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THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 23, 2017 JAMADA ALAWWAL 26, 1438 AH www.kuwaittimes.net 7 Earth-like Juventus beat planets Porto 2-0, discovered Sevilla beat around 1 star Leicester 2-1 13 19 SEE PAGE 20 Bahrain, India may scrap Min 07º Max 22º maid guarantee scheme High Tide 10:59 & 21:05 Low Tide Controversial $2,500 provision remains in place in Kuwait 04:27 & 15:22 40 PAGES NO: 17150 150 FILS MUSCAT: India and Bahrain are considering scrapping a financial guarantee scheme used to protect migrant French artist entombed in rock for a week maids who are not paid by their employers, in a move activists fear could expose thousands of Indian women PARIS: A French artist was entombed yesterday inside a in the Arab nation. There are more than 300,000 Indian 12-tonne boulder for a week, saying: “I think I can take migrant workers in the tiny Gulf state of one million it.” With the world’s press looking on, the two halves of people, according to the Indian embassy in Manama. the limestone rock were closed on Abraham Poincheval by workmen in a Paris modern art museum. Most are men employed as construction workers, gar- The 44-year-old had hollowed out a hole in the rock deners and drivers. There are also about 15,000 women just big enough for him to sit, with a niche to hold sup- working as maids. plies of water, soup and dried meat. If he survives the Continued on Page 13 ordeal, the artist will then attempt to hatch a dozen eggs by sitting on them for weeks on end. Both parents should Just before he stepped inside the rock at the Palais de Tokyo museum, Poincheval told AFP that claustro- be living in Kuwait phobia was the least of his worries. “We are already locked into our own bodies,” he said. Instead he was to renew child visa more anxious about stopping his mind running riot KUWAIT: The interior ministry’s residency affairs direc- during his confinement. “We did a little test yesterday torate plans to make it mandatory for both parents to and it was absolutely incredible. It felt like I was being be living in Kuwait with valid residency visas to renew carried off on a raft,” the artist said. “One of the big chal- their children’s residency visas, said informed sources. lenges will be to hold onto reality.” The sources added that very few exemptions will be Poincheval had earlier been cagey on the rock’s toi- made, including for female doctors and teachers, let facilities. But as the clock ticked down he came clean allowing them to sponsor their children without the to AFP, admitting he would have to sit on a small con- presence of their husbands in Kuwait. tainer and pee into his water bottles once he had drunk “Exceptions will be made for some categories them. He was stoic about living with his excrement. working for the government, but not the private sec- “The stone will absorb some of the smell,” he said. “I tor,” the sources added. They explained that in case think I can take it.” The artist has spent months mentally an expat divorces his wife, she will not have her resi- and physically preparing himself for the practicalities of PARIS: French artist Abraham Poincheval is seen before the two halves of a 12-tonne limestone boulder were dency renewed if she is in Kuwait and will not be Continued on Page 13 closed on him by workmen for a week at the Palais de Tokyo modern art museum yesterday. — AFP allowed into Kuwait if she is abroad. THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 23, 2017 LOCAL

KUWAIT: His Highness the Crown Prince Sheikh Nawaf Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah welcomes His Highness the Amir Sheikh Sabah Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah follow- ing his return back home yesterday. — KUNA His Highness the Amir Sheikh Sabah Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah is welcomed by top state officials. Amir arrives in Kuwait after official visit to Oman

KUWAIT: His Highness the Amir Sheikh Al-Saud Al-Mohammad Al-Sabah, His Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Sabah Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah arrived Highness Sheikh Nasser Al-Mohammad Al- Affairs Sheikh Sabah Al-Khaled Al-Hamad Al- yesterday from Oman after he concluded an Ahmad Al-Sabah, His Highness the Prime Sabah, Deputy Minister of the Amiri Diwan official visit to the fellow Gulf Cooperation Minister Sheikh Jaber Al-Mubarak Al-Hamad Affairs Sheikh Ali Jarrah Al-Sabah, Deputy Council (GCC) country. His Highness the Amir Al-Sabah, Minister of State for Cabinet Affairs Prime Minister and Minister of Interior Sheikh Sheikh Sabah met with Sultan Qaboos bin and Acting Minister of Information Sheikh Khaled Al-Jarrah Al-Sabah, Deputy Prime Saeed during his visit. Mohammad Al-Abdullah Al-Mubarak Al- Minister and Minister of Finance Anas Al-Saleh, His Highness the Amir was received at Sabah, senior officials of the army, police, head of His Highness the Amir’s office Ahmad Kuwait International Airport by His Highness Kuwait National Guard (KNG), and Kuwait Fire Fahad Al-Fahad, head of the Amiri protocols the Crown Prince Sheikh Nawaf Al-Ahmad Al- Service Directorate (KFSD). Sheikh Khaled Al-Abdullah Al-Sabah, Deputy Jaber Al-Sabah, Speaker of the National His Highness the Amir was accompanied Minister of Foreign Affairs Khaled Suleiman Al- Speaker of the National Assembly Marzouq Al-Ghanem welcomes His Highness the Assembly Marzouq Al-Ghanem, Sheikh Jaber during the visit by Deputy Chief of KNG Sheikh Jarallah, and other senior officials from the Amir Sheikh Sabah Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah. Al-Abdullah Al-Jaber Al-Sabah, Sheikh Faisal Meshal Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah, First Amiri Diwan and foreign ministry. — KUNA Amir sends letter to IOM’s Director

GENEVA: His Highness the Amir of Ghunaim said that he had a meet- have met with His Highness the Kuwait Sheikh Sabah Al-Ahmad Al- ing with Swing, discussing results Amir Sheikh Sabah Al-Ahmad and Jaber Al-Sabah sent a letter to of the IOM Director’s recent visit to other senior Kuwaiti officials. Director General of the Kuwait. “I have conveyed greetings He also lauded Kuwait’s involve- International Organization for from Kuwait’s First Deputy Prime ment in the Syria donors’ confer- Migration (IOM) William Lacy Minister and Minister of Foreign ence, which is scheduled soon in Swing, said a Kuwaiti diplomat yes- Affairs Sheikh Sabah Al-Khaled Al- Brussels. Documenting Kuwaiti terday. The letter focused on Hamad Al-Sabah to Swing,” said humanitarian work, whether in Kuwait’s efforts in the humanitari- Ghunaim, who affirmed that the film or any other medium, is an domain, said Ambassador Jamal Kuwaiti Foreign Ministry was keen important to showcase Kuwait’s Al-Ghunaim, Kuwait’s Permanent on developing ties with the IOM. global efforts, said the IOM delegate to the UN and interna- Meanwhile, Swing thanked the Director who hoped that the tional organizations headquarters Kuwaiti leadership and people for organization and the Gulf country in Geneva. their hospitality during the visit, would continue to coordinate their After handing the letter, affirming that he was honored to efforts in the future. —KUNA

KUWAIT: His Highness the Crown Prince Sheikh Nawaf Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah received at Bayan Palace yes- terday His Highness the Prime Minister Sheikh Jaber Al-Mubarak Al-Hamad Al-Sabah. — KUNA

KUWAIT: Ambassador of France to Kuwait Christian Nakhle awarded professor Joseph Iannaca, head of the French department at the American University of Kuwait (AUK), with the French National Order of Academic Palms, and that during the ceremony held recently at his residence. —Photos by Joseph Shagra THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 23, 2017 LOCAL Premier must clampdown on corruption to avoid grilling: MP MP Adasani to demand special debate on housing

By B Izzak ed grillings and other practices to personal bar- gaining because they have become used to KUWAIT: MP Youssef Al-Fadhalah said yester- dishonest parliamentary practices. The law- day that Prime Minister Sheikh Jaber Al- maker said that he is not making the threats to Mubarak Al-Sabah must hold to account cor- make any personal gains, insisting that he rupt senior officials at the health ministry and entered the assembly clean and will leave as he answer his questions in order to avoid ques- entered. Fadhalah said that based on informa- tioning next month. Fadhalah warned on tion he received, the minister of health wanted Tuesday that he will file to grill the prime minis- to hold to account a number of officials but his ter on March 5 if he fails to support Health request was rejected and they tried to stop Minister Jamal Al-Harbi who wanted to dismiss him. He claimed that this is an indication that a number of alleged senior officials from the the “deep state” has started moving to safe- ministry but was not backed by the premier guard corrupt elements. A large number of and the cabinet. lawmakers have already expressed their back- ing for Fadhalah pledge to grill the prime min- KUWIT: Ukrainian Ambassador Dr Volodymr Tolkach (right) speaks during a press KD 750 million ister over the health ministry alleged corrup- conference held yesterday with Dr Ali Jowhar. —Photo by Ben Garcia The lawmaker said that KD 750 million were tion and several other issues. spent by the health ministry for sending MP Youssef Al-Fadhalah patients abroad for treatment and no one was Special debate law to tackle conflict of interests, resolving Ukraine’s Ambassador woos held to account for this. He added that based Meanwhile, MP Riyadh Al-Adasani said he high prices, preventing any charges on citizens, on reports by the Audit Bureau, at least 6,540 plans to request a special debate on the hous- the issue of revoking citizenship and housing Kuwaitis for medical tourism patients were sent abroad for treatment bene- ing issue to allow the housing minister to brief are his main focus in the coming period. He fiting members of parliament and others, the assembly on the achievements of the min- said he has sent a question to Commerce and By Ben Garcia other patients that have visited and tried adding that the report is a proof for the corrup- istry. The lawmaker said that he could carry out Industry Minister Khaled Al-Roudhan over the our medical facilities,” the envoy said. tion in the health ministry. his threat to grill the housing minister if new ministry’s measures to stop price hikes and the KUWAIT: “Ukraine is stable and ready to Fadhalah said that some MPs have associat- developments take place. Adasani said that a minister asked for some time to answer. welcome people from other countries for Three documents medical tourism, especially Kuwaitis,” the Tolkach also emphasized that in order to Ukrainian envoy to Kuwait said at a press visit Ukraine, Kuwaitis have to secure only conference held at the embassy in Surra three documents so they can be accepted Key environmental project gives yesterday. Dr Volodymr Tolkach was speak- for medical tourism - a hotel booking, inter- ing to reporters with Dr Ali Jowhar, national travel insurance and return tickets. President of Al-Thamen Co for Treatment He said the number of patients from Kuwait global distinction: EPA and Medical Tourism in Ukraine. Jowhar is a Kuwait is growing yearly, and in 2016, the Kuwaiti doctor who graduated from one of embassy issued more than 1,600 tourist the best medical universities in Ukraine. visas from Kuwait, and 40 percent of them KUWAIT: Kuwait’s Environment Public Authority (EPA) said “In the last 30-40 years, Ukraine has were seeking medical treatment in Ukraine. yesterday that an agreement signed with the United developed its medical schools to interna- For the purpose of medical tourism, Nations Development Programme (UNDP), dealing with a tional standards and is now known as the Ukraine has established the International study over alternatives to ozone-depleting substances used best destination for foreign students. I Medical Relations Organization (IMRO), in air conditioners, “proves Kuwait’s superiority in this field.” myself am a graduate from Ukraine. Many comprising of health professionals who In a statement to the press, EPA’s Chairman and Director Kuwaitis have graduated from medical offer unique research works and method- General Sheikh Abdullah Al-Humoud Al-Sabah said that the facilities there. Ukraine has come far and it ologies. IMRO offers a full range of stoma- $380,000 two-year deal will provide the authority with a is number one for medical schools and tological services, such as high aesthetic thorough study on substitutes for ozone-depleting gases medical tourism nowadays,” Jowhar said. prosthetics; endodontic treatment under emitted by air conditioners in Kuwait. Moreover, he added He encouraged Kuwaitis to visit Ukraine the microscope; masterly dental surgery; that the UN-funded project will enable Gulf nations to for medical consultations and other med- combination of stomatology and gnatholo- explore alternatives to gases used in air-conditioning sys- ical services offered at low prices. “Based gy, comprehensive approach to diagnosis tems, describing ozone-related projects as “significant.” on my experience and our relations as and treatment; prevention of children’s The EPA Chairman pointed out that Kuwait is the first countries, I personally support Ukraine in dental diseases; joint work of the speech nation to undertake the project, which is a feather in the its pursuit to encourage more Kuwaitis to therapist and orthodontist and correcting country’s cap, as he underscored that all endeavors pur- come and visit the country, not only for speech defects. sued by EPA will prove beneficial to the government sec- tourism, but also for medical purposes. It offers a full range of surgery services: tor. Meanwhile, UNDP representative Zineb Touimi said Our company in Kiev supports Kuwait- Reconstructive surgery; plastic surgery; that the deal is a testament to Kuwait’s commitment to Ukraine programs for early detection of trauma surgery; cardiovascular and neuro- regional and global environmental issues. She also noted medical concerns, especially cancer. If you logical surgery for children and adults; that the project is conducive to efforts to fight climate change, highlighting Kuwait’s contributions to environ- KUWAIT: EPA’s Chairman and Director General Sheikh Abdullah Al-Humoud Al-Sabah detect cancer at an early stage, it can be orthopedic surgery. It also offers a full (right) and UNDP representative Zineb Touimi sign the agreement. — KUNA treated. Ukraine has the best laboratories, range of assisted reproductive technolo- mental conservation. — KUNA and our main goal is to support medical gies: Male and female infertility treatment tourism and prevent all diseases, not just through ECF (extracorporal fertilization) cancer,” he said. using ancillary technologies, surrogate Tolkach mentioned several other related maternity program, ovocyte and sperm 30 people rescued disciplines that can be treated in Ukraine, donation; intrauterine insemination with including the rehabilitation of children with husband’s or donor’s sperm; pre-implanta- cerebral palsy, autism and other special tion genetic diagnosis (PGD); cryo-cup needs. “It is cheaper in Ukraine than in services for storage of frozen biomaterial Kuwait. You can hear the experiences of (embryos, ovocytes and sperm cells). from burning building Opposition MPs discuss Medical tests forgery gang busted By Hanan Al-Saadoun

potential PM grilling KUWAIT: Firemen rescued 30 persons following a fire in a Mahboula building. Wrongful storage in By A Saleh Violations the building led to the spread of thick smoke, as Chairman of the parliamentary budgets among the stored material were tires, being the KUWAIT: Well-informed parliamentary and final statements committee Adnan major cause of the heavy smoke. The building sources said 26 opposition MPs will hold a Abdulsamad said the committee discussed was evacuated, while six persons who suffered meeting next week to discuss MP Waleed the ministry of commerce and industry’s smoke inhalation were treated onsite. Al-Tabtabaei’s intention to grill His final statement for the fiscal year 2015- Highness the Prime Minister Sheikh Jaber 2016 as well as the State Audit Bureau’s Gas leak Al-Mubarak Al-Sabah. The sources added remarks on it. Abdulsamad stressed that The fire department received a call about an that 10 lawmakers already support the committee stressed the need to acti- ammonia gas leak at a Subhan company. Tabtabaei’s proposed grilling over the fuel vate the ministry’s own auditing. The com- Mubarak Al-Kabeer hazardous materials team and electricity prices issue, not returning mittee also detected some ministry offi- combed the area and took readings from various withdrawn citizenships, violations at the cials’ violation of their authorities and con- places to find the percentage of gas in the premier’s Diwan concerning overseas tracting regulations. atmosphere. Results were normal and void of any treatment and not executing the develop- abnormal levels. ment plan. First Ring Road The sources said MPs Tabtabaei, The Ministry of Public Works (MPW) Forgery gang KUWAIT: A fireman rescues a child from a burning building in Mahboula. Mohammed Al-Mutair, Mohammed Hayef requested the State Audit Bureau’s Residency detectives arrested a gang of and Shuaib Al-Mowaizri would promote approval of increasing the value of the First Bangladeshis that manipulated results of expats’ Farwaniya Hospital school dealt with it before the arrival of firemen. the motion and that one of them would Ring Road development contract by KD 2.5 medical tests. Tips were received about a Acting Deputy Director General for Prevention Students were evacuated and fire hydrants of the probably join Tabtabaei in filing the motion million and to extend its tenure by 465 Bangladeshi man who got a certificate as “med- Affairs at Kuwait Fire Services Directorate (KFSD) school were used to fight the mock blaze. When after mid-March. The sources also noted days because of the adjustments made ically fit”, and obtained residency as a chef in a Brig Khalid Al-Abdullah and a team from the pre- firemen arrived, they rescued trapped students that the group is keen on filing its motion over fresh and brackish water grid lines. vention sector visited the Farwaniya Hospital whom the rapid intervention team could not before May, when the constitutional court house. The suspect was arrested and sent for re- Notably, the project’s total cost is KD expansion project, which is one of the major and evacuate because of thick smoke. is expected to pass its sentence pertaining examination, and was found to be infected with 32,555,000 and aims at facilitating traffic developmental projects of the health ministry. the recent parliamentary election results, hepatitis B. The department said the suspect con- flows on the First Ring Road. Old recording as many of them fear the current parlia- fessed to having knowledge of his condition and Fire drill The Relations and Security Information ment might be annulled as predicted by forged the medical certificate in his country to be The fire department carried out an exercise to Department at the Interior Ministry said an audio Private developers some law experts because the government able to enter Kuwait. He said he also paid KD 350 deal with fires at Obada bin Al-Samet School in clip circulated on social media asking police to Well-informed sources at the Public did not appoint any MP as Cabinet mem- in Kuwait to a man to get a “medically fit” certifi- Doha. The simulation was about a fire in a lab be cautious, is not recent and was made more Authority for Housing Welfare said the ber. “The motion will whip up support for cate. Investigations showed four other intermedi- and classrooms. Rapid intervention teams of the than a year ago. board of directors is currently studying a the lawmakers before their voters prior to aries between the employee and the suspect. mechanism to have local and international the election verdict,” said the sources. The suspects were arrested and sent to con- real estate developers develop land plots in Meanwhile, ministerial sources said the cerned authorities. government would refer any grilling the South Saad Al-Abdullah project. The Kuwait, US discuss sources added that the authority plans to motion filed against the Prime Minister to Residency forgery link building the houses and distributing the constitutional court on grounds that he Residency affairs detectives uncovered for- military cooperation can only be held accountable for the gov- the land plots to the project’s blueprints. gery in official documents, after a citizen com- ernment’s general policies, while respective The sources added that the final contract plained to police about having a worker regis- KUWAIT: Army Chief of Staff ministers are the one to be held account- would signed with the winning company tered in his file, but he does not know anything Lieutenant General Mohammad able for details like withdrawal of citizen- next month, and work will begin during the about him. When the transaction was checked, it Al-Khodher held talks with ships and fuel and electricity prices. second quarter of 2018. was found that the half-brother of a Bangladeshi Brigadier-General David San man presented the transaction, which had his Clemente, Chief of US Office of phone number. He was summoned and con- Military Cooperation, Defense fessed to obtaining the residency by forging his Ministry announced yesterday. Feasibility study on high brother’s signature. The two sides discussed a num- ber of important subjects of salinity water project Roads closed joint interest, including ways to The Relations and Security Information enhance and strengthen Department at the Interior Ministry said in a Kuwaiti-US military cooperation, By Meshaal Al-Enezi nating to avoid its environmental effects statement the area from the Engineers Society Moral Guidance and Public and turn it into an economically valuable intersection to the British Embassy intersection Relations Department of KUWAIT: Kuwait Institute for Scientific water resource. KISR explained that the will be closed from 3 pm until the end of the Defense Ministry said in a state- Research (KISR) yesterday announced fin- major technical challenge is that this water vehicles parade that will be held at the seafront ment. Major-General Ahmad ishing a feasibility study on processing and is highly polluted and in its high salinity of near the Kuwait Towers on Arabian Gulf Road Abdulwahab Al-Amiri, Army KUWAIT: Army Chief of Staff Lieutenant General using high salinity water accompanying oil 150-250 gm per kilo. In addition, KISR said today. The Aquapark parking lot will be designat- Deputy Chief of Staff for plan- Mohammad Al-Khodher meets with Brigadier-General drilling in various oil fields. KISR added that that the study was made in collaboration ed for the disabled, the elderly and participants. ning in the Kuwaiti Army, David San Clemente, Chief of US Office of Military a survey has been made for all the tech- with KOC and included several earlier stud- The rest of open areas and yards will be designat- attended the meeting. — KUNA Cooperation. — KUNA nologies usable in processing and desali- ies over the past few years. ed for parking for citizens and expats. THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 23, 2017 LOCAL

In Brief Amir congratulates Interior Minister Bahraini official Somali President congratulates Amir arrives to Kuwait

KUWAIT: His Highness the Amir Sheikh Sabah Al- KUWAIT: Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of KUWAIT: Bahrain’s Deputy Interior Minister Adel Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah sent yesterday a writ- Interior Sheikh Khaled Al-Jarrah Al-Sabah con- Khalifa Al-Fadhel has arrived to Kuwait on an offi- ten letter to the newly appointed President of gratulated the political leadership Tuesday on cial visit to the country. During his stay in Kuwait, Somalia Mohamed Abdullahi Mohamed. In the national celebrations. Sheikh Khaled Al-Jarrah the Bahraini official is expected to meet with letter, handed in by Amiri Diwan advisors Dr sent a congratulatory cable to His Highness the Deputy Prime Minister and Interior Minister Yousef Hamad Al-Ibrahim, His Highness the Amir Amir Sheikh Sabah Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al- Sheikh Khaled Al-Jarrah Al-Sabah, the Ministry of congratulated the President of earning the trust Sabah, expressing, on behalf of the Interior Interior said in a release. He was received at the of the Somali people, affirming that Kuwait was Ministry’s staff, sincere good wishes and con- Kuwait International Airport by senior officials of looking forward to boost ties with his country on gratulations on the country’s National and the Ministry of Interior, it added. — KUNA all possible spheres. — KUNA Liberation Days. — KUNA Photo of the day

KUWAIT: A military band cheers up the atmosphere during Kuwait’s national celebrations. — KUNA Amir’s support of enduring tradition cherished: Official

Head of the maritime contest’s organizing Head of a local fishermen’s club committee Sheikh Salem Al-Nawaf Al-Sabah Raad Al-Majaim KUWAIT: His Highness the Amir Sheikh Sabah Al- together sea aficionados from across the Gulf Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah’s support of Kuwaiti region, noting that a ceremony to honor the win- maritime heritage is highly appreciated, an offi- ners will be held shortly. cial in charge of a contest on this long-standing Meanwhile, head of a local fishermen’s club national tradition said yesterday. Raad Al-Majaim said that the contest featured 82 In a statement to the press, head of the mar- participants, adding that proceedings unfolded itime contest’s organizing committee Sheikh in an orderly fashion. Salem Al-Nawaf Al-Sabah said that the exhilarat- He also pointed out that keeping Kuwait’s ing contest has contributed to the resurgence of maritime tradition alive gives the younger gen- Sea aficionados are seen during the start of what is an inextricable part of Kuwaiti culture. eration an inkling of how primitive albeit ardu- the maritime contest. Moreover, he said that the contest brought ous life was in the olden days. — KUNA

KUWAIT: Fish caught during the start of the Participants are seen during the start of the maritime contest. maritime contest.— KUNA THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 23, 2017 LOCAL Nearly 7 in 10 employers in Kuwait plan to hire this year According to Bayt.com and YouGov Survey

KUWAIT: The latest Middle East Job Index Qualifications, skills and experience Survey, compiled by the Middle East’s lead- In terms of academic qualification, a SMEs Fund receives ing job site, Bayt.com, and research and large number of Kuwaiti employers are consulting group, YouGov, has revealed looking for ‘Business Management’ 2,700 applications that many employers are planning to hire Graduates and Post Graduates (32 per- soon within the Middle East and North cent), followed by ‘Commerce’ (26 per- within 3 months Africa (MENA). In Kuwait, in particular, near- cent), ‘Information Technology’ (19 per- ly seven in 10 employers (68 percent) are cent) and ‘Engineering’ (19 percent). planning to hire in the year ahead. When it comes to skills in high demand, almost three quarters (74 percent) of Hiring intentions employers in Kuwait are looking for Within the next three months, more employees with ‘good communication than half of Kuwaiti employers (52 percent) skills in both English and Arabic,’ and said that they are ‘definitely’ or ‘probably’ almost half (49 percent) are looking for going to hire. Among Kuwaiti companies ‘team players / cooperative / helpful / that plan to hire within the next three flexible’ candidates. months, nearly half (47 percent) are going In terms of experience, 38 percent of to hire for ‘Junior Executive’ roles, followed Kuwaiti employers are looking for candi- by 32 percent who intend to hire a dates with ‘managerial experience,’ 30 per- ‘Coordinator,’ and 25 percent who intend to More than two thirds of organizations in the hospitality/ recreation/ entertainment cent of employers are looking for candi- hire a ‘Manager.’ Most respondents in industry and human resources industry plan to hire. dates with ‘sales and marketing experi- Kuwait also said they are looking to hire Maha Al-Makhzoumi ence,’ and another 23 percent are looking ‘Administrative Assistants’ (15 percent), respondents from Kuwait claim that their least five vacancies to fill in the next 3 KUWAIT: Around 2,700 entrepreneurs of small and while 14 percent said they want to hire company has hired new employees in the months. These responses come as no sur- for candidates with ‘mid-level (3 to 7 years) medium-sized enterprises have applied to the National ‘Sales Executives,’ ‘Accountants’ and ‘Sales past 12 months. prise to us: there are currently more than experience.’ Masri adds: “We encourage Fund for Small and Medium Enterprise Development’s Managers.’ “The hiring forecast in Kuwait is looking 10,000 jobs posted on Bayt.com. We will organizations looking to hire to use fea- new customer service center within only three months When looking at which industries are promising, with 68 percent of employers continue to work closely with the region’s tures on Bayt.com such as CV Search and of its opening, an official said yesterday. hiring across the MENA region over the planning to hire in a year’s time,” said Suhail employers to help them find their talent. We Job Postings, which can help meet their The opening of the Fund-affiliated customer service next three months, more than two thirds Masri, VP of Employer Solutions, Bayt.com. will also continue empowering and support- pressing hiring needs and ensure that center in Al-Monsouriya has made a significant jump in (67 percent) of organizations in the hospi- “It is also worth mentioning that 43 percent ing job seekers who are going to make use they fill their vacancies as efficiently and the quality level of services provided to the entrepre- tality/ recreation/ entertainment industry of those planning to hire predict having at of these new and exciting job vacancies.” cost-effectively as possible.” neurs and applicants, Maha Al-Makhzoumi, director of and human resources industry are planning “We look at hiring expectancy through- the center, said in a press statement. to hire, making them the industries with out the MENA region as it can serve as a The center has so far received applications of the highest hiring potential. This is fol- positive reflection on the economy. When around 2,700 entrepreneurs, while applicants who lowed closely by organizations in business looking at the MENA job market, the pri- submitted their complete data and met the Fund’s consultancy/ business management indus- vate sector has highlighted that they are required conditions to obtain a financial support tries (57 percent). planning to offer a large number of were over 152 in accordance with the Fund’s statis- Private sector companies have the high- employment options in the next few tics that were conducted during the period est intention to hire in the next three months and the year ahead. between November, 2016 and until mid-February, months, with 54 percent of large local com- It is also important to have the insights 2017, she noted. panies, 52 percent of multinational compa- on which skills, academic qualifications, Makhzoumi also mentioned that the customer serv- nies and 51 percent of other private sector and experience levels are in highest ice center was launched by the Fund’s administration companies, ‘definitely’ or ‘probably’ hiring. demand. Job seekers can plan according- with the aim of adopting the best accredited modern Looking at future hiring expectations, ly,” said Arleen Gonsalves, Associate methods with SMEs initiators and owners, adding that 68 percent of employers in Kuwait claim Research Manager, YouGov. the center adopts the best organizational practices on that they intend to hire in a year’s time. Data for the Bayt.com Middle East Job the business management level. Private-sector companies continue to have Index survey was collected online Meanwhile, the center is to expand its services to the highest hiring intentions in a year’s between December 4th, 2016 and January include technical consultancy for entrepreneur, in time, with 69 percent of large local compa- 22nd, 2017. Results are based on a sample addition to general auditing on economic feasibility nies, 69 percent of other private sector of 3,107 respondents from the following studies in order to provide further technical support to companies, and 68 percent of multinational countries: UAE, Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, SMEs owners before referring their applications to the companies saying that they will be ‘defi- Qatar, Oman, Bahrain, Lebanon, Syria, projects evaluation committee at the Fund, she nitely hiring’ or ‘probably hiring.’ From those A large number of Kuwaiti employers are looking for ‘Business Management’ Jordan, Algeria, Egypt, Morocco, Tunisia, affirmed. — KUNA surveyed, nearly eight in 10 (79 percent) Graduates and Post Graduates, according to the survey. and Pakistan. THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 23, 2017 From the Arabic press

Crime Al-Jarida R e p o r t Well, it rhymes with democracy! Falling into Foul play suspected in Egyptian man’s death old tracks KUWAIT: The body of an Egyptian man was sent to the By Ali Al-Bedah coroner amid suspicions of foul play. A security source received a call about the death of a man in Maidan t seems that lawmakers who are again discussing Hawally, so police and paramedics went to the scene. amending the constitution, adding or adjusting an Forensics men who examined the body confirmed foul Iarticle to it while emphasizing commitment to reli- play was involved. Hawally detectives are investigating. gious principles, only want to avoid being blamed by their leaders and supporters. But other Islamist MPs found no reason to emphasize that Kuwait, already a Drug users arrested Muslim state, is indeed Muslim. It is clear nobody can Police arrested four drugs users including a girl in undermine people’s religious commitment. However, Salmiya. They found 37 illicit tablets and six envelopes they continue to deal with the Kuwaiti people like a suspected of containing drugs, along with drug para- father attempting to guide his adolescent children phernalia. A police patrol in Salmiya stopped the car down the right path. Gentlemen, this constitution has the four suspects were in, and found they were not in a Bureaucracy lasted for over 50 years and nobody can change his normal condition. The drugs were found during a religion or doctrine. Religion requires both worldly search. The suspects and drugs were sent to concerned and theological knowledge. It also requires simplifying authorities. coexistence amongst us all. We need to realize our

Drunkards caught Two drunk citizens were arrested, and one of them was A constitutional article found wanted on a kidnapping case. Southern roads secu- Al-Anbaa rity men noticed a car being driven erratically, so it was cannot be more stopped, and the driver and his passenger were found to be inebriated. The passenger was also found wanted in a kidnapping case. Both men were arrested and charged powerful than the Quran with drunkenness. Al-Jarida duties towards Allah and, at the same time, catch up Citizen stabbed with science and modern civilization. A citizen was stabbed by a friend in Ali Sabah Al- The constitution is not the Quran or a holy book, Salem. Police responded to a call about the fight, and Minds vs constitution Islamization and it must not replace them. The constitution was they found that the citizen was stabbed twice. He was established to organize our lives and has nothing to rushed to Adan Hospital, while the suspect fled the do with worshipping Allah. Adding more articles will scene. By Dr Hassan Jouhar never make us more religious because this would mean taking the Holy Quran lightly. A constitutional ccording to our religion, which is a more worthy political Islamization. We are proud and thankful to Allah article cannot be more powerful than the Quran, Indecent gesture outcome: rewording a nominal phrase in the con- Almighty for being Muslims because, according to our which we have had for over 14 centuries! A citizen accused the driver of a luxury car of making an Astitution or the true embodiment of Islamic val- beliefs, it is our savior. Stop profiteering and making gains at our expense indecent gesture towards him during a traffic dispute. The ues, such as tolerant behavior, polite debate and co-exis- We are religiously and morally responsible for or that of the country. We have so many worldly mat- citizen told Rumaithiya police that he had a traffic dispute tence? Which is more important now: amending article respecting Islam’s holy principles and promoting it ters to tend to, such as legislation to counter corrup- tion, and if you manage to achieve even a simple por- with another motorist, who made the indecent gesture 79 of the constitution or activating other articles to pro- concepts, regulations and applications, though we and endangered his life. Police are looking for the suspect. tion of it, this would greatly please our Creator. Be real- tect liberties? might differ in religious practices. The mere institution istic. Stop deviating the parliament off course and Lawmakers proposing an amendment of article 79 of slogans to appear more religious is politically and wasting time discussing unnecessary issues. Such calls Forgery know better than most that the proposal is doomed to intellectually superficial, especially if such slogans are make you more like those who deliberately discuss A Filipino man was sent to the public prosecution failure. Why, then, do they insist on it? Some people view emptied of their content and meaning. We are current- side issues to get people to exchange insults and after investigations revealed that he forged documents the move as nothing more than a show of commitment, ly experiencing dangerous crises that have defamed widen gaps at the expense of the future of the nation. to steal smartphones and then sell them for cheap. The even if it is likely to fail. Others believe that inserting our religion, destroyed our countries, killed our chil- Religion must not be used for personal gain, social man took advantage of the fact that he knew the pass- Islam during the early stages of the parliament’s tenure dren and brought us shame because of extremism, ter- status, or to get reelected. It must be manifested in the word to the computer of his friend at a telecom services’ is designed to demonstrate political effectiveness, shape rorism and slaughter. It brought us infighting amongst bravery of the truth and the fight for justice. It must shop. He entered the system and made purchases for debate, or even arrange deals with the government. war lords and groups, each claiming to be speaking in stop corruption by passing decisive laws that will see smartphones and phone plans, using the identities of For two reasons, I do not want to engage useless the name of Islam. Kuwait join the free, democratic nations that are people whose profiles are uploaded in the system. He debate on the topic, citing religious issues or declaring So, according to our religion, which is a more worthy respected both locally and internationally. then obtained a total of 16 iPhone 7 Plus devices and certain parties the guardians of Islam. Firstly, we live in a outcome: rewording a nominal phrase in the constitu- We must transport Kuwait from this state of deteri- sold them for 20 percent less than their market value. country with social, political and ideological multiplicity tion or the true embodiment of Islamic values, such as oration and once more make it a haven for love, happi- Investigations went underway after several people under a single civilian constitution that allows diversity. tolerant behavior, polite debate and co-existence? ness and progress. We need honest lawmakers keep- complained that they were notified by telecom compa- The second reason is the religious and doctrinal multi- Which is more important now: amending article 79 of ing their promises; ones who cannot be bought and nies to pay overdue payments for plans they said they plicity we have in Kuwait, including Muslims, Christians the constitution or activating other articles to protect fear nobody, and ones who prioritize Kuwait, its future never purchased. The suspect was identified, arrested and many expats with different religious backgrounds. liberties? Knowing this, are those who signed the pro- and the security of its people. Only then will you and admitted during questioning of the forgery There is also doctrinal diversity amongst Kuwaiti posal ready to Islamize the rest of the constitution in become faithful to religion in deed, not in words or by charges. —Translated from the Arabic press Muslims. Most importantly, we are suffering from accel- words, conduct and political practices? Let us hope so! changing a certain article. erating sectarian fanaticism, which raises the specter of — Translated by Kuwait Times — Translated by Kuwait Times Gulf Bank holds second red account draw 2017 Three new winners are announced KUWAIT: Gulf Bank held its second month- school students, college and university stu- ly red account draw for year 2017 on dents aged between 15 and 25. Eligible Monday February 20, 2017. The red customers will get the chance to enter the account draw resulted in the announce- draw automatically and on a monthly basis, ment of three customers who won Apple upon transferring their student allowances. prizes and they are: In addition to the Apple prizes, stu- l Muneerah Fareed Saleh Al-Awadhi - dents will have the opportunity to win iPhone 7 plus a Fiat 500-Model 2017 at the annual car lNouf Meqbas Askar Al-Shammari - iPad draw, upon transferring their Pro allowance! Also, movie tickets at all l Rawan Nouri Yousef Al-Khatrash - Cinescape theatres will be available for Apple Watch only KD2 seven days a week by simply Each month, an iPhone 7, an iPad Pro, being a red account holder; not to men- and an Apple Watch will be gifted to three tion the exclusive offers from Edfa3ly, lucky winners. The draws will run until which is an international internet shop- ping services company. January 2018 and the next draw dates are To take part in the red account draws, as follows: March 30, 2017, April 24, 2017, prospective customers can open an May 22, 2017, June 29, 2017, July 24, 2017, account at any one of Gulf Bank’s 56 August 30, 2017, September 28, 2017, branches, transfer online using the Bank’s October 23, 2017, November 20, 2017, App or through the bank’s bilingual web- January 11, 2018. site at www.e-gulfbank.com, or call the VIVA sponsors ‘Liberation Gulf Bank’s red is an account for high Customer Contact Center on 1805805. Village’ exhibition at AUK Organized by International Relations Club KUWAIT: VIVA, Kuwait’s fastest-growing and most developed telecom operator, sponsored the “Liberation Village” Exhibition at American University of Kuwait “AUK”, organized by the International Relations Club ‘IRC’, from 19 to 21 February, 2017. This annual exhibition showcased major milestones of Kuwait history from the 60s all the way to 2000s: the 60s block revolved about the oil and constitution era, the 70s about Kuwait Fund for Social and Economic Development, the 80s about the economy and the shining era of Kuwait Soccer Team, and the 90s about the Liberation period. Abdulrazzaq Bader Al-Essa, Corporate Communications Director at VIVA, said: “We were eager to sponsor such exhibition that highlights sig- nificant historical facts and gives the opportunity for the students at AUK and visitors to know more about the main events that marked the golden history of Kuwait.” VIVA offered through its booth in the exhibition special bundles and packages for the students, in addition to many competitions and enter- tainments as part of the last road show campaign “More with VIVA”, that allowed the participants to win valuable prizes. NBK grants children’s wishes: Joori became a ballerina KUWAIT: National Bank of Kuwait (NBK) continues its ‘I tively impact her future as a ballet dancer. NBK has works closely with the Kuwait Association for the Care of Dream to Be’ initiative, a first-of-a-kind initiative that aims at arranged special training sessions in ballet dancing for Children in Hospitals (KACCH), Bayt Abdullah for the Care granting wishes for children with severe illnesses around Joori for free in order for her to achieve her dream and of Children in Hospice (BACCH) and several other special Kuwait, giving them the chance to live their dreams. Joori become a professional dancer. needs organizations to maximize its reach to all the chil- Jamal Al-Rajhi who is undergoing treatment at NBK Hospital, “Joori’s dream to become a ballerina is yet another wish dren in numerous hospitals and schools. has always dreamt to become a ballerina. NBK and Royal granted through NBK’s initiative ‘I Dream to Be.’ We are NBK has been at the forefront of supporting Kuwait’s Britannia Academy helped in making her dream come true. proud to be a part of the children’s wishes and expand our community through a range of initiatives towards educa- NBK’s family organized a visit for Joori and her mother support to them as much as possible to fulfill their dreams.” tion, health, sports and social responsibilities. The estab- to The Royal Britannia Academy, where she was given spe- said Joanne Al-Abdul Jaleel, NBK Public Relations Officer. lishment of NBK’s Children Hospital for Oncology and cial lessons and practices on ballet dancing with the assis- “The ‘I Dream to Be’ initiative is a lifetime experience for Hematology at Al Sabah Medical Area stands as one of tance of a specialized ballet trainer. Joori was learning all children,” she added. “This initiative is a great way to spread many ongoing corporate social initiatives towards health the ballet techniques and moves through practicing. joy and show that there’s always a positive side to a diffi- and children. ‘I Dream to Be’ aims at focusing and support- The Academy team greeted Joori with a customized bal- cult situation. NBK gives top priority to children through its ing NBK’s efforts towards children and addressing their lerina dress, giving her precious memorabilia that will posi- commitment to its corporate social responsibility. NBK needs as much as possible. THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 23, 2017 North Korean diplomat wanted over Kim death

Turkey lifts ban on army officers wearing Islamic headscarf Page 8 Page 10

LOS ANGELES: People wave US flags during a naturalization ceremony at the Los Angeles Convention Center, in Los Angeles. Since rump’sT immigration enforcement order and travel ban, immigrants have been rushing to prepare applications to become Americans. — AP US targets millions in sweeping deportation plan Mexican migrant kills self after third deportation from US

WASHINGTON: The Trump administration has issued tough down on illegal immigration by tightening enforcement and lenges to the new policy. “These memos confirm that the promptly killed himself, jumping off a bridge in view of the US new orders for a sweeping crackdown on illegal immigrants, building a wall along the nearly 2,000-mile US-Mexico frontier. Trump administration is willing to trample on due process, border. Sinaloa state native Guadalupe Olivas Valencia, 44, putting nearly all of the country’s 11 million undocumented In the memos, Kelly ordered immediate action to begin human decency, the wellbeing of our communities and even threw himself to his death, authorities said. He had jumped 30 foreigners in its crosshairs. The orders sent shivers through US planning the wall. He also ordered the hiring of 15,000 more protections for vulnerable children, in pursuit of a hyper- meters (100 feet). Witnesses said the man was in great distress immigrant communities, where millions of people who have officers for the Customs and Border Protection and aggressive mass deportation policy,” he said. after being sent back to Mexico for a third time. The tragedy spent years building families and livelihoods in the country, Immigration and Customs Enforcement agencies. The move comes as US President Donald Trump has pledged to deport most of them from Mexico and Central America, were serious- comes ahead of meetings this week between Kelly and US Mexican migrant kills self millions of undocumented migrants living in the United ly threatened with deportation for the first time in decades. Secretary of State Rex Tillerson with Mexican President With just a plastic bag of belongings in his hand, a Mexican States. Trump has called Mexican migrants criminals and Rights groups labeled the move a “witch hunt,” warning Enrique Pena Nieto in Mexico, in which illegal immigration man who was deported from the United States Tuesday pledged to build a massive border wall. —Agencies that mass deportations would damage families with deep and border security will be key topics. roots in the United States and hurt the economy. But John Kelly, the secretary of the Department of Homeland Security Sharp policy shift (DHS) who issued the new orders in two memos, said they The turn in policy follows years in which the Obama and were necessary to address a problem that has “overwhelmed” George W Bush administrations, sought to find a way with government resources. “The surge of illegal immigration at Congress to allow most of the long-term illegal immigrants to the southern border has overwhelmed federal agencies and stay in the country. But Trump campaigned for the White resources and has created a significant national security vul- House on a promise to crack down on what he characterized nerability to the United States,” he said in one of the memos. as a source of widespread crime and a drag on the economy. Senator Ben Cardin, the top Democrat of the Senate White House spokesman Sean Spicer said Trump “wanted to Foreign Relations Committee, warned the new guidelines will take the shackles off” officials enforcing the laws. DHS said “harm national security and public safety.” New York Mayor Bill there are more than 534,000 pending immigration cases in De Blasio said he refused to turn the city’s police officers into the courts nationwide, and that agents have apprehended immigration agents or its jails into “holding pens for deporta- more than 93,000 people trying to sneak into the country in tion policy that will only undermine the inclusiveness that has October and November alone. That work “has significantly helped make New York city the safest big city in the nation.” strained DHS resources,” it said. While Spicer said the policy could evolve beyond the DHS memos, there was no indication Expedited deportations of what form those changes could take. The new rules make it easier for border patrol and immi- gration officers to quickly deport any illegal immigrants they ‘Mass deportation policy’ find, with only a few exceptions, principally children. The pri- Pro-immigrant groups, already nervous after hundreds ority will remain undocumented immigrants convicted of were arrested in a series of ICE raids on immigrant “sanctuary crimes, as well as anyone who has been charged or potentially cities” two weeks ago, expressed shock and outrage. At the faces criminal charges. However, people deemed as low priori- Statue of Liberty in New York a banner reading “refugees wel- ty for deportation by the previous administration of Barack come” was unfurled. “Secretary Kelly has unleashed an Obama-generally anyone not tied to a crime-are no longer unprecedented witch hunt on millions of immigrant families,” protected. “With extremely limited exceptions, DHS will not said Angelica Salas, executive director for the Los Angeles- exempt classes or categories of removal aliens from potential based Coalition for Humane Immigrant Rights. “These guide- enforcement,” the memos said.” All of those in violation of the lines represent an unlawful, expedited process, a dragnet, to immigration laws may be subject to enforcement proceed- remove undocumented immigrants living and working in the ings, up to and including removal from the United States.” The US. This is a dastardly approach to a very human issue.”Omar memos followed up on President Donald Trump’s order, issued Jadwat, director of the Immigrants’ Rights Project at the just after his January 20 inauguration, for authorities to crack American Civil Liberties Union, predicted strong legal chal- 100 IS fighters still holed up in Al-Bab

ISTANBUL: Turkey said yesterday fewer than 100 Islamic State jihadists were still holed up in a flashpoint Syrian town which has seen the bloodiest clashes of Ankara’s half- Bavaria pushes ahead year campaign inside the conflict-torn country. Speaking to NTV television, Defense Minister Fikri Isik said half of the with burqa ban; town of Al-Bab was in the hands of Turkish troops and elections loom allied pro-Ankara Syrian rebels, after the government repeatedly said it was “largely under control”. Since launch- MUNICH: Bavaria will ban the full-face veil in schools, uni- ing its unprecedented incursion into Syria in August, versities, government workplaces and polling stations, the Turkey has been focusing on Al-Bab as the last bastion of IS southern German state said on Tuesday. The move comes extremists in Aleppo province. seven months before a federal election where immigra- But the battle for the town has been fierce, with most of tion will be a prominent issue and the Bavarian conserva- the 69 Turkish soldiers killed in the Syria campaign dying tives that govern the region, the sister party to Chancellor there. “We estimate there are less than 100” IS fighters left Angela Merkel’s, are worried about losing votes to the in Al-Bab, Isik told NTV. “But they are very dangerous peo- anti-immigrant Alternative for Germany (AfD). ple. Some are snipers, some are potential suicide bombers.” “Communication happens not only via language but “More than half of the town is now in our hands,” he said, also via looks, facial expressions and gestures,” Bavarian indicating that the operation to surround Al-Bab was “over” Interior Minister Joachim Herrmann said after the region- with troops now moving from district-to-district to “clean al government agreed a draft law to ban the full-face up” the town. “Until this clean-up inside is completed, it’s veil for civil servants and in public places where there impossible to say that our work is over,” he added. Rebel are concerns for public safety. “It’s the foundation of commanders on the ground told AFP troops were facing our interactions with each other and it’s the basis of fierce resistance, with IS using snipers and laying roadside our free and democratic order,” he said. “Concealing bombs. But Rami Abdel Rahman, head of the Syrian your face is at odds with this culture of communica- Observatory for Human Rights, told AFP in Beirut that tion.” In December, Chancellor Angela Merkel called for Turkish troops and allied rebels controlled only 25 percent a ban on full-face Muslim veils “wherever legally possi- of Al-Bab, with some 700 jihadists still fighting there. ble”. The moves come after more than a million, mainly The Britain-based Observatory has also accused Turkish Muslim, migrants arrived in Germany over the last two forces of killing more than 124 civilians in two weeks of air years and amid widespread security fears after several strikes and shelling. But Ankara has vigorously denied Islamist attacks last year. France and Belgium have claims that innocent lives have been lost, insisting it does banned the burqa and the region of Lombardy in northern Italy has banned it in hospitals and public its best to avoid civilian casualties. The resident and region- offices belonging to the regional government. al UN humanitarian coordinators for Syria said in a joint Herrmann said he expected Bavaria’s regional parlia- statement that the United Nations was “deeply concerned” ment, in which the CSU has an absolute majority, to over the fate of some 5,000 civilians trapped in and around approve the law by the summer break. — Reuters Al-Bab as the fighting continues.—AFP INTERNATIONAL THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 23, 2017 Bahrain police clash with protesters News in Brief DUBAI: Bahrain police clashed with Sporadic demonstrations have intensified demonstrators following the death of a since last week’s anniversary of the launch Top Yemen commander young man who attempted to escape of the protests. The police media centre killed as rebels hit back arrest, witnesses said yesterday, days after published the names of the 20 people ADEN: Yemeni rebels hit back at government forces 20 people were detained across Shiite vil- arrested, who include four women. They advancing up the Red Sea coast, killing a deputy army lages. It was the latest flare-up of unrest aged between 20 and 65. They published commander in a missile strike, a military source said yester- pitting members of the kingdom’s Shiite photographs of nine of them, including all day. Army deputy chief of staff Major General Ahmad Saif majority against the Sunni-dominated gov- four women. Those arrested face charges Al Yafii was killed by a heat-seeking missile on the outskirts ernment. including “plotting acts of terrorism” and of the coastal town of Mokha, the source said. Another 18 Residents of the village of Nuwaidrat, aiding and abetting fugitives. soldiers as well as 21 rebels were killed in the clashes south of the capital Manama, took to the Eight are accused of having “received between Iran-backed Houthi insurgents and a Saudi-led streets to protest the death of Abdullah Al- military training on arms and the use of coalition supporting the Yemeni government. More than Ajouz, 22, who died in a Monday raid explosives in Iran and Iraq”. The Bahraini 50 others from the two sides were wounded in the fight- aimed at his arrest, the witnesses said. authorities have detained scores of people ing, which saw the coalition carry out air strikes as the There were no immediate reports of any since the 2011 crackdown. They have rebels reached the eastern outskirts of Mokha. The army casualties in the clashes with police. Ajouz banned the Shiite opposition and handed had overrun Mokha on February 10. Tuesday’s clashes were had been sentenced to life imprisonment many of its leaders long jail terms, several a major setback for an offensive launched by government on terrorism charges including murder and on “terrorism” charges. Authorities have put forces in January to try to recapture Yemen’s 450 kilometer the making of explosives. Over the past prominent human rights activist Nabil Red Sea coastline, which had previously been almost two weeks, police have arrested 20 resi- Rajab on trial for tweets deemed hostile to entirely in rebel hands. dents of Shiite villages in what they have Bahrain and its ally Saudi Arabia. The latest described as a crackdown on “terror cells”. hearing was set for later on Tuesday. Rajab, Bahraini authorities have made sweep- who has been denied bail, is also charged S African court slaps ing use of counter-terrorism legislation to with making “false or malicious” accusa- down bid to leave ICC crack down on dissent since they crushed tions against Bahrain in a series of televi- JOHANNESBURG: A South African court yesterday demonstrations for a constitutional monar- sion interviews in which he criticized the MANAMA: In this file photo, Bahraini lawmakers participate in a special session of ordered the government to withdraw its “unconstitu- chy and an elected prime minister in 2011. government. — AFP parliament to discuss how to handle the uprising in the Gulf island kingdom. — AP tional” bid to pull out of the International Criminal Court, in a boost to the embattled Hague-based insti- tution. The decision was a blow to President Jacob Zuma but a welcome piece of good news for the ICC, Israel blasts Groundhog day in Geneva as old which has been rocked by threats of withdrawal amid complaints of an alleged bias against Africa. South Africa announced it had lodged its decision to pull out UN ‘hypocrisy’ questions haunt Syria peace talks with the United Nations in October, following a dis- pute over Sudanese President Omar Al-Bashir visiting SYDNEY: Australian Prime Minister Malcolm Rivals still deadlocked over Assad’s future the country in 2015. South African authorities refused Turnbull offered a staunch defense of Israel yester- to detain Bashir despite him being the subject of an day, criticizing the United Nations and vowing nev- GENEVA: When Syria peace talks restart ICC arrest warrant over alleged war crimes, saying he er to support “one-sided resolutions” calling for an in Geneva today after 10 months in the had immunity as a head of state. end to Israeli settlement building on occupied land. deep-freeze, familiar disagreements are Turnbull welcomed Benjamin Netanyahu yesterday likely to resurface, despite massive as the first Israeli prime minister to visit Australia changes in the military and political con- Iraq forces poised for and reiterated Australia’s support for a two-state text. President Bashar Al-Assad’s military Mosul airport assault solution to the Israeli-Palestinian crisis. However, he advances, with Russian and Iranian help, AL-BUSEIF: Iraqi forces readied yesterday for an assault on Mosul airport after blitzing jihadist positions in a renewed also made it clear Australia would not support any have transformed the battlefield since offensive to retake the Islamic State group’s emblematic resolutions such as the one approved by the United the last UN talks broke up without stronghold. Elite forces reinforced positions that were tak- Nations Security Council in December calling for an progress in April 2016. en since a fresh push south of Mosul was launched on end to Israeli settlement building on land occupied The political context is similarly unrec- Sunday while hundreds of civilians fled newly recaptured by Palestinians. ognizable, with new leadership in villages. “Around 480 people displaced from Al-Yarmuk “My government will not support one-sided res- Washington and the United Nations and area are being transferred to liberated areas further south,” olutions criticizing Israel of the kind recently adopt- tentative coordination between Turkey, the federal police said in a statement. Iraqi forces have ed by the UN Security Council and we deplore the Russia and Iran. But while a ceasefire retaken a key checkpoint on the main Baghdad highway boycott campaigns designed to delegitimize the exists, at least nominally, across most of south of Mosul and the village of Al-Buseif, a natural citadel Jewish state,” Turnbull wrote in an editorial in The Syria, there has been little movement on overlooking the airport and the south of the city. There Australian newspaper. The UN resolution was the issues that dogged previous rounds of were no major operations near Mosul yesterday, with Iraq’s approved in the final weeks of Barack Obama’s talks. The conflict that began with street new interior and defense ministers expected to visit the administration, which broke with a long tradition of protests six years ago has evolved into a front lines. However Hashed Al-Shaabi (Popular shielding Israel diplomatically and chose not to complex multi-sided war that has killed DARAA, Syria: Smoke billows in the distance following reported air strikes Mobilization) paramilitaries continued to battle jihadists wield its veto power. “Australia has been coura- hundreds of thousands of people and cre- on the southern Syrian city of Daraa. —AFP further west, near the town of Tal Afar, which lies between geously willing to puncture UN hypocrisy more ated the world’s worst refugee crisis. Mosul and the Syrian border and is still held by IS. ‘Magnet for terrorism’ United States, which support his oppo- than once,” Netanyahu said. “The UN is capable of The opposition will press for prisoner Some opposition figures, western nents, will have no direct role in the many absurdities and I think it’s important that you releases, the lifting of government and Arab diplomats fear that if Assad talks. A question mark hangs over the S Africa sees another rise have straightforward and clear-eyed countries like sieges, and above all for a political transi- stays in power, the violence will simmer position of US President Donald Trump, in tension over migrants Australia that often bring it back to earth,” he said tion leading to the end of Assad’s rule. for ever. A leak of a Russian-drafted con- whose public comments have signaled JOHANNESBURG: The South African government says after meeting Turnbull. The government side is expected to stick stitution suggests he could continue for he is more concerned with fighting it is concerned about inflammatory remarks on social Israel has long pursued a policy of constructing with its view that the entire armed several seven-year terms. “He will be a Islamic State than with removing Assad. media following recent attacks on foreign immigrants. Jewish settlements on territory it captured in a 1967 opposition are terrorists. And with Assad Security officials said yesterday that threatening posts, magnet for terrorism,” one Western He appears to have withdrawn from the war with its Arab neighbors including the West militarily stronger than he has been for made by South Africans and immigrants against each diplomat said. “It’s obvious and logical US-Russian co-leadership that drove Bank, Gaza and East Jerusalem. Most countries view years, it has the option of pressing home other, have escalated. South African officials are but it’s so difficult to sell as an idea, Syria diplomacy in the past. “Where are such activity in the West Bank and East Jerusalem as its advantage on the ground if it doesn’t appealing to people to refrain from remarks that could because people are so desperate for the United States? I can’t tell you, illegal and an obstacle to peace but Israel disagrees, get its way at the negotiating table. “The incite violence. South African media say homes peace. People are saying: ‘Why do you because I don’t know,” de Mistura said citing a biblical connection to the land. opposition should understand that there belonging to Nigerians were recently set on fire in are new realities on the ground in Syria support terrorism? The priority is to stop last week. “One thing I’m missing at the neighborhoods of Johannesburg and Pretoria, the Washington’s ambassador to the United Nations has terrorism, so go with Bashar.’” moment in order to have a clear equa- said the United States still supports a two-state and international changes - it’s not like it capital. Shops run by Somalis and Pakistanis were also The opposition says Assad is respon- tion... is a clear US strategy.” looted. Nigeria has urged the South African govern- solution to the conflict, although new US President was in 2011,” said pro-Assad Syrian par- liamentarian Sharif Shehadeh. sible for hundreds of thousands of Stronger contacts between Russia, ment to protect Nigerians and other African nationals Donald Trump has also said he is open to new ways deaths. His government blames the Turkey and Iran brought Syrian negotia- currently in South Africa. In 2015, anti-immigrant riots to achieve peace. “The circumstances, the (battlefield) has changed, the political situation has rebels for the bloodshed. Western diplo- tors to talks in Kazakhstan in January in and around the South Africa city of Durban killed at The two-state solution has long been the least six people. In 2008, similar violence killed about changed, so they need to go with a mats said De Mistura was hopeful of and this month, and briefly stirred hope bedrock of the international community’s policy bringing the opposing Syrian factions of fresh impetus. But those talks, which 60 people. for a settlement between Israel and the mindset of participation, not exclusion.” Anas Al-Abdah, head of the opposition face to face - unlike last year, when he some diplomats said might lead to a Palestinians but Trump’s apparent loosening of was forced to shuttle between them in united front against designated terror- that main tenet, at a joint news conference with Syrian National Coalition, said: “We are “proximity talks” that proved to be fruit- ist groups, ended in disarray. New UN Netanyahu last week, stunned the international fully committed to the Geneva talks and less. But it was unclear whether this Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has community. “We support an outcome which has prepared to discuss a political solution would be possible. The government del- played down expectations of a break- two states where Israelis, the Israeli people, the and transition. We cannot address the egation will be led by Syria’s UN ambas- through. “Peace is only possible when Palestinian people live side-by-side as a result of profound security threats... while Assad sador Bashar Ja’afari, while the main none of the parties to the conflict think direct negotiations between them,” Turnbull told remains in power.” UN mediator Staffan opposition delegation will be headed by they can win. I’m not sure we are yet reporters in Sydney. Netanyahu said any solution de Mistura summed up his mood as Nasr Al-Hariri, a 40-year old cardiologist there in Syria,” he said on Saturday. “I’m would need Palestine to recognize Israel, which “determined” as he prepared for Syrian from the southern province of Deraa, afraid that some might still think, and I would also have security control of the territories. delegates to arrive on Wednesday. He where the first major demonstrations think it’s a total illusion, that they might While in Australia, Netanyahu is scheduled to sign wants to focus on reforming the gover- against Assad began in 2011. win that war, so I’m not optimistic agreements fostering closer economic and nance of Syria, introducing a new consti- Outside powers Russia and Iran, defense cooperation.— Reuters tution, and holding elections under U.N. about the short-term solution for the supervision. which back Assad, and Turkey and the Syria crisis.” — Reuters

YANGON: A worker looks on amid a pile of logs at a Turkey lifts ban on officers wearing Islamic headscarf holding area along the Yangon river in Yangon. —AFP

ISTANBUL: Turkey’s army is lifting a historic ban on female Myanmar makes record officers wearing the Islamic headscarf in the officially secular seizures of illegal timber country, the state-run Anadolu news agency said yesterday. YANGON: Myanmar seized a record amount of illegal tim- The move, ordered by the Defense Ministry, applies to female ber this financial year as part of a government clampdown to protect the country’s rapidly disappearing forests, a sen- officers working in the general staff and command headquar- ior official said yesterday. Forest ministry director Tin Tun ters and branches, it said. Women may wear the headscarf said authorities had confiscated 40,000 tons of timber underneath their cap or beret so long as it is the same color as since April 2016, months before the newly elected govern- their uniform and does not cover their faces. ment issued a nationwide ban on logging. “There has been The reform will come into force once it is published in the illegal trade in timber in Myanmar from the junta era to the official gazette. It was not immediately clear if it applied to present day, so we can’t say that the illegal trade has women on combat missions. It will also apply to female peaked this year,” he said. “But we can say that by tonnage, cadets. The ruling Islamic-rooted Justice and Development we seized the highest amount of timber ever this financial Party (AKP) co-founded by President Recep Tayyip Erdogan year.” Seizures were highest in northern Kachin state which has long pressed for the removal of restrictions on women borders China, the world’s top importer of illegal timber wearing the headscarf. Turkey lifted a ban on the wearing of whose insatiable appetite for rare trees such as teak and the Muslim headscarf, known as the hijab, on university cam- rosewood has ravaged Myanmar’s vast forests. The puses in 2010. London-based Environmental Investigation Agency esti- It allowed female students to wear the headscarf in state mates some $2.7 billion worth of timber crossed the bor- institutions from 2013 and in high school in 2014. And in the der between 2000-14. latest key reform before the army’s move, Turkey in August for the first time allowed policewomen to wear the Islamic head- Supreme Court splits scarf as part of their uniform. Erdogan’s critics have long over border shooting accused the president of eating away at the secular pillars of WASHINGTON: The US Supreme Court gave a sympa- modern Turkey as set up by its founder Mustafa Kemal Ataturk thetic hearing Tuesday to relatives of a Mexican boy when he established the Turkish republic in 1923. shot on the border with the United States, but The government rejects the suggestions, saying it is allow- appeared split on whether they could sue the ing freedom of worship for all Turkish citizens whatever their American border patrol agent who killed him. The beliefs. At the time of the controversy over the lifting of the thorny cross-border case lands before the Supreme ban on the headscarf in the police forces, pro-government Court with bilateral tensions running high over media pointed out that several Western states have already President Donald Trump’s call for a border wall to keep granted female police officers permission to wear the head- out Mexican migrants. At issue before the eight black- scarf. The army has traditionally been seen as the strongest robed justices is whether the family of 15-year-old bastion of the secular state and had been traditionally hostile Sergio Hernandez Guereca has the constitutional right to any perceived Islamisation of state institutions. But its polit- to sue the agent who killed him in American courts. ical power has ebbed after the government increased control And on that question, the court-which is evenly split GAZIANTEP: Turkey’s President Recep Tayyip Erdogan speaks with his supporters in Gaziantep, southeastern over the armed forces in the wake of the failed July 15 coup between conservatives and liberals pending confirma- Turkey, ahead of the April 16 national referendum on expanding the president’s powers. Critics say it would bid blamed on followers of US-based Islamic preacher tion of President Donald Trump’s nominee Neil Gorsuch-appeared firmly divided. concentrate even more power in the hands of a leader they accuse of authoritarian behavior. — AP Fethullah Gulen.—AFP INTERNATIONAL THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 23, 2017 Amnesty blames Trump, others in global rollback of human rights 408-page annual report details rights abuses

PARIS: Amnesty International says “toxic” fear-mongering by anti-establishment politicians, among them President Donald Trump and the leaders of Turkey, Hungary and the Philippines, is contributing to a global pushback against human rights. Releasing its 408-page annual report on rights abuses around the world yesterday, the watchdog group described 2016 as “the year when the cynical use of ‘us vs them’ narratives of blame, hate and fear took on a global prominence to a level not seen since the 1930s,” when Adolf Hitler rose to power in Germany. Amnesty named Trump, Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan and Philippines President Rodrigo Duterte among leaders it said are “wielding a toxic agenda that hounds, scapegoats and dehumanizes entire groups of people.” “Poisonous” rhetoric employed by Trump in his election campaign exemplified “the global trend of angrier and more divisive politics,” Amnesty said. “The limits of what is acceptable have shifted. Politicians are shamelessly and actively legit- imizing all sorts of hateful rhetoric and policies based on people’s identity: misogyny, racism and homophobia. The first target has been refugees and, if this continues in 2017, others will be in the crosshairs.” The White House did not respond to a request for com- ment on the report. In the Philippines, Duterte’s spokesman, Ernesto Abella, said the president has recently toned down his rhetoric. Duterte has previously said he would be “happy to slaughter” 3 million drug addicts and talked of fattening fish in Manila Bay with corpses. Duterte’s crackdown on illegal drugs is feared to have killed more than 7,000 mostly poor drug users and petty drug pushers since he took office last June. Abella told the ABS-CBN TV network that Duterte “does listen and he’s not just frothing in the mouth.” “There is anger coming there, but to refer to it as toxic as if it was a planned thing ... that he wanted to destroy CALIFORNIA: Cars are submerged in a flooded neighborhood in San Jose, Calif. Rescuers chest-deep in water steered boats carrying dozens of people, some with babies and people, I think obviously misses the mark,” Abella said. pets, from a San Jose neighborhood inundated by water from an overflowing creek Tuesday. — AP Amnesty’s annual report, “The State of the World’s Human Rights,” documented what it called “grave violations of human rights” in 159 countries in 2016. It said govern- Flooding forces hundreds ments “turned a blind eye to war crimes, pushed through deals that undermine the right to claim asylum, passed laws that violate free expression, incited murder of people simply because they are accused of using drugs, justified torture and mass surveillance, and extended draconian from homes in California police powers.” The report added that “the big question in 2017 will be how far the world lets atrocities go before CALIFORNIA: Murky, waist-high floodwaters swamped After dark, fire department crews began going door to northern California on Sunday and Monday weakened on doing something about them.” Exceptionally, London- neighborhoods along a rain-swollen creek in the northern door advising residents of three creek-side mobile home Tuesday, the National Weather Service said. based Amnesty chose to launch its report in Paris. Salil California city of San Jose on Tuesday, prompting authori- parks, consisting of about 600 trailers, to move to higher Meteorologists said the storms were spawned by an Shetty, the group’s secretary-general, said France has used ties to issue evacuation orders or advisories for more than ground, Vossbrink said, adding that the stream was con- “atmospheric river” bringing moisture from the Pacific emergency powers introduced in 2015 in the wake of ter- 1,000 homes, city officials said. The state’s third-largest tinuing to rise. At a news conference earlier in the day, Ocean. ror attacks in an abusive and “deeply discriminatory” man- ner, confining more than 600 people, mostly Muslins, city, a hub of the high-tech Silicon Valley corridor south of Mayor Sam Liccardo acknowledged that municipal offi- Last week a string of storms triggered a crisis near the under house arrest and banning more than 140 protests. San Francisco, has about 1 million residents and declared cials should have moved more quickly in evacuating the Lake Oroville Dam about 100 miles (160 km) northeast of “Even states that once claimed to champion rights an emergency as Coyote Creek overflowed its banks from Rock Springs area. “As I sit here today and I look out at a San Francisco, where damage to two spillways prompted abroad are now too busy rolling back human rights at days of heavy showers. neighborhood that’s completely inundated with water ... an evacuation of more than 100,000 people downstream. home to hold others to account,” Amnesty said. “The more The trash-strewn floodwaters inundated whole city there’s no question in my mind there was a failure of some California is slowly recovering from five years of drought countries backtrack on fundamental human rights commit- blocks, submerging parked cars and lapping at the walls kind,” he said. thanks to several months of unusually wet weather. At ments, the more we risk a domino effect of leaders embold- of apartments and townhouses, as firefighters in inflatable City officials had no reports of injuries, deaths or peo- least 3 inches (8 cm) of rain fell in many areas, though ened to knock back established human rights protections.” boats ferried stranded residents to dry ground. About 300 ple missing, said Vossbrink, who estimated at least 300 some received far more, such as the sparsely populated France’s government has repeatedly defended the emer- homes were ordered evacuated in low-lying Rock Springs, homes were damaged by flooding. The San Jose Fire Big Sur region and outside the city of Santa Rosa, which gency powers as a necessary safeguard against the severe and city officials urged residents of roughly 200 dwellings Department advised a decontamination cleansing for got more than 8 inches (20 cm), the weather officials said. terror threat it says is facing the country, and parliament has in the Williams Street neighborhood downstream to leave those immersed in floodwaters to get rid of hazardous The next heavy storm is expected to hit Northern repeatedly voted to extend those powers.— AP their homes, city spokesman David Vossbrink said. pollutants. The latest series of downpours that swept California this weekend, they added.—Reuters INTERNATIONAL THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 23, 2017 N Korean diplomat wanted over Kim death News In brief

Police want to question Embassy’s second secretary Russia’s court scraps conviction of activist KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysian police yester- MOSCOW: Russia yesterday overturned the conviction of day named a North Korean diplomat along anti-Kremlin activist Ildar Dadin, who was the first person with a state airline official who are wanted sent to jail under new rules that made staging some forms for questioning over the murder of Kim of non-violent protest a criminal offence. Dadin was sen- Jong Nam, the estranged half-brother of tenced in December 2015 to three years in jail later North Korea’s leader. Kim Jong Nam, 46, reduced on appeal to two and a half years - for conducting was killed at Kuala Lumpur International a series of peaceful, one-man protests against Kremlin rule. Airport on Feb. 13, while preparing to Conducting protests without official permission was previ- board a flight to Macau, where he lived in ously punishable by a fine. But new rules adopted after exile with his family under the protection mass protests in Moscow that followed President Vladimir of Beijing. South Korean and US officials Putin’s 2012 election made it a criminal offence, punishable believe the killing of the elder half-brother with jail term, to stage the protests more than twice in 180 of North Korean leader Kim Jong Un was days. Dadin alleged that he was subjected to physical tor- an assassination carried out by agents of ture by prison staff while in a penal colony in northwest the North. Russia - an allegation that officials denied. He became a Kim Jong Nam had spoken out publicly cause celebre among Kremlin opponents who say their against his family’s dynastic control of the right to dissent is being steadily crushed. isolated, nuclear-armed state. Giving an update on an investigation that has already angered North Korea, Malaysia’s police Lanka creates panel to chief Khalid Abu Bakar said the diplomat stem abuse of women wanted for questioning was 44-year-old COLOMBO: Sri Lanka will set up a special panel to Hyon Kwang Song, a second secretary at tackle widespread sexual abuse and exploitation of the embassy. Police also want to interview women including thousands of war widows, the gov- Kim Uk Il, 37, an employee of the North ernment said yesterday. The establishment of a new Korean state-owned airline Air Koryo. National Commission on Women comes amid warn- Khalid said both were in Malaysia but could ings that women from the Tamil minority face wide- not confirm they were in the embassy. NAM DINH: Villagers walk past the native home of Doan Thi Huong, a suspect involved in the assassination of Kim Jong-Un’s half- spread sexual exploitation by officials in their own “They’ve been called in for assistance. brother, in Nghia Hung district yesterday. Detectives probing the assassination of Kim Jong-Un’s half-brother want to question a community as well as from the military. The commis- We hope the embassy will cooperate with North Korean diplomat, Malaysia’s top policeman said. —AFP sion will have powers of prosecution, said the govern- us and allow us to interview them quickly ment in a statement. Sri Lanka’s former president or else we will compel them to come to us,” Indonesian - who are suspected of carrying two shopping malls in central Kuala address the police request to interview Chandrika Kumaratunga said last week that women Khalid said. “We can’t confirm that they are out the fatal assault on Kim Jong Nam Lumpur before assaulting Kim Jong Nam, one of its diplomats. Security was faced sexual abuse from local officials, with those wid- hiding in the embassy,” he said. So far, using a fast-acting poison. he said. An Indonesian foreign ministry offi- stepped up at the morgue where Kim owed during the 37-year conflict particularly at risk. police have identified a total of eight North cial Lalu Muhammad Iqbal said it was pre- Jong Nam’s body is being held after an Many have struggled in the war’s aftermath to obtain Koreans suspected of being linked to Rehearsed attack mature to draw conclusions about its citi- attempted break-in earlier this week, identity papers and birth certificates which are essen- killing. One, Ri Jong Chol, has been in cus- Police chief Khalid said both women zen’s involvement. “The fact that investiga- Khalid said. Malaysia has denied North tial to obtain government handouts and other aid. tody since last week, and another, Ri Ji U, wiped a liquid, containing an as yet tors have asked for an extension to the Korea’s request for the body to be handed remains at large. Khalid said police “strong- unidentified toxic substance, on Kim Jong remand shows that the evidence so far is over to its embassy directly, saying it ly believed” four others were back in the Nam’s face. “Yes, the two female suspects not enough to bring charges or prosecute,” would be released to the next of kin, Taiwan ‘train bomber’ North Korean capital of Pyongyang, having knew that the substance they had was tox- he said in a statement. though none has come forward. The inves- sentenced to 30 years fled Malaysia on the day of the attack. ic. We don’t know what kind of chemical tigation has strained Malaysia’s hitherto TAIPEI: A Taiwanese man was sentenced to 30 years in Police have not stated Ri Jong Chol’s role in was used,” he said, dismissing speculation Diplomatic spat friendly relations with North Korea. Earlier prison yesterday for detonating a pipe bomb on a busy the killing. He lived in Malaysia for three that the women had thought they were North Korea’s embassy issued a state- this week Malaysia recalled its ambassador Taipei train that injured more than two dozen people last years without working at the company reg- part of a prank. “They used their bare ment yesterday calling for the immediate from Pyongyang, and Prime Minister Najib year. Lin Ying-chang, 56, was convicted on charges of istered on his employment permit or hands,” he said, adding that they were release of its citizen, Ri Jong Chol, and Razak rebuked the North Korea ambassa- attempted murder and making an explosive without a per- receiving a salary. Police are also holding instructed to wash their hands afterwards. the two women, saying they were inno- dor in Kuala Lumpur for making “diplomat- mit over the July 2016 blast, which the Taipei district court two women - one Vietnamese, one The women had rehearsed the attack at cent. The embassy statement did not ically rude” comments.—Reuters said was a botched suicide attempt. The explosion injured 24 people when it tore through the train as it pulled into a station. “The defendant detonated the explosive device with the goal of committing suicide, as well as taking his New hope for Yazidi women raped, revenge on society by means of killing innocent people. His motive was malicious,” a court statement said. Lin, who has tortured by Islamic State fighters the right to appeal the ruling, was also injured in the blast. He told the court he had struggled to find a job after being DOHUK: It’s been less than two weeks diagnosed with cancer and had ended up living in his car. since Perwin Ali Baku escaped the He said he had also become estranged from his family. Islamic State group, after more than two years in captivity, bought and sold from fighter to fighter and carted China offers big anti-terror from Iraq to Syria and then back rewards in Xinjiang region again. When a door slams, the 23- BEIJING: Authorities in a violence prone area of year-old Yazidi woman flashes back to China’s western Xinjiang region are offering 100 mil- her captors locking away her 3-year- lion yuan ($14.5 million) in rewards for anti-terror tips, old daughter, captured with her, to state media said, a policy that coincides with a dramat- torment her. When she hears a loud ic rise in regional security spending. Hundreds of peo- voice, she cringes at the thought of ple have been killed in Xinjiang in the past few years, them barking orders. “I don’t feel most in unrest between members of the Muslim right,” she said, sitting on a mattress on the floor of her father-in-law’s Uighur minority, who call the region home, and ethnic small canvas-topped Quonset hut in a majority Han Chinese. Beijing blames the unrest on northern Iraq refugee camp. “I still Islamist militants. After a period of relative calm, there can’t sleep and my body is tense all has been a rise in violence in recent months in the the time.” region’s south, which includes the Uighur heartland of Russian President Vladimir Putin Perwin wants treatment, and is Yazidis fill a crowded waiting room at a clinic inside the Sharya camp for civil- Hotan, where officials are offering hefty rewards for hoping to find it in a new psychologi- ians displaced by war in Iraq. A new psychological trauma institute is being people with information on violations ranging from cal trauma institute being established established at the university of Dohuk in Iraq, the first in the entire region. violent attacks to illegal beards. The rewards range up Planes, tanks and at the university of Dohuk, the first in The program will train local mental health professionals to treat Islamic State to 5 million yuan ($730,000) for verifiable “operational the entire region. It’s the next phase victims, including thousands of Yazidi women and children. —AP inside information” on plans for attacks in crowded ships: Russia military of an ambitious project funded by the areas or at government and Communist Party depart- wealthy German state of Baden and IS in Mosul, only about 75 kilome- “She’s always scared,” Perwin said. ments, the state-run Hotan Daily said on Tuesday. gets massive upgrade Wuerttemberg that brought 1,100 ters from Dohuk, the number reach- “And she’s had nothing more than women who had escaped Islamic ing freedom increases daily. cough medicine.” Fighters from the MOSCOW: The Russian military received a sweeping State captivity, primarily Yazidis, to Right now there are only 26 psychi- Islamic State, also known as Daesh, President pooh-poohs array of new weapons last year, including 41 intercon- Germany for psychological treatment. atrists practicing in the semi- swept into the Sinjar region of north- pineapple-topped pizza tinental ballistic missiles, and the wide-ranging mili- The medical head of that project, autonomous Kurdish region of north- ern Iraq in August 2014, an area near REYKJAVIK: Despite his distaste for pineapple-topped piz- ern Iraq, with a population of 5.5 mil- the Syrian border that is the Yazidis’ tary modernization will continue this year, the German psychologist Jan Kizilhan, is za, Iceland’s President Gudni Johannesson has no plans to also the driving force behind the new lion people and more than 1.5 million ancestral home. Tens of thousands of defense minister said yesterday. Minister Sergei ban it, admitting he doesn’t have the powers to pull the institute, which opens at the end of refugees and internally displaced peo- Yazidis escaped to Mount Sinjar, Hawaiian. The pineapple polemic erupted last week when Shoigu told lawmakers the air force will receive 170 the month. ple. None specializes in treating trau- where they were surrounded and new aircraft, the army will receive 905 tanks and other a high school student in the northern town of Akureyri The program will train local mental ma. Perwin received brief, basic coun- besieged by Islamic State militants. asked Johannesson what he thought of putting the tropi- armored vehicles while the navy will receive 17 new health professionals to treat people seling after being freed Dec 30 from IS The US, Iraq, Britain, France and cal treat on top of a pizza-with the president admitting he ships this year. like Perwin and thousands of Yazidi near Mosul - “they asked do you sleep Australia flew in water and other sup- hated it and would ban it if he could. His remarks were Amid tensions with the West, the Kremlin has con- women, children and other Islamic well and I said no, I can’t sleep well” - plies, until Kurdish fighters eventually picked up by the local press and soon caused a stir on tinued to spend big on new weapons despite Russia’s State victims. About 1,900 Yazidis but nothing else. She looks to her tod- opened a corridor to allow them to social media across Iceland and beyond over the merits of economic downturn. Also this year, three regiments of have escaped the clutches of IS, but dler, dressed in a red sweatsuit with safety. Casualty estimates vary widely, the Hawaiian, a ham-and-pineapple pizza, prompting a Russia’s strategic nuclear forces will receive new inter- more than 3,000 other women and her hair in pigtails held together with but the United Nations has called the presidential post on Facebook to clarify his position. “I like continental ballistic missiles, Shoigu said. Each regi- children are believed to still be held cherry bobbles, who popped into the Islamic State assault genocide, saying pineapples, just not on pizza,” he wrote. ment has up to 10 launchers. The rising number of captive, pressed into sexual slavery tent only to beat a hasty retreat when the Yazidis’ “400,000-strong communi- new weapons has raised demands for new personnel. and subjected to horrific abuse. As the she saw strangers. The child has ty had all been displaced, captured or received no treatment at all. killed.” —AP Shoigu said the military currently needs 1,300 more fighting rages between Iraqi forces pilots and will recruit them by 2018. A severe money crunch after the 1991 collapse of the Soviet Union left the military in tatters, with most Cyprus peace talks called off of its planes grounded and ships left rusting at harbor for lack of funds. As part of President Vladimir Putin’s military reforms, the armed forces have received new amid mounting war of words weapons and now engage in regular large-scale drills. Russia has used its revived military capability in Syria, NICOSIA: A planned meeting force on the island, Elizabeth Spehar, to schools legislation, sponsored by where it has launched an air campaign in support of between rival Cypriot leaders sched- had shuttled between the two sides the far-right Greek nationalist ELAM Syrian President Bashar Assad and used the conflict to uled for today has been called off as to try to broker a compromise, meet- party, essentially calls for secondary a war of words over a nationalist ing Akinci on Tuesday and students to mark the anniversary by test its new weapons for the first time in combat. commemoration in Greek Cypriot Anastasiades on Wednesday but to learning about the referendum and The weapons modernization effort has seen the 1- schools threatens reunification talks. no avail. Anastasiades said the meet- the Enosis cause. million Russian military narrow the technological gap There was no immediate statement ing’s cancellation was regrettable Somalia’s President Mohamed Abdullahi Mohamed in some areas where Russia had fallen behind the from the United Nations, which has and that he remained ready to return ‘Mistaken decision’ West, such as long-range conventional weapons, com- been hosting the talks, but the to the table. “I regret the decision of Akinci’s spokesman said he was Somalia’s new president munications and drone technologies. Shoigu said the Cyprus government said that Greek Mr Akinci not to attend the meeting ready to return to the negotiating vows to restore dignity military now has 2,000 drones compared to just 180 in Cypriot leader Nicos Anastasiades tomorrow. I am ready to continue the table but that steps first needed to MOGADISHU: Somalia’s new leader was inaugurated 2011. He also noted that Russia has now deployed had been informed yesterday that dialogue at anytime,” he said on be taken to overturn the amend- yesterday while promising to restore dignity to the new long-range early warning radars to survey the the meeting would not go ahead. Twitter. Akinci’s spokesman also con- ment. “I hope that in the shortest troubled Horn of Africa nation but warning it will take airspace along the entire length of its borders. The The row threatens nearly two firmed the cancellation. Tensions time the necessary steps are taken another two decades to “fix” the country. President minister said the military will complete the formation years of UN-backed negotiations on have soared over the February 10 and a new date is set,” the Mohamed Abdullahi Mohamed, who also holds US citi- of three new divisions in the nation’s west and south- ending the island’s decades-old divi- approval by the Cyprus parliament spokesman said. “We expect con- zenship, was elected earlier this month in a step toward west, and also deploy a new division on the Pacific sion that many had seen as the best for Greek Cypriot schools to com- crete steps at a political and adminis- Somalia’s first fully functioning central government in a chance for a settlement since Greek memorate a 1950 referendum on trative level to invalidate this mistak- quarter-century. “Multiple challenges are ahead of our Islands, which have been claimed by Japan. Cypriots rejected a UN reunification “Enosis”, or union with Greece. en decision... I hope that government. Therefore, I am telling people that The dispute over the Kuril Islands just north of plan in 2004.A meeting last Thursday The unofficial referendum-staged Anastasiades will make the neces- because of the limited resources we have, our achieve- Japan, which the former Soviet Union seized in the broke up in acrimony with before Cyprus won independence sary contributions to overcome this ments will be limited,” said Mohamed, also known as closing days of World War II, has prevented the two Anastasiades and his Turkish Cypriot from colonial ruler Britain-over- problem.” Akinci had warned on Farmajo. “For the past 26 years, there have conflicts and countries from signing a peace treaty. Russia previ- counterpart Mustafa Akinci accusing whelmingly approved Enosis but had Monday that he could not continue droughts, so it will take other 20 years to fix this coun- ously has deployed new long-range anti-ship missiles each other of walking out. UN envoy no legal value. Almost 96 percent of the talks without action on an issue he try.” He said Somalia’s main obstacles are insecurity and on the Kurils to protect the coast. The deployment of Espen Barth Eide had voiced confi- the majority Greek Cypriots signed said had caused “public indignation” humanitarian crises, including a drought that the UN a full-fledged Russian army division there appears dence that this week’s meeting in up in favor of union with “mother- among Turkish Cypriots. “The Greek has said affects millions of people. The immediate pri- intended to stake Moscow’s claim to the islands, Nicosia would go ahead regardless, land” Greece in the poll held in Cypriot leader should give a clear mes- ority is to “avert famine,” the UN’s special representative which have strategic importance and are surrounded but the climate of trust between the churches and coffee shops, according sage to the Turkish Cypriot people and for Somalia, Michael Keating, told the audience that by fertile fishing grounds.— AP two leaders has deteriorated. to its organizers, the Cyprus Greek to the world that he does not support included several regional heads of state. The head of the UN peacekeeping Orthodox Church. The amendment this decision,” he said.—AFP INTERNATIONAL THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 23, 2017 Bacha bazi: practice of child sex slavery

KABUL: Afghanistan is set to criminal- spread of bacha bazi, rights groups repeating the cycle of abuse. “In the ize the practice of “bacha bazi”, sexual say. Several other factors such as an absence of any services to recover or exploitation of boys, with a slew of absence of the rule of law, corruption, rehabilitate boys who are caught in stringent punishments laid out for the limited access to justice, illiteracy, this horrendous abuse, it’s hard to first time in a revised penal code. The poverty, insecurity, and the existence know what happens to these chil- move comes after an AFP report last of armed groups have also helped the dren,” said Charu Lata Hogg, a year found the Taleban are exploiting practice spread, the Afghanistan London-based fellow at Chatham the centuries-old practice, one of the Independent Human Rights House, a think tank. “We have heard most egregious violations of human Commission (AIHRC) said in a report anecdotal reports that many grow up rights in the country, to mount deadly in 2014. AIHRC points out that to keep their own bachas, perpetuat- insider attacks in the volatile south. Afghanistan’s criminal law prohibits ing the revolving door of abuse.” Here are some key answers about rape and pederasty, but so far there bacha bazi. are no clear provisions on bacha Impacts on security bazi.”There is a gap and ambiguity in Bacha bazi is having a detrimental What is it? the laws of Afghanistan regarding bearing on the perpetual state of con- Powerful warlords, commanders, bacha bazi and the existing laws do flict in Afghanistan, helping the politicians and other members of the not address the problem sufficiently,” Taleban to infiltrate security ranks in elite often keep “bachas” as a symbol the report said. provinces such as Uruzgan, officials SEOUL: Housewives make kimchi (traditional pungent vegetable) to donate to needy neighbors for winter prepa- of authority and affluence. Bachas, It is this gap which the govern- say. The abusive practice in security ration at a government building. While most people born in rich countries will live longer by 2030, with women in sometimes dressed as women, are ment hopes the revised penal code ranks also undermines support for South Korea projected to reach nearly 91, Americans will continue to have one of the lowest life expectancies of often sexually exploited. They can also will address. But the government has NATO-trained Afghan forces. “To date, any developed country, a new study published online predicts. — AP be used as dancers at private parties. a poor track record of implementing the US has provided over $60 billion Bacha bazi is not widely seen as such measures, as many of the perpe- in assistance to the Afghan National homosexual behavior-popularly trators have connections with the Defense and Security Forces (ANDSF), demonized as a deviant sexual act, security organs and by using power including nearly $500 million to the Life expectancy on the rise prohibited in Islam-and is largely and giving bribes they get exempted Afghan Local Police,” the US Congress accepted as a cultural practice. from punishment. Where do the boys said in 2015. South Korean women could hit 91 come from? And what happens to “Predatory sexual behavior by How common is it? them afterwards? Bachas are typically Afghan soldiers and police could PARIS: By 2030 life expectancy for “It is important that policies to sup- tified as the “cornerstone” of other coun- “Women are for child-rearing, boys aged between 10 and 18. Many of undermine US and Afghan public sup- South Korean women could top nine port the growing older population are tries’ strategies for reducing adult mor- are for pleasure” is a common saying them are kidnapped and sometimes port for the ANDSF, and put our enor- decades, an average lifespan long in place,” Ezzati said. “The social impli- tality. To improve on earlier estimates of across many parts of Afghanistan. The desperate poverty drives their families mous investment at risk.” The practice thought to be out of reach, cations of this change will also likely future lifespan, the study leveraged sta- ancient custom, banned under the to sell them to abusers. “The victims also continues to embolden the researchers said yesterday. South require changes to pensions and tistical techniques used in weather fore- Taleban’s 1996-2001 rule, has seen a of bacha bazi suffer from serious psy- Taleban’s desire to reassert sharia law Korea is not only the first country in retirement.” The South Korean success casting and developed 21 independent resurgence in recent years. It is said to chological trauma as they often get in Afghanistan and is fuelling their the world where women may live past story is built on broad gains in eco- models, rather than just one. In 2015, be widespread across southern and raped,” AIHRC’s report said. insurgency. “Such wild abuses of the 90 on average, it is also the one on nomic status, along with improved women in Japan, Singapore and Spain eastern Afghanistan’s rural Pashtun “Such victims suffer from stress predatory mujahideen forces in the track to log the biggest jump in child nutrition and broad access to topped the longevity list at 87, 86 and heartland, and with ethnic Tajiks and a sort of distrust, hopelessness early 1990s drove the popularity of longevity, they reported in The Lancet health care and modern medical tech- 85.5 years respectively. South Korea across the northern countryside. and pessimistic feeling. Bacha bazi the austere Taleban, helping them medical journal. Other developed nology, the study noted. The East placed fourth. The men who could look results in fear among the children and sweep to power across most of the countries are not far behind: the Asian nation of 50 million, along with forward to the longest lives in 2015 How has it flourished? a feeling of revenge and hostility country. Similar behavior of the gov- longevity of French and Japanese its neighbor Japan, has also main- were in Switzerland, Iceland and Tight gender segregation in develop in their mind.” In turn, many ernment forces after 2001 is also help- women are more likely than not to tained significantly lower rates of obe- Australia-all within a few decimal points Afghan society and lack of contact adolescent victims are said to grow up ing to inspire the insurgency,” a stretch past 88 years. sity, and of smoking among women. of an 81 year lifespan. with women have contributed to the to have boy lovers of their own, Western official in Kabul said.— AFP “As recently as the turn of the cen- From 2010 to 2030, South Korean tury, many researchers believed that US falling behind women are set to add 6.6 years to an life expectancy would never surpass In the United States, by contrast, average lifespan, followed by Slovenia 90 years,” said lead author Majid life expectancy at birth is currently (4.7) and Portugal (4.4). Among men, Kabul to set penalties for Ezzati, a professor at Imperial College below most other high-income coun- the big gains will be Hungary (7.5 London. Nations boasting the great- tries, and is poised to fall even further years), South Korea (7.0) and Slovenia est longevity among men by 2030 - 84 behind. “The poor recent and project- (6.4). The United States will see only a subculture of boy sex slaves years in each case-will likely be South ed US performance is at least partly moderate gain over the same two Korea, Australia and Switzerland, due to high and inequitable mortality decades, from 81.2 to 83.3 years for KABUL: Afghanistan is set to lay out such as violating more than one boy. Nasrullah Stanekzai said, waving according to the study. Among 35 from chronic diseases and violence, women, and 76.5 to 79.5 years for stringent penalties for “bacha bazi”- “There is an entire chapter on crimi- printed copies of the revised penal well-off countries examined, life and insufficient healthcare,” the study men. In 2015, the five countries with sexual slavery and abuse of boys-for nalizing the practice (bacha bazi) in code in his hand. expectancy was predicted to increase concluded. Among the countries can- the lowest life expectancy-ranging the first time, officials say, in a land- the new penal code,” Nader Nadery, a Aside from police commanders, war- across the board over the next 15 vassed, the United States has the from 50 to less than 55 years for men mark move against the deeply senior advisor to President Ashraf lords, politicians and other members of years. While a marker of progress, age- highest child and maternal mortality, and women-were all in sub-Saharan entrenched practice. AFP revealed last Ghani said. “The code is expected to the Afghan elite often keep “bachas” as ing populations also pose huge chal- homicide rate, and body-mass index, Africa. Outside periods of war or year how the Taleban were exploiting be adopted any time this month. This a symbol of authority and affluence. The lenges to health care systems and a standard measure of obesity. famine, life expectancy in wealthy rampant bacha bazi in police ranks to is going to be a significant step young boys, sometimes dressed effemi- social services, and may require push- Of the 35 wealthy OECD nations, it is nations has risen almost continuously mount deadly insider attacks, expos- towards stopping this ugly practice.” nately with makeup and bells on their ing back the age at which people stop the only one not to have universal since the 19th century, from roughly ing a hidden epidemic of kidnapping A draft of the chapter seen by AFP, feet, can be used as dancers at private working, the study warned. health care, which the researchers iden- 50 to 80 years. — AFP of young boys for institutionalized titled “Driving children towards moral parties and are often sexually exploited. sexual slavery. corruption”, also states that bacha bazi AFP’s investigation found that the The revelations intensified long- victims cannot be prosecuted, a sig- Taleban were using the boys-keen on standing demands by campaigners nificant caveat in a nation where sex revenge and easy prey for recruitment- for Kabul to enact an incisive legal assault victims often face punishment. to infiltrate security ranks and mount provision to curb bacha bazi-literally Afghanistan’s criminal law previously crippling insider attacks on police in “boy play” which has seen a striking only prohibited pederasty and sex southern Afghanistan. The insurgents resurgence in post-Taleban outside of marriage, which rights deny the claim. Afghanistan. A raft of punishments campaigners said did not sufficiently will now be listed in Afghanistan’s address the problem of bacha bazi. ‘21st century slaves’ revised penal code-from up to seven “This chapter clearly defines bacha Before the penal code, activists years in jail for sexual assault to capital bazi as a crime, leaving no room for pushed for years for special legislation punishment for “aggravated cases” ambiguity,” Ghani’s legal advisor on bacha bazi, with scant hope of get- ting it through parliament as they suspect the practice is prevalent among lawmakers themselves. “I have received calls from MPs that say they will never let a bacha bazi law pass in parliament,” said Soraya Sobhrang from the Afghanistan Independent Human Rights Commission. “This is a battle to save 21st century slaves.” The penal code is likely to be passed by presidential decree during the ongoing parlia- mentary recess. But Sobhrang wor- ries that some lawmakers may try to water it down when it is later sub- jected to a parliamentary review. Afghanistan has a poor record of enforcing similar provisions, including a law to eliminate violence against women and another to ban the An Afghan boy, who was held as a child sex slave, sits at a restaurant in an recruitment of child soldiers, especial- unidentified location in Afghanistan. —AFP ly when the perpetrators are power- ful. “Explicit criminalization in law of the heinous practice of bacha bazi is commendable, but implementation of Film depicts a crackdown laws in Afghanistan has been ques- tionable,” the All Survivors Project, a on China labor advocates global fact-finding effort into sexual HONG KONG: Film-maker Wen Hai China to see the poverty that left violence against males in conflict had intended to portray the gritty many workers “so desperate to find a zones said. lives of Chinese migrants toiling in fac- job that they take it first, then worry “How is the government planning tories in his documentary “We The about the work conditions later”. to monitor, investigate and hold Workers”, but wound up chronicling a In 2014 Wen moved on to accountable those responsible for gathering crackdown on courageous Guangdong province, China’s manu- abusing boys under this new legal labor groups. The 174-minute film facturing hub, living with a labor provision?” As Afghanistan’s conflict serves as a record of the waning activist in a cramped apartment for a escalates, critics have said there months for unofficial labor organiza- year. Wen rose with workers and appears to be no will to act against tions, run mostly by current and for- activists in the morning and ate with abusive security officials who are seen mer workers, whose lobbying for bet- them, and they let off steam together as the lesser of two evils in the fight ter pay and treatment in southern at karaoke bars. He snuck into facto- against insurgent groups. Western China unnerved authorities. “They are ries to film assembly lines. “The work- officials have privately conceded to not just the faceless drones making ers accepted me as one of their crew. I AFP that some Afghan commanders your phones. When workers feel confi- had a great time, and it was only accused of bacha bazi are “too strate- dent and unafraid of the pressure, months later that I saw how danger- gic to be removed” from their posts. they are powerful,” Wen said. ous their situation was becoming,” But growing public scrutiny of the “We the Workers”, which premiered Wen said. practice, once shrouded in shame and at the International Film Festival Shot with long takes and a fly-on- silence, is forcing authorities to act in Rotterdam on January 31, is a change the-wall feel, most of the film deals some areas. Earlier this month, the of pace for Wen, 46. He spent much of with workers’ attempts to stand up to government sacked Shah Mirza his career spotlighting the hip Beijing employers, backed by the pro-bono Panjsheri, police chief of the volatile artists and intellectuals that he associ- advocates. Independent “workers Dasht-e-Archi district in northern ates with, but became intrigued by centers” cropped up over the past Kunduz province, after a video of his the migrant workers who make nearly decade, offering an alternative to offi- “bacha bazi party” surfaced on social half of the world’s manufactured cial state-controlled unions. Most media. “He was kidnapping young, goods. Working conditions have gen- encouraged negotiation and saw beautiful boys and forcing them to erally improved over the country’s strikes and protests as last resorts. dance in bacha bazi gatherings,” a more than three-decade economic Much of the film takes place in 2015 in Kunduz government spokesman said. boom. But many laborers, who often Panyu, a district of the provincial capi- “When we heard about this we dis- travel far from home for menial jobs, tal Guangzhou, as laborers stepped up missed him immediately,” he said, are still victimized by employers. Wen demands, triggering pushback from adding that he was the first high-rank- first travelled to remote southwestern factories and authorities. —AFP ing police official in Kunduz to be sacked for this practice.—AFP

NEWS THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 23, 2017 Seven Earth-like planets discovered around 1 star

PARIS: Researchers announced yesterday the stunning of the galaxy, and close to us,” said lead author Michael discovery of seven Earth-like planets orbiting a small Gillon, a professor at the University of Liege in Belgium. star in our galaxy, opening up the most promising hunt- “That is something nobody did before us - most ing ground so far for life beyond the Solar System. All astronomers were focused on stars like our Sun,” he told seven roughly match the size and mass of our own journalists ahead of publication. Gillon and his team planet and are almost certainly rocky, and three are per- began to track Trappist-1 - a so-called “ultracool” dwarf fectly perched to harbor life-nurturing oceans of water, star with less than 10 percent the mass of the Sun - with they reported in the journal Nature. a dedicated telescope in 2010, and reported last year on Most critically, their proximity to Earth and the dim- three planets in its orbit. They detected the invisible ness of their red dwarf star, called Trappist-1, will allow exoplanets using the so-called “transit” method: when astronomers to parse each one’s atmosphere in search an orbiting world passes between a star and an of chemical signatures of biological activity. “We have astronomer peering through a telescope, it dims the made a crucial step towards finding life out there,” said starlight by a tiny but measurable amount. co-author Amaury Triaud, a scientist at the University of But when subsequent calculations didn’t quite tally, Cambridge. “Up to now, I don’t think we have had the Gillon realized that there might be other stars that had right planets to find out,” he said in a press briefing. escaped Earth-bound observation. “So we requested “Now we have the right target.” time with NASA’s Spitzer Space Telescope,” said co- This illustration provided by NASA/JPL-Caltech shows an artist’s conception of what the TRAPPIST-1 planetary sys- The Trappist-1 system, a mere 39 light years dis- author Emmanuel Jehin, also at the University of Liege. tem may look like, based on available data about their diameters, masses and distances from the host star. — AFP tant, has the largest number of Earth-sized planets “This allowed us to get 20 consecutive 24-hour periods known to orbit a single star. It also has the most with- of observation, which was crucial to discovering that we If Earth were that close to the Sun, it would be a hell- only from biological sources. “But except for detecting in the so-called “temperate zone” - not so hot that had seven transiting planets.” ish ball of fire. But because Trappist-1 emits far less a message from beyond our solar system from intelli- water evaporates, nor so cold that it freezes rock-sol- radiation, temperatures on its planets - depending on gence out there, we will never be 100 percent sure,” he id. The discovery adds to growing evidence that our Like a sunset the atmosphere - could be between zero and 100 added. Someone standing on, say, Trappist-1 D, E or F - home galaxy, the Milky Way, may be populated with Looking from Earth, the astronomers could only track degrees Celsius, the scientists said. Gillon and his team the three middle planets - would have a breathtaking tens of billions of worlds not unlike our own - far more activity around the star at night. “From space, we observed have started to analyze the chemical make-up of the panorama of the star and its system, Triaud said. than previously suspected. continually and matched all the transits,” 34 in all. atmospheres. “There is at least one combination of The red dwarf - which would loom 10 times larger Compared to the distance between our Sun and its plan- molecules, if present with relative abundance, that than the Sun in our sky - would be a “deep crimson” ‘Ultracool’ dwarf star ets, the Trappist-1 family is very tightly bunched. Indeed, would tell us there is life, with 99 percent confidence,” shading into a salmon-like color, he said. “The view Remarkably, professional stargazers may simply have the dwarf star and its seven satellites - with orbits ranging said Gillon. would be beautiful - you would have about 200 times been looking in the wrong place. “The great idea of this from 1.5 to 12 days - would all fit comfortably in the dis- A certain mix of methane, oxygen or ozone, and car- less light that from the Sun on Earth at midday,” he approach was to study planets around the smallest stars tance between the Sun and its closest planet, Mercury. bon dioxide, for example, could almost certainly come added. “It would be like the end of a sunset.” — AFP

Bahrain, India may scrap maid guarantee... French artist entombed in rock for a week Continued from Page 1 employer fails to pay wages, or the maid is subjected to Continued from Page 1 barrel and last year spent a week on top of a 20-m pole abuse, such as physical or sexual violence, and requires outside a Paris train station like the stylite saints of the ear- compensation and financial aid to return home. life inside the rock, where he will sit up with his arms ly Christian church. Bahrain’s Labor Market Regulatory Authority said in a The bank guarantee provision is also implemented outstretched. He has also played at being a human mole, and crossed blog published earlier this month that the two coun- by Indian embassies in the five other Gulf countries - Holes have been bored for air and cables for a heart France on foot in a straight line with a friend. Poincheval tries are studying a proposal to cancel the scheme, Kuwait, Saudi Arabia, Oman, United Arab Emirates and monitor and an emergency video link. “We found a way of said his new performance, which he calls “Stone”, was “a which gives financial aid to migrant maids, but did not Qatar. Notably, when the scheme was introduced in slipping the toilet container underneath me that works voyage through geological time” where he would become almost to the millimetre,” Poincheval said. His only other the “beating heart” of the rock. “Rocks are a living repository give further details. “If the study to scrap the financial Kuwait a few years ago, the government had threatened comforts are a cushion and a couple of books “for helping of time,” he added. His father, Christian, sporting a bowler guarantee in domestic workers’ recruitment is agreed to ban Indian expatriates moving to the country in to pass the time, although I don’t think I will be able to read hat, was on hand to wish him good luck as the rock closed by the Indian government, it will leave domestic work- response. Many MPs had also spoken out against the all the time”. His reading material is certainly not light. He around him. ers less protected,” said Rafeek Ravuther, director at the $2,500 guarantee, describing it as a violation of Kuwait’s has packed the Polish philosopher Zygmunt Bauman’s clas- His next performance “Egg” will begin on March 29, with Centre for Indian Migration Studies in India. sovereignty. The scheme remains in place in Kuwait. sic text “Liquid Modernity” and a new novel by French Poincheval sitting on a dozen eggs for between three and Bahraini and Indian officials were not immediately Josephine Valarmathi of National Domestic Workers author Celine Minard, “Le Grand Jeu” (The Great Game), four weeks until they hatch. He will eat a special diet rich in available to comment on why they were considering Movement in India said New Delhi should carefully con- about a women who cuts herself off from modern life in a ginger so he can keep the eggs at a minimum of 37 degrees ending the protection. Due to widespread reports of sider the vulnerability of workers before changing the hi-tech mountain refuge. Celsius (98 degrees Fahrenheit), with only a half an hour abuse committed against Indian workers in Gulf scheme. “If it is removed, it will put the workers in a Poincheval is no stranger to bizarre and hair-raising break every 24 hours to keep him from cracking. The chicks nations, India and Bahrain have an agreement whereby much more difficult situation,” she said. “By removing performances. He once spent a fortnight inside a stuffed that hatch “will go and live with my parents”, Poincheval employers of domestic workers must provide a bank the bank guarantees, the government is easing the bear eating worms and beetles, was buried under a rock added. But his ambitions do not end there. His big dream is guarantee certificate of $2,500 to the Indian embassy in rules and putting workers in a difficult situation without for eight days and navigated France’s Rhone river inside a to “walk on the clouds. I have been working on it for five Manama. This aims to protect the domestic worker if an financial guarantees.” — Agencies giant plastic corked bottle. He has crossed the Alps in a years, but it is not quite there yet,” he add. —AFP THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 23, 2017 ANALYSIS

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Focus Syrian refugees fear deportation

t was in the dead of night when Nagham and her three young sons crept out of the Jordanian refugee Icamp and set off on a long walk that brought them to the capital Amman just as the sun came up. Having already fled the embattled city of Homs in neighboring Syria, her children were frightened by the roar of jets flying over the camp. Nagham, travelling without her husband who was barred from crossing the border with them, was worried by the lack of security and privacy during the month they spent there. “I finally felt safe,” said the 33-year-old mother of her family’s night-time trek to the city in April 2015. Nagham and her children are just some of the hun- dreds of thousands of Syrian refugees in Jordan who have lost their rights to humanitarian aid and risk deportation because they either left official refugee camps or failed to register with the UN refugee agency or the Jordanian authorities. In the almost two years Syrians get to grips with German freedoms since she left the camp, Nagham, who do not want to give her real name because she fears being arrested, ore than a year ago, Mayar and Nawar Ballish exploded. He removed 27 pieces of shrapnel - mostly bits In one class, a teacher showed them a photo of Conchita has barely left her apartment in Amman. escaped car bomb attacks in Damascus. Now the of windscreen - from his face and chest. The next year, Wurst, a drag queen who won a Eurovision Song Contest. Instead, her three sons - aged 10, 12, and 14 - go out Syrian sisters, both students in their twenties, go another car bomb ruined the family’s fourth-floor apart- “He was wearing a dress but he had a beard too,” said Mayar. to work as delivery boys in local vegetable shops every M to school by train past neat gardens and farms in the quiet ment. The sisters left Damascus with their mother and Her dark eyes widened. Nawar had mastered masculine, day, earning a meager salary of 3 Jordanian dinars hills of Bavaria, southern Germany. They have lived there brothers in Aug 2015. Their father followed; they were feminine and neuter in German. “He’s not a woman and ($4.25) each, barely covering the monthly rent of more since Oct 2015. Their story shows what a cultural leap such reunited last Christmas. The government housed the family he’s not a guy,” she said. “He’s ‘das,’ not ‘der’ or ‘die!’” than $200. “I usually don’t go out of the house, if I do I migrants face, and how hard it can be to match the aspira- in Schillingsfuerst, a quiet place with around 40 refugees Other Syrians have responded dramatically to such per- never leave the neighborhood. I tell my children not to tions of those seeking shelter with Germany’s own goals. and an average age of 41. The Ballishes are the only missiveness, but Mayar thinks she will get used to living speak to many people,” said Nagham inside her bare, Around half a million Syrians have arrived in Germany Syrians in the town, which has a population of 2,275. It sits with freedoms like homosexuality. “At first when I heard of first-floor flat in a poor area of east Amman traditionally over the past two years, part of a record influx of more than on Germany’s Romantic Road, a holiday route which one it I thought: ‘Huh? This is crazy, this is really stupid, no one inhabited by Palestinian refugees. “I always feel like we’re a million people. Most new asylum applicants have been promotional website says “unites culture with wellness, in the world would do it,’” she said. “But then I think ‘OK, targeted because I know we’re doing something wrong.” men, a few of them violent or, according to the security serv- recreational activities and the idyll of nature.” they are a little bit weird’ ... Maybe a year later I will say, Numbers of new arrivals from Syria dropped off dra- ices, covert jihadists. Some Germans feel it is a duty to wel- Mayor Michael Trzybinski says he would like some ‘yeah that’s OK, nice!’” Hans Emmert, a retired teacher in matically after Jordan tried to seal the 370-km border in come asylum-seekers. But violence by a few has fuelled hos- refugees to stay permanently: “There are people among Schillingsfuerst, said he understands the sisters’ response. 2013, citing strain on its limited water resources and tility. There are attacks on asylum-seekers’ homes more than them who do great work and people who really want to He admires their moral steadfastness and believes many economy. The Jordanian government says there are 1.4 twice a day on average, according to the Interior Ministry. completely integrate.” Last March Horst Doellinger, who other Germans do too. “I think that might even provide million Syrians in the country at the moment, of whom owns the family’s apartment, arranged for Moneer to do an positive impetus,” he said. The family’s moral code contains around 633,000 are registered with the UN refugee The sisters, who have leave to stay for three years, are agency UNHCR. Many are welcomed by host communi- more westernized than some of their compatriots. They internship at his architects’ office. He enlisted one of his values “that we have unfortunately lost.” Not everyone has ties whose family ties straddle the Syrian-Jordanian bor- wear jeans and choose not to wear the veil. Last Eid, they staff to help with bureaucracy. He hopes he might be able been understanding. When the sisters were giving out Eid der. A UNHCR spokesman told the Thomson Reuters spent days making and delivering homemade cards to to employ Moneer in future. But first, he said, “these people cards, Mayar greeted a woman watering plants. The Foundation it had no estimate on the numbers of everyone in their town as a gesture of friendship. Even so, need to find their feet.” woman frowned and turned her back, telling Mayar to go refugees who are unregistered. If caught without docu- says Mayar, “most people ... don’t really get the fear and the The Ballishes’ apartment overlooks a grassy field and away and saying she did not want to talk to her. mentation, unregistered Syrian refugees face being situation that we left behind in Syria.” modern yellow, pink and blue houses. The family gets A few people worry that refugees are getting attention returned to camps or being deported back to Syria, say The government stresses that Germany needs to import 1,024 euros ($1,080) from the state each month and a that native Germans need. Rita Tanevski, the girls’ volleyball human rights groups. Jordan is not a party to the 1951 labor. A study published in 2016 by the Cologne Institute German woman gave them things including furniture, a teacher, said she knows one unemployed man who said, Refugee Convention, though has said it operates in for Economic Research said that without migration, the laptop and guitars. Local volunteer Gerald Baer first met “‘The refugees get all the help, they have time to help them according to principles of international law, which German working-age population would probably fall by the family at a Christmas party in 2015 where he was find a job but I get nothing.’” include non-refoulement - meaning a refugee may not around 500,000 a year between now and 2035. The coun- dressed as Santa Claus. They are learning German fast, he be forced back to a country if they face persecution. try needs skilled workers in technical jobs such as automo- said. “They’re also very open and cheerful and reach out to Struggle for learning Officials in three government ministries did not tive and metal engineering, plumbing and software devel- other people, and I think that’s a big advantage.” The Ballishes’ top priority is education. They know peo- respond to requests from the Thomson Reuters opment as well as health and nursing. Soon after arriving, Moneer and his wife went to exer- ple in Sweden, their father says, but came to Germany in Foundation for comment. The problem is: That’s a mould the sisters don’t fit. Like cise classes with older people. But she had a bad back and the hope it would be better for the children’s studies. around one in five recent Syrian arrivals in Germany, they stopped going. When he realised he would be the only Mayar wants to teach English or American studies at uni- Mistrust are educated to a high level. They hope to go to university, man, he stopped too. He set up a Facebook page to try to versity level. However, Germany generally puts heavy Adam Coogle, Jordan researcher for Human Rights but people in the school system have pressured them to boost understanding between Syrians and Germans. emphasis on vocational training. In 2015, only around 30 Watch, said he had been tracking deportations since follow a vocational course. “The worst part is that ... people percent of 30 to 34 year-olds in the country had any kind of 2014. They took place for a variety of reasons including ... think we’re dumb, useless refugees who aren’t going to ‘Das,’ ‘der’ or ‘die’ university degree, according to Eurostat. That is one of the security concerns, refugees working illegally or suspi- do anything,” Mayar, 21, said. The sisters started German lessons at a technical school smallest shares in Europe: In Sweden, it is 50 percent. cion of having committed a crime, he said. “We hear in Nov 2015 and play volleyball at a local club. In some There is no data on how many refugees study at reports that deportations are ongoing and they proba- ‘Idyll of nature’ ways they have found Germany shockingly free. On the German universities, but the German Academic Exchange bly increased following the attack in Rukban camp in Back in Syria, the sisters were at Damascus University. way to school, they noticed a girl who seemed to be forev- Service estimates that between 30,000 and 50,000 of the June, 2016,” said Coogle, referring to a suicide attack at Mayar was studying English literature. Nawar ranked in the er changing her hair color - green, purple, pink, and blue. refugees who arrived in 2015 came with qualifications to a Syrian-Jordanian border crossing close to a camp for top five in her interior design course. Their mother went to They were surprised to see women wearing short shorts, or enter university. Germany’s Education Ministry has 50,000 refugees. university with them and studied French literature. Their with their midriffs exposed. “People here don’t have limits, pledged 100 million euros to 2019 to help refugees pre- Noura, a 31-year-old refugee from Homs said her father, who is 53 and is called Moneer, worked for the gov- don’t have rules for clothes and you can wear whatever pare. Medicine, business, mathematics, computer science, younger brother was deported after he tried to leave a ernment as a technical design teacher. In 2012, Moneer you want and dye your hair,” said 22-year-old Nawar. “That natural sciences and technology are in high demand, a camp. “They just put them back over the border,” she was passing a courthouse in Damascus as a car bomb makes us think about whether it is good or not.” spokeswoman said. — Reuters said. “He’s now back in Daraa (Syria), it’s very bad,” she said. “He was still in high school.” Refugees living in Jordan’s cities say they even worry their children could inadvertently betray them to the authorities. When Kim murder suspect lived mystery life Syrian children get into arguments with locals the Jordanian parents sometimes threaten to get them i Jong Chol, a North Korean arrested Un. Police have not specified what role he duo last met in January. Malaysia is about analysts say. However ties are under strain deported, or blackmail them for money, said Areej, a in the probe into last week’s murder may have played in last week’s brazen the only foreign country that a North following the killing of Kim Jong Nam. Kim 38-year-old woman living in Mafraq, a city 10 miles from the Syrian border. Rof the half-brother of the isolated killing at the Kuala Lumpur International Korean can easily enter, thanks to a visa-free died last week after being assaulted at the Several civil society organizations in Jordan are trying state’s leader, lived in Malaysia for more Airport. Reuters was unable to find out policy for visitors that is largely reciprocated airport with what police believe was a fast- to help the undocumented refugees, but mistrust on than three years without working at the whether Ri has a lawyer or to contact his by Pyongyang. Since the 1980s, North Korea acting poison. The two women who assault- both sides is hampering the process, said Samar company registered on his employment wife or his daughter. Efforts to contact the has used the Southeast Asian nation as a ed him, one who is Indonesian and another Muhareb, director of Arab Renaissance for Democracy permit or receiving a salary. Ri, 47, had a North Korean embassy in Kuala Lumpur hub to promote its strategic and business who carried a Vietnamese passport, are and Development, which gives legal assistance to Malaysian work visa that showed he was an were also unsuccessful. interests, legitimate and otherwise, some both in custody. — Reuters refugees. “I think perception or the fear of deportation employee of Tombo Enterprise. But the Chong said Ri rented an apartment in are much higher than the realities but unfortunately this owner of the company said he never Kuchai Lama, a middle-class Kuala Lumpur is the language used by the host communities,” she said. worked a day there or drew a salary from suburb. Three-bedroom apartments in the N Korea more isolated Donor states have prodded the Jordanian govern- the small herbal medicine firm. neighborhood typically rent for about ment to relax labor laws to allow thousands of refugees Chong Ah Kow said he facilitated Ri’s 1,500-2,000 ringgit ($337-449) per month, than ever after killing to work legally in industrial parks and businesses near working visa by stating in supporting docu- according to property websites. Ri’s daugh- big camps like Zaatari. Jordan had issued 20,000 work ments that he was a product development ter studies at HELP University, a fee-paying orth Korea had few friends even Exchange, a non-profit that provides eco- permits by July 2016, and tens of thousands more Syrian manager in the company’s IT department private college in a western Kuala Lumpur before the assassination of the nomic policy training to North Koreans, refugees are expected to get them in the coming years. If earning 5,500 ringgit ($1,230) per month. suburb that bestowed a honorary doctor- leader’s half-brother at a Kuala believes Malaysia could now make a simi- ate in economics on Kim Jong Un in 2013 N refugees are unable to live and work legally, they will be The visa was renewed once, he said, in June Lumpur airport last week, but the fallout lar move. “It wouldn’t surprise me. The forced to take risks, said Matteo Paoltroni, technical advi- 2016. “It was just a formality, just docu- for his “untiring efforts for the education of from the killing looks set to further iso- arrangement is already absolutely sor to European Commission’s humanitarian aid depart- ments, I never paid him,” Chong, a the country and the well-being of the peo- late the nuclear-armed state. Pyongyang unique. North Koreans don’t need a visa ment (ECHO), during an interview with the Thomson Malaysian, said in an interview. “I don’t ple”. The university has confirmed she is a and Kuala Lumpur have enjoyed relative- to work in Mongolia, China, Vietnam, Reuters Foundation in his office in Amman. — Reuters know how he survives here. I don’t know student there. ly warm economic ties, with some bilat- Cambodia, Laos. But the Malaysian side is how he gets money.” Chong said he and Ri met in 2013 when eral trade and citizens from both coun- the unusual thing,” he told AFP. Malaysia Chong, a frequent traveller to North the North Korean came to him in Kuala tries entitled to travel to the other under and North Korea are both non-aligned Korea, said he was just trying to “help out” Lumpur, and said he was related to the a unique reciprocal visa-free deal. nations and the one-off visa deal was All articles appearing on these pages Ri. He has been interviewed by police and inventor of a mushroom extract with anti- Malaysia has also provided a channel likely hashed out as they sought to are the personal opinion of the writers. told Reuters he was ready to face any con- cancer effects. Chong said he has visited between Pyongyang officials and the develop business ties, he said. sequences from submitting false informa- North Korea about 10 times and admires wider world, with Kuala Lumpur in recent Muhammad Fuad Othman, a lecturer Kuwait Times takes no responsibility tion to the government. Chong, who has the country for its culture. “They have great years serving as a discreet meeting place in international politics at Universiti Utara for views expressed therein. Kuwait remained friends with Ri, said the North shows,” Chong said. “(Ri was a) soft-spoken, for talks between the regime and the Malaysia, said diplomats would need to Korean lived with his wife and two children courteous, humble man - just like other United States. But all that could come to be seen to respond to the killing - which Times invites readers to voice their in Kuala Lumpur. Reuters could not ascer- North Koreans.” an end following a war of words over Seoul has said was orchestrated by opinions. Please send submissions via tain if Ri had any other employment or Malaysia’s probe into the assassination of Pyongyang. “In order to pacify the West source of income. Police could not be Easy entry Kim Jong-Nam, which has seen maybe there is a need to re-evaluate the email to: [email protected] or reached for comment to explain how Ri Ri met Chong infrequently, driving with Pyongyang’s envoy to Kuala Lumpur sav- free visa policy that we accord to North via snail mail to PO Box 1301 Safat, supported his family in Malaysia. his daughter to Chong’s office in Kuala age local police, and Malaysia recall its Koreans,” he said. Lumpur. The men discussed business ambassador to the North. Up to 1,000 North Koreans currently Kuwait. The editor reserves the right to HELP University opportunities, such as palm oil importation, Singapore cancelled its visa-free work in Malaysia and, like expats from edit any submission as necessary. Ri has been arrested as a key suspect in with Ri’s daughter translating from Korean arrangement with Pyongyang last year in the Stalinist state worldwide, their remit- the murder of Kim Jong Nam, the half- into English and vice versa. Nothing, how- protest over the regime’s fourth nuclear tances are a valuable source of foreign brother of North Korea’s leader Kim Jong ever, came from the talks, Chong said. The test. Andray Abrahamian of Choson currency for the isolated regime. — AFP THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 23, 2017 SPORTS

Blackburn look to Sinus surgery rules opener Talented Balotelli Mowbray for revival Hameed out of MCC match needs attitude change LONDON: Indian-owned Blackburn Rovers have appointed Tony Mowbray as LONDON: England opener Haseeb Hameed has withdrawn from MILAN: Controversial striker Mario Balotelli has shown few signs of wanting to fight his the club’s new manager, the English second-tier strugglers announced yester- Marylebone Cricket Club’s XI for the Champion County match against way back into the national side, Italy coach Gian Piero Ventura warned yesterday. day. Mowbray, 53, has signed an 18-month contract after former manager Middlesex next month to have sinus surgery, it was announced yesterday. Balotelli last played for Italy at their ill-fated 2014 World Cup campaign, but his interna- Owen Coyle left the Championship club by mutual consent on Hameed, 20, has been replaced by Yorkshire’s Alex Lees in the MCC squad tional and club career have been in a tailspin since then. After a lightning start with Tuesday. Most recently in charge at Coventry, Mowbray started for the day/night match in Abu Dhabi from March 26-29. Lancashire rising French first division side Nice this season however, the burly target-man his managerial career at Ipswich and has also managed star Hameed’s brief career has been marked by injury problems. After appeared to have stopped the rot with goals and assists coming thick Hibernian, West Bromwich Albion, Celtic and impressing as a 19-year-old on England’s tour of India late last year, and fast. It prompted Ventura to offer Balotelli a way back last month, Middlesbrough. At Hibs, he twice led the Scottish club into Hameed missed the final two Tests of a 4-0 series defeat after suffering a the coach pledging a face-to-face meeting to “discuss” behavioural Europe while at West Brom he lost the Championship play- broken finger while batting. He had recently been working his way back to problems. But that prospect now looks slim. The former Inter Milan, off final in 2007 before getting the Baggies promoted to fitness with the second-string England Lions in Sri Lanka. England Under- AC Milan, Manchester City and Liverpool striker was issued his third the Premier League as champions the following season. He 19s captain Matt Fisher, also in MCC’s original team, has pulled out because red card of the season last weekend, for dissent, in a 1-0 win at left Coventry without a league win at the end of of a groin problem. Fisher will be replaced by Yorkshire and England fast Lorient. “We have to meet face-to-face, but up until now I haven’t September, having guided them to an eighth-place finish in bowler Liam Plunkett in the traditional curtain-raiser to the English season, seen positive signs,” Ventura told media at Italy’s Coverciano training third-tier League One last season. Blackburn, Premier League which has been staged in Abu Dhabi since 2009. “Of course it is a shame base near Florence. “There’s no disputing his talent, but the rest... champions in 1995, are currently second-from-bottom of the that Haseeb and Matt have had to withdraw from the squad, but we have the facts suggest that Balotelli needs to make changes. It would Championship, three points from safety, after two wins in two excellent replacements in Liam and Alex who will add experience and be a pity not to have him available. — AFP their last 13 league games. — AFP firepower,” said MCC head of cricket John Stephenson. — AFP Tokyo governor warns of spiralling 2020 costs

TOKYO: Tokyo’s governor has warned that GOLF CONTROVERSY the bill for the city’s 2020 Olympics could In its bid, Tokyo estimated costs of $7 yet spiral out of control despite exhaustive billion and projected an economic wind- efforts to rein in runaway costs. fall of 3 trillion yen, but Tokyo organisers Governor Yuriko Koike said there was are under pressure to balance the books still a danger of costs reaching an eye- after ballooning costs at recent watering 3 trillion yen ($26 billion) — Olympics, notably the $50 billion price four times more than initially planned- tag for the 2014 Winter Games in Sochi. unless Games organisers keep a tight The International Olympic Committee rein on the purse strings. (IOC) is under pressure to reduce costs to “We still haven’t got a final figure for keep cities interested in bidding for how much it will cost,” she told AFP in an future Games. interview Tuesday. “But if there is no gov- “It’s just not sustainable to spend vast ernance within the organising commit- sums of money on the Olympics,” said tee, it could be that expensive. “That’s a Koike, 64, who previously served as question for them,” added the governor, Japan’s defence minister. “Tokyo will be a who took office last August after a land- test case for the IOC.” slide election victory. “In short, it’s a Koike recently criticised the Tokyo question of leadership and good man- Olympic golf venue for not accepting agement.” Concerns over soaring costs women as full members, leaving the have cast a shadow over Tokyo’s Olympic private club’s hosting rights in the bal- preparations and fears were heightened ance. “Kasumigaseki Country Club not after a panel of experts predicted the admitting full women members con- overall budget could exceed 3 trillion flicts with Olympic Charter,” she said, yen without drastic cuts. referring to the club in Saitama prefec- Koike proposed a review of three cost- ture, north of Tokyo. ly venues-for rowing, swimming and vol- “We will continue to monitor the situ- leyball-but subsequently agreed to keep ation and see how they react.” A long- all three at their planned Tokyo sites. time parliamentarian, the Cairo “I don’t think we are on different University graduate and fluent Arabic wavelengths,” she said, rejecting any speaker is seen as one of Japan’s most suggestion of discord between 2020 popular politicians. BUDAPEST: Head of the bid of Budapest for hosting the 2024 Summer Olympic Games Balazs Furjes addresses the General Assembly of the City organisers and city and central govern- Tipped as a possible future prime min- of Budapest with Budapest Mayor Istvan Tarlos, right, and Vice Mayor Alexandra Szalay-Bobrovniczky in the background in the town hall in Budapest, Hungary, yesterday. — AP ment officials. ister, Koike says she leads a “normal life” “Everyone is cooperating,” added the at home, doing laundry and going for OLYMPICS former TV newscaster. “At one point the walks with her pet Yorkshire terrier. Sea Forest (rowing) venue was going to But as she continues her fight against cost $1.1 billion but we have more than Olympic over-spending, the political Budapest Olympic bid on last halved that. Tokyo is building six venues reformer insisted she was committed to and we have made significant reductions the task in hand. to the costs.” “I’m a new governor and it’s my duty Tongue planted firmly in cheek, to deliberate on every venue, one by legs as mayor to bring in govt Tokyo’s first female governor joked: “I just one,” Koike said. “Tokyo has a heavy show the differences (in opinion) as responsibility to make the 2020 Games a BUDAPEST: Budapest’s mayor is expected to tell But he also rejected responsibility for allow- Budapest to withdraw the bid, with only a third much as possible to make it news!” success.” — AFP the government that political unity over the ing the bid to fail, saying the issue was a national supporting it nationally. In Budapest, 56 percent city’s bid to host the 2024 Summer Olympics has one. Yesterday’s council resolution authorised of voters were against the bid. broken down, taking what is widely seen as a Tarlos to discuss the bid with the national gov- Attempting to shore up backing for the bid, pivotal step to it pulling its candidacy. ernment and Olympic committee. its chairman Balazs Furjes told the council: “Our Istvan Tarlos will ask the government to “clari- He is expected to meet Prime Minister Viktor phones are ringing off the hook. IOC members fy whether, as national unity ended, there is any Orban later on Wednesday and a decision - in all from Asia to Africa to Australia are calling us dai- point in sustaining Budapest’s candidacy,” probability involving a withdrawal of the bid - ly to tell us, guys, stop fooling around, do not according to a resolution approved by the City could follow soon thereafter. quit. “(But) unless we restore unity right away we Council. Bidding alongside powerhouses Los stand no chance.” Angeles and Paris, Budapest has been consid- ‘LIKE STRUDEL DOUGH’ Socialist councillor Csaba Horvath said his ered a long-shot candidate, pinning its hopes on Tarlos, who only began to support the bid party backed the bid in principle but the govern- the International Olympic Committee’s Agenda after Agenda 2020 promised to make hosting ment’s track record suggested it might turn the 2020 initiative that seeks a return for the event the Olympics more affordable, urged a fast reso- event into a “corruption gold mine.” Corruption to simpler values and smaller price tags. lution of the issue. “I never insisted on the allegations have marred Orban’s rule for years, After local opponents of the candidacy last Olympics,” he told the council. “There is no point with Transparency International describing the week submitted a quarter of a million signatures dragging out this process like strudel dough.” situation as a “state capture” by oligarchs close to on a petition for a referendum on the bid, Tarlos According to a survey published yesterday by the premier. The government has consistently suggested the city might quit the race. pollster Median, half of Hungarians would like denied the allegations. — Reuters Winter Asian Games are very topical in tropical E Timor

SAPPORO: For Alpine skier Yohan Goutt TOKYO: In this picture taken on February 21, 2017, Tokyo Governor Yuriko Koike Goncalves, the chance to be East Timor’s sole speaks during an interview with AFP in Tokyo. Tokyo’s governor has warned that the representative at the Asian Winter Games was bill for the city’s 2020 Olympics could yet spiral out of control despite exhaustive too good to pass up, even if it meant missing the efforts to rein in runaway costs. — AFP world championships. Goutt Goncalves could have taken part in the Alpine skiing world championships in St. Moritz, Asia welcomes third straight Switzerland but chose instead to travel to Japan to become East Timor’s first athlete at the Asian Winter Olympics: OCA chief Winter Games. “It was more important to come here because East Timor is part of Asia,” Goutt Goncalves said TOKYO: Asia is ready, willing and able to and all the experience” needed to stage in an interview Wednesday with The Associated the multi-sport event. Beijing and the host a third straight Winter Olympics if Press. “Timorese people feel closer to the Asian the Japanese city of Sapporo wins the bid nearby city of Zhangjiakou beat Games than any other event - even the Winter for the 2026 Games, Olympic Council of Kazakhstan’s Almaty for the right to host Olympics - so that’s why I chose to come here.” Asia President Sheikh Ahmad Al-Fahad the 2022 Games after the other competi- Born in France, the 22-year-old Goutt Al-Sabah has said. Sapporo hosted Asia’s tors dropped out, citing costs and other Goncalves is the son a French father and his first Winter Olympics in 1972 and has also worries, and Sheikh Ahmad said an Asian mother is from East Timor, the tiny former staged the Asian Winter Games three bid for 2026 would depend on the level Portuguese colony between Australia and times, including the inaugural edition in of interest from other countries. Indonesia. He qualified for the world circuit in 1986 and the ongoing Feb. 19-26 event. The costs of staging Olympics have 2013 and had no trouble deciding which coun- City officials said in late 2014 they become a hot-button issue in recent try to represent when it came to choosing would be keen on a 2026 bid, though the years and prompted the International between France and East Timor. SAPPORO: East Timor’s Yohan Goutt Goncalves speaks during an interview, ahead of his alpine ski- Japanese Olympic Committee would also Olympic Committee to take steps aimed East Timor’s National Olympic Committee was ing men’s giant slalom at the Asian Winter Games in Sapporo, northern Japan, yesterday. — AP need to approve it proceeding. at keeping spending under control. only established in 2007, and two athletes have they have snow? Do they have mountains?’” eign state on May 20, 2002. The country’s politi- With South Korea’s Pyeongchang Reforms known as “Agenda 2020”, carried competed at the Summer Games in 2004, 2008 Now he has his sights set on qualifying for an cal situation has become more stable in recent staging the Winter Olympics in 2018 and out under IOC President Thomas Bach and 2012. “My dream of representing Timor came Olympic return, this time closer to home in years. “Right now it is pretty peaceful, the last Beijing hosting the event four years later, with the aim of making the Olympics when I was eight,” Goutt Goncalves said. “I want- Pyeongchang, South Korea. “I want to participate civil war was in 2006,” Goutt Goncalves said. a third successive Winter Games in Asia more sustainable, allow hosts to use ed to go to the Olympics and I knew it was for in more international events so people get to “Since then nothing major has happened so I would underline the region’s growing facilities in other cities or even countries Timor because I think it was important to show know Timor better,” Goutt Goncalves said. Many of hope tourists will come to Timor.” presence on the international sporting if it makes financial and practical sense. to the world that there is this country. I think that Goutt Goncalves’ family members live in Australia, In 1974, just before Indonesia invaded East the contrast of having an athlete that skis but is stage. The Summer Olympics will also be Hamburg, Rome and Boston have where he has based himself for southern hemi- Timor, Goutt Goncalves’ mother, Carolina, and from a country with no snow makes it special.” sphere winter training the past several years. her young siblings boarded a fishing boat in the held in Asia in 2020 in Tokyo. already abandoned bids to host the 2024 Goutt Goncalves’ childhood dream came true Goutt Goncalves first hit the ski slopes in his capital Dili and set sail for Darwin, the remote Summer Games while Budapest could Sheikh Ahmad said the way the ongo- when he competed at the Sochi Olympics. father Pierre’s backpack when he was a year old, capital of Australia’s Northern Territory. Despite ing Asiad had been organised clearly also pull out. That would leave only Paris “It was so challenging to get there,” Goutt and skied for the first time when he was three. being overcrowded, the boat and its 500-plus demonstrated Sapporo would take the and Los Angeles still in the race. “If there Goncalves said, recalling his route to become The country was colonized by Portugal in the passengers arrived safely, and the family was task of hosting another Olympics in its is a lot who bid, we will have to evaluate the first athlete from East Timor to compete at 16th century and East Timor declared its inde- granted refugee status. stride. “I am happy to hear that Sapporo the situation, but if not then we have a the Winter Olympics. “And when I arrived there pendence in 1975. Indonesia invaded East Timor For now, Goutt Goncalves said he is happy to is ready to host the Olympic Winter good chance,” the Kuwaiti added. “We are you raise the flag of Timor in the opening cere- within weeks and violent period followed. be able to take his campaign to raise awareness Games. Sapporo is capable and ready,” he ready to host a third Olympic Winter mony. It’s the first time in the Winter Olympics so In 1999, following intervention from the of his country to the slopes. He started competi- said at a news conference, adding that Games.” Japan’s Nagano hosted Asia’s last there was a lot of attention on you because peo- United Nations, Indonesia relinquished control tion in the giant slalom yesterday, and is entered Sapporo had “all the tools, all the facilities Winter Olympics in 1998. — Reuters ple are wondering ‘where is this country? Do of the territory and East Timor became a sover- for the slalom tomorrow. — AP THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 23, 2017 SPORTS NHL teams expected to pick up trading pace over next week

DETROIT: Brendan Smith was planning to spend his manager Ken Holland is expected to explore joining MATT DUCHENE gled this season. Instead of losing games and assets, bye week in Florida, trying to relax. It might be tough the minority, trying to deal at least one of his play- Colorado, easily the team with the fewest points the Lightning are listening to offers for their 30-year- for him to truly get away. The Detroit Red Wings ers with expiring contracts for draft picks because in the league, is looking to rebuild and hopes to shed old goaltender and 32-year-old center Brian Boyle defenseman, potentially an unrestricted free agent the franchise’s postseason streak seems to be des- two players and their contracts along with one that with expiring contracts. Here are some other things this summer, acknowledged he planned to keep an tined to stop at 25. will be a free agent this summer. Duchene, a 26-year- of note around the NHL: eye on social media because he may be a player the The 28-year-old Smith, a feisty player, might be old center, and Gabriel Landeskog, a 24-year-old franchise moves this week ahead of the March 1 NHL available if a team is willing to give up a third round wing, each have at least two-plus years remaining on BYE BLUES trade deadline. pick as Calgary did to acquire a comparable player, their deals and that might make them difficult to Teams are 4-12-4 in their first game coming off a “If something happens, my agent will let me know defenseman Mike Stone, from Arizona on Monday. trade. Jarome Iginla, a 39-year-old wing, is easier to five-day bye “week,” and there is talk around the or I’ll see it on social media,” Smith said Tuesday. “You Thomas Vanek, a 33-year-old winger, has 15 goals trade because teams will basically be renting him for league that there may be changes to the format next guys are pretty quick on it.” Trades have been made and 23 assists this season and is 5 for 5 on the rest of the regular season. season. The league may have teams coming off the at a slow trickle in recent days and weeks because a shootouts, possibly making him attractive to a team bye play each other, cutting down on the advantage vast majority of teams in the league are at least in that hasn’t fared well after overtimes, like PATRICK EAVES a team in a rhythm has against a rusty one. contention for a spot in the playoffs and they don’t Washington. The Red Wings, though, may want to The 32-year-old wing is in demand. He’s having want to give up too soon. Clearly, buyers outnumber re-sign him and would likely balk at late-round the best year of his career, making just $1 million this GAME OF THE WEEK sellers, and salary-cap constraints make it tough for offers for a player who has been a pleasant surprise. season. And, he’s available because Dallas likely won’t The defending Stanley Cup champion Pittsburgh many teams to make moves. Here’s a look at some other players, and teams, to make the playoffs. The Stars are also willing to deal Penguins will host the rival Philadelphia Flyers on “These next seven days are going to be crucial watch over the next week: 35-year-old winger Patrick Sharp, 35-year-old Saturday night at Heinz Field as part of the NHL with what you’re looking at,” New York Islanders inter- defenseman Johnny Oduya and 30-year-old Lauri Stadium Series. im coach Doug Weight said. KEVIN SHATTENKIRK Korpikoski. Pittsburgh is trying to keep pace with the “And I think a lot of teams are going to sway one The St. Louis Blues are in a solid position to make Metropolitan Division-leading Capitals while the Flyers way or another with the next six or seven points the playoffs, but they seem to be willing to trade the BEN BISHOP are in a logjam of teams trying to earn one of the two that are available. I think it’ll be a late, active trade high-scoring 28-year-old defenseman instead of risk- After losing in the Eastern Conference and Stanley wild-card spots in the Eastern Conference with 20-plus deadline because of the situation.” Detroit general ing losing him in free agency. Cup finals the last two years, Tampa Bay has strug- games remaining in the regular season. — AP

GYMNASTICS Raisman keeps eye on Tokyo during ‘crazy’ downtime

MELBOURNE: American gymnast Aly the Olympic team title and Simone Biles’s four Raisman has been caught up in a whirlwind gold medals at Rio opened the insular world since helping the United States to its golden of international gymnastics to mainstream haul in Rio and the triple Olympic champion is America. Raisman, Biles, Gabby Douglas, waiting for her world to stop spinning before Laurie Hernandez and Madison Kocian have setting her sights on the 2020 Tokyo Games. all enjoyed a prolonged victory lap, touring Raisman, who captained the ‘Final Five’ US dozens of cities and making red carpet women to the most dominant Olympic victory appearances at Hollywood awards nights. in the team event six months ago, will be 26 Raisman, second to Biles in the all-around when she bids for her third Olympics, hoping and floor exercise at Rio, has kept in regular to defy gymnastics’ stereotype as a sport built touch with her team mates. for petite teenagers. She joined Biles recently for a photo shoot for Sports Illustrated magazine’s swimwear edition and also competed in the popular ‘Dancing with the Stars’ television show. “It’s actually been pretty crazy, I’ve only been home maybe one month in the past eight or nine,” said Raisman, who won her first Olympic team gold as a member of the United States’ ‘Fierce Five’ at London where she also NEWARK: Travis Zajac #19 of the New Jersey Devils lands on top of Tom Pyatt #10 of the Ottawa Senators on a check in the third period of an took the floor exercise title. NHL hockey game against the Ottawa Senators at Prudential Center on Tuesday in Newark, New Jersey. The Senators won 2-1. — AFP “But it’s been incredible. I’ve had so many amazing opportunities. In 2012 I got to do a NHL lot of fun stuff but it’s really surpassed my expectations this time.” Although the ‘Final Five’ have bathed in Toews gets a hat trick for acclaim, USA Gymnastics has been rocked by allegations from former athletes of sexual abuse by coaches and a long-serving team doctor in media reports last year, prompting Hawks in 5-3 win over Wild Aly Raisman the governing body to review its sexual mis- conduct policy. ST PAUL: All three forwards on the Blackhawks’ top line The Boston-born Raisman is in no great “It’s obviously terrible and it should never scored on Tuesday as Chicago sent a message that the NHL results/standings hurry to plunge back into competition, how- have happened, but there is an investigation,” Central Division race might not be over yet. By beating ever, knowing a year off to freshen up could said Raisman. “So I can’t comment because we the Wild 5-3, Chicago pulled within five points of be her best chance of building motivation for have to respect their investigation.” Minnesota, which still sits atop the division. Jonathan Calgary 6, Nashville 5 (OT); Chicago 5, Minnesota 3; Toronto 5, Winnipeg 4 (Ot); NY Islanders 3, another tilt at surviving the cut-throat compe- At the age of 22, Raisman had to defy Toews recorded a hat trick, Richard Panik scored in the Detroit 1; Tampa Bay 4, Edmonton 1; Ottawa 2, New Jersey 1; Montreal 3, NY Rangers 2 (SO); tition to make the US team. doubters who said she was too old to com- second period, and Nick Schmaltz got in on the fun in Pittsburgh 3, Carolina 1. To that end, she will appear at her first pete at Rio and she wept freely with the emo- the third as the Blackhawks improved to 7-1-0 in their Western Conference Eastern Conference gymnastics event since Rio as an ambassador tional release of qualifying at national trials in last eight. The Wild got two goals from Mikael Granlund Atlantic Division rather than a competitor this week at the San Jose last year. and one from Zach Parise, but lost to Chicago in regula- Central Division WL OTLGFGAPTS Montreal 32 20 8 169 155 72 Melbourne stop of the individual apparatus She is likely to be put through the emo- tion for the first time in their past 10 meetings. Ottawa 32 20 6 158 153 70 World Cup series. tional wringer again when she launches her Minnesota 39 14 6 198 138 84 Toronto 28 20 11 186 177 67 “It would be ridiculous if I were to try to bid for Tokyo but the American draws inspira- SENATORS 2, DEVILS 1 Chicago 37 18 5 177 154 79 Florida 28 20 10 149 162 66 compete now,” Raisman told Reuters in an tion from the likes of Romanian Catalina For the second time in less than a week, Ottawa St. Louis 31 24 5 170 173 67 Boston 30 23 6 159 156 66 interview yesterday after a bit of sightseeing Ponor, who won three golds at the 2004 skated out of the Prudential Center with two crucial Nashville 28 22 9 169 165 65 Tampa Bay 27 24 8 164 167 62 road points after beating New Jersey. Missing three of Buffalo 26 24 10 147 168 62 in the sports-mad city. “I’ve been working out, Athens Games and competed as a 28-year-old Winnipeg 28 29 6 184 199 62 staying healthy but I’m not even close to at Rio. Oksana Chusovitina, who won a team their top forwards-the injured Mark Stone, Mike Detroit 24 26 10 150 178 58 Hoffman, and Bobby Ryan-the undermanned Dallas 23 27 10 165 193 56 Metropolitan Division being in the shape of competing. gold with the former Soviet Union’s ‘Unified Senators received a stellar goaltending performance Colorado 16 39 3 114 192 35 Washington 39 12 7 195 126 85 “It wouldn’t feel weird because there’s Team’ at the 1992 Barcelona Games, repre- from Craig Anderson, and goals from Kyle Turris and Pacific Division Pittsburgh 37 14 8 207 166 82 muscle memory but my body would hurt sented Uzbekistan at Rio at the age of 41 and Erik Karlsson, to win for the fifth time in their last sev- San Jose 35 18 7 166 144 77 Columbus 37 16 5 187 143 79 because I haven’t been doing any pounding has competed in seven Olympics with three NY Rangers 38 19 2 198 155 78 en games. The loss was the second straight for the Edmonton 32 20 8 172 156 72 since Rio, basically.” different national delegations. Devils, who received a power-play goal from Travis NY Islanders 28 21 10 177 175 66 “It’s just amazing how incredible Zajac and 21 saves from Cory Schneider. Anaheim 31 20 10 156 154 72 Philadelphia 28 24 7 154 179 63 THE GOOD LIFE (Chusovitina) is,” said Raisman. “I think every- Calgary 30 26 4 159 172 64 New Jersey 25 25 10 139 172 60 Life has never been better for a US Olympic one is still in awe of her, of what she is still Los Angeles 29 26 4 145 146 62 Carolina 24 24 8 142 165 56 MAPLE LEAFS 5, JETS 4 (OT) Note: Overtime losses (OTL) are worth one point gymnast. The Final Five’s successful defence of doing in gymnastics.” — Reuters Jake Gardiner scored 2:29 into overtime to give Vancouver 26 28 6 142 172 58 in the standings and are not included in the loss Toronto a victory over Winnipeg. Leo Komarov scored Arizona 21 30 7 140 183 49 column (L). BASKETBALL twice for the Maple Leafs while Nazem Kadri and William Nylander also scored. Patrik Laine scored twice for the Jets and Bryan Little and Nikolaj Ehlers Lakers shake-up: Magic is in added a goal apiece. for an overtime win over Nashville on Mark Giordano’s in regulation. Filip Forsberg had a hat trick and P.K. goal. Mikael Backlund and Micheal Ferland scored Subban and Colin Wilson scored single goals in regu- charge after GM Kupchak fired LIGHTNING 4, OILERS 1 twice each, and Dougie Hamilton once for the Flames lation for the Predators. — Reuters Ben Bishop won his fifth consecutive start and WASHINGTON: With the Los Angeles Pelinka has begun informing his clients Tampa Bay’s “Triplets” line scored the first three goals in Lakers mired in the worst years in franchise that he plans to leave Landmark Sports a win over Edmonton at Amalie Arena. Ondrej Palat had MOTOR RACING history, owner Jeanie Buss has turned to Agency to become the Lakers GM. The per- two goals to lead the Lightning, who also got a goal Magic Johnson to lead them back to cham- son spoke on condition of anonymity and three assists from Nikita Kucherov and two assists pionship contention. because the Lakers have not commented from Tyler Johnson, all on the same line. The Oilers, who Mallya’s Force India aim And she removed her own brother from on the front office search. saw their three-game winning streak end, got a goal his job to do it. Jeanie Buss fired general “The status quo wasn’t acceptable,” from Iiro Pakarinen, his first goal of the season. manager Mitch Kupchak on Tuesday and Jeanie Buss said. “It wasn’t Lakers basketball. to be a top three team put Johnson in charge of basketball opera- It wasn’t what this organization stands for.” ISLANDERS 3, RED WINGS 1 tions. Jim Buss also was dismissed as the Johnson said he will put aside his numerous Josh Bailey collected a goal and an assist as New SILVERSTONE: Force India set their sights on Lakers’ executive vice president of basket- business obligations and his role with the York opened a season-long nine-game road trip with a breaking into Formula One’s top three at the ball operations in a major shake-up of the Los Angeles Dodgers, in which he holds an solid victory over Detroit. Bailey opened the scoring launch of their new car yesterday and hit back struggling team’s front office. ownership stake, to concentrate on his work and set up a third-period insurance goal. Leaping to at suggestions that they lack the budget to Jim Buss retains his ownership stake in with the Lakers. The charismatic former keep a Detroit clearing attempt in the zone with his match the manufacturers in a spending ‘arms the team, but Jeanie Buss has final say superstar spent the morning fielding calls outstretched glove, Bailey carried the puck into the race’. “If we did not dream big, we would not under the structure set up by their late from general managers and preparing for zone before feeding John Tavares, who snapped the have finished fourth in the world champi- father, Jerry Buss. She used it to chart a new the trade deadline in two days. puck top shelf from the slot for his 22nd goal of the sea- onship last year,” said co-owner and principal course for the 16-time NBA champion fran- “I’m coming back to an organization son. Calvin De Haan also scored for the Islanders. Henrik Vijay Mallya, the embattled former billionaire chise, which has the NBA’s third-worst that I love,” Johnson said. “The timing is Zetterberg scored for the Red Wings. whose extradition is sought by India. record at 19-39. right. It was time to put aside my business- “We will always dream big,” added the CANADIENS 3, RANGERS 2 (SO) The Lakers are almost certain to miss the es and focus on the Lakers’ business.” liquor tycoon who was charged in absentia Paul Byron scored the deciding goal in the playoffs for a team-record fourth straight Johnson has no time to waste. The Lakers last month by India’s Central Bureau of shootout and Montreal defeated New York at Madison Investigation with conspiracy and fraud over a season, and they posted the worst record are expected to be sellers at today’s trade Square Garden. Shea Weber and Andrew Shaw had the in team history during each of the previous deadline, and Johnson acknowledged loan to his defunct Kingfisher Airlines. He has Canadiens’ goals in regulation and Carey Price stopped dismissed the charges against him. three years. “It was such a hard to decision teams are very interested in high-scoring Vijay Mallya 28 shots. Rick Nash and Oscar Lindberg scored for the “We have never had conversations, even in to make, that I probably waited too long,” guard Lou Williams, who could fetch at Rangers. Henrik Lundqvist made 26 saves. India will be gone by now, just to cope with Jeanie Buss said in an interview on least a first-round draft pick - something private, that we cannot break into the top three. That is certainly going to be our objec- the new regulations.” Spectrum SportsNet, the Lakers’ television the Lakers might not have this year, thanks PENGUINS 3, HURRICANES 1 tive. We are going to give it our best shot.” Mallya laughed at the suggestion during a network. “For that, I apologize to Laker fans. to years of win-now trades by Kupchak and Sidney Crosby scored his NHL-leading 33rd goal, stage presentation. “Good luck to him. He Now, with clarity and direction, and Jim Buss during the Kobe Bryant era. and Matt Murray stopped 29 shots as Pittsburgh Force India enjoyed their best ever season last year, finishing behind Mercedes, Red Bull might have to eat his words. It’s not the after talking with Earvin, a change was Johnson also acknowledged the Lakers defeated Carolina. Evgeni Malkin and Scott Wilson amount of arms you have, it’s the quality of needed.” Just 19 days after Johnson were involved in trade discussions for All- also scored for the Penguins. Jeff Skinner registered and Ferrari. Force India’s annual budget is esti- mated at less than half that of the teams your weaponry,” said the Indian. Mallya said the returned to the Lakers in an executive role, Star center DeMarcus Cousins, who went his fifth 20-goal season in his first seven NHL seasons team planned to develop the new Mercedes- Jeanie Buss decided the Hall of Fame point from Sacramento to New Orleans. Los with a goal for the Hurricanes. above them and also some of those below, such as McLaren. powered VJM10 throughout the season but guard will be the Lakers’ decision-maker in Angeles has plummeted out of contention would not a target for podium finishes or basketball operations despite no experi- after an encouraging 10-10 start under KINGS 2, AVALANCHE 1 Renault Sport F1 managing director Cyril Tyler Toffoli and Trevor Lewis had goals, Peter Abiteboul told reporters at the launch of his points he wanted Mexican Sergio Perez and ence as a personnel executive. Luke Walton, but the rookie coach got a French newcomer Esteban Ocon to achieve. Johnson is the Lakers’ new president of strong vote of confidence from Jeanie Buss Budaj stopped 24 shots, and Los Angeles beat team’s car on Tuesday, when he set a target of Colorado. The Kings snapped a three-game losing fifth overall, that he doubted Force India had “I’ve always said ‘under promise and over deliv- basketball operations, reporting directly to and Johnson, who said he “loves” Walton as er’,” said Mallya of his approach to Formula One. Jeanie Buss, and it appears that Johnson is a coach and an example of the Lakers’ streak with the win. Mikko Rantanen scored an unas- the resources to compete at the very top. sisted goal, his 14th of the season, and Calvin Pickard “I think this season will be an arms race, “And I’m going to stick to that philosophy. moving quickly to surround himself with a championship culture. Kupchak is a former “As much as people may say there is this team to help his transition. Lakers center who had been employed by had 30 saves for the Avalanche. and I really feel for the teams who are under- resourced,” the Frenchman had said. “I believe huge barrier to breaking into the top three, I According to a person with knowledge the franchise in some capacity since see no reason why we can’t.” — Reuters of the situation, prominent agent Rob August 1981. — AP FLAMES 6, PREDATORS 5 (OT) that most of the car build budget of a Force After blowing a second-period lead, Calgary rallied THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 23, 2017 SPORTS

Zain concludes main sponsor of Kuwait International Arabian Horse Festival KUWAIT: Zain, the leading telecommunica- Justice and Minister of State for National the needed support and encouragement to tions company in Kuwait, concluded its main Assembly Affairs Dr Faleh Al-Azeb. all activities and initiatives that further push- sponsorship of the Kuwait International Zain’s support to this international compe- es the national economic and touristic devel- Arabian Horse Festival 2017 during the All tition came in line with the company’s belief opment wheel. Nations Cup - Straight Egyptians competi- in the importance of taking part in projects The company is committed to continuing tion. The event was organized by the Arabian and initiatives that strengthen the valuable to support all kinds of national projects that Horse Center - Bait Al Arab under the patron- Arabian identity and cherished Kuwaiti cul- support the national economy and offer age of His Highness the Amir Sheikh Sabah ture, reflecting the vital role of the private innovative ideas that contribute to the fur- Al Ahmad Al Jaber Al Sabah. sector in contributing to the preservation of ther progress of Kuwait. Zain took part in awarding the winners of the heritage, culture and history of Kuwait. The Kuwait International Arabian Horse the All Nations Cup - Straight Egyptians com- Zain also took part in awarding the win- Festival 2017 mainly aims at raising aware- petition, which witnessed the attendance of ners of the 6th International Champion ness about preserving the breed of the HH the Amir’s representative HE the Deputy ship - Arabian Horse Breeder Award, which Arabian horse. The Arabian Horse Center - Minister Of The Amiri Diwan Affairs Sheikh Ali was held early February and attracted Bait Al Arab is considered an official organiz- Al Jarah Al Sabah, Head of the Arabian Horse many purebred Arabian horse owners er of horse breeding competitions both on Center’s Board of Trustees Alaa Al Roumi, HE from inside and outside of Kuwait, as well local and international levels, and partners the Minister of Commerce and Industry and as a large number of Arabian horse admir- with the Hunting and Equestrian Club and acting Minster of State for Youth Affairs ers from the public. ECAHO (European Conference of Arab Horse Khalid Al Roudhan, and HE the Minister of Zain stressed its keenness in providing Organizations).

N Zealand beat South Africa in second ODI, levels series

CHRISTCHURCH: Ross Taylor set a national briefly under an assault from Pretorius, who hit a record for most centuries in one-day international six and a four from Boult from the first two balls cricket with an unbeaten 102 that guided New of the 46th over, to leave South Africa needing Zealand to a tense, series-leveling six-run win over 40 runs for victory. South Africa yesterday. But both recovered well and their last two Taylor reached his 17th one-day international overs were critical to the win. Boult allowed only century from the last ball of the New Zealand five runs from the 49th over, dismissing innings to overtake Nathan Astle (16) as New Pretorius with the last ball, and Southee bowled Zealand’s leading century-maker in ODIs and on four dot balls to start the 50th over from which the way became the fourth Kiwi to surpass 6,000 South Africa needed 15 runs, snuffing out the runs in the format. The combination of those two Proteas’ challenge. records, along with Taylor’s 32 half centuries and Quinton de Kock again set up the South his average of 43.11, clearly establishes the 32- African run chase with a half century at the top year-old right hander as New Zealand’s best- of the order. He made 57 from 65 balls, following ever batsman in the one-day game. on from his 69 in the first match at Hamilton His innings, achieved in partnerships of 104 which provided the foundation of South Africa’s with Kane Williamson (69) and an unbeaten 123 four-wicket win. Andile Phehlukwayo took with James Neesham (71 not out) lifted New boundaries from the last two balls of the innings Zealand to 289-4 after losing the toss on a slow Wednesday to again finish 29 not out. wicket at Hagley Oval in the second ODI. “It was good to be on the right side of this South Africa kept pace with the required run- one,” New Zealand captain Williamson said. rate for much of its reply but the dismissal of “That’s one tight game each. “Wins against the A.B. de Villiers for 45 by Trent Boult in the 39th best team in the world aren’t going to come over, which left the Proteas 199-6, dimmed their easy and I think to get to a competitive total off hopes of victory. The Proteas finished 283-9. the back of Ross’s brilliant hundred was a bril- Allrounder Dwaine Pretorius slammed 50 liant effort. From that point we were able to put from 27 balls near the end to keep the run chase them under pressure for a long period of time.” alive but was out the the last ball of the 49th Taylor’s innings on a troublesome pitch was a over and with his departure, South Africa’s match-winner. He hit a boundary from the last hopes faded. ball of the innings to post his record-breaking New Zealand’s death bowlers, Trent Boult century, holding his nerve after being dropped and Tim Southee, lost their line and length on 96 one ball earlier. — AP

ADELAIDE: Sri Lankan players celebrate their T20 series win over Australia after the third T20 Cricket International at the Adelaide Oval yesterday. — AFP Zampa and Klinger star in Australia’s 41-run T20 win

ADELAIDE: Leg-spinner Adam Zampa claimed three wickets to bowl Australia to victory and SCOREBOARD avoid a Twenty20 series wipeout against Sri Lanka in Adelaide yesterday. Man-of-the-match Zampa, who was left out of the previous match ADELAIDE, Australia: Scoreboard in the third and final Twenty20 international between as the Sri Lankans won to clinch the three-match Australia and Sri Lanka in Adelaide yesterday: series, captured three for 25 at a crucial stage as Australia U. Tharanga c Richardson b Faulkner 14 Australia went on to win by 41 runs. “It is always A. Finch c Siriwardana b Prasanna 53 K. Mendis c Cummins b Richardson 14 nice to bowl the middle overs and it is very easy M. Klinger run out (Shanaka) 62 A. Gunaratne lbw b Zampa 4 when you have a start like that,” Zampa said. B. Dunk c Prasanna b Shanaka 28 CHRISTCHURCH: New Zealand’s Ross Taylor bats during the second one-day interna- “Sri Lanka have very fearless players, some- M. Siriwardana c & b Faulkner 35 tional (ODI) cricket match between New Zealand and South Africa at the Hagley Park T. Head c Kapugedera b Malinga 30 C. Kapugedera b Zampa 7 times it can be tough to bowl at them.” M. Henriques not out 2 Oval in Christchurch yesterday. — AFP M. Shanaka lbw b Zampa 0 Openers Aaron Finch and Michael Klinger hit A. Turner c Kapugedera b Malinga 1 half-centuries as the Australians, with their lead- J. Faulkner c Kapugedera b Shanaka 2 S. Prasanna c Richardson b Faulkner 12 ing stars in India for this week’s Test series, set Sri T. Paine not out 1 N. Kulasekara not out 8 SCOREBOARD Lanka 188 runs to win. Extras (lb2, w5, nb1) 8 L. Malinga run out (Finch) 1 But the Sri Lankans could not reproduce Total (6 wickets, 20 overs) 187 S. Sanjaya run out (Dunk) 5 another of their blazing late innings comebacks CHRISTCHURCH, New Zealand: Completed scoreboard in the second one-day inter- Did not bat: P. Cummins, J. Richardson, A. Extras (lb2, w7) 9 where they won the first two T20 games off the Zampa Total (all out, 18 overs) 146 national between New Zealand and South Africa in Christchurch yesterday: last ball. “I thought we played some fantastic Fall of wickets: 1-79 (Finch), 2-128 (Dunk), 3- Fall of wickets: 1-41 (Tharanga), 2-68 (Mendis), New Zealand JP Duminy st Latham b Santner 34 cricket tonight. A complete performance like this 179 (Head), 4-180 (Klinger), 3-69 (Munaweera), 4-76 (Gunaratne), 5-91 D. Brownlie lbw Pretorius 34 AB de Villiers c Latham b Boult 45 makes the last match even more heart-breaking,” 5-182 (Turner), 6-184 (Faulkner) (Kapugedera), 6-91 (Shanaka), 7-120 T. Latham c Phehlukwayo b Parnell 2 D. Miller c Latham b Miller 28 skipper Finch said. “When you have Klinger at Bowling: Malinga 4-0-35-2 (1nb, 1w), (Prasanna), 8-138 (Siriwardana), 9-140 K. Williamson c Phehlukwayo b Tahir 69 D. Pretorius b Boult 50 the other end, he lets you play your shots. We Kulasekara 4-0-40-0 (1w), Sanjaya R. Taylor not out 102 C. Morris run out Brownlie 7 have been guilty of not converting starts. Today 3-0-34-0 (1w), Prasanna 3-0-25-1, Siriwardana (Malinga), 10-146 (Sanjaya) N. Broom c Duminy b Pretorius 2 W. Parnell lbw b Santner 0 we had two fifties and Dunk and Head chipping 1-0-12-0, Gunaratne 1-0-12-0 Bowling: Turner 2-0-15-0 (1w), Richardson 3-0- J. Neesham not out 71 A. Phehlukwayo not out 29 in.” Sri Lanka’s chase was given early impetus by (1w), Shanaka 4-0-27-2 38-1 (2w),Cummins 3-0-20-0 (2w), Faulkner 3- Extras (lb2, w7) 9 I. Tahir not out 0 Dilshan Munaweera, who smacked 37 from 25 0-20-3 (1w), Henriques 1-0-10-0, Zampa 4-0- Total (4 wickets, 50 overs) 289 Extras (lb5, w7) 12 balls, but from 41 without loss in the fourth over Sri Lanka 25-3, Head 2-0-16-1 (1w) Total (9 wickets, 50 overs) 283 Fall of wickets: 1-13 (Latham), 2-53 the tourists lost traction and slid to 76 for four in D. Munaweera c Turner b Head 37 Result: Australia won by 41 runs. (Brownlie), 3-157 (Williamson), 4-166 Fall of wickets: 1-22 (Amla), 2-51 (du the 10th over. (Broom) Plessis), 3-108 (Duminy), 4-124 (de Zampa claimed the vital wicket of man of the Bowling: Morris 10-0-58-0 (2w), Parnell 8- Kock), 5-192 (Miller), 6-199 (de Villiers), 7- series Asela Gunaratne, leg before wicket for four “The innings Asela Gunaratne played in the innings with 62 from 43 deliveries with six fours 0-49-1 (2w), Pretorius 10-0-40-2 214 (Morris), 8-214 (Parnell), in the 10th over and the tourists were unable to second game in Geelong was amazing.” James and a six. The opening pair put on 79 runs for the (1w), Tahir 10-0-61-1 (2w), Phehlukwayo 9-275 (Pretorius) arouse another of their sensational finishes to Faulkner also took three wickets with his clever first wicket. Ben Dunk (28 from 21 balls) and 9-0-62-0, Duminy 3-0-17-0 Bowling: Southee 10-0-60-1 (1w), Boult beat Australia’s total. Gunaratne slammed a changes of pace to maintain Australia’s advan- Travis Head (30 from 16) contributed useful 10-0-63-3 (3w), Neesham 3-0-20-0 pulse-racing 84 to power Sri Lanka to a last-ball tage. It was Sri Lanka’s first defeat in six T20 inter- knocks to get to 179 for two before a late flurry of (1w), de Grandhomme 4-1-10-1, South Africa victory against Australia on Sunday after club- nationals in Australia. Skipper Finch was wickets cost Australia a chance to top a 200 total. Williamson 3-0-16-0, Sodhi 10-0-63- bing 52 off 37 balls in the opening win in dropped by Munaweera before he had scored on Sri Lanka claimed four wickets for eight off H. Amla lbw b Southee 10 1 (2w), Q. de Kock c Neesham b Boult 57 Melbourne. “Beating Australia in home condi- the fifth ball of the Australian innings and went the final 11 deliveries with Lasith Malinga taking Santner 10-0-46-2. tions is a tough thing to do. The guys did a good on to cash in with 53 off 32 balls with three sixes two for 35 and Chamara Kapugedera taking F. du Plessis b de Grandhomme 11 Result: New Zealand won by six runs. job,” skipper Upul Tharanga said. and five fours. Klinger proved the mainstay of the three catches in the deep. — AFP Smith rejects India whitewash forecast

PUNE: Steve Smith dismissed predictions another whitewash was on the cards. came here or Sri Lanka, we start to lose.” “He is a world class bowler, we all know yesterday that Australia face another “I don’t believe that’s the case. I’m con- One of the main sub-plots of the series that. He has been hampered by injuries series whitewash against India but admit- fident in the squad we’ve got here to com- will be the battle between Smith and his quite often, but the way he has evolved as ted they had to show more fight to have pete against India,” he said. “India have opposite number Virat Kohli who are a bowler, it’s been outstanding,” said Kohli. any chance of stopping the world’s num- played some very good cricket off late, respectively ranked number one and two “He has learnt the art of reverse swing ber one Test team. particularly at home, so we’re under no in the Test batting rankings. and bowling with the old ball as well. It’s Former Indian skipper Sourav Ganguly illusions there, it’s going to be tough. But Both men have continued to score amazing to see, the way he has developed and veteran spinner Harbhajan Singh have we’ve got the squad here that can com- heavily since being made skipper and his skills.” Although Smith has encouraged both forecast a clean sweep for the hosts pete in these conditions.” Kohli who has scored four double cen- his players to get in the face of the hosts, when the arch rivals begin their four-Test Smith said Australia were determined turies since July-heaped praise on Smith. his vice captain David Warner has warned series today in Pune. not to dwell too much on their most “Captain’s responsibility has helped that such tactics might end up only India, who are on a record-breaking 19- recent performances on the sub-conti- him to focus a bit more in certain situa- spurring on Kohli. match unbeaten run, toppled Australia nent but admitted that a repeat would tions and push that much extra for his The Indian skipper said his naturally from the top of the Test rankings back in spell disaster. “Obviously some of the team,” said Kohli. competitive nature would take over when August when Smith’s side were beaten 3-0 away performances of late haven’t been “That has shown in his performances. he was on the pitch and that players on in Sri Lanka. That was the third time in a up to standard from my point of view and He is the number one Test player in the both sides understood that anything that row that the Australians had lost all of the Australian cricket team’s point of world and there’s a reason for that.” was said in the heat of battle should not their Tests in away series against teams view,” he said. be taken personally. from the sub-continent, a sequence which “We want to change the way we play ‘WORLD CLASS’ STARC “See, I am really good friends with began with a 4-0 reverse in India in 2013. away from home. We want to be more Kohli also had warm words for the them... but I know where to draw the line But speaking to reporters on the eve of adaptable to conditions and show some Australian paceman Mitchell Starc who is of friendship as well,” said Kohli. After the PUNE: India’s Ravindra Jadeja (L) speaks with coach the first Test, Australia skipper Smith said fight. “For me it’s starting things fresh. We seen as the tourists’ main bowling threat match in Pune, the two sides are also due Anil Kumble while batting at nets during a training ses- the tourists knew they were in for a diffi- have come here with a positive mindset. despite India’s reputation for having spin- to play Tests in Bangalore, Ranchi and sion at the Maharashtra Cricket Association stadium in cult series but rejected the idea that The more we think about the last time we friendly pitches. Dharamsala. — AFP Pune yesterday. — AFP THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 23, 2017 SPORTS Guardiola vows more of same after Monaco goalfest

MANCHESTER: Pep Guardiola pledged that Manchester minute lead following a brilliant run from Leroy Sane, his relationship with Guardiola is frosty. ting Monaco’s second goal after Otamendi had been City will continue to fight fire with fire when they take a but a loose kick by home goalkeeper Willy Caballero caught out by Fabinho’s free-kick. 5-3 lead to Monaco in their Champions League last 16 enabled Monaco to level through Radamel Falcao’s DOUBLE-EDGED SWORD Jardim hailed the teenager’s display, but said tie. City procured a two-goal advantage after a remark- header. A dawdling Nicolas Otamendi was at fault for “The truth is we get on very well,” said the Argentine Monaco’s defensive shortcomings showed the club’s able first-leg match at the Etihad Stadium on Tuesday in Monaco’s second goal, scored by Kylian Mbappe, and striker. “What he wants, above everything, from all the commitment to developing young players was a dou- which they fought back from 2-1 and 3-2 down to put then conceded a penalty, only for Caballero to save players is that we push a little more. He’s always asking ble-edged sword. “I used Kylian up front today because themselves in the driving seat. Falcao’s effort. me for more, more, more. we know City well. We know there’s lots of space in Monaco’s goals exposed serious failings in the City Sergio Aguero and Falcao swapped goals, the former “Obviously it’s a sacrifice I have to make, that we all behind,” Jardim told his post-match press conference. “I rearguard, but although Guardiola acknowledged his benefiting from a huge error by Monaco goalkeeper have to make, and fortunately tonight it worked and thought he played a great match. The little guy is 18 side must tighten up at the back, he said they would go Danijel Subasic, the latter scoring with a sublime chip, we’ll see if it keeps working in the next game.” years old. And that’s part of our project as well. to Stade Louis II intending to attack. before City found an extra gear. Aguero volleyed in Monaco coach Leonardo Jardim said his team had “The defensive errors are also a question of age, matu- “They will attack more and more and we have to David Silva’s corner to make it 3-3 in the 71st minute and paid for “defensive errors”, but said the “key moment” rity. Kylian is 18. Lots of the players are 20, 21, 22.” defend better. But we will have our chances,” said the further goals from John Stones and Sane carried had been Falcao’s failure to convert his penalty early in Monaco’s performance confirmed their status as Europe’s City manager. “We are going to fly to Monaco to score as Guardiola’s men to a breathless victory. the second half. The visitors were 2-1 up when Otamendi most prolific attacking team and gave Jardim hope they many goals as possible. We are not going to defend that Aguero was booked for diving after flinging himself was penalised for going through the back of Falcao, but can turn the tie around in three weeks’ time. “I think play- result. “We now know each other better. We will adjust over a challenge by Subasic in the first half, but Guardiola the Colombian dallied over his spot-kick and then saw a ing here in England, scoring three goals at City, putting on some things, they will adjust some things, but we have refused to discuss the incident, barking: “Next question!” tame shot parried by Caballero. a great show, is also an important moment,” he said. “I con- to score goals. “If we don’t score a goal in Monaco, we Aguero has only returned to the starting XI because of an French striker Mbappe, 18, vindicated Jardim’s deci- gratulate the team. There are 90 minutes left at home. will be eliminated.” Raheem Sterling gave City a 26th- injury to Gabriel Jesus, but he played down suggestions sion to hand him a first tournament start by calmly net- Nothing is finished.” — AFP Man United eases into Europa League last 16

PARIS: Criticized by manager Jose string injury that could rule him out of Mourinho for being over-confident in the Sunday’s League Cup final at Wembley first leg at Old Trafford, Manchester against Southampton. United’s players put on a fine display of Saint-Etienne enjoyed a good spell near focus and discipline yesterday to beat the half-hour but the hosts’ possession did Saint-Etienne 1-0 and reach the last 16 of not translate into clear-cut opportunities. the Europa League with a 4-0 aggregate Saint-Etienne dominated early in the sec- win. The Red Devils traveled to France for ond half but could not find an edge as the last-32 return leg with a 3-0 advantage Saivet saw his shot blocked and Kevin and put the game to bed with an early goal Monnet-Paquet missed the target. from Henrikh Mkhitaryan, who scored the United remained the most dangerous winner in the 17th minute from Juan Mata’s team, though, as Marcus Rashford led fast assist as United prevailed at Geoffroy counterattacks down the left flank and Guichard stadium. Marouane Fellaini’s shot in the 58th hit the side United tightened its grip on the match netting. The Red Devils played a man down for with a strong defensive performance after the final 27 minutes after Bailly was sent off fol- moving ahead, despite playing with 10 lowing a clumsy tackle but Saint-Etienne could men in the final half-hour after Eric Bailly not take advantage of the situation. was shown a second yellow card. Needing at least three goals to keep its SCHALKE 1, PAOK 1 hopes alive, Saint-Etienne got off to a Alessandro Schoepf scored a first-half strong start and created its first chance goal to give the hosts a comfortable cush- within the first minute when Henri Saivet ion and Schalke easily progressed to the tested ‘keeper Sergio Romero with a low next round with a 4-1 win on aggregate. shot from the right. The Austrian was set up by Eric Maxim Well organized in midfield, United easily Choupo-Moting and slotted home with a slowed down the pace and prevented the clean finish in the 23rd minute. PAOK lev- hosts from hitting their stride. The Red eled two minutes later after Matija Nastasic Devils then converted their first chance to beat his own ‘keeper by diverting a ball into kill any sense of suspense when Mkhitaryan the net. connected with a cross from Mata to put United ahead with a flick past Stephane FENERBAHCE 1, KRASNODAR 1 VALENCIA: Real Madrid’s Portuguese forward Cristiano Ronaldo heads the ball to score a goal during the Spanish league football match Ruffier. Mata came close to doubling the Krasnodar made it to the Round of 16 Valencia CF vs Real Madrid CF at the Mestalla stadium in Valencia yesterday. — AFP lead six minutes later but Ruffier made a for the first time with a 2-1 aggregate win. nice reflex save to parry away his cross after Fedor Smolov scored the decisive goal in SOCCER the ball was twice deflected by Saint- the seventh minute, converting the Russian Etienne players. side’s first shot of the match. Mkhitaryan was forced to leave the Fenerbahce midfielder Souza put the pitch soon after with an apparent ham- teams level in the 41st minute. — AP Leaders Real stunned by struggling Valencia

VALENCIA: Real Madrid suffered a surprise 2-1 both of their title rivals. Real’s match at Valencia Real responded with a wayward shot from Toni defeat at struggling Valencia yesterday as they was rearranged after the original fixture was post- Kroos but left themselves exposed on the break missed the opportunity to extend their lead at poned from December due to Zinedine Zidane’s and were soon another goal down as Zaza spread the top of La Liga after losing for only the second side taking part in the FIFA Club World Cup. the play to Nani and Orellana darted onto the time in the league this season. Valencia have endured a nightmare season Portuguese’s pass to knock the ball through keep- Simone Zaza, who endured an unhappy loan filled with dismal results and upheaval off the er Keylor Navas’s legs. Valencia might have got a spell at West Ham United earlier this season, gave pitch, but they got off to a flying start when a third had it not been for a decisive block from Valencia the lead in the fifth minute with a bril- long pass from goalkeeper Diego Alves found its Marcelo on Munir’s shot which deflected over the liant shot on the turn and Fabian Orellana added way to Zaza, who swivelled and fired the ball into bar, and the Brazilian played a crucial role in giv- the second in the ninth. the far top corner. ing Real a foothold on the game, sending an arc- Cristiano Ronaldo headed Real back into con- Zaza, who joined Valencia in January on loan ing cross into the box which Ronaldo leapt to tention just before halftime, but the visitors were from Juventus after flopping at West Ham, scored head past Alves. Gareth Bale was brought on to unable to build on their momentum after the his first goal for his new club in Sunday’s 2-0 win help Real’s push for more goals in the second half break. Real remain top on 52 points, one ahead of over Athletic Bilbao. He was a constant thorn in but they barely mustered a decent attempt on nearest challengers Barcelona and three clear of Real’s side, linking up superbly with wingers Nani, goal, while Munir had a strong penalty appeal Sevilla in third, and still have one game in hand on Orellana and Munir El Haddadi. waved away at the other end. — Reuters Evergrande smash seven past historic Eastern

GUANGZHOU: Two-time winners Guangzhou Evergrande ruthlessly dispatched nine-man Eastern 7-0 yesterday in a brutal introduction to the AFC Champions League for the Hong Kong minnows and their female coach. SAINT ETIENNE: Manchester United’s Marcus Rashford, center, jumps over Saint- Chan Yuen-ting, nicknamed “Beef Ball”, became the first Etienne’s goalkeeper Stephane Ruffier during their Europa League round of 32 woman to coach a professional men’s team in continental second leg soccer match at Geoffroy Guichard stadium in Saint Etienne, France, competition but otherwise it was a night to forget for the yesterday. — AP trailblazing 28-year-old. It meant the big-spending Chinese teams have all opened with a win, after Ramires’s 90th-minute strike gave Jiangsu Suning a 1-0 victory over Jeju United and Shanghai Liverpool announce SIPG beat FC Seoul by the same scoreline on Tuesday. Luiz Felipe Scolari’s Evergrande, who have won the last six Chinese Super League titles, couldn’t have made a plans to leave stronger start to Group G as they overshadowed Chan’s his- toric achievement. After Wong Tsz-ho was sent off for han- Melwood for Kirkby dling on the line, Ricardo Goulart drilled home his spot- kick in a moment that effectively killed the game as a con- LONDON: English Premier League side history,” Liverpool’s chief operating offi- test after just four minutes. Liverpool announced plans yesterday cer Andy Hughes said on the website. Evergrande laid siege to the visitors’ defence and they that will see the first team leave their “However, the Melwood site is limited went 2-0 up on 22 minutes when Wang Shangyuan prod- long-time training base in Melwood and in space and is unable to accommodate ded home from a corner after Paulinho’s header. move to a redeveloped site in Kirkby, our longer-term ambitions, which is why Alan missed a penalty but it mattered little as his fellow where their youth academy is located. we are exploring options on the Brazilian Goulart fed Liao Lisheng to make it 3-0 on 33 min- Melwood, the training ground of Academy site.” utes, just before Wong Chi-chung received his second yel- some of the biggest names in English Liverpool plan spend 50 million low card. Goalkeeper Yapp Hung-fai prevented further football since the late 1950s, including pound ($60 million) on the combined damage but nine-man Eastern slipped to 4-0 down two Kenny Dalglish, Ian Rush, Robbie Fowler, training centre, redeveloping the existing minutes after the break when Liao nodded his second from John Barnes and Steven Gerrard, has also facilities at the academy and converting close range. Alan made up for a string of misses when he been earmarked for redevelopment. the main pitch into an indoor one. smashed Evergrande’s fifth on 65 minutes, before Paulinho Redeveloping Melwood, elevated to The club said that a public consulta- got on the scoresheet and Wang grabbed his second late Liverpool’s first-team training centre tion would be held on March 8 for resi- on. Also in Group G, Kawasaki Frontale were held 1-1 at under former manager Bill Shankly in dents and businesses to discuss the pro- home by South Korea’s Suwon Samsung Bluewings when 1959, could provide about 160 houses in posed plans in more detail. Liverpool Shogo Taniguchi’s own goal cancelled out Yu Kobayashi’s West Derby, Liverpool said on its website. intend to purchase land adjacent to the 11th-minute opener. (www.liverpoolfc.com) academy site and close part of Moss Lane In Group H, Japan’s Gamba Osaka outclassed Adelaide Shankly transformed Melwood into a between Simonswood Lane and Arbour United 3-0 in a rerun of the 2008 final, when they were the top-class training facility, but incumbent Lane to allow the proposal to go ahead. last Japanese club to lift the trophy. Juergen Klopp has been a keen advocate The club did not offer any timeline for Tall striker Shun Nagasawa put the J-League outfit of using a larger facility to accommodate the building work, but the Liverpool ahead with a powerful header, before Yasuyuki Konno the first team and the academy. Echo newspaper reported that it would rammed home a rebound in first-half stoppage time to put “We recognise that Melwood has begin in early 2018 and be completed by Gamba in command. ISTANBUL: Fenerbahce’s Brazilian forward Fernandao (left) heads the ball next to played a significant role in the club’s suc- the summer of 2019 if the project was Gamba rounded off the scoring when Reds defender Krasnodar’s and Krasnodar’s Brazilian-German defender Naldo (R) during the UEFA cess and forms an important part of our given approval. — Reuters Dylan McGowan deflected Yasuhito Endo’s free kick into his Europa League round of 32 second leg football match between Fenerbahce SK and own net with nine minutes left. — AFP FC Krasnodar yesterday at Fenerbahce Ulker stadium in Istanbul. — AFP Tokyo governor Zampa and Klinger warns of spiralling star in Australia’s 202015 costs 41-run17 T20 win

THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 23, 2017

Leaders Real stunned by struggling Valencia Page 18

SEVILLA: Sevilla’s Argentinian midfielder Joaquin Correa (C) celebrates after scoring a goal during the UEFA Champions League round of 16 second leg football match Sevilla FC vs Leicester City at the Ramon Sanchez Pizjuan stadium in Sevilla yesterday. — AFP Vardy gives Leicester hope in Sevilla defeat

SEVILLA: Jamie Vardy’s first Champions League goal first big chance arrived 14 minutes in when Correa season. The one way traffic continued as Stefan Leicester defenders then laid the ball perfectly into gave Leicester City a lifeline in their last 16 tie despite showed more fight and fleetness of foot than the Jovetic’s looping long-range effort was turned over by Correa’s path to finish high past Schmeichel from close going down 2-1 to Sevilla in yesterday’s first leg. Leicester defence inside the area and was chopped Schmeichel before the ‘keeper produced another stun- range. However, Claudio Ranieri’s men responded to get Goals from Pablo Sarabia and Joaquin Correa had down by visiting captain Wes Morgan. ning stop to once again deny Correa. an away goal that could prove vital in three weeks’ time. given Sevilla a deserved 2-0 lead, whilst Correa also saw Correa won a battle with his teammates to take the Leicester didn’t have a single effort on goal in the Danny Drinkwater broke down the left and his low a penalty saved by the inspired Kasper Schmeichel. spot-kick, but was less successful with a tame effort that first-half, but did at least test Sergio Rico early in the sec- cross was turned home on the stretch by Vardy for his However, despite Sevilla’s dominance, Schmeichel’s hero- Schmeichel easily collected. The Dane then showed ond period, albeit with a routine save when he collected first goal since December. Leicester still had to see out a ics and Vardy’s strike means the English champions are well fine reflexes to get down low to his left to parry Sergio Wilfred Ndidi’s volley from range. Vitolo then nearly late onslaught as Sevilla sought to restore their two- in the tie ahead of the second leg at home on March 14. Escudero’s low driven effort from the edge of the box. undid Schmeichel’s good work in the first half with an goal advantage. The two sides couldn’t be in more contrasting form Sevilla finally made their superiority count 24 minutes audacious effort from the narrowest of angles that Adil Rami came closest when his thunderous header with Sevilla just three points off the top of La Liga, in when Escudero’s cross from the left was met with a clipped the inside of the Leicester ‘keeper’s near post. came back off the bar, but Leicester held out to main- whilst Leicester face a relegation battle just a year after powerful header from his opposite wing-back Sarabia Just as the visitors were beginning to gain a foothold, tain hope their maiden Champions League campaign defying all the odds to win the Premier League. Sevilla’s that nestled in the far corner for his ninth goal of the Sevilla doubled their lead as Jovetic held off two can stretch into the last eight. — AFP Pjaca, Alves strikes lift Juve past depleted Porto

PORTO: Croatian starlet Marko Pjaca and possess the Argentine yards from goal. When Dani Alves came off the bench to strike late Miralem Pjanic fired an enticing ball into the as Juventus overcame 10-man Porto 2-0 in area for Mandzukic, Casillas was forced out their Champions League last 16 first leg yes- quickly to slide the ball away with his feet. terday. Porto hosted Juventus, the beaten Juventus were gaining momentum but 2015 finalists, looking for their first win in Dybala fired a great chance over Casillas’s four meetings between the sides-and confi- crossbar after Sami Khedira’s smart overhead dent in their chances after a recent six- flick. Telles earned his first caution on 25 min- game winning run. But the hosts endured a utes for a foul on Cuadrado and gave disastrous opening half at the Estadio do Juventus a welcome boost when he saw red Dragao, former Inter Milan midfielder Alex barely two minutes later for a foul on Telles sent off for a second bookable Lichtsteiner. offence in the 27th minute. Santo replaced Silva with Miguel Layun After seeing both Gonzalo Higuain and three minutes later but it took a superb reflex Paulo Dybala come close, Higuain notably save from Casillas to stop Higuain’s deflected denied on 39 minutes by an alert Iker effort from squeezing in at the base of the Casillas, Massimiliano Allegri replaced Juan post on 39 minutes. Cuadrado with Pjaca on 67 minutes. Casillas was beaten on the stroke of half- The 22-year-old capitalised only six min- time but Dybala’s shot from the edge of the utes later, starting a great move before fir- area came off the base of the ‘keeper’s ing Dybala’s return pass past Casillas from upright. The players left the pitch at half-time 15 yards out. Allegri replaced right-back Stephan Lichtsteiner with Alves immediate- to a chorus of whistles, although they were ly afterwards and the former Barcelona star aimed mostly at German referee Felix Brych scored with practically his first touch of the after a controversial opening period capped game to wrap up a precious win for the by Maxi Pereira being cautioned for a foul on Turin giants. Mandzukic. Deploying an attack-minded 4-2-3-1 for- A reminder that Porto had no intention mation designed to squeeze goals out of of sitting back to defend came just three Higuain, Juve were forced to defend deep as minutes after the restart, Hector Herrera Porto took control in the opening stages. But heading Layun’s great cross to the back post early promise failed to threaten Gianluigi into Buffon’s side-netting. Porto remained Buffon in the Juve goal, Yacine Brahimi’s free resolute, but eventually buckled under kick curling over after Giorgio Chiellini, who Juve’s persistence. Khedira came close after PORTO: Juventus' goalkeeper Gianluigi Buffon (L) and passed a late fitness test with fellow defend- pouncing on a poor headed clearance by Porto's Spanish goalkeeper Iker Casillas greet one another er Andrea Barzagli, fouled striker Andre Silva. Ruben Neves and then Higuain bamboozled at the end of the UEFA Champions League round of 16 Juve eventually settled and Higuain his two markers before unleashing a right- PORTO: Juventus’ Brazilian defender Alex Sandro (L) vies with Porto’s Mexican mid- second leg football match FC Porto vs Juventus at the looked on his way to breaking the deadlock footed drive that curled just wide of fielder Hector Herrera during the UEFA Champions League round of 16 second leg Dragao stadium in Porto yesterday. — AFP on 18 minutes until Marcano slid in to dis- Casillas’s far post. — AFP football match FC Porto vs Juventus at the Dragao stadium in Porto yesterday. — AFP

China’s thriving SUV-only automaker looks globally Page 23 World stock markets mostly higher Business Page 24 THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 23, 2017 Top brands plan to boycott Bangladesh Croatia’s Reaktor signs joint venture with Kuwaiti tech provider garment summit Page 26 Page 23

HOUSTON: Sunlight streams between skyscrapers as the sunrise paints the sky behind downtown Houston. —AP Le Pen plots return of the franc Could this lead to the end of the euro?

PARIS: If Marine Le Pen has her way, the French will Her election “will be a shock in Europe that will claims the new franc would fall only by a manage- soon pay for their baguettes with francs, not euros. bring our partners around the table,” Messiha told able 5-10 percent against the dollar. The euro itself The presidential candidate from the anti-EU, anti- The Associated Press. has fallen against the dollar by some 23 percent immigration National Front party is all about The National Front, known in France by its since 2014 and that helped eurozone exporters. national sovereignty and independence. She wants acronym FN, foresees “a six-month negotiation He disputed the notion that France would France to take control of its money, subject to a ref- period with our partners regarding what will be the automatically be found in default on its govern- erendum that would lead France out of the new monetary framework, the new type of cooper- ment bonds if it switched currencies, saying that European Union and its shared currency. But how ation once we decide to go outside the euro,” he under international law a country’s debt is would France pull off a euro exit, or “Frexit”? said. “If the French people make the choice of assumed to be in its own currency. Assistance No country has left the euro since its creation Frexit, our partners could not continue to behave could be provided for corporations. And the in 1999. A number of economists paint dire sce- as if nothing has happened... The withdrawal of a French central bank could support the govern- narios in which the departure of one of the euro’s country as large as France is not a minor event. It ment’s ability to borrow by buying its debt, some- 19 countries unleashes chaos: market plunges, will have very important collateral impact on the thing that’s restricted under the euro. In any case, controls on money transfers, customs officers eurozone. They will be forced to come to the table he said, it is important to “break the monopoly of stopping people carrying suitcases of cash out of and negotiate a soft Frexit, not for our sake but for financing through the financial markets... Politics the country, a plague of defaults and lawsuits on their own sake also.” must dominate economics.” bonds and contracts. Le Pen and the National Front view the euro, The euro was designed to be irrevocable. It’s the which almost broke up during a debt crisis in 2010- LYON: In this Sunday, Feb 5, 2017 file photo, Far-right leader presidential candi- A house divided “Hotel California” principle, as in the Eagles’ song: 2012, as headed for a breakup eventually in any date Marine Le Pen gestures as she speaks during a conference. —AP But wait: even a Le Pen victory would not you may wish to “check out any time you like, but case. “It is always better to prepare the end of the And then France would default on its govern- low, or maybe even lead the exit and the sover- mean she could implement all her plans. That’s you can never leave.” Le Pen is leading polls for the eurozone instead of waiting until the end, until the ment bonds for trying to substitute new francs as eign default will be inevitable.” because the National Front currently has only two first round of voting April 23; most polls and prog- eurozone itself explodes,” Messiha said. The National repayment. Corporate borrowers would be in She said the impact of redenominating con- seats in the National Assembly. She would need a nosticators see her losing the second round on May Front is open to different forms of post-exit cooper- default, or else struggle to pay debts in suddenly tracts and setting up new monetary authorities is strong showing in the parliamentary vote June 11 7. But after the British vote last year to leave the 28- ation. Le Pen has mentioned the European currency more valuable euros. Switching currencies on “impossible to estimate with any realism.” As for and 18. Otherwise, she will face a prime minister member European Union, and after Donald unit, called ECU, which predated the euro. The ECU bond holders “is default, full stop,” said economist negotiating a “soft” exit, forget about it, says Nicolas from a different party. Under the constitution, the Trump’s election as US President, fewer people are was a weighted average of national currencies, used Carsten Brzeski at ING-DiBa. “You’re going to call Veron, visiting fellow at the Peterson Institute for president can nominate and dismiss the prime taking a Le Pen defeat for granted. Here are scenar- as a reference point so that countries could keep your lawyer.” International Economics. “That assumes a consen- minister, but that prime minister must win a ios - starting with an explanation of Le Pen’s posi- their national currencies in a stable but adjustable Economist Cinzia Alcidi, the head of the eco- sus that the euro needs to be dismantled and that majority of deputies. tion by Jean Messiha, the economist who drafted relationship to each other. nomic policy unit at the Center for European consensus is not there. It’s an impossible assump- Says economist Holger Schmieding at her 144-point electoral program. Policy Studies in Brussels, used the word “apoca- tion.” Veron said the National Front and Le Pen “are Berenberg Bank: “The likely result would be a pro- The apocalypse lyptic.” Political leaders have shied away from let- talking about things that are almost impossible as if tracted political stalemate and a serious dent to Soft Frexit A number of economists say a French euro exit ting Greece slide out of the euro because of that they were likely. They seem more concerned with growth amid heightened uncertainty, but not a Messiha downplays apocalyptic scenarios, say- would provoke a financial and economic disaster. fear of disruption. A French exit would be even sound bites and what resonates with the public.” Frexit.” A Le Pen victory could, however, indirectly ing that since a disorderly breakup would harm That is because owners of stocks, bonds, real estate more disruptive because France is so much big- undermine the euro by installing an opponent of other euro countries they have a motive to sit and other assets would fear having their holdings ger. “It would mean the end of the euro and the Sovereignty first the currency union at the head of the second- down and negotiate France’s smooth exit - a “soft redenominated into a reborn franc that would like- collapse of the entire banking system in Europe, Messiha says there could be disruption but says largest member country. That could damage confi- Frexit” rather than a “hard Frexit,” in which France ly fall in value. So they would sell everything before given the size and linkages of the French banks,” it would soon pass, as it did after the vote in dence in the region and worsen a crisis that erupts simply pulls out with no agreement or cooperation. the currency switch could be carried out. Alcidi said. “Italy and other countries would fol- Britain, which however is not part of the euro. He elsewhere, such as Italy or Greece. —AP Estonian robots headed for US must master crosswalks

TALLINN: A knee-high, black-and-white buggy rolls resident Aleksandra Vaskina. A prototype of the robot unable to press the entry buzzer, it sends a message to down a snowy pavement in Estonia’s capital Tallinn and, was first designed for a NASA competition seeking bots her phone. carefully avoiding pedestrians, stops obediently at the able to collect rock samples on Mars or the Moon. While “Knock-knock! Your Wolt delivery is arriving, please red traffic light of a large road junction. The six-wheeled it did not win, the Tallinn-based engineers behind the come outside and unlock the robot,” reads the message robot, on its way to deliver lunch to a client, knows to model thought it was perfect for food deliveries. To with an access code to open the robot’s container. “I’m cross only when the pedestrian light is green, but, arm- explore the idea, lead engineer Estonian Ahti Heinla and sure it’s going to make some services more efficient,” less, it cannot press the traffic light button. Denmark’s Janus Friis, co-founders of the online call serv- Molder told AFP. The robots’ top speed is around six kilo- Inventors Starship Technologies have taught their ice Skype, created Starship Technologies in London in metres (four miles) per hour but they are far less expen- robots to avoid traffic lights with buttons and are now giv- 2014. The startup’s bots are being developed and tested sive to build and operate than delivery drones now being ing them speakers and microphones to help them navi- in the Baltic state of Estonia, one of the world’s most tested by online retail giant Amazon and others. gate pedestrian crossings. While not quite as talkative as wired countries and a trailblazer in new technology. Once on the market, the final product is expected to C-3PO, the quick-witted droid of “Star Wars” movies, cost “as much as a laptop or a really expensive phone. A Starship robots will be able to communicate with humans. ‘Knock-knock’ few thousand euros,” Martmaa said. Starship partnered “We’ll have predefined sentences that are used in cer- On a cold February day, 27-year-old TV producer Liisi with Finland-based Wolt, a company handling food tain situations. Like ‘hello’ or... ‘could you press the button Molder does not feel like going out but fancies a 12-euro deliveries for over 120 Tallinn eateries. The robots are “a of the traffic light’,” Mikk Martmaa, the 26-year-old head of ($13) portion of squid and celeriac with herring roe and good addition to our fleet. We have bikes, cars and Starship’s testing programme in Estonia, told AFP. Most rocket in shellfish sauce from the busy nearby Umami scooters but maybe the robots will be the best option passers-by smile as the robot resembling a hi-tech icebox restaurant. With a few clicks, Molder places her order on for the short deliveries in the future,” says Matias roams the streets of Tallinn’s Mustamae district. an application on her mobile phone and 20 minutes later Nordstrom, Wolt’s interim head in Estonia. For now, “I’ve seen the Second World War and now I’ve lived to the robot arrives with her lunch. It had no trouble climb- Wolt robot deliveries are available from four Mustamae TALLINN: A woman takes delivery of food from a six-wheeled robot see robots on the streets of Tallinn!”, marvels 80-year-old ing a paving stone in front of Molder’s block of flats, but area restaurants. —AFP by Starship Technologies from restaurant. —AFP THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 23, 2017 BUSINESS WTO ratifies first multilateral deal Facing unprecedented threats from a hostile US

GENEVA: The first multilateral deal agreed at the sation confirmed. Under the deal, nations facilitation agreement is the biggest reform of World Trade Organization came into force yes- agreed to simplify and standardize customs pro- global trade this century,” Azevedo told journal- terday, a step billed as a milestone for the body cedures at borders to make it easier for goods to ists after Chad, Jordan, Oman and Rwanda sub- facing unprecedented threats from a hostile US flow around the world. mitted the clinching ratifications. administration. The Trade Facilitation Agreement WTO chief Roberto Azevedo said that the TFA (TFA) has now been ratified by 112 of the WTO’s was estimated to trim global trade costs by more Reap the benefits 164 members, crossing the two-thirds threshold than 14 percent and could boost global growth Poorer countries are expected to reap the needed for activation, the Geneva-based organi- by half a percentage point per year. “The trade most benefits from the TFA through provisions that will improve access to richer markets for FRANKFURT: The German stock index DAX is displayed at 12,031.11 points at the their products. The head of the Paris-based stock exchange in Frankfurt. — AP International Chamber of Commerce, Sunil Bharti Mittal, called the TFA’s ratification “a watershed moment for global trade.” EU says, Germany should He said small businesses the world over had been shut out of international commerce do more to help economy because they lacked the resources to navigate “complex customs requirements.” “By cutting BRUSSELS: Europe’s top economy France ‘more to do’ unnecessary red-tape at borders,” the TFA will Germany should help its EU partners out, Compared with the strength of open markets to more players, he added in a the European Commission said yesterday, Germany, France has struggled with per- statement. Since its founding in 1995, the WTO after the Trump administration attacked sistent low growth, high budget deficits has suffered high-profile setbacks in trying to Berlin for using the bloc to boost exports and debt. Moscovici, a former French craft major deals, notably in the stalled Doha unfairly. The Commission said second- finance minister, said the latest report Round process, which is striving to re-write ranked France, which has long struggled showed more “good news” as Paris sta- global trading rules. with deficits, had made progress but more bilised the economy. “There has been When negotiations on the TFA were success- needed to be done to remedy “excessive progress but there certainly is much more fully concluded in 2013 it marked a major victory imbalances” in its much weaker public to do. That will be for the next govern- for the WTO. Azevedo claimed yesterday that finances. ment to decide and so we will look very the relatively swift ratification process proved Germany has racked up enormous trade carefully at what they put forward,” he the deal was “a win-win for everyone”. But more surpluses over many years, with its EU said, referring to upcoming French presi- trouble almost certainly lies ahead following peers pressing Berlin repeatedly to help dential elections. Donald Trump’s US election win. their weaker economies by investing more Among other countries running “exces- at home to boost consumption and there- sive imbalances,” the Commission noted ‘Confident’ despite Trump fore imports. Unveiling a regular review of that Italy continued to have very high The leader of the world’s top economy member state public finances, EU debt levels-currently around 130 percent called the WTO a “disaster” during the campaign Economic Affairs Commissioner Pierre of GDP-while the economy struggled for and threatened to pull the US out. The protec- Moscovici said this situation was not good growth. Recent political upheaval had tionist agenda he hyped during the campaign for anyone. also stalled needed reforms since mid- has persisted since his inauguration, including “In Germany’s case, we see once again 2016, it noted. through the nomination of Robert Lighthizer as that a very large current account surplus is Spain meanwhile, categorized as “expe- US trade representative. not healthy for the economy and addition- riencing imbalances,” was in the midst of a Lighthizer has said Washington could ignore ally, creates very significant economic and strong recovery which supported rebalanc- WTO rules in order to redress what he considers political distortions for the entire euro- ing of the economy. European Union mem- trade imbalances, notably ones he claims favor zone,” Moscovici said. “We will follow devel- ber states are supposed to keep budget China. Azevedo, a Brazilian diplomat, has in opments closely in this situation which is deficits-the shortfall between government public remarks sought to downplay the possi- absolutely crucial for the eurozone,” he told revenue and spending-at not more than ble threat of rising US protectionism. “I am reporters. three percent of Gross Domestic Product. quite confident that the WTO offers tools to “We will make the necessary recommen- Accumulated public debt has a ceiling of address many of the concerns expressed dations this spring and later, on the basis of 60 percent of GDP. GENEVA: Brazilian Roberto Azevedo, left, Director General of the World Trade Organization, recently,” he said Wednesday in response to a what the next government does,” he added, The Commission polices member states WTO, and Jordan’s Ambassador Saja Majali, pose with the ratification of the Trade question about Trump. He added that he was referring to September polls in Germany. to see they meet these rules but has Facilitation Agreement, during a photo opportunity, at the headquarters of the World Trade “yet to have any kind of conversation with the US President Donald Trump warned just stopped short of imposing punishments on Organization. — AP new administration”. — AFP before his inauguration Berlin was taking member states who have mostly breached everyone for a ride, including the European the limits for years. Debt levels especially Union, by using a weak euro to boost remain high after the eurozone crisis exports. “You’ve been very unfair with the required massive publicly-funded bailouts, Dutch corporate takeover USA ... it’s a one-way street,” Trump told but on budget deficits there has been a sig- German tabloid Bild, promising tough nificant improvement led by Germany, defenses tough to breach action to restore the balance. which has balanced its books. — AFP

THE HAGUE: Corporate takeovers can be tricky tled over the past 10 to 15 years “it still remains believe thousands of Dutch jobs may have been S Africa budget throws in the Netherlands, as US food giant Kraft Heinz very difficult to acquire Dutch-listed companies lost,” at Unilever, he said. found out before performing a sudden U-turn in in a hostile way”, Roosenboom said. Kraft Heinz light on fractured ANC its surprise move on Unilever, experts say. But may have decided to drop the bid once it saw Dutch ‘poison pill’ PRETORIA: South Africa’s Finance ANC as several ministers came out in even unwanted attention from a potential pred- things sliding towards a hostile takeover and Home-grown anti-takeover measures Minister Pravin Gordhan delivers the Gordhan’s support. The ANC youth ator can be useful, if it serves as a wake-up call realised “it was going to be an uphill battle to include the so-called “Dutch poison pill” which annual budget in parliament yesterday league, women’s league and its military for companies needing to shape up to avoid get the deal done”, he said. during a takeover transfers control of the com- as he battles to revive the economy and veterans association have all called for becoming a target again, they say. pany from public stockholders to a controlled head off loyalists of the president who him to resign. Kraft Heinz on Sunday announced it was Unique protection foundation. For instance, a targeted company seek to oust him. Gordhan, a popular fig- dropping its $143 billion (135 billion euro) offer Analysts say Dutch corporations are protect- can issue share certificates that means a large ure in South Africa and among interna- On borrowed time? to buy the Anglo-Dutch Unilever-barely two days ed by a unique set of laws and anti-takeover portion, or even a majority, of the vote in a tional investors, is widely seen as being Gordhan’s future has come under after vowing to press ahead with the bid that measures that makes it very difficult, but not takeover bid is shifted to a so-called trust office at loggerheads with President Jacob the spotlight again ahead of the budget, would have created the world’s second-largest impossible, for outside companies to conclude foundation. Zuma, who has shrugged off a series of with speculation of an imminent cabinet food giant behind Nestle. Rotterdam-based hostile takeovers. Dutch companies by law must “This is a very powerful position because recent corruption scandals. reshuffle to axe him-a step likely to trig- Unilever had on Friday snubbed the offer, saying themselves consider whether the deal is in the basically the administrators of the trust office are The ruling African National Congress ger another crisis of confidence in the it “fundamentally undervalues” the company that interest of all stakeholders including manage- on friendly terms with the target company’s (ANC) has been engulfed by friction markets. Uncertainty increased last week has brands like Marmite, Magnum ice cream, ment and employees, customers, creditors, sup- management... effectively making it very diffi- between Zuma’s plans for funding “radi- with the announcement that Zuma-ally Lipton tea and Knorr soups in its portfolio. pliers and the environment. cult to launch a hostile takeover.” “The anti- cal economic transformation” and Brian Molefe, the former chief executive But on Tuesday, Unilever said it was “conduct- This model differs from the United States or takeover schemes in The Netherlands, especially Gordhan’s stand against graft and uncon- of the state-owned power generator ing a comprehensive review of options available Britain “where a board only has a responsibility the one using the trust office foundation are trolled expenditure. “The budget will Eskom, was heading for parliament as a to accelerate delivery of value” for shareholders towards its shareholders”, said Martijn Kesler, a quite unique,” added Kesler. allow Gordhan to show his independ- new lawmaker. which it expected to be complete by April. “The corporate lawyer for AMS Advocates in “I would not be surprised if Unilever had (sim- ence as the head of treasury and not be “You don’t bring someone of Molefe’s events of the last week have highlighted the Amsterdam. Unilever’s corporate culture-which ilar) measures in place to protect them from the influenced by politics,” political analyst calibre into parliament just to make him need to capture more quickly the value we see focuses more on corporate responsibility and attempt,” he told AFP. The attempted takeover Mcebisi Ndletyana told AFP. “But he also a backbencher,” said Ndletyana. In a pre- in Unilever,” it added in a statement. “We don’t sustainability than short-term profits-also differs however showed that even large companies has to find some money to support budget interview with television news really know what happened behind the scenes” vastly from Kraft Heinz and its owners 3G such as Unilever, which posted a 52.7 billion- Zuma’s projects-that could prove to be channel eNCA, Gordhan, 67, admitted between Friday and Sunday, said Peter Capital, the analysts said. euro turnover last year can be vulnerable to very difficult in this economic climate.” that he was “not indispensible”, adding Roosenboom, professor in corporate finance at The Brazilian group is known for its brutal attack, analysts said. Gordhan last year faced fraud charges “we are just humble civil servants.” The Rotterdam’s Erasmus University. approach when it comes to cost and job cuts “It might force Unilever to shape up, become that were criticised as a move against finance minister, who is not viewed as a “I think they (Kraft Heinz) thought they could and zero budgeting principles, analysts said. more efficient and keep them on their toes,” said him by Zuma’s associates as political tur- future presidential candidate, was do a friendly deal... but they made a mistake. “The bottom line is the most important aspect Erasmus University’s Roosenboom. “That’s prob- moil spooked investors and saw the rand appointed in 2015 to calm panicked Historically Dutch companies make use of many for the owners of Kraft Heinz,” said Joost van ably the best way to keep your shareholders plummet. The charges were dropped at investors when Zuma sacked two finance takeover defences,” he told AFP. Although many Beek of Theodoor Gilissen private bank in happy and make sure you don’t get this unwant- the last minute, exposing tensions in the ministers within four days. — AFP Dutch protective measures have been disman- Amsterdam. “Had this deal gone through, I ed takeover attention,” he said. — AFP

EXCHANGE RATES

Chinese Yuan Renminbi 44.840 Al-Muzaini Exchange Co. Swiss Franc 307.460 Indonesian Rupiah 0.000018 0.000024 Australian Dollar 237.110 Thai Bhat 9.715 Japanese Yen 0.002613 0.002793 US Dollar Buying 304.950 Turkish Lira 84.660 ASIAN COUNTRIES Kenyan Shilling 0.002951 0.002951 Japanese Yen 2.689 GOLD Korean Won 0.000258 0.000273 Indian Rupees 4.571 20 Gram 252.060 BAHRAIN EXCHANGE COMPANY WLL Malaysian Ringgit 0.064973 0.070973 Pakistani Rupees 2.919 10 Gram 128.950 Nepalese Rupee 0.002996 0.003166 Srilankan Rupees 2.034 5 Gram 65.320 CURRENCY BUY SELL Pakistan Rupee 0.002673 0.002963 Nepali Rupees 2.866 Europe Philippine Peso 0.006026 0.006326 Singapore Dollar 216.060 Hongkong Dollar 3.946 Dollarco Exchange Co. Ltd British Pound 0.376029 0.386029 Sierra Leone 0.000038 0.000044 Bangladesh Taka 3.831 Czech Korune 0.003923 0.015923 Singapore Dollar 0.210343 0.220343 Philippine Peso 6.132 Danish Krone 0.039340 0.044340 South African Rand 0.017298 0.025798 Rate for Transfer Selling Rate Thai Baht 8.756 Euro 0. 317172 0.326172 Sri Lankan Rupee 0.001683 0.002263 US Dollar 305.900 Norwegian Krone 0.032605 0.037805 Taiwan 0.009820 0.010000 Canadian Dolla 233.8150 GCC COUNTRIES Romanian Leu 0.071312 0.071312 Thai Baht 0.008407 0.008957 Saudi Riyal 81.694 Sterling Pound 383.845 Slovakia 0.009185 0.019185 Qatari Riyal 84.142 Euro 325.313 Swedish Krona 0.030062 0.035062 Arab Omani Riyal 795.608 Swiss Frank 309.220 Swiss Franc 0.296735 0.307735 Bahraini Dinar 813.470 Bahraini Dinar 0.805763 0.814263 Bahrain Dinar 810.915 Turkish Lira 0.079075 0.089375 UAE Dirham 83.408 Egyptian Pound 0.014131 0.023384 UAE Dirhams 83.680 Iranian Riyal 0.000085 0.000086 Qatari Riyals 84.900 Australasia ARAB COUNTRIES Iraqi Dinar 0.000187 0.000247 Saudi Riyals 82.500 Australian Dollar 0.226999 0.238999 Egyptian Pound - Cash 20.450 Jordanian Dinar 0.426284 0.435284 Egyptian Pound - Transfer 17.537 Jordanian Dinar 432.620 New Zealand Dollar 0.212865 0.222385 Kuwaiti Dinar 1.000000 1.000000 Yemen Riyal/for 1000 1.230 Egyptian Pound 19.484 Lebanese Pound 0.000152 0.000252 Tunisian Dinar 134.810 Sri Lankan Rupees 2.019 America Moroccan Dirhams 0.020163 0.044163 Jordanian Dinar 431.290 Indian Rupees 4.574 Canadian Dollar 0.227782 0.236782 Lebanese Lira/for 1000 2.041 Nigerian Naira 0.000403 0.001038 Pakistani Rupees 2.918 Georgina Lari 0.138321 0.138321 Syrian Lira 2.183 Omani Riyal 0.789033 0.794713 Bangladesh Taka 3.854 US Dollars 0.302150 0.306550 Morocco Dirham 30.924 Qatar Riyal 0.083308 0.084758 Philippines Pesso 6.088 US Dollars Mint 0.302650 0.306550 Saudi Riyal 0.080580 0.081880 EUROPEAN & AMERICAN COUNTRIES Cyprus pound 167.990 Asia Syrian Pound 0.001299 0.001519 US Dollar Transfer 306.150 Japanese Yen 3.690 Bangladesh Taka 0.003584 0.004148 Tunisian Dinar 0.130050 0.138050 Euro 327.180 Syrian Pound 2.425 Chinese Yuan 0.043138 0.046638 Turkish Lira 0.079075 0.088375 Sterling Pound 384.680 Nepalese Rupees 3.855 Canadian dollar 234.780 Hong Kong Dollar 0.037368 0.040118 UAE Dirhams 0.081956 0.083656 Malaysian Ringgit 69.500 Turkish lira 83.310 Indian Rupee 0.002683 0.004906 Yemeni Riyal 0.000996 0.001076 THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 23, 2017 BUSINESS Top brands plan to boycott Bangladesh garment summit

DHAKA: Leading fashion brands includ- garment workers in the industrial town arrested,” C&A spokesman Thorsten and extortion, among other charges, munication from any brand not attend- ing H&M and Zara will boycott a key of Ashualia staged mass protests Rolfes told AFP. A spokesman for were filed against more than 1,500 work- ing the summit”. International rights industry conference in Bangladesh in demanding a three-fold hike in pay, Swedish apparel giant H&M confirmed ers. Last week union leaders said the group Clean Clothes Campaign wel- support of garment workers who have which can run as low as $68 a month. the boycott. workers were “living in constant fear of comed the brands’ decision to withdraw been sacked, hunted or jailed for partic- Dutch clothing brand C&A said, “C&A “H&M believes that attending the being arrested as the police hunt those participation and said it would be “a ipating in wage strikes, the companies together with other apparel brands, Dhaka Apparel Summit would create who were involved in the strikes”. major embarrassment” for the govern- said yesterday. H&M, C&A, Tchibo and including H&M and Inditex decided not confusion and send the wrong signals The summit is hosted by the ment and the organisers. Inditex which owns Zara-all top clients to participate in the BGMEA Dhaka regarding our commitment to freedom Bangladesh Garment Manufacturers and CCC spokeswoman Mirjam van of Bangladesh’s $30-billion garment Apparel Summit.” of association and that the ongoing situ- Exporters Association (BGMEA), an Heugten said, “Unless all detainees are industry-have pulled out of the Dhaka “We strongly encourage the ation must be peacefully resolved,” industry body that represents the coun- released, unsubstantiated charges are Apparel Summit, the signature annual Government of Bangladesh to take spokesman IÒigo S·enz Maestre said. The try’s 4,500 clothing factories, and fea- dropped, and other acts of intimidation event in the global textile hub, sched- immediate steps to ensure the protec- strike, which lasted for a little over two tures Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina as its and harassment of trade unions are uled for Saturday. tion of the workers’ rights, with special weeks, was squashed, with some 1,600 keynote speaker. stopped... (the brands) cannot credibly The move follows strikes in attention to the legitimate representa- employees sacked and 34 arrested, while BGMEA president Siddiqur Rahman participate in a summit on “sustainable December when tens of thousands of tives of the workers who have been cases alleging burglary, arson, vandalism told AFP that they “did not get any com- growth” of the industry.” — AFP

ABB uncovers fraud China’s thriving SUV-only at S Korean subsidiary automaker looks globally TOKYO: Japan is turning to those hood- muscular actor used rope to ward off, ed samurai-era acrobatic spies known as choke and disarm an attacker, and a ninja to woo tourism. The Japan Ninja woman dressed in a mini-ninja outfit did Ambitious goal requires advances in safety and features Council, a government-backed organi- flips to recorded rock music. It also zation of scholars, tourism groups and showed a guidebook in English high- BAODING: Wei Jianjun is the chief matchmaker in China’s love affair with the SUV. A decade ago, businesses, said yesterday that it’s start- lighting several ninja-related places in the chairman of Great Wall Motors Ltd. saw ing a Ninja Academy to train people in Japan, such as castles where ninja had opportunity as the bulky vehicles began shed- the art of ninja, and building a new been employed, a gorge used for train- ding their image in China as a farm tool. Wei cut ing by Sarutobi Sasuke, a legendary nin- museum in Tokyo devoted to ninja, set back on making sedans and poured resources ja, and a ninja-village theme park. to open in 2018. into its fledgling line of Havals. That gamble paid “The art of ninja is made up of vari- off as SUVs caught on with drivers who saw ous elements, such as combat, survival Booming business them as the safest ride on bumpy, chaotic techniques and astronomy,” Jinichi Tourism has been booming in Japan, streets. By 2013, with demand surging, Great Kawakami, known as “the last ninja” and with 24 million visitors from abroad last Wall had become China’s most profitable a master of the Koga ninja school, told year, and those numbers are expected automaker and Wei was a billionaire. reporters at the Foreign Correspondents’ to grow. Historically, ninja were hired by Now, Wei wants to make the Haval a global Club of Japan. “We hope this will appeal samurai as spies on enemies - hence brand. It’s an ambitious goal that requires to people all over the world.” their appearance in movies, eavesdrop- advances in safety and features for a company The council, set up in 2015, has creat- ping from attics and summersaulting known until now mainly for low prices. Great Wall escapes from rooftops. Iga and Koga ed an official logo for certified products sells Havals in Australia, Italy and Russia, but clan ninja were reputed to be the best. and movies to nurture what it called the exports were less than 5 percent of last year’s out- They have inspired countless novels, “ninja business,” and it hopes to educate put of just under 1.1 million units. “By 2020, we movies and cartoons, including the hope Haval can become the world’s biggest spe- “ninja ambassadors” to promote the cul- “Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles.” ture globally. cialty SUV brand,” Wei said at a reception at Great According to the council, ninja can Wall headquarters in this city southwest of Beijing The first certified product is an stare at a burning candle without blink- origami, or folding paper, for messages to celebrate sales passing the 1 million mark. ing, frequently massage their ears to That “globalization strategy” includes working shaped like a shuriken, the star-shaped stay nimble and never gain weight daggers that ninja throw as weapons. toward meeting American safety standards, Wei above 60 kilograms (130 pounds). Their said. But he gave no indication when Haval might Hiroshi Mizohata, council vice presi- diligence and perseverance, as well as export to the United States or major European dent, who heads the Osaka Convention HEBEI PROVINCE: In this Sunday, Feb 19, 2017 photo, workers walk past Haval SUV models their humble acceptance of anonymity, markets such as Germany. Great Wall is part of a parked outside the Great Wall Motors assembly plant. — AP & Tourism Bureau, shrugged off ques- are integral parts of Japanese culture cadre of small but ambitious independent tions about commercializing tradition. and should become a pillar export, the Chinese automakers that grew in the shadow of new Lynk & Co. brand in 2019. BYD Auto, the to 5.3 million units out of total sales of 24.4 mil- Dressed in a black ninja outfit, he council argues. Kawakami acknowl- state-owned giants such as Shanghai Automotive world’s biggest-selling electric car maker, sup- lion in the world’s biggest auto market. They are stressed that ninja fun is good for busi- edged that real ninja training was hard Industries Corp., which assembles vehicles for plies battery-powered buses and taxis in the growing fastest in the lowest price ranges, domi- ness and potentially a big part of the to pass down today, and said that was General Motors Co. and Volkswagen AG. United States and Europe. Great Wall opened a nated by Haval and Chinese rivals. That has government’s “Cool Japan” campaign, why he is called the last real ninja. But European assembly plant in Bulgaria in 2012. It helped Chinese brands to claw back market which includes animation, video ninja had much to offer spiritually, such Creating brands has similar facilities with local partners in Russia, share they were losing to global competitors. games, food and movies, especially as the meditative focus they muster Without foreign joint-venture partners, the Indonesia, Iran, Egypt and Ecuador. The top seller was Haval’s flagship H6, start- leading up to the 2020 Tokyo Olympics. when they clasp their hands in concen- independents created their own brands and SUVs have an outsized role in China, where ing at 89,000 yuan ($12,900), which has become The council put on a ninja-inspired tration in their trademark pose. “It is also started exporting to Africa and Latin America. their popularity has helped offset sagging China’s most popular vehicle to date. H6 sales martial-arts demonstration, in which a about respect to our ancestors,” Geely Holding Ltd., which owns Sweden’s Volvo demand for sedans and other vehicles. Sales of surged 55 percent last year to 580,000 units Kawakami said. — AP Cars, plans to start US and European sales of its domestic brand SUVs soared 58 percent last year while the overall market grew 15 percent. — AP

TOKYO: Members of ninja group Ashura show their martial-art skills during a press conference held by Japan Ninja Council at Foreign Correspondents’ Club of Japan (FCCJ). — AFP Manga, Mario and ninja: Japan’s hopes for tourism

TOKYO: Japan is turning to those as weapons. Hiroshi Mizohata, coun- are expected to grow. Historically, hooded samurai-era acrobatic spies cil vice president, who heads the ninja were hired by samurai as spies known as ninja to woo tourism. The Osaka Convention & Tourism Bureau, on enemies - hence their appearance Japan Ninja Council, a government- shrugged off questions about com- in movies, eavesdropping from attics backed organization of scholars, mercializing tradition. and summersaulting escapes from tourism groups and businesses, said Dressed in a black ninja outfit, he rooftops. Iga and Koga clan ninja yesterday that it’s starting a Ninja stressed that ninja fun is good for were reputed to be the best. They Academy to train people in the art business and potentially a big part have inspired countless novels, of ninja, and building a new muse- of the government’s “Cool Japan” movies and cartoons, including the um in Tokyo devoted to ninja, set to campaign, which includes anima- “Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles.” open in 2018. tion, video games, food and movies, According to the council, ninja “The art of ninja is made up of especially leading up to the 2020 can stare at a burning candle with- various elements, such as combat, Tokyo Olympics. out blinking, frequently massage survival techniques and astronomy,” The council put on a ninja- their ears to stay nimble and never Jinichi Kawakami, known as “the last inspired martial-arts demonstration, gain weight above 60 kilograms (130 ninja” and a master of the Koga ninja in which a muscular actor used rope pounds). Their diligence and perse- school, told reporters at the Foreign to ward off, choke and disarm an verance, as well as their humble Correspondents’ Club of Japan. “We attacker, and a woman dressed in a acceptance of anonymity, are inte- hope this will appeal to people all mini-ninja outfit did flips to recorded gral parts of Japanese culture and over the world.” rock music. It also showed a guide- should become a pillar export, the The council, set up in 2015, has book in English highlighting several council argues. created an official logo for certified ninja-related places in Japan, such as Kawakami acknowledged that products and movies to nurture castles where ninja had been real ninja training was hard to pass what it called the “ninja business,” employed, a gorge used for training down today, and said that was why and it hopes to educate “ninja by Sarutobi Sasuke, a legendary nin- he is called the last real ninja. But ambassadors” to promote the cul- ja, and a ninja-village theme park. ninja had much to offer spiritually, ture globally. such as the meditative focus they The first certified product is an Booming business muster when they clasp their hands origami, or folding paper, for mes- Tourism has been booming in in concentration in their trademark sages shaped like a shuriken, the Japan, with 24 million visitors from pose. “It is also about respect to our star-shaped daggers that ninja throw abroad last year, and those numbers ancestors,” Kawakami said. — AP THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 23, 2017 BUSINESS World stock markets mostly higher

LONDON: European stock markets mostly rose “The main impact of all this was, as expected, talks with the European Union would hurt heavy industry giant ThyssenKrupp jumped recovered from a morning sell-off. yesterday as traders reacted to mixed economic felt by the pound,” said Spreadex analyst Connor German exporters. 4.7 percent to 24.25 euros as the company However, Toshiba soared more than 22 per- data and earnings results. Earlier, Hong Kong had Campbell. “Having been up 0.2 percent against Meanwhile in world corporate news yesterday, agreed to sell its Brazilian CSA steel mill to cent on expectations for a planned sale of a led most Asia markets higher, but Tokyo strug- the dollar earlier in the session, sterling is now in shares in Toshiba soared more than 22 percent on the Ternium group for 1.5 billion euros stake in its microchip business, and after it gled as a stronger yen weighed on exporters’ the red.” In the eurozone, German business confi- expectations of a part sale for its microchip busi- ($1.6 billion). “Looking ahead to the US sold its medical finance unit to Canon. share prices. Traders woke up to the now-com- dence unexpectedly bounced back in February, ness, and after the Japanese giant sold its medical open and there is little on offer to chal- Despite the surge, the company’s shares mon sight of a record close on Wall Street. a key survey showed Wednesday, even as politi- finance unit to Canon. Despite the surge, the lenge the (British) GDP data for dominance, are still worth only half of what they were In Europe yesterday, sterling headed lower in cal uncertainty continues to cloud the prospects company’s shares are still worth only half of what at least not until the latest Federal Reserve in December owing to concerns about reaction to mixed UK growth data ahead of for Europe’s biggest economy. they were in December owing to concerns about meeting minutes are released this evening,” massive losses in its US nuclear arm. The Brexit, analysts said. Britain’s economy grew by a The Ifo institute’s headline index climbed to massive losses in its US nuclear arm. added Campbell. greenback retreated in Asia after rallying better-than-expected 0.7 percent in the final 111 points, the same level it reached in In Europe, shares in Airbus fell 0.7 percent to Tuesday in response to a top Federal three months of last year, according to official December, after slipping to 109.9 points in 66.80 euros after the aircraft maker said its profits Most Asia markets up Reserve official saying a March interest rate revised data that revealed also that for the January. Last month’s dip was largely blamed on nosedived last year as charges related to prob- Meanwhile in Asia, Hong Kong led most hike was still a possibility. Fed chief Janet whole of 2016 it expanded by a lower-than-fore- fears that US President Donald Trump’s protec- lems with its A400M military cargo transport Asia markets higher yesterday after the pre- Yellen last week hinted an increase next cast 1.8 percent. tionist leanings and Britain’s upcoming divorce plane sent earnings into a tailspin. But German vious day’s HSBC-fuelled plunge, but Tokyo month was not off the table. struggled with a stronger yen. Regional However, the surge fizzled yesterday as traders woke up to the now-common sight investors look ahead to the release of min- of a record close on Wall Street as the US utes from the central bank’s most recent returned from the Presidents’ Day holiday policy meeting to gauge its views on the to higher oil prices and healthy eurozone US economy and plans for lifting borrow- economic data. ing costs. “These markets are very fickle, as The Hang Seng Index in Hong Kong- last week the dollar could not hold a bid which is at levels not seen since summer after Yellen’s hawkish comments as well as 2015 — suffered a meltdown Tuesday after the stellar US economic data,” said Stephen HSBC announced a slump in profits last Innes, senior trader at OANDA, in a note. year and warned of uncertainty from Brexit “Yet it turns on a dime after the Fed’s and Donald Trump. Philadelphia President Patrick Harker men- The banking giant fell five percent. But tioned that a March rate hike was still on the bourse snapped back one percent yes- the table. It is all a bit bewildering, but terday despite another dip in HSBC. nonetheless a sign that the market is des- Elsewhere Shanghai, Sydney and Seoul perately searching for an opinion, while each put on 0.2 percent, while Singapore, lacking any serious conviction.” In early Taipei and Manila were also up. Tokyo European trade London added 0.1 percent, closed marginally lower as exporters were while Paris and Frankfurt each gained 0.2 weighed by the strong yen, although it percent. —AFP THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 23, 2017 BUSINESS

Sporty elegance: The Audi A5 and S5 Coupé

KUWAIT: Audi revolutionized its mid-size class generation A5 was truly revolutionary for its aplomb. Audi offers a suspension with of 465 liters, 10 liters more than with the previ- and efficiency of the new Audi A5 Coupé. At in 2007 with the A5. The German carmaker class, we are excited to present the all-new damper control as an option. This is integrat- ous model. The rear seat has a 40:20:40 split the same time, Audi is also taking the next created a work of art that took fans around the second generation model in our showroom.” ed into the dynamic handling system known and can be easily folded forward using levers step toward piloted driving. The broad world by storm. Nine years later Audi has He added “The early arrival of the all-new S5 as Audi drive select, which enables the driver in the luggage compartment. Audi also offers choice of innovative driver assistance sys- marked the launch of the second generation coupe provides our customers the opportu- to modify the basic characteristic in multiple the two-door Coupé with optional gesture tems sets standards in the segment. with a new, honed look and high tech every- nity to own the sportier version of the A5 steps. The electromechanical power steering control for opening the luggage compartment Compared with the previous model, nearly where. The new generation of the A5 Coupé is family. The launch of the A5 and the S5 cater is also a new development from Audi. It lid via a foot motion. The optional trailer hitch all of the systems are either completely new athletic, sporty and elegant. to the needs and driving enjoyment of all adapts according to the vehicle’s current is electrically released at the press of a button. or have been extensively updated. Audi Its design goes hand in hand with sophisti- our customers.” speed and provides highly precise road feed- active lane assist helps keep the car on track cated aerodynamics. Under the skin the A5 back. Optionally available is the dynamic Display and controls in the driving lane. New and important safe- impresses with an all-new chassis, powerful Engines steering, which varies its gear ratio depend- The A5 Coupé is now available for the first ty features include the park assist, cross traf- engines, and innovative infotainment features The new Audi A5 Coupé is available in ing on the speed and steering angle. time with the optional Audi virtual cockpit, a fic assist rear, exit warning, collision avoid- and driver assistance systems. The new Audi Kuwait with two TFSI engines. Their power 12.3-inch TFT display with a resolution of 1,440 ance assist and turn assist as well as the Audi A5 and S5 Coupé are now available at Audi output has increased considerably and is now Body x 540 pixels. Together with the MMI navigation pre sense systems. Kuwait showroom represented by Fouad between 190 hpand 252 hp. Compared with The Audi A5 Coupé is significantly more plus including 8.3-inch monitor on the center Compared with the previous model, the Alghanim & Sons Automotive Company. The the previous model, they offer up to 17 per- efficient than its predecessor. This is due in console, it forms the central information unit. list of standard equipment is even more gen- new model comes in two different engine vari- cent more performance while consuming as large part to a reduction in weight as well as The focal point of the MMI terminal is the erous. Among the features included are LED ants: 40 TFSI, 45 TFSI, with a six-cylinder much as 22 percent less fuel. All the engines sophisticated aerodynamics. The engineers round rotary pushbutton. Its surface is home headlights and LED rear lights, LED interior engine with 354 hp for the Audi S5 Coupé. combine high efficiency with sporty power were able to trim the curb weight by as to the touch-sensitive touchpad. The touch- lights, the Audi MMI radio plus with 7-inch How do you make a work of art even more development and smooth running. much as 60 kilograms. The body is the light- pad is used to input characters and for multi- MMI color display, Bluetooth and USB charg- beautiful? Audi designers have been ponder- With its newly developed 3.0 TFSI, the Audi est in the competitive field thanks to an finger gestures, such as allowing the driver to ing function, the three-spoke multifunction ing this question for years. The results are S5 Coupé is now in a league of its own. The intelligent mix of materials and lightweight zoom in on the map. The whole MMI control steering wheel (including shift paddles), impressive: The new Audi A5 Coupé sports a turbo V6 exhibits highly efficient, sports car- design. With a drag coefficient of 0.25, the A5 logic is similar to that of a smartphone, includ- height-adjustable belt feeds and the Audi fresh, modern and honed look. It is neverthe- like performance. From its 2,995 cc of displace- Coupé is also the segment leader with ing the intelligent free text search function. drive select dynamic handling system. less true to its DNA with the sporty and ele- ment, the boosted six-cylinder engine pro- respect to aerodynamics. The new, more natural voice control system New trim lines provide numerous cus- gant character being passed down to the new duces 354 hp of power, which is 21 hp more can recognize input made using everyday lan- tomization opportunities, for both the interi- version. The best example is the wave-shaped than the engine in the previous model. Interior guage, such as: “I would like to call Peter.” or and the exterior. Besides the base model, shoulder line that characterized the previous The interior benefits from the increased there are also the sport and design lines. The model. The precisely sweeping line with pro- Drive train dimensions and longer wheelbase. Space for Infotainment S line sport package and the Audi design nounced bulges over the wheel arches The new Audi A5 Coupé comes with a drive driver and passengers is more generous. The The optional MMI navigation plus will selection are available for sophisticated cus- emphasizes all four wheels - a cue to the quat- train solution tailor-made for each engine vari- horizontal architecture of the instrument pan- include the Audi smartphone interface. Apple tomization, particularly for the interior. Audi tro all-wheel drive. ant. The seven-speed S tronic is used with the el and the continuous air vent strip create a Car Play will bring the familiar smartphone offers the S line exterior package for a partic- The perfectly balanced proportions with a four-cylinder engines in the A5.The eight- wide sense of space. As is typical for Audi, inte- environment to the car, if desired. The optional ularly dynamic appearance. long engine hood, the stretched wheelbase speed tiptronic is reserved for the S5 V6 rior build quality is uncompromisingly high. Audi phone box with wireless charging in the and short overhangs underscore the sporti- engine that comes standard with quattro all- High-quality materials in a wide range of col- center armrest uses near-field coupling to link The Audi S5 Coupé ness of the new A5 Coupé. The sculpted Single wheel drive. Audi also offers the optional rear- ors provide for a particularly pleasant smartphones wirelessly to the vehicle’s anten- From 0 to 100 km/h in 4.7 seconds, the frame grille is significantly flatter and wider axle sport differential for even more dynamic ambiance and underscore the premium char- na and enables inductive charging according new Audi S5 Coupé combines dramatic ele- than in the previous model. The LED rear lights driving and precision. acter of the mid-sized model. Optional ambi- to the Qi standard. For discerning hi-fi fans, the gance with the performance of a sports car. and LED or Matrix LED headlights with dynam- ent lighting highlights the interior with a Bang & Olufsen sound system with its innova- Its newly developed, turbocharged V6 engine ic turn signals make high-end technology visi- Chassis choice of 30 adjustable shades. The new A5 tive 3D sound is available as an option. produces 354 hp and consumes just 7.3 liters ble even after dark. The all-new chassis is one of the strengths Coupé also redefines the class benchmark for of fuel per 100 km. The sharper S exterior Tarek Al Shafie, General Manager of Audi of the Audi A5 Coupé. It offers the driver opti- aero acoustics. The acoustic comfort is almost Driver assistance systems design and the S-specific details in the interi- Kuwait represented by Fouad Alghanim & mal comfort combined with a high degree of that of a luxury class model. An intelligent combination of different or underscore the dynamic character of the Sons Automotive Company, said: “The first agility. The A5 handles long trips with The luggage compartment offers a volume technologies enhances the safety, comfort Audi two-door sports Coupé. Sylhet to be flydubai’s 3rd destination in Bangladesh

KUWAIT: Dubai-based flydubai announced the addition of Sylhet to its network, becoming the airline’s third destination in Bangladesh after Chittagong and Dhaka. flydubai will commence direct flights between Dubai and Sylhet on 15 March 2017. The new service will see flydubai pro- vide up to 27 flights a week to Bangladesh. The service to Sylhet, also known as Jalalabad, will begin with four flights a week and is set to increase to six flights a week from 16 May. The operation to Sylhet Osmani International Airport is in partnership with Bangladesh carrier Regent Airways. Commenting on the new announcement, Ghaith Al Ghaith, Chief Executive Officer at flydubai, said: “We are happy to be re-launching flights to Sylhet, an important cultural and trade centre in Bangladesh. We remain committed to strengthening air links between the UAE and underserved markets. We look forward to seeing more people choose ABK lights up headquarters for our reliable and affordable service between Dubai and our growing net- work in Bangladesh.” National and Liberation Day flydubai serves a wide network of destinations in the Subcontinent. This network covers eight points in India, five points in Pakistan, three points in Bangladesh, two points in Sri Lankaas well as the capital cities of KUWAIT: Al Ahli Bank of Kuwait (ABK) tion for children with special needs, further Afghanistan and Nepal with flights to Kabul and Kathmandu respectively. website (flydubai.com), its Customer Centre (+971) 600 54 44 45, flydubai marked the start of its National and strengthening the sense of nationalism “Since we began operations to Dhaka and Chittagong at the beginning Travel Shops or through travel partners. Liberation day celebrations earlier this and joy on this special occasion. of 2011, we have seen strong demand for flights to Bangladesh,” said month by lighting up its Head Quarters The Bank will be closed for business on Sudhir Sreedharan, Senior Vice President Commercial for GCC, Flight details and fares with the colors of the Kuwaiti flag. The Sunday 26thFebruary, 2017 and will resume Subcontinent and Africa at flydubai. “We are confident that our passengers Flights between Sylhet and Dubai start on 15 March 2017 with four Bank will be celebrating with its staff mem- its operations on Monday 27th February, from Sylhet will benefit from our direct flights to Dubai and beyond, via flights a week. flydubai’s FZ 595/596 will operate between Dubai bers on this occasion by distributing 2017. During this period, ABK’s online servic- Dubai’s efficient aviation hub, especially onto our strong GCC network International Terminal 2 and Sylhet’s Osmani International Airport. Kuwait flags and themed pins as well as es and call center will be available. ABK takes which is served by up to 650 weekly flights to 18 points.” Economy Class return fares from Dubai to Sylhet will start at AED1,500 traditional sweets across all branches. As this opportunity to congratulate HH the With the announcement of the launch of flights to Batumi in Georgia, including 7kg hand baggage, while Business Class return fares will start at part of ABK’s social responsibility and in Amir, Sheikh Sabah Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al- Qabala in Azerbaijan and Tivat in Montenegro, earlier in February, fly- AED2,700 and are inclusive of all taxes and 40kg checked baggage. line with its focus on special needs, the Sabah, HH the Crown Prince of Kuwait dubai’s network has expanded to 93 destinations in 44 countries. This now Economy Class return fares from Sylhet to Dubai will start at USD550 Bank is the main sponsor of the Kharafi Sheikh Nawaf Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah sees the airline operate to 62 destinations that previously had no or very including 7kg hand baggage, while Business Class return fares will start at Activity Kids Center’s National Day celebra- and the Kuwaiti government and its people. few direct air links from the UAE. Flight scan be booked from flydubai’s USD900 and are inclusive of all taxes and 40kg checked baggage. THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 23, 2017 business Talabat celebrates National Day with ‘Made in Kuwait’

KUWAIT: On the occasion of National Day in restaurants. The discount can be obtained Kuwait, Talabat has launched its newest cam- upon purchase by any payment method. paign dubbed ‘Made in Kuwait’. Running Abdulhamid Alomar, Chief Executive from the 24th to 26th of February, the cam- Officer of Talabat, stated: “After all these paign aims to showcase Kuwait’s rich culture years, we still continuously work to innovate and traditions, underscoring Talabat’s long our offerings to provide the best for our cus- history with Kuwait and its people. tomers. We also aim to provide constant sup- Honoring its long-standing partnerships port for our many restaurant partners. We are with leading local restaurants, the ‘Made in committed to offering the best service to the Kuwait’ campaign includes four participating community; the same community that had restaurants, namely Naif Chicken, Mais nurtured our humble beginnings and con- Alghanim, Humble Burger and Freej Swaileh. tinues to support our ongoing successes.” Considered to be true local success stories, Today, Talabat is ranked as a market leader in all these restaurants are of Kuwaiti origin and the e-commerce business.Yet despite its His Highness the Amir Sheikh Sabah Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber are firmly supported by Talabat. The cam- growth and wide-scale regional expansion, Al-Sabah and the President of Croatia paign offers customers a 26% discount on Talabat has always been proud of its position their order with any of the aforementioned as a Kuwait born-and-bred company. Croatia’s Reaktor signs joint venture with Kuwaiti tech provider AEA Manufacture

KUWAIT: With the recent visit of the Croatian secured platforms and servers and we also sup- structure serving whole city to monitor energy president to the State of Kuwait to His Highness port any other special request the client need, consumption and analytics for its public lights. the Amir Sheikh Sabah Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al- such as, design, simulate and manufacture.” Recently, we’re seeing a lot of interest from Sabah, two companies playing in the innova- said Mr. Ashkanani. With the world rapid creative agencies for development of very tion and engineering market segment signed change in Technology, the customers demand interesting high-tech projects in exclusive limit- Joint Venture. AEA Manufacture, one of the first fast delivery, tailor made solution, and up-to- ed series, for marketing purposes. In Kuwait, IoT manufacturers in Kuwait and one of the top date product and service. Therefore, the client together with AEA Manufacture we are going innovation and engineering companies in requires professional team who will support to be offering solutions for IoT and BMS market Croatia, Reaktor, joined forces for Middle East them in step by step to fulfill the request. segment which is currently underserved, along expansion. Both parties are extremely proud of with our general engineering and manufactur- this partnership and supported by recent politi- Reaktor’s advanced products and solutions ing services. Our first clients in Kuwait are the cal and economic relations between Kuwait “We see a great business opportunity in cus- premium office buildings mostly looking for GBK closed during National and Croatia. tom made Building Management Systems centralized cloud solutions to increase security, “In 2008 the number of connected things to (BMS), as well as remote monitoring of the con- optimize energy consumption and custom and Liberation Day holidays the internet became equal to the number of sumption of water and energy, and applying product/solution development.” said Jelusic. the world population. By 2020, the Internet of big data solutions to identify opportunities for KUWAIT: On the occasion of the National Things market is estimated to be $14 Trillion. savings. To complement need for high tech, Plans for the future and Liberation day, Gulf Bank’s head The world is changing rapidly with new tech- connected buildings we are in particularly Jelusic also added “Together with AEA office and its 56 branches will be closed nologies and innovations. As the world adapt interested in integrated centralized BMS with Manufacture as our joint venture partner, we on Sunday, 26 February 2017. Normal and apply the new technologies, Kuwait is on modules for visitor flow analytics, permission ID want to become leading innovation, product working hours will resume on Monday, 27 path to follow where the world is going. That’s cards, indoor positioning and geofencing. In development and manufacturing companies in February 2017. During the holiday, Gulf why we at, Applied Electronic manufacture Kuwait there are many World class prime real EMEA (Europe, Middle East and Africa) serving Bank will continue to provide round-the- made sure to be ahead in time and start to estate assets that would benefit from imple- both small and large scale clients. We are able to clock access and assistance through cus- serve this new market in Kuwait to provide the menting cutting-edge innovative solutions that take idea from paper sketch to high volume tomer contact center at 1805805. High-Tech product and services and to do this we can offer.” stated Ivan Jelusic, CEO at production in-house and even put your product Customers can also conduct their daily day transactions typically available we are proud to have our Joint venture with the Reaktor. on the markets on European soil. Moreover, we transaction needs through Gulf Bank’s through branch tellers. On this blessed Croatian Hardware Innovation company, believe that our presence in region will open up mobile banking application as well as and joyous occasion, the management of Reaktor. Together we are introducing latest The latest projects market even for other companies from Croatia through “Gulf Live”, the Bank’s Interactive Gulf Bank conveys its sincere congratula- technology and innovations services to Kuwait “On European ground, we work mainly with interested in this doing business in EMEA.” “First Teller Machines. “Gulf Live” will be avail- tions to the Amir of the State of Kuwait enterprise and startup clients”, said Ali early stage startups and on special projects for step into working with us would be a brief proj- able on Sunday during the holiday from His Highness Sheikh Sabah Al-Ahmad Al- Ashkanani CEO at AEA Manufacture. big enterprise clients. We have worked and ect/product requirements or problem you want 10AM to 6PM at the Jabriya branch and Jaber Al-Sabah, His Highness the Crown We serve businesses or any entrepreneurs developed unique solutions from premium to solve after which we will be able to make Al-Adan branch. Prince Sheikh Nawaf Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber that are looking to automate their process, phone chargers, robotic arms controlled by technical concepts and budget estimate. We are It will give customers the opportunity Al-Sabah, and His Highness the Prime product, or services. We use the internet to con- computer vision, biosensors, medical devices looking forward to have your business partner- to communicate with a teller through a Minister Sheikh Jaber Al-Mubarak Al- nect all their hardware or existing device via and processes, to a cloud IoT platform and infra- ing with innovations,” Ashkanani concluded. live video session and to conduct every- Hamad Al-Sabah. Jazeera Airways raises the Kuwaiti flag high

KUWAIT: JAZEERA Airways, the first ‘daaam 3eezik ya Kuwait’ as a gesture airline, we are committed to support- its presence by currently flying to over brand-new terminal that will showcase private airline in Kuwait and the Middle of airline’s pride of the Kuwaiti heritage ing the country through our growing 15 destinations and continues to serve a broad portfolio of advanced techno- East has embellished an aircraft from and liberation. Epitomizing Kuwaiti cul- business and as we move forward, we as a beacon of excellence for innova- logical and innovative solutions, as a their fleet and dedicated gates at ture in their approach to airline hospi- continue looking back at our history tive products and services to enhance testimony to its pioneering spirit. Kuwait International Airport with the tality and service, Jazeera Airways has and the wonderful journey Kuwait has travel experience on ground and in the To learn more about Jazeera national colors of patriotism to com- played its part in the country’s eco- travelled since the Independence and air. Only recently, Jazeera Airways intro- Airways services, offers, promotions memorate Kuwait’s National and nomic growth and is presently one of Liberation Days. This month is a reflec- duced a first in Kuwait - the much and destinations, customers can con- Liberation days. the largest operators at Kuwait airport. tion of the Kuwaiti peoples’ will to pre- awaited Park & Fly services for smart tact the Call Center on 177 or visit the During the most celebrated month Commenting on Jazeera Airways vail and we are honored to be part of travel, followed by a dedicated busi- airline’s website on www. jazeeraair- of the year, the Airbus with registration participation in the country’s festivities, such a great nation.” ness lounge adjacent to its respective ways.com. Customers can also down- CAJ is furnished with the Kuwaiti flags Dr Mohammed Barakat, VP Marketing Since its inception over a decade gates at Kuwait International Airport load the Jazeera Airways app on the alongside captivating text that reads and Product said, “As a proud Kuwaiti ago, Jazeera Airways has strengthened and is now scheduled to reveal its iPhone or Android or Windows.

Burgan Bank’s airport branch open for upcoming holidays KUWAIT: Burgan Bank announced today that its airport branch will remain open on Sunday, 26th of February in an effort to accommodate banking requirements of regular customers and travelers during the National and Liberation day festivities. The branch will be open on the day of the holiday, corresponding to Sunday 26/2/2017 from 8 am to 10:30 pm. Providing essential banking services during the holiday period, reflects Burgan Bank’s utmost care to its DAMAC Properties sponsors 5th customers. The bank takes the opportunity to send its very best wishes to all of its customers as it celebrates Kuwait’s National and Liberation Days. session ‘My Organization-Dubai’ Gulf Insurance Group DUBAI: The Abdulaziz bin Humaid Leadership Program Resort, Dubai for hosting this session. The importance of sion continued with the second in-depth workshop on announces KD 12m (ALP), a first-of-its-kind program that empowers talented organisation behaviour, protocol and etiquette cannot be organisational behaviour, building on the fundamental young individuals with essential leadership qualities, con- understated. In an increasingly complex world with numer- concepts that were introduced. The organisational behav- net profit in 2016 cluded the fifth session titled ‘My Organization-Dubai’ at ous factors that need to be balanced, organisational skills iour workshops highlighted the way people interact within Habtoor Grand Resort in Dubai. Sponsored by DAMAC are crucial for success. Furthermore, young individuals that groups. It demonstrated how this can be applied to create KUWAIT: Gulf Insurance Group (GIG) announced today Properties, the session was held from February 5th to the practice good manners on a daily basis will be important more efficient business organisations. The central idea of that it has achieved a net profit of KD 12 million (US$ 39.3 9th focusing on organisational behaviour, protocol and eti- assets to any organisation. They will effortlessly forge net- the workshops was to demonstrate how a scientific million), or 67.02 fils per share for the financial year ended quette vital for the participants’ careers. works with people from a diverse range of cultures and tra- approach can be applied to the management of employ- December 31, 2016, compared to KD 14.09 million (US$ The majority of the workshops and activities, which are ditions without.” ees. The day concluded with the 1st round of presentations 46.1 million) in 2015 with decrease of 14.8 percent. in line with UAE Vision 2021 to make the UAE the best for the participants’ Innovation Challenge Projects. The The Board of Directors has recommended the distribu- among countries in the world, focus on the concept and Sharing insights young entrepreneurs pitched their project ideas along tion of 40% cash dividend (40 fils per share) for the finan- importance of etiquette to provide strong first impressions Hussain Sajwani, Chairman, DAMAC Properties, visited with the financial sections of their business plans. cial year ended December 31, 2016, subject to the approval as well as how etiquette is directly related to the Arab cul- the participants and shared insights from his business suc- On February 7th, DAMAC Properties organised a field of GIG’s General Assembly and other concerned regulatory ture. They specifically demonstrate proper table etiquette cess story. During the session, Sajwani commented: “I am visit to DAMAC Hills master development. The partici- authorities. GIG’s book value per share reached 460 fils as for official meetings, work-related visits, appropriate behav- delighted to share my experience with talented, passion- pants were inspired by the luxury of the Beverly Hills on 31 December 2016. iour between colleagues and relationship boundaries. In ate, young individuals from across the region. The hard lifestyle that spans 42 million square feet. The field visit GIG’s Shareholder’s equity decreased during 2016 by KD addition, etiquette-focused presentations cover appropri- work, dedication and effort you have put into this pro- showcased a variety of properties, some of which are the 7.3 million (US$24 million) to reach KD 82.3 million ate conduct for emailing, phone calls, dress codes, hand- gramme during these early and difficult stages of your result of collaborations with world-renowned brands (US$269.4 million), representing a 8 per cent decrease rate shakes, speaking and listening. The workshops also provide development is crucial for long-term success.” The audi- such as Fendi Casa, Bugatti and Paramount Hotels & as at December 31, 2016, compared to KD 89.6 million specific tactics for improving oneself and building a strong ence response to a visit from DAMAC’s Chairman was Resorts. The two-hour presentation and tour included (US$293.1 million) in 2015 effected by the devaluation of self-esteem, demonstrating the importance of punctuality, incredibly positive as they view Hussain Sajwani as a tangi- Trump International Golf Club Dubai; a world-class, 7205- some foreign currencies against Kuwaiti dinar related to goal-setting, and taking responsibility for mistakes. ble proof of success. yard, par 71, golf course with a 30,000 square-foot club- our subsidiaries and associates. GIG’s Gross written premi- Shaikha Ali Al Nuaimi, Corporate Communication The session started on Sunday 5th of February 2017 house; the largest of its kind in Dubai. The February 8th ums grew 14.7 percent compared to last year, with an Manager, Abdul Aziz Bin Humaid Foundation said: “I would with a keynote speech from Fatima Al Muhairi, and 9th workshops highlighted various facets of protocol increase of KD 27.3 million (US$89.3 million) to reach KD like to thank DAMAC Properties for their sponsorship and Chairwoman of Dubai Quality Group, followed by the and etiquette, emphasising their underlying importance 213.2 million (US$697.7 million) at the end of 2016. support. In addition, I would like to thank Habtoor Grand organisational behaviour workshop. The February 6th ses- in the workplace. technology THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 23, 2017 China selfie-app seeks to beautify the world Meitu has over 450 million active users in China SHANGHAI: Strolling a tree-lined Shanghai street with friends, Hu Dongyuan pulls out her smartphone and does what millions of Chinese women do daily: take a selfie, digitally “beautify” their faces, and pop it on social media. Such vir- tual makeovers, typically involving lightening Microsoft demonstrates power skin, smoothing out complexions and rounding the eyes, have propelled selfie-editing app of intelligent cybersecurity Meitu to the top ranks of China downloads. KUWAIT: Microsoft last week held a summit With more than 450 million active China at the Marina Hotel, Kuwait, for Chief users, Meitu is now also gaining traction abroad, Information Security Officers (CISOs) and using its more advanced features to challenge security managers, to introduce them to Instagram and Snapchat, which depend largely breakthroughs in intelligent cybersecurity for on filters and stickers. China has a world-leading the digital era. 700 million mobile-Internet users, vast numbers “We are proud to be introducing Kuwaiti of whom use such apps to fuss over their digital cybersecurity professionals to the latest in appearance. identity and information protection solu- “It’s the same as with clothing and makeup. tions,” said Cyril Voisin, Executive Security They are all ways for people to better present Advisor, Enterprise Cybersecurity Group, themselves,” said Hu, a travel agency employee, Microsoft MEA. “In the mobile-first, cloud-first who likens Meitu to a cheap, non-permanent world, it is vital that users can be productive recently updated compliance and gover- form of cosmetic surgery. She added: “Everyone anywhere, on any device. But we must also nance solution — a console-based tool that uses it as a kind of personal advertisement.” ensure the highest level of security for identi- allows an organisation to implement its secu- Meitu, which means “pretty picture”, launched ties, applications, and data.” rity policies across all Microsoft products from a Hong Kong IPO in December that valued the A study conducted of Kuwait-based a single access point. company at $4.6 billion at the time, despite con- Windows PCs in 2015 revealed that cyber- At the event, Microsoft showed how its sistently posting losses. It was Hong Kong’s SHANGHAI: This picture taken on January 8, 2017, shows Hu Dongyuan (L), Wang Peng (C) and attacks peaked in the fourth quarter, when security solutions have helped organisations biggest tech IPO in nearly a decade. Analysts call Peng Lin displaying their selfie. — AFP 30% of computers surveyed reported a mal- around the world protect against recent Meitu a potential test case of the global poten- attributes on screen. Founded in the eastern city unbelievable. It’s crazy. But they never had a ware encounter of some kind, compared with attacks. It showed how customers could pro- tial of Chinese apps, particularly those aimed at of Xiamen, Meitu initially provided photo-edit- clear business model underneath it,” said Jeffrey a worldwide average of about 21%. While tect against identity compromise by augment- women, a powerful consumer force. ing software for PCs, introducing its first selfie Towson, professor of investment at Peking most of these infections were blocked, slight- ing passwords with additional layers of authen- app in 2013. University. Meitu did not respond to requests for ly more than one in every 22 (4.54%) moni- tication. Microsoft experts also explained how Millennial appeal Its IPO prospectus said Meitu apps process comment. Hungry for revenues, it launched its tored machines faced infections that had to solutions could detect unusual authentications “(Meitu) has really appealed to the beauty half of the pictures posted on Chinese social own phones designed for selfie-taking in 2013. be cleaned, against a global average of and early signs of breach attempts, and proac- concept of China’s post-95s,” said William Chou, media and were used to alter around six billion It sold just 646,446 in the first 10 months of 1.69%. The data agrees with several other tively notify admins and security managers of an internet analyst for Deloitte China, referring photos last October. Its half-dozen applications, last year, however, a tiny amount in China’s mas- independent reports that suggest Kuwait, like suspicious activity. Microsoft platforms are able to those born after that year. “Photo-sharing is a including one for altering video, are regularly sive market. Phone sales nevertheless still make many Gulf nations, has higher-than-average to respond automatically to threats by amend- global phenomenon but China has climbed to among the top photo-app downloads in coun- up more than 95 percent of Meitu revenue. It rates for both encounters and infections. The ing access requirements and providing risk- the top of the world in this,” he added. The selfie- tries as diverse as China, Russia, Japan, India and now promises to build an online “ecosystem” of summit’s agenda centred on the challenge of based conditional access. editing craze highlights how Chinese lives are Malaysia. apps and devices based on selfie-processing, providing today’s end users with a secure The company showed delegates how they increasingly lived online, making a person’s vir- which could include selling advertising space-as modern workplace. An overview of the cur- could protect corporate data by applying tual appearance as important as their real one, Business makeover Instagram does-and launching a fashion- rent threat landscape was followed by “User rights management; identify unsanctioned said psychology professor Yu Feng of Xi’an Chinese internet giants like Tencent and focused e-commerce platform. “Our mission is Behaviour Analytics: How to Secure Your apps; thwart phishing attacks; and contain, Jiaotong University. “Modern society has turned Alibaba have struggled to replicate their domes- to make the world more beautiful. Our wish is to Identity and Thousands of Applications”. Also classify and encrypt data. Microsoft solutions face-to-face communication into mostly internet tic dominance overseas. But Meitu said it had build a beauty ecosystem,” the IPO prospectus covered was information protection, data-loss offer the ability to detect unauthorized access communication,” Yu said, and Chinese millenni- 430 million overseas users as of October last said. Its shares have risen 16 percent since they prevention (DLP) and encryption. Microsoft to applications, through notifications of any als are seizing the chance “to control themselves year, compared to around 500 million claimed debuted, closing Tuesday at HK$9.86. Deloitte’s conducted solutions’ demos for delegates, attempts of unauthorized data access, as well and their world”. by Instagram. Yet profits remain elusive. Meitu Chou said investors were ignoring Meitu’s cur- including those that protect “from mail to end as anomalies and other threats. Microsoft cus- Meitu and domestic competitors like Camera lost 2.2 billion yuan ($320 million) in the first half rent losses in hopes it can pull off the planned points” through integrated advanced threat tomers can also use policies to block untrust- 360 and Poco shrewdly cater to Chinese beauty of last year. business makeover. He explained: “For tech protection. The company additionally demon- ed apps, revoke access permissions, and preferences for lighter skin and rounder eyes- “Meitu’s big problem has always been that it companies, the future is more important than strated an integrated approach for productivi- remotely wipe device data. key features allow easy modification of such came up with this killer app and the usage is the past.” — AFP ty, communication, mobility and security. Device protection is covered by Microsoft “Microsoft’s comprehensive cybersecurity solutions, which allow security professionals solutions are built to address the latest global to manage company and personal devices, so threat-landscape trends. Our holistic portfolio that data is appropriately encrypted and the encompasses features across products that organisation can ensure its compliance obli- include user and entity behaviour-analytics gations are being met. It includes automatic (UEBA); advanced threat protection; cloud- detection of unusual activity and identifica- application security; protection from zero day tion of compromised endpoints. Network attacks; data classification and loss protec- administrators can instantly respond by block- tion; managing and securing identity; and ing, quarantining, or wiping suspect devices. multi-factor authentication” added Cyril. Servers and workloads can be protected through deep, granular visibility of systems, Additional layers of authentication allowing the monitoring and enforcement of Security experts at the event outlined the policies on cloud data resources. Microsoft company’s unique perspective on threat solutions allow the establishment, at policy intelligence, as well as explaining to dele- level, of baseline behaviors. Subsequent gates the investments the company is pour- monitoring automatically detects deviations ing into a secure platform that meshes seam- from baselines, allowing early warnings and lessly with customers’ on-site policies and proactive notifications to be sent to the requirements. Microsoft also launch edits appropriate parties. Centrify Analytics stops breaches in real-time based on user behavior DUBAI: Centrify, the leader in securing means users get a frictionless experience hybrid enterprises through the power of when they present low risk, easing access identity services, announced the release of its and improving productivity - while main- new Analytics Service. This new service uses taining high security. machine learning to assess risk based on con- “By tailoring security policy to each indi- stantly-evolving user behavior patterns. It vidual’s behavior and automatically flag- then assigns a risk score, and enforces an ging risky behavior, we’re helping IT profes- appropriate decision - determining whether sionals minimize the risk of being breached the user’s access is granted, requires step-up - with immediate visibility into account risk, Cisco and ADSIC conducts security trends authentication, or is blocked entirely. without poring over millions of log files and According to a new Forrester study, com- massive amounts of historical data,” said Bill and strategy workshop for public sector missioned by Centrify, an astonishing two- Mann, chief product officer at Centrify. “And thirds of organizations experienced an aver- thanks to our broad set of enforcement ABU DHABI: Cisco together with Abu Dhabi for attackers to utilize to their advantage. Program throughout the Abu Dhabi age of five security breaches in the past two points that include endpoints, applications Systems and Information Centre (ADSIC) held Underscoring the seriousness of recent cyber- Educational system. Cisco’s Networking years. And billions of usernames and pass- and IT infrastructure, we can enforce risk- a security workshop at the Ritz Carlton in Abu attacks, a common effort is emerging to Academy Program enables UAE graduates to words have been stolen and made available based policy in real time, at the point of Dhabi to showcase the latest security innova- address the need for greater collaboration pursue successful ICT careers in a wide for these types of attacks, increasing risk of access. This means high-risk threats can be tions, global smart deployments and use cas- among business and government stakehold- range of industries and also enables others further breaches. The power of these attacks blocked, while low-risk users get authorized es to Abu Dhabi’s government departments ers to minimize the impact of cyberattacks to harness the entrepreneurial spirit and is in their perfect camouflage. Attackers “look” access to apps, privileged credentials, or and entities. The high-level workshop and strengthen national security. knowledge they acquired in Networking just like legitimate users, raising no suspicion, privileged sessions.” Risk-based access gives brought together information security and “We are extremely proud of our associa- Academy to start their own businesses and since all IT sees is regular user activity. IT new insights through risk scoring for end technology leaders from the government and tion with ADSIC and support their efforts to create new jobs. and privileged users to control policy and public sector who shared their experiences highlight the importance of security, and the The initiative has helped ADSIC achieve its Breaking the cycle of breach what action should be taken for a given risk Centrify gives IT the power to break the and discussed the latest developments in the most effective strategies to prevent, detect, goal of developing ICT education opportuni- level. Examples of risk-based access include: field of cybersecurity. and mitigate threats,” said Shukri Eid, ties throughout Abu Dhabi, in line with the cycle of account exploitation and imperson- ● Single sign-on (SSO) to applications: As ation, to stop attacks that lead to data breach- Speaking on the importance of the cyber- Managing Director - East Region, Cisco UAE National Career Development Plan, long as end-user’s behavior is in keeping with security workshop, HE Rashed Lahej Al- Middle East. wherein the government is committed to es. Not only are anomalous access requests typical access, it presents low risk, and IT can stopped in real time, but potentially compro- Mansoori, Director General of Abu Dhabi “Cloud, mobility, Internet of Things (IoT) investing in educational programs that will provide easy one-click access to their apps. Systems and Information Centre (ADSIC) said, and social media technologies, combined provide career development, access to world- mised accounts are flagged and elevated to ● Multi-factor Authentication (MFA) for IT’s attention - speeding analysis and greatly “Cybersecurity has become a critical issue for with growing digital business practices, have class facilities and training for citizens password checkout: When an IT admin checks minimizing the effort required to assess risk governments and organizations across all helped countless organizations transform throughout the Emirate. out a privileged credential or initiates a privi- across today’s hybrid IT environment. And, sectors, from transport and healthcare to criti- how they operate, but they have also Security is rapidly becoming an integral arming IT with machine learning frees them leged session to a server or other resource cal infrastructure and utilities. increased the attack surface. As ICT systems part of any sort of deployment, and this from manually creating policy across all their from a location that’s not typical, the risk level With fast-paced changes impacting how are extended and merged, there is growing awareness is coming in earlier in the endpoints, apps, sites, services and resources. is elevated, and the admin is prompted for government organizations engage with citi- fear that sensitive data that is collected and process, though often, not early enough. In further authentication. zens, businesses, and each other, public-pri- held by public entities will be vulnerable to order to enable organizations to tackle ● Balancing security and optimal MFA for outsourced IT: If an attacker vate partnerships are able to advance the criminal hackers or other types of unautho- security challenges, they are facing chal- end-user experience attempts to leverage an outsourced IT creden- cybersecurity agenda by facilitating informa- rized disclosure. lenges posed by the skills gap. Building security policy for employees, tial from an unknown or previously unseen tion sharing and elevating security opera- Public sector organizations and service Previous Cisco studies reveal there is cur- contractors, partners and privileged IT device, access can be blocked entirely, stop- tions, standards and processes. This workshop providers are especially vulnerable rently a deficit of 1 million security practi- users has typically favored security over ping the attack before it can gain traction. is part of our long-standing relationship with because their operations are tied so close- tioners, increasing to 1.5 million by 2019. user experience. Behavior-based scoring Since this new service is part of the Cisco aimed at leveraging best practices and ly to the public’s trust. Security must be Globally, 26% of organisations are facing Centrify Identity Services Platform, cus- building digital capabilities and trust.” integrated into the very fabric of an organ- staffing shortages, and 35% are facing tomers can implement risk-based policy Dynamic changes in the technology land- isation, and it takes a security-conscious expertise shortages with security jobs grow- across their boundary less hybrid enterprise scape, led by digitization, are creating oppor- approach to ensure that every level of ing at 12 times the rate of the overall job of endpoints, cloud applications, IaaS, and IT tunities for cybercriminals. According to cyber protection is met.” market. servers and resources for more detailed Cisco’s 2017 Annual Cybersecurity Report, At the workshop, Cisco presented com- heuristics - and more effective policy. more than 50 percent of organizations faced Ongoing collaboration pelling security industry insights, including Available as an add-on to Centrify Identity public scrutiny after a security breach, with The workshop is part of ongoing collabora- the latest threats, trends and best practices. Service and Centrify Privilege Service, the operations and finance systems most affect- tion between Cisco and ADSIC to address Cisco’s security experts also shared their service is a natural extension of Centrify’s ed. The report finds that just 56 percent of growing demand for technology and net- experience on how best to achieve a holistic adaptive Multi-Factor Authentication, security alerts are investigated and less than working skills and develop digital capabilities approach to security that integrates tools, adding machine learning that both eases half of legitimate alerts remediated, as across government entities. processes and policies, in addition to show- configuration for IT and eliminates constant Cisco and ADSIC have also been working casing Cisco’s latest products from its inte- Bill Mann, chief product officer at Centrify MFA challenges to simplify end user access. defenders battle complexity and manpower challenges, leaving gaps of time and space to expand the Cisco Networking Academy grated security portfolio. THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 23, 2017 HEALTH & SCIENCE Health law created winners and losers when buying insurance

WASHINGTON: Michael Schwarz is a law. Known as the ACA, the law rewrote medical problems. And it provided sub- their income went down when Delaware. “If we had a way to help the self-employed business owner who the rules for people buying their own sidies to help low- and moderate- Schwarz’s wife returned to school full person whose premium has become buys his own health insurance. health insurance, creating winners and income people afford premiums. These time. “Being uninsured is not an option,” unaffordable without hurting the per- Subsidized coverage through losers. Those with financial subsidies newly vested ACA customers joined said Schwarz. If Republicans take away son we are currently subsidizing.” “Obamacare” offers protection from now fear being harmed by President consumers already in the market, to his subsidy, “I would have to change Caroline Pearson, of the consulting firm life’s unpredictable changes and free- Donald Trump and Republicans intent make a new insurance pool. Policies careers and find a job that offered Avalere Health, studied consumers on dom to pursue his vocation, he says. on repealing and replacing the ACA. But offered to all had to be upgraded to health insurance,” he said. government marketplaces like Brett Dorsch is also self-employed and other consumers who also buy their meet new federal standards for compre- HealthCare.gov - where nearly 90 per- buys his own health insurance. But he own insurance and don’t qualify for hensive benefits, raising premiums. And Skimpier plan cent get subsidies - and compared them gets no financial break from the financial help feel short-changed by many of the new customers turned out Dorsch and his wife live in with those who purchase directly from Affordable Care Act. “To me, it’s just Obama’s law. They’re hoping repeal will to be sicker than insurers expected, Wilmington, Delaware, and are in their an insurer and pay full cost. Among been a big lie,” Dorsch says, forcing him mean relief from rising premiums. pushing rates even higher. mid-50s. He has a wholesale business Avalere’s findings: to pay more for less coverage. Schwarz The ACA sought to create one big supplying electronics to retail stores 1- The majority of consumers in the and Dorsch represent two Americas, new market for individual health insur- Incredibly grateful and has been buying his own health government marketplaces live in lower- pulling farther apart over former ance in each state. It required insurers Consumers who didn’t qualify for insurance for years. He gets no financial income neighborhoods with high President Barack Obama’s health care to accept all customers, regardless of government financial help wound up help from the ACA. Dorsch said their unemployment. However, among those bearing the full cost of premiums. They insurance company wanted to raise the who purchase directly from an insurer, also faced the law’s new requirement to monthly premium to $2,050, or nearly about 30 percent live neighborhoods carry health insurance or risk fines. “One $25,000 a year. They settled for a with a median income of $100,000 or (group) is angry and one is incredibly skimpier plan that still costs $1,350 a more. grateful,” said Robert Blendon of the month and has a very high deductible. 2- Consumers in the subsidized mar- Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public “In four years my health insurance has ket are generally costlier to cover. For Health. If Trump and congressional more than doubled and I have less cov- those with a standard plan, per-person Republicans aren’t careful, their actions erage,” said Dorsch. “It’s ludicrous.” He medical claims averaged $376 per could stoke fresh grievances without voted for Trump. “He saw the reality that month in 2015, compared to $312 for solving longstanding problems of Obamacare has been a nightmare for unsubsidized customers who bought access and cost. Consider what hap- most Americans, unless you are poor or policies directly from an insurer. pened to Schwarz and Dorsch this year, in a very difficult situation,” said Dorsch. 3- The subsidized market is impor- as premiums for a standard plan The Congressional Budget Office esti- tant in states that voted for Trump. In through HealthCare.gov jumped an mates that the pool of people buying Florida, for example, 70 percent of indi- average of 25 percent. individual health insurance is basically vidual policyholders purchase through Schwarz and his wife are in their split down the middle among subsi- HealthCare.gov. In Georgia, it’s 62 per- mid-20s and live in Tampa, Florida. He dized customers like Schwarz and those cent. “Obamacare helped a lot of lower- has his own commercial photography who get no help, like Dorsch. income people with high health needs business and she’s pursuing a graduate Republican proposals to tie tax credits who previously couldn’t afford insur- degree in speech-language pathology. to age, not income, would help Dorsch. ance,” said Pearson. “It overlooked the The sticker price of their HealthCare.gov But they may not be generous enough fact that there are a lot of people who policy went up about 20 percent, but for Schwarz. are relatively healthy and who didn’t what they pay monthly is about $115 “It’s trying to find the way to help the want the increased benefits. More sick FLORIDA: Photo shows Michael Schwarz, sole proprietor of Mike lower than last year. Not only did their one without hurting the other that’s people drove up premiums, which is Schwarz Photography, poses for a photo in Tampa, Fla. —AP subsidy cover the rise in premium, really tricky,” said Nicholas Moriello, a resulting in some people feeling like they’re also getting more help because health insurance broker from Newark, they are worse off.” —AP ‘Alarming’ superbugs a risk to people, animals and food: EU Officials warn of ‘serious threat’ to public health LONDON: Superbug bacteria have put substantial efforts to stop ing extremely high multi-drug also found at very low levels in found in people, animals and food its rise, but this is not enough. We resistance. Salmonella and E. coli in pigs and across the European Union pose an must be quicker, stronger and act “Prudent use of antibiotics in cattle, the report said. Marta “alarming” threat to public and ani- on several fronts.” Drug resistance human and veterinary medicine is Hugas, head of EFSA’s biological mal health having evolved to resist is driven by the misuse and overuse extremely important,” he said. “We hazards and contaminants unit, widely used antibiotics, disease and of antibiotics, which encourages all have a responsibility to ensure noted geographic variations safety experts warned yesterday. A bacteria to evolve to survive and that antibiotics keep working.” across the European Union, with report on antimicrobial resistance develop new ways of beating the Resistance to carbapenem antibi- countries in northern and western in bacteria by the European Food medicines. otics - usually the last remaining Europe generally having lower Safety Authority (EFSA) and the Yesterday’s report highlighted treatment option for patients infect- resistance levels than those in European Centre for Disease that in Salmonella bacteria - which ed with multi-drug resistant super- southern and eastern Europe and Prevention and Control (ECDC) said can cause the common and serious bugs - was detected for the first said this was most likely due to dif- some 25,000 people die from such food-borne infection Salmonellosis time in animals and food, albeit at ferences in the level of use and superbugs in the European Union - multi-drug resistance is high low levels, as part of EU-wide annu- overuse of the medicines. “In coun- every year. across the EU. Mike Catchpole, the al monitoring for the report. It said tries where actions have been tak- “Antimicrobial resistance is an ECDC’s chief scientist, said he was very low levels of resistance were en to reduce, replace and re-think alarming threat putting human and particularly concerned that some observed in E. coli bacteria found in the use of antimicrobials in ani- animal health in danger,” said common types of Salmonella in pigs and in meat from pigs. mals show lower levels of antimi- FRANCE: Ducks are pictured at a poultry farm in Saint Aubin, southwestern Vytenis Andriukaitis, the EU’s health humans, such as monophasic Resistance to colistin, another crobial resistance and decreasing France yesterday. —AFP photos and food safety commissioner. “We Salmonella Typhimurium, are show- last-resort human antibiotic - was trends,” she said. —Reuters FDA rejects Amphastar’s nasal opioid overdose treatment

NEW YORK: Amphastar Pharmaceuticals Inc said on Tuesday that the US Food and Drug Administration had rejected its application to market an intranasal version of the emergency opioid-over- dose treatment, naloxone. The abuse of opioids - a class of drugs that includes heroin and prescription painkillers - has assumed epidemic proportions in the United States. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) estimates that 91 Americans die every day from opioid overdoses. Last April, officials attributed the death of musician Prince to the accidental overdose of the syn- thetic opioid fentanyl. The FDA’s complete response letter FRANCE: Duck breeders load ducks into a truck to bring them to a slaughter- identifies issues with user human fac- house at a poultry farm in Saint Aubin, southwestern France. tors study - which is designed to evalu- ate the user interface of a product - France slaughtering all ducks among others, Amphastar said. Amphastar already sells naloxone in in key region due to bird flu pre-filled syringes, as does privately held Kaleo Pharmaceuticals, which PARIS: France’s agriculture ministry has region where the new slaughter is focused. came under fire earlier this month for ordered all remaining 600,000 ducks in a key Agriculture Minister Stephane Le Foll poultry-producing region slaughtered to try said on France Bleu radio Tuesday that the raising the price of its naloxone device to stem a growing outbreak of bird flu. A pre- flu spread faster than expected. He said all In this file photo, Ashley Grant sits on a swing near her home in Bridgeton, NJ. —AP Evzio by 550 percent to $4,500. —AP vious cull in southwestern France failed to 600,000 farmed ducks in the Landes would stop the spread of the H5N8 virus, which has be killed and measures would be taken to hit ducks and other birds in more than 300 better secure transport of poultry and limit French farms in the last few months. Most their mobility. The virus does not transmit Indian sungazers keep up family are in the Landes, a foie gras-producing via food and is harmless to humans. —AP tradition for four generations Virginia governor vetoes KODAIKANAL: In the early morning darkness, “Some of the discoveries made, based on has no formal education in astronomy. His inter- bill defunding Devendran P walks up a hill to a solar observa- data obtained in the Kodaikanal observatory, est was piqued during a visit to the observatory tory in India’s southern hill town of are so fundamental to solar physics that they when he was a child. He became a fulltime sun- Kodaikanal, trudging the same path his father vastly improved techniques used at observato- watcher in 1986 and says the six-inch (15-cm) Planned Parenthood and grandfather walked in a century-old fami- ries even today,” Ramesh said. The Evershed telescope has never failed his family. “It has nev- ly tradition of studying the sun. Once inside, effect of gas motion in sunspots, discovered in er required any major overhaul, or change of WASHINGTON: Virginia Governor Terry care services and programs. He vetoed he pulls a rope to open shutters in the dome 1909 by the then director of the observatory, parts, because we all take care of it,” he said. McAuliffe on Tuesday vetoed a bill that a similar measure last year. and positions a six-inch telescope used since John Evershed, is one such example, he added. More than three decades of observation has would have blocked funding for “Attempts to restrict women’s access 1899 to photograph the sun and preserve a In the observatory library, shelves stretch to made him feel close to the sun, despite its dis- Planned Parenthood, which provides to health care will impede the goal of daily record of its activity. the ceiling, packed with volumes of handwrit- tance of more than 149 million kms from Earth. abortions and other health services. making Virginia the best place to live, “The sun, like stars, has a lifetime of 10 billion ten records and thousands of film plates of the It’s a feeling enhanced by the devout family’s The bill passed by the Republican-con- work, and run a business,” he said in a years,” Devendran told Reuters during a recent sun. Authorities have launched a project to digi- worship of the Hindu sun god Surya, he said. “I trolled legislature would have barred statement. Advocates for the law had visit to the observatory in India’s southern state tize and preserve the data collected over the feel more religious than other people, as I can the state from providing funds to clin- said it would underpin organizations of Tamil Nadu. “If you want to know about any past century. Devendran’s grandfather, see that there is a universal power which is con- ics that perform abortions not covered that provide the widest range of servic- small changes, you need to have a large amount Parthasarty, joined the observatory in 1900, a trolling everything,” he said. His 23-year-old son, by Medicaid, the federal healthcare es. Planned Parenthood draws the ire of data.” The observatory run by the Indian year after it relocated from Madras, the state Rajesh, expects to carry on the family tradition, program for the poor. McAuliffe, a of many Republicans because it pro- Institute of Astrophysics has a key role in provid- capital, to Kodaikanal, situated more than 2,000 but with one difference. He has a master’s Democrat, said the measure would vides abortions. Republican President ing a continuous stream of data on the sun and meters above sea level, offering ideal weather degree in physics. “I get amazed by what my harm thousands of Virginians who Donald Trump has pledged to defund its influence on Earth and surrounding space, to study the sun. father does here,” said Rajesh. “I think observing relied on Planned Parenthood health- the organization. —Reuters said R Ramesh, a professor at the institute. Like his father and grandfather, Devendran the Sun is in my blood.” —Reuters THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 23, 2017 HEALTH & SCIENCE Slammed by the flu, businesses scramble to get work done

NEW YORK: The flu season has slammed familiar with. “I can’t tell you how awful it is many small businesses, weakening already to be speaking with a mom on the verge of thin staffing levels and forcing some own- tears because we don’t have staff to help,” ers to scramble to cover shifts or get the says Stern, who estimates her profits are work done. All but five of the 26 staffers at down 15 percent for February. BusBank, a transportation booking serv- At BOCA Communications, as many as ice, have been sick at some point this sea- four employees at a time have been sick son. On the worst day so far, six people with either the flu or a stomach virus. “It’s were out sick or caring for children with the gnarliest flu season we’ve seen in 10 the flu, and four others were on already years,” says Ashley Breinlinger, a senior vice planned days off. president at the San Francisco-based public “It has been hard for us to keep up, with relations firm. “People have been sicker lots of folks running backup for each other,” than I’ve ever seen.” says Brandon Dudley, vice president of the The bugs have been so bad that Chicago-based company that arranges bus Breinlinger and CEO Kathleen Shanahan charters for events ranging from nights on have asked staffers when they first start the town to long-distance trips. Human feeling unwell to stay home and not spread resources consultants have been hearing their germs. Employees’ ability to work from company owners overwhelmed by from home as much as possible has limited flu-related absences. In its latest report, the the impact on BOCA’s productivity, and the US Centers for Disease Control and company is set up so everyone has a back- Prevention said 35 states had moderate to up to finish projects. Another saving grace high levels of flu cases. More than 5 percent is that clients are empathizing, not com- of people seeking medical help com- plaining. “Clients are sick too, so they’re plained of flu-like symptoms during the understanding,” Breinlinger says. week ended Feb 11, up from a baseline of 2.2 percent, the CDC said. Create backup plans With the flu season expected to last During this flu season into the spring, Insperity’s Marcum advises “Small businesses’ operations are so lean business owners to be proactive to pro- that having two people sick at one time is a tect staffers’ health as well as company very big impact,” says Amy Marcum, a human operations. Employees should be encour- resources consultant with Houston-based aged to work at home if they’re not feel- Insperity. Telecommuting has helped lessen ing well, and to get flu shots if they the flu’s impact on companies like BusBank, haven’t already done so. Some companies WASHINGTON, DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA, United States: Giant panda Bao Bao sits in her outdoor habitat at the Smithsonian’s where staffers mainly work on laptops. So will bring in medical personnel to admin- National Zoo February 21, 2017 in Washington, DC. —AFP customers are getting their buses, Dudley ister shots onsite. says. But some projects like updating the Now is also the time to create backup company’s website have had to be delayed. plans, designating which staffers will cover When Denise Stern’s staffers are sick, for others. Some owners might also want to Bye Bye, Bao Bao: Panda leaves they can’t work, period. Stern owns Let think in advance about arranging to get Mommy Sleep, a franchise company that temporary help if needed. Kristen Burris provides overnight baby care for children estimates she lost a third of her working ranging from newborn to 6 months old - days in January when she was sick three Washington for China and someone who’s sick cannot care for an times and her son was also ill. infant. At times during this flu season, Stern “It’s definitely the worst flu season we has had a quarter of her more than 20 care- have experienced in years,” says Burris, co- WASHINGTON: One of Washington’s most zoo personnel will travel with the panda-along farewell to Bao Bao, some of them traveling long givers calling out sick. “It hit us like a ton of owner of Eagle Acupuncture in Eagle, popular residents left town on Tuesday: Bao with about 30 kilos (65 pounds) of food-mainly distances. Her departure was shown on Facebook bricks,” says Stern, who founded Let Idaho. Her husband, Tony, covered the Bao, the National Zoo’s uber-popular young bamboo, but also apples, cooked sweet pota- Live on Monday. Most giant pandas around the Mommy Sleep and runs the Washington, practice as best he could. But many clients female panda, headed to her new home in toes and special biscuits. world are on loan from China. Any panda cubs DC-area branch of her company. Let whose sessions were canceled just waited China. Bao Bao left Dulles International Airport Once in China, the 3.5-year-old Bao Bao-born born abroad, like Bao Bao, are sent back to China Mommy Sleep also has franchises in north- till their next appointment. Practice hours outside the US capital on a specially outfitted in August 2013 at the National Zoo-will stay in before they turn four. The National Zoo has ern New Jersey and Philadelphia. lost to the flu came on top of cancellations cargo plane for a 16-hour nonstop flight to the quarantine for about a month, before entering played host to pandas since the early 1970s. An When a caregiver is ill, Stern will try to forced by record snowfall in Idaho last Chinese city of Chengdu, home to a special the breeding program. About 60,000 panda estimated 1,800 pandas live in the wild, mainly in call in a backup. But so many employees month. Burris is adding 12 extra hours to research base for giant panda breeding. Two lovers visited the zoo over the weekend to say China’s Sichuan province. —AFP have been sick that at times she either has her weekly schedule in hopes of recouping no one available, or found the family is some income. But the rest? “It’s 100 percent reluctant to have a caregiver they’re not lost,” she says. —AP SpaceX aborts approach to space station, delivery delayed CAPE CANAVERAL, Florida: A navigation error forced SpaceX to delay its shipment to the International Space Station yesterday, following an otherwise smooth flight from NASA’s historic moon pad. SpaceX’s supply ship, the Dragon, was less than a mile from the orbiting outpost when a prob- lem cropped up in the GPS system. The approach was aborted, and the Dragon backed away. NASA said neither the station nor its six-person crew was in any danger, and another attempt would be made Thursday. “As a pilot it is sometimes better to accel- erate and circle around than attempt a difficult landing,” French astronaut Thomas Pesquet said in a tweet from the space station. “Same in space - we’ll be ready tomorrow!” Just a few hours earlier, Russia successfully launched a cargo ship from Kazakhstan, its first since a failed launch in December. SpaceX launched the Dragon capsule Sunday from Kennedy Space Center’s Launch Complex 39A, out of action since NASA’s space shuttle program ended in 2011. It’s KAZAKHSTAN: In this photo provided by the Russian Space Agency (Roscosmos) the same spot where astronauts flew to the moon in the late 1960s and early 1970s. SpaceX has a 20- press service, a Soyuz-U booster rocket carrying the Progress MS-05 spacecraft blasts year lease with NASA for 39A; besides launching off from the Russian-leased Baikonur Cosmodrome in Kazakhstan yesterday. —AP station cargo from there, the company hopes to should arrive Friday. This was the first time that pieces over Siberia. It’s the same kind of rocket send up astronauts as early as next year. SpaceX had to abort a shipment at the last minute used for launching crews, and the accident ended Everything was going well with this latest like this. The private company, led by tech billion- up delaying the return of three space station SpaceX flight until the GPS issue. The Dragon’s aire Elon Musk, has been making station deliveries astronauts and the launch of two others. Russian computers halted the rendezvous from just seven- since 2012. investigators concluded there was a manufactur- SAN FRANCISCO: In this photo, Ashley Breinlinger, a senior vice president at BOCA tenths of a mile away. SpaceX said the problem is In December, Russia lost a load of station sup- ing flaw in the third-stage engine. The 250-mile- Communications, poses with her dog Bella at her office in San Francisco. —AP well understood and can be fixed before Thursday plies shortly after liftoff. The upper stage of the high station is home to two Americans, three morning’s delivery attempt. The Russian supplies Soyuz rocket and the cargo ship ended up in Russians and France’s Pesquet. —AP WHAT’S ON THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 23, 2017

Education and career progression at Kuwait National English School

or several years now, the Kuwait National English School (KNES) has been at the forefront, amongst other English Schools in FKuwait, in the provision of outstanding, qualitative education to our students. Recently, and in furtherance of our enviable position, we hosted several representatives of Universities from the United Kingdom, Canada and the United States of America who came to advise our Key Stage 4 and 5 students about their University educa- tion course choices and future career prospects. The events have been very successful in enlightening our Students and helping them choose a post-secondary career path. Furthermore, it demonstrates our commitment in not only provid- ing a high standard, quality education for our students but also, ensuring that our students consistently receive the right counsel- ing, that will guarantee their academic and career progression. At Kuwait National English School, we aim to enhance the opportunities available to all our students, by careful and experi- enced nurturing of their academic life, positioning them for future successes in education and career. As expected, the feedback from the University representatives and our students has been very posi- tive and we hope to continue fervently, in this unequivocally pro- gressive direction in future.

KES Physics Club visits KNPC

n Monday February12th, a group of 21 KES students (years 7-12) from the Physics Club visited the Kuwait National Petroleum Company (KNPC) in Ahmadi. The trip was organ- ized by physics teacher Nomuoja with the aim to consolidate the concepts of Physics studied in school by observing their applications in the industry. Physics teachers OMillighan and Hendricks also attended the trip. The students were given a warm welcome by Eng Ali Kashawi and a team of senior HSE delegates, followed by an informative presentation about KNPC and its role in the society and global impact. It was a very successful morning, where the students were inspired and motivated by the visit and where they had an opportunity to explore career options and explore how science works in our society. WHAT’S ON THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 23, 2017 Sheraton Kuwait and Four Points By Sheraton Kuwait celebrate the National, Liberation Days

n the occasion of the 56th National Day, the 26th Liberation Day and 11 Oyears of His Highness the Amir’s reign and in conjunction with the celebra- tions of the Sheraton Kuwait of being inaugurated for over 50 years as the first Five-Star hotel in Kuwait and the first hotel to open outside of the United States, Sheraton Kuwait raised the banner of His Highness the Amir and Humanitarian Leader Sheikh Sabah Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah in honor of this momentous occasion and the Four Points by Sheraton Kuwait is adorned with the Kuwait flag rep- resenting our high respect for this country and how thankful we are to have the opportunity to show our appreciation by engaging in the festivals on this meaning- ful occasion. On the occasion of more than five decades of the opening of the Sheraton Kuwait Hotel, which has become a real milestone of its landmarks, bringing up his track record of achievements and a prime location of successes, Fahed Abushaar expressed the pride in the role that the Sheraton Kuwait played, which extended for over 50 years as a pioneer and leader in the world of hospitality for Kuwait and its people. Abushaar the General Manager of Sheraton Kuwait and Mounir Amer, the General Manager of Four Points by Sheraton Kuwait offer their most heartfelt congratulations and appreciation to His Highness the Amir Sheikh Sabah Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah, His Highness the Crown Prince Sheikh Nawaf Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al- Sabah and all the people of Kuwait and its residents. Warba Bank organizes annual staff gathering

arba Bank hosted its annu- steady growth for all of the bank’s seeks to leave its mark in the mar- achievements in 2016, noting that al staff gathering at the indicators.” “As a result, Warba ket through innovative and unique it earned several prestigious WSalwa Sabah Al-Ahmad Bank moves forward today services that enable it to play a awards from trustworthy interna- Hall on Wednesday, February 15, towards improving the infrastruc- vital role in supporting the Kuwaiti tional bodies. 2017. CEO Shaheen Hamad Al- ture of the Islamic banking indus- economy and providing the best During the event, veteran bank Ghanem, management and staff try in Kuwait.” investment and financing tools staff members were honored for attended the event which was held He added addressing staff mem- that earn clients’ trust.” their loyalty and continued efforts under the title ‘together we can.’ bers: “Today we need you to double Ghanem further reiterated that which became the backbone for Shaheen praised the team for your efforts as we move forward Warba Bank is distinguished by the bank’s success in reaching a their performance and constant with our new strategy in partner- offering leading solutions and higher status in the Kuwaiti market efforts that he said played a key ship with international consultancy seeks to obtain a market share of today. The employees also compet- role in helping the bank achieve leader McKinsey & Company. I am 10 percent by 2021, in addition to ed in several competitions organ- record profits, he said: “We man- confidence that we will be able to assuming the third position in the ized during the ceremony, and aged, by God’s well, to achieve work together and as one team and Islamic banking sector and sixth in won awards dedicated in apprecia- great results in 2016, which is the unify our efforts as management the banking sector as a whole. tion to their efforts. fruit of the bank’s productive and staff to implement this strate- Furthermore, he stressed that the Ghanem concluded by saying: medium-term strategy, as well as gy, and therefore support Warba’s bank is likely to achieve record “We consider our employees as can continue moving steadily promise to continue to invest in the efforts of its employees who steady march as it continues to growth and is capable to lure partners in success. We grow with towards further achievements that them and organize training cours- exerted all efforts and dedicated move forward thanks to your con- clients from competitors. In addi- them, and are confident that allows it to become the first choice es that help them attain high com- all of their skills to help achieve a stant dedication and efforts, and tion, he highlighted that the bank’s through their support, Warba Bank and destination for clients. We petitiveness capabilities.”

Author honors martyrs’ families uthor and columnist Abdullah Abbas Bowair Ahosts a ceremony tomorrow on the occasion of the 56th NSH celebrates Anniversary of Independence and 26th Anniversary of Liberation of Kuwait’s Kuwait. Families of Kuwaiti martyrs will be honored during the event National, which takes place at Crowne Plaza Hotel (Andalus Ballroom) starting Liberation Days from 7:00 pm. he continuous celebrations including South African cultural events bring great enthusi- Tasm and excitement among the com- Embassy Closure munity members in the NSH, the single largest employer in the Middle East. It gives n the occasion of the a different style of glory to the expatriate National Day and community during the celebrations of OLiberation Day, the national importance. NSH conducted Embassy of the Republic of South events wherein the dance performed by Africa will be closed from Sunday, Meghana and team won thunderous February 26, 2017 and will applause, and the cricket matches between reopen on Monday, February 27, the managers and the workers added more 2017 with its official office hours beauty. It is also felt by the members that from 8:00 to 16:00 and the with such events it is a manner of paying Consular Section operation hours respect and saluting the nation for all its will be from 8:30 to 12:30. For paternalistic care. The events such as cancer Emergency calls please contact: awareness events are being continued, 94924895. Sabu said. THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 23, 2017 TV PROGRAMS

02:40 Broad City 14:00 Welcome To The Ronks 12:50 How Do They Do It? 04:00 Chopped 03:05 South Park 14:15 Gravity Falls 13:15 Impossible Engineering 05:00 Guy's Grocery Games 03:30 South Park 14:40 Hank Zipzer 14:05 How Do They Do It? 06:00 Barefoot Contessa: Back To Basics 04:00 The Daily Show - Global Edition 15:05 Star Darlings 14:30 Storage Wars Canada 06:30 Barefoot Contessa: Back To Basics 04:25 Catch A Contractor 15:10 Austin & Ally 14:55 Storage Wars Canada 07:00 The Kitchen 01:00 Get Lucky 05:15 Lip Sync Battle 15:35 Jessie 15:20 Alaska: The Last Frontier 08:00 The Pioneer Woman 03:00 Shark Lake 05:40 Ridiculousness 16:00 Bunk'd 16:10 Running Wild With Bear Grylls 08:30 The Pioneer Woman 04:45 Blown Away 06:05 Ridiculousness 16:25 Kirby Buckets 17:00 Deadliest Catch 09:00 Siba's Table: Fast Feasts 07:00 Metro 06:30 Lip Sync Battle 16:50 Rolling To The Ronks 17:50 Fast N' Loud 09:30 Siba's Table: Fast Feasts 09:00 Rivers Nine 06:55 Lip Sync Battle 17:15 Sunny Bunnies 18:40 Misfit Garage 10:00 Anna Olson: Bake 11:15 Batman: Bad Blood 07:20 Framework 17:20 Miraculous Tales Of Ladybug And 19:30 How Do They Do It? 10:30 Anna Olson: Bake 12:45 Blown Away 08:10 Catch A Contractor Cat Noir 19:55 How Do They Do It? 11:00 The Kitchen 15:00 Swelter 09:00 Disaster Date 17:45 Elena Of Avalor 20:20 Running Wild With Bear Grylls 12:00 The Pioneer Woman 16:45 Big Game 09:25 Ridiculousness 18:10 Stuck In The Middle 21:10 Storage Wars Canada 12:30 The Pioneer Woman 18:30 Beverly Hills Cop 3 09:50 Ridiculousness 18:35 Descendants Wicked World 21:35 Storage Wars Canada 13:00 Siba's Table: Fast Feasts 20:30 Divergent 10:15 Key And Peele 18:40 Girl Meets World 22:00 So You Think You'd Survive? 13:30 Siba's Table: Fast Feasts 23:00 Mercury Rising 10:40 Disaster Date 19:05 Bizaardvark 22:50 Legend Of Croc Gold 14:00 Diners, Drive-Ins And Dives 11:05 Ridiculousness 19:30 Bunk'd 23:40 Manhunt With Joel Lambert 14:30 Diners, Drive-Ins And Dives 11:30 The It Crowd 19:55 Best Friends Whenever 15:00 Chopped 11:55 Sweat Inc. 20:20 Disney Mickey Mouse 16:00 The Kitchen 12:45 Idiotsitter 20:25 The Next Step 17:00 Anna Olson: Bake 13:10 Lip Sync Battle 20:50 Austin & Ally 17:30 Anna Olson: Bake 00:00 Insane Pools: Off The Deep End 13:35 The It Crowd 21:15 Star Darlings 18:00 Chopped 00:55 Gator Boys 14:00 Catch A Contractor 21:20 Shake It Up 00:00 Programmes Start At 6:00am KSA 19:00 Guy's Grocery Games 01:50 River Monsters 14:50 Ridiculousness 21:45 Backstage 07:00 Danger Mouse 20:00 Private Chef 02:45 Bondi Vet 15:15 Catch A Contractor 22:10 Liv And Maddie 07:25 Gravity Falls 20:30 Private Chef 03:40 Yankee Jungle 16:05 Idiotsitter 22:35 Cracke 07:50 Atomic Puppet 21:00 Patricia Heaton Parties 04:35 Tanked 16:30 Ridiculousness 22:40 The Next Step 08:15 Star vs The Forces Of Evil 21:30 Patricia Heaton Parties 05:25 Call Of The Wildman 16:55 Ridiculousness 23:05 Best Friends Whenever 08:25 Counterfeit Cat 22:00 Rev Run's Sunday Suppers 05:50 Call Of The Wildman 17:20 Disaster Date 23:30 Jessie 08:40 Supa Strikas 22:30 Rev Run's Sunday Suppers 06:15 Gator Boys 17:45 Lip Sync Battle 23:55 Tsum Tsum Shorts 09:10 K.C. Undercover 23:00 Iron Chef America 07:02 River Monsters 18:10 Key And Peele 09:35 Star Wars Freemaker Adventures 07:49 Insane Pools: Off The Deep End 18:35 Coaching Bad 10:00 Lab Rats Elite Force 08:36 Going Ape 19:25 The It Crowd 10:25 Lab Rats Elite Force 09:00 Going Ape 19:50 Comedy Central Presents Comedy 10:50 Danger Mouse 09:25 Dogs/Cats/Pets 101 3alwagef 11:20 Supa Strikas 10:15 Yankee Jungle 20:20 Comedy Central Presents Comedy 11:45 Supa Strikas 00:15 Coronation Street 11:10 Call Of The Wildman 3alwagef 00:00 Miles From Tomorrow 12:10 Counterfeit Cat 00:40 Coronation Street 11:35 Call Of The Wildman 20:50 Disaster Date 00:30 Miles From Tomorrow 12:35 Pair Of Kings 01:10 The Chase 12:05 Tanked 21:13 Ridiculousness 00:55 PJ Masks 13:00 Pair Of Kings 02:00 Emmerdale 13:00 Dogs/Cats/Pets 101 21:37 I Live With Models 01:20 Henry Hugglemonster 13:30 Future-Worm! 02:30 Coronation Street 13:55 Bondi Vet 22:00 The Daily Show - Global Edition 01:35 The Hive 13:55 Lab Rats 03:00 Coronation Street 14:50 Yankee Jungle 22:30 Inside Amy Schumer 01:45 Loopdidoo 14:20 Lab Rats 03:30 Couples Come Dine With Me 15:45 Gator Boys 22:54 The Half Hour 02:00 Henry Hugglemonster 14:45 Atomic Puppet 04:25 Tina & Bobby 16:40 Call Of The Wildman 23:18 Tosh.0 02:15 Calimero 15:10 Disney Mickey Mouse 05:20 Autopsy: The Last Hours Of... 17:05 Call Of The Wildman 23:42 Tosh.0 02:30 Art Attack 15:15 Star vs The Forces Of Evil 06:15 The Syndicate 17:35 Tanked 02:55 Zou 15:40 Supa Strikas 07:15 The Chase 18:30 River Monsters 03:05 Loopdidoo 16:05 Lab Rats 08:05 Couples Come Dine With Me PARENTHOOD ON OSN MOVIES COMEDY HD 19:25 Gangland Killers 03:20 Henry Hugglemonster 16:30 Gamer's Guide To Pretty Much 09:00 Tina & Bobby 20:20 The Vet Life 03:35 Calimero Everything 10:00 Autopsy: The Last Hours Of... 08:40 Counting Cars 02:10 Dangerous Encounters 21:15 Tanked 03:50 Zou 16:55 Right Now Kapow 11:00 The Syndicate 09:05 Car Hunters 03:00 Super Predators 03:50 Giant Panda: The Last Refuge 22:10 Call Of The Wildman 00:15 Destroyed In Seconds 04:05 Art Attack 17:25 K.C. Undercover 12:00 The Chase 09:30 Pawn Stars 04:45 Ultimate Rivals: Cat V. Dog 22:35 Call Of The Wildman 00:40 Ultimate Survival 04:30 The Hive 17:50 Future-Worm! 12:50 Couples Come Dine With Me 09:55 Pawn Stars 05:40 Unlikely Animal Friends 23:05 Gangland Killers 01:30 Science Of The Movies 04:40 Loopdidoo 18:15 Gravity Falls 13:45 Emmerdale 10:20 Storage Wars 06:35 Super Predators 02:20 Wildest Africa 04:55 Henry Hugglemonster 18:40 Lab Rats Elite Force 14:15 Coronation Street 10:45 Storage Wars 07:30 Giant Panda: The Last Refuge 03:10 Lost & Found With Mike & Jesse 05:10 Art Attack 19:05 Disney Mickey Mouse 14:45 Coronation Street 11:10 American Pickers 08:25 Ultimate Rivals: Cat V. Dog 04:00 Destroyed In Seconds 05:35 Loopdidoo 19:10 Supa Strikas 15:15 The Chase 12:00 Alone 09:20 Unlikely Animal Friends 04:25 Destroyed In Seconds 05:50 Calimero 19:35 Right Now Kapow 16:10 Couples Come Dine With Me 12:50 Time Team 10:15 Dr. Oakley: Yukon Vet 04:50 Ultimate Survival 06:05 Art Attack 20:00 Atomic Puppet 17:00 Don't Tell The Bride 13:40 Swamp People 11:10 Rescue Ink 00:35 Doctors 05:40 How It's Made 06:30 Henry Hugglemonster 20:25 Gamer's Guide To Pretty Much 18:00 The Jonathan Ross Show 14:30 Ax Men 12:05 Ultimate Rivals: Cat V. Dog 01:05 Eastenders 06:05 How It's Made 06:45 Zou Everything 18:50 The Syndicate 15:20 Mountain Men 13:00 Sharks Of Lost Island 01:35 Poldark 06:30 Dirty Jobs 07:00 Art Attack 20:55 K.C. Undercover 19:50 Emmerdale 16:10 Shipping Wars 13:55 Puma: Lion Of The Andes 02:30 Last Tango In Halifax 07:20 Mythbusters 07:30 Henry Hugglemonster 21:20 Kickin' It 20:15 Coronation Street 16:35 Shipping Wars 21:45 Mighty Med 20:45 Coronation Street 17:00 Counting Cars 14:50 Bearhood 22:10 Danger Mouse 21:10 Couples Come Dine With Me 17:25 Counting Cars 15:45 Ultimate Animals 22:40 Disney Mickey Mouse 22:00 Don't Tell The Bride 17:50 Pawn Stars 16:40 Unlikely Animal Friends 22:45 Marvel's Avengers Assemble 23:00 The Jonathan Ross Show 18:15 Pawn Stars 17:35 Dr. Oakley: Yukon Vet 23:10 Ultimate Spider-Man: Web 23:50 Emmerdale 18:40 Leepu And Pitbull 18:30 Rescue Ink Warriors 19:30 Counting Cars 19:25 World's Weirdest 23:35 Boyster 19:55 Car Hunters 20:20 Ultimate Animals 20:20 Mountain Men 21:10 Unlikely Animal Friends 21:10 American Pickers 22:00 Dr. Oakley: Yukon Vet 22:00 Outlaw Chronicles: Hells Angels 22:50 Rescue Ink 00:00 Your Bleeped Up Brain 22:50 Search For The Lost Giants 23:40 World's Weirdest 01:00 The Universe: Ancient Mysteries 23:40 Hunting Hitler 00:00 E! News Solved 00:15 Mariah's World 02:00 Warriors 01:05 Mariah's World 03:00 Ancient Discoveries 01:55 Mariah's World 04:00 Missing In Alaska 02:50 E! News 04:50 Ancient Aliens 00:00 Bus 657 03:50 Dash Dolls 05:40 Your Bleeped Up Brain 00:20 Sara's Australia Unveiled 02:00 The Boy 04:45 Dash Dolls 06:30 The Universe: Ancient Mysteries 00:45 Delinquent Gourmet 04:00 Backtrack 05:40 Dash Dolls Solved 01:10 David Rocco's Dolce Vita 06:00 A Mother Betrayed 06:30 Fashion Bloggers 07:20 America: The Story Of The U.S. 01:35 Testing The Menu With Nic Watt 08:00 Assassin's Bullet 07:00 Hollywood Medium With Tyler 08:10 The Universe 02:00 Ariana's Persian Kitchen 10:00 Two Wrongs Henry 09:00 Ancient Discoveries 02:25 Lee Chan's World Food Tour 12:00 First Response 07:55 E! News 10:00 Missing In Alaska 02:50 Lee Chan's World Food Tour 14:00 The Last Survivors 08:10 Hollywood Medium With Tyler 11:00 Ancient Aliens 03:15 Chocolate Covered 16:00 Turbulence Henry 12:00 Your Bleeped Up Brain 03:40 Glamour Puds 18:00 Pay The Ghost 09:10 E! News 13:00 The Universe: Ancient Mysteries 04:05 Tripping Out With Alie & Georgia 20:00 Landmine Goes Click 10:10 Mariah's World Solved 04:30 Valentine Warner Eats Scandinavia 22:00 The Purge 11:05 Mariah's World 14:00 America: The Story Of The U.S. 04:55 Maximum Foodie 12:00 Mariah's World 15:00 Ancient Discoveries 05:20 This Is Brazil 13:00 E! News 16:00 Missing In Alaska 06:10 Charlie Luxton's Homes By The 13:15 Revenge Body With Khloe 17:00 Ancient Aliens Sea BIG GAME ON OSN MOVIES ACTION Kardashian 18:00 Your Bleeped Up Brain 07:00 Chocolate Covered 14:10 Revenge Body With Khloe 19:00 The Universe: Ancient Mysteries 07:25 Glamour Puds 01:00 High School Musical 3: Senior Year 07:50 Ariana's Persian Kitchen 03:00 Turbo: A Power Rangers Movie 03:25 Ripper Street 08:00 Kids vs Film 07:45 Loopdidoo Kardashian Solved 08:15 Lee Chan's World Food Tour 05:00 Batman Unlimited: Animal Instincts 04:20 Orphan Black 08:25 Bear Grylls Survival School 08:00 Zou 15:05 Revenge Body With Khloe 20:00 America: The Story Of The U.S. 08:40 Lee Chan's World Food Tour 06:30 Kim Possible: So The Drama 05:05 Doctors 08:50 Bondi Vet 08:15 Calimero Kardashian 21:00 Ancient Discoveries 09:05 Chocolate Covered 08:00 Turbo: A Power Rangers Movie 05:35 Eastenders 09:40 How It's Made 08:30 Loopdidoo 16:00 E! News 22:00 Missing In Alaska 09:30 Glamour Puds 10:00 Lilo & Stitch 06:05 New Tricks 10:05 How It's Made 08:45 Henry Hugglemonster 16:15 Rob & Chyna 23:00 Ancient Aliens 09:55 Tripping Out With Alie & Georgia 12:00 Kim Possible: So The Drama 07:00 Doctors 10:30 Science Of The Movies 09:00 Minnie's Bow-Toons 17:15 Rob & Chyna 10:20 Valentine Warner Eats Scandinavia 13:45 Hercules (1997) 07:30 Eastenders 11:20 Mythbusters 09:05 Sheriff Callie's Wild West 18:10 Rob & Chyna 10:45 Maximum Foodie 15:45 Stitch! The Movie 08:00 Holby City 12:10 Bondi Vet 09:15 Jake And The Neverland Pirates 19:05 Celebrity Style Story 11:10 This Is Brazil 17:15 Underdog 08:55 Death In Paradise 13:00 Ultimate Survival 09:30 Miles From Tomorrow 19:30 Celebrity Style Story 12:00 Charlie Luxton's Homes By The 19:15 Hannah Montana Movie 09:50 The Coroner 13:50 How It's Made 09:45 Goldie & Bear 20:00 E! News Sea 21:15 The Santa Clause 3 10:35 New Tricks 14:15 How It's Made 09:55 The Lion Guard 21:00 Mariah's World 12:50 Chocolate Covered 23:15 Stitch! The Movie 11:30 Doctors 14:40 Dirty Jobs 10:20 PJ Masks 22:00 Mariah's World 00:30 American Pickers 13:15 Glamour Puds 12:00 Eastenders 15:30 Mythbusters 10:35 Jake And The Neverland Pirates 23:00 Mariah's World 01:20 Time Team 13:40 Ariana's Persian Kitchen 12:30 Death In Paradise 16:20 Science Of The Movies 10:50 Doc McStuffins 02:10 Counting Cars 14:05 This Is Brazil 13:25 The Coroner 17:10 Kids vs Film 11:00 Goldie & Bear 02:35 Car Hunters 15:00 Glamour Puds 14:20 New Tricks 17:35 Bear Grylls Survival School 11:15 PJ Masks 03:00 Forged In Fire 15:30 Tripping Out With Alie & Georgia 00:00 Entourage 15:15 Doctors 18:00 NASA's Greatest Missions 11:30 Minnie's Bow-Toons 03:50 Storage Wars 15:55 Valentine Warner Eats Scandinavia 02:00 The Atticus Institute 15:45 Eastenders 18:50 NASA's Unexplained Files 11:35 The Lion Guard 04:15 American Pickers 16:25 Maximum Foodie 04:00 The Benefactor 16:15 Death In Paradise 19:40 Destroyed In Seconds 12:00 Sofia The First 00:00 Chopped 05:05 Pawn Stars 16:50 Confucius Was A Foodie 06:00 Suffragette 17:10 The Coroner 20:05 Destroyed In Seconds 12:30 Doc McStuffins 01:00 Food Network Star 05:30 Pawn Stars 17:45 Rustic Adventure Argentina 08:00 Ride Along 2 18:05 New Tricks 20:30 How It's Made 12:55 Mickey Mouse Clubhouse 02:00 Diners, Drive-Ins And Dives 06:00 Mountain Men 18:15 Charlie Luxton's Homes By The 10:00 Kindergarten Cop 2 19:00 Doctors 20:55 How It's Made 13:20 My Friends Tigger & Pooh 02:30 Diners, Drive-Ins And Dives 07:00 Alaska Off-Road Warriors Sea 12:00 Zoolander 2 19:30 Eastenders 21:20 Mythbusters 13:50 Sheriff Callie's Wild West 03:00 Man Fire Food 07:50 Shipping Wars 19:10 Glamour Puds 14:00 Madoff Part 1 20:05 Death In Paradise 22:10 NASA's Greatest Missions 14:15 Gummi Bears 03:30 Man Fire Food 08:15 Shipping Wars 19:35 Andy And Ben Eat The World 15:30 Madoff Part 2 21:00 Holby City 23:00 NASA's Unexplained Files 14:40 Sofia The First 20:05 Valentine Warner Eats Scandinavia 17:00 Spooks: The Greater Good 22:00 Mum 23:50 Destroyed In Seconds 15:10 Little Mermaid 22:30 Uncle 15:35 PJ Masks 20:30 Maximum Foodie 18:45 Maze Runner: The Scorch Trials 23:00 The Detectorists 16:00 My Friends Tigger & Pooh 21:00 Confucius Was A Foodie 21:00 The Man From U.N.C.L.E. 23:30 The Detectorists 16:30 The Lion Guard 21:50 Rustic Adventure Argentina 23:00 Deadpool 16:55 Unbungalievable 22:15 Charlie Luxton's Homes By The 17:00 Miles From Tomorrow Sea 17:30 Jake And The Never Land Pirates 23:05 Glamour Puds 23:30 Andy And Ben Eat The World 00:00 Kirby Buckets 17:55 The Lion Guard 23:55 Ariana's Persian Kitchen 00:25 Sabrina Secrets Of A Teenage 18:20 Goldie & Bear 00:00 My Crazy Ex Witch 18:50 PJ Masks 01:00 Don Peyote 01:00 My Ghost Story: Caught On 00:50 Sabrina Secrets Of A Teenage 19:15 Sofia The First 03:00 After The Ball Camera Witch 19:40 Doc McStuffins 05:00 With This Ring 02:00 My Haunted House 01:10 Hank Zipzer 20:05 Jake And The Never Land Pirates 07:00 Parenthood 03:00 I Was Possessed 01:35 Binny And The Ghost 20:30 Little Mermaid 09:00 After The Ball 04:00 My Crazy Ex 02:00 Violetta 21:00 Miles From Tomorrow 00:20 Hunt For The Abominable 11:00 With This Ring 05:00 My Ghost Story: Caught On 02:45 The Hive 21:30 Miles From Tomorrow Snowman 13:00 Parenthood Camera 02:50 Sabrina Secrets Of A Teenage 22:00 Unbungalievable 01:10 Cesar's Recruit: Asia 15:00 Pixels 06:00 My Haunted House Witch 22:05 Goldie & Bear 02:00 Miracle Hospital 17:00 Other Plans 07:00 I Was Possessed 03:15 Sabrina Secrets Of A Teenage 22:35 Miles From Tomorrow 03:00 Egypt's Treasure Guardians 19:00 Baby Mama 08:00 Evil Up Close Witch 23:00 My Friends Tigger & Pooh 03:55 Startalk 21:00 She's Funny That Way 09:00 Evil Up Close 03:40 Hank Zipzer 23:25 Gummi Bears 04:50 Cesar's Recruit: Asia 23:00 How To Make Love Like An 10:00 Crimes That Shook Britain 04:05 Binny And The Ghost 23:55 Minnie's Bow-Toons 05:45 Ancient X-Files Englishman 11:00 It Takes A Killer 04:30 Violetta 06:40 Yukon Gold 11:30 It Takes A Killer 05:15 The Hive 07:35 Ultimate Airport Dubai 12:00 Gangs Of Britain... 05:20 Sabrina Secrets Of A Teenage 08:30 Megastructures 13:00 Gangs Of Britain... Witch 09:25 Mega Factories: Supercars 14:00 Gangs Of Britain... 05:45 Sabrina Secrets Of A Teenage 10:20 Ancient X-Files 15:00 Gangs Of Britain... Witch 11:15 Apocalypse: The Battle Of Verdun 01:30 Twelve Monkeys 16:00 Evil Up Close 06:10 Hank Zipzer 00:30 Fast N' Loud 12:10 Apocalypse: The Battle Of Verdun 04:00 The Sting 17:00 Crimes That Shook Britain 06:35 Binny And The Ghost 01:20 Misfit Garage 13:05 Locked Up Abroad 06:30 The Rainmaker 18:00 It Takes A Killer 07:00 Violetta 02:10 Made By Destruction 14:00 Mega Factories: Supercars 08:45 WarGames 18:30 It Takes A Killer 07:45 The Hive 02:35 Made By Destruction 15:00 Megastructures 10:45 A Perfect Day 19:00 Nightmare In Suburbia 07:50 The 7D 03:00 How Do They Do It? 16:00 Ultimate Airport Dubai 12:30 The Blind Side 20:00 The First 48 08:00 Jessie 03:25 How Do They Do It? 17:00 Ghosts Of Pearl Harbor 14:45 Get On Up 21:00 The First 48 08:25 Jessie 03:50 Impossible Engineering 18:00 Bugging Hitler's Army 17:00 Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon 22:00 Crimes That Shook Britain 08:50 Rolling To The Ronks 04:40 Fast N' Loud 19:00 Locked Up Abroad 19:00 Star Wars: The Force Awakens 23:00 Evil Up Close 09:15 Tsum Tsum Shorts 05:30 Storage Wars Canada 20:00 Taboo USA 21:15 Interstellar 09:20 Elena Of Avalor 06:00 How Do They Do It? 21:00 Ghosts Of Pearl Harbor 09:45 Bunk'd 06:30 How Do They Do It? 21:50 Bugging Hitler's Army 10:10 Stuck In The Middle 07:00 Deadliest Catch 22:40 Locked Up Abroad 10:35 Wizards Of Waverly Place 07:50 Misfit Garage 23:30 Taboo USA 11:00 Wizards Of Waverly Place 08:40 Fast N' Loud 00:05 Tosh.0 11:25 A.N.T. Farm 09:30 Running Wild With Bear Grylls 00:15 Ghatothkach - Master Of Magic 00:30 The Daily Show - Global Edition 11:50 A.N.T. Farm 10:20 Storage Wars Canada 02:00 The Adventures Of Don Quixote 01:00 The Meltdown With Jonah And 12:15 Good Luck Charlie 10:45 How Do They Do It? 03:45 Memory Loss Kumail 12:40 Good Luck Charlie 11:10 How Do They Do It? 05:15 Jungle Book: Mowgli's Adventure 01:25 South Park 13:05 Shake It Up 11:35 Made By Destruction 00:30 Invasion Of The Killer Whales 07:00 Scooby-Doo! And The Beach 01:50 South Park 13:30 Shake It Up 12:00 Made By Destruction 01:20 Predator Battleground Beastie 02:15 Tosh.0 13:55 Disney Mickey Mouse 12:25 How Do They Do It? ENTOURAGE ON OSN MOVIES HD Classifieds

THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 23, 2017

KNCC PROGRAMME FROM THURSDAY TO WEDNESDAY (23/02/2017 TO 01/03/2017)

SHARQIA-1 ROCK DOG 3:00 PM THE DEVIL’S CANDY 11:00 PM A DOG’S PURPOSE 12:00 PM ROCK DOG 5:00 PM THE DEVIL’S CANDY 12:45 AM A DOG’S PURPOSE 2:00 PM EL QERD BEYETKALIM-Arabic 7:00 PM ELIMINATORS 4:00 PM HAMAH - Kuwaiti Film 9:00 PM MARINA-3 HAMAH - Kuwaiti Film 6:00 PM THE DEVIL’S CANDY 10:30 PM ROCK DOG 12:00 PM A DOG’S PURPOSE 7:30 PM THE DEVIL’S CANDY 12:15 AM ROCK DOG 2:00 PM HAMAH - Kuwaiti Film 9:30 PM ROCK DOG 4:00 PM ELIMINATORS 11:00 PM FANAR-2 ROCK DOG 6:00 PM ELIMINATORS 1:00 AM A DOG’S PURPOSE 12:30 PM THE WORTHY - Arabic 8:00 PM ELIMINATORS 2:45 PM THE WORTHY - Arabic 110:15 PM SHARQIA-2 HAMAH - Kuwaiti Film 5:00 PM THE WORTHY - Arabic 12:30 AM HIDDEN FIGURES 12:00 PM A DOG’S PURPOSE 6:30 PM HIDDEN FIGURES 2:30 PM A DOG’S PURPOSE 8:45 PM AVENUES-1 THE WORTHY - Arabic 5:00 PM ELIMINATORS 11:00 PM A DOG’S PURPOSE 12:45 PM HIDDEN FIGURES 7:15 PM ELIMINATORS 1:00 AM A DOG’S PURPOSE 3:00 PM THE WORTHY - Arabic 9:45 PM A DOG’S PURPOSE 5:15 PM HIDDEN FIGURES 12:05 AM FANAR-3 A DOG’S PURPOSE 7:30 PM RANGOON - Hindi 1:00 PM A DOG’S PURPOSE 9:45 PM SHARQIA-3 MERCURY PLAINS 2:00 PM WINNER- Telugu 3:45 PM ROCK DOG 1:00 PM FRI WINNER- Telugu 6:45 PM ROCK DOG 3:00 PM MERCURY PLAINS 4:00 PM WINNER- Telugu 9:45 PM ROCK DOG 5:00 PM RANGOON - Hindi 6:00 PM SPLIT 12:45 AM MERCURY PLAINS 7:00 PM MERCURY PLAINS 9:00 PM THE DEVIL’S CANDY 9:00 PM MERCURY PLAINS 11:00 PM AVENUES-2 MERCURY PLAINS 10:45 PM MERCURY PLAINS 1:00 AM JOHN WICK: CHAPTER 2 - 2D-4DX 12:15 PM THE DEVIL’S CANDY 12:45 AM THE LEGO BATMAN MOVIE - 3D-4DX 2:45 PM FANAR-4 THE LEGO BATMAN MOVIE - 3D-4DX 5:00 PM MUHALAB-1 HIDDEN FIGURES 12:15 PM THE LEGO BATMAN MOVIE - 3D-4DX 7:15 PM ROCK DOG 12:45 PM HIDDEN FIGURES 2:45 PM JOHN WICK: CHAPTER 2 - 2D-4DX 9:30 PM ROCK DOG 2:45 PM HIDDEN FIGURES 5:15 PM JOHN WICK: CHAPTER 2 - 2D-4DX 12:05 AM ROCK DOG 4:45 PM HIDDEN FIGURES 7:45 PM 112 RANGOON - Hindi 6:45 PM HIDDEN FIGURES 10:15 PM AVENUES-3 MERCURY PLAINS 9:45 PM HIDDEN FIGURES 12:45 AM MERCURY PLAINS 12:15 PM MERCURY PLAINS 11:45 PM MERCURY PLAINS 2:30 PM FANAR-5 MERCURY PLAINS 4:45 PM MUHALAB-2 THE WORTHY - Arabic 11:45 AM MERCURY PLAINS 7:00 PM Automated enquiry about A DOG’S PURPOSE 1:00 PM THE WORTHY - Arabic 2:00 PM MERCURY PLAINS 9:15 PM A DOG’S PURPOSE 1:30 PM THE WORTHY - Arabic 4:15 PM MERCURY PLAINS 11:30 PM the Civil ID card is A DOG’S PURPOSE 3:00 PM THE WORTHY - Arabic 6:30 PM A DOG’S PURPOSE 5:00 PM WINNER- Telugu 6:30 PM 360 º- 1 WINNER- Telugu 4:00 PM THE WORTHY - Arabic 9:30 PM THE WORTHY - Arabic 12:30 PM 1889988 KAABIL - HINDI 7:00 PM EL QERD BEYETKALIM-Arabic 11:45 PM THE WORTHY - Arabic 2:45 PM WINNER - Telugu 7:00 PM THE WORTHY - Arabic 5:00 PM THE DEVIL’S CANDY 10:00 PM MARINA-1 THE WORTHY - Arabic 7:15 PM WINNER- Telugu 10:00 PM ELIMINATORS 1:00 PM THE WORTHY - Arabic 9:30 PM THE DEVIL’S CANDY 1:00 AM A DOG’S PURPOSE 3:15 PM THE WORTHY - Arabic 11:45 PM PRAYER TIMINGS A DOG’S PURPOSE 5:30 PM MUHALAB-3 A DOG’S PURPOSE 7:45 PM 360º- 2 Fajr: 05:01 HIDDEN FIGURES 12:30 PM ELIMINATORS 10:00 PM SPLIT 1:30 PM HIDDEN FIGURES 3:00 PM ELIMINATORS 12:05 AM KAABIL - HINDI 4:00 PM Shorook: 06:20 HIDDEN FIGURES 5:30 PM RANGOON - Hindi 6:45 PM THE WORTHY - Arabic 8:00 PM MARINA-2 RANGOON - Hindi 9:45 PM Duhr: 12:01 HIDDEN FIGURES 10:15 PM HIDDEN FIGURES 1:00 PM SPLIT 12:45 AM THE WORTHY - Arabic 12:45 AM THE DEVIL’S CANDY 1:45 PM Asr: 15:17 HIDDEN FIGURES 3:30 PM 360º- 3 FANAR-1 HIDDEN FIGURES 6:00 PM ROCK DOG 12:15 PM Maghrib: 17:43 ROCK DOG 1:00 PM HIDDEN FIGURES 8:30 PM ROCK DOG 2:15 PM Isha: 10:00

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

Arrival Flights on Thursday 23/2/2017 FDB 8055 Dubai 13:20 Departure Flights on Thursday 23/2/2017 MEA 401 Beirut 13:55 Airlines Flt Route Time KAC 614 Bahrain 13:30 Airlines Flt Route Time ABY 120 Sharjah 13:55 JZR 267 Beirut 00:30 KAC 564 Amman 13:40 AIC 976 Goa/Chennai 00:05 MSR 611 Cairo 14:00 JZR 539 Cairo 00:40 KAC 788 Jeddah 13:45 JAI 573 Mumbai 00:30 TXC 1625 IQA 14:00 KAC 102 London 00:55 FEG 931 Alexandria 13:55 PIA 240 Sialkot 00:40 FDB 8056 Dubai 14:05 THY 772 Istanbul 00:55 KNE 231 Riyadh 13:55 FDB 072 Dubai 00:40 FDB 076 Dubai 14:05 MSC 411 Asyut 01:00 QTR 1078 Doha 14:10 BBC 044 Dhaka 01:30 AXB 394 Kozhikode 14:10 RJA 642 Amman 01:05 SVA 500 Jeddah 14:15 MSC 412 Asyut 01:55 UAE 872 Dubai 14:15 QTR 1086 Doha 01:15 FDB 059 Dubai 14:20 KAC 417 Manila 02:00 KAC 561 Amman 14:20 SAI 441 Lahore 01:30 KAC 692 Muscat 14:30 THY 773 Istanbul 02:25 KAC 521 Al Najaf 14:45 THY 764 Istanbul 01:50 UAE 2553 Dubai 14:30 SAI 442 Lahore 02:30 KNE 382 Taif 14:50 FEG 932 Sharm el-Sheikh 14:55 DLH 635 Doha 01:55 KAC 414 Bangkok 14:35 DLH 635 Frankfurt 02:55 KAC 673 Dubai 15:00 PGT 858 Istanbul 02:00 GFA 221 Bahrain 14:40 AXB 396 Kozhikode 02:55 FDB 060 Dubai 15:10 AXB 395 Kozhikode 02:00 KAC 672 Dubai 14:50 ETH 621 Addis Ababa 03:05 KAC 785 Jeddah 15:15 ETH 620 Addis Ababa 02:05 KNE 529 Jeddah 14:55 PGT 859 Istanbul 03:35 PAL 669 Dubai/Manila 15:20 GFA 211 Bahrain 02:30 ETD 303 Abu Dhabi 15:15 UAE 854 Dubai 03:45 GFA 222 Bahrain 15:25 UAE 853 Dubai 02:30 FDB 8053 Dubai 15:15 JZR 1902 GYD 03:50 JZR 188 Dubai 15:40 OMA 643 Muscat 02:55 MEA 406 Beirut 15:25 KKK 6505 Istanbul 03:55 QTR 1079 Doha 15:40 KKK 6506 Istanbul 02:55 KNE 535 Jeddah 15:35 OMA 644 Muscat 03:55 SVA 501 Jeddah 15:45 FDB 069 Dubai 03:05 OMA 645 Muscat 15:35 THY 765 Istanbul 04:00 KNE 530 Jeddah 15:55 ETD 305 Abu Dhabi 03:10 UAE 857 Dubai 15:45 MSR 613 Cairo 04:10 UAE 2554 Dubai 16:00 MSR 612 Cairo 03:10 ABY 127 Sharjah 15:50 ETD 306 Abu Dhabi 04:10 FDB 8054 Dubai 16:05 THY 6614 Istanbul 03:20 KAC 154 Istanbul 15:55 KAC 167 Paris 04:25 ETD 304 Abu Dhabi 16:20 QTR 1076 Doha 03:30 SAW 705 Damascus 16:00 QTR 1077 Doha 04:40 KAC 357 Kochi 16:20 KAC 546 Cairo 03:55 KNE 531 Jeddah 16:05 THY 6614 NBO 04:50 MEA 407 Beirut 16:25 LMU 510 Cairo 04:00 KAC 542 Cairo 16:05 LMU 511 Cairo 05:00 KNE 536 Jeddah 16:25 MSC 501 Alexandria 04:05 QTR 1072 Doha 16:10 MSC 502 Alexandria 05:05 ABY 128 Sharjah 16:30 KAC 418 Manila 04:25 JZR 535 Cairo 16:10 QTR 1087 Doha 05:50 OMA 646 Muscat 16:35 KAC 284 Dhaka 04:55 JZR 779 Jeddah 16:10 FEG 954 Asyut 06:00 SAW 706 Damascus 16:55 UAE 873 Dubai 04:55 FDB 051 Dubai 16:25 JZR 560 Sohag 06:05 KNE 532 Jeddah 16:55 FEG 933 Sohag 05:00 KAC 662 Abu Dhabi 16:35 FDB 070 Dubai 06:30 KAC 675 Dubai 17:00 JZR 266 Beirut 17:05 JZR 503 Luxor 05:10 RJA 640 Amman 16:55 UAE 874 Dubai 06:50 JZR 240 Amman 17:15 JZR 529 Asyut 05:15 KAC 118 New York 17:00 UAE 874 Dubai 06:50 FDB 052 Dubai 17:25 DHX 170 Bahrain 05:20 JZR 787 Riyadh 17:00 THY 771 Istanbul 06:50 KAC 615 Bahrain 17:35 KAC 354 BLR 05:20 SVA 510 Riyadh 17:15 KAC 165 Rome 06:55 QTR 1073 Doha 17:40 KAC 332 Trivandrum 05:45 GFA 215 Bahrain 17:30 JZR 164 Dubai 06:55 KAC 343 Chennai 17:40 THY 770 Istanbul 05:55 JZR 777 Jeddah 17:45 RJA 643 Amman 07:05 JZR 538 Cairo 17:45 KAC 364 Colombo 06:05 FDB 8075 Dubai 17:50 JZR 238 Amman 07:10 UAE 858 Dubai 17:45 KAC 206 Islamabad 06:20 NIA 251 Alexandria 17:55 GFA 212 Bahrain 07:15 RJA 641 Amman 17:55 KAC 346 Ahmedabad 06:25 UAE 875 Dubai 18:00 KAC 773 Riyadh 07:30 KAC 331 Trivandrum 18:00 BAW 157 London 06:40 FDB 063 Dubai 18:10 KAC 787 Jeddah 07:45 KAC 353 BLR 18:15 QTR 8511 Doha 07:00 JZR 177 Dubai 18:20 FDB 5062 Dubai 07:55 SVA 511 Riyadh 18:15 PAL 668 Manila/Dubai 07:00 KAC 522 Al Najaf 18:25 KAC 563 Amman 08:00 GFA 216 Bahrain 18:20 MEA 408 Beirut 07:10 MSR 620 Cairo 18:30 MEA 409 Beirut 08:10 KAC 283 Dhaka 18:30 FDB 5061 Dubai 07:15 QTR 1080 Doha 18:50 KAC 411 Bangkok 08:20 FDB 8076 Dubai 18:35 KAC 204 Lahore 07:15 FDB 8051 Dubai 19:00 IAW 158B Al Najaf 08:30 JZR 184 Dubai 18:40 IAW 157A Baghdad 07:30 ABY 123 Sharjah 19:25 KAC 541 Cairo 08:40 JZR 554 Alexandria 18:55 FDB 053 Dubai 07:50 GFA 217 Bahrain 19:30 KAC 541 Cairo 08:40 NIA 252 Alexandria 18:55 KAC 302 Mumbai 08:20 KAC 502 Beirut 19:30 FDB 054 Dubai 08:55 FDB 064 Dubai 19:05 UAE 855 Dubai 08:40 KAC 674 Dubai 19:45 KAC 691 Muscat 09:00 JZR 124 Bahrain 19:15 KAC 382 Delhi 08:45 FDB 057 Dubai 19:50 QTR 8512 Doha 09:00 UAE 876 Dubai 19:30 MSR 621 Cairo 19:30 IRA 667 Esfahan 09:00 KNE 381 Taif 19:55 KAC 743 Dammam 09:00 FDB 8052 Dubai 19:50 ETD 301 Abu Dhabi 09:05 KAC 168 Paris 19:55 KAC 117 SNN/New York 09:00 QTR 1081 Doha 19:50 ABY 125 Sharjah 09:05 KAC 166 Rome 19:55 JZR 534 Cairo 09:15 ABY 124 Sharjah 20:05 KAC 352 Kochi 09:10 KAC 562 Amman 20:00 KAC 101 London 09:35 GFA 218 Bahrain 20:15 JZR 1903 GYD 09:20 MSR 618 Alexandria 20:05 ABY 126 Sharjah 09:45 KAC 383 Delhi 20:30 QTR 1070 Doha 09:30 OMA 647 Muscat 20:10 UAE 856 Dubai 09:55 FDB 058 Dubai 20:35 FDB 055 Dubai 09:40 JZR 189 Dubai 20:15 IRA 668 Mashhad 10:00 KAC 361 Colombo 20:35 SVA 512 Riyadh 10:00 QTR 1088 Doha 20:35 KAC 671 Dubai 10:05 KAC 775 Riyadh 20:45 AVV 653 Sohag 10:10 DLH 634 Frankfurt 20:45 ETD 302 Abu Dhabi 10:10 KNE 232 Riyadh 20:55 IRA 673 Ahwaz 10:10 FDB 5053 Dubai 20:50 KAC 613 Bahrain 10:10 MSR 619 Alexandria 21:05 GFA 213 Bahrain 10:40 KAC 616 Bahrain 20:50 JZR 778 Jeddah 10:30 OMA 648 Muscat 21:10 SYR 341 Damascus 11:00 KAC 786 Jeddah 21:15 FDB 056 Dubai 10:35 KAC 619 Doha 21:20 KAC 774 Riyadh 11:05 ETD 307 Abu Dhabi 21:20 QTR 1071 Doha 10:40 QTR 1089 Doha 21:35 RBG 553 Alexandria 11:15 MEA 402 Beirut 21:20 SVA 513 Riyadh 11:00 DLH 634 Doha 21:35 MSC 403 Asyut 11:15 ALK 229 Colombo 21:25 IRA 672 Ahwaz 11:10 FDB 5054 Dubai 21:50 JZR 165 Dubai 11:30 UAE 859 Dubai 21:40 AVV 654 Asyut 11:10 DHX 171 Bahrain 21:50 FDK 801 Damascus 11:45 KAC 676 Dubai 21:45 GFA 214 Bahrain 11:25 KAC 205 Islamabad 22:00 MEA 404 Beirut 11:55 GFA 219 Bahrain 21:45 RBG 554 Alexandria 11:55 KAC 351 Kochi 22:00 KAC 744 Dammam 12:10 QTR 1082 Doha 22:00 KAC 501 Beirut 11:55 KAC 783 Jeddah 22:10 FDB 8057 Dubai 12:20 KLM 417 Amsterdam 22:05 SYR 342 Damascus 12:00 ETD 308 Abu Dhabi 22:15 MEA 403 Beirut 22:20 KAC 286 Dhaka 12:25 JZR 125 Bahrain 22:05 JZR 776 Jeddah 12:05 ALK 230 Colombo 22:25 FEG 953 Asyut 12:35 NIA 151 Cairo 22:10 KAC 661 Abu Dhabi 12:05 GFA 220 Bahrain 22:30 JZR 561 Sohag 12:40 ETD 309 Abu Dhabi 22:15 MSC 404 Asyut 12:15 KAC 301 Mumbai 22:45 JZR 239 Amman 12:45 AIC 981 Chennai/Ahmedabad 22:25 FDK 802 Damascus 12:45 KAC 1543 Cairo 22:45 FDB 075 Dubai 12:50 JZR 241 Amman 22:45 MEA 405 Beirut 12:55 KAC 381 Delhi 22:45 UAE 871 Dubai 12:50 JAI 574 Mumbai 23:00 FDB 8058 Dubai 13:20 UAE 860 Dubai 22:55 MEA 400 Beirut 12:55 MEA 410 Beirut 23:10 FEG 934 Sohag 13:35 KLM 417 Dammam/Amsterdam 23:05 MSR 610 Cairo 13:00 JZR 185 Dubai 23:15 JZR 786 Riyadh 13:45 ETD 310 Abu Dhabi 23:05 AXB 393 Kozhikode 13:10 KAC 156 Istanbul 23:25 JZR 176 Dubai 13:45 NIA 152 Cairo 23:10 ABY 129 Sharjah 13:15 FDB 071 Dubai 23:45 KAC 155 Istanbul 13:50 QTR 1083 Doha 23:20 stars34 THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 23, 2017

CROSSWORD 1530 STAR TRACK

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

You may be very expressive in speaking or communicating. People will Take a little time each day to find the ways in which you can improve understand just what you mean. You may feel that you are in touch and your power and you will find some exciting experiences. You are also thinking about in harmony with others; the lines of communication are open. Successful results can future opportunities for growth and travel as well as financial gains. Take one thing at occur as you work with others. You may be asked to carry through on a particular job. a time and create ways in which to secure or improve your job identity. Secure your If you are looking for support you will not have to look far-the support you need is mobility by taking care of your vehicle today. Do not wait too long to perform main- there. You may find yourself looking for a little emotional release this afternoon and a tenance on your vehicle as an oil change would be beneficial. Check the belts, brakes little exercise should be considered. You can appreciate the results of good exercise and tires as well. This precaution is to save time and money to head off future delays and you may talk a friend into a bicycle ride later this afternoon. Tonight there is time and costs. A social affair this evening gives you an opportunity to network. You to read a romantic book or take in a movie. Romance is promising this evening. instinctively know who to impress and can charm anyone.

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

You may find yourself at odds with those around you or with your life Professionally speaking, you may want to retrain yourself today. Others situation regarding issues of great sensitivity-very personal. Difficulties, blocks and all need to catch up and could use your help in understanding some new method of work- manner of hot spots may be discovered and worked through today. You will be able ing or using equipment. Today seems to be all about paying attention to the trends of to breeze through and find a solution to these problems quickly. Your natural charm change around you and your expectations. Be smart with finances while shopping this and your artistic abilities may provide you with just what you need to enjoy financial afternoon. Whatever you may be wanting to purchase may have to wait a day or so. success. This is an excellent time to start new projects or work on new ideas with your Universal conditions will change and so will your vision of what is unique or appropriate co-workers. Incentives and rewards become a part of creating the best results for an for your personal enjoyment. You might enjoy a drive in the country this evening or a earnest group of people to hit the mark of success. When goals are reached, the good recorded book. Books on tape and music played on your preference of player are progress continues and is eventually handed down. This time indicates strength. enjoyable ways to pass time while exercising or driving a car or tending to chores.

Gemini (May 21-June 20) Sagittarius (November 22-December 21) This is one of those days that find you wishing you could just stay You have not had a party in a very long time and at this time you might home. An attitude of gratitude will see you through the day with few find that you spend a great deal of time thinking about what to do for the next party and repercussions. Everyone seems to be either in a state of change or focused on the who would appreciate such a party. At work, your preoccupation may leave you out of business at hand. Make a concentrated effort to bring balance into your day. This some important conversation, so write down a few notes regarding your thoughts on means work, fun, nutritious meals; you know-all the things your mother taught you. ACROSS DOWN the party and then you will be able to pay attention to the work in your workplace. The After work, you could involve yourself with a bit of exercise, perhaps with a friend. 1. Nut of any of several trees of the genus 1. Providing sophisticated amusement by noon break may provide the opportunity to shop and gain some more ideas about a This activity will help relieve an edgy feeling that may have occurred because of Corylus. virtue of having artificially (and vulgarly) party. You may decide to have a theme party-perhaps a masquerade party. If you can stress. If you become aware of some underlying negative from a member of your 4. (of non-living objects) The state of being mannered or banal or sentimental quali- keep your patience intact, you will find things working out in your favor. You can be family, turn your attention to this person and lend an encouraging smile. Remember, free of pathogenic organisms. ties. inspired to express your unique and unusual ideas-others appreciate your input. frowns and smiles don't work at the same time. 11. Biennial Eurasian plant usually having a 2. A slender double-reed instrument. swollen edible root. 3. A member of the British order of honor. 15. A loose sleeveless outer garment made 4. Scandinavian liquor usually flavored with caraway seeds. Cancer (June 21-July 22) Capricorn (December 22-January 19) from aba cloth. 5. Someone who sets snares for birds or small 16. A small flat triangular bone in front of the animals. You may feel more expressive with others now and your abilities to You may have to sort through several stories today to get to the truth of knee that protects the knee joint. 6. The branch of engineering science that share in open discussions can be a great deal of fun. Networking is the number one a matter. We all have our own way of viewing situations and co-workers have opinions 17. Imprudently incurring risk. studies the uses of electricity and the way to get your work noticed-as well as learning ways to update, improve, expand or that need attention. If you are management-listen. If you are a co-worker, perhaps this 18. A member of the agricultural people living equipment for power generation and dis- advertise. Take advantage of the opportunities today to network on the computer or would be fodder for a writing practice. You may even decide to present your writing in the central Volga provinces of European tribution and the control of machines and in the lunchroom. Do not try to change the workflow as you seem to be caught up in to a group of script writers of a popular comedy or story episode. The peacemaker in Russia. some rush of work. Your ingenuity and expertise can help to create positive results for you is in demand today. The law, religion or getting some work published is an inter- communication. almost any project. You will handle problems in a swift and smooth manner. Your 20. A doctor's degree in religion. 7. Of or relating to the feet. est that currently occupies your mind. Perhaps it is time to assess your goals and what intuition and compassion will come into play this afternoon as you help a young per- you would like to accomplish. Consider updating or revising your financial accounts. 21. Traveling on horseback. 8. An honorary degree in science. son with some temporary problem. Careful; you can occasionally get preachy. Perhaps reviewing your present ability to add more to a plan would be wise. 23. An Italian poet famous for love lyrics (1304- 9. A state in midwestern United States. 1374). 10. A cut of pork ribs with much of the meat 26. Of or relating to the uvea of the eye. trimmed off. 11. English illustrator of several of Dickens' Aquarius (January 20- February 18) 27. (in Gnosticism) A divine power or nature Leo (July 23-August 22) emanating from the Supreme Being and novels (1815-1882). playing various roles in the operation of 12. A British peer ranking below a Marquess Your competitive nature will kick in today-you will find you can really You have a natural sense for communicating with others, especially those and above a Viscount. accomplish quite a lot. Perhaps you are a freelance writer and can easily jump from younger than you. Political correctness and appropriate consideration of others are sub- the universe. 13. A city in western Germany. 28. A colorless odorless gaseous element that one story to another. You are coming into a period of greater than usual emphasis on jects you are aware can move people in directions of study and thought. You make sug- 14. A location other than here. gestions as you teach to help others stop and think through a new awareness. Each stu- give a red glow in a vacuum tube. emotional security. Making your job in general count as a most important factor in 19. Beat thoroughly in a competition or fight. your life. You feel a love of order and law-an appreciation for responsibilities and duty. dent chooses the right individual path through much personal study. Th rough your 29. Any of various birds of the Australian 22. Leafless East Indian vine. You value problems for the lessons they represent, not for how your solutions are per- leadership, you may show positive ways society has progressed. Positive changes that region whose males build ornamented 24. (of a young animal) Abandoned by its ceived. Although you gain a great deal of satisfaction from your accomplishments in co ntinue our growth may be the deep subjects of social development that you love to structures resembling bowers in order to mother and raised by hand. the work world, you tend to be puzzled over just where all the money you have teach. You seem to enjoy the work set out in front of you now. Mechanical projects fare attract females. 25. Any of numerous local fertility and nature earned has gone. Personal partnerships in business are beneficial and informative. well this evening and you like it when sounds, smells or service is fine-tuned. 32. (used of persons or the military) deities worshipped by ancient Semitic Characterized by having or bearing arms. peoples. 30. (Greek mythology) One of the three Graces. 33. Title for a civil or military leader (especially Pisces (February 19-March 20) in Turkey). 31. Long-tailed arboreal mustelid of Central Virgo (August 23-September 22) and South America. 34. Tropical African herbs. If you are short of money just now, know that it is a temporary situation. 35. A flat-bottomed volcanic crater that was The way you give advice and lead young people is how you like to be 39. Being of delicate or slender build. If you have any legal matters to attend to, these should go in your favor. You may dis- guided or taught. The culmination of your education and your under- 42. The blood group whose red cells carry formed by an explosion. cover a new philosophy and begin to see life from a different perspective. You are in a standing of how people like to be treated creates a desire in you to establish a good both the A and B antigens. 36. Realistic Norwegian author who wrote good mood and will gain quite a lot from the work you do. If you go with your intuition kinship or understanding so that your teaching is engrained in all of your students, in plays on social and political themes (1828- this afternoon, you will be pleased with the results of your choice. There are many positive ways and throughout their life. Today you encourage others to move forward 45. A village in eastern Ireland (northwest of 1906). Dublin). opportunities to learn about how business works and this includes politics. With your with their goals, whether you are teaching or not. Co-workers trust your words to be 37. A toxic protein extracted from castor positive attitude and your sense of humor, you are able to help a young person with 46. Squash bugs. true and in their best interests. With this type of fan club, you might consider putting in beans. some serious problems this evening. Don't sweat the small stuff-it's all small stuff! A a request that would take you further up the corporate ladder. At home this evening 50. The dynasty that ruled much of Manchuria 38. Order by virtue of superior authority. card game or a trip to the library is time well spent with a loved one tonight. you may be looking for a bit of encouragement and you will not be disappointed. and northeastern China from 947 to 1125. 40. Any of a group of antidepressant drugs 51. Worn or shabby from overuse or (of pages) that inhibit the action of monoamine oxi- from having corners turned down. dase in the brain and so allow 52. The principles of right and wrong that are monoamines to accumulate. Word Search Yesterday’s Solution accepted by an individual or a social 41. A complex red organic pigment containing group. iron and other atoms to which oxygen 53. (Akkadian) God of wisdom. binds. 54. A metrical unit with unstressed-stressed 43. Combatant who tries to throw opponent syllables. to the ground. 56. A silvery soft waxy metallic element of the 44. A dull persistent (usually moderately alkali metal group. intense) pain. 47. (Babylonian) God of wisdom and agricul- 57. A cylindrical spikelike inflorescence. ture and patron of scribes and schools. 59. A Chadic language spoken south of Lake 48. Resoluteness by virtue of being unyielding Chad. and inflexible. 61. Any organic compound formed by adding 49. Lacking or deprive of the sense of hearing alcohol molecules to aldehyde molecules. wholly or in part. 67. A quantity of no importance. 55. An Arabic speaking person who lives in 71. West Indian tree having racemes of fra- Arabia or North Africa. grant white flowers and yielding a durable 58. In some classifications. timber and resinous juice. 60. Having the leading position or higher score 72. Transient cessation of respiration. in a contest. 74. Any of several small ungulate mammals of 62. An underground enclosure with access Africa and Asia with rodent-like incisors from the surface of the ground or from the and feet with hooflike toes. sea v 1. 75. United States composer noted for his inno- 63. Any piece of work that is undertaken or vative use of polytonality (1874-1954). attempted. 64. An inhabitant of Lappland. 76. Large long-winged warm-water seabird 65. A university in Connecticut. having a large bill with a distensible 66. Surpassing the ordinary especially in size pouch for fish. or scale. 78. The elementary stages of any subject (usu- 68. (Babylonian) God of storms and wind. ally plural). 69. A Chadic language spoken south of Lake 79. A piece of furniture with a writing surface Chad. and usually drawers or other compart- 70. United States writer (born in Poland) who ments. wrote in Yiddish (1880-1957). 80. Be earlier in time. 73. Used of a single unit or thing. 81. The longer of the two telegraphic signals 77. A trivalent metallic element of the rare used in Morse code. earth group.

Yesterday’s Solution

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Review FEATURES In 'Get Out,' the two-faced horrors of racism ifty years after Sidney Poitier upended faces and defensive, paper-thin protesta- increasingly concerned with every update the latent racial prejudices of his tions like, "But I voted for Obama!" and "Isn't from Chris. Eventually, the truth comes out, Fwhite date's liberal family in "Guess Tiger Woods amazing?" Those are the kinds things turn bloody and, as you'd expect, we Who's Coming to Dinner," writer-director of things that Rose's father, Dean (an excel- get a look at that basement. Jordan Peele has crafted a similar con- lent Bradley Whitford), says as he and his It's long been a lamentable joke that in hor- frontation with altogether more com- wife, Missy (Catherine Keener), heartily wel- ror films - never the most inclusive of genres - bustible results in "Get Out." "Do they know comes his daughter's boyfriend. "How long the black dude is always the first to go. In this I'm black?" Chris (Daniel Kaluuya) asks his has this thang been going on?" Dean asks way, "Get Out" is radical and refreshing in its white girlfriend Rose (Allison Williams) as with forced emphasis on "thang." perspective. The movie is entirely from Chris's they get ready to leave their city apartment But the warm welcome is only skin deep. point of view; his fears are ours. Peele original- for a weekend at her parents' rural estate. A deeply bizarre atmosphere takes hold at ly conceived his long-planned film as an "No," she replies. "Should they?" "It seems the house, where all the hired help is black. Obama-era horror, one that revealed the hid- like something you might want to men- They are a spooky, robotic bunch, with dead den racism that the country had supposedly tion," he sighs. "I don't want to get chased eyes and zombie-like demeanors that would overcome. "Get Out" instead comes out at a off the lawn with a shotgun." have stood out even in "The Stepford Wives." time where few still hold any belief in a post- It's a joke but it's also foreshadowing - Something clearly is off, though Peele takes racial America. The dark forces unleashed in and just a hint of the frights to come. In his time letting the mystery thicken. "Get "Get Out" came out of hiding long ago. "Get Peele's directorial debut, the former "Key Out," produced by Jason Blum's low-budget This image released by Universal Pictures shows, from left, Catherine Keener, Bradley Whitford, Out," a Universal Pictures release, is rated R by and Peele" star has — as he often did on horror studio Blumhouse Productions, is seri- Allison Williams, Betty Gabriel and Daniel Kaluuya in a scene from, ‘Get Out.’ — AP the Motion Picture Association of America for that satirical sketch series — turned inside ous, even sober in its horror. But its archness "violence, bloody images, and language out even supposedly progressive assump- has moments of creepy levity. When Chris is Inclusive of genres with lust, feeling his biceps. The most paranoid including sexual references." Running time: tions about race. But Peele has largely left given a tour of the house, Dean points out Things get even stranger when Chris meets (and funny) character in the movie is Chris' 103 minutes. Three stars out of four. — AP comedy behind in a more chilling portrait of the sealed door to the basement. "Black some of the family friends, who all appear friend, Rod (a terrific Lil Rel Howery), a TSA the racism that lurks beneath smiling white mold," he says. oddly frozen in time somehow. Some ogle him agent who - dubious from the start - grows

Review Hungary's Berlin film fest winner Enyedi to adapt novel he Hungarian director whose "On Body Bear award on Saturday. Enyedi has been critical and Soul" won the top award at the Berlin of the cultural policies and perceived democratic TFilm Festival says her next project is an shortfalls of Prime Minister Viktor Orban's gov- adaptation of "The Story of My Wife," a 1942 nov- ernment. She said that while her opinions had el by Hungarian writer and poet Milan Fust. not changed, she regretted if they distracted Director Ildiko Enyedi also said Tuesday that she from the success of the film. welcomed the national film fund's support for "We've made a beautiful film for everyone ... her work and that of a wide range of Hungarian and I wish we could enjoy what we have put so directors and writers, some of whose films have much work into," Enyedi said. "I don't think it's up recently won prizes at international festivals. to any culture policy to declare what is good or "Son of Saul" by Laszlo Nemes won the Oscar not." Enyedi's film won several other prizes in This image released by Oscilloscope shows a scene from ‘Contemporary Color,’ a docu- last year for best foreign-language film. Berlin, including one from the Ecumenical Jury mentary about the art of Color Guard, by Bill and Turner Ross. — AP "I see an intelligent and wise strategy on part she said was particularly meaningful. "It means of the Film Fund in that they are motivated pri- that we achieved our goal of reaching many dif- marily by professional aspects to help the films," ferent kinds of people," Enyedi said. "My mother 'Contemporary Color' is a hypnotic concert film Enyedi said. "The creators are able to bring is Lutheran, my father was Jewish, my husband mature works to the table and that is very signif- is Catholic ... and our children are ecumenical in Hungarian author and director Ildik’ Enyedi, ‘On Body and icant." "On Body And Soul," a love story about their very existence." Enyedi, 61, won the Golden Soul’ poses for photographers after winning the Golden n 2015, former Talking Heads front man David and emotional and inarticulate in that way that two slaughterhouse workers who connect in Camera award in Cannes with her 1989 debut Bear for Best Film at the awards ceremony of the 67th Byrne staged an unconventional show in most normal people are when a camera is point- shared dreams, is Enyedi's first feature film since film, "My 20th Century." — AP Berlinale Film Festival in Berlin, Germany, Saturday Feb 18 Iwhich he paired up 10 contemporary musi- ed at them. The Ross bros employ various tech- 1999. It won the Berlin Film Festival's Golden 2017. — AP cians and performers with color guard teams - niques to keep the sights stimulating, dreamily those baton and saber twirling staples of small overlaying images and sounds in hypnotically town parades and high school football games. retro fashion. They were right to keep The musicians, including the likes of St Vincent, "Contemporary Color" on the experimental side, Women, minorities fare (a little) better in Hollywood Lucius, Ad-Rock, Zola Jesus and Nelly Furtado, but the film isn't immune from dragging some. composed original songs that the color guard After a handful of performances, they do start to teams then used to choreograph a correspon- blend together a bit. Perhaps that's because omen and minorities are faring better in Awards which in past years faced scathing criti- the US population, they got just 29 percent of lead ding routine. The unique spectacle, which took they have the unenviable task of documenting Hollywood and feature prominently at cism and boycott calls for nominating only white roles in films and fewer than 10 percent of the place at Brooklyn's Barclays Center, is chronicled the entire show for an audience who will be Wthis year's upcoming Oscars, but they are actors in the main categories. directors of the top 200 films in 2015 were women. with experimental verve in the documentary watching it separated by a screen, making it that still woefully underrepresented overall in the This year, however, a record number of black "Contemporary Color ," from filmmaking broth- much more difficult to convey the actual energy entertainment industry, according to a report actors were nominated for the glitzy awards cere- 'Diversity and financial sense' ers Bill and Turner Ross. of a live performance. issued on Tuesday. The "2017 Hollywood Diversity mony being held on Sunday, averting a repeat of "In terms of sophistication of content, televi- Narrative is of little consequence in Report"-the fourth in a series by the Ralph J the #OscarsSoWhite controversy. Still, the UCLA sion might be considered to be in something of a "Contemporary Color." The Ross brothers show Lovely voices Bunche Center for African American Studies at the study said that despite the inclusion of more black golden age," said Hunt, who also is chair of the some interest in the excitable high school stu- Off stage, too, the film can't help but stumble University of California Los Angeles-examined 200 actors in this year's nominations, "the exclusion of UCLA sociology department. "But in terms of rep- dents from various parts of the country who onto the high/low divide between the color top-grossing films released in 2015 as well as 1,206 people of color and women from Hollywood resentation and opportunity, we still have a long have devoted most of the free time of their guard art that they're purportedly celebrating television shows that aired or streamed during the remains a concern." "While there have been some way to go. "White men are still dominant, and young lives to their color guard teams. This and the fact that many of the students and 2014-15 season. It also tracked hiring of women improvements, especially in television, the num- women and people of color struggle to get the strange, high profile gig will also be the last time coaches participating simply haven't heard of and minorities, both on screen and behind the bers remain disheartening across the board," said opportunities to succeed." The report said televi- many are performing together. But the audience some of the indie musicians they've been paired camera, in 11 job types. "Since the last report, the Darnell Hunt, the report's lead author and director sion hit shows such as "Empire," whose cast is pri- doesn't get to know any individual well enough up with. The film isn't out to mock anyone, nor is good news is that minorities and women have of the Bunche Center. "At the heart of it is the fact marily people of color, and "Transparent," a come- for that to have any sort of emotional impact. Byrne, who seems genuinely delighted by the made some progress, particularly in television, that Hollywood is simply not structured to make dy-drama about the transgender patriarch of a Maybe it'll remind some of their long lost color guard troupes. And yet I couldn't help but which is currently engaged in what might be char- the most of today's market realities." California family, have helped push Hollywood's high school passions, but the most remarkable feel a slight queasiness watching three grown acterized as a 'Golden Age'," the report said. "The The study noted that minorities make up 40 diversity agenda, but more was needed on all thing about these youngsters is what happens men standing in the hall of a high school having bad news is that despite these gains, minorities percent of the population in the United States but fronts. It underlined that the industry needs to when they're on the stage moving in tandem in to tell the camera that they had not heard of the and women remained underrepresented on every only 13.6 percent of lead actors in films and 10.1 consider the buying power of minorities, who in an eye-popping swirl of sequins and flags. You act How to Dress Well. —AP measure in television during the 2014-15 season." percent of Hollywood directors. As for women, 2015 purchased 45 percent of all movie tickets forget that just a minute ago they were giggly The study comes just days before the Academy despite the fact that they make up 50 percent of sold in the US. —AFP Midas trends launches Herman Miller new living office in Kuwait as their authorized dealer

idas Trends, the authorized dealer of Herman Miller in expressed his excitement at the new partnership, and and services." On his part, Rob Keddie, said Herman Miller is partnership with a world-class furniture contractor like Midas Kuwait along with Herman Miller, Dubai, held a spe- underlined his company's vision of bringing a whole new committed to expanding its presence in the region and Office. "Midas' market knowledge and expertise in the field Mcial event to launch Herman Miller latest Living Office furniture shopping experience to the customers. "As the achieving its goal of being a global trendsetter in our indus- will be a great asset for Herman Miller to further its business (showroom) in Kuwait and introduce the new concept of new authorized dealer of Herman Miller, we will be able to try." He hailed their partnership saying, "We've worked with aspirations in the region," he noted. The guests were then tak- Living Office along with some of the latest products of further raise the bar and deliver more quality, style and Midas Trends for the last year, and are delighted that Midas en on a tour of the Herman Miller product display. The Herman Miller, including the newly introduced version of the comfort in the market." Trends has introduced the Living Office concept within the exhibits generated a lot of interest and the guests engaged iconic Aeron Chair remastered on February 15, 2017, at Al- showroom. the staff to find out more about the products and solutions. Sayer Complex in Farwaniya. Midas' business strategy We are confident that our association with Midas will help A special draw for a surprise prize added to the event's The event was attended by special invitees, media person- Jamil further noted that the customers are increasingly us cement our position as market leaders here in the Middle excitement and ensured the guests were entertained nel and Midas Trends customers and business partners. Rob looking for new and innovative solutions in office furnishing, East." The showroom illustrates Herman Millers' commitment throughout. Midas Furniture was founded in 1993 and quickly Keddie, Regional Director of Herman Millar, Middle East and and exposing Kuwaiti customers to have a good insight into to the region and is in line with the company's on-going glob- became a regional leader in home furniture and accessories. Africa, was the guest of honour. Midas Trends as the author- the new trends in the world. He said the new partnership is al expansion plans into emerging markets, he added. This success pushed the company to expand its horizons and ized dealer for Herman Miller in Kuwait, look at this new part- well on track with Midas' business strategy of catering to the include office and corporate project solutions to its list of nership as the start to a greater customer experience intro- demands of the regional market for high quality products that Extensive research products and services. Over the past 20 years, Midas has ducing more innovative products to the Kuwait market. bridge the gap between functionality and style. Giving a brief A key highlight at the event was the new version of Aeron grown to include 16 locations and showrooms across Kuwait, Herman Miller is a recognized innovator in contract furniture history of Midas, Jamil said that within a few years of estab- Chair, which has been remastered to suit the needs of the Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Jordan and Iraq. The company has also solutions, healthcare environments, and related technologies lishment, Midas was able to create a unique identity of its 21stcentury work based on extensive research in the science evolved to include a projects division aimed at providing com- and services. A publicly held company headquartered in own, and soon went on to become the market leader in furni- of sitting postures. Don Chadwick, the original designer of the plete and integrated design and furnishing solutions for large Zeeland, Michigan, the company has manufacturing facilities ture contracting business in Kuwait. "And to this day, we have Aeron chair, himself oversaw the design of this new version, scale businesses and industries in Kuwait and Saudi Arabia. in the United States, Italy, the United Kingdom and China, maintained our enviable position through continuous which is expected to be the new normal in the workplaces of with sales offices, dealers, licensees, and customers in over improvement and commitment to quality". the future. 100 countries. He added, "Wherever we went, we made sure our standard Rob also expressed great pleasure for being able to take Speaking at the event, Midas Vice President, Kamal Jamil, was never compromised and provided world-class facilities part in the event and said that it was an honour to enter a THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 23, 2017 lifestyle

MUSIC & MOVIES Cult Japanese film director Seijun Suzuki dead at 93

apanese B-movie director, Seijun Suzuki, whose prolific out- Nikkatsu for 12 years, with his films drawing attention for a known for his long white hair, white beard and sheepish put from gangster films to fantasies influenced internation- unique and vivid sense of colour that his fans came to call demeanour, also appeared in movies and TV dramas as an Jal filmmakers including Quentin Tarantino, has died, his for- "Seijun bigaku (Seijun aesthetic)." actor, public broadcaster NHK reported. Chazelle name- mer studio announced yesterday. He was 93. Suzuki died of But his work, sometimes derided as strange and hard to checked Suzuki during a visit to Japan last month when asked if chronic obstructive pulmonary disease on February 13, the understand, wasn't for everyone. Kinema-Junposha, which he had included any references to other films in the movie. "I Nikkatsu studio said in a statement expressing "deep gratitude publishes movie-related magazines and books, said Suzuki was feel like I took a little" from Suzuki's "Tokyo Drifter" as well as and respect to his great achievements". In a career spanning fired in 1968 after releasing his gangster opus "Branded to Kill". "his whole kind of oeuvre of movies," Chazelle said. "His super five decades, Suzuki's works "had a great influence on movie Nikkatsu's president deemed his films to be "incomprehensi- wide frames and very pop-art colours-they feel like musicals to fans and film makers around the world," the company said. ble". Suzuki did not return to filmmaking for a decade, despite me, but with guns," Chazelle said. — AFP Though Suzuki was not widely known among audiences an outcry from his colleagues and fans as well as court proceed- outside Japan, he had an impact on other directors. The ings. But he roared back in the early 1980s with the surreal Hollywood Reporter said he inspired filmmakers including mystery "Zigeunerweisen", which won the Honorable Mention File picture shows Japanese director Seijun Tarantino, Jim Jarmusch, Wong Kar-wai and fellow countryman at the 31st Berlin International Film Festival. Suzuki posing during a photo call for the Takeshi Kitano. Suzuki's cinematic style was recently described His last film was "Operetta Tanukigoten" ("Princess presentation of ‘Pistol opera’ out of competi- by "La La Land" director Damien Chazelle as "like musicals... but Raccoon") in 2005, a fantasy in which a prince falls in love with a tion at the 58th International Film Festival, with guns". Debuting in 1956, Suzuki directed B-movies at racoon princess, starring Chinese actress Zhang Ziyi. Suzuki, organized by Venice’s Biennale. — AFP Chris Brown restrained from model after abuse account roubled singer Chris Brown has been ordered to stay away from an ex-girlfriend, model TKarrueche Tran, after she said he punched her and threatened to kill her. In documents made public Tuesday, a Los Angeles court granted a restraining order requested by Tran, with Brown facing arrest if he comes near her. Tran, who has had an on-off relationship with Brown, said that the 27-year-old singer punched her in the stomach and pushed her down the stairs several years ago but that she did not call the police. The model, who has also appeared in television series, said she requested the restraining order as Oscar statues are waiting to be cleaned and painted for the 89th Annual Academy Brown had recently sent her threats by text mes- Awards in Hollywood, California. — AFP sage. "He told a few people that he was going to kill me. He said if no one else can have me, he's gonna 'take me out,'" she wrote. Brown, who rose Israel invited 26 Oscar to fame at a young age with his R&B voice and later rap, has become notorious for allegations of abuse. In this file photo, Karrueche Tran arrives at In this file photo, rapper Chris Brown performs He was convicted of beating Rihanna, then his girl- the 74th annual Golden Globe Awards at the at the 2015 Hot 97 Summer Jam at MetLife stars to visit. So far none has friend, before the 2009 Grammy Awards, forcing Beverly Hilton Hotel in Beverly Hills, Calif. Stadium in East Rutherford, NJ. — AP photos the pop superstar to miss the music industry's year ago Israel offered Leonardo long-time critic of Israeli policies, con- annual gala. Last year, he was arrested on suspicion ing feud with another artist in legal trouble, the too many middlemen "got in the way because they DiCaprio, Matt Damon and other firmed to AFP he would not visit. Jewish of assault with a deadly weapon after an hours- rapper Soulja Boy. want to get a piece of the pie." The latest woes have AHollywood stars all-expenses paid Voice for Peace spokeswoman Granate long standoff with police. The two stars have been trading punches over apparently not dented Brown's star appeal as he luxury trips, but it seems they have chosen Sosnoff said it was part of a wider cultural A woman had called for assistance in that inci- social media and had dared each other to settle announced a major tour on Tuesday. His promoters to miss their cues. Campaigners are claim- boycott. "(Our campaign) brought tension, dent, but Brown's lawyers insisted she had set him scores with a real-life fight-a boxing match, which said that Brown would headline a 33-date tour of ing victory as it appears none of the 26 interrupted the normalcy of brand Israel up amid a feud. Brown on Tuesday posted an may prove lucrative for the two of them. Brown North American arenas joined by the rapper 50 Oscars stars offered a free personalized and reminded Hollywood elites that expletive-filled video on Instagram in which he confirmed that he has walked away from the box- Cent and other stars, starting on March 31 in tour valued at up to $55,000 has visited. there's a social cost of being associated said to fans: "Make sure you all don't be listening to ing proposal, amid online taunts by Soulja Boy, Baltimore. — AFP The offer, part of gift bags given out by a with military occupation," she said. this." It was unclear if he was commenting specifi- who is facing unrelated felony weapons charges. marketing firm around the time of the cally on the restraining order or solely on his ongo- Brown called the match "immature" and said that 2016 Oscars each worth an estimated Left-wing shift $200,000 and including other items such Dan Rothem, a researcher on US-Israel as ultra-expensive toilet paper, sparked a relations, said Israel wanted to use celebri- backlash. ties "as a way to break the impression Campaign groups accused Israel of try- there is some sort of isolation or boycott". Russian film revives memory ing to use the celebrities to gain positive Musicians performing in Israel are often coverage and downplay alleged abuses in put under pressure to boycott from the occupied Palestinian territories. A few activists, with Pink Floyd's Roger Waters a days ahead of the 2017 ceremony on major campaigner against such trips. But of slain Putin foe Nemtsov February 26, it appears none of the nomi- in recent weeks a number of global bands, nees has visited themselves. Hunger including Radiohead, who are known for Games star Jennifer Lawrence did take up social activism, have announced gigs in wo years after he was gunned portrait not just of a person but of a the offer but gave it to her parents, said the country, leading left-wing newspaper down in Moscow, Russian opposi- period when genuine political debate the agency that came up with the idea. Haaretz to ponder if boycott moves are Ttion politician Boris Nemtsov's existed in Russia, said Krichevskaya, a "This is a success," said Yousef Munayyer failing. Andris Nelsons, music director of the Boston Symphony murder remains shrouded in controver- former journalist for the NTV channel of the US Campaign for Palestinian Rights, Last week controversy erupted over Orchestra, conducts at Tanglewood, the orchestra’s sy, as supporters insist the masterminds which was forced under state control in which ran the campaign against the visits American footballers visiting Israel, with summer retreat in the Berkshires near Lenox, are yet to be unmasked. Now a new doc- 2001. "It's about the time we've lost," she along with American organisation Jewish only five of the 11 players from the NFL Massachusetts. —AFP umentary film is set to shine a fresh said. In 1997, Nemtsov was plucked from Voice for Peace. "I am very glad there's no joining a trip after the Superbowl. Seattle spotlight on a tumultuous career that being governor of the industrial Nizhny evidence that people went. I think it is Seahawks defensive end Michael Bennett saw him go from deputy prime minister Novgorod region to serve as deputy clear the objective of using the actors to said he would "not be used" by Israel, Boston Symphony to fierce Kremlin critic-at a time when prime minister by an ailing Yeltsin, who whitewash Israel has failed." Given several quoting reports the itinerary was being his memory is still a sensitive subject for encouraged him to aim for the Kremlin. days notice, Israel's tourism ministry sculpted by the government for publicity. plans major additions the authorities. Nemtsov was shot dead Handsome, young and eloquent, declined to comment or confirm which "When I do go to Israel-and I do plan to go- on a bridge just meters from the Kremlin Nemtsov swiftly became a household celebrities had taken up the offer. it will be to see not only Israel but also the as he walked home through central name but then found himself inextrica- West Bank and Gaza so I can see how the to summer home Moscow late on February 27, 2015. bly associated with a period of political The shock killing was the highest- instability in which many people lost Kick back Palestinians, who have called this land he Boston Symphony Orchestra's summer home of profile assassination of a Kremlin critic savings in the 1998 ruble default when Ahead of the 2016 Oscars, in which home for thousands of years, live their Tanglewood, one of the premier outdoor venues in classi- since President Vladimir Putin came to it plummeted in value. "A time has a DiCaprio scooped best actor for The lives," he said in a statement. cal music, will undergo a major expansion that will include Revenant, Israel's tourism ministry Academic Margaret Campbell, who has T power. While five men have gone on tri- face. He personified all that," current a year-round building. Nestled in the Berkshire hills of western al accused of carrying out an alleged opposition leader Alexei Navalny says announced the nominees for the top five written about celebrity endorsements, said Massachusetts, the rustic 212-hectare (524-acre) estate has been contract hit, Nemtsov's family and sup- in the film, admitting he asked prizes as well as host Chris Rock would be the biggest risks of backfire is "that people the orchestra's base each summer since 1937, offering tranquili- porters say the murder trail points to Nemtsov not to publicly campaign for offered individually tailored trips, includ- end up with a worse idea of the brand (the ty for student musicians and a weekend destination for cultured more senior officials in the North him. Nemtsov and his allies ultimately ing first class flights and luxury hotels. country 'brand' in this case) than before". travelers. In a $30 million expansion announced late Tuesday, Caucasus Chechnya region but com- failed to convince voters to back his lib- Israeli officials said they were seeking to Chuck Norris visited Israel this month and the orchestra plans to build four interconnected buildings that plain that those who ordered the killing eral values of freedom and protection show the real Israel at a time of conflict. met Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin include a performance space, a lecture hall and a dining area have got off scot-free. The new film, of property rights. After initially back- "Every celebrity that is coming to visit us Netanyahu. Rothem said right-winger meant to encourage interaction between musicians and visitors. entitled "The Man Who Was Too Free", ing fellow Yeltsin protege Putin, can put online a selfie somewhere and the Norris' visit would not break the "right-left The complex, which will open in the summer of 2019, will does not delve into Nemtsov's murder Nemtsov became disillusioned at what value is huge," tourism ministry director divide", but more traditionally left-wing be climate-controlled and available for rental in the off season. but focuses instead on his political con- some saw as the strongman's cold- general Amir Halevi told AFP at the time. Hollywood could help reverse a negative The performance area will accommodate an audience of up to victions as he went from Kremlin insider blooded response to the 2000 sinking But US-based campaigners placed trend for Israel. The percentage of 200 people. The orchestra said the expansion would support under former president Boris Yeltsin to of the Kursk nuclear submarine and the adverts in the Los Angeles Times and Democrats who sympathise more with the Tanglewood's long-term financial health. "Our investment in its one of Putin's most prominent critics. 2002 Moscow theatre siege. urged the actors to #skipthetrip on social Palestinians than with Israel has nearly future is essential as we continue to expand Tanglewood's It is due to roll out across 20 cities, media. Campaigners then monitored tradi- doubled since 2014, research by the Pew many wonderful offerings," music director Andris Nelsons said including Moscow, from yesterday after A 'good death' tional and social media to see if any of the Research Center found, and in 2016 was in a statement. getting officially certified for release in In the film, billionaire Mikhail celebrities made public trips. "So far we higher than the percentage favoring Managing director Mark Volpe said the orchestra is also cinemas to the surprise and delight of Prokhorov calls Nemtsov a rights activist have not seen any," Munayyer said. Sam Israelis (40 percent and 33 percent respec- designing a new Tanglewood Learning Institute which will aim those behind it, in a country where not a politician because he always said Gee from exploreisrael.com agency that tively). "The left and the right in America to bring newcomers to the retreat through educational pro- works on sensitive subjects can face what he thought. "He wasn't a political devised the idea said Lawrence gave the no longer view Israel through the same gramming. The Boston Symphony, historically considered one of hurdles. "I didn't expect that we would animal," agreed Krichevskaya. "He fol- trip to her parents as a birthday gift and prism," Rothem said. — AFP the big five US orchestras, said that some 350,000 visitors come get such a release," the film's director lowed his principles absolutely consis- they have already visited. Mark Rylance, to Tanglewood each summer. The venue also draws a selection Vera Krichevskaya. "I hope that all will tently." When the opposition found itself winner of the Best Supporting Actor and a of major acts outside of classical music, with rock legend Bob be well." The film's credited backers pushed out of mainstream politics, Dylan performing last year.—AFP include ex-telecoms magnate Dmitry Nemtsov "went onto the streets," she Zimin, who has come under pressure added. He regularly got detained at from authorities over his funding of civ- street protests and became a lawmaker Brit Awards to honor George Michael il society. But producer Yevgeny Gindilis in the provincial city of Yaroslavl. The said that documentary films had a freer filmmakers said they consciously he Brit Awards were to pay tribute to the late Bowie nominated twice hand to deal with subjects frowned on steered clear of the elephant in the George Michael yesterday, in a ceremony also But the awards will be tinged with sadness. by the authorities than Russian-made room-the trial of his alleged killers and Tgiving greater recognition to ethnic minority Michael, who died on December 25 last year aged feature films, which often rely on at accusations linking the murder to those artists, following a backlash last year. Late rock legend 53, is to be remembered at the 37th edition of the least some government funding. close to the Kremlin-loyal leader of David Bowie could also be in line for two posthumous Brits, being held at the O2 Arena in London. And "Documentaries let you talk about the Chechnya, Ramzan Kadyrov. accolades at the British music industry's annual Bowie, who died on January 10 last year, is nomi- topics that concern Russian society," he But despite focusing on Nemtsov's awards, as he is up for best male artist and best nated for best British male solo artist alongside said. "In feature films, this has become life, rather than his death, the film still album. The Brits shook up the judging panel after the Craig David, Kano, Skepta and Michael Kiwanuka. much more difficult." could not avoid touching on his shock- 2016 event, following criticism about a lack of diversi- He is also shortlisted in the British album of the ing end. Former oil magnate and ty, and there are many more black nominees this year. year category for "Blackstar", released on his 69th 'The time we've lost' Kremlin critic Mikhail Khodorkovsky says "People feel there might actually be a breakthrough. birthday-two days before he died. The other nomi- With a budget of just over 100,000 in the film that Nemtsov would have The question is whether this is going to be long-term nees are Skepta for "Konnichiwa"; The 1975's "I Like euros ($105,400), the two-hour film fea- wanted to die this way, in the public eye or short-term," said Keith Harris, who chairs UK Music's It When You Sleep For You Are So Beautiful Yet So tures interviews with major figures from and from a bullet. This was a "good diversity taskforce. "As long as it's not just a reaction to Unaware Of It"; Kano's "Made In The Manor" and Nemtsov's political career and archival death," he says. — AFP the publicity given last year-as long as it's genuine." Kiwanuka for "Love and Hate".—AFP footage. Most interviews were done by This year's Brits have given greater recognition to the Mikhail Fishman, editor-in-chief of The grime movement, with Skepta-who won the Mercury Moscow Times newspaper. The film is a Prize for best British album with "Konnichiwa"-Kano George Michael and Stormzy among the nominees. lifestyle THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 23, 2017

FEATURES

A man cycles past the Cathedral in Piazza del Duomo in central Milan. — AFP photos Tourists take pictures in the "Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II" shopping mall in Milan. Milan laughs while Rome cries

hile rays of sun warm the elegant mar- national," says Carlo Alberto Carnevale Maffe, a so pronounced that even the Roman philoso- ble monuments on Rome's skyline, professor at the Bocconi University. pher Raffaele Simone was driven to suggest in WMilan lies under grey crowds heavy Noci describes it as "a gateway to business in L'Espresso magazine in January that it might be with pollution. But beyond the blue skies the Italy, linked to one of the most important eco- time to move the capital to Milan. "It is an eternal city is battling crises on several fronts, nomic development zones in Europe". While the ancient question... but for some time it has while its northern rival has become the nerve national jobless rate is close to 12 percent, it is become increasingly impossible to avoid it," he center of Italy, attracting not only record num- only 8.0 percent in Milan, while in Rome it nears wrote, citing corruption scandals, Rome's huge bers of tourists but entrepreneurs and foreign 11 percent. The country's finance capital alone mountain of debt and its beleaguered mayor capital. "Milan is experiencing a moment of generates 10 percent of the country's GDP Virginia Raggi as reasons to up sticks. His com- extraordinary transformation, becoming one of (Gross Domestic Product). A quarter of Italian plaints will have rung true with many: "cleanli- the most interesting hubs internationally," says banks have set up their headquarters here, and ness (years of neglect), urban policing (ineffi- Giuliano Noci, a strategy professor at the many companies have quit Rome for Milan, like cient, boorish), maintenance of green spaces Polytechnic School in Milan. Visitors descend for television group Skytg24, which decided in (zero), public transport (catastrophic), traffic A trolley car goes past in Milan's Garibaldi neighborhood. fashion week four times a year; a design fair that January to close its headquarters in the Italian (undisciplined to the point of malignancy)". takes over large parts of the city; a week-long capital. Rome has "significant potential, but it must food fair founded this year; and a book fair Milan first solve basic problems such as transport. Only is boldly stealing from its sister northern 'Make Milan the capital?' once it has done that can it think of a medium to metropolis, Turin. "Important multinationals, including Chinese long term project of strategic development," With such an array of cultural offerings, the ones, have decided to open research centers Noci said. Simone's suggestion tickles Carnevale smog lingers but the city has shrugged off the here, such as Huawei," said Noci, referring to the Maffe. "Us Milanese have never been interested stereotype of being a sad industrial hub. "Milan Chinese telecoms giant. You cannot move for in being the capital of Italy," he said. "What Milan was able to capitalize on the World Expo" of famous 'Made in Italy' food, fashion and tech wants is to be the capital of the growth, innova- 2015, which attracted 21.5 million people, companies, and the Lombardy capital has the tion and economic development." He describes including 6.5 million foreigners, Noci said. And largest congress center in Europe as well as the city as "strongly European," in the sense of a despite welcoming a record number of visitors three airports to Rome's two. And while the city Europe "looking outwards to the world". — AFP in 2015, the home of the famous Gothic cathe- of the Colosseum struggles with a waste prob- dral and La Scala opera house topped it last year, lem, that of the stock exchange is one of the top with tourists up by over 2 percent. "One of the three European cities for recycling. Rome's dirty highlights of Milan is that it is a cosmopolitan buses have taken to spontaneously igniting. city, it attracts many quality foreigners, it's a cen- Milan's gleam. People walk past MiCO, tre of exchange. The universities are very inter- The gulf between the two cities has become the largest convention centre in Europe, in Milan. Israeli parliament takes closer look at staffers' skirts srael's parliament will retain a contentious dress code at Israel's parliament, the Knesset, had started to strictly Haaretz newspaper said yesterday that staff would initial- It said that shirts bearing political slogans were also banned. banning short skirts, but will make its enforcement and enforce rules on the length of skirts without giving a reason. ly get two warnings about inappropriate dress and would Haaretz said that the code did not specify what is an appro- Isanctions against offenders gradual, a committee of MPs The committee was subsequently formed to examine the only be denied entry if there was a third occasion. "Arrival at priate skirt length, but the committee ruled that miniskirts and parliamentary staff ruled. The decision on Tuesday came issue. "It was agreed that the dress code would remain in the Knesset should be in proper and dignified attire," the were forbidden. — AFP after staffers had demonstrated in December when col- place. At the same time it was decided to create an enforce- statement added. "One should not arrive in clothing which leagues who wore skirts deemed too short were barred from ment mechanism including issuing warnings before denial does not show respect for the Knesset, such as T-shirts, entering the building. The staffers said that security guards of entry to the building," a Knesset statement said. crop-tops, shorts, sandals, short dresses or skirts, tracksuits." The 'Kimono -onheur des dames' exhibition

French fashion designer Franck Sorbier poses in front of one of his creation.

Kimonos created by Japanase fashion designer Junko Koshino are on display during the inauguration of the exhibition "Kimono - Au bonheur des dames" at A woman looks at kimonos during the inauguration of the exhibition "Kimono - Au bonheur des the Guimet museum in Paris. — AFP photos dames". A Kimono created by A kimono created by French fashion designer British fashion designer Jean Paul Gaultier is on John Galliano is on display. display.

A kimono created by A kimono created by Yves Japanese fashion design- Saint Laurent is on display. A woman looks at kimonos during the inauguration of the exhibition "Kimono - Au bonheur des Kimonos created by Japanese fashion designer Kenzo Takada are on display. er Junko Koshino is on dames". display. lifestyle THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 23, 2017

FASHION

A dress by designer Catherine Walker, and A dress by designer Catherine Walker, and A dress (center) by the designer Atelier A dress by designer Victor Edelstein, and A dress by designer Catherine Walker, and worn by Britain’s Diana, Princess of Wales at worn by Britain’s Diana, Princess of Wales Versace, and worn by Britain’s Diana, Princess worn by Britain’s Diana, Princess of Wales at worn by Britain’s Diana, Princess of Wales an engagement in Leicester Square, London during an official visit to Austria in 1986, is of Wales at her Harper’s Bazaar photo-shoot, the State Dinner at the White House in during an official portrait with her husband in 1990, is pictured during a press preview of pictured during a press preview of the forth- is pictured during a press preview of the Washington in 1985, is pictured during a Charles, Prince of Wales in 1987, is pictured the forthcoming exhibition entitled ‘Diana: coming exhibition. forthcoming exhibition. press preview of the forthcoming exhibition. during a press preview. Her Fashion Story’, at Kensington Palace in London yesterday. — AFP photos Princess Diana's iconic dresses on show for anniversary

littering gowns, elegant suits and bold mini-dresses worn by the late Princess Diana will go on show from Friday on Gthe 20th anniversary of her death in new exhibition chart- ing her style reign. "Diana: Her Fashion Story", hosted in her London residence Kensington Palace, follows her evolution from the demure outfits of her first public appearances to the glam- orous gowns of her later life. The show charts how she not only rewrote the rules of royal dressing with a more informal style but also expressed herself through her fashion choices, before her 1997 death in a car crash in Paris. "Each of the dresses is like a mini biography... They're not just what she wore but they tell stories," Libby Thompson, a curator, told AFP. Curator Eleri Lynn said: "We see her growing in confidence throughout her life, increasingly A dress, known as the ‘Elvis Dress’, by designer Catherine taking control of how she was represented". Some of the high- Walker, and worn by Britain’s Diana, Princess of Wales in lights include the discreet pale pink Emanuel blouse she wore for Hong Kong in 1989, is pictured during a press preview of her engagement portrait in 1981 and the dazzling ink blue Victor the forthcoming exhibition. Edelstein velvet dress she wore when she danced with John Travolta at the White House in 1985. So iconic is the "Travolta" transitioned from the Princess of Wales into the "People's dress that it sold for £250,000 ($310,000) at auction three years Princess"- the term used by then prime minister Tony Blair after ago. Another gown, a silk velvet dress she wore for private events her death. She developed a more informal "working wardrobe" of at Buckingham Palace during the 1980s, is sure to charm many chic Catherine Walker suits and tailored shift dresses to champion visitors. Tiny fingerprints believed to belong to one of her sons- the causes she cared about. These outfits, designed to convey Prince William and Prince Harry-have been found on the material, approachability, she wore on charitable outings including meet- preserved through the last 30 years. ing people with HIV and visiting children in hospital. Following her separation from Prince Charles in 1992, Diana Informal wardrobe threw the rulebook away again by adopting a bolder look featur- The show will also highlight how throughout her years as one ing many figure-hugging mini dresses. The cream silk mini she of the world's most photographed women, Diana revealed herself wore while attending a charity auction of her more memorable to be a diplomatic dresser. The "Gold Falcon Gown" is a perfect dresses in 1997 is testament to that. Held in Kensington Palace, A chiffon blouse by the designer Emanuel, and worn by A dress by the designer Regimes, and worn by Britain’s example. She wore the Catherine Walker cream silk dress embroi- her residence for 15 years, the exhibition will extend to the gar- Princess Diana, at her first official portrait by Lord Diana, Princess of Wales at the Ball at Althrop House in dered with gold falcons-the national bird of Saudi Arabia-during a dens where her sons have said they will add a statue of her to Snowdon, consequently published in Vogue in February 1979, is pictured during a press preview of the forthcom- visit to the country in 1986. But it was by breaking the codes of mark the anniversary of her passing. — AFP 1981, is pictured during a press preview of the forthcom- ing exhibition. royal dressing and embracing a more practical style that Diana ing exhibition.

A collection of dresses made by desingers Regimes in 1979 (left), Bruce Oldfield in 1990 (center), and Catherine Walker in 1987, all worn A television reporter gestures as she stands next a dress, known as the ‘Elvis Dress’, by designer by Britain’s Diana, Princess of Wales in Hong Kong in 1989, are pictured during a press preview of the forthcoming exhibition. Catherine Walker, and worn by Britain’s Diana, Princess of Wales in Hong Kong in 1989, during a press preview of the forthcoming exhibition.

Malabar Gold & Diamonds presents Studs & Drops Festival, showcasing a variety of earrings from over 20 countries

alabar Gold & Diamonds, one of the big the different roles she plays at work and at home Turkey, Bahrain and India to suit the tastes and five jewelry retailers globally and the way she adorn herself differently on spe- budget of its different customers. Customers can Mannounced the details of its latest offer- cial occasions and in everyday life. This exclusive also choose gifts to their loved ones from their ing 'Studs & Drops Festival' at their outlets in festival gives their customers a unique chance to branded jewelry segment that includes Era - UAE, Oman, Kuwait, Qatar, KSA and Singapore choose from a stunning collection of earrings Uncut Diamond Jewelry, Ethnix - Handcrafted showcasing an extensive collection of earrings, designed and handcrafted by skilled artisans Designer Jewelry, Mine - Diamonds Unlimited, giving their customers a unique chance to wit- around the world, ranging from lightweight, dai- Precia- Gem Jewelry Divine - Indian Heritage ness and own earrings from over 20 countries in ly wear to party wear in traditional as well as Jewelry & Starlet - Kids Jewelry. Gold and Diamonds. This festival runs from 23rd international designs to suit every occasion. February to 8th April 2017. Apart from these, Malabar Gold & Diamonds The jewelry chain presents a marvelous range also showcase an incredible collection of unique of earrings for today's woman, keeping in mind designs in gold and diamond jewelry from Italy, Cult Japanese film director Seijun Suzuki dead at 93

THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 23, 2017 37

A Bangladeshi woman decorates the Bangladesh Central Language Martyrs’ Memorial monument with flowers in homage to the martyrs of the 1952 Bengali Language Movement in Dhaka on February 21, 2017, on International Mother Language Day. International Mother Language Day is celebrated each year on this day, which in Bangladesh marks 65 years since police officials fired at thousands of protesters at universities in then East Pakistan, who were demanding that Bengali be declared the state language. The deaths marked the start of a nearly two-decades-long struggle for the establishment of the state Bangladesh which was achieved when Indian troops were victorious in the 1971 independence war with Pakistan. — AFP

Gilded Age gardens sparkle with renewed attention, respect

he period Mark Twain dubbed "the Gilded Kentucky, Maine, New Jersey, Texas and South known Untermyer Gardens in Yonkers, New York, Age" was one of extreme wealth and ostenta- Carolina. "The brilliant thing is that every single featured in "Rescuing Eden." Ttion, of robber barons amassing great for- one of these gardens has been resurrected and is tunes, of glaring chasms between rich and poor. It now open to the public," she says. "The Rockefeller Reflecting pools was also a time when some of the nation's grand- Family Gardens," (The Monacelli Press, April 2017) "It had really fallen into total ruin and was pretty est gardens were constructed. "These were incredi- by the New York Botanical Garden's Forrest and bleak for decades, but the garden, which was one bly competitive, extravagantly wealthy people with Larry Lederman, is a multi-generational story that of the truly great gardens of the Gilded Age, is now tremendous pride in America. They wanted the to some extent traces the changing ideals of in the full flowering of its second life, largely thanks This undated photo provided by The Monacelli Press shows the Inner Garden at Kykuit, country to be viewed as cultured and grand, and American gardens. to a fellow named Stephen Byrnes," Seebohm the country retreat established by John D Rockefeller in Sleepy Hollow, NY. their hope was to create gardens that equaled, and And Sam Watters' "Gardens for a Beautiful explains. Byrnes, who stumbled upon ruins in what ideally surpassed, the great gardens of Europe," America" (Acanthus Press, 2012) features meticu- remained of the garden in the 1980s, became says Todd A. Forrest, vice president of horticulture lously identified photos of some of the most opu- founder and president of the Untermyer Gardens and living collections at the New York Botanical lent gardens of the time. One inspiring story of a Conservancy. In its heyday, the garden, where Garden, founded in 1891. garden's rise, fall and rebirth is that of the little- Isadora Duncan once danced and parties and poet- The Gilded Age lasted from the 1860s and ry readings were held, sprawled over 150 acres '70s to just after the turn of the century. Some of with a view of the Hudson River Valley. It was part the gardens were meant to be exquisite private of a lavish estate belonging to Samuel Untermyer, a gems, while others, such as the New York New York lawyer who opened it to the public Botanical Garden, were intended to edify, inspire weekly for 25 years and intended it to remain open and uplift the public. for posterity. A handful of new and recent books pay trib- "The piece de resistance of the garden was a ute to their enduring importance. Because of the walled garden with crisscrossing canals," Seebohm high cost of maintaining ambitious Gilded Age says. "But sometimes people don't think their gardens, many have long since vanished. Others, endowments through very carefully, and when however, such as the New York Botanical Garden Untermyer died, he left it to the town of Yonkers, in the Bronx, have been diligently preserved, which didn't have the means to maintain it," says This undated photo provided by The Monacelli Press shows the Japanese Garden at evolving over time, as recounted in "The New adds. Thanks largely to Byrnes and the conservan- Kykuit, the country retreat established by John D Rockefeller in Sleepy Hollow, NY. York Botanical Garden," edited by Forrest and cy, the garden is now a Yonkers city park. It once Gregory Long (Abrams, 2016). again features its stunning Walled Garden, inspired Dozens more Gilded Age gardens languished by those of Indo-Persian antiquity, with reflecting but have been restored and opened to the pub- pools teeming with exotic water lilies. The mosaic lic in recent decades. "Rescuing Eden," by floors of the loggia are once again intact. And a Caroline Seebohm and Curtice Taylor (The long outdoor staircase punctuated by Roman-style Monacelli Press, 2015), and "The Shelburne columns offers dramatic, unobstructed views of the Farms," by Glenn Suokko (Rizzoli, March 2017), Hudson, just as it did in the Gilded Age. — AP tell of heroic efforts by communities and conser- vancies to resurrect great gardens that had fallen into ruin in the mid-20th century, usually for lack of funding and attention. "For ages, Americans didn't think much about the glorious gardens of this era, and people are suddenly seeing that there are these stunningly This undated photo provided by The Monacelli Press shows a view from the West Terrace beautiful places across the country, and that many This undated photo provid- at Kykuit, the country retreat established by John D Rockefeller in Sleepy Hollow, NY, had gone neglected," Seebohm said. Her book fea- ed by The Monacelli Press looking to the Hudson River with Marino Marini’s ‘Horse,’ left, and Aristide Maillol’s tures Gilded Age gardens across the country, shows Untermyer Park and ‘Night’ installed on the lawn. including in Georgia, New Hampshire, California, Gardens in Yonkers, NY.

This undated photo provided by The Monacelli Press shows Saint-Gaudens This undated photo provided by The Monacelli Press shows Pearl Fryar Topiary This undated photo provided by The Monacelli Press shows the dry landscape National Historic Site in Cornish, NH. — AP photos Garden in Bishopville, SC. garden inside of the Japanese Garden at Kykuit, the country retreat estab- lished by John D Rockefeller in Sleepy Hollow, NY.