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MONDAY, JANUARY 23, 2017 RABI AL-THANI 25, 1438 AH www.kuwaittimes.net Assembly At least 39 Producers Kuwait Times panel reviews killed as say oil infographic: Interior Ministry Indian train output cut NBA Power budget3 derails12 on21 track Rankings18 Israel OKs settler homes

Min 07º after Trump takes office Max 18º High Tide 09:25 & 19:57 US in ‘beginning stages’ of talks to move US embassy Low Tide 03:03 & 13:44 40 PAGES NO: 17119 150 FILS JERUSALEM: Israel approved hundreds of new settler Expats in limbo homes in east Jerusalem yesterday, hours before Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu was to speak to US President Donald Trump for the first time since his inau- after insurance guration. But a potentially explosive plan to annex a large West Bank Jewish settlement near Jerusalem uni- contract nixed laterally was shelved until after Netanyahu and Trump meet face-to-face. Meanwhile, the White House said KUWAIT: Interior Ministry sources said directors of yesterday that it is in the early stages of talks to fulfill residency affairs in all six governorates were instruct- Trump’s pledge to move the US embassy in Israel from ed to issue temporary residencies for one month Tel Aviv to Jerusalem. “We are at the very beginning only for expats applying to renew their residencies. stages of even discussing this subject,” White House This is due to the cancellation of a contract between spokesman Sean Spicer said in a statement. the health ministry and the company that provided The US Congress passed a law in 1995 describing health insurance that is compulsory for all expatri- Jerusalem as capital of Israel and saying it should not be ates in Kuwait. Expatriates under temporary residen- divided, but successive Republican and Democratic cies may not leave the country and if they travel, will presidents have used their foreign policy powers to not be allowed to return and will have to reapply for maintain the US Embassy in Tel Aviv and to back negoti- a new visa. The health ministry canceled the health ations between Israel and the Palestinians on the status insurance contract so that a new contract could be of Jerusalem. In early December, then-President Barack signed with a new provider. But as health insurance Obama renewed the presidential waiver until the begin- is required by law for all residency applications, no ning of June. It is unclear whether Trump would be able new residencies or renewal of residencies can be to legally override that waiver and go ahead with relo- processed until the insurance matter is resolved. cation of the embassy. “This evening there will be a telephone conversation between President Trump and myself,” Netanyahu told a cabinet meeting yesterday. “There are many issues Saudi finance between us, including the Israeli-Palestinian issue, the situation in Syria and the Iranian threat.” The White ministry rejects House confirmed that such a call was scheduled, but Palestinian laborers work at a construction site in a new housing project in the Israeli settlement of Maale did not give further details. remittance fees Adumim, east of Jerusalem, yesterday. — AFP Continued on Page 13 RIYADH: The Saudi finance ministry said yesterday there would be no fees applied on remittances out of the country, days after the kingdom’s advisory Shura Govt: UK warning on Kuwait attacks ‘routine measure’ Council said it was looking at a proposal to impose a 6 percent levy on expatriate remittances. Saudi Arabia is KUWAIT: In response to a British warning Saturday of European Affairs Waleed Al-Khubaizi said the foreign Similar warnings have been issued by the British Foreign “likely attacks in Kuwait”, Kuwait’s Foreign Ministry ministry has contacted the interior ministry to learn if Office for most regional countries, so it was a routine “committed to the principle of free movement of capital assured the warnings are a routine measure and issued there is anything justified in this warning from the British action, he said, adding that Kuwait is still waiting for an in and out of the kingdom, in line with international not for Kuwait, only but for the Middle East and most of Foreign Office. “They have affirmed that they did not official reply from the British side. standards,” the ministry’s said on its official Twitter European countries. In an advisory, Britain had warned its receive any warnings or information from the relevant The British Embassy in Kuwait said no warning for trav- account. Around a third of Saudi Arabia’s 30 million nationals travelling to Kuwait that attacks in Kuwait are British bodies about the likelihood of security threats,” eling to any Gulf states including Kuwait has been issued. inhabitants are foreigners, many of them attracted by “very likely”, adding they should “take care” if they plan to Khubaizi told KUNA. The embassy is confident of Kuwait’s interior min- the absence of tax and higher pay than they can get at travel in “conservative” areas like Jahra and Jleeb Al- He stressed that the ministry closely followed up the istry’s ability to maintain security, it said in a statement. home. Proposals endorsed by the Shura Council are not Shuyoukh. It advised Britons in Kuwait to “be vigilant at all warning published on the British Foreign Office website This warning is not uncommon, and is the result of always adopted and the kingdom’s central bank gover- times, particularly in crowded places popular with foreign and contacted the UK Embassy in Kuwait to ask about the British Foreign Secretary Boris Johnson’s promise to the nor and finance minister said in the autumn that there nationals, and take additional security precautions”. warning. He said British diplomats have promised to con- parliament to revise the ministry’s travel advisories to all were no plans to tax remittances or income. — Reuters In a statement to KUNA, Assistant Foreign Minister for vey the Kuwaiti inquiries to relevant bodies in the UK. countries. — KUNA Rocky start for new White House Trump inflates inauguration crowd, slams protests WASHINGTON: Donald Trump’s White an approval rating of just 37 percent. House came under fire yesterday for Usually, new US leaders start the job with Dubai toughens falsely accusing media of misreporting approval ratings above 50 percent, and inaugural crowd numbers, after millions this has put 70-year-old Trump, who fire rules after took to the streets in protest against the comments regularly about his popularity new president. The brash billionaire and and ratings, on the defensive. his chief spokesman launched a startling Trump and his chief spokesman lam- high-rise blazes assault on the media on Saturday, basted the media for the reporting of the DUBAI: Dubai yesterday announced tougher fire Trump’s first full day in office, accusing inauguration turnout, in what analysts rules in a bid to minimize risks after several spectacu- reporters of downplaying the turnout at said was an attempt to change the sub- lar blazes that have ripped through skyscrapers in his swearing-in ceremony. ject. Non-stop news network coverage of the modern Gulf emirate. Major fires have hit Dubai The attack came as more than two Saturday’s sprawling demonstrations high-rises in recent years and spread quickly, mostly million people flooded US cities in against Trump were replaced within hours due to flammable material used in cladding, a cover- protests led by women opposed to by debate over his “war on the media”, ing or coating used on the side of the buildings. Trump, who many fear will roll back the which is likely to play well among his sup- BANJUL: Gambia’s defeated leader Yahya Jammeh waves to supporters at the air- Civil Defense Lieutenant Taher Hassan Al-Taher rights of women, immigrants and minori- porters. Visiting the Central Intelligence port as he departs on Saturday. — AP announced the new regulations at a security exhibi- ties. The scale of the mass protests, Agency headquarters in Virginia, Trump tion during which authorities also launched Dubai’s echoed in sister rallies around the world, insisted, despite evidence to the contrary, new fire and safety code for the emirate. According highlight the challenge former reality TV that he drew 1.5 million people to his Troops near Banjul to Taher builders must abide by a new requirement star Trump faces as he leads the world’s Friday swearing-in ceremony. to ensure that the flammability of the cladding is as most powerful nation - taking office with Continued on Page 13 after Jammeh flees close to zero as possible. “There is a requirement to minimize it to zero,” Taher said. Builders will also have to regularly carry out main- BANJUL, Gambia: West African troops pulled out shortly afterwards, with tenance on the cladding panels and replace them approached the Gambian capital yester- Sunday’s troop movement the first by sol- after a certain date, he added. “There is a timeline for day to secure President Adama Barrow’s diers from the joint force. all cladding (and) there is maintenance for every- arrival from neighboring Senegal, as con- Marcel Alain de Souza, a top official troversy erupted over the assurances with the Economic Community Of West thing. By that time they’ll have to change it,” Taher offered to Yahya Jammeh to guarantee his African States (ECOWAS), which organised said, speaking in English. Those who violate the rules departure. Jammeh flew out of The the deployment, said the country “could will face fines up to 50,000 dirhams ($13,623), he Gambia on Saturday, ending 22 years at not be left open” for long, and that Barrow added. He said he didn’t know who would pay for the helm of the tiny west African nation, must be in place “as soon as possible”. A the recladding, which is expected to be costly. Asked and landed in Equatorial Guinea where he senior Senegalese military source told AFP how authorities would ensure buildings change their is expected to settle with his family. The that his forces had met little resistance yes- cladding, he said: “That’s still on the table.” Senegalese general leading a joint force of terday, as army chief Ousman Badjie has Dubai is home to Burj Al-Khalifa, the world’s troops from five African nations said sol- already declared his loyalty to Barrow. tallest tower. The modern city state has experienced diers had nonetheless entered The Following Barrow’s win in the a real estate boom over the years with hundreds of Gambia to “control strategic points to December 1 election, Jammeh refused to skyscrapers built in a short lapse of time with many ensure the safety of the population and step down, triggering weeks of uncer- tiled with flammable cladding. Most towers built facilitate... Barrow’s assumption of his role.” tainty that almost ended in a full military before 2012 have reportedly used non-fire-rated An AFP journalist stationed across the intervention. The longtime leader, wear- exterior panels. Fires have hit several high-rise build- river that divides the Banjul peninsula ing his habitual white flowing robes, ings in the Dubai, famed for its record-breaking sky- from the northern part of the country said waved to supporters before boarding a scrapers. On New Year’s Eve 2015 a huge blaze around 100 heavily armed Senegalese small, unmarked plane at Banjul airport ripped through the luxury Address Downtown Hotel, troops travelling with armored vehicles alongside Guinea’s President Alpha injuring 16 people just a few hours before a spectac- were waiting to move into the capital. Conde after two days of talks over a ular fireworks display nearby. Senegalese forces had briefly crossed into departure deal. Continued on Page 13 LANGLEY, Virginia: US President Donald Trump speaks at CIA headquarters on the former British colony on Thursday but Continued on Page 13 Saturday.— AFP LOCAL MONDAY, JANUARY 23, 2017

KUWAIT: His Highness the Amir Sheikh Sabah Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah meets with the visiting His Highness the Crown Prince Sheikh Nawaf Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah meets with Sheikh Dr envoy for Jordanian King Abdullah II Prince Ali bin Al-Hussein. — Amiri Diwan and KUNA photos Mohammad Sabah Al-Salem Al-Sabah. Amir receives message from Jordanian King

KUWAIT: His Highness the Amir Sheikh Sabah Al- regional and international occurrences. Sheikh Salman Sabah Salem Al-Humoud Al-Sabah. Sheikh Sabah Al-Khaled Al-Hamad Al-Sabah. Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah received yesterday at Bayan His Highness the Amir conveyed his greetings to Earlier yesterday, His Highness the Amir received Meanwhile, His Highness the Crown Prince met Palace visiting envoy for Jordanian King Abdullah II King Abdullah II, wishing the Hashemite Kingdom His Highness the Crown Prince Sheikh Nawaf Al- with Ghanem, His Highness Sheikh Jaber Al- Prince Ali bin Al-Hussein, along with an accompany- persistent development and prosperity. The meeting Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah, National Assembly Speaker Mubarak, Sheikh Sabah Al-Khaled, Deputy Prime ing delegation. Prince Ali bin Al-Hussein relayed to was attended by Minister of Amiri Diwan Affairs Marzouq Ali Al-Ghanem, His Highness the Prime Minister and Interior Minister Sheikh Khaled Jarrah His Highness the Amir a message from the Jordanian Sheikh Ali Jarrah Al-Sabah and Minister of Minister Sheikh Jaber Al-Mubarak Al-Hamad Al-Sabah Al-Sabah, as well as Sheikh Dr Mohammad Sabah Al- King germane to special bilateral ties and the latest Information and Minister of State for Youth Affairs and First Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Salem Al-Sabah. — KUNA

Foreign minister receives new ambassadors’ credentials

KUWAIT: First Deputy Prime Minister and The Ministry of Foreign Affairs quoted in a Foreign Minister Sheikh Sabah Khaled Al- statement Minister Sheikh Sabah Khaled as Hamad Al-Sabah received yesterday the lauding the bilateral ties between the State credentials of the new Uzbek ambassador of Kuwait and the Republic of Benin. The to the State of Kuwait. The Foreign Ministry ceremonial meeting was attended by rank- quoted Sheikh Sabah Khaled as praising ing ministry officials. Also yesterday, Sheikh during the meeting the friendly ties with Sabah Al-Khaled received the outgoing the Uzbek Republic, wishing to see further ambassador of Swaziland. During the meet- promotion of the bonds between Kuwait ing, the minister lauded the diplomat’s and the republic. Senior ministry officials efforts during his tenure, namely his contri- attended the ceremonial meeting. butions to boosting the bilateral ties bond- Meanwhile, Sheikh Sabah Al-Khaled ing the State of Kuwait with the Kingdom. received credentials of the new ambassa- The ceremonial meeting was attended by dor of the Republic of Benin to the country. ranking ministry officials. — KUNA

KUWAIT: His Highness the Prime Minister Sheikh Jaber Al-Mubarak Al-Hamad Al-Sabah meets with British International Trade Secretary Dr Liam Fox. — KUNA Prime Minister meets British Int’l Trade Secretary

KUWAIT: His Highness the Prime Minister Sheikh Jaber Al-Mubarak Al-Hamad Al-Sabah accompanied KUWAIT: First Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Sheikh Sabah Khaled Al- by Minister of State for Cabinet Hamad Al-Sabah receives credentials of the new Uzbek ambassador to Kuwait. — KUNA Affairs Sheikh Mohammad Abdullah Mubarak Al-Sabah and Minister of Commerce and Industry Khaled Al- Roudhan received yesterday British International Trade Secretary, Dr Liam Fox and his accompanying delegation. The meeting was attended by the premier’s Diwan President Sheikha Itemad Khaled Ahmad Jaber Al-Sabah. The visiting British official also met with Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Finance Anas Al-Saleh, in presence of ministers Sheikh Mohammad and Roudhan, as well as Managing Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Finance Anas Al-Saleh meets with British Secretary of State for Director of Kuwait Investment International Trade Liam Fox. Authority Bader Al-Saad. —KUNA Kuwait dispatches humanitarian aid to Syrian refugees in Turkey

ANKARA: A Kuwaiti convoy carrying medical aid earmarked for Syrian refugees crossed First Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Sheikh Sabah Khaled Al-Hamad Al- into southern Turkey yesterday, Kuwait’s Al- Sabah receives credentials of the new ambassador of Benin to Kuwait. Rahma International Charity announced. Head of Al-Rahma International’s office in Syria Waleed Al-Suwailem said that a contin- gent of doctors from Kuwait Medical Association has tended to around 625 patients at Emel Hospital in the town of Reyhanli in the southern province of Hatay. Moreover, he noted that the aid is part of a campaign launched by Al-Rahma International to provide relief for the people of the war-torn Syrian city of Aleppo. On the scope of assistance, Suwailem said that Al-Rahma International has delivered $70 million worth of aid since the start of the Syrian conflict. Meanwhile, Kuwait’s Al-Najat Charity distributed humanitarian aid to Syrian refugees in the province of Hatay, which included food baskets, heaters and pecuniary assistance. Meanwhile, Head of Al-Najat Charity’s relief projects Thamer Al-Sahib said that the aid also comprises recreational and educational activities for children. He also added that the aid aims to mitigate the misery that thousands of Syrian refugee First Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Sheikh Sabah Khaled Al-Hamad Al- Doctors from Kuwait Medical Association perform a surgery on a Syrian refugee. families are mired in. —KUNA Sabah meets with the outgoing ambassador of Swaziland. LOCAL MONDAY, JANUARY 23, 2017

Legalese Inw my vie Women go to court Kuwait’s to demand equality Rent Laws Kuwait By Attorney Fajer Ahmed By Meshaal Al-Enezi Inventors Fatima Al-Thallab said the society had Islam been proclaimed by Ministry of Social Affairs and know that rent issues can be of major concern for my clients KUWAIT: A number of female citizens filed a case at Labor’s decision number 1/29/2016, which was pub- and readers, and therefore I like to write about the issue from the constitutional court demanding equality with men lished in the official gazette Al-Kuwait Al-Youm on Itime to time. But before I answer your questions, I want to as per the Kuwaiti constitution. Details about the com- Dec 18, 2016 with the aim of taking care of Kuwaiti make a few things clear. If you have a case against you at court, By Hamad Al-Sharhan plaints were not immediately available. Several laws in inventors and developing their skills in order to or if you end up paying your rent at court, then expect a case to Kuwait differentiate between male and female citi- achieve a prestigious status in various international be filed against you, and this means that you will need to either uwait is proudly a Muslim country. And zens, most notably the citizenship law which allows scientific communities. Thallab stressed the need to be prepared to write your defense in Arabic or to hire a lawyer; to those who wonder ‘what does that men to pass their nationality down to their children, take care of inventors, especially since Kuwaiti youth which would be the more logical step. My suggestion is to Kmean in this world and in this time in unlike Kuwaiti mothers, in addition to laws that regu- had already made many internationally-accredited always be prepared and have a ‘Plan B’ should issues arise. which everything has changed?’ I say: Islam late inheritance and divorce. Meanwhile, Article 153 of inventions and won various international awards. isn’t comparable with other religions that the Penal Code stipulates significantly reduced pun- “Membership will be open soon and a press confer- Five-year period Question: I have been living in an apartment for 12 years and speak mainly to the individual. Islam, in con- ishments for ‘honor killing’ convicts. ence will be held to announce the society’s aims,” she said, adding that interested members could con- I renewed my tenancy agreement with the landlord in 2015. Can trast, speaks in equal strength both to the indi- Court order tact her for further inquiries. the landlord increase the rent before the five-year period is com- vidual and the society. Lawyer Khaled Al-Kafifa said the administrative court plete? The commandments to the individual are ordered appointing a client of his, who is a ruling fami- Cardiac operations Fajer: Generally, rent for private or residency (non-commer- clear and known by all. As for the society, Islam ly, as director at the information ministry. Kafifa added Sabah Al-Ahmed Cardiology Center announced cial) properties can only be increased once every five years. With commands it to be a ‘Muslim’ society in the that his client had been serving as acting director preparing a well-studied plan for the medical servic- that said, your landlord can increase the rent if you agree to the sense that a stranger should know that he or before someone less competent and from outside the es it provides patients. The center announced receiv- proposed increase in rent. So if your landlord brings in a contract she is in a Muslim country. The call for prayer is department was appointed in her place. ing elite Kuwaiti doctors after they got fellowships in with an increased rent amount and you sign it, then you have heard a loud five times a day, alcohol and pork three geriatric cardiology-related majors. Cardiac agreed to the amount, or if your landlord processes an amount products are not seen in markets, banks move Do dissolution catheterization specialist Dr Nader Al-Assousi, fellow and you pay it, then you have agreed to the increase. Let me slowly to Islamic practices and will all eventual- Municipal Council Chairman Muhalhel Al-Khaled denied at McGill University, Canada, said that the center give an example. ly become interest-free, Islamic criminal law is social media reports about dissolving the council and provides intervention cardiac catheterization with Your rent is KD 200 and five years have not passed for you as enforced, the tiny remainder of non-Islamic calling for new elections. Khaled stressed that the coun- international standards and competence. Assousi a tenant in the flat. Your landlord requests an increase to KD 300. laws will be amended, and so on. cil and some members still meet, even during the cur- added that the center’s future plans include activat- You feel pressured. You end up paying him the KD 300. Your pay- The issues that the Western World experi- rent recess. He also urged those behind such rumors to ing the one-day catheterization process, where ment can be seen as proof that you agree to the proposed ences are far from our part of the world. We seek accurate information from official sources. patients are discharged one day after the procedure increase in rent. shouldn’t allow Globalization to conquer our to be followed up at OPD, which is a standard meas- Your landlord can also by law increase the rent before five quarters after the West withdrew its military Inventors society ure followed in some countries with the aim of years, if you are paying 50 percent less than the market price. Let forces out of most of them. The issue of sexual Chairperson of the Kuwait Society for Supporting reducing the number of patients on waiting lists. me give another example. You are paying KD 200. Your neigh- orientation, for example, occupies a large space bors are all paying KD 450 for the same apartment. Than your in the Western mind but is a ‘no brainer’ to us. landlord has the right to increase the rent. This can also be tricky, because sometimes it is not so clear if someone is paying 50 per- Instead of allowing these ideas to seep into our cent less than the market price. The court has the final discretion culture, our guards at the gates should fight in such matters. them and expose them for what they are: for- eign, absurd, and invalid. One-year contract Our guards at the gates are our media. Our Question: I have been living in an apartment for 18 months, national and value-led media. but only had a one year contract. Does that mean that my con- tract automatically renewed itself for a year? And if so does that mean I cannot leave till the remaining six months are over? Fajer: If the term of your rent’s contract ends, yet you contin- ue to occupy the space and pay the rent in a timely manner, NATO center then your contract is renewed for the period of your rent pay- ment. For example, if you pay monthly, then your contract is renewed month by month even though you initially had a one to take ties to year contract. To put it in simple terms, anything beyond the ini- tial term of your contract is renewed according to what you are new level: NSB paying for. Question: My question to you pertains to the raising of rents by landlords. What is the criteria that landlords use to raise the KUWAIT: NATO’s new Istanbul Cooperation rents? Is there any law stipulating the maximum percentage that Initiative (ICI) regional center in Kuwait will be a landlord can raise the rent to, or does the law leave it to his dis- instrumental in solidifying strategic relations cretion? between ICI member nations, the National Fajer: Well, if the landlord is raising the rent (after five years of Security Bureau (NSB) said yesterday. The NSB- KUWAIT: MPs Adnan Abdulsamad (center), Riyadh Al-Adasani (right) and Abdullah Al-Roumi attend the you occupying the space, as mentioned above), then he can only controlled center, which opens tomorrow, will parliament’s budgets and final statement committee’s meetingyesterday.— Photo by Fouad Al-Shaikh raise it if it is 50 percent less than the market price and can only allow NATO the opportunity to share its raise it up to the average market price. How do you calculate the knowhow with Kuwait, where NATO instructors average market price? You see how much a place with the same will be guiding officials from across Kuwait’s gov- Panel reviews Interior standards as your building in the same location is going for. That ernment spectrum and Gulf ICI member nations, might not be so easy to determine as places differ all the time. a statement by NSB noted. Moreover, the statement revealed that the Ministry’s budget Paying at court center is complete with sprawling halls to be Question: I keep reading from you and hearing from friends as well that if I am having disputes with my landlord I can pay used by government institutions for educational By A Saleh The committee added that the ministry’s financial rent at court. Is this true? And how or where do I go? purposes. Meanwhile, the training courses to be and administrative affairs department needs more dis- Fajer: Yes, it is true that you can pay your rent at court. There offered include topics such as electronic security KUWAIT: Chairman of the parliament’s budgets and cipline as the final statement report showed using KD are different court buildings in Kuwait, with the major court ‘the and crisis management, the statement noted, final statement committee MP Adnan Abdulsamad said 79 million allocated for recruiting more citizens to pay Palace of Justice’ being located in Kuwait City. You should check adding that Kuwait, which joined the ICI in 2004, that the committee met with Deputy Prime Minister and reservation allowances and retirees’ indemnity. the nearest court to your residential area; there is one main Interior Minister Sheikh Khaled Al-Jarrah Al-Sabah yes- Further, the committee called for resolving the prob- has always been an active member of the ICI. court building in every Kuwaiti governorate. Once you find the terday to discuss the ministry’s final statement for the lems in collecting revenues, namely those of traffic The center, which was Kuwait’s brainchild, was building, you will need to speak some Arabic and ask for direc- fiscal year 2015-2016 and the remarks made on it by the fines and those from photocopy and typing centers at first proposed during a 2012 ICI meeting and was tions to the rental court. Take with you your rental agreement State Audit Bureau. During the meeting, the committee various facilities affiliated to the ministry. It also urged subsequently approved during a NATO summit and civil ID and deposit the money at court; you will get a stressed that the new administration was showing more the State Audit Bureau to investigate the ministry’s in Chicago. Kuwait and NATO also signed an receipt instantly. cooperation, but remarked that auditors detected some hospitality, ceremonies, gifts and trips’ budget, espe- agreement last year in efforts to bolster bilateral For any legal questions or queries, email contradicting data and delay in response and hoped cially since the sum actually spent this year exceeded cooperation. — KUNA [email protected]. that this would be avoided in the future. the KD 2 million budget by KD 8 million.

Tons of bad food confiscated

By Hanan Al-Saadoun restaurant and a cafe were closed during the campaign as well, Kuwait Municipality’s Public Relations Department said in a state- KUWAIT: More than two tons of food were confiscated during a ment. The department urged the public to report any complaints surprise campaign carried out recently in Al-Rai area to inspect related to food they believe is unfit for human consumption to the quality of food served at restaurants and cafes there. One the hotline 1844448.

Kuwait’s IICO doles out aid for Syrian families in Jordan

AMMAN: Kuwait’s International Islamic Charity Organization (IICO) carried out yesterday the second phase of an urgent relief program for thousands of Syrian refugee families residing in Jordan. IICO official Ziyad Abu Taleb said in a statement that the current campaign comprises the winter installment of aid, ear- marked for Syrian refugees in Jordan, Lebanon and Turkey. Moreover, he noted that the aid campaign is a dona- tion from Chairman of Kuwait’s National Security Bureau His Highness Sheikh Salem Al-Ali Al-Sabah, which encompasses refugee families across the Hashemite Kingdom. On the aid, Abu Taleb said it includes necessities such as food, heaters and sums of money to cover housing expenses. Meanwhile, Director of the Islamic Orphanage Mehsen Al-Rimawi expressed his gratitude AMMAN: Kuwait’s International Islamic for Kuwait’s persistent support since the start of the Charity Organization (IICO) official Ziyad Syrian conflict, saying the country has become a “cen- Abu Taleb. — KUNA ter for philanthropy.” — KUNA Aid to be distributed to Syrian families. MONDAY, JANUARY 23, 2017 LOCAL

In Brief KPC promotes private Navy drill tomorrow Gold price exceeds $1,200

sector’s role KUWAIT: The Kuwaiti Naval Force will be conducting KUWAIT: Gold in the past week’s trades climbed to KUWAIT: Kuwait Petroleum Corporation (KPC) live ammunition exercises tomorrow and $1,204 per ounce, buoyed by the declining American Sunday affirmed keenness on promoting the private Wednesday, from 7:00 am until 5:00 pm, the Ministry dollar against other hard currencies, Sabaek Al- sector role in the oil industries, through multiplying of Defense announced yesterday. The shooting Kuwait said in a report yesterday. The precious metal national products and local ventures. Nezar Al- range will be 16.5 nautical miles east of Ras Al Julai’a continued rising for the fourth consecutive week, Adsani, the KPC Deputy Chairman, said in a state- to Qaruh island and six nautical miles east of Ras posting the highest rise in two months, with forecast ment that the corporation aims at enhancing the pri- Azzour to Umm Al-Maradem island, a statement by the ounce rate might hit the level of $1,250. Gold has vate sector role in the sector and developing manu- the ministry noted. To ensure maximum safety, the capitalized on jitters and uncertainties related to facturing by the local oil companies, with aim of cre- statement urged sea-goers to steer clear of the area Donald Trump’s takeover of the presidential post in ating new jobs for the citizens. — KUNA on the announced dates. —KUNA the US, the report said. — KUNA Photo of the day

KUWAIT: A photo taken from inside the Sadu House. — KUNA Ambassador calls on investors to benefit from ties with Cuba

Students tour various historic, touristic sites in Albania

HAVANA/TIRANA: Kuwait’s Ambassador to Cuba Mohammad Fadhel Khalaf called on Kuwaiti investors and the private sector to seize the oppor- tunity and benefit from investments available in the Republic of Cuba. The ambassador made his remarks after a luncheon hosted last night for the Kuwaiti students visiting Cuba, part of tour organ- ized by Kuwait Fund for Arab Economic Kuwait dispatches 10 tons of Development (KFAED) in cooperation with the min- istry of Education. relief supplies to displaced Iraqis Khalaf added that such opportunity comes after the recent normalization between the US and Cuba, in addition to historical and critical times for Cuba and its international relations. The ambassa- dor noted that the State of Kuwait has been repeat- edly calling for normalizing ties between the US and Cuba, reaffirming Kuwait’s position in the UN and its vote against imposing sanctions on Cuba. With regard to Kuwaiti-Cuban relations, Khalaf noted that the two nations enjoy exceptional ties and covers all fields, asserting on the strong ties between the two nations. The ambassador noted that such relations dates back to 1974, when Cuba opened its embassy in Kuwait, making it the first diplomatic mission for Cuba in the Gulf. HAVANA: Kuwait’s Ambassador to Cuba Mohammad Fadhel Khalaf poses for a group photo However, the ambassador added Kuwait’s with Kuwaiti students currently visiting the Caribbean state. — KUNA embassy in Cuba was opened in 2010 after a visit by His Highness Sheikh Nasser Mohammad Al- Sabah and the signing of several cooperation agreements, including cultural, economic, and trade agreements.

Historic sites IRBIL: A planeload of 10 tons of relief and deep gratitude to the State of Kuwait for aid- In other news, Kuwaiti students yesterday medical supplies, dispatched by the State of ing the relocated, particularly those who have toured historic and touristic sites in Albania, includ- Kuwait, landed at Irbil Airport on Saturday as fled their homes from the theater of military ing the memorial site for KFAED and Albania. The part of ongoing Kuwaiti aid for Iraqis who have operations involving government forces and tour came during a trip organized by KFAED for been forced by war and violence to evict their militants of the so-called Islamic State. Kuwaiti students to the European country. homes and take up refuge in northern Iraq. Large amounts of the Kuwait-dispatched KFAED media executive Amira Al-Kanderi said Dr Omar Al-Kanderi, the State of Kuwait supplies have reached the relocated people in that the trip, which will last till January 28th, will General Consul in Irbil, said that the cargo regions in Mosul that have been freed from the help students become aware of the fund’s contri- includes medicines such as medical drugs for militants. Last Wednesday, a Kuwaiti shipment butions in Albania. The trip, within the KFAED’s “Be children and medical equipment. He thanked of 10 tons of medicines arrived in Irbil. The car- among the outstanding ones” students program, the Kuwaiti Relief Society for securing the bad- go included two makeshift hospitals. will highlight the fund’s projects in Albania since ly needed drugs. Governor of Nineveh Nowfal Al-Sultan yes- 1993, said Al-Kanderi. The operation is part of the Kuwaiti cam- terday praised efforts of the Kuwait Society for Meanwhile, student Heba Hayati expressed in a paign, “Kuwait on your side,” and in line with Relief through its provision of humanitarian similar statement her admiration and pride for the humanitarian campaign, top architect of supplies to the needy displaced Iraqis of Kuwait’s efforts through KFAED aid to the Republic which is His Highness the Amir Sheikh Sabah Mosul. Sultan expressed in a thank you letter of Albania. Seven loans were provided by the fund Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah, who has repeat- his appreciation for the tremendous efforts of to Albania worth KD 33.438 million, ($113.6 million) edly expressed keenness on soothing pains the society towards the displaced Iraqis of to finance projects within agriculture, transporta- and hardships of the wars’ afflicted Iraqis, the Mosul, a matter he said reflected Kuwait’s tion, and infrastructure. diplomat indicated. “This air bridge to deliver responsibilities towards the needy peoples. On an annual basis, the KFAED organizes trips to the Kuwaiti assistance to the relocated Iraqis The society has and is still offering humani- mainly showcase Kuwait’s huge role in providing will persist,” said the General Consul, Al- tarian and medical aid to the needy Iraqis par- assistance to other countries. In a previous state- Kanderi, in his statement to the Kuwaiti news ticularly for those in Nineveh Governorate. The ment, KFAED said that these trips contributed to agency. society had dispatched a shipment of medical the development of students’ skills in research for knowledge, in addition to helping them to discover Meanwhile, Khaled Al-Nouri, the head of supplies to the Ministry of Health in Kurdistan TIRANA: Kuwaiti students pose for a group photo during a tour to the historic and touristic their own abilities. — KUNA Nineveh pharmacies association, expressed last August for the displaced Iraqis. — KUNA sites in Albania.

MONDAY, JANUARY 23, 2017 From the Arabic press

Crime Al-Rai Report Car chase in Faiha The demographic structure KUWAIT: A car chase between two citizens and two police vehicles in Faiha area left two patrol vehicles damaged, while a lieutenant was nearly run over during the incident. By Dr Khalid Al-Saleh The chase ended with the arrest of two citizens, one of whom is wanted to serve 12 years jail sentence. Liquor and he demographic structure forces its agenda paraphernalia were found in the vehicle the two men were on the two authorities’ - this was the headline driving. Capital security stopped the vehicle at a check- ‘Tin a local daily a few days ago, a headline that point near the intersection of Faiha and Dhahiyat Abdullah got on my nerves, as if both authorities can change Al-Salem areas. When a lieutenant asked the driver for his the demographic structure in Kuwait. Gentlemen, the ID, the man drove off, nearly running over the officer. Two demographic structure has been under study for more other officers chased the vehicle in Faiha area, when the than 30 years, and symposiums were held over it, and suspects’ car hit the patrol vehicle and flipped on the side, it was mentioned in tens of columns, and was argued then hit another patrol trying to escape, but the men were in every Kuwaiti diwaniya and by every Kuwaiti in the finally caught and arrested. The passenger was found country. The demographic structure is not in the intoxicated. License plates were found in the car that may hands of the government or the National Assembly. If be used in criminal activity. it was presented by the Assembly and the govern- ment, it would have caused more complications and Police in brawl more interference. Interior Ministry Undersecretary Lt General Suleiman The demographic structure is an economic and Al-Fahad ordered the arrest of a criminal detectives offi- political issue. Buildings that were built with one or cer and a traffic patrolman after the two exchanged two rooms - for whom were they built? The business- blows during an argument. The two were marning a men who are importing products and sending them to checkpoint in Kabd area when they began arguing and the market - who will buy them all? That apart from the fight escalated into a physical altercation. restaurants that are being opened in large numbers, importing human beings by the droves, and the spon- Al-Jarida sor trade that made the destitute very rich and created Stolen bike found new classes. All these agents and representatives will A citizen was shocked to see the man who stole his not allow their interests to be interrupted for the sake motorcycle enjoying a ride on Arabian Gulf road, so he of Kuwait. There are no longer those who care about stopped the thief and then called police. Police arrived and Kuwait except on the radio and TV. arrested the thief and took him to the police station. Al-Anbaa The demographic structure is also a political issue, as there are political leaders, who for many reasons cannot say no to some Arab countries and justify their Minister Roudhan’s good deeds weakness by saying Kuwait needs relations with cer- tain Arab states such as Egypt for the sake of political balance between its neighbors. By Saad Al-Motesh Economic and political powers are the key to resolving the demographic structure, and because the Man with liquor caught t was a commendable thing what Minister of they jumped in to save his life and told them he was jok- Patrol officers stopped a Sri Lankan man in Mangaf correct key is the one we benefit from in opening the Commerce and Industry Khaled Al-Roudhan did. We ing. A while later, this wise guy did the same thing door, it is a must that we admit that reducing the num- after they grew suspicious of him, then found 64 bottles ought to thank him for his swift response to a prob- again, and his friends hurried to rescue him, but the of homebrewed liquor in his possession. He was also I ber of expatriates is extremely impossible. No one can lem facing a young Kuwaiti third time, when he was prevent or reduce entry of some communities as long found wanted and his residency expired. He was taken entrepreneur with the small actually drowning, they to the proper authorities for further action. as politicians are afraid and businessmen are not satis- projects program, which ignored his cries and he fied. This is a universal norm that never changes - the means that the government drowned! correct solution is that discussions over the demo- Drug addict arrested is serious in solving prob- Roudhan’s reaction This story ought to be graphic structure should be over the quality of expatri- A citizen filed a case at a Hawally governorate police lems and complications fac- comprehended by every- ate manpower, and not their number. station against her 18-year-old son whom she accused of ing citizens. body because complaints Ladies and gentlemen, do not discuss reduction of being addicted to drugs. Police accompanied the woman I know nothing about the will open the door will grow in number and the number of expats because this is not possible - the to her home where they found the young man under the young man’s project, but many will yell for help and structure of expats is more important. Kuwaitis are influence of narcotics. He was taken into custody and will Roudhan’s reaction will unless those cries are real, complaining of a type of manpower who do not have be entered into a rehabilitation program. open the door for anybody for anybody facing officials will take them as knowledge or experience, and sometimes they do not facing red tape and bureau- fake ones like those of the understand the law. They have spread in our country, Expat thief caught cracy from employees at the guy who drowned. My so how do we stop this futility? How do we prevent Farwaniya police arrested an expatriate for commit- small projects support fund. advice to everybody is to the power technician who does not know the differ- ting several thefts and armed robberies. Several com- It is as if those employees red tape and take advantage of the pres- ence between the electric current and water current plaints were made about the robberies by a man on a are giving the funds out of ence of this young minister from entering our country? This is the essence of the motorcycle. He was caught red handed and sent to con- their own pockets. We need in office. He is one of you solution that does not clash with the interests of politi- cerned authorities. to know the reason for bureaucracy and comes from a veteran cians and economists. rejecting any project. political family. His father If the issue was discussed in the dimension of quali- In this regard, let me and his late grandfather Videoclip blackmail ty and not quantity, we will benefit from the expat as remind you of an old story have always been keen on A citizen sought police’s help to stop her boyfriend from much as he benefits from us, and we will stop the about someone who went doing only good deeds. blackmailing her with a video clip he recorded with her. waves of expats that corrupt everything beautiful in to the beach with friends and while swimming, he want- Long live those who make true complaints and down The woman wanted to end the relationship, but he threat- Kuwait. Only then can we return Kuwait’s interest to ed to make a practical joke and started yelling for help, with those claiming to have rights by shouting loudly! ened to expose her if she does. Detectives arrested the the front and all parties will be satisfied with us. pretending to be drowning. He burst into laughter when — Translated by Kuwait Times man who admitted the charges. — Translated from the — Translated by Kuwait Times Arabic Press ABK participates in the 31st College of Engineering Design Exhibition KUWAIT: Al Ahli Bank of Kuwait (ABK) Communications team attended the show them the options they have, in recently announced its participation exhibition and viewed the different terms of career choice. in the 31st College of Engineering’s projects as the students presented The Bank continuously supports Design Exhibition at Kuwait their work. students through the ‘ABK Academy’, University (KU), which was held on 18 ABK is committed to supporting which focuses on developing stu- and 19 January, 2017 at the Crowne students and encouraging them to dents banking skills and equips them Plaza Hotel. maximize their potential. The Bank with the necessary training to pre- ABK reinforced its active role in strongly believes that the role these pare them for the work place. For supporting Kuwait’s youth and the students will play in the future of more information about Al-Ahli Bank education sector by sponsoring three Kuwait is invaluable and it is a duty to of Kuwait please visit eahli.com or different projects exhibited by gradu- support them through the most criti- contact a customer service agent via ating students. The Bank’s Corporate cal phases of their education and to ‘Ahlan Ahli’ at 1899899.

37 competitors win gold, 60 win silver, 98 win bronze at Horeca Kuwait 2017

KUWAIT: The third and final day of the Horeca Kuwait record number. The panel added that the competitions 2017 exhibition was full of activities, including an honor- highly appealed to visitors who enjoyed watching chefs ing ceremony for the winners in the international cooking carve works out of chocolate, ice and fruits. competition. Leaders Group’s General Manager Nabila Al- Speaking on the occasion, the panel’s head chef Anjeri and Hospitality Services Company’s General Sam’an Hilal said that the Horeca cooking competition Manager Jumanah Damos honored the 37 winners who helps support the hospitality sector, adding that it has earned gold medals. attracted more participants compared to previous years. KIB gold sponsor of College of The competition’s jury panel, comprising of 10 experts Meanwhile, Anjeri stressed that the exhibition achieved announced the winners’ names noting. In addition to the remarkable success. She also thanked all participating and Engineering and Petroleum Exhibition gold medal winners, 60 competitors won silver and 98 won sponsoring companies, the jury and competitors, in addi- bronze medals. The jury also announced that Kuwait tion to the media. In the meantime, a number of partici- KUWAIT: Kuwait International Bank (KIB) sponsored the Sheraton Hotel won the highest number of gold medals, as pating company owners thanked Leaders Group, the 31st Engineering Projects Exhibition organized by the seven of its chefs won first place in various competitions event’s organizer, for extending the area at the exhibition College of Engineering and Petroleum at Kuwait they took part in. allocated for their booths as requested, and for hosted University, which was held under the patronage of Further, the jury said that over 300 competitors took various activities during the three-day event, which Sheikh Mohammed Al-Abdullah Al-Mubarak Al-Sabah, part in various categories of the competition, which is a attracted over 6,000 visitors. Minister of State for Cabinet Affairs, with the participa- tion of the Kuwait Foundation for the Advancement of Sciences (KFAS). KIB’s gold sponsorship comes as a continuation of the Bank’s efforts to provide financial and moral support to vari- ous social programs and community initiatives, particularly those that target youth and students. The Bank actively seeks to empower young local talents, fostering their cre- ativity and encouraging their innovations to enable them to contribute to national development across all sectors. Fahad Alsarhan, Team Leader of the Corporate Communications Unit at KIB, said: “Youth empowerment continues to be one of the main pillars of our social responsibility program. We have always been committed to offering our support and patronage to aspiring creative talents and young innovators; as we adamantly believe in the importance of investing in national talents and the Bank participates in various youth-focused initiatives need to empower youth with knowledge and education. throughout the year, focusing especially on career and stu- This exhibition is a perfect example showcasing the inno- dent fairs in an effort to attract young local talents into the vative drive and creative spirit of Kuwait’s youth, and we banking sector. KIB also offers a number of tailored prod- are proud of the role we are playing in nurturing and sup- ucts and banking solutions that are crafted to suit their porting the limitless potential of this country’s younger contemporary lifestyles and meet their particular financial generations.” needs. This includes the Shabab Al-Dawli youth account, as KIB has always been dedicated to providing compre- well as numerous promotional campaigns and special hensive support to the youth population in Kuwait. The offers taking place during the year. MONDAY, JANUARY 23, 2017 India rail disaster kills 36 French Socialists seek relevance in presidential primary

Page 10 Page 12 Nearly 70 killed in fresh Yemen fighting ‘Despite firepower, rebels still control capital’

ADEN: Clashes in Yemen killed at least 66 people in 24 launched a vast offensive on Jan 7 to retake the Dhubab Hodeida, a major western port city they control, a med- rebels and their allies still control the capital Sanaa and hours, medics and security sources said yesterday, as district overlooking the Bab al-Mandab, a key maritime ical source said. The hospital received 14 dead on much of the central and northern highlands, as well as pro-government forces pushed to oust rebels from a key route connecting the Red Sea and the Indian Ocean. Saturday and 38 yesterday, as well as 55 wounded rebels, the 450-kilometer Red Sea coast. United Nations peace stretch of coastline. Air strikes by a Saudi-led coalition Coalition warplanes and Apache attack helicopters have the source said. On the pro-government side, 14 soldiers envoy Ismail Ould Cheikh Ahmed arrived in Sanaa yes- and fighting near the strategic Bab al-Mandab strait been pounding rebels in support of pro-Hadi forces were killed and 22 wounded, according to medics in the terday for talks and to push a peace plan that would killed at least 52 fighters among Shiite Huthi rebels and advancing toward the Red Sea city of Mokha, military southern port city of Aden where Hadi’s government is restore a ceasefire and lead to a political transition in the allied troops loyal to ex-president Ali Abdullah Saleh, sources said. By Sunday, loyalist forces were within 10 based. The Saudi-led coalition intervened in Yemen in country. The plan would lead to a political transition the sources said. Fourteen members of the pro-govern- kilometers of Mokha, they said, but the offensive has March 2015 in support of the beleaguered president. under which Hadi’s powers would be significantly ment forces were also killed. been slowed by mines laid by rebels. But despite its massively superior firepower, the reduced. —AFP Forces loyal to President Abedrabbo Mansour Hadi The rebels took their dead to a military hospital in

SANAA: Security forces guard Sanaa International Airport as they wait for the arrival of the UN Special Envoy to Yemen yesterday. —AFP Trump win creates uncertainty for wind and solar power

HONOLULU: President Donald Trump has disputed climate state’s goal of having 100 percent of its power generated change, pledged a revival of coal and disparaged wind from renewable sources by 2045, the nation’s most aggres- power, and his nominee to head the Energy Department sive target. was once highly skeptical of the agency’s value. What this “We are in a toddler stage,” he said. “When you lose means for states’ efforts to promote renewable energy is an focus, when attention is distracted, when you make it less open question. States that are pushing for greater reliance of a priority, the toddler kind of wobbles.” The Energy on wind and solar power are not quite sure what to expect Department said in a report last year that the cost of get- as Trump takes over. Many of them depend heavily on fed- ting power from wind fell more than 40 percent from 2008 eral renewable-energy tax credits, grants and research, to 2015, and solar panel prices dropped more than 60 per- much of which comes from the Energy Department. cent in that period. Market forces have made green power Former Texas Gov. Rick Perry, Trump’s pick to lead the big in Republican-led states, with wind turbines springing department, presents a contradictory figure: A Texas oil up along the Great Plains from Iowa to Texas. In those promoter, he also oversaw a huge expansion of wind-ener- places - many of which have low or no green-energy gy production while governor. When he ran for president in requirements - the arguments for renewable power are 2011, he included Energy on a list of departments he more often cost savings and job creation, rather than the thought should be abolished, though he disavowed the environmental benefits. —AP idea Thursday at his Senate confirmation hearing. “We don’t know what version of Perry is going to show up,” said Michael Webber, deputy director of the Energy Institute at the University of Texas, Austin. Renewable energy accounts for about 15 percent of the electricity generated in the United States. And 29 states have set targets for boosting their reliance on such power. Officials, experts and advocates in more than a half-dozen states with some of the most ambitious goals told The Associated Press that they are on course to meet their tar- gets. Most said that while Trump policies could slow the expansion, they won’t stop it. The price of harnessing the power of the sun and wind has dropped so much that in many areas of the country, experts say it could be competitive with traditional power sources such as coal and natural gas even without federal subsidies. Further, they do not expect a fast repeal of the key federal tax credits that have propelled the industry for years. Still, policies aimed at bringing more renewable pow- er online quickly are not expected while Trump is in office. “We need to be moving faster, not slower,” said Jeff Forward, president of the trade group Renewable Energy Vermont. “I fear we’re tapping on the brakes right now.” Those who promote renewable energy are concerned because Trump has expressed doubts about whether cli- mate change is real, even though scientists agree that it is happening and that the burning of fossil fuels is a major reason for it. Trump also has called for reviving the coal industry, which has struggled in part because of the rise of renewable energy. And he has criticized wind turbines near Palm Springs, California, both for killing birds and for look- ing like a “junkyard.” Perry, at his confirmation hearings, said he believes cli- mate change is happening and that some of it is caused by human activity. He also said he favors an “all of the above” energy policy, the way he did in Texas, and wants the feder- al government to continue research on renewable energy. He didn’t say what he thought of green-energy tax credits and other incentives. The federal wind credit is set to be phased out in 2019, and the solar one, four years after that. Those incentives and other federal spending on renewable energy in fiscal year 2015 totaled about $10 billion, nearly twice as much as similar subsidies for fossil fuels. In Hawaii, federal tax credits reduced the price for devel- opers and homeowners by about $125 million annually from 2011 to 2014, according to an analysis by Blue Planet Foundation. During that time, the portion of the state’s electricity coming from renewable nearly doubled from 12 to 21 percent. Randy Iwase, chairman of the Hawaii Public Utilities Commission, said incentives are important to the INTERNATIONAL MONDAY, JANUARY 23, 2017 Syria rebels arrive in Astana for talks with regime

ASTANA: Members of the Syrian opposi- ing to an AFP correspondent who saw The 10-member government delegation, worked hand-in-hand in recent weeks #AstanaProcess. Rebels and regime fig- tion delegation arrived yesterday in the the delegation arrive. headed by its UN ambassador Bashar al- to secure an end to the brutal war that ures are expected to sit in the same Kazakh capital Astana for face-to-face He was accompanied by around a Jaafari, left Damascus yesterday, accord- has killed more than 300,000. The room, along with UN envoy for Syria peace talks with the war-torn nation’s dozen rebel figures, including Fares ing to Syrian state news agency SANA. Astana talks, which Assad ally Iran is also Staffan de Mistura. De Mistura on Sunday government. The talks, set to begin Buyush of the Idlib Army, Hassan Ibrahim Rebels have insisted the talks will helping organize, will be the first test of hailed the talks as a “good initiative” in today, will be the first time a delegation of the Southern Front and Mamoun Hajj focus solely on reinforcing a frail nation- this new partnership. comments carried by Russian news agen- composed exclusively of rebel groups Moussa of Suqur al-Sham. A source close wide truce brokered by opposition sup- They will be held in the city’s luxury cies. In addition to the hundreds of thou- will negotiate with the regime of Syrian to the opposition’s team told AFP that porter Turkey and regime ally Russia last Rixos President Hotel, where staff mem- sands killed, more than half of the coun- President Bashar al-Assad. Chief opposi- the delegation had been broadened month. Although the two countries bers were setting up a single large table try’s population has been displaced since tion negotiator Mohammad Alloush flew from eight rebel figures to a total of 14, in have backed opposing sides of Syria’s in a conference room under blue ban- Syria’s conflict erupted in March 2011 into Astana yesterday morning, accord- addition to 21 legal and political advisers. nearly six-year conflict, they have ners bearing the hashtag with protests against Assad’s rule. —AFP

Turkish police capture suspect in Istanbul rocket attacks

ANKARA: Turkish authorities captured a in Istanbul on Saturday, the sources said. man believed to be among those responsi- There have been no claims of responsibility ble for rocket attacks on the Istanbul police for the attacks. The police sources said headquarters and the offices of the ruling questioning of five other suspects detained AK Party on Friday evening, police sources in Istanbul on Saturday in relation to said yesterday. Armed assailants attacked Friday’s attacks was continuing. Istanbul’s police headquarters and an office The outlawed DHKP-C is listed as a ter- of the ruling AK Party with rocket launchers rorist organization by Turkey, the United on Friday evening. There were no reports of States and the European Union. It has casualties from the attacks. staged suicide attacks against Turkish Police sources said the suspect, identi- police and the US Embassy in recent years. fied on Saturday as a member of the out- NATO member Turkey has been hit by a lawed Revolutionary People’s Liberation spate of bombings and shootings in the Army-Front (DHKP-C), was captured in the past year, including a twin bombing northwestern province of Tekirdag, along claimed by Kurdish militants outside a soc- with a gun and a grenade. He is also cer stadium in Istanbul on Dec. 10 that believed to be behind an assault on police killed 44 people.—Reuters In Mosul battle, Iraq forces face fewer IS-planted bombs

MOSUL, Iraq: Iraqi forces used to facing “change of strategy” for IS, said Captain deserted, explosives-rigged streets and Qaisar Fawzi, an officer in an Iraqi army booby-trapped buildings have not encoun- engineering battalion. “They did not rely on tered as many bombs planted by jihadists roadside bombs, they relied on explosives- in Mosul as they did in earlier battles rigged vehicles,” he added. against them. The Islamic State group has Vehicles rigged with bombs “are indeed no qualms about killing civilians, but the the enemy’s weapon of choice in the battle presence of a large number of residents in of Mosul,” said Colonel John Dorrian, Iraq’s second city discouraged the jihadists spokesman for the US-led anti-IS coalition. from extensively sowing it with explosives, But, according to Assadi, in “important officers say. areas, the residents were displaced... and BUDAPEST: Candles and flowers are placed at the Szinyei Merse Pal High-school in Budapest, to commemorate the victims of a bus accident While previous urban battlefields in (IS) started to booby-trap them.” Lise in Italy.—AP Iraq’s war against IS were largely depopu- Grande, the UN’s humanitarian coordinator lated by the time the country’s forces for Iraq, said that bombs planted by IS have moved in, Mosul still sheltered a million- still posed a threat to civilians. “People who plus people when the offensive to retake it are trying to flee Mosul... have stepped on Horror coach crash was launched three months ago. If explo- booby-traps and IEDs (improvised explo- sives had been widely planted by the sive devices),” killing some and wounding jihadists ahead of the battle, they would others, Grande said. have been at risk of being triggered before Iraqi forces arrived. So while the systematic kills 16 in Hungary Civilians obstacle to both sides mining of roads and rigging of buildings And “based on experiences from other with bombs has arguably been IS’s signa- occupied areas, we’re worried that IEDs ture defense system against Iraqi forces, in have been planted by (IS) in schools, hospi- Mosul, the jihadists had to change tack. tals and other public buildings,” she said. ‘Masses to hold National day of mourning’ Iraqi forces have seen less booby-trap- The large numbers of civilians in Mosul ping in Mosul than in Anbar and have also hampered Iraqi offensive opera- BUDAPEST: Hungary was yesterday, mourn- good condition” and “road-ready” before the The teacher, whose son and daughter Salaheddin provinces, where earlier key tions. Aridhi said that while security forces ing 16 people killed when a coach carrying crash. Verona traffic police chief Girolamo were reportedly on board, was thought to battles against IS took place, said Staff could previously strike IS from a distance, Hungarian teenagers home from a skiing Lacquaniti said Saturday no other vehicle be one of those seriously injured. Lieutenant General Abdulghani al-Assadi, a “here, we are not able to use any fire, trip crashed in northern Italy. The mass of was involved, suggesting a mechanical Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban top commander in the elite Counter- because citizens are present.” “We are flowers, candles and messages for the vic- fault or human error was the cause. “The expressed his shock in a statement on delayed because people are present,” he Terrorism Service. “The reason is the fami- tims of Friday’s tragedy continued to grow coach was travelling at quite a constant Saturday, saying he was praying for “the lies remained in their neighborhoods, in said.Assadi agreed, saying that there is “lit- outside the children’s school in central speed and we haven’t found any traces of families and loved ones of those affected their houses,” Assadi said. Some residents of tle booby-trapping, few bombs, but (many) the city have ventured out of their homes citizens whom we must protect.” Budapest, which is getting ready to wel- braking,” Lacquaniti said on Italian radio. by this tragedy.” And Russian President just moments after the fighting died down, Iraqi forces do however still use heavy come students back today. The tragedy One of the two drivers on board was Vladimir Putin, with whom Orban enjoys and in recaptured areas of eastern Mosul, weapons in Mosul: helicopters and war- occurred when the coach crashed into a among those killed, Italian media report- good relations, also sent his condo- stores are reopening, goods are displayed planes have frequently carried out strikes bridge pillar on a motorway near the north- ed.Judit Timaffy, Hungary’s consul, said the lences. “It is especially tragic that chil- in front of shops, civilian cars and pedestri- inside the city, and artillery as well as large ern city of Verona, then burst into flames. death toll could have been worse were it dren and teens became the victims of the ans move along some streets and children unguided rockets are fired inside it. The But investigators probing the cause of the not for a teacher, who went back to rescue accident,” Putin wrote, according to a play outside. combination of civilians staying in the city crash have found no sign that the driver some of the children. Kremlin statement.—AFP and the lower number of bombs planted braked before the collision. No comparison inside it means life has returned to some Some victims were catapulted out of the Staff Lieutenant General Sami al-Aridhi, recaptured areas in Mosul far quicker than in bus on impact but mostly they perished Four Qaeda members killed another senior CTS commander, said there other cities retaken from IS. Parts of Ramadi inside. Those who escaped did so by des- was “no comparison” between the number and Fallujah are still uninhabitable, but perately smashing windows and leaping of bombs planted in Mosul and those in while some houses and buildings in Mosul out. The crash has shocked Hungary which in Yemen drone strikes Anbar province, where Iraqi forces retook have been wrecked and streets are cratered will hold a national day of mourning on the cities of Ramadi and Fallujah from IS. by bombs and strewn with rubble, other Monday. Late on Saturday, several hundred ADEN: Four suspected Al-Qaeda members Qaeda’s Yemen-based franchise, Al-Qaeda in There are fewer because “here in Mosul, the places have escaped largely unharmed. people gathered outside Budapest’s Pal were killed in drone strikes in central Yemen the Arabian Peninsula (AQAP), to be its most residents didn’t leave,” Aridhi said. “Now, “The booby-trapping began after the Szinyei-Merse secondary school in freezing likely carried out by US forces, a security dangerous, is the only force operating drones when we advance into any neighborhood, start of the Mosul operation,” said resident temperatures to silently pay their respects source said yesterday. The source, asking not over Yemen. But it only sporadically reports Raed Mohammed, speaking to AFP at a to be identified, said three “armed fighters of on a long-running bombing campaign we don’t think that the street is booby- as scores of tiny candle flames flickered. “I trapped; our vehicles move normally.” roundabout in the city’s east where street Al-Qaeda” died when their vehicle was struck against AQAP. Al-Qaeda and the Islamic State spent many happy years here,” said 24-year- IS needed civilians in Mosul to maintain vendors were out selling goods, but which on Saturday in the Sawmaa region of Al- jihadist group have exploited a power vacu- at least the veneer of a functioning “state,” was still overlooked by an IS billboard and old Timea Deutsch, who left the school five Bayda province. A drone strike on Friday um created by the two-year-old conflict in and extensively planting bombs that could marred by damaged buildings. People years ago. “It’s tragic.” killed a local military instructor for Al-Qaeda Yemen between the government and Shiite be triggered by residents would have both were going about their daily lives before in the same province, he said. Huthi rebels, especially in the country’s south reduced their defensive utility and risked that and, had the jihadists extensively Victims’ identification difficult The United States, which considers Al- and southeast. —AFP stoking popular anger against the jihadists. planted bombs, “it’s likely that they them- Speaking to AFP by phone, school direc- This does not mean that IS has completely selves would have been exposed to explo- tor Gabor Jaky said the staff were making forgone the use of bombs in Mosul. It is a sions.”—AFP preparations so that everyone there could “convey the sadness and mourning we are Daylong spasm of violence all feeling.” “We are also working with coun- selors to help the children and their families leaves 27 dead in north Brazil work through this tragedy,” he said. “The majority of the children were 15-16 years old, so a number of classes were affected.” SAO PAULO: A wave of violence has left 27 violence-centered mostly in and around the At the time of the crash, there were 56 peo- people dead in the Brazilian state of Para, a city of Belem-was linked to the death of Rafael bloodletting authorities say might have been da Silva Costa, an officer fatally shot early ple on board. As well as the 16 victims, provoked by the murder of a police officer. The Friday during a police operation on the city another 28 people were injured, Italian killings took place over a daylong stretch from outskirts. Brazil has had an unusually bloody police said. Two of the injured, both adults, Friday into Saturday, and included what author- start to the year, especially in its impoverished were in critical condition, Hungary’s consul ities said appeared to be several execution- north, which has also been wracked by prison said late Saturday. style murders. A government statement said violence that claimed the lives of scores of Flags will fly half-mast outside parlia- officials are investigating whether the deadly inmates in recent weeks.—AFP ment on Monday as part of the day of mourning, the government said. “Black flags will be hung on public buildings and German police arrest accomplice schools should find a way to mourn the vic- tims of this accident with dignity before and of Austrian terror suspect after classes,” it said. Cardinal Peter Erdo called on worshippers to remember the vic- tims at church services around the country. BERLIN: German police said yesterday they Albanian minority, were believed to have “I am praying for the unfortunates who died have arrested a man accused of having ties to a “experimented with material to build explo- and for the swift recovery of the injured,” suspected Islamic extremist captured in Austria sives” in the flat in Neuss. Erdo said in a statement. Foreign Minister and thought to have been plotting an attack. A German police confiscated computers and Peter Szijjarto said yesterday that the vic- spokesman for the state police in North Rhine- mobile phones from the home, and the sus- tims were so badly charred that it may take Westphalia said the man was taken into custody pect’s wife was temporarily detained for ques- several days yet to identify them all. He said on Saturday in the western city of Neuss on a tioning, according to the report. Focus said the the repatriation of the injured started yes- warrant for “planning a serious crime targeting man arrested in Austria had told investigators the state”. He declined to provide further details. that he had sworn allegiance to the Islamic terday. German news magazine Focus had report- State (IS) group and revealed the link to the ed earlier, citing judicial sources, that the elite accomplice in Neuss. Germany has been on high Heroic teacher SEK command force had stormed the man’s alert since a Tunisian failed asylum seeker, Anis Hungarian police yesterday began their flat on the suspicion he was planning a bomb- Amri, ploughed a lorry through a crowded own enquiry parallel to that of the Italian ing targeting police and soldiers. Focus said Berlin Christmas market in December in an authorities. Tibor Czako, head of the Pizolit the man and the teenage suspect arrested late attack that killed 12 people. IS claimed the MOSUL: An Iraqi man walks outside Mosul’s University yesterday, a week after Iraqi company that owned the bus said it was “in Friday in Vienna, an Austrian citizen from the deadly assault.—AFP counter-terrorism service (CTS) retook it from the Islamic State (IS) jihadists.—AFP MONDAY, JANUARY 23, 2017 INTERNATIONAL Trump hotel starts inaugural tradition amid ethics concern WASHINGTON: Red, white and blue bal- reference or otherwise be tied to President- loons rained down over crystal chandeliers elect Trump’s role as president of the United in the soaring atrium of the Trump States or the office of the presidency,” a International Hotel at midnight in “a new company attorney wrote in a briefing inaugural tradition,” its social media released earlier this month. account promised. But while President Trump has voluntarily taken these meas- Donald Trump’s hotel in Washington did ures, since few conflict laws apply to the serve as a hub of Friday’s inaugural activi- president or vice president. That means ties, it also stands as ground zero for what people will have to trust that the president top Democrats and some ethics advisers and his company are following through. see as his unique web of conflicts of inter- “We are waiting for you Mr. President! Thank est. Trump’s lease with the federal govern- you!” Trump’s Washington hotel wrote on its ment to develop and operate a hotel inside Twitter account shortly before the president the historic Old Post Office building was scheduled to roll past the Pennsylvania expressly prohibits any elected official Avenue property as part of the inaugural from benefiting from the property, yet parade. Indeed, Trump hopped out of his Trump has not divested from his company motorcade to walk and wave in front of the or this particular project. hotel. The tweet would appear to violate the The government’s General Services company’s no-reference-to-the-president Administration previously said it would policy. Trump Organization representatives refrain from commenting on the apparent did not respond to requests for comment. contract violation until Trump took office, which he did at noon Friday. The agency did Just another phase not respond to requests for comment. “I Patricia Tang, the Washington hotel’s think it’s a simple matter of amending the director of sales and marketing - who said lease,” said Patrick Keogh, a real estate she was responsible for social media - did investor in Austin, Texas, who has devel- not directly answer a questions about the oped projects for the GSA and other federal possible violation. But she said, “We have agencies. He said Ivanka Trump, the presi- nothing to do with the administration. We dent’s daughter and chief negotiator on the have nothing to do with the presidency. We hotel, should ask the GSA to exempt her just want to be the best possible luxury father from that provision of the contract. hotel that we can be.” The new White House WASHINGTON: President Donald Trump shakes hands with Senate Minority Leader Charles Schumer of NY, as he is joined by the The GSA should make the process public raised eyebrows on its first day by posting Congressional leadership and his family while he formally signs his cabinet nominations into law, in the President’s Room of the Senate on and transparent, Keogh said. on its official website a biography of first Capitol Hill in Washington. — AP Others say Trump must relinquish owner- lady Melania Trump that included an explic- ship of the hotel. More broadly, they argue, it reference to her jewelry collection, which Trump should sell off his company and put it noted was sold on the home-shopping the cash into a blind trust as previous presi- channel QVC. By Saturday, that line had Cautious welcome from congressional dents have done. He is not legally required been edited and simplified to say that she to do so, but it’s become common for presi- had “launched her own jewelry collection.” Republicans to Trump era dents to separate themselves from their per- A spokeswoman for the first lady said the sonal finances to avoid any possible conflicts website was updated out of “an abundance with national policy. The liberal-funded of caution” and that the jewelry line is no ‘The House and Trump have same priorities’ watchdog group Citizens for Responsibility longer available in any case. There have also and Ethics in Washington complained to the been questions about what the Trump WASHINGTON: Congressional Republicans anx- Congress, said a chief executive needs to take a one having insurance once Obama’s health care GSA that it should terminate its deal or take Organization means by no “new” foreign iously monitor President Donald Trump’s Twitter stand. “It’s OK in a campaign world to cause plan is repealed, lawmakers quickly decided legal action because the president had vio- deals. Earlier this week, the company con- feed, parse his pronouncements, and brace for people to not be sure of how you’re going to that what Trump actually meant was that every- lated the conditions of the lease. firmed it wanted to expand at one of its potential controversy each time he gives an react, it keeps them on edge and maybe not on one should have “access” to insurance, which is Scottish resorts, including plans to add a golf interview. But GOP lawmakers also say they’re their full game,” Sanford said. “In the world of the standard GOP talking point. “I guess you’d Conflicts of interest course. A spokeswoman for the resort said growing increasingly accustomed to expecting governance, it can be disastrous.” probably have to ask him what exactly he The American Civil Liberties Union said it the expansion is just another “phase” of a the unexpected from Trump, and they’re learn- Trump himself disclosed that Ryan called him means by that, but my assumption is that it’s a had filed a Freedom of Information Act project outlined in a planning document ing to take his abrupt pivots in stride, even up and asked him to stop talking about taxes, reference to what most of us have been talking request for documents about Trump’s con- approved by the local government years ago, when what he says stirs divisions or casts doubt because “it’s very complicated stuff.” But in gen- about,” said Sen. John Thune, R-S.D. “And that is flicts of interest, including any recent mem- and so did not break any Trump promise. on key Republican goals. So at the dawn of the eral, Ryan and other members of GOP leader- we want to make sure that everybody in the os, emails and other private communica- But Richard Painter, chief ethics lawyer Trump presidency, the most optimistic ship, who are in frequent contact with Trump country has access to a health insurance plan tions on the issue with his transition team. under former President George W. Bush, Republicans on Capitol Hill have high hopes and his top aides, tend to be sanguine about that works for them and is affordable.” The Washington hotel also attracted pro- said every phase of a real estate project is they can learn to work with the new chief exec- Trump’s erratic public pronouncements. They Similarly, Trump surprised some lawmakers testers on Friday and Saturday. People par- like a new deal, requiring financing and utive to bring about positive change for a bitter- say that as rank-and-file lawmakers get to know by declaring he had his own health care plan on ticipating in the women’s march Saturday government permits, and allowing foreign- ly divided nation. Trump better their concerns will be quieted, the verge of completion; if so, no one has seen booed in unison as they walked by, and ers to hold something back that the presi- The GOP has monopoly control over too. President Barack Obama came under criti- it. But others shrugged it off, concluding that many left their protest signs in front of the dent might want in hopes he will shape Washington for the first time in a decade, and cism from lawmakers of both parties for his Trump was probably really just talking about building. Trump handed control of his inter- public policy in their favor. Trump’s adminis- Republicans are keenly aware that voters expect hands-off approach to Congress, his apparent the proposals under development between national real estate development, property tration addressed one potential conflict them to deliver. “It’s what the American people disinterest in schmoozing with lawmakers or Trump’s transition team and GOP leadership. management and licensing company to his when the Justice Department on Saturday want. It’s refreshing,” said House Majority Leader using the trappings of his office to woo them. Lawmakers got an early taste of the power of two adult sons. said federal anti-nepotism laws do not pre- Kevin McCarthy, R-Calif. “You’ll see the House Trump’s Twitter feed as the 115th Congress To help ease the appearance of conflicts vent the president from appointing his son- and Trump working closely together. We have Access to insurance came into session at the beginning of January. of interest, the company said it would not in-law to his administration. the same priorities.” Many congressional Top lawmakers and aides say they’ve already As their first act, House Republicans decided enter into any new international deals, That clears the way for Jared Kushner, Republicans, from Speaker Paul Ryan, R-Wis., on impressed upon Trump’s lieutenants the impor- behind closed doors to gut an independent promised to hire a compliance officer and Ivanka Trump’s husband, to take a post as down, were slow to embrace Trump’s candidacy, tance of care and feeding of lawmakers, and ethics office. But when Trump tweeted his dis- ethics adviser to vet domestic deals, donate a senior adviser. Federal anti-nepotism and some of those concerns linger. Several law- they predict Trump will have better congres- approval amid a public backlash, the GOP foreign profit from its hotels and refrain laws prevent relatives from being makers are wary of Trump’s foreign policy sional relations than Obama. “There’s an inclina- immediately reversed course. from doing anything that could be per- appointed to government positions. The stances, such as his skepticism toward NATO. tion this president has toward personal relation- Now the hope among Republican lawmak- ceived as exploiting the office of the presi- Trump transition team argued, and a Trump’s fickleness, his tendency to embrace a ships, meaningful personal relationships,” said ers is that Trump will spare them his Twitter fire dency. “The Trump Organization has direct- career Justice attorney agreed, the laws position one day before seeming to abandon it Rep. Patrick McHenry of North Carolina, a mem- and focus instead on recalcitrant Senate ed that no communications of the organiza- apply to jobs in federal agencies, not the next, confounds some in his party. ber of the House GOP leadership. “So day by Democrats, nudging them into helping the tion, including social media accounts, will White House posts. —AP That happened recently on health care and day, members get more comfortable with how GOP replace Obama’s health law and overhaul taxes, the two domestic issues for Congress this this president expresses his power and utilizes tax laws. But as Trump begins governing, even year. In a pair of high-profile interviews this his power. Even if they don’t fully grasp it, supporters on Capitol Hill say they can’t predict month, Trump made a surprise call for health they’re gaining comfort with his approach.” what will happen next. “It’s Donald Trump, you insurance for everyone and cast doubt on a core Some Trump supporters have said they learned should expect the unexpected,” former Speaker plank of the House GOP tax plan, before soften- to take the new president seriously, but not lit- John Boehner, R-Ohio, said Friday as Trump pre- ing both stances in subsequent interviews. GOP erally, over the course of the campaign, and pared to take the oath. “If you think the last 12 Rep. Mark Sanford of South Carolina, his state’s GOP lawmakers are learning to do the same. months have been pretty crazy, wait till you see governor for eight years before coming to After Trump made his comment about every- the next 12 months.” —AP

Mississippi tornado wreaks havoc; kills 4 HATTIESBURG, Mississippi: Rain was pouring the tornado’s carnage, McCarty wept as her hospitals, he said. Gov. Phil Bryant visited the down in the pre-dawn darkness, and the wind boyfriend, Tackeem Molley, comforted her. “They damaged areas Saturday. Insurance was picking up as Darryl McMorris ran for his couldn’t get him out of the house. They said he Commissioner Mike Chaney says insured dam- daughters’ bedroom. The windows started blow- was lying in the bed,” McCarty said of her son. aged is likely to top $200 million. ing out as he dove on top of his girls, grabbing Molley said he and McCarty were in a trailer “You’ve got so many buildings that are for all one under each arm as he tried to protect them. when the storm hit. Molley, whose bare foot was practical purposes totally destroyed,” said Andy “As soon as I did that it seemed like we were fly- bandaged, said he climbed out through a hole in Case, a disaster recovery specialist with the ing in the air,” he recalled Saturday. Walls began what had either been the trailer’s roof or wall. “I Department of Insurance. Emergency manage- WASHINGTON: In this photo, police stand guard outside the Trump International to collapse and the house began to blow apart as had a little hole I could squeeze out of,” he said. ment officials reported 16,000 customers were Hotel on Pennsylvania Avenue in Washington. —AP his daughters screamed. But he held on tight. without power as power companies rushed to When the tornado finished ripping its way Destruction restore electricity where damage allowed. At through their Hattiesburg home he and the two In the surrounding neighborhood, power William Carey University, a Baptist institution 11 people killed in Georgia girls were under a wall. Their house appears to be company trucks ran up and down the streets and south of downtown Hattiesburg, almost every a total loss, bedding tossed 50 feet into a tree city backhoe plowed debris from the road. building on campus suffered at least superficial and their oldest daughter asking, “Is God mad at Dozens of homes were damaged. Sheet metal damage. Many were heavily damaged. College following severe weather us?” But they’re alive. “I don’t see how we sur- was strewn everywhere. Trees turned into spindly officials closed the campus where 3,200 students ATLANTA: Eleven people were killed No other information was immediately vived this,” said his fiancee Shanise. sticks were lying across power lines. At least three study and 800 students live and are not sure and 23 were injured after severe weath- available. Across the tornado’s devastating path, fami- nearby churches had sustained damage. Mayor when it will reopen. Saturday afternoon parents er struck southern Georgia, officials said The southeastern United States has lies were taking stock of the damage, hugging Johnny DuPree has signed an emergency decla- and students streamed onto campus to remove yesterday. Catherine Howden of the been pounded by storms, high winds and friends and neighbors, grieving over the remains ration for the city, which reported “significant belongings from damaged dorms with some stu- Georgia Emergency Management unstable weather over the weekend. Four of their homes and in many cases mourning injuries” and structural damage. Greg Flynn of the dents making their way over shattered glass or Agency said the deaths occurred in people died after a tornado with winds those killed. Authorities said four people died Mississippi Emergency Management Agency said around fallen bricks to reach their room. For stu- Cook, Brooks and Berrien counties in above 136 mph tore a 25-mile path when the twister touched down around 3.35 am “massive damage” was reported. At least 50 peo- dents in their dorms when the tornado struck, it southern Georgia near the Georgia- across southern Mississippi before dawn Saturday. Shannon Hefferan, a meteorologist ple have been treated for injuries at two area was terrifying. —AP Florida line. She said the deaths were Saturday. The National Weather Service in with the National Weather Service, says damage related to severe weather but could not Jacksonville, Florida, has issued a tornado reports indicate it touched down in Lamar specify whether tornadoes were the warning for Echols, Clinch and Ware County before ripping into Forrest County and cause. Tornado warnings had been counties in southeastern Georgia. A skirting just south of downtown Hattiesburg - issued for parts of Georgia overnight. severe thunderstorm warning was in the state’s fourth largest city. The tornado contin- Local officials are still assessing the area. effect for the Florida panhandle. —AP ued across the Leaf River into neighboring Petal. Emergency management officials said the severe weather also damaged Perry and Jones counties. Teams are out assessing the damage. Already Trump tweets criticism they know that the tornado was accompanied by a deluge of rain - 3.42 inches over a six to seven hour period Saturday morning - Hefferan said. over US protests And the bad weather isn’t over yet. The weather WASHINGTON: President Donald Trump The scale of the mass protests, echoed in service anticipates another round Saturday night. took to Twitter yesterday to criticize the sister rallies around the world, highlight the A tornado watch was already in effect until 9 pm millions of people across the United States depth of resistance to the former reality TV in parts of southeastern Louisiana and southern who marched in protests against him a star, two days after he was sworn in as presi- Mississippi, warning that hail, gusting winds and day earlier, including the celebrities who dent with an approval rating of just 37 per- tornadoes are possible. Forrest County Coroner took part. “Watched protests yesterday cent. Pop diva Madonna made an unan- Butch Benedict on Saturday afternoon released but was under the impression that we just nounced appearance Saturday in the names of the dead: Earnest Perkins, 58; had an election! Why didn’t these people Washington, joining hundreds of thousands Cleveland Madison, 20; David Wayne McCoy, 47 vote? Celebs hurt cause badly,” Trump of protesters who rallied for women’s rights and Simona Cox, 72. tweeted. More than two million people in defiance of Trump. Other celebrities at the Monica McCarty lost her father - Perkins - who flooded US cities Saturday in protests led massive demonstration included actresses died in the same trailer park where she and her by women opposed to Trump, who many Scarlett Johansson, Ashley Judd and boyfriend live and her son - Madison - who was apparently crushed to death while in bed at her fear will roll back the rights of women, America Ferrera, filmmaker Michael Moore MISSISSIPPI: Lanada Miller stands before the remains of her trailer home being ripped apart, mother’s house where he lived. Standing amid immigrants and minorities. and the feminist icon Gloria Steinem. —AFP while leaving two other trailers with exterior damage, in Hattiesburg, Mississippi. —AP MONDAY, JANUARY 23, 2017 INTERNATIONAL

UK govt accused of covering up failed nuclear missile test

LONDON: The British government was accused yes- the wrong direction toward the United States. prime minister at the time of the test, but she took a “pretty catastrophic error” for a missile to go in the terday of covering up a failed test of its nuclear “There was a major panic at the highest level of office shortly before the vote and successfully wrong direction. A government spokesman con- weapons deterrent last year, just weeks before law- government and the military after the first test of appealed to lawmakers to approve the £41 billion firmed the Royal Navy conducted a routine test makers voted to renew the system. Prime Minister our nuclear deterrent in four years ended in disas- (47 billion euro, $50.7 billion) project. In a BBC inter- launch of an unarmed missile last June from HMS Theresa May refused to say whether she knew about trous failure,” the source told the paper. “Ultimately view yesterday, she sidestepped questions about Vengeance, one of Britain’s four nuclear-armed sub- the reported malfunction of an unarmed missile Downing Street decided to cover up the failed test. whether she knew about the malfunction when she marines. It was “part of an operation which is when she urged MPs to support updating the If the information was made public, they knew how made her statement to MPs. “What we were talking designed to certify the submarine and its crew”, he Trident nuclear system. The Sunday Times newspa- damaging it would be to the credibility of our about is whether or not we should renew Trident,” said. “Vengeance and her crew were successfully per, citing a senior naval source, claimed that the nuclear deterrent.” she said. “I have absolute faith in our Trident mis- tested and certified, allowing Vengeance to return Trident II D5 missile failed after being launched from The malfunction came just weeks before the siles,” she continued, adding that tests take place into service. We have absolute confidence in our a British submarine off the coast of Florida in June. House of Commons was asked on July 18 to “regularly.” independent nuclear deterrent,” he said. Britain is The cause of the failure is top secret but the approve the replacement of the ageing submarines Opposition Labor leader Jeremy Corbyn, a long- one of only three nuclear-armed NATO nations, source suggested the missile may have veered off in that carry Britain’s nuclear arsenal. May was not standing opponent of nuclear weapons, said it was along with the United States and France. —AFP

Pope warns against populism and ‘saviors’ like Hitler

MADRID: Pope Francis on Saturday identity and there was a little man named warned against populism, saying it could Adolf Hitler who said ‘I can do it’.” “Hitler lead to the election of “saviors” like Hitler. did not steal power,” the pope said. “He In an hour-long interview with Spanish was elected by his people and then he newspaper El Pais conducted as Donald destroyed his people.” The Germans at that Trump was being sworn in as US presi- time also wanted to protect themselves dent, the pontiff also condemned the with “walls and barbed wire so that others idea of using walls and barbed wire to cannot take away their identity,” he said. keep out foreigners. “Of course crises pro- “The case of Germany is classic,” he said, voke fears and worries,” he said but added adding that Hitler gave them a “deformed that for him “the example of populism in identity and we know what it produced.” the European sense of the word is Pope Francis however underscored that it Germany in 1933. was too early to pass judgment on Trump. “Germany... was looking for a leader, “Let’s see. Let’s see what he does and then someone who would give her back her we will evaluate,” he said. —AFP 14 members of pro-govt militia killed in Mali attack

BAMAKO: A pro-government militia in eastern Kidal region was attacked Mali said that it had lost 14 fighters in an Saturday, GATIA secretary general Fahad attack blamed on former rebels Saturday, Ag Almahoud said, accusing “elements of three days after a suicide car bomber left the CMA”-referring to ex-rebels from the more than 70 dead. Some 77 people were Coordination of Azawad Movements killed and 120 wounded in the suicide (CMA). “The toll was high-there were 14 blast Wednesday which targeted a camp victims,” he said. The information was con- in northern Gao housing former rebels firmed by a Kidal resident reached by tele- and pro-government militia-who are sig- phone, but the CMA did not immediately natories to a 2015 peace accord struck respond to the allegations. Mali’s north fell with the government. Hundreds of people under the control of Tuareg-led rebels and gathered in the capital Bamako Saturday jihadist groups linked to Al-Qaeda in 2012. to pay their respects to victims of the The Islamists sidelined the rebels to take attack on the last of three days of national sole control. mourning called by President Ibrahim Although they were largely ousted by Boubacar Keita. a French-led military operation in January FRANCE: A woman casts her ballot at the first round for the French left’s presidential primaries ahead of the 2017 presidential election, in The attack, Mali’s worst in years, was 2013, implementation of the peace Marseille, southern France, yesterday. — AP claimed by the group of Algerian jihadist accord has been piecemeal with insur- Mokhtar Belmokhtar, allied to Al-Qaeda in gents still active across large parts of the the Islamic Maghreb (AQIM). The attack region. The joint patrols, which also French Socialists seek relevance occurred as former rebels from the Tuareg- include regular Malian army troops, are led CMA movement prepared to go on a supposed to help prepare for the reor- joint patrol with pro-government militia ganization of the army. The United in presidential primary members under the terms of the peace Nations has deployed 13,000 troops in deal. Despite hopes of unity in the wake of Mali while France, the former colonial the blast, fresh clashes broke out Saturday power, has an additional 4,000 soldiers PARIS: France’s Socialists voted yesterday in the Front leader Le Pen told a meeting of rightwing Tactical voting? between groups that have signed up to stationed there. The UN Security Council first round of their presidential primary with populist parties in Germany on Saturday that Some Socialist heavyweights have hinted the agreement, according to the pro-gov- agreed last week to consider setting up a candidates including former prime minister Europe was about to “wake up” following the vic- they could support Macron over their party’s ernment group GATIA (the Imghad and sanctions regime for Mali to punish those Manuel Valls seeking traction in an election tilt- tory of Donald Trump in the US election and the nominee if he looks to have a better chance Allies Tuareg Self-Defence Group). who are hindering efforts to implement ing to the right. After deeply unpopular British vote to leave the European Union. The against Le Pen. Asked in a TV debate A post near Tin-Assako in the north- the 2015 peace accord. —AFP President Francois Hollande ruled himself out of Socialists’ primary is therefore viewed as a crucial Thursday whether they would contemplate the race, Valls quit his cabinet and was the test of the party’s ability to survive and even re- stepping aside and backing Macron, Valls, favorite to win the nomination when the seven invent itself. One voter in southwest France said Montebourg and Hamon all demurred. candidates began campaigning. But his bid has he had voted for Hamon, who has proposed to Macron himself has ruled out a pact with the been viewed by some observers as lackluster pay the poor and 18 to 25-year-olds a “universal Socialists, announcing Thursday he would and two contenders from the party’s left flank- income” of 600 Euros ($641) a month. field his own candidates in parliamentary protectionist maverick Arnaud Montebourg and “I voted for Benoit Hamon because to me he elections in June. Communist-backed fire- Benoit Hamon-will push him hard to reach next is the one best placed to redress the Socialist brand Jean-Luc Melenchon, who like Macron yesterday’s runoff. party,” said Jean Claude, speaking in the small is polling in double digits, also risks splitting The odds will be stacked against the victor, town of Millau. Dominique, a voter in his 40s the leftwing vote. with many polls showing the Socialist candidate who cast his ballot in eastern Paris, said he had The Socialist party is expecting around 1.5 will be eliminated in the first round of the presi- opted for Valls. “My main concern is that the left million voters to take part yesterday, far fewer dential election on Apr 23. The election appears reaches the second round (of the presidential than the 4.0 million who turned out for the cen- to be shaping up as a three-way battle between election). Valls is the most credible option tre-right Republicans primary. Valls, who was conservative ex-premier Francois Fillon, far-right against Macron,” he said. Macron, a relative new- slapped this week by a protester, set out to mod- leader Marine Le Pen and Emmanuel Macron, a comer to politics, resigned from the govern- ernize the party but has struggled to unite his 39-year-old ex-economy minister who is outpac- ment in August to set up his own centrist move- camp, with his rivals accusing him of betraying ing his former Socialist government colleagues. ment and his speeches have been packed to leftist ideals by forcing through labor market capacity in recent weeks. A poll published reforms. The four other candidates running in Battle for survival Thursday gave Macron between 17 and 21 per- the primary are former education minister With voters across Europe moving to the cent of the vote in the first round of the elec- Vincent Peillon, ecologist Francois de Rugy, ex- right, most polls currently show a Fillon-Le Pen tion. “The Macron effect is real,” said political MEP Jean-Luc Bennahmias and radical left candi- runoff is the most likely scenario in May. National analyst Stephane Rozes. date Sylvia Pinel. —AFP

ITALY: In this undated photo, rescuers work in the area of the avalanche-hit Rigopiano hotel, central Italy. — AP UK’s May to discuss trade, NATO No signs of life on fourth day in White House with Trump of Italian avalanche rescue PENNE, Italy: Rescuers combing the wreck- All of them were located on Friday and LONDON: British Prime Minister Theresa May Britain as affirmation that Trump values the address and his vow to evaluate every trade deal age of an Italian hotel in a bid to find sur- no other potential survivors have been said yesterday she plans to discuss free trade vaunted “special relationship” between the for its possible benefits to the United States. vivors of a devastating avalanche detected identified since then. But with scores of and the importance of the NATO military alliance United States and its longtime ally across the Any national leader would do the same when no signs of life overnight, officials said yester- them working round the clock, the res- when she becomes the first foreign leader to Atlantic. She told BBC’s Andrew Marr that the deciding whether to sign a trade pact, May said. day. As the painstaking rescue operation cuers were refusing to give up hope that meet with US President Donald Trump in Trump team is interested in discussing a new Britain sees a future trade agreement with the entered a fourth day, firefighters and moun- more people could still be clinging to life Washington. The White House’s invitation for trade arrangement with Britain despite the United States as vital as the country prepares to tain rescue experts again had to battle somewhere under the wreckage. Five bod- May to meet with Trump on Friday was seen in “America first” theme of Trump’s inaugural leave the European Union. However, Britain’s extreme weather conditions as they tried to ies have been recovered so far and there desire for increased trade could clash with locate the 23 people thought to be trapped were two other survivors who were out- Trump’s protectionist stance. May said she would under a vast pile of snow and the mangled side the hotel when the avalanche struck also raise the value of the NATO military alliance ruins of the Hotel Rigopiano. Nine people at nightfall on Wednesday. It followed a during the meeting. She called it the “bulwark” have been pulled alive from the rubble since series of powerful earthquakes in the of Europe’s defense system. Trump has rattled rescuers first reached the remote hotel in the region earlier in the day and some 36 European allies by suggesting NATO is “obsolete” mountains of central Italy early on Thursday. hours of heavy snow. —AFP and that the United States might not come to the aid of countries that don’t meet targets for their own defense spending. May maintained that Trump understands NATO’s vital role. Tunisia’s powerful UGTT union European leaders worry about a watering down meets to choose new chief of the NATO role given the increasingly aggres- sive actions by Russia in recent years. TUNIS: Tunisia’s Nobel Peace Prize-win- bers, the UGTT was among four civil The prime minister did not directly answer ning UGTT labor union opened a key society groups that played an important questions about whether she will use Friday’s annual congress yesterday to debate part in a 2013 national dialogue that meeting to challenge Trump over derogatory strategy and elect a new leader. The helped salvage the country’s democratic comments he has made about women. May crit- powerful Tunisian General Labor Union transition. The groups were jointly icized crude remarks of his that surfaced during played a key role in the 2011 revolution awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 2015. the presidential campaign. But she said she that toppled longtime dictator Zine el Two former UGTT officials are serving in would speak out if she finds his future behavior Abidine Ben Ali. It has also been at the the cabinet of Prime Minister Youssef or comments “unacceptable.” May said she has a heart of the country’s post-revolution Chahed. But the union has kept its long track record promoting equal rights for transition, seen as a rare success story activist outlook-a public sector wage women, adding that she is proud to be Britain’s after the Arab Spring revolutions. The freeze in the autumn prompted it to second female prime minister. “When I sit down, congress, attended by some 500 dele- threaten a general strike. Abassi, 69, has I think the biggest statement that will be made gates, is set to elect a new leader to urged his successor to “continue on the about the role of women is the fact that I will be replace Houcine Abassi, who took office same path of militancy.” His deputies there as a female prime minister, prime minister in 2011 just months after Ben Ali’s fall. Bouali Mbarki and Noureddine Taboubi SWITZERLAND: British Prime Minister Theresa May speaks on the third day of the annual of the United Kingdom, directly taking to him With more than half a million mem- are favored for the position.—AFP meeting of the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland. —AP about the interests that we share,” she said. —AP

MONDAY, JANUARY 23, 2017 INTERNATIONAL

MH370 families plead for search to continue at Australia meet SYDNEY: Grieving relatives of MH370 people on board. “The MH370 next-of- ing his visit to Perth.” No trace of the suspend the search in the absence of any today. Chester has left the door open for passengers will appeal for the hunt for kin implore the government of Malaysia plane has been found in the 120,000 credible new evidence leading to the future operations, saying Wednesday the the missing airliner to continue at a to use this opportunity to urgently con- square-kilometer designated search specific location of the aircraft was not search could be revived if there is “credi- meeting between the Australian and sult and reconsider the decision to sus- zone. But three fragments recovered on taken lightly,” he added. ble new evidence” pinpointing MH370’s Malaysian transport ministers in Perth pend the search for MH370,” campaign western Indian Ocean shorelines have The meeting with his Malaysian coun- location. yesterday. Australia, Malaysia and China group Voice370 said in a statement. been confirmed as coming from MH370. terpart Liow Tiong Lai was informal, The relative group’s statement point- on Tuesday suspended the deep sea “Personal letters appealing for a con- “I understand the disappointment and according to the statement. Both minis- ed out that the Aus$200 million (US$150 hunt in the southern Indian Ocean tinuation of search from many family frustration felt by the families,” Australia’s ters are set to meet the crew of Fugro million) price tag of the underwater hunt almost three years after the Boeing 777 members are to be delivered personally Transport Minister Darren Chester said in Equator-the last ship to leave the search was still less than the cost of the Boeing disappeared on March 8, 2014 with 239 to the Malaysia Minister of Transport dur- a statement. “The tripartite decision to area off Australia’s west coast-in Perth 777-200. —AFP Suspected rebels kill two soldiers in India’s northeast GUWAHATI: Suspected militants Pradesh when their vehicles came under ambushed an army vehicle yesterday and attack. Police said it was not immediately killed two paramilitary troopers in India’s clear whether anyone sustained injuries. restive northeastern state of Assam, police Northeast India, linked to the rest of the said. The rebels lobbed grenades at the country by a narrow land corridor, has troopers before detonating a small bomb seen decades of unrest among ethnic and in Tinsukia district, police said. “Two Assam separatist groups. The region is home to Rifles soldiers have been killed by rebels,” dozens of tribal groups and small guerrilla said additional director general of police armies that resist rule from New Delhi. Mukesh Agarwala, adding that a gun bat- Many are fighting for independent tle broke out when security forces retaliat- homelands for their tribes and often com- ed. He said police and troops have pete against each other. More than 10,000 launched a search of the region, some 500 people, mostly civilians, have lost their kilometers from Assam’s main city of lives to insurgency in Assam during the Guwahati. past two decades. In November heavily Local media reports said the troopers armed militants ambushed an army con- were escorting tourists back from a festival voy in Assam, killing three soldiers and in the neighboring state of Arunachal injuring four. —AFP China investigates former local party boss for bribery

BEIJING: China’s top prosecutor’s office The country’s Central Committee for said yesterday it is conducting a bribery Discipline Inspection said Huang had investigation into a high-ranking official “severely violated political discipline,” who was the mayor of a port city at the according to the official Xinhua News INDIA: Rescue workers search for victims at the site of the derailment of the Jagdalpur-Bhubaneswar express train near Kuneru station in south- time of a warehouse explosion that killed Agency. It said he took “huge bribes of ern Andhra Pradesh state yesterday. —AFP 173 people. The two-sentence announce- property and money” and used his position ment about Huang Xingguo by the nation- to improperly benefit his son and others. al prosecutor’s office made no mention of Most of the people killed in the explo- India rail disaster kills 36 the explosion in a warehouse in Tianjin, a sion were firefighters and police who city of 15 million people east of Beijing. But weren’t told ammonium nitrate was in the other officials have been punished on building. The accident drew international ‘Fears toll may rise’ charges they took bribes to ignore safety attention to China’s workplace safety prob- violations that led to the blast, one of lems and endemic corruption. Chinese NEW DELHI: Rescuers struggled yesterday to headed, dismissed any involvement by Maoist for those injured. India’s railway network is still China’s deadliest workplace accidents. President Xi Jinping has launched a signa- pull survivors from the wreckage of a train crash rebels known as Naxals in the derailment. “We the main form of long-distance travel in the vast Investigators found the warehouse held ture national anti-corruption campaign which killed 36 passengers in southern India, the totally reject any possibility of Maoist involve- country, but it is poorly funded and deadly acci- illegal stores of the combustible fertilizer snaring officials and party cadres at all lev- latest in a series of disasters on the country’s ment in the derailment. Kuneru is not a Naxal- dents occur relatively often. ammonium nitrate, which caught fire and els. The head of a logistics company linked creaking rail network. hit area,” an unidentified senior intelligence On Friday 10 coaches of an express train caused a series of blasts. to the blast was given a suspended death Officials were investigating whether Maoist officer was quoted as saying by the Press Trust were derailed in the western state of Rajasthan, At a public meeting last year, Huang, sentence and lesser penalties were rebels had tampered with the track, after eight of India. Television footage showed a line of leaving many passengers with minor injuries. who was the city’s interim Communist imposed on 48 other government officials coaches and the engine of the Jagdalpur- carriages lying on their sides as rescuers in The latest deadly incident comes two months Party chief and mayor, expressed “deep and company employees. And the former Bhubaneswar express were derailed at around neon orange safety vests and hard hats tried to after 146 people were killed when a passenger compunction” about the explosion. State head of China’s national safety regulator, 11.00 pm (1730 GMT) on Saturday. “The death hoist passengers through the windows while train was derailed near Kanpur, in the northern media reported in September that he had the State Administration of Work Safety, toll has gone up to 36. It is a possibility that it locals looked on. state of Uttar Pradesh, in one of the country’s been removed from his positions. He was was charged last year with taking bribes may rise further,” Anil Kumar Saxena, national Workers carried a half-naked passenger cov- worst rail disasters for decades. Last month two expelled from the ruling party this month. and embezzlement.—AP railway spokesman, said. ered in dust on a stretcher out of a tilted car- people were killed and dozens injured after Another railways official J P Mishra earlier riage. Another TV image showed a man lying another train derailed, also near Kanpur. In 2014 said some 50 injured have been moved to near- faced down, crushed under mangled heaps of an express train ploughed into a stationary by hospitals. The accident happened near wreckage. Injured victims lay on hospital beds freight train, also in Uttar Pradesh, killing 26 Kuneru railway station in the remote district of and stretchers, their limbs swathed in bandages. people. A 2012 government report said almost Vizianagaram in Andhra Pradesh state. It came Mishra told the NDTV news network there were 15,000 people were killed every year on India’s only two months after nearly 150 people were some 600 people in the carriages that derailed. railways and described the loss of life as an killed in a similar disaster, highlighting the He added that 10 buses have been arranged for annual “massacre”. malaise on a network which is one of the passengers who escaped injury to travel to the Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s government world’s largest. Saxena said government officials Odisha state capital of Bhubaneswar. has pledged to invest $137 billion over five years and emergency workers worked through the to modernize the crumbling railways, making night to try to find survivors. The spokesman Frequent accidents them safer, faster and more efficient. Writing on said investigators were considering possible The train came off the track nearly 160 kilo- Twitter, Modi sent his condolences to the vic- sabotage of the tracks by Maoist rebels, who he meters from Visakhapatnam, the nearest city to tims’ families. “My thoughts are with those who said were active in the area. “It is being looked the accident site. Rail traffic on the coast line has lost their loved ones... the tragedy is saddening,” into, it is one of the many angles we are looking been suspended. Chief ministers of Odisha and said the prime minister. Modi’s government has into,” he said. Andhra Pradesh expressed their grief over the signed numerous deals with private companies “There is some suspicion (of sabotage) latest tragedy, while Railway Minister Suresh to upgrade the ageing network. Japan has because two other trains had crossed over Prabhu said he was rushing to the spot. Prabhu agreed to provide $12 billion in soft loans to smoothly using the same tracks earlier in the announced compensation of 200,000 rupees build India’s first bullet train, though plans night.” Police in Odisha, where the train was ($2,936) for the relatives of the dead and 50,000 remain in their infancy.—AFP Philippines vows no whitewash in S Korean’s murder MANILA: Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte’s office vowed yesterday there would be no cover-up or white- wash in the investigation into a South Korean’s murder by police. The kidnapping and killing of the business- men has fuelled fears about widespread abuse by offi- cers as they prosecute Duterte’s deadly anti-drug war. The businessman disappeared from his home in Angeles City north of Manila last October. Police from a special anti-drug unit abducted him under the guise of a raid on illegal drugs. CHENNAI: A protestor holds a placard supporting Jallikattu, a traditional bull- A policeman then strangled him inside Camp taming sport banned by India’s top court, as thousands gather demanding that Crame, the national police headquarters in Manila, the the sport be allowed to resume unhindered at the Marina beach in Chennai, India, Justice Department said last week. “We are outraged by yesterday. —AP the abduction and slay of a South Korean executive inside Camp Crame,” said Duterte’s spokesman Ernesto Abella. “We assure everyone that there will be no Two killed in Indian whitewash or cover-up. We will not tolerate abusive, errant policemen who betray the organization.” The bull-wrestling festival kidnappers demanded a ransom from the victim’s wife and she initially paid five million pesos ($100,000), NEW DELHI: Two people were gored to the festival, saying they want a permanent thinking he was still alive, authorities said last week death yesterday in a bull-wrestling festival lifting of the court ban and not just a tem- when they first announced details of the police officers’ in southern India, a report said, a day after porary order. involvement. a ban on the controversial sport was over- Chief Minister O Panneerselvam assured The policemen for months led the wife to believe turned. Several towns and villages in the Tamils that the executive order would be SANTIAGO: View of a fire in Pumanque, 140 km south of Santiago. —AFP her husband was alive but he had been in fact killed on southern state of Tamil Nadu celebrated made into a law during his state’s next ses- the day he was abducted, investigators said. The offi- the popular Jallikattu festival yesterday sion of parliament starting today, accord- Catastrophic wildfires cers involved were from a task force focused solely on after week-long protests prompted author- ing to PTI. Panneerselvam was scheduled illegal drugs and stationed at the sprawling Camp ities to approve an executive order lifting a to launch the Jallikattu festival in the town Crame. The incident has shocked and angered the Supreme Court ban on it. But rampaging of Alanganallur in Madurai district, where bulls sprinting through the village of the sport is most popular. But he was rage in central Chile South Korean government, with Foreign Minister Yun Rapoosal in Pudukottai district fatally forced to cancel his appearance due to Byung-Se demanding those behind the crime be PUMANQUE, Chile: Authorities declared a Agriculture Minister Carlos Furche told gored the two victims and injured 28 oth- strong protests. In Jallikattu, young men brought to justice. state of catastrophe in central Chile as national radio the disaster was “a sort of ers, the Press Trust of India (PTI) cited local struggle to grab the bulls by their sharp- The police have come under intense scrutiny as the crews Saturday fought vast forest fires earthquake” for the region. President police as saying. ened horns or jump on their backs as the frontline troops in Duterte’s efforts to eradicate illegal described as the worst in decades. More Michelle Bachelet took time out of hosting The Supreme Court last year outlawed beasts, festooned with marigolds, charge than 450 square kilometers were ablaze in a visit by French counterpart Francois drugs in society, with human rights groups accusing Jallikattu after a plea by animal rights down the road. the O’Higgins region-an area roughly the Hollande to monitor the situation and them of mass extrajudicial killings. Police have reported groups, which have long accused those Unlike in Spanish bullfighting, young size of Vienna or Tel Aviv. As fire and emer- declare the state of catastrophe, which killing 2,250 drug suspects since Duterte assumed taking part in the event-held annually men compete to subdue them bare-hand- gency crews were brought in, officials allows soldiers to be used to help battle the office, with 3,710 others murdered by unknown sus- across Tamil Nadu-of cruelty to the animals. ed. But critics say organizers lace the bulls’ evacuated 200 people from the mostly fire. A farming emergency was also pects who at times have left signs at the crime scenes The state’s residents say Jallikattu is a cru- feed with liquor to make them less steady rural area south of the capital Santiago. decreed. Bachelet said France was offering accusing their victims of being drug dealers or addicts. cial part of their culture and identity. on their feet and throw chili powder in Some 30 homes were affected in Cardenal help and she was also reaching out to other Duterte has repeatedly promised to protect police from Growing tensions over the past week in the their faces to send them into a sudden Caro and Colchagua provinces, the countries. Chile’s National Forestry prosecution if they are charged with murder for killing state capital Chennai and other cities led frenzy as they are released from a holding National Emergency Office (ONEMI) said. A Corporation said on Friday that outside a drug suspect, leading to fears corrupt officers feel Prime Minister Narendra Modi Friday to pen. Organizers of the centuries-old festi- local ONEMI official, Josefina Lopez, said assistance was needed. Interior Minister they have a green light to commit crimes in the name issue an executive order that this year’s val insist the beasts suffer no harm and that no one was hurt but there was eco- Mario Fernandez said helicopters and of the drug war.—AFP event go ahead. But thousands have con- call the event an established part of Tamil nomic damage. planes in particular were required. —AFP tinued to protest and refused to celebrate culture. —AFP NEWS MONDAY, JANUARY 23, 2017

Dubai toughens fire rules after high-rise... Troops near Banjul after Jammeh flees

Continued from Page 1 of fire casualties is “much lower than many advanced Continued from Page 1 the document was not legally binding and would be left to countries,” he told a conference at the same exhibition. the interpretation of the new government. The blaze was broadcast live worldwide, but authori- Taher said the low number of fire casualties is due to He left behind a small minority of diehard supporters, Jammeh took power in a 1994 coup from the country’s ties went ahead with the festivities despite the inferno, awareness campaigns and fire drills that are conducted some of whom wept as his plane departed. only other president since independence from Britain, with residents and tourists gathered nearby to watch a at schools, hotels and residential buildings regularly. The choice of Equatorial Guinea for his exile has helped Dawda Jawara, making this The Gambia’s first democratic dazzling fireworks display even as smoke billowed out Electric short circuits have been behind most of ease concerns that Jammeh might interfere in his nation’s transition of power. “We are going to wait for Barrow at the of the tower. The fire sparked panic as the fire spread Dubai’s fires, according to Dubai Civil Defense chief politics if he stayed in Guinea, whose border is not far from airport all the way to State House. Before we were scared along the facade of the Address Downtown Hotel but Major General Rashid Al-Matrooshi. “More than 70 per- The Gambia’s eastern region. The strongman personally to come out,” said security guard Babacar Jallow, describ- only 16 people were injured. The Address Downtown cent of fires in building are caused by electricity,” he controlled certain sections of the security forces, and his remains closed and under repair. Yesterday, new said. Dubai is looking into introducing nanotechnology ing Jammeh as “a killer”. With Jammeh gone, all eyes will long tenure was marked by systematic rights abuses, be on the Barrow administration as they make their first cladding tiles could be seen installed on its exterior. that could put out the fire instantly, he said. “To avoid including extrajudicial killings, torture, and arbitrary deten- Emaar, the state-backed developer behind the tower, using large fire extinguishers, a (nanotechnology) piece steps as a government of reform and development. tion. But critics have raised concerns over the wording of a “The will of the people has come to be - at last,” said did not immediately respond to questions about the that is 2 centimeters by 2 centimeters can be used to statement issued by the UN, ECOWAS and the African new cladding. fight the cause of the fire,” he told the same forum. He Isatou Touray, a key official inthe government-in-waiting. Union that seemed to offer Jammeh comfortable guaran- “Democracy is back, you can’t stop the people.” The first Dubai has promised new fire regulation to govern said Dubai is hoping to start production of such devices tees for his future. priority will be to ensure the safe return of tens of thou- construction companies, developers, building material in the first quarter of this year. These micro-extinguish- “No legislative measures” would be taken that would sands of people who have fled in recent weeks fearing a suppliers and owners for months. But in announcing ers reportedly release fire extinguishing gas as soon as infringe the “dignity, security, safety and rights” of Jammeh the new rules yesterday, authorities focused on details the temperature reaches a certain level. or his family, it said, noting that he could return when he bloody end to the crisis, Touray said on Saturday. The cri- like how many pages the new law runs - 1,384 pages as In July last year, a fire gutted the 75-storey Sulafa pleased and that property “lawfully” belonging to him sis had also sparked the exodus of thousands of foreign opposed to 707 previously - as opposed to what they tower in Dubai marina, with the flames spreading up would not be seized. Equatorial Guinea is not a signatory visitors, dealing a potentially devastating blow to a coun- require. Dubai Civil Defense said the new law was not quickly at least 15 floors of the building. In November to the Rome Statute that established the International try which earns up to 20 percent of its income from yet available for the public to read. 2015, a fire engulfed three residential blocs in central Criminal Court, meaning Jammeh would not be extradited tourism. The United States yesterday hailed “the commit- The United Arab Emirates has “proven to have the Dubai and led to services on a metro line being sus- in the event he was charged with crimes against humanity ment to democracy and the restraint shown by the lowest number of fire casualties,” said Sajid Raza, a pended, although no one was hurt. In Feb 2015, a blaze or other serious offences. One Banjul-based diplomat Gambian people over the past weeks,” as well as the lead- member of the UAE Fire Code Council, putting the rate gutted one of the emirate’s tallest buildings, also in the described the provision for Jammeh to return to The ership showed by west African heads of state who medi- at 0.23 person per every 10,000 people. The UAE’s rate Dubai Marina neighborhood. — Agencies Gambia without hindrance as ill-advised. Experts told AFP ated the crisis. — AFP Israel OKs settler homes after Trump takes... Rocky start for new White House Continued from Page 1 Annexing Maale Adumim unilaterally would set off Continued from Page 1 A comparison of aerial photos taken on January 20, alarm bells globally, with many warning that it would 2009 and Friday appeared to bear that out. Washington Trump has pledged strong support for Israel and be another step towards dividing the occupied West “I made a speech. I looked out, the field was, it city authorities do not provide official crowd counts but vowed during his campaign to recognize Jerusalem as Bank between north and south, making a contiguous looked like a million, million and a half people,” he told TV footage clearly showed the gathering did not stretch the country’s capital despite the city’s contested status. Palestinian state difficult to achieve. But for some Israeli CIA staff. “They showed a field where there were practi- all the way to the Washington Monument, as Trump Israeli rightwing politicians have welcomed his election, ministers who oppose a Palestinian state, that is pre- cally nobody standing there. And they said, Donald asserted. with hardliners who oppose a Palestinian state hoping cisely the point. “We have to tell the American adminis- Trump did not draw well,” he added. The comments Trump’s attack at the CIA headquarters came as he it will allow them to move forward with their long-held tration what we want and not wait for orders from the drew criticism from outgoing CIA director John made a fence-mending mission after his public rejec- goal of annexing most of the West Bank. The United administration,” Justice Minister Ayelet Shaked told Brennan, who resigned on Friday, according to a New tion of the assessment by US intelligence agencies that States is Israel’s most important ally, providing it with Israel’s army radio. York Times report. The Times quoted Nick Shapiro, who Russia meddled to try to help him win the November more than $3 billion per year in defense aid, but Obama Maale Adumim, in a strategic location east of served as Brennan’s chief of staff saying Brennan “is election. Trump, standing in front of a spot sacred to the grew frustrated with Israeli settlement building. He Jerusalem, has some 37,000 residents. Some peace pro- deeply saddened and angered at Donald Trump’s despi- CIA - a wall with stars honoring employees killed while declined to veto a Dec 23 UN Security Council resolu- posals have envisioned it becoming part of Israel in land cable display of self-aggrandizement in front of CIA’s serving the country - proclaimed he was fully behind tion condemning settlements. Trump had called for the swaps agreed with the Palestinians, but not unilaterally. Memorial Wall of Agency heroes. “Brennan says that the spy agency. resolution to be vetoed. It was unclear whether the annexation proposal would Trump should be ashamed of himself,” Shapiro added. Trump took to Twitter early yesterday to needle the In an initial move following Trump’s inauguration, apply to another key area called E1, located between White House press secretary Sean Spicer doubled estimated two million people who marched in women- Israeli officials yesterday approved building permits for the settlement and east Jerusalem. The Palestinians see down on the media assault, using his first press confer- led mass protests against him a day earlier, including 566 settler homes in the urban settlements of Pisgat east Jerusalem as the capital of their future state, while ence in the White House briefing room to blast the jour- celebrities who took part. “Watched protests yesterday Zeev, Ramat Shlomo and Ramot in annexed east Israel views the entire city as its capital. nalists seated before him for “deliberately false report- but was under the impression that we just had an elec- Jerusalem. “The rules of the game have changed with Settlements watchdog Ir Amim said “the annexation ing” on crowd size. “This was the largest audience to tion! Why didn’t these people vote? Celebs hurt cause Donald Trump’s arrival as president,” Jerusalem Deputy of Maale Adumim and E1 will block east Jerusalem on ever witness an inauguration, period!” Spicer said. badly,” Trump tweeted. A second, more formally word- Mayor Meir Turjeman told AFP. “We no longer have our its eastern side, swallow up its last development “These attempts to lessen the enthusiasm of the inau- ed, missive followed an hour later in which the hands tied as in the time of Barack Obama. Now we can reserves and deepen the detachment from the West guration are shameful and wrong.” Spicer left the brief- Republican leader stressed that he respected the right finally build.” Bank. “Given Maale Adumim’s critical location in the ing without taking questions. to demonstrate. “Peaceful protests are a hallmark of our The Palestinian presidency condemned the move, heart of the West Bank, the international community An estimated 1.8 million people flooded the National democracy. Even if I don’t always agree, I recognize the calling it a violation of the UN resolution. A draft bill to has for years been following with special concern all Mall area in 2009 when Barack Obama was first sworn in rights of people to express their views,” he tweeted. annex the Maale Adumim settlement in the occupied developments in this area, seen as a touchstone for the as president, according to federal and local agencies at There was no official crowd count for the largest West Bank had been on the agenda for approval by a viability of a two-state solution.” the time. Washington authorities reportedly predicted march, in Washington, but organizers told AFP they ministerial committee legislation yesterday. Such a Israel occupied the West Bank and east Jerusalem in 800,000 to 900,000 would attend Trump’s inauguration were confident it drew one million people, protest- move could badly damage prospects for a two-state 1967, and later annexed east Jerusalem in a move never Friday, about half of the 2009 crowd. ing any rollback of the rights of women, immigrants solution. But the inner circle of senior ministers known recognized by the international community. Spicer appeared eager to lay down the new law with and minorities under Trump’s presidency. At least a as the security cabinet blocked it for the time being, a Settlements in both the West Bank and east Jerusalem the press, whom Trump criticized repeatedly on the million people marched in other US cities, according member said. “What was decided was to wait for the are viewed as illegal under international law. Some campaign trail and even branded mainstream media to a tally of official counts for 15 major demonstra- meeting which will certainly take place within a few 400,000 Israeli settlers live in the West Bank, with anoth- outlets “fake news”. The intensity of Spicer’s delivery tions compiled by CNN. That figure did not include weeks,” Energy Minister Yuval Steinitz told Israeli public er 200,000 in east Jerusalem. In comparison, around 2.9 suggested he and Trump were furious at the coverage the many smaller sister marches held across the radio. “Then we shall have another (ministerial) debate million Palestinians live in the West Bank and east of the inauguration, which many outlets said fell well country and worldwide, which organizers numbered on the matter,” he said. Jerusalem. — Agencies short of Obama’s 2009 inaugural in terms of crowd size. at over 600. — Agencies MONDAY, JANUARY 23, 2017 ANALYSIS

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Focus Wa State suffers as fewer Chinese come to party

n a remote casino in northeastern Myanmar, China’s pervasive campaign against graft has taken its toll. IHundreds of local traders and farmers place petty bets as low as 10 cents, outnumbering a few Chinese who were once the VIPs of a gambling hall decorated with chandeliers and Renaissance-style paintings. “The business has been really bad since Chinese tourists stopped coming,” said casino waitress Ling Ling who was considering leaving Pangsan, capital of the self- proclaimed Wa State that borders China, to look for bet- ter paying jobs. The three-storey gambling parlor, with some 1,000 workers, offers games from jackpot slot machines to high-stakes VIP rooms featuring bets of up to $16,000. It is deep in the Wa hills in one of Asia’s poorest regions, What’s annoying Asian nations most? where its majority ethnic Wa farmers earn an annual income of $115. In the statelet the size of Belgium con- ow can you get under the skin of an Asian country? sacred in Hinduism and yet a vital source of income for and be used by the regime to whip up popular anti-US sen- trolled by the United Wa State Army (UWSA), Myanmar’s Diplomatic body searches, bomber flights, shrine many Muslims. timent - one thing the US has started doing with more reg- strongest ethnic armed group, the once bustling gam- Hstatues and even doormats have set governments When former US President Barack Obama in 2015 urged ularity lately hit an especially sore nerve. Because of the bling industry is not the only casualty from the falling on edge. Here’s a nation-by-nation look at Asia’s figurative, greater tolerance and harmony in India’s multicultural soci- massive, wide-scale destruction caused by bombing dur- number of high-roller mainland punters. and in one case literal, sacred cows: ety, he was widely derided for taking a shot at India’s digni- ing the Korean War, which essentially flattened the very From shopkeepers to moto-taxi drivers, local people ty. Last week, Amazon.com pulled doormats depicting the vulnerable Pyongyang, flights by US long-range bombers said Beijing’s tightening of visas for Chinese gamblers SOUTH KOREA Indian flag from its Canadian retail website after the Indian like the B-52 not only get the regime’s attention but do travelling to the Wa in recent years - part of the anti- South Korea takes offense first, and most regularly, with External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj threatened to deny seem to cause genuine anger and anxiety. corruption campaign launched by President Xi Jinping - Japan, largely over disputes stemming from Tokyo’s 35-year Indian visas to Amazon employees if the company did not Such flights have become a more common response has cast a shadow on livelihoods in the reclusive territo- colonization of the Korean Peninsula in the early 20th cen- apologize and withdraw the product. Protests erupted a following North Korean nuclear tests or other military ry. The Wa State is now trying to diversify its economy, tury. But President Donald Trump has proven surprisingly year ago after doormats depicting Hindu gods were sold activities seen by Washington as particularly provocative. which relies heavily on China as a market for its exports good at pushing buttons in Seoul in recent months. During online. There were also reports that India’s independence They have the added benefit of reassuring American allies of rubber and metals such as tin. Reuters visited the his campaign, Trump suggested that the United States leader Mohandas K Gandhi was featured on flip-flops in Japan and South Korea, but at the same time underscore rugged territory in October - a rare trip by a major inter- would let South Korea defend itself from North Korean what many Indians view as disrespectful. the vast gap in perceptions between the United States, national news organisation that offered a glimpse into aggression if Seoul didn’t pay more for the stationing of British rock band Coldplay triggered anger with a music where the 1950-53 fighting on the Korean Peninsula is the Chinese-speaking statelet of 600,000 people that is 28,500 American troops in the country. He also described a video on India that showed stereotypical images of the known as the “forgotten war,” and in North Korea, where it beyond the control of Myanmar leader Aung San Suu 2012 bilateral free trade agreement that was portrayed as a country with Hindu holy men, peacocks and colorful festi- was a defining an extremely brutal chapter in the nation’s Kyi’s government. major landmark as killing American jobs. vals. Critics argued that it ignored the vast changes in the history. Fewer or no US boots on the ground and calls for re- country following the economic boom that has trans- Poppy Eradication negotiating the trade accord would raise serious ques- formed the face of Indian cities and towns. In 2008, Danny AUSTRALIA The Wa State took shape in 1989, after the tions for many in South Korea about the decades-long Boyle’s multiple-Oscar winning film, “Slumdog Millionaire” Australia’s hardline stance on asylum seekers has frayed Communist Party of Burma disintegrated following a military alliance between the countries that was forged in also faced similar criticism for its portrayal of poverty and ties with its neighbor and close ally Indonesia, and drawn purge by Wa leaders. The 30,000-strong UWSA signed a the bloodshed of the Korean War. And then there’s Seoul’s corruption in India. global condemnation from human rights groups. Under ceasefire with the Myanmar army shortly afterwards northern rival. North Korean leader Kim Jong Un staged Australia’s policies, asylum seekers from Asia, the Middle and the two sides have not fought in years. Wa leaders two nuclear tests and a string of ballistic missile test-fir- CHINA East and Africa who arrive by boat, usually from Indonesian say the region, which used to grow opium on a vast ings last year. There’s always the fear a direct attack like No issue is perhaps more sensitive and important to ports, are sent to grim detention camps in remote Pacific scale, underwent an eradication campaign against the the deadly 2010 shelling of a South Korean island. China than the status of Taiwan and Trump thrust the issue island nations and are refused settlement in Australia. Any plant used for production of heroin more than a decade Another attack will likely trigger retaliatory strikes by the into the spotlight weeks before his inauguration by taking boats intercepted at sea are turned back or sunk, with their ago. Poppy fields were replaced by plantations, mostly South, which has grown tired of Pyongyang’s repeated a congratulatory phone call from the island’s president. passengers and crews sent to Indonesia in life boats. The rubber, as well as coffee and tea, they say. provocations. That led Beijing to reiterate the one-China principle that turn-back policy has caused friction with Indonesia, which Many plantations are backed by investors from Japan regularly infuriates Seoul when senior politicians has underpinned China-US relations since they were nor- was especially rankled after reports emerged that the China, alongside businessmen connected to the Wa visit a shrine that honors war dead including convicted malized in 1979. While China is keeping its powder dry for Australian navy paid people smugglers to return a boat of State leadership. Their “state-supported private compa- criminals; when Tokyo renews claims to disputed islets; and now, further moves to bestow legitimacy on the island’s migrants to Indonesian waters. nies”, as described by several Wa leaders, control key when officials approve history textbooks that Seoul government or offer it big arms packages and other forms businesses in the territory from gasoline to mining. “I believes whitewash Japan’s wartime aggression. of support would like draw a furious response. JAPAN hope there is more foreign investment so that I can China has also been irked over recent US comments on A “comfort women” statue is currently the hottest but- diversify my business,” said C Yang, son of a UWSA com- INDIA the South China Sea, particularly its building of man-made ton between Japan and South Korea. The statue of an mander who owns a rubber plantation of 132 acres. Indians have long been known as a touchy bunch, so islands equipped with airstrips and military defenses. anonymous Asian-faced girl is supposed to represent all The stocky 25-year-old is typical of the wealthy, if much so the makers of last year’s blockbuster sequel Despite the construction, Beijing intensely dislikes accusa- the women across Asia and from The Netherlands who narrow, Wa elite. The rubber plantation affords him a “Independence Day 2” reportedly excluded all Indian land- tions of militarizing the sensitive region, which it claims vir- were the victims of sexual abuses by Japanese wartime comfortable life in a mansion overlooking Pangsan, and marks from the scenes of mayhem and devastation tually in its entirely. However, the issue appears significant- military. It is part of Seoul’s campaign to gain global sym- fancy gadgets such as the newest model of iPhone and wrought by the movie’s invading aliens. In some cases, ly less volatile now than last summer, when China was pathy for its suffering under the Japanese colonial rule, just a fine-tuned Toyota Hilux truck. All these goods are Indians have been so easily offended that it’s taken every- incensed by an international arbitration ruling invalidating as Japan has increasingly pushed back from its earlier unattainable for regular citizens in Wa, where life one else by surprise, such as when a superbug discovered its maritime claims. recognition of responsibility. expectancy, at 60, is 5 years below Myanmar and 16 in New Delhi was named after the Indian capital, or when Economic concerns remain foremost for the leadership Also reflecting Seoul’s deep-rooted colonial-era enmity years behind neighboring China. Some Wa farmers rely an Indian diplomat was subjected to a routine body search and officials have responded to complaints from Trump is a statue of South Korean patriot Ahn Jung-Geun, who on a World Food Program (WFP) operation to supple- when arrested in 2013 for allegedly mistreating her Indian and others over alleged unfair trade practices by again assassinated Japan’s former top official in Korea, Hirobumi ment what they can produce. maid in New York City. arguing against restrictions on the export of sensitive US Ito, in 1909. Then there are islands. Japan’s Foreign Minister The agency, active throughout the area which has When the world was celebrating the 2012 discovery of technologies, along with growing negative sentiment Fumio Kishida described as “unacceptable” the use of the also experienced outbreaks of vaccine-preventable dis- the Higgs boson particle, some Indians griped that all the against Chinese investment in economies overseas that South Korean name for disputed islands in the official web- eases such as tuberculosis, had planned to deliver 152 credit was going to British physicist Peter Higgs while the keep companies such as communications giant Huawei site for the 2018 Pyeongchang Olympics. metric tons of food last year through its community world was ignoring Indian scientist Satyendranath Bose out of the US market. And as always, China is prone to lash The website introduces the islets as Dokdo, while asset creation program. “We don’t have enough doctors whose work in the 1920s helped define the subatomic out against all criticism of its policies toward political dissi- Japan refers to them as Takeshima. The website also refers and we are in need for medicines. We need help from boson particle named after him. In recent years, many in dents and ethnic minorities in Tibet and Xinjiang. to the waters that Japan calls Sea of Japan under the the international community,” said Tun Kyi, who over- Hindu-dominated India have been perceived to be intoler- South Korean name, East Sea. In China, a memorial hall of sees the Wa Healthcare Bureau. ant of criticism against Prime Minister Narendra Modi as NORTH KOREA Nanjing that highlights the 1937 massacre by Japanese well as their religion. Self-appointed “cow vigilantes” have Although just about anything that the United States troops is a thorny issue that still divides the view between No Opportunities attacked villagers suspected of killing cows, considered does can be counted on to push North Korea’s buttons - the two sides.— AP The Wa education program is in an equally poor state. The illiteracy rate stands at 90 percent, with 83 percent of adults having less than a year of schooling or none at all, according to a 2008 report by Health Trump promises big change, picks small fights Poverty Action. That is in sharp contrast to Myanmar’s illiteracy rate of less than 5 percent, based on data from S President Donald Trump won the war with the media,” Trump said, looking sworn in as the 45th president of the United defeat in the campaign - never mind the the United Nations. Business owners and the Wa politi- White House promising big changes out at an audience of men and women States. The women’s march was widely cov- fact that many Republicans, including cal elite send their children to China for schooling. Uto the nation’s economy, health care who have played a direct role in the ered on cable news, which Trump watches some now serving in senior White House “Their parents want them to learn Chinese and to system and foreign policy. He spent his first nation’s wars against terrorism. regularly. His motorcade routes Saturday roles, did as well. His active presence on work in China, because children educated in Wa schools full day in office picking small fights. Trump Even with Trump’s track record, it was a also gave him an up-close look at the pro- Twitter and other social media sites has can’t join the Chinese education system and have no turned what was intended to be a bridge- remarkable scene. High-level CIA leaders testers, including some who lined the street given him the ability to command atten- opportunities,” said Wa Wa Myint, a teacher at an elemen- building visit to the CIA on Saturday into a stood silently as the commander in chief and shouted at the president as he pulled tion for his own version of events, which is tary school of 700. Back in downtown Pangsan, bright, media-bashing session centered on what he unleashed his off-topic attacks, though oth- back into the White House. often replicated by pro-Trump outlets. neon signs dangling from low-rise hotels, massage par- saw as low-ball reports about the crowd size er agency employees who had volunteered Now Trump has all the trappings of the lours and bars light up the main street a few minutes on Inauguration Day. He berated a maga- to attend the event cheered the president Distrust presidency to promote his version of walk from a border crossing with China. — Reuters zine journalist by name for an inaccurate on. Trump has long been easily sidetracked In theory, the pace and pressures of the events as well. When Spicer stepped into report about Oval Office decor that had by relatively insignificant issues, particularly presidency should leave Trump with less the White House briefing room Saturday been quickly corrected. Then, he dispatched those that threaten to chip away at his care- capacity to respond to every irritation. He evening, the pack of ever-ready journalists his press secretary, Sean Spicer, to the White fully cultivated image as the ultimate win- now leads the world’s largest economy that work out of the West Wing was at the All articles appearing on these pages House briefing room to reinforce the mes- ner. He repeatedly inflated his crowd counts and most powerful military. His loyal sup- ready to chronicle his remarks. Spicer, a sage in an angry tirade that included false - during the campaign, even though he was porters have pinned their hopes for Washington veteran who served in former are the personal opinion of the writers. and easy to fact-check - statements. easily drawing bigger audiences than his change in Washington squarely on him, President George W Bush’s administration, Kuwait Times takes no responsibility The day left no doubt that Trump will rivals. When during a general election believing that his unconventional back- was nearly shouting as he read off a script. govern, at least for now, as he campaigned: debate Democrat Hillary Clinton raised old ground and style will allow him to succeed Like his boss, he played loose with the for views expressed therein. Kuwait Fixating on seemingly minor issues, letting comments Trump had made about a beauty where other politicians have failed. But facts, including his claim that white “floor Times invites readers to voice their no perceived slight slip by unchallenged, queen’s weight, he took the bait and spent Trump appears to have concluded that his coverings” to protect the grass on the and, sometimes, creating his own set of several days defending what he had said ability to do so hinges in part on tearing National Mall were used for the first time opinions. Please send submissions via facts. Indeed, some of Trump’s remarks at two decades earlier. down the national media, an institution and drew attention to any empty space. email to: [email protected] or CIA headquarters, with agency brass look- It seemed to be no coincidence that whose attention he simultaneously craves. The same coverings were used four years ing on, might well have come at one of his Trump’s fixation on the inaugural crowd While most presidents view the day’s ago. Ari Fleischer, who stood at the same via snail mail to PO Box 1301 Safat, raucous campaign rallies. But this time, it came on a day when throngs of women headlines as a sideshow, Trump sees them podium as Bush’s first press secretary, Kuwait. The editor reserves the right to was a memorial to fallen CIA agents that flocked to Washington for a protest against as a daily barometer of his standing. wrote on Twitter: “This is called a state- served as the backdrop for Trump’s declara- his presidency. The march appeared to draw He’s benefited from his supporters’ ment you are told to make by the edit any submission as necessary. tion that journalists are “the most dishonest larger crowds than the one that gathered deep distrust of journalists and the reality President. And you know the President is human beings on Earth”. “I have a running on the National Mall to watch Trump be that most media pundits predicted his watching.” — AP MONDAY, JANUARY 23, 2017 SPORTS

Colts sack general Tour of Qatar to Chen stuns Wagner to manager Grigson return in 2018 win first US crown

DOHA: The Tour of Qatar, cancelled this year because of an KANSAS CITY: Teenager Karen Chen claimed her first national title in shock- INDIANAPOLIS: The Indianapolis Colts fired general manager Ryan Grigson on apparent lack of sponsorship, will return in 2018, the head ing fashion Saturday by upsetting the favourites in the free skate at the US Saturday after the team missed the NFL playoffs for the second consecutive of the emirate’s cycling federation told state media yester- National Figure Skating Championships. The 17-year-old dynamo became the season, Colts owner Jim Irsay announced Saturday. Irsay also said that Chuck day. Mohammed Al-Kuwari, the new president of the Qatar first skater since 2011 to win the title other than Ashley Wagner or defending Pagano would remain as the Colts’ head coach in 2017. “I will say that this tim- Cycling and Triathlon Federation, said the stage race will be champion Gracie Gold. After a record performance in Thursday’s ing was right for us,” Irsay said. “We needed the time to go held again after a year’s gap in 2017 to allow the tiny Gulf short programme, Chen posted the top free skate score Saturday through the process. “Internally, we worked through some country to help develop stronger national teams. “During for a combined total of 214.22. Wagner finished second with things even through this week that gave us some direc- the coming period, the federation is planning to organise 211.78 points and Mariah Bell won the bronze. Gold finished tion on our final decision and I’m very excited about the strong local tournaments in a bid to discover local talents well back in sixth. Chen delivered an direction we’re going.” The Colts went 8-8 this season, fin- to represent the Qatari national teams,” Kuwari told the emotional free skate to the music ishing third in the AFC South division and missing the Qatar News Agency in an interview. He added: “The federa- “Jealousy Tiger” at the Spirit post-season again. Grigson, who was in his first general tion will host international tournaments again next year, Center arena in Kansas City. “I manager role, had overseen the Colts for the past five sea- the most important of which will be the Tour of Qatar.” It skated such a great short and I sons. The Colts signed Pagano to a four-year contract was announced in December by the UCI, world cycling’s was definitely thrilled with it,” Chen extension a year ago. He has a 49-31 record in five seasons governing body, that the 2017 edition of the tour-and the said. “So I had some pressure going into the long, with Indianapolis. After the Colts’ final regular-season game, women’s Tour of Qatar-would be cancelled, apparently over thinking I really had a chance at this.” Earlier in the day, Pagano said he expected to be back in 2017. “That’s the a lack of a sponsor. “It is understood the decision follows Maia and Alex Shibutani won their second straight ice plan,” Pagano said. “I don’t have any reason to believe difficulty attracting sponsor financial support,” said the UCI dance title while Haven Denney and Brandon Frazier why I wouldn’t be (back).” — AFP at the time. —AFP returned from an injury to capture the pairs crown. —AFP Hirscher takes control after Kitzbuehel win

KITZBUHEL: Austrian Marcel Hirscher admitted that seeing his Norwegian rival Henrik Kristoffersen ski out had determined how to tackle the decisive second run of the men’s World Cup slalom that he went on to win yester- day. Kristoffersen, winner of four slaloms this season, was one of a raft of top skiers to bomb out on a tricky, technical course that Briton Dave Ryding surprisingly topped before the after- noon’s second run. Chasing a sixth consecutive crystal globe, Hirscher clocked a combined time of 1min 45.23sec for his 42nd victory on the World Cup circuit. It was the perfect boost for the 27 year old-who also won the Kitzbuehel slalom in 2013 — ahead of the February 6-19 World Ski Championships in St Moritz. “The first run was definitely not what I was hoping for,” said Hirscher, who finished ninth in the opening descent, more than a second off Ryding’s pace. “The feeling during the run was okay, I was skiing on the edge, pushing as hard as I could, but all in all, when I crossed the finish line it was not so good, one second behind the very good skiing of Dave Ryding, which was really great to see.” Hirscher added: “In between the first and second runs, there was a lot of thinking about how I could change something. “It helped that MONACO: French driver Sebastien Ogier (R) and his co-driver Julien Ingrassia (L) cel- Henrik was not scoring, it made my decision a ebrate on the podium as they hold the trophy after winning the 85th Rallye of bit easier to go for an all-in run.” Monte-Carlo, in Monaco, yesterday.—AFP KITZBUEHEL: Marcel Hirscher of Austria looks on during the FIS World Cup men’s slalom race at Hirscher duly put in a trademark devastating Hahnenkamm in Kitzbuehel, Austria yesterday. —AFP second run to claim an impressive victory, his second in Kitzbuehel after 2013. ‘ATYPICAL PODIUM’ “I did what I could on the second run. It defi- Ogier wins Monte Carlo It stretched his lead atop the World Cup over- Hirscher also hailed what he called an “atypi- nitely feels like a win and it’s something I’ll all standings and also saw him leapfrog cal podium, if I can say that. remember for the rest of my life,” said Ryding, Rally with new team Kristoffersen in the slalom table. It’s amazing to have a new face on the podi- who cut his teeth on a small dry slope north of Hirscher has now amassed 1,080pts in the um”, with Ryding’s training partner Alexander Liverpool before tasting real snow aged 13. MONACO: Sebastien Ogier made the perfect Neuville sustained a puncture on Saturday’s overall standings, with Kristoffersen on 692, fol- Khoroshilov of Russia claiming third. The result, he said, was “thanks to a lot of start to the defense of his world title by win- last stage when he was in the race lead, which lowed by France’s Alexis Pinturault (681) and Ryding’s first run had raised the prospect of a work and consistent effort, sacrifice, I’ve been ning the season-opening Monte Carlo rally meant that Ogier moved up into first place. Norwegian Kjetil Jansrud (544). massive upset on the Ganslern course, with the getting better and better and today was a good yesterday clinching the 39th race win of his Despite finishing third in Sunday’s first stage - But the Austrian admitted it had not been slalom raced in perfect conditions with tempera- day, I made no mistakes”. career and first for his new team. which was won by Spaniard Dani Sordo - Ogier pleasant viewing from the finish area when tures around -8 degrees celsius (18F) and clear “Maybe Kitzbuehel suits me. I had a good sec- The 33-year-old Frenchman, who also won padded out his lead over Tanak to nearly one Ryding came down. skies. But the 30-year-old Briton acknowledged ond run last year before skiing out and I took Monte Carlo in commanding style last year, minute. With Tanak struggling with engine “If an athlete is able to put such a good time that he had been left stunned by the second run some heart from that.” won what he considers his favorite race for the problems and incurring a time penalty, Ogier into the snow on the first run, he’s able to win laid down by Hirscher. Ryding added: “Any race in Austria is incredi- fourth straight year. was even further ahead after stage 15, which the race,” Hirscher smiled. “At the bottom, I was “If I’m honest I watched Marcel and I didn’t ble. You can’t dream of skiing down there, with Over snow and icy roads in the French Alps, featured the climb to the 1,604-meter summit hopeful that my advantage was enough for know if I had that in me,” said Ryding, whose sec- screaming and shouting fans go crazy. he finished 2 minutes, 15 seconds ahead of of the iconic Col de Turini. Tanak dropped today. “There have been many close decisions ond place matched Britain’s previous best alpine Kitzbuehel... It means the world to me. “I heard Finnish driver Jari-Matti Latvala and about 3 down to third and Latvala moved into second. this season, and I just said to myself ‘let’s just skiing result achieved by Konrad Bartelski in the the fans coming down and I was thinking that minutes clear of Estonia’s Ott Tanak, who held Stage 16 was cancelled for safety reasons watch the race and see who wins’.” 1981 Val Gardena downhill. maybe it’s for Marcel and not me!” —AFP on despite being hampered by engine prob- because there were too many spectators, leav- lems. Ogier, who has won the past four world ing just the final power stage. Neuville sal- titles, is looking to become only the second vaged some pride by winning it to claim five driver to win five. Countryman Sebastien Loeb bonus points and climb up to 12th overall, holds the record with nine, all won consecu- having drifted down to 15th after Saturday’s tively. Last month, Ogier announced that he mishap. Neuville will look to bounce back at was leaving Volkswagen to drive the Ford the next event in the 13-race season, which is Fiesta for M Sport this season, and he had only in Sweden in three weeks. minimal practice time to get accustomed to On Thursday night, a spectator was killed the car before this race. after being hit by a car. Organizers said the Overnight, he led Tanak by 47 seconds and spectator was struck by a car driven by New Latvala by 2:20. He was given some unexpect- Zealand driver Hayden Paddon during the first ed help, however, when Belgian driver Thierry of Monte Carlo’s two night stages. — AP Canon to sponsor Rugby World Cup 2019 tournament

KUWAIT: Canon, world leader in imaging, from cameras, lenses, video camcorders announced yesterday that it has renewed and network cameras to copiers, multi- its contract and become the first company function devices, printers, projectors and to serve as an official sponsor for Rugby medical equipment. Canon Inc. Chairman World Cup 2019 in Japan, which will take & CEO Fujio Mitarai said: “Following on place in twelve host cities across the coun- from Rugby World Cup 2015 in England, try from 20 September to 2 November. Canon is delighted to continue backing Hosted every four years, Rugby World the tournament, which will take place in Cup is one of the world’s most prestigious Asia for the first time, as an official spon- sporting events with the world’s top 20 sor of Rugby World Cup 2019 in Japan. In national teams competing across 48 addition to supporting professional pho- matches to win the ultimate prize in the tographers from Japan and overseas as sport, the Webb Ellis Cup. they capture the intense action of the GARMISCH-PANTERKIRCHEN: Switzerland’s Lara Gut competes during an alpine ski, women’s World Cup super-G, in Garmisch-Panterkirchen, Japan 2019 will be the event’s ninth edi- world’s top teams facing off in peak con- Germany, yesterday. —AP tion and the first in Asia. The 2015 dition; Canon, working together with the Tournament, which organising commit- was hosted in tee, relevant authori- Gut remains perfect in super-G, Vonn struggles England, was the best ties, local govern- attended with 2.48 ment and other cor- KITZBUHEL: Defending overall World Cup but her smile grew wider when it became clear today was positive. I didn’t ski my best. I had million fans, the most porate sponsors, will champion Lara Gut extended her perfect run in that she had secured her 22nd career victory. some trouble with the ice. But I will train some viewed with record do the utmost to sup- super-G this season with a comfortable win yes- Gut became the fourth woman to win the first more before broadcast, digital and social coverage in port Rugby World Cup 2019 throughout terday while Lindsey Vonn struggled to a ninth- three super-G races of the season after Carole Cortina. I love Cortina so I’m really looking more than 207 nations Japan.” place finish. For her third straight super-G victo- Merle (1988-89), Katja Seizinger (1997-98) and forward to next week.” The women’s circuit trav- As with other sporting competitions in World Rugby Chairman Bill Beaumont ry, Swiss skier Gut finished 0.67 seconds ahead Vonn (2015-16). els to San Vigilio di Marebbe, Italy, for a giant the past, Canon will provide behind-the- said: “We are delighted to be extending of Stephanie Venier of Austria and 0.86 in front With 100 points awarded for wins, Gut put a slalom on Tuesday before more speed races in scenes support to members of the press our relationship with Canon as a Rugby of Tina Weirather of Liechtenstein in Garmisch- big dent in Mikaela Shiffrin’s lead in the overall Cortina d’Ampezzo next weekend. covering the Rugby World Cup 2019, World Cup 2019 official sponsor. Canon is Partenkirchen, Germany. standings. Shiffrin, more of a technical specialist While Vonn has won a record 27 super-G including camera and lens maintenance an important supporter of rugby in Japan, Vonn, who won a downhill Saturday in just who was not racing this weekend, now holds a races, it’s going to take her more time to get up services and product loans, to enable an innovator in its field and a perfect the second race of her comeback from a knee 135-point lead over Gut. to speed in the discipline compared to downhill. photographers to capture all the action of match for our premier event. injury and a broken arm, finished 1.65 seconds Vonn started after Gut and immediately Unlike downhill, super-G races are not preceded the tournament. The Canon Group will “This exciting relationship underscores behind. made a tactical error early in her run then had a by official training runs, meaning Vonn will need also provide the print and copying solu- the significant global appeal of the first “It was hard, very bumpy and very icy, also tough time negotiating the more technical giant to work harder with her coaches to regain her tions used by the Tournament Organising Rugby World Cup in Asia and we look for- with the light it’s very dark so it’s hard to get a slalom-like turns midway down the Kandahar form in time for next month’s world champi- Committee, supporting the event by facil- ward to working in partnership with good feeling on this snow and this slope,” Vonn course, which was set by a Swiss coach. Still, the onships in St. Moritz, Switzerland. itating the printout of handout materials Canon to extend the reach and impact of said. “I didn’t see Lara’s run but I’m sure she skied American appeared content and acknowledged Vonn broke her upper right arm 10 weeks and the streamlining of document work- the sport in Japan, across Asia and around very well. It really took some aggressive skiing the crowd upon reaching the finish with a wave ago in a training crash on Copper Mountain, flows. As a Rugby World Cup 2019 official the globe.” Canon will continue contribut- today to win. I didn’t quite have that today.” of her ski pole. Colorado, while recovering from a left knee sponsor, Canon offers the full support of ing to the advancement of sports through Gut didn’t appear satisfied with her perform- “It’s a good first step. Like the downhill it took injury that ended her season prematurely in its diverse imaging businesses, ranging its products and technologies. ance initially, shaking her head in the finish area, me one race to get into it,” Vonn said. “So I think February.—AP MONDAY, JANUARY 23, 2017 SPORTS Beagle scores in overtime as Capitals beat Stars 4-3

DALLAS: Jay Beagle’s goal at 19 seconds of scoring the game-winner less than a overtime lifted the Washington Capitals to minute later as Minnesota rallied past a 4-3 victory over the Dallas Stars at Anaheim. Erik Haula and Jason Zucker each American Airlines Center on Saturday. had two goals-Zucker’s second coming on Washington won the opening faceoff in a late breakaway-and Devan Dubnyk had overtime and Beagle drove hard to the net 26 saves for the Wild. It was Minnesota’s to finish off a pass from Evgeny Kuznetsov. second victory over the Ducks in the past Washington extended its point streak to 13 two weeks. Stefan Noesen, Cam Fowler and games (11-0-2) and won in Dallas for the Corey Perry scored for Anaheim, which lost first time since the 2008 season. Alex starting goaltender John Gibson to an Ovechkin and T.J. Oshie scored power-play upper-body injury late in the first period. goals in the third period to force overtime The Ducks are 5-2-1 in their last eight for the Capitals while Andre Burakovsky games, with both regulation losses against scored the game’s first goal. Philipp the Wild. Grubauer made 32 saves for Washington. Adam Cracknell, Patrick Eaves and Jamie SHARKS 3, AVALANCHE 2 (OT) Benn scored for Dallas. Kari Lehtonen made David Schlemko scored his second goal 18 saves. of the season 1:18 into overtime to give San Jose its fourth straight victory. OILERS 7, FLAMES 3 Schlemko crashed the net to punch home a Jordan Eberle had two goals and two rebound of Logan Couture’s second shot of assists and goaltender Laurent Brossoit overtime. Melker Karlsson and Joel Ward picked up his first NHL win as Edmonton scored for the Sharks, who visit Colorado blasted Calgary. Brossoit made 38 saves in today. Francois Beauchemin and Mikhail his first NHL start this season and seventh Grigorenko scored for the Avalanche. career game. Anton Slepyshev, Mark Rookie goaltender Spencer Martin made 27 Letestu, Connor McDavid, Oscar Klefbom saves in his NHL debut for Colorado. MELBOURNE: Coco Vandeweghe of the US hits a return against Germany’s Angelique Kerber during their women’s singles fourth round match and Ryan Nugent-Hopkins (empty net) also on day seven of the Australian Open tennis tournament in Melbourne yesterday. —AFP scored for the Oilers. Matthew Tkachuk, SENATORS 3, MAPLE LEAFS 2 (SO) Sean Monahan and Lance Bouma scored Tom Pyatt scored the decisive goal in for the Flames. Edmonton chased Calgary the shootout for Ottawa. Toronto took a 2- goaltender Chad Johnson by scoring on 1 lead on a goal by Matt Martin in the Top-ranked Murray, Kerber three of its first four shots. third period only to have the Senators tie the game with 1:11 to play on a power play on a goal by Mike Hoffman. Bobby crash in day of upsets DEVILS 4, FLYERS 1 Ryan scored in regulation and in the Rookie Miles Wood drew a game-chang- shootout for Ottawa, which finished 3-0-0 ing penalty and recorded the first two-goal on its three-game road trip. Tyler Bozak MELBOURNE: World number ones Andy first Melbourne title. The Briton was never Australian Open quarter-final, will play France’s game of his NHL career to lead surging scored for the Maple Leafs (21-14-9), who Murray and Angelique Kerber both crashed out expected to be troubled by the 29-year-old, Jo-Wilfried Tsonga, who came from a set down New Jersey past struggling Philadelphia. lost two in a row. of the Australian Open on a day of major who has never won an ATP title, but he suf- to beat British surprise package Dan Evans. Kyle Palmieri and Pavel Zacha also recorded upsets yesterday, as Roger Federer fought his fered his earliest Melbourne departure in eight Kerber’s maiden Grand Slam title defence, goals and Michael Cammalleri picked up JETS 5, BLUES 3 way closer to an 18th Grand Slam title. years. It isn’t since the 2004 French Open that and first major tournament as world number two assists to give the Devils their fourth Bryan Little scored twice and Ondrej Murray was stunned by 50th-ranked serve- the top two men’s seeds have gone out before one, ended poorly as she came off distinctly win in their last six games (4-1-1). Pavelec improved to 2-0 since being and-volley specialist Mischa Zverev in four sets the quarter-finals, and for Murray, a five-time second-best to the aggressive Vandeweghe. Goaltender Keith Kinkaid, who started for recalled from the minors as Winnipeg before Kerber, the women’s title-holder, tamely losing finalist, it meant yet more Melbourne The unseeded American broke Kerber’s the second straight night in place of an ill stopped St. Louis. Pavelec, who made 34 succumbed 6-2, 6-3 to Coco Vandeweghe. misery. serve four times and was on top at the net and Corey Schneider, turned aside 35 shots. saves, was recalled from the AHL Manitoba The unpredictable results, following six- “I’ve had tough losses in my career in the from the baseline as she grabbed her first win Rookie Travis Konecny scored for on Tuesday. Blake Wheeler, Nik Ehlers and time champion Novak Djokovic’s stunning loss past. I’ve come back from them. This is a tough over a world number one. In the quarter-finals, Philadelphia, which was returning from a Mark Scheifele also scored for the Jets. The in the second round, opened the door to a one,” Murray said. “I’m sure I’ll come back okay Vandeweghe, who halted Eugenie Bouchard in bye week and is 3-9-3 since its 10-game Blues hit the scoreboard with defenseman host of challengers-with Federer leading the from it. But right now I’m obviously very down the previous round, faces French Open cham- win streak in December. The Flyers allowed Kevin Shattenkirk scoring twice and Paul charge. because I wanted to go further in this event, pion Garbine Muguruza, who swamped four or more goals in five straight games Stastny providing the other. Pheonix The 35-year-old Swiss won the last of his and it wasn’t to be.” Romania’s Sorana Cirstea 6-2, 6-3. and in nine of their last 12 overall. Copley, playing in only his second NHL record 17 Slam titles in 2012, but he took full Earlier Venus Williams, the oldest player in game, turned aside 24 shots for the Blues. advantage of Murray’s demise with a 6-7 (4/7), ‘LITTLE COMA’ the women’s draw at 36, also became one of BLUE JACKETS 3, HURRICANES 2 6-4, 6-1, 4-6, 6-3 win over Kei Nishikori. Zverev, a former junior rival of Murray’s, the first into the last eight when she beat Markus Hannikainen scored his first NHL ISLANDERS 4, KINGS 2 Federer, who looks back to full fitness after stretched to a series of elastic volleys to frus- German qualifier Mona Barthel 6-3, 7-5. goal as Columbus knocked off Carolina. Anders Lee scored his second goal of a six-month injury lay-off, said the hard-fought, trate the Scot, coming to the net 118 times as The seven-time Grand Slam winner allowed Scott Hartnell scored the game-winning the game with 10:29 remaining in the third fourth-round win could be significant as he he reached his first major quarter-final. herself to dream of a possible final with her sis- goal-his second of the night-after receiving period as New York improved to 2-0-0 now eyes a quarter-final with Zverev. “I was like in a little coma, just serving and ter Serena, who is steaming through the other a tape-to-tape pass from linemate Sam under interim coach Doug Weight. Lee “This is a huge moment for me in my career,” volleying my way through it. There were a few side of the draw in search of her 23rd major Gagner near the midway point of the third recorded his fourth two-goal game of the Federer said. “I was telling myself, ‘Stay calm’. I points where I didn’t know how I pulled it off title. “That could hopefully happen. We both period. Hannikainen slid a rebound past season, the ninth of his career and the sec- feel fit, I’ve trained as hard as I possibly can in but somehow I made it,” he said. Meanwhile still have to work very hard to get there,” Venus Carolina goaltender Michael Leighton at ond straight versus Los Angeles. John the off-season. That’s what you tell yourself Stan Wawrinka, who won the first of his three Williams said. Her quarter-final opponent is 4:49 of the first period as Columbus Tavares and Nick Leddy set up both Lee and you hope it pays off,” he added. Murray Grand Slam titles in Melbourne in 2014, came Anastasia Pavlyuchenkova, who beat fellow improved to 4-5-0 since winning 16 goals while Tavares and Jason Chimera also had been the hot favourite after Djokovic’s through 7-6 (7/2), 7-6 (7/4), 7-6 (7/4) against Russian Svetlana Kuznetsova 6-3, 6-3 to reach straight games. Sebastian Aho netted a scored for the Islanders. Jeff Carter and shock exit, but the Briton lost 7-5, 5-7, 6-2, 6-4 Italy’s Andreas Seppi. her first Australian Open quarter-final in nine power-play goal and defenseman Justin Drew Doughty scored in the opening 4:06 to Germany’s Zverev to extend his wait for a The formidable Swiss, now into his fourth attempts. — AFP Faulk scored his ninth goal of the season of the third period for the Kings. Peter for the Hurricanes, who lost 7-1 to Budaj made 32 saves for Los Angeles, Pittsburgh on Friday night. Leighton made which dropped its third straight and lost for 17 saves. the fifth time in eight games. Serena Williams and Barbora Strycova renew SABRES 3, CANADIENS 2 (OT) COYOTES 5, LIGHTNING 3 Zach Bogosian scored the overtime win- Radim Vrbata matched a career high Grand Slam rivalry ner to lift Buffalo over Montreal. Brian with four points (a goal and three assists) as Gionta and Cody Franson also scored for Arizona snapped a four-game losing streak MELBOURNE: Serena Williams and Barbora Strycova meet the Sabres. Artturi Lehkonen and Phillip with a victory over struggling Tampa Bay. for the third time today, and once again it’s on one of the Danault connected for the Canadiens. Rookie Christian Fischer became the 11th grandest stages in tennis. Williams, seeking her Open era- Robin Lehner made 36 saves for Buffalo Coyotes player to score in his NHL debut record 23rd major title, has beaten the Czech player both while Carey Price stopped 35 shots for this season. Martin Hanzal, Tobias Rieder previous times. Both were in 2012 and in straight sets at Montreal. The Sabres came close to ending and Michel Stone also scored for Arizona, majors - in the second round at the Australian Open, and in it in the dying seconds of regulation, but which got 44 saves from Mike Smith. Smith the first round at Wimbledon. Price stood tall on a partial break by Matt is 5-0-2 when saving 40 or more shots. They come into Monday’s opening match on Rod Laver Moulson before following it up with a per- Cedric Paquette, Vladislav Namestnikov Arena without having dropped a set in their three previous fectly timed flash of the glove on Rasmus and Ondrej Palat scored for Tampa Bay, matches. But that’s where the similarity ends: Strycova’s Ristolainen. which is 2-7-1 in its last 10 games. Ben fourth-round appearance last year at Melbourne Park was Bishop stopped 12 of 17 shots for the her best result here; Williams is a six-time champion. WILD 5, DUCKS 3 Lightning before he was pulled after two Still, Strycova wouldn’t have it any other way. “That’s Ryan Suter celebrated his birthday in periods in favor of Andrei Vasilevskiy (six why you train, why you work hard, to play these matches grand style, setting up the tying goal and saves). —Reuters on these stages and against the best one,” she said. “She’s a powerful player, and I’m so small. “I don’t give anything for free, and I fight all the time. NHL results/standings She’s human, and she is beatable.” And more about that height difference: Strycova is 1.64 meters (5 foot-4), San Jose 3, Colorado 2 (OT); Edmonton 7, Calgary 3; Minnesota 5, Anaheim 3; Arizona 5, Tampa Bay 3; Williams is 1.75 (5 foot-9). Williams said she’s familiar with Washington 4, Dallas 3 (OT); Ottawa 3, Toronto 2 (SO); Buffalo 3, Montreal 2 (OT); NY Islanders 4, Los Strycova’s game “I have seen her play a lot ... she’s super fit, Angeles 2; New Jersey 4, Philadelphia 1; Columbus 3, Carolina 2; Winnipeg 5, St. Louis 3. she has a good game, she’s very aggressive, Williams said. Western Conference Ottawa 25 15 4 116 113 54 Here is a brief look at some of the other matches Monday MELBOURNE: Switzerland’s Stan Wawrinka celebrates his win against Italy’s Andreas Central Division Boston 23 20 6 122 124 52 which complete the fourth round: Seppi during their fourth round match at the Australian Open tennis championships WLOTLGFGAPTS Toronto 21 14 9 136 131 51 No. 9 Rafael Nadal vs. No. 6 Gael Monfils: The Spanish in Melbourne, Australia, yesterday. — AP Minnesota 30 10 5 150 102 65 Florida 20 19 9 112 133 49 Chicago 29 14 5 133 120 63 lefthander has beaten the often- acrobatic Monfils 12 out Buffalo 19 18 9 110 128 47 Nashville 22 17 7 126 120 51 of the 14 times they’ve played, and the last four matches in Detroit 20 19 7 120 135 47 St. Louis 23 19 5 134 147 51 a row. Nadal, the 14-time Grand Slam champion and only Improving ‘Stanimal’ Winnipeg 22 23 4 140 151 48 Tampa Bay 21 22 5 130 142 47 remaining major winner in this half, is coming off a tough Dallas 19 20 9 129 151 47 Metropolitan Division five-set, four-hour win over 19-year-old Alexander Zverev. Colorado 13 29 2 89 148 28 Washington 31 9 6 149 100 68 US Open semifinalist Monfils beat Philipp Kohlschreiber in puts rivals on notice Pacific Division Columbus 31 10 4 148 100 66 straight sets. They open night play on Rod Laver Arena. Anaheim 26 14 9 130 123 61 Pittsburgh 29 11 5 164 133 63 MELBOURNE: Stan Wawrinka warned ranked Andy Murray’s upset by Mischa San Jose 29 16 2 125 107 60 NY Rangers 29 16 1 163 125 59 MILOS RAONIC he was getting stronger as the Zverev, which along with Novak Edmonton 26 15 8 144 131 60 Philadelphia 22 19 6 133 152 50 Australian Open goes on as he swept Djokovic’s exit offers a big chance to the Calgary 24 22 3 130 138 51 No. 3 Milos Raonic vs. No. 13 Roberto Bautista Agut: Carolina 21 18 7 125 131 49 past Andreas Seppi to reach the quar- remaining players. Vancouver 22 19 6 114 131 50 Raonic has had a cold and fever since his first-round match, New Jersey 20 19 9 110 136 49 Los Angeles 22 20 4 115 117 48 but his career record against Bautista Agut might make ter-finals yesterday. “It’s big surprise that they are not in Arizona 14 26 6 102 150 34 NY Islanders 19 17 8 127 130 46 him feel better - he’s 4-0. “(He) tries to take over a little bit The US Open champion was taken to the draw anymore, but my next match is Eastern Conference Note: Overtime losses (OTL) are worth one point more with the forehand. Also, you know, doesn’t suck you in five sets by Martin Klizan in the first the quarter-final,” he said. “I’m not think- Atlantic Division in the standings and are not included in the loss as much into his game,” Raonic said. “ So I’ve been able to round but he is warming to the task and ing about semi or final, that I will not Montreal 28 13 7 144 121 63 column (L) find the solutions for him a few times in the past ... it’s going beat Italy’s Seppi 7-6 (7/2), 7-6 (7/4), 7-6 have to play Andy or Novak. That’s the to be a match that I’m going to have to step up and dictate (7/4). “Probably my level, confidence,” last thing in my head... I just think it’s an and take it on my terms.” Wawrinka said, when asked why he was interesting tournament.” so hard to beat in the latter stages of In a tight struggle on Margaret Court JOHANNA KONTA tournaments. “Mentally I know I can Arena, Wawrinka only converted two of No. 9 Johanna Konta vs. No. 30 Ekaterina Makarova, the beat any player on any day. his nine break point opportunities and rematch: Konta came out of nowhere last year to make it to “It’s tough to say. I’m just focused on dropped his serve twice to Seppi. It was the semifinals here to start a breakout year. She won the myself. I think in general, my level, when Wawrinka’s ninth win in 12 encounters Sydney International to this season. She owns a 3-0 record I’m at the top of my game, I can beat with the Italian, who knocked out against Makarova, a semifinalist at Melbourne Park in 2015. any player.” Wawrinka, the 2014 champi- Australia’s big hope Nick Kyrgios in the “We played fourth round last year here and we had an incredibly close one, I believe it was 10 -8 (actually it was 8- on, will next play French 12th seed Jo- second round. Wawrinka hit 17 aces, 53 6) in the third. I’m ready for a battle and it will be nothing Wilfried Tsonga, who beat Britain’s Dan winners and made 41 unforced errors in short of that.” Evans 6-7 (4/7), 6-2, 6-4, 6-4. The Swiss overcoming Seppi to move into the sec- leads Tsonga 4-3 in their head-to head. ond week of the Grand Slam. Among KATARINA PLISKOVA “I think this match was the best Wawrinka’s three Grand Slam titles is his No. 5 Katarina Pliskova vs. No. 22 Daria Gavrilova: Last match of the tournament so far, that’s win over Rafael Nadal in Melbourne year’s U.S. Open finalist Pliskova will attempt to end the for sure,” Wawrinka said of his victory three years ago, when he became the strong run of the Russian-born Australian. Pliskova has over Seppi. first player to defeat the top two seeds beaten Gavrilova both previous times they played. “I’m used “I’m not really worrying about trying en route to a major title since Spaniard to having the crowd against me, so nothing’s going to sur- to improve every match, trying to play Sergei Bruguera won Roland Garros in CALGARY: Sam Bennett #93 of the Calgary Flames carries the puck against Kris prise me,” Pliskova said. Gavrilova said Pliskova was playing better or not. I know that my level is 1993. Wawrinka also won the 2015 Russell #4 of the Edmonton Oilers during an NHL game at Scotiabank Saddledome “unbelievable” tennis and that at the beginning of the tour- there, that physically I’m feeling good.” French Open and last year’s US Open, on Saturday in Calgary, Alberta, Canada. — AFP nament, she picked Pliskova to win it, if it wasn’t her.— AP He added that he was surprised by top- both times conquering Djokovic. — AFP MONDAY, JANUARY 23, 2017 SPORTS

Bangladesh player arrested over photos of girlfriend

DHAKA: Bangladesh police yesterday “She said Sunny opened up a fake used to crack down on dissent. ed from international matches during claimed to be his fiancÈ. arrested national cricketer Arafat Sunny Facebook account of hers and posted There was no immediate comment the 2016 ICC World Twenty20 for an ille- The fast bowler was however grant- for allegedly breaching strict internet their personal photos, which she found from the cricketer. “It seems to be a per- gal bowling action. ed bail days after his arrest to join the laws after his girlfriend accused him of offensive and defamatory,” he told AFP. sonal matter. We don’t want to comment Since then he has been playing squad for the 2015 World Cup. The uploading sensitive photos on social “We have arrested him and sent him to now, however, we are observing (the sit- domestic first-class cricket for Dhaka actress later withdrew the charges. media. Police raided the home of the the court, seeking to take him into cus- uation),” Bangladesh Cricket Board chief Metropolis. Sunny is the third national Shahadat spent nearly two months in 30-year-old slow left-arm bowler in the tody for five days for questioning.” executive Nizamuddin Chowdhury told team cricketer to have been arrested in custody last year after he and his wife Dhaka suburb of Aminbazar after his If found guilty Sunny could face up to AFP. The spinner has played 16 one-day recent years, after pacemen Rubel were arrested on charges of torturing longtime girlfriend filed a complaint two 14 years in jail or a fine of 10 million taka internationals, taking 24 wickets, and 10 Hossain and Shahadat Hossain. Rubel an 11-year-old girl whom he weeks ago, said local police chief ($126,340) under the controversial law, Twenty20 internationals in which he was jailed in 2015 after he was charged employed as a maid. A court acquitted Jamaluddin Mir. which local right groups say is being picked up 12 wickets. He was suspend- in a rape case filed by an actress who the couple. —AFP Injured Mathews wins it for Sri Lanka

JOHANNESBURG: Injured captain Angelo discovery Lungi Ngidi gave South Africa Mathews hit two sixes in the last over to hope of defending their low total, taking hand Sri Lanka a series-levelling three- four for 19. wicket win in the second Twenty20 interna- tional against South Africa yesterday. But BIG HIT the win came at a cost. Mathews said at the Ngidi, who was man of the match when after-match presentation that he could South Africa won the first game in miss the rest of the tour after twisting his Centurion, took three wickets in an electri- right ankle when he dived to avoid being fying three-over opening spell, then came run out in the penultimate over. “It’s pretty back to take another wicket in the 15th bad, I think I will be out for a couple of over, at the end of which Sri Lanka were 89 weeks,” said Mathews, who made 54 not for four. out as Sri Lanka chased down a low South It came down to eight needed off the African total of 113 with two balls to spare. last seven balls when man of the match The third and final Twenty20 interna- Mathews was injured after a risky leg bye. tional will be played in Cape Town on He managed to hobble a single off Wayne Wednesday, followed by five one-day inter- Parnell’s last ball to keep the strike. nationals, finishing on February 10. On an Mathews went for a big hit off the first unusually dry, slow Wanderers pitch, South ball of the last over, bowled by left-arm Africa were bowled out in 19.3 overs. spinner Jon-Jon Smuts, and was dropped Left-arm wrist spinner Lakshan by a diving Heino Kuhn at deep midwicket. Sandakan, playing in his first T20 interna- He did not take a run. He hit the next ball tional-although he has played in three Test for six to level the scores and two balls later matches and a one-day international-took finished the match with another six. “I had four for 23 and bamboozled the South to hit sixes because I couldn’t run,” he said. African batsmen with his ability to spin the South African captain Farhaan Behardien ball both ways. said: “On a deck that was a little bit slow, Sri Seamers Isara Udana and Nuwan Lanka kept taking wickets and we couldn’t Kulasekera took three for 13 and two for launch at the end. “We were put under pres- 10 respectively. Heino Kuhn top-scored for sure today. But the guys really fought hard South Africa with 29. New fast bowling and I’m proud of them.” — AFP KOLKATA: Indian team pose with trophy after winning the series after their third one day international cricket match against England at Eden SCOREBOARD Gardens in Kolkata, India, yesterday. —AP

JOHANNESBURG: Scores in the second Twenty20 international between South Africa and Sri Lanka at the Wanderers Stadium yesterday. Jadhav’s 90 in vain as South Africa Sri Lanka J. Smuts c Sandakan b Kulasekera 4 N. Dickwella c Mosehle b Ngidi 22 H. Kuhn st Chandimal b Sandakan 29 D. de Silva c Miller b Ngidi 2 T. de Bruyn c D. de Silva b Udana 7 K. Mendis b Ngidi 4 M. Mosehle c Chandimal b Sandakan 11 D. Chandimal c Mosehle b Ngidi 22 England wins third ODI D. Miller c Mathews b D. de Silva 11 A. Mathews not out 54 F. Behardien c Chandimal b Udana 27 A. Gunaratne lbw b Imran Tahir 3 W. Parnell c Mathews b Sandakan 3 S. Prasanna c Imran Tahir b Smuts 2 England narrowly avoided an Indian A. Phehlukwayo c Chandimal b Sandakan 0 KOLKATA: T. de Silva c Behardien b Parnell 3 sweep of the one-day international series, win- A. Phangiso c Gunaratne b Udana 13 N. Kulasekera not out 0 SCOREBOARD Imran Tahir b Kulasekera 1 ning the third and final cricket match by five Extras (b3, lb2, w2) 7 L. Ngidi not out 2 runs as Ben Stokes took 3-63 and Kedar Jadhav’s KOLKATA: Scoreboard yesterday from the third one-day international between India and England at Eden Gardens: Total (7 wkts, 19.4 overs) 119 Extras (lb2, w3) 5 fighting 90 went in vain yesterday. Fall of wickets: 1-11 (D. de Silva), 2-15 (Mendis), 3- Total (19.3 overs) 113 India fell short on 316-9 in reply to England’s England Innings India Innings 35 (Dickwella), 4-86 (Chandimal), 5-93 Jason Roy b Jadeja 65 Fall of wickets: 1-5 (Smuts), 2-13 (De Bruyn), 3-41 321-8 in 50 overs. Stokes blasted an undefeated Ajinkya Rahane b Willey 1 (Gunaratne), 6-97 (Prasanna), 7-105 (T. de Silva) Sam Billings c Bumrah b Jadeja 35 Lokesh Rahul c Buttler b Ball 11 (Mosehle), 4-57 (Kuhn), 5-68 (Miller), 6-74 (Parnell), 57 off 39 balls to propel the tourists’ innings late 7-74 (Phehlukwayo), 8-107 (Behardien), 9-109 Bowling: Ngidi 4-0-19-4 (1w), Parnell 3-0-16-1, Jonny Bairstow c Jadeja b Pandya 56 Virat Kohli c Buttler b Stokes 55 Phehlukwayo 2-0-22-0, Imran Tahir 4-0-14-1, on, after Jason Roy (65) and Jonny Bairstow (56) Eoin Morgan c Bumrah b Pandya 43 Yuvraj Singh c Billings b Plunkett 45 (Imran Tahir) both scored half-centuries. Bowling: Mathews 2-0-11-0, Kulasekera 3-0-10-2, Phangiso 4-0-24-0, Smuts 2.4-0-19-1 (1w) Jos Buttler c Rahul b Pandya 11 MS Dhoni c Buttler b Ball 25 Udana 2.3-0-13-3 (1w), Prasanna 3-0-24-0, Did not bat: I. Udana, L. Sandakan India won the first two ODIs to take the Ben Stokes not out 57 Kedar Jadhav c Billings b Woakes 90 Sandakan 4-0-23-4 (2w), Gunaratne 4-0-27-0, D. de Result: Sri Lanka won by three wickets series 2-1. India started badly as its openers’ Moeen Ali c Jadeja b Bumrah 2 Hardik Pandya b Stokes 56 Silva 1-0-3-1. Series: The three-match series is tied at 1-1 poor form continued. David Willey (1-8), who Chris Woakes run out Kumar/Dhoni 34 Ravindra Jadeja c Bairstow b Woakes 10 went off with an injured shoulder later in the Liam Plunkett run out Pandey (sub)/Dhoni 1 Ravichandran Ashwin c Woakes b Stokes 1 innings, bowled Ajinkya Rahne (1) in the second Extras: (1b, 8lb, 7w, 1nb) 17 Bhuvneshwar Kumar not out 0 over. Lokesh Rahul (11) skied a catch while TOTAL: (for eight wickets) 321 Jasprit Bumrah not out 0 attempting a wild pull off Jake Ball (2-56) in the Overs: 50. Minutes: 221. Extras: (8lb, 13w, 1nb) 22 sixth over. Did not bat: David Willey, Jake Ball. TOTAL: (for nine wickets) 316 Virat Kohli (55) then put on 65 runs for the Fall of wickets: 1-98, 2-110, 3-194, 4-212, 5-237, 6-246, 7- Overs: 50. Minutes: 241. third wicket with Yuvraj Singh (45) but they did- 319, 8-321. Fall of wickets: 1-13, 2-37, 3-102, 4-133, 5-173, 6-277, 7- n’t look in control of the chase against England’s Bowling: Bhuvneshwar Kumar 8-0-56-0 (2w), Hardik 291, 8-297, 9-316. pacers. Pandya 10-1-49-3 (1w), Jasprit Bumrah 10-1-68-1 (1nb, Bowling: Chris Woakes 10-0-75-2 (1nb), David Willey 2-0- Dropped on 35 by Ball at fine leg, Indian 3w), Yuvraj Singh 3-0-17-0, Ravindra Jadeja 10-0-62-2, 8-1 (5w), Jake Ball 10-0-56-2 (1w), Liam Plunkett 10-0-65- skipper Kohli reached his 39th ODI half-century Ravichandran Ashwin 9-0-60-0. 1 (2w), Ben Stokes 10-0-63-3 (5w), Moeen Ali 8-0-41-0. off 54 balls, as India’s 100 came in the 19th over. Stokes got the big breakthrough in the next the run-rate rising, they played some attacking fours and 1 six in all, took his side close. over with Kohli caught behind. strokes to change the complexion of the chase. With 16 needed off the last over, Jadhav After adding 31 runs with MS Dhoni (25) for They put on 50 off only 45 balls, as India’s smacked the first two balls for 10 runs, before the fourth wicket, Singh holed out to Sam 200 came up in the 36th over. Jadhav reached holing out to Billings in the deep. Chris Woakes Billings in the deep off Liam Plunkett (1-65). his maiden ODI half-century off 46 balls, while (2-75) then held his nerve as England registered England continued to claim regular wickets as Pandya scored his first half-century in interna- its first win on the tour, stretching back to the Dhoni too departed in the 32nd over, caught tional cricket too, off only 38 deliveries. test series in November and December. behind off Ball. Stokes bowled Pandya in the 46th over, and India won the first ODI in Pune by three wick- JOHANNESBURG: Sri Lanka batsman Angelo Mathews takes a run during the second India was 173-5 at that stage, but Jadhav put India needed 43 runs off the last 24 balls. ets, and the second ODI in Cuttack by 15 runs. T20 match between South Africa and Sri Lanka yesterday at Wanderers Cricket on 104 runs for the sixth wicket with Hardik Ravindra Jadeja (10) and Ravichandran Ashwin The three-match Twenty20 series starts in Ground in Johannesburg. — AFP Pandya (56). The duo started off slowly but, with (1) couldn’t do much, but Jadhav, who hit 12 Kanpur on Thursday.— AP

SCOREBOARD Warner helps Australia seal

SYDNEY: Complete scoreboard from the fourth one-day interna- ODI series win over Pakistan tional between Australia and Pakistan in Sydney yesterday. SYDNEY: Pakistan coach Mickey Arthur Pakistan fielding. Warner top-scored with Australia U. Khawaja c Rizwan b Hasan 30 blasted his players after their blunders 130 but Pakistan did not help themselves, D. Warner c Rizwan b Hasan 130 helped Australia secure their one-day series conceding a number of overthrows and S. Smith lbw Hasan 49 at Sydney Cricket Ground yesterday, taking dropped catches at crucial times. T. Head c Shoaib b Amir 51 a 3-1 lead in the five match series. He was dropped on 113 when Hasan Ali G. Maxwell c Sharjeel b Hasan 78 Set an imposing 354 to win, Pakistan grassed a simple chance at mid-off from M. Wade c Imad b Hasan 5 were never really in the hunt. spinner Imad Wasim. M. Starc not out 0 After Australia made 353 for six on the Smith scored 49 off 48 balls, but was let Extras (lb8, w2) 10 back of a David Warner century that was off at 10 when Sharjeel made a lazy one- Total (for 6 wickets, 50 overs) 353 aided by appalling fielding from the handed attempt at gully from Junaid Fall of wickets: 1-92 (Khawaja), 2-212 (Warner), 3-213 (Smith), 4-313 tourists, Pakistan replied with 267 from 43.5 Khan’s bowling. (Head), 5-339 (Wade), 6-353 (Maxwell) overs. A frustrated Arthur was left lament- Sharjeel also dropped Travis Head when Bowling: Hafeez 9-0-54-0, Amir, 10-0-75-1 Junaid 10-0-82-0 (1nb), ing another sloppy fielding effort marked he was on 28, again to the chagrin of the Hasan 10-1-52-5 (1nb), Imad 9-0-69-0, Shoaib 2-0-13-0. by a number of dropped catches. luckless Junaid. Head went on to make 51. “We can’t compete with a side like And Hasan put down a difficult chance Pakistan Australia if we give their top five that many off Glenn Maxwell when he was on eight Azhar Ali c Smith b Hazlewood 7 chances,” he said. “It’s unacceptable, those and the Australian ended on 78. Despite his Sharjeel Khan c Warner b Zampa 74 standards we set as a cricket team those two dropped catches Hasan redeemed Babar Azam c Hazlewood b Head 31 standards haven’t been met. Is it skill level, himself by taking five for 52, easily the best Mohammad Hafeez c sub (Faulkner) b Zampa 40 attitude, or is it fatigue?” of the Pakistan bowlers. Shoaib Malik c Warner b Head 47 Umar Akmal c Cummins b Starc 11 Opener Sharjeel Khan, who dropped Warner and Smith put on 120 for the Mohammad Rizwan lbw Zampa 10 two catches in the Australian innings, second wicket to put Australia in a com- Imad Wasim c Wade b Hazlewood 25 whacked out 74 from just 47 balls, but once manding position before Hasan removed Mohammad Amir c Wade b Cummins 5 he fell to recalled leg-spinner Adam Zampa both in the space of three balls to give the Hasan Ali not out 8 Pakistan’s fate was all but sealed. tourists a lift. Junaid Khan b Hazlewood 0 Warner backed his form with the bat by However, Head and Maxwell then cut Extras (lb5, w4) 9 doing what the Pakistanis couldn’t and loose to add 100 for the fourth wicket in 64 Total (all out, 43.5 overs) 267 hanging on to two excellent catches. balls. Pakistan recalled captain Azhar Ali Fall of wickets: 1-15 (Azhar), 2-88 (Babar), 3-119 (Sharjeel), 4-183 He was pleased to have the series after a hamstring injury at the expense of (Hafeez), 5-215 (Shoaib), 6-218 (Umar), 7-245 (Rizwan), 8-252 wrapped up ahead of the final game in Asad Shafiq, while Australia recalled (Amir), 9-267 (Wasim), 10-267 (Junaid). Adelaide on Thursday, saying the team Mitchell Starc and spinner Zampa for James Bowling: Starc 7-0-42-1 (3w), Hazlewood 8.5-0-54-3, Cummins 8-0- “played fantastic”. Faulkner and Billy Stanlake. Zampa, contro- 45-1, Head 10-0-66-2, Zampa 10-0-55-3 (1w). After Australian captain Steve Smith versially overlooked for the upcoming India Australia won by 86 runs won the toss, the home side took advan- tour, took his opportunity with 3-55 from SYDNEY: Australia’s Adam Zampa bowls during the fourth one-day international Australia lead series 3-1 tage of a placid wicket and the hapless his 10 overs. —AFP (ODI) cricket match between Australia and Pakistan in Sydney yesterday. — AFP MONDAY, JANUARY 23, 2017 SPORTS

KUWAIT TIMES NBA POWER RANKINGS

By Ahmad Jabr

KUWAIT: In addition to its usual coverage of the NBA, Kuwait Times introduces a new feature this year: the NBA Power Rankings. It is a weekly list ranking each team based on its performance during the week. In this week’s edi- tion, the Warriors remain in top, the Cavaliers slid two spots and a new team cracked into the top five. (For any com- ments or suggestions, e-mail the writer at: [email protected])

1- Golden State Warriors (37 - 6) Last week: 15- Chicago Bulls (22 - 23) Last week: 15 - 1 - The Warriors defeated the Cavs, Thunder The Bulls know that they have not been play- and Rockets respectively in their last three ing well as of late; Dwyane Wade tweeted an games with relative ease. They enter Monday apology to Bulls’ fans following Friday’s loss to on a six-game winning streak, have won ten of Atlanta, while Jimmy Butler shared his frustra- their last 11 games, have scored over 120 tion in postgame comments. Butler himself points in eight games during that stretch, and has been playing great, but lack of energy lead the league in offensive, defensive and net from the rest of the team has hindered ratings. We knew entering the season that Chicago’s success for the most part. they would be good, but now they are ventur- ing into ‘scary good’ territories. 16- Indiana Pacers (22 - 21) Last week: 13 - The Pacers won seven of eight games before 2- San Antonio Spurs (34 - 9) Last week: 3 - dropping two matches to the Lakers and Jazz Kawhi Leonard has scored at least 30 points respectively. They have managed to find ways for sixth consecutive games, including a to win despite being a below-average career-high 41 points in Saturday’s win over rebounding team, but that formula is not sus- the Cavs. Meanwhile, LeBron James, whose tainable enough if the team hopes to make a career winning percentage against the Spurs strong playoffs’ push. has dropped to 45 percent, has coined San Antonio’s longtime coach Gregg Popovich as 17- Portland Trail Blazers (19 - 27) Last the greatest of all time. week: 16 - Damian Lillard and CJ McCollum joined Stephen Curry and Kevin Durant as the CLEVELAND: Kawhi Leonard #2 of the San Antonio Spurs shoots over Tristan Thompson #13 of the Cleveland 3- Houston Rockets (34 - 13) Last week: 5 - only teammates this season to have scored Cavaliers during the second half at Quicken Loans Arena on Saturday in Cleveland, Ohio. The Spurs defeated the The Rockets finally figured out a way to beat 1,000 points apiece. The dynamic duo led their Cavaliers 118-115. — AFP the Grizzlies on Friday after second-year for- team to victory over Boston on Saturday. ward Sam Dekker contributed with 30 points Meanwhile, rebounding and low-post defense on 12-of-19 shooting (6-of-11 3-pointers) in remain glaring issues for the Blazers. his first career start. It was an important Leonard scores 41, Spurs morale-boosting win following a tough loss to 18- Denver Nuggets (18 - 24) Last week: 24 the Warriors one night earlier. - The Nuggets have won four of their last five games largely behind solid play from center down Cavaliers 118-115 4- Cleveland Cavaliers (30 - 12) Last week: 2 Nikola Jokic, who has recorded three straight - In Saturdays’ loss to the Spurs, LeBron James games with at least 25 points and 10 CLEVELAND: Kawhi Leonard capped there and never let the Nets closer ble-double with 29 points with 10 scored 29 points on 5-of-8 shooting while rebounds last week. The team continues to his career-high, 41-point night with a than five again. assists and forward Sam Dekker defended by Kawhi Leonard, but the Cavs shop center Jusuf Nurkic with hopes of dunk in the final seconds and the San scored a career-high 30 points as were 0-of-5 on passes from James when improving their lineup. Antonio Spurs held on for a 118-115 Hawks 110, 76ers 93 Houston cruised to a victory over Leonard started and finished the possession overtime victory Saturday night Philadelphia, which had won eight Memphis at FedExForum. Harden did as his primary defender (per ESPN Stats and 19- Milwaukee Bucks (20 - 23) Last week: 12 against the Cleveland Cavaliers. of its past 10 games, are no longer much of his damage at the foul line, Information). - Giannis Antetokounmpo earned his place as LeBron James tied up Leonard for a pushovers, but the 76ers remain foils for where he was 11 of 12. He finished 7 a starter in the NBA All-Star Game as he con- jump ball with 13 seconds left and the Atlanta. Paul Millsap had 22 points and of 9 from the floor and 4 of 6 from 3- 5- Utah Jazz (29 - 16) Last week: 8 - George tinues to lead his team in points, assists, Cavs down 3. James won the tip, but 10 rebounds as the Hawks took advan- point range. He also had six rebounds, Hill made a statement in his first match rebounds, blocks and steals. the ball was headed out of bounds tage of the absence of rookie standout three steals, and six turnovers. Dekker against his former team on Saturday, finishing when Kevin Love saved it and fired it Joel Embiid and 21 Philadelphia made 12 of 19 shots and was 6 of 11 with a season-high 30 points, six rebounds, 20- Minnesota Timberwolves (15 - 28) Last behind his back inbounds. Leonard turnovers en route to victory. behind the arc. five assists and leading Utah to victory. One week: 21 - The Wolves played against teams caught the pass and sprinted to the night earlier, Rudy Gobert recorded 27 points with winning records in four of their last five other end for the dunk and the clinch- Trail Blazers 127, Celtics 123 (OT) Nuggets 123, Clippers 98 and 25 rebounds, both career highs, to power games, and emerged victorious in three of er with four seconds left. Portland ended a four-game losing Nikola Jokic had 19 points and 10 his team over the Mavs. them. In the meantime, they hope to find a streak and rode star guard Damian rebounds and Wilson Chandler had 16 suitor for Ricky Rubio after the Pistons’ Stan Pistons 113, Wizards 112 Lillard to a victory over Boston in over- points and seven rebounds as Denver 6- Toronto Raptors (28 - 15) Last week: 4 - Van Gundy shut down rumors of a trade that Marcus Morris made a putback at time. Lillard, who had three points at beat Los Angeles. Danilo Gallinari and The Raptors have shown the kind of flaws would land Detroit’s Reggie Jackson in the buzzer to give Detroit a victory halftime, scored 25 points after the Will Barton scored 18 points apiece for such as lack of rebounding and failure to Minnesota. over Washington at The Palace. The break, seven of them in overtime, as Denver, which led by as many as 35 in properly defend the pick-and-roll that can be Pistons, who gave away a 16-point the Trail Blazers handed the Celtics the rout. very costly in the playoffs. Potential postsea- 21- New York Knicks (19 - 26) Last week: 19 lead in the fourth quarter, got off their second straight home loss. son matchups against Charlotte (who handed - Carmelo Anthony has a no-trade clause in his three shots during a wild scramble in Jazz 109, Pacers 100 them a humbling 113-78 defeat on Friday) or contract, but he hinted recently that he might the closing seconds before Morris’ Heat 109, Bucks 97 George Hill scored a season-high Chicago (whom they haven’t beaten since Dec consider waiving it if the Knicks’ management game-winner. Morris finished with a Dion Waiters tied his career high 30 points in his first game against his 2013) could spill yet another first-round exit told him that they needed to make a change. game-high 25 points and 11 with 33 points to lead the Miami Heat former team and Utah ran away with a for Canada’s team. rebounds. to their third straight win, beating 22- Philadelphia 76ers (15 - 27) Last week: Milwaukee at AmericanAirlines Arena. victory over Indiana. Gordon Hayward 7- Boston Celtics (26 - 17) Last week: 6 - In 26 - Realistically speaking, the 76ers have a Hornets 112, Nets 105 Suns 107, Knicks 105 Devin Booker added 27 points while Rudy Gobert Saturday’s loss to the Blazers, Isaiah Thomas shot at making the playoffs this season, some- Nicolas Batum converted a four- poured in 26 points, including what chipped in 19 points and 11 rebounds scored 21 points on 6-of-12 shooting in the thing that was never a topic of consideration point play and hit another 3-pointer in turned out to be the game-winner, to for Utah. The Jazz won a season-best fourth quarter and overtime, but the rest of in the past couple of years. Joel Embiid has a span of 31 seconds down the give Phoenix a win over New York at sixth straight game. the team went for 16 points and shot 6-of-21 scored 20 or more points in 10 consecutive stretch, and Charlotte pulled out a vic- Madison Square Garden. Booker’s combined. Thomas is having a career year, but games before sitting out for rest in Saturday’s tory over Brooklyn at the Spectrum backcourt mate, Eric Bledsoe, con- Bulls 102, Kings 99 needs help from his supporting cast in order match against the Hawks. Center. Batum hit a 3-pointer, was tributed 23 points and seven assists Dwyane Wade scored 30 points for the Celtics to have a successful season. fouled and converted the free throw for the Suns. Center Tyson Chandler and made several defensive stops in 23- New Orleans Pelicans (17 - 27) Last to give the Hornets the lead for good grabbed 16 rebounds, extending his the fourth quarter, and Chicago held 8- Los Angeles Clippers (29 - 16) Last week: week: 18 - The 143 total points they allowed at 101-98 with 3:21 left. Then he hit streak to seven straight games with at on for a win over Sacramento. Jimmy 7 - The Clippers have lost to the Timberwolves the Nets to score in Friday’s loss was hardly the another 3-pointer on the Hornets’ least 15 rebounds, a team record. Butler added 23 points for the Bulls. and Nuggets in the first two games played only bad number the Pelicans have seen that next possession to push the lead to Chicago snapped a two-game losing since Chris Paul fill to injury. They are likely to night. They also allowed Brooklyn to shoot 57 104-98 with 2:50 remaining. The Rockets 119, Grizzlies 95 streak and improved to 14-9 on its have Blake Griffin back from injury this week, percent from the field, 50 percent from the Hornets pushed the lead to nine from James Harden posted another dou- home court. — Reuters which is good news since the Clippers will three-point line and 90 percent from the free- need contributions from everyone on the throw line (per ESPN Stats and Information). team as they hope to survive the 6-to-8 weeks’ NBA results/standings timeline given for Paul’s return. 24- Phoenix Suns (14 - 29) Last week: 22 - The Suns enter Monday tied with the Mavs as Denver 123, LA Clippers 98; Utah 109, Indiana 100; San Antonio 118, Cleveland 115 (OT); Houston 119, Memphis 95; Phoenix 107, NY Knicks 9- Atlanta Hawks (26 - 18) Last week: 11 - having the worst record in the Western 105; Miami 109, Milwaukee 97; Charlotte 112, Brooklyn 105; Atlanta 110, Philadelphia 93; Detroit 113, Washington 112; Portland 127, Boston In Saturday’s win over the 76ers, Paul Millsap Conference. While coach Earl Watson declared 123 (OT). scored 22 points and 10 rebounds while that Tyson Chandler is likely not going to be Eastern Conference Western Conference Dwight Howard finished with 13 points and traded by the trade deadline, the same cannot Atlantic Division Northwest Division 15 rebounds, and the duo showed the kind be said about PJ Tucker and Brandon Knight. W L PCT GB Utah 29 16 .644 - of dominance the Hawks had hoped would Toronto 28 15 .651 - Oklahoma City 25 19 .568 3.5 be established when the latter was signed 25- Orlando Magic (18 - 27) Last week: 25 - Boston 26 17 .605 2 Denver 18 24 .429 9.5 last summer. Emphasis on defense was considered the NY Knicks 19 26 .422 10 Portland 19 27 .413 10.5 motive behind the acquisition of both Serge Philadelphia 15 27 .357 12.5 Minnesota 15 28 .349 13 10- Memphis Grizzlies (26 - 20) Last week: 9 Ibaka and Bismack Biyombo this past summer, Brooklyn 9 34 .209 19 Pacific Division - The Grizzlies have lost three of their last four but the team has shown little progress at that Central Division Golden State 37 6 .860 - games, most recently on Saturday to the end so far this season. Bad defense was to Cleveland 30 12 .714 - LA Clippers 29 16 .644 9 Rockets whom they have beaten twice before blame for the team’s seven losses in their last Indiana 22 21 .512 8.5 Sacramento 16 27 .372 21 this season. Meanwhile, Marc Gasol is making nine games. Chicago 22 23 .489 9.5 LA Lakers 16 31 .340 23 his case to be selected to play in the All-Star Detroit 21 24 .467 10.5 Phoenix 14 29 .326 23 Game for the third time in the past six seasons. 26- Sacramento Kings (16 - 27) Last week: Milwaukee 20 23 .465 10.5 23 - The Kings have lost five straight games Southeast Division Southwest Division 11- Oklahoma City Thunder (25 - 19) Last and received more bad news this week: for- Atlanta 26 18 .591 - San Antonio 34 9 .791 - week: 10 - Russell Westbrook made it clear ward Rudy Gay will miss the rest of the season Washington 23 20 .535 2.5 Houston 34 13 .723 2 that he was not concerned about being with a fully ruptured Achilles tendon; an injury Charlotte 23 21 .523 3 Memphis 26 20 .565 9.5 snubbed from the All-Star Game’s starting he sustained in Wednesday’s loss to the Pacers. Orlando 18 27 .400 8.5 New Orleans 17 27 .386 17.5 lineups. The Thunder guard, who has won All- Miami 14 30 .318 12 Dallas 14 29 .326 20 Star Game MVP in each of the last two seasons 27- Miami Heat (14 - 30) Last week: 29 - and remains on course to finish this season Goran Dragic helped Miami beat Houston on averaging a triple-double, is an all-but-certain Tuesday, and then the Heat won two more selection for the Western Conference’s games for their first three-game winning reserves. streak of the season. Dion Waiters scored 33 Spurs coach Popovich points in Saturday’s victory over the Bucks. 12- Charlotte Hornets (23 - 21) Last week: 17 - Kimba Walker outscored the entire 28- Dallas Mavericks (14 - 29) Last week: 27 Raptors’ squad 16-15 in the third quarter of - Dirk Nowitzki had one of the worst shooting blasts President Trump Charlotte’s 113-78 win over Toronto on Friday, nights of his career in Friday’s loss to the Jazz, and finished the game with 32 points on 11- going 1-of-13 from the floor. He played well CLEVELAND: Gregg Popovich would vote, that don’t buy his act. And I just feel better if somebody was in that posi- of-16 shooting. He is focusing more on win- though to help Dallas record its first three- bench President Donald Trump. wish that he was more - had the ability tion that showed the maturity and psy- ning rather than making it to the All-Star game winning streak this season (from Jan 12 San Antonio’s longtime coach, who to be more - mature enough to do chological and emotional level of some- Game, which is shown evident by the Hornets’ to Jan 17). has been highly critical of Trump in the something that really is inclusive rather body that was his age. It’s dangerous current three-game winning streak. past, went on a lengthy rant about the than just talking and saying, ‘I’m going and it doesn’t do us any good. I hope he 29- Los Angeles Lakers (16 - 31) Last week: new president on Saturday night, calling to include everybody.’ “He could talk to does a great job, but there’s a difference 13- Washington Wizards (23 - 20) Last 28 - The Lakers recorded a big win over the him a bully and saying he hopes he can the groups that he disrespected and between respecting the office of the week: 14 - Markieff Morris couldn’t help pre- Pacers on Friday that ended a five-game los- change while in office. maligned during the primary and really presidency and who occupies it. vent his twin brother, Marcus, form making ing streak. Coach Luke Walton credit rookie While meeting with reporters before make somebody believe it. But so far, “And that respect has to be earned.” the game-winning tip in that propelled the forward Brandon Ingram for the win, provid- the Spurs played the NBA champion we’ve got (to) a point where you really Popovich was also critical of those who Pistons to victory over the Wizards on ing high energy and faring well playing Cavaliers, Popovich didn’t hold back in can’t believe anything that comes out of don’t hold Trump accountable for his Saturday. However, his great play has been against Indiana’s Paul George. offering his disdain for Trump and mem- his mouth. You really can’t.” words. “It’s hard to be respectful of some- significant in Washington’s recent success bers of his administration. Popovich ini- As he said following Trump’s election one when we all have kids and we’re (they have won four of their last five). 30- Brooklyn Nets (9 - 34) Last week: 30 - tially was asked about his views on the in November, Popovich wants Trump to watching him be misogynistic and xeno- The Nets continue to monitor the develop- women’s marches in Washington and succeed but believes he will do so only phobic and racist and make fun of handi- 14- Detroit Pistons (21 - 24) Last week: 20 - ment of their young assets such as Rondae around the world before he unloaded if he changes. Popovich pointed out capped people. And what really bothers And much like his twin brother, Marcus Hollis-Jefferson, Sean Kilpatrick, Isaiah on Trump. “Their message is obvious,” that Trump visited CIA headquarters on me are the people around him: the Sean Morris has also been contributing nicely to Whitehead and Caris LeVert. In the mean- the five-time champion coach said of his first official day in office, but used Spicers, the Kellyanne Conways, the his team’s recent success. The Pistons have time, veterans Brook Lopez, Bojan the protesters. “Our president comes in the occasion to talk about himself. Reince Priebuses that know who he is won three straight games entering Monday, with the lowest (approval) rating of any- “Instead of honoring the 117 people and actually have the cynical approach including a commanding victory on Bogdanovic and Luis Scola played key roles to help Brooklyn beat New Orleans on Friday body whoever came into the office. And behind him where he was speaking, he and disingenuous attitude to really Wednesday over the Hawks in which they there’s a majority of people out there, talked about the size of the crowd,” defend him and try to make it look like and end an 11-game losing streak. outrebounded Atlanta 60-32. since Hillary (Clinton) won the popular Popovich said. “That’s worrisome. I’d just he didn’t say what he said.— AP MONDAY, JANUARY 23, 2017 SPORTS Monaco thrash Lorient to go clear at top

PARIS: Gabriel Boschilia and Valere Bastia on Friday. Third are Paris Saint- the next month as they compete on four rebounded back to Germain, who Souquet earned Nice a point against Germain both struck twice as a rampant Germain, three points behind Monaco, fronts at home and in Europe. steered neatly into the far corner. Bastia in Corsica on Friday, equalising Monaco routed bottom side Lorient 4-0 and the two go head to head in the Boschilia made the most of a rare start Germain rounded out a thumping win with a header after Prince Oniangue had yesterday to climb two points clear of French capital next weekend in a cham- by hooking home in the 24th minute 14 minutes into the second half after given the hosts an early lead in a game Nice at the top of Ligue 1. pionship six-pointer. “We had a very after Lorient goalkeeper Benjamin Lorient skipper Michael Ciani was dispos- marred by what Italy striker Mario Brazilian striker Boschilia netted a good first half and we managed the Lecomte failed to adequately deal with sessed by Djibril Sidibe. The France full- Balotelli said was persistent racial abuse brace inside the opening half hour as game well today,” said Jardim, who sin- Radamel Falcao’s looping header in the back slipped the striker in behind the directed at him from the home fans. The Monaco punished slack Lorient defend- gled out Boschilia for praise. box. Lecomte was again culpable four defence with Lecomte again beaten Nice bus was also pelted with stones and ing in driving rain at the Stade Louis II “I played him today because he is a minutes later when Boschilia found the between his legs. the French league’s disciplinary commit- before Germain curled in a third on 37 quality player who works hard,” added net from the edge of the area as the ball Lorient remain two points adrift at the tee said it will look into the incidents. minutes. The Frenchman then grabbed Jardim, before hitting out a fixture sched- rolled through the legs of the visiting foot of the table. On Saturday, Edinson Lyon host Marseille in a later game as his second on the hour as Leonardo ule which sees Monaco in action again on goalkeeper. Lorient paid the price for Cavani scored both goals, taking his tally both teams look to return to winning Jardim’s free-scoring side collected a Wednesday in a League Cup semi-final at more sloppy play as Falcao won the ball this season to 20, as PSG snapped Nantes’ ways after their respective four-game fifth win in six games to claim the out- home to Nancy. back deep in the visitors’ half before firing four-game winning run with a 2-0 victory winning streaks were brought to a halt right lead, following Nice’s 1-1 draw at Monaco face a busy run of games over against the base of the post. The ball at the Stade de la Beaujoire. Arnaud last weekend. —AFP

English Premier League table

LONDON: English Premier League table after yesterday’s early matches (played, won, drawn, lost, goals for, goals against, points): Chelsea 22 18 1 3 47 15 55 Las Palmas 19 6 7 6 28 30 25 Arsenal 22 14 5 3 50 23 47 Alaves 19 5 8 6 17 20 23 Tottenham 22 13 7 2 45 16 46 Malaga 19 5 6 8 27 33 21 Liverpool 22 13 6 3 51 27 45 Real Betis 18 6 3 9 20 30 21 Man City 22 13 4 5 43 28 43 Valencia 18 5 4 9 28 33 19 Man Utd 22118 3332141 Deportivo La Coruna19 4 7 8 24 29 19 Everton 22 10 6 6 33 23 36 Leganes 19 4 6 9 15 31 18 West Brom 22 9 5 8 30 28 32 Sporting Gijon 18 3 3 12 19 37 12 Stoke 22 7 7 8 28 34 28 Granada 19 1 7 11 16 42 10 West Ham 22 8 4 10 29 36 28 Osasuna 19 1 6 12 20 42 9 Southampton 22 7 6 9 22 26 27 Bournemouth 22 7 5 10 32 39 26 Italian Serie A Table Burnley 22 8 2 12 24 33 26 Italian Serie A table after yesterday’s early game Watford 22 6 6 10 25 38 24 (played, won, drawn, lost, goals for, goals against, Leicester 22 5 6 11 24 37 21 points): Middlesbrough22 4 8 10 18 25 20 Juventus 20 16 0 4 42 16 48 Swansea 22 5 3 14 26 51 18 Roma 20 14 2 4 41 18 44 Crystal Palace 22 4 4 14 30 41 16 Napoli 21 13 5 3 47 24 44 Hull 22 4 4 14 20 47 16 Lazio 21 12 4 5 35 24 40 Sunderland 22 4 3 15 20 42 15 AC Milan 20 11 4 5 31 24 37 Inter Milan 20 11 3 6 33 23 36 Spanish La Liga Table Atalanta 20 11 2 7 32 24 35 Spanish La Liga table after yesterday’s early match Fiorentina 20 9 6 5 33 25 33 (played, won, drawn, lost, goals for, goals against, Torino 20 8 6 6 38 29 30 points): Cagliari 20 8 2 10 31 44 26 Real Madrid 18 13 4 1 48 17 43 Udinese 20 7 4 9 25 27 25 Sevilla 19 13 3 3 42 25 42 Chievo 21 7 4 10 21 30 25 Barcelona 18 11 5 2 47 17 38 Sampdoria 20 6 6 8 22 26 24 Atletico Madrid18 10 4 4 32 14 34 Bologna 19 6 5 8 18 25 23 Real Sociedad 18 10 2 6 30 25 32 Genoa 20 6 5 9 22 27 23 Villarreal 19 8 7 4 26 14 31 Sassuolo 20 6 3 11 28 34 21 Athletic Bilbao 18 8 4 6 22 19 28 Empoli 20 4 6 10 11 26 18 Celta Vigo 18 8 3 7 29 32 27 Palermo 20 2 4 14 17 40 10 Eibar 18 7 5 6 25 24 26 Crotone 19 2 3 14 14 34 9 Espanyol 19 6 8 5 25 26 26 Pescara 19 1 6 12 15 36 9 LONDON: Arsenal’s Alexis Sanchez, right, scores a penalty at the end of the match against Burnley, during their English Premier League soccer match at The Emirates Stadium in London, yesterday. — AP Saints forget Fonte Ice-cool Sanchez lifts 10-man fuss to beat Leicester Arsenal to dramatic win id attack. Cedric Soares sped down the right and cut the ball back to Ward-Prowse, almost exacted immediate revenge with a free- plaining bitterly. But the drama wasn’t over and Southampton 3 whose first-time curling shot just had kick that Cech pushed over and suddenly Arsenal, throwing bodies forward in search of enough power to beat the diving Arsenal 2 Arsenal didn’t look so secure. Arsenal tried to redemption, won a penalty of their own seven Schmeichel. batten down the hatches, but playing a cautious minutes into stoppage time when Laurent It was Ward-Prowse’s first goal in 22 game has never been their forte and substitute Koscielny was caught in the face by Ben Mee’s Leicester 0 games in all competitions for the club since Francis Coquelin gave away a penalty three min- high boot. he was on target against West Ham on Burnley 1 utes into stoppage time when he tripped Sanchez was calmness personified as he September 25. Barnes. Gray drilled the spot-kick down the mid- capped a remarkable finale by delicately clip- SOUTHAMPTON: Southampton put the Ward-Prowse then turned provider as dle and Wenger, furious with the decision, was ping the penalty past Heaton for his 15th league row over former captain Jose Fonte’s depar- Southampton doubled their lead 13 min- LONDON: Alexis Sanchez kept his nerve to haul sent down the tunnel moments later after com- goal of the season. — AFP ture to one side as they beat struggling utes later. Poor defending has been a fea- 10-man Arsenal into second place in the Premier champions Leicester 3-0 in the Premier ture of faltering champions Leicester’s play League as the Chilean’s last-gasp penalty sealed League at St Mary’s yesterday. this season and another example came a dramatic 2-1 home win over Burnley yesterday. Fonte joined top-flight rivals West Ham when Claudio Ranieri’s side failed to deal Sevilla stage fightback, Arsene Wenger’s side appeared to have blown in an £8 million ($9.9 million, 9.2 million with Ward-Prowse’s free-kick into the box. their chance to get back in the title race when euros) move on Friday, with the Portugal The ball skimmmed off Leicester centre- Burnley’s Andre Gray scored a stoppage-time Atletico held in Bilbao defender having been dropped by back Wes Morgan’s head and Rodriguez penalty to cancel out Shkodran Mustafi’s first Southampton manager Claude Puel earlier fired home from close range. goal for Arsenal. BARCELONA: Sevilla followed last week’s more furious protests from Osasuna who this month after he handed in a transfer Southampton, who three days after Arsenal had been forced to play the last 25 recovery against La Liga leaders Real Madrid claimed he had shoved an opponent before request. But the Saints, no stranger to see- their Liverpool clash face Arsenal in the minutes with 10 men after Granit Xhaka was by staging another stirring comeback to win the cross came in. Substitute Sarabia sealed ing their players leave for more lucrative fourth round of the FA Cup, thought they shown a straight red card for a reckless lunge on 4-3 at Osasuna yesterday, a victory that keeps a fifth straight league win by scoring a offers at ‘bigger’ English clubs during the had a third goal 15 minutes from time when Steven Defour. the pressure on Zinedine Zidane’s side. fourth Sevilla goal from the edge of the area transfer window, shrugged off Fonte’s loss Morgan, under pressure from Maya Yoshida, But the Gunners refused to be denied and Yet Atletico Madrid faltered again near the in the 91st minute to put his side on 42 to end a run of four straight Premier put Tadic’s free-kick into his own net. But Sanchez converted from the spot with virtually top of the table despite a brilliant strike from points from 19 games, their biggest ever League defeats in style. referee Michael Oliver, after consulting with the last kick of an incredible finish at the Antoine Griezmann earning them a 2-2 draw total for the first half of a season. For Leicester, this latest loss was their his linesman, disallowed the ‘goal’ for a mar- Emirates Stadium to ensure his team at Athletic Bilbao. Kenan Kodro then scored a consolation goal 11th in 22 league games so far this season ginal offside decision. Morgan, however, fell leapfrogged Tottenham and Liverpool in the title Late goals from Franco Vazquez and Pablo for the hosts in the 92nd minute. In Bilbao, a and left them worryingly close to the rele- foul of the officials when he brought down chase. The north Londoners have now won four Sarabia secured the points for Sevilla after three-game winning streak in the league for gation zone. Southampton were 2-0 up Shane Long inside the box to concede a of their last five league games and remain in their captain Vicente Iborra had scored for Atletico Madrid came to an end despite Diego before half-time thanks to goals from penalty, with Tadic firing the ensuing spot- touch with leaders Chelsea ahead of their sum- both sides in an action-packed clash between Simeone’s side getting off to a dream start. James Ward-Prowse and Jay Rodriguez. kick high past Schmeichel and into the roof mit meeting at Stamford Bridge on February 4. teams from opposite ends of the table. Koke’s cross, which was intended for Griezmann, The south coast side wrapped up just of the net. — AFP At the start of the season Wenger challenged Jorge Sampaoli’s side, now a point off the went straight into the net in the third minute their seventh league win of the current his players to dominate against the league’s mid- pace but having played a game more, have but the home side got over the shock, drawing campaign four minutes from time when dle classes after dropping too many points enjoyed consistent results at home but their level in the 43rd with a thumping strike from Dusan Tadic scored from the penalty spot. against supposedly inferior opponents in recent poor away form looked set to haunt them Inigo Lekue. Oscar de Marcos headed Athletic in Victory was just the boost Southampton Matches on TV years. This was exactly the kind of gritty again when Sergio Leon put bottom side front in the 56th minute, threatening to end needed ahead of their League Cup semi- (Local Timings) response he had hoped for. Early on Mesut Ozil Osasuna ahead in the 15th minute. Simeone’s perfect record of four wins from four final second leg clash against Liverpool on weaved his way into a shooting position on the Iborra pulled Sevilla level two minutes in the Basque club’s new stadium, which Wednesday, with the Saints taking a 1-0 AFRICAN NATIONS CUP edge of the area, only to see Burnley goalkeeper before halftime by following up Stevan opened in 2013. Griezmann had other ideas, lead to Anfield. Southampton made a Tom Heaton push away his low strike. Alex Jovetic’s cross to score after he had however. He produced a classy chipped finish bright start, with Leicester goalkeeper Senegal v Algeria 22:00 Iwobi was next to threaten as the young winger thumped the post, but shot his side in the from a tight angle after straying an inch offside Kasper Schmeichel making a good save to BeIN SPORTS drove his shot just wide after a typically incisive foot in the 63rd by diverting an Osasuna but after the goal was ruled out, he retained his deny Nathan Redmond before Demarai Zimbabwe v Tunisia 22:00 Arsenal raid. Burnley tried to hit back, with a cross into his own net. He made amends two focus to deliver a low finish off the far post with Gray tested Fraser Forster at the other end. BeIN SPORTS powerful Ashley Barnes effort forcing Petr Cech minutes later by knocking the ball into the 10 minutes remaining. Atletico remain fourth in But the goal the hosts had been threat- into a fine save. Perhaps inspired by the Arsenal opposition net on the rebound to equalise the standings on 35 points while Athletic are ening arrived in the 26th minute after a flu- fans who had unveiled a banner featuring a pic- again with Osasuna claiming it should have seventh on 29, two points behind Villarreal in ture of the forward with his two pet dogs, been ruled out for offside. Vazquez gave sixth. Later champions Barcelona, third on 38, Sanchez was hounding the Burnley defence, but Sevilla the lead for the first time by heading travel to Eibar. Real Madrid beat Malaga 2-1 on he couldn’t find a way past Heaton, who dived to in from a corner after 80 minutes, sparking Saturday. — Reuters his right to block the forward’s long-range effort. When Sanchez sized up another chance 12 yards out, he found Burnley were defending so deep that six blue-shirted players stood between him and the goal, an obstacle even the Chilean dynamo couldn’t overcome with a shot that curled wide.

REDEMPTION For all their territorial dominance, Arsenal still needed to deliver the knockout blow in the sec- ond half. Aaron Ramsey was guilty of overelabo- rating when he tried a spectacular scorpion kick that looped ver. Sanchez tried to show him the way with a scorching drive that narrowly cleared the crossbar. Just as Arsenal’s supporters were starting to groan about their team’s profligacy, the breakthrough finally arrived in the 59th minute. Ozil whipped over an out-swinging cor- ner and German defender Mustafi peeled away from his marker to glance a deft header past Heaton and into the far corner. What should have been a comfortable finish for Arsenal was transformed six minutes later SOUTHAMPTON: Leicester City’s Nigerian midfielder Wilfred Ndidi (L) vies with when Xhaka launched into a two-footed foul on PAMPOLONA: Osasuna’s Serbian coach Petar Vasiljevic (R) shouts instructions to players Southampton’s Danish midfielder Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg during the English Premier Defour that left referee Jon Moss with no choice during the Spanish league football match CA Osasuna vs Sevilla FC at El Sadar stadium in League football match between Southampton and Leicester City at St Mary’s but to send off the Swiss midfielder. Defour Pamplona yesterday. — AFP Stadium in Southampton, southern England yesterday. — AFP Hirscher takes Jadhav’s 90 in control after vain as England Kitzbuehel15 win wins17 third ODI MONDAY, JANUARY 23, 2017

Ice-cool Sanchez lifts 10-man Arsenal to dramatic win Page 19

LONDON: Chelsea’s Brazilian-born Spanish striker Diego Costa (2nd R) jumps to head the ball clear during the English Premier League football match between Chelsea and Hull City at Stamford Bridge in London yesterday. -— AFP Costa gives Chelsea breathing space

With Tottenham Hotspur, Liverpool, Manchester City Tom Huddlestone had dragged a shot across goal found Victor Moses on the right and he shifted the ball and Manchester United all dropping points and Costa and wide prior to the stoppage and Hull continued to outside Andy Robertson before cutting the ball back for Chelsea 2 back in the fold, Conte was left to reflect on something probe after it. Harry Maguire ambled forward from cen- Costa to sweep home. The penalty grievances were lev- approaching a perfect weekend. tre-back and saw a shot deflected into the side-netting elled up four minutes into the second half when Alonso The Costa furore, and a recent 2-0 defeat at and from Evandro’s corner, the Hull number five’s head- escaped sanction despite clattering Abel Hernandez on Tottenham, had threatened to rob Chelsea of their er had to be fielded by goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois. the back of the foot as they competed for possession. Hull 0 momentum, but they will go into back-to-back games Costa twice threatened to double Chelsea’s lead, but against Liverpool and Arsenal with belief restored. PENALTY APPEAL APIECE even with Davies forced off by an apparent hamstring Marco Silva’s Hull remain in the relegation zone, their But while Hull continued to threaten sporadically, problem, Hull continued to poke and probe, drawing LONDON: Diego Costa marked his comeback with a disappointment compounded by injuries to Ryan Maguire working Courtois again with a thumping drive groans from the home fans. goal as Chelsea overcame an obdurate Hull City side 2-0 Mason and Curtis Davies, the former being taken to from 25 yards, as the first half wore on the home side After seeing Courtois make another save, albeit to yesterday to surge eight points clear at the Premier hospital after an aerial collision with Cahill. began to tighten the screw. repel an off-target Michael Dawson effort, Conte made League summit. Costa missed Chelsea’s 3-0 win at Costa replaced Willian in the only change to the Marcos Alonso had a deflected effort palmed over by a double change, sending on Willian and Cesc Fabregas Leicester City last weekend due to a back problem, Chelsea team that won at Leicester and he almost Eldin Jakupovic, while Pedro Rodriguez might have had for Hazard and Pedro. amid reports he had rowed with a fitness coach after found the net inside 11 seconds, chesting down a head- a penalty after Hull debutant Omar Elabdellaoui blun- Fabregas made an instant impact, with his left-wing being unsettled by a big-money offer from China. ed clearance and volleying just wide. dered into him from behind. The nine minutes of added free-kick headed in by Cahill in the 81st minute for But after returning to the starting XI, his 15th goal of The game’s early rhythm evaporated following a time yielded by Mason’s injury produced the break- Chelsea’s second goal. Costa was denied a second by the campaign set Antonio Conte’s side en route to an nasty clash of heads between Cahill and Mason, who through. Chelsea were aggrieved that Davies avoided a Jakupovic’s legs, but when he departed two minutes eighth straight home league win, which was rubber- had to be stretchered off after receiving treatment on second yellow card for lunging in on Pedro, but they later, to be replaced by Michy Batshuayi, cries of stamped by Gary Cahill’s late header. the pitch for around eight minutes. were celebrating shortly after. Alonso’s crossfield pass “Diego!” echoed around the ground. — AFP Fleetwood wins Dybala, Higuain strike as Juve humble Lazio in Abu Dhabi MILAN: Paulo Dybala hit a fifth-minute lads for a big team performance because opener and Gonzalo Higuain added a quick that’s what we need in Europe, and they second as Juventus humbled Lazio 2-0 yes- pulled through. “We made a few little mis- ABU DHABI: Tommy Fleetwood broke free from a Johnson, the US Open champion, eagled the terday to restore their four-point lead over takes but defensively they did really well. I pack of contenders containing three major cham- last for a 68 and a share of second place with Roma. Despite a poor record against the realised in midweek we had to change a few pions to win the Abu Dhabi HSBC Championship Larrazabal on 16 under. Kaymer also eagled No. Turin giants in recent years, Lazio travelled to things.” by one shot yesterday, ending the Englishman’s 18 and was in a three-way share for 4th place Turin looking to end the Serie A champions’ Left smarting by a 2-1 defeat at Fiorentina 31/2-year wait for a second European Tour title. with Kiradech Aphibarnrat and Bernd Wiesberger. 26-match unbeaten league run at home. last week, Allegri rested key defender Andrea In a tense final round in which five players Fleetwood’s only previous win came at the But Juve coach Massimiliano Allegri over- Barzagli and although wingback Dani Alves held the lead, the 26-year-old Fleetwood chipped Johnnie Walker Championship at Gleneagles in came a number of enforced absences to returned from injury the former Barcelona in for eagle from 20 yards at the par-5 10th hole August 2013. He had missed the cut at four of his send out a reshuffled side that should have star was only fit enough for a place on the to spark a back nine of 31. That helped him to a 5- previous five appearances in Abu Dhabi, which finished with a far more generous tally, bench. Lazio were missing suspended Senad under 67, the lowest score of a windy day, and 17 many players use as their first event of the year, Higuain, his 87th minute replacement Mark Lulic, with Dusan Basta sidelined with injury under overall. Only an eagle from Pablo but had come into the tournament in decent Pjaca, and several other players spurning and striker Keita Balde Diao at the Africa Cup Larrazabal in the final group could deny form with 10 top-20 finishes in 12 events stretch- scoring chances in a fairly one-sided of Nations. encounter. Simone Inzaghi’s men had lost their last Fleetwood, and when the 2014 champion’s ing back to September. Juve’s 16th win of the campaign leaves eight meetings with Juve, home and away in approach came up short, Fleetwood celebrated “You know (if) you keep knocking on the door, Allegri’s men four points ahead of Roma, all competitions, and despite their good with his team behind the green. it would come,” said Fleetwood, who is distinctive who can reduce the gap to a point with a intentions the visitors were soon playing Major winners Dustin Johnson (68), Martin with his long, flowing hair. “I didn’t really think it win over Cagliari in late game. Napoli sit catch-up. On Juve’s first real chance, Mario Kaymer (69) and Henrik Stenson (69) were in the would be this week.” third, also at four points off the pace, follow- Mandzukic nodded the ball into the path of chasing pack all day, with three-time winner This win will lift him from a ranking of No. 102 ABU DHABI: Tommy Fleetwood of England holds the trophy after he won the Abu ing a 2-1 win at AC Milan on Saturday that Dybala for the Argentinian to send a delight- Kaymer leading on his own for two holes before into the top 50. left the Rossoneri fifth, 11 points behind fully-hit volley with the outside of his boot Dhabi Golf Championship, in Abu Dhabi, dropping three shots in a five-hole stretch “I thought maybe my second win would come Juventus. Back in Champions League action past Federico Marchetti and into the far bot- around the turn. sooner, to be honest,” he said. — AP United Arab Emirates, yesterday. — AP at Porto next month, Allegri said: “I asked the tom corner. — AFP Plunging lira pressures Turkish retailers as economy slows Page 23

Welcome to Trumpland; Business but markets jittery Page 25 MONDAY, JANUARY 23, 2017 Barclays reinforces growth ambitions Oil market volatility may extend to 2017 throughout 2017 Page 22 Page 26

DHAKA: Bangladeshi vegetable vendors wait for customers at a wholesale market in Dhaka yesterday. Dhaka Kawran Bazar is a major business district and wholesale market place in Dhaka. — AFP Oil producers say output cut on track Ministers laud strong OPEC, non-OPEC compliance

VIENNA: Oil producers said yesterday that their landmark close to their five-year average by mid-2017, lowering oil December deal to slash output by almost two million bar- in storage by around 300 million barrels, Falih said. rels per day was on track, as they met to review progress. “[There are] no surprises so far in terms of demand or sup- “Compliance is great, it’s been really fantastic,” Khaled Al- ply from other sources so there is no reason for us to sud- Kuwait stocks jump, Falih, energy minister of oil behemoth Saudi Arabia, was denly come in January and say we need a bigger reduc- quoted by Bloomberg as saying. tion or a longer period,” he said. “Based on everything I know, I think it’s been one of Saudi Arabia is producing slightly below 10 million strongest in Gulf the best agreements we’ve had for a long time,” he said in bpd and has informed buyers of substantial cuts sched- Vienna. Eleven of OPEC’s 13 members along with 11 non- uled for next month, he said. Russia has cut its oil output OPEC countries have agreed to make cuts for the first half by around 100,000 bpd, Novak said, double what was MIDEAST STOCK MARKETS of the year. OPEC members Nigeria and Libya, both suffer- originally planned. He said Russian oil production had ing setbacks in production, were given exemptions. “The averaged around 11.15 million bpd this month. DUBAI: Share prices in Kuwait jumped in very heavy construction sector as the government makes delayed Kingdom [of Saudi Arabia] has taken the initiative and He told reporters it was too early to talk about extend- trade yesterday, the top performing market in a strong payments on its debts to companies in the industry. other countries took part in very significant actions,” Al- ing the current deal beyond the planned six months but Gulf region, while tax fears continued to weigh on Real estate developer Dar Al Arkan, which could Falih told reporters following the meeting. that remained an option. “Everyone sees that the agree- prices in Egypt. The Kuwaiti market index surged 3.2 benefit from the government’s plans to stimulate the “Despite demand usually being lower in the first quar- ments on oil production cuts have already have a positive percent, its biggest rise in more than two years, to a 23- housing sector this year, climbed 7.0 percent. Saudi ter in winter, the actions taken by the Kingdom and many effect on oil markets. The market has become more stable month high, while trading volume was the biggest Basic Industries rose 0.5 percent after agreeing to other countries has impacted the market in a tangible way and predictable,” Novak said. since mid-2013. The index is up 15.6 percent so far this acquire the 50 percent it does not already own in its and we have seen the impact in spot prices,” Al-Falih said. year, far outperforming other Gulf bourses. The narrow- petrochemical venture with Shell Arabia, a unit of Royal “The deal is a success ...All the countries are sticking to NEXT MEETING er Kuwait 15 index of blue-chips is up 9.6 percent. Dutch Shell, for $820 million. the deal ...(the) results are above expectations,” Russian It was agreed yesterday that a technical joint commit- The market attracts little non-Arab foreign invest- Those three stocks helped to offset weakness in Energy Minister Alexander Novak said after the first meet- tee (JTC) would be created comprising a representative ment and with a trailing price/earnings ratio near 15 banks, which were hit by higher than expected fourth- ing of a committee set up to monitor the deal. Ministers for each of the five members of the monitoring commit- times, it is not cheap compared with its neighbors or quarter provisions against bad debts at several lenders. said 1.5 million of almost 1.8 million barrels per day (bpd) tee and as well as the OPEC presidency, which is currently emerging markets in general. Nevertheless, fund man- Alawwal Bank fell 3.4 percent after swinging to a net had been taken out of the market already. held by Saudi Arabia. The JTC will cooperate with the agers said some regional funds as well as local retail loss of 249.3 million riyals; Alistithmar Capital and EFG Countries involved in the deal could reduce their out- OPEC Secretariat in compiling production data which will investors were piling into the market to profit from its Hermes had forecast profit of 330.5 million and 438 mil- put by 1.7 million bpd by the end of the month, Interfax be presented to the ministerial monitoring committee by momentum. Because of its huge oil reserves and small lion. Saudi British Bank dropped 1.6 percent after post- news agency quoted Novak as saying. The aim is to the 17th of every month, OPEC said in a news release. The population, Kuwait has been hit less hard than most ing a 35 percent fall in fourth-quarter net profit, while reduce a global glut that has depressed oil prices and monitoring committee will communicate after the 17th of countries in the region by low oil prices. Samba Financial Group sank 3.7 percent after reporting blown a huge hole in the public finances of producer every month and plans two meetings ahead of the next “Kuwait remains the most resilient country to lower a 12 percent drop in profit. Savola plunged as much as nations, despite being good news for consumers. Markets ordinary OPEC meeting in Vienna on May 25. The next oil prices in the Gulf Cooperation Council,” Arqaam 9.5 percent during the day, but closed only 2 percent initially welcomed the accord in December, sending oil meeting in March is set for Kuwait. Capital said in a report. The appointment of a new lower, after reporting a net loss of 964.3 million riyals; prices up to an 18-month high of $58. But they have chairman of the Kuwait Stock Exchange on Jan. 7 has analysts had predicted a profit. since slipped back on concerns countries may not stick to SHALE IMPACT raised hopes for stronger efforts to eventually upgrade Dubai’s index gained 0.7 percent as the most heavily their commitments-as has happened under previous Ministers were also keen to highlight that any increase Kuwait from frontier market to emerging market status. traded stock, builder Drake & Scull, which has exposure deals. Falih he said however that producers have already in high-cost US shale oil production as a result of rising oil Pakistan will move to MSCI’s emerging market index in to Saudi Arabia, climbed 4.8 percent. Property develop- removed 1.5 million bpd from the market, more than 80 prices would be absorbed by rising demand. “We are not May, and some frontier funds withdrawing from er Deyaar rose 2 percent after state news agency WAM percent of their collective target. worried that production in the US is increasing as prices Pakistan as a result are expected to go to Kuwait. reported it had signed a memorandum of understand- Brent oil prices that fell to $27.10 a barrel a year ago go up because I think this will be absorbed by an increase Also, investors who accept an offer to buy out ing with Dubai South, the master developer of the area have held above $50 per barrel since OPEC producers in demand,” Al-Marzouq said. Qatari Energy Minister minority shareholders in Kuwait Food Co (Americana) around Dubai’s Al Maktoum International Airport, for a agreed on Dec. 10 to lower output in the first half of 2017. Mohammed Al-Sada said with increasing demand “shale this month may put the proceeds into other Kuwaiti multi-purpose development. Strong banking shares The cuts are aimed at reducing a global glut in oil that oil will all be catered for”. Russia’s Novak also said he was stocks; about $1 billion could be involved. Much of the pushed Qatar’s index up 0.2 percent, with Qatar has weighed on oil prices for more than two years. Falih not worried about higher oil output in the United States. bull run is focusing on financial stocks; Burgan Bank National Bank gaining 2.4 percent. said implementation of agreed cuts had been “fantastic” Russia has reduced production by an average of climbed 6.3 percent and Kuwait Finance House added Abu Dhabi’s index slipped 0.1 percent but Waha and he hoped for 100 percent compliance in February. 100,000 bpd, a milestone it had not expected to reach 5.2 percent yesterday. But nine of the day’s 10 most Capital’s share price soared to hit its 15 percent daily “We will not accept anything less than 100 percent until next month, Novak said. Russia has said it would heavily traded stocks rose sharply, suggesting investors limit in the heaviest trading volume since late 2014. compliance,” Kuwaiti oil minister Essam Al-Marzouq, who make a daily reduction of 300,000 barrels by April or May. were pouring money into most shares that moved sig- Egypt’s share market index dropped a further 0.7 per- chairs the five-member ministerial compliance committee, Saudi Arabia has already exceeded its target with an out- nificantly. cent after tumbling 3.7 percent on Thursday, when told a news conference. The other members of the com- put reduction of more than 500,000 bpd, Falih said, while Reuters reported that the authorities were considering mittee represent Algeria, Venezuela, Russia and Oman. Algeria and Kuwait have also cut to levels beyond their SAUDI, EGYPT temporarily reintroducing a stamp duty charge on Venezuela has achieved more than half of its planned targets, Bloomberg reported. Other OPEC members such Saudi Arabia’s index fell in early trade after poor stock market transactions. 95,000 bpd cut, Oil Minister Nelson Martinez told as Iraq and Venezuela have not yet reached their quotas fourth-quarter earnings from some major companies, Alexandria Mineral Oils surged 7 percent, however, reporters. but say they are more than halfway there. OPEC’s total but it closed 0.3 percent higher as builder Khodari after saying first-half net profit rose to 545.8 million production fell by 221,000 bpd to 33.1 million bpd in jumped 9.1 percent. The stock has been buoyed since Egyptian pounds ($29.3 million), up from 157 million SHRINKING INVENTORIES December, according to secondary sources data in OPEC’s November by signs of improving conditions for the pounds in the same period a year ago. —Reuters Full compliance could take global oil inventories back monthly report published last week. — Agencies MONDAY, JANUARY 23, 2017 BUSINESS

Oil market volatility may extend to 2017 KAMCO Oil Market Report KUWAIT: The year 2016 recorded one of the most volatile while Brent crude increased by 19.1 percent to reach an expected weather. Demand numbers for the OECD Asia 0.71 mb/d to reach 57.14 mb/d. The revision reflected years for the oil market with crude prices reaching the average price of $53.29/b during December-16. Crude Pacific region was raised by a total 100 tb/d for Q2-16 and higher supply from Norway, Russia and the US during the lowest level in more than a decade as oil producers con- price was further supported by weakness in the green- Q3-16 on the back of better than expected demand last quarter of 2016. Moreover, production data for the tinued to pump oil at breakneck speed in order to retain back which declined to the lowest level in five weeks growth in South Korea that extended till the last quarter. last quarter resulted in upward revision of 248 tb/d in their market share. The obvious victims were high cost against a basket of currencies after USD-related com- The OECD Europe region witnessed higher demand for OECD and 48 tb/d for the FSU region. In addition, non- producers, especially shale producers in the US and ments were made by the new incoming US president. transportation fuels and naphtha specifically OEC supply declined at a faster pace during the last quar- Canada; however, the rate of fall in production due to the Further support on the supply side came from China Netherlands, Poland, Turkey and the UK. On the other ter as compared to the previous year. In terms of regional decline in oil prices was much slower than initially which is said to have reduced oil production by almost 7 hand, demand from OECD Americas was slashed by 20 split, OECD Americas, Latin America and China witnessed expected as shale producers pushed the life of existing oil percent during 2016, the first decline since 2009 and the tb/d for Q1-16 and 30 tb/d for Q4-16 due to warmer-than- strong decline during 2016. According to the latest OPEC wells and curbed new drilling activity. Events like the biggest one since 1990. expected weather conditions across the continent that monthly report, world oil supply during December-16 wildfires in Canada and the political issues in some of the Moreover, production is forecasted to decline at the affected demand for heating fuel and thereby partly off- declined by 0.3 mb/d to 96.92 mb/d as compared to OPEC producers did provide intermittent support to oil same pace during 2017 despite the rise in oil price as the setting the demand increase in other regions. November-16 although it was higher by 0.71 mb/d as prices, but a sustained support and a stronger reaction country’s largest oil fields are fast aging in addition to For the non-OECD countries, demand growth saw an compared to December-15. On the other hand, non-OPEC always came from the ongoing negotiations related to higher production cost. Furthermore, China’s National upward adjustment for Other Asia (+20 tb/d) and China oil supply for 2017 saw a downward revision of 0.18 mb/d production cut agreements that was reached toward the Development and Reform Commission said in a report (+10 tb/d), while demand expectations for Latin America and is now projected to grow by 0.12 mb/d to average at end of the year. OPEC crude closed the year at a price of that the country’s oil output is expected to decline to an (-50 tb/d in 4Q-16) and the Middle East (-20 tb/d in Q3-16 57.26 mb/d. The revision reflected lower oil supply from $53.3/b and Brent crude at $55/b, the highest level in 18- average of around 200 mb/d by 2020 as compared to an and -80 tb/d in Q4-16) region was lowered. The revision Russia, Kazakhstan, China, Congo and Norway partially months with a yearly gain of 70 percent and 50 percent, average of 215 mb/d during 2011-2015. Production in the for Middle East region reflected substitution effect in due to the oil output agreement between OPEC and non- respectively. overall Asia Pacific region is also expected to fall with Saudi Arabia as well as slower-than-expected regional OPEC producers. Nevertheless, US oil supply for 2017 was Much of the aforementioned gains came during 2H-16 China accounting for the bulk of this decline. This augurs economic growth. upgraded by 0.23 mb/d as a result of higher rig count and and especially during December-16 as both OPEC and well for OPEC players as it is expected to increase China’s Oil demand growth for 2017 was also upgraded at an stronger cash flows for oil producers. Meanwhile, the non-OPEC producers committed to output cuts, a deal dependence on oil imports, which reportedly increased equal pace as in 2016 and is now expected to grow by decline in oil supply from China could help the oil market that was highly uncertain as per oil watchers. by 9 percent m-o-m in December-16 to 8.57 mb/d. 1.16 mb/d to reach 95.6 mb/d for the year. The revision and support prices as oil producers in the country are More surprising was the adherence to the oil output The average monthly OPEC crude price during was primarily on the back of higher expected demand shutting mature oil fields that are costly to operate. cuts as seen from the headlines during January-17 with December-16 increased by a strong 20 percent to growth in OECD Europe (+50 tb/d in Q1-17 and +30 tb/d According to IEA, China’s output is expected to decline by Saudi Arabia and Kuwait reducing their respective oil out- $51.67/b, the highest monthly average since July-15. The in Q2-17) during the first quarter of 2017 owing to cold 0.24 mb/d during 2017 as a result of the cut in spending puts by more than the committed quantities. rise in Kuwait average crude price was even stronger at weather conditions across the continent as well as by oil producers. Saudi Arabia’s oil output fell to a 22-month low level of 21.5 percent and stood at $51.13/b while Brent crude improvement in transportation fuel demand. The expect- below 10 mb/d in January-17, while Kuwait’s oil output OPEC Oil Production and Spare Capacity fell to 2.707 mb/d as oil well maintenance coincided with In terms of oil production, 2016 witnessed an increase output cut agreements. The Kingdom’s energy minister of 576 tb/d or 2.0 percent in its output from the current also said that they would consider extending the produc- OPEC members (that excludes Indonesia but includes tion agreement beyond the six months as the pace of Gabon) to reach 33.1 mb/d in December-16. Indonesia market rebalancing is expected to accelerate due to the was suspended from the group less than a year after the agreement coupled with robust demand in the market. country joined OPEC as it did not agree to cut its produc- However, he expressed confidence that there may be no tion by 5 percent as required by the OPEC agreement. The need to extend the agreement due to the bullish signals increase for 2016 was primarily on the back of more than backed by the unexpectedly high demand and larger 1 mb/d increase in oil production from Iran followed by than agreed production cuts by OPEC and non-OPEC 260 tb/d increase in Libya and 230 tb/d increase in pro- members. He echoed a similar comment made by the duction by Saudi Arabia as compared to 2015. Iraq and OPEC Secretary General who said that world oil invento- UAE also added a combined 300 tb/d during 2016 as ries will start to decline by 2Q-17 and oil producers will compared to 2015. On the other hand, the biggest decide in May-17 on whether to extend their output cuts decline was reported by Nigeria with its production down beyond 1H-17. by 440 tb/d followed closely by 396 tb/d decline in Meanwhile, IEA recently gave a contrarian view on the Venezuela and 189 tb/d decline in Angola. On a month- short term oil market in 2017. The agency said that oil on-month basis, oil production by the group declined by prices are expected to fall later this year despite the OPEC 0.9 percent or 310 tb/d on the back of a steep decline of agreement as US shale producers would pump more as a 200 tb/d reported by Nigeria followed by 50 tb/d and 40 response to rising oil prices. This would have an opposite tb/d decline reported by Saudi Arabia and Venezuela, impact on oil prices and is expected to remain volatile respectively. After reporting rising oil output for the last during the year. This was evident in the slow and steady three consecutive months, Nigeria’s output declined dur- increase in oil rig count in the US, which increased consis- ing December-16 due to unplanned field maintenance as tently over eleven weeks until last week when it declined well as strike by port workers. by seven to 522 rigs. This is in line with our expectation Meanwhile, Kuwait and Saudi Arabia implemented a that an oil price of over $ 50/b would trigger additional total reduction of close to 0.7 mb/d which is close to 40 output from US shale producers. This would partly offset percent of the total OPEC and non-OPEC planned output the impact of the OPEC agreement and push market cut. Kuwait has even indicated that the cuts could be rebalancing to late 2017. extended by another 10 tb/d to 146-148 tb/d from the increased by 19.1 percent to reach an average price of ed improvement in the region’s economic growth also current output cut of close to 139 tb/d. For Saudi Arabia, Oil prices $53.29/b during December-16. Crude prices continued augurs well for higher demand for crude. On the other according to KAMCO Research’s calculations, the Oil market rallied during December-16 and in the first the surge during January-17 on positive news although hand, demand expectations from Other Asia was down- Kingdom slashed its production by at least 544 tb/d to half of January-17 with crude prices touching the highest the pace of growth was much muted at close to 2 percent graded for 1H-17, specifically from India, owing to the close to an average production level of 10 mb/d. level in 18-months. The surge was initially backed by by mid-month. demonetization policy that is expected to affect econom- However, it is reported that the two countries are expect- news about the output agreement between OPEC and ic growth and oil demand. Demand expectations from ed to resume production at the neutral zone that is non-OPEC producers and was further supported by World Oil Demand India was lowered by 20 tb/d each for the first three quar- shared between the two countries and is shut since as updates on successful implementation of the agreed Total world oil demand for 2016 was revised up by 10 ter of 2017, reflecting marginal slowdown in economic long as 2014, although the two agreed that any addition- upon cuts, especially by sizable producers including tb/d and is now expected to see a growth of 1.25 mb/d to growth as well as the higher base effect. al production would not raise their respective outputs Saudi Arabia, Kuwait and Algeria. The average monthly reach an average of 94.44 mb/d. The marginal increase beyond the new limits. KAMCO Research sees the current OPEC crude price during December-16 increased by a was primarily on the back of better-than-expected oil World Oil Supply strength in the oil market only as a temporary relief and strong 20 percent to $ 51.67/b, the highest monthly aver- demand in OECD Asia Pacific and OECD Europe (+30 tb/d Non-OPEC supply growth expectations for 2016 saw we believe that despite the expected rebalancing, which age since July-15. The rise in Kuwait average crude price for Q3-16) as demand for petrochemical feedstock surged an upward revision of 70 tb/d as compared to the previ- we believe would be fragile, oil price would remain in a was even stronger at 21.5 percent and stood at $ 51.13/b along with heating fuel requirement led by colder-than- ous expectations and is now expected to contract by tight range in the near term.

EXCHANGE RATES

Chinese Yuan Renminbi 44.870 Al-Muzaini Exchange Co. Swiss Franc 307.230 Indonesian Rupiah 0.000018 0.000024 Australian Dollar 232.870 Thai Bhat 9.625 Japanese Yen 0.002594 0.002774 US Dollar Buying 304.800 Turkish Lira 81.470 ASIAN COUNTRIES Kenyan Shilling 0.003003 0.003003 Japanese Yen 2.670 GOLD Korean Won 0.000250 0.000265 Indian Rupees 4.494 20 Gram 247.740 BAHRAIN EXCHANGE COMPANY WLL Malaysian Ringgit 0.065229 0.071229 Pakistani Rupees 2.919 10 Gram 126.790 Nepalese Rupee 0.003146 0.003316 Srilankan Rupees 2.043 5 Gram 64.240 CURRENCY BUY SELL Pakistan Rupee 0.002762 0.003052 Nepali Rupees 2.810 Europe Singapore Dollar 215.490 Philippine Peso 0.006059 0.006359 Hongkong Dollar 39.446 Dollarco Exchange Co. Ltd British Pound 0.372786 0.382785 Sierra Leone 0.000068 0.000074 Bangladesh Taka 3.865 Czech Korune 0.004111 0.016111 Singapore Dollar 0.209238 0.219238 Philippine Peso 6.144 Danish Krone 0.039972 0.044972 South African Rand 0.016289 0.024789 Rate for Transfer Selling Rate Thai Baht 8.687 Euro 0. 322801 0.331801 Sri Lankan Rupee 0.001696 0.002276 US Dollar 305.650 Norwegian Krone 0.032405 0.037605 Taiwan 0.009670 0.009850 Canadian Dolla 230.220 GCC COUNTRIES Romanian Leu 0.084806 0.084806 Thai Baht 0.008332 0.008882 Saudi Riyal 81.654 Sterling Pound 379.810 Slovakia 0.009174 0.019174 Qatari Riyal 84.101 Euro 328.770 Swedish Krona 0.030385 0.035385 Arab ani Riyal 795.218 Swiss Frank 306.490 Swiss Franc 0.299606 0.310606 Bahraini Dinar 813.070 Bahraini Dinar 0.805100 0.813600 Bahrain Dinar 810.255 Turkish Lira 0.077162 0.087462 UAE Dirham 83.367 Egyptian Pound 0.013197 0.022450 UAE Dirhams 83.610 Iranian Riyal 0.000085 0.000086 Qatari Riyals 84.830 Australasia ARAB COUNTRIES Iraqi Dinar 0.000182 0.000242 Australian Dollar 0.223417 0.235417 Egyptian Pound - Cash 19.350 Saudi Riyals 82.435 Jordanian Dinar 0.426542 0.435542 Egyptian Pound - Transfer 16.259 New Zealand Dollar 0.213816 0.223316 Jordanian Dinar 432.270 Kuwaiti Dinar 1.000000 1.000000 Yemen Riyal/for 1000 1.229 Egyptian Pound 16.511 Lebanese Pound 0.000148 0.000248 Tunisian Dinar 134.510 Sri Lankan Rupees 2.040 America Jordanian Dinar 431.200 Moroccan Dirhams 0.020137 0.044137 Indian Rupees 4.489 Canadian Dollar 0.224376 0.233376 Lebanese Lira/for 1000 2.040 Nigerian Naira 0.001268 0.001903 Pakistani Rupees 2.915 Georgina Lari 0.138207 0.138207 Syrian Lira 2.182 US Dollars 0.301900 0.306300 Omani Riyal 0.788384 0.794064 Morocco Dirham 31.003 Bangladesh Taka 3.871 US Dollars Mint 0.302400 0.306300 Qatar Riyal 0.083239 0.084689 Philippines Pesso 6.138 Saudi Riyal 0.080513 0.081813 EUROPEAN & AMERICAN COUNTRIES Cyprus pound 167.850 Asia Syrian Pound 0.001298 0.001518 US Dollar Transfer 306.000 Japanese Yen 3.665 Euro 329.560 Bangladesh Taka 0.003667 0.004251 Tunisian Dinar 0.129493 0.137493 Syrian Pound 2.425 Sterling Pound 380.360 Chinese Yuan 0.043135 0.046635 Turkish Lira 0.077162 0.087462 Canadian dollar 230.770 Nepalese Rupees 3.800 Hong Kong Dollar 0.037388 0.040118 UAE Dirhams 0.081888 0.083588 Turkish lira 81.760 Malaysian Ringgit 69.600 Indian Rupee 0.002832 0.005512 Yemeni Riyal 0.000995 0.001075 MONDAY, JANUARY 23, 2017 BUSINESS In debt and afraid: Dealing with debt collectors

t’s a scary place to be - in debt and afraid. A new debts, such as money owed on a credit card Consumer Financial Protection Bureau report account, an auto loan or a mortgage. It doesn’t cov- Ifound that more than one in four consumers felt er debts incurred to run a business. threatened when contacted by debt collectors. The first-ever national survey of consumer experiences YOU HAVE RIGHTS with debt collectors found consumers often faced Debt collectors can contact you by phone, letter, calls that came too often, at odd hours and con- email or text message, as long as they follow the tained warnings of jail time and other threats. Some rules and disclose that they are debt collectors. It’s were contacted for debts they didn’t owe. And against the law for a debt collector to pretend to be many said when they asked the collector to stop someone else to harass, threaten or deceive you. contacting them, the request was ignored. They may not contact you at inconvenient times CFPB Director Rich Cordray said the report casts or places, such as early in the morning or late at a “troubling light” on the industry, and that the night. And they may not contact you at work if bureau is working to stop abuses. But what are your they’re told not to. rights when facing off with a debt collector? A few Debt collectors may not harass, oppress, or things to know: abuse you, according to the FTC. That includes threats of violence or using obscene language. YOU ARE NOT ALONE Federal law also limits the number of calls a debt The CFPB says debt collection is a multi-billion collector can place. Collectors cannot lie to collect a dollar industry affecting 70 million consumers. debt, by falsely representing themselves or the People are most often contacted about medical and amount you owe. And other than trying to obtain credit card debt. And more consumers complain to information about you, such as a telephone number the CFPB about debt collection than any other or whereabouts, a debt collector generally is not financial product or service. permitted to discuss your debt with anyone other The Federal Trade Commission, which enforces than you, your spouse, or your attorney. the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act, also said debt collectors generate more complaints to its offices YOU CAN TAKE ACTION than any other industry. While many debt collectors Report any problems you have with a debt are careful to comply with consumer protection collector to your state Attorney General’s office, laws, some engage in illegal practices. the Federal Trade Commission and the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau. Many states have RICHMOND: In this March 26, 2015, file photo, Consumer Financial Protection Bureau Director YOU ARE PROTECTED their own debt collection laws that vary from Richard Cordray speaks during a panel discussion in Richmond, Va. A new CFPB report found that The Fair Debt Collection Practices Act provides federal law, so contact your attorney general’s more than one in four consumers felt threatened when contacted by debt collectors. Cordray said the protection for those being pursued for personal office for help. — AP report casts a “troubling light” on the industry, and that the bureau is working to stop abuses. —AP

News in brief UK retailers race to keep

Kuwait oil price up 15 cents to $50.28 pb KUWAIT: The price of Kuwaiti oil went up by 15 cents to up with online demand $50.28 per barrel Friday as oppose to $50.13 pb the day before, said Kuwait Petroleum Corporation (KPC) on Saturday. At the global level, the price went up due to Pressure mounts as retailers engage on multiple platforms expectations that OPEC and Non-OPEC members will fulfill their deal to reduce their oil output despite news regarding the increase in US petroleum excavation LONDON: British fashion retailers will While trading updates show that tradi- the second half. Debenhams, Britain’s No. 2 Lewis said trading profit would come activities. The price of the Brent crude went up by $1.33 switch their spending firepower to tech- tional retailers grew their sales by selling department store chain, also beat forecasts under pressure this year and the need to to $55.49 per barrel while the American Crude which nology from the high street in 2017 after additional goods to customers picking up as those customers shopping online and invest, plus the weaker pound, meant staff went up by $1.05 to $52.42 pb. online shopping became the key driver of online orders in store, the move online also in-store spent about two and a half times bonuses would be “significantly” lower. sales growth over the all-important festive brings new challenges such as the high more than a shopper in one place. Thomson Reuters data shows that 2017 period. Marks & Spencer is investing in number of goods that are returned. The The group, which appointed Sergio full-year pretax profit at M&S and US dollar stable apps, its website and logistics, while signs of the change can be seen across the Bucher as CEO in October, is set to unveil Debenhams is also expected to fall around against KD at 0.305 spending 350 million pounds over five country, on small high streets where inde- its plans for the future in April and analysts 18 and 12 percent respectively. Despite the KUWAIT: The rate of the US dollar was stable against the years to close 10 percent of clothing and pendent shops have shut - hurt by high at Liberum have said that could entail high- high costs, the experience of retailer Next Kuwaiti Dinar at 0.305, while the Euro went up to KD 0.326, home space. business rates - and on the stock market er spending. shows that the big names have little choice said the Central Bank of Kuwait (CBK) yesterday. According to Department store John Lewis said it where the share price of Boohoo has And Britain’s biggest department store but to follow their online peers if they want the CBK, the rate of exchange for the Sterling pound also was cutting staff bonuses in part to enable jumped by 500 percent in two years. John Lewis, one of the leading retailers to remain competitive. Next will invest to went up to KD 0.377, as well as the Swiss Franc up to KD it to invest in its online operations after 40 Pick-up lockers at railway stations and online over the last 15 years, said it would improve its website and online marketing 0.304 and the Japanese yen stood firm at KD 0.002. In the percent of its Christmas sales came from petrol pumps mean parcels can be picked speed up its internet strategy after 40 per- in a recognition that it may have fallen United States the dollar exchange rate stabilized compared the web. And Next, which failed to keep up up at any time, while changing rooms in cent of its Christmas sales came from the behind the standard of some competitors, to the major currencies in last Friday’s trading due to the with rivals for a second Christmas in a row, standalone sites in the centre of towns web, up from 36 percent last year. “You where sites carry more content including unclear vision in the international markets before the inaugu- will spend 10 million pounds to improve allow purchases to be tried on and instant- might have expected to see a slowdown in video and numerous photographs to show ration of US President Donald Trump. This came after a fluctu- its online operations and marketing. “They ly sent back if not wanted, making it as the rate of growth but it has basically con- how an item would look. ating week due to uncertainty regarding the policies of the will have to invest in infrastructure and it easy to shop online as it is to wander down tinued on the same trajectory,” Mayfield “If it’s not convenient and the check- newly appointed US president toward the US economy. will weigh on margins, but if you get it a high street. said. “And we’ve got very good data which out process is not good or you don’t por- right you have a profitable online busi- The industry estimates that around 30 shows the relationship between shops and tray the product in the right way, then Iraq announces sale of $1bn ness,” said one large institutional investor percent of womenswear items bought online sales is strong.” people will just open up another app and in bonds guaranteed by US in UK retail who asked not to be named online are returned. But the cost to transform the business is order somewhere else,” the institutional BAGHDAD: Iraq announced the sale of $1 billion in due to company policy. Traditional retailers have harnessed the clear, with operating profit down 31 per- investor said. “It’s as simple as that these bonds guaranteed by the United States, paying an inter- “And you can engage on multiple plat- web by persuading customers to pick up cent in the six months to end July. John days.” —Reuters est of 2.1 percent, far below the 9 percent yield on the forms.” The renewed drive in technology online-ordered goods instore, forcing firms country’s non-guaranteed debt. The US-guaranteed comes as British web-only players ASOS to speed up delivery logistics and increase five-year bonds were issued on Wednesday, the finance and Boohoo continue to race ahead, help- storage space in their shops. ministry said in a statement yesterday. The Iraqi govern- ing Britons to embrace online shopping “The role of the shop does change,” said ment, which relies almost exclusively on oil income, has more quickly than their European cousins. Charlie Mayfield, chairman of the employ- struggled to pay its bills since crude prices dropped in And the pressure is relentless. ASOS, ee-owned John Lewis Partnership. “We are 2014, the same year that Islamic State militants seized a with nearly 5 million active users in the UK, still opening shops but we will be opening third of the country’s territory. The Iraqi government in said it would increase its own capital fewer going forward and we will be invest- November said it plans to issue $2 billion worth of expenditure to keep ahead of the pack ing more in changing existing shops so bonds on international markets to help narrow its after it posted 18 percent UK sales growth they can fulfil that different role more.” budget deficit in 2017. in the four months to the end of the year. Boohoo grew British sales by 31 percent THINKING DIGITAL SABIC to acquire remaining in the same period. Online sales have been The 133-year-old Marks & Spencer, stake in Saudi JV with Shell booming in Britain for years, with ecom- which has struggled for years to grow its DUBAI: Saudi Basic Industries Corp (SABIC) has signed an merce accounting for nearly a quarter of all clothing business, beat forecasts for agreement to acquire the remaining stake of its joint ven- purchases in December, according to the Christmas trading as investment in its app ture with Shell Arabia, a unit of Royal Dutch Shell in Saudi British Retail Consortium. In the 52 weeks for iPad and mobile devices helped boost Arabia for $820 million, SABIC said yesterday. The agree- to Dec. 18, overall fashion sales fell 2 per- online sales. More than 60 percent of all ment which is expected to be complete before the end of cent, according to market research firm goods sold online were picked up in store - this year is subject to regulatory measures, SABIC said. It Kantar Worldpanel, while pure online play- known as click and collect. Seeking to said it signed another memorandum of understanding yes- ers grew 7 percent as fashion lovers adapt the business to meet the new LONDON: Marks & Spencer is investing in apps, its website and logistics, while terday with Shell Arabia to boost cooperation in interna- snapped up goods through simple apps on demand, it said in November it would not spending 350 million pounds over five years to close 10 percent of clothing and tional and local investment opportunities. their mobile. return additional cash to shareholders in home space. Plunging lira pressures Turkish retailers as economy slows

ISTANBUL: Turkish businessman Tekin Acar had in the economy, and the suffering retail sector FALLING CONFIDENCE contracts to open branches of his leading cos- and wider economic malaise come at an awk- The lira has fallen as much as 10 percent metics chain in ten new shopping malls this year. ward time for Erdogan. He is expected to seek against the dollar since the start of 2017, making it A few days ago he cancelled nine of them after popular support in a spring referendum for bol- the world’s worst performing major currency. That sharp falls in the lira meant he would struggle to stering the powers of his office and can ill-afford a comes on top of double-digit falls both last year afford the rents. sharp slowdown. and the year before. Erdogan has urged Turks to Turkey’s currency has lost around a quarter of Acar’s business has been further hit by a hike sell dollars to prop up the lira, calling for a “sense its value since the middle of last year, causing last week in import taxes on some cosmetics and of national mobilization”, while the central bank havoc for retailers selling imported goods or pay- by restrictions on the products for which credit has taken steps to tighten lira liquidity. ing rent pegged to the US dollar. Many were card payments can be taken in instalments, part of Financial market investors say only a sharp already suffering from a sharp economic slow- a drive to boost Turkey’s savings rate. Many of the interest rate hike when the central bank meets on down and dwindling tourism numbers after a new malls were financed with dollar and euro Jan. 24 will put a floor under the lira’s losses, spate of deadly bombings. Foreign brands in loans and their owners, who have seen their debt although Erdogan has long been opposed to such MONTRET: Former Economy minister Arnaud Montebourg looks on before voting Turkey are also suffering. Dutch clothing chain burden rise as the lira fell, charge rent in hard cur- a move, fearing it will further slow growth. during the first round of the French left’s presidential primary election, in Montret, C&A, Britain’s Topshop, German cosmetics firm rency to offset the risk. The lira’s fall has been a major blow to middle- eastern France yesterday. —AP Douglas and U.S.-based dietary supplement The payback period for shopping mall devel- class Turks, for whom life is largely dollar-denomi- retailer GNC have disappeared from shopping opers in Istanbul has risen in recent years to an nated. Fuel prices and private school fees, clothing centres in recent months. average of 22 years from 15-16, largely due to and electronics have all risen in price with the lira’s Aramco operating 220 rigs Retail spaces in some of Istanbul’s biggest exchange rate risk and uncertainty about rental decline, denting consumer sentiment. malls stand empty. “Since many brands have incomes, according to Hulusi Belgu, head of the Economic growth in the third quarter, the lat- KHOBAR: Oil and gas company Saudi are in operation,” he said. closed up stores one by one, people don’t notice Turkish Council of Shopping Centres (AYD). est data available, turned negative for the first Aramco is operating about 220 drilling rigs “Aramco can capitalize on low produc- it,” said Acar, who founded the cosmetics chain His association estimates that $53 billion has time in seven years and is forecast at just 3.2 per- thanks to continued investment in capacity tion costs to increase funding for these that bears his name in 1979 and has 76 stores been invested in the country’s 377 shopping malls cent for 2016, a far cry from the high single-digit despite low oil prices, Saudi Arabia’s energy ongoing investments from its own across Turkey. “In my 46-year career, it’s the first over the past few decades, 70 percent of it rates on which Erdogan built his reputation as minister told Sky News Arabia in a program resources, and they have absolutely not time I’m having trouble paying my rent, utilities financed through debt, much of it dollar and prime minister from 2003-14. “It’s crucial for retail- broadcast yesterday. been affected by the drop in prices.” and salaries. I’ve put all my income from other euro-denominated. There was “constant demand” ers to reduce the cost of rent during tumultuous Khalid Al-Falih, who is also chairman of In the past couple of years Aramco has businesses into this, I’ve increased capital but it from retailers to seek rent reductions because of times as the decline in sales puts a stress on our Aramco, said that continuous investment in saved on drilling costs by obtaining dis- isn’t enough. I’m not George Soros, this is it for the weaker lira, Belgu told Reuters, and mall devel- financials and rent is among the largest fixed costs drilling enables Saudi Arabia to offset the counts from oil field service companies and me.” Hundreds of malls sprung up across Turkey in opers - despite their own financial pressures - for our sector,” said Ahmet Can Tarkan, head of gradual decline in output from mature fields suppliers. Industry sources told Reuters last the past two decades, symbols of the rapid con- were having to do their best to help. Dilasima Group, a boutique fashion retailer. and that the kingdom is maintaining pro- year that Aramco was operating about 212 sumption-led growth that helped build President “In the end, the mall investors look at the rent Dilasima, which operates 43 stores in five cities, duction capacity at 12.5 million barrels per oil and gas rigs, a level it had kept steady Tayyip Erdogan’s reputation when he was prime to turnover ratios and act accordingly. We pull the imports Italian brands including MaxMara, Furla day. “We have not reduced the number of since 2015. That number did not include rigs minister from 2003-2014. rents to healthy ratios that allow (the retailers) to and Marella, meaning its cost of goods has risen in drilling rigs during the crisis. Around 220 rigs used to drill water wells. —Reuters But that growth has left structural weaknesses survive,” he said. lira terms, as well as its rents. — Reuters MONDAY, JANUARY 23, 2017 BUSINESS US stocks rise, dollar falls as Trump era begins

NEW YORK: US stocks rose and the dollar fell crete progress on that wish list. The S&P 500 America first. “Every decision on trade, on taxes, “The market wasn’t wild about it, per- the US and China,” said Kathy Lien of BK Friday as Donald Trump was officially sworn in as added 0.3 percent to finish the week slightly on immigration, on foreign affairs will be made haps a bit of a negative tone taken rather Asset Management. the president of the United States and Barack lower, while the Dow Jones Industrial Average to benefit American workers and American fami- than a positive tone,” said JJ Kinahan, chief “None of this is positive for the US Obama’s term ended. Trump’s inauguration rose 0.5 percent. “Right now, we can say that lies,” Trump said. “We must protect our borders market strategist at TD Ameritrade. dollar or the US economy.” Earlier, dominated a day that saw most major equity the stock market is in a deliberation phase, from the ravages of other countries making our Kinahan said the market is waiting for London’s benchmark FTSE 100 dipped markets rise as the long-telegraphed transfer of recognizing that the time has arrived for the products, stealing our companies, and destroy- concrete progress on tax reform and other 0.1 percent, while Frankfurt’s DAX 30 power in the world’s biggest economy finally legislative reality to live up to the hope of the ing our jobs.” key growth measures after rallying aggres- index won 0.3 percent and the Paris CAC took place. post-election rally; and knowing full well that Stocks cut their gains after the speech, sively after the election in anticipation of 40 gained 0.2 percent. Trump’s election sparked a massive US stock governing in this interconnected world is although they stayed in positive throughout the major change. rally in the six weeks that followed, amid expec- never as easy as campaigning in this intercon- afternoon. While analysts have cheered talk of “The market is always ‘What’s next?’” Chinese growth tations the new US president would enact pro- nected world,” said Briefing.com analyst tax cuts, they fear Trump could start a trade war. Kinahan said. “Until we see some imple- Ahead of Trump’s big day, markets were growth measures, such as tax cuts, public works Patrick O’Hare. Indeed, shortly after the ceremony, the White mentation plan, we’re going to continue cheered by data showing China’s economy spending and regulatory rollbacks. Adopting a populist and sometimes angry House announced plans to renegotiate the with this nervousness.” The dollar fell enjoyed its first growth pick-up in two However, markets have traded sideways tone in his inaugural address, Trump blasted North American Free Trade Agreement, and pull against the euro, pound and yen. Trump years. The Chinese economy expanded by over the last month as investors wait for con- international trade deals and promised to put out unless it gets a “fair deal.” has said the dollar is too high and is crimp- 6.8 percent in the final quarter of last year, ing American growth. the first improvement since the end of Trump also has lashed out at China over 2014. While China’s National Bureau of its currency and threatened tariffs on the Statistics welcomed the data, it stressed world’s second-biggest economy, raising that “the domestic and external conditions the possibility of a “new cold war between are still complicated and severe”. —AFP

NEW YORK: Fred DeMarco (left) and fellow traders work in their booth on the floor of the New York Stock Exchange. — AP MONDAY, JANUARY 23, 2017 business Welcome to Trumpland; but markets jittery NBK MONEY MARKETS REPORT

KUWAIT: The past ten US presidential terms In addition to May’s speech, Bank of likely to keep a positive mood towards the show that there is a tendency for markets to England chief economist and member of the overall manufacturing outlook and the main turn very optimistic and record gains at the Monetary Policy Committee Andy Haldane feature is evidence of a further increase in infla- end of the first 100 days of a new administra- admitted that the Bank was wrong on Brexit. tionary pressures. This will also keep the Fed tion; a period called the honeymoon of the Stating that If we were to look at how the stay on high alert over inflationary trends. president. British consumer performed in the course of Although there was no immediate evidence This time, as we went into Trump’s inaugu- last year, it’s almost as though the referendum that a stronger dollar has curbed inflationary ration, markets were rapidly disappointed by had not taken place. pressure, new orders index nonetheless could the speech of the new president that didn’t On the currency front, the US dollar index indicate some impact that is likely to grow if waste any time and directly invoked protec- opened the week at 101.47 and fell on the new administration adopt protectionist tionism and placing America first. The negative Tuesday to a one month low of 100.26, after policies and get into potential trade wars. tone of the speech came as a surprise to many Trump said the US dollar is too strong and a Moreover, the Philly Fed manufacturing analysts who expected a more uplifting mes- weak Chinese Yuan was negative for the outlook strengthened to a 24-month high, sage relative to the campaign rhetoric. Dollar. The major events of the end of the maintaining a confidence in the manufactur- Unemployment continues to drop yearly basis in the fourth quarter of 2016, This is why, for the moment, markets con- week didn’t help sending the dollar down to ing sector. Most manufacturers in the For the past few months, the UK Prime above market expectations and driving 2016 tinue to fade the two months old Trump rally close on Friday at 100.81. Philadelphia region expect business to be Minister allowed uncertainties around the growth to 6.7%, within the 6.5 to 7.0% range as a growing number of analysts have cau- Sterling Pound started the week deep into better six months from now. In summary, the trigger of Article 50 and the degree of the targeted by the government. Growth was tioned and voiced out that a trade war negative territory at a 3-month low of 1.1979 current manufacturing index accelerated sought separation from the EU. The subject mostly helped by internal consumption grow- between the US and its major trading partners against the dollar as fears of a hard Brexit from a revised reading of 19.7 in December matter was so confusing that many in other ing close to 10% on a yearly basis, whereas could be negative and likely to drag the global gained control of the market. However, May’s to 23.6 this month. Forty percent of the firms European capitals questioned whether Britain industrial production remained stable around economy into a major recession. speech on Tuesday helped remove markets’ reported increases in activity this month and would leave at all. 6%. Fixed-asset investment continued to be a Locally, with the US economy approaching uncertainties confusion, and helped squeeze 17% reported decreases. The general activity This week, May finally confirmed that Britain negative component of growth and further the Federal Reserve’s dual mandate of full out investors who were betting on another index has remained positive for six consecu- will leave the single market and the customs decelerated over the course of the year. employment and price stability, Fed collapse of the currency. The currency soared tive months. union, and will thus be able to negotiate its Meanwhile, retail sales rose 10.9% against Chairwoman Yellen cautioned this week almost by 2.6% the largest one day up move own trade deals with third party economies. 10.7% expected for December and industrial against allowing the US economy to run “hot”. since 2008 after Prime Minister Theresa May Draghi keeps the status quo Moreover, she expressed her wishes to wrap production grew 6.0% against expectations of With monetary policy still modestly accom- promised a parliamentary vote on Britain’s The European central bank stayed on the up the negotiations within the two years per- 6.1%. Nevertheless, the Chinese data released modative, she mentioned that the Fed should deal to leave the EU. The currency closed the sideline with its loose monetary policy on mitted by Article 50, launching the exit process failed to give a significant boost to commodity continue to raise interest rates slowly. “I think week at 1.2374. Thursday, with the refinancing rate at 0% and by the end of March. On the economic data, prices in the beginning of 2017. that allowing the economy to run markedly In the commodities complex, gold prices its deposit rate at minus 0.4%. The asset pur- cost of living in Britain soared to the highest According to Japan’s finance minister, the and persistently “hot” would be risky and rate in two-and-a-half years due to the pound’s country wants to communicate closely with unwise,” Yellen said. “I consider it prudent to 20% drop since the “Brexit” vote which contin- the new US administration under incoming adjust the stance of monetary policy gradually ues to push up costs in the UK. The Official fig- President Donald Trump in order to maintain over time,” she added. Regarding the labor ures for December showed the increase in air stability in currencies. Aso also stated that he market she said: “In the coming months, I fares, food prices and fuel costs all helped to won’t fret about every single currency move, expect some further strengthening in labor drive the CPI to 1.6% from November’s 1.2%. while adding that it was desirable for curren- market conditions as the economy continues Separate producer price inflation figures cies not to fluctuate wildly to expand at a moderate pace.” showed that the price of goods bought from In parallel, Bank of Japan deputy governor Yellen also suggested that the idea to factories rose 2.7% in December compared Nakaso also spoke this week stating that while expand the US economy with fiscal stimulus is with a year ago, as manufacturers started to the Japanese financial system remains stable, preferable when there is more slack in the pass on the higher input costs to their cus- he reiterated that the responsibility of the cen- labor force. A fiscal support by President tomers. Furthermore, the prices paid by facto- tral banks was to ensure that its monetary poli- Donald trump could boost demand for work- ries for raw materials and energy jumped by cy action does not destabilize international ers in areas where labor is already tight. That in 15.8% over the year, the largest increase since financial system. He also mentioned that it was turn, could fuel inflation, force the Federal September 2011. In conclusion, it is likely that important to monitor, analyze carefully the Reserve to raise rates faster than expected, and the UK starts to feel the overall economic dollar funding environment of non-US banks increase the probability of another recession impact of Brexit in 2017 with the rising infla- as an area of potential vulnerability of the In parallel, the events in Europe did not pro- tion fuelled by a weaker currency and higher global economy. vide any market excitement as the ECB left energy prices. Add on this the Brexit negotia- Finally, Bank of Japan Governor Haruhiko interest rates unchanged as expected with tions, this year is likely to test the UK econom- Kuroda said that the prospects of faster US Draghi’s statement and press conference after ic resilience. growth may push up the dollar, and he offered the announcement sent initially the Euro lower Despite the ongoing uncertainties, an upbeat view on the world economy, dis- despite him saying that he didn’t want to get November was another strong month for the missing concerns that protectionism could drawn into the currency race to the bottom. labor market in the UK with unemployment spread and undermine global trade. According His tone was however dovish with no mention rate remaining for a third consecutive month to Kuroda, “growth in the US.” economy is likely of tapering. The currency losses were later at its lowest level for more than a decade at to accelerate this year and next year, and price pared as markets digested what was said and started the week around the $1,200 level surg- chases will persist at EUR 80 billion a month 4.8%. The number of individuals in the work inflation may rise somewhat. All of this may realized that not much had changed. Perhaps ing to a 40-day high of $1,218.64 on Tuesday until the end of March and then at EUR 60 bil- force however has also fallen for a second make interest rates rise and the dollar might Trump’s statement that the “Strong dollar is after US President-Elect Donald Trump com- lion a month from April to December, or consecutive report, the first back-to-back fall also appreciate.” killing us”, also incited investors to move out of plained about a strong dollar. Gold prices beyond, if necessary. The central bank sets its since mid-2015. In three months to On the exchange rate, he mentioned that the Dollar even with Yellen remaining on the remain supported into the New Year on the policy with the goal of reaching an inflation November, unemployment decreased by “exchange rate movement is very difficult to hawkish side. back of numerous uncertainties surrounding rate close to 2%. It has missed this goal for 52,000 to 1.6 million. predict. You cannot say anything definite On a different sensitive topic as of late, the global affairs. nearly four years and its own predictions see because exchange rates are affected by so UK Prime Minister May stated this week that it still missing that goal in 2019. But inflation China’s GDP grows many factors, not just interest rates and eco- the country “cannot possibly” remain within Manufacturing indices has started to rebound, hitting 1.1% in China’s economic growth slightly increased nomic growth.” the European single market, as staying in The general business conditions for the December, the fastest rate of growth since for the first time in two years in the final quar- Finally, Kuroda dismissed concerns that would mean not leaving the EU at all. The state of New York retreated from an 8-month September 2013. ter of 2016, supported by government spend- incoming US President Donald Trump’s policies speech confirmed the Government’s intention high of 7.6 in December to 6.5 in January as The German economic sentiment bright- ing and cheap credit, giving the country some and European elections this year could trigger to pull out of the single market when Britain American factories activity have been pres- ened at the start of the year and improved to breathing room heading into what is expected a global tide of protectionism and hurt world leaves the EU, ending months of uncertainty sured by weaker global demand, a strong dol- its highest level in seven months in January, to be a volatile 2017. trade. “Most countries, including the G7 and and confusion following the June referendum. lar that makes US goods more expensive although the data was less than what analysts Despite the better than expected fourth- G20 major economies are strongly committed With her speech, May finally pulled the plug abroad and an energy rout that has led oil-sec- expected. The slight increase is attributed to quarter supported by a massive wave of gov- to promoting global trade, and so can help with a 12-point plan for leaving the EU, two tor firms to slash budgets. Shipments and new the improved economic situation across the ernment stimulus, debt and low interest rates, prevent protectionism from spreading.” months before she pulls the two-year exit trig- orders remained positive on the other side and European continent. In details, the German it is still the sixth successive year the economy Kuwait ger Article 50. She also announced parliament inventories edged higher for the first time in economic sentiment rose to 16.6 points in has slowed and the lowest annual GDP growth Kuwaiti dinar at 0.30515 would get to vote on the final deal agreed more than a year. January from 13.8 in December versus a fore- recorded in 26 years. The USDKWD opened at 0.30515 yesterday between the UK and the EU. Although disappointing, the overall data is cast of 18.9. In details, the economy grew 6.8% on a morning. 98% of MENA respondents plan on looking for new jobs in 2017 Bayt.com ‘Career Prospects in Middle East’ poll

DUBAI: With the New Year comes a new outlook they will spend more time looking for jobs more career opportunities and better profes- on career prospects and goals for many profes- online in 2017. sional development strategies,” Said Suhail sionals in the Middle East. A new Bayt.com poll For those looking for new employment Masri, VP Employer Solutions, Bayt.com. “The called, ‘Career Prospects in the Middle East’ opportunities, 53.2 percent say that they will fact that 83.7 percent of respondents will revealed that 98 percent of respondents plan on look for career opportunities in 2017 using spend more time searching for jobs online and looking for a new job in 2017 - and nearly all of online job sites and other methods, while 29.8 that the majority will be using online job sites them (95.1 percent) feel more prepared and percent will exclusively use online job sites. over any other search method, highlight the qualified to apply for jobs this year than they Less than one in 10 respondents will use com- value that Bayt.com offers to the region’s pro- were in 2016. panies’ websites (7.1 percent), personal net- fessionals. We have witnessed a tremendous Reflecting on their careers in 2016, four in ten works (6.4 percent), or social media (3.5 per- growth in the number of professionals who use (40.9 percent) respondents feel satisfied with cent) for finding jobs. Bayt.com to access the career tools and infor- their career growth during the past year, and When it comes to location preferences, nearly mation they need. In fact, job seekers in 2017 more than half (52.7 percent) of respondents say nine in ten (87.2 percent) respondents say that are able to have daily access to over 10,000 jobs that they stuck to the career resolutions they they want to work in the Gulf region in 2017. announced on Bayt.com. Our poll points to the made last year. Overall, the majority of respon- Along with the high optimism and proactive increased efforts on the job seeker side and we dents are feeling good about the year ahead. planning, there are some barriers that job seek- will soon be revealing the region’s hiring poten- When asked to describe how they feel, more ers acknowledge. The main barriers that hold tial in the bi-annual Bayt.com Middle East Job than half (55.6 percent) used the word “positive”, respondents back from achieving their career Index survey.” and another fifth (18.5 percent) used the word goals are a lack of growth opportunities (27.7 Data for the 2017 Bayt.com ‘Career Prospects Etihad Airways to increase “excited”. percent), a lack of funding (22.6 percent), a lack in the Middle East’ poll was collected online of experience (14.5 percent), poor company from December 10, 2016 to January 13, 2017. Maldives frequency during High optimism for career growth management (14.3 percent), a lack of work-life Results are based on a sample of 9,934 respon- More than two thirds (68.2 percent) of balance (10.9 percent), too much competition dents. Countries that participated are the UAE, respondents claim that they do their have (5.1 percent), and fear of failure (4.9 percent). Algeria, Egypt, Jordan, Kuwait, Lebanon, summer season career goals ready for 2017. What’s more, nearly “It is evident that job seekers in the MENA Morocco, Oman, Tunisia, Qatar, KSA, Yemen, nine in ten (88.5 percent) state that they are region are determined and inspired to seek and Others ABU DHABI: Etihad Airways yesterday will be established from markets such as likely to achieve their career goals in 2017, with announced four additional weekly Edinburgh, Jeddah, Madrid, Moscow six in ten (61.9 percent) stating that they are flights on the popular Abu Dhabi - Male and Zurich. Over the past five years, “very likely” to do so. route, increasing frequency to the idyllic Etihad Airways has carried more than MENA professionals have their goals set high Maldives to 11 services a week between 450,000 passengers on the route, with for the year ahead, with nine in ten (89.5 per- 1 July and 17 September 2017. The the majority travelling to the Maldives cent) respondents stating that they’ll have more capacity increase will cater to high from Abu Dhabi, the GCC and key job responsibilities in 2017 and almost the same demand during the peak summer sea- European markets. amount (85.3 percent) claiming that they will son. The announcement comes as the The Maldives is the ultimate honey- start taking more initiative at work. More than Abu Dhabi-based airline completed five moon and leisure destination, with Male nine in ten (91.9 percent) claim that they will years of operations to the Maldives. being the gateway to the premium dedicate more time for training and develop- The summer expansion will be sup- leisure destination. Etihad Airways is a ment. As for those who will remain in their cur- ported by a two-class A320 aircraft key contributor to the Maldivian econo- rent position, three quarters (75.5 percent) of operating the route, with 16 Business my, supporting the vibrant tourism and respondents feel very optimistic about getting a and 120 Economy seats. The four extra fishing industries. raise this year, and nearly the same amount flights each week will provide more Etihad Airways launched daily sched- (74.8 percent) feel very optimistic about getting options for local passengers travelling uled flights between the capital cities of promoted in 2017. between Abu Dhabi and Male with an the United Arab Emirates and the early morning arrival into the Maldives Maldives on 1 November 2011. Finding more jobs online islands. The additional flights will operate For a majority (58.6 percent) of respondents, Overall connectivity to and from key every Thursday, Friday, Saturday and finding a new job is at the top of their list of destinations in the GCC and Europe will Sunday between 1 July and 17 career goals, followed by improving skills and increase and, new two-way connectivity September 2017. productivity (22.5 percent). To reach these goals, more than eight in ten (83.7 percent) claim that JAKARTA: Employees of bakery prepare for business in Jakarta on Saturday. — AFP MONDAY, JANUARY 23, 2017 business KIB ushers in a diverse social responsibility program in 2016

KUWAIT: Since inception, Kuwait International Bank (KIB) embark on the holy pilgrimage to Holy Makkah, gifting them its efforts in this area, KIB offered its strategic sponsorship to Symposium; Training Gate International’s special event com- has been committed to an all-encompassing social responsi- the Bank’s annual Hajj and Umra Guide. Al-Sidra Association for the Psychological Care of Cancer memorating the International Day of Persons with Disabilities; bility philosophy, reflecting the Bank’s long-standing dedica- Patients and its silver sponsorship to the “Diabetes Challenge Safira CSR Company’s “Expand Your Successes: Common tion to humanitarianism and corporate citizenship. However, Students and youth Trip,” organized by the Blue Circle volunteer group, in addi- Factors of Successful Women” Conference; the Kuwait it was the Bank’s transformation to a Sharia-compliant bank Speaking about KIB’s commitment to supporting youth tion to sponsoring the Ahmadi School Program for Oral Corporate Social Responsibility Conference & Exhibition; the in 2007 that ushered in a completely new era for its social and students, Najia said that the Bank supports countless Health. Furthermore, KIB regularly hosts the Blood Bank’s Fifth Arabian Social Media Exhibition; the 14th Fireman’s Day responsibility program. youth-focused initiatives. Amongst its many efforts in this mobile unit at its head offices, in an effort to encourage its Carnival; the Ideal Mother Award for mothers with disabled Given its position as a leading national financial institution, area in 2016, KIB offered its support to the Public Relations staff to donate blood. children; and the United Gulf Traffic Week, which took place KIB has always believed that it has an important duty to fulfill Club at Gulf University of Science and Technology (GUST), and under the title “Your Decision Determines your Destiny”. towards its local community. In 2016, the Bank focused on sponsored a number of graduation projects developed by Supporting Kuwait’s champions Demonstrating its pride in its national identity and her- implementing a comprehensive and integrated social respon- students from the College of Engineering and Petroleum at With a wealth of talent and creativity in Kuwait, KIB seeks itage, KIB also focused heavily on supporting and sponsoring sibility strategy, covering a number of key areas, including: Kuwait University. In line with its commitment to support to support and nurture talented individuals across all fields national events. To commemorate National and Liberation religion, humanitarianism, social programs, philanthropy, young national talents and university graduates in their pro- and sectors, enabling them to prosper and play an active role Days, KIB distributed special gifts to people born on February sports, environment, healthcare, nationalism, culture and fessional development, KIB also participated in several job in building the country’s future. In 2016, KIB honored inventor 25th and 26th. education. According to Nawaf Najia, Manager of the and student fairs. Additionally, KIB supported the “My Engineer Mubarak Taher, who received an international Corporate Communications Unit, KIB remains committed to Business” entrepreneurial program for students, organizing patent for his system, “The Dynamic Network for Oil & Gas Employees...partners in success not only providing the best financial solutions, but also the training programs for its participants which sought to intro- Production”. The Bank also supported motorcycle champion, KIB believes that its employees are its greatest assets. From best social initiatives and community programs that truly duce them to the banking sector in general, and the inner Nasser Al-Khadra, who took part in numerous local and inter- honoring its outstanding employees to maintaining a rolling serve all segments of the community. workings of Islamic banks specifically. national tournaments, and Jet Ski champion, Abdullah Al calendar of training programs for staff, KIB dedicates a huge Fadel, who took part in the King’s Cup World Jet Ski portion of its social responsibility program to its internal pop- Religious initiatives Promoting a culture of sports Championship in Thailand. Furthermore, KIB sponsored the ulation. Within this vein, KIB sustains a full calendar of social KIB is committed to organizing and supporting religious As the saying goes “healthy mind, healthy body”, and KIB Kuwaiti showjumping team featuring jockeys Ghazi Al Juraei, events and programs throughout the year for its staff, includ- programs and initiatives, which seek to promote and has always believed in the importance of promoting a culture Ahmad Al-Mudaheka, Abdullah Hamadah and Ahmad Al- ing the Bank’s Ghabqa during the holy month of Ramadan. strengthen Islamic values, principles and morals across soci- of fitness and sports throughout society. Within this context, Ansari, who competed internationally under the Bank’s name. ety. According to Najia, this year KIB developed a compre- Najia noted that KIB invested significant efforts and resources Well-deserved recognition hensive social responsibility program during the holy month in 2016 to help foster and support a number of local sporting Fostering connections with children and the elderly Concluding his statement, Najia pointed out that the of Ramadan, which led to it being honored by Al-Manaber talents. Within this context, the Bank sponsored the late As part of the Bank’s all-encompassing social responsibility numerous prestigious national and international awards that Al-Quaraniya Society. The Bank’s program included the Adullah Mishari Al-Roudan’s indoor football tournament dur- program, Najia noted that KIB devotes special attention to the KIB received in 2016 have served as a great source of motiva- launch of a Ramadan campaign under the title “Al Dawli ing Ramadan for the fifth consecutive year, in addition to elderly and children. Throughout the year, KIB seeks to cele- tion, driving the Bank towards greater achievements in the #Weyak” - highlighting KIB’s commitment to remaining close sponsoring the late Jassim Al-Sharhan Ramadan football tour- brate special occasions with these two segments, organizing future. KIB received the “Best Banking Vision” Award from CPI to both its customers and its employees. The Bank also nament, the Flair Fitness Competition at GUST and the Pink visits to special needs children and seniors, hospital patients, Financial, reaffirming the Bank’s leading position within the focused on highlighting the key social values associated Steps Ladies Walkathon organized by Cancer Aware Nation the Bank’s children’s account customers, children at the Islamic banking sector. KIB was also honored at the 15th cere- with Ramadan through its “Weyak” TV commercial. Najia fur- (CAN). KIB also focuses on promoting sports amongst its Kuwait Orphanage and residents of the Elderly Care Center. mony recognizing excellence in labor nationalization policies ther added that KIB is committed to reinforcing the values of employees, encouraging its employees to participate in sever- in the private sector across the GCC. Furthermore, in recogni- generosity within the community, organizing daily Iftar al national sports tournaments. National and social events tion of its commitment to its corporate citizenship, KIB meals and distributing food packages to families in need Najia also pointed out that KIB is committed to supporting received the Corporate Social Responsibility Excellence Award throughout the holy month. A healthier future for the community activities that stimulate national and social development. In from the Arab Organization for Corporate Social KIB is also a strong advocate of teaching Quran to young As a strong advocate of healthy living, KIB is dedicated to 2016, the Bank sponsored and supported a number of lead- Responsibility, the Corporate Social Responsibility Award generations, organizing a number of Quran recitation compe- promoting health consciousness and general well-being ing national social events, including: the Hala Ramadan 2016 from Banker Middle East, and the “My Ambition Social titions for students and children of its employees. across all segments of the community in Kuwait. Najia said Exhibition, supporting successful local youth initiatives; Light Responsibility Award” at the “My Ambition Defeats My Additionally, KIB sought to celebrate the annual Haj season; that the Bank adopts a holistic approach in supporting lead- Expo, an event for young female entrepreneurs and small Disability” Conference, the latter in acknowledgement of its visiting Haj delegations as well as customers who were set to ing local healthcare organizations and initiatives. As part of business projects; the 5th Tmkeen Youth Empowerment efforts to support the special needs community in Kuwait.

Al-Tijari announces winners Barclays reinforces growth of Al-Najma Account draw ambitions throughout 2017 KUWAIT: Commercial Bank of Kuwait Quarterly draws to win great prizes held the Al Najma Account daily draw that would start from KD 100,000 to KD yesterday. The draw was held under the 250,000 Three new senior bankers appointed in MENA supervision of the Ministry of Commerce 1ST QUARTER — KD 100,000, & Industry represented by Abdulaziz 2ND QUARTER — KD 150,000, Ashkanani. 3RD QUARTER — KD 200,000, KUWAIT: Barclays announced yesterday the ambitions in MENA through offering global 4TH QUARTER — KD 250,000. appointment of three new senior bankers in expertise at a local level, therefore blending The winners of the Al-Najma daily With Al-Najma you have more its Wealth and Investment Management divi- global investment insights with local client draw are: chances to win greater prizes: sion for Middle East and North Africa (MENA). needs. They will also highlight our ‘Integrated Nouf Mubarak Al Hajeri — KD 7000, • Each KD 25 kept in your account Antoine Roger Chemali and David Stephan Banking Model’ adopted in the region to enable Eid Habib Zaghtot — KD 7000, gives you one chance to win both join Barclays Wealth and Investment our client base to access and leverage Barclays’ Burhanuddin Akbar Ali Texi — KD 7000, • Each KD 25 kept in your account for Management division as directors, while global capabilities and reach in corporate and Darakshan Yakub Mohammed Yakub one week will give you a chance to enter Owen Dayson joins as a Vice President. All investment banking.” — KD 7000, the daily draw. three bankers will cover MENA with the spe- Antoine started his career in Paris at Najeeb Mohammad Al-Dhubaib • Each KD 25 kept in your account for cific objective of extending Barclays Wealth Deutsche Bank and CIC Private Bank Group as a — KD 7000, 3 months will give you chance to enter and Investment Management presence across portfolio manager and international private Al-Najma awards are now brighter the quarterly draw. the region. banker, before moving to BNP-Paribas and then and bigger than ever With the revamped The appointments underscore Barclays’ Gatehouse Bank in London as an investment Al-Najma account, all your dreams will Additional features: strong growth ambitions in the MENA region banker covering the Middle East. He joined be turned to reality. On top of offering • ATM card and reinforce its position as a priority market for HSBC Private Bank in 2011 to focus on the Saudi the highest daily prize in Kuwait for KD • Issue a credit card against your the group in 2017. Barclays is seeking to further Arabian market servicing high and ultra-high net 7,000, now our Mega prize draws got account expand its team in the Wealth and Investment worth individuals out of London in complex bigger to reach KD 250,000. • Obtain all CBK banking services Management division in the MENA region wealth solutions and portfolio management. The new prizes scheme for Al- You deserve to win! Open an account throughout the year. David started his banking career at American Najma account: now with just KD 500 and you will enter Commenting on the Bank’s growth strategy Express Bank in New York before moving to Daily draw to win KD 7000 all draws. in the region, Cedric Lizin, Head of Middle East London in 2000. He joined HSBC in 2004 and and Africa, Barclays Wealth and Investment Cedric Lizin progressed to Director of Private Wealth Management, said: “Our ambition throughout Solutions, focusing on ultra-high net worth 2017 is to further strengthen Barclays’ award- team across the MENA region while adopting a Middle Eastern families. winning Wealth and Investment Management more focused approach to providing clients with Owen Dayson started his career in the early division in MENA, thus offering clients world bespoke financial solutions.” 2000’s as a Financial Advisor working in both the class service and advice while providing them He added: “We are delighted that Antoine, UK and Hong Kong. Most recently, he has spe- with the opportunity to access the entire David and Owen, in conjunction with our exist- cialized in managing substantial high and ultra- breadth of Barclays global capabilities. With ing teams, will be able to use their experience to high net worth client portfolios in KSA and other these hires, Barclays continues to expand its accelerate Barclays’ efforts towards achieving its countries across the region. Nigeria’s aviation sector hits turbulence

LAGOS: Nigeria may consider itself a regional For John Ojikutu, an aviation security consult- export crude and import petroleum products aviation hub but years of mismanagement and ant, most Nigerian airlines run their businesses because of a lack of domestic refining capacity. now recession have blighted domestic airline like a grocery store. “They just want to make The fall in the price of crude on international operations, making delays and cancellations profit,” he told AFP. markets has seen the naira currency lose value the norm. The result is airlines in Nigeria generally have against the dollar and Nigerian banks no longer Industry experts say the sector needs a fun- a short life span: in 35 years more than 40 opera- have enough liquidity. Foreign airlines such as damental overhaul, pointing to opaque man- tors have gone bust, including Nigeria Airways, United and Iberia have stopped flights to agement practices, rampant corruption and risks which collapsed in 2003. Nigeria because of difficulties in repatriating for passengers from security and dilapidated profits in dollars. infrastructure. Dollar shortage In September last year, members of the Arik Air, which has a 60 percent share of Ojikutu said the airlines are heavily in debt House of Representatives asked the government domestic flights and is the country’s biggest pri- and “taking advantage” of the country. “People to declare a state of emergency in the aviation vate carrier, has found itself increasingly in the are... operating without paying the fuel mar- sector, saying 160,000 jobs were at risk. firing line of disgruntled passengers. keters, without paying their staff, without paying Lawmakers also called for an investigation Earlier this month, irate passengers beat up for the services they’re given (insurance, mainte- into the alleged misappropriation of 120 billion Burgan Bank announces one of its executives at Lagos international air- nance),” he said. naira (357 million euros) of public funds in 2012 port after the third consecutive cancellation of “If they are not making profit, the question is meant to modernize the sector. winners of Yawmi account their flight to Johannesburg. In December, Arik what do they really do with all this money?... operations were grounded by a 24-hour strike They are selling tickets every day. “As long as we Airport closure KUWAIT: Burgan Bank announced yester- For more information on opening a by employees demanding the payment of seven don’t have a strong, credible, independent regu- Two years ago, the Nigerian state got on the day the names of the lucky winners of its Yawmi account or about the new quarterly months arrears in salary. latory agency we cannot have a viable aviation board of several airlines, including Arik and Aero, Yawmi account draw, each taking home a draw, customers are urged to visit their There was no response from Arik when asked industry in this country.” through its Asset Management Corporation of prize of KD 5,000. nearest Burgan Bank branch and receive to comment on the situation by AFP. In their defence, the airlines blame a lack of Nigeria. But according to Ojikutu, no serious The lucky winners for the daily draws all the details, or simply call the bank’s Call Other domestic operators are struggling. foreign currency that has left them unable to audit has been carried out to evaluate the real took home a cash-prize of KD 5,000 each, Center at 1804080 where customer service Aero Contractors, the second biggest carrier, pay fuel suppliers or, in some cases, landing financial situation of the companies. and they are: representatives will be delighted to assist stopped services for four months at the end of charges at airports outside Nigeria. Nigeria is “Funders and banks may have been too 1. Fahad Bader Ibrahim Malak with any questions on the Yawmi account last year because of “serious financial difficulties”. one of Africa’s main oil producers but is forced to lenient in granting credit to Nigerian airlines for 2. Zenab Bader Hedar Saraj or any of the bank’s products and services. excessive expansion on the basis that somehow 3. Yousif Obaid Hmoud Al-Enezi Established in 1977, Burgan Bank is the government (or AMCON) will step in to protect 4. Owayed Mohsen Sameer Alsulaili youngest commercial Bank and second banks from failing due to non-performing loans 5. Ahmad Abdullah Ibraheem Al- largest by assets in Kuwait, with a signifi- to airlines,” added Joachim Vermooten, an expert Faylakawi cant focus on the corporate and financial in transport economics at the University In addition to the daily draw, Burgan institutions sectors, as well as having a Johannesburg. Bank also offers a Quarterly Draw with growing retail, and private bank customer Another major challenge is upgrading ageing more chances to win higher rewards, enti- base. Burgan Bank has majority owned infrastructure which cannot handle the millions tling one lucky customer to win KD subsidiaries in the MENAT region support- of passengers who now travel every day 125,000 every three months. The Yawmi ed by one of the largest regional branch through Nigerian airports. Account offers Daily and quarterly Draws, networks. From early March for example, the airport in the Quarterly Draw requires customers to The Bank has continuously improved Abuja will close for six weeks for major resurfac- maintain a minimum amount of KD 500 in its performance over the years through an ing work on the only runway serving the federal their account for 2 months prior to draw expanded revenue structure, diversified capital. The runway, which was built in 1982 with date. Additionally, every KD 10 in the funding sources, and a strong capital a life span of 20 years, is now “completely gone” account, will entitle customers to one base. The adoption of state-of-the-art and “unsafe for operation”, according to the avia- chance of winning. If the account balance services and technology has positioned it tion minister Hadi Sirika. is KD 500 and above, the account holder as a trendsetter in the domestic market “The entire structure of the runway has will be qualified for both the quarterly and and within the MENA region. Burgan failed,” he has said. Passengers for Abuja will daily draws. Bank’s brand has been created on a foun- have to land at Kaduna, some 200 kilometers to Burgan Bank encourages everyone to dation of real values - of trust, commit- the north, and transit to the capital by bus on a open a Yawmi account and/or increase ment, excellence and progression, to road known for frequent kidnappings. The air- their deposit to maximize their chances to remind us of the high standards to which port closure is the talk of Abuja, underlining not becoming a winner. The more customers we aspire. ‘People come first’ is the foun- just Nigeria’s reliance on air transport but the deposit, the higher the chances they dation on which its products and services lack of a viable alternative. — AFP receive of winning. are developed. MONDAY, JANUARY 23, 2017 TECHNOLOGY Singapore 2G switch-off highlights digital divide

SINGAPORE: When Singapore pulls the firm Ovum, told AFP. Japan and South can contact people,” he told AFP. plug on its 2G mobile phone network this Korea and US telecom giant AT&T have Sahadat, 26, another Bangladeshi work- year, thousands of people could be stuck already shut down their 2G networks and er, who goes by one name, said he was without a signal - digital have-nots left Australia is set to stop the service in worried he would not be able to afford a behind by the relentless march of technol- September. Singapore recently banned the 3G phone to make his daily call to hear his ogy. From technophobic pensioners to sale of 2G-only mobile phones and new one-year-old son say “Papa”. The cheapest cash-strapped migrant workers, some prepaid SIM cards no longer work on 2G 3G-enabled phones ranged from Sg$35 to 140,000 people in highly-wired Singapore handsets. Sg$99 ($25 to $70) in local phone shops. still use the city-state’s second generation But globally, 2G is not set to vanish, Normal voice calls and text messages on (2G) network and cheap, robust handsets. even as the number of smartphones is pro- 2G and 3G networks cost the same. For First rolled out in 1994 - when playing jected to soar from four billion last year to others devotees of 2G, it is the simplicity of Snake was the pinnacle of mobile enter- some six billion by 2020, according to IHS the solid, old handsets that is the main sell- tainment - 2G has long been superseded Markit data. By 2021, 2G will still account ing point, and 80-year-old retiree Tan Ah technologically, with new gold standard 5G for some 11 percent of total mobile sub- Phong said he is dreading the April dead- offering lightning fast connectivity for a scriptions worldwide - mostly in Africa and line. “We only need phones to make calls,” generation used to streaming movies and Latin America, analyst Moon said. he said. “Just looking at the number of TV directly to phones. Singapore, which has “Affordability is the major factor driving functions on a lot of phones nowadays one of the world’s highest rates of smart- continued use,” he said, adding that the gives me a headache.” phone penetration, plans to turn off 2G in longer battery life and durability of 2G SINGAPORE: This photograph taken on Jan 17, 2017 shows an elderly man dis- Lee Soo Eng, 86, says her daughter gave April in order to re-allocate scarce radio fre- handsets was also important. playing his 2G mobile phone. — AFP her a touchscreen smartphone two quency spectrum and meet surging con- months ago but she regrets giving up her sumer demand for high-speed data. ‘Use a payphone’ family back home. “This is really their con- phones to help affected laborers. 2G device. “At this age, my memory is not “It makes sense for a market like In wealthy Singapore, those most nection to the rest of the world,” said Bangladeshi construction worker Roshid good, so I keep forgetting how to unlock it Singapore as operators need more capaci- affected by the shift are likely to be the Debbie Fordyce of migrant worker welfare Mamunun said his three-year-old Nokia or use it to call,” she said. “When I need to ty for data services,” Charles Moon, an ana- city’s migrant worker population, who rely group Transient Workers Count Too, which handset was all he could afford. “I can talk contact anybody, I will just use a public lyst with information technology research on cheap 2G phones to stay in touch with is asking the public to donate old 3G my family, I can call them, if I need help, I payphone,” she said. — AFP India eyes AI as cyber warfare threats grow

NEW DELHI: In the darkened offices of a tech start-up, a handful of computer engineers sifts through a mountain of intelligence data that would normally be the work of a small army of Indian security agents. “We use artificial intelli- gence (AI) to look for patterns in the past to pre- dict future behavior,” says Tarun Wig as he explains why he hopes his company Innefu can do more business with India’s government. “Cyber warfare isn’t a movie, it’s happening right now.... We lost out on the industrial revolution, we lost out on the defence revolution - let’s not lose out in the cyber revolution.” While other countries have long relied on AI to gather intelligence, India - sometimes seem- BASMA Media launches ingly addicted to paperwork - has continued to use agents to eyeball reams of data gathered maiden digital platform over the years. It’s a process that sucks up time and can often miss crucial information. India DUBAI: BASMA Media launched a one-of- ment that will revolutionize traditional has been in three wars with its neighbors since a-kind specialized media platform that approaches and meet the changing para- independence and the target of numerous provides innovative digital solutions cov- digms of media landscape in the digital cross-border attacks, including in 2008 when ering all media sectors across the world. age”. Further, he extended his thanks to the Pakistan-based extremists killed more than 160 ‘OMNESmedia.com’ is a unique state-of- honorable attendees who added value to people in Mumbai. the-art socio-informative Web Portal that the launch ceremony by their presence, Now the threat from cyber attacks is growing empowers all parties concerned with the urging them to access the website and and its vulnerability has been exposed. Some NEW DELHI: In this photograph taken on Dec 13, 2016, Abhishek Sharma (left) and Tarun Wig, media industry, including advertisers, PR share their views and feedback. 22,000 pages of data related to submarines that founders of Indian IT security solutions company Innefu Labs speak during an interview at professionals and others to connect, BASMA Media CEO Nasser Al-Sarami a French government-owned company was their offices. — AFP measure and reach their objectives underlined the paramount importance of building for the Indian navy were leaked to the Its newest offering Prophecy is modelled on fare programs for the Indian army. But most of through one single platform that caters to the new portal in creating a common media last year. Opposition leader Rahul products made by Palantir Technologies, a pri- this is still at the laboratory stage, experts say. all kinds of media, marketing and adverto- ground for collaborative interaction Gandhi’s Twitter account was hacked in vate security firm whose founders include rial requirements. between different media organs that fulfills November while the elite National Security Paypal co-founder Peter Thiel and whose clien- AI laggards The launch ceremony was held at the respective business requirements of all Guard’s website was reportedly defaced with tele includes the CIA and the FBI. “Prophecy is “It’s expensive and our society is not used to Joharah Ballroom, Madinet Jumeirah, media sectors. profanity-laden messages for Prime Minister like an octopus with multiple tentacles that pulls automated decision-making,” Jiten Jain, chief of Dubai, in the presence of Sheikh Sultan Bin He commented: “The new platform shall Narendra Modi last month. “Our idea starting out data from multiple places,” said Innefu co- Indian Infosec Consortium, an industry body, told Ahmed Al Qasimi, Chairman of BASMA redefine the mechanism at work in the was that if the next war is fought on cyber, we founder Abhishek Sharma. While the use of AI is AFP. “We’re still used to manual and human deci- Media. Also attending the event were top media scene by providing professional, need our own weapons,” said Wig as he talks commonplace elsewhere in Asia, it is still in its sion-making.” Subimal Bhattacharjee, a cyber national and international media execu- sophisticated and modern tools that meet through software developed for India’s needs. infancy in India. security expert, said India had been caught off tives, decision-makers, content creators, PR the growing needs of different media About 75 percent of respondents to a recent guard by the need to upscale its use of AI. “We & communication experts and professionals organizations. This will be well-orchestrated Octopus tentacles survey by consulting firm EY India said cyberse- are definitely laggards in comparison to China and businessmen, in addition to a large through an integrated strategy that utilizes Innefu got a foot in the lucrative business of curity deployed in their organizations does not and South Korea and the US,” he said. Innefu number of journalists and reporters from the media services provided by decision government contracts after resolving a thorny meet their needs, pointing to big opportunities operates from the eighth floor of a nondescript UAE and different parts of the Arab world. makers and major media entities.” test case for a law enforcement agency that for companies such as Innefu. Although Innefu is Delhi commercial complex that houses chartered In his inaugural address, Sheikh Sultan Al He elaborated: “OMNESmedia.com rep- wanted to determine the background to an inci- the only Indian company known to specialize in accountants and eateries. Its windows are dark- Qasimi said: “OMNESmedia.com is the maid- resents an innovative platform that meets dent along one of India’s borders. The agency national security, other Indian companies such ened with thick black paper, while clusters of en step in our ambitious quest for excel- the requirements and fulfills the aspirations handed over two CDs with about 1,500 intelli- as Arya.ai and Haptik are also tapping what wires sprout from walls adorned with photos of lence that started since the establishment of ambitious young people seeking a career gence documents, including social media snip- should be a lucrative market. goddess Lakshmi, the purveyor of wealth. of BASMA Media. The launch of the portal in the media field by updating them on a pets, such as posts on planned protests. Innefu Banks have started to use AI to target prod- But despite its humble surroundings, it is con- represents a significant milestone that will regular basis on all relevant job openings had to train the machine to read the agency’s ucts to customers and doctors are using it in a fident an ongoing trial of Prophecy will lead to create an optimal environment for commu- and matches.” language, including abbreviations, and then couple of experiments to map a patient’s med- more business with India’s security services - nication, bringing together all segments of Furthermore, he added that the website began extracting information on what hap- ical history in order to devise new lines of treat- whom Wig expects to be naturally inclined to go the media industry under one platform.” provides its members with the possibility of pened, who were the main players and how they ment. Work is also underway to create a system local. “You can’t really trust such sensitive data He added: “After diligent work and tire- developing a “favorites” list for their regular interacted with each other. that can act as a backbone for all electronic war- with foreign companies,” said Wig. — AFP less efforts to turn a big dream into reality, contacts as well as the option to send invi- an in-depth studyconducted through spe- tations for others to join the website and cialized expertise of the Arab and global get in contact with industry peers and col- Digital Shadows strengthens its media industry, has fructified into the devel- leagues. This list will streamline liaising, opment of first-of-their-kind digital solu- improve communications and strengthen tions. These solutions will be represented in interrelations between media professionals. a unique platform conducive to identifying Sarami concluded by expressing hope that team of advisors with veterans the requirements of this vital sector through ‘OMNESmedia.com’ would truly add signifi- cutting-edge digitization technologies.” cant value and prove to be an innovative DUBAI: Digital Shadows today announced that sev- Sheikh Sultan Al-Qasimi also termed the asset to the media industry at this critical eral leading cybersecurity luminaries including Art new website a “groundbreaking develop- phase of fundamental change. Coviello, Tim Belcher, Jim Bandanza, Dr Srinivas Mantripragada and Ian Cook have joined the com- pany’s advisors as the business heads into its sixth Small businesses underestimate year of operation. ‘We are excited to welcome such respected Security figures to help Digital Shadows threats of irresponsible employees as it enters the next phase of its expansion and growth,’ said Alastair Paterson, CEO and co-Founder DUBAI: Small companies of up to 50 employee activities, even in the smallest of Digital Shadows. ‘The first five years of our com- employees are significantly less con- businesses. pany have set the groundwork in place for us to cerned about employee activities leading “In small businesses without dedicat- build upon so we can continue to improve what we to cybersecurity breaches than larger ed IT personnel, it is often the case that do securing our customers around the world, and corporations. Only 36% of small busi- staff have to implement cybersecurity with this strengthened advisory panel, we can face nesses worry about their staff’s careless- themselves - for example, by installing the future with even more confidence.’ ness while more than half of medium- free antimalware solutions with limited Coviello was former Executive Chairman of RSA, sized and large enterprises consider it a functionality. This poses major risks for a The Security Division of EMC. During Coviello’s two- major concern, says IT Security Risks company because one employee’s care- decade career at RSA, the company evolved to Report 2016 by Kaspersky Lab. lessness can easily affect all data within become a leader in information security, including Uninformed or careless staff, whose the organization - leading to instant loss- security analytics, identity, and Governance, Risk & inappropriate use of IT resources can put es in time, clients’ data and money’. Compliance (GRC). Coviello was a driving force in Art Coviello Daniel Moskowitz an organization’s cyberprotection in Businesses should implement solutions RSA’s rapid growth during his tenure, increasing overall product direction, technology and architec- Blackberry. Moskowitz been through several other jeopardy, can harm businesses of any specifically designed for small and medi- revenue from $25 million in 1995 to revenues of size. According to the survey, employee um-sized businesses, with protection ture at RedShift Networks. Srinivas has 16 plus years successful startup exits and cut his teeth at global more than $1 billion in 2014. of experience in building and delivering cutting firms including Intel, BMC and Intuit. actions are among top three security that any IT administrator, even with low Since retiring from RSA, Coviello works with challenges that make companies world- IT skills, can easily maintain from every- edge solutions in Systems, Networking, Security, Digital Shadows provides organizations with companies, industries, and governments to contin- Communications and Infrastructure companies. cyber situational awareness, a complete view of an wide feel vulnerable. 61% of the busi- where.” said Vladimir Zapolyansky, Head ue informing and shaping the evolution of security nesses surveyed globally that experi- of SMB Marketing, Kaspersky Lab. Cook joins Digital Shadows in an advisory role organization’s digital footprint and the profile of strategy to meet the challenges facing organiza- helping the business focus its efforts better towards their attackers. Digital Shadows SearchLight contin- enced cybersecurity incidents in 2016, Companies can protect themselves tions today and tomorrow. Mr. Coviello’s decades of admitted that careless and uninformed with a range of solutions dedicated to incident responders and analysts. Mr Cook is CEO uously monitors more than 100 million data sources expertise and influence have made him a recog- and Founder of Corbels Security Services and has in 27 languages across the visible, deep and dark employee behavior was a contributor. meet the specific requirements of very nized leader in the industry and he plays key roles Like large corporations, small and small, small and medium-sized business 35 years of experience in advising businesses in web. Supported with expertise from the company’s in national and international cyber-security initia- their strategic decisions including Saudi American intelligence operations team, it provides an “attack- medium-sized businesses face the chal- as their needs vary. The Kaspersky tives and is a regular speaker at conferences and lenge of managing a constantly evolving Endpoint Security for Business and Bank, Citigroup, Merrill Lynch, Barclays, Team er’s eye view” of organizations’ exposed data and forums around the world. Cymru, and numerous technology start-ups. He is the risks requiring mitigation, in order to prevent, IT infrastructure, as well as accommodat- Kaspersky Small Office Security provide Belcher has been a Director of White Ops, Inc. ing BYOD trends: 87.5 percent of UAE multi-layered protection from well- also mentor at Cyber London (CyLon): Europe’s first detect and help contain cyber-related incidents. since January 2015. He serves as Member of cyber security accelerator; and at HutZero: the UK’s Digital Shadows closed 2016 with more than companies reported that the amount of known and emerging threats, while Advisory Board at Invincea, Inc and Security Growth smartphones used for work had Kaspersky Endpoint Security Cloud, first cybersecurity bootcamp. As well as sitting on 880 percent revenue growth over 2015, and expe- Partners. Mr. Tim Belcher served as the Chief many Advisory Boards rienced significant customer expansion in both increased over the last three years and 79 with its simple cloud-based console, Technology Officer at NetWitness Corp. since April percent confirmed that the same is appli- provides business owners and senior In addition Digital Shadows has strengthened its the United States and Europe, across verticals such 30, 2007. He is also the co-founder of NetWitness. executive leadership team with the appointment of as financial services, pharmaceuticals, retail and cable for tablets. This new business reali- non-IT management with a cost-effi- Bandanza brings over 20 years of enterprise securi- ty is forcing management to pay more cient and intuitive tool to ensure cyber- Daniel Moskowitz as Chief Financial Officer based in technology. The company grew rapidly hitting 100 ty and software experience to the Digital Shadows the San Francisco headquarters. Formerly CFO of employees in the second half of 2016 and a new attention to IT security and the central- security without needing additional Advisory Board as CRO/Chief Operating Officer at ized control of potentially dangerous hardware or IT-personnel. AtHoc which he helped grow from $10-$40m+ in office in Dallas to add to the sites in San Francisco CounterTack. Mantripragada is responsible for the ARR, before steering its successful acquisition by and London. MONDAY, JANUARY 23, 2017 HEALTH & SCIENCE Heartburn pills tied to serious bacterial infections SCOTLAND: People who take popular tion were 1.4 times higher when they data on stool samples collected from Researchers also lacked data on other problem with PPI use is their general heartburn pills known as proton pump were hospitalized and 1.7 times higher patients in Scotland between 1999 and factors that can influence the risk of overuse,” Marlicz said by email. “These inhibitors (PPIs) may be more likely to when they weren’t in the hospital. 2013. Overall, there were 22,705 posi- bacterial infections such as obesity, drugs are very potent and safe when develop intestinal infections than peo- In addition, PPI users had a 4.5 times tive test results for bacterial infections. smoking and alcohol use. Previous used according to indication.” “Some ple who don’t take these medications, a greater risk of getting Campylobacter This included 15,273 people with C. dif- research on PPIs and infections has pro- patients will gain clear benefits from Scottish study suggests. The pills work infections, a common form of food poi- ficile and 6,590 cases of Campylobacter, duced mixed results, with some studies PPIs as they have stomach problems, by stopping cells in the stomach lining soning, if they were hospitalized and a the authors reported in the British suggesting an association and others such as ulcers which will heal better from producing too much of the acid 3.7 times higher risk when they weren’t Journal of Clinical Pharmacology. failing to establish a connection, noted with less acid,” said Dr. Claire Steves, a that can cause ulcers and reflux symp- hospitalized. “Reducing stomach acid, Researchers also tested for Salmonella, Dr. Wojciech Marlicz, a gastroenterolo- researcher at King’s College London toms such as heartburn. Researchers which acts as a barrier to infection, Shigella and Escherichia coli, or E. coli, gy researcher at Pomeranian Medical who wasn’t involved in the study. examined data on about 188,000 peo- increases the chance of getting a GI but didn’t find an association between University in Poland who wasn’t “However other patients may take ple who used these drugs and about infection,” said senior study author Dr PPIs and these infections. involved in the study. these as preventatives, or for mild 377,000 similar individuals who didn’t Thomas MacDonald, a pharmacology One limitation of the study is that it Millions of people worldwide take symptoms,” Steves added by email. take PPIs. Compared to people who researcher at the University of Dundee only included data on people who PPIs, which are available without a pre- “This study would prompt us to didn’t use the drugs, those who did in Scotland. “The main risk of PPIs are took PPIs with a prescription, even scription in Europe and the US, which reassess the risk and benefit for each were at higher risk for a severe form of gastrointestinal infections,” MacDonald though these drugs have been avail- means even a slight increase in the individual, and in some cases alterna- diarrhea caused by the Clostridium dif- added by email. able in Scotland since 2004 without a odds of bacterial infections can still tives - such as changing diet or lifestyle ficile bacteria. Their odds of this infec- MacDonald and colleagues analyzed prescription, the authors note. impact a lot of patients. “The main - may be better options.” —Reuters

Diver lucky to be alive after Australia shark attack SYDNEY: An experienced diver is lucky where he was treated by a nurse. He was to be alive after he was mauled by a in a stable condition yesterday and due large shark in a remote area near the to undergo microsurgery, Cameron said. Great Barrier Reef, Australian paramedics “There are several different types of said yesterday. The 55-year-old was div- sharks out near Murray Island, but the ing with friends about 60 nautical miles bull shark can be quite aggressive, so he east of Murray Island in the Torres Strait is very, very lucky,” he added. Although on Saturday when he was attacked by sharks are known to inhabit the area- the four-meter (13-feet) bull shark. “He which is popular for crayfishing and free has severe bites to his left arm and some diving-attacks were uncommon, the minor lacerations across his stomach,” paramedic said. Queensland Ambulance Service para- Experts say shark attacks are increas- medic David Cameron told AFP. ing as water sports become more popu- The man was taken by boat to Murray lar and bait fish move closer to shore, but Island, three hours from the dive site, fatalities remain rare. —AFP Chinese human rights lawyers set their sights on smog

BEIJING: Toxic smog has found itself in the coordination. A document submitted by dock in China, as the authorities are taken Yu’s associate to the Beijing Second to court over a problem that has choked Intermediate People’s Court accused the entire regions, put public health at risk and government of “severe dereliction of duty” forced the closure of schools and roads. At in pollution management and sacrificing the helm is a group of human rights human health in pursuit of “toxic GDP lawyers, who despite increasing govern- growth” by turning a blind eye to the exces- ment hostility to their work on some of sive emissions of local companies. China’s most sensitive cases, say popular The lawyers have little hope of winning feeling is behind them when it comes to or even successfully filing their cases and TOKYO: A white beluga throws beans to visitors at the Hakkeijima Sea Paradise aquarium in Yokohama, suburban Tokyo yesterday as part of pollution that is literally off the charts. are viewing the suits as “mostly symbolic”, the upcoming Setsubun festival to greet the coming of spring. —AFP “Chinese people aren’t too concerned Yu said. The document asked for authorities about societal problems and things that to publish an apology online and in the aren’t happening to them personally, but local state-run newspaper for a week, and this issue is different: everyone is a victim hand over compensation of 65 yuan ($9.50) Preterm birth linked to and is personally influenced by breathing for the price of his smog mask and 9,999 polluted air,” lawyer Yu Wensheng told AFP. yuan for emotional damages. He is among a group of six lawyers who He hopes the suits will help keep the health problems in adolescence began filing their suits in December after a issue in the public eye, adding he wants to choking cloud of haze descended on inspire others to file complaints. “Our main SWEDEN: Adolescents who were born extreme- 103 children who were full-term infants but oth- preterm babies who survive to adolescence, dis- China’s northeast, affecting some 460 mil- goal is to raise people’s awareness of pollu- ly premature are much more likely to have erwise similar. ruptions in brain and central nervous system lion people. The campaign comes amid tion and wake them up to how the govern- chronic health problems than their peers who Compared to the full-term group, adoles- development may be part of the problem, growing public anger over China’s bad air, ment should bear responsibility for its inac- were delivered at full term, a Swedish study sug- cents in the preemie group were 15 times more Farooqi said. The study was small and it wasn’t which has fuelled protests and spurred tion and ineffectual response,” he said. gests. Pregnancy normally lasts about 40 weeks, likely to have severe physical or mental impair- designed to see how birth timing influences emigration among the wealthy. Notably, China can clear the skies for and babies born after 37 weeks are considered ments and more than five times as likely to health in adolescence, however. Yu, who has defended prominent civil important occasions such as the 2014 APEC full term. The study focused on extremely require more medical or educational services Complications that are common in extremely rights lawyers targeted by the government summit or the 2008 Olympics, but does so preterm infants, delivered at 23 to 25 weeks ges- than children typically need, the study found. preterm infants, such as central nervous system and people detained for supporting Hong selectively due to the high economic cost. tation. In the weeks immediately after birth, Overall, 64 percent of the preemies in the study injuries, lung disease, eye problems and infec- Kong’s pro-democracy movement, said the “They can do it, but they do not,” Yu said. these early arrivals often have difficulty breath- had functional limitations, compared with 6 tions, “have been shown to be related to many of importance and impact of the pollution ing and digesting food. They can also encounter percent of the full-term teens, researchers the chronic health problems” Farooqi noted. Still, suit “far exceeds” his previous human rights ‘Smog victims ourselves’ longer-term challenges such as impaired vision, report in Pediatrics. there are things parents can do for preemies cases. Even acquaintances opposed to Yu’s Another lawyer Ma Wei, who is suing the hearing, and cognitive skills as well as social and This included mental or emotional develop- that may make a difference later on, said Dr Jill politics and police at a client’s detention city of Tianjin, said he has received no offi- behavioral problems. mental delays as well as an inability to play and Zwicker, a researcher at the University of British center had expressed support, he said, not- cial response even weeks after the court “Children born extremely preterm at 23 to 25 socialize. In addition, 60 percent of the adoles- Columbia in Canada who wasn’t involved in the ing it was “very unusual”. was legally required to issue one. Instead, weeks gestation face an increased risk of chronic cents who were preterm infants needed special study. “When deemed safe to do so, parents can the public security bureau and other health problems such as neurodevelopmental equipment or assistance to complete daily tasks help their babies by holding them skin-to-skin ‘Mostly symbolic’ authorities have tried to pressure him to handicap (mostly mild or moderate), asthma, like walking, feeding, dressing and using the while in the nursery, which is mutually beneficial However, there are concerns authori- retract his suit. “I refused and told them, ‘I’m and behavioral difficulties,” said study co-author bathroom, compared to just 29 percent of the for parents and babies,” Zwicker said by email. ties might be trying to muzzle online dis- doing this so that you can breathe clean air, Dr Aijaz Farooqi, a researcher at the University teens who were born full-term. “Throughout childhood, parents can support cussion on the issue and quell discontent too,’” he said. Hospital of Umea in Sweden. “At school age, Roughly 64 percent of the teens born preterm their child’s development by providing enriching by suppressing information on air quality. The lawyers are used to harassment. many extremely preterm children whose general needed routine care from a physician or special- opportunities for learning - reading to them, In December, a week of thick haze forced Since President Xi Jinping came to power in intelligence is normal or in the lower normal ist for a chronic health problems or special servic- providing opportunities to move and play, cities across the northeast to go on “red 2012, the country has cracked down on civ- range have motor impairments, behavioral es like physical or occupational therapy, nursing exploring the environment, engaging with other alert” for nearly a week, closing schools, il rights defenders. Though the govern- problems, social problems and academic under- care or special school arrangements. That was children - and so on,” Zwicker added. “Early factories and construction sites and tak- ment initially targeted political activists achievement,” Farooqi added by email. true for 25 percent of other kids in the study. developmental intervention, such as occupa- ing around half of vehicles off the roads. and human rights campaigners, it has Farooqi’s team studied 134 youngsters ages Even though the study didn’t examine what tional and physical therapy, can also improve As visibility dropped and airports can- increasingly turned its attention to the 10 to 15 who were born extremely preterm, plus factors might cause problems for extremely outcomes.” —Reuters celled hundreds of flights, people took to legal professionals who represent them. In social media to vent their rage against a 2014, authorities imprisoned and tortured government that had long promised to Yu for 99 days for allegedly “disturbing pub- solve the problem. But comments about lic order”. Still, he is not afraid. “We are Are ‘natural’ cigarette the heavy smog quickly began disappear- lawyers,” he said, “but also first and fore- ing from the web. most citizens and smog victims ourselves.” On Wednesday, the Meteorological “If we do things according to the law and Administration also ordered local weather still get detained,” he added, “it will be just smokers being misled? bureaus to stop issuing smog alerts, which the thing to show people the true nature of authorities said was intended to improve our so-called ‘rule of law’.” —AFP NEW YORK: Natural American Spirit product packaging describes them The smokers also noted how be under 35 years old and to have tobacco products are marketed as as being “100 percent additive-free” often they think about the harm used alcohol or marijuana in the “natural” and “additive-free,” and and some products are made with from their tobacco use and past month. many users think that means the organically-grown tobacco. The answered questions about their LGBTQ smokers were also more cigarettes are safer to smoke, packaging also carries the state- drug or alcohol use as well as their likely to choose American Spirit cig- according to a recent US study. This ment, “No additives in our tobacco mental and physical health and arettes as their preferred brand, and raises the concern that people who does NOT mean a safer cigarette.” lifestyles. Overall, 2.3 percent of the researchers note that American might otherwise quit smoking In August 2015, however, the smokers reported Natural American Spirit ads specifically target this might switch to American Spirit FDA issued a warning letter to Santa Spirit as their usual brand. group, which is already at greater instead, thinking they will be safer, Fe Natural and two other tobacco risk for worse health. “Many smok- the researchers write in the journal manufacturers, stating that their Harmful as others ers erroneously believe that most of Tobacco Control. labeling and advertising of prod- Nearly 36 percent of American the harm from smoking comes from In a national survey of smokers, ucts as “natural” and “additive-free” Spirit smokers believed their brand additives or chemicals that compa- almost 64 percent of Natural violates section 911 of the Tobacco was as harmful as other brands and nies add to the tobacco,” said David American Spirit users considered their Control Act, because it improperly less than 1 percent believed their Hammond, an associate professor own brand to be “safer” than other implies that “the tobacco products brand was more harmful. In com- at the University of Waterloo in cigarettes, while only 8 percent of present a lower risk of tobacco- parison, 83 percent of smokers of Canada. “Therefore, marketing those who used other tobacco related disease or is less harmful other brands thought their brand American cigarettes as organic or brands thought this. “American Spirit than one or more other commer- was just as harmful as others, and 8 additive free promotes the belief smokers are being misled,” said lead cially marketed tobacco products,” percent thought it was more harm- that the brand is less harmful than study author Jennifer Pearson, a the study team notes. To determine ful. People who thought often others,” Hammond, who was not research investigator at Schroeder whether American Spirit smokers about the harms of tobacco use involved in the study, said by email. Institute for Tobacco Research and view the brand this way, Pearson were more likely to smoke Cigarette smoke contains thou- Policy Studies at Truth Initiative in and her team analyzed data from American Spirits, compared with sands of chemicals with or without Washington, DC. over 30,000 adult smokers who par- people who rarely or never additives and all burning cigarettes “They believe that their product ticipated in a national study of thought about this question, are equally harmful, Hammond is less harmful than other brands Americans and tobacco use in 2013 researchers found. added. Smoking “natural” cigarettes but there is absolutely no evidence and 2014. This is especially concerning, is not a way to reduce harm, to support that belief,” Pearson told Participants identified their usu- they write, as these people might Pearson said, “inhaling burnt tobac- Reuters Health by email. Natural al brand of cigarettes and answered be more likely to quit if they didn’t co is harmful whether it’s organic, American Spirit cigarettes and loose questions about whether they believe their cigarettes were less additive-free, or natural, it doesn’t tobacco are made by Santa Fe thought their brand was more, less harmful. matter.” The Santa Fe Natural Natural Tobacco Company, which is or equally harmful compared to American Spirit smokers were Tobacco Company had no com- owned by Reynolds American. The other cigarette brands. more likely than other smokers to ment on the study. BEIJING: Chinese lawyer Yu Wensheng poses for a portrait in Beijing. —AFP MONDAY, JANUARY 23, 2017 HEALTH & SCIENCE Cancer patients with depression have resources NEW YORK: Cancer patients who experi- trists and psychologists are becoming more ence depression can use both therapy and involved with cancer-based care in recent lifestyle tools to help support their mental years, she said. “As cancer treatment health, according to a new patient resource advances, there are more cancer survivors from the JAMA Oncology journal. People who are in need of long-term care, which is with cancer, as well as their doctors, need no longer limited to physical symptoms,” to remember that mental health is as said Gleneara Bates of Columbia University important as physical health for these Medical Center in New York City, who co- patients, the authors note. authored the patient page with Pokorney. “Understandably, cancer treatment is “The emotional burden of cancer has primarily focused on obtaining medical real-life effects on not just patients but remission,” said Rachel Roos Pokorney, a their primary caregivers and family mem- therapist based in New York City who co- bers,” she told Reuters Health by email. wrote the one-page primer intended for “Cancer has historically been seen as an ‘old patients. The page is based on recommen- man’s disease,’ and this is no longer the dations given by the American Cancer case.” Bates and Pokorney note that using Society and the National Institute of Mental cognitive behavioral therapy and dialecti- Health. “There is still an unfortunate lack of cal behavioral therapy to help patients awareness about the importance of treating identify and manage their emotions and the mental along with the physical, both in thoughts to improve depressive symptoms general and in regards to cancer patients,” is gaining support - both as a result of evi- she told Reuters Health. The patient dence-based studies and the rising mind- resource explains that physical changes, fulness trend. limitations from symptoms and treatment and uncertainty about the future all put Depressive symptoms cancer patients at risk for depression. “Treatment for cancer-related depres- But nontherapeutic tools, such as physi- sion is not one-size-fits-all,” Bates said. cal activity, a healthy diet, and a strong “Patients and health care providers should social network can help the body, improve discuss all aspects of mental health to find mood and reduce stress, the authors write. the best combination.” Cancer patients may “There is a basic connection that the mind often experience depressive symptoms and body have that is very important to after treatment has ended, said Dr Lynne remember,” Pokorney said. “It is of the Padgett, strategic director of hospital sys- utmost importance to always take care of tems for the American Cancer Society in KAMPALA: Telecommunications engineer Olivia Koburongo holds a baby in front of pneumonia-diagnosing “smart jacket” at the Makerere your mind by taking care of your body, and Atlanta, Georgia. “Patients may experience University of Public Health. —AFP photos vice versa. This is especially important for symptoms when everything should be ‘OK’ cancer patients.” because of the long-lasting effects of can- Therapeutic tools, such as medication, cer and the treatments,” Dr Padgett, who Ugandans invent ‘smart support groups and individual therapy, can was not involved in the patient resource, help as well. In fact, social workers, psychia- told Reuters Health. — Reuters jacket’ to diagnose pneumonia

KAMPALA: A team of Ugandan engineers has workers often have to rely on simple clinical hospitals because currently we have a doctor to invented a “smart jacket” that diagnoses pneu- examinations to make their diagnoses. patient ratio which is one to 24,000 in the monia faster than a doctor, offering hope country,” said Koburongo. against a disease which kills more children Bluetooth diagnosis worldwide than any other. The idea came to With the easy-to-use Mama-Ope kit, health Global ambition Olivia Koburongo, 26, after her grandmother fell workers merely have to slip the jacket onto the Turyabagye said plans were underway to ill, and was moved from hospital to hospital child, and its sensors will pick up sound patterns have the kit piloted in Uganda’s referral hospitals before being properly diagnosed with pneumo- from the lungs, temperature and breathing rate. and then trickle down to remote health centers. nia. “It was now too late to save her,” said “The processed information is sent to a mobile “Once you have this information captured on Koburongo. “It was too hard to keep track of her phone app (via Bluetooth) which analyses the cloud storage, it means a doctor who is not even vitals, of how she’s doing, and that is how I information in comparison to known data so as in the rural area, who is not on the ground, can thought of a way to automate the whole process to get an estimate of the strength of the disease,” access the same information from any patient and keep track of her health.” said Turyabagye. The jacket, which is still only a and it helps in making an informed decision,” he Koburongo took her idea to fellow telecom- prototype, can diagnose pneumonia up to three added. The team is also working on patenting munications engineering graduate Brian times faster than a doctor and reduces human the kit, which is shortlisted for the 2017 Royal Turyabagye, 24, and together with a team of error, according to studies done by its inventors. Academy of Engineering Africa Prize. doctors they came up with the “Mama-Ope” Traditionally doctors use a stethoscope to “Once it is successful (in Uganda) we hope it (Mother’s Hope) kit made up of a biomedical listen for abnormal crackling or bubbling is rolled out to other African countries and smart jacket and a mobile phone application sounds in the lungs, however if medics suspect major parts of the world where pneumonia is which does the diagnosis. Pneumonia-a severe malaria or tuberculosis which also include res- killing thousands of children,” said Koburongo. lung infection-kills up to 24,000 Ugandan chil- piratory distress-the time lost treating those According to UNICEF, most of the 900,000 MIAMI: Researchers say the way ants navigate shows that their mental capacity is dren under the age of five per year, many of rather than pneumonia could prove deadly for annual deaths of children under five due to more complex than previously thought. —AFP whom are misdiagnosed as having malaria, their patient. “The problem we’re trying to solve pneumonia occur in south Asia and sub- according to the UN children’s agency UNICEF. A is diagnosing pneumonia at an early stage Saharan Africa. This is more than other causes lack of access to laboratory testing and infra- before it gets severe and we’re also trying to of childhood death such as diarrhoea, malaria, Ants are expert navigators, structure in poor communities means health solve the problem of not enough manpower in meningitis or HIV/AIDS. —AFP even walking backwards MIAMI: Despite their tiny size, ants are capacity is more complex than previously sophisticated navigators that can find their thought. “Ants have a relatively tiny brain, way even while walking backwards, and less than the size of a pinhead. Yet they can these skills could help inspire better robots, navigate successfully under many difficult scientists say. conditions, including going backward,” said The findings in this week’s edition of the co-author Barbara Webb, a professor at the journal Current Biology are based on a University of Edinburgh’s School of colony of desert ants that were studied to Informatics. see how they navigated home while carry- “Understanding their behavior gives us ing pieces of a cookie. Carrying small bits, new insights into brain function, and has they walked forward. But with larger inspired us to build robot systems that pieces, they dragged them backwards mimic their functions.” Researchers say the toward their nest, occasionally dropping ants’ process could be useful to people, the food to check the sun’s position and because it could help them develop new reorient themselves. computer algorithms to guide robots. The Researchers said this practice of check- research team included scientists at the ing the environment and matching their University of Lincoln, Australian National progress against their memories of their University, and the French National Center surroundings shows the insects’ mental for Scientific Research (CNRS). —AFP KAMPALA: Telecommunications engineer Olivia Koburongo presents the mama-ope kit at the Makerere University of Public Health. WHAT’S ON MONDAY, JANUARY 23, 2017 Mais Catering the pride of traditional hospitality A great history of excellence ais Catering has been acknowledged as All of Mais Catering’s menu varieties are pre- event was in your own residence or at an out- the most renowned hospitality service pared from fresh ingredients which are deliv- side venue, Mais Catering has the required provider in Kuwait. This is a result of its ered directly from specialized nutrition farmers knowledge and vast organizing experience to exceptionalM offers, its innovative menu design, and famous suppliers from all over the world in turn any space to a spectacular scene that and its elegant table presentation, in addition to addition to which our team of chefs comprises exceeds all expectations. the high-quality services. We provide the classi- of specialized professional, Mais Catering team Mais Catering shall not stop innovating and est hospitality services, for companies, private is proud in its unique service of presenting spe- improving its services to fit the changing needs parties, various social celebrations, weddings, cialized menus that fits different tastes, ranging of the clients. If you were planning a dinner, rest reception and many other functions. from traditional, classical Middle Eastern dishes assured that your menu shall suit your event Mais Catering’s menu was designed in order to modern dishes that utilizes the most and your design and that your guests shall to best fit the client’s various needs. that could advanced cooking methods internationally. enjoy the most delicious dishes and the most include many different meals ranging from Whether you are planning a formal recep- elegant services. Thanks to our decades of expe- innovative rich recipes to the exquisite tradi- tion, a live cooking show to impress your guests, rience in servicing customers in Kuwait since tional Arabic regional and international cuisines. a feast for ten people, a grand ball, or a tradi- 1953, Mais Catering remains the best choice to Our team of skilled chefs constantly exert them- tional Middle Eastern barbeque party, Mais cover all private celebrations requirements. For selves to create a fine menu of appetizers, main Catering has the required creativity and experi- more information, you can reach us at the dishes, and deserts that fit all different tastes. ence to take this event to a whole new level. phone number: 22054242 or visit our website They utilize the most advanced preparation and In every event, Mais Catering grants personal www.maiscatering.com Our team shall answer presentation of generous feasts. The staff work attention to the smallest details to ensure all all of your inquiries. constantly on developing Mais Catering’s menu required preparation has been accomplished through a selection of new delicious meals. per your own personal vision. Whether the

Belgian embassy organizes Frederik Jassogne exhibition he Belgian embassy is organizing a offers us emotional resonance in times free art exhibition for Frederik of digital solitude and escapism. Jassogne today, as part of a series Frederik has mostly been active in the Tof events for the Belgian Days in Kuwait. international theatre and opera-scene Frederik Jassogne (1984) is an upcoming since 2008, for which he created artistic artistic talent and has a signature tech- video-designs. This spring he will create nique of embedding digital and interac- the video-designs for ‘Trompe-La-Mort’ tive technologies in modern art. By for the Opera of Paris, a breakthrough in embedding childhood drawings in a his career. During the exhibition, also digital landscape, the art of Jassogne video-projections will be shown.

Crowne Plaza and Holiday Inn Kuwait Al-Thuraya City shines at Horeca Kuwait

rowne Plaza and Holiday Inn Kuwait Al- competitions held during the exhibition. The team by our side. The team puts in a great effort Thuraya City was one of the sponsors of kitchen experts of Crowne Plaza and Holiday Inn and we try to do our best in promoting their the hospitality exhibition HORECA Kuwait Kuwait Al-Thuraya City were the proud winners skills,” said Antoine Flouty, Area General 2017C held at Kuwait International Fair grounds of 1 gold, 1 silver, and 3 bronze medals apart Manager, Crowne Plaza and Holiday Inn Kuwait organized by the Leaders Group for from other special appreciation certificates. All Al-Thuraya City while congratulating his team. Consultations and Training in cooperation with the winners including were on cloud nine to be The winners of the cooking competitions Hospitality Services. adjudged the winners and attributed their win- were awarded at a grand ceremony on the last Crowne Plaza and Holiday Inn Al-Thuraya City ning to the great team effort and support from day of the event different cooking competitions affirmed their strong foothold in its culinary the top management of the hotel. “We are held as part of the exhibition. HORECA Kuwait expertise by winning various prizes at the food extremely proud and excited to have a winning stands out among similar regional exhibitions for being a meeting place for leading companies in hospitality and catering sector under one roof, as well as an attraction for young people inter- ested in this field. With 8 restaurants and a cafe within the hotel, Crowne Plaza and Holiday Inn Kuwait Al-Thuraya City is a gastronome’s delight for indulgence. Exotic flavors from around the world are avail- able at the Silk all day dining restaurant of Crowne Plaza and Al-Ahmadi International Buffet of Holiday Inn Kuwait Al-Thuraya City, the steaks of the West are done just the way you like it at the Rib Eye Steakhouse, the food of the Persian royals is yours at the Shabestan Iranian restaurant, while elegant teas and pastries com- plete your day at the Espresso. Royal flavors are experienced at the Jamawar Indian restaurant, authentic Japanese is yours at the Sakura, delights of the seas come alive at the Al- Noukhaza and traditional Lebanese is the order of the day at the Ayam Zaman restaurant. Crowne Plaza and Holiday Inn Kuwait Al-Thuraya City team look forward to the next year’s event where they will be prepared to show many more The Rasameel Team held its second meeting recently to discuss its future plans which of their culinary talents and add more feathers include programs to help improve the quality of education that early stage students to their cap. receive. Team leader Dr Hind Al-Rabbah chaired the meeting, which was also attend- ed by the team’s consultant Narjis Al-Shatti. Chevrolet Alghanim attracts masses at GulfRun event

s part of its aggressive push to make the continues to attract throngs of professionals The Camaro ZL1 also comes equipped with lock and 4-wheel disc, 10-speaker BOSE system cherished members of the Kuwait Corvette year 2017 memorable for all of its fans drivers and car enthusiasts while getting the front and rear 6-piston Brembo Brakes, with bass box and sport Seats, heated and ven- Club. Enamored by their favorite masterpiece and customers, Yusuf A Alghanim and general public interested in automotive, effec- Chevrolet MyLink audio with navigation and 8- tilated for driver and front passenger. vehicle, the members got to take pictures and SonsA Automotive, the exclusive distributor of tively making it the premier car show in inch display, sporty Recaro front seats, hood ask all there is to ask about the extraordinary Chevrolet vehicles in Kuwait, has followed up Kuwait. The event also offered a number of insert with exposed carbon fiber weave and Silverado Midnight Edition - features that make the Corvette Z06 admiring- its amazing showing at Auto Moto with a conferences and roundtables where visitors 20-inch wheels in graphite premium paint. The allure of the dark ly exceptional. thrilling participation at the GulfRun event, got to ask their burning questions to profes- Considered one of the most coveted looks, which took place at the outdoor area of Murooj sional car racers and other prominent figures in Corvette Z06 - Outshines the rest the Midnight Edition of Silverado features a Chevrolet Care in the Sixth Ring Road during the weekend, the industry. The track-inspired Z06 features a precision- striking black color that adds thrill, mystery All customers who purchase a Chevrolet from Jan 19 until Jan 21 2017. The automotive sculpted exterior design that’s as functional as and style on the road. Youths in particular will from Yusuf A Alghanim and Sons will receive giant stole the spotlight by showcasing three Camaro ZL1 - The fastest in its history it is beautiful, for improved grip, aerodynamics, appreciate the blacked-out chromes, bed cov- the benefits of the Chevrolet Care Program, of its iconic vehicles, where each its own right Leading the GulfRun lineup at the Chevrolet more airflow and better overall track perform- er, and the off-road wheels and tires. which entails new levels of post-sale support has garnered the admiration and interest of stand is none other than the Camaro ZL1, ance. The Z06 was designed from the start to As an unstoppable force of power, the and trust. The Chevrolet Care is an exceptional the young attendees. These extraordinary vehi- which is considered the the first production car be an open-top vehicle, equipped with dual Silverado raises the stakes by offering a V8 5.3L customer service that is based on four main pil- cles are the fast Camaro ZL1, the stunning to use a new, advanced 10-speed automatic Xenon headlamps, 19-inch front wheels and engine capable of generating 355hp, 6-speed lars: competitive and transparent service costs Corvette Z06 and the breathtaking Silverado gearbox, which offers strong economy and 20-inch rear wheels in black aluminum paint. automatic transmission and Chevrolet MyLink (especially for four-wheel drive vehicles), (Midnight Edition). performance benefits. Acceleration is delivered Z06 is powered by 6.2L aluminum V8 DI audio system with 8-inch display. scheduled service appointment booking with Launched in 2008, GulfRun is widely lauded via a new supercharged 6.2L V-8 engine, with engine delivering 650 horsepower with Active same day delivery, quality service by certified as one of the most significant automotive estimated 650hp. Its 0-100kph time is a mere Rev Matching and 7-speed manual transmis- A Special visit from Kuwait Corvette Club technicians and 3yr/100,000km warranty with shows in Kuwait, specialized in bringing the 3.6 seconds, and it can complete the quarter sion. The car also features Magnetic Selective Among the special visitors that Chevrolet 24x7 roadside assistance for 4 years. latest sports car and speed races. The event mile in 11.4 seconds at a speed of 204 kph. Ride Control, Brembo Brakes with 4-wheel anti- had received at its GulfRun stand were the WHAT’S ON MONDAY, JANUARY 23, 2017

Americana opens TGI Friday’s, Olive Garden at the Lake Mall

uwait Food Company (Americana) adjacent to the ‘dancing fountain’ at Lake Mall, modern among the chain’s outlets, and is opened the 11th branch of TGI Friday’s which adds a beautiful and serene atmos- characterized by its design that combines the in Kuwait, and the second branch of phere rich with vibrant colors and musical restaurant’s history and requirements of mod- OliveK Garden in the country during a grand tunes. The new TGI Friday’s branch join ten ern designs. Meanwhile, Olive Garden’s celebration held recently at the Lake Mall in others in Kuwait. TGI Friday’s is a renowned newest branch is the second in Kuwait after Funaitees area. Americana officials, business- American restaurants’ chain with a history the first one opened in Avenues Mall. The men, media personalities and other guests that goes back over 50 years of presence American-Italian food chain has over 200 attended the ceremony. The location of the around the world. The first branch opened in branches around the world. new restaurants is distinguished by being Kuwait in 1996. The newest branch is the most MONDAY, JANUARY 23, 2017 TV PROGRAMS

16:50 Fast Nʼ Loud 06:35 Facing... 17:40 Wheeler Dealers: Trading Up 07:30 Reagan: The Assassination 18:30 How Do They Do It? Attempt 18:55 How Do They Do It? 08:25 Nazi Underworld 19:20 What On Earth? 09:20 Big, Bigger, Biggest 00:00 Revenge Of The Green 00:50 Gator Boys 20:10 The Liquidator 10:15 The Border 00:10 Hank Zipzer Dragons 01:45 Weird Creatures With Nick 20:35 The Liquidator 11:10 Highway Thru Hell 02:00 Automata Baker 21:00 Gold Rush 00:35 Binny And The Ghost 12:05 Dirty Rotten Survival 01:00 Violetta 04:00 Close Range 02:40 Weird Creatures With Nick 21:50 Deadliest Catch 13:00 Nazi Underworld 06:00 Tomorrowland Baker 23:30 Fast Nʼ Loud 01:45 The Hive 14:00 Explorer 01:50 Sabrina Secrets Of A 08:15 Survivor 03:35 Weird Creatures With Nick 15:00 The Real Saddam Hussein 10:00 Deep Rising Baker Teenage Witch 16:00 The Border 02:40 Hank Zipzer 12:00 Apocalypse Pompeii 06:49 River Monsters 17:00 Highway Thru Hell 13:45 Tomorrowland 07:36 Meet The Orangutans 03:05 Binny And The Ghost 18:00 Dirty Rotten Survival 03:30 Violetta 16:00 Survivor 08:00 Meet The Orangutans 19:00 Mega Factories 18:00 Deep Rising 08:25 Pit Bulls & Parolees 04:15 The Hive 20:00 The Border 04:20 Sabrina Secrets Of A 20:00 X-Men: First Class 09:15 Wild Animal Repo 00:00 Blood And Glory: The Civil 20:50 Highway Thru Hell 22:15 Constantine 10:10 Weird Creatures With Nick War In Color Teenage Witch 21:40 Dirty Rotten Survival Baker 01:00 Monster Quest 05:10 Hank Zipzer 22:30 Mega Factories 11:05 Tanked 02:00 Ancient Impossible 05:35 Binny And The Ghost 23:20 Megacities 12:00 Pit Bulls & Parolees 03:00 How 2 Win 06:00 Violetta 12:55 Going Ape 03:50 Ancient Aliens 06:45 The Hive 13:20 Going Ape 04:40 Serial Killer Earth 06:50 Mouk 13:50 Wild Animal Repo 05:30 Blood And Glory: The Civil 07:00 Jessie 14:45 Gator Boys War In Color 07:50 Miraculous Tales Of Ladybug 00:00 All The Wrong Reasons 15:40 Weird Creatures With Nick 06:20 Engineering Disasters And Cat Noir 00:00 Roadies 02:00 The Out Of Towners Baker 07:10 The Universe 08:15 Tsum Tsum Shorts 01:00 How To Get Away With 04:00 Take Care 16:35 Tanked 08:00 Monster Quest 08:20 Elena Of Avalor Murder 06:00 How Do You Know 17:30 River Monsters 09:00 Ancient Impossible 08:45 Bunkʼd 02:00 How To Get Away With 08:00 Honeymooners 18:25 Dr. Jeff: Rocky Mountain Vet 10:00 How 2 Win 09:10 Gravity Falls Murder 10:00 Take Care 19:20 Dr. Dee: Alaska Vet 11:00 Ancient Aliens 09:35 Wizards Of Waverly Place 03:00 Mistresses 12:00 The Out Of Towners 20:15 Tanked 12:00 Serial Killer Earth 10:25 A.N.T. Farm 04:00 The Fosters 14:00 Lovesick 21:10 Weird Creatures With Nick 13:00 Ancient Impossible 11:15 Good Luck Charlie 05:00 Royal Pains 16:00 Honeymooners Baker 14:00 Monster Quest 12:05 Shake It Up 06:00 Good Morning America - 18:00 Superfast 22:05 Dr. Jeff: Rocky Mountain Vet 15:00 Ancient Impossible 12:55 Disney Mickey Mouse Weekend 20:00 Two Night Stand 23:00 Dr. Dee: Alaska Vet 16:00 How 2 Win 13:00 Welcome To The Ronks 07:00 Quantico 22:00 Dirty Work 23:55 Gator Boys 17:00 Ancient Aliens 13:15 Gravity Falls 08:00 The Ellen DeGeneres Show 18:00 Serial Killer Earth 13:40 Hank Zipzer 09:00 Notorious 19:00 Patton 360 14:05 Star Darlings 10:00 Quantico 20:00 Mud Men 14:10 Austin & Ally 11:00 Quantico 21:00 Americaʼs Book Of Secrets 15:00 Jessie 12:00 The Ellen DeGeneres Show 22:00 Ancient Aliens 15:50 Rolling To The Ronks 13:00 The Fosters 23:00 Monster Quest 16:15 Sunny Bunnies 14:00 Notorious 01:30 WarGames 16:20 Miraculous Tales Of Ladybug 00:00 I Escaped My Killer 15:00 Live Good Morning America 03:30 Arlington Road And Cat Noir 01:00 The Haunting Of... 17:00 The Ellen DeGeneres Show 05:30 Young Ones 16:45 Elena Of Avalor 02:00 My Haunted House 18:00 This Is Us 07:30 Manny 17:10 Bunkʼd 03:00 Diabolical Women 19:00 The Fosters 09:00 Get On Up 17:35 Descendants Wicked World 04:00 I Escaped My Killer 20:00 Criminal Minds 11:15 WarGames 17:40 Girl Meets World 05:00 The Haunting Of... 21:00 Homeland 13:15 Arlington Road 18:05 Bizaardvark 06:00 My Haunted House 22:00 Tyrant 15:15 Batkid Begins 18:30 Liv And Maddie 07:00 The First 48 00:40 Blood Relatives 23:00 Tyrant 16:45 Get On Up 18:55 Best Friends Whenever 08:00 Evil Up Close 01:30 Cell Block Psychic 19:00 Fury 19:20 Disney Mickey Mouse 09:00 Gangs Of Britain... 02:20 The Haunted 21:30 Murder By Numbers 19:25 The Next Step 10:00 Homicide Hunter 03:10 True Nightmares 23:30 Child Of God 19:50 Austin & Ally 11:00 Crimes That Shook Britain 04:00 Judgment Day: Prison Or 20:15 Star Darlings 15:00 Evil Up Close Parole 20:20 Shake It Up 16:00 The First 48 04:48 Evil Online 20:45 Backstage 17:00 Homicide Hunter 08:00 Momsters: When Moms Go 00:00 The Goldbergs 21:10 Liv And Maddie 18:00 Gangs Of Britain... Bad 01:30 Girls 21:35 Cracke 19:00 Gangs Of Britain... 08:50 I Almost Got Away With It 02:00 Girls 01:00 All The Wilderness 21:40 The Next Step 20:00 Nightmare In Suburbia 09:40 On The Case With Paula 02:30 The Big C 03:00 Miss You Already 22:05 Best Friends Whenever 21:00 The First 48 Zahn 03:00 New Girl 05:00 The Grand Seduction 22:30 Mako Mermaids 22:00 Evil Up Close 10:30 Evil Online 03:30 Cooper Barrettʼs Guide To 07:00 Krampus 22:55 Tsum Tsum Shorts 23:00 Homicide Hunter 11:20 Blood Relatives Surviving 09:00 Maze Runner: The Scorch 23:00 Binny And The Ghost 12:10 Nowhere To Hide 04:00 The Bill Engvall Show Trials 13:00 Momsters: When Moms Go REVENGE OF THE GREEN DRAGONS ON OSN MOVIES ACTION HD 04:30 The Tonight Show Starring 11:15 Iʼll See You In My Dreams Bad Jimmy Fallon 13:00 The Age Of Adaline 13:50 I Almost Got Away With It 05:30 Trophy Wife 15:00 Believe 14:40 On The Case With Paula 22:25 Gummi Bears 07:15 Shipping Wars Scandinavia 06:00 $#*! My Dad Says 17:00 Kindergarten Cop 2 Zahn 22:55 Minnieʼs Bow-Toons 07:40 Counting Cars 21:40 Poh & Co 06:30 The Bernie Mac Show 19:00 Ride Along 2 15:30 Evil Online 23:00 Sofia The First 08:30 Pawn Stars 22:05 The Food Files 07:00 Late Night With Seth Meyers 21:00 The Man From U.N.C.L.E. 00:05 What Happened Next? 16:20 Blood Relatives 00:20 Henry Hugglemonster 23:30 Sofia The First 09:20 Storage Wars 08:00 The Bill Engvall Show 23:00 10 Cloverfield Lane 00:30 Nextworld 17:10 Evil Online 00:35 The Hive 23:55 PJ Masks 09:45 Storage Wars 08:30 Trophy Wife 01:20 Nextworld 18:00 Momsters: When Moms Go 00:45 Loopdidoo 10:10 American Pickers 09:00 New Girl 02:10 Storm Chasers Bad 01:00 Henry Hugglemonster 11:00 Billion Dollar Wreck 09:30 The Last Man On Earth 03:00 Storm Chasers 01:15 Calimero 11:50 Time Team 10:00 The Mindy Project 03:50 Ultimate Survival 01:30 Art Attack 12:40 Swamp People 10:30 The Bernie Mac Show 13:30 Ax Men 00:20 Worldʼs Deadliest 06:20 How Itʼs Made 01:50 Zou 11:00 The Tonight Show Starring 01:15 Memory Loss 06:00 Danger Mouse 14:20 Mountain Men 01:10 Monster Fish 06:40 How Itʼs Made 02:05 Loopdidoo Jimmy Fallon 02:45 Blackie And Kanuto 06:25 Gravity Falls 15:10 Ice Road Truckers 02:00 Swamp Lions 07:00 Do You Know? 02:20 Henry Hugglemonster 12:00 $#*! My Dad Says 04:15 Jungle Book: Mowgliʼs 06:50 The 7D 16:00 Counting Cars 02:50 Indiaʼs Lost Worlds 07:15 Doki 02:35 Calimero 12:30 The Bill Engvall Show Adventure 00:00 Sibaʼs Table: Fast Feasts 07:00 Star vs The Forces Of Evil 16:25 Counting Cars 03:45 Wild 24 07:35 Dick ʻnʼ Dom Go Wild 02:50 Zou 13:00 Trophy Wife 06:00 Justice League: Attack Of 01:00 Private Chef 07:15 Counterfeit Cat 16:50 Pawn Stars 04:40 Dr. Oakley: Yukon Vet 08:00 K9 Cops 03:05 Art Attack 13:30 The Bernie Mac Show The Legion Of Doom 02:00 Chopped 07:40 Supa Strikas 17:15 Pawn Stars 05:35 Swamp Lions 08:45 How Itʼs Made 03:30 The Hive 14:00 Cooper Barrettʼs Guide To 07:30 The Olsen Gang In Deep 03:00 Food Network Star 08:10 K.C. Undercover 17:40 Storage Wars 06:30 Indiaʼs Lost Worlds 09:05 How Itʼs Made 03:40 Loopdidoo Surviving Trouble 04:00 Guyʼs Grocery Games 08:35 Star Wars Freemaker 18:05 Storage Wars 07:25 Wild 24 09:30 Nextworld 03:55 Henry Hugglemonster 14:30 The Last Man On Earth 09:15 Barnyard 05:00 Roadtrip With G. Garvin Adventures 18:30 Pawn Stars 08:20 Dr. Oakley: Yukon Vet 10:20 Mythbusters 04:10 Art Attack 15:00 The Mindy Project 11:00 Scooby-Doo! And Kiss: Rock 06:00 The Kitchen 09:00 Lab Rats 18:55 Storage Wars: Best Of 09:15 Worldʼs Weirdest (2015) 11:10 Storm Chasers 04:35 Loopdidoo 15:30 The Simpsons And Roll Mystery 07:00 The Pioneer Woman 09:25 Lab Rats 19:20 Ax Men 10:10 Killer Shots 12:00 K9 Cops 04:50 Calimero 16:30 $#*! My Dad Says 12:30 Blackie And Kanuto 08:00 Sibaʼs Table 09:50 Danger Mouse 20:10 American Pickers 11:05 Worldʼs Deadliest 12:50 Ultimate Survival 05:05 Art Attack 17:00 Late Night With Seth Meyers 14:15 Cher Ami 09:00 Valerieʼs Home Cooking 10:20 Supa Strikas 21:00 The Curse Of Oak Island 12:00 Pond Stars 13:40 How Itʼs Made 05:30 Henry Hugglemonster 18:00 New Girl 16:00 Scooby-Doo! And The Beach 10:00 The Kitchen 10:45 Supa Strikas 21:50 Hunting Hitler 12:55 Snake Underworld 05:45 Zou 18:30 Cooper Barrettʼs Guide To Beastie 22:40 Gold Hunters: Legend Of 13:50 Indiaʼs Lost Worlds Surviving 16:30 The Olsen Gang In Deep The Superstition... 14:45 Dr. Oakley: Yukon Vet 19:00 Dr. Ken Trouble 23:30 American Pickers 15:40 Wild Galapagos 16:35 Worldʼs Weirdest (2015) 19:30 The Mindy Project 18:00 Barnyard 17:30 Planet Carnivore 20:00 The Goldbergs 20:00 Minuscule: Valley Of The 18:25 Warrior Bees 21:00 The Simpsons Lost Ants 19:20 Dr. Oakley: Yukon Vet 22:00 Youʼre The Worst 22:00 Cher Ami 20:10 Wild Galapagos 22:30 Youʼre The Worst 23:45 Scooby-Doo! And The Beach 21:00 Worldʼs Weirdest (2015) 23:00 The Big C Beastie 21:50 Planet Carnivore 00:10 The Chase 22:40 Warrior Bees 01:00 Emmerdale 23:30 Pond Stars 01:30 Emmerdale 02:00 Coronation Street 02:30 Come Dine With Me Couples 01:00 Before I Disappear 01:00 Beyond The Mask 03:25 Midsomer Murders 03:00 Wildlike 03:00 Little Man Tate 05:15 Agatha Christieʼs Partners In 05:00 Donʼt Wake Mommy 05:00 Storm Rider Crime 07:00 The Reckoning 07:00 Curious George 06:10 Donʼt Tell The Bride 09:00 Selma 09:00 Hotel Transylvania 2 07:10 Come Dine With Me Couples 00:10 Wicked Tuna 11:15 Before I Disappear 11:00 Storm Rider 08:00 Midsomer Murders 01:00 Explorer 13:00 Wildlike 13:00 Christmas Trade 09:30 Tracey Ullmanʼs Show 02:00 The Real Saddam Hussein 15:00 Cas & Dylan 15:00 The Tale Of Despereaux 10:00 Agatha Christieʼs Partners In 02:55 Beyond Magic With DMC 16:45 Selma 17:00 Peter Pan Live! Crime 03:50 Wicked Tuna 19:00 Enter Nowhere 19:15 Black Beauty 10:55 Donʼt Tell The Bride 04:45 Big, Bigger, Biggest 21:00 Dying Of The Light 21:00 It Takes Two 11:55 Come Dine With Me Couples 05:40 Megacities 23:00 The Bronx Bull 23:00 The Tale Of Despereaux 12:45 Emmerdale 13:15 Coronation Street 13:45 Coronation Street 14:10 Donʼt Tell The Bride 15:10 Come Dine With Me Couples 16:00 Endeavour 17:50 Grantchester 18:45 Emmerdale 19:15 Coronation Street 19:45 Coronation Street 20:10 Come Dine With Me Couples 21:00 Endeavour 22:50 Emmerdale 23:15 Coronation Street THE GRAND SEDUCTION ON OSN MOVIES HD 23:40 Coronation Street 14:05 How Itʼs Made 11:00 The Pioneer Woman 06:00 Art Attack 11:10 Counterfeit Cat 14:30 Storm Chasers 12:00 Sibaʼs Table 06:30 Henry Hugglemonster 11:35 Pair Of Kings 15:15 Mythbusters 13:00 Diners, Drive-Ins And Dives 06:45 Loopdidoo 12:30 Future-Worm! 16:00 Doki 14:00 Chopped 07:00 Zou 12:55 Lab Rats 16:20 Dick ʻnʼ Dom Go Wild 15:00 The Kitchen 07:15 Calimero 13:45 Atomic Puppet 00:10 The Wine Show 16:45 Do You Know? 16:00 Valerieʼs Home Cooking 07:30 Loopdidoo 14:10 Disney Mickey Mouse 01:00 My Sri Lanka With Peter 17:00 Atlas 4D 17:00 Chopped 07:45 Henry Hugglemonster 14:15 Marvelʼs Avengers: Ultron Kuruvita 17:50 Worldʼs Toughest 18:00 Iron Chef America 08:00 Minnieʼs Bow-Toons Revolution 01:25 Rustic Adventures Italy Expeditions With James Cracknell 19:00 Restaurant Stakeout 08:05 PJ Masks 14:40 Gamerʼs Guide To Pretty 01:50 Rustic Adventures Italy 18:40 Nextworld 20:00 Mystery Diners 08:15 Goldie & Bear Much Everything 02:15 Home Strange Home 19:30 How Itʼs Made 21:00 Restaurant Takeover 08:30 Jake And The Neverland 15:05 Lab Rats Elite Force 03:05 Lee Chanʼs World Food Tour 19:55 How Itʼs Made 22:00 Iron Chef America Pirates 15:30 Disney Cookabout 03:30 My Restaurant In India 20:20 Mythbusters 08:45 Miles From Tomorrow 15:55 Danger Mouse 03:55 The Wine Show 21:10 Atlas 4D 08:55 The Lion Guard 16:25 K.C. Undercover 04:45 Gokʼs Chinese Takeaway 22:00 Worldʼs Toughest 09:20 Doc McStuffins 16:50 Future-Worm! 05:35 Poh & Co Expeditions With James Cracknell 09:35 Goldie & Bear 17:15 Gravity Falls 06:00 The Food Files 22:50 What Happened Next? 09:50 Sheriff Callieʼs Wild West 17:40 Lab Rats: Bionic Island 06:25 The Food Files 23:15 What Happened Next? 10:00 PJ Masks 18:05 Disney Mickey Mouse 00:15 Origins 06:50 My Sri Lanka With Peter 23:40 Ultimate Survival 10:15 Jake And The Neverland 18:10 Supa Strikas 00:40 Prototype This Kuruvita Pirates 19:00 Atomic Puppet 01:30 The Gamechangers: 07:15 Rustic Adventures Italy 10:30 Minnieʼs Bow-Toons 19:25 Gamerʼs Guide To Pretty Inventing The World 07:40 Rustic Adventures Italy 10:35 Sofia The First Much Everything 02:20 Powering The Future 08:05 Home Strange Home 11:30 Doc McStuffins 19:55 K.C. Undercover 03:10 Mythbusters 08:55 Lee Chanʼs World Food Tour 11:55 Doc McStuffins 20:20 Counterfeit Cat 08:00 How Do They Do It? 09:20 My Restaurant In India 12:20 Sheriff Callieʼs Wild West 20:45 Mighty Med 08:26 Joe Rogan Questions 09:45 The Wine Show 00:20 Wheeler Dealers: Trading Up 13:15 Gummi Bears 21:10 Pickle And Peanut Everything 10:35 Gokʼs Chinese Takeaway 01:10 Mega Trains 13:40 Mickey Mouse Clubhouse 21:40 Disney Mickey Mouse 09:14 Mythbusters 11:25 Poh & Co 02:00 Curiosity: X-Ray: Yellowstone 14:10 Mickey Mouse Clubhouse 21:45 Marvelʼs Avengers: Ultron 10:02 Powering The Future 11:50 The Food Files 02:50 Legend Of Croc Gold 14:35 Jake And The Never Land Revolution 10:50 How Do They Do It? 12:15 The Food Files 03:40 Fast Nʼ Loud Pirates 22:10 Ultimate Spider-Man 11:14 Food Factory 12:40 My Sri Lanka With Peter 04:30 The Liquidator 15:30 Little Mermaid 22:35 Boyster 11:38 Mythbusters Kuruvita 05:00 How Do They Do It? 15:55 Unbungalievable 12:26 Mythbusters 13:05 Rustic Adventures Italy 05:30 How Do They Do It? 16:00 Miles From Tomorrow 13:14 Joe Rogan Questions 13:35 Rustic Adventures Italy 06:00 Deadliest Catch 16:30 Jake And The Never Land Everything 14:00 Home Strange Home 06:50 Wheeler Dealers: Trading Up Pirates 14:02 How Do They Do It? 14:55 Lee Chanʼs World Food Tour 07:40 Fast Nʼ Loud 16:55 The Lion Guard 14:26 Food Factory 15:25 My Restaurant In India 08:30 What On Earth? 17:20 Goldie & Bear 14:50 Powering The Future 15:50 The Wine Show 09:20 The Liquidator 17:50 PJ Masks 00:20 Time Team 15:38 Mythbusters 16:45 Eat Street 09:45 How Do They Do It? 18:15 Sofia The First 01:10 Pawn Stars 16:26 Joe Rogan Questions 17:15 Valentine Warner Eats 10:10 How Do They Do It? 18:40 Doc McStuffins 01:35 Storage Wars: Best Of Everything Scandinavia 10:35 Fast Nʼ Loud 19:05 Jake And The Never Land 02:00 Storage Wars 17:14 Mythbusters 17:40 Poh & Co 11:25 Misfit Garage 18:02 Powering The Future Pirates 02:25 Storage Wars 18:10 The Food Files 12:15 Street Outlaws 18:50 Joe Rogan Questions 19:30 Little Mermaid 02:50 Storage Wars 18:35 David Roccoʼs Dolce Vita 13:05 How Do They Do It? Everything 20:00 PJ Masks 03:15 American Pickers 19:05 Lee Chanʼs World Food Tour 13:30 The Liquidator 19:40 Mythbusters 20:30 PJ Masks 04:05 Pawn Stars 19:30 My Restaurant In India 13:55 The Liquidator 20:30 Stephen Hawkingʼs Universe 21:00 Unbungalievable 04:30 Pawn Stars 20:00 The Wine Show 14:20 Alaska: The Last Frontier 21:20 How Do They Do It? 21:05 Goldie & Bear 05:00 Mountain Men 20:50 Eat Street 15:10 What On Earth? 21:45 Food Factory 21:35 Miles From Tomorrow 06:00 Ice Road Truckers 21:15 Valentine Warner Eats 16:00 Deadliest Catch 22:10 Nextworld 22:00 Sheriff Callieʼs Wild West 06:50 Shipping Wars BEYOND THE MASK ON OSN MOVIES FAMILY HD Classifieds

MONDAY, JANUARY 23, 2017

278041804378 has CHANGE OF NAME changed my name to Nijam KNCC PROGRAMME FROM THURSDAY TO WEDNESDAY Mohamed Meeran, here- I, Iddin Kunhi Pallibali inafter in all my dealings (19/01/2017 TO 25/01/2017) Abbas S/o Abbas Pallibali, and documents I will be Passport No. L1458495 & known by name of Nijam SHARQIA-1 AL ATR -Kuwaiti Film 11:30 AM xXx: RETURN OF XANDER CAGE 10:45 PM AL ATR -Kuwaiti Film 12:30 PM BALLERINA 1:30 PM xXx: RETURN OF XANDER CAGE 12:45 AM Civil ID No. 281060107647. Mohamed Meeran. (C5258) AL ATR -Kuwaiti Film 2:30 PM BALLERINA 3:30 PM AVENUES-1 have changed my name as 19-1-2017 AL ATR -Kuwaiti Film 4:30 PM BALLERINA 5:30 PM SURF’S UP 2: WAVEMANIA 11:30 AM Aboobakkar Siddiq vide A MONSTER CALLS 7:30 PM THE GREAT WALL 1:30 PM AL ATR -Kuwaiti Film 6:30 PM affidavit dated 14.12.2016 AL ATR -Kuwaiti Film 8:30 PM PATRIOTS DAY 9:45 PM SURF’S UP 2: WAVEMANIA 1:30 PM I, Mohammad Salim S/o AL ATR -Kuwaiti Film 10:30 PM PATRIOTS DAY 12:30 AM A MONSTER CALLS 3:45 PM before notary Sirajuddin, Azizul Haque, Passport No AL ATR -Kuwaiti Film 12:30 AM PATRIOTS DAY 6:00 PM Mangalore (C 5259) F2525309, Civil ID No FANAR-2 A MONSTER CALLS 8:45 PM 272020116835, has SHARQIA-2 AL ATR -Kuwaiti Film 12:45 PM THE GREAT WALL 11:00 PM xXx: RETURN OF XANDER CAGE 1:00 PM AL ATR -Kuwaiti Film 2:45 PM xXx: RETURN OF XANDER CAGE 1:15 AM I, Jamil Lobo wife of Patrick changed my name to xXx: RETURN OF XANDER CAGE 3:00 PM AL ATR -Kuwaiti Film 4:45 PM Lobo holder of Indian Mohammad Aslam here- xXx: RETURN OF XANDER CAGE 5:00 PM AL ATR -Kuwaiti Film 6:45 PM AVENUES-2 Passport No. G3196491 and inafter in all my dealings AL ATR -Kuwaiti Film 8:45 PM xXx: RETURN OF XANDER CAGE 7:00 PM xXx: RETURN OF XANDER CAGE -3D -4DX 12:15 PM Civil ID No. 282062803579 and documents. (C 5257) xXx: RETURN OF XANDER CAGE 9:00 PM AL ATR -Kuwaiti Film 10:45 PM xXx: RETURN OF XANDER CAGE -3D -4DX 2:15 PM xXx: RETURN OF XANDER CAGE 11:00 PM AL ATR -Kuwaiti Film 12:45 AM xXx: RETURN OF XANDER CAGE -3D -4DX 4:15 PM has changed my name to 18-1-2017 xXx: RETURN OF XANDER CAGE 1:00 AM xXx: RETURN OF XANDER CAGE -3D -4DX 6:15 PM Jamil Avelino Fernandes FANAR-3 xXx: RETURN OF XANDER CAGE -3D -4DX 8:15 PM hereinafter in all my deal- SHARQIA-3 DANGAL -Hindi 12:30 PM xXx: RETURN OF XANDER CAGE -3D -4DX 10:15 PM THE GREAT WALL 4:00 PM ings and documents, I will BALLERINA 12:00 PM xXx: RETURN OF XANDER CAGE -3D -4DX 12:15 AM ACCOMMODATION DANGAL -Hindi 2:00 PM DANGAL -Hindi 6:15 PM be known by name of Jamil BALLERINA 5:15 PM DANGAL -Hindi 9:30 PM AVENUES-3 Avelino Fernandes. (C 5260) Sharing accommodation THE GREAT WALL 7:15 PM THE GREAT WALL 12:45 AM 23-1-2017 PATRIOTS DAY 9:30 PM PATRIOTS DAY 1:00 PM for Filipino Bachelor ONLY PATRIOTS DAY 12:15 AM FANAR-4 THE GREAT WALL 1:30 PM near Big Jamiya Farwaniya. xXx: RETURN OF XANDER CAGE 12:15 PM PATRIOTS DAY 4:00 PM M.A. Nijam S/o Abdul Alam Available already, Contact KHAIDI NO. 150 -Telugu 4:00 PM MUHALAB-1 xXx: RETURN OF XANDER CAGE 2:15 PM holder of Indian Passport 66826412 or 97512782 xXx: RETURN OF XANDER CAGE 4:15 PM KHAIDI NO. 150 -Telugu 6:45 PM DANGAL -Hindi 11:45 AM No. G1276440, Civil ID No. BALLERINA 3:00 PM xXx: RETURN OF XANDER CAGE 6:15 PM PATRIOTS DAY 9:45 PM 19-1-2017 BALLERINA 5:00 PM xXx: RETURN OF XANDER CAGE 8:15 PM PATRIOTS DAY 12:30 AM BALLERINA 2:00 PM xXx: RETURN OF XANDER CAGE 10:15 PM KHAIDI NO. 150 -Telugu 4:00 PM xXx: RETURN OF XANDER CAGE 12:15 AM 360º- 1 KHAIDI NO. 150 -Telugu 7:00 PM AL ATR -Kuwaiti Film 12:00 PM 112 DANGAL -Hindi 9:45 PM MARINA-1 AL ATR -Kuwaiti Film 2:00 PM xXx: RETURN OF XANDER CAGE 1:00 AM THE GREAT WALL 11:45 AM AL ATR -Kuwaiti Film 4:00 PM BALLERINA 2:30 PM AL ATR -Kuwaiti Film 6:00 PM MUHALAB-2 MOANA 4:45 PM AL ATR -Kuwaiti Film 8:00 PM Automated enquiry about AL ATR -Kuwaiti Film 12:00 PM THE GREAT WALL 7:00 PM NO FRI PATRIOTS DAY 9:15 PM AL ATR -Kuwaiti Film 2:00 PM Special Show “xXx: RETURN OF XANDER CAGE” 8:00 PM the Civil ID card is AL ATR -Kuwaiti Film 4:00 PM xXx: RETURN OF XANDER CAGE 12:05 AM FRI BALLERINA 4:00 PM AL ATR -Kuwaiti Film 10:00 PM AL ATR -Kuwaiti Film 6:00 PM MARINA-2 1889988 AL ATR -Kuwaiti Film 8:00 PM AL ATR -Kuwaiti Film 12:00 PM AL ATR -Kuwaiti Film 12:05 AM AL ATR -Kuwaiti Film 10:00 PM AL ATR — -Kuwaiti Film 2:00 PM AL ATR -Kuwaiti Film 12:05 AM BALLERINA 4:00 PM 360º- 2 PRAYER TIMINGS AL ATR -Kuwaiti Film 6:00 PM DANGAL -Hindi 1:45 PM MUHALAB-3 AL ATR -Kuwaiti Film 8:00 PM DANGAL -Hindi 5:00 PM Fajr: 05:19 xXx: RETURN OF XANDER CAGE 12:15 PM AL ATR -Kuwaiti Film 10:00 PM DANGAL -Hindi 8:15 PM xXx: RETURN OF XANDER CAGE 2:15 PM AL ATR -Kuwaiti Film 12:05 AM DANGAL -Hindi 11:30 PM Shorook 06:42 xXx: RETURN OF XANDER CAGE 4:15 PM xXx: RETURN OF XANDER CAGE 6:15 PM MARINA-3 360º- 3 Duhr: 12:00 xXx: RETURN OF XANDER CAGE 8:15 PM xXx: RETURN OF XANDER CAGE 12:45 PM THE BYE BYE MAN 11:45 AM xXx: RETURN OF XANDER CAGE 10:15 PM xXx: RETURN OF XANDER CAGE 2:45 PM SURF’S UP 2: WAVEMANIA 2:00 PM Asr: 14:57 xXx: RETURN OF XANDER CAGE 12:15 AM xXx: RETURN OF XANDER CAGE 4:45 PM SING 4:15 PM xXx: RETURN OF XANDER CAGE 6:45 PM THE BYE BYE MAN 6:30 PM Maghrib: 17:17 FANAR-1 xXx: RETURN OF XANDER CAGE 8:45 PM THE BYE BYE MAN 8:45 PM Isha: 18:38

Directorate General of Civil Aviation Home Page (www.kuwait-airport.com.kw) DIAL161 FOR AIRPORT INFORMATION

Arrival Flights on Monday 23/1/2017 KAC 286 Dhaka 15:20 FDK 804 Damascus 01:55 KAC 693 Muscat 14:30 Airlines Flt Route Time OMA 645 Muscat 15:35 KAC 417 Manila 02:00 KNE 382 Taif 14:50 KAC 776 Riyadh 00:20 UAE 857 Dubai 15:45 THY 773 Istanbul 02:25 FEG 932 Alexandria 14:55 JZR 267 Beirut 00:30 ABY 127 Sharjah 15:50 KAC 285 Dhaka 02:25 KAC 673 Dubai 15:00 JZR 539 Cairo 00:40 KAC 154 Istanbul 15:55 DLH 635 Frankfurt 02:55 FDB 060 Dubai 15:10 KAC 102 London 00:55 SAW 705 Damascus 16:00 PGT 859 Istanbul 03:35 KAC 785 Jeddah 15:15 THY 772 Istanbul 00:55 QTR 1072 Doha 16:10 UAE 854 Dubai 03:45 PAL 669 Dubai/Manila 15:20 KAC 742 Dammam 01:00 JZR 535 Cairo 16:10 OMA 644 Muscat 03:55 GFA 222 Bahrain 15:25 FDK 803 Damascus 01:00 FDB 051 Dubai 16:25 KKK 6505 Istanbul 03:55 QTR 1079 Doha 15:40 RJA 642 Amman 01:05 KAC 788 Jeddah 16:30 THY 765 Istanbul 04:00 SVA 501 Jeddah 15:45 QTR 1086 Doha 01:15 KAC 662 Abu Dhabi 16:35 ETD 306 Abu Dhabi 04:10 KNE 530 Jeddah 15:55 THY 764 Istanbul 01:50 RJA 640 Amman 16:55 MSR 613 Cairo 04:10 KAC 619 Doha 16:00 DLH 635 Doha 01:55 KAC 118 New York 17:00 QTR 1077 Doha 04:40 ETD 304 Abu Dhabi 16:20 PGT 858 Istanbul 02:00 SVA 510 Riyadh 17:15 MSC 502 Alexandria 05:05 KAC 357 Kochi 16:20 UAE 853 Dubai 02:30 GFA 215 Bahrain 17:30 CEB 0019 Manila 05:20 ABY 128 Sharjah 16:30 GFA 211 Bahrain 02:30 JZR 777 Jeddah 17:45 QTR 1087 Doha 05:50 OMA 646 Muscat 16:35 KKK 6506 Istanbul 02:55 UAE 875 Dubai 18:00 FEG 954 Asyut 06:00 SAW 706 Damascus 16:55 DHX 170 Bahrain 05:20 FDB 063 Dubai 18:10 FDB 070 Dubai 06:30 JZR 266 Beirut 17:05 KAC 332 Trivandrum 05:45 JZR 177 Dubai 18:20 UAE 874 Dubai 06:50 JZR 240 Amman 17:15 THY 770 Istanbul 05:55 KAC 502 Beirut 18:45 THY 771 Istanbul 06:50 FDB 052 Dubai 17:25 KAC 384 Delhi 06:05 QTR 1080 Doha 18:50 KAC 153 Istanbul 06:50 QTR 1073 Doha 17:40 KAC 364 Colombo 06:05 ABY 123 Sharjah 19:25 KAC 165 Rome 06:55 KAC 343 Chennai 17:40 BAW 157 London 06:40 GFA 217 Bahrain 19:30 JZR 164 Dubai 06:55 KAC 363 Colombo 17:40 PAL 668 Manila/Dubai 07:00 KAC 674 Dubai 19:45 RJA 643 Amman 07:05 UAE 858 Dubai 17:45 FDB 5061 Dubai 07:15 FDB 057 Dubai 19:50 GFA 212 Bahrain 07:15 JZR 538 Cairo 17:45 FDB 053 Dubai 07:50 KAC 620 Doha 19:50 KAC 541 Cairo 07:15 RJA 641 Amman 17:55 KAC 302 Mumbai 08:20 KAC 166 Rome 19:55 KAC 163 Paris 07:25 KAC 331 Trivandrum 18:00 UAE 855 Dubai 08:40 KNE 381 Taif 19:55 KAC 173 Munich 07:35 SVA 511 Riyadh 18:15 KAC 382 Delhi 08:45 KAC 694 Muscat 20:00 FDB 5062 Dubai 07:55 KAC 353 BLR 18:15 ABY 125 Sharjah 09:05 OMA 647 Muscat 20:10 KAC 563 Amman 08:00 GFA 216 Bahrain 18:20 ETD 301 Abu Dhabi 09:05 QTR 1088 Doha 20:35 BAW 156 London 08:40 KAC 205 Islamabad 18:25 KAC 352 Kochi 09:10 DLH 634 Frankfurt 20:45 FDB 054 Dubai 08:55 JZR 184 Dubai 18:40 KAC 743 Dammam 09:00 QTR 1070 Doha 09:30 KAC 174 Munich 20:45 FDB 064 Dubai 19:05 FDB 055 Dubai 09:40 FDB 5053 Dubai 21:00 KAC 117 New York 09:00 UAE 876 Dubai 19:30 IRA 667 Esfahan 10:00 KAC 786 Jeddah 21:15 KAC 671 Dubai 09:15 QTR 1081 Doha 19:50 GFA 213 Bahrain 10:40 ETD 307 Abu Dhabi 21:20 JZR 534 Cairo 09:15 ABY 124 Sharjah 20:05 AXB 889 Mangalore/Bahrain 11:10 MEA 402 Beirut 21:20 KAC 101 London 09:35 GFA 218 Bahrain 20:15 JZR 165 Dubai 11:30 ALK 229 Colombo 21:25 ABY 126 Sharjah 09:45 KAC 383 Delhi 20:30 FDK 801 Damascus 11:45 UAE 859 Dubai 21:40 UAE 856 Dubai 09:55 FDB 058 Dubai 20:35 MEA 404 Beirut 11:55 GFA 219 Bahrain 21:45 ETD 302 Abu Dhabi 10:10 KAC 775 Riyadh 20:45 KAC 744 Dammam 12:10 QTR 1082 Doha 22:00 KAC 613 Bahrain 10:10 KNE 232 Riyadh 20:55 MSC 401 Alexandria 12:30 ETD 309 Abu Dhabi 22:15 FDB 056 Dubai 10:35 KAC 1543 Cairo 21:00 FEG 953 Asyut 12:35 AIC 975 Chennai/Goa 22:25 KAC 161 Geneva 10:35 FDB 075 Dubai 12:50 ETD 919 Abu Dhabi/Bahrain 22:45 QTR 1071 Doha 10:40 OMA 648 Muscat 21:10 UAE 871 Dubai 12:50 JZR 241 Amman 22:45 KAC 787 Jeddah 10:40 KAC 345 Ahmedabad 21:30 MSR 610 Cairo 13:00 KAC 164 Paris 22:55 KAC 501 Beirut 10:45 QTR 1089 Doha 21:35 KAC 614 Bahrain 13:30 JAI 574 Mumbai 23:00 IRA 666 Esfahan 11:00 DLH 634 Doha 21:35 KAC 564 Amman 13:40 JZR 185 Dubai 23:15 GFA 214 Bahrain 11:25 DHX 171 Bahrain 21:50 KNE 231 Riyadh 13:55 FDB 071 Dubai 23:45 KAC 661 Abu Dhabi 12:05 ETD 308 Abu Dhabi 22:15 FEG 931 Alexandria 13:55 KAC 162 Geneva 23:50 JZR 776 Jeddah 12:05 MEA 403 Beirut 22:20 KAC 672 Dubai 14:00 BBC 143 Dhaka 23:55 AXB 890 Mangalore 12:10 ALK 230 Colombo 22:25 QTR 1078 Doha 14:10 FDK 802 Damascus 12:45 JZR 528 Asyut 22:25 FDB 059 Dubai 14:20 Departure Flights on Monday 23/1/2017 MEA 405 Beirut 12:55 FDB 5054 Dubai 22:30 SVA 500 Jeddah 14:30 Airlines Flt Route Time MSC 402 Alexandria 13:30 GFA 220 Bahrain 22:30 KAC 414 Bangkok 14:35 AIC 982 Ahmedabad/Chennai 00:05 FEG 934 Sohag 13:35 KAC 301 Mumbai 22:45 GFA 221 Bahrain 14:40 JAI 573 Mumbai 00:30 JZR 176 Dubai 13:45 KAC 381 Delhi 22:45 KAC 542 Cairo 14:45 PIA 206 Lahore 00:40 MSR 611 Cairo 14:00 UAE 860 Dubai 22:55 KNE 529 Jeddah 14:55 FDB 072 Dubai 00:40 FDB 076 Dubai 14:05 ETD 310 Abu Dhabi 23:05 ETD 303 Abu Dhabi 15:15 BBC 044 Dhaka 01:30 UAE 872 Dubai 14:15 QTR 1083 Doha 23:20 stars34 MONDAY, JANUARY 23, 2017

CROSSWORD 1499 STAR TRACK

Aries (March 21-April 19) Libra (September 23-October 22) This is the day you have decided to allocate some time to tend to personal A lucky day! The secret to your financial security is in your attitude and business. You get out the trusty notepad and take notes on whatever you may need to today your attitude and thinking about money is positive. It is the little touches that matter review, locate or report in order to keep your records, pay bills or write letters. You as you go forth to execute your plans. Either you are a newly hired or you have hired some absorb needed information, and may not look up until you have your project completed. people that have high expectations because you are motivated! It is possible your profes- Take the afternoon to enjoy some time for outside sports or other exercise, or perhaps a sion is in the restaurant business. You are determined to give a secret family recipe away movie with a friend. The stores are still open this afternoon as you stop by a garden shop every year at this time. Most likely the business you gain at this time will be phenomenal. and discover the vegetables you can plant for a winter garden. It is interesting that what Your granny had lots of recipes; you also have your inventions. Money represents power, this time of year has to offer. You may be pleased with the progress you have made this freedom, prestige and safety. Money in itself is not everything we make it out to be. It is, day so you may consider doodling with some self-created poetry or music. however, an instrument in life-take care of it.

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

Although you remain in a quiet mood most of the morning, you may jump You may find it better to write down your thoughts today instead of express- to the call of any needy voice. This may involve an encouraging word to a family mem- ing them verbally. Frustration could be easy to experience if you are trying to change an old ber or a smile for a little child. You always seem able to create a harmony. habit, or the thinking of another person. Easy does it; just express these thoughts and know Communication with those living some distance from you could have you planning that the truth will eventually take hold. Your easygoing manner will be more encouraging entertainment or greeting committees. There could be visiting dignitaries. This is the than a pushy one. Wisely giving yourself time to think through tough situations, you can time to plan your next vacation, possibly a weekend ski trip. If you are not going on a trip become quite convincing in creating a change for the positive. This is a good money day; in soon you will be visiting with someone who is widely traveled. You find yourself busy fact, beginning now through next week, there will be opportunities to double your invest- and active this evening but there is a window of opportunity for a healing to take place, ments! Perhaps you will decide to go to las vegas, or you will employ a good financial advi- if needed. Allow art to transform your thoughts this evening. sor. Use your common sense to guide you.

Gemini (May 21-June 20) Sagittarius (November 22-December 21) There is great confidence with your professional life. You are quite busy now You are interested in everything and everyone with very few prejudices to and you may not be paying attention to your finances. Watch the mail this interfere. People pay attention when you make strong statements. You will week and pay attention to the bank statement when it comes; make sure all your areas are find that you must gather facts that will back you up on some issue in the workplace. You ACROSS DOWN covered. You could see some monetary rewards from teaching your hobby if you wish. are successful in your search to convince, change, put an end to or add to any other big 1. A nucleic acid consisting of large mole- 1. Amino acid that is formed in the liver and Your self-image can improve through teaching because there are many people that would piece of information needing attention now. If you have not noticed, progress comes from cules shaped like a double helix. converted into dopamine in the brain. like to be taught what you know about your hobby. Just knowing you can succeed in mak- outside forces this month. Being in control is an important factor here and learning to share 4. A political theory advocating an authori- 2. An aromatic ointment used in antiquity. ing a home project work will give you quite a lot of security and peace of mind. You have the control will create progress. Before the day is over there will be compliments and encouragement coming your way. This boost gives you lots of energy in making decisions tarian hierarchical government (as opposed 3. Any property detected by the olfactory the opportunity to be a tremendous help to a friend this evening, though you may not and accomplishing your goals. The evening is fun. to democracy or liberalism). system. realize it immediately. Take the time to really listen to this needy individual. 11. Open-heart surgery in which the rib 4. Clothing worn on a person's feet. cage is opened and a section of a blood ves- 5. (Judaism) Sacred chest where the ancient sel is grafted from the aorta to the coronary Hebrews kept the two tablets containing Cancer (June 21-July 22) Capricorn (December 22-January 19) artery to bypass the blocked section of the the Ten Commandments. coronary artery and improve the blood sup- You can sometimes be restless. You always seem to be in search of some- Intuitive insights come and go but today’s forecast is almost too much to 6. Of a stern or strict bearing or demeanor. thing new. Today is no exception. You will be feeling this restlessness from ply to the heart. resist! Keep track of your intuitive visions for at least a month, perhaps a 7. The closing section of a musical composi- time to time rather intensely. You will also be moving toward a better balance in your life as longer time with a notebook. You may enjoy research into just what makes you tick and 15. An implement used to propel or steer a tion. you pay attention to the little changes that might be needed to create that balance. When what your accomplishments are in the intuitive field. Communicating with others of your boat. 8. Being nine more than forty. this restless time occurs, you must realize it is a time to take a trip back through the last few own sex is an enjoyable way to learn more about yourself. You may come to the realization 16. Brownish Old World bunting often eaten 9. A mountain peak in the Andes in Bolivia days to see what happened to create the imbalance. Perhaps less sleep, worries, anticipa- that you are happy with just who you are and what you have accomplished. Other people enjoy being with you. This will be a full day of work, but with determination, you will com- as a delicacy. (21,391 feet high). tion, etc. It is also time to look forward. This may mean a new project, a new sales approach 17. A woman hired to suckle a child of or updating your surroundings in some way. Always involve yourself in at least two inter- plete your tasks and enjoy the fun parts of the day as the day unfolds. This evening, a loved 10. A hard brittle gray polyvalent metallic ests each day, the creative and the business. Blessings are counted. one gives you encouragement for whatever you need. someone else. element that resembles iron but is not mag- 18. Incited, especially deliberately, to anger. netic. 20. A French river that flows through the 11. Conqueror of Gaul and master of Italy Leo (July 23-August 22) Aquarius (January 20- February 18) heart of Paris and then northward into the (100-44 BC). Phone call last night may have been from friends wanting your attention. English Channel. 12. Type genus of the Amiidae. How you feel about yourself is expressed in the way you communicate with 21. Declare or acknowledge to be true. You show up at a fun type of surprise reunion and spend the rest of this day in total amaze- 13. A vigorous blow. others. Today you may try to see if you can keep a steady-as-she-goes type of pace. This is a 22. Type genus of the Ranidae. better time to reflect on your own life and perhaps those close to you. If you are home ment. Whether you are being entertained or whether you are being reunited with one or 14. Clarified butter used in Indian cookery. two persons that you knew some time ago . . . This is a weird but gratifying day. Later today 24. Having wisdom that comes with age and today, you may want to snuggle in a warm room and read a good book. If you are working, 19. The Sustainer. you make it a point to feed animals and put water around where needed in case it turns experience. this day will be productive, particularly if you can concentrate on writing or computer- 23. Plant with an elongated head of broad related work, etc. Compliment the people in your life-they either teach you lessons or sup- into a really cold evening. A garden shop or nursery may have just the plants you want for a 25. An ancient city on the Nile in Egypt. big color exhibit at your house next spring-at least you can plan. You are imaginative and stalked leaves resembling celery. port you in some way. A grateful attitude emits respectfulness and this behavior will take 27. Naked freshwater or marine or parasitic people will come from all around when it is time to view your shower of flowers. A lucky 26. A silvery ductile metallic element found you into many positive places. Your mood is in a healing place today, no matter where you protozoa that form temporary pseudopods streak this evening may be a fluke . . . Happy birthday! primarily in bauxite. are located. Relax to a different sort of music tonight. for feeding and locomotion. 28. Take or catch as if in a snare or trap. 30. Being ten more than one hundred nine- 29. A long thin fluffy scarf of feathers or fur. ty. Virgo (August 23-September 22) Pisces (February 19-March 20) 32. Goddess of the dead and queen of the 31. Consisting of or made of cedar. underworld. 34. Jordan's port. You may have been too busy this week to communicate with family mem- Your communication abilities may depend upon your concentration and 33. The visual percept of a region. 35. Small Peruvian evergreen with broad bers or confer with the one who matters most in your life. Whatever kept you busy is your concentration will improve as the day advances. Others may interrupt you, or make it difficult for you to express yourself. Your ideas will be supported however, and the more 37. Minute aquatic herbs floating on or rounded head and slender pendant branch- important but now it is time to dismiss last week and enjoy your family. It is good for them es with attractive clusters of greenish flow- to enjoy you. Laughter lightens the heart and brings hope and a healthy attitude. This is patient you can be, the more interest you will gain to your benefit. Take notes to stay below the water surface of still water con- focused. Emotions are sentimental and you may enjoy listening to others express their ers followed by clusters of rose-pink fruits. the more important of your communication developments this year and has much to sisting of a leaflike frond or plant body and teach you. Tonight is a good time to keep your appointment with a loved one. Open up ideas or experiences. You may feel particularly empathetic with a friend or loved one. 36. Type genus of the Ardeidae. single root. and let this person in on the good things you want to accomplish this year. The recent Someone may compliment you and enjoy your sense of humor. This evening is a great 41. A hard gray lustrous metallic element 38. A person of subnormal intelligence. research you do in the professional realm may be taking a bit more time than usual but it time to be with others. There is an opportunity to be more understanding about the plight that is highly corrosion-resistant. 39. Of or related to the genital and urinary won’t stop you from setting aside time to enjoy these people you love. of others and perhaps you will lend a helping hand. 42. An ancient Hebrew unit of capacity organs or their functions. equal to 10 baths or 10 ephahs. 40. A soft silver-white ductile metallic ele- 43. Having odor or a characteristic odor. ment (liquid at normal temperatures). Wordsearch Puzzle Yesterday’s Solution 47. A river in north central Switzerland that 44. An organization of countries formed in runs northeast into the Rhine. 1961 to agree on a common policy for the 48. Capable of being borne though unpleas- sale of petroleum. ant. 45. An intuitive awareness. 50. Overfilled or compacted or concentrat- 46. Capital and largest city of Iraq. ed. 49. The property of being extremely abun- 53. Small creeping evergreen shrubs. dant. 54. A former copper coin of Pakistan. 51. Any of many long-legged birds that 55. A clique that seeks power usually wade in water in search of food. through intrigue. 52. Small European freshwater fish with a 58. Being one hundred more than three slender bluish-green body. hundred. 56. Wish harm upon. 59. 1/10 gram. 57. A colorless and odorless inert gas. 61. An emotional response that has been 60. Wheelwork consisting of a connected acquired by conditioning. set of rotating gears by which force is trans- 66. Not necessary. mitted or motion or torque is changed. 70. In truth (often tends to intensify). 62. To some (great or small) extent. 71. The 3 goddesses of fate or destiny. 63. A subsidiary proposition that is assumed 72. Place in a line or arrange so as to be par- to be true in order to prove another propo- allel. sition. 75. A master's degree in business. 64. Cubes of meat marinated and cooked on 76. An early form of modern jazz (originat- a skewer usually with vegetables. ing around 1940). 65. A city in southern Turkey on the Seyhan 77. Succulent carpet-forming plant having River. small brilliant reddish-pink flowers. 67. A sheltered and secluded place. 79. An adult male person (as opposed to a 68. Monotypic genus of palms of woman). Australasia. 80. A Turkish unit of weight equal to about 69. Relatively deep or strong. 2.75 pounds. 73. A boy or man. 81. Tropical trees having one-seeded fruit. 74. Being one more than two. 82. A loose sleeveless outer garment made 78. An uproarious party. from aba cloth.

Yesterday’s Solution

Daily SuDoku Yesterday’s Solution lifestyle MONDAY, JANUARY 23, 2016 FEATURES

Theatre of theStills from the play ‘Ningalenne1950s Communistakki’. revisited KALPAK reproduces 65-year-old play

By Sajeev K Peter and most popular stage play of KPAC that pro- pelled the troupe into the forefront of Kerala cul- ALPAK Kuwait, a well-known theatre troupe tural scene and played a historical role in popular- of the expat community, staged izing the communist movement in the state dur- K‘Ningalenne Communistakki’ in Kuwait, a ing 1950s eventually leading to the establishment blockbuster Malayalam drama of the 1950s that of the first democratically elected communist transformed Kerala’s social arena. By staging the ministry in the world in 1957 in Kerala under E M S three-and-half-hour play three times on a single Namboodiripad. day in Kuwait, KALPAK has not only created a “Primarily, we had to meet the expectations of milestone for the troupe, but took many theatre- a drama that has created history in India. lovers for a ride down memory lane. Secondly, we had to recreate an era of 1950s, its “It is easier said than done. ‘Ningalenne social and political milieu. So in every aspect of Communistakki’ (You Made Me A Communist), the play, from the script and characterization to was probably the most challenging theatrical ini- dialogue and dialect, stage setting and costume, tiative we have ever undertaken over the last two we had to take utmost care to do a semblance of decades of our theatre life in Kuwait,” said Babu justice to a play of that stature,” he explained. Chakola, the director and the moving force behind the theatre group. KALPAK has produced scores of Challenges plays including dramas based on the Bible and the “Interestingly, many of my friends including Mahabharata in addition to social plays. fellow theatre people warned me about the possi- Theatre director Babu Chakola “It was like the famous saying, ‘fools rush in ble risks and challenges involved in producing it. for the drama transporting the audience back to where angels fear to tread.’ The play itself present- But we decided to pick up the gauntlet, come the Kerala of the fifties. While Chirackal Raju did ed enormous challenges for us,” Chakola said what may,” Chakola said. the lighting for the play, Varghese Paul provided elaborating the risks involved in producing the Chakola, the well-known stage designer the sound and Siby arranged the lights. Others drama which was staged more than 5,000 times Sujathaan Master and Kumar Trithala visited late who worked off stage included Sasi Kozhenchery across India in 1950s. Thoppil Bhasi’s residence in Kerala and received last and staged the play within seven days of its in Kerala. The cast includes an array of actors like (Assistant direction), Manoj Mavelikkara (back- The Malayalam play, written and directed by the script from his wife Ammini Amma. Daunting original schedule,” he said. Babu Chakola, Kumar Trithala, John Kozhenchery, ground music), Idikkula Mathew (program con- late theatre thespian Thoppil Bhasi, transformed at first, KALPAK went ahead with the project in Well-received by the theatre enthusiasts in Pradeep Vengola, Shajahan Kodungalloor, Aji vener), Reji Mathew (PRO) Ajayan (technical sup- the state’s political and social domains with its right earnest. The rehearsals started off with a 4- Kuwait, the play managed to successfully recap- Paravoor, Chandran Puthur, Dennis Tharakan, Sasi port), Sajeesh Vayanad (stage setting), Anil iconoclastic subject and presentation. “No men- month production schedule. KALPAK faced its ture the essence of the fifties. Many theatre-buffs Kozhenjery, Bimalkumar, Shashankan, K r Rajan, Sopanam (makeup). tion of Malayalam theatre can be complete with- greatest test when the Indian embassy cancelled could even feel that they could revisit the vibrant Manu Mathew, Deena Deennis Tharakan, Sheeja As a committed theatre activist and the winner out referring to late Thoppil Bhasi and his brain- the booking of the auditorium just two days prior theatre experience of the 1950s. With very con- Davis Tharakan, Kumari Alvia Shiju, Master Ivin of Kalashri award instituted by Kerala Sangeetha child Kerala People’s Arts Club (KPAC). The history to the staging. Regaining composure from the vincing performances, the stellar actors of KALPAK Shiju and Pranav Shivakumar. Nataka Akademi, Chakola is already in the work- of KPAC is a part of the socio-political and cultural shock, Chakola recouped and looked frenetically recreated those characters of the past such as The directorial brilliance of Chakola shone shop of his new drama. “Theatre is inextricably history of Kerala,” said Chakola. for an alternative venue. “We managed to find a Pappu, Paramu Pillai and Paramu Pillai who are through the play. Well-known stage designer linked with human life and my life is linked with ‘Ningalenne Communistakki’ was the second venue at Boys’ Scouts’ Auditorium in Hawally at forever etched in the memories of theatre lovers Sujathan Master expertly recreated the backdrops theatre,” Chakola quipped.

t’s unusual, at the Sundance Film Sundance Film Review Festival, to see a drama about a subject Ilike the Iraq War. The economics of The Yellow Birds scale required to stage an authentic com- bat scene don’t tend to mesh with indie- Before I Fall film budgets-and besides, there are enough towering war films in our time that the bar for them has been set extraor- o a film critic, reviewing YA movies can feel like being forced night to boyfriend Rob (Kian Lawley). Only, instead of getting dinarily high. So say this much for “The to relive the horrors of high school over and over again. But lucky-if the word really applies to being deflowered by a drunken Yellow Birds”: When it plunks the audience Tto a teenager, that doesn’t sound like such a bad thing, Neanderthal-Sam and her friends die in a grisly car accident, and down into a crumbling urban war zone, especially when the characters are pretty and potentially more presto, she’s back in bed, at the beginning of the same day. where every dirt road and alleyway could fabulous than you are. That’s basically the appeal of “Before I Fall,” be a path to oblivion, the movie, if nothing Ry Russo-Young’s impressively stylish adaptation of the popular ‘Cupid Day’ else, creates a physically convincing Lauren Oliver novel, in which the most beautiful girl in school dies It’s Feb 12, “Cupid Day” at school: Students buy roses to send atmosphere of instability and tension. The on one of the best days of her life, only to be reborn at the begin- to one another, resulting in a giant popularity contest that leaves movie opens with US soldiers walking ning of it, blessed/cursed to repeat Feb 12 until she gets it right. Sam and Lindsay glowing, and at least one of their classmates across a dark field, past palm trees (one of Like “Groundhog Day” for audiences too young to get the ref- smoldering with resentment. “I’m in heteronormative hell,” groans which is on fire), in a grimly patterned erence, “Before I Fall” suggests that the decisions we make really the lesbian who sits to Sam’s right (they’re studying Sisyphus in death march that evokes-ironically-the matter, though it’s not at all clear about why Sam Kingston literature class, but they might as well be learning the meaning of final moments of “Full Metal Jacket.” And, (“Vampire Academy” star Zoey Deutch) is caught in an infinite deja vu in French). But one of the roses Sam receives is special, indeed, Stanley Kubrick’s great Vietnam loop, or what she needs to do to break it. While the story easily bearing a note that suggests that the superficial, self-centered film seems to have been a key model for could have fallen into a broken-record rut, “Nobody Walks” direc- persona she puts on for her friends isn’t the real her; whoever sent Alexandre Moors, the director of “The tor Russo-Young finds ways of making the day in question feel it knows there’s a deeper, more sympathetic side to Sam. Yellow Birds,” at least when it comes to fresh each time Sam lives it, while giving the overall presentation That’s the first clue in an elaborate supernatural mystery-one imagining the random, bullet-strafing, a look, feel, and voice that’s distinct from the vast swatch of YA with no rules and little in the way of logic, but a compelling enemy-without-a-face logistics of contem- movies. Shot in elegant widescreen and set to a soundtrack of enough momentum that most audiences won’t mind-that leads porary combat. empowerment ballads, “Before I Fall” forgoes the overlit Disney to what Sam must do to move on. But what kind of person is Sam Moors, who hails from France but has really? If she were a good student, it prob- lived in the US since 1998, is known for ably wouldn’t take her nearly so long to “Blue Caprice” (2013), his attempt to dram- figure out how to break the cycle. And if atize the genesis of the 2002 Beltway she truly were considerate, she wouldn’t sniper attacks. In “The Yellow Birds,” he be in this predicament in the first place. stages the Iraq scenes with scale and sible not to scan his presence to see if he of Brandon lying around in bed, skulking With her chestnut hair and perfect porce- verve and confidence, though with noth- has a bit of the cocky surliness of the over to the liquor store, or warring with his lain-doll features, Sam suggests what ing that approaches the sustained anxiety young Harrison Ford, he comes off more mother (a convincingly emotionally uptight “Desperate Housewives” neighbor and suspense audiences now want and like Montgomery Clift: a delicate ‘50s bedraggled Toni Collette). He’s got his Big Bree Van De Kamp must have been like in expect from a war movie. (It may sound a brooder, elegantly handsome and a touch Secret about what happened over there, high school, only here, she’s been given bit unseemly to observe that movies like effete, his fine sculpted features resolved and he’s going to take forever to tell it, the chance to do something significant- “Hacksaw Ridge” or “The Hurt Locker” ren- into a scowl of concern that almost never even as he’s stalked by a dour CID officer and an infinite number of tries to figure der the horrors of war unbearably exciting, leaves his face. He’s supposed to be an (Jason Patric) and by Murphy’s mother, out what that should be. Sam tries it but that’s part of what they do.) “The aimless drifter from Virginia who falls into Maureen, played by Jennifer Aniston, who every which way: One day, she’s nice to Yellow Birds” follows a platoon of US Army enlistment because he’s got no other conveys a truth-at-all-costs desperation, everyone around her, the next, she alien- soldiers who wind up on rooftops, engag- plans; when he’s fooling around with his though she’s a shade too punchy and ates all her family and friends. She even ing in shootouts with figures they can girlfriend in the back of a car, and she asks telegraphed about it. The one other main decides to stay home from the party, suc- hardly see, or firing up at giant battered him (playfully) to go college with her, he character is the two soldiers’ officer, ceeding in sparing her own life, but not buildings, or being ambushed by an IED at acts like it’s an absurd request. But the Sergeant Sterling, who Jack Huston por- that of another important character. the rare moment they feel invincible. truth is that Ehrenreich comes off just like trays as a cliche Texas bad-boy varmint, a college boy. He’s hard to buy as a soldier, though the movie snaps to life whenever Positive change Self-importance because he doesn’t seem tough enough; he’s on screen. Sam might not have seemed like a ter- “The Yellow Birds,” however, is not just we never glimpse his inner badass. So what happened over there? I won’t ribly interesting or deep character when a combat film. It’s a somber, guilt-ridden reveal it, but we’re led to suspect that we meet her, but screenwriter Maria meditation on the price of war, one that Endless scenes Murphy is no longer alive, and when the Channel look, embracing a cooler, steely-blue aesthetic that’s Maggenti ensures that audiences gradu- examines the intertwined fates of two sol- During the war, Brandon looks out for revelation of his fate finally arrives, you more in line with such bygone cult faves as “Buffy the Vampire ally come to appreciate both the layers to her personality and the diers: Brandon Bartle (Alden Ehrenreich), Murphy (played by Tye Sheridan, from Jeff may find yourself seriously questioning Slayer” and “Veronica Mars”-plus, it unfolds in that post-Judy hidden connections that link Sam and those around her as the 20 years old, lost in the murk of what hap- Nichols’ “Mud,” as a sweet dim kid in way the basic moral decision made by a key Blume space where it’s OK to broach such touchy issues as teen film unfolds. Meanwhile, Russo-Young’s job is to keep Feb. 12 from pened over there, and Daniel Murphy (Tye over his head), but he returns along, character. It seems not just wrong but, getting over-familiar, even as her egocentric protagonist’s mount- suicide and contraception. Sheridan), the 18-year-old recruit he took because Murphy has gone missing. What frankly, unbelievable-a contrived way for ing ennui finally compels her to stop focusing on herself and look Sam and her friends are “b**ches,” and they’re not afraid to say under his wing. The film keeps acting like happened to him? That mystery is the the film to convert its tragedy into a for a solution that can genuinely change things. Even once the so-they use the term affectionately between themselves, and it has something big to tell us; it plods and heart of the movie, and Moors, as a direc- “metaphor.” Most of the powerful war they’re identified as such by the various wallflowers they harass at credits roll, “Before I Fall” remains a bit confusing on this point: Is Sam trying to save her own life, or is she trying to make a positive broods with self-importance. Yet in almost tor, drags it out. The script is credited to movies of our time were made by direc- school. As leader of their mean-girl pack, Lindsay (Halston Sage) is change that will leave the world better once she’s gone? every crucial way, “The Yellow Birds” is a David Lowery and R.F.I Porto, but the tors, from Steven Spielberg to Kathryn the worst of them, but Sam’s no angel either: She’s rude to her sis- And what happens to all those days she lived incorrectly? Are flat and listless piece of moviemaking, a movie has a patchwork structure-it seems Bigelow and Mel Gibson, who have not ter, mean to her mother, dismissive of her secret admirer, and they like failed lives in a video game, or do they continue on to monotonous indie dirge that will end up to have been pieced together in the edit- known combat themselves. But they make downright cruel to Juliet (Elena Kampouris) the haggard social create parallel experiences? Such questions distract from novelist fighting to win even a tiny audience. ing room-and, what’s worse, most of the you feel like they know it in their bones. In outcast that she and her friends ridicule on a daily basis. Oliver’s point, which has more to do with school bullying and the The closest thing the film has to a com- scenes are rudderless, because they’re “The Yellow Birds,” Alexandre Moors gets Ninety percent of the people on this earth would probably kill steps we must all do to stop it. Her message seems to be that mercial draw is Alden Ehrenreich, who is barely burdened with dialogue. The pain through the battle scenes, but when it to spend a day in Sam’s shoes, but it’s kind of a chore to sit through there are no innocent bystanders when it comes to causing others of course a hot property now that he’s the film is supposed to be about is por- comes to the true stakes of war and what the first time, watching her and the vapid girls she hangs out with pain, and if the universe has thrown Sam into this peculiar loop- going to be playing the young Han Solo. trayed as being “beyond words.” it is that makes soldiers tick, he can barely plan how great it’s going to be for Sam to lose her virginity that the-loop, it’s because it wants to teach her that lesson. — Reuters Yet in “The Yellow Birds,” where it’s impos- This means that we get endless scenes fake it. — Reuters lifestyle MONDAY, JANUARY 23, 2017 REVIEWS

Sundance Film Review Mudbound

Actor Jeremy Renner, from left, Director Taylor Sheridan, actress Elizabeth Olsen and actress Kelsey Asbille Chow pose for a portrait to promote the film, “Wind River”, at the Music Lodge during the Sundance Film Festival on Saturday in Park City, Utah. — AP

Wind River Director Dee Rees, from left, actors Garrett Hedlund, Rob Morgan, Mary J. Actress Carey Mulligan speaks to reporters at the premiere of the film Blige, Carrey Mulligan, center, and Jason Mitchell, bottom pose for a por- “Mudbound” at the Eccles Theatre during the 2017 Sundance Film trait to promote the film, “Mudbound”, at the Music Lodge during the Festival. ot every great screenwriter has what it cally simple story than “Hell or High Water” Sundance Film Festival on Saturday in Park City, Utah. — AP takes to step behind the camera and or “Sicario.” Sheridan wants us to know these Ndirect a movie (most of them, in fact, people, this terrain, to feel the bite of the ome folks look out on the world, an earthy beauty to Carey Mulligan’s omous racism comes through loud idea of what its main characters want probably don’t have it). Yet every once in a cold and the lonely sting of their lives. He and all they see are the differ- Laura McAllan, the most relatable and clear all the same), but avoids the from their struggle-apart from the while, a gifted screenwriter comes along who immerses us in a place ruled by “snow and Sences between people, the character in the ensemble, despite Terrence Malick technique of pairing chance to succeed and put down seems destined to take that leap. There was a silence,” and uses the revelation of that things that set us apart. “Mudbound” the fact Laura herself accepts her that narration with footage that roots in soil they can call their own. lot of anticipation at Sundance before the pre- atmosphere as the ultimate explanation of is a hymn to what we all share-the domestic servitude with the same might give the film its texture-which Somehow, the movie seems to be miere showing of “Wind River,” the first movie the crimes he’s unraveling. human struggle, the mutual desire to unquestioning devotion as the local is not to say that such shots aren’t missing a romance, or even a more directed by Taylor Sheridan, who wrote the In “Wind River” (the title comes from the succeed and create a better world for sharecroppers do their work arrange- there. As Tamar-kali’s Dolby-mixed developed sense of the impossibility brilliant screenplays for “Hell or High Water” name of the reservation), I think Sheridan our children-and it is a damning ments. Whereas everyone else is claw- score swells all around, cinematogra- of Jamie and Ronsel’s friendship, (2016) and “Sicario” (2015). I suspect that’s succeeds in making the drama he set out to indictment of those who stand in the ing their way up, Laura was raised pher Rachel Morrison supplies forged by a mutual respect among because Sheridan thinks like a director even in make. Every shot is in place (though many of way of such progress. Set deep in the with the comforts of the city, but mar- widescreen views of dramatic veterans but not allowed in the still- his scripts, which don’t just have crackling dia- them are handheld), every bit of dialogue is Mississippi Delta, it’s the epic story of ries Henry (Jason Clarke) on faith and Mississippi sunsets, rain-drenched segregated American South. logue-they have pace, structure, dimension. delivered with the right sly spirit (though two families, one white, the other follows her husband to a run-down fields, and makeshift wooden houses (That, of course, is what all screenplays are some of it is mumbled), and Jeremy Renner black, who’ve each sown hope house without electricity or running that look ready to collapse in on Wartime experience supposed to have, but how many of them plays the taciturn hero with a strong-and- among fields too sodden to be much water, where baths are a once-a-week themselves. But editor Mako When Jamie offers Ronsel a lift do?) Sheridan also possesses a fully scaled silent yet vulnerable elan. Working on his use-and though the sheer scope of luxury. There’s a glimmer of potential Kamitsuna has so much material to from town one afternoon, Ronsel vision of our society, and of what’s gone own, Sheridan, more than before, has fash- the material overwhelms “Pariah” passion between Laura and Henry’s wrestle in the film’s first hour that the climbs into the back of the pickup wrong in it. He’s drawn to men of violence on ioned a true neo-1970s movie, a thriller that’s director Dee Rees at times, she finds flirtatious younger brother, Jamie priority must remain on the charac- truck, and later, when Jamie insists both sides of the law, and to the intricacies of willing to lope and dawdle to shed light upon shoots of optimism among the mire (Garrett Hedlund), who builds his ters-plus, Rees is right not to romanti- that he ride up front, Ronsel must crime, but what he’s really drawn to is depict- the world it shows you. “Wind River” adds up, that couldn’t be more welcome at a under-loved sister-in-law a shower in cize the story’s setting or circum- duck anytime a car passes. Jamie may ing those things as an expression of our inner and skillfully, but in the end it’s not all that moment when the country seems a caring gesture that never would stances. Farm life is hard, and not ter- treat Ronsel like an equal, but you can hunger. He’s a bristling entertainer with the exciting. It’s a vision of the new American more divided than ever. have occurred to her husband, but ribly compelling to depict, which hear vestiges of his father’s racism in soul of a noir poet. despair-not an inner-city movie, but an inner- Adapted by Rees and co-writer that possibility is choked as surely a makes it a challenge to dramatize the the way he asks Ronsel about his “Wind River,” a murder mystery set on a wilderness movie-and it could have used Virgil Williams from Hillary Jordan’s seed fallen among weeds. Jamie is by two families’ day-to-day trials. That wartime conquests-he wants to know Native American reservation that’s nestled in another twist or two. remarkable debut novel, far the most charismatic of the might explain one of Rees’ more inter- whether Ronsel ever slept with a the wintry desolation of Wyoming, continues “Mudbound” captures more than the McAllan clan, and the movie suffers esting structural choices, when she white woman and you can sense the those obsessions. If you think that in the last Lead investigator usual amount of detail from its source when he ships off to war-though it cross-cuts between Ronsel dismount- fear in the deferential way that the few decades, the humanity has been leaking When Natalie’s death starts to look like a material, including much of the lan- Jacksons tread lightly whenever white out of Hollywood filmmaking-some would homicide, the FBI is called in, in the person of guage itself. Rees preserves Jordan’s men are present, making apologies say that it’s been hemorrhaging; others Jane Banner (Elizabeth Olsen), a no-nonsense strategy of spreading the narration even when they’re in the right. would say “Who cares?”-then it’s possible that agent from Las Vegas. She’s the movie’s lead between six different characters, Once awards season rolls around, no genre incarnates that decline quite like the investigator, but she calls on Cory to act as three from each family. It’s a powerful it will be somebody’s job to identify thriller. Just say the word-thriller-and you her guide through tiny-town Wyoming and equalizing device that puts everyone which are the lead performances and think: Action! Guns, fights, heists, car chases. the slightly gnarly people who inhabit it. The on roughly the same level, despite the which are supporting, but in the But in “Sicario” and, especially, “Hell or High whole place is blanketed in loss and dashed fact that the Jacksons are not only meantime, “Mudbound” presents a Water,” Sheridan caught something debased expectations, and that extends to Cory, who’s tenant farmers on the McAllans’ land, canvas on which all six of its narrators and valiant, desperate and mournfully com- divorced, with a son, and who lost his but African-American to boot, locking loom large. The male actors are pelling in the sight of recognizable people teenage daughter three years ago. them into a lower social position in strong, especially Mitchell and caught up in the larger-than-life world of Her death haunts him, and the movie as Hedlund, who wrestle the traumas of crime. In “Wind River,” he pushes that further, well; when we learn how it happened, it 1940s Mississippi. so that the scraggly human side of the drama becomes a precursor to the solving of the their wartime experience with a fresh is now far more potent and tangible than the crime. Cory and Jane start off as oil and Enforce additional restrictions set of battles on the home front, but underworld drive. water, but they’re forced to protect each oth- “Mudbound” takes place at a par- it’s the two women who leave the er, as when they raid a singularly scuzzy ticular time in American history, when strongest impression. Pest control meth den where Natalie’s brother has been poor white men felt their standing Blige so disappears into her role The movie opens in the middle of the holed up. Why is he there? He says there’s threatened by their hard-working that audiences might never suspect night, with a Native American woman run- nothing else to do. black neighbors, when laws were This image released by the Sundance Institute shows Garrett Hedlund, they’re watching a pop star, were it ning barefoot, like a wounded animal, across Sheridan’s filmmaking is spiky and alive, passed to keep blacks down-or mud- left, and Jason Mitchell in a scene from “Mudbound,” by Dee Rees. not for the stylish pair of rimless sun- the snowy tundra. A day or two later, her but perhaps to make that possible, he wrote a bound, if you will-and the Ku Klux glasses she wears when asked to help body is discovered by Cory Lambert (Jeremy script that’s less layered than the ones that Klan arose to enforce additional gives the family’s venomous grandfa- ing from his tank in Europe and Hap bury the man who all but murdered Renner), a wildlife officer whose job is to hunt brought him to this moment. There aren’t too restrictions that never found their ther (Jonathan Banks) a chance to falling off a ladder back in Mississippi, her son. Otherwise, she’s thoroughly and kill predators, like coyotes and wolves, many links to the mystery; the movie leads you way into the books. So many of the not-so-subtly establish himself as the causing a gory injury that forces him convincing as a concerned mother, that prey on local farm animals. It’s like the from point A to point B to point C, and then- contemporary stories set during that ensemble’s resident bigot. Living a to borrow a donkey, erasing any hope one who wants Ronsel to leave town frontier version of pest control, but in his one- boom! — you know what happened. There’s a more shameful chapter of America’s short ways down the road, the the Jacksons may have had of rising and create his own opportunities, clean-shot way Cory is a cowboy. On this par- crazy Mexican standoff that features 10 char- past invent white role models who Jackson family also sends one of its above their debts that season. knowing full well it will make things ticular trek into the blizzardy slopes, he’s acters standing in the snow pointing guns at seem downright progressive by the sons off to war, as Ronsel Considering how important agricul- more difficult for her and Hap. hunting down a family of mountain lions, but each other, and frankly, I found it hard to sort standards of the day, and enlightened (Jason Mitchell) joins the all-black ture is to both families’ fates, however, Mulligan shares Florence’s instinct their tracks lead him to the frozen-solid out who was getting paranoid about whom. even by ours (a la Atticus Finch). But 761st Tank Batallion, leaving long-suf- “Mudbound” conspicuously lacks the for putting others’ good before her corpse of Natalie (Kelsey Asbille), an 18-year- There’s a major flashback that reveals the Jordan doesn’t let her characters off fering Hap (Rob Morgan) and his wife hardy fight against the elements so own, but takes a stand when Henry old Native American who was once friends crime, and it’s intensely violent and a little ugly. so easily. Florence (Mary J. Blige) to tend the brilliantly captured in films such as tries to throw out her piano, refusing to with his daughter. An autopsy reveals that There is also a final act of vengeance that takes No, the white characters in cotton crop in his absence. On the “The River” and “Places in the Heart,” sacrifice the only shred of civilization she was raped, and that she died because her place on a snowy mountaintop-and it seems a “Mudbound” are products of their front lines, Ronsel feels as if the color where determined characters take a they have left in Mississippi. As such winded lungs burst from inhaling the sub- bit reductive, as if “Jeremiah Johnson” had time, and there’s an honesty to that of his skin isn’t a factor for the first stand to save their crop. scenes make clear, “Mudbound” is a zero air. She was that desperate to get away merged with “Walking Tall.” which sometimes supersedes choices time, even sparking a romance with a The latter example actually deliv- story about fighters, whether defend- from someone. “Wind River” isn’t, in the end, as enthralling a that might otherwise have been more nice white German lady that will ers a more traditional dramatic treat- ing the country from Hitler or simply Sheridan, from the opening shots, is in movie as “Hell or High Water” or “Sicario” (and it satisfying or dramatic-much as the come back to haunt him later. ment of many of “Mudbound’s” trying to put food and milk on the full command as a director, though not probably won’t come close to matching either casting favors actors whose weath- themes, right down to the stomach- table. That’s something anyone can because he’s built the movie around another one of them commercially), yet it’s skillful and ered faces and strained expressions Compelling to depict churning appearance of a lynch mob relate to, though Rees’ achievement of his elegantly barbed and perfectly car- compelling enough to prove that Taylor Sheridan, look as if they might have been lifted Rees allows each of these charac- in Klan robes at the end. Jordan’s nov- comes in looking past what separates pentered screenplays. “Wind River,” if any- as a director, has the goods. Now he needs to fig- from Richard Avedon’s “In the ters to voice their innermost thoughts el provides a rich tapestry of events, her characters and celebrating what thing, tells a looser, scragglier, more organi- ure out what to do with them. — Reuters American West” series. And yet, there’s (all but Pappy, that is, though his ven- but it doesn’t provide the clear-cut they have in common. — Reuters

ocumentaries aren’t often discussed in terms of road living with a mother, Geneva, who suffers from their ability to entertain, but “Step” might be depression and anger issues and checks in and out of Dthe most infectiously entertaining doc since her daughter’s life with alarming unpredictability. Chris Rock’s “Good Hair.” This ebullient chronicle of a Cori’s mother, Triana, recently married a longtime Baltimore girls step team’s senior year matches a fasci- boyfriend, and the couple do everything they can to nating, worthy subject with unabashedly joyful film- provide for their blended family. And Tayla is perpetu- making. It’s a crowd pleasing winner from Broadway ally embarrassed by her helicopter mother, Maisha, a producer and first-time feature helmer Amanda Lipitz proud correctional officer whose boundless love for that has what it takes to appeal across generations her daughter provides some of the film’s most amus- and emerge as one of the year’s prime doc attractions. ing and affectionate moments. Call it “Hoop Dreams” for the social media genera- Without any fuss, Lipitz has made a film deeply tion. At a breezy 83 minutes, “Step” isn’t going for a rooted in intergenerational relationships between deep dive into every aspect of its subjects’ lives, but it women, which extends to the team’s no-nonsense weaves multiple narrative strands together in a flashy coach Gari McIntyre (a newcomer to the school who package that opens a very specific window into life in introduces herself by saying she lives on the street 2016 America. Given where we’re at, it’s not an over- where Gray passed away) and devoted college coun- statement to say what’s revealed is essential viewing. selor Paula Dofat. When Blessin looks in danger of slip- Lipitz focuses on three step team participants in par- ping through the cracks, both women push her to ticular: captain Blessin Giraldo, a step prodigy who bring the same enthusiasm she applies to step to her shines during performances but struggles both at academic future. And then there are the step routines. school and at home; Cori Grainger, an ace student Every bit as energetically depicted as they were in last hoping for a scholarship to the school of her dreams; year’s Sundance mini-breakout “The Fits,” we’re treated and Tayla Solomon, a straight-talker whose vivacious to glimpses of every stage in the process, from single mom acts as the team’s unofficial den mother. rehearsals to competition. That’s where Casey Regan’s Along with the rest of the step team seniors, they’re deft camerawork and Penelope Falk’s sharp-eyed cut- on a mission to accomplish two significant goals in ting really shine. As Blessin notes early on, “We make their final year at the Baltimore Leadership School for music with our bodies. That’s some sick stuff.” Young Women: get accepted into college, in keeping “Step” is so much fun, it could cause some doc with the school’s mission of sending every graduate Director Amanda Lipitz, second from left, poses for a portrait with dancers Cori Grainger, left, Talya purists to gripe at the glossy touches (you won’t find a Step on to higher education, and win the Bowie State step Solomon and Blessin Giraldo, right, to promote the film, “Step”, at the Music Lodge during the Sundance montage set to Fifth Harmony’s “Worth It” in a competition, which draws on schools from Maryland, Film Festival on Friday in Park City, Utah. — AP Frederick Wiseman film), but that’s where the film may Virginia, and Washington, DC. ultimately prove most powerful. By offering some of What Lipitz didn’t know when she initially Freddie Gray died while in police custody, leading to shoehorn any of that material into the story; it’s all society’s most marginalized members-young black embarked on the project (and, full disclosure, she and protests and riots. Without becoming expressly politi- seamlessly a part of the time Lipitz has captured. women-their time in the spotlight without any inkling her mother, Brenda Brown Rever, were involved in the cal, “Step” stands as a firm rebuttal to rampant misun- These girls are each looking for their own way out of condescension or exploitation, Lipitz does more charter school’s founding in 2009), was that filming derstandings about both the Black Lives Matter move- of tough circumstances, but their family and social sit- than just entertain or enlighten. She’s breaking down would begin in earnest after Baltimore resident ment and life in poor urban areas. There’s no need to uations are notably diverse. Blessin has the roughest barriers in nonfiction cinema. — Reuters lifestyle MONDAY, JANUARY 23, 2017 FASHION

Boy George talks politics at Paris menswear, Dior goes dark usic maestro Boy George got political at Paris Fashion Week as Dior Homme Mwent to the dark side, creating a hard, brooding fall-winter collection. Here are the highlights of Saturday’s menswear shows. A demure and relaxed Paris Jackson dodged journalists as she arrived at the Dior Homme show in a black Dior perfecto jacket and stylish white pleated skirt. The daughter of pop icon Michael Jackson vied for attention with music legend Bono, who dominated the front row in his customary shades next to LVMH fashion tycoon Bernard Arnault, owner of the fashion house. But it was Boy George that did all the talking. The former “Culture Club” front man got political, defending new US first lady Melania Trump against negative press about her former modeling career.

“You know what - as somebody who has a past - I think it’s really wrong and mean-spirited of women to be so abusive,” Boy George told The Associated Press from beneath an exuber- ant embellished hat. The fashion icon added that, in the Herve Pierre-designed inauguration gown, Melania Trump “looked amazing.” The singer, who is gay, said people should “remain positive” about the next four years in the Models present creations by United States. Still, he lamented - with a hint of Balmain, during men’s Fashion humor - that President Donald Trump didn’t Week for the Fall/Winter mention the LGBT community - “or me” - in his 2017/2018 collection in Paris. inauguration speech. — AP/AFP photos lifestyle MONDAY, JANUARY 23, 2017 FASHION

Dior Homme goes dark and edgy Designer Kris Van Assche went against the grain of Dior codes with resounding success, producing a hard-edged fall-winter menswear dis- play that explored the darker side of fashion. The decor of metal scaffold- ing, sinister booming music and inter- locking planks of raw wood that served as a catwalk set the unusual mood. This was a stomping celebra- tion of hardcore rave, rebellion and the street. Glistening black leather gloves opened the Grand Palais col- lection, a signature of Monsieur Dior given a threating twist. Dark sneakers sported banding that was criss- crossed to look like bondage and plunging, dark capes completely enveloped the body. Fur coats came in unnatural hues of flaming russet and cobalt blue and mixed with urban prints. But the key to the collection might have been a sky blue ribbed knit sweater, worn on top of and almost imprisoning the Dior Homme bread-and-butter suit beneath. Was this Assche’s way to sig- nal his creative rebellion away from the sometimes-constricting house codes? It was a strong and effective contrast with the peppered sartorial elements of the show, on which the house has made its name.

Models present creations by Dior, during men’s Fashion Week for the Fall/Winter 2017/2018 collection in Paris. lifestyle MONDAY, JANUARY 23, 2017 FASHION

Models present creations by Hermes, during men’s Fashion Week for the Fall/Winter 2017/2018 collection in Paris.

Designer debut at Berluti All eyes were on a highly-anticipat- ed debut from edgy designer Haider Ackermann at Paris Fashion Week Friday night. The artistic direction of Berluti - a bootmaker since 1895 that branched out into ready-to-wear only in 2011- has been closely watched by parent company LVMH. Company chief Bernard Arnault’s powerful son, Antoine, is CEO. Ackermann’s new direction was a drastic make-over. Gone was the classicism of predeces- sor Alessandro Sartori and the trade- mark shoe wear. In its place, pointed boots and a fresh feeling. Velvet suits, exaggerated layering and long soft color-infused coats - one in shimmering dry mustard - set the tone for the 37-piece-collection. Under Ackermann, Berluti just got funky.

Hermes channels blue There were no surprises at Veronique Nichanian’s typically luxuri- ant menswear show for Hermes that this season channeled tones of blue and gray. There is always a softness to the French stylist’s designs. But in Saturday’s display Nichanian really flew with this idea - transforming a gray leather coat into something almost melted and malleable in the way it was softly gathered at the waist. Black pants and black leather shoes served to put the clothes on the upper body on a pedestal. Looks were loose but not bulky, with velvet and leather sections spicing up Hermes’ go-to classical designs. — AP

Models present creations by Givenchy during men’s Fashion Week for the Fall/Winter 2017/2018 collection in Paris. Theatre of the 1950s35 revisited MONDAY, JANUARY 23, 2017

A man dressed as a Mexican Maya native poses for photographs at the Mexico stand during the ‘FITUR’ International Tourism Fair in Madrid. — AP

Spanish village hurls turnips to drive away evil esidents of a Spanish town pelted a 18-30, who portrayed the “Jarramplas” on devil-like character portrayed by a Thursday and wore the costume which Ryoung man with thousands of rock- weighs over 40 kilos (88 pounds). “If I can hard turnips Thursday in a tradition that aims do it again, I will,” he said delighted, just to drive away evil. The centuries-old festival of after he took his turn playing the Jarramplas is celebrated every January 19 “Jarramplas” for about 20 minutes. “It does and 20 in the western village of Piornal, home not hurt. The armour is well prepared, so to around 1,500 people. Portraying the you don’t feel the impact much. It is more “Jarramplas”-especially on the second day of the fatigue of wearing so many kilos,” said the festival-is considered such an honor that Sergio Calle Alonso, who portrayed the there is a waiting list of 21 years. character shortly after Amado. Each year, several young men are select- Piornal bought a total of 21.4 tons of The flip side of a letter from Alexander Hamilton’s son Philip to his A letter written by Alexander Hamilton’s son Philip to his father ed to take turns to dress up as the devil-like turnips, which are left at strategic places father is displayed at Sothebyís in New York. begins with ‘Dear Papa,’ as displayed at Sotheby. character by wearing a costume made from across the village to be hurled at the colorful strips of fabric with body armor “Jarramplas”. Portraying the creature on he hottest Broadway show is into someone’s apartment and look- underneath, and a mask with great horns. January 20, the second day of the festival, is shining its spotlight on a collec- ing at the desk where they work. And As they walk the streets and beat a drum, considered a great honour, for it is the day of Ttion of historic American docu- that’s so revealing about how their hundreds of villagers repeatedly hurl Saint Sebastian, whom the village honors. ments: Alexander Hamilton’s letters, mind works.” Dozens of the letters turnips at them from close range. The exact As such, only one or two men get to be being auctioned at Sotheby’s. Javier penned by one of the nation’s found- origin of the festival is not known, although pelted by turnips on January 20, instead of Munoz, who plays him in the ing fathers will go on the block Jan18, various theories exist. One widely accepted the 20-or-so on the first day. “One of the Broadway musical, got teary-eyed as with an estimated worth starting at one is that the “Jarramplas” represents a most important things in life is dressing as he held the only known letter from $1.4 million and topping $2 million. cattle thief who was once punished by ‘Jarramplas’,” said Ismael Vicente, who will Hamilton’s son Philip to the man But Sotheby’s expects the feverish local residents. The tradition has come to don the costume on Friday and face the addressed as “Papa.” The son asks his interest in the megahit “Hamilton” symbolize the expulsion of everything bad. wrath of his turnip-throwing neighbors. father for advice on a written presenta- likely will drive prices up. Piornal mayor Ernesto Agudiez said the Sergio Diaz Prieto, an insurance salesman tion, noting that his mentor had delet- The most valuable item of the auc- purpose of the festival is to “drive away bad who portrayed the character in 2004 after ed a sentence Hamilton liked best. tion, estimated at $300,000 to spirits in 2017, so that we have a good year an 11-year wait, said there was an art to “I’m overwhelmed,” said Munoz, $500,000, is one of Hamilton’s and a good cherry harvest”. About 70 per- being a good “Jarramplas”. It “means play- who held the delicate old piece of “Pacificus” essays probing a con- cent of Piornal’s residents earn a living from ing the drum a lot, and walking with a paper unprotected, asking permission tentious issue - George Washington’s cherry farming. swagger, not like a statue,” he said. “But to flip it over. “It’s sort of like walking declaration of his nation’s neutrality in above all, a good Jarramplas is one who the conflict between France and ‘Hit him hard’ exposes himself and gives the opportunity Great Britain. “This is a unique con- David Amado was one of 23 men, aged for people to hit him hard.” — AFP junction of historical material with the popular zeitgeist,” said Selby Kiffer, Javier Munoz, left, who plays Alexander Hamilton in the enormously the auction house’s expert on books popular Broadway hip-hop musical ‘Hamilton,’ laughs with the showís and manuscripts. “I have not experi- set designer David Korins as they read a letter from Hamilton to an enced anything like this before.” unnamed recipient, possibly Jeremiah Wadsworth, about the 1796 The designer of the show’s sets, presidential election. David Korins, also created parts of Sotheby’s Americana exhibit space that includes the kind of furniture and art that surrounded Hamilton in his daily life. Above the displays, Korins strung bunjee-like tension cords in red, white and blue as links leading visitors around, reflecting the threads of an American flag. Munoz said that reading Hamilton’s private thoughts on everything from his love life and political career to war and even gar- dening will have a deep effect on his A lock of Alexander Hamilton’s hair performance, especially details that displayed with an autographed let- don’t appear on Broadway. “Part of ter written by Elizabeth (Eliza) the awe for me is how casual so Schuyler Hamilton presenting the much of this is,” said Munoz, who People throw turnips at a man representing the Jarrampla, beating his drum and hair from her late husband to sister- with Korins giggled as they pored sporting a costume covered in multicolored ribbons and his face hidden behind over one letter in which Hamilton a conical mask with a huge nose, horns and a horse’s mane, in Piorna on January in-law Mary Ann Sawyer Schuyler is A detail of a document of Alexander Hamilton’s appointment as aide- writes flirtatious words to his sister- 19, 2017 during the annual San Sebastian festivities. — AFP displayed, Tuesday, at Sotheby’s in de-camp to General George Washington is displayed. New York. —AP photos in-law, Angelica Church. — AFP