EU’s relations with eastern Europe and Russia, Berlin has new unity government, constitutional reform and elections the point that “the eastern neighborhood is the one area where he said were pro-regime thugs. Steinmeier had strongly pushed increasingly acted as a voice for the 28-nation bloc, drawing on before the end of the year. the EU can succeed with a foreign policy of its own, where the EU his Ukrainian counterpart to let Bulatov leave the country, also geographic proximity and old communication channels, say ana- Despite widespread caution over whether the deal will hold, can make a difference”. For Berlin, the Ukraine initiative follows promising the activist medical care. lysts. Chancellor Angela Merkel, who grew up under communism Germany’s Die Welt newspaper cheered the diplomatic coup, other recent moves to support pro-democracy actors and dissi- In recent years Germany has also campaigned on behalf of in the former East Germany, became strongly engaged in the saying Steinmeier and Sikorski took a big gamble that had “risked dents from Russia and former Soviet satellite states. “Germany Ukraine’s jailed opposition leader Yulia Tymoshenko, offering her three-month-old standoff between the pro-Moscow leadership a loss of face”. “Let no-one say that the EU is a paper tiger,” said has clearly become more active” in the region, said Jan Koehler, medical treatment in Germany. Christian Wipperfuerth, Russia in Kiev and pro-Western demonstrators. Last week she hosted the conservative daily. Merkel’s spokesman Steffen Seibert sug- an expert on eastern Europe at Berlin’s Free University, adding expert of the German Council on Foreign Relations, said Ukrainian opposition leaders, including former world boxing gested it was the chancellor who paved the way for the crucial that this was motivated by strategic interests as much as demo- Germany’s engagement with eastern Europe is not new. Berlin champion Vitali Klitschko, who long lived in Germany and is a mediating role of the EU envoys. She had called Yanukovych and cratic values. had also played a key role during other standoffs, such as popular household name in the country. “was able to convince him to accept the foreign ministers in Kiev In December former German foreign minister Hans-Dietrich Ukraine’s 2004 Orange Revolution and the 2008 Russia-Georgia As Ukraine’s bloody turmoil reached a head, Germany’s for- as dialogue partners, as witnesses and as moderators”, Seibert Genscher-who was in office when the Berlin Wall fell-brokered conflict. Germany’s relations with the east “are not just about one eign minister, along with his Polish and French counterparts, jet- said. the release of jailed oil tycoon and Putin critic Mikhail or two dozen diplomats who focus on Russia”, he said, pointing ted into Kiev and helped hammer out a deal that brought the Khodorkovsky. After flying in on a private jet organized by also to the leading role of German companies in eastern Europe. country back from the brink. Long after France’s Laurent Fabius EU ‘can make a difference’ Genscher, Khodorkovsky addressed the public from Berlin’s “In Germany there is simply far more Russia expertise than in oth- had left for China, Germany’s Frank-Walter Steinmeier and Joerg Forbrig, an eastern Europe expert with the German Checkpoint Charlie, a former border crossing in the wall that er large West European countries,” he said. — AFP INTERNATIONAL SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 23, 2014 More protests as Venezuelan leader calls for talks with US

CARACAS: Opponents of Venezuela’s leftist Venezuela’s main customer for its key government prepared for a mass protest export is the United States, yet Venezuela’s rally in Caracas yesterday, a day after relations with the United States, long President Nicolas Maduro issued a surprise strained under Chavez, have worsened call for direct talks with the United States. under Maduro. The risk of violence is high as a march of Maduro, who lashed out at Obama earli- pro-government “Chavista women” is also er in the week, proposed to restore ties to scheduled in Caracas. Henrique Capriles, the ambassadorial level and said he had governor of Miranda state and the main given his foreign minister “special powers” opposition leader, has called on marchers to handle bilateral dialogue. US Secretary to focus their demands on disarming pro- of State John Kerry late Friday chastised government civilian groups blamed for Caracas for its crackdown and said nothing attacking demonstrators. about the call for direct talks. “The govern- At least nine people have been killed in ment’s use of force and judicial intimida- the past two weeks in the wave of protests tion against citizens and political figures ... shaking the Maduro administration, its is unacceptable and will only increase the biggest test since the death of leftist icon likelihood of violence,” Kerry said in a state- Hugo Chavez last year. ment. He criticized Venezuela’s arrest of At least 137 people have also been protesting students and a key opposition injured and 104 have been arrested, figure, as well as its crackdown on the free- according to government figures. Maduro doms of expression and assembly. “This is says the protests are part of a “coup d’etat not how democracies behave,” Kerry said. in development” instigated by Washington In his statement, Kerry urged the gov- and conservative ex-Colombian president ernment to release jailed opposition mem- PASIGHAT: India’s main opposition Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) prime ministerial candidate Narendra Modi delivers a speech at a public rally in Alvaro Uribe. bers and launch a “genuine” dialogue. Pasighat, India yesterday. — AP Venezuela has the world’s largest Venezuelan Foreign Minister Elias Jaua said proven oil reserves, but under Maduro and during a visit to Nicaragua on Friday that Chavez the economy has tailspinned, street his government was “open to dialogue” Modi condemns China’s crime has soared, and corruption has risen. with the opposition, but gave no timeline. There have been near-daily protests in Obama earlier called on Venezuela’s leftist Caracas as well as cities like San Cristobal, government to address the “legitimate the state capital of Tachira, as well as grievances” of its people-comments that ‘expansionist mindset’ Valencia, in the north-central state of Maduro dismissed as US meddling in Carabobo. Maduro’s government warned it Venezuelan affairs. Washington has also would cut off gasoline supplies to restless expressed concern over the jailing of India oppn leader targets Beijing in election speech areas. Capriles, who lost last year’s presi- Leopoldo Lopez, a Harvard-educated econ- dential election to Maduro by a razor-thin omist, and insisted that any charges margin, is again in the limelight following against him be handled in an “impartial and NEW DELHI: India’s opposition leader Narendra The border dispute flared again last April, est attack on China is likely to ruffle feathers in the Tuesday arrest of another opposition transparent” manner. Modi, favorite to win this year’s polls, yesterday with India accusing Chinese troops of intruding the neighboring country, which has also been leader, 42 year-old Leopoldo Lopez, on warned neighbor China to shed its “expansionist deep into Indian-held territory, sparking a three- criticized for its aggressive claim to almost all of charges of instigating violence, property ‘We love American people’ mindset” as he toured a disputed region in the week stand-off that was only resolved when the South China Sea. Modi is tipped to be elect- damage and criminal association. In a move filled with anti-US sentiment, remote northeast. Modi, the prime ministerial troops from both sides pulled back. The coun- ed as India’s prime minister, with his party lead- Maduro has threatened to block US broad- candidate of the Hindu nationalist Bharatiya tries have since signed accords and held meet- ing rival Congress in opinion polls ahead of gen- Renewed diplomatic ties? caster CNN, accusing the network of inciting Janata Party (BJP), said China should instead ings to maintain peace on the border. Modi’s lat- eral elections due by May.- AFP On Friday, Maduro challenged Obama to “civil war.” CNN said several of its journalists focus on forging peaceful bilateral ties with meet him for talks. “I call a dialogue with working in Venezuela, on both Spanish-lan- India. Modi was speaking during an election ral- you, President Obama... between the patri- guage and English-language programs, had ly in the state of Arunachal Pradesh nestled in otic and revolutionary Venezuela and the seen their press credentials revoked or the eastern stretch of the Himalayas that China Kabul confirms talks United States and its government,” he said. refused. On Friday Maduro claimed that the claims as its own. “Accept the challenge and we will start a US intelligence services “have given a green “The world has changed. An expansionist high-level dialogue and put the truth on light for the overthrow” of the Venezuelan mindset will not be accepted. China will also with Taleban faction the table,” Maduro told a news conference government. Yet at the same press confer- have to do away with such a mindset,” Modi said with foreign reporters. Caracas and ence Maduro called on Obama to appoint a in comments posted on his official website. KABUL: Afghan President Hamid Karzai’s year. The Taleban has denied links to the Washington have not exchanged ambassa- negotiator for bilateral talks. “What we want “Arunachal Pradesh is an integral part of India High Peace Council says it held meetings faction, organized by former Taleban dors since their respective envoys were is peace with the United States, respect, and will always remain so. No power can snatch with a breakaway faction of senior Taleban finance minister Aga Jan Mohtism. The High withdrawn in 2010. Venezuela has expelled cooperation,” Maduro said. “We love the it away from us.” China and India share a de facto leaders in the United Arab Emirates. The Peace Council said in a statement yesterday eight US diplomats over the past year, American people, we admire their culture, border, known as the Line of Actual Control Dubai meetings are the first, fresh Afghan- that the delegation it met with clearly had (LAC), which has never been formally demarcat- including three on February 16. Oil rich their music.”— AFP initiated efforts to restart peace talks aimed indicated they were ready for peace talks ed. The unresolved border dispute has soured bilateral relations which are often prickly and at bringing a negotiated end to the conflict and that both sides agreed on the need for marked by mutual distrust-the legacy of a brief, ahead of the final withdrawal of interna- further dialogue - both inside and outside bloody border war in 1962 over Arunachal tional combat troops due at the end of this of Afghanistan. — AP Pradesh.

ISLAMABAD: An Afghan refugee girl walks back to her home carrying wooden boxes on her head to be used for heating and cooking, on the outskirts of Islamabad, Pakistan. For more than three decades, Pakistan has been home to one of the world’s largest refugee communi- ties: hundreds of thousands of Afghans who have fled the repeated wars and fighting their country has undergone. Since the 2002 US-led invasion of Afghanistan, some 3.8 million Afghans have returned to their home country, according to the UN’s refugee agency. — AP Nine Pakistani militants killed

PESHAWAR: Pakistani helicopter gun- Sharif has long favored peace talks over ships targeted a militant training facility military action to end the bloodshed in in the country’s northwest yesterday, the northwest, but he is also under pres- killing nine insurgents in the latest vio- sure from critics to retaliate for any lence to disrupt troubled peace negotia- Taleban violence. Peace efforts suffered a tions, according to police and security setback when a bombing claimed by the officials. The strikes came as a Pakistan Taleban last week killed 12 spokesman for the Pakistani Taleban police officers in the port city of Karachi, rejected a government demand that the and a few days later a faction of the militant movement halt attacks, saying Taleban also claimed they killed 23 sol- the government should be first to diers on Sunday in reprisal for the killing announce a cease-fire. Underscoring the of some of their members. After that, a militants’ refusal to stop attacks, a road- government-appointed committee that side bomb hit a vehicle carrying a pro- had traveled to North Waziristan to meet government elder in the northwestern Taleban delegates announced that they town of Buner, killing him and two of his couldn’t continue the talks unless the guards, police official Javed Khan said. militants renounced violence. The military launched yesterday The Pakistani Taleban for their part, morning’s strikes after confirming insist they would agree to a cease-fire reports about the presence of militants only if government negotiators could at a compound in the village of Thal in assure them there would be no more the Hangu district of Khyber killings of their members. They have also Pakhtunkhwa province, two security offi- demanded the release of women and cials and a local police officer said. They children, which they claim were in gov- said the identity of the slain men was not ernment custody. Taleban spokesman immediately known and agents were try- Shahidullah Shahid told a group of jour- ing to get details. The officials spoke on nalists in North Waziristan on Friday that condition of anonymity as they were not they were still in favor of “serious negoti- authorized to talk to the media. It was ations.” But he said the movement would the third such strike in recent days. On not declare a unilateral cease-fire, saying Wednesday and Thursday, officials said, the first step should come from the gov- Pakistani aircraft killed 20 suspected mili- ernment. “We cannot take the first step tants in the country’s troubled North to announce the cease-fire,” he said. Waziristan and Khyber tribal regions. Further complicating negotiations, a The strikes follow a breakdown in Pakistan army spokesman denied negotiations between the government Taleban claims about detainees, saying and the Pakistan Taleban earlier this not a single woman or child was in the week. Pakistani Prime Minister Nawaz custody of the security agencies. — AP INTERNATIONAL SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 23, 2014 News Ignoring Beijing’s protest, in brief

Taleban condemns Obama hosts Dalai Lama ‘merciless killings’ KABUL: The Afghan Taleban is calling for an end to violence against Muslims in the Central African China accuses US of meddling Republic in a rare statement on conflicts outside their region. Central African Republic has been wracked by sectarian violence, with Christian armed WASHINGTON: President Barack Obama for Obama, who faced Beijing’s ire when he fighters hunting down and killing Muslim civilians in granted an audience to Tibet’s Dalai Lama met with the Tibetan leader in 2010 and over the strong objections from China that again in 2011. In his first year in office, recent weeks despite the presence of thousands of the US was meddling in its affairs. The Obama put off a meeting with the monk in peacekeepers. The violence has displaced tens of White House took pains to ensure the what was seen as a move to placate China. thousands of Muslims in what the United Nations meeting was not portrayed as a conference “I have severe doubts that the Chinese human rights body has called “ethnic-religious of two heads of state. Obama played host would proceed to do anything in response cleansing.” In a statement released yesterday, the Friday to his fellow Nobel laureate in the or retaliation that would undermine much Taleban condemned the “merciless killings” of White House’s Map Room rather than the larger Chinese interests” with the US, said Muslims at the hands of “bloodthirsty militias” as the Oval Office, where the president tradition- Jonathan Pollack, a China scholar at the pri- world sits “idly by.” It warned the situation threatens ally brings dignitaries for photos. Beijing vate Brookings Institution. In a carefully the peaceful coexistence of Muslims and Christians decries the Dalai Lama as an anti-Chinese worded statement after the meeting, the throughout Africa and urged the international com- separatist because of his quest for greater White House said Obama offered his munity - including the pope - to stop the bloodshed. Tibetan autonomy. The White House calls “strong support for the preservation of him a respected cultural and religious fig- Tibet’s unique religious, cultural and lin- Pakistani prisoner ure who is committed to peace. guistic traditions” and for human rights dies in Indian jail Despite media requests, the meeting protections for Tibetans in China. The state- SRINAGAR: A Pakistani prisoner has committed sui- was closed to journalists, and in a depar- ment said Obama “reiterated the US posi- cide at a jail in the Indian-controlled part of Kashmir, ture from previous visits the Buddhist tion that Tibet is part of the People’s monk left the White House without speak- Republic of China and that the United prison officials said yesterday. Showkat Ali used a ing to reporters. Beijing had protested the States does not support Tibet independ- scarf to hang himself from the iron bars of a toilet meeting after the White House announced ence.” window at the prison in Jammu city, jail superin- it Thursday night. A statement from China’s The Dalai Lama told Obama he’s not tendent Harish Kotwal said. His body was found ear- Foreign Ministry issued Friday night reiter- seeking Tibetan independence, and both WASHINGTON: In this photo, The Dalai Lama walks out of the White House in ly yesterday. An investigation has been ordered into ated its view that no country has a right to leaders said they hoped talks would Washington, after meeting with President Barack Obama. — AP his death, prison official K Rajendra said. Ali was interfere in its internal affairs and said the resume between Beijing and the Dalai tribute to a “souring mood” between the Chinese, nor whether the US gave China arrested in 2008 after he was caught without proper US had “gravely violated basic norms gov- Lama’s representatives. The Dalai Lama world’s two largest economies, said Bonnie advance notice before announcing the vis- papers in India and was sent back to Pakistan in erning the international relations and seri- gave up his political role as the leader of Glaser, a China expert at the Center for it. “We are committed to a constructive 2010, police said. He re-entered Indian Kashmir in ously harmed the Sino-US relations.” the Tibetan government-in-exile in 2011. Strategic and International Studies. relationship with China,” he said. A frequent 2011 and was arrested soon after. The Himalayan In another sign of its displeasure, China The White House said Obama supports the Relations between the US and China are visitor to the US, the Dalai Lama has lived in region of Kashmir is divided between India and summoned Daniel Kritenbrink, the charge Dalai Lama’s approach of “neither assimila- already on edge over Beijing’s steps to exile in northern India since fleeing China Pakistan, with both countries claiming it in its entire- d’affaires for the US Embassy in Beijing, the tion nor independence for Tibetans.”But assert itself in the region. China has bristled in 1959. His meeting with Obama came ty. The two countries share a porous border, and State Department said. The US had no Chinese officials denounce him as a sepa- at recent US comments critical of its actions near the start of a three-week speaking hundreds of Indian and Pakistani prisoners are lan- immediate comment on the development. ratist responsible for instigating self-immo- in territorial disputes with its smaller neigh- tour focused more on spiritual fulfillment, guishing in each other’s jails awaiting repatriation Beijing frequently protests meetings with lations inside China. Although the meeting bors. White House spokesman Jay Carney business ethics and violence than on after being caught without the proper papers. the Dalai Lama, and the dust-ups have was unlikely to have a major long-term wouldn’t say whether the US was down- Tibetan issues.- AP India’s Ministry of External Affairs said in 2013 that become something of a diplomatic ritual impact on US-China relations, it could con- playing the meeting to avoid upsetting the there were 535 Indian prisoners in Pakistani jails and 272 Pakistani prisoners in Indian jails.

China, Japan need House fire kills 6 family members dialogue to avoid TORDOMAR: A house fire killed six people including three children in northern Spain yesterday and a seven-month-old baby was in hospital after surviv- miscalculations ing the blaze, officials said. Firefighters and ambu- lances rushed to a holiday home in Tordomar, near BEIJING: US Army Chief of Staff Ray Odierno yesterday said the city of Burgos, in the night to find the country Beijing and Tokyo must enhance communication to avoid house in flames and several people trapped inside, “miscalculations” amid a simmering territorial dispute over rescuers said. “Medical personnel at the scene con- islands in the East China Sea. Odierno, a four star general, firmed the death of six people-three adults and spoke during a visit to China where he has held talks with mili- three minors-apparently from smoke inhalation,” the tary officials aimed at establishing a formal high-level dia- regional emergency services said in a statement. logue between the US and Chinese armies in the coming Medics took five survivors to hospital to be treated months. “We reinforced the importance of dialogue and dis- cussion between the Japanese and the Chinese regarding this for burns and smoke inhalation, including a seven- issue,” Odierno told reporters. “We have to be careful and month-old baby boy and a girl of five, it added. A ensure that there are no miscalculations along the way.” government official in Burgos, Jose Maria Arribas, Tokyo and Beijing are locked in a bitter territorial row over SEOUL: South Korean visitors wave to bid farewell to their North Korean relatives before returning to South Korea fol- told Spanish National Radio those who died were Japan-controlled Senkaku Islands in the East China Sea which lowing their brief reunion with the separated families at Diamond Mountain resort in North Korea yesterday. About 80 members of the same family and were staying in the China also claims and calls the Diaoyu. Tensions between the South Koreans traveled with their families and met their North Korean relatives for the first time in three years. — AP house for a celebration. Spanish media cited officials two nations dramatically intensified after Japan nationalized saying the blaze was thought to have been started some of the islands in September 2012, with ships and aircraft by a spark from a fireplace setting fire to a sofa. They from both countries regularly patrolling waters around the Pyongyang rejects UN rights reported that the children killed in the blaze were contested territory. The dispute has also on occasion come aged between four and six. perilously close to boiling over into armed clashes. Last report as ‘sheer fabrication’ February, Japan accused a Chinese frigate of directing a Iceland drops EU weapon-targeting radar at a Japanese warship in the East SEOUL: North Korea has “categorically” rejected a UN commission was created in March 2013 by the UN Human membership bid China Sea. “We do have a treaty with Japan, a defense treaty, report on its human rights record, accusing it of being a Rights Council. Its chair Michael Kirby said on Monday that REYKJAVIK: Iceland will drop its EU membership but the most important piece is that we in fact emphasize the “sheer fabrication” invented by the United States and its ignorance was no longer an excuse for a failure to act. bid without holding a referendum that was earlier importance of this continued dialogue to solve this problem,” allies. A UN report released last week said North Korea’s Denied access to North Korea, the commission held promised by the two ruling Euro-sceptic parties, the Odierno said. leaders should be brought before an international court for hearings in South Korea and Japan with 320 North Korean government said Friday. The centrist Progress Party a litany of crimes against humanity. The report by the exiles. A frustrated Kirby wrote to North Korean leader Kim Dialogue at a standstill and the right-wing Independence Party agreed on a Commission of Inquiry on North Korea found “systemic, Jong-Un-the third ruler of the communist dynasty founded Dialogue between China and Japan, however, has come to draft bill asking the government “to retract the widespread and gross human rights violations have been by his grandfather in 1948 - on January 20, asking him to a virtual standstill as the island dispute has intensified. China’s application for membership of the European Union”, and are being committed” by North Korea, its institutions put his side. Kirby told Kim that any North Korean official President Xi Jinping and Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe which the island nation presented in 2010. “Such a and officials. “The so-called Commission of Inquiry was who “commits, orders, solicits or aids and abets crimes have never held a formal bilateral summit, only short encoun- proposal will be my responsibility. The foreign minis- deceitfully put together last year by the United States and against humanity” is responsible and must be held ters at global and regional meetings. The prospects for dia- ter at the time presented the proposal for applica- its cronies... and we’ve never acknowledged even its exis- accountable. Pressed by reporters, he did not accuse Kim logue dimmed further in December when Abe visited Tokyo’s tion, so it is natural that I will present the proposal to tence”, a North Korean foreign ministry spokesman said. directly, but said that “everything comes together through Yasukuni Shrine which honors Japan’s war dead including retract it,” Foreign Minister Gunnar Bragi Sveinsson “The so-called report by the puppet commission is a the supreme leader,” and that the total number of perpetra- convicted war criminals who were executed at the end of ragtag of cooked-up materials fed by hostile forces, crimi- tors could be in the hundreds. told Icelandic public broadcaster RUV. The move was World War II. nals who escaped punishment in the country and other The United States welcomed the report, saying it “clearly foreseeable, as the current government suspended Beijing views the shrine as a symbol of Japanese war-time tramps. We categorically reject it”, he was quoted as saying and unequivocally documents the brutal reality” of North EU accession talks indefinitely last September, fol- militarism and Tokyo’s lack of repentance for atrocities com- by KCNA. The spokesman condemned as “far-fetched” the Korea’s abuses, while Seoul said it hoped the findings lowing a promise made during the 2013 election mitted in the last century. On Wednesday, Japan’s Jiji Press assertion that North Korea’s leaders should be brought would raise international awareness. But Pyongyang’s key campaign. The two coalition partners had nonethe- quoted Captain James Fanell, intelligence chief for the US before an international court for a litany of crimes against ally China strongly opposed any move to refer North less promised in May that they would let the citizens Pacific Fleet, as telling a forum that China has tasked its mili- humanity that include exterminating, starving and enslav- Korea’s leadership to the ICC, saying it would “not help decide in a referendum, which would lean towards tary to become capable of conducting “a short sharp war to ing its population. “This is an extremely dangerous, politi- resolve the human rights situation”. Kirby said there was the no according to the polls. “Another application destroy Japanese forces in the East China Sea”. Odierno, how- cally-motivated provocation aimed to undermine our “no doubt” Chinese action was needed for a breakthrough, ever, dismissed such reports when asked to comment. “I’ve will not be made without first holding a referendum regime”, the spokesman said. He also accused the United expressing the hope Beijing would see its abusive neigh- seen no indications of that at all,” he said. to decide if the Icelandic people intends to join the States of being “the worst human rights abuser who killed bor was “a danger to itself and its region.” Odierno was scheduled for more talks on Saturday, travel- European Union,” the draft bill read. Iceland is a innocent people through aggression and intervention, and North Korea has long faced international sanctions over ling to China’s Shenyang Military Region, which borders North member of the Schengen treaty and the European systematically committed illegal wire-tapping and surveil- its atomic weapons program, but activists said justice for Korea. “For me, we had frank, honest, important discussions Economic Area. The main obstacle if Iceland were to lance not only over its own citizens but those of other its rights record was long overdue. The report condemned about security, stability in the Asia-Pacific region” as well as join the EU would be the fishing industry, an issue countries”. a system of throwing generations of the same family into beyond, he said of discussions in Beijing. But Odierno empha- that was never brought up in the negotiations prison camps under guilt-by-association rules, given testi- sized that the talks centred on establishing “army-to-army dia- between the country and the bloc. Supporters of ‘Murder, enslavement’ mony from former guards, inmates and neighbors. It esti- logue” and were spurred by meetings held between Xi and joining the EU-most of the Social Democrats and a The hard-hitting, 400-page report detailed “extermina- mated that there are 80,000-120,000 political prisoners in President Barack Obama last year. “Our visit has really focused tion, murder, enslavement, torture, imprisonment, rape, North Korea, a nation of 24 million people. Hundreds of minority of the members of the ruling parties-argue on this dialogue and really working through our future mili- forced abortions and other sexual violence” in the nuclear- thousands of others were believed to have perished in the that the main advantage of becoming a member of tary-to-military relationship,” he said. Admiral Samuel Locklear, armed totalitarian state. It included shocking testimony camps over the past half century, “gradually eliminated the bloc would be to adopt the common currency, the top US commander in the Pacific, expressed concern last from North Koreans who escaped, highlighting “the inhu- through deliberate starvation, forced labor, executions, tor- which they believe would stabilise the economy. month that he has no direct line to his counterpart in China in mane act of knowingly causing prolonged starvation”. The ture,” the report said. — AFP the case of a crisis in the region. —AFP Romanian Roma faces prejudice

BUCHAREST: Like many teenagers, Cristi gets extra Roma do not want to work and that “many nomadic 620,000 Roma openly stated their ethnicity in the help outside school in favorite subjects. But unlike Roma traditionally live from what they steal.” Roma 2011 official census. Romania is the European Union’s most, the Bucharest boy panics at the thought of his rights group Romani Criss praised the sanction but second poorest member state and its Roma are tutor leaving the room, even for a moment. “When I warned that Basescu was not an isolated case. “Many among the poorest of the poor, with 35 percent of go to my neighbor to take extra English lessons, I am other politicians, including Prime Minister Victor Roma children living below the poverty line. High- afraid to be left alone because you know that people Ponta and former Prime Minister Calin Tariceanu, profile members of the community have spoken out say Roma steal,” said the 13-year-old, an ordinary boy promote racism by describing Roma as offenders about the trauma of discrimination, including Alina who likes English, mathematics and, of course, foot- and anti-social,” it said. Serban, a London-based actress and playwright. ball. “Me, I don’t, but I am afraid that something will “From a grandmother telling her grandchild, ‘If disappear and I would be falsely accused.” Like Cristi, ‘I do not feel protected’ you do not behave I will give you to the gypsies’, to many Romanian Roma struggle daily against “preju- “I do not recognize myself at all in the way politi- politicians using stereotypes about Roma, all of them diced and heavily stereotypical rhetoric” used by cians describe us,” complained Loredana Dumitru, a affected me and gave me complexes,” she said. politicians, the media and society in general, the 24-year-old Roma journalist working for a national Asztalos of the anti-discrimination watchdog like- head of the country’s anti-discrimination council, TV channel. “I do not feel protected in a country wise stressed the “devastating effects the negative Csaba Asztalos said. where many people in the street despise me because rhetoric has on Roma children”. Like Cristi, many “live A rise in anti-Roma attitudes elsewhere in Europe of my ethnic background and where politicians, who in constant fear of the widespread prejudice against has underscored the problem. And in Romania- are supposed to guarantee my security in society, are their minority,” he said. where Roma were treated as slaves until 1856 - look- doing the same,” she said. Romania has the largest Some Roma have gone into politics themselves to ing down at the minority starts right at the top. In an Roma minority in Europe, estimated at about two fight for change, such as 30-year-old Petre Florin unprecedented move last week, the state anti-dis- million people by rights groups. On Thursday, many Manole, a history graduate who joined the Social crimination council slapped President Traian Basescu will mark the abolition of Roma slavery 158 years Democratic party, the largest in Romania’s parlia- BUCHAREST: Romanian and Roma children react after a short movie about Romanian with a $180 (131-euro) fine for anti-Roma remarks, ago. ment. With a group of colleagues, he started a league Roma at the Museum of Roma Culture in Bucharest. Romania celebrates 158 anniversary after giving him two earlier warnings. Basescu had But the vast majority do not declare themselves to foster better understanding but readily concedes of the liberation of the Roma minority on February 20, 2014. — AFP publicly alleged, during a 2010 visit to Slovenia, that as ethnic Roma for fear of discrimination. Only they have a long way to go. —AFP NEWS SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 23, 2014

Mexico drug kingpin... Continued from Page 1

The arrest is a major coup for the 14-month administration of President Enrique Pena Nieto, which captured the head of the ultra-vio- lent and powerful Zetas drug cartel, Miguel Angel Trevino, in July 2013. Guzman, whose nickname “shorty” is a reference to his height, amassed an immense fortune while authorities carried out their exhaus- tive international manhunt to capture him. His turf wars with the Juarez and Zetas cartels fuelled a wave of relentless violence that has left almost 80,000 people dead in the past seven years. He became a legendary drug lord after escaping from a maximum-security prison in a laundry car in January 2001. He had been captured in Guatemala eight years ear- lier. His ability to sneak tons of cocaine, heroin and marijuana into the United States made him “Public Enemy Number One” in Chicago, joining American gangster Al Capone as the only criminal to ever get the moniker. Guzman “easily surpassed the carnage and social destruction that was caused by Capone,” the Chicago Crime Commission said in Feb 2013. He used to be on Forbes magazine’s list of billionaires until the US publication said in 2013 that it could not verify his wealth and that it believed he was increasingly spending on protection. But the 1.72-m (five-foot-six) tall “El Chapo” remained on the Forbes list of the world’s most powerful people, standing at number 67. Guzman was born on either April 4, 1957 or Dec 25, 1954, in the Sinaloa village of Badiraguato, according to various reports. He became involved in drug trafficking in the late 1980s when he worked for one of the earliest leaders of Mexico’s modern cartels, Miguel Angel Felix Gallardo, who led the Guadalajara gang until his capture in 1989. Authorities say the Sinaloa drug cartel emerged in the 1990s after Felix Gallardo’s organization split following his arrest between Guzman’s faction and the Tijuana cartel. A turf war ensued, with a gunfight in 1993 at the airport of Guadalajara that killed the city’s archbishop, Cardinal Juan Jesus Posadas Ocampo, allegedly because he was mistaken for Guzman. Guzman’s family has paid dearly for his life of crime. One of his brothers was killed in a Mexican jail in Dec 2004 and a son was murdered in a Culiacan shopping center in May 2008. He was reportedly married to a former beauty queen, Emma Coronel, and is believed to have had 10 Saudi women arrive at the Janadriyah festival of Heritage and Culture held in the village of Al-Thamama, 50 km north of the capital Riyadh, yesterday. — AFP children. — AFP Protesters take Kiev, president slams coup Morsi slams ‘void’ trial Continued from Page 1 pages by its supporters. European officials urged calm. Continued from Page 1 top commanders. Mubarak himself was sentenced to life in Ukraine’s defense and military officials also called for prison for his involvement in the killings, but won a retrial on Independence Square. Beneath a cold, heavy rain, Ukrainians to stay peaceful. In statements Saturday, The defendants chanted “Down with the military” and appeal. Yesterday, a court acquitted six police officers of protesters who have stood for weeks and months to both the Defense Ministry and the chief of the armed flashed the four-finger salute associated with a pro-Morsi killing 83 protesters during the 2011 uprising outside police pressure the president to leave congratulated each oth- forces said they will not be drawn into any conflict and protest camp in which hundreds were killed in a police oper- stations in the Mediterranean city of Alexandria. Prosecutors er and shouted “Glory to Ukraine!” “It is only the begin- will side with the people. But they did not specify ation last August. The trial was adjourned to Feb 24. allege that the attacks on police stations and the jailbreaks, ning of the battle,” Klitschko said, urging calm and whether they still support the president or are with the Since his ouster, Morsi and the Brotherhood have been in which Morsi and other political prisoners escaped, were a telling protesters not to take justice into their own opposition. The president was in the eastern city of retroactively accused of committing much of the violence Brotherhood-led conspiracy to sow chaos in Egypt. hands. Kharkiv, where governors, provincial officials and legis- during the anti-Mubarak uprising. Nearly 850 people died That narrative of events has gained wider public accept- Tymoshenko, the blond-braided icon of Ukraine’s lators gathered alongside top Russian lawmakers and during the 18-day uprising that toppled Mubarak, most of ance amid a backlash against the Brotherhood following 2004 Orange Revolution, was heading from prison in issued a statement saying that the events in Kiev have them on Jan 28, 2011, when protesters battled the then- Morsi’s turbulent year in power. Morsi also faces two other the eastern city of Kharkiv straight to the protest camp, led to the “paralysis of the central government and despised police. Many of those who died were killed outside trials, one for espionage and carrying out “terror attacks”, her party said. Tymoshenko served 21/2 years on a con- destabilization of the situation in the country”. police stations when protesters attacked what they saw as and one for the killing of protesters during his presidency. viction of abuse of office that domestic and Western Some called for the formation of volunteer militias to symbols of Mubarak’s autocratic rule. He is also expected to go on trial for “insulting the judiciary”, critics have denounced as a political vendetta. defend against protesters from western regions, even as More than a dozen policemen were put on trial, including but no date has yet been set for that case. — AFP Tymoshenko’s reappearance on the political scene they urged army units to maintain neutrality and pro- could shake things up even more. The president’s sup- tect ammunition depots. Protesters claimed full control port base crumbled further as a leading governor and a of Kiev and took up positions around the president’s Security flags over WhatsApp mayor from the eastern city of Kharkiv fled to Russia. office and a grandiose residential compound believed Continued from Page 1 tie-up is likely to hurt confidence in the messaging app. Nico Oleh Slobodyan, a spokesman for the border guard to be his, though he never acknowledged it. At the Sell, co-founder of the security-focused app Wickr said it has service, told AP that Kharkiv regional governor president’s office in central Kiev, a group of protesters in security firm Praetorian said in a blog post Thursday that seen “thousands more people than normal” downloading its Mikhaylo Dobkin and Kharkiv Mayor Hennady Kernes helmets and shields stood guard. No police were in WhatsApp security and encryption are not ideal, citing vul- app since Facebook’s announcement. “I think people will left Ukraine across the nearby Russian border. sight. nerabilities in the way it handles SSL, the secure socket layer swap quickly out of WhatsApp now that it’s part of Facebook,” Yesterday’s developments were the result of a Protesters also gathered around the country, often protocol for communications. The group’s mobile security she told AFP. Sell said Facebook’s core business is monetizing European-brokered peace deal between the president taking out their anger on statues of Soviet founder test “picked up on several SSL-related security issues affecting data, while Wickr aims at protecting user anonymity and pri- and opposition. But Yanukovych said yesterday that he Vladimir Lenin, using ropes and crowbars to knock the confidentiality of WhatsAppuser data that passes in tran- vacy, by using top-grade encryption and paying bounties to would not sign any of the measures passed by parlia- them off pedestals in several cities and towns. Statues sit to back-end servers,” Jauregui said. hackers who discover any security flaws. ment over the past two days as a result of that deal. of Lenin still stand in cities and towns across the former “This is the kind of stuff the NSA (National Security “They say they won’t put ads on WhatsApp. But that does- They include motions: USSR, and they are seen as a symbol of Moscow’s rule. Agency) would love. It basically allows them - or an attacker - n’t mean they can’t feed the beast with the data they are sit- • saying that the president removed himself from pow- The past week saw the worst violence in Ukraine since to man-in-the-middle the connection and then downgrade ting on,” she said. “There are tons of data that can be analyzed er; the breakup of the Soviet Union a quarter-century ago. the encryption so they can break it and sniff the traffic. These from conversations with your friends and family.” Sell said • setting new elections for May 25 instead of next year; At the protests’ epicenter on Kiev’s Independence security issues put WhatsApp user information and commu- that in light of documents leaked about NSA surveillance in • trimming the president’s powers; Square, demonstrators clashed with police and snipers nications at risk.” Jauregui noted that Praetorian would need the past year, “people are becoming more aware of how easy authorization from Facebook and WhatsApp to do a more it is to abuse your conversations and your data.” • naming a new interior minister after firing the old one opened fire. The Health Ministry put the death toll at 77, thorough security evaluation. He added that it would be “not Serge Malenkovich at the security firm Kaspersky said on Friday; and some opposition figures said it was even higher. very difficult” to patch the security flaws. however users should not panic over WhatsApp and • releasing Tymoshenko. At the square yesterday, protesters heaped flowers Meanwhile in Germany, the data commissioner in the Facebook. “There are no new reasons to worry about mes- The decisions were passed with large majorities, on the coffins of the dead. “These are heroes of Ukraine state of Schleswig-Holstein, said in a statement this week the saging privacy,” he said in a blog post. “Honestly speaking, including yes votes from some members of who gave their lives so that we could live in a different deal raises serious privacy concerns and that WhatsApp does WhatsApp was never meant to be a true confidential mes- Yanukovych’s Party of Regions, which dominated country without Yanukovych,” said protester Viktor not comply with European data protection rules. The official, saging tool... confidential data shouldn’t be sent unencrypt- Ukraine’s political scene until this week but is now swift- Fedoruk, 32. “Their names will be written in golden let- Thilo Weichert, said in a statement that people should opt ed over standard communication channels, be it Facebook, ly losing support. Russia came out yesterday firmly ters in the history of Ukraine.” Thousands of residents out of WhatsApp for more “trusted services”. Last October, WhatsApp or e-mail. Use dedicated security tools to protect against the peace deal, saying the opposition isn’t hold- also took their first-ever tour of Yanukovych’s lavish Dutch security researcher Thijs Alkemade posted a blog say- your data from prying eyes.” ing up its end of the agreement, which calls for protest- Mezhygirya residence just north of Kiev. “I am in shock,” ing that the encryption can be circumvented, making it feasi- But he said a bigger threat is scammers who send mes- ers to surrender arms and abandon their tent a retired military servicewoman named Natalia ble “that anyone who is able to eavesdrop on your WhatsApp sages urging you to “confirm your WhatsApp account” or “opt camps.Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov yester- Rudenko said as she inspected the president’s rare connection is capable of decrypting your messages, given out of Facebook ads inside WhatsApp”. “Those messages will day called his German, French and Polish counterparts pheasant collection and a banquet hall built to look like enough effort”. definitely contain a malicious link and clicking on it may and urged them to use their influence with the a galleon. “In a country with so much poverty, how can WhatsApp did not respond to an AFP query on the securi- infect your device or lead you to a phishing page trying to Ukrainian opposition to stop what he described as ram- one person have so much?” — Agencies ty claims. But some rival services say the Facebook-WhatsApp steal personal data from you,” Malenkovich said. — AFP SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 23, 2014 ANALYSIS

THE LEADING INDEPENDENT DAILY IN THE ARABIAN GULF ESTABLISHED 1961

Founder and Publisher YOUSUF S. AL-ALYAN Editor-in-Chief ABD AL-RAHMAN AL-ALYAN EDITORIAL : 24833199-24833358-24833432 ADVERTISING : 24835616/7 FAX : 24835620/1 CIRCULATION : 24833199 Extn. 163 ACCOUNTS : 24835619 COMMERCIAL : 24835618 P.O.Box 1301 Safat,13014 Kuwait. E MAIL :[email protected] Website: www.kuwaittimes.net

Issues Lawlessness threatens Yemen transition govt

By Iscander Al-Mamari

ositive efforts by Yemen’s transition government to emerge from decades of autocratic rule by for- Pmer President Ali Abdullah Saleh are being over- shadowed by an image of lawlessness as the security condition continues to worsen in most areas of the country. In 2011, a popular uprising ended with a deal brokered by Saudi Arabia and the GCC that saw Saleh step down after 33-years, handing the reins of govern- ment to his vice president, Abdu Rabbu Mansour Hadi in an interim capacity. Hadi, in turn, created the National Dialogue - an assembly of 565 Yemeni citizens Boycott movement causing panic in Israel from across the political and cultural divide charged with formulating a new system of government and By Abdullah H Erakat to exercise as much pressure as we can on Israel scholars and activists even argue. But those who Some products are too widely used to realisti- constitution. But while the future appeared to bright- to lift its occupation, to cease their violations of live on post-1967 land, represented by the cally expect Palestinians to end their use. Omar en, the present security system began to show cracks. upporters of organized Palestinian efforts the Palestinian Territories,” Rifat Kassis, a BDS YESHA Council, have no doubt that the issue at Barghouti points to telephone carriers and man- Some opine that the security weakness grew to encourage the economic and cultural activist representing Kairos, a Palestinian hand is the future of the entire Jewish state, not ufacturers of many food staples. However, he because of the political transition of power. One such Sboycott of Israel are claming the “BDS” Christian group. just the part that they live on. says the main principle is clear. Just because we voice, Abdulsalam Mohammed, chairman of Abaad movement has caused “a real panic” among While not prepared to concede that the effect Using the Biblical names for the West Bank, need to buy Israeli vegetables “it doesn’t mean Studies & Research Center, explained that, “We should Israeli officials despite insistence to the contrary. of BDS is as great as the BDS activists believe, the Yigal Dilmoni, deputy head of the YESHA that we can’t call on the Danish, the British, the take into account that there are parties and figures that The movement, which stands for “boycott, Israeli government admits that it’s a problem. Council, told The Media Line, “We think that the South Africans to boycott all Israeli vegetables”, lost their interests after the transition and they are try- divestment and sanctions,” began with an attack Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu’s boycott is not against communities living in he said. ing to obstruct the peaceful transition of power and to on commerce based on land Israel acquired in spokesman Mark Regev told The Media Line, “We Judea and Samaria. The boycott is against Israel provide logistical support directly and indirectly to the the 1967 war - land claimed by Palestinians for a see them as a problem for peace.” Regev argued and never mind what Israel will do or what will Burgeoning Support violent groups to reshuffle cards.” Palestinian state, but appears to be burgeoning that at a time when US sponsored negotiations be done, [the BDS movement] will not end the And to that end, the Palestinian BDS effort One case-in-point is the growing strength of Al- beyond the pre-1967 borders, as critics of the are underway between Israelis and Palestinians, boycott.” continues to find burgeoning support within the Qaeda in the Arabian Peninsula (AQAP), the regional movement had warned it would. instead of bringing the two sides together, As a case in point, Dilmoni offers Bank international community. “We are using also our franchise of the global terrorist network. AQAP had vir- “The BDS movement has led to a ‘real panic’ so groups like BDS are encouraging the distancing Hapoalim, one of Israel’s foremost financial insti- connection with churches worldwide to relay this tually taken control of the southern Abyan Province by significant that the Israeli government held a spe- of peace talk participants. But to Regev, it’s no tutions which recently was placed on the “ethi- non-violent message as one of the few instru- March 2011, only a month after the revolution got cial session last week to discuss how best to com- accident. “People should understand that those cally questionable for investment” list of two ments left to the Palestinian people to end this under way. The terrorist group continued to increase in bat it,” according to Omar Barghouti, a leader of who are calling for a boycott are not interested in German banks because they have branches in conflict,” Kassis told The Media Line. BDS activists strength, attacking the Defense Ministry complex in the Palestinian Campaign for Academic & Cultural peace or reconciliation,” he said. post-1967 communities. “Look, the boycott is see of their success in the effort underway on December 2012 and killing 52 people while doing so in Boycott of Israel. Interpreting the Israeli actions as For Kassis, a “comprehensive boycott against against Bank Hapoalim, an Israeli bank working Capitol Hill to outlaw funding to pro-BDS organi- what was to be the bloodiest attack in the past three indications of the movement’s success, Barghouti Israel until it abides by international law and all over Israel,” said Dilmoni. “I don’t think the zations. And despite the pro-Israel excitement at years. The same period was marked by assassinations, told reporters that Israeli leaders “discussed a agrees to United Nations resolutions” is an effec- YESHA Council has one bank. I don’t think the actress Scarlett Johansson “standing-up” to those abductions and other acts of terrorism. strategy, an allocation of 100 million shekels tive tool to use to force Israel to comply with problem is a Judea and Samaria.” urging her to withdraw her sponsorship of the Col Ali Mohammed, an officer in the Interior ($28.5 million), and debated how best to combat those demands. “Those demands” are that Israel’s On Monday, the daily newspaper Haaretz SodaStream product, pro-BDSers see the mass of BDS, including launching legal warfare to pass Jewish population - scores of thousands -vacate reported that an Italian and a Dutch bidder on a media coverage of the boycott effort as a plus. Ministry operations room, told The Media Line that laws that would criminalize support for BDS.” the West Bank. tender to build private port facilities at two Israeli Government spokesman Regev reminds that while security breaches occurred under Saleh’s rule, Any question that BDS organizers are focused cities on the Mediterranean dropped out of con- Israel’s soaring successes in hi-tech provide the they have intensified dramatically since President Hadi on post-1967 land rather than all of Israel was Settlers tention, presumably because of international Jewish state with its own positive image. “We assumed power. Sectarian strife was rampant in the answered when Mustafa Barghouti, a leader of Those Israelis who live on post-1967 land are pressure despite the fact that neither Israeli sea- were in Davos two weeks ago for the World northern part of Yemen as clashes between the Shiite the Council of National and Islamic Forces in known as “settlers”, a word that has become a port abuts post-1967 areas. Drawing a clear dis- Economic Forum, where we saw clearly that dif- Houthis and ultra-conservative Salafis. But since the Palestine called “for a boycott against all Israeli pejorative in the modern geo-political lexicon. tinction even has problems for the Palestinians. A ferent governments from all continents, global turnover, the situations in both the north and south products, not just (those produced) in the settle- Even within Israel, the population is divided on law enacted two years ago that criminalized companies, are all eager to do business. They are have deteriorated. In the south, factions of the seces- ments”. On Monday, a news conference featuring the efficacy of what’s known as the “settlement working for Jewish communities in the West interested in Israeli technology, innovation, hi- sionist movement, known as Hirak, have raged in the representatives of key Palestinian BDS net- enterprise”, many arguing that it’s not worth the Bank was set aside when workers pressed the tech, and countries from Latin America, Asia, protests and civil disobedience and have every so works and campaigns which are part of the international angst that it evokes. Many, too, Palestinian Authority over where they would find Europe, across globe,” said Regev, adding that often boycotted the talks, demanding greater autono- umbrella Palestinian BDS National Committee share the Palestinian presumption endorsed by a replacement jobs. “Working there does not mean “every day, international companies are signing my as a solution to the southern issue. Recently, the (BNC) was held in El-Bireh, a city adjacent to large part of the international community that refusing the boycott,” said Haidar Ibrahim, an offi- with Israeli companies and opening offices south has become even more restive as clashes Ramallah. “We are working with all organizations settlements are illegal - a point few but Israeli cial of the General Union of Palestinian Workers. there.” —Media Line between armed tribesmen and Hirak factions have increased dramatically. Assassinations Ukraine faces battle on all fronts Moreover, since 2013, more than 90 intelligence and army senior officials had been shot dead in drive-by By Marianne Barriaux kets, with short- and long-term bond scrapped the bailout, Ukraine would protest movement against ment voted to immediately release shootings while others have narrowly escaped deadly yields rising sharply and the hryvnia default on the $13 billion of debt it is Yanukovych are sharply divided. “It fiery opposition icon Yulia attacks for which the government routinely blames Al- n economy facing default, a currency losing a tenth of its value in a due to pay back this year. And while will be a very difficult process for the Tymoshenko from jail, to which she Qaeda. The capital Sanaa has been the scene of the splintered opposition and span of a few weeks. There is also the European Union has said it stands leaders of the opposition to over- was sentenced shortly after her bitter assassinations of government officials and delegates to Aregions with separatist ten- uncertainty over whether Moscow ready to extend conditional financial come the contradictions between foe Yanukovych took office in 2010. the National Dialogue Conference. Military sociologist dencies: Ukraine’s new government will keep paying out a $15-billion assistance to Ukraine, its own mem- each other,” said Viktor Nebozhenko, Tymoshenko, a passionate public ora- and analyst Dr Mohsen Khusruf told the Media Line will face an uphill struggle to stabilise bailout it promised to Kiev shortly ber states are already struggling. “I head of the Ukrainian Barometer tor, was the hero of Ukraine’s 2004 that “The army is being subjected to frequent attempts the country, analysts say, as the fall of after Yanukovych rejected an EU trade can’t imagine that German voters think tank. Vitali Klitschko, the 42-year- Orange Revolution and later became so as to be penetrated by armed militias.” President Viktor Yanukovych looms. deal in November in favour of closer would take kindly to a proposal to old former boxer turned opposition prime minister. She famously fell out Nearly a dozen foreigners and Yemeni businessmen Under intense pressure from the ties with Russia, a move that angered help Ukraine, given how angry they figure, is popular and moderate but with many of those who are now part have been abducted since 2013, the most recent of international community and protest- pro-EU parts of the population and feel about supporting member has no political experience. of the opposition, such as former for- which was a British teacher who was reported missing ers reeling from violence in Kiev, kickstarted the unrest. states,” Weiss said. Oleh Tyahnybok, another opposi- eign minister Arseniy Yatsenyuk and on February 12 after being taken in downtown Sana’a Yanukovych signed a peace deal Russia has so far paid out a $3.0- tion leader, is head of the nationalist chocolate baron Petro Poroshenko. while on his way to work according to a security offi- Friday after clashes between anti-gov- billion instalment but suspended A divided opposition Svoboda (Freedom) party that has Her very public spat with former cial. The fates of many kidnap victims remain unknown. ernment activists and security forces another tranche pending a return to Analysts also point out that been accused of anti-Semitism, pro-Western president Viktor In mid-February, Sanaa’s Central Prison was stormed in left nearly 100 dead this week. calm. Standard & Poor’s ratings behind their united front, the main racism and homophobia. And in an Yushchenko was one of the reasons an attack using a car bomb and gunfire that resulted in But that failed to appease protest- agency predicted Friday that if Russia opposition leaders who have led the unexpected twist Saturday, parlia- why Yanukovych was elected in 2010, the escape of 29 prisoners, some of whom are senior ers, who now demand the immediate in a remarkable turnaround for the Al-Qaeda operatives. departure of an embattled leader man whose claim to have won rigged Beyond the issue of spreading violence, the event who has already been abandoned by polls in 2004 sparked the Orange named “The Great Escape” by a local newspaper, has many parliament allies and the police, Revolution and saw him discredited also spurred accusations - including among Western and who left the capital altogether on and shoved aside. “It’s possible that diplomats - that government officials were complacent Friday night. “There are a lot of people Tymoshenko walking free at this very in the break-out. Mohammed, of Abaad Studies & on the ground who believe the revo- tense moment may not have a calm- Research Center, argues that the attack on the prison is lution needs to be seen through to ing effect, but the opposite,” said tied to attempts to assassinate Hadi. “No group could the end,” said Andrew Weiss, who Rojansky. ever carry out such an operation without assistance oversees research on Russia and The big question is also how from the state; otherwise intelligence apparatus is Eurasia at the Carnegie Endowment Russia will react to developments in a being penetrated,” he said. —Media Line for International Peace think tank. country that was once a major part of But once the battered country’s the Soviet Union. The unrest in worst crisis since independence final- Ukraine has escalated into a Cold ly settles down, Ukraine will be in dire War-style confrontation pitting need of stabilisation and analysts are attempts by the Kremlin to keep reins All articles appearing on these pessimistic about its immediate on its historic fiefdom against pages are the personal opinion of prospects. “Anybody still casting Western efforts to bring the nation of the writers. Kuwait Times takes no about for the great white hope - that’s 46 million into their fold. Some not going to happen,” said Matthew regions in eastern and southern responsibility for views expressed Rojansky, director of the US-based Ukraine are still fervently pro-Russian, therein. Kuwait Times invites read- Kennan Institute, which specialises in such as the Crimean peninsula - an ers to voice their opinions. Please Russia and post-Soviet states. autonomous region whose local law- Financial help needed makers recently asked Moscow for send submissions via email to: opin- The economy for one. Repairing protection against a protest move- [email protected] or via snail the scarred centre of Kiev will be a ment it qualified as extremist. “If mail to PO Box 1301 Safat, Kuwait. costly affair but even without that, Russia offers them protection... this debt-laden Ukraine risks a devastat- would be a major re-ordering of the The editor reserves the right to edit ing default unless it receives financial post-Cold War order,” said Andreas any submission as necessary. A suspected supporter of Ukraine’s embattled president Viktor Yanukovych is forced to assistance - fast. The three-month cri- kneel at a memorial to people killed in clashes with the police in Kiev yesterday. —AP Umland, a political scientist at the sis has prompted panic on the mar- Kiev Mohyla Academy. —AFP SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 23, 2014 SPORTS

Ozil absent after penalty woe River fear stadium ban Plushenko to have surgery LONDON: Mesut Ozil was missing from Arsenal’s squad for the clash against BUENOS AIRES: River Plate could face a Monumental Stadium ban after a SOCHI: Four-time Olympic medalist Evgeni Plushenko will have back sur- Sunderland yesterday just days after his penalty blunder in the Champions fan threw a piece of wood and hit Godoy Cruz defender Leandro Grimi as gery on March 2. Plushenko, 31, withdrew from the men’s figure skating League loss to Bayern Munich. he celebrated scoring the equaliser in his team’s 2-1 upset win on short program at the Sochi Games just days after helping Russia win the Ozil’s poor penalty was saved by Bayern goalkeeper Manuel Neuer in the Wednesday. Godoy Cruz claimed three valuable points in their fight team gold. He warmed up for the event on Feb. 13 and then dropped out, early stages of the last 16 first leg tie at the Emirates Stadium on against relegation with a winning goal in added time from Julio Rodriguez leaving the host nation with no competitor. Wednesday and Arsenal never recovered as they slumped to a 2-0 defeat. when River were down to 10-men after the 68th-minute dismissal for two The 2006 gold medalist has a history of injuries and fought several physi- The Germany midfielder’s performance against Bayern was as tame as bookings of Colombian defender Eder Balanta. cal problems throughout his career. He says he has had 12 surgeries. The upcoming operation will repair a screw in his back that snapped. The screw his spot-kick and, after several weeks of lacklustre displays from Ozil, even River issued a statement on Thursday condemning the incident and said supported a disk. Plushenko competed sporadically Gunners manager Arsene Wenger concedes his £42.5 million they were working with state and private security bodies to find the culprit and ensure he was banned from the club. after winning a silver medal at the 2010 Olympics. He club record signing is lacking confidence at present. won three national titles and a European champi- “Is he over it now? Certainly not, because 48 hours is a “You can’t punish 50,000 fans because of one idiot who causes damage. He evidently broke off a part of the stand because he didn’t get in (to the onship, but did not go to worlds in any of those sea- short time to get over that, but it is part of the job as well stadium) with that (wood),” said club president Rodolfo D’Onofrio. sons. He remained steadfast in his goal of skating at to deal with disappointment and to show that you can “We’re searching for him on the cameras to identify him and apply the the Sochi Games, however, but when he finished respond to it,” Wenger said on Friday. “What is important is maximum sanction... to expel him. We don’t want people like that coming behind Maxim Kovtun at the Russian champi- always the team and you never want to hurt any player, but into a football ground ever again,” he told TyC Sports. Grimi, who had spells onships, that objective became a long shot. Then you don’t want to give him any favor. You have to pick with AC Milan, Portuguese club Sporting and Genk between 2007 and Kovtun struggled at the Europeans champi- the team who can win the next game.” 2013, was unhurt and made light of the incident. onships, and Plushenko was given a private With Ozil absent, Wenger restored French “Unfortunately here in Argentina because of (the actions of) a few test session by the Russian federation to striker Olivier Giroud to the starting line-up, everyone has to pay. They were probably 10 (hooligans) and then all River’s prove he was fit. The federation was con- while Lukas Podolski, Mikel Arteta and Tomas fans can’t come to the ground,” the defender told reporters anticipating a vinced and Plushenko was added to the Rosicky also returned to the team.—AFP stadium ban. —Reuters team.—AP McDowell outlasts Mahan

MARANA: Graeme McDowell made a stun- after the American’s triumph at Riviera, his George Coetzee 3 and 1. The Aussie, who ning comeback for the third day in a row first since taking the green jacket at Augusta finished third at last year’s Match Play, never Friday, beating Hunter Mahan in 21 holes to National. trailed and birdied four of the last seven reach the World Golf Championships Match “We didn’t play very well, both of us, but I holes to advance. Play Championship quarter-finals. managed to save some great pars to win,” Americans Jim Furyk and Rickie Fowler McDowell, the 2010 US Open champion the Frenchman said. South African Ernie Els booked a quarter-final matchup with 1-up from Northern Ireland, won the 17th and hit a wedge shot two feet from the cup at triumphs, 2003 US Open winner Furyk dis- 18th holes to square the match, sank a 19- the 18th and made the putt to defeat 2013 patching countryman Harris English and foot par putt on the 20th hole and then sank PGA Championship winner Jason Dufner 1 Fowler ousting Spanish star Sergio Garcia. a 14-foot birdie putt on the last hole to up and book a last-eight match against ris- After Garcia felt guilty about the long pause advance. ing US star Jordan Spieth, a 2 and 1 winner before a putt dropped at the sixth hole, he “I genuinely thought I was done this over countryman Matt Kuchar. conceded Fowler a difficult 17-foot par putt time. I didn’t think there was any way back,” “I’m glad to go through,” Els said. “The at the seventh. McDowell said. “Nine lives have been used first couple of holes I made some mistakes “I don’t regret it at all,” Garcia said. “This is up and then some.” McDowell has played 58 and then he made a couple of mistakes on a gentleman’s game and lately it hasn’t felt holes and never led in any match until the five and six to give me two holes. And then like it has been that. This is the way I was final hole. we played a little bit better.” brought up.” Garcia led all the way until the “I’m not embarrassed, but I just feel like South African Louis Oosthuizen beat 16th as Fowler birdied that and sank a four- I’m robbing these guys,” McDowell said. American Webb Simpson 5 and 4 in a third- foot birdie at 18 for the victory. Furyk, who Mahan, the 2012 Match Play winner and round matchup of major winners to book at 43 is 18 years older than Fowler, was 3- 2013 runner-up, staged a rematch of his his quarter-final spot. down after six holes but squared his match epic 2010 Ryder Cup singles showdown “I made quite a few birdies coming in,” with a nine-foot birdie putt at 12 and took with McDowell, who beat the American 3 said Oosthuizen. “He put himself in a few his first lead with English made bogey at 14. and 1 at Celtic Manor to clinch the trophy tough spots to make bogeys and pars and I English leveled with a birdie at 15 but Furyk for Europe. McDowell advanced to a quar- just for some reason made a few putts and chipped in from 30 feet at 16 and held on ter-final matchup against France’s Victor hit a lot of birdies.” for his first trip to the Match Play last eight. “I MARANA: Graeme McDowell of Northern Ireland plays a shot on the 17th hole during the third Dubuisson who upset 2012 Masters winner Next up for Oosthuizen will be Australian had been in this position before,” Furyk said. round of the World Golf Championships — Accenture Match Play Championship. —AFP Bubba Watson 1 up, downing him five days Jason Day, who ousted South African “I was able to dig my way out.” —AFP Nordqvist leads at LPGA Thailand

CHONBURI: Swede Anna Nordqvist shot birdied the opening two holes and Nos. a 5-under 67 at the LPGA Thailand yes- 10-13, with a lone bogey on the eighth. terday for a 4-stroke lead over top- “I hit a lot of great irons shots out ranked Inbee Park and American there today, I think I still left four birdies Michelle Wie. out there,” the four-time Major champi- The 27th-ranked Nordqvist sprinkled on said. The 2010 runner-up Wie had an her third round at the Siam Country Club error-free round. with four birdies and an eagle on the “Couple hard pins, couple easy pins. 10th against a bogey on No. 5. Didn’t really take advantage of the par Leading since the first round, the 26- 5s like I wanted to, but I can’t really com- year-old Nordqvist has an overall 11- plain about it. Hopefully tomorrow I’ll under 205. She is chasing her first win on just have a lot more birdies,” Wie said. “I the US LPGA Tour since 2009. Park shot really want that win, but I’m not going to 67 and Wie 69. “I think the great players put the added pressure on myself.” out there, Inbee, Stacy (Lewis), they’ve Paraguay’s Julieta Granada (71) was a been up there so many times, so they further stroke behind in fourth. Tseng look pretty comfortable out there,” Yani of Taiwan, winner here in 2011 and Nordqvist said. “For me, it’s a matter of ‘12, carded a 6-under 66 for an overall 5- keep putting myself in those positions under 211 and a share of fifth with and the win will happen eventually.” Americans Cristie Kerr (68) and Lexi Defending champion Park, playing Thompson (69) as well as New Zealand her first tournament of the season, teen prodigy Lydia Ko (69).—AP

Germany’s Nico Rosberg Rosberg quickest at Bahrain Sakhir circuit MANAMA: Germany’s Nico Rosberg regis- 27, before the first race of the season, the tered the fastest time in his Mercedes in Australian Grand Prix in Melbourne, on yesterday’s pre-season testing session at March 16. Bahrain’s Sakhir circuit. Mercedes go into Melbourne in good Rosberg managed to go a second faster shape after strong testing both in Bahrain than his teammate Lewis Hamilton a day and in Jerez in Spain last month. For world earlier, outpacing Jenson Button in a champions Red Bull, who endured a torrid Mclaren-Mercedes and Kimi Raikkonen in a time testing in Jerez, things looked a little Ferrari. brighter, with Sebastian Vettel’s new team- Brazilian Felipe Nasr, a new test driver mate Daniel Ricciardo coming in 7th in with the Williams team, took to the wheel Bahrain. However, he was still a full six sec- for the first time and was fourth-quickest. A onds off the pace set by Rosberg and final pre-season testing session will take Mercedes as Red Bull continued to struggle place in Bahrain next Thursday, February with technical issues. —AFP SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 23, 2014 SPORTS Amla strokes S Africa into strong position

PORT ELIZABETH: South Africa moved over of the day when Philander had top- into a strong position on the third day of scorer David Warner caught at slip for 70. the second Test against Australia at St Nightwatchman Nathan Lyon, after stand- George’s Park yesterday but lost one of ing up to a bumper barrage from Morkel, their four specialist bowlers. chopped a ball from the tall fast bowler Australia were bowled out for 246 in into his stumps in the next over. their first innings, giving South Africa a lead Steve Smith and Brad Haddin both sur- of 177, which they stretched to 369 by the vived chances as they added 40 for the sev- close of play, reaching 192 for four. Hashim enth wicket before Haddin was bowled by Amla returned to form with a sparkling Dale Steyn. innings of 93 not out. Mitchell Johnson hit a quick 27 before But South Africa will be without left-arm he was bowled in the over before lunch by fast-medium bowler Wayne Parnell when off-spinner JP Duminy. In the previous over they attempt to bowl out Australia a sec- Johnson had been struck a heavy blow on ond time. the batting helmet by a bouncer from Parnell, who on Friday took two wickets Morkel. with his first three deliveries of the match, Smith made 49 before he was given out pulled up with a groin injury after bowling caught behind off a faint edge from Morkel DHAKA: Sri Lankan cricketers pose for a group photo with the tournament trophy following the presentation ceremony at the third One-Day three balls in his ninth over. after a review by South Africa. Australia International (ODI) cricket match between Bangladesh and Sri Lanka at the Sher-e-Bangla National Cricket Stadium. —AFP Team manager Mohammed Moosajee struck back at the start of South Africa’s said Parnell had a strain, not a tear, but second innings by dismissing both open- would nevertheless be unable to bowl in ing batsmen cheaply. the second innings. Captain Graeme Smith failed for the Revamped Sri Lanka It left South Africa with three specialist fourth successive innings when he was bowlers after bringing in a batsman for an bowled off an inside edge for 14 by all-rounder after losing the first Test in Johnson - the eighth time he has been out Centurion by 281 runs. to the left-arm fast bowler in Tests. Australia found themselves in unfamiliar The opening partnership of 20 with whitewash B’desh territory in a dominant southern hemi- Dean Elgar was the highest by either side in sphere summer, during which they have seven innings of a series which features DHAKA: New-look Sri Lanka trounced Pakistan, Afghanistan and the hosts. Hossain (38), Naeem Islam (32) and skipper won six successive Tests, all by wide mar- two strong fast bowling attacks. Bangladesh by six wickets in the third and final “It was nice to win even without the senior Mushfiqur Rahim (30) gave the hosts their high- gins. Elgar was caught behind off Peter Siddle one-day international in Dhaka yesterday to players,” said Mathews. “This was a good test for est score in the series. South Africa, though, looked more like for 16. Amla, who suffered a dislocated left sweep the series 3-0. our bench strength. It will put us in the right Kusal Perera made light of the target as he the team that has surged to the top of the ring finger in dropping a difficult chance Seamer Dhammika Prasad claimed three frame for the Asia Cup.” flayed the home team’s attack till the 40th over international Test rankings as they followed from Haddin at gully off Philander, struck wickets in his first match of the series as the Prasad was well-supported by new-ball part- when he was bowled by Rubel Hossain with 43 up a solid first innings with aggressive the ball with superb timing as he made his tourists restricted Bangladesh to 240-8 after ner Suranga Lakmal, who finished with two for remaining for victory. bowling to put Australia under pressure. first Test half-century in eight innings off 53 electing to field in the day-night match. 24 in 10 overs on the slow pitch. Rubel dismissed Chandimal in his next over The tall Morne Morkel was particularly hos- balls. He and Faf du Plessis steadied the Kusal Perera, a 23-year-old left-handed open- The hosts missed premier all-rounder Shakib to make it 205-4, but Mathews signalled the win tile, peppering the batsmen with numerous innings with a third wicket stand of 70. AB er, then hit a maiden one-day century as Sri Al Hasan, who was handed a three-match ban with a six off Naeem Islam. short deliveries as he took three wickets for de Villiers helped Amla add 55 for the Lanka surpassed the target with 15 deliveries to for a lewd on-camera gesture during the second “We have a lot to work on if we are to do well 63 runs. Vernon Philander claimed three for fourth wicket. By the close Amla had faced spare at the Sher-e-Bangla stadium. one-dayer on Thursday. in the Asia Cup,” said Rahim. “We need to score 68. South Africa were on top from the fifth 126 balls and hit 12 fours.—AFP Perera hit a belligerent 106 off 124 balls with Mominul Haque top-scored with a run-a-ball big on these wickets, otherwise it puts the six boundaries and five sixes, sharing a third- 60, while valuable contributions from Nasir bowlers under pressure.” —AFP wicket stand of 138 with Dinesh Chandimal, who scored 64. SCOREBOARD Sri Lanka ended the month-long tour on a high, having also won both the preceding Test DHAKA: Full scoreboard of the third and final one-day international between Bangladesh and Sri Lanka in and Twenty20 series. But the victory yesterday Dhaka yesterday: was sweeter as Sri Lanka took the field without Bangladesh: Priyanjan 6-0-42-0 (w1), A. Perera 3-0-17-0, Mathews 3- either of their three veterans, Mahela Anamul Haque c Chandimal b Prasad 2 0-21-0 Jayawardene, Kumar Sangakkara and Shamsur Rahman c A. Perera b Prasad 25 Tillakaratne Dilshan, for the first time in a one- Mominul Haque run out 60 Sri Lanka: dayer since 2000. Mushfiqur Rahim c Senanayake b Prasad 30 K. Perera b Rubel 106 Jayawardene and Dilshan were nursing Naeem Islam c Prasad b Senanayake 32 L. Thirimanne c Shamsur b Mahmudullah 18 Nasir Hossain c Priyanjan b Lakmal 38 K. Vithanage b Mahmudullah 9 injuries, while Sangakkara was rested ahead of Mohammad Mahmudullah c Thirimanne b Lakmal5 D. Chandimal c Anamul b Rubel 64 the five-nation Asia Cup which opens in Sohag Gazi b T. Perera 23 A. Mathews not out 20 Bangladesh on Tuesday. Shafiul Islam not out 15 A. Priyanjan not out 22 The bowling was also depleted in the Arafat Sunny not out 1 Extras: (lb4, w3) 7 absence of pace spearhead Lasith Malinga, who Extras: (lb2, w7) 9 Total (for four wickets, 47.3 overs) 246 was given a break, and the injured duo of seam- Total (for eight wickets, 50 overs) 240 Fall of wickets: 1-44 (Thirimanne), 2-60 (Vithanage), 3- er Nuwan Kulasekara and spinner Rangana Fall of wickets: 1-17 (Anamul), 2-62 (Shamsur), 3-108 198 (K. Perera), 4-205 (Chandimal). Herath. (Mominul), 4-130 (Rahim), 5-184 (Islam), 6-200 Bowling: Shafiul 4-0-27-0 (w1), Gazi 9-1-47-0, Rubel 10- Sri Lankan captain Angelo Mathews said the (Mahmudullah), 7-201 (Nasir), 8-232 (Gazi). 0-69-2 (w1), Mahmudullah 10-0-38-2 (w1), Nasir 4-1-12- Bowling: Lakmal 10-3-24-2 (w1), T. Perera 9-0-39-1 (w2), 0, Sunny 10-0-42-0, Naeem 0.3-0-7-0 series provided useful preparation for the Asia Prasad 10-0-49-3 (w2), Senanayake 9-0-46-1 (w1), Sri Lanka won by six wickets; sweep series 3-0. Cup, where the other contenders are India, Kuwaiti champions snatch top records at Qatar’s drag race

DOHA: Kuwaiti drivers ranked among the top in the sixth and final round of Qatar-hosted Arabian Drag Racing League which came to an end late on Friday. In the “Q-80” racing, Turki Al-Humaidi was crowned PORT ELIZABETH: South Africa’s batsman Hashim Amla (top) watches as Australia’s champion of the oulaw category. His fellow Kuwaiti racer, fielder Steven Smith (bottom) fields off his shot on the third day of their 2nd cricket Tareq Al-Qedairi came third in the “index-4.5,” and Abdullah Test match at St George’s Park. —AP Al-Shatti was fourth in the “8-c super street.” In the motorbike competitions, Al-Humaidi also came first in the “outlaw 10. 50,” and the Canadian Terry SCOREBOARD Schweigert won the championship in the “pro-extreme PORT ELIZABETH, South Africa: Close of play scores on the third day of the second Test between motorcycle” competition. In “super street,” the Kuwaiti racer, South Africa and Australia at St George’s Park yesterday. Misfer Al-Misfer, came second in the “stock.” The Kuwaiti team in the “drag-965” category bagged four cups for the South Africa, first innings, 423 Bowling: Steyn 13-3-55-1, Philander 13-0-68-3, top ranks and three champions’ cups. Australia, first innings (overnight 112-4) Morkel 17-0-63-3 (1nb, 1w), Parnell 8.3-2-31-2, C. Rogers lbw b Philander 5 Elgar 0.3-0-1-0, Duminy 5-0-24-1 In the cars’ race, Khalil Al-Ansari came first in the “pro- D. Warner c Smith b Philander 70 mod,” followed by the fellow Kuwaiti champion, Bader A. Doolan c De Villiers b Parnell 8 South Africa, second innings Khorshid. Other winning Kuwaitis were Abdul-Wahab Al- S. Marsh c De Villiers b Parnell 0 G. Smith b Johnson 14 Sulayem who came third in the “outlaw” and Jassem Al- M. Clarke c Elgar b Philander 19 D. Elgar c Haddin b Siddle 16 Maqhawi who recorded third spot in the “outlaw-8c-super N. Lyon b Morkel 15 H. Amla not out 93 street.” In the dragster cars, Nasser Al-Shatti won the race S. Smith c De Villiers b Morkel 49 F. du Plessis c Haddin b Siddle 24 coming first. In the motorbikes, the Kuwaiti Mohammad B. Haddin b Steyn 9 A. de Villiers c Haddin b Johnson 29 Bou-Rashed came first in the “pro-bike,” the seven-time M. Johnson b Duminy 27 Q. de Kock not out 9 world champion, the American, Billy Vose, ranked third in R. Harris c Du Plessis b Morkel 26 Extras (b2, lb5) 7 P. Siddle not out 11 Total (4 wkts, 47 overs) 192 the same contest. The Kuwaiti champion, Mohammad Al- Extras (lb4, nb1, w2) 7 Fall of wickets: 1-20 (Smith), 2-42 (Elgar), 3-112 Bedah, was fourth in the “super street bike.” Total (57 overs) 246 (Du Plessis), 4-167 (De Villiers) In the “street bike,” the Kuwaiti Bou-Rashed was first and Fall of wickets: 1-7 (Rogers), 2-41 (Doolan), 3-41 Bowling: Johnson 12-0-48-2, Harris 10-1-53-0, his fellow national, Bader Al-Eidan, was fourth. —KUNA (Marsh), 4-81 (Clarke), 5-120 (Warner), 6-128 Lyon 12-2-31-0, Siddle 13-2-53-2. (Lyon), 7-168 (Haddin), 8-205 (Johnson), 9-209 Match situation: South Africa lead by 369 runs (Smith) with six wickets remaining in the second innings. Busch wins Truck Series season opener at Daytona DAYTONA BEACH: Kyle Busch made series history. Peters was leading eluding me. I finally got one.” tried to block it.” Zou stops Yokthong to a little history at a pretty big track. coming out of the final turn and did Busch also gave Toyota its eighth The race was delayed more than Busch used a perfectly timed pass to all he could to block Busch, even consecutive Truck Series win at an hour after showers soaked the win the NASCAR Truck Series season nearly forcing him into the wall. But Daytona. It was the automaker’s 21/2-mile superspeedway. When the boost world title chances opener Friday night, becoming the Busch didn’t blink and drove by fourth victory in four races during green flag finally dropped, the trucks MACAO: Chinese flyweight Zou Shiming China’s largely untapped market. first driver to win an ARCA race, a Peters just before the finish line. Speedweeks. Busch’s Joe Gibbs raced relatively incident-free for 73 vastly improved his chances of a world Indicating his importance to promot- truck race, a Nationwide Series race It was Busch’s 36th Truck Series Racing teammates, Denny Hamlin laps. But then like it happens so often title shot when he registered the first ers, Zou’s non-title bout topped the bill and a Sprint Cup race at Daytona victory and first at Daytona. “Well, it and Matt Kenseth have the other at high-banked Daytona, a huge stoppage win of his professional career ahead of Mexican Miguel Vazquez’s suc- International speedway. Busch edged sounds awesome,” said Busch, three. wreck wiped out a large portion of Timothy Peters in the final few feet to acknowledging he would rather be a against Thailand’s Yokthong Kokietgym cessful IBF world lightweight defence Johnny Sauter was third, followed the field. provide one of the closest finishes in Daytona 500 winner. “This has been by Ryan Truex, Ron Hornaday Jr. and yesterday. The two-time Olympic cham- against Russia’s Denis Shafikov by unani- Ross Chastain started the 17-truck Ryan Blaney. Defending series cham- pion controlled the bout at Macau’s mous points decision. melee when he tagged Parker pion Matt Crafton was 13th. Venetian casino resort from early on and Also on the card, London Olympics Kligerman from behind. Kligerman’s This one will be remembered for he dropped Yokthong three times before middleweight gold-medallist Ryota truck turned sideways, sliding into the finish, which was the series’ clos- the referee halted it in the penultimate Murata took just four rounds to stop Mason Mingus. Mingus turned hard est in its 15-year history at Daytona. It right and slammed into the wall. He round, the seventh. Brazil’s Carlos Nascimento and make it was the eighth-closest margin in bounced back across traffic, collect- The 32-year-old meted out heavy three wins out of three since turning pro. series history. “I thought I was going ing several others in his wake. punishment in the fifth and sixth rounds And Russia’s Olympic light heavy- to throw it out there and see what “There really wasn’t anywhere for and he knocked down Yokthong, 19, weight champion Egor Mekhontsev was happens,” Busch said. us to go,” Mingus said. “Unfortunately, with a powerful shot in the seventh and an emphatic winner against previously Peters and Busch both figured the we destroyed a really good truck.” then twice more following an unan- undefeated Thai Atthaporn Jaritram, by leader would be a sitting duck in the Darrell Wallace Jr., John King, John swered flurry. The victory for Zou technical knock-out in the second round. final lap. Still, they both wondered Wes Townley, Joey Coulter, Brennan against the young but dangerous Thai Zou’s late plunge into the pro ranks how it would play out: Busch thought Newberry and Ben Kennedy also improved his professional figures to 4-0 follows an amateur career in which he he waited too long to make his move, were involved. None of the drivers and will allay his critics following some became China’s first Olympic boxing and Peters questioned letting Busch was hurt. unconvincing performances after mak- medallist, first world amateur champion create enough space to make a big Kennedy, the great-grandson of ing the leap from amateurism. Zou is and first Olympic champion. run. “You never want to be the NASCAR founder Bill France Sr., was being lined up to challenge The exploits made him a household bridesmaid, especially when you’ve making his Daytona debut. Kennedy, International Boxing Federation (IBF) name in China, where boxing was been to Victory Lane here before,” who ran five races in the Truck Series world champion Amnat Ruenroeng of banned under Mao Zedong, and where DAYTONA BEACH: Kyle Busch (51) spins through the infield after win- said Peters, who won the 2010 open- last season, led the first 52 laps Thailand in Macau in November, a fight his fledgling professional career has ning the NASCAR Truck Series auto race at Daytona International er. “Second place at Daytona isn’t too before stalling while driving off pit which would attract huge interest in been closely followed.—AFP Speedway. —AP bad. Kyle timed it right. I went up and road.—AP SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 23, 2014 SPORTS Matt’s gloss finish as doping hits Sochi

SOCHI: Mario Matt became the oldest Olympic skiing champion yesterday when he won a chaotic men’s slalom while the penultimate day of the Sochi Games saw a third positive dope test. The 34-year-old Matt, a two-time slalom world champion, proved unbeatable over the two runs, finishing with a combined time of 1min 41.84sec to close the skiing competition. His compatriot Marcel Hirscher, the reigning world champion, finished second at 0.28sec, Duaij Al-Otabi (right) and Obaid Al-Osaimi during the meeting. with young Norwegian sensation Henrik Kristoffersen taking bronze at 0.83sec. While Matt beat Norwegian legend Kjetil Kuwait ready to Andre Aamodt for the mantle of oldest winner, 19-year-old Kristoffersen became the youngest Olympic medallist in men’s alpine skiing. host shooting GP A legion of favourites failed to finish the sec- ond run including Felix Neureuther, Alexis Pinturault and newly-crowned giant slalom By Abdellatif Sharaa the first two. Detailed explanations were champion Ted Ligety. given on the progress made, and what is to Away from the slopes, the Olympics were hit KUWAIT: Chairman of the Higher be done in the coming hours. by a third doping case after Ukrainian cross Organizing Committee of HH the Amir Technical Director of the Grand Prix country skier Marina Lisogor tested positive for Sheikh Sabah Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah Jasni Shaari presented a report on the the banned substance trimetazidine. Third International Grand Prix, President of number of countries that affirmed its par- The Ukrainian Olympic Committee said the Kuwait and Arab Shooting Federations, ticipation which is 45 countries, represent- Lisogor, 30, told a disciplinary hearing that she in the presence of Secretary General of ed by 700 shooters and officials. had unwittingly consumed the substance in a Kuwait and Arab Shooting Federations Eng Al-Otaibi sure that the ranges are medicine. Obaid Al-Osaimi, held a meeting with ready as well as the equipment and elec- “I ask forgiveness from those who will see this heads of working committees in prepara- tronics that go along. He said guests of KRASNAYA POLYANA: Austria’s Mario Matt skis during the first run of the men’s slalom at the and be disappointed or upset. But there was no Sochi 2014 Winter Olympics. —AP tion for the Grand Prix which will be Kuwait must be comfortable and given all intent or desire to take a banned substance,” she launched March 7th at Sheikh Sabah Al- opportunities to compete without worry. said. “It is stupid, accidental. I am sorry there is a golds at Winter Olympics, the most by any behind. Austria took the bronze. Bjoerndalen set Ahmad Olympic Shooting Complex. Al-Otaibi lauded the cooperation of con- scandal but there was no bad intent.” female athlete. She has also equalled the record a record at these Games by winning a total of 13 Engineer Al-Otaibi reviewed all the cerned state authorities to add to the suc- The case came a day after news of failed tests of 10 medals overall held by cross country skiers medals at Winter Olympics but remains equal preparations and discussed obstacles and cess of the tournament that carries the for German biathlete Evi Sachenbacher-Stehle Stefania Belmondo of Italy and Raisa Smetanina with Norwegian cross country skier Bjoern difficulties confronting the committee, as name of HH The Amir Sheikh Sabah Al- and Italian bobsledder William Frullani. of the USSR. Daehlie on the most golds at eight. work is going on round the clock to have Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah, at the time Meanwhile, South Korea want the Her compatriot, Ole Einar Bjoerndalen missed Russia’s American-born snowboarder Vic Wild things ready, and nothing is left to chance Kuwait is celebrating its National and International Skating Union (ISU) to review out on a chance for a historic ninth gold medal claimed his second gold in Sochi as he stormed so the third edition will be even better than Liberation days. whether the decision to award women’s figure in the men’s 4x7.5km relay. to parallel slalom victory while Austria’s Julia skating gold to Russia’s Adelina Sotnikova rather Four teams were neck-and-neck on the final Dujmovits took the women’s title. than national heroine Kim Yu-Na was accurate. leg but Norway’s anchorman Emil Hegle The Dutch won both men’s and women’s Defending Olympic champion Kim was rele- Svendsen endured a disastrous final standing team pursuit titles in a fitting end to a dominant gated to the silver medal position by the Russian shoot that put his team out of the running. showing in Sochi. The Netherlands won 23 of the 17-year-old in Thursday’s free skate despite put- Russian home favorite Anton Shipulin 36 medals on offer, bagging eight of the 12 gold. ting in an error-free performance. secured the gold by sprinting clear of Germany’s In men’s ice hockey, Teemu Selanne scored twice It was a decision that prompted accusations Simon Schempp in the home straight, finishing as Finland crushed the USA 5-0 to claim the of judges being influenced by the passionate in 1 hour 12min 15.9sec with Germany 3.5 sec bronze medal. —AFP support of the crowd. “The South Korean team in Sochi has politely requested the Korean Skating Union to ask ISU president Ottavio Cinquanta to Olympics medals table review the women’s figure skating singles (to see) if it followed the rules of ISU standards,” said SOCHI, Russia: Winter Olympics medals table yesterday (after seven of seven gold medal events): a statement from the South Korean body. Gold Silver Bronze Total Sweden 2 6 6 14 Russia 11 10 8 29 Czech Republic 2 4 2 8 MEDAL RECORD Norway 11 5 10 26 Slovenia 2 2 4 8 Norwegian cross country skier Marit Bjoergen Canada 9 10 5 24 Japan 1 4 3 8 won the women’s 30km mass start, taking her United States 9 7 11 27 Finland 1 3 0 4 sixth Olympic gold and equalling the record Netherlands 8 7 9 24 Great Britain 1 1 2 4 number of medals for a woman at Winter Germany 8 6 5 19 Ukraine 1 0 1 2 Games. Switzerland 6 3 2 11 Slovakia 1 0 0 1 In a clean sweep for Norway, Bjoergen Belarus 5 0 1 6 showed her usual supremacy in the sprint finish, Austria 4 8 5 17 Italy 0 2 6 8 coming home ahead of Therese Johaug and France 4 4 7 15 Australia 0 2 1 3 Youth Minister affirms Kristin Stoermer Steira. Poland 4 1 1 6 Latvia 0 1 2 3 Bjoergen has now equalled the record of China 3 4 2 9 Croatia 0 1 0 1 support for Kuwaiti Soviet speed skater Lidia Skoblikova and Russian South Korea 3 3 2 8 Kazakhstan 0 0 1 1 motorsport amateurs cross country skier Lyubov Yegorova in taking six

KUWAIT: Minister of State for Youth Affairs event. Sheikh Salman also expressed his Sheikh Salman Sabah Salem Al-Humoud Al- admiration to some of the event’s distinc- Raptors and Suns advance Sabah affirmed on Friday the ministry’s tive segments. keenness to support Kuwaiti youth lovers The two-day event, currently held at the of motorsports. Club’s racetrack on the seventh ring road, TORONTO: Terrence Ross scored 20 points, Jonas The ministry aims at enabling Kuwaiti will continue with two contests, free style Valanciunas had 18 and the Toronto Raptors youngsters to practice their hobby within a and turbocharged cars, Fahad Al-Alaj, snapped the Cleveland Cavaliers’ six-game winning safe environment, and away from misuses Club’s Secretary, stated to KUNA, pointing streak with a 98-91 victory on Friday night. of this sport, Sheikh Salman, also Minister out that names of winners in all of the festi- Kyle Lowry and DeMar DeRozan each had 14 of Information, told reporters after patron- val’s contests will be announced. points as the Atlantic Division-leading Raptors won izing “Start the Engine” motorsport festival, Al-Alaj also affirmed the club’s keenness for the fourth time in five games. which kicked off amid wide participation to have the event include all youngsters’ Toronto reached the 30-win plateau in its 55th by cars and motorbikes amateurs, as well as hobbies in all types of motorsports, as well game, a feat that took 78 games to achieve last mass audience. as providing them with the appropriate season. The Raptors also improved to 10-4 at home He also praised the large audience of environment to practice their hobbies in since Jan. 1. Kuwaiti youngsters of various ages, the most positive way, expressing apprecia- Luol Deng had 21 points and 11 rebounds and attributing this significant success to the tion to Sheikh Salman’s support of the club, Kyrie Irving scored 17 as the Cavaliers lost for the efforts exerted by the Kuwaiti Quarter Mile which enabled them to hold such an event first time since Feb. 5 against the Los Angeles Club for motorsports in organizing the that serves the Kuwaiti youth.—KUNA Lakers. Cleveland failed to record its first seven- game winning streak since LeBron James led the team to eight straight in 2010. Tristan Thompson scored 13 points for Cleveland, whose three-game road winning streak also came to an end. The Cavaliers had not lost away from home since a Feb. 3 defeat at Dallas.

SUNS 106, SPURS 85 TORONTO: Toronto Raptors’ DeMar DeRozan (center) drives between Cleveland Cavaliers’ Matthew Ish Smith scored a career-high 15 points, Delladova (left) and Anthony Bennett during second half of an NBA basketball game. —AP matched his career best of seven rebounds and triggered a 17-point second-quarter run that pro- Blake Griffin led the Clippers with 28 points and training camp. pelled Phoenix past road weary San Antonio. 13 rebounds, and Jamal Crawford had 23 points. The Sixers, who have the NBA’s second-worst Markieff Morris scored 21 points and Channing Chris Paul added 18 points and 14 assists for the record, made four trades before Thursday’s dead- Frye 17 for Phoenix. Gerald Green and Marcus Clippers, who lost their second straight. line, giving up three players and a draft pick for Morris added 13 apiece. The Grizzlies built the lead to double digits in five players and six second-round draft picks Danny Green had 15 and Tim Duncan 13 for the the fourth quarter, and then kept Los Angeles at between 2014 and 2018. They’re hoping for a top- Spurs, who finished a nine-game road trip, the bay, despite a late run. Memphis shot 48 percent 3 draft pick and trying to clear space under the team’s annual sojourn while a rodeo is held back for the game, while the Clippers were at 39 per- salary cap to make a run at quality free agents. home. The Spurs went 7-2 on the swing. cent. The Suns, 3-0 since the All-Star break, snapped BOBCATS 90, PELICANS 87 San Antonio’s four-game winning streak and PISTONS 115, HAWKS 107 Al Jefferson had 33 points and 10 rebounds, climbed to a season-high 12 games above .500. Andre Drummond had 20 points and 11 and Charlotte won its third straight since the All- rebounds and Kyle Singler made a pair of big 3- Star break. The Bobcats overcame some shoddy BULLS 117, NUGGETS 89 pointers late in the fourth quarter to lead Detroit. free throw shooting in the final minute to win for DJ Augustin had 22 points and eight assists, and The injury-riddled Hawks lost their eighth the seventh time in the last 10 games. Chicago won its fifth consecutive game. Rookie straight game despite shooting 17 of 20 during a Charlotte had missed four of six free throws in Tony Snell added a career-high 20 points as the 41-point second quarter. Detroit rallied from an 11- the final minute before Kemba Walker knocked Bulls put seven players in double figures. Taj point halftime deficit. down four foul shots in the final 9 seconds to put Gibson had 15 points and 10 rebounds, and Joakim Atlanta was without guard Jeff Teague, who was the Bobcats up by three. Noah finished with 14 points, 11 boards and five out with a sprained ankle. Al Horford was lost for The Pelicans had a chance to send the game assists. the season in December with a torn pectoral mus- into overtime, but Josh McRoberts stripped Brian Randy Foye scored 23 points for Denver, which cle. Paul Millsap had 23 points for the Hawks. Roberts of the ball at midcourt and time expired. has lost six of seven. Aaron Brooks had 17 on 7-for- Drummond sat out late in the game after the Jefferson has scored 29 points or more in eight of 11 shooting in 28 minutes in his Nuggets debut, Hawks started fouling him intentionally, but he had his last 11 games and at least 20 points in 17 of which also included a technical foul when he was already thrown down a spectacular one-handed the last 19. Roberts had 20 points and Anthony involved in a tussle with Noah in the third. dunk on Elton Brand early in the fourth quarter. Davis had 18 points and 13 rebounds for the Denver acquired Brooks and forward Jan Vesely Pelicans. in a pair of trades on Thursday. The 7-foot Vesely MAVERICKS 124, 76ERS 112 had five points and five rebounds in 16 minutes. Dirk Nowitzki scored 25 points, Shawn Marion MAGIC 129, KNICKS 121 had 22 and Dallas handed Philadelphia its 10th Arron Afflalo had 32 points, rookie Victor GRIZZLIES 102, CLIPPERRS 96 straight loss. A day after dismantling the roster Oladipo added 30 points and a career-high 14 Zach Randolph had 21 points and 11 rebounds, and trading away Evan Turner, Spencer Hawes and assists, and Orlando rallied to win in double over- Marc Gasol added 17 points and 10 rebounds, and Lavoy Allen, the Sixers had just eight players in time. Memphis held on. uniform. The Magic trailed by as many as 14 points, but James Johnson added 15 for Memphis, and Thaddeus Young scored 30 and Michael Carter- got 25 points and 10 assists from Oladipo after Mike Miller finished with 13, hitting 5 of 8 from the Williams had 25 for Philadelphia, which has halftime to stave off the Knicks. Tobias Harris field. Courtney Lee scored 10 for Memphis. looked toward next season and beyond since added 22 points.—AP SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 23, 2014 SPORTS Brazil counter attacks on crime as World Cup looms RIO DE JANEIRO: A string of violent to take cover. area.” To date, 36 UPP have been set up in the University of Rio (Uerj). spired with the former head of the civil- attacks against police in “pacified” Rio de Rio state’s interior minister, Jose 252 favelas home to 1.5 million people ian police, said to be close to hard right Janeiro slums shows that Brazilian organ- Mariano Beltrame, has launched a count- with total strength of more than 9,000 ‘BLACKMAIL’ militias who control some favelas not in ized crime is not going down without a er-attack and told AFP he “will not shrink” officers. “As they cannot reconquer lost terri- thrall to drugs traffickers. fight as the World Cup looms. as he cranks up a pacification process In six years, homicides in those slums tory they are doing what they did in The officer was handed a 28-year jail With the football extravaganza less launched with the World Cup and 2016 have plunged 65 percent and 48 in Rio as 2010 in creating a climate of instability term in 2010 for protecting mafia-style than four months away, and despite Olympics in mind. a whole. Some observers say the rise in and insecurity,” says Rodrigues. groups running a slot machine racket, aggressive efforts to clean up the favelas, “We were never under any illusions recent violence can be put down to the “It’s blackmail on their part to force but remains at liberty pending a defini- violent crime remains a problem. that the ringleaders who have dominat- presumed killing by police of Amarildo the government to backtrack on pacifi- tive sentence ruling. Launched in 2008, Rio’s Police ed the favelas for more than 30 years de Souza, a 47-year-old bricklayer and cation,” says Rodrigues, seeing the new Beltrame refused to comment on the Pacification Units (UPP) have been would give up easily,” Beltrame said. family man. violence as a warning to police. issue but Rodrigues said for his part that tasked with wresting control of the city’s “But we must point out that in the He disappeared in Rocinha last July Weekly news magazine Epoca sees a “the Epoca investigation (appears) well- crime-ridden slums from drug gangs. past their criminal actions were a daily 14 after being questioned at a UPP post political plot, however, in the form of a documented and very plausible.” The program has led to sharp falls in occurrence,” added Beltrame in describ- over suspected drug trafficking. “The manoeuvre by a former state governor Rodrigues adds that current Rio gover- homicide rates in the favelas and across ing areas which for three decades were implication of police torpedoed the cred- who would like to recapture the post in nor “Sergio Cabral lost popular support Rio as a whole. However a spate of drug dealers’ fiefdoms devoid of police ibility of the UPP project. What hap- October elections. following (last June’s) Confederations recent incidents suggests drug gangs are presence. He adds pacification is “an pened Sunday is a show of the criminals’ Epoca this week published an exclu- Cup. “He has become very fragile and refusing to go quietly. On February 2, a enormous challenge (which) is not pro- strength,” says public security specialist sive spread entitled “The sabotage that exacerbates the situation.” Even so, 28-year-old police officer Alda Castilhos gressing as quickly as we could wish.” Paulo Storani. “The traffickers are not against the UPP.” The weekly accused the Rodrigues believes the UPP are there to was shot dead. Beltrame says the traffickers are fight- fools. In the Amarildo affair they saw a politician in question of indulging in stay as the process is “irreversible.” He Last Sunday, traffickers opened fire on ing to hang onto ill-gotten gains but moment of weakness regarding (slum) “threats, spying and drawing up dossiers explains: “Nobody has the political police in Rio’s largest favela, Rocinha, insists that “their attacks reinforce our pacification,” adds Jose Augusto to discredit the policy of pacification”. means to end it-the whole population is leaving two officers injured as they dived determination to bring peace to the Rodrigues, expert on urban violence at Epoca says the politician has con- behind it.”—AFP Venus lifts Dubai Open crown

DUBAI: Venus Williams, the seven times former Grand Slam champion, won the WTA Dubai Open yesterday to silence some of the doubters who said she could never make a significant come-back at the age of 33. Williams produced a magnificent perform- ance by outplaying the tournament’s sensation, Alise Cornet, 6-3, 6-0 to earn her a first title in 16 months. Williams only gained entry into the Dubai Open with a wild card after falling outside the top 40, yet completed five fine wins. In doing so she avenged the defeat which the French player had inflicted on her sister Serena Williams in the semi-finals, captured her first Premier level title since 2010, and ensured she would climb back into the world’s top 30. Williams’ face was afterwards wreathed with enormous smiles, while Cornet twice dissolved SPAIN: Real’s Isco (center right) Elche’s Aaron Niguez (center left) during a Spanish La into tears during the match, aware from an early Liga soccer match between Real Madrid and Elche at the Santiago Bernabeu stadi- stage that she was unlikely to find a way to halt um. —AP one of the game’s most formidable attacker two nights in a row. “It’s great to be back,” Williams said, referring Real thrash Elche to her capture of the Dubai title four years ago. “I was expecting to be playing Serena, but Alize MADRID: A stunning long-range strike Luka Modric, also banned and Sergio played an amazing game in the semis, so con- from Gareth Bale helped Real Madrid Ramos rested as he was only one yellow gratulations on that. “I have continued being moved three points clear of title rivals card away from missing next weekend’s able to practise, and I have been getting healthi- Barcelona and Atletico Madrid as they beat Madrid derby away at Atletico, it took the er,” Williams went on, referring to the long term Elche 3-0 at the Santiago Bernabeu yester- hosts some time to find their stride. effects of the immune deficiency which has day. After an unconvincing start, Asier Angel di Maria was the main threat early been threatening her career. DUBAI: US tennis player Venus Williams poses with her trophy after winning the Dubai Duty Illarramendi’s deflected effort had given on as his in-swinging corner clipped the “It hasn’t been easy. I have to thank the tour- Free Tennis Championships. —AFP the hosts a half-time lead. Bale then made top of the bar before the Argentine fired nament for a wild card, and my family and first blow was Cornet’s. Combining two great a better, smarter Venus. I think obviously this the game safe 19 minutes from time when over after drifting past three Elche chal- Serena for encouraging me. They all kept me up forehand drives, which dragged her opponent week is a step.” he collected possession midway inside the lenges on the edge of the box. when I was down.” in different directions, she reached deuce on Cornet’s consolations were that she had Elche half and blasted the ball in off the Jese Rodriguez then slotted wide after Cornet said: “I think the first set was very, very the Williams serve, and then immediately pros- achieved her first final on a hard court surface, underside of the bar. more good work from Di Maria, but when important, and that’s why I was a bit emotional, pered from a double fault. and that she had managed four top 20 scalps, And Isco rounded off a 15th win in 16 the opener did come it was from an unfa- because I wanted to do better. “ She added: “I Williams saved that break point, but conced- including a career best win to reach only her games in all competitions for Real when he miliar source as Illarramendi registered his would have loved to make like a better final, you ed the next one with a moderate second serve, second Premier level final. She is now very close slammed home the third from Karim first-ever La Liga goal. know, with a little bit more of suspense. which Cornet thumped back hard and deep, to being back the top 20 for the first time in five Benzema’s pass nine minutes later. A corner from the left fell to the Spanish “And the score is really too hard to finish the forcing an error. years, a better player than she was then, and Barcelona can regain top spot with a under-21 international midfielder just out- week, such a good week, but I will have to take It gave Cornet a break, a lead of 2-1, but from with every prospect of further progress. win away at Real Sociedad late yesterday, side the area and his low drive was deflect- all the positive things out of this week. I think then on Williams asserted her dominance, fin- With her sequence of five wins in this tourna- whilst Atletico Madrid will also be looking ed past the helpless Manu Herrera. there is a lot, so I’m still very motivated for the ishing the match with yet another flurry of ment Venus has remained ahead of sister to keep pace with their city rivals when Benzema then had a low effort parried rest of the season.” fierce drives. Serena as the active player with the most WTA they travel to Osasuna today. by Herrera as Ancelotti’s men looked to Later Williams commented: “I’m not looking Tour wins (647 to Serena’s 641). Her dream of Bale had been enduring a difficult day make the game safe before half-time. CONSISTENT EXCELLENCE to do anything I did in the past, because I continuing till the Rio Olympics may yet be before he found the back of the net as he However, they started the second period Despite Williams’ consistent excellence, the already did that. I’m looking to improve and be alive. —AFP consistently lost possession and even drew slowly and Dani Carvajal had to be alert to the ire of the Bernabeu crowd on a couple prevent Carles Gil heading home at the of occasions. back post before Javi Marquez fired waste- Madrid boss Carlo Ancelotti, however, fully over from the resulting corner. hailed his transformation in the final 20 Elche were lucky to not be reduced to Strugglers Hamburg stun minutes as his confidence soared after the 10 men just after the hour mark when goal. Alberto Botia chopped down Jese as he “He was a different player before and burst clear on goal and could easily have Russia-bound Dortmund after the goal,” said Ancelotti. “Before he been interpreted as denying a clear was playing without confidence and then goalscoring opportunity. everything changed. Obviously, given the Bale then headed just wide from Xabi BERLIN: Borussia Dortmund suf- two-year deal on Monday and ond. Turkey midfielder Hakan Petkovic also saved a spot-kick type of player he is, the goal helped him a Alonso’s drilled cross. However, the fered a shock 3-0 league defeat at enjoyed a winning debut as his side Calhanoglu then sealed Hamburg’s from Japan midfielder Hiroshi lot. “It is difficult to play against a well- Welshman’s moment was to come just Bundesliga strugglers Hamburg broke their eight-match losing three points when he fired home a Kiyotake with 20 minutes to go. organised team and it is difficult to find moments later when he uncorked a pile- yesterday, just three days before streak, including a club record sev- 91st-minute free kick. Nuremberg had Sweden centre- space. Before the goal he did ok, but after driver in off the underside of the bar from their Champions League last 16 en league matches. The result lifts Hamburg up to back Per Nilsson sent off after just he was brilliant.” fully 35 yards for his 12th goal of the sea- clash away to Zenit St Petersburg. “That is just one of 13 games 16th, but still amongst the bottom 32 minutes for bringing down Madrid were once again without the son. Isco was then introduced for Jese Jurgen Klopp’s Dortmund got and we won’t stop working,” said three relegation places, while Norway’s Havard Nielsen, who was suspended Cristiano Ronaldo as he com- and the former Malaga man needed just the worst possible result ahead of Slomka. “We didn’t quite deserve to Dortmund stay third. through on goal. pleted a three-game ban after having a seven minutes to add his name to the their trip to Russia for Tuesday’s win by that margin, but we did well “That was a modest perform- Striker Domi Kumbela scored his final appeal rejected yesterday. scoresheet with a smart finish from a nar- first-leg clash, as Hamburg record- in defence and the team can be ance by us,” said Klopp, whose team fourth goal in two games when he With star performer in recent weeks, row angle. —AFP ed their first league win since proud of the points.” The 46-year- suffered their sixth defeat in eight put Braunschweig ahead on 34 November in Mirko Slomka’s first old Slomka punched the air as left league games in Hamburg. “We minutes, but then had his penalty match in charge as coach. winger Petr Jiracek gave Hamburg imploded at times, it was brutal to attempt saved by Schaefer. Rooney signs Man United Hamburg are in danger of being the lead three minutes before the watch.” Hosts Nuremberg equalised, relegated from the Bundesliga for break after a superb cross from Bottom side Braunschweig are then went ahead in the two min- the first time in their history and striker Pierre-Michel Lasogga. now three points adrift at the bot- utes after the break as first deal through June 2019 sacked coach Bert van Marwijk last The 22-year-old Lasogga, on tom after their 2-1 defeat at ten- Kiyotake, then Tomas Pekhart net- Saturday-after only 143 days in loan from Hertha Berlin, then man Nuremberg in a match where ted. LONDON: Less than a year after pushing to Everton team then managed by Moyes. In charge-in the wake of their 4-2 added the second when he darted three penalties were saved. Nuremberg’s goalkeeper leave Manchester United, Wayne Rooney 403 United appearances, Rooney has drubbing at bottom side Eintracht on to a defence-splitting pass from Nuremberg captain Raphael Schaefer then saved Braunschweig committed his long-term future to the scored 208 goals, putting him fourth on the Braunschweig. defensive midfielder Tolgay Arslan Schaefer saved penalties in each defender Ermin Bicakcic’s penalty struggling Premier League champion on club’s career list, 41 behind record-holder His successor Slomka signed a on 58 minutes to net the hosts’ sec- half, while Braunschweig’s Marjan attempt, before Kiyotake squan- Friday by signing a lucrative contract Bobby Charlton. dered the chance to put his side 3-1 through June 2019. “Wayne has been the best player in up. Borussia Moenchengladbach The 28-year-old forward’s future at England since I put him into the Everton stay sixth after their 2-2 draw at United has been uncertain since Chelsea first team in 2003,” Moyes said. “Since home to Hoffenheim while tried to sign him last year, and he had only becoming United manager in July last year, Augsburg got back to winning 18 months remaining on his current deal. I have enjoyed working with him and see- ways with a 4-2 victory at Freiburg But Rooney now looks set to end his ing just how he has developed his incredi- to bounce back from last weekend’s playing career at the club he has been at ble talent. defeat to Nuremberg, their only since 2004 after signing a contract report- As part of the new contract, Rooney will loss in the last eight games. edly worth around 300,000 pounds become a club ambassador when his play- VfB Stuttgart are just above the ($500,000) a week. ing career ends. He already is central to the bottom three after they suffered The deal makes Rooney the league’s top club’s global marketing operation as one of their seventh straight defeat at earner, and softens the blow of potentially the team’s most high-profile players. “I’ve home to Hertha Berlin, who ran out not playing against Europe’s elite clubs been here since I was 18 and this contract 2-1 winners. next season. In the first season since David will take me through to my 30s, which is Hertha’s replacement striker Moyes replaced Alex Ferguson, United is almost my entire professional career,” Sandro Wagner headed the winner, seventh in the league with 12 matches Rooney said. “I’ve played most of my best three minutes from time, but was remaining, 11 points from England’s fourth football here and am looking forward to then sent off for a second yellow Champions League berth. hopefully playing even better football in card having only been on the pitch “It’s not a massive concern for me,” the next few years.” for 12 minutes. Rooney said on his personal website. “This Moyes is delighted to have prevented Fourth-placed Schalke, who host is because I know the direction that this Rooney from joining a rival. “Everyone Real Madrid in Wednesday’s club is going in, and if we don’t make it this would want him in their team,” Moyes said. Champions League last 16, first-leg season then we will come back stronger “There were clubs who did want him. There clash, stayed fourth after their goal- and claim a Champions League spot next were clubs who would have wanted him, less draw at home to Mainz 05 on season. but there was never going to be a chance Friday. “Let’s not forget we still have a chance he was going to leave Manchester United, European champions Bayern this year. Some of the other teams are play- certainly not on my watch.” Convincing Munich are at Hanover 96 on ing well, but we have a strong squad here Rooney to stay, having already broken the Sunday evening looking to build on and if we have a positive end to the season club’s transfer record to sign midfielder their commanding 16-point lead then who knows what can happen.” The Juan Mata last month, should help Moyes and extend their record 46-match England national team star has been at persuade other players to join as he looks GERMANY: Dortmund goalkeeper Roman Weidenfeller misses the ball shot by Hamburg’s Hakan unbeaten league run. —AFP United almost a decade, since leaving an to strengthen the squad.—AP Calhanoglu of Turkey during the German First Division Bundesliga soccer match. —AP SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 23, 2014 SPORTS

Soccer results/standings Giroud double lifts gloom

English Premier League Portsmouth 1; Torquay 0 Accrington 1; Wycombe after Arsenal’s Euro woes Arsenal 4 (Giroud 5, 31, Rosicky 42, Koscielny 57) 1 Chesterfield 0; York 0 Southend 0. Sunderland 1 (Giaccherini 81); Cardiff 0 Hull 4 (Huddlestone 18, Jelavic 38, 57, Livermore 67); Scottish Premiership Hearts 0 Celtic 2 (Griffiths Chelsea 1 (Terry 90+3) Everton 0; Crystal Palace 0 58, Pukki 90); Kilmarnock 1 (McKenzie 20) Manchester United 2 (Van Persie 62-pen, Rooney Hibernian 1 (Haynes 56); Partick 3 (Balatoni 59, Sunderland 1 68); Manchester City 1 (Toure 70) Stoke 0; West Taylor 64, 72) Aberdeen 1 (Rooney 66); Ross Brom 1 (Vydra 86) Fulham 1 (Dejagah 28); West County 2 (Arquin 38, De Leeuw 83) St Mirren 1 Ham 3 (Jarvis 20, Cole 23, Nolan 71) (McGinn 66); St Johnstone 0 Inverness CT 1 Southampton 1 (Yoshida 8). (Warren 42). Arsenal 4 Playing today Scottish Football League Liverpool v Swansea, Newcastle v Aston Villa, Championship Norwich v Tottenham. Cowdenbeath 2 Dundee 0; Dumbarton 3 Raith 3; Falkirk 1 Queen of the South 0; LONDON: Olivier Giroud helped Arsenal move on English Football League Morton 0 Alloa 1. Championship from their frustrating defeat to Bayern Munich and Barnsley 1 Millwall 0; Blackpool 1 Birmingham 2; Division One drew a line under his own difficult week with two Bolton 2 Watford 0; Arbroath 2 Forfar 3; Brechin 1 Stranraer 3; goals in the Gunners’ 4-1 victory over Sunderland Brighton 1 Wigan 2; Burnley 3 Nottingham Forest Dunfermline 3 Ayr 0; East Fife 0 Airdrie 0; Rangers yesterday. French striker Giroud, who last weekend 1; Charlton 1 QPR 0; 3 Stenhousemuir 3. issued a public apology following lurid reports Derby 1 Bournemouth 0; Huddersfield 0 Sheffield about his private life, struck twice in the first half at Wednesday 2; Leicester 3 Ipswich 0; Division Two Middlesbrough 0 Leeds 0; Reading 0 Blackburn 1; Albion 0 Peterhead 0; Clyde 1 Montrose 1; East the Emirates Stadium to set up the win that keeps Yeovil 1 Doncaster 0. Stirling 1 Berwick 1; Elgin 2 Stirling 3; Queen’s Arsene Wenger’s side within one point of Premier Park 0 Annan Athletic 1. League leaders Chelsea. Tomas Rosicky added an Division One outstanding third shortly before half time and Bradford 1 Milton Keynes Dons 0; Brentford 0 German League Laurent Koscielny gave the home side an unassail- Wolves 3; Carlisle 1 Rotherham 2; Borussia Moenchengladbach 2 (Herrmann 4, able lead with a 56th minute header. Colchester 1 Preston 2; Leyton Orient 2 Swindon Jantschke 18) Hoffenheim 2 (Roberto Firmino 57, 0; Notts County 2 Shrewsbury 3; Salihovic 82-pen); VfB Stuttgart 1 (Boka 45) Sunderland were hoping to boost their confi- Oldham 1 Gillingham 0; Port Vale 1 Crewe 3; Hertha Berlin 2 (Kobiashvili 5, Wagner 87); dence ahead of next weekend’s League cup final Sheffield Utd 3 Bristol City 0; Nuremberg 2 (Kiyotake 46, Pekhart 47) Eintracht meeting with Manchester City. Stevenage 0 Peterborough 1; Tranmere 3 Braunschweig 1 (Kumbela 34); Freiburg 2 (Schmid But there were few positives to draw from a Coventry 1; Walsall 1 Crawley 2. 17, Mehmedi 73) Augsburg 4 (Werner 7, woeful display with Emmanuele Giaccherini’s 81st Verhaegh 78, Halil Altintop 85, Hahn 90+4); minute strike providing a late consolation. LONDON: Arsenal’s Bacary Sagna (left) and Santi Cazorla (right) fight for the ball with Division Two Hamburg 3 (Jiracek 10, Lasogga 58, Calhanoglu AFC Wimbledon 0 Bury 1; Dagenham and 90+1) Borussia Dortmund 0. Wenger made five changes to his starting line- Sunderland’s Fabio Borini, during their English Premier League soccer match. —AP up from Wednesday’s 2-0 loss to Bayern Munich in Redbridge 1 Plymouth 2; Exeter 0 Rochdale 1; the visitors’ alarmingly vulnerable defence and The striker still had lots to do, despite being the Champions League, with the most notable Mansfield 1 Fleetwood 0; Morecambe 1 Oxford 1; Playing today establish a lead they never looked likely to lose. clear on goal and his finish was expertly placed Newport 0 Cheltenham 1; Eintracht Frankfurt v Werder Bremen, Hanover 96 omission being Mesut Ozil, the club’s £42 million Lukas Podolski started the move, finding between Mannone’s legs. Northampton 2 Hartlepool 0; Scunthorpe 5 v Bayern Munich. record signing who came in for heavy criticism for Rosicky with a crisp pass that the Czech interna- But the way in which Sunderland had given his missed penalty and poor performance against tional flicked on to Jack Wilshere. away the goal so cheaply summed up their plight English Premier League table after yesterday’s matches (played, won, drawn, lost, goals for, goals the German champions. Wilshere drove into the box where he was chal- and did nothing to boost Vergini’s hopes of claim- against, points): The Arsenal manager defended his player lenged by Phil Bardsley, but the Sunderland right ing a place in Gus Poyet’s Wembley line-up next Chelsea 27 18 6 3 49 21 60 Falkirk 25 12 7 6 37 20 43 ahead of this game, insisting that like Dennis back’s tackle succeeded only in pushing the ball weekend. There was more to come from Arsenal Arsenal 27 18 5 4 52 27 59 Dumbarton 25 10 6 9 45 45 36 Bergkamp-honoured before the game with the into the path of Giroud, who slotted home from 10 before the interval with Rosicky capping an Man City 26 18 3 5 69 27 57 Q of South 25 10 5 10 34 29 35 unveiling of a statue outside the stadium-Ozil Liverpool 26 16 5 5 66 32 53 Livingston 25 9 5 11 39 40 32 yards out. impressive all-round display with the goal of the might one day be regarded as a club legend. But Tottenham 26 15 5 6 36 32 50 Alloa 24 9 5 10 23 29 32 The relief for both the striker and his team- game. Like the opener, the goal was the product of Man Utd 27 13 6 8 43 31 45 Raith 24 8 7 9 32 37 31 Wenger’s changes clearly had the desired effect mates was apparent and the move set the tone for a slick passing move although this time the one- Everton 26 12 9 5 37 27 45 Cowdenbeath 25 8 4 13 35 50 28 and there were few signs of a post-Bayern hang- a one-sided first half. Marcos Alonso almost caught touch exchange between Rosicky, Santi Cazorla, Southampton 27 10 9 8 38 32 39 Morton 25 3 7 15 19 44 16 over as Arsenal set about attempting to match Newcastle 26 11 4 11 32 38 37 out Wojciech Szczesny with a low cross after a rare Wilshere and Giroud before Rosicky rounded Chelsea’s win over Everton earlier in the day. West Ham 27 8 7 12 31 34 31 Division One break but that was the only time the Arsenal goal- things off with an exceptional dinked finish. Hull 27 8 6 13 29 31 30 Rangers 25 23 2 0 81 14 71 keeper was troubled before the break. In contrast, Poyet made two changes at half time and, Swansea 26 7 7 12 33 36 28 ALARMINGLY VULNERABLE Dunfermline 25 16 2 7 57 41 50 Vito Mannone was under steady pressure and the briefly, Sunderland showed some fight. But anoth- Aston Villa 26 7 7 12 27 36 28 Stranraer 23 11 6 6 43 31 39 It helped their cause that Sunderland’s focus Sunderland keeper did well to tip over Podolski’s er Vergini slip gifted Arsenal a 57th corner and Stoke 27 6 9 12 27 42 27 Ayr 25 10 6 9 40 46 36 appeared to be elsewhere but Wenger’s side were Crystal Palace 26 8 2 16 18 36 26 shot. He was left hopelessly exposed in the 31st allowed an unmarked Koscielny to head home Brechin 26 9 4 13 42 51 31 clearly intent on moving on from the midweek dis- West Brom 27 4 13 10 31 39 25 minute, though, when Santiago Vergini directed an from Cazorla’s cross. Giaccherini at least gave Forfar 24 8 5 11 38 38 29 appointment. Norwich 26 6 7 13 19 39 25 Stenhousemuir25 7 8 10 36 49 29 underhit backpass towards his keeper, allowing Sunderland supporters something to cheer with a Sunderland 26 6 6 14 26 42 24 And it took them just five minutes to expose East Fife 25 7 4 14 21 46 25 Giroud to nip in and claim his second. long-range goal nine minutes from time. —AFP Cardiff 27 5 7 15 19 4822 Airdrie 25 5 6 14 27 48 21 Fulham 27 6 3 18 27 59 21 Arbroath 25 5 3 17 35 56 18 English Football League tables Goal-line technology Championship Division Two Leicester 32 22 5 5 59 32 71 Peterhead 25 14 7 4 48 28 49 earns West Brom Burnley 32 17 12 3 50 26 63 Annan Athletic24 12 5 7 45 34 41 Derby 32 18 7 7 60 40 61 Stirling 25 11 6 8 39 38 39 valuable draw QPR 31 16 8 7 37 25 56 Clyde 25 11 6 8 31 32 39 Nottingham 32 14 13 5 53 35 55 East Stirling 26 10 8 8 37 34 38 WEST BROMWICH: Berwick 26 9 7 10 43 35 34 Reading 32 14 8 10 50 37 50 Goal line technology Wigan 31 14 7 10 37 29 49 Albion 25 8 8 9 30 32 32 West Brom 1 Brighton 31 12 10 9 33 27 46 Montrose 26 8 8 10 33 36 32 came to West Brom’s Blackburn 31 12 10 9 38 35 46 Elgin 25 7 6 12 43 49 27 aid and salvaged what Ipswich 32 11 12 9 43 37 45 Queen’s Park 25 3 5 17 19 50 14 could end up being a Leeds 31 12 7 12 43 39 43 crucial point in their Watford 32 10 12 10 44 39 42 German League table battle against relega- Fulham 1 M’brough 32 9 13 10 41 36 40 Bayern Munich21 19 2 0 57 9 59 Huddersfield 32 11 7 14 40 44 40 Leverkusen 21 14 1 6 38 22 43 tion yesterday. Sheffield 31 8 12 11 38 38 36 Borussia 22 13 3 6 51 27 42 Matej Vydra’s goal Birmingham 32 9 9 14 39 41 36 Schalke 04 22 12 5 5 41 30 41 four minutes from time was awarded to secure them a 1-1 Bournemouth 31 9 9 13 37 51 36 Wolfsburg 21 11 3 7 35 25 36 draw at home to fellow-strugglers Fulham. The goal meant Blackpool 32 8 11 13 29 44 35 M’bach 22 10 5 7 39 28 35 Bolton 32 7 12 13 37 49 33 Fulham stay bottom of the table and prevented manager Hertha Berlin 22 10 4 8 34 27 34 Doncaster 32 7 9 16 28 48 30 Felix Magath from celebrating his first match in charge Augsburg 22 10 4 8 34 32 34 Millwall 32 6 10 16 31 60 28 with a win as West Brom recorded their 13th draw in 27 Charlton 29 6 9 14 24 38 27 Mainz 22 10 4 8 31 35 34 Hoffenheim 22 6 8 8 46 46 26 LONDON: Manchester City’s Samir Nasri (left) falls after a challenge by Stoke’s league games. Barnsley 31 5 11 15 30 51 26 Charlie Adam, earning the latter a yellow card during their English Premier League However, they are still without a win under Spanish Yeovil 31 6 7 18 27 47 25 Hanover 96 21 7 3 11 29 37 24 Nuremberg 22 4 11 7 27 37 23 soccer match. —AP handler Pepe Mel, who has now four draws and two losses, Division One Frankfurt 21 5 6 10 24 38 21 and while they have only one win in their last 18 games in Leyton Orient 33 20 7 6 66 32 67 Werder Bremen21 5 6 10 25 46 21 all competitions, they are a point above the relegation Wolves 31 20 7 4 54 20 67 Stuttgart 22 5 4 13 35 47 19 Toure’s strike keeps places, although third-from-bottom Sunderland have a Brentford 31 20 6 5 54 31 66 Hamburg 22 5 4 13 38 51 19 game in hand. Preston 32 16 12 4 43 30 60 Freiburg 22 4 6 12 22 44 18 Rotherham 31 16 9 6 55 40 57 Braunschweig 22 4 3 15 16 41 15 Man City in title race Fulham were well worth their 1-0 half-time lead after Peterborough 31 16 4 11 51 41 52 creating most of the chances with Lewis Holtby, on loan Walsall 32 12 11 9 37 31 47 Stoke were creating the better chances from Spurs, the creative force. Swindon 32 13 6 13 49 43 45 and from a free-kick into the area, Peter First, the 23-year-old whipped in an excellent cross Milton 32 12 7 13 46 44 43 where Dutch team-mate Johnny Heitinga should have Port Vale 32 13 4 15 44 49 43 Matches on TV Man City 1 Crouch headed down and Jon Walters laid off done better with his header but sent it over the bar. Holtby, Bradford 32 9 14 9 43 38 41 (Local Timings) for Charlie Adam to thump a low effort nar- Gillingham 33 11 5 17 42 55 38 rowly wide. who played under Magath at Schalke 04, then combined Coventry 31 13 8 10 59 56 37 From a Geoff Cameron cross, Marko well with Hugo Rodallega but sent his shot wide from long Oldham 32 10 7 15 36 44 37 English Premier League Stoke 0 Arnautovic clipped a pass back for Adam to range. Carlisle 32 10 6 16 37 54 36 Liverpool v Swansea 16:30 However, it was Holtby who inadvertently set up Colchester 29 8 11 10 36 38 35 launch another fierce effort that was pushed beIN SPORTS 1 HD Sheffield Utd 30 9 8 13 32 38 35 wide by Hart. Fulham scorer Ashkan Dejagah in the 28th minute as he Tranmere 32 9 8 15 38 55 35 beIN SPORTS 11 HD Toure had a curling effort stopped by swiped at the ball and missed it but it fell to Dejagah he Newcastle v Aston Villa 16:30 MANCHESTER: Yaya Toure scored the only Crawley Town 26 8 10 8 31 35 34 Asmir Begovic and Samir Nasri saw a shot made no mistake. Crewe 32 9 7 16 37 61 34 beIN SPORTS 9 HD goal as Manchester City stayed in touch at the top of the Premier League with a gritty 1-0 deflected over as the home side attempted to Nothing was going right for West Brom as soon after- Bristol City 33 6 14 13 47 55 32 Norwich v Tottenham 19:00 wards defender Billy Jones had to go off injured and then Shrewsbury 32 7 10 15 31 43 31 beIN SPORTS 1 HD win over Stoke City yesterday. shake off their lethargy. Notts County 33 9 3 21 42 55 30 goalkeeper Ben Foster had to be at his most alert to deny beIN SPORTS 11 HD Having managed just one point from their After finally showing some passing rhythm Stevenage 30 7 4 19 28 50 25 previous two league matches, Manuel on the edge of the Stoke area, Toure swapped Rodallega from long range. Note: Coventry deducted 10 points for entering Italian Calcio League Pellegrini’s team looked for much of the passes with Alvaro Negredo before driving Magath sent on Greek striker Konstantinos Mitroglou on administration the hour, for his debut after his £12 million pound ($20.6 Calcio v Verona 14:30 game as if they were about to be frustrated just past the top corner. Dzeko also curled million) move from Olympiakos in January, but he had little Division Two beIN SPORTS 3 HD once again. narrowly wide after exchanging passes with chance to shine as West Brom poured forward and he Chesterfield 32 16 10 6 51 29 58 Inter v Cagliari 17:00 But with 20 minutes left, Toure touched in Negredo 25 yards out and Fernandinho’s low Scunthorpe 32 15 13 4 50 31 58 beIN SPORTS 15 HD from a couple of yards to keep City, who lost strike was held by Begovic. spent most of the time defending. Rochdale 32 17 6 9 50 36 57 beIN SPORTS 2 HD substitute Stevan Jovetic to injury, three After the interval, Toure thumped a free- The closest the hosts came to levelling was through a Oxford Utd 33 14 13 6 46 28 55 fierce Chris Brunt shot which Maarten Stekelenburg did Fleetwood 31 16 4 11 48 35 52 Udinese v Atalanta 17:00 points behind leaders Chelsea with a game in kick straight into the wall as the home side’s Burton 32 14 10 8 35 32 52 beIN SPORTS 8 HD hand. Stoke’s run of away league matches frustration grew before Pellegrini threw on well to save. Southend 32 13 10 9 39 29 49 Chievo v Catania 17:00 without a win was stretched to 12, but former Jovetic for Negredo, who had been struggling The Dutchman did equally well to deny James Morrison Newport 29 11 9 9 38 36 42 beIN SPORTS 6 HD City manager Mark Hughes’s team certainly with a shoulder problem. after he worked himself into an excellent position inside Hartlepool 33 11 9 13 36 38 42 Sampdoria v AC Milan 17:00 the area but Stekelenburg reacted brilliantly as his shot Plymouth 31 11 9 11 29 36 42 provided his old club with an afternoon of Jovetic finally forced a save from Begovic beIN SPORTS 3 HD took a deflection off Brede Hangeland. York 33 9 13 11 38 37 40 anxiety at the Etihad Stadium. when his powerful drive was held at the sec- Dagenham 32 10 10 12 39 41 40 Juventus v Torino 20:30 If the hosts were hoping for a straightfor- ond attempt by the goalkeeper. It was to be However, he was unable to prevent the hosts finally Morecambe 32 10 10 12 36 42 40 beIN SPORTS 3 HD ward run-out following the disappointment the Montenegro striker’s final act, as he forcing an equaliser as Vydra’s shot seemed to be saved by Exeter 32 10 9 13 38 42 39 beIN SPORTS 14 HD of losing to Barcelona in the Champions limped off just 11 minutes after coming on to him, but the ball squeezed through his grasp and try as he Cheltenham 31 9 12 10 36 40 39 add another miserable note to his injury-hit might to retrieve the situation it was ruled that the ball had Wimbledon 32 10 8 14 32 38 38 Spanish League League, they were disappointed by a deter- mined start from Stoke. debut season.—AFP crossed the line by the goal line technology. —AFP Mansfield 32 9 11 12 33 43 38 Rayo v Sevilla 14:00 Bristol Rovers 31 9 10 12 30 32 37 Accrington 31 9 10 12 35 41 37 beIN SPORTS 2 HD Bury 30 8 12 10 33 35 36 Betis v Bilbao 19:00 Portsmouth 32 8 12 12 36 48 36 beIN SPORTS 2 HD Hammers down Saints to ease relegation fears Wycombe 31 8 10 13 34 39 34 Valencia v Granada 21:00 Torquay 31 7 8 16 30 47 29 beIN SPORTS 4 HD Northampton 31 7 8 16 25 42 29 Park. Japan defender Maya Yoshida achievement were dashed by the what they felt was a poor decision to Osasuna v Atletico 23:00 had given Southampton the lead eighth minute as Southampton took allow the goal when they conceded beIN SPORTS 2 HD Scottish Premiership table West Ham 3 with his first Premier League goal. the lead. The Spaniard was betrayed again. Stewart Downing’s corner was Celtic 26 23 3 0 62 12 72 German Bundesliga Southampton hadn’t loss in their by poor marking from his defenders met by Cole, who initially headed Aberdeen 26 15 3 8 37 25 48 previous six league matches, but as Yoshida was granted space to rise against a post and showed great Motherwell 25 15 2 8 39 36 47 Frankfurt v Bremen 17:30 Dundee Utd 26 11 8 7 46 31 41 goals from Matt Jarvis and Carlton highest and power home a Steve composure to pounce on the Dubai Sports Southampton 1 Cole put West Ham ahead before Davis free-kick. rebound and slam in his sixth goal of Inverness 24 12 5 7 30 21 41 Hannover v Bayern 19:30 St Johnstone 25 9 5 11 31 30 32 half-time and Kevin Nolan’s second Allardyce’s team responded the season. Mauricio Pochettino’s Dubai Sports Hibernian 26 8 8 10 24 29 32 half strike extended their unbeaten impressively to the shock of conced- side almost equalised before half- Kilmarnock 27 7 6 14 33 45 27 run to five matches. ing for the time in the league since time when Jack Cork whipped in a Ross County 26 7 4 15 32 46 25 French League LONDON: West Ham eased their Partick 27 5 10 12 28 44 25 Toulouse v PSG 16:00 fears of being dragged into the rele- West Ham goalkeeper Adrian had January 18 against Newcastle and deep cross from the right and Rickie St Mirren 27 6 6 15 25 44 24 beIN SPORTS 13 HD gation dogfight with a 3-1 win over gone 360 minutes without conced- they drew level in the 20th minute. Lambert headed against the base of Hearts 27 5 6 16 22 46 6 beIN SPORTS 5 HD Southampton yesterday. ing, putting him in with a chance to Hammers captain Nolan lifted the a post. Saints were left to curse their Note: Hearts deducted 15 points for entering Nantes v Rennes 19:00 Sam Allardyce’s side have been pass Arsenal’s Wojciech Szczesny for ball over the top of the static luck again early in the second half administration beIN SPORTS 5 HD looking anxiously towards the bot- the longest clean-sheet streak in the Southampton defence, releasing when referee Mark Clattenburg Scottish Football League tables beIN SPORTS 13 HD tom three for much of the season, Premier League this season. He need- Jarvis to advance on goal and steer turned down their claim for a penalty Championship Lille v Lyon 23:00 but they are now seven points clear ed to go 58 minutes without conced- the leveller past Artur Boruc despite after Hammers defender James Dundee 25 14 4 7 38 22 46 beIN SPORTS 5 HD of the Premier League drop zone ing to set the new landmark. Southampton’s appeals for offside. Collins appeared to handle a high Hamilton 25 13 6 6 38 24 45 thanks to a strong fightback at Upton But Adrian’s hopes of a notable The visitors were still bemoaning ball into the area.—AFP Revamped Sri Giroud double Lanka whitewash lifts gloom B’desh after Arsenal’s Euro woes

SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 23, 201416 19

Toure’s strike keeps Man City in title race Page 19

LONDON: Manchester United’s English striker Wayne Rooney (left) scores their second goal during the English Premier League football match against Crystal Palace. — AFP Rooney repays part of monster deal

Patrice Evra by Marouane opening exchanges at a fired-up Jonathan Parr’s deflected header Chamakh that yielded the visitors’ Selhurst Park. around his near post. Crystal Palace 0 penalty. Adnan Januzaj made a bright Moyes saw Fellaini waste a Hull crush Cardiff to Van Persie’s clinical spot-kick start, dragging an early shot off- golden chance two minutes eased the pressure on United, target, and the 19-year-old would before the break when he fired after an hour of frustration that have broken the deadlock in the high and wide from 14 yards. move closer to safety Man United 2 had seen the fit-again Marouane 17th minute had he not used his Perhaps one excuse for the Fellaini spurn a glorious chance left arm to control the ball before Belgian midfielder was his lack of to equalise towards the end of the first half as just before half-time. firing past Speroni. Either side of match action, as he was appearing striker Kenwyne Jones contrived to put a head- er wide from a matter of yards when it seemed Then, six minutes later, Rooney the Belgian starlet’s early contri- in a United shirt for the first time Cardiff 0 easier to score. LONDON: Wayne Rooney guided made an instant repayment on his bution, Rooney was on the receiv- since facing his former club Manchester United into the The Welsh side’s profligacy was immediately monster deal to bludgeon Evra’s ing end of abuse from the home Everton on December 4 at Old punished as Hull doubled their advantage Premier League’s top six for the cross beyond Palace goalkeeper faithful at corners. As if his Trafford. within a minute with a classy move. first time since November with a Julian Speroni on the half-volley. bumper contract was not enough, United were patient though, Hull 4 Jelavic set Irish forward Shane Long break- goal in a 2-0 win at Crystal Palace Victory left Moyes’s side eight the England ace-who was making and that was rewarded when ing down the left, who then sidefooted a preci- yesterday. points behind fourth-placed his 300th league appearance for Januzaj’s pass found the onrushing sion cross back to Jelavic who had continued Twenty-four hours after pen- Liverpool, who face Swansea City United-even had Palace support- Evra, who beat Chamakh to the his run and then slotted efficiently home. ning a new five-and-a-half-year on Sunday, in the race for ers throwing their money at him. ball and went down under the for- CARDIFF: Croatian international striker Nikica Solskjaer rang the changes at half time as contract reportedly worth an Champions League qualification. He then came close to putting ward’s clumsy challenge.Van Persie Jelavic netted a double as Hull City took a his side were booed off by the home faithful, incredible £85 million ($141 mil- Palace remain just two points United ahead, only for Damien stepped up to send Speroni the major stride towards Premier League safety bringing on Mats Daehli for Zaha. lion, 103 million euros), Rooney above the relegation zone, but Delaney to superbly head his wrong way before Rooney applied with a 4-0 win at fellow promoted side Cardiff But it was Hull who looked the better side at added to Robin van Persie’s penal- manager Tony Pulis will know that clipped cross off the line before the gloss to a professional display. yesterday. the start of the second half as an unmarked ty to seal victory at Palace. United games such as this are unlikely to Nemanja Vidic nodded over from Moyes celebrated Rooney’s effort The loss consigned Cardiff, managed by for- Jelavic put a gilt-edged chance over the bar manager David Moyes has been decide his side’s fate. three yards. like a man who knew the job had mer Manchester United star Ole Gunnar from the middle of the box. unhappy with some of the deci- United returned from a warm- United goalkeeper David de been done and moments later it Solskjaer, to second from bottom and the The Croatian made amends on 56 minutes, sions that have gone against his weather training camp in Dubai Gea had little involvement, but could have been 3-0 when Van Welsh side face an uphill climb if they are to drilling a powerful header into the bottom side this season, but there were prior to the game and the visitors the Spanish shot-stopper pro- Persie smashed a shot against avoid returning to the Championship after just right corner and compounding the home side’s no arguments about the foul on showed few signs of jetlag in the duced a sharp save to turn Speroni’s crossbar. — AFP one season. misery. And just when Cardiff thought things Cardiff actually made the brighter start of couldn’t get any worse, a mix-up in midfield the two, with Hull keeper Allan McGregor allowed Hull to steal possession. Huddlestone forced into two sharp saves in the space of a broke swiftly down the right and Jake Terry leaves it late as minute. Cardiff winger Wilfried Zaha shredded Livermore finished the move with a calm right- the Hull defence with a mazy run but could not footed into the bottom right corner. The two Chelsea sink Everton beat the Scottish keeper. sides were promoted from the second tier last But Steve Bruce’s Hull took the lead against season but Hull have fared marginally better in the run of play in the 17th minute as former the Premiership, going into the match 13th place in the starting line-up for Ross Spurs midfielder Tom Huddlestone smashed a while Cardiff languished second from bottom. Barkley. With a trip to face Didier low shot past the outstretched hand of David Cardiff took to the pitch on the back of a woe- Chelsea 1 Drogba’s Galatasaray in the Marshall in the Cardiff goal. Cardiff continued ful run of form, winning only one of their last 10 Champions League on Wednesday, to press and squandered a golden opportunity while Hull had one victory from seven. — AFP Mourinho handed Lampard a start alongside Nemanja Matic in midfield and welcomed back Terry for his first Everton 0 appearance since the victory over Sociedad stun Barcelona Manchester City at the start of the MADRID: Barcelona suffered their second on an error from Gerard Pique, but the month. league La Liga defeat in four games with a 3- Mexican wastefully blasted over the bar with Chelsea were beaten 1-0 at LONDON: John Terry’s stoppage-time 1 reverse away to Real Sociedad yesterday. just Victor Valdes to beat. Goodison Park back in September but goal handed Chelsea a crucial 1-0 vic- Barcelona had come into the game on a Barca were dealt a blow at half-time when they knew three points would ensure tory against Everton to cement their high after beating Manchester City in their coach Gerardo Martino was sent to the they stayed top of the table regardless lead at the top of the Premier League much-anticipated Champions League tie on stands for the second half after taking his of results elsewhere. yesterday. Tuesday, but went behind when Alex Song protests towards the officials too far as they That seemed the likely outcome in After 90 minutes of toil but little turned Sergio Canales’ cross into his own net. headed down the tunnel. the fourth minute when some great creativity from Jose Mourinho’s side, it Lionel Messi restored parity almost instantly And the Catalans’ defence also seemed to interplay between Eden Hazard and was the old combination of Terry and with a clinical left-footed finish. completely lose their composure at the start Willian saw the latter cut infield and Frank Lampard that made the break- However, two goals in the opening 15 of the second-half as Sociedad opened them shoot wide. LONDON: Chelsea’s English defender John Terry celebrates at the end through with just two minutes of stop- minutes of the second-half from Antoine up at will. Vela raced onto a long ball in However, Everton boasted the of the English Premier League football match against Everton. — AFP Griezmann and David Zurutuza handed behind the Barca defence to square for page-time remaining when the former league’s second best defensive record another great chance for Everton on Howard got down well to save from Sociedad a deserved victory. Griezmann to register his 15th league goal of steered in the latter’s free kick from going into the game and Chelsea the stroke of half-time when he badly Hazard’s powerful strike before pulling Barca boss Gerardo Martino had made six the season on 54 minutes. close-range. found it hard to break the down. miscued his shot from the edge of the off another superb stop to deny changes from the side that started in Five minutes later it was 3-1 as this time Terry’s heroics on his return from a They could even have taken the box. Branislav Ivanovic on the follow up. Manchester as Neymar made his first start in Zurutuza burst through a pedestrian defen- hip injury were harsh on Everton, who lead in the 12th minute when Leon A stony-faced Mourinho was out But despite Chelsea’s possession, a month. After a slow start from the visitors, sive line to turn home Griezmann’s cross from had their share of possession and Osman latched onto a clever knock early for the second period and he the Spaniard wasted both opportuni- Pedro came close to opening the scoring the right. chances at Stamford Bridge but still back from Naismith but Petr Cech was withdrew Oscar for Ramires in an ties that fell his way, with one eight when he sliced Andres Iniesta’s pass just Cesc Fabregas replaced the struggling left empty-handed. equal to his shot. attempt to find a way through minutes from time sailing high and wide. It was Sociedad who struck first, Song and Alexis Sanchez was also introduced Roberto Martinez had lost on all In response, all Chelsea could Everton’s defence. The tactical change wide into the crowd behind the goal. though, as Song bundled the ball into his as Barca went in search of a way back into the four of his previous Premier League muster was a weak shot from Cesar saw Hazard move infield and it almost Everton still looked dangerous on own net under pressure from Gorka game. Yet, it was Sociedad who should have trips to Stamford Bridge and the Azpilicueta that was easily saved by paid dividends straight away as the the break and Barkley almost fashioned Elustondo. added to their lead when Vela struck the Everton manager’s hopes of breaking Tim Howard just before the half-hour Belgian played in Lampard, who saw a chance for himself with five minutes The lead lasted only three minutes as base of the post nine minutes from time. that hoodoo were not helped when mark. his shot saved by Howard before Distin left on the clock only for Ivanovic to Messi fired home his seventh goal in his last Victory moves Sociedad to within a point of Ivory Coast striker Lacina Traore suf- Yet Samuel Eto’o could have put the scrambled away his follow up. intervene. five games with an unerring finish from the Athletic Bilbao in the fourth Champions fered a hamstring injury in the warm- Blues in front 10 minute before the Mirallas then almost inadvertently Ramires flashed a shot just wide of edge of the area. League place, while Barca could end the up. break when he wriggled free in the box gave Everton the lead when a tiny the post and that looked like being the Sociedad should have been back in front weekend in third should Atletico Madrid His place in attack was taken by and saw his shot well saved by Howard. deflection off his heel from Osman’s last chance until Terry finally broke the before half-time when Carlos Vela pounced avoid defeat away to Osasuna today. — AFP Steven Naismith but there was no Kevin Mirallas was guilty of wasting shot forced Cech into a reaction save. deadlock in the closing seconds. —AFP US-led Pacific trade pact talks open in Singapore Page 22

KSE remains mixed Business amid selling pressure Page 24 SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 23, 2014 AUB reports Al-Zayani joins Jaguar approved pre-owned vehicle program record profit of $ 579.4m for 2013 Page 26 Page 23

SYDNEY: Central Bank Governors and Finance Ministers of G20 countries pose for a family picture near the Sydney Opera House and Sydney Harbour Bridge in Sydney yesterday. —AP Australia urges CBs to avoid ‘surprises’ Rifts over US monetary policy loom at G20

SYDNEY: Australia yesterday called for better he said. “Emerging markets need to take steps of draft of the communique due to be issued tomor- advance notice of policy changes by central banks their own to get their fiscal house in order and put row, cited by Bloomberg, said they would agree on to avoid shockwaves for emerging economies, at a structural reforms in place.” “concrete measures” to achieve this. It said collec- meeting of G20 finance ministers where rifts over tive gross domestic product could be raised by “at US monetary policy loomed large. Australian ‘Reasonable warning’ least two percent” above current projections over Treasurer Joe Hockey said he wants the summit to Hockey agrees that countries must make the next five years. This could not be confirmed, but stay focused on ways to stimulate growth and cre- their own reforms to bolster their economies, a G20 official said ministers were likely to adopt a ate jobs in the aftermath of the 2008 financial crisis, but said central banks in the world’s most global growth goal, although targets for individual adding he was confident of tangible results. advanced nations should give each other better countries are not expected. “I must say there is tremendous goodwill in all notice of policy changes to avoid market turbu- OECD data released Thursday showed growth in the meetings I have attended,” he told reporters just lence. “I think if there is a policy of no surprises advanced economies slowed down slightly in 2013 before yesterday’s meetings in Sydney. But the fall- in relation to monetary policy activity and that to 1.3 percent from 1.5 percent in 2012. Hockey said out being felt by some emerging economies, which central banks around the world have reasonable he was confident the meeting would provide have suffered sharp capital outflows and losses to warning of what may be events that create mar- results.“All the finance ministers and central bank their currencies they blame on the Federal Reserve ket volatility, I think that’s not unreasonable,” he governors I have spoken to understand that whilst easing back its mammoth stimulus program, said. “I think that’s what central bank governors the globe is facing some challenges, that there is remains a lightning rod issue. are aiming for.” Bilateral meetings were held some level of international market volatility,” he Countries led by Indonesia and South Africa, Saturday morning ahead of a session on the said. “Through greater cooperation, realistic goals, which is not attending the Sydney meeting, along global economy in which delegates discussed and importantly a tangible process for achieving with Mexico and Brazil have called on the US to the latest reports from the OECD, IMF and World those goals, we can have very real outcomes this provide more clarity on its wind-back and better Bank. The OECD warned Friday that declining weekend.” communication to subdue the impacts on emerg- global productivity would usher in a new and But he admitted that some of his counterparts- ing markets. Speaking Friday, US Treasury chief extended era of low growth unless reforms are notably Germany-were reluctant to put their names Jacob Lew said he was monitoring global volatility accelerated. to a global economic growth target. “I understand and was encouraged that some economies had These include freeing up labor markets, encour- that there is some reluctance from some to have a taken action to get their houses in order. aging infrastructure investment and undertaking goal or a target or an ambition, but we need to “We’re seeing a substantial differentiation in the the structural reforms needed to boost domestic reach high to deliver more,” he said. “There needs to marketplace in the economies that have made demand. Hockey has been pushing his fellow min- be a tangible plan presented by each jurisdiction those decisions and in the economies that haven’t,” isters to agree to faster global growth targets, and a that helps to achieve our collective goal.” — AFP US Fed chief Yellen asked for ID at G20

SYDNEY: She might be one of the most powerful women in the world but that didn’t wash with security at the G20 in Sydney who reportedly asked Janet Yellen to show her ID. The head of the US Federal Reserve was stopped yesterday as she entered a restaurant at the Intercontinental, one of the host hotels for the weekend summit of finance ministers and cen- tral bankers. Wall Street Journal international finance reporter Ian Talley, who was close by, said the central bank chief had to rifle through her purse to produce her credentials. “Arguably world’s most powerful woman, but Fed’s Yellen isn’t a celeb yet: @G20Australia staff just ask her for ID to enter breakfast,” he tweeted. G20 officials were meeting throughout yesterday and today with the Fed’s winding back of its monetary stimulus policy a key topic. Ahead of the meeting, Yellen met two sub- urban small business owners, invited by Australian Treasurer Joe Hockey as part of his plan to keep the world’s top officials SYDNEY: US Federal Reserve Chair Janet Yellen, left, confers with Treasury Secretary Jack in touch with the man on the street. “We plucked them out of Lew during the opening session of the G20 Finance Ministers and Central Bank Governors the phone book effectively and said ‘Come along and meet Dr meeting in Sydney, Australia yesterday. — AP Yellen’,” Hockey said.—AFP SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 23, 2014 BUSINESS US-led Pacific trade pact talks open in Singapore Trade ministers from 12 countries in crucial parleys SINGAPORE: Asia Pacific trade ministers began negotiating the agreement think it could take an organization Medecins Sans Frontieres a fresh round of talks in Singapore yesterday for longer. (Doctors Without Borders) are also opposing a huge US-led Pacific free trade area, hoping to Trade ministers from Australia, Brunei, what they say are attempts by pharmaceutical conclude a deal this year after missing a dead- Canada, Chile, Japan, Malaysia, Mexico, New firms to restrict access to cheap generic drugs line in 2013. Zealand, Peru, Singapore, the US and Vietnam through intellectual property rights provisions The four-day meeting of ministers from 12 reconvened in Singapore after ending talks in in the TPP. countries covered by the proposed Trans-Pacific December with several issues still unresolved. “We are making good progress,” Australian Partnership (TPP) comes after their chief nego- The 12 countries, which make up 40 percent of Trade Minister Andrew Robb told reporters as tiators completed five days of talks also held in the global economy, have been divided on a the talks began at a hotel in Singapore. When the city-state. Singapore Prime Minister Lee number of issues, including opening up Japan’s asked if a deal can be reached by the end of this Hsien Loong said ahead of the meeting that auto and farm markets as well as limiting the year he said: “Yes, most certainly.” Negotiators negotiators were “very close” to completing a role of state-owned enterprises in the economy. missed a US-proposed deadline to strike a deal pact this year, but some ministers involved in Non-government groups like the humanitari- by the end of last year. Malaysian Trade Minister KABUL: An Afghan blacksmith works at his shop in Kabul yesterday. Mustapa Mohamed, speaking to reporters in Afghanistan’s economy is recovering from decades of conflict but despite Kuala Lumpur on Thursday, would not give a the significant improvement in the last decade it is extremely poor, and timeline on when the talks would be concluded. Malaysia’s trade ministry said only eight of highly dependent on foreign aid. —AFP the 29 chapters in the proposed agreement have been finalized and they are not the most Dispute over law firm’s oil controversial or significant sections. US President Barack Obama’s administration has spill claims continues put a high priority on the TPP, seeing it as tying the US more firmly to the dynamic Asia Pacific NEW ORLEANS: BP is pressing a federal court In that report, Freeh also urged US District region at a time that China’s clout is rising. But to disallow a $7.9 million Gulf oil spill claim Judge Carl Barbier to consider disallowing some countries say crucial to the TPP talks suc- awarded to a Louisiana law firm. Friday’s filing payment on the $7.9 million claim. BP echoed ceeding is the US Congress granting Obama the in New Orleans is the latest development in that sentiment in Friday’s filing, saying “fast track” authority to negotiate major trade disputes involving the Andry Law Firm, BP approving the claim would undermine the deals that the US legislature could approve or and former FBI director Louis Freeh. integrity of the process. Sutton’s lawyer, reject with no amendments allowed before they Freeh was appointed last year to investi- Michael Walsh, argued in a Dec. 18 court fil- vote. gate the claims process. In a report last ing that Freeh doesn’t have any evidence that However the granting of such powers, under September, Freeh said he found evidence his client broke any laws or had a conflict of the Trade Promotion Authority, faces tough that attorney Jon Andry and others tried to interest during his work on the settlement. opposition from House Democrats who feel corrupt the settlement process, using a Lawyers for Andry and Lerner said Freeh had they are too far-reaching. Singapore’s Lee, in an lawyer on the staff of claims administrator a conflict of interest: Before Barbier appoint- interview with Chinese media group Caixin, said Patrick Juneau. Andry’s lawyers have denied ed him to lead the investigation, Freeh dis- the powers would ensure that US lawmakers he did anything wrong. And they have ques- closed that he is a partner at a law firm that is would not be able to vote down items in the tioned Freeh’s impartiality, noting Freeh’s working on an unrelated case with lawyers TPP that they were not in favor of as the pact is acknowledged partnership at a law firm for Kirkland & Ellis, a firm that represents BP. a negotiated package. working on an unrelated case with lawyers Freeh has said in response that he fully SINGAPORE: Trade ministers and representatives attend the Trans-Pacific Partnership Mohamed said: “In my view, some countries (TPP) Ministerial Meeting in Singapore yesterday. Trade Ministers and officials from for a firm representing BP. disclosed the “claimed conflicts” before he are looking at this and it will certainly affect Freeh re-asserted his allegations in his was appointed and that his fees as a court- the 12 TPP countries - Australia, Brunei, Canada, Chile, Japan, Malaysia, Mexico, New negotiations. It will become a bit more diffi- own filing Friday. Last year, Freeh said Andry appointed special master are approved by Zealand, Peru, the US, Vietnam and Singapore have convened in the meeting. —AFP cult.” —AFP and another private attorney, Glen Lerner, the Court, not by BP and its lawyers. In a fil- used Lionel Sutton, a lawyer on Juneau’s staff, ing late Friday, Freeh responded to various to expedite their firm’s claim. In return, Sutton defenses by Andry, Lerner and others who received more than $40,000 in fees from pay- are seeking to have his report rejected by the Wal-Mart’s China syndrome ments on claims he had referred to their law court. Freeh said the court should adopt his firm before joining Juneau’s staff, Freeh’s report and consider sanctions against the a symptom of global woes report said. attorneys. —AP MUMBAI/BEIJING: Wal-Mart Stores than a third of net sales, has suffered ing costs. “Our costs have come down lion market. Inc , famed for its low prices, has stum- from aggressive expansion and is a so much on pork that people ask us, The graft has less of an effect on Argentina trade surplus bled in the one major market where big concern for new CEO Doug ‘Gee, is it too low?’ They wonder, ‘Is it the business in China, but food safety consumers say price is less of a driver McMillon, who previously led the legitimate? Can we trust it?’” he said. scandals - from fatal tainted milk to plunges in January in their buying decisions: China. There, international unit. On an annual basis, Walmart recycled ‘gutter oil’ used for cooking - consumers say they want food that is The retailer on Thursday forecast International’s revenue growth last have hurt it. In January, Wal-Mart BUENOS AIRES: Argentina’s economy Argentina depends heavily on a sol- safe and authentic, and, after 17 years, lower full-year profit than analysts fiscal year was the slowest in four recalled its popular “Five Spice” don- showed signs of weakness in January, id trade surplus to help get financing in Wal-Mart is changing its approach, had expected for fiscal 2015. years. key meat after tests showed traces of posting its lowest trade surplus since foreign exchanges, after being virtually closing some big-box stores that nev- Walmart International net sales in the fox meat. March 2001, the national statistics shut out of international credit markets er quite caught on with locals. Instead, fourth quarter dipped 0.4 percent to MIXED MESSAGES Food, especially fresh produce and agency said Friday as it also reported since its 2001 default. After a decade of it’s focusing on private-label products $37.67 billion, and November- Chinese consumers seek out large meat, is an acknowledged traffic driv- solid 4.9 percent growth last year. The strong growth (averaging eight percent and imports, putting its stamp on January operating income fell 45.8 foreign brands for reliability and qual- er for Chinese hypermarkets, making trade balance dropped 88 percent to from 2003 to 2011) boosted by soy quality and safety. percent, hit by store closures in Brazil ity, said James Roy, an associate prin- it a bigger part of the retail equation $35 million in January compared with exports, Argentina’s GDP only grew 1.9 “We’re closing some stores and China and a charge related to ter- cipal at Shanghai-based China Market than elsewhere. “That’s the most fun- the same month a year earlier, accord- percent in 2012. because we got enamored with minated agreements in India. “We Research. “Yet they’re seeing mixed damental thing about getting food ing to INDEC agency figures. Last year’s growth was especially growth,” said Raymond Bracy, head of have initiated actions in Mexico, Brazil messages from Wal-Mart because right,” said Bracy. “If you ... say, ‘I’m not Argentina sharply devalued its peso strong from April to September, before corporate affairs at Walmart China. and China to improve our operating they have tried to sell the ‘every day satisfied with the quality,’ then you “We’re not going to do that again. performance and this is a priority for low prices’ concept and Chinese con- may go to another store. So we lose currency in January, losing 18 percent dropping to 3.2 percent in October, 2.2 We’re focusing on quality first.” fiscal 2015,” David Cheesewright, sumers equate ‘every day low prices’ not just the food purchase, but also of its value to the dollar, and launched percent in November and 2.7 percent in Getting China right is crucial for president and CEO of Walmart with being cheap and not very safe.” the jean purchase.” a new index this month that showed a December, suggesting a further decrease Wal-Mart’s international ambitions. International, said in a statement. Wal-Mart has previously exited Just to make things tougher, sky-high 3.7 percent rise in prices in this year. Independent experts have long The world’s largest retailer ranks third Foran told reporters during a markets such as Germany and South though, Chinese “will walk a block to January. been skeptical of Argentina’s official fig- in China behind Sun Art Retail Group December tour of Sam’s Club stores - Korea where its cheap prices and save 1 renminbi on a kilo of rice,” said In the first month of the year, ures, however. Ltd and state-backed China where members bulk buy - that Wal- large stores model failed to work, but Bracy. Wal-Mart’s share of China’s exports fell eight percent to $5.231 bil- Over the past two years, independ- Resources Enterprise Ltd, according Mart aims to have private labels make it has stuck it out in China, the world’s hypermarket segment dropped to lion, while imports dropped four per- ent private sector economists have esti- to Euromonitor. Brazil and India are up a fifth of its China sales within the second-largest economy, for nearly 10.4 percent last year from 11.3 per- cent to $5.196 million. Energy imports mated Argentina’s annual inflation at proving challenging, too. “If you went next decade, up from less than 1 per- two decades, struggling with its cent in 2008. It was overtaken as mar- pulled down Argentina’s trade surplus, more than 25 percent, compared to the out and asked members or cus- cent now. Private labels typically price brand positioning. ket leader in 2009 by Sun Art Retail, which fell 27 percent in 2013, to $9.024 government’s figure of around 10 per- tomers, ‘What’s your single biggest at 10-40 percent below local brands, Its international business has been which is now tied for first place at 14 billion. cent. In 2012, the International worry?’ they’ll tell you trust and but profit margins are higher for the under the spotlight after it was percent with CRE, according to The trade balance was low despite a Monetary Fund warned Argentina over authenticity,” said Greg Foran, who retailer. They make up close to half of accused in 2012 of bribery in Mexico, Euromonitor, whose data indicates 24 percent decline in fuel imports, its failure to provide regular data on took over as Walmart China CEO in sales in Britain. its biggest business outside the that hypermarkets make up 15 per- dropping to $520 million. The fuel inflation and economic growth through 2012. “Once you’ve got their trust, the Bracy said the retailer is rationalis- United States. It later launched graft cent of China’s grocery retail market. imports accounted for 10 percent of all measures that meet the Fund’s stan- next question they ask themselves is, ing its supply chain in China and probes in China and Brazil and in Wal-Mart’s grocery retail value in foreign purchases. dards. —AFP ‘How much is it?’” Walmart building its own distribution centres India, where the investigation hit its China has grown 50 percent since International, which contributes less to manage quality, while also lower- first-mover advantage in a $500 bil- 2008. —Reuters EXCHANGE RATES

Al-Muzaini Exchange Co. UAE Exchange Centre WLL Syrian Pound 2.971 Philippine Peso 0.006426 0.006706 Nepalese Rupees 3.841 Sierra Leone 0.000069 0.000075 Malaysian Ringgit 86.290 Singapore Dollar 0.220504 0.226504 ASIAN COUNTRIES COUNTRY SELL DRAFT SELL CASH South African Rand 0.019997 0.028497 Japanese Yen 2.772 Chinese Yuan Renminbi 46.985 Australian Dollar 259.95 256.95 Sri Lankan Rupee 0.001888 0.002459 Indian Rupees 4.556 Thai Bhat 9.670 Canadian Dollar 261.74 262.74 Taiwan 0.009207 0.009387 Pakistani Rupees 2.690 Turkish Lira 129.143 Swiss Franc 321.50 319.50 Thai Baht 0.008383 0.008933 Srilankan Rupees 2.154 Euro 390.89 391.89 Nepali Rupees 2.847 US Dollar 282.05 285.05 Singapore Dollar 224.790 Arab Sterling Pound 475.96 478.96 Bahrain Exchange Company Hongkong Dollar 36.421 Bahraini Dinar 0.743279 0.751279 Japanese Yen 2.81 2.83 Bangladesh Taka 3.628 Egyptian Pound 0.036841 0.039941 COUNTRY SELL CASH SELLDRAFT Philippine Peso 6.338 Bangladesh Taka 3.630 3.900 Iranian Riyal 0.000078 0.000079 Thai Baht 8.692 Indian Rupee 4.540 4.840 Europe Iraqi Dinar 0.000183 0.000243 Irani Riyal transfer 0.271 Sri Lankan Rupee 2.157 2.592 Belgian Franc 0.007346 0.008346 Jordanian Dinar 0.394439 0.401939 Irani Riyal cash 0.273 Nepali Rupee 2.847 3.382 British Pound 0.465787 0.474787 Kuwaiti Dinar 1.0000000 1.0000000 Pakistani Rupee 2.696 2.790 Czech Korune 0.006111 0.018111 Lebanese Pound 0.000138 0.000238 GCC COUNTRIES UAE Dirhams 76.86 77.32 Danish Krone 0.047812 0.052812 Moroccan Dirhams 0.024381 0.048381 Saudi Riyal 75.350 Bahraini Dinar 750.70 752.77 Euro 0.381638 0.389138 Nigerian Naira 0.001195 0.001830 Qatari Riyal 77.639 Egyptian Pound 40.51 41.11 Norwegian Krone 0.042405 0.047605 Omani Riyal 0.728123 0.733803 Omani Riyal 734.020 Jordanian Dinar 401.43 407.08 Romanian Leu 0.086063 0.86063 Qatar Riyal 0.076927 0.078140 Bahraini Dinar 750.500 Omani Riyal 733.51 740.81 Slovakia 0.008090 0.018090 Saudi Riyal 0.074737 0.075437 UAE Dirham 76.951 Qatari Riyal 77.89 78.44 Swedish Krona 0.039674 0.044674 Syrian Pound 0.002166 0.002386 Saudi Riyal 75.34 75.74 Swiss Franc 0.310017 0.320217 Tunisian Dinar 0.175160 0.183160 ARAB COUNTRIES Turkish Lira 0.125659 0.132659 Turkish Lira 0.125659 0.132659 Egyptian Pound - Cash 39.550 UAE Dirhams 0.075973 0.077122 Egyptian Pound - Transfer 40.139 Dollarco Exchange Co. Ltd Australasia Yemeni Riyal 0.001284 0.001364 Yemen Riyal/for 1000 1.319 Australian Dollar 0.247334 0.258834 Tunisian Dinar 179.680 New Zealand Dollar 0.229400 0.238900 Rate for Transfer Selling Rate Jordanian Dinar 399.030 Al Mulla Exchange US Dollar 282.400 Lebanese Lira/for 1000 1.896 America Canadian Dollar 260.100 Syrian Lira 2.014 Canadian Dollar 0.252254 0.260754 Sterling Pound 473.890 Currency Transfer Rate (Per 1000) Morocco Dirham 35.528 US Dollars 0.278550 0.282900 Euro 388.410 US Dollar 281.850 US Dollars Mint 0.279050 0.282900 Euro 389.850 EUROPEAN & AMERICAN COUNTRIES Swiss Frank 317.425 Bahrain Dinar 745.670 Pound Sterling 471.750 US Dollar Transfer 282.450 Asia UAE Dirhams 76.865 Canadian Dollar 259.850 Euro 391.050 Bangladesh Taka 0.003320 0.003920 Qatari Riyals 78.415 Indian Rupee 4.539 Sterling Pound 472.260 Chinese Yuan 0.045219 0.048719 Saudi Riyals 76.175 Egyptian Pound 40.138 Canadian dollar 256.770 Hong Kong Dollar 0.034354 0.037104 Jordanian Dinar 397.985 Sri Lankan Rupee 2.152 Turkish lira 129.880 Indian Rupee 0.004268 0.004668 Egyptian Pound 40.511 Bangladesh Taka 3.629 Swiss Franc 321.880 Indonesian Rupiah 0.000019 0.000025 Sri Lankan Rupees 2.157 Philippines Peso 6.312 Australian Dollar 256.180 Japanese Yen 0.002668 0.002848 Indian Rupees 4.554 Pakistan Rupee 2.690 US Dollar Buying 281.250 Kenyan Shilling 0.003269 0.003269 Pakistani Rupees 2.690 Bahraini Dinar 750.650 Korean Won 0.000255 0.000270 Bangladesh Taka 3.628 UAE Dirham 76.750 GOLD Malaysian Ringgit 0.081960 0.087960 Philippines Pesso 6.327 Saudi Riyal 75.300 20 Gram 240.000 Nepalese Rupee 0.003070 0.003240 10 Gram 121.000 Cyprus pound 693.629 Pakistan Rupee 0.002392 0.002672 *Rates are subject to change 5 Gram 62.500 Japanese Yen 3.776 BUSINESS SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 23, 2014

Bayt.com weekly report Ahli United Bank reports record Become a profit of $579.4 million for 2013 client magnet KUWAIT: Ahli United Bank BSC (AUB) report- The Group’s total assets grew by $2.8 bil- Corporation Capitalization (Equity) Fund (“IFC ed a net profit attributable to its equity share- lion (+9.3 percent) to reach $32.7 billion by Fund”) accelerated conversion of its holding in 10 easy steps holders of $579.4 million for the year 2013, 2013 year-end. This is attributable to a 8.3 in AUB’s $125 million Mandatorily Convertible growth of 72.6 percent compared with $335.7 percent growth in the loans and advances Preference Shares (MCPS) into 167,045,454 million in 2012. This included an exceptional portfolio to $17.3 billion (31 December 2012: new AUB common shares. IFC Fund’s decision By Lama Ataya non-recurring gain of $212.9 million on the $16.0 billion). Credit growth was funded by a to exercise the conversion option prior to the KUWAIT: Customers are the lifeblood of a business, so sale of its 29.4 percent stake in Ahli Bank 17.4 percent growth in customer deposits to mandatory conversion date represented a building a strong rapport with them is imperative to the Qatar (ABQ). Excluding this item, the operat- reach $22.0 billion (31 December 2012: $18.8 strong vote of confidence in the solid region- success of any organization. Through good times and bad, ing net profit of the Bank was $366.5 million billion). The non-performing loan ratio was al fundamentals of AUB and in its future busi- a solid relationship with your customer base will help representing a 25.7 percent increase over the 2.6 percent as at 31 December 2013 (31 ness and growth prospects. ensure that your business continues to flourish. That’s why previous year. The last quarter of 2013 con- December 2012: 2.4 percent) with a specific Standard & Poor’s Rating Services also many of today’s most successful companies are being built tributed $77.2 million as compared to $71.5 provision coverage ratio of 87.6 percent (31 raised its long-term counterparty credit rating around outstanding customer service. Developing strong million in Q4/2012. December 2012: 87.7 percent). The total pro- on AUB from “BBB” to “BBB+” with a Stable relationships can take time and dedication, so employing Operating income increased from $848.7 vision coverage ratio, inclusive of collective Outlook. This reflects AUB’s strong geographi- the right customer relations strategies is critical. million to $958.3 million in 2013 (+ 12.9 per- impairment provisions, was 149.4 percent as cal diversification and operating resilience. If you’re ready to become a client magnet, here are 10 cent), driven largely by a rise in net interest at 31 December 2013 (31 December 2012: “AUB has managed to deliver a very strong steps to follow from the career experts at Bayt.com, the income (NII) of 12.1 percent to $713.2 million 149.8 percent). Shareholders’ equity increased set of results through its focused develop- Middle East’s #1 job site: (2012: $636.4 million) and a 16.2 percent by $0.4 billion (+13.4 percent) to $3.1 billion. ment of business opportunities and its pru- growth in fee income from $121.4 million to Return on Average Equity was 20.1 per- dent and pro-active management of risks. Of $141.1 million. The NII increase was achieved cent (2012: 13.0 percent) with Return on particular satisfaction was the 25.7 percent 1. Be present AUB Chairman Fahad Al-Rajaan The work you deliver to your clients is your most impor- through focused liability cost management Average Assets of 2.0 percent (2012: 1.3 per- surge in net profits, excluding the non-recur- tant tool to build long-lasting relationships with them. So together with prudent growth in asset vol- cent). Adjusting for the exceptional non- December 2013 (2012: US cents 6.1). Given ring impact of the Qatari affiliate stake sale. it’s important to always be present and proactive. umes within acceptable risk criteria. recurring gain of $212.9 million, Return on the excellent results achieved, the Board of These results underpin the solidity of our What you should do: During your meetings, make sure Increased operating income and disciplined Average Equity increased to 13.4 percent Directors has recommended a cash dividend business model, and AUB continues to remain you’re taking note of what your clients want. Do you need cost culture aligned to business needs across while Return on Average Assets was sus- of US cents 4.5 per share (2012: US cents 4.0) confident of its ability to maintain its per- to adjust the deliverables to meet their most urgent needs? the AUB Group further improved the operat- tained at 1.3 percent. together with a bonus ordinary share issue of formance given its strong underlying funda- Are there any project components that need further clarifi- ing cost income ratio to 30.0 percent (2012: The resultant basic earnings per share was 5 percent (2012: 5 percent). mentals”, commented Fahad Al-Rajaan, cation or customization? Always keep your clients’ needs in 31.5 percent). US cents 10.5 for the year ended 31 During the year, the International Finance Chairman, AUB. mind. Make sure all lines of communication are transparent and open. Give honest, creative feedback on their ideas. Any ideas you bring to the table will only strengthen the results that much more. Thoughts on

2. Listen more than you talk Most people are dead-set on showing a potential client the diamond how much they know. Here’s a wake-up call for you: Your potential client doesn’t care how much you know as much as they care about how you are going to fix their problems. industry What you should do: Ask yourself this question from the client’s perspective, “What’s in it for me?” and then focus on By Peter Meeus the results clients will get from working with you. Ask open- Chairman, Dubai Diamond Exchange ended questions that will help you get to know your client and show your level of interest. Build rapport and your nearly fell off my chair when I recently read the motion client will get a feel for how you function. for a resolution of the six federal government parties, with the bold theory that the fight against blood dia- 3. Get inside their heads I monds has failed. Now that the resolution has been Take the time to ask questions about what your client is approved, I am even more amazed. struggling with; what is their #1 problem? As former director-general of the Antwerp World What you should do: Try to pinpoint your clients’ con- Diamond Centre I was very closely involved in setting up cerns. When you are able to accurately identify a problem and show them how you have eliminated this problem for the Kimberley Process Certification Scheme (KPCS), the others, you’ll have a line of people waiting to work with supervisory body for diamonds recognized the world over. you. Its principles have actually been written in our offices in Antwerp. 4. Develop a ‘pull’ strategy It was not easy as the Belgian government felt that we As opposed to a push strategy, a pull strategy is when did too little and the diamond sector in Antwerp was of the clients come to you based on your visibility and level of opinion all that was not necessary. But we have continued engagement. as it was a ‘good’ cause. We then worked very closely with What you should do: Instead of constantly knocking on SYDNEY: G20 Finance Ministers and Central Bank Governors begin their annual meeting in Sydney yesterday. Global Witness, the NGO most involved, to elaborate a fair doors, cold-calling and chasing down clients, let clients and honest system. come to you from reading a blog post or article, for exam- Lone protester greets G20 chiefs In 2014, diamonds are the most strictly checked raw ple, or hearing you speak at an event, or even by connect- materials in the world. With the exception of uranium, no ing with you on a social media platform or a referral from other raw materials are so strictly controlled and observed SYDNEY: A lone protester greeted a meeting of G20 opera,” the man told reporters after he was briefly arrest- yet another satisfied client. as rough diamonds. More than 99.8 percent of all dia- finance ministers and central bank governors yesterday, in ed before being released without charge. The Sydney monds produced is certified by the Kimberley-process. 5. Showcase your value contrast to the summit’s last visit to Australia, which was meeting is shrouded in tight security, with officials wary Problem countries such as the Central African Republic, If you aren’t featuring the results that others have expe- marred by violent scenes. after the last G20 finance minister’s summit in Australia Ivory Coast, Guinea and Venezuela do not even represent rienced from working with you on your website and other The middle-aged man, holding a banner protesting in 2006. Then, thousands protested on the streets of 0.2 percent of the world production. marketing materials, you’re missing an incredible opportu- against tax havens, tried to gain access to one of the hotels Melbourne against the war in Iraq and perceived Already in April 2013 when the problems started in the nity to attract more clients. being used for the summit in Sydney and was escorted out inequalities in the global economy, with the demonstra- Central African Republic, the Kimberley-process - of which I What you should do: Use your website and marketing by security, witnesses said. tions resulting in costly damage to buildings, arrests and am part on behalf of the United Arab Emirates - has taken collateral to promote yourself, but also testimonials. “I have to call my wife and tell her I’ll be late for the injured police. — AFP measures to ensure that the country could not export ille- Effective testimonials always highlight benefits and results. gal diamonds any more. That way, the Kimberley-process was the first and only system to ensure, in a very short 6. Be a great resource time, that rebels do not get the opportunity to finance As an expert in your field, you have insight and informa- tion that will help your clients build their businesses and their war with the sale of rough diamonds. contribute into their success. What you should do: Find news articles and statistics Human rights that may be helpful for their next talk or presentation. Send Can that be said of any other mineral, let alone any oth- them new trends in their industry and how you can imple- er diplomatic initiative? Contrary to what is assumed and ment these. Happy clients are those who are taken care of. suggested in the resolution, diamonds are pioneers and Providing useful tools, tips or ideas for your clients shows should be considered as a model for other raw materials. that you’re willing to think outside of the box, and that’s The media and politics are, however, systematically fed something you’ll be praised for. by messages falsely or politically inspired or not, about constant human rights violations in the exploitation of dia- 7. Your clients are more than just an email address monds. Since de Hollywood film ‘Blood Diamond’ (2006), Clients are more than just a contract and cash flow. everyone seems to accept that unquestioningly. There are real people with businesses and distinct person- What is it that the relationship of the diamond sector alities behind those emails. Getting to know your clients on with the NGOs has deteriorated that much? It was excel- a deeper, more personal level is imperative to the health lent once. Why are the NGOs so dissatisfied with the and longevity of your partnerships. achievements of the Kimberley-process and the diamond What you should do: Ask your clients about their sector? biggest visions for the business. Spend an extra five min- Certainly not because there would be more conflict dia- utes on your next call to learn about them. Find out why monds than twelve years ago. So why are they? Maybe they started their company and what it means to them. because the NGOs themselves have become small enter- Always keep your conversations warm and friendly. You’ll prises and the available funds have decreased, so the stand out in their mind the next time they’re looking for a mutual competition has therefore increased? Did their service provider, coach, writer, or even when they want to need to boast originate there? Is it not possible that dia- make an incredible referral. SYDNEY: Christine Lagarde (left), International Monetary SYDNEY: German Finance Minister Wolfgang Schaeuble, monds have become part of NGOs’ core business so that blood diamonds need to continue to exist? Could we pos- 8. Become an ambassador for their brand Fund Managing Director, shakes hands with Russian center, arrives for an official photo at the Opera House Did your clients launch a new website? Is their product Central Bank Governor Elvira Nabiullina at the G20 during the G20 Finance Ministers and Central Bank sibly consider the economic context for a moment? It is an selling internationally? Did they land a huge project? Were Finance Ministers and Central Bank Governors official Governors meeting in Sydney yesterday. open secret that the NGOs working in the field of minerals they nominated for an award? group photo in Sydney yesterday. — AP photos are especially subsidized by western powers. Has anyone What you should do: Let your own community know ever made the connection with the declining economic just how excited you are about your client’s achievements. importance of the major superpowers in Africa ? The fact You can even gift your client with flowers or a small present Candid 2008 US Fed records detail crisis, that China has become the first economic power in the to send an extra boost of confidence and kudos their way. world with business transactions worth $3.82 billion. That a When you spread the buzz about the amazing things your remedial action Bernanke was a worried man kind of cold war is going on in Africa for the control of client is doing, your own credibility goes viral. Your business essential raw materials. is viewed as one that truly values its clients and projects, WASHINGTON: At the beginning of 2008, US Federal Reserve A read through them and one that’s a pleasure to work with. In today’s world, a Non-issue Chairman Ben Bernanke was worried. Just back from meetings (www.federalreserve.gov/monetarypolicy/fomchistorical20 little thoughtfulness goes a very long way. Even if that would not be the intention of the NGOs, it is with bankers in Basel, he told a phone meeting of Fed officials 08.htm) details the drama of plunging home prices and massive perceived as such by all my colleagues in southern Africa, that things were looking worse than even weeks before. “I think job losses, often in the arcane language of economists and 9. Every client is a VIP client a garden-variety recession is an acceptable risk, but I am also finance specialists, but also in human terms. They show where I have been spending one third of my time for some No matter how big or how small the scope of work is, concerned that such a downturn might morph into something Bernanke’s sense of urgency picking up quickly. years already. Add the fact that Russia, China, India, South- remember to treat every client with red carpet service. It Africa, Namibia, Angola, Zimbabwe, Congo and the United doesn’t matter if the client is spending one hundred or ten more serious,” he said. “The concern I have is not just a slowdown but the possibili- Inflation vs stalling growth Arab Emirates have gradually grown tired of the situation thousand dollars on your services. All your clients are the that a small minority of member states continue to imper- lifeline of your business. ty that it might become a much nastier episode.” So began the Just two weeks after that first phone call of the year, most extraordinary year in the Fed’s modern history, with the Bernanke was advocating strong action: a cut in the Fed’s tinent impose their agenda on the large majority in the What you should do: Make sure your clients’ needs are decision-making process of the Kimberley process. In the met and that they’re getting everything that they’ve asked policy makers alternatively confident they had their hand on base interest rate of 0.75 percentage point. “We can no the situation and fretting that things were out of their control. It longer temporize. We have to address this crisis. We have name of human rights, but nobody believes that any more. for, and more! Ask them if there’s anything your team can The resolution of the majority party already shows with do to make their experience more worthwhile, less stress- was finally in October 2008 that Bernanke-a top scholar of the to try to get it under control. If we can’t do that, then we which party Belgium sides in this debate. And this for a ful, or more valuable. Remember to meet deadlines. Great Depression-openly acknowledged that the United States are just going to lose control of the whole situation,” he had entered its worst economic crisis in memory. “It’s more than warned. The transcripts reveal Janet Yellen-then head of non-issue in a sector which already has a hard time to 10. Accept blame when necessary obvious,” he told his Fed team at that point-after Bear Stearns the Fed’s San Francisco branch and, since the beginning of stand it’s ground and is discarded once again. Never cede responsibility for any mistakes you make. and Lehman Brothers had collapsed, and Fannie Mae and AIG February this year, Bernanke’s replacement as Fed chair- That human rights must be respected is beyond ques- What you should do: In case of mistakes, acknowledge were rescued “that we have an extraordinary situation.” on top of what was happening in the economy at large. tion. There are enough organizations that judge these them and then tell your client how you’ll fix them. A high “It’s not like the 1987 stock-market crash or the 1970 com- “I think the risk of a severe recession and credit crisis issues in all objectivity. Authorities that do not depend on level of professionalism is expected when working with mercial paper crisis. Virtually all the markets-particularly the is unacceptably high,” she argued in the January 21 the financing by foreign governments that try to achieve clients. When you invest in a relationship - any relationship - credit markets-are not functioning or are in extreme stress.” meeting. And they show Timothy Geithner-who would an economic advantage and very successfully manipulate the value of that relationship increases and it becomes “It’s really an extraordinary situation, and I think everyone become Treasury secretary in charge of rescuing the the media. more likely to bear fruit. So, once you’ve found great clients can agree that it’s creating enormous risks for the global econo- economy in January 2009 — constantly urging tough Isn’t it time to brush aside that ‘dirty business’-reputa- who are fond of you and your work, go the extra mile to my.” The Fed released Friday transcripts of the discussions action to support the markets while urging his col- tion? Who is 100 percent perfect? Is 99.8 percent not good ensure their continued loyalty and esteem. Bernanke led through that tumultuous year that ultimately leagues to be careful what they say in public, lest they enough? After all, there are hardly any conflict diamonds spelled the worst economic turmoil since the 1930s. stoke the growing panic.—AFP these days. SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 23, 2014 BUSINESS

KSE remains mixed amid selling pressure

BAYAN WEEKLY MARKET REPORT KUWAIT: Kuwait Stock Exchange (KSE) ended last week with mixed per- formance. The Price Index closed at 7,737.49 points, down by 1.34 percent from the week before closing, the Weighted Index increased by 0.18 per- cent after closing at 465.20 points, whereas the KSX-15 Index closed at 1,097.25 points up by 0.70 percent. Furthermore, last week’s average daily turnover decreased by 18.79 percent, compared to the preceding week, reaching KD 28.83 million, whereas trading volume average was 241.10 million shares, recording decrease of 10.64 percent. Kuwait stock market indices per- formed mixed last week, when com- pared to the previous one, with an 1,288.83 points. Whereas, in the sec- overall decline during most of the ses- ond place, the Telecommunication sions, affected by the strong selling sector’s index closed at 868.62 pressures and profit collection opera- points recording 1.48 percent tions that included many stocks in dif- increase. The Health Care Sector ferent sectors, among a control of the remained without change as its fluctuated performance that the stock index closed at 1,119.49 points. market is witnessing during this peri- od due to the continuous specula- Sectors’ activity tions and absence of technical moti- The Financial Services sector vators such as the national portfolio dominated total trade volume dur- and other portfolios that have an ing last week with 504.77 million impact on the trading direction. shares changing hands, representing In addition, the selling operations 41.87 percent of the total market concentrated on the low-priced listed trading volume. The Real Estate sec- stocks, which affected the Price Index tor was second in terms of trading performance in particular, to decline volume as the sector’s traded shares the most during last week, when com- were 28.29 percent of last week’s pared to the Weighted and KSX-15 total trading volume, with a total of indices, whereas it dropped below the 340.99 million shares. 7800 point level. Also, the liquidity On the other hand, the Financial levels have declined by the end of last Services sector’s stocks were the week by 18.79 percent. highest traded in terms of value; Moreover, the stock market have with a turnover of KD 40.19 million performed positively during few ses- large-cap and blue-chip stocks posi- its closing in 2013, while the weighted remained as it is. The Insurance sec- points at a loss of 2.13 percent. The or 27.88 percent of last week’s total sions last week, as the return of the tively affected the stock market index increased by 2.72 percent, and tor headed the losers list as its index Technology sector was the least market trading value. The Banks sec- low-priced stocks activity, that were indices performance during some ses- the KSX-15 recorded 2.70 percent declined by 3.51 percent to end the declining as its index closed at tor took the second place as the sec- declined at the beginning of the sions, however was not enough to growth. week’s activity at 1,157.34 points. 1,052.17 points with a 0.10 percent tor’s last week turnover was KD week, supported the Price Index, after push the indices to close in the green The Real Estate sector was second on decrease. 38.02 million represented 26.37 per- it turned to be good and attractive zone on the weekly level. Sectors’ indices the losers’ list, which index declined On the other hand, last week’s cent of the total market trading val- speculative opportunities to traders; For the annual performance, the Nine of KSE’s sectors ended last by 2.48 percent, closing at 1,421.40 highest gainer was the Consumer ue. — Prepared by the Studies & while the random purchasing opera- price index ended last week recording week in the red zone, while two points, followed by the Oil & Gas sec- Goods sector, achieving 1.95 percent Research Department, Bayan tions that were executed on some 2.49 percent annual gain compared to recorded increases and one tor, as its index closed at 1,196.32 growth rate as its index closed at Investment Co. Early US gain fades; Oil stays above S&P 500 declines $102, set for 6th weekly rise NEW YORK: US stocks slipped on Friday, points below its record close of 1,848.38, pushing the market to a weekly loss, as set Jan. 15. SINGAPORE: US crude held above $102 a barrel on Friday, investors assessed the latest round of The Dow Jones industrial average fell set for its sixth weekly rise, buoyed by strong heating company earnings. Express Scripts, the 29.93 points, or 0.2 percent, to 16,103.30. demand in North America and as a new pipeline drained largest US pharmacy benefits manager, The Nasdaq composite dropped 4.13 supply from the contract’s delivery point in Cushing, fell after its fourth-quarter earnings points, or 0.1 percent, to 4,263.41. Oklahoma. slipped, hurt by the loss of UnitedHealth, Among individual stocks, Express Scripts The front-month price for US crude touched the highest a large customer. Groupon plunged after fell $3.11, or 4 percent, to $74.01 after it in four months earlier this week, although it has eased the online deals company said it expects reported its results. Groupon plunged slightly on concerns about the state of the global economy to post a loss this quarter and issued a $2.25, or 21.9 percent, to $8.03 after the following weak data from the United States and China. weak outlook for the year. online deals company said it was ramp- FUNDAMENTALS The Standard & Poor’s 500 index rose ing up its marketing campaign and fore- US crude futures for April delivery nudged up 2 cents to in early trading Friday and had almost cast 2014 pre-tax earnings to be only $102.77 a barrel by 0042 GMT. The March contract that wiped out its loss for the year by late slightly higher than last year. expired on Thursday closed at $102.92 a barrel, down 39 morning, climbing to within two points Stock investors have had a bumpy cents. Brent crude settled down 17 cents at $110.30 a bar- of it record close. By late afternoon the ride so far this year. The S&P 500 was rel on Thursday. index started to turn lower. The stock down almost 6 percent for the year at the April Brent’s premium to US crude settled 8 cents lower market has gained this month after get- start of February amid concerns about at $7.55, after narrowing to as much as $7.09 earlier in the ting a boost from decent corporate earn- slowing growth in China and other session, its tightest since Oct. 9. ings for the fourth quarter and optimism emerging markets, as well as worries US crude oil stocks rose almost 1 million barrels to 362 that the economy will start to pull out of about the state of the US economy. Since million barrels and fell 1.73 million barrels at the Cushing its winter slump as the weather then stocks have rebounded, but some storage hub, indicating ample supply flowing to the Gulf improves. investors aren’t convinced the recovery Coast, Energy Information Administration data showed on While investors have been willing to will last. Thursday. overlook much of the weak economic “I’ve felt all along that this is going to The capital of South Sudan’s main oil-producing region data this month, they appear reluctant to be a very volatile year,” said Uri NEW YORK: Trader Gregory Rowe, center, works at the post of specialist Joseph was divided between the army and rebels on Thursday push the stock market back above its Landesman, president of Platinum Mastrolia, left, on the floor of the New York Stock Exchange on Friday. US stocks after the worst fighting since a January ceasefire stoked jit- recent highs before they see firmer evi- Partners, an investment management are inching higher in early trading, putting the Standard & Poor’s 500 index on ters in global oil markets. A petroleum ministry official told Reuters oil production dence that the economy is sustaining its company. “For me, you’ve got a lot more track for its third straight week of gains. —AP recovery. downside than upside.” The S&P 500 rose had fallen to about 170,000 barrels per day even before the rebel strike on Malakal, a fall of around a third. Venezuelan Investors are “giving the economic almost 30 percent last year, and investors Ameren reported earnings that beat off to a good start in tax season and that security forces and demonstrators faced off in streets data points a bit of a free pass, but at the are now too bullish on the stock market, Wall Street’s expectations after cold electronic tax filings using TurboTax were blocked by burning barricades in several provincial cities same time they’re not fully convinced making it vulnerable to a sell-off, weather boosted demand for gas and up 10 percent as of Feb. 14. on Thursday as protests escalated against President Nicolas either,” said Robert Pavlik, chief market Landesman said. Ameren, a utility com- electricity. Among other stocks making Priceline.com climbed $32.65, or 2.5 Maduro’s socialist government. strategist at Banyan Partners, a wealth pany based in St. Louis, Missouri, was big moves on Friday: Intuit rose $3.39, or percent, to $1,315.65 after the online The oil industry hopes Norway will bring plenty of new management firm. among the winners on Friday. 4.6 percent, to $77.24 after the maker of travel company reported earnings that oil onstream to help fix the Brent benchmark as other solu- The S&P 500 index fell 3.53 points, or The stock rose $2.07, or 5.3 percent, Quicken, TurboTax and other financial exceeded the expectations of Wall Street tions - such as adding Russian or Nigerian crude to the 0.2 percent, to 1,836.25. The index lost to $40.88, making it the biggest gainer in software raised its earnings forecast for analysts, as bookings for hotels, rental North Sea mix - pose too many risks, executives and traders 2.38 points for the week and is now 12 the S&P 500. its fiscal third quarter. Intuit said it was cars and airline tickets accelerated. — AP said. —AP SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 23, 2014 BUSINESS High jobless rate among Kuwaitis worrisome

AL-SHALL WEEKLY ECONOMIC REPORT

KUWAIT: The Central Statistical Bureau and will reduce the surplus as we go ahead in launched in February a new website dedicated the months of the fiscal year and it may be less to labor market data. Earlier in January, the with the issuing of the final account unless a Central Bank of Kuwait launched a new pilot substantial saving occurs in the estimated website. In this report, we shall provide an expenses. evaluation of these two initiatives. We however have to recall that the terms The Central Statistical Bureau website is budget surplus and public finance surplus do dedicated to the so-called “Labor Market not apply to the oil states. Surplus in public Information System” which was launched in finance science is that financial saving which cooperation with the World Bank. It contains results from increased revenues generated important data about the economy in general from taxes on the economic activity as profits, and the labor market in particular. Perhaps income taxes, or the value added tax, etc. While there are two important improvements in this in the case of the oil states, surplus is achieved initiative. First, the new website contains by replacing an in-kind asset with another expectations about the performance of certain monetary asset like someone who owns a gold economic indicators until 2020. For example, alloy in a safe box but only to sell it and get projections show a potential annual growth money. He lost an asset or part thereof by con- rate of about 4.9 percent for the Kuwaiti econ- verting it to money to finance his living needs. omy as measured by real Gross Domestic This is not sustainable and calling it surplus is Product (GDP) in the period 2011-2016, which due to a lack of a scientific suitable term or def- is acceptable growth if we overlook its over- inition. But the rise in surplus volume and its whelming dependence on oil. The forecasts drop due to the big figure of expenses or their also indicate a high unemployment rate maturity in the last month of the fiscal year, is among Kuwaitis in 2020 up to about 8.4 per- in large part due to the long paper cycle of the cent, compared with the latest actual available expenditures and in part is due to lack of pru- data for 2011 of 5.7 percent. The reason for the dence in inflating the expenses in the last high rate of unemployment is the expected month of the fiscal year so as not to be deduct- decline in government spending and employ- ed from the budget of that agency for the next ment. Likewise, the website contains general fiscal year. projections about supply and demand for vari- ous jobs, which helps students and job seekers Corruption in EU in choosing their careers. Publishing these pro- The European Commission, which is the jections instead of simply collecting actual executive authority in the European Union, data is an important progress for government published on 3 February a report that is the statistical work, especially if the quality of first of its kind on the scale of corruption in the these projections, their scope, and independ- 28 member-states of the EU. We will present ence are developed in the future, and if the here the most important points in the report models on which they are based are adjusted and compare it with the situation in Kuwait. periodically in light of changes in the actual Perhaps the most important piece of infor- data, which the website promises. mation in the report is the publication of a spe- The second important development in the cific estimate about the size of corruption, Labor Market Information System website is about 120 billion Euros a year, which is a huge technical and relates to how data is provided. amount equivalent to about 0.9 percent of the Graphs have become interactive allowing size of the EU’s economy in 2012, measured by more than one presentation mode according nominal GDP. The report published important to the user’s need, as well as the possibility to figures on the results of opinion polls on the download some data in editable formats scale of corruption. About 76 percent of directly instead of the old format that requires respondents in the EU stated that corruption is entering data manually by the user if s/he widespread in their country; about 73 percent wants to use the data in calculations. This tech- of them reported that bribery and use of con- nical development saves researchers, institu- nections are often the easiest way to receive tions and companies that analyze the Kuwaiti public services. As for concentrated corruption labor market hours of manual work, and as sites, about 67 percent of participants stated such provides efficient use of time. that political parties financing lacks trans- What applies to the Labor Market parency, but only 8 percent of participants said Information System” technically also applies to they had been personally subject or witnessed the new website of the Central Bank of Kuwait, themselves corruption incidents during the currently available in English only. The data is past year, while only 23 percent believe in the interactive, downloadable in an adjustable efficiency of the current anti-corruption efforts. form instead of manual entry. This initiative On the corporate level, about 40 percent of comes similar to the initiative of issuing The the companies participating in the survey said Financial Stability Report 2012” in English, that corruption posed a problem to them, with which we evaluated in a former report. there being an inverse relation between the Perhaps these two initiatives from the size of the company and its estimate for the Central Statistical Bureau and the Central Bank seriousness of the corruption problem: the of Kuwait come within a context of moderniza- smaller the company, the more chance of tion of some government economic entities in exposure to corruption. The size of the corrup- Kuwait, whose data still suffer from shortcom- tion problem varies among the 28 EU mem- ings like late issuing, long gaps between data bers. The countries are divided in line with the issuing dates, lack of adequate explanation of level of their economic and civil development. the data, their collection methods, and their The least in corruption are the North changes. We must emphasize the importance (Scandinavian) and the Western European of developing the capabilities of government countries, while the worst are the countries of institutions, at the top of which are the nation- Eastern and southern Europe, including al cadres, to be able to launch and develop Greece, Italy and Spain. these initiatives without reliance on foreign We cannot compare these figures with expertise on a permanent basis, while main- Kuwaiti figures because the figures in the latter taining Arabic as the primary language for are lacking. We, however, can try to estimate these statistics. In appreciation of this effort, the amount of corruption in Kuwait using the we convey our due commendation and thanks difference between European and Kuwaiti esti- to the two institutions. mates in the latest classification of the Corruption Perceptions Index issued in 2013 Monthly report of State, Financial from Transparency International. The average Administration Accounts rank of the EU on the Corruption Perceptions In its monthly follow-up report for the Index was 63.3 grades compared to 43 grades State’s financial accounts (as published on its for Kuwait (the lower the grade, the higher the website) until December 2013, the Ministry of corruption). This means that corruption in Finance indicates a continued rise in the rev- Kuwait is higher by about 47.2 percent than its enues side. Until 31/12/2013, nine months European counterpart. From that, we can esti- from the current fiscal year 2013/2014, total mate the amount of corruption in Kuwait at collected revenues amounted to approximate- nearly KD 698 million a year, i.e. more than the ly KD 23.984 billion, higher by 32.5 percent total expenses of nine government entities in than the total estimated revenues for the cur- fiscal year 2012-2013 (excluding the part of rent fiscal year in the amount of approximately those expenses under the item of the Ministry KD 18.0959 billion, but with -1.1 percent below of Finance-Public Accounts). The 9 entities are: the total received revenues during the same the Ministry of Commerce and Industry, the period of last fiscal year 2012/2013 in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Ministry of amount of KD 24.260 billion. Communications, the Ministry of Justice, the In detail, the bulletin estimates actual oil State Audit Bureau, the Department of Fatwa revenues until 31/12/2013 by about KD 22.196 and Legislation, the National Council for billion, higher by 31.5 percent than the oil rev- Culture, Arts and Letters, the General enues estimated for the entire current fiscal Secretariat of Awqaf, and the Central Statistical year in the amount of KD 16.8831 billion, or Bureau. This is approximately 1.4 percent of the about 92.5 percent of total received revenues. Kuwaiti economy in 2012 and approximately What has been collected during the first nine 3.6 percent of the State’s expenditures for fiscal months of the current fiscal year was less by KD year 2012-2013. Our estimate of KD 698 million 644.231 million, -2.8 percent than its counter- a year is a reserved estimate of corruption in part value last fiscal year. An amount of KD Kuwait. Its measurement does not cover major 1.788 billion was collected from non-oil rev- scandals such as the embezzlement of foreign enues during the same period, at a monthly investments, the embezzlement of the Oil average of about KD 198.667 million, while the Tanker Company, the deposits and transfers non-oil revenues estimated for the entire fiscal bribery and embezzlement scandals, but is year was about KD 1.2127 billion. As such, the confined to recurring corruption issues. realized amount will be more for the entire fis- We do not recommend relying on these cor- cal year by about KD 1.17 billion than the esti- ruption figures because they are based on a mate, assuming non-oil revenues would con- preliminary comparison between undetailed tinue at the same monthly average mentioned international indicators, while in the EU’s are above. the result of a field study inside the countries Expenditures allocations for the current fis- to assess the scale of corruption. Perhaps that cal year were estimated at about KD 21.0026 would be one of the tasks of the Anti-corrup- billion, an amount of KD 9.642 billion of which tion Authority created in November 2012, was actually spent according to the bulletin- whose head promised strong efforts to fight until 31/12/2013, an average monthly spend- corruption. We will believe these statements ing at KD 1.071 billion. We, however, do not only when we see the corruption lords behind recommend relying on this figure because bars. there are expenditures which have become due but have not been actually spent. In addi- Weekly performance of KSE tion, spending in the late months of the fiscal The performance of Kuwait Stock Exchange year is usually more than in the early months. (KSE) for the last week was mixed, as the traded Although the bulletin concludes that the value index, the traded volume index and the budget surplus in the first nine months of the transactions index showed a decrease, while current fiscal year scored about KD14.342 bil- the general index showed an increase. AlShall lion, we publish it without recommending rely- Index (value index) closed at 469.6 points at ing on it as we believe that the actual surplus the closing of last Thursday, showing an figure of the budget will be less than the pub- increase of about 2 points or about 0.4 percent lished figures. In addition, there are due comparing to last week and an increase of 14.9 expenses but have not been spent yet. points or about 3.3 percent compared with the Monthly spending average will be ascending end of 2013. SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 23, 2014 BUSINESS Al-Zayani joins Jaguar approved pre-owned vehicle program Customer experience to match that of a new vehicle purchase KUWAIT: Jaguar MENA, the lead- lence and increased consumer ing manufacturer of premium lux- confidence.” ury vehicles has launched a dedi- A vehicle search function is cated pre-owned certified vehicle integrated within www.al- program; ‘Jaguar approved’ across zayani.com to offer prospective its key dealer network in the buyers a quick and easy naviga- region. tion tool to select pre-owned cars The move by the manufacturer from their nearest showroom. The comes in response to increased website gives detailed specifica- demand from across the MENA tions, vehicle prices as well as a region for Jaguar pre-owned cer- comprehensive selection of inte- tified vehicles, and reflects rior and exterior imagery for all Jaguar’s commitment to deliver a Jaguar APPROVED vehicles. Other first class customer experience options include: dealer location, with a guaranteed standard of local currency selection, send an product excellence and increased enquiry and request a test drive consumer confidence. or finance quote from Jaguar Al-Zayani in Kuwait will join dealers across the region. Mahmoud Sabri other GCC markets in launching All pre-owned vehicles will the program. The Levant and undergo a rigorous multi-point North Africa will follow suit later vehicle inspection by qualified Kuwait’s construction this year to provide a comprehen- Jaguar technicians. This includes sive pre-owned platform for mechanical, bodywork, interior Jaguar across MENA. and electrical inspections, as well sector set for a boom Speaking about the launch, as a full road-test, after which any DSI eyeing major projects in core sectors Richard Gouverneur, Business irregularities are rectified with Development Director for Jaguar genuine Jaguar manufacturer KUWAIT: Kuwait’s construction sector is set ects can fuel the growth of the construc- MENA, said: “Jaguar has gone parts. This documented process is for an upswing despite delays in some of tion sector. DSI Kuwait, DSI’s wholly- from strength to strength in this shared with all prospective cus- the major infrastructure projects. owned local subsidiary, added that these region with continued year on tomers in the form of a signed According to a recent report released by projects would require contracting servic- year growth in the new car seg- certificate and completed multi- Kuwait Finance House, the sector grew by es for Civil Contracting, MEP works, and ment. The pre-owned car indus- point check list confirming quali- 3.6 per cent in 2013 to reach $3.3 billion Water & Power expertise, among others. try is a growing business with ty standards, along with a mini- and will continue its momentum in 2014 to The company plans to leverage upon its greater demand from consumers With APPROVED, we worked with fied, reliable customer focused mum 12-months warranty, 12- reach $3.5 billion at the rate of 3.4 per decade-long experience, deep under- for guaranteed quality and excel- our global teams and regional program that delivers a guaran- months roadside assistance pack- cent1. With the rising need for better infra- standing of the local market dynamics, its lent customer service standards. dealers to ensure we have a certi- teed standard of product excel- age and a full service history. structural facilities, growing demand for ability to provide custom-built solutions, private sector real estate development, and and the latest engineering technologies to above all, government’s budget surplus of bid for major contracts. $42 to 50 billion for the financial year 2013- Established in 2004, DSI Kuwait has an Malabar Gold & Diamonds 14, the country’s construction industry impressive track record of completing could outperform over the next few years. major construction and engineering proj- ects on time and at par with international Industry opportunities standards. Currently, the total value of opens 110th outlet in Guntur Compared to its neighbors, Kuwait is DSI’s projects in Kuwait is worth more still an upcoming market for the construc- than $163 million. The company’s portfo- GUNTUR, India: Malabar Gold & tion sector. It currently accounts for only 10 lio includes the Public Authority for Diamonds, the leading jewellery per cent of the building work in the GCC Applied Education and Training in retailer unveiled one more show- region. Nevertheless, it has become the Shuwaikh, Student Accommodation at room in Guntur, Andhra Pradesh to region’s fourth largest projects market after Boys Campus, College of Basic Education - strengthen its presence in the Saudi Arabia, the UAE and Qatar. With proj- in Ardiya, the State Audit Bureau of region. The outlet located in ects worth $188 billion underway in both Kuwait, the College of Arts at Sabah Al- Lakshmipuram main road, Guntur infrastructure and real estate, Kuwait joins Salem University, Shadadiyah, and a inaugurated by Kajal Agarwal lead- the construction boom in the GCC. mosque in favor of a Kuwaiti government ing Tollywood actress along with As far as the infrastructure is con- body. Grandhi Kantha Rao, Chairman cerned, the construction of a second ter- “Given the amount of development Crane industries, in the presence minal at Kuwait International Airport needed in real estate and infrastructure in of MP. Ahamad, Chairman Malabar worth $3.3 billion, to be completed by Kuwait, the country will emerge as one of Group, Asher, Group Executive 2016, is among the key projects in the the biggest markets in the construction Director, Malabar gold & country along with Kuwait City’s $7 billion sector in the coming years. This growth Diamonds, on 16th February 2014 Metro which is expected to be operational will provide extensive opportunities for amidst other Directors, personali- by 2020. The country also plans to invest major industry players such as DSI which ties from media and well-wishers. $6.3 billion in a road development pro- is eyeing projects across diverse sectors The outlet in Guntur is the gram which will see the expansion of 550 such as real estate, healthcare, education, 110th outlet of Malabar Gold & km of high-speed motorways by 2015. and wastewater and water treatment. We Diamonds worldwide and 11th in Subiya Causeway, a 37.5 km bridge across will use our local knowledge, our special- Andhra Pradesh. To celebrate the the Kuwait Bay, linking Kuwait City, Subiya ized divisions and our experienced profes- opening of this outlet, Malabar Peninsula and Boubyan Island is another sionals to help Kuwait achieve its long- Gold & Diamonds announced fab- prime development valued at $2.6 billion. term development plans,” said Mahmoud ulous inaugural offers for their Moreover, government has allocated Sabri, Area General Manager of DSK. customers. If it is a diamond jew- funds to uplift the healthcare sector with ellery purchase, the customers get expansion of nine of its existing hospitals, Forecast for 2014 special discounts & privileges on including Amiri Hospital in Kuwait City Kuwait’s government is keen to encour- diamonds during the inaugural tomers in their purchasing deci- India and 36 are in the GCC coun- Malaysia and Indonesia. The com- while more than $5 billion university age public-private partnership (PPP) limited period. sions. tries. In Andhra, Malabar Gold & pany is also planning to spread building projects are in various stages of schemes to make it one of the most lucra- Malabar Gold & Diamonds Their branded jewellery collec- Diamonds already have 10 show- their wings to European markets construction. tive in the region. The action seen in the focus has always been on provid- tion includes Era- Uncut Diamond rooms in Hyderabad, Vijayawada, starting with UK and US. construction sector in 2013 will continue ing a wide range of choices for Jewellery, Ethnix- Handcrafted Vishakapatnam, Rajahmundry, When it comes to CSR activi- DSI Kuwait’s role in 2014, as the government is poised to jewellery customers who seek Designer Jewellery, Mine- dia- Kakinada, Tirupati, Kurnool. Few ties, the group is also in the fore- According to Drake & Scull announce $13.7 billion worth of projects excellent value for money. But, monds unlimited, Divine- Indian more are planned in other parts of front. They set apart 10 percent of International PJSC (DSI), a regional market in the first quarter of 2014 and $9.5 billion their true strength is the shopping Heritage Jewellery, Precia- Precious Andhra Pradesh in the coming its net profit to the benefit of leader in integrated design, engineering towards the end of the year7. The oil-rich experience, with appealing stores Gem Jewellery and Starlet- Kids years. The group also represents needy and focus primarily in five and construction disciplines of General state is all set to dominate the Gulf con- staffed by friendly and knowl- Jewellery. the Far East with 1 outlet in priority areas such as health, edu- Contracting, Mechanical, Electrical and struction sector in the coming year edgeable jewellery consultants The retail chain has 110 outlets Singapore and now they are look- cation, environment, housing and Plumbing (MEP), Water and Power, Rail through the support and expertise of spe- who are trained to help the cus- worldwide, out of which 74 are in ing for expansion in Hong Kong, women empowerment. and Oil and Gas, major infrastructure proj- cialists such as Drake & Scull. Honda opens second plant Detroit draw first full map in rising auto power Mexico CELAYA, Mexico: Honda unveiled a sec- generate economic growth in our coun- for leaving bankruptcy ond factory in Mexico on Friday, seeking to try,” Pena Nieto said. capitalize on the nation’s rising power in Work at the factory, which produced its the sector and strengthen the Japanese first car Monday, quickly resumed after DETROIT: Detroit presented its first full road Detroit police officer who died two years ago. As they tear down problem properties, offi- car giant’s foothold in North America. the ceremony, with Mexican workers map for climbing out of bankruptcy Friday, out- “He earned these benefits through his hard cials also want to reinvest by giving police, fire- The $800 million plant in the central assembling red, blue and black models lining an elaborate plan to restructure $18 bil- work, through his labor, through wage freezes fighters and ambulance crews better equipment city of Celaya will churn out 200,000 units with the help of welding robots. lion in debt, demolish thousands of blighted back when he was employed,” Pegg said. “I that will produce faster response times. The plan per year, contributing to Mexico’s race to Ironically, the investments of Japanese homes and invest in the broken-down infra- thought that that would be money I would be calls for crews to address troubles that have long beat Canada and Japan as top car exporter car makers in Mexico is helping the Latin structure that has made the city a symbol of able to take care of myself.” Orr has said he would plagued the city’s electrical grid and street-light- to the United States. For the company, pro- American country gain ground on Japan’s urban decay. If approved by a judge, the sweep- like the city to emerge from bankruptcy by the ing system, which has deteriorated to the point ducing the Honda Fit hatchback and a yet- auto exports to the United States. ing proposal would mean sharply reduced pay- fall, when his term is up. where many neighborhoods descend into black- to-be-named compact sport utility vehicle Mexico is on pace to overtake Japan ments to some retirees and creditors. Pension Bankruptcy attorney and St. John’s University ness every night after sundown. “It’s critical that in Guanajuato state will expand its pres- for second place this year, exporting 1.69 holders could expect to get 70 percent to 90 law professor Anthony Sabino said the plan we leave the city in a fashion that it doesn’t have ence in the Mexican and US markets. Latin million units to its northern neighbor, percent of what they are owned, while many could spark an argument between city workers to come this way again,” Orr said. Wayne State America’s second-biggest economy has almost 200,000 more than the Asian banks would receive as little as 20 percent. and retirees and police and firefighters. “It’s University law professor John Mogk, an expert on become an increasingly favored destina- nation, according to IHS Automotive con- The plan, which is sure to be the subject of intriguing Mr. Orr wants to have the firefighters land-use planning and urban development, said tion for carmakers thanks to its lower sultancy. In 2015, Mexico will outpace court challenges, envisions a leaner, cleaner and and police have 90 percent and other city work- a post-bankruptcy Detroit “will be on much wages, skilled workforce and participation Canada with 1.9 million units sold in the safer Motor City after financial burdens are lifted. ers cut back to two-thirds,” Sabino said Friday. firmer ground.” in a raft of free-trade pacts. “We have great United States, IHS estimates. IHS auto ana- “There is still much work in front of all of us to “The other unions will say, ‘Even if we’re uneven, One of the touchiest issues is the fate of about expectations for growth in the US market lyst Guido Vildozo said Honda’s focus on continue the recovery from a decades-long we should be closer.’ It does create an inequity 2,800 city-owned treasures in the Detroit as well as the Mexican market,” Honda Mexico-where the firm is also building a downward spiral,” state-appointed manager that is going to have to be addressed in court.” Institute of Arts. Those masterpieces have been chief executive Takanobu Ito told $470 million transmissions plant at the Kevyn Orr said in a statement. Orr’s so-called Detroit’s woes have piled up for generations. In at risk of being auctioned to raise money to reporters, adding that Mexico has good same Celaya site, adding another 1,500 plan of adjustment “provides the best path for- the 1950s, its population grew to 1.8 million peo- repay creditors. growth potential for small cars. jobs-was also due to an unfavorable for- ward for all parties to resolve their respective ple, many of whom were lured by plentiful, well- Foundations and others have pledged $365 “In addition to having the North eign exchange rate. Honda opened its first issues and for Detroit to become once again a paying auto jobs. Later that decade, Detroit million toward pensions to keep the art from American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA), factory in the western state of Jalisco in city in which people want to invest, live and began to decline as developers starting building being sold. The governor has said he will seek Mexico has free-trade deals with several the 1980s to produce motorcycles and lat- work.” suburbs that lured away workers and businesses. $350 million from the state to aid that cause, regions in the world, including Japan and er cars. The state is focused “on protecting and mini- Beginning in the late 1960s, auto companies while the museum raises $100 million. But that Europe,” he said through an interpreter. “People forget that Mexican labor is mizing the impact on retirees, especially those began opening plants in other cities. Property money depends on both pension systems Mexican President Enrique Pena Nieto highly qualified. Mexico has been building on fixed, limited incomes,” Gov. Rick Snyder said, values and tax revenue fell, and police couldn’t approving Orr’s plan. The foundations “are look- was on hand to unveil the sprawling facto- for competitive markets in the United as well as “restoring and improving essential control crime. In later years, the rise of autos ing to get this thing done,” Orr said. ry-which will have 3,200 workers-along- States and Europe for years,” Vildozo told services ... and building a foundation for the city’s imported from Japan started to cut the size of Orr had hoped creditors would sign off on the side state officials and Honda executives, AFP. long-term financial stability and economic the US auto industry. By the time the industry plan before he submitted it to US Bankruptcy including Ito. US, European and Asian automakers growth.” melted down in 2009, only a few factories from Judge Steven Rhodes. But the clock was ticking have also flocked to Mexico. The new The governor called the plan “a critical step GM and Chrysler were left. because Rhodes had set a March 1 deadline. The Mexico as auto hub Honda plant is near a Mazda factory that forward.” But it leaves unanswered many ques- Detroit lost a quarter-million residents proposal still faces numerous obstacles, and most Mexico is now the world’s eighth- began operations last month, attracting tions, including whether creditors and labor between 2000 and 2010. Today, its population aspects are still being negotiated in mediation ses- biggest car maker and the number four auto part makers that are turning unions will accept the deal or fight it, and how could fall as low as 680,000, according to Orr. Of sions with stakeholders. A vote in favor of the plan exporter after Germany, South Korea and Guanajuato into an industry hub. Audi, long that process might take. The package calls the city’s $18 billion in debt, about $12 billion is by one class of creditors would be enough to send Japan, according to industry figures. “I the top-of-the-range company owned by for awarding police and fire retirees at least 90 unsecured, Orr said, meaning there is no tax rev- it to the judge, who then would hold trial-like hear- am pleased to be here for the inaugura- German auto giant Volkswagen, is build- percent of their pension after eliminating cost-of- enue or other money to pay it. ings to determine if the proposal should be tion of this Honda factory, which recog- ing a factory in the state of Puebla that living allowances. Other retirees would receive at The city wants to spend $500 million to knock approved over the objections of other creditors. nizes that we are creating the optimal will produce 150,000 cars per year when it least 70 percent. down up to 450 decaying, abandoned properties Appeals are almost sure to persist even after conditions to attract investments and to opens in 2016. —AFP It still doesn’t seem fair to Janice Pegg, 67, who each week. Those buildings are Detroit’s most the final version is endorsed by a bankruptcy receives the pension left by her husband, Victor, a visible eyesores and magnets for criminal activity. court. —AP SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 23, 2014 technology My love affair with WhatsApp: Does it have to end? By Tali Arbel few taps, even for my technophobe WhatsApp is the best stand-in for a con- which my mother and sisters don’t check phone a few weeks ago. With WhatsApp, mother. It lets Android and iPhone users versation you have over dinner with peo- that often, and easier to follow than a 5- I don’t need it. I still use Facebook’s NEW YORK: When I used WhatsApp to talk in groups, which doesn’t work well ple you love. It’s intimate. It’s personal. I person phone call. Messenger app, but WhatsApp is better. tell my family about Facebook’s $19 bil- with standard text messaging. A group rely on it. What’s more, my cousin in Israel Will the two eventually merge, diluting lion purchase of the company that makes chat is easy to set up, and once you cre- I grew up eating dinner every night sends videos of her toddler - who my sis- WhatsApp’s appeal? Facebook says it my favorite app, I punctuated the mes- ate the group, it’s always there. with my parents and two sisters. These ters have never met - to our 10-person won’t run ads on WhatsApp. But I’m sage with a string of crying emojis (car- Conversations with people overseas are days, the five of us live in three different family chat. Everyone oohs and aahs in afraid they won’t be able to help them- toon faces). I’m paranoid that Facebook’s instantaneous and free. You don’t need to cities. Even so, we have a running con- Hebrew and in English. I set up a sub- selves. With all those food pictures, won’t massive data-gathering operation will remember a password or sign in after versation, sometimes with dozens of group that allowed my father and a Facebook figure I want to see ads for enable advertisers to stalk me based on you’ve set up an account. It’s always on, chats, photos and videos a day. We send cousin to discuss details of a family trip restaurants and cookware? And will intimate conversations I have with loved but the app doesn’t bug you unless you pictures of food we’re eating or cooking. to Hungary. I used to keep up with my Facebook urge my “friends” to connect ones on WhatsApp. I started using the have a message. It lets you know your (A lot of those. We like food.) We’ve trad- cousins in Argentina and a Turkish friend with me on WhatsApp? Facebook has phone messaging service six months ago messages have been delivered and seen. ed city views from the tops of moun- on Facebook. But chatting with them on done something similar with Instagram, at the urging of my cousin, who was visit- Also, there are no annoying ads. tains, thoughts on TV shows and movies WhatsApp saves me from logging on to the photo-sharing app it has owned ing New York from Israel. Since then, it’s WhatsApp is my respite from we’re watching, information on flights Facebook and being inundated by its since 2012. After the Facebook deal was become the primary way I connect with Facebook. For me, the world’s largest we’ve booked, and simple messages say- newsfeed. announced, I sent a WhatsApp text to a friends and family across three conti- social network has become a junkyard of ing “hi” and “I miss you.” And if a group of friends or family is friend in San Francisco: “Is whatsapp nents - cheaper, easier and more fun than updates from people I don’t really know Of course, WhatsApp isn’t perfect. To all in the same place, a rare occurrence, over” “Ya, time to kill (your) acct,” he calls, texts, videoconferences or email. and ads for products I don’t care about. start talking to someone, you have to arranging a meet-up is a snap. On responded a few hours later. He was jok- What makes WhatsApp so great? It’s all about people jostling for publicity add him or her as a contact to your WhatsApp, everyone has all the informa- ing. Kind of. We’re still chatting (and Sending photos and videos that you take and craving approval, seeking likes and phone’s address book: That’s annoying. tion at the same time. sending each other strings of emoji) on on your phone is simple and quick, just a comments from near strangers. But Even so, WhatsApp is faster than email, I removed the Facebook app from my WhatsApp. For now. —AP Japan gamers finally get PS4 at midnight launch PS4 ‘potential cash cow’ for Sony

TOKYO: Diehard gamers in Japan soles, also released in November. From Walkman to junk ance sheet. It is not alone. who began queuing last week final- Analysts say sales at home are Sony’s gaming division has Domestic rivals like Sharp and ly got their hands on a new expected to widen the lead. Sony’s emerged as a potential savior for Panasonic have also suffered at PlayStation 4 as Sony unleashed its domestic rival, Nintendo, launched the once-mighty giant, which is the hands of US giant Apple and console on home turf in a midnight its new Wii U console in November struggling to reinvent itself in the Samsung, and found themselves launch. The long-awaited Japanese 2012. It took more than a year for digital age, having been left in outplayed in the smartphone and launch comes after a stellar debut in the video game giant to sell 5.86 the dust by nimbler rivals like low-margin television business. the United States and Europe, million units. South Korea’s Samsung. The com- But analysts said the PS4 might where more than 5.4 million units PS4, Wii U and Xbox One are pany, whose iconic Walkman just help Sony turn the corner. have been shifted since November, fighting to be at the heart of digital changed the way people listened “Sony may not be able to see a offering a bright ray of hope to home entertainment at a time when to music, has failed to repeat its sizable contribution for the cur- Sony after years of gloomy sales of consoles are under intense pressure earlier successes and this year rent fiscal year, but is likely to har- its key consumer electronics goods. to prove their worth as people warned it would book a $1.08 bil- vest fruit later if the brisk sales At midnight (1500 GMT Friday), the increasingly turn to smartphones or lion annual loss as it cuts 5,000 continue,” Hideki Yasuda, analyst first 100 customers were allowed to tablets for games and videos. jobs and exits the stagnant PC at Ace Securities, told AFP. “PS4 NEW YORK: Logo of WhatsApp, the popular messaging service bought by take home a new console from Japan’s home-use videogame mar- market. has a chance to establish a virtu- Facebook for $19 billion, seen on a smartphone. —AFP Sony Building, a flagship display ket in 2013 shrunk some 40 percent Moody’s downgraded the ous circle-strong sales leading to venue in Tokyo’s bustling district of to 409 billion yen over six years in firm’s credit rating to junk, saying popular titles,” which would cre- Ginza, putting the lucky few fans contrast to the fast-growing smart- the maker of Bravia televisions ate more demand for the console, WhatsApp: Keeping things simple hours ahead of a nationwide mass phone game market, according to had more work to do if it wanted Yasuda said. “It can be a potential is both a draw and a handicap release. the Nikkei business daily. to fix the holes in its tattered bal- cash cow for Sony.” —AFP “Thank you for coming to this SAN FRANCISCO: In recent years, a bevy came to rejecting advertising and keep- launch despite the cold,” Andrew of messaging apps has fought for global ing the app simple was precisely what House, CEO of Sony Computer domination, with many boasting a lucra- drove the company’s explosive user Entertainment (SCE), said to the tive combination of communications fea- growth. “His approach has clearly had an first buyers. Some of the eager fans tures, online shopping and games. But enormous impact on the trajectory,” Goetz had queued for two days to be this week, Facebook CEO Mark said in an interview. “They’re the largest among the first in Japan to own the new console. “I want to play games Zuckerberg spent a staggering $19 billion mobile communications app and they with state-of-the-art technology,” to buy WhatsApp, the contender with per- have never spent a penny on marketing.” said Tetsuya Tamura, a 44-year-old haps the simplest functionality and negli- IT engineer who arrived on gible revenue. WhatsApp, which has 450 Reaching users Wednesday with his son, Shion, 19, million users, has stuck to basic messag- Even if WhatsApp doesn’t immediately to take first place in the queue. ing, but also a simple business model of contribute to Facebook’s top line, it pro- Early adopters of the PS4 in charging users an annual subscription fee vides undeniable strategic value to the Europe and the US have enthused of just $1. world’s No 1 social network. The acquisi- over its vast computing capacity Zuckerberg’s bet may ultimately prove tion buffers Facebook against a competi- and the cinematic graphics it to be a strategic masterstroke: shutting tor that would pose a significant threat makes possible. “I played on a trial rival Google Inc out of an upstart phe- independently or, perhaps worse, as a sub- one and found that its processing nomenon with a unique “mobile graph” sidiary of a rival like Google. It extends the speed is fast and it’s easy to play,” and gaining swathes of users - and their social network’s reach. WhatsApp, which said Shion, who had brought his data - in emerging markets. Wall Street boasts 450 million users and adds 1 mil- PlayStation Portable to pass the cheered the deal on Thursday, but for lion more daily, spans Europe but also time. Mitsuhiro Chisaka, 30, who many Silicon Valley insiders the price tag India, Latin America and Africa - markets queued at another countdown proved difficult to swallow, especially if that Facebook in recent years has invested event in Tokyo, said: “I can’t wait to WhatsApp’s business model and product in to gain penetration. play PS4 as the domestic release roadmap doesn’t evolve under Facebook’s According to Jana, a marketing and was quite late. I’m a big fan of stewardship. research firm, 55 percent of people sur- PlayStation and SCE. I hope Sony will regain momentum with this “It’s going take a while to build up the veyed in India said WhatsApp was their successful launch.” value from that acquisition, to say the most-used messaging service, compared In the coveted US market, Sony least,” said Jonathan Teo, an investor in to 63 percent in Brazil and 78 percent in boasted that video game industry picture-messaging phenomenon Mexico. Even if WhatsApp remains a sales data, reported last week by Snapchat, a WhatsApp rival. Even assum- stripped-down messenger, its data could NPD Group, showed PS4 is far out- ing ideal conditions, it still outpaces prove valuable to Facebook, particularly selling Microsoft’s Xbox One con- TOKYO: A customer reacts after buying Sony’s PlayStation 4 video game console yesterday. —AFP Facebook’s own valuation by a hefty mar- when twinned with the enormous trove gin. WhatsApp makes just $20 million a of user info available on the social net- year in revenue, according to Forbes. work. Supposing users hit 1 billion by 2016 as For instance, it may give users the some industry experts have suggested, option to integrate twin accounts using As IPO looms, GoPro enjoys spotlight and every one of those pays the $1 annual the “FacebookConnect” authentication NEW YORK: GoPro isn’t exactly a household name, famous people like GoPro-sponsored surfing leg- era, but in the exclusive content the gadgets cre- fee - highly unlikely - it would still clock in program. That accords insight into a but anyone who’s spent a little time on YouTube is end Kelly Slater. Citing legal restrictions related to ates. He predicts that as a result of its online noto- at 34 times 2016 revenue, 21 percent cost- user’s location, messaging habits and likes surely familiar with the thousands of snowboard- the IPO, company officials declined to comment for riety, GoPro will eventually become more of a lier than Facebook’s roughly 28 times - invaluable to Facebook marketers. ing, surfing and even skateboarding baby videos this story. media company than a manufacturer. expected 2016 sales. Because it requires a phone number for that its cameras produce. GoPro Inc., which makes a One challenge for GoPro as a public company “I think it always comes back to content cre- both the sender and recipient, and takes small line of high-definition video cameras geared will be to broaden the appeal of its cameras. ation,” Stein says. “Content is the key to becoming Users, not monetization subscription fees, WhatsApp also boasts a toward extreme sports athletes, is experiencing a Extreme sports athletes -and people who think a successful media company and they have con- “You can justify all kinds of numbers if unique “mobile graph” and distribution rare moment in the spotlight. The San Mateo, they are- are GoPro’s main consumers at the tent that no one else has.” There’s a handful of you wanted to, but to get there you channel for content that is tied to people’s California-based company is a common sight at the moment. There is potential, however, to attract ways GoPro could make money from its content, ignore away plausible risks,” said Brian phones - but also their wallets. Winter Olympics in Sochi, Russia, showing up in more consumers given the current consumer craze Stein believes, including selling advertising to run Wieser, an analyst at Pivotal Research. One of WhatsApp’s biggest rivals, everything from the opening ceremony to test runs surrounding wearable technologies, says Whitney alongside it, or licensing it to media or entertain- “You can’t just say, ‘oh, it’s a great strategic Tencent Holdings’ WeChat - or Weixin, as of ski and snowboarding courses. It currently spon- Fishman, senior director of innovation and con- ment companies. addition, done!’” WhatsApp’s moneymak- it’s known in China - launched a feature sors the US Ski and Snowboard Association and sumer technology at media agency MEC. Stein says GoPro could follow the example of ing potential is clouded by the fact that for users to send money to other users if champion snowboarder Shaun White. It’s also possible, Fishman believes, that the cam- Red Bull GmbH. While the Austrian company still CEO Jan Koum and Zuckerberg have both both parties link their bank accounts to And now GoPro is preparing to enter the high- eras could find commercial use in fields such as makes energy drinks, it also sponsors a number of ruled out advertising as a revenue source, Weixin. As a result, TenCent gained con- profile area of public companies. Earlier this month, medicine. “Is everybody going to run out and buy extreme sports athletes and recently unveiled its while Koum has prioritized refining basic nections to 5 million new bank accounts it announced plans for an initial public offering of one? Probably not, but it definitely has value out- own channel on Apple TV. Red Bull’s YouTube messaging even as other rivals have over just two days. Above all, Facebook, common stock. The company’s cameras, which sell side of the amateur athlete circuit,” Fishman says. channel has more than 3.3 million subscribers for between $200 and $400, are small, light, water “The Olympics and all the crazy footage really and contains over 3,000 videos. Fishman is skepti- branched out. which has long sought ways to position resistant and extremely durable. The highest-end helps.” cal of GoPro’s potential as a media company. “They’re dogmatic when the landscape itself at the heart of the smartphone GoPro model shoots video in ultra-high-definition, GoPro cameras are being spotted all over the “Sure, it could eventually evolve into a crazy is changing,” said Eric Setton, the founder experience - via efforts such as last year’s or 4K. With a variety of related accessories such as Sochi Games. Coaches and athletes are using media company, but right now it’s a consumer of Tango, a rival messaging app that offers ill-fated “Home” software release - finally helmet attachments, bike mounts and harnesses, them to analyze courses and test runs. Members product.” games and the ability to share songs has an entrÈe into communications, the the cameras can be mounted to everything from a of the media also use them to give viewers an But both Fishman and Stein warn that invest- through Spotify, the music-streaming core function of smartphones. bike helmet to the side of a half pipe. idea of what it’s like to zip down a ski slope or fly ing in a company like GoPro doesn’t come with- service. In Asia for instance, Naver Corp’s Craig Walker, founder of Grand Central, Those attributes make GoPro a favorite of along a bobsled run. Brian Carlin, director of out significant risks. While the company largely LINE, a Japanese messenger rumored to a voice-over-IP provider rebranded extreme athletes. The company was founded more industry relations for the US Ski and Snowboard dominates the market for cameras like its own, be preparing for an initial public offering, Google Voice after it was acquired, said than a decade ago by avid surfer and CEO Nicholas Association, says the cameras are a key part of there’s nothing to stop a larger electronics com- posted $338 million in revenue last year controlling communication would tighten Woodman. The cameras’ most popular use: the ulti- training for many of his group’s athletes. He esti- pany or camera maker from devising a similar and now makes roughly 60 percent of its Facebook’s grip over smartphone users mate selfie, a one-of-a-kind first-person point of mates that he’s distributed about 20 of them to product. Fishman also notes that most consumers revenue from games on its platform. It even if it does not overtly monetize view, even if the person starring in the video hap- skiing and snowboarding coaches in Sochi, who don’t replace products like cameras on a regular also recently launched LINE Mall, an e- WhatsApp. “For any large company look- pens to be hang-gliding off a cliff or parachuting use them to detect snow-related problems. basis, limiting GoPro’s potential for recurring rev- commerce bazaar. In a conference call on ing to get into the hearts and minds of from a giant helium balloon. During this year’s “They’re using man-made snow with some enue. And since GoPro makes physical products Wednesday, Zuckerberg and Koum said users, having that kind of product is pretty Super Bowl, the company aired a commercial fea- kind of chemicals in it,” Carlin says of the Olympic its profitability won’t be as high as service-based they would focus on gaining users rather compelling,” Walker said. “It increases my turing footage shot with a GoPro in 2012 as super- courses. “It gets soft and rutted, so the cameras technology companies like Twitter and Facebook. than monetization. Koum said he wanted ties and affection to the provider. That’s sonic Austrian skydiver Felix Baumgartner para- are critical.” Coaches also mount the cameras at For now, potential investors don’t have much WhatsApp to improve “unattractive” worth some financial value.” Zuckerberg chuted from 24 miles up and became the first various points along a course to film practice information to go on. The company’s IPO papers aspects of the app, like message delivery, said he believed people would be willing human being to break the sound barrier with only runs, so they and the athletes can watch and were filed confidentially and the documents did its reliability or its battery usage, rather to pay for the app that provided the best his body. learn from the footage. In exchange for the use of not include specific financial information. A feder- Through its sponsorships, GoPro gets one-of-a- the cameras, GoPro gets unique footage, he says. al law passed in 2012 allows companies with less than flashy new enhancements. Jim messaging tool. “People are going to pay kind content. Its YouTube channel has about 1.7 Jason Stein, founder and president of the New than $1 billion in revenue in its last fiscal year to Goetz, a partner at Sequoia Capital and for that, and then want to pay for it, and million subscribers and features hundreds of eye- York-based social media agency Laundry Service, keep their IPO documents under seal until the WhatsApp’s sole external board member, will be happy to pay for the best one,” he popping videos starring everyday users and argues that GoPro’s true value lies not in its cam- final few weeks before an IPO price is set. —AP said Koum’s contrarian attitude when it said. —Reuters SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 23, 2014 HEALTH & SCIENCE Bulgaria chokes on air pollution

Poverty, old cars, traffic jams blamed for pollution PERNIK: The smokestacks of Kremikovtzi steel Agency (EAA) found that Bulgaria, the EU’s poor- Asian cities like Beijing and New Delhi. Sofia mill on Sofia’s outskirts may have shut down est nation, has four of the five most polluted itself ranked 11th on the EAA chart, winning the years ago, but ancient cars ensure that Bulgaria’s cities in the bloc. The exception is the Polish city prize as the most polluted capital in Europe-far capital is still the most polluted in Europe. When of Krakow at number three. The top spot went to ahead of Bucharest, ranked 57th, and Ljubljana, the steel plant went bankrupt in 2008, it did little Pernik, an industrial city of 80,000 people at 75th. to improve the thick smog that still hangs over around 30 kilometers (19 miles) southwest of Sofia. Experts say old cars and chronic traffic Sofia. ‘We poison the air ourselves’ jams are to blame, made worse by the capital’s “It’s suffocating,” moaned grocer Kalina The culprit for more than half of this small location in a lowland surrounded by mountains. Hristova. “Especially on winter evenings as most Black Sea nation’s air pollution — 58 percent-is Out of the 250,000 cars bought in 2013, only people burn coal but also tires and plastic bot- smoke emanating from home stoves, according VIENNA: In this file photo, Harriet Butler, now 102 (left) and her daughter 20,000 were new, says Lyubomir Dorosiev, head tles” for heating, the 32-year-old said. Pernik to Bulgaria’s environment protection agency. Marcia Savarese, are photographed at Savarese’s home in Vienna, Va. —AP of a used car dealer association. “We have breached EU safety limits for air pollution for half And grinding poverty-especially in the smaller become Europe’s vehicle cemetery since car cat- of the year, against a target of 35 days. Pollution towns-has driven up the share of people burn- alytic converters are obligatory in developed is measured by the concentration of tiny ing wood, coal and all kinds of waste to ward off Accident rates improve countries. “The authorities do not encourage the droplets from smokestacks, vehicle tailpipes and the chilly east Balkan winters. In the northern purchase of new cars under the pretext that they other pollutants-known as particulate matter. town of Vratsa, many have given up more care about the poor,” said Krastyo Peev, a car That compares with just 29 days for Belgium and expensive central heating as they can no longer for older drivers: Study technician in Sofia. 15 for Paris, the study showed, although it was afford it. WASHINGTON: Safety researchers licensed drivers or miles driven - the fatal A recent study by the European Environment still far below the off-the-chart levels in some A mere 250 families have switched to central expressed concern a decade ago that traf- crash involvement rates for drivers 70 and heating with gas, as most could not pay for the fic accidents would increase as the nation’s older declined, and did so at a faster pace costly equipment, gas network supervisor aging population swelled the number of than the rates for drivers ages 35 to 54,” Dimitar Dimitrov explained. “We stopped the older drivers on the road. Now, they say she said in a report on the study’s results. central heating in our apartment and burn wood they’ve been proved wrong. Today’s driv- At the same time, older drivers are put- that we keep on the balcony,” said retired ers aged 70 and older are less likely to be ting more miles on the odometer than teacher Evdokia Slavova. involved in crashes than previous genera- they used to, although they’re still driving The chemical plant that used to poison tions and are less likely to be killed or seri- fewer miles a year than middle-aged driv- Vratsa’s air was shut after the fall of communism, ously injured if they do crash, according to ers. This is especially true for drivers 75 and plunging the town into poverty and unemploy- a study released Thursday by the Insurance older, who lifted their average annual ment. “Now we poison the air ourselves,” Slavova Institute for Highway Safety. That’s mileage by more than 50 percent from said. Air pollution aggravates cardiovascular and because vehicles are getting safer and sen- 1995 to 2008. respiratory diseases and has disastrous effects iors are generally getting healthier, the “The fact that older drivers increased on the nervous and reproductive system that institute said. their average mileage... may indicate that can lead to cancer and early death, the EEA The marked shift began taking hold in they are remaining physically and mentally agency warned. the mid-1990s and indicates that growing comfortable with driving tasks,” the insti- The use of wood and coal for heating was ranks of aging drivers as baby boomers tute said. When older drivers reduce the however only part of the problem, experts said, head into their retirement years aren’t mak- number of trips they take, it’s often pointing a finger at the fact that 43 percent of ing US roads deadlier. Traffic fatalities over- because they sense their driving skills are the electricity in the country comes from ther- all in the US have declined to levels not eroding. They compensate by driving less mal power plants. According to Greenpeace seen since the late 1940s, and accident at night, during rush hour, in bad weather Bulgaria, dust particles and sulphur dioxide rates have come down for other drivers as or over long distances. emitted from outdated thermal plants are well. But since 1997, older drivers have By 2050, the number of people in the responsible for 2,000 early deaths every year. enjoyed bigger declines as measured by US age 70 and older is expected to reach Bulgaria has the highest concentrations of car- both fatal crash rates per driver and per 64 million, or about 16 percent of the pop- bon monoxide and sulphur dioxide from the vehicle miles driven than middle-age driv- ulation. In 2012, there were 29 million peo- industry and automobile traffic, said Ivaylo ers, defined in the study as ages 35 to 54. ple in the US age 70 and over, or 9 percent PERNIK: A woman walks as smoke rises from the stacks of a thermal power station in Popov from the non-governmental organization From 1997 to 2012, fatal crash rates per of the population. “The main point is that Pernik. —AFP For the Earth. —AFP licensed driver fell 42 percent for older driv- these 70-80 year olds are really different ers and 30 percent for middle-age ones, the than their predecessors,” said Alan Pisarski, study found. Looking at vehicle miles trav- author of the authoritative “Commuting in eled, fatal crash rates fell 39 percent for old- America” series of reports on driving Thyroid cancer cases soar er drivers and 26 percent for middle-age trends. “They learned to drive in a very dif- ones from 1995 to 2008. The greatest rate ferent era. They are far more comfortable of decline was among drivers age 80 and driving in freeway situations. This matters CHICAGO: A dramatic rise in thyroid less aggressive surgery is reasonable about three cases per 100,000 to being diagnosed, but they don’t over, nearly twice that of middle-age driv- immensely for the future because we are cancer has resulted from over-diag- for lower-risk thyroid tumors, the more than 12 per 100,000. know which ones will become ers and drivers ages 70 to 74. seeing dramatic increases in older workers nosis and treatment of tumors too study authors said. The results suggest there is “an aggressive, Burkey said. “This should help ease fears that aging staying in the labor force and continuing small to ever cause harm, according “Our old strategy of looking as ongoing epidemic of thyroid cancer” “Thyroid cancer even if treated baby boomers are a safety threat,” said to work and commute well past 65.” AARP, to a study that found cases nearly hard as possible to find cancer has nationwide, they said. The study was has a fairly high recurrence rate Anne McCartt, the institute’s senior vice the association that represents older tripled since 1975. The study is the some real side effects,” said Dr Gilbert published online Thursday in JAMA even if it doesn’t kill,” he said. Burkey president for research and co-author of the Americans, said the report “dispels com- latest to question whether all can- Welch, co-author of the thyroid Otolaryngology. Despite the is among researchers planning a study. “No matter how we looked at the mon misconceptions and reveals positive cers need aggressive treatment. study and a professor of medicine at increase, thyroid cancer is relatively major study seeking to provide fatal crash data for this age group - by trends related to older drivers.” —AFP Other research has suggested that the Dartmouth Institute for Health uncommon; more than 60,000 cases answers. Patients diagnosed with certain cancers of the prostate, Policy and Clinical Practice. were diagnosed nationwide last year, thyroid cancers will be randomly breast and lung as well as thyroid Welch said patients “can no according to the American Cancer assigned treatment or just observa- grow so slowly that they will never longer assume” that labeling a dis- Society. Risk factors for thyroid can- tion. In the meantime, the study become deadly, and that overzeal- ease as cancer means treatment is cer include diets low in iodine - rare authors offer some advice: ous screening leads to overtreat- necessary. “It’s a challenging in the United States - and radiation Physicians could “openly share with ment. rethinking,” he added. Welch and exposure. Women are more com- patients the uncertainty surround- The thyroid is a hormone-releas- Dartmouth colleague Dr Louise monly diagnosed than men. ing small thyroid cancers - explain- ing gland in the neck that helps reg- Davies analyzed government data The new research echoes previ- ing that many will never grow and ulate the body’s metabolism. Thyroid from 1975 to 2009 and found thy- ous studies but “certainly raises some cause harm to a patient,” but that it’s cancer treatment often includes sur- roid cancers jumped from 5 cases provocative questions,” said Dr. Brian not possible to know for certain gery to remove the butterfly-shaped per 100,000 people to 14 per Burkey, a Cleveland Clinic head and which ones are harmless. That gland, followed by lifelong daily hor- 100,000. Most of that increase was neck cancer specialist. Experts know would allow patients to make better mone pills. Thyroid removal is done in papillary thyroid cancers, the that better detection methods informed decisions, and some might for 85 percent of all people diag- most common and least deadly including CT scans and ultrasound, opt for close monitoring instead of nosed despite guidelines that say kind; those cases jumped from have led to more thyroid cancers treatment, the authors said. —AP FDA to boost India staff Flu season waning overseeing drug imports ATLANTA: Flu season seems to be winding down, and it’s been an odd WASHINGTON: The head of the Food and Drug Administration said one. It hasn’t been as bad as last year and the vaccine worked a little Friday that her agency will add more inspectors in India to better better. And it has been a fairly mild one for the elderly - traditionally monitor drugs from the country’s burgeoning pharmaceutical indus- the most vulnerable group. But it’s been a different story for young try, even as her agency also seeks closer cooperation from Indian reg- and middle-age adults, who have been hit harder than expected ulators. FDA Commissioner Margaret Hamburg said the FDA will because of a surge in swine flu. Most flu seasons, only one-third of the expand to 19 staffers in India from its current 12, as the US tries to people who land in the hospital with the flu are adults ages 18-64. This assure the safety of medications from companies like Ranbaxy winter, they have accounted for two-thirds, most of them adults who Laboratories Ltd. and Wockhardt Ltd Hamburg spoke with reporters were obese or had another ailment. following an eight-day trip to the Southeast Asian nation, where she The numbers “are painful reminders that flu can be serious for any- met with Indian health regulators and drug industry executives. one, not just infants and the very old,” said Dr. Tom Frieden, director of With sales of more than $26 billion, India’s burgeoning drug sector the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The CDC released new has grown into the US’s second-largest supplier of prescription and information Thursday about the flu season, which started around mid over-the-counter medications, behind only Canada. But that growth December, a bit earlier than usual, and apparently peaked by mid- has come with increased scrutiny. And in recent years the FDA has January. Last winter, it started even earlier. For weeks, flu has been wan- issued a stream of warnings letters and import bans to some of India’s ing in some parts of the country, although health officials say there’s largest drugmakers over manufacturing and quality control prob- still a lot of flu virus going around and flu season is capable of getting a lems. second wind. The capstone of Hamburg’s visit was a “statement of intent” agree- One way the CDC measures the flu’s severity is by rates of hospital- ment between the U.S. and India, in which both parties pledged to izations for flu and its complications. Overall, they have been only half cooperate on safety and quality inspections. Under the non-binding what they were last winter despite the higher rates in younger adults. agreement, Indian inspectors will be able to shadow their FDA coun- Health officials say that’s because the flu strain that is making most terparts as they inspect factories in India. The document is supposed people sick this winter is swine flu, or H1N1. That kind first showed up to cover a 5-year preliminary period, though it’s unclear how or when NEW SOUTH WALES: This photo shows Casey, the world’s only captive leop- in 2009 and caused a global pandemic that was particularly dangerous it might lead to more formal requirements. ard seal swimming in an aquarium at Taronga Zoo. —AFP to younger adults. Since then, the virus has been around each winter Hamburg suggested during a press teleconference that India’s but mostly has been a backstage presence. Experts say the virus hasn’t Ministry of Health and Family Welfare needs to become more mutated. It’s simply encountering a lot of younger adults who never engaged in regulation on both a domestic and international scale. were infected before and haven’t been vaccinated, said CDC flu expert “India, as such a significant player in the global marketplace, really World’s only captive Dr Joseph Bresee. needs to be a full participant at the table,” Hamburg said. The annual flu vaccine is modified each year, and swine flu is now Several journalists for Indian publications questioned whether the leopard seal put down included in the mix of seasonal strains. Working-age adults have the FDA is specifically targeting Indian companies for enforcement, lowest vaccination rates, CDC officials noted. Among infectious diseases, specifically the company’s largest drugmaker, Ranbaxy Laboratories. flu is considered one of the nation’s leading killers. On average, about But Hamburg rejected that assertion, saying that the agency takes SYDNEY: The world’s only captive leopard one of its most popular residents. He was 24,000 Americans die each flu season, according to the CDC. The agency action against all companies that violate FDA standards, regardless of seal, which washed up in Sydney with a not released back to the Antarctic in case where they are based. doesn’t keep an exact count of flu deaths. But health officials estimates shark bite to his abdomen seven years ago, he transferred any diseases to the fragile “If a company is manufacturing a product for sale within the that 60 percent of flu deaths this season have been in people ages 25 to has been put down at an Australian zoo, wild population. United States, they have to meet our regulatory standards and 64, similar to the numbers from 2009-2010. officials said Thursday. Casey stopped eat- “Leopard seals are not found in zoos any- requirements,” Hamburg said. “What’s happening in India is consistent ing at the start of the year and his health where else in the world, so working with The government also released data on this year’s flu vaccine. A flu vac- with what happens in the United States and throughout the world.” cine that’s 60 to 70 percent effective in the US is considered pretty good and condition deteriorated to such an and learning from Casey was a unique Since 2008, the FDA has blocked imports from four different Ranbaxy extent that he had to be euthanized. “We opportunity for our marine mammal team,” and this year’s falls in that range. Overall, it was a moderate 61 percent. plants in India, most recently the company’s Toansa plant in the are very saddened by the passing of Casey the zoo said. “Casey also assisted with That means those who got a shot have a 61 percent lower chance of wind- Punjab province, where inspectors found drugs that failed quality ing up at the doctor with the flu. Last year, it was 56 percent effective. testing. In 2012, the company was forced to recall dozens of batches the Leopard seal,” Taronga Zoo in Sydney research by the Australian Marine Mammals Those numbers reflect how good the vaccine was against swine flu. There of its generic version of Lipitor after finding tiny glass particles said. Research Centre to study Leopard seals, wasn’t enough data to really gauge how well it worked in the elderly among the ingredients used in production. Last May the company’s Leopard seals’ natural habitat is the helping the species into the future.” Leopard against a strain that’s more dangerous to older adults. Last season, the vac- American subsidiary agreed to pay $500 million in fines and penalties frigid waters of the Antarctic, but a wound- seals, the second-biggest seal species in the cine was only 9 percent effective in people 65 and older against that H3N2 for selling adulterated drugs and lying to federal regulators, the ed Casey found himself on shores south of Antarctic, can live up to 15 years. They are strain - one reason last flu season was unusually severe. —AP largest financial penalty ever against a generic drug company under Sydney in 2007. Nursed back to health, he formidable hunters, feeding on other seals, US law. —AP found a home at Taronga Zoo and became penguins, fish and krill. —AFP SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 23, 2014 HEALTH & SCIENCE US bans ‘bidis’ made by Indian tobacco company WASHINGTON: US regulators on Friday banned four tendu tree, and may come in various flavors. US described to AFP as an Indian company with head- distributed in interstate commerce or imported into “Companies that continue to sell and distribute these types of small cigarettes known as bidis made by an authorities say bidis contain levels of nicotine, tar and quarters in Illinois. The ban came about because the the United States,” the FDA said in a statement. products in the United States may be subject to Indian company, marking the Food and Drug carbon monoxide several times greater than normal products were found to be substantially different from The order applies to Sutra Bidis Red, Sutra Bidis enforcement actions by the FDA.” Asked for com- Administration’s first-ever oversight action against a cigarettes. existing tobacco products on the market as of 2007, Menthol, Sutra Bidis Red Cone, and Sutra Bidis ment, a sales representative for Jash International tobacco product. Bidis are small, hand-rolled ciga- The FDA move applies to four varieties made by and did not meet new regulatory requirements, the Menthol Cone. Stores’ existing inventory may be sub- told AFP a spokesperson would not be available until rettes that contain tobacco wrapped in leaves from a Jash International, which a regulatory spokeswoman FDA said. “This means they can no longer be sold or ject to seizure without further notice, the FDA said. next week. —AFP WHAT’S ON SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 23, 2014 UNESCO continues campaign to protect environment at KNES

The Kuwait Association for the Protection of the Environment visited Kuwait National English School, on Wednesday, January 29, 2014. Ahmed Al-Maghawi and Dr Sarah Al-Atiki, the members of this association gave a lecture to the Primary Department of Kuwait National English School, in the topic of vegetation plants of the desert followed by planting flowers in the garden of the school event was in liaise with UNESCO activities on preservation of environment.

Baroue celebrates Kuwait National Day with augmented reality t-shirts

aroue - Let’s Play! and Snipp Interactive Inc, an inter- national provider of mobile marketing solutions, Bannounced the launch of a new augmented reality campaign in honor of Kuwait’s National and Liberation Days. In the first ever campaign to be done in Kuwait, chil- dren who purchase a t-shirt exclusively stocked at Baroue, can stand in front of a custom kiosk in the store or use Snipp’s Khayal augmented reality application, scan their T- shirt and watch it come alive. On Baroue’s t-shirt, children will see an image of a beat- ing heart in the colors of the Kuwaiti flag, an image of Kuwait Towers and finally fireworks which are overlaid onto the t-shirts. Moms and dads will then be encouraged to fol- low Baroue on Instagram (@baroue_kuwait) to take a pho- to of their kids, tagging it with “#hala_baroue”. “Children these days consider technology as part of their everyday life and do not shy away from it, therefore, by teaming up with Snipp, we felt this is the best way to engage with kids and celebrate Kuwait’s National and Liberation Days, by having our t-shirt come to life!” said Baroue’s Marketing Manager, Ragheb Khourshid. “We are super excited to do this campaign with an innovative client like Baroue,” said Aya Kabbara, Snipp’s ACK’s student comes Managing Director for the Middle East. “Augmented reality continues to go from strength to strength and Snipp is second in Argana’s leading the field in the Middle East. We continue to push the boundaries of what is possible and experiment with ‘Art Competition’ how customers respond to these new technologies.” group of talented Australian College of Kuwait (ACK) students participated in a national art com- Apetition organized by “Argana Resorts and Hotels”, in collaboration with the United Nations KKIC to hold 3rd Islamic seminar Development Programme (UNDP). Led by ACK’s Student Activities Center, 8 students from the college competed against 33 others representing various uni- uwait Kerala Islahi Centre (KKIC) will hold the third versities and institutions in Kuwait. Islamic Seminar under the supervision of the Hala Al-Musallam, an ACK Marketing student, suc- KMinistry of Awqaf starting from Feb 25-28, 2014. The cessfully picked up second place for her painting titled seminar, which is organized every four years, will take place “Environmental Sustainability” with its stunning tech- at Farwaniya Garden Ground with participation from high- nique and creativity. The competition was judged by a level delegates including MPs and ministers, in addition to prestigious panel of well-known artists, curators and art international speakers. collectors, whereby three winners were rewarded with At a press conference held on Thursday by KKIC, its pres- cash prizes for their achievements. ident, Abdul Lateef Madani said Sheikh Dawood Al-Asousi, Formed to promote and reward creativity, as well as Assistant Undersecretary, Ministry of Awqaf, will inaugu- to discover young talents, the competition provided rate the seminar, while Dr Ali Al-Omair, Minister of Oil will inaugurate the closing session on the last day. students with the opportunity to design, express and An exhibition, covering a wide range of topics on faith challenge their own ideas through art while working and related issues, will be inaugurated by the Indian under the theme of “The Power of Life”. Ambassador to Kuwait, Sunil Jain. Based on the over- whelming response in the previous years, the organizers have decided to hold the exhibition for five days, lasting an extra day. Other main events during the seminar will have 4 sessions, with special programs for children, teenagers, women, and a friendly interaction between leaders of dif- SEND US YOUR ferent faiths. The Indian Doctors’ Forum (IDF) will conduct a free INSTAGRAM PICS medical camp on Feb 28, Friday, starting from 8 am to 11 am, for the benefit of all communities. Other important hat’s more fun than clicking a beauti- guests at the seminar are MP Dr Abdul Rahman Salih Al- ful picture? Sharing it with others! Let Jeeran and Sheikh Khalid Yusuf Bugaith, Assistant Wother people see the way you see Undersecretary, Ministry of Awqaf among others. Kuwait - through your lens. Friday Times will feature snapshots of Kuwait through Instagram feeds. If you want to share your Instagram pho- tos, email us at [email protected]

Write to us Send to What’s On upcoming events, birthdays or celebrations by email: [email protected] Fax: 24835619 / 20 Mappila Kalavedi, Kuwait celebrated its first anniversary titled Hala 14th night at Indian Central School, Abbassiya. WHAT’S ON SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 23, 2014

GUST students to work on MEGlobal case study

he Gulf University for Science and students can develop during the semester. students are working in teams to write a case First place team will win $10,000 and a lux- author of 18 books and countless articles pub- Technology (GUST) welcomed three Dr Ramesh Ramachandran, CEO; Linda study about MEGlobal. The case studies are ury trip to Dubai; second place, $5,000; and lished worldwide. GUST wishes its students TMEGlobal executives to speak to its stu- Freisler, Legal Counsel, and Naser Aldousari, related to sales, human resources, finance and third place, $2,500. This is the second year that the best of luck in their upcoming case stud- dents of MGMT 495 Special Topics, and the Director of Corporate Strategy, explained the management issues. In May 2014, the MEGlobal has sponsored this competition. The ies. MBA course, Managerial Communications to details of the cases and fielded questions from MEGlobal executives will return to GUST to students are coached by Dr John Hayes, GUST introduce to them four case studies which the the students. During the 2014spring semester, judge the case studies. Head of Business Administration Department; FOKE opens free dialysis center in Kannur riends of Kannur Association (FOKE) The free dialysis unit with five machines is Kuwait and North Malabar Chamber of donated to the people of Kannur district by FCommerce (NMCC), Kannur launched Friends of Kannur Expatriate Association, their first of its kind initiative in Kannur FOKE Kuwait and North Malabar Chamber of District in Kerala - Navjeevan Free Dialysis Commerce (NMCC), Kannur in association Centre. The center was inaugurated jointly by with Malabar Cancer Care Society and opera- Kannur District Panchayath President Prof tion support by Sathya Sai Orphanage Trust. KASarala and Kannur District Collector Sri The treatment is free of cost for the deserv- Rajamanickam in presence of dignitaries ing candidates from the district. FOKE is an including Kannur District police Chief Dr association of expatriates from Kannur Srinivas A IPS, Kannur Municipality District in Kerala living in Kuwait. FOKE offi- Chairperson Roshini Khalid, Chamber cials, in a press statement, thanked each and President Vinod Narayan, FOKE President everyone who supported the first of its kind Omanakuttan etc on February 10, 2014 at free dialysis project in Kannur. the Malabar Cancer Care Society Premises. Faips holds investiture ceremony

f your actions inspire others to dream cal rendition of a string of shlokas by the school Head Boy, Hitansh P Shukla administered the more, learn more, do more and become choir. It was followed by a variety of cultural pro- oath of office and the members of the council “Imore, then you are a leader.” - John grams including a tap dance and an Arabic pledged to adhere to the values and principles Quincy Adams. dance that enthralled the spectators. Chaitali upheld by the school. The newly elected Head On January 30, 2014, the deserving young Banerjee Roy, Special Correspondent Arab Times, Girl delivered a speech on behalf of the new stu- talents of FAIPS, DPS was bestowed with the Producer and Editor at Radio Kuwait, Principal, dent council. The program concluded with responsibility of leading their school with com- Anju Dheman ,Vice Principal, Ravi Ayanoli, Head inspiring speeches by the chief guest Chaitali B mitment and confidence. The investiture cere- Mistress, Vineetha Munshi, supervisors, along Roy and the Principal, Anju Dheman. The Junior mony thus marked the inauguration of the with teachers and parents of the office-bearers Student Council of FAIPS DPS is ready for anoth- Junior Student Council for the academic year were present to bless the proceedings. er year of fruitful service. 2014-15. The new Junior Student Council members The auspicious ceremony began with a musi- were handed over their offices of rank. The new

Easy salad recipes Stir Fried Chicken Salad Grilled Chicken Caesar Salad Ingredients Ingredients • 1/4 cup fat-free, less-sodium chicken • 2 ounces French bread, cut into 1/2- broth inch cubes (about 2 cups) • 2 tablespoons rice vinegar • Cooking spray • 1 tablespoon Thai fish sauce • 2 (8-ounce) skinless, boneless chicken • 1 tablespoon low-sodium soy sauce breast halves, halved lengthwise • 1 tablespoon bottled chopped garlic • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper, divided • 2 teaspoons sugar • 2 tablespoons white vinegar • 1 pound skinless, boneless chicken • 2 tablespoons olive oil breast tenders • 1 teaspoon bottled minced garlic • 1 tablespoon peanut oil • 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard • 4 cups mixed salad greens • 1/2 teaspoon anchovy paste • 1/4 cup chopped fresh basil • 6 cups chopped romaine lettuce • 1/2 cup thinly sliced red onion • 2 cups chopped radicchio lettuce • 2 tablespoons finely chopped unsalt- • 1/4 cup (1 ounce) grated fresh ed, dry-roasted peanuts • Lime wedges (optional) Parmesan Preparation Preparation 1. Combine first 6 ingredients in a medi- 1. 1. Preheat oven to 400∞. um bowl. Add chicken to broth mixture, 2. 2. Spread bread cubes in a single layer The grand opening of ‘Tea stirring to coat. Let stand 3 minutes. on a baking sheet. Bake at 400∞ for 9 2. Heat oil in a large nonstick skillet over minutes or until lightly toasted. medium-high heat. Drain chicken, 3. 3. Heat a grill pan over high heat. Coat reserving marinade. Add chicken to the the pan with cooking spray. Sprinkle Lounge’ Cafe in Funaitees pan; cook 4 minutes or until done, stir- chicken with 1/4 teaspoon pepper. Add ring frequently. Stir in the reserved mari- chicken to pan, and cook 3 1/2 minutes ivon Complex in Funaitees area has wit- and non-organic and within the great blends of senting to the visitors special moments spent nade. Reduce heat; cook 1 minute or on each side or until done. Remove from nessed the grand opening “Tea Lounge” herbs, it also offers best organic macro roasted with their beloved ones, providing a professional until slightly thickened. Remove pan pan; let stand 5 minutes. Cut chicken DCafe which is an important addition to coffee for authentic taste gourmets. Owning its teamwork service that satisfies all tastes and is from heat. into slices. cafes catering high-end products. This branch is distinctive identity, its visitors will enjoy special keen to provide the best comfort for them. 3. Combine greens and basil in a large 4. 4. Combine remaining 1/4 teaspoon the first of its kind in the Middle East and is an dedicated atmosphere of five-star service, where Introducing a unique experience of tea and cof- bowl. Add chicken mixture, tossing to pepper, vinegar, and next 4 ingredients extension of the famous cafÈ chains “Tea comfortable family gatherings and serene cor- fee, the memories of “Tea Lounge” will last forev- coat. Place 1 1/4 cups salad mixture on (through anchovy paste) in a large bowl, Lounge “ which are well-known in America and ners for friends meetings with tranquil music er, enjoying a growing reputation continuously each of 4 plates. Top each serving with 2 stirring with a whisk. Add romaine and especially in the regions of New York and that reflects the unforgettable New York atmos- since its inception in USA. It is an outstanding tablespoons onion and 1 1/2 teaspoons radicchio to bowl; toss well to coat. Brooklyn. phere. way of life and adds a lot to Kuwait’s lifestyle. peanuts. Serve immediately. Serve with Divide lettuce and chicken evenly Serving 65 varieties of fresh luxurious tea; The visitors of “Tea Lounge” will enjoy the var- lime wedges, if desired. among each of 4 plates. Top each serv- “Tea Lounge” is been characterized and intro- ious amazing events hosted by the cafe that add Note: ing with 1/2 cup croutons and 1 table- duced into a variety of terrific products organic a new character to the world of hospitality, pre- The pan sauce in this dish doubles as a spoon cheese. piquant vinaigrette for the salad. Serve www.myrecipes.com with crunchy breadsticks, if you wish. TV PROGRAMS SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 23, 2014

03:30 Psychic Kids 09:15 How Tech Works 04:30 My Ghost Story 09:40 The Gadget Show 05:30 The Haunting Of 10:05 The Tech Show 06:30 Psychic Kids 10:30 Scrapheap Challenge 07:30 Curious & Unusual Deaths 11:25 Scrapheap Challenge 01:00 Drift-PG15 00:30 The Weakest Link 08:00 Curious & Unusual Deaths 12:20 Scrapheap Challenge 03:00 The Host-PG15 01:15 Live At The Apollo 00:00 The Thing-18 08:30 Curious & Unusual Deaths 13:10 Scrapheap Challenge 05:15 Tinker Bell And The Secret Of 02:00 Alan Carr: Chatty Man 02:00 Dead Man Running-PG15 09:00 Curious & Unusual Deaths 14:00 Scrapheap Challenge The Wings-FAM 02:45 Him & Her 04:00 The Saint-PG15 09:30 Curious & Unusual Deaths 14:50 Bigger, Better, Faster, 07:00 Bobby Fischer Against The 03:15 Stewart Lee’s Comedy 06:00 Snow White And The 10:00 Curious & Unusual Deaths Stronger World-PG15 Vehicle Huntsman-PG15 10:30 Curious & Unusual Deaths 15:20 The Gadget Show 09:00 You Got Served: Beat The 03:50 Moone Boy 08:15 Hellboy-PG15 11:00 Snapped: Women Who Kill 15:45 The Tech Show World-PG15 04:15 The Weakest Link 10:15 XXX: The Next Level-PG15 11:30 Snapped: Women Who Kill 16:10 Strangest Weather On Earth 11:00 The Wishing Well-PG15 05:00 Me Too! 12:00 The Rescue-PG15 12:00 Snapped: Women Who Kill 16:35 Strangest Weather On Earth 13:00 A Christmas Kiss-PG15 05:20 Nina And The Neurons: In 14:00 Hellboy-PG15 12:30 Snapped: Women Who Kill 17:00 Europe’s Secret Earthquakes 15:00 Wild Card-PG15 The Lab 16:00 Broken Path-PG15 13:00 Snapped: Women Who Kill 17:55 Ways To Save The Planet 17:00 You Got Served: Beat The 05:35 Bobinogs 18:00 The Rescue-PG15 13:30 Snapped: Women Who Kill 18:45 How The Earth Works World-PG15 05:45 Jackanory Junior 20:00 5 Days Of War-PG15 14:00 Snapped: Women Who Kill 19:35 Unchained Reaction 19:00 The Impossible-PG15 06:00 Garth And Bev 22:00 Devil’s Playground-18 14:30 Snapped: Women Who Kill 20:30 How Tech Works 21:00 Pitch Perfect-PG15 06:10 Poetry Pie 15:00 Deadly Wives 20:55 How Tech Works 23:00 Side Effects-18 06:15 Me Too! 16:00 I Killed My BFF 21:20 How The Earth Works 06:35 Nina And The Neurons: In 17:00 I Killed My BFF 22:10 The Gadget Show 00:00 Wanderlust-R The Lab 18:00 Martina Cole’s Lady Killers 22:35 The Tech Show 02:00 The Dukes Of Hazzard-18 06:50 Bobinogs 19:00 Snapped: Women Who Kill 23:00 How Tech Works 04:00 The Naked Gun: From The 07:00 Jackanory Junior 20:00 Snapped: Women Who Kill 23:25 How Tech Works Files Of Police Squad-PG 07:15 Garth And Bev 21:00 Snapped: Women Who Kill 23:50 How The Earth Works 06:00 King Ralph-PG 07:25 Poetry Pie 00:00 I Think I Do-PG15 22:00 Curious & Unusual Deaths 08:00 Raising Arizona-PG15 07:30 Little Prairie Dogs 02:00 Love’s Kitchen-PG15 22:30 Killers 10:00 The Beautician And The 07:40 Tough Guy Or Chicken? 04:00 A Cat In Paris-PG 23:30 Britain’s Darkest Taboos Beast-PG15 06:00 Surf’s Up-PG 08:30 A Farmer’s Life For Me 12:00 The Naked Gun: From The 09:20 The Weakest Link 08:00 Today’s Special-PG15 Files Of Police Squad-PG 10:00 Nacho Libre-PG 10:05 My Family 00:40 Deadly Devotion 14:00 A Christmas Story 2-PG 10:35 As Time Goes By 12:00 Love’s Kitchen-PG15 01:30 I Married A Mobster 16:00 The Beautician And The 14:00 3 Holiday Tails-PG 11:05 One Foot In The Grave 01:55 I Married A Mobster Beast-PG15 11:35 The Weakest Link 16:00 Today’s Special-PG15 02:20 Serial Killers 18:00 Naked Gun 2 1/2: The Smell 18:00 The Expendables 2-PG15 12:20 Tough Guy Or Chicken? 00:05 Alien Mysteries 03:10 Disappeared Of Fear-PG15 13:10 A Farmer’s Life For Me 00:55 The Unexplained Files 20:00 Butter-18 04:00 Killer Kids 20:00 American Reunion-18 22:00 Age Of Heroes-PG15 14:00 Doctors 01:45 Weird Or What? 04:45 Deadly Devotion 22:00 Wanderlust-R 14:30 Doctors 02:35 How It’s Made 05:30 I Married A Mobster 15:00 Doctors 03:00 How It’s Made 05:55 I Married A Mobster 15:30 Doctors 03:25 How It’s Made 06:20 Serial Killers 16:00 Doctors 03:50 How It’s Made 02:00 Trans World Sport 07:10 I Almost Got Away With It 03:00 NFL Game Day 16:30 The Weakest Link 04:15 How It’s Made 08:00 Stalked: Someone’s Watching 17:15 Monty Halls’ Island Escapes 04:40 How Do They Do It? 01:00 Here-PG15 03:30 Snooker 08:25 Stalked: Someone’s Watching 06:30 Futbol Mundial 18:05 Tess Of The D’urbervilles 05:05 How Do They Do It? 08:50 Stalked: Someone’s Watching 03:15 Courage-PG15 19:00 Last Of The Summer Wine 05:30 How Do They Do It? 05:00 Love Finds A Home-PG15 07:00 PGA Tour 09:15 Stalked: Someone’s Watching 11:30 PGA European Tour Weekly 19:30 My Family 06:00 How Do They Do It? 07:00 The Chateau Meroux-PG15 09:40 Dr G: Medical Examiner 12:00 Live PGA European Tour 20:00 Stella 06:30 How Do They Do It? 10:30 Dr G: Medical Examiner 09:00 Here-PG15 20:45 New Tricks 07:00 Fast N’ Loud 16:00 Live LV Cup 11:20 Dr G: Medical Examiner 11:15 Beware The Gonzo-PG15 18:00 Futbol Mundial 21:35 Friday Night Dinner 07:50 World’s Top 5 12:10 Dr G: Medical Examiner 13:00 Resistance-PG15 22:00 Live At The Apollo 08:40 How It‘s Made: Dream Cars 18:30 ICC Cricket 360 13:00 On The Case With Paula Zahn 15:00 Taken Back: Finding Haley- 19:00 Trans World Sport 22:45 Him & Her 09:05 How It’s Made: Dream Cars 13:50 On The Case With Paula Zahn PG15 23:15 The Weakest Link 09:30 Gold Rush - South America 20:00 Inside The PGA Tour 14:40 True Crime With Aphrodite 17:00 The Good Doctor-PG15 20:30 PGA European Tour Weekly 10:20 Gold Fever Jones 19:00 Gone-PG15 11:10 Ice Cold Gold 21:00 Live PGA Tour 15:30 True Crime With Aphrodite 21:00 Albert Nobbs-18 12:00 Destroyed In Seconds 22:30 Inside The PGA Tour Jones 23:00 The Bang Bang Club-18 23:00 Live PGA Tour 12:25 Destroyed In Seconds 16:20 Disappeared 12:50 Destroyed In Seconds 17:10 Disappeared 00:10 Cash In The Attic 13:15 Destroyed In Seconds 18:00 Disappeared 00:55 Phil Spencer - Secret Agent 13:40 How It’s Made 18:50 Disappeared WANDERLUST ON OSN MOVIES COMEDY HD 00:30 Futbol Mundial 01:45 Phil Spencer - Secret Agent 14:05 How It’s Made 19:40 On The Case With Paula Zahn 02:35 Fat & Fatter 14:30 How It’s Made 01:00 NFL Game Day 20:30 On The Case With Paula Zahn 12:25 Prank Stars 09:25 Street Food Around The 22:40 Wild Scotland: The Western 03:25 Bargain Hunt 14:55 How It’s Made 01:15 Firelight-18 01:30 ICC Cricket 360 21:20 On The Case With Paula Zahn 12:35 Dog With A Blog World Isles 04:10 Bargain Hunt 15:20 How It’s Made 03:15 Young Adult-PG15 02:00 PGA European Tour Weekly 22:10 On The Case With Paula Zahn 13:00 The Adventures Of Disney 09:55 Street Food Around the 23:30 Wild Scotland: The Western 04:55 Fantasy Homes Down Under 15:45 Auction Kings 05:00 The History Boys-PG15 02:30 PGA European Tour 23:00 Deadly Women Fairies World Isles 05:40 Fantasy Homes Down Under 16:10 Auction Kings 07:00 New York Stories-PG15 07:00 Trans World Sport 23:50 True Crime With Aphrodite 13:25 The Adventures Of Disney 10:20 Deadliest Journeys 06:25 Fantasy Homes Down Under 16:35 Auction Kings 08:00 Futbol Mundial Jones Fairies 10:50 A World Apart 09:00 Departures-PG15 07:10 Fantasy Homes Down Under 17:00 Auction Kings 08:30 NFL Game Day 13:50 The Adventures Of Disney 11:45 Lonely Planet: Roads Less 11:15 Five-PG15 08:00 Cash In The Attic 17:25 Auction Kings 09:00 NHL Fairies Travelled 13:00 Bobby Fischer Against The 08:45 Fantasy Homes Down Under 17:50 Border Security 11:00 ICC Cricket 360 14:15 The Adventures Of Disney 12:40 Bondi Rescue World-PG15 09:30 Design Rules 18:15 Border Security - Series 6 11:30 Live Cricket Twenty20 Fairies 13:05 Bondi Rescue 15:00 The Crucible-PG15 09:55 Design Rules Specials 15:00 Futbol Mundial 14:40 The Adventures Of Disney 13:35 Extreme Tourist Afghanistan 17:15 Five-PG15 10:20 Rhodes Across The 18:40 Border Security - Series 6 00:30 The Daily Show With Jon 15:30 HSBC Sevens World Series Fairies 14:30 Eat Street 19:00 Wind Chill-PG15 Caribbean Specials Stewart 18:30 LV Cup 00:00 The Suite Life Of Zack & Cody 15:10 The Adventures Of Disney 14:55 Bondi Rescue 21:00 London-18 11:05 Rhodes Across The 19:05 Border Security - Series 6 01:00 The Colbert Report 20:30 NFL Game Day 00:20 The Suite Life Of Zack & Cody Fairies 15:25 Banged Up Abroad Caribbean Specials 01:30 Saturday Night Live 23:00 Mahler On The Couch-18 21:00 Live NHL 00:45 Jonas 15:35 The Adventures Of Disney 16:20 Don’t Tell My Mother 11:50 The Hairy Bikers Ride Again 19:30 Border Security - Series 6 02:30 Louie 01:05 Jonas Fairies 17:15 Banged Up Abroad 12:20 Rachel Khoo’s Kitchen Specials 03:00 Arrested Development 01:30 Suite Life On Deck 16:00 The Adventures Of Disney 18:10 Street Food Around the Notebook: London 19:55 Mythbusters 03:30 Baby Daddy 01:50 Suite Life On Deck Fairies World Alfonso Cuaron on 12:45 MasterChef 20:45 What Happened Next? 04:00 Seinfeld 02:15 Wizards Of Waverly Place 16:25 The Adventures Of Disney 18:35 Deadliest Journeys 13:40 MasterChef 21:10 What Happened Next? 04:30 The Tonight Show With Jay 02:35 Wizards Of Waverly Place Fairies 19:05 Lonely Planet: Roads Less 14:35 Fat & Fatter 21:35 Head Games Leno ‘Gravity’: ‘Awards 03:00 The Suite Life Of Zack & Cody 16:50 Pixie Hollow Games Travelled 15:30 Bargain Hunt: Famous Finds 22:25 Gold Rush - South America 05:30 Seinfeld 03:20 The Suite Life Of Zack & Cody 17:10 Toy Story Toons 20:00 Street Food Around The 16:15 Bargain Hunt: Famous Finds 23:15 Gold Fever 06:00 Raising Hope don’t make your film 03:45 Jonas 17:20 Jessie World 17:00 Bargain Hunt: Famous Finds 06:30 Friends 04:05 Jonas 17:45 Dog With A Blog 20:30 David Rocco’s Amalfi 17:45 Bargain Hunt: Famous Finds 07:00 Late Night With Jimmy Fallon better or prettier’ 04:30 Suite Life On Deck 18:10 Gravity Falls Getaway 18:30 Bargain Hunt: Famous Finds 08:00 Seinfeld 04:50 Suite Life On Deck 18:30 Wolfblood 21:00 Bondi Rescue 19:15 Bargain Hunt: Famous Finds 08:30 Seinfeld 05:15 Wizards Of Waverly Place 18:55 My Babysitter’s A Vampire 21:30 Bondi Rescue lfonso Cuaron didn’t really know what he was get- 20:00 The Hairy Bikers: Mums 09:00 Arrested Development 05:35 Wizards Of Waverly Place 19:20 Good Luck Charlie 22:00 Scam City ting himself in for when his film “Gravity” debuted at Know Best 00:40 The Colony 09:30 That Mitchell And Webb 06:00 Austin And Ally 19:40 Jessie 22:55 Street Food Around the the Venice Film Festival almost six months ago. The 20:55 Come Dine With Me: 01:30 Bigger, Better, Faster, Look A 06:25 Dog With A Blog World 20:05 Austin & Ally 10:00 Two And A Half Men Mexican director had other films that had figured in the Supersized Stronger 06:45 A.N.T. Farm 23:20 Eat Street 20:30 Good Luck Charlie 10:30 Friends Oscar race - “A Little Princess” received two nominations, “Y 22:30 Antiques Roadshow 02:00 Mega World 07:10 A.N.T. Farm 20:50 Dog With A Blog 11:00 The Tonight Show With Jay Tu Mama Tambien” one, “Harry Potter and the Prisoner of 23:20 Bargain Hunt: Famous Finds 02:50 Futurecar 07:35 That’s So Raven 21:15 Gravity Falls Leno 03:45 Futurecar 07:55 Shake It Up Azkaban” two and “Children of Men” three - but he’d been 21:40 Shake It Up 12:00 Raising Hope 04:35 Futurecar 08:20 Good Luck Charlie working during awards season those years, and didn’t 22:00 Austin & Ally 12:30 Seinfeld 05:25 Futurecar 08:45 Dog With A Blog experience the madness first-hand. 22:25 A.N.T. Farm 13:00 Seinfeld 06:15 The Gadget Show 09:05 Gravity Falls But with “Gravity,” things are different. Cuaron’s film is 22:50 Good Luck Charlie 00:30 Brain Games 13:30 Friends 06:40 The Tech Show 09:30 Wolfblood 23:10 Wizards Of Waverly Place 01:00 Wild Russia 14:00 Baby Daddy battling “12 Years a Slave” and “American Hustle” in the 07:05 How Does That Work? 09:55 My Babysitter’s A Vampire 00:30 Gangland 23:35 Wizards Of Waverly Place 02:00 Untamed Americas 14:30 That Mitchell And Webb tightest Best Picture race in a decade, and Cuaron himself 07:35 How Does That Work? 10:15 A.N.T. Farm 01:30 Psychic Kids 03:00 Big, Bigger, Biggest Look has won best-director honors at the Golden Globes, the 08:00 How The Earth Works 10:40 Ratatouille 04:00 World’s Toughest Fixes 02:30 Psychic Kids 08:50 How Tech Works 15:00 Two And A Half Men Critics’ Choice Movie Awards, the Directors Guild of 05:00 World’s Toughest Fixes 15:30 The Daily Show With Jon America Award and, on Sunday, BAFTA’s awards. He’s been 06:00 Animal Mega Moves Stewart hitting the circuit full time, including a sit-down with 07:00 The Best Job In The World 16:00 The Colbert Report 07:30 Wild Scotland: The Western TheWrap as Oscar voting began. 00:00 Chelsea Lately 16:30 Last Man Standing Isles Did you realize back in August that you were going to 00:30 The Dance Scene 17:00 Late Night With Jimmy Fallon 08:30 Brain Games need to clear your schedule for the next six months? 00:55 The Dance Scene 18:00 Arrested Development 09:00 Wild Russia Far from it. Actually, I started writing a screenplay with 01:25 20 Acts Of Love Gone Wrong 18:30 The Simpsons 10:00 Untamed Americas 03:15 THS 19:00 2 Broke Girls Jonas [Cuaron, his son and “Gravity” co-writer]. Then he had 11:00 Alaska Wing Men 04:10 E! Investigates 19:30 Two And A Half Men to start prepping the movie that he is shooting now and I 12:00 The Two Million Year Old Boy 05:05 Extreme Close-Up 20:00 Whitney said, “OK, this is a very good time for me to give the screen- 13:00 That Shouldn’t Fly 05:30 Extreme Close-Up 20:30 Web Therapy play a pass - and then when you finish, you can revise it.” 14:00 Wild Russia 06:00 THS 21:00 The Daily Show With Jon And I started giving it a pass, and then all of this started 15:00 Lords of War 07:50 Style Star Stewart 15:30 Wild Scotland: The Western happening. At first I said, “I’ll work on the script in planes.” 08:20 E! News 21:30 The Colbert Report Isles But no, you can’t. You just get absorbed in the whole 09:15 Scouted 22:00 Saturday Night Live 16:30 Nat Geo’s Most Amazing lengthy awards process. What I’m saying is it took me by 10:15 Eric And Jessie: Game On 23:00 Don’t Trust The B In Photos surprise, this whole thing. 10:40 Eric And Jessie: Game On Apartment 23 17:00 Adventure Wanted 11:10 Married To Jonas 23:30 Whitney What have been the biggest surprises in the process? 18:00 Aftermath 11:35 Married To Jonas The first surprise was that the movie was not a disaster. 19:00 Salvage Code Red 12:05 E! News Putting it together, there was such a long time in which we 20:00 Aftermath 13:05 Giuliana & Bill didn’t know if it was going to work. We had a preview that 21:00 Prehistoric Predators 14:05 Giuliana & Bill was terrible, when it was in a very rough, animatic state. So 22:00 Salvage Code Red 00:00 C.S.I. New York 15:00 Giuliana & Bill 23:00 Megacities 01:00 Helix you have that ghost hovering around. 16:00 Giuliana & Bill 02:00 Banshee And then we put everything together and finished only 17:00 Giuliana & Bill 03:00 House Of Cards two weeks before Venice, which was unsettling. And the 18:00 E! News 04:00 The Glades surprise had to be the reaction of the audiences. I mean, 19:00 Keeping Up With The 05:00 Almost Human Kardashians obviously that’s what we were aiming for, but we were lost 06:00 C.S.I. New York in the forest. So it was a great surprise to see audiences 20:00 The Drama Queen 07:00 Burn Notice 21:00 The Drama Queen 00:20 World’s Weirdest Brains And embrace the film because of the all the technology and Babies 08:00 Made In Jersey stuff, but also emotionally engage in the film. That’s what 22:00 Eric And Jessie: Game On 09:00 Almost Human 22:30 Eric And Jessie: Game On 01:10 Outback Wrangler the journey is for, and that was the coolest thing. 02:00 Swamp Men 10:00 Helix 23:00 Party On 11:00 The Glades I also remember at Venice, the studio people showed 23:30 Chelsea Lately 02:50 World’s Weirdest Extreme me the reviews. And I said, “OK, look, I’m a grownup. Show Body Parts 12:00 Emmerdale 03:45 How Big Can It Get 12:30 Coronation Street me the bad ones, too.” And they said, “No, these are it.” That 04:40 Brilliant Beasts 14:00 Made In Jersey was great - but selfishly, the moment when you start 05:35 Unlikely Animal Friends 15:00 C.S.I. New York receiving the emails from your peers, that’s what feels very 06:30 Animal Intervention 16:00 Emmerdale good. People that you admire, some of them that are some 07:25 Caught In The Act 16:30 Coronation Street of the reason why you make films in the first place. When 00:15 Deadliest Journeys 18:00 Made In Jersey 08:20 Fish Tank Kings you start getting those emails, it’s really really really really 00:45 The Witch Doctor Will See 19:00 Franklin & Bash 09:15 Expedition Wild You Now 21:00 Suits sweet. 10:10 Animal Mega Moves 01:40 Lonely Planet: Roads Less 22:00 Supernatural You talk about getting the approval of your peers - the 11:05 Animal Mega Moves Travelled 23:00 House Of Cards DGA Award must have been special. 02:35 The Real Man’s Road Trip 12:00 Shark Men I was nervous, because I get starstruck, still, with direc- 03:30 David Rocco‚Äôs Dolce Vita 12:55 The Invaders 13:50 World’s Weirdest: Animal tors. I try to erase the word competition from my vocabu- 03:55 Food Lover’s Guide To The lary because I think celebration should be the word Planet Taboo 14:45 Secrets Of The King Cobra 00:00 XXX: The Next Level instead. It’s a great year, but it’s not only a great year for the 04:25 Eat Street 02:00 The Thing 15:40 Wild Scotland: The Western films that were nominated. There were so many other films 04:50 Bondi Rescue 04:00 Dead Man Running Isles that were not nominated that are as good or better than 05:20 Lonely Planet: Roads Less 06:00 The Saint 16:35 Wild Scotland: The Western the films that are nominated. And by the way, all these Travelled 08:00 Snow White And The Isles 06:15 Street Food Around The Huntsman recognitions, they don’t make your movie a better movie or 17:30 Secret Brazil World 10:15 Hellboy a prettier movie. And not being recognized doesn’t make 18:25 Animal Mega Moves 06:40 David Rocco’s Amalfi 12:15 XXX: The Next Level your movie uglier or not as good as it was before. That idea 19:20 Shark Men Getaway 14:00 The Rescue is a crucial thing to remember this time of year, but it’s diffi- 20:10 The Invaders 07:10 Bondi Rescue 16:00 Hellboy 21:00 World’s Weirdest: Animal cult when week after week you go to awards shows where 07:35 Bondi Rescue 18:00 Broken Path Taboo they essentially say, “and the winner is”. —Reuters 08:05 When Vacations Attack 20:00 The Rescue THE THING ON OSN MOVIES ACTION 09:00 Kimchi Chronicles 21:50 Secrets Of The King Cobra 22:00 5 Days Of War Classifieds

SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 23, 2014

Kuwait KNCC PROGRAMME FROM THURSDAY TO WEDNESDAY FOR SALE (20/02/2014 TO 26/02/2014) Toyota Yaris, model 2013, mileage 3,500 white exteri- or, price KD 2,550. Phone: SHARQIA-1 NO SUN NO SUN POMPEII (DIG) 12:30 PM 99240654. (C 4649) THE MONUMENTS MEN (DIG) 2:45 PM FANAR-4 AVENUES-4 19-2-2014 POMPEII (DIG) 5:00 PM OGGY AND THE COCKROACHES: 3 DAYS TO KILL (DIG) 2:00 PM THE MONUMENTS MEN (DIG) 7:15 PM THE MOVIE (DIG) 2:00 PM PATRICK (DIG) 4:15 PM Nissan Pathfinder 2003 POMPEII (DIG) 9:45 PM THE LEGO MOVIE (DIG-3D) 3:45 PM 3 DAYS TO KILL (DIG) 6:30 PM POMPEII (DIG) 12:05 AM OGGY AND THE COCKROACHES: PATRICK (DIG) 8:45 PM model, good condition. Call NO SUN THE MOVIE (DIG) 5:45 PM 3 DAYS TO KILL (DIG) 11:00 PM 97277135. POMPEII (DIG) 7:45 PM PATRICK (DIG) 1:15 AM SHARQIA-2 POMPEII (DIG) 10:00 PM NO SUN Cooker with bottle and OGGY AND THE COCKROACHES: POMPEII (DIG) 12:15 AM regulator, washing THE MOVIE (DIG) 2:00 PM NO SUN 360º- 1 OGGY AND THE COCKROACHES: PATRICK (DIG) 2:00 PM machine, tumble dryer con- THE MOVIE (DIG) 4:00 PM FANAR-5 PATRICK (DIG) 4:15 PM denser, microwave mirror 3 DAYS TO KILL (DIG) 5:45 PM THE MONUMENTS MEN (DIG) 12:45 PM PATRICK (DIG) 6:30 PM four door wardrobe, queen 3 DAYS TO KILL (DIG) 8:00 PM CODE RED (DIG) 3:30 PM PATRICK (DIG) 8:45 PM size bed mattress as new, ROBOCOP (DIG) 10:15 PM THE MONUMENTS MEN (DIG) 5:30 PM PATRICK (DIG) 11:00 PM sofa and lounge chairs cof- 3 DAYS TO KILL (DIG) 12:45 AM CODE RED (DIG) 8:00 PM PATRICK (DIG) 1:15 AM NO SUN THE MONUMENTS MEN (DIG) 10:15 PM NO SUN fee tables, desk and office THE MONUMENTS MEN (DIG) 12:45 AM chair TV 42” LCD dining SHARQIA-3 NO SUN 360º- 2 table and four chairs side PATRICK (DIG) 12:30 PM AMERICAN HUSTLE (DIG) 2:30 PM board bookcase, chopping PATRICK (DIG) 2:30 PM MARINA-1 AMERICAN HUSTLE (DIG) 5:00 PM block mobile. Ph: 94400865. PATRICK (DIG) 4:30 PM OGGY AND THE COCKROACHES: LONE SURVIVOR (DIG) 7:30 PM PATRICK (DIG) 6:30 PM THE MOVIE (DIG) 1:45 PM AMERICAN HUSTLE (DIG) 10:15 PM (C 4647) CODE RED (DIG) 8:30 PM OGGY AND THE COCKROACHES: AMERICAN HUSTLE (DIG) 12:45 AM 18-2-2014 PATRICK (DIG) 10:30 PM THE MOVIE (DIG) 3:30 PM NO SUN PATRICK (DIG) 12:30 AM 3 DAYS TO KILL (DIG) 5:30 PM Mitsubishi Galant 2011, sil- NO SUN CODE RED (DIG) 7:45 PM 360º- 3 ver color, excellent condi- 3 DAYS TO KILL (DIG) 9:45 PM OGGY AND THE COCKROACHES: MUHALAB-1 3 DAYS TO KILL (DIG) 12:05 AM THE MOVIE (DIG) 2:00 PM tion, KD 2200. Mob: OGGY AND THE COCKROACHES: NO SUN OGGY AND THE COCKROACHES: 66729295. (C 4644) THE MOVIE (DIG) 1:45 PM THE MOVIE (DIG) 4:00 PM OGGY AND THE COCKROACHES: MARINA-2 OGGY AND THE COCKROACHES: Mitsubishi Lancer Ex 2013, THE MOVIE (DIG) 3:45 PM PATRICK (DIG) 1:30 PM THE MOVIE (DIG) 6:00 PM white color, full options, km 3 DAYS TO KILL (DIG) 5:30 PM ROBOCOP (DIG) 3:45 PM OGGY AND THE COCKROACHES: KHOUTAT GIMI (DIG) 7:45 PM AMERICAN HUSTLE (DIG) 6:15 PM THE MOVIE (DIG) 8:00 PM 19000, KD 2750. Tel: 3 DAYS TO KILL (DIG) 9:45 PM PATRICK (DIG) 8:45 PM PATRICK (DIG) 10:00 PM 50994848. (C 4645) PATRICK (DIG) 10:45 PM PATRICK (DIG) 12:15 AM 16-2-2014 MUHALAB-2 PATRICK (DIG) 12:45 AM NO SUN WINTER’S TALE (DIG) 1:30 PM NO SUN PATRICK (DIG) 4:00 PM AL-KOUT.1 CODE RED (DIG) 6:00 PM MARINA-3 OGGY AND THE COCKROACHES: ACCOMMODATION PATRICK (DIG) 8:00 PM POMPEII (DIG-3D) 1:00 PM THE MOVIE (DIG) 12:45 PM PATRICK (DIG) 10:00 PM WINTER’S TALE (DIG) 3:30 PM OGGY AND THE COCKROACHES: Sharing accommodation POMPEII (DIG-3D) 5:45 PM THE MOVIE (DIG) 2:30 PM MUHALAB-3 KHOUTAT GIMI (DIG) 8:00 PM POMPEII (DIG) 4:15 PM available for Pakistani bach- THE LEGO MOVIE (DIG) 12:30 PM POMPEII (DIG-3D) 10:15 PM OGGY AND THE COCKROACHES: elor in 2B/bath apartment employment. Contact: Cook for Kuwaiti family, POMPEII (DIG-3D) 2:30 PM POMPEII (DIG-3D) 12:30 AM THE MOVIE (DIG) 6:30 PM in Khaitan, rent KD 90. 96681344. (C 4643) familiar with local dishes, ROBOCOP (DIG) 4:45 PM NO SUN POMPEII (DIG) 8:15 PM Contact: 96618664. 17-2-2014 preferably if knows to read POMPEII (DIG-3D) 7:15 PM POMPEII (DIG) 10:30 PM (C 4648) English, transferable resi- POMPEII (DIG-3D) 9:30 PM AVENUES-1 POMPEII (DIG) 12:45 AM OGGY AND THE COCKROACHES: NO SUN 18-2-2014 dence. 97577377. (C 4646) FANAR-1 THE MOVIE (DIG) 1:00 PM CHANGE OF NAME 16-2-2014 PATRICK (DIG) 12:30 PM OGGY AND THE COCKROACHES: AL-KOUT.2 Sharing accommodation WINTER’S TALE (DIG) 2:30 PM THE MOVIE (DIG) 3:00 PM PATRICK (DIG) 1:45 PM flat with African family, 1 I, Mundayadankandy PATRICK (DIG) 4:45 PM OGGY AND THE COCKROACHES: PATRICK (DIG) 3:45 PM room + special bathroom, WINTER’S TALE (DIG) 6:45 PM THE MOVIE (DIG) 5:00 PM PATRICK (DIG) 5:45 PM Puthiya Purayil Jaseel, hold- LOST PATRICK (DIG) 9:00 PM OGGY AND THE COCKROACHES: KHOUTAT GIMI (DIG) 7:45 PM price KD 100, Abu Alifah. er of Indian Passport No. PATRICK (DIG) 11:00 PM THE MOVIE (DIG) 7:00 PM PATRICK (DIG) 9:45 PM 66971502. (C 4642) F9952543 residing at It is notified for the infor- PATRICK (DIG) 1:00 AM AMERICAN HUSTLE (DIG) 9:15 PM PATRICK (DIG) 11:45 PM 16-2-2014 Kadeeja Manzil IX 223, Haji NO SUN AMERICAN HUSTLE (DIG) 11:45 PM NO SUN mation that my original NO SUN Metta, P.O. Kanhirode, VIA qualifying examination cer- FANAR-2 AL-KOUT.3 Koodali, Kannur, Kerala - tificate of main secondary 3 DAYS TO KILL (DIG) 1:00 PM AVENUES-2 THE LEGO MOVIE (DIG) 12:30 PM SITUATION WANTED 670592, hereby change my examination of year 2010- KHOUTAT GIMI I?E ???? (DIG) 3:30 PM ROBOCOP (DIG) 1:30 PM THE MONUMENTS MEN (DIG) 2:30 PM name to Jaseel Ebrahim. 2012 and roll no. 8106150 3 DAYS TO KILL (DIG) 6:00 PM CODE RED (DIG) 4:00 PM ROBOCOP (DIG) 5:00 PM IT-Engineer young and 17-2-2014 3 DAYS TO KILL (DIG) 8:15 PM ROBOCOP (DIG) 6:30 PM THE MONUMENTS MEN (DIG) 7:30 PM issued by CBSE, India has KHOUTAT GIMI I?E ???? (DIG) 10:30 PM ROBOCOP (DIG) 9:00 PM THE MONUMENTS MEN (DIG) 10:00 PM energetic with bachelors been actually lost. Name of 3 DAYS TO KILL (DIG) 12:30 AM ROBOCOP (DIG) 11:30 PM ROBOCOP (DIG) 12:30 AM degree in electronics & candidate: Mohamed NO SUN NO SUN NO SUN telecommunication, passed SITUATION VACANT Muzammil, Abu Halifa, in first class (honors), and Block-1, Street-1, Building 1, FANAR-3 AVENUES-3 AL-KOUT.4 Small Kuwaiti family in holding Master Degree in Flat 25, Kuwait. Mob: ROBOCOP (DIG) 1:30 PM 3 DAYS TO KILL (DIG) 2:15 PM 3 DAYS TO KILL (DIG) 1:00 PM Jabriya looking for full-time ROBOCOP (DIG) 4:00 PM 3 DAYS TO KILL (DIG) 4:45 PM 3 DAYS TO KILL (DIG) 3:15 PM Business Administration, 66823168. (C 4651) driver. Salary KD 140. Tel: GUNDAY (DIG) (HINDI) 6:30 PM 3 DAYS TO KILL (DIG) 7:15 PM 3 DAYS TO KILL (DIG) 5:30 PM having working experience 23-2-2014 AMERICAN HUSTLE (DIG) 9:30 PM 3 DAYS TO KILL (DIG) 9:45 PM 3 DAYS TO KILL (DIG) 8:00 PM in India and abroad, hold- 99679397. (C 4650) ROBOCOP (DIG) 12:05 AM 3 DAYS TO KILL (DIG) 12:15 AM CODE RED (DIG) 10:15 PM ing Kuwait residence is 23-2-2014 looking for suitable

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

Arrival Flights on Sunday 23/2/2014 IRC 6666 AHWAZ 13:45 Departure Flights on Sunday 23/2/2014 KAC 561 AMMAN 14:30 Airlines Flt Route Time FDB 57 DUBAI 13:50 Airlines Flt Route Time IRC 6667 AHWAZ 14:45 JAI 574 MUMBAI 00:10 QTR 1078 DOHA 13:55 AIC 976 GOA 00:05 QTR 1079 DOHA 14:55 JZR 267 BEIRUT 00:30 AZG 416 AL MAKTOUM INTERNATI 14:00 AXB 490 MANGALORE 00:15 KAC 673 DUBAI 15:05 THY 772 ISTANBUL 00:45 SVA 500 JEDDAH 14:30 UAL 981 WASHINGTON 00:55 KAC 617 DOHA 15:15 QTR 1084 DOHA 00:55 KNE 472 JEDDAH 14:35 JAI 573 MUMBAI 01:10 KNE 473 JEDDAH 15:30 RJA 642 AMMAN-QUEEN ALIA 01:05 GFA 221 BAHRAIN 15:00 DLH 637 FRANKFURT 02:10 GFA 222 BAHRAIN 15:45 JZR 539 CAIRO 00:40 UAE 857 DUBAI 16:40 ETH 621 ADDIS ABABA 02:45 SVA 503 MADINAH 15:45 DLH 637 DAMMAM 01:10 QTR 1072 DOHA 16:40 THY 773 ISTANBUL-ATATURK 02:55 KAC 513 TEHRAN 16:20 ETH 620 ADDIS ABABA 01:45 ETD 303 ABU DHABI-INTL 16:50 UAE 854 DUBAI 03:50 JZR 238 AMMAN 16:55 GFA 211 BAHRAIN 02:10 RJA 640 AMMAN-QUEEN ALIA 16:55 ETD 306 ABU DHABI 04:00 AZG 417 BAGRAM 17:00 THY 764 SABIHA 02:15 SVA 510 RIYADH 17:15 MSR 613 CAIRO 04:10 ETD 304 ABU DHABI 17:35 UAE 853 DUBAI 02:35 ABY 127 SHARJAH 17:25 QTR 1085 DOHA 04:15 QTR 1073 DOHA 17:40 ETD 305 ABU DHABI-INTL 02:45 GFA 215 BAHRAIN 17:30 FDB 68 DUBAI 04:40 JZR 538 CAIRO 17:50 AFG 415 KABUL 17:45 JZR 555 ALEXANDRIA 02:25 QTR 1077 DOHA 05:15 UAE 858 DUBAI 17:50 UAL 982 WASHINGTON DC DULLES 18:00 JAI 576 COCHIN 02:50 CLX 792 HONG KONG 05:45 RJA 641 AMMAN 17:55 RBG 553 ALEXANDRIA 18:15 MSR 612 CAIRO 03:10 JZR 560 SOHAG 06:20 ABY 128 SHARJAH 18:05 QTR 1080 DOHA 18:40 CLX 792 LUXEMBOURG 03:40 FDB 70 DUBAI 06:30 SVA 511 RIYADH 18:15 FDB 63 DUBAI 18:45 QTR 1076 DOHA 03:45 JAI 575 ABU DHABI 06:45 GFA 216 BAHRAIN 18:20 FDB 67 DUBAI 04:00 AXB 393 KOZHIKODE 19:15 GFA 217 BAHRAIN 19:30 JZR 164 DUBAI 06:55 JZR 184 DUBAI 18:40 KAC 544 CAIRO 04:20 RJA 643 AMMAN 07:05 AFG 415 JEDDAH 18:45 THY 770 ISTANBUL 05:35 OMA 647 MUSCAT 19:55 THY 765 ISTANBUL-SABIHA 07:05 JZR 266 BEIRUT 18:50 DHX 170 BAHRAIN 05:40 FDB 61 DUBAI 20:05 GFA 212 BAHRAIN 07:15 RBG 554 ALEXANDRIA 18:55 QTR 8524 DOHA 05:45 JAI 572 MUMBAI 20:10 QTR 8525 BEIRUT 07:15 JZR 134 BAHRAIN 19:10 FDB 69 DUBAI 05:50 JZR 177 DUBAI 18:20 THY 771 ISTANBUL-ATATURK 07:30 UAL 982 BAHRAIN 19:15 BAW 157 LONDON 06:40 JZR 777 JEDDAH 17:55 FDB 54 DUBAI 08:30 FDB 64 DUBAI 19:25 JZR 553 ALEXANDRIA 06:05 KAC 786 JEDDAH 18:45 BAW 156 LONDON 08:45 QTR 1081 DOHA 19:40 JZR 529 ASYUT 06:20 KAC 672 DUBAI 14:00 KAC 412 MANILA 06:45 KAC 542 CAIRO 18:05 QTR 1087 DOHA 08:50 AXB 3944 KOZHIKODE 20:15 KAC 206 ISLAMABAD 07:40 KAC 172 FRANKFURT 21:45 KAC 171 FRANKFURT 09:10 GFA 218 BAHRAIN 20:15 FDB 53 DUBAI 07:50 KAC 102 NEW YORK 19:35 SVA 513 RIYADH 09:15 KAC 283 DHAKA 20:30 QTR 1086 DOHA 07:50 KAC 166 PARIS 19:10 KAC 787 JEDDAH 09:25 FDB 62 DUBAI 20:45 KAC 302 MUMBAI 07:55 KAC 788 JEDDAH 15:10 KAC 671 DUBAI 09:30 OMA 648 MUSCAT 20:55 KAC 382 DELHI 07:55 KAC 502 BEIRUT 18:50 ABY 126 SHARJAH 09:40 ABY 120 SHARJAH 21:00 SVA 512 RIYADH 08:15 KAC 674 DUBAI 19:25 UAE 856 DUBAI 09:55 KAC 361 COLOMBO 21:00 UAE 855 DUBAI 08:40 KAC 562 AMMAN-QUEEN ALIA 19:55 KAC 117 NEW YORK 10:00 JAI 571 MUMBAI 21:10 KAC 362 COLOMBO 08:45 KAC 618 DOHA 19:00 KAC 773 RIYADH 10:05 MSR 619 ALEXANDRIA 21:45 KAC 352 COCHIN 08:10 KAC 514 TEHRAN 20:45 ETD 302 ABU DHABI 10:05 DHX 171 BAHRAIN 21:50 KAC 332 TRIVANDRUM 08:15 ABY 129 SHARJAH 20:20 ABY 122 SHARJAH 10:10 FDB 72 DUBAI 21:55 KAC 284 DHAKA 08:50 MSR 606 LUXOR 20:45 FDB 56 DUBAI 10:20 ALK 230 COLOMBO 22:10 ABY 125 SHARJAH 09:00 DLH 634 FRANKFURT 20:55 KAC 741 DAMMAM 10:30 MEA 403 BEIRUT 22:20 ALK 229 COLOMBO 21:10 ETD 301 ABU DHABI-INTL 09:20 QTR 1071 DOHA 10:55 ETD 308 ABU DHABI 22:20 FDB 71 DUBAI 21:15 ABY 121 SHARJAH 09:30 KAC 501 BEIRUT 11:10 GFA 220 BAHRAIN 22:30 MEA 402 BEIRUT 21:20 FDB 55 DUBAI 09:40 GFA 214 BAHRAIN 11:25 KAC 301 MUMBAI 22:35 ETD 307 ABU DHABI-INTL 21:35 QTR 1070 DOHA 09:55 KAC 541 CAIRO 11:30 FDB 60 DUBAI 22:40 UAE 859 DUBAI 21:40 IRA 603 SHIRAZ 10:35 IRA 602 SHIRAZ 11:35 KAC 381 DELHI 22:50 GFA 219 BAHRAIN 21:45 GFA 213 BAHRAIN 10:40 KAC 103 LONDON 12:20 UAE 860 DUBAI 22:50 QTR 1074 DOHA 22:00 MEA 404 BEIRUT 11:55 JZR 776 JEDDAH 12:25 KAC 205 ISLAMABAD 22:55 FDB 59 DUBAI 22:00 IRC 6507 SHIRAZ 12:05 MEA 405 BEIRUT 12:55 KAC 351 KOCHI 23:00 KLM 417 AMSTERDAM 22:05 SYR 341 LATAKIA 12:10 AIC 981 CHENNAI 22:30 KAC 785 JEDDAH 13:00 KLM 417 DAMMAM 23:05 UAE 871 DUBAI 12:50 JZR 135 BAHRAIN 22:05 IRC 6508 SHIRAZ 13:05 QTR 1075 DOHA 23:10 MSR 610 CAIRO 13:00 JZR 239 AMMAN-QUEEN ALIA 22:20 SYR 342 LATAKIA 13:10 KAC 343 CHENNAI 23:15 JZR 165 DUBAI 11:30 FDB 61 DUBAI 23:00 JZR 176 DUBAI 13:45 JZR 502 LUXOR 23:30 JZR 561 SOHAG 12:55 UAL 981 BAHRAIN 23:10 MSR 611 CAIRO 14:00 FDB 62 DUBAI 23:40 KAC 774 RIYADH 13:30 JZR 185 DUBAI 23:20 UAE 872 DUBAI 14:15 KAC 415 KUALA LUMPUR 23:55 KAC 742 DAMMAM 13:30 PIA 205 LAHORE 23:55 FDB 58 DUBAI 14:30 KAC 411 BANGKOK 23:55 DIAL161 FOR AIRPORT INFORMATION stars34 SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 23, 2014

STAR TRACK CROSSWORD 468

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

The intellectual and communicative talents of those close to you take on Firm plans are developing now for some old ideas of the past to come into greater importance today. You may find yourself being put to good use by fruition. Figuring out how to organize these projects may be most important. your friends. Your more reserved qualities are present and valuable for the decision-mak- There is a special interest with regard to some animal or the condition of a lake. Whether ing process. Nourishment is important and if you are in a cold region of the country, you your purpose is to bring about awareness and a healing or some other change, there will be may consider a good stew or soup for the noon meal today. If you have been exercising in success, but success may not come quickly. This may be a life work and you won’t have to do the evening or late afternoon, change your exercise time to mornings. You will find your- it alone. You encourage others in many avenues of life. Friends and acquaintances may grab self better equipped to take on the day. Emotional security and a sense of belonging and your attention this afternoon; the evening will bring about some closure to this day with the nurturing are felt instinctively. Finances, investments, romance, diet, etc., are issues you feeling of everyone coming together. You discover new reasons and ways to enjoy and appreciate life during this time. ponder. Rely on your own good sense when problems arise today.

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

You may feel a little left out today as others talk and exclude you from the Daydreams are a big part of your morning—especially if you have not had conversation. Not to worry, however, you will find out the details in due time—for now enough rest lately. You may find yourself talking about your dreams with a these issues do not concern you. Be patient with others today and use your intuition to friend or loved one this morning. A book that references some interesting dream visuals can guide you. You feel a love of order and law—an appreciation for responsibilities and duty. be a lot of fun. Mostly, there are ordinary dreams and teaching dreams. Writing down the information you receive and reviewing the information later would be a good thing to do. Problems are valued for the lessons they represent, rather than perceived as obstacles. This may take patience for a review later but you could find a review very informative. There Sympathy and understanding are emotional qualities that take on greater importance. It is is a desire to study the occult and you may find interesting studies regarding dreams and wisdom that will be the most reliable today and this is a good day. You appear perhaps how to understand them. You will do well in activities that include children, young people more charming and refined than usual all day long. If you are involved in a love relation- and your home this afternoon. Romance is yours tonight. ship—this may be the time to ask the big question.

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

Take a little trip, or get outside this morning. You may want to break that Slow days are necessary in order to build back emotional strength and per- haps make new plans. Don’t be too strict with yourself, especially if you think routine and try something new or different. You will find a way around you are not progressing as you should. Patience with yourself is just as important as when ACROSS mother and raised by hand. almost any obstacle and you are in control and able to guide yourself with ease. you are giving another person time to work through some new discovery or difficulty. Understanding the people around you and helping them to understand you are important ACROSS 5. A very poisonous metallic element that has Creative work this afternoon can clear away a writer’s block. You have an interest in antiques tasks. You may be teaching a few people some form of education to help them graduate and may decide to clean up an old piece of furniture to sell this next week. You may decide 1. The 13th letter of the Hebrew alphabet. three allotropic forms. or to help them learn a language before going on a trip. People will notice your self-assur- to shop this afternoon for the future tools or crafts you may need. Get out and kick up your 4. Bell attached to a sleigh, or to harness of 6. Plausible glib talk (especially useful to a ance and comment on your positive attitude. Your sense of inner direction is good and at heels this evening. You know the old saying about all work and no play, etc. Stimulate your horse pulling a sleigh. salesperson). least one important goal can be achieved today. Emotional seriousness will bring you an brain by enjoying a few social gatherings. awareness of the nature of time; art accomplishments are fun and rewarding. 12. The fatty flesh of eel. 7. Someone who is morally reprehensible. 15. (Irish) Mother of the ancient Irish gods. 8. A public promotion of some product or 16. City in central Iran. service. 17. Of or relating to or characteristic of 9. Any of numerous local fertility and nature Cancer (June 21-July 22) Capricorn (December 22-January 19) Thailand of its people. deities worshipped by ancient Semitic peo- Your own inner need for change and growth may be threatened by someone 18. A rechargeable battery with a nickel cath- ples. The awareness of the nature of time hits you today and you could be deciding to secure your future with children or perhaps the purchase of a permanent older or by circumstances. You will be able to be understanding and handle ode and a cadmium anode. 10. Any ameba of the genus Endamoeba. home. Remember that tiny causes can lead to big effects. You really do not have to make big this very quickly. You are able to cut through the red tape and get at the truth. You could be 20. A state in the Rocky Mountains. 11. A room equipped with toilet facilities. changes right away. This is a time of changes on the personal and psychological level as seen by others as just the person to be put in charge of some family project requiring a con- servative mind. Consider yourself the guide and allow others to do the work. An organized 21. Being ahead of time or need. 12. An inactive volcano in Sicily. well—as if you are transforming into an entirely new person. The ability to enchant others finds this a time when mysticism and idealism seem to really be living in you. Outer circum- and conservative mind is needed in order to get a project off the drawing board. A new and 23. A Bantu language sometimes considered a 13. (used of count nouns) Every one consid- stances and the flow of events make it easy for you to enjoy your surroundings—easy does delicious recipe gains attention and is a possible moneymaker. Take time today and tomor- dialect of Zulu. ered individually. it. If you are looking for a relationship, look for someone that has an interest in business row to let your loved ones know how much you appreciate them. Enjoy romance to the fullest this evening. 26. A demon who swallows the sun causing 14. The function or position properly or cus- affairs—not any one business in particular. eclipses. tomarily occupied or served by another. 27. An intensely radioactive metallic element 19. Having the wind against the forward side that occurs in minute amounts in uranium of the sails. Leo (July 23-August 22) Aquarius (January 20- February 18) ores. 22. A bitter yellow powder used to treat skin The technique of buying some time before speaking your mind is a difficult, 28. Divulge information or secrets. diseases. This is a day you will enjoy away from the workplace. Friendships and involve- but necessary step to take today. If you are planning for more education, ment in group activities play a more important part in your life now. You and a friend of include a friend or family member in that next course, or make sure you make some friends 30. A master's degree in fine arts. 24. 16 ounces. yours could be in your old neighborhood this afternoon having a great time helping some- from the class—you enjoy critiquing the teacher and the subject matter. Employment possi- 31. A New England state. 25. A loose sleeveless outer garment made one with the upkeep of his or her house or some other good-neighbor deed. Whether there bilities such as computer technologies, telecommunication, writing, accounting, psychology 33. A rapid series of short loud sounds (as from aba cloth. is a volunteer organization you are working with or for some other reason, this is a great day will put you in a position of greater earning power. Purchasing things for the house may to get things done and to help others. Friends are true riches, and the satisfaction that have you planning a shopping expedition. Start planning your meals for next week and might be heard with a stethoscope in some 29. A large fleet. comes from accomplishing things in cooperation with others is something no one can take enjoy healthy, low-fat meals. Enjoy relaxation time tonight that would include a loved one. types of respiratory disorders). 32. Thin fibrous bark of the paper mulberry away from you. This is a time when you enjoy a little boost from those around you. You may Perhaps a lovely dinner away from home would be good. 35. A Hindu prince or king in India. and Pipturus albidus. feel that you are in harmony with others. 39. Long slender feather on the necks of e.g. 34. A Loloish language. turkeys and pheasants. 36. Collect or gather. 42. The region of the body of a vertebrate 37. Fruit-flavored dessert (trade mark Jell-O) Virgo (August 23-September 22) Pisces (February 19-March 20) between the thorax and the pelvis. made from a commercially prepared gelatin Today may be one of your most memorable days this month. Luck is in your 43. A federal agency established to coordinate powder. This is a good day for expressing your ideas. Others may find you especially witty and eccentric just now. You may feel like talking a bit more than usual, exploring new corner for whatever you want to enjoy, accomplish or discover. Financial programs aimed at reducing pollution and 38. A mountain range in South America run- ideas or getting happily lost in a conversation. There is an urge to communicate. Also, per- opportunities will be available through family connections now. Speak up and let your ideas protecting the environment. ning 5000 miles along the Pacific coast. haps a short trip or a special phone call is in order later today. Neighbors or brothers and sis- be known. There will be some opportunities today that will help you move forward with a long-term plan. This could mean updating furniture or looking into some real estate. 45. With no effort to conceal. 40. United States film maker (1897-1991). ters will likely bring all kinds of good experiences your way. You can demonstrate great understanding and sensitivity to others. Your image is highlighted, increasing your self-con- Emotional seriousness, a sober orientation and a practical awareness of the nature of time 46. Struck with fear, dread, or consternation. 41. Of a pale purple color. fidence. You can do anything you set your mind to do this day. This may be a time you play are keynotes of your deepest feelings. There is a tendency to be too strict with yourself and 50. A river in northeastern Brazil that flows 44. Cubes of meat marinated and cooked on a with some new ideas for future goals. If you are looking for a romantic match, look in new to insist that whatever does not contribute to security and other long-term goals is trivial. Lighten up this afternoon—enjoy some entertainment generally northward to the Atlantic Ocean. skewer usually with vegetables. places for new faces—smile. 52. An internationally recognized distress sig- 47. A mechanical device that prevents a vessel nal in radio code. from moving. 53. The capital and largest city of Ghana with 48. (Irish) The sea personified. Word Search Yesterday’s Solution a deep-water port. 49. Capital city of the Apulia region on the 57. An organization of independent states to Adriatic coast. promote international peace and security. 51. Genus of South and Central American 59. An order of dicotyledonous plants of the heathlike evergreen shrubs. subclass Asteridae. 54. A constellation in the southern hemi- 63. Any location known for vice and corrup- sphere near Telescopium and Norma. tion. 55. A historical region on northwestern India 67. An inclined surface or roadway that moves and northern Pakistan. traffic from one level to another. 56. National capital of Kiribati. 68. Capable of being borne though unpleas- 58. The mother-in-law of Ruth whose story is ant. told in the Book of Ruth in the Old Testament. 71. A literary language of Chinese Turkestan 60. A milky exudate from certain plants that (named for one of the sons of Genghis Khan). coagulates on exposure to air. 72. Any of various systems of units for measur- 61. (computer science) A system of world- ing electricity and magnetism. wide electronic communication in which a 73. A salesman who travels to call on cus- computer user can compose a message at tomers. one terminal that is generated at the recipi- 75. French philosopher (1909-1943). ent's terminal when he logs in. 76. A castrated tomcat. 62. A column of wood or steel or concrete 77. Alternatively, a member of the family that is driven into the ground to provide sup- Nymphaeaceae. port for a structure. 78. A shaft on which a wheel rotates. 64. Material used to daub walls. 65. Made from residue of grapes or apples DOWN after pressing. 1. United States educator who introduced 66. Make anew. reforms that significantly altered the system 69. A long thin fluffy scarf of feathers or fur. of public education (1796-1859). 70. A workplace for the conduct of scientific 2. A town in north central Oklahoma. research. 3. An official who carries a mace of office. 74. A metric unit of length equal to one thou- 4. (of a young animal) Abandoned by its sandth of a meter.

Yesterday’s Solution

Daily SuDoku Yesterday’s Solution SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 23, 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 LIFESTYLE36 SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 23, 2014 Gossip

Leto to gain weight for role

ared Leto may gain 50lbs for his next role. The actor and Jsinger lost 30lbs to play the party of transsexual prostitute Rayon in ‘Dallas Buyer’s Club’, but says his next move could be in the complete opposite direction. He told People magazine: “Maybe I’ll play a bodybuilder and gian 50lbs of muscle.” The star and his brother Shannon - who is his bandmate in 30 Seconds to Mars - put their success down to deter- mination and also thank their mother, Constance, for always encouraging them. Shannon said of their youth: “We were really poor, but had paint, canvases and bongos instead of G.I. Joes (action figures).” Jared added: “Creativity was a salvation. We had a hippie mom who encour- aged us to pursue our dreams.” The 42-year-old actor is up for Best Supporting Actor for his role in ‘Dallas Buyer’s Club’ at the Oscars on March 2, and says is walking on air to have the nomi- nation. He added: “I wish I could Robert Downey Jr faced stay nominated forever. Then no- one has to lose and we all get to technology trouble for Gravity celebrate.” obert Downey Jr. struggled with the technological [had a] week that we pretended as if nothing was hap- demands needed for ‘Gravity’. The 48-year-old pening and then we talked and said, ‘This is not going to Ractor was initially cast in the award-winning space work. This is tough.’” It was not until Warner Bros. gave odyssey - which stars Sandra Bullock and George the film the go-ahead that Cuaron began casting talks. Clooney - but had to step down after he didn’t have the He added: “It was not until some elements came into space needed to “breathe” and “improvise”. Director place that we could responsibly go to the studio and say, Snoop Dogg wants Alfonso Cuaron told The Hollywood Reporter: “It became ‘We can set a start date. Then you can do offers, and that very clear that, as we started to nail the technology, or is when we went after Sandra [Bullock] and George narrow the technology, that was going to be a big obsta- [Clooney].” ‘Gravity’ has 10 nominations at the 86th cle for his performance. “I think Robert is fantastic if you Academy Awards nominees including Best Picture, Best respect from enemies give him the freedom to completely breathe and impro- Director and Best Actress and the film was also awarded vise and change stuff. [But] we tried one of these tech- six BAFTA Awards, including Outstanding British Film and nologies and it was not compatible. And, after that, we Best Director.

noop Dogg wants old enemies to Prince: People don’t respect him as a musician. The 42- Syear-old star - who is due to appear in Los Angeles as an accessory for murder next month - insists he is focusing on his understand musicians career and wants those around him to recognize him for his talent, and not dwell on his past. Quizzed on whether rince thinks people don’t understand “real musicians” any more. The ‘Purple Rain’ hitmaker, who continues people from his past want to settle to excite fans with his guerilla-style gigs in the UK with rock quartet 3RDEYEGIRL, feels artists like Jack scores, he told the NME: “A lot of them PWhite and Lianne La Havas aren’t getting the recognition they deserve. In an exclusive interview in the dwell on that. But a lot of them just new edition of MOJO magazine, he said: “People don’t understand real musicians anymore. Jack White is great, say he’s doing music now, he’s rocking he’s the real thing, but he isn’t having hits. Why aren’t Vintage Trouble or Lianne La Havas having hits?” MOJO the world. So we gonna respect him were also given an exclusive premiere of his latest album, PLECTRUM ELECTRUM, which includes new track TIC- as a musician first.’ And if gang mem- TACTOE, recorded in London. Prince said: “We recorded it in Bryan Ferry’s studio in London, after a night of par- bers can do it, the media should be tying for which the Cocteau Twins was the soundtrack. You can’t understand the words of Cocteau Twins songs able to do it. And the white Americans but their harmonies put you in a dreamlike state.” Talking about his new band 3RDEYEGIRL, he said: “To get in this should be to do it too.” Snoop insists world you’ve got to be good. We ain’t no punks. These girls have got to put up with me 24/7, which is not an easy his music is an “art” and isn’t made to job.” The 55-year-old singer “preach”, unlike literature and books. started his run of London He added: “Some songs are just made shows last month with a sur- to party to. Some songs are just made to prise ‘sound-check’ at sit down and listen and see what I’m say- Camden’s Electric Ballroom ing. But not every song is made that way, and he has since performed because I’m not a political person at all. I a second show at the venue, wouldn’t make no record for people to as well as sets at Koko in study. But music is an art, it’s made to Camden, Soho jazz club enhance people with. It ain’t made to preach - Ronnie Scott’s, Shepherd’s that’s literature, books and something like that.” Bush Empire and Kings Place in King’s Cross, with more shows to be announced, including a show in Manchester. MOJO’s in- depth cover article spans 16 pages of the new issue, on sale in the UK from next Tuesday. Dame Judi Dench Ex-Pussycat Doll hates the word retire ame Judi Dench says “retire” is the “rudest word” she knows. The 79-year-old star has no plans to stop acting Wyatt ties the knot Dany time soon and hates being described as “old” or “vin- tage”, preferring to be praised for her enthusiasm rather than her longevity. Speaking to The Hollywood Reporter, she said: ormer Pussycat Doll Kimberly Wyatt has got married. “It’s the rudest word in my dictionary, ‘retire’. And ‘old’ is another The 32-year-old singer has tied the knot with her part- one. I don’t allow that in my house. And being called ‘vintage’. “I Fner Max Rogers, who revealed the news in a relatively don’t want any of those old words. I like ‘enthusiastic’ and I like low key post on his Twitter account, describing the cere- the word ‘cut’ because that means you’ve finished the shot.” The mony as “mint”. He wrote: “Just married.. And it was ‘Philomena’ actress also opened up about macular degenera- mint. @KimberleyKWyatt xx (sic)” His message mak- tion, an eye condition often leads to the gradual loss of central ing the announcement was ‘retweeted’ by his new vision. She admitted: “I never want to make much of it, but it is bride as she shared the news with her followers. difficult - very, very difficult. I can’t read anymore. I can’t paint Meanwhile, her ex band mate Ashley Roberts like I used to. I try to watch movies, but it’s quite difficult. “But took to Twitter to give her congratulations to these are all of the negatives. I don’t want to really think about the happy couple. She said: “Congrats to the all that. What I can do, I do. And I somehow get by.” newly married couple @max_rogers @KimberlyKWyatt !! Was truly a fairy tale day. Here’s to happily ever after (sic) Also at the wedding was Sinitta, and Simon Cowell’s former girlfriend offered words Paris Hilton’s boyfriend creates art for her of support to the newly weds. She wrote: “@max_rogers +@KimberlyKWyatt Thank you for sharing your incredibly beautiful and romantic day with us.Your vows melted my heart.#stayblessed he hotel heiress is dating model River (sic)” The couple announced their Viiperi and says he often brings out his cre- engagement in September 2013, two Tative side in order to impress her by making years after they started dating. Sharing a her gifts. She said: “He [recently] made me a real- picture of her ring at the time of the pro- ly beautiful piece of art, and he wrote me a beau- posal, she tweeted: “I said yes!!!!” tiful letter. He does sweet things all the time.” The 33-year-old heiress is 11 years older than her boyfriend, but says it doesn’t affect them in any way. She added: “It’s not an issue at all, we both look and feel the same age, so it’s perfect.” Paris - who is also a DJ and singer - says she’s too busy to think about marriage and babies at present, but is hoping to settle down “one day”. The socialite also explained her top confidence tip is to wear an outfit she loves. She told America’s OK! magazine: “Wear whatever you feel happiest in. That’s when I feel confident, when I’m wearing something I love.”—Bang Showbiz lifestyle SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 23, 2014

Fashion

Armani urges political action to preserve fashion

ilan and Rome are Italy’s yin and yang: fashion capital, political capital, their printed skirts with boots. Short, wide trousers are worn with a boyish patchwork fates entwined. This week, while Milan revels in what it does best, showing knit sweater. Embroidery, lame and jacquard are employed generously. The colors Moff its Made in Italy ready-to-wear fashion to the world, Rome is mesmer- are warm, mostly Earthy tones, like Bordeaux, rust and mustard, with very little ized by the rapid rise of Florence Mayor Matteo Renzi who confirmed Friday that he black. Looks are finished with folksy bracelets and necklaces-or a scarf nearly long has formed a new government. Though one capital is viewed as productive and the enough to brush the floor. Etro said the collection was “like a clash, a melting pot of other as entrenched, Italy’s fashion world is mindful that whatever is decided in different nomadic cultures.” Rome is crucial to the industry’s global competitiveness. Giorgio Armani says he expects “real attention” from the new government- TEAM ARMANI action not talk. On the policy front, he would like to see politicians bring down the Armani is at every home game for the Emporio cost of labor in the name of preserving the Italian know-how. “If China can make Armani Milano basketball team, and what goes plastic jewelry for 30 euros, why do we have to pay 150 euros in Italy,” Armani asked around comes around: the team came out to sup- during a chat with reporters after his Emporio Armani port him at the Emporio Armani show on Friday. “He preview show. Emporio Armani joins Blumarine, Etro is always sitting there, in the front row, and he is and Versace in showing their wears Friday, the cheering us and supporting us,” said forward David third day of Milan Fashion Week. More highlights: Moss. “That’s big when you have an owner like that, who is involved.” And he happens to design a great SENSUAL POWER fitting jacket, too, one that Moss noted fits his 6- Donatella Versace’s womenswear collection foot-5-inch (1.96-meter) frame. “It is awe- for next winter tells a story of a woman who some,” Moss said. Armani’s involvement battles and emerges victorious. The story starts with sport doesn’t end there. He also with a simple female warrior, a soldier low in designs the uniforms for the Italian the ranks with just a smattering of gold but- Olympic team, including the ath- tons on the bias-cut uniform, snug-yet- letes competing in Sochi. modest dress. The mood intensifies Italian Alpine skier and with double-breasted military style Christof Innerhofer, coat with epaulets, a short col- ored fur with metal buttons down the V-front, a cropped military jack- et worn with slim trousers and satin- finish dress capes. And the collection wraps up with form- fitting sensual silky dress- es worn with gold-embroi- dered macrame sashes and who was at the show one big golden medal, Olympic Friday, went to Sochi with the style. Her victory is clear. The bling in 50-piece Armani kit, and came home the collection is at a minimum for Versace an Olympic champion with a silver and and the message is clear: power comes from gold. “The Games were great,” he said, within. unsurprisingly.

EAST MEETS WEST LA FEMME NIKITA BluMarine designer Anna Molinari has She’s Nikita, a femme fatal, short black seemingly set out to preserve Italian crafts- hair tusseled and worn at times under a men singlehandedly by dint of her elabo- distinctive felt hat. The Emporio Armani rately embroidered collection. Golden Nikita wears smart wide-legged pants needlework adorned midnight blue suits with youthful accents like pearls that and sweeping robes. Jacquard lame high- lighten up the dark palate and playful, if lights are woven into evening wear. ironic, ties out of Plexiglas. The wide Sequins are sewn into jewel-colored dress- pants are a replacement for the long es, one a mini and one a snug gown with skirt, which Armani says the young blousy top. The collection evokes Japan, in women he targets with the Emporio its kimono colors and floral prints as well line look at as something from the past. as the subtle addition of understated Obi While the designer acknowledged that belts, while retaining contemporary Italian the runway collection was “put togeth- fashion in the supple leather jumpsuits, er in a way that projects a strong atti- tuxedo accents on silky pantsuits and tude,” the pieces, in their singularity, are thigh-high boots. Molinari dubbed the soft, appealing and wearable for collection “unexpected heritage.” women of any age. The color palate is black and white, which can be a NOMADIC LOOKS metaphor for the way masculine and Veronica Etro infuses the label’s feminine pieces in the collection trademark paisley print with an exoti- interact. Offering contrast is a cold cism in a collection of ethnically turquoise. Armani says no one inspired looks. Etro seems to have should consider Emporio “a second Models present taken the globe up in her sweep, line.” The designer said he reworked creations for with plaids reminiscent of the the collection eight times. “There is Italian fashion Scottish highlands, shawls a crazy amount of work,” he said. house Versace as that suggest the Andes and — AP part of the Oriental accents on sheer autumn/winter tops that evoke an East- 2014 Milan West travel route. The sil- Collections. houette is flowing and the clothes easy to wear. A blanket shawl with fringe finish is worn over lifestyle SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 23, 2014

Fashion Indian designer wins top Milan Fashion Week prize

esigner Rahul Mishra paid tribute to India’s lotus and cityscape wool-embroidered patterns and Institute of Design in Ahmedabad and was ranked craft industry and said fashion could help the palette was entirely of whites and yellows. It was among the 25 most influential Indians by Elle maga- Dempower poor Indians after winning the greeted by overwhelming applause from assembled zine. international Woolmark Prize at Milan Fashion Week fashionistas and Giannini paid tribute to a “passion- In 2009, he became the first non-European on Friday. “It can help for the empowerment of peo- ate young man”. “My biggest inspiration came from designer to win a scholarship at Milan’s Istituto ple who do not have enough so I celebrate it for Buddha’s idea that a lotus is an embryo of the world. Marangoni fashion school. Asked about his plans, them,” an emotional Mishra told AFP after receiving I’m a story teller, I love telling stories!” he smiled, Mishra said he wanted a catwalk at one of the fash- the award from a star-studded jury including Gucci’s explaining the designs were intended as “a journey”. ion weeks in London, Milan, New York or Paris “and to Miss India Earth 2012 creative director Frida Giannini. The annual prize, Mishra, who is known for his support for the be able to create big business for me and for my peo- Prachi Mishra walks the sponsored by the Australian wool industry, was first Indian handloom industry and sustainable design ple.”— AFP ramp during the Retail awarded to Yves Saint Laurent and Karl Lagerfeld in advocacy, said the prize would be a boost for the sec- Jeweler India Trendsetters 1954 and is held in a different fashion capital every tor. “There are a lot of craftsmen and a lot of young 2014 show in Mumbai on year. designers out there who will believe in the craft even February 20, 2014. — AFP Mishra’s subtle and entrancing collection featured more,” he said. Mishra is a graduate of India’s National

Models present creations for Italian fashion label Emporio Armani. lifestyle SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 23, 2014

Fashion

Models wear creations for FaustoPuglisi women’s Fall-Winter 2014-15 collection, part of the Milan Fashion Week. — AP photos

Blumarine Etro Armani urges political action to preserve fashion

SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 23, 2014 37

Corporal Tim Loch appears on stage.

Corporal Tim Loch appears on stage, one of 12 soldiers appearing in The Long Way Home.

A giant projection of Corporal Tim Loch appears on stage as soldiers march by in The Long Way Home, a production at Cate Blanchett’s Sydney Theatre Company.—AFP photos From troops to troupe for war-wounded

s Australia’s decade-long mission in Afghanistan Australian Defence Force theatre project. “They were (ini- “It’s extremely important... to get it out there and to from the people themselves who went and have been draws to a close and war-weary troops return home, tially) very cynical, some of them get ribbed by their mates, demonstrate to them that ‘we’re getting help and getting through that experience,” he added. Aone courageous group are reliving their experiences but they are all struggling in some shape or form, either the right medical treatment that we require’ and it will “These people are coming back into our society so I in a different kind of theatre. Lance Corporal Craig Hancock physical or psychological injuries, and they all wanted to probably give them the ability to make that step them- think they need to be listened to and embraced.” Hancock’s served three tours of Afghanistan-two of them carrying the do something that would help them in their recovery.” selves.” Writing the script was a collaborative effort for play- character, Nick, struggles to return to pre-Afghanistan life, silent psychological wounds of a roadside bomb attack wright Daniel Keene, who spent six weeks with the soldiers telling his wife fighting is “all I can do, I’m good for nothing that left him self-medicating and unable to ask for help for ‘A stigma attached’ absorbing and recording their experiences. The emotions else, I’m useless”. “When I look in the mirror do you know fear of letting down his friends. But that’s nothing com- Hancock, a tank crewman who enlisted at the age of 18 were so raw it could take five, six or seven times before what I see? Nothing...because that’s all I’m good for now”. pared to stepping out on stage in front of a full house at almost a decade ago, is attached to the Soldier Recovery they could narrate a story through. “Everything you hear Nick strikes up an unlikely friendship with Tom, played by the Sydney Theatre Company. Centre in Darwin-one of several such specialist facilities on stage is something that I’ve learned,” said Keene. “How Corporal Tim Loch, who he meets at the military psychia- “Put me over in Afghanistan, no dramas. (But) Sitting in across Australia to treat those carrying the scars of war. do you know you need help and when do you have the trist’s office. there with 1,000 people looking at me...” he said laughing. When initially approached by military brass to share his courage to ask for it” was a major question for returned ser- Like Nick, Tom battles his phantoms-shadowy, uni- Hancock is one of 12 soldiers appearing in “The Long Way story with the Long Way Home project, Hancock-in the vicemen and women, he added. formed manifestations which stalk him across the stage Home”, a production devised by and starring Australian process of being medically discharged with spinal injuries and are invisible to those around him. “I leave the light on troops who have served abroad in the past decade in Iraq, from an IED strike-said his response was “no way”. “There’s a ‘Total darkness’ at night, I’m afraid of going to sleep. I wake up soaking Afghanistan and the Pacific. Commissioned by chief of the stigma attached. (The Australian Defence Force) is making Though fictionalized, and with the soldiers playing char- wet,” he tells the audience. “I don’t hear the explosion, I defence force General David Hurley and based on a similar all the efforts to try and break down that stigma and make acters, the play is a collection of their personal stories don’t hear anything-my eardrums have burst. I’m scream- show in Britain in 2012, the play is a public awareness ini- it more accessible for guys to step forward and ask for help, about the toll of conflict once the guns fall silent. The last ing but I can’t hear myself. “There isn’t any pain, there isn’t tiative for the Australian military. But there is also a thera- but there’s a long history of that alpha male mentality,” he of Australia’s combat troops withdrew from Afghanistan in anything. Just my mouth wide open, screaming. I fall into peutic goal, with the scriptwriting workshops and perform- said. December, marking the end of the nation’s longest war my own mouth, into total darkness.” “The Long Way Home” ance itself intended to help the soldiers process their pain- “So it’s not going to just happen in a short period of which claimed 40 of its soldiers. “Because Australia’s war in tours Australia, taking in major troop base towns, when it both physical and psychological. time.” What ultimately convinced him to get on board with Afghanistan was very long and is winding down now I completes its Sydney run.—AFP “A number of them were involved in incidents where the theatre project was the chance it offered to inspire oth- think the Australian public have a right to know what hap- people lost their lives, so for them this is a very personal ers to reach out. “Definitely a lot of guys carry injuries pened to these people,” said Keene. “There are headlines in experience,” said Brigadier Alison Creagh, head of the because they don’t want to let down their mates,” he said. the newspapers, official stories, but this is a chance to hear Hot hat: Pharrell auctioning famous Grammys cap harrell’s days as a mad hatter Pmay be coming to an end. The famous and buzzed about Vivienne Westwood hat that the producer, rapper and singer wore at the Grammy Awards is being auc- Outlaw, Jennifer Rivera, Heather Johnson, conductor George Manahan , singers Tonna Miller, Ryan MacPherson, Amy Burton and Lauren tioned on eBay to sup- Flanigan sing ‘Make Our Garden Grow’ from ‘Candide’ by Leonard Berstein during the New York City Opera’s ‘70 Years of The People’s port his charity. Bids Opera’Anniversary concert February 21, 2014 in New York.—AFP photos had reached more than $10,000 by Friday afternoon for the Superstar Placido Domingo lights up NYC Opera tribute brown fedora, which lacido Domingo, one of opera’s most popular conducting the overture to Verdi’s “La Forza del became a trending superstars, went back to his roots late Friday Destino.” topic on Twitter after Pto celebrate the 70th anniversary of the now Praised by Newsweek as “the King of Opera” and Pharrell wore it. defunct New York company that launched his still ravishingly handsome, Domingo left the hall Proceeds will sup- career. Since its first performance in 1944 the ringing with rapturous applause. Female violinists port Pharrell’s From beloved New York City Opera launched the careers blushed as he delivered a liberal dose of hand kiss- of thousands of singers-none more glittering than ing. It was an astonishing act of generosity from a One Hand to Another that of the Spanish tenor-and pioneered a unique man who otherwise commands eye-watering fees, charity. It provides arts platform for American opera. It was affectionately and a shot in the arm for City Opera luminaries and educational dubbed the “People’s Opera” for its commitment to who say talks are underway to revive the company. resources for children. staging affordable productions and reaching a “There are people out there who want to see this He will perform his hit wide audience. Legions of fans wept when it was flame kept alive and they want to see the phoenix “Happy” at the forced to close for lack of funds in October. rise,” Cori Ellison, former City Opera dramaturg, told Academy Awards on But seven decades to the day since its first per- AFP. “There have begun to be some concrete con- March 1. It’s nominat- formance, the chorus, orchestra and company stars versations. It’s far from a done deal but I will say at Domingo sings “Nemeco della patria” from ed for best original reunited Friday in its original neo-Moorish home, this point it’s more than just people saying ‘oh we “Andrea Chenier” by Umberto Giordano. the New York City Center, to fete its legacy. And wish City Opera would come back,’” she added. Ginastera’s “Don Rodrigo” at City Opera’s new home song and is currently bringing a hefty dose of star power was the 73- Domingo made his New York debut in a City at the Lincoln Center. Domingo has called for the No. 2 on the Billboard year-old Domingo, who has thrilled the world with production of Puccini’s “Madama Butterfly” in 1965. company’s revival, praising its “indispensable role in Hot 100 chart. He’ll the cultural life of New York City”. Friday’s concert release the album “G I a career lasting for more than half a century. He He was an understudy at the time who stepped in File photo shows Musician Pharrell Williams performs gave fans tears, cheers and laughter, and a chance mesmerized the audience with his performance of at the last moment when a colleague fell sick. A R L” on March 3.—AFP onstage at the 63rd NBA All-Star Game 2014 at the to hear much loved arias in the company’s repetoire “Nemico della Patria” from Umberto Giordano’s year later he launched his international career by Smoothie King Center in New Orleans, Louisiana.—AFP “Andrea Chenier,” and transformed the orchestra by performing the title role in the US premiere of from “Malcolm X” to “The Marriage of Figaro.”—AFP