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WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 16, 2015 RABI ALAWWAL 5, 1438 AH www.kuwaittimes.net Marah Land Yemen truce First Briton Griffin powers announces takes effect to travel to Clippers to 3-month as peace ISS blasts off OT win at carnival6 talks begin8 into29 space Detroit18 Saudi Arabia forms Islamic Min 06º alliance against terrorism Max 18º High Tide 01:38 & 15:57 34-nation coalition could share info, deploy troops Low Tide 09:18 & 21:18 40 PAGES NO: 16729 150 FILS RIYADH: Saudi Arabia announced yesterday the forma- tion of a military coalition of 34 countries to fight “ter- Gerrard, Pirlo, Xavi rorism” in the Islamic world, in the latest sign of a more assertive foreign policy by the kingdom. The regional Sunni power said the alliance would share intelligence, combat violent ideology and deploy troops if necessary. won’t play in Kuwait “Nothing is off the table. A number of countries are in desperate need of assistance,” Foreign Minister Adel Al- Jubeir said. “Terrorism has hit Islamic countries. It is time IOC ready for talks that the Islamic world takes a stand,” he told reporters in Paris. ZURICH/BUDAPEST: Steven Gerrard, Andrea Pirlo and pended Kuwait, risking its athletes’ chances of qualify- The alliance was announced by Saudi Deputy Crown Xavi Hernandez have been stopped from playing in a ing and competing at the 2016 Games in Rio de Janeiro. Prince Mohammed bin Salman, who is also defense friendly in Kuwait because of the nation’s ban from IOC president Thomas Bach said yesterday the Kuwaiti minister, on the same day that peace talks between the international football. Kuwait was suspended by FIFA in government must “come to the table” and resolve the Yemeni government and Iran-backed rebels began in October because of government interference, a case sports law which has caused the country to be banned. Switzerland, accompanied by a ceasefire. Adam Baron, a which threatens the country’s place in World Cup quali- Kuwait was suspended in October for the second time visiting fellow at the European Council on Foreign fying. The ban from international competitions extends in five years over government interference in the coun- to active players registered with clubs from taking part try’s Olympic Committee. The sports ministry has also Relations, said the coalition fits into “the larger, more in the Football Champions Tour friendly in Kuwait on ordered the Olympic Council of Asia (OCA) to vacate its assertive policy” of Saudi King Salman and Mohammed, Friday against a local all-star team. headquarters in Kuwait by April 2016. his powerful son. Organizers said Pirlo and Gerrard, who play in Major Bach, attending a meeting to celebrate the 120th Continued on Page 15 League Soccer, as well as Qatar-based Xavi are no longer anniversary of the Hungarian Olympic Committee, said able to participate. “Such principle is, of course, also to the law which led to Kuwait’s ban needed to be be followed at all sporting levels involving football in changed. “We will insist on our worry that the sports law COALITION MEMBERS the territory of the state of Kuwait,” FIFA acting secretary is not in compliance. I think this is also in the interest of Saudi Arabia, United Arab Emirates, Bahrain, Qatar, general Markus Kattner wrote to member associations the Kuwait authorities and the Kuwaiti athletes to Kuwait, Lebanon, Libya, Jordan, Tunisia, Yemen, last week. Yesterday, the FIFA disciplinary committee ensure this compliance and not forcing their other fed- Palestine, Egypt, Morocco, Turkey, Pakistan, will consider sanctions for Kuwait for failing to fulfill a erations to escalate the issue. They have to come to the Bangladesh, Malaysia, Benin, Chad, Togo, Djibouti, World Cup qualifier against Myanmar last month after it table,” Bach said. “The IOC has always made it clear it is Senegal, Sudan, Sierra Leone, Somalia, Gabon, RIYADH: Saudi Defense Minister and Deputy Crown was banned. The ruling is not expected this week. ready to address the various stipulations of the law that Guinea, Comoros, Ivory Coast, Maldives, Mali, Prince Mohammed bin Salman holds a press confer- The International Olympic Committee has also sus- need to be changed.” — Agenices Mauritania, Niger, and Nigeria. ence on Monday at the King Salman airbase. — AFP

KUWAIT: Social Affairs and Labor and Planning Minister Hind Al-Subaih speaks to MP Khaleel Al-Saleh as MP Rawdan Al-Rawdan looks on during a parliament session at the Assembly yesterday. — Photo by Yasser Al-Zayyat Joint panel to study govt request for defense funds MPs slam failure to diversify economy By B Izzak equipment. The Assembly will debate the panel’s report. The Assembly also agreed to discuss today proposed KUWAIT: The National Assembly agreed yesterday to amendments to the law of the Anti-Corruption Authority form a joint panel to study a request by the government in anticipation of a crucial constitutional court ruling on for a special additional defense budget worth KD 6.2 bil- the law today. The decree forming the Anti-Corruption lion over the next 10 years. The panel is comprised of Authority, established a year ago, was challenged as members from the financial affairs, defense and interior, unconstitutional before the top court, amid expecta- budgets and foreign affairs committees and will review tions the court may annul the authority. Several MPs whether to approve the government request or not. called for delaying the amendments until after the court According to the government bill, the allocations will be ruling is issued and studied carefully. divided over the next 10 years to purchase arms and Continued on Page 15 Kejriwal slams ‘psycho’ Modi after HQ raid

NEW DELHI: Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal yes- terday accused his arch-rival Narendra Modi of wag- ing a political vendetta, branding the Indian premier a “psychopath” after federal investigators raided his city administration’s headquarters. The firebrand chief minister, who founded and leads the anti-corruption NEW DELHI: Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal Aam Aadmi party, is a bitter opponent of Modi and addresses the media yesterday. — AFP they have clashed repeatedly in recent months. The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) confirmed seven years, along with six others, CBI spokeswoman officers had raided the Delhi city government head- Devpreet Singh told reporters. Another official told quarters and 13 other locations in connection with a AFP on condition of anonymity that cash and proper- corruption case involving Kejriwal’s principal secre- ty deeds had been recovered from Kumar’s home. tary Rajendra Kumar. Civil servant Kumar, in a previ- News of the raid was broken by Kejriwal himself, ous role, “abused his official position” by awarding who posted on Twitter that “CBI raids my office” and government contracts to a favored private firm over Continued on Page 15 LOCAL WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 16, 2015

KUWAIT: His Highness the Amir Sheikh Sabah Al-Ahmad Al-Sabah meets Chairman of the Board of Commissioners His Highness the Crown Prince Sheikh Nawaf Al-Ahmad Al-Sabah receives a memorial from members of the facul- of Kuwait Capital Market Authority (CMA) Nayef Al-Hajraf and board members. — KUNA photos ty for the association of applied education colleges. Amir receives chairman of Capital Markets Authority

KUWAIT: His Highness the Amir Sheikh Kuwait Stock Exchange (KSE) into one of Sabah Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah the top emerging markets in the region. received Chairman of the Board of Meanwhile, His Highness the Crown Commissioners of Kuwait Capital Markets Prince Sheikh Nawaf Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Authority (CMA) Nayef Al-Hajraf and Al-Sabah received at Bayan Palace mem- board members at Bayan Palace yester- bers of the faculty for the association of day. applied education colleges. The meeting The members presented to His was attended by head of Protocols at the Highness CMA’s fourth annual report for Crown Prince Dwian Sheikh Mubarak the fiscal year 2014-2015, while also pro- Sabah Al-Salem Al-Humoud Al-Sabah. In viding thorough details on the authori- other news, His Highness the Amir and ty’s plan for the upcoming years, Hajraf. His Highness the Crown Prince separately He further noted that they also explained received His Highness Sheikh Nasser Al- to His Highness CMA’s measures to turn Mohammad Al-Ahmad Al-Sabah. —KUNA Kuwait, Japanese ties extraordinary: Deputy FM

KUWAIT: Deputy Foreign Minister Khaled Al-Jarallah hailed the extraordinary bilateral ties with Japan on Monday, while partici- pating in a national day celebra- tion at the Japanese embassy. In a statement to journalists, Jarallah reminisced on Japanese efforts of liberating Kuwait during the 1990 Iraqi invasion. He also recounted Kuwaiti aid efforts to Japan includ- ing the donation of five million barrels of crude oil in the wake of a massive earthquake that struck the country. Jarallah also extolled Japanese environmental contributions to Kuwait, saying these efforts are appreciated by the people of Kuwait. Moreover, Japanese ambassador to Kuwait Ishii Takeshi expressed admiration of his Highness the Amir Sheikh Sabah Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah, call- ing him an ‘exemplary leader.’ He asserted that Japan would never forget Kuwaiti’s persistent aid in KUWAIT: Deputy Foreign Minister Khaled Al- times of calamity, underscoring Jarallah (right) and Japanese ambassador to long-standing Kuwaiti and Kuwait Ishii Takeshi are pictured during the Japanese ties. —KUNA event. —Photo by Yasser Al-Zayyat

SAINT PETERSBURG: Minister of Information and Minister of State for Youth Affairs Sheikh Salman Sabah Salem Al-Humoud Al-Sabah meets Russian Minister of Culture Vladimir Medinsky. — KUNA Sheikh Salman holds ‘fruitful’ talks in Russia

SAINT PETERSBURG: Minister of Hermitage Museum Mikhail Borisovich Information and Minister of State for Piotrovsky, Sheikh Salman said they Youth Affairs Sheikh Salman Sabah addressed means of enhancing coopera- Salem Al-Humoud Al-Sabah on yesterday tion for enhancing exchange of historical described his talks with Russian officials books, developing museums, caring for as “important and fruitful.” national heritage and heritage restora- Sheikh Salman, who is also Chairman tion training. Offering Kuwaiti youth the of the National Council for Culture, Arts opportunity to benefit from the long and Letters (NCCAL), told KUNA and expertise of the Hermitage Museum, Kuwait TV in an exclusive statement which was founded in 1764, featured before his departure from Russia that his high on the agenda of the talks, he said. talks with the Russian Minister of Culture Touring the Hermitage, Sheikh Salman Vladimir Medinsky focused on means of expressed his deep admiration of the his- promoting bilateral cultural ties, and torical items on display. exchange of expertise and experts’ visits, The minister thanked Kuwait’s in addition to benefiting from the experi- Ambassador to Russia Abdulaziz Al- ence of the Russian cultural centers. Adwani for his efforts, and appreciated He said that the Russian side highly KUNA and the Kuwait TV for coverage of appreciated Kuwait’s role and the signifi- the visit. He also voiced thanks to the cant outcome of His Highness the Amir Russian government for hospitality and Sheikh Sabah Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al- warm welcome during the visit. Sabah’s visit to Russia in September. A The high-profile Kuwaiti delegation bilateral cultural agreement was signed that participated in the IV St. Petersburg then. Sheikh Salman said he had invited International Cultural Forum, led by Medinsky to visit Kuwait for further dis- Sheikh Salman, included Ambassador Al- cussions on means to boost bilateral cul- Adwani and NCCAL Assistant Secretary tural cooperation, reiterating Russia’s cul- General for the Culture Sector, tural status globally. Mohammed Al-Zoabi, and officials from As for the talks with Director of the the Ministry of Information. — KUNA

WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 16, 2015 LOCAL Anjari: Hasn’t the time come to focus on tourism as a source of income for Kuwait? Continued drop in oil prices and decrease of surplus

KUWAIT: Leaders Group for ty and social stability and maintains a the region facing turmoil. This was the $43,250 per capita, while the UAE has capable of enhancing its infrastructure its Gulf counterparts. The need for Consulting and Development, the strong financial center, one of the case of Dubai which saw a boom in a GDP per capita of only $42,940. With and establishing a tourism hub worthy transparency, openness and loosen- representative of the World Tourism strongest in the Gulf. This alone is an tourism despite of regional crises. that said, Kuwait’s tourism sector per- of world standards. ing regulations will attract more Organization in Kuwait, issued its incentive to focus on the develop- formance is moderate compared to In conclusion, the report said that tourists, accompanied by a marketing monthly report on recent develop- ment of the tourism sector, which is Tourism performance the UAE’s tourism sector. Reasons while Kuwait spends $11 billion on campaign. Without these steps, ments in the tourism sector in Kuwait. one of the fastest growing sectors and Leaders Group’s report called to behind the slow performance in tourism, there is lack of sufficient gov- Kuwait would miss on an opportunity Leaders Group General Manager, would allow covering income lost increase efforts in the development of Kuwait have become well known. erning bodies to manage touristic to make tourism an income-generat- Nabila Al-Anjari, said: “Factors affect- from oil. The International Monetary the tourism industry. Kuwait’s tourism Income generated from tourism in development. Spending therefore ing sector in light of the drop in oil ing the drop in oil prices and the Fund had said in a report that the falls last among Gulf countries in the GCC in 2013 clears the picture does not translate into income such as prices. even more. Kuwait trails last in the list with one $369 million generated, fol- lowed by Bahrain with $1.17 billion, then Oman with $1.36 billion, Qatar with $4.6 billion, Saudi with $8.24 bil- lion and the UAE at the top with $13.97.

Development plan The report showed that tourism would play a significant role in the development plan of 2015-2020, par- ticularly thanks to the current agree- ment between the parliament and government, and the ambitious plans to diversify the economy away from the dependence on oil. The report also added that there are many factors that would support the local tourism sector and attracted Source: World Tourism Organization, October 2015 - Leaders Group Gulf tourists. An example is the high Nabila Al-Anjari spending power of the Gulf tourist in drop in oil prices has made it neces- terms of infrastructure, number of comparison to the global average. This impact on budget surplus as well as sary for Kuwait to diversify its econo- tourists and income generated from is an opportunity for Kuwait seeing income overall are an indicator today my and create jobs away from the tourism, despite a government large unstable conditions in other parts of that Kuwait should look to generate dependence on oil and foreign work- expenditure exceeding $11 billion. the tourism world such as Paris and income from other sectors to cover force. In comparison, Kuwait’s gross Tunis, and the assumptions that these losses to its budget.” The report added that Kuwait’s sta- domestic product (GDP) is second in would spread to other cities in Europe The report said that even though bility will allow it to become a tourist the GCC after Qatar, reaching $173 bil- and the US. In addition, Kuwait is one oil prices dropped, Kuwait has securi- destination instead of other areas in lion annually, the equivalent of of the richest oil-producing countries, Six reasons to make tourism a priority in Kuwait (Source: Leaders Group) Saudi mulls recruiting Education Ministry to probe maids through Kuwait non-accredited certificates By A Saleh Investor charged The Capital Markets Authority KUWAIT: In a bid to control the prohibitively (CMA) yesterday filed a complaint with KUWAIT: The Ministry of Education will form a high cost of hiring domestic workers in Saudi the public prosecutor against an committee to investigate non-accredited certifi- Arabia, the Saudi Shura council urged the investor, accusing him of taking part cates of some teaching members in the Public Saudi ministry of labor to coordinate with in Kuwait Stock Exchange (KSE) activi- Authority for Applied Education and Training relevant authorities to hire domestic laborers ties without obtaining an official (PAAET) and Kuwait University, said a top min- through special offices in Kuwait and other license to do so, which is a violation of istry’s official. Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) states. law 7/2010. The ministry will not accept such violations, and the committee is expected to come out with final results within three to four months, said Minister of Education and Minister of Higher Syndicate accuses Interior Education Bader Al-Essa during the National Assembly’s ordinary session yesterday. Ministry officials of abuse Meanwhile, the minister noted that the accused members will not be suspended until the com- By Meshaal Al-Enezi KD 1,980,000 that had been unlawfully col- mittee has concluded the investigation, adding lected from a citizen as taxes. that the final report will be presented to the KUWAIT: Chairman of the Interior government to take action. Ministry’s civilian employees syndicate Jaber Al-Ahmad City Bader Al-Enezi said that the syndicate had The Ministry of Public Works (MPW) Government’s performance officially submitted a complaint against stressed that 46 percent of the works Lawmakers meanwhile gave their stamp of two officials at the citizen service direc- included in a contract to build and main- approval to a report by the National Assembly’s torate to Minister Sheikh Mohammad Al- tain roads and six intersections along main Priorities Committee on the performance of the Khaled Al-Sabah. Enezi explained that the roads to serve Jaber Al-Ahmad City have government. Consisting of three major parts, two officials had abused their powers, been completed. The ministry added that the report notes in the first part the govern- committed administrative violations that the project’s total cost is KD 28.9 million. ment’s abidance by the letter and spirit of the KUWAIT: Education minister Dr Bader Al-Essa (left) appears with a number of MPs might see some employees referred to constitution and its willingness to work in close during yesterday’s parliament session. —Photo by Yasser Al-Zayyat prosecution for crimes they never commit- Complications partnership with the parliament to achieve all ted and had been sexually harassing Following lengthy debates about the that is needed for the benefit of the nation. In the report’s second part, it alludes to the the private sector, creating job opportunities for female employees. “They think they are municipal council’s technical committee Moreover, the report drives the point government’s commitment to promote national young Kuwaitis, protecting the environment, and above accountability,” he said, pointing out formation and reducing its members from home that the government is earnest about unity while providing the citizenry with the seeking lasting solutions for the issue of illegal one of the officials had been threatening 14 to nine, then to seven, then back to turning the country into a financial and com- necessities of housing, education, health care, residents. The report’s third part deals primarily employees. Enezi added that another com- nine again, informed sources said that the mercial hub, able to attract investments and programs for the youth. with streamlining the process of monitoring the plaint was filed against the ministry’s legal committee chairman Fahd Al-Sane’s tenure through the combined efforts of the public It further underscores the imperatives for performance of the government by adopting affairs department accusing its officials of was extended for two more years for the and private sectors. diversification of the nation’s income, buttressing national and international indices. —KUNA impartiality and refusing to investigate first time, as the committee chairmanship complaints filed against one of the two used to be limited to two years only. officials. Member Mane Al-Ajmi was appointed committee rapporteur. The sources also News Wrongful taxation expected further complications after in brief The court of appeals yesterday ordered unconfirmed news about the resignation the finance ministry to refund the sum of of four of the committee members. Amiri Diwan protocols chief’s Twitter accounts hacked Crackdown on KUWAIT: Chief of the Amiri Diwan Protocols Sheikh Khaled Al- Abdullah Al-Sabah Al-Nasser Al-Sabah said yesterday that his per- sonal Twitter account has been hacked. He stressed in a statement that procedures to retrieve the account are underway, adding that weapons in Kabd legal action will be undertaken against the perpetrators. —KUNA

By Hanan Al-Saadoun als, in violation of the residency law. They KD 9.9 million aid to illegal residents were all found wanted on security KUWAIT: Weapons detectives launched an grounds and reported absconding. They KUWAIT: Kuwait Zakat House (KZH) offered aid worth KD expanded search campaign in Kabd farms were sent to concerned authorities. 9.9 million to illegal residents during the first 10 months of yesterday morning. The department the year, according to a statement on yesterday. KZH gives formed a team to collect the weapons in Youth suicide illegal residents’ families in-kind assistance that includes several stages. A young Egyptian man committed sui- clothes and household appliances, KZH Director General cide by throwing himself from the sixth Dr Ibrahim Ahmad Al-Saleh added in a press statement. floor of a Nugra building, under mysteri- This totaled KD 1.183 million offered to 3,799 beneficiary ous circumstances. The man was found on families. —KUNA the ground with blood on his head. A Jordanian man told police that he jumped from the sixth floor. US Embassy message KUWAIT: The United States Embassy in Kuwait sent the following Municipality statistics message to US citizens in the country, with regards to the antici- A Kuwait Municipality statistics report pated friendly soccer match at Jaber Stadium next Friday: “On the about the achievements of public cleanli- evening of Friday, December 18, Kuwait is hosting an international ness, road occupancy and the roaming soccer match at Jaber Al-Ahmad International Stadium. This is the vendors team of Farwaniya municipality first time an event of this magnitude has been held at this location branch during the second half of October and Kuwaiti officials are expecting 60,000 spectators, most of showed that 104 warnings were issued, whom will be driving their own vehicles to the event. The Embassy 116 undertakings were collected, 847 is advising its personnel to avoid the area surrounding the stadium stickers were removed, 204 abandoned during the event due to anticipated heavy traffic congestion.” cars were impounded, 69 were released, KD 3,894 was collected, 21 road occupan- cy citations were issued and 103 tickets Jarallah meets ILO official were issued to violating vendors. KUWAIT: Deputy Foreign Minister Khaled Al-Jarallah met Road accidents the regional director of the International Labor Organization (ILO) yesterday. During the meeting, they discussed the ILO’s A multiple vehicle collision took KUWAIT: Kuwait National Guard carried out the ‘Steadfast Knights 3’ exer- An officer using the help of a police place on Fahaheel Road, and several activities, mainly in Syria, Yemen and Iraq. The ILO official, cise in Adaire’a, as part of its ‘Safety First’ strategy for 2020. The exercise, who lauded Kuwait’s support to the organization, delivered dog in search for weapons in Kabd. persons were trapped. Four vehicles were involved, and firemen used heavy which featured use of live ammunition, was described as a success in term of Al-Jarallah a message from the ILO Director-General to First Violators arrested equipment to cut the vehicles and free achieving the highest level of preparation. It took place under the patron- Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Sheikh Sabah Residency affairs detectives arrested the trapped people, who were taken to age of Lieutenant General Hashim Al-Refa’ie, Undersecretary of the Kuwait Al-Khaled Al-Hamad Al-Sabah. The meeting was attended seven women and a man, all Asian nation- hospital. National Guard. by several senior officials of the Foreign Ministry. —KUNA

WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 16, 2015 Local Marah Land announces 3-month carnival

By Nawara Fattahova On February 19, a traditional celebra- tion will be held on the occasion of the KUWAIT: The Marah Land entertainment 10th anniversary of His Highness Sheikh park in Sabahiya is holding a three month Nawaf Al-Ahmad’s assumption to the post carnival from December 22, 2015 to March of Crown Prince. Feb 25 and 26 we see cel- 19, 2016. The official opening of the carni- ebrations to mark the 55th Independence val will be held on Monday, Dec 28, 2015 Day and 25th Liberation Day, in which at 5:30 pm, and entrance will be free. local and Arab artistes will participate. The The Kuwait Carnival is held under the closing ceremony will be held on Friday, auspices of Sheikh Fawaz Khalid Al- Hamad Al-Sabah, Ahmadi Governor, and will include over 90 different activities in 90 days. “Local and international bands and artistes will be participating in this carnival by presenting various kinds of shows, musical performances, competi- KUWAIT: His Highness Sheikh Nasser Al-Mohammad Al-Sabah is pictured with a number of people awarded during the confer- tions and other activities for kids and the whole family daily, with more activities on ence. —Photos by Yasser Al-Zayyat weekends,” said Hussein Al-Shahin, Chairman of First Campaign Company, the organizer of the carnival, during a press conference held on Monday at Symphony Hotel. This event aims to encourage local KUWAIT: Hussein Al-Shahin, Chairman tourism and attract tourists from abroad. of First Campaign Company speaks “Through this carnival we aim to provide during the press conference. happiness and satisfaction to all Kuwait’s —Photo by Yasser Al-Zayyat residents, especially since it’s being held during the national celebrations. This March 18, 2016 with shows and gifts. event is listed among the official celebra- “Apart of the above mentioned activi- tions of Kuwait in the celebration calen- ties, there will be many other activities dar,” he added. held daily, including plays, musical per- The official opening of the carnival will formances, circus acts and many others. be on December 28, where Kuwaiti folk And as part of the Kuwait Carnival, young bands will present the Ardha dance and entrepreneurs will have the chance to dis- national songs. play their small businesses during a spe- On January 29, a huge traditional cele- cial exhibition held at the park. This activi- bration will be held on the occasion of the ty is a kind of support to encourage them,” 10th anniversary of the rule of His concluded Al-Shahin. For daily activities, Highness the Amir Sheikh Sabah Al- check their account on Instagram: Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah. @Kuwaitcarnival His Highness Sheikh Nasser Al-Mohammad Al-Sabah is pictured with another group of awardees. ‘From Kuwait We Start’ conference kicks off

KUWAIT: A conference titled ‘From Kuwait We that His Highness the Amir underlined the are keen on attending the event which has noble Start and in Kuwait We End’ commenced yester- urgency of interesting in youth and he listened ideas and goals that reflect deep-rooted values day under the auspices of His Highness Sheikh to their problems, proposals, initiatives and aspi- engraved into the hearts of the Kuwaitis, noting Nasser Al-Mohammad Al-Ahmad Al-Sabah. In an rations. She called for setting up a national coun- that youth are able to play an effective role, but opening ceremony on Monday night at the Al- cil for youth aiming to follow up their activities they need support and interest by the State.” He Babtain Central Library for Arabic Poetry, Youssef and programs which contribute to building a called for promoting the concept of national unity Al-Yassin, head of conference, said: “The three- promising future of the homeland. and developing curricula at schools, urging family day event aims to promote values of loyalty Walid Al-Khashti, a representative from Mobile to contribute to enhancing love, cohesion and tol- towards our homeland, disseminate the meaning Telecommunications Company (ZAIN), said: “We erance inside the society. —KUNA of moderation and patriotism inside the society as well as enhance the concept of a positive dia- logue”. He added that the conference also seeks to change negative concepts adopted by youth and implant the concept of coexistence among all segments of the society, noting that the event Gulf Insurance Group sponsors honors annually some Kuwaitis who play promi- nent role in several fields like charitable action. children’s cultural festival His Highness Sheikh Nasser meanwhile expressed his gratitude to all people who con- KUWAIT: Gulf Insurance Group, the lead- Al-Sanousi said, “Gulf Insurance supports tributed to organizing the event, wishing Kuwait ing insurance services provider in Kuwait Dhuwa Al-Yaddah in their goal to raise further progress and prosperity under the leader- and the Middle East, sponsored Dhuwa Al- awareness on proper childcare in the com- ship of His Highness the Amir Sheikh Sabah Al- Yaddah Center’s children’s cultural festival, munity and provide an outlet for children Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah. 2015 Bloom Expo. to discover their talents.” Kawthar Al-Jawaan, a member of the confer- Staying in line with gig’s vision of sup- “We are keen on supporting such ence’s consultative team, stressed meanwhile the porting youth, the group sponsored the events which aim to develop our youth importance of supporting youth to help them event attended by professionals offering into successful future leaders,” he contin- present their innovations and play effective role advice on childcare and talent encourage- ued. The expo, had welcomed over 7,000 in society development and state building. Head of Al-Babtain Central Library for Zain’s Walid Al-Khashti addresses the ment. visitors from 8-10 December, it was an She said that the wise leadership of the State Arabic Poetry, Abdulaziz Al-Babtain audience. Group Corporate Communications and open space for children to safely learn, of Kuwait depends on human wealth, adding speaks at the conference. Investor Relations Manager, Khaled Mishari shop, and play. Kuwaiti-Armenian meeting on economic cooperation kicks off

KUWAIT: Preparatory meetings for the second October 2011, left off. department of Middle Eastern affairs at the joint Kuwaiti-Armenian ministerial committee for In his speech at the meetings, Saqoubi Armenian foreign ministry Sarman economic and technical cooperation kicked off emphasized the economic and commercial ties Baghdassarian said his country sought closer yesterday. Heading the Kuwaiti side to the meet- between the two countries, particularly those in economic and commercial relations with Kuwait ings was assistant undersecretary for economic the fields of investments, health, tourism, and and countries of the GCC. affairs at the ministry of finance Sami Al-Saqoubi post-graduate education. These and other issues A ministerial Kuwaiti-Armenian meeting will who told KUNA on the sideline of the meetings will figure highly in the two-day preparatory be held next Thursday, chaired by deputy prime today that the second joint Kuwaiti-Armenian meetings, he said. minister and finance minister and acting oil min- ministerial committee meeting will pick up Speaking on behalf of the Armenian side to ister Anas Al-Saleh where a number of memoran- where the earlier one, held in Armenia in today’s preparatory meetings, director of the dums of understanding will be signed. —KUNA

KUWAIT: The Commercial Bank of Kuwait (CBK) is participating in the Elite Real Estate Exhibition as a platinum sponsor for the event. The exhibition takes place at the Kuwait International Fairground in Mishref (Hall 8), and runs through December 19, 2015. KEPS concludes ninth green schools program 105 public, private schools

KUWAIT: Kuwait Environment Protection impact on Kuwait, desertification and fun- Society (KEPS) announced yesterday the gal flora in Kuwaiti wild, water scarcity and conclusion of activities of the first stage of quality of drinking water, environment pro- green schools’ 9th program of the first tection, besides Kuwait Environmental term in the current academic year, with Police, she added. The green schools pro- participation of 105 public and private gram offered specialized activities for the schools. morning assembly in schools, besides offer- Director of programs and activities at ing workshops, scientific lectures, field trips, Kuwait Environment Protection Society besides documentary films, she stated. Jenan Bahzad said in press remarks that 105 The environmental clubs in the schools schools from primary, intermediate and which took part in this program during the high school stages registered in the activi- past years gained sufficient experiences ties of green schools for the first term of the which qualified them to prepare their own current academic year, as the program schools’ programs according to the needs includes 15 educational axioms. The 15 of the schools environment, she said. axioms of the programs’ activities were dis- KEPS’ long-term goals include integrat- tributed according to KEPS’ educational and ing the environmental culture into the training curriculum prepared by specialists national plans, especially in the education- in various environmental domains, she said. al field in order to face the negative impact This will cover the subjects of birds and on the environment and work to KUWAIT: Officials attend a preparatory meeting for the second joint Kuwaiti-Armenian ministerial committee for economic and natural habitats, climate change and its encounter them, she added. —KUNA technical cooperation. —Photo by Fouad Al-Shaikh WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 16, 2015 From the Arabic press

Al-Anbaa Crime Al-Jarida Report Enough about Child found subsidy cuts!

driving ATV By Dr Nermin Al-Houti

KUWAIT: Acting Jahra Security Director Colonel Waleed am not an economic expert, nor a political Al-Shihab was shocked to see a seemingly ‘driverless’ analyst, yet I remain a Kuwaiti citizen who lives ATV on a street. He approached the vehicle and asked Iin Kuwait and has my constitutional rights, the driver to stop, only to be surprised that the driver NGOs and here starts the dialogue through the words was an 11 year old boy with his siblings sitting next to in my column: I was reading the newspapers in him. When asked what were they doing, the children the middle of last week, and I read a news item, said they were going to their grandfather’s house. The which is actually a proposal under study by the three were taken to Taima police station, the vehicle International Monetary Fund demanding lifting impounded and the father cited. subsidies on electricity, water and gasoline for Kuwaitis. I will not go into the study, because it is not Marijuana found at airport my specialty, and my words will not go deep into Airport customs officers foiled an attempt to smug- the economic world, because I am not an eco- gle marijuana by an Indian man who brought it from nomic expert, but I want to ask about who made his country in a box. The man was sent to the Drugs that study, to a point that he made it a proposal Control General Department (DCGD). The 2.25 kilo- with its result being lifting subsidies from elec- grams of marijuana were found when the luggage was tricity, water and gasoline. Did you conduct your checked. The Indian works as a driver for a citizen and study on all “petty” spending of the state’s institu- said the drugs are for his own personal use. MSAL’s law tions? “Stop”, for all those who want to mess with the Public drunk arrested Kuwaiti society! I am a citizen who reads and lis- Hawally police arrested a young man in a state of tens all day long news that concerns my home- intoxication. The man was found to be in possession of land, and I am surprised the IMF did not consider a bottle of locally made liquor, a pistol and five rounds. it in its study. My message today is directed to all He was taken to Hawally detectives department. A researchers and experts in that international eco- police patrol stopped a car being driven erratically and nomic facility, and will mention some questions found the driver to be intoxicated. that were absent from their study - rather my Al-Anbaa lines will not be limited to researchers and experts of IMF, but my questions include every Absconding girl and man arrested Kuwaiti official who will read that proposal. A citizen caught with an absconding girl was arrest- Islam-destroying Islam! I tell them: Stop! Before reading and thinking ed for helping her and resisting police. He was charged about the study, you should answer the ques- with harboring an absconder and resisting arrest. tions of public opinion. Where are your studies Southern roads police stopped a car with a man and By Sami Al-Nisf about the donations presented by Kuwait to for- woman inside. When their IDs were checked, it was eign projects that have nothing to do with the found the girl was reported missing from her family’s eviewing the world map and following up on and millions as the price of destroying their own development of Kuwait society? Before you lift home four days earlier. A security source said the citi- the amount of destruction and bloodshed nations with the excuse of protecting them. subsidies, why all those who squandered public zen resisted police and attempted to attack them but Rworldwide, one can easily notice that unlike Other peoples around the world cannot tell the funds through bogus deals were not punished? other countries enjoying peace, development and difference between Sunnis and Shiites, Zaidis and was controlled and taken along with the girl to the Did your proposal look at some names that respect of humanity around the world, devastation Alawites, Ibadis and Druze, Sufis or Ismailis, etc. We police station. embezzled and stolen public funds, and the law and killing have been stationed in our Arab and ought to treat each other the way others treat us was not applied to them to recover what was tak- Muslim region for long years now. One can also find without discriminating between the followers of this en from the state coffers? Local liquor maker seller arrested that the absolute majority of civil wars, killings, or that doctrine. Everybody has peacefully co-existed Many questions remain on the minds of the Policemen arrested a taxi driver in possession of 94 decapitations and bloodshed under fake flags of for thousands of years. Kuwaiti citizen who does not know what the bottles of locally made liquor he was selling in the Islam are taking place in our region, regardless of If only the Arab League had not been deeply future has for him out of those foreign studies Mangaf area. The Indian man was sent to DCGD. He was false pretense to love and advocate Islam by those asleep, we would have called for an immediate meet- and proposals. We became bored of attracting stopped by a police patrol and seemed confused, so he carrying them (those who see describing other ing for all sects and doctrines’ clerics in the Arab those who plan for our country and decide our was searched and the bottles were found. Muslims as infidels and killing them daily as the only region so that the ongoing wars and genocide can society’s fate. Until when will we keep others way to promote Islam and improve its image immediately stop and all followers can realize that deciding our future path? And until when will we amongst other nations)! the problem is not in their religions or doctrines. The remain puppets, and our strings in the hands of Embezzler arrested Real Muslims from various sects and doctrines real problem is in those taking advantage of such others? Hawally detectives arrested an Egyptian man for must unite (instead of divide) to face those working dissimilarities to kill everybody and destroy nations. A final note: “Democratic life is the way of peo- embezzling KD 3,120, following a complaint by a citi- on destroying Islam in the name of Islam. Bloodshed Finally, we need new initiatives and creative ple who respect their will in free life, and there is zen at Nugra police station. In this complaint, the citi- and dividing nations is not being done under secular, thoughts in the Arab League’s Secretariat General no dignity without freedom and there is no free- zen told police that the Egyptian man who works in Marxist or liberal flags. These crimes are rather being because the Arab nation is being destroyed while the dom without dignity,” said Sheikh Abdullah Al- food stuff sales took the money and disappeared. He committed under the flags of Islam with the aim of Secretariat General is preoccupied with futile bureau- Salem Al-Sabah, the “father of the constitution”. was taken to Hawally detectives office for further legal disfiguring it and deceiving misled youth. This will go cracy. —Translated by Kuwait Times action. — Al-Rai on as long as ‘deceivers’ continue receiving billions — Translated by Kuwait Times

Ooredoo representatives receive the award. Ooredoo Kuwait wins ‘Creativity Award’ by the Arab Media Forum

KUWAIT: Ooredoo Kuwait, a mem- The award sheds light on and present in a unique twist that ber of international Ooredoo Group, Ooredoo’s great efforts to engage focuses on the 1970s, 1980s and has recently received the ‘Creativity with the local community, in cre- 1990s television series and cultural Award’ for its Ramadan 2015 TVC, by ative and innovative ways and in scene in Kuwait. the Arab Media Forum. The ceremo- areas and matters of their interest The Arab Media Forum awards ny was conducted under the patron- and its commitment toward preserv- ceremony is considered as one of age of Sheikh Salman Al-Homoud ing Kuwait’s heritage and local tradi- the renowned events that take place Al-Sabah, Minister of Information tions, elements which were highly in the region, which brings together and Minister of State for Youth reflected in its Ramadan 2015 TVC. representatives from the different Affairs. The award was presented by The Ramadan TVC celebrates industries in one place to celebrate the Information Ministry Ramadan’s modern culture, high- their tremendous revolutionary Undersecretary Tareq Al-Mizrim. lighting the merge between past efforts in innovation and creativity. Prisoners to be allowed 72-hour family visits

KUWAIT: The parliamentary interior conditions there. “In addition, the ate pardon, reducing their time to and defense committee recently committee discussed amending one quarter or half, or paying fines. discussed a number of proposals to police force leaves and vacations, In this regard, security sources said amend the prisons and police laws promotions and some organization- that the process is expected to go and allow prisoners doing time for al issues,” added the sources. on until February - the annual Amiri non-dishonorable or state security Meanwhile, a committee formed pardon period -before the national crimes 72-hour visits to their fami- to study prisoners’ files and decide day and liberation day celebrations. lies. In this regard, informed sources which match the Amiri pardon con- The sources also highlighted that also noted that the committee ditions has so far studied 1,615 cas- Amiri pardons do not apply to drug agreed to allow the public prosecu- es and found that 1,001 of them trafficking-related crimes or mur- tion inspect prisons to check the matched the conditions of immedi- ders. — Al-Rai WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 16, 2015 US soldier Bergdahl S Africa’s first black woman naval commander calls the shots facing life sentence

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SANAA: Shiite tribesmen, known as Houthis, hold their weapons as they chant slogans during a tribal gathering showing support for the Houthi movement yesterday. — AP Yemen ceasefire takes effect UN-brokered peace talks begin in Switzerland

ADEN: A ceasefire took effect yesterday in the talks in Switzerland “seek to establish a “reserves the right to respond in case of ment of supplies, personnel and teams to conflict-ravaged Yemen as warring sides permanent ceasefire and pave the way for any violation”. all parts of the country and we got the con- IAEA ‘closes’ Iran began UN-brokered peace talks in a return to a peaceful and orderly political Hadi has declared his government’s firmation that this will definitely be grant- Switzerland, according to the United transition”. UN spokesman Ahmad Fawzi intention to have a seven-day truce to coin- ed,” Shadoul said in Geneva. Nations and the Saudi-led coalition battling confirmed that the talks had begun at an cide with the peace talks and to be More than 5,800 people have been nuke bomb probe Iran-backed rebels. The World Health undisclosed location. “These consultations “renewed automatically if the other party killed in Yemen - about half of them civil- Organization outlined plans to take advan- seek to establish a permanent and compre- commits to it,” the coalition said. A Yemen ians - and more than 27,000 wounded since VIENNA: The UN atomic watchdog’s board yesterday tage of the halt in fighting to distribute hensive ceasefire, secure improvements to presidential statement said the proposed March, according to the UN. Jihadists, drew a line under a long-running probe into Iran’s past much-needed medical supplies across the the humanitarian situation and a return to ceasefire “comes out of keenness to grab including the Islamic State group, have efforts to develop nuclear weapons, removing an country. Limited violations of the truce a peaceful and orderly political transition,” any chance to achieve peace, to reduce the exploited the violence, gaining ground and important obstacle to implementing July’s landmark were reported shortly after it began at mid- he told reporters. Fawzi said 12 negotiators suffering of our people in Yemen and to carrying out deadly attacks against both deal with big powers, diplomats said. A resolution day (0900 GMT), with two loyalists killed in and six advisers made up each of the two end bloodshed.” Yemeni civilians are anx- sides. Ahead of the ceasefire, coalition war- approved by the International Atomic Energy Agency’s clashes in the east and mortar rounds hit- delegations taking part in the talks. ious to see peace prevail. “We demand the planes bombed rebel positions in Taez and 35-nation board of governors said the investigation ting government forces in the southwest- warring parties who are in Geneva now south of Sanaa, according to witnesses and was “implemented in accordance with the agreed ern province of Taez, according to security Warning of Retaliation offer concessions...because all Yemenis are a military official. schedule” and that this “closes the board’s considera- and military officials. Ahead of the truce, clashes shook the eager to get Yemen out of this crisis,” a resi- The rebel-controlled Saba News Agency tion of the matter”. The Saudi-led coalition, which launched flashpoint city of Taez and coalition war- dent of the capital Sanaa, Ali Hasan, told said 10 people were killed and 20 others Iran had warned that unless this happened, it an air war against the Houthi Shiite rebels planes bombed rebel positions. Soon after AFP. were wounded in an air raid early Tuesday would not implement key parts of July’s accord with and their allies in March, said the ceasefire the ceasefire took effect, a Yemeni security on the village of Bani Haddad, in the six major powers to scale down its nuclear program in had started as scheduled following a official reported five mortars targeted pro- Aid Delivery to Begin Haradh area of northern Yemen. The war- exchange for sanctions relief. The IAEA keeps close request by Yemeni President Abedrabbo Hadi forces in Shuraija, south of Taez. A lull in fighting is sorely needed in the ring sides have agreed to talks despite pro- tabs on Iran’s nuclear program, and its inspections role Mansour Hadi. The rebel forces, who con- Residents had earlier reported hearing Arabian Peninsula’s poorest nation, where tracted differences, including over a UN is set to grow under July’s hard-fought deal, which trol the capital, did not say if they would shelling in the city. In the eastern province the UN says an estimated 80 percent of the Security Council resolution calling for defused a standoff dating back to 2002. abide by the truce. Previous UN efforts of Marib, clashes killed two pro-Hadi fight- population requires humanitarian aid. The rebels to withdraw from key cities and sur- But the Vienna-based watchdog has also long have failed to narrow differences, and ers in the early afternoon before subsiding, WHO representative in Yemen, Ahmed render their weapons. The government and sought to clear up allegations that until 2003, and pos- attempted ceasefires have broken down. military sources said. A pro-Hadi officer told Shadoul, said that the UN agency had its Gulf allies say the resolution is a prereq- sibly since, Iran also secretly sought to develop an The UN envoy to Yemen, Ismail Ould AFP: “We have received orders from our received assurances from the warring fac- uisite for peace. In addition to the air cover, actual nuclear weapon. After stalling for many years, Cheikh Ahmed, hailed the halt in fighting military leadership not to respond to the tions that its staff were free to distribute the coalition has backed pro-government Iran agreed in July to cooperate with the IAEA to as “a critical first step towards building a rebel shelling unless they advance towards medical supplies while the ceasefire holds. forces with soldiers and heavy weaponry. address the claims, which it has always rejected, allow- lasting peace in the country”. He said that us.” The coalition has warned that it “We have requested unconditional move- —AFP ing inspectors to visit sites and providing additional information. As a result the IAEA on Dec 2 released a “final assessment” - even though it did not receive all Kerry meets Putin to push Syria peace plan the information it sought -concluding that some of the allegations were indeed accurate. MOSCOW: US Secretary of State John Kerry sanctions on Russia. “You had a chance to war. US ally Saudi Arabia is putting together State group to spread the carnage beyond It said Iran conducted “a range of activities relevant met Russia’s President Vladimir Putin at the speak to President Obama in New York and the coalition that would negotiate on behalf Syria’s borders. to the development” of a nuclear bomb before the end Kremlin yesterday to seek agreement on how then subsequently in Paris,” Kerry said, sitting of the rebels, with a view to first agreeing a Kerry hopes that if the regime and the of 2003 in a “coordinated effort”, and that some activi- best to push forward efforts to halt Syria’s across from a smiling Putin at a conference ceasefire and then launching a political dia- rebels can agree a truce then they, Russia and ties continued until 2009. It stressed though that these brutal civil war. Russia and the United States table in an ornate Kremlin salon. logue. And looming over the effort to end the a US-led coalition of Western and Arab allies “did not advance beyond feasibility and scientific stud- are sponsors of an international effort to bro- “Both you and President Obama have conflict is the threat posed by the Islamic can focus their fire on IS.—AFP ies” and that there was no evidence that Iran diverted ker a ceasefire and political talks between committed themselves to trying to develop nuclear material such as uranium or plutonium to Bashar al-Assad’s regime and Syria’s armed as much as possible ... an approach that can these efforts. opposition. But their positions on Assad’s try to deal with Ukraine and deal with Syria,” eventual fate and the best tactics to employ Kerry said. “So I very much look forward to Continued Scrutiny against the jihadist Islamic State group differ our discussion now and appreciate the seri- But despite the findings, the six major powers - the starkly, threatening to stymie the process. ousness of your commitment of time and United States, Russia, China, Britain, France and Kerry came to Moscow yesterday not even thought about these issues,” he added. Then Germany, who co-authored the IAEA resolution - have knowing whether Russia would agree that the press was ushered out, and the talks decided to move on. Despite Iran’s “long history of the next international meeting on the crisis began in earnest. concealment, denial and deception”, the July deal is should take place on Friday in New York. And Kerry and the UN envoy for Syria, Staffan “forward-looking,” the US ambassador to the IAEA, as he sat down with the Russian leader, de Mistura, want to hold the next round of Henry Ensher, said yesterday. The powers stress that despite broad smiles, it was still not clear Syrian peace talks on Friday in New York, but Iran will remain under close IAEA scrutiny to ensure whether there had been a breakthrough. “I Moscow has so far refused to confirm the that it does not contravene the July deal or again am very happy to have the opportunity to date. Speaking after meeting Lavrov, Kerry secretly engage in more research on getting the meet and talk with you,” Putin said, sitting declined to say whether the New York negoti- bomb. beside his foreign minister, Sergei Lavrov, ations would go ahead on Friday. “Well, I need Nor is Iran completely out of the woods with the who had met Kerry earlier in the day. to meet with the president,” he told reporters IAEA, with the agency’s “broader conclusion” that all “Minister Lavrov just now informed me in on a stroll in central Moscow, where he was Iran’s activities are exclusively peaceful still to come. detail about both your proposals as well as mobbed by Russians wanting to meet This could take several more years, and Tuesday’s reso- some issues which require additional discus- Washington’s top diplomat. sions,” Putin added. Kerry said that he hoped Washington is relying on the Kremlin to lution stated that the board will “remain seized” on the to address the crises both in Syria and in drag Russian ally Bashar al-Assad to the table matter for another 10 years, or until the “broader con- Ukraine, where Washington accuses Moscow for talks with his rebel opponents on ending MOSCOW: Russian President Vladimir Putin (right) speaks with US Secretary of State clusion”, whichever is sooner.—AFP of backing separatist rebels and has imposed Syria’s vicious four-and-a-half-year-old civil John Kerry during a meeting at the Kremlin yesterday. — AFP INTERNATIONAL WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 16, 2015

SALT LAKE CITY, Utah: A car navigates a snow-covered road in City Creek Canyon as a major storm dumped snow throughout the state on Monday. — AP Obama opens White House to forge CEO alliances President has lined up squarely with business

WASHINGTON: President Barack Obama, who cians understand business. “You’ve got to be sor CEO Sam Palmisano was at the June 2011 made few friends in corporate board rooms able to talk about this stuff and have both dinner for German Chancellor Angela Merkel. early in his first term as he pressed for tighter sides understand the needs of the other,” he IBM declined comment for this article. regulations on banks and remarked on the said. Cote, a life-long Republican, said he “fat cats” who helped precipitate the financial doesn’t always agree with Obama but enjoys Meeting of the Minds crisis, heads into his final year in the White talking with him, calling him “a very smart To be sure, while Obama and corporate House having built - or rebuilt - alliances with guy” who doesn’t get enough credit for his chieftains may have a meeting at the White chief executives of the nation’s biggest com- work on the economy. House, there may not be a meeting of the panies. For Obama and his advisers, spending time minds. “We are not their advocates unless The president and his top advisers have with CEOs means gaining valuable insights, there is an alignment of interest,” Jarrett said. kept an open door for CEOs of Fortune 100 while gaining support for various policies. For For instance, in October, Obama announced companies, keeping almost 1,000 appoint- CEOs, White House encounters may produce he would deny an application for the ments with them, a Reuters review of White tangible business benefits, not to mention Keystone XL crude oil pipeline from Canada House records shows. Of the hundreds of providing an opportunity to hobnob with the because it would undermine his position to appointments listed, Obama himself was most powerful man in the world. Reuters con- lead climate talks. The project was supported present at about half, ranging from intimate tacted the companies whose CEOs were by a wide range of US businesses. Oval Office gatherings to lavish state dinners. among the top 30 White House visitors. Many That decision showed that White House Obama is the first US president to make White declined comment. Some noted their chiefs meetings only go so far, said John Engler, House visitor logs public. were involved with advisory councils on jobs, president of the Business Roundtable, which “That number is the tip of the iceberg,” said trade and manufacturing, while noting that represents CEOs of large companies. Valerie Jarrett, Obama’s longest-serving senior CEOs often discuss the same issues with law- “Sometimes it can be helpful. Sometimes - WASHINGTON: US President Barack Obama, accompanied by Defense Secretary Ash adviser who runs his Office of Public makers from both parties in the US Congress. you saw the Keystone decision - it doesn’t Carter and Commander of US Central Command Gen Lloyd Austin, speaks at the Engagement. The president and his aides also The White House has tapped individual have much impact,” he said. On other issues, Pentagon on Monday about the fight against the Islamic State group following a regularly meet with representatives from the CEOs for help on policies where there is “align- Obama has lined up squarely with business, National Security Council meeting. —AP rest of the Fortune 500, as well as small- and ment” of views, extracting a mountain of cor- raising eyebrows among both traditional medium-sized businesses, both in porate pledges to bolster its policies to boost Democratic allies and populist conservative Washington and around the country, she said. wages, provide more opportunities for young Republicans. Examples include his second- Obama warns Islamic State The Reuters review included only the Fortune men of color, foster science and math in term drive for a sprawling trade deal with Asia 100 list of largest companies, and was limited schools, increase diversity in the technology and his defense of the Export-Import Bank leaders: ‘You are next’ to White House meetings. sector, and enhance college and training pro- against its opponents in Congress. Following tensions between the White grams, among other initiatives. Obama has At the end of a session with some CEOs in WASHINGTON: US President Barack squeeze the Islamic State group’s pro- House and business during the financial crisis, bolstered his arguments for an international February 2011, one attendee recalled how a Obama voiced fresh determination to claimed “capital” at Raqa. Meanwhile, he a turning point in the relationship came after deal to curb climate change by securing chief executive told Obama that two new destroy the Islamic State on Monday, vow- said, Iraqi forces were moving to take the debt ceiling impasse in 2011 and the sub- promises from US companies like Intel, Environmental Protection Agency rules would ing to kill the group’s leaders and win back Ramadi “encircle Fallujah and cut off ISIL’s sequent “fiscal cliff” of tax hikes and spending Johnson & Johnson and Apple to reduce push US semiconductor manufacturing off- territory in the Middle East. Sounding a supply routes into Mosul.” From the air, cuts in 2012, Jarrett said. Business leaders waste and use more renewable energy. shore. Obama listened, said the issue was new notably more strident tone, Obama said Obama said the United States and its allies were alarmed that Congress seemed ready to The logs show CEOs from large manufac- to him and asked senior staffers to inquire. that the United States and its allies were had begun targeting “oil infrastructure, blow through fiscal deadlines in spite of the turing and industrial companies have com- Within days, the EPA had heard from the taking the fight to Islamic State extremists destroying hundreds of their tanker trucks, effect on stock markets and the US credit rat- manded more White House meetings than White House. Weeks later, the problem was in Iraq and Syria, but admitted that wells and refineries”. “Since the summer, ing, and partnered with the White House to other sectors. Early on in Obama’s presidency, resolved, said the attendee, who requested progress needed to come faster. “We are ISIL has not had a single successful major urge an end to the drama. visits by bankers and health insurance execu- anonymity to describe the private meeting. hitting ISIL harder than ever,” said Obama, offensive operation on the ground in either Since then, CEOs and the White House tives predominated, reflecting the president’s The logs provide a snapshot of corporate in a second address following the seeming- Syria or Iraq,” Obama said. Even before the have become allies in advocating for immigra- focus on addressing the 2008 financial crisis power and influence, said John Wonderlich, ly Islamic State-influenced attack in San Dec 2 attack by a Muslim husband and wife tion reform, the Trans-Pacific Partnership and reforming health care. Technology and policy director for the Sunlight Foundation, a Bernardino, California that has raised ques- in California killed 14 people, polls showed trade deal and reauthorization for the Export- telecom CEOs have also been regulars at 1600 nonprofit good-government advocacy group. tions about his strategy. that more than 60 percent of Americans Import Bank. “I do take a fair amount of grief Pennsylvania Avenue. “There’s a concern when you have the people “As we squeeze its heart, we’ll make it disapproved of the way Obama is handling from Republican colleagues who think that It’s not all business. For example, Cote with the most power and who control huge harder for ISIL to pump its terror and prop- the Islamic State and the broader terror I’ve just like totally lost my mind,” said attended a Super Bowl party in 2010, an inau- industries and companies, that the president aganda to the rest of the world,” Obama threat. According to a Wall Street Honeywell International Inc’s David Cote, 63, guration after-party in 2013, and in October, a ends up spending an enormous amount of insisted at the Pentagon, after meeting top Journal/NBC poll published Monday, the most frequent CEO visitor to Obama’s concert featuring Buddy Guy, Smokey time worrying about their views,” he said. military and national security advisors. Americans now view national security as a White House, having turned up more than 50 Robinson and James Taylor. IBM Corp execu- Listing eight Islamic State figures killed in top priority. The same poll found that coalition operations, Obama issued a stern Obama’s own job approval ratings were at times. tives hold the record for the most invitations Inner Sanctum Invite warning. “ISIL leaders cannot hide and our the lowest level this year, at 43 percent. Cote was part of a high-profile commission to state dinners during the Obama adminis- The logs show that Obama has most often next message to them is simple: You are That is a major shift since Obama’s first on the nation’s debt in 2010 and serves on tration, with CEO Virginia Rometty present at met with CEOs in groups of 11 to 20 people in next.” term in the White House, when he was another advisory panel on technology and a September dinner with Chinese President Xi the Roosevelt Room, but on occasion also in the Obama said that US special forces were hailed for authorizing a high-risk special manufacturing. He said he thinks CEOs should Jinping and at the March 2012 dinner for UK State Dining Room, the Old Family Dining now in Syria and were helping local groups forces raid that killed Osama bin Laden. not delegate their responsibility to help politi- Prime Minister David Cameron. Her predeces- Room, and even the Situation Room. —Reuters Doc breaks out superlatives for Made in Trump’s health JAPAN Rush ! New Shipment Arrived Only! WASHINGTON: Republican US presidential candidate Donald Trump is in fine health, has never used alcohol or tobacco, and would undoubtedly be “the healthiest indi- vidual ever elected to the presidency” if he wins in 2016, M{ZD{ 6 his doctor said in a letter released by the campaign on Monday. “Mr. Trump has had a recent complete medical examination that showed only positive results,” wrote Dr Harold Bornstein, who has treated Trump since 1980. “Actually, his blood pressure, 110/65, and laboratory results were astonishingly excellent.” Earlier this month the 69-year-old real estate mogul had predicted his medical report would indicate “perfection” and Bornstein’s assessment reflected that. “If elected, Mr Trump, I can state unequivocally, will be the healthiest indi- vidual ever elected to the presidency,” the doctor’s letter said. The letter said Trump had lost 15 pounds in the past year, has never had cancer and has not had surgery since an appendectomy at age 10. He takes an aspirin daily and a low dose of a statin, a class of drug used to treat high cho- lesterol. “He has no history of ever using alcohol or tobacco products,” Bernstein wrote. It is customary for candidates to release their health records or letters from their physicians signing off on their Starting from fitness to be president. Republicans Jeb Bush and Chris Christie and Democrat Hillary Clinton have released sum- mazda 6 - 2016 K.D 5,999 maries of their records. As Trump continued to rise in the polls, calls for him to release his records increased in recent t
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#MJOE 4QPU .POJUPSJOH ined Presidents John Adams and Thomas Jefferson. “I will not call into question the credentials of a physician who Working Hours: 69021375 /MazdaKwt www.kaico.net conducted a medical examination of Mr Trump,” Earnest From Saturday - Thursday From 9:00 am - 8:00 pm 69021438 said. “That must have been a pretty interesting appoint- & Friday: From 4:00 pm - 8:00 pm 6902721897 [email protected] [email protected] ment.” —Reuters Contact us INTERNATIONAL WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 16, 2015 US border patrol tried to shorten polygraph tests

WASHINGTON: Gil Kerlikowske, the complaints of misconduct. Some supporters say Kerlikowske, who baseline. And the transparency prob- background checks failed a polygraph, head of US Customs and Border Patrol, The agency has also proposed short- gained a reputation as a man who could lems of both the past and the present then CBP internal affairs chief Jim vowed at his Senate confirmation hear- ening congressionally mandated poly- turn around law enforcement organiza- make it very difficult to gauge where Tomsheck testified to Congress in 2010. ing in January 2014 to strengthen the graph tests for new agents, which has tions after nine years as police chief in exactly the agency is now,” said Chris In February, CBP officials tried to make integrity of the nation’s largest law not been previously reported. The diffi- Seattle, has made impressive strides. Rickerd, policy counsel to the American changes to the test that were rejected enforcement force amid persistent com- culty of the tests and high failure rates “He’s got a lot on his plate. He’s trying to Civil Liberties Union. by government oversight agencies for plaints of corruption and abuse within have made it hard for the CBP to hire fast prioritize everything,” said former Secret not meeting standards for law enforce- its ranks. Nearly two years on, he can enough. Some new recruits are caught Service Director John MaGaw, a member Shorter Polygraph Tests ment screenings, although what exactly point to several significant achieve- lying about drug abuse or affiliation of an integrity advisory panel set up by CBP’s struggle to reform comes as it they tried to do is disputed. ments, notably expanding the investiga- with drug cartels, according to those Kerlikowske. continues to grow: the Department of Former CBP internal affairs chief tive authority of the agency’s internal who have seen test results. CBP officials Kerlikowske has rewritten the CBP’s Homeland Security has requested $13.5 Tomsheck told Reuters he was aware of affairs unit and giving all agents new told Reuters shortening the test would use of force rulebook to prohibit the billion for the CBP from Congress in fis- two specific questions that CBP had training on use of force to reduce the help the agency meet its ambitious hir- shooting of suspects fleeing the scene cal 2016 and plans to hire nearly 1,950 been trying to remove: “Did you lie number of deadly incidents that have ing goals, but some polygraph experts who do not pose a threat to themselves employees in the next year. Since about anything on your application?” tarred its reputation. said this would have meant removing or others. In the year since the new poli- Obama became president in 2008, its and another related to handling classi- Some civil rights groups acknowl- questions, which would have weakened cy has been in effect, use of force overall staff numbers have tripled, to 60,000. To fied information critical to national edge the changes. But they complain the tests and invalidated the results. An is down from 1,037 to 768 incidents. screen new hires, CBP uses a polygraph security. Tomsheck retired under pres- these steps have yet to lead to adequate oversight agency denied the CBP Firearm-related incidents, however, are test mandated by a 2010 law aimed at sure in 2014 and is a critic of the prosecutions of officers for misconduct request. only down by one, from 29 to 28. Under blunting the infiltration of the agency by agency’s leadership. Four CBP officials or more transparency in how the agency When he took office, Kerlikowske, Kerlikowske, the CBP has also assumed drug cartels. Officers have been paid acknowledged to Reuters the agency handles, and resolves, criminal cases President Barack Obama’s former “drug direct control of internal criminal investi- cash bribes and given sexual favors in did try to shorten the time to complete against its employees. Reuters inter- czar,” outlined an ambitious agenda to gations into misconduct by its employ- exchange for allowing gangs to use their the test, which can take up to 10 hours views with current and former CBP weed out corrupt agents and address a ees. Previously these were handled by lanes at checkpoints to smuggle drugs to finish, but denied they had tried to employees and congressional staff have series of damning reports on the other agencies, like the Federal Bureau and people across the US-Mexico bor- eliminate specific questions. While the found the agency has yet to implement agency’s use of force. The Southern of Investigation. But the CBP has yet to der, say current and former DHS officials. officials would not say how they had certain recommendations to improve Border Communities Coalition, a rights refer any use of force cases for prosecu- The CBP would not say how many planned to shorten the test, they said accountability, and it has quietly object- group, has compiled media reports of 40 tion. applicants currently fail polygraphs, but the goal had been to enable each poly- ed to a proposed reform that would give deaths between January 2010 and Sept. “Our sense is that there have been initial pilot tests found about 60 percent graph administrator to test more than Congress oversight on how it handles 1, 2015. One agent has been prosecuted. improvements, but from a very low of applicants who passed the agency’s one applicant per day.—Reuters US soldier Bergdahl facing life sentence

AUSTIN: US Army Sergeant Bowe Bergdahl, hearing on the case if Bergdahl was not pun- who walked away from his post in ished. The senior general who will ultimately Afghanistan and became a Taleban prisoner decide Bergdahl’s fate is expected to come for five years, will face court-martial with a before McCain’s committee in the future for potential life sentence, the Army said on his next promotion. “I think the politicization Monday. Bergdahl, 29, was charged earlier of everything surrounding this case is very this year with desertion and endangering US disturbing,” Fidell said. “And the willingness of troops and could face the life sentence if con- members of the... Senate to interfere with the victed of the latter, more serious offense. In adjudication of a pending criminal case is ordering the court martial on Monday, Army appalling.” General Robert Abrams did not follow the Bergdahl disappeared on foot on June 30, 2009, from Combat Outpost Mest-Malak in Paktika Province, Afghanistan, and was subse- quently captured by the Taleban. He left his post to draw attention to “leadership failure” in his unit, Bergdahl said last week on the popular podcast Serial, which is focusing a season on his case. The Idaho native suffered torture, abuse and neglect at the hands of Taleban forces, including months of beatings, and confinement for 3-1/2 years in a metal cage barely big enough to stand in, a military expert testified previously. The head of the Army team that investi- gated Bergdahl has said he does not believe he should face jail time. The official search for Bowe Bergdahl Bergdahl lasted 45 days, but the United States recommendation of a preliminary hearing spent years trying to determine his where- which, according to Bergdahl’s lawyer, called abouts and bring him home. He was freed in for Bergdahl to face a proceeding that could a prisoner swap in May 2014 that sent five impose a potential maximum penalty of a Taleban leaders held by the United States at year in confinement. Guantanamo Bay to Qatar, where they had to Bergdahl’s lawyer, Eugene Fidell, said the remain for a year. The deal drew heavy criti- defense team “had hoped the case would not cism from Republicans. SACRAMENTO, California: Amanda Wilcox, a member of the Brady Campaign to Prevent Gun Violence, shows a photo of her daughter, Laura, go in this direction”. He also urged Republican Major General Kenneth Dahl, who led the who was killed in a shooting at a mental health clinic in 2001, following a hearing on gun violence on Monday. — AP presidential candidate Donald Trump, who military’s investigation of Bergdahl’s case, tes- has called Bergdahl a “dirty, rotten traitor,” to tified at a military probable cause hearing in “cease his prejudicial months-long campaign September that Bergdahl was not a Taliban of defamation against our client.” In a later sympathizer and no soldiers directly involved America’s penchant for interview on Monday, Fidell also criticized in the search for him were killed. Jeff members of Congress for publicly saying they Addicott, an Army officer in the Judge were closely monitoring the outcome of the Advocate General’s Corps for 20 years and a case. law professor at St Mary’s University, said guns stronger than ever Sen John McCain, who chairs a committee Bergdahl, who has been stationed at a base in that oversees promotions of senior military San Antonio, Texas, may now be confined to officers, said last month that he would hold a his base.—Reuters 2015 to set new record in gun sales

RANDOLPH TOWNSHIP: The Paris and San part of the US Constitution that gives citizens He pegged the change as part of a broader Bernardino attacks have fueled a surge in US the right to own guns. One of his clients, shift in society toward what he identified as “a gun sales, as Americans seek to protect them- Abby, said she believed more people should greater sense of fear.” This dynamic, he said, selves - and stock up in case lawmakers finally consider gun ownership. comes from a combination of factors: fore- act to tighten firearms controls. Since a “I think everybody should think about it,” most an increase in crime between the 1960s Muslim husband and wife opened fire in she said after a shooting session. Mass shoot- and mid-1990s, but also major societal California on Dec 2, killing 14 people and ings are historically rare in New Jersey and the changes relating to minorities and women. “It wounding 22 others, sales at the RTSP range state has some of the country’s strictest anti- was easy for people to have a sense that the in New Jersey - one of the largest centers in gun legislation. entire society was falling apart around them,” the northeastern United States - have surged But that was of little solace to range he said. On top of this, he added, is the prolif- 50 percent, according to one of its owners. patrons, including former policeman Con eration of media and the emergence of the “We saw a spike after Paris and San Hartnett, who said that the fact that the San 24-hour news cycle. “Anything bad gets mag- Bernardino even more so,” Rick Friedman told Bernardino attacks took place in a facility that nified much more today than it did before,” he AFP. normally serves the disabled was further said. If gun purchases follow the same pattern proof of the vital need for guns. “It’s the soft- But for Friedman, it all boils down to there as after previous mass shootings, Friedman est target you could imagine. And it hap- being a “different situation in this day and said, sales will slow after several months. As pened,” he said. David Yamane, a professor of age”. “We are at a period that I don’t think well as selling firearms, his sprawling facility in sociology at Wake Forest University, said “self- we’ve ever witnessed,” he said, alluding to BALTIMORE: An activist holds a poster outside the Baltimore City Circuit Courthouse Randolph has 21 ports or spaces on its range defense has always been a component of fears about terrorist plots on US soil. “It’s an East during the trial of police Officer William G Porter yesterday. — AFP from which clients can practice shooting. Just American gun culture alongside hunting and unfortunate one, but it’s one that only rein- down the road in Jersey City, Caso’s Gun-A- recreation. “But self-defense tends to be much forces our core beliefs that you have the right Rama saw an equal jump in sales, which its more prominent within the last 30 years.” to protect your life.” — AFP Baltimore police van manager attributed to nervousness over polit- ical chatter about ramping up anti-gun legis- was ‘coffin on wheels’ lation. “That’s when everybody has been pan- icking,” Lisa Caso said. Gang in Brazil falsified BALTIMORE: The Baltimore police van state failed to meet its burden of proof, and P James Debney, CEO of storied US gun- where an African American suffered fatal that the jury therefore could not convict his maker Smith & Wesson, told investors last injuries was “a coffin on wheels,” a court client. “There is an absolute absence of any week that his company sees “growth in the documents for Syrians heard Monday, as jurors started delibera- testimony from a state’s witness that Officer handgun portion of the consumer market as a tions in the trial of one of the six police offi- Porter acted in an unreasonable manner,” longstanding trend,” as he discussed its latest RIO DE JANEIRO: Police in Rio de Janeiro their fraudulently obtained Brazilian pass- cers charged over his death. William Porter Murtha told the jurors. quarterly earnings. Following a 32 percent have broken up a ring that arranged fake ports, the report added, citing officials at is the first police officer to stand trial for the Arrested and charged with possession increase in sales for August, September and Brazilian citizenship for dozens of Syrian the US Consulate in Rio de Janeiro. death of Freddie Gray, 25, who suffered a of a knife, Gray was loaded onto the police October - before the Paris and San Bernardino nationals, TV Globo’s Jornal Nacional news- Several of those who traveled to the snapped spine while being transported van with his hands and feet shackled. When attacks - the manufacturer raised its earnings cast reported, raising security concerns fol- United States are former members of the unrestrained in the rear of the police van. police later checked on their prisoner, he target for the full financial year. lowing militant attacks in the United States Syrian armed forces, the report said. Some Gray’s death in April was one of several was in a coma with a severed spine, investi- The strong figures jibe with statistics from and Europe and before the Rio Olympics in of the passport holders also traveled to cases casting a harsh national spotlight on gators found. He died of his injuries April the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and August. Police have identified 72 Syrian Europe. Police also found anti-Semitic arti- race and police brutality in the United 19, sparking protests, looting and arson. nationals involved in the scheme, which cles and documents supporting Islamist States. It also became a flashpoint that led President Barack Obama addressed the Explosives (ATF), which says the number of handguns manufactured in the United States arranged false Brazilian birth certificates for militants on computers used by some of to rioting in Baltimore, a downtrodden East case in televised remarks, denouncing the Syrian immigrants, the report said on those who obtained the false documents. Coast city an hour from Washington. Porter, violence, while acknowledging that the has quadrupled between 1998 and 2013. And 2015 should set a new record in gun sales, Monday. The fraud occurred from 2012 to 2014 and who is black, has been charged with invol- incident left troubling unanswered ques- Those certificates were then used to involved falsifying written birth records untary manslaughter, reckless endanger- tions. After the medical examiner declared according to data from the FBI, which con- ducts background checks on such purchases. obtain valid Brazilian documents, including recorded at a Rio de Janeiro cartorio, or pri- ment and assault on Gray, who had been Gray’s death a homicide, the Baltimore city passports and national ID cards identifying vately owned civil data registry, the Globo picked up after fleeing at the sight of prosecutor filed charges against six officers According to the independent Small Arms them as Brazilian-born citizens, Jornal report said. The false certificates all record- police. As she wrapped up her case, prose- - three white and three black. All six have Survey, some 270 million firearms are in circu- cutor Janice Bledsoe told the jury that entered not guilty pleas. Lawyers for the lation in the United States, which has a popu- Nacional said. Four people face charges of ed birth dates from the 1960s and 1970s. Porter and his fellow officers displayed “dis- accused call Gray’s death a tragic accident lation of around 322 million people. fraud and belonging to a criminal organi- The Syrian refugee issue has become regard for human life” in their treatment of possibly caused when the police van zation, the report said. Among the false politically charged, particularly in the Gray. braked suddenly. They also have suggested ‘Everybody Should Consider It’ birth certificates identified, 20 were used to United States, since the Nov 13 attacks in “With great power comes great respon- that he might even have deliberately “People are reaching out and not just those obtain Brazilian passports, Jornal Nacional Paris and the Dec 2 mass shooting in San sibility,” she said, accusing Porter and his injured himself. City officials, meanwhile, that support the Second Amendment. Not reported. Seventeen of the 72 people Bernardino, California, raised concerns colleagues of transforming the police van have paid Gray’s family $6.4 million, a set- just traditional Republicans. It’s pretty much involved in the scheme asked for visas to some of the migrants might include mili- into “a coffin on wheels”. But defense attor- tlement negotiated independently of the everybody,” Friedman said, referring to the the United States in Rio, five of them using tants linked to Islamic State. — Reuters ney Joseph Murtha countered that the court proceedings. —AFP

INTERNATIONAL WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 16, 2015 EU plans new border guard to stem migration Budget for EU frontier defense to treble in five years

BRUSSELS: The European Union will zone. at 143 million euros for 2015. That will nearly treble its spending on frontier Concern that the Islamic State attack increase to 238 million euros for next defense provided by a new European on Paris last month was also carried out year. Border and Coast Guard under proposals in part by militants who had travelled The current staffing of Frontex, which unveiled yesterday to tackle a migration along the migration route from Syria via serves to coordinate national border crisis that threatens Europe’s security and Turkey and Greece has also increased agencies, is around 400. That will more passport-free travel area. If approved by pressure for tighter checks on the fron- than double to 1,000 by 2020, including governments, the new body will replace tiers. The Commission proposal says the field operatives. In addition, member the EU’s Frontex agency and have EU agency overseeing the frontiers states will have to put at least a total of expanded powers, including keeping a should be able to “intervene immediately 1,500 personnel on standby for deploy- 1,500-strong rapid reaction force on in crisis situations” and deploy border ment within days. The new body will also standby. It will have funding worth 322 guards from the standby pool drawn have a dedicated Returns Office with the million euros ($354 million) by 2020, up from other national border guard forces. task of stepping up deportations of from the 114 million euros originally However, EU officials stressed that those who fail to qualify for asylum. budgeted for this year. national governments would be able to Yesterday’s proposals may be discussed With Greece and Italy struggling to block that if a majority of them were by EU leaders when they meet in control hundreds of thousands of peo- against. “We don’t replace member Brussels on Thursday and Friday for a ple, including Syrian refugees, the bloc’s states’ responsibilities and definitely not summit, although the short time for executive the European Commission their sovereignty,” Migration preparation means such talks will be proposes taking the power to deploy EU Commissioner Dimitris Avramopoulos brief. The migration crisis has drive a forces without the consent of the mem- told the European Parliament. wedge among member states that many ATHENS: Migrants sit below a banner outside a former Olympic indoor stadium in ber state concerned-an idea that has fear threatens the overall unity of the 28- Faliro, southern Athens yesterday. Hundreds of people have been temporary already hit resistance in national capitals ‘More Europe’ nation bloc. housed in the stadium after being removed last week from Greece’s northern and which many see as impractical. “What we are creating today is more Among other proposals presented border with Macedonia, which only allows Syrians, Afghans and Iraqis through However, frustration among northern Europe,” Avramopoulos said in state- yesterday, the latest of several packages on their trek to wealthier European countries - rejecting others as economic powers, including France and Germany, ment. “To manage our external borders, of measures this year to contain migra- migrants who do not merit refugee protection. —AP at failures by Greece and Italy to docu- to step up returns of irregular migrants, tion, the Commission proposed legisla- ment and screen masses of people arriv- to allow our asylum system to function tion to increase systematic security and Islamist attacks in Europe in the past two mated 5,000 EU citizens have joined mili- ing by boat from Turkey and Africa has properly for this in need and to strength- identity checks at the Schengen fron- years have been EU citizens who have tant groups. An unprecedented 1.5 mil- driven demands for more central en checks at the external borders.” The tiers, including of EU citizens who typi- fought in Syria and then returned to their lion people crossed into the EU irregular- European control of the external fron- budget of Frontex has already been cally pass with limited scrutiny at pres- home countries, notably to France and ly between January and November tiers of Europe’s borderless Schengen increased three times this year to stand ent. Many of those who have carried out Belgium. The Commission said an esti- 2015.—Reuters EU talks hit trouble Cold shoulder for Cameron

LONDON: David Cameron heads to an EU summit in Brussels tomorrow hoping to breathe new life into Britain’s bid to recast its ties with the union, which have hit a snag over his plan to cut benefits for migrants. With a referendum on leaving the EU due by 2017, Cameron’s plan to curb benefits for EU migrants for the first four years they are in Britain faces stiff resistance from other leaders, who see it as discriminatory. “Cameron’s hardest battle is certain to be on welfare reform,” said Agata Gostynska-Jakubowska of the Centre for European Reform (CER) think-tank. “He has made a fetish of in-work benefits in his negotiations,” she said, noting that an overwhelming majority of EU members opposed his proposals. The measure affects a small proportion of Britain’s total social welfare bill but is one of the four main pillars of the prime minister’s strategy to renegotiate Britain’s membership of the EU and then campaign to stay in the bloc. Early hopes that an overall deal for Britain to take to voters could come at this week’s summit after Cameron outlined his wish list in a letter to EU president Donald Tusk last month have been dashed. The CAPE TOWN: Lieutenant Commander Zimasa Mabela (right), talks to a junior officer pair are now aiming for a February agreement on the deck of the South African Navy mine-counter-measure vessel, the Umhloti, instead. But the tricky question is how to secure it, which she commands. — AFP given the scale of opposition to Cameron’s bene- fits proposal. Members of Cameron’s centre-right Conservative party, which has a strong eurosceptic South Africa’s first black woman strand, have been voicing their concerns in public. London Mayor Boris Johnson wrote in Monday’s naval commander calls the shots Daily Telegraph that Cameron’s “modest” proposal had been given “the bum’s rush” in Brussels-an CAPE TOWN: Zimasa Mabela grew up More ambitions ahead expression referring to an abrupt rejection. under apartheid in a South African village “They have accepted me very well. If I Johnson, seen as a possible successor to Cameron, LONDON: Britain’s Prime Minister David Cameron takes a drink as he speaks to members of the just two hours drive from the ocean, but give an order, it is an order,” she says with a added that the EU needed to recognize that social services team at Twickenham Civic Centre in London. — AP she was 18 by the time she first saw the warm smile-and a glint of steel in her eyes. Britain was a “special case” due to the number of sea. Now, aged 38, she is the first black “I’d like to encourage other women to be migrants it attracts. African woman to command a South brave enough and not think that this is a Owen Paterson, a eurosceptic former minister, African naval vessel. Lieutenant man’s world. You can achieve anything you told Sky News Sunday that Britain had been Merkel buys time with party Commander Mabela’s first visit to the want to achieve.” Mabela is a mother of two promised “a total change” in its relationship with beach coincided with the end of white rule daughters, aged six and four, but she says the EU. “What actually is happening, he (Cameron) compromise on the refugees in 1994 - and she caught the historic wave juggling work and motherhood is not a is like someone in a little dinghy, bumping along, of change that followed. problem. “I manage to balance my family being towed along by the enormous great “I wasn’t terrified of the water,” she said, KARLSRUHE: German Chancellor Angela ‘A breather, nothing more’ life and job because I have a strong support Channel ferry,” Paterson added. Ahead of tomor- Merkel won a respite on the refugee question The party rewarded her carefully wrought gazing out from the bridge of her sleek system from my mother and my husband- row night’s summit dinner, where the renegotia- minehunter, the SAS Umhloti. “In my village with a strong show of unity at a party con- compromise with a lengthy standing ovation who is also in the navy, so he understands. tion is expected to be the main topic of conversa- gress but must deliver results ahead of key and an implicit pledge to honor her call for there was a swimming pool at the church tion, two polls were published in Britain showing “When I’m at work or at sea, I’m comfort- elections next year, analysts said. Merkel “patience” for new German policies to take where us kids could swim.” But Mabela’s able knowing they are looking after the the “leave” and “stay” sides on a knife-edge. desire for a life at sea came later, when she turned in a decisive performance at the effect and to fight for more EU support for a kids well.” At the same time, when she gets was at university studying for a Bachelor of Christian Democrats’ gathering in the south- more equitable distribution of asylum seekers. home, the naval commander takes on ‘Creative proposals’ Science degree in education. She attended western city of Karlsruhe on Monday, uniting Paul Ziemiak, head of the party’s youth wing, many of the tasks of a wife and mother. While British officials deny reports they have a presentation by the navy and was capti- delegates behind a centrist line of humanitari- which spearheaded the call for an upper limit “Over the weekend I have time to catch up dropped the four-year benefit restriction propos- an commitment coupled with a promise to vated by the slogan: “Join the navy and see al, it is clear that Cameron’s shuttle diplomacy on refugees, said his supporters had achieved the world.” “I thought, where else would I on cleaning the house, doing the laundry reduce refugee numbers. Commentators said a key symbolic victory. “We got the message and all those things. “And during the week with European leaders in recent days has been get the opportunity to see the world?” that predictions of Merkel’s political demise we wanted from the party congress that when I get home from work, I still cook complicated. In Poland-one of the EU countries after 10 years in office, rampant just weeks She signed up in 1999 at the age of 22 another refugee onslaught like we’ve seen this supper for everyone so it is quite hectic.” with the biggest migrant populations in Britain- ago, would now go quiet, at least for a time. as a radio operator, and the navy has so far officials said during a visit by Cameron last week year would overwhelm the state and our soci- lived up to its promise-she has travelled to On board ship, with South Africa at “There was a lot of criticism in the run-up that they were waiting for “creative proposals” ety in the long-run,” he said. In one electoral places as diverse as India, Uruguay, St peace and no mines to hunt, the focus is on to the event but with a clever, feisty appear- from London on how to address the issue. district of North Rhine-Westphalia, he noted, Helena island and Canada. Now, the ship training, search and rescue operations and ance, Merkel managed to suddenly make this Cameron’s Foreign Secretary Philip Hammond “we are taking in three times as many refugees she took command of in August is berthed “whatever requirements we can carry out”. criticism look quite petty,” news website has indicated that such alternative proposals as all of Poland”. in Cape Town’s historic Simon’s Town har- But the girl who grew up living “a normal Spiegel Online said. “The twilight of Merkel should come from other member states. Possible Merkel’s promise to staunch the flow of bor, first established by the Dutch and tak- village life”, looked after by her grandpar- has been called off for now.” The top-selling solutions to the impasse could include an emer- refugees was built on medium-to-long term en over by Britain’s Royal Navy more than ents while her mother worked away from Bild called it her “strongest hour”. Christian gency brake on migration into Britain, according goals, such as tackling the root causes of the two centuries ago. The harbor, curled under home as a nurse, is not resting on her lau- Haardt, a member of the legislature in North to EU diplomatic sources. mass exodus of people from crisis zones, the mountains of Cape Town’s Southern rels. On her ambitions for the future, she Rhine-Westphalia, Germany’s most populous This would allow Britain to limit migration increased European solidarity in sharing the Peninsular, is now South Africa’s main naval says: “I have quite a lot, because there is so state, said Merkel’s “inspiring” address would from the other 27 EU countries if its public servic- refugee burden, and greater cooperation with base. Men make up the bulk of the ship’s much to do in this organization. “I’d like to give the CDU momentum ahead of three es are overwhelmed or its welfare system is being crew of 54, but Mabela, in an officer’s uni- be involved in training, and if I get an important state elections in March. “Merkel’s Turkey, the main launchpad for migrant cross- abused, the sources said. Some analysts suggest form of crisp white shirt and black slacks, opportunity to command a bigger ship speech sent the right message of unity and ings to Europe. Spiegel noted that such goals another alternative could be to withdraw bene- confidence to the party and the rest of the says her gender has not been a problem. that would be a plus for me.”—AFP would take months if not years to realize. “But fits from young Britons as well as EU migrants. country,” he said. “But of course party mem- the placated critics at the party congress won’t The cost of EU migrants claiming benefits n bers are more loyal than voters-they are still give her that much time,” it said. “Karlsruhe Britain has been hard to assess because the anxious and will need to be convinced.” gave Merkel a breather, nothing more.” British benefit system does not systematically Barbara Klepsch, social affair minister in The daily Sueddeutsche Zeitung said Pakistan executes eight record the nationality of claimants. But several Saxony, home to the anti-Muslim movement Merkel had relied on her time-tested strategy studies have found that EU migrants paid more in Pegida and the state with the highest number of co-opting her critics’ arguments and thus MULTAN: Pakistan hanged eight more minister for prison affairs said. taxes in Britain than they received in benefits of attacks against refugee shelters, admitted occupying, even defining, the middle ground convicted murderers yesterday, a day Hangings were initially reinstated only over the last decade. EU migrants accounted for local politicians now had their work cut out for in German politics. Yet despite the over- ahead of the one-year anniversary of an for those convicted of terrorism, but in 2.5 percent of benefit claimants processed by them. “We’re facing a situation in villages and whelming show of support for Merkel, some extremist attack that prompted authorities March they were extended to all capital Britain’s Department for Work and Pensions, towns that we haven’t seen since World War II,” critics said the party had failed to calm the she said. “Our job is now to take this optimistic to lift a six-year moratorium on the death offences. No official figures on the number according to official figures released in 2014. fears of the CDU base. “The position paper Even if Cameron succeeds in agreeing reforms, message that Merkel sent out back to the penalty. Pakistan reinstated executions last of executions carried out since the morato- goes in the right direction but further steps a group of MPs warned there was “no certainty” places where the fears are the biggest.” After year as part of a crackdown on extremism rium was lifted are available. Rights are needed,” the head of the party’s business any would be implemented as they might require weeks of damaging infighting over an expect- after Taliban attackers gunned down more activists recently put the number at wing, Carsten Linnemann, said. And party than 150 people, most of them children, at around 300. Supporters argue that execu- EU treaty changes, a lengthy and uncertain ed one million new arrivals in 2015, Merkel deputy leader Julia Kloeckner, a rising star in an army-run school in the restive north- tions are the only effective way to deal process. How the disagreement is resolved could successfully blocked right-wing rebels from the party and the CDU’s candidate for state west on December 16, 2014. The latest with the scourge of militancy in the coun- be key to the referendum’s outcome. “Attitudes to having the party adopt a call for a firm cap on premier in a Rhineland-Palatinate next March, executions took place in various locations try. But critics say the legal system is immigration are a strong predictor of likely sup- refugees. Instead, she won overwhelming in Punjab province. “Two convicts on death unjust, with rampant police torture and port for leaving the EU,” a paper from foreign backing for a position paper calling for “a tan- said the platform should have focused more row were hanged in Multan, two each in poor representation for victims during affairs think-tank Chatham House said this gible reduction” of asylum seekers. “We will on how to integrate mainly Muslim newcom- Bahawalpur and Gujrat and one each in unfair trials, while the majority of those month. “The more salient this issue becomes or live up to our humanitarian responsibility,” she ers into German society. “Integration shouldn’t Attock and Dera Ghazi Khan,” Chaudhry who are hanged are not convicted of terror the more it concerns voters, the more likely it is vowed. be left to chance,” she warned. — AFP Arshad Saeed, an adviser to Punjab’s chief charges.— AFP that the number of ‘outers’ will rise.”— AFP INTERNATIONAL WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 16, 2015 Typhoon kills four in the Philippines BULAN: Tattered lanterns, festive lights and ters an hour as it passed over the island of tin roofs littered towns in the central Mindoro. It was expected to weaken fur- Philippines yesterday after Typhoon Melor ther and move out into the South China swept through, killing at least four people Sea by Tuesday evening. and leaving millions without power ahead of Christmas. Distraught survivors surveyed Dark Christmas their damaged homes on the eve of the tra- In Bicol, a vast region in the east often ditional nine-day Christmas vigil that hit by typhoons, authorities credited the Filipinos observe with dawn masses and early evacuation of 720,000 people for rice cakes. Christmas is the most celebrated what they believed would be a low death holiday in the Philippines, where 80 per- toll. “We have zero floods, zero deaths, zero cent of its 100 million people are Catholic, casualties,” Joey Salceda, governor of Albay and decorations such as colorful lights and province in Bicol, told ABS-CBN television. lanterns have already been put up in most But he said the entire province of 1.2 mil- towns. “It will be a very sad Christmas and a lion people was without power. “What we dark one because we have no power. But are asking for is the early restoration of the important thing is everyone around me electricity,” he said. is still moving,” 54-year-old rice farmer Residents of neighboring Sorsogon, Noemi Pesigan said. which takes in Bulan town, were also with- Melor blew out the windows of Pesigan’s out power yesterday, and authorities could two-storey brick and wood house in Bulan, give no guarantees if electricity would be a small farming town about 350 kilometers restored by Christmas. southeast of the capital, Manila, and she “Our target is to restore power by survived the storm by sheltering in a nearby Christmas, but it will still depend on many shop. The typhoon tore in off the Pacific factors,” Mina Marasigan, spokeswoman of Ocean on Monday afternoon and hit farm- the national disaster management agency ing and fishing communities in the eastern said. She said the timing would depend on Philippines with winds of up to 185 kilome- how badly damaged towns were, and how ters an hour. Three people were killed in much cleaning up of roads was required floods in Northern Samar province, which before teams could go in to put up new AT SEA: A Rohingya migrant eats food dropped by a Thai army helicopter after he jumped to collect the supplies at sea from a boat drifting in faces the Pacific, municipal disaster officer power poles and lines. Thai waters off the southern island of Koh Lipe in the Andaman sea. — AFP Jonathan Baldo told DZMM radio. Flying The Philippines is hit by an average of 20 debris also killed a man in Northern Samar, typhoons a year, many of them deadly, with national disaster agency spokeswoman the strongest often happening towards the Tensions test US-Thai ties Mina Marasigan said, without being able to end of the year. Last year, 53 people died in confirm the other three fatalities. floods and landslides after Typhoon Jangmi Civil defence officials said they were hit another part of the eastern Philippines checking reports of additional deaths in five days after Christmas, catching many as strategic talks resume isolated areas but were struggling to con- people on holidays off guard. The last firm new causalities due to “communica- deadly storm to hit the country this year, tion issues”, caused by the storm. The road Koppu, killed 54 people and forced tens of out of Bulan was littered with fallen trees thousands to flee their homes after it pum- US envoy for East Asia branded ‘ugly American’ and toppled power lines, making travel dif- meled rice-growing northern provinces in ficult, while nearby wooden and thatch October. In November 2013, one of the WASHINGTON: The top US envoy for East Asia returns Asia-Pacific. Thai ambassador to the US, Pisan politically motivated. houses laid in ruin. Melor weakened slight- strongest typhoons on record, Haiyan, flat- to military-governed Thailand this week, hoping for Manawapat, said that the US and Thailand have Russel is not expected to meet Yingluck this week, ly as it cut across the central islands of the tened entire communities in the central better news coverage than on his last visit a year ago. shared interests in the region, and hoped the strategic but will confer with political leaders, including from archipelago, but on Tuesday afternoon its region with tsunami-like waves, leaving Local media branded veteran diplomat Daniel Russel dialogue would elevate bilateral relations. “The US the opposition. The political atmosphere has only wind gusts were still reaching 170 kilome- 7,350 people dead or missing. — AFP an “ugly American” and the government protested knows well how to deal with its friends and allies in grown more intense in recent months as the Thai that he had “wounded the hearts of Thais” for public order to bring about shared outcomes,” he said. economy has flagged and concern grows over the criticism of the country’s curbs on democracy. Russel health of King Bhumibol, a stabilizing force during his Thai faces prison for is traveling to Bangkok for the first formal US-Thai Walk away? seven decades on the throne. Many analysts predict strategic dialogue since the May 2014 coup. That is Russel said the two governments should “maxi- the military will be reluctant to make way for a new part of a broader Obama administration effort to build mize our cooperation within the bounds of what’s civilian government until Bhumibol’s successor is in insulting king’s dog stronger US ties in Southeast Asia and counter China’s possible under current circumstances.” But he said the place. The king, 88, made a rare, brief appearance on rise. But the underlying problems remain. The Thai mil- US wouldn’t “walk away” from its commitment to uni- television Monday. itary keeps delaying a return to civilian rule, and versal values like free speech. “What ultimately is He was shown wearing a suit and seated in a chair BANGKOK: A Thai faces prison after being Washington keeps falling afoul of Thailand’s hyper-sen- going to matter is that this story ends well,” said while presiding over the swearing in of a group of charged with lese majeste for insulting the sitive politics. Police recently took up a complaint Russel. “My primary concern is that the Thai nation judges in white uniforms at a Bangkok hospital where king’s dog, his lawyer said yesterday, in an brought by hardline royalists who accused US ambas- emerges from this period of military rule with a stable, he has spent most of the last six years. The footage escalation of the already draconian royal sador to Thailand, Glyn Davies, of defaming the monar- democratic, civilian-led, inclusive government.” was shown on all major channels and the evening defamation law. Thanakorn Siripaiboon, 27, chy after he voiced concern about long prison sen- Thailand has been consumed by political turmoil news. Lese majeste cases have multiplied, with some has been charged by police with lese tences under a law that criminalizes criticism of the for the past decade, since the military ousted populist people receiving sentences of more than 25 years for majeste for a “satirical” Facebook post about royal family. That reflects broader US concerns about but divisive leader Thaksin Shinawatra in 2006, spark- anti-royal comments on the Internet, amid signs the the king and his dog, lawyer Pawinee the junta’s clampdown on dissent. ing intermittent bouts of unrest and bloodshed draconian law is being wielded to check political dis- Chumsri said. “There was a post including Police appear unlikely to pursue an investigation between Thaksin supporters and pro-establishment sent. The military has postponed elections until at three photos on his Facebook page on against Davies, who has diplomatic immunity. But the opponents. On his January visit, Russel stirred a furor least 2017. While that is straining Thailand’s relations December 6 with a message that satirized adverse response he provoked, despite prefacing his because he met with the prime minister ousted in the with the US, ties with China have deepened. For the the king’s dog,” she said. Thanakorn also remarks with praise of Thailand’s revered King latest coup, Thaksin’s sister Yingluck, and said in a first time last month, Thailand and China held a joint faces lese majeste, sedition and computer Bhumibol Adulyadej, underscored the disconnect that speech that her parliamentary impeachment was air force exercise. —AP crimes charges for clicking “like” on a doc- increasingly weighs on America’s oldest diplomatic tored photo of the king and sharing it, plus relationship in Asia. “The military is convinced that it an infographic on a growing corruption saved Thailand from spiraling into chaos and acts hurt and puzzled that Washington doesn’t understand this,” Filipino maid says Singapore scandal engulfing the junta. said Murray Hiebert, an expert on Southeast Asia at Thailand has one of the world’s harshest the Center for Strategic and International Studies. “The couple starved her to 29 kg royal defamation laws. Anyone convicted of current flap is another sign of how much bilateral rela- insulting the revered but ailing 88-year-old tions have deteriorated since the coup.” SINGAPORE: A Philippine maid has accused a Gawidan was disallowed to use the toilet in King Bhumibol Adulyadej, or the queen, Desmond Wilson, a former US defense attache in Singaporean couple of starving her for 15 the family home and accompanied by her heir or regent can face up to 15 years in jail Bangkok who criticized Washington’s post-coup scal- months until her weight dropped to 29 kilos female employer to a washroom next to the on each count. Prosecutions have soared ing back of ties, said the strategic dialogue - last held (64 pounds), Singapore media reported yes- condominium’s swimming pool whenever she since the army, which styles itself as the in 2012 - showed the US is shifting toward a more terday. Thelma Gawidan, 40, who escaped in needed to relieve herself, the court was told. champion of the monarchy, grabbed power pragmatic approach. He predicted Wednesday’s talks April 2014 to a shelter for migrant workers, On a family trip to Hong Kong, she was also in a coup last year. Thanakorn, an auto-parts between the two foreign ministries would be followed BANGKOK: In this file photo, Thai King told a trial court on Monday that she was only fed instant noodles and bread. On April 18 last worker, could face up to 37 years in prison. by a high-level military dialogue early next year. The Bhumibol Adulyadej holds the leash of fed instant noodles and bread twice a day in a year, Gawidan managed to escape to a nearby There has been a recent trend towards US-Thai diplomatic relationship dates back 182 years. his dog while sitting in a wheelchair at a condominium at the posh Orchard Road area. shopping centre and called a fellow country- record-breaking sentences on transgres- Today, Thailand is less critical to American interests hospital in Bangkok. — AFP Gawidan testified again yesterday and said the woman who fed her before taking her to a sors, many of whom are also regime critics. than it was during the Vietnam War, for instance, when it hosted 50,000 US forces. couple withheld her salary, watched her every shelter. Gawidan, a mother of three, has since Even the US ambassador faces a police and social teachings are relentlessly pro- move and and did not let her speak to anyone regained weight. If convicted, trader Lim investigation for royal defamation over a moted in Thailand. Over the last decade his Restricted military assistance outside, the Straits Times newspaper’s website Choon Hong and his wife Chong Sui Foon, speech last month in which he expressed favorite dog, an adopted stray called reported. “They’re watching me when I wake both 47, face a fine of up to Sg$10,000 concern at the lengthy sentences. Tongdaeng (Copper) which is praised for But it remains a regional hub for the US on issues like intelligence, law enforcement and counternar- up, what I eat, what I drink and when to take a ($7,100), imprisonment of up to 12 months, or Bhumibol, the world’s longest-serving her loyalty and obedience, has been used to cotics. Although the US has restricted military assis- shower,” she was quoted as saying. both, for failing to provide the maid with ade- monarch, is seen as a unifying figure in the outline his vision of how Thais should tance since the coup, Thailand continues to host After a few months of employment, quate food. — AFP deeply divided nation and his economic behave. —AFP America’s largest multilateral military exercises in the WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 16, 2015 ANALYSIS

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Focus Yellen: Orthodox economist for unorthodox times

By Jason Lange

anet Yellen is guiding the Federal Reserve towards its first rate rise in a decade armed with traditional economic models that some Jeconomists worry could fail her in a world of massive money printing and near zero rates. The 69-year-old economist argues the time is coming for a rate-lift-off even though inflation has yet to accel- erate, trusting decades of studies that suggest a tight labor market eventually creates inflationary pressures. It is a risky wager consider- ing that global inflation is at historic lows and many central banks remain in an easing mode as their economies struggle to get any trac- tion. If she is right, Yellen, who has already presided over the end of the Fed’s bond-buying stimulus program, will cement her reputation and that of her “dashboard” that relies on long-established relationships between jobs, wages and prices. If she is wrong, the Fed could join the Power eludes France’s far right European Central Bank and the central banks of Sweden, Israel and Canada, which have all tried, but failed, to escape the drag of zero rates in the wake of the 2007-09 financial crisis. By Gerard Bon up against a wall, especially in the presiden- Front, which establishes deeper roots elec- high unemployment. The fragility of There are reasons to doubt conventional economic theory. Many tials,” said Jean-Yves Camus, a specialist on tion after election,” said FrÈdÈric Dabi, France’s economic recovery is another fac- economists predicted a spiral of falling prices when the US jobless t’s hard to imagine a more favourable the far right. “It’s a great first round party, deputy head of pollsters Ifop. “Each time tor boosting Le Pen. Unemployment rate soared during the crisis and then thought inflation would rise year for the French National Front: but it hits a wall in the second. If it can’t get they get a little closer.” reached its highest level for 18 years in the when unemployment plunged. Neither happened, though Yellen has Iunemployment at an 18-year high, euro- out of this dead end, it can’t win power.” third quarter, well above 10 percent and maintained this year that the Fed was on course for rate increases, scepticism on the rise, security and immi- Others think that the FN could discover Populists Set Agenda Without Power higher than the eurozone average for the which would be “data dependent,” likely gradual, and with no pre-set gration fears heightened by deadly armed more momentum yet. The party scored 42 In many ways, Le Pen can argue that her first time since 2007. Growth has not been path. This shows Yellen “is grounded in traditional modeling but she is attacks on the streets of Paris. So there was and 45 percent respectively in its two party, as with several other like-minded strong enough to generate the jobs well aware that there is uncertainty,” said Randall Kroszner, who little wonder that in a first round of voting strongest regions - the northern industrial eurosceptic parties in Europe, has set the Hollande has promised ever since his elec- served with Yellen as a Fed governor between 2006 and 2009. “It is in regional elections on Dec 6, Marine Le rust-belt, where Le Pen led the FN ticket, pace of the political agenda - even if it has tion in 2012, and an expected decline in possible, though unlikely, the traditional models are just all wrong Pen’s far-right party outstripped its main- and the southeastern sun belt, where Arab not won power. Despite strong scores in the jobless total next year may be too little, (and) we’re in a whole new world. But she’s not going to fly by the seat stream rivals, notching up the biggest win immigrants and former French colonists European Parliament and local elections, too late to create any “feel good factor” for of her pants,” Kroszner said. Yellen has made clear that models only of its history. live uneasily cheek-by-jowl, and where her right-wing populist parties with similar him. serve as guideposts in a complicated decision-making process. But by Monday, after a second round of niece Marion Marechal Le-Pen ran. In both anti-immigration, anti-Islamic and anti- voting, it was as far away from power as regions there was only one alternative in European ideologies have failed to break Arithmetic and Psychology Models and Hunches ever - tactical voting by the ruling Socialists the run-off - ex-president Nicolas Sarkozy’s through to national power, except as junior Yet electoral arithmetic and psychology Interviews with the Fed chief’s former colleagues paint a picture and withdrawals of their candidates to conservative Republicans. partners with little sway on policy as in still work against Le Pen and the party she of Yellen as a pragmatic economist who is ready to adjust course favour the centre-right in crucial regions President Francois Hollande’s Socialists Finland and Norway. has led since she took over from her father, when necessary, but one who relies on data and economic theory scuppering her and her niece’s chances of withdrew in both areas and urged support- In Britain and Germany, the Eurosceptic Jean-Marie, in 2011. Even if, as Sunday’s rather than guesswork or hunches. That could mean sometimes miss- securing footholds in regional power. Will ers to back the centre-right, aiming to take UK Independence Party and Alternative for score shows, she has a good chance of get- ing signals that are either too new or too hard to measure for tradi- the frustration of that failure start a drift the moral high ground by sacrificing seats Germany remain fringe groups. Yet even ting through to the second round of the tional models and yet possibly relevant for policy. away from the FN and doom Le Pen’s presi- to freeze out a party it says is racist and without reaching the top rung, populists presidential election, as her father did in Fed transcripts show that at a Fed policy meeting in September dential ambitions in 2017 ? Or could it fuel extremist. But that approach has its risks. have forced mainstream conservatives to 2002, polls suggest she would be trounced 1996, Yellen, then a Fed board member, said she was “quite willing” to enough anger over the party’s exclusion “This feeds into one of the FN’s main cam- take a more restrictive line on immigration by Sarkozy and especially Juppe, and support an increase in rates because her analysis suggested inflation from mainstream politics to propel her paign messages - that the notions of left and multiculturalism, and resist further would lose by a narrower margin to was poised to rise. However, Alan Greenspan, the Fed’s chairman at through the “glass ceiling” she complains and right are essentially meaningless and European integration. In France, the FN’s Hollande. the time, convinced policymakers to hold fire at that meeting arguing about? that the two-round system produces a cosy, surge has ignited fierce debate on the cen- Sociologist Sylvain Crepon says the that he saw changes in the economy that were holding back prices For many, the result was proof of the old lazy, political centre which can afford to tre-right about whether to take a harder angry outsider appeal that is Le Pen’s and it later turned out that inflation indeed stayed low. French adage that people vote with their ignore the needs of millions of French citi- line against immigration, public displays of strength is also her weakness, and there is “It was intuition more than anything else,” said Alice Rivlin, fellow hearts in the first round and with their zens,” said Charles Lichfield of Eurasia group. Islam and the EU’s open-border policy - as little chance she can shake off a 70 percent board member at the time, referring to Greenspan’s hunch that US heads in the second. It bodes ill for Le Pen’s With 27.7 percent in the first round - Sarkozy espouses - to win back voters lost unpopularity rating without losing those productivity was rising. A wrong call on inflation now could stunt job chances in 2017, they say. The sort of tacti- more than either of the other two main to Le Pen, or to draw a clear dividing line who support her. “Her get-out-of-the-euro growth and possibly keep rates stuck near zero or even force the Fed cal voting the Socialists used - pulling out to parties - the FN gained ground in its social and cleave to the centre, as his main chal- policy is something that closes the door to to reverse course and cut rates. “If they don’t see any pickup in costs or leave their centre-right rivals with a clear and geographic heartlands, but also in the lenger Alain Juppe advocates. any alliance (and) she goes over the top in prices, that would cause them to be even more gradual than they field to defeat the FN - is baked into the west, around Paris, and among the young, Away from the limelight on its three her attacks on the elite and on immigra- think they are going to be,” said Donald Kohn, who served on the presidential election, where the rules dic- where it has struggled in the past. “The main target regions, the FN also gained tion,” he said. To change that, though, he Fed’s board when Yellen headed the San Francisco Fed between 2004 tate a run-off between the two top scoring main feature of this presidential term (since ground in three-way races in rural regions said, “would risk losing her distinguishing and 2010. Fed policymakers saw higher inflation around the corner in candidates from the first round. “The FN is 2012) has been the rise of the National and declining industrial areas blighted by feature.” —AFP 2013 and 2014 that did not materialize. Yellen has argued this year that temporary factors such as low oil prices and a strong dollar will fade while a tight labor market sparks price pressures. “It’s straightfor- ward analysis but the issue is they have been saying this for years, so Pak school massacre survivors still haunted they are not hitting something right in their story,” said Timothy Duy, an economist at the University of Oregon. Hiking rates too early could make it more likely the US economy tips into recession, he said. By Issam Ahmed gered, says Andaleeb Aftab, a chemistry son had died. “They made our college a his chances of either entering a college The Fed’s preferred inflation measure stripped of food and energy teacher at the school who fled into a bath- graveyard,” she says. Mathematics teacher engineering program or becoming a sol- prices is now at 1.3 percent and its policymakers on average see the ubashir Subhan was in the school room with other staff after gunmen Abu Bakar, 43, now uses a cane to walk dier like his father. “I can’t move my arms gauge accelerating next year but not quite hitting their 2 percent tar- auditorium, surrounded by opened fire on them in a hallway. Aftab’s after he was shot three times when he properly. I can’t lift weights,” he said. “They get. Jon Faust, a former special adviser to the Fed board whose infla- Mfriends, when the Taleban gunmen son, 16-year-old Huzaifa, was among those threw himself in front of four students flee- have declared me unfit.” tion forecasting research has been cited by Yellen, says he doubts any came crashing in. The first bullet grazed the who died in the auditorium. In their last ing the gunmen. Three of them survived. policymakers have a firm view how to get inflation back to target and back of his head, the second passed exchange, she said, he came to the staff “I’m a teacher and I have to do my duty no ‘We Can’t Forget’ keep it there even if they agree that a tightening job market will help. through his shoulder, and the third struck room and asked her for pocket money. “But matter what,” he says. Today, the anniversary of the attack, With the jobless rate at 5 percent, half its 2009 level, Yellen was confi- his left hand. More than 150 lives were lost I told him I just saw you taking pocket For other survivors the destructive Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif and the pow- dent enough to warn lawmakers on Dec 3 that inflation could rise in the Peshawar school massacre of Dec 16, money from your father in the parking lot - effects of Dec 16 continue to shape their erful army chief Raheel Sharif will join “significantly” above the Fed’s 2 percent target if rate-setters aren’t 2014, the deadliest extremist attack in so don’t double cross me!” she remembers. future. Waheed Anjum, 18, was shot three opposition leader Imran Khan for a ceremo- ahead of the curve. However, some policymakers, including Fed Pakistan’s history. One year on, those who Aftab was trapped in the bathroom until times during the attack - once in each arm ny at the school marking the massacre. The Governor Lael Brainard, argue that the relationship between unem- survived now study in the same rooms evening, listening for hours as the attackers and once in the chest. Numerous opera- attack on the Army Public School saw a ployment and inflation is not as straightforward as it used to be and where they huddled in terror as their class- blew themselves up one by one. It was only tions meant he was out of school for six shift in public opinion on the country’s that global economic weakness could knock the United States off mates fell around them. after she was rescued that she learned her months, affecting his final grades, as well as more than decade long struggle against course. Many analysts expect Brainard, who has emerged as the The majority of them were children, extremism. Parents seeking vengeance leader of the Fed’s cautious faction, will accept a first hike without dis- many of whom were in the auditorium with backed by a shocked and outraged public senting, but could need more convincing for subsequent rate rises. Subhan when nine attackers armed with drove support for a nationwide military-led Brainard said on Dec 1 the US dollar’s appreciation, driven in part by guns and explosives went on a cold-blood- crackdown. global economic weakness, could argue for a “delay in the date of lift- ed killing spree. Many are still gripped by a The army intensified an offensive off and a shallower path for the federal funds rate over several years.” sense of paralysis when they enter the against militants in tribal areas where they On the other side of the policy debate is Charles Plosser, who led Army Public School in the northwestern had previously operated with impunity, the Philadelphia Fed from 2006 until March 2015. Plosser would have city. “I feel unable to function. I keep and the government launched a sweeping preferred to raise rates “a year ago” but was glad that the Fed chief remembering everything,” Subhan, a beard- plan to tackle extremism, including greater facilitated the debate over liftoff. “The fact that she can articulate the ed, soft-spoken 16-year-old says. prosecution of hate crimes. The effort has rationale, that’s really important,” he said. “Because then you can When he is alone, memories of the seen levels of militancy-linked violence fall debate.” —Reuters friends who died alongside him that day to their lowest levels since 2007, the year come crowding in, and he says he cannot the Pakistani Taleban came into being. fathom how quickly his life was shattered. “I But critics have voiced concerns over a think about how I used to be with my failure to tackle the long-term causes of All articles appearing on these friends,” he says. His parents also remember the violence, suggesting the drop in how he used to be, saying their confident, attacks may be a veneer covering the pages are the personal opinion of outgoing son was transformed by the extremism that still bubbles beneath soci- the writers. Kuwait Times takes no hours-long siege. “The slightest of things ety’s surface. On Sunday, just four days responsibility for views expressed he takes as though a bullet hit him,” says his before the anniversary, a bomb blew apart therein. Kuwait Times invites read- father Subhan Uddin. “When he comes a market in the town of Parachinar in the home he just locks himself in his room. He tribal areas, killing some two dozen peo- ers to voice their opinions. Please doesn’t meet us or his brothers or sisters or ple. “It’s been a whole year but we can’t send submissions via email to: opin- friends. He just sits and thinks.” forget a single moment of that day,” chem- [email protected] or via snail In this photograph taken on December 12, 2015, Andaleeb Aftab, a chemistry istry teacher Aftab says. “Many of the stu- mail to PO Box 1301 Safat, Kuwait. Unfit for Duty teacher at the army-run school where she lost her son Huzaifa, scene of the dents are still facing psychiatric problems. The auditorium is now a sports hall and Peshawar school massacre of December 16, 2014, the deadliest terror attack in Many of the students are still injured.” They The editor reserves the right to edit soldiers stand atop recently fortified walls are recovering “a little”, she said, but the Pakistan’s history, sits alongside a portrait of Huzaifa during an interview with AFP any submission as necessary. as children play on the green, expansive suffering goes on. “We’re not out of the grounds below. But the trauma has lin- at her residence in Peshawar. —AFP 16th of December.” —AFP NEWS WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 16 , 2015

A mural is seen with a slum in the background on the bank of the Rio Negro (Black River) in Manaus in Amazonas state in Brazil on Dec 11, 2015.— AFP LA shuts public schools after threatening email

LOS ANGELES: Los Angeles shut down the United threat ... It was not to one school, two schools or three mass shootings have pushed the issues of militant It’s unfortunate that someone is preying upon people’s States’ second-largest public school system yesterday schools, it was many schools,” Cortines told reporters. A Islamism and gun violence to the forefront of the US fears.” Other parents used social media to vent frustra- after officials received a threatening email mentioning US official said investigators were looking for a possible presidential campaign. tion at having learned about the closures from the news backpacks and packages, two weeks after a married bomb or bombs in connection with the Los Angeles media, rather than directly from the schools. Ronna couple inspired by Islamic State killed 14 people in San closure. The threat came via an email sent to a school ‘You Hope it’s a Hoax’ Bronstein, who has two sons in the fifth and eighth Bernardino just 100 km away. The unprecedented move board member and mentioned backpacks and other Students already at school were sent home, officials grades, said she was trying to find out more about the left some 643,000 students of the Los Angeles Unified packages, Cortines said. said, and families scrambled to come up with plans after threat while shielding her younger child from the news. School District and their families scrambling to make New York City Police Commissioner William Bratton the last-minute closures. “It’s disappointing,” said Trinity “I don’t want him to be frightened to go back to school alternate arrangements and drew criticism as officials in said that city’s school system, the largest in the United Williams, a high school student who dropped off her tomorrow,” she said. New York said they received the same threat and States, had received “almost exactly the same” threat yes- younger sister at elementary school, only to find it was School officials said that on Sept 11, 2001, when deemed it not to be credible. terday but deemed it non-credible. “LA is a huge school closed. The two traveled on to Williams’ high school many people returned home early from work after the A law enforcement source told Reuters that Los system,” said Bratton, who had served as police chief in before they realized the whole system was shut down. “I attacks on the East Coast, Los Angeles schools remained Angeles authorities ordered the closure to allow a full Los Angeles. “To disrupt the daily schedules of half a mil- was supposed to give an essay in class today, and finals open. The United States has suffered repeated deadly search of about 900 public school facilities without con- lion school children, their parents, daycare, buses based are Friday,” Williams said. “I can’t afford to miss a day.” attacks in schools in recent years, typically carried out by sulting with the Federal Bureau of Investigation, which on an anonymous email, without consultation, if in fact, Lee Stein, a parent with a daughter in fifth grade at gunmen. The deadliest one in the past decade occurred takes the lead on any potential terrorism investigation. consultation did not occur with law enforcement Ivanhoe Elementary School, said he heard about the clo- at Virginia Tech, where a shooter killed 32 people. In the But the city’s mayor, Eric Garcetti, denied that assertion, authorities, I think it was a significant over reaction.” sure via a news alert to his phone, which he confirmed second deadliest, a lone gunman shot dead 20 young saying that officials had contacted federal law enforce- Los Angeles Mayor Garcetti defended the closure. “It by calling the principal. “It’s very concerning, especially children and six educators at Sandy Hook Elementary ment officials. Los Angeles Police Chief Charlie Beck said is very easy for people to jump to conclusions and I have in light of recent events,” Stein said. “You hope it’s a hoax. School in Newtown, Connecticut, in 2012. — Reuters at a news conference that he was contacted late been around long enough to know that usually what Monday night about a “very specific threat” delivered by people think in the first few hours is not what plays out email to school board members. Some other public in later hours,” Garcetti told a press conference. “But deci- Kejriwal slams ‘psycho’ Modi after HQ raid schools in the city remained open as did private sions have to be made in a matter of minutes.” schools. Police Chief Beck said it was “irresponsible” to criticize Continued from Page 1 India’s top court in 2013 as a “caged parrot” that spoke “in The Los Angeles school district regularly receives the decision to close the schools in the aftermath of the its master’s voice”. threats, but this one stood out for its scale, schools Dec 2 attack on a regional center in San Bernardino, then accused Modi of being “a coward and a psy- Kejriwal and Modi stood against each other in last Superintendent Ramon Cortines said. “This is a rare California, east of Los Angeles. The attack and other chopath” who could not “handle me politically”. Although year’s general election in the Varanasi constituency. his initial comments sparked an uproar, Kejriwal was Although Kejriwal lost, he then oversaw a dramatic land- unrepentant when he later addressed reporters. “I have a slide victory over the BJP in polls in February for the Delhi message for Mr Modi: ‘You can’t scare me. You have no state assembly. The two men have since clashed repeat- Saudi Arabia forms Islamic alliance... idea what I’m made of. I won’t be afraid even until my last edly, with Kejriwal accusing the federal government of Continued from Page 1 A Jordanian government spokesman confirmed that breath’,” he said. “My words may have been harsh but it is blocking a series of initiatives, including a new push to the Hashemite kingdom is part of the coalition. you who have committed the real misdeeds. clean up the capital’s polluted skies. Kejriwal, a self-styled The prince told a rare news conference that the Spokesman Mohammed Momani would not comment “Why don’t you apologize to the country for your mis- revolutionary, has also been pushing to be given control Riyadh-based coalition will tackle “the Islamic world’s specifically on the alliance but said that “Jordan is deeds first and then I’ll apologise for my words,” Kejriwal of the police force operating in Delhi in line with other problem with terrorism and will be a partner in the always ready and actively participates in any effort to added, in an apparent reference to Modi’s refusal to apol- state administrations. His calls have been rebuffed by the worldwide fight against this scourge”. Some coalition fight terrorism.” A Lebanese official confirmed to AP that ogise over deadly communal riots in Gujarat when he prime minister. members like Nigeria have mixed Muslim-Christian his nation was also part of the 34-nation coalition. Tiny was chief minister in 2002. The raid triggered chaos in Mohan Guruswamy, head of New Delhi’s Centre for populations, but all belong to the Jeddah-based Lebanon has seen frequent spillovers from Syria’s civil parliament where Finance Minister Arun Jaitley said Policy Alternatives think-tank, said he was not surprised Organization of Islamic Cooperation. They range from war next door, as well as sectarian clashes and militant repeatedly that it “has nothing to do with Mr Arvind by the raid given the history of tensions between the two tiny African nations such as Guinea to major regional attacks. “Lebanon is fighting a daily war against terror- Kejriwal” and ridiculed the suggestion it was politically men. “It is a well-known fact Kejriwal is opposed to powers including Turkey. ism ... Lebanon cannot but be part of the alliance that is motivated. “The search is in relation to a case for an Modi... Kejriwal has opposed his brand of politics, eco- The list does not include Shiite Iran, the archrival of combating terrorism,” said the official. Asked how alleged offence committed in his (Kumar’s) capacity nomic policy and finds him the only political competitor Sunni Saudi Arabia for influence across the Arab world. Lebanon plans to contribute to the alliance, he said that before he joined the office of Mr Kejriwal,” he told the in present political system,” Guruswamy told AFP. Tehran and Riyadh are ranged on opposite sides in “these are details that we haven’t gotten into yet.” upper house of parliament, his voice drowned out by Although Kejriwal’s party had a disappointing showing in proxy conflicts in Syria and Yemen. Other Gulf Arab Farea Al-Muslimi, a visiting scholar at the Carnegie opponents. the May 2014 parliamentary elections, the victory in countries such as Kuwait, Qatar and the United Arab Middle East Centre, called most of the countries “hon- Modi’s right-wing Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) Delhi bolstered its hopes of making major inroads else- Emirates are also in the coalition, though notably orary members” in a coalition that “seemed to have demanded an apology from 47-year-old Kejriwal for his where, especially as the main national opposition absent from the list is Oman, a neighbor of Saudi been cooked at the last minute” without clear goals. “unwarranted and shameful” description of the premier, Congress party is in the electoral doldrums. In October Arabia. In recent years, Oman has maintained a neutral Muslimi said the coalition seems like an attempt by while the CBI termed his claims “false propaganda”. The Kejriwal sacked one of his ministers for alleged bribe-tak- role and has emerged as a mediator in regional con- Saudi Arabia to ease some of the international pressure CBI is nominally independent but long suspected of ing, months after his law minister resigned following his flicts, serving as a conduit from the Gulf Arabs to Iran. it has faced on the issue. being under government influence. It was described by arrest for acquiring a fake law degree. — AFP US Defense Secretary Ash Carter welcomed the The IS threat “is the most fundamental challenge to announcement after arriving at Incirlik airbase in Turkey Saudi’s raison d’etat and the security of its citizens,” said yesterday at the start of a regional tour designed to Andreas Krieg, a professor at the Department of Joint panel to study govt request... drum up support for the US-led campaign against Defence Studies at King’s College London. “It is there- Islamic State. “We look forward to learning more about fore not surprising for Saudi to seek greater cooperation Continued from Page 1 head of the budgets committee MP Adnan Abdulsamad what Saudi Arabia has in mind in terms of this coalition,” across the board in the fight against militant Islamism,” saying that financial allocations are made for dozens of he told reporters. “But in general it appears it is very said Krieg, who also serves as a consultant to the Qatari The authority has already started functioning by tak- projects but they still get delayed. much in line with something we’ve been urging for armed forces. The huge human and financial costs of ing up several suspected graft cases and demanding MP Saleh Ashour said that the private sector should quite some time, which is greater involvement in the the kingdom’s military operation in Yemen have that top officials and politicians submit their wealth dis- not be allowed to dominate and control development campaign to combat ISIL (Islamic State) by Sunni Arab become increasingly difficult for it to bear, he said. “Only closures. The Assembly also debated a follow-up report programs in the country. He charged that influential countries,” Carter added. A senior defense official said joint military operations are a real option.” on the government’s annual development program, as people have a say on government policies and things go the US did not know in advance about the plan for the In March, the kingdom formed an Arab coalition to several MPs strongly criticized the government’s failure in favor of the private sector at the cost of public sector. alliance, and that officials were working to find out the support the Yemeni government against Iran-backed to diversify the economy and raise non-oil revenues in MP Adel Al-Khorafi said that despite the clear delay in details. Houthi rebels and their allies, who seized much of the the face of the sharp decline in oil prices. many projects, no official has ever been held to account. Turkish Prime Minister Ahmet Davutoglu told country. Saudi Arabia has also played a prominent role MP Jamal Al-Omar warned that if the current policies A number of MPs also criticized the government for reporters in Ankara yesterday that his country backed in efforts to find a political solution to the war in Syria. and withdrawals from state reserves continue, Kuwait’s failing to deal with the demographic imbalance in the the alliance’s formation. “Turkey is ready to contribute Last week, it hosted unprecedented talks between huge assets will vanish within the next three years, and favor of the foreign population. Ashour said the percent- by all its means to all gatherings that aim to fight terror- opposition Syrian political and military factions. Muslimi demanded that the government adopt better economic age of citizens has dropped sharply instead of increas- ism, no matter where or by whom it is organized,” he and Krieg did not see the new coalition leading to a policies. According to the International Sovereign ing. said. Sunni Islam’s leading seat of learning, Al-Azhar, more direct Saudi military role in Syria. Wealth Funds Institute, Kuwait has fiscal reserves worth Meanwhile, MP Saadoun Hammad said that former urged all Muslim countries to join the coalition, express- Saudi Arabia supports some rebels in Syria, and last $592 billion. The International Monetary Fund said that if oil minister Ali Al-Omair was moved from the ministry ing hope that it would defeat the “evils of terrorism”. year joined other Gulf states in a US-led coalition Kuwait continues with current policies, the reserves are and appointed as public works minister following a dis- The coalition will fight “any terrorist organization that bombing IS in Syria. The UAE said two weeks ago that sufficient for over 20 years. pute with top oil executives. He asked acting minister of appears”, Prince Mohammed said when asked if it would it was ready to commit ground troops against jihadists MP Khalil Abul said that the government has done oil and minister of finance Anas Al-Saleh about why he concentrate only on the IS group of Sunni extremists in in Syria, and described Russian air strikes there as almost nothing to boost revenues other than planning has not yet changed the boards of oil companies. He Syria and Iraq. Saudi Arabia has repeatedly denounced attacks on a “common enemy”. Kremlin spokesman to lift or reduce subsidies. He called on all ministers to claimed that some influential people are deliberately international “terrorism” and has itself seen an upsurge Dmitri Peskov said Russia awaited more details before explain their programs of diversifying the sources of delaying projects to serve their own interests. The of attacks claimed by IS over the past year, against evaluating the Saudi announcement about the new income away from oil. Several MPs criticized the govern- Assembly also decided to bring forward its two sessions minority Shiites and members of the security forces. coalition. — Agencies ment for delaying key development projects, with the on Dec 29 and 30 to Dec 22 and 23. WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 16, 2015 SPORTS

Rainer Zietlow Rainer Zietlow with 3M officials. — Photos by Yasser Al Zayyat Rainer Zietlow shares his driving experience with Kuwait fans

By Nawara Fattahova destination in record breaking time of 9 days, was nice this year as there was no snow or rain. value-added solutions to the automotive protection films that are the choice for NASCAR 4 hours and 8 minutes. We were three drivers, two from Germany and industry for almost 100 years. Hundreds of 3M race teams and car manufacturers and we are KUWAIT: To share his experience of driving “I am very excited to be in Kuwait today to one from the US, and we were driving 24 hours, products are used in the manufacturing of proud that world record holders like Rainer from the southern tip of South Africa to the meet and engage with my many fans and sup- only stopping for toilet breaks and passport vehicles, ranging from consumable products Zietlow are using our products and solutions North Cape in Norway in record time, Rainer porters who inspired me along the way to reg- checks. One of us was at the wheel every five in assembly plant operations, to those engi- to help them achieve their goals,” he added. Zietlow was invited by one of the tour’s spon- ister another world record in this Cape2Cape hours. So usually two were sleeping and one neered into body, exterior, interior, power Zietlow and his team drove through 19 sors, 3M, to meet and engage with his fans annual challenge. 3M is one of our key spon- driving,” he told Kuwait Times. train, and chassis components. Rainer used countries - South Africa, Zimbabwe, Zambia, and supporters in Kuwait. Zietlow spoke about sors and I would like to thank them once again 3M’s innovative Paint Protection Film on the Tanzania, Kenya, Ethiopia, Sudan, Egypt, his tour at a press conference held yesterday for playing an important role in this success, as World record Volkswagen Touareg V6 TDI which he drove Turkey, Bulgaria, Serbia, Hungary, Slovakia, at the Radisson Blu Hotel. its paint protection solution ensured that the Since 2011, Zietlow is driving a Volkswagen during his Cape2Cape challenge. Czech Republic, Germany, Denmark, Sweden, In Sept 2015, Zietlow and his team drove Volkswagen car endured the rigors of this gru- Touareg, and earlier drove other models, but “We are very excited to host Rainer Zietlow Finland and Norway. The team flew the his Volkswagen Touareg V6 TDI from Cape eling drive,” said Rainer Zietlow. always Volkswagen. “We had half of our vehi- and his team once again to interact and Volkswagen Touareg V6 TDI from Amman, Agulhas in South Africa, the southernmost tip This was a successful season and tour by cle covered with the new protection layer and engage with his fans and supporters from the Jordan to Adana in Turkey for the short flight of Africa, towards the northernmost point of Zietlow’s team. “This year I didn’t face any prob- the other half without it, the vehicle shows Middle East region,” said AbdulHalim Sayyed, over Syria. With this feat, the Cape2Cape 2.0 Europe, Nordkapp in Norway. Driving through lems, so I was able to register a world record. scratches on this half. Since 2011, I’m using Marketing Specialist of Automotive team beat their own existing world record of 19 countries, including some in the Middle Last year, we had an accident which made our this protection on the vehicle,” stressed Aftermarket Division and Automotive Division 21 days and 16 hours between Nordkapp and East, over 18,000 km, the team reached their tour much longer - 21 days. Also the weather Zietlow. 3M has been supplying innovative, at 3M Gulf. “At 3M, we provide innovative paint Cape Agulhas, which was achieved last year. Ryder Cup hosts warming up for golfing revolution

MILAN: Italian golf officials believe hosting push for our golf movement, and increase in England. The United States won that edi- the 2022 Ryder Cup can spark a revolution for participation in our sport.” In practical terms tion, but Rocca was in Europe’s winning teams the sport in the country more known for its that means bringing golf, regarded as an elit- of 1995 and 1997 and in the latter famously love of football. Some of the world’s top ist sport in football-mad Italy, to the masses: beat Tiger Woods 4 and 2 in the final day sin- golfers, including Justin Rose, were among the not an easy concept when the majority of gles at Valderrama. first to congratulate Rome after the Italian cap- clubs are privately-run and often off-limits to Since then, brothers Edoardo and ital became only the third host from continen- aspiring golfers, especially those on a budget. Francesco Molinari have been Italy’s flag-bear- tal Europe to be chosen to stage the biennial But Durante added: “The development of ers and were involved in the narrow victory at tournament between Europe and the United the game throughout Italy was an integral Celtic Manor in 2010. Like Rocca, Francesco States. Rome successfully beat off rival bids part of our bid and we have plans to expand overcame the threat of Woods when he won from Austria, Germany and Spain and the 44th existing initiatives to promote the sport. by a half point in their final singles match to edition will now be played at the Marco “We want to improve access for aspiring help Europe to victory in 2012 in the ‘Miracle Simone club, located 17km from the capital players by building driving ranges and intro- of Medinah’. and which boasts a bird’s eye view of Saint ducing golf into schools. We already have an Francesco Molinari said: “The interest in Peter’s Basilica from the 17th tee. agreement with the ministry of education golf has been growing the last few years and The Ryder Cup committee’s announcement about including golf in the school pro- we’ve been lucky to be part of that move- came the same morning the Italian Olympic grammes. “Legacy is of paramount impor- ment.... hosting the Ryder Cup will be a huge Committee (CONI) unveiled their logo for tance to me. We’ll focus our campaign on boost for Italian golf.” His brother Edoardo was Rome’s bid to host the Olympic Games in explaining what golf is all about, because quick to thank some of the many profession- 2024. many people are unaware. “We will empha- als who had backed Rome’s 2022 campaign. Although hosting the Ryder Cup could give sise its health benefits and the positive effects He posted a Twitter message earlier which the Rome 2024 campaign a gentle push, the of playing a sport in which respect for the read: “Thanks Justin Rose for your support of legacy the tournament would leave behind is game, and others, is fundamental.” #rydercup2022 in Rome. Looking forward to what most excites the future hosts. seeing you play there!” Italy boasts a number “We are a country of 60 million people and EXCITING TIMES of top amateurs but come 2022 it could be VIVA Announces winners for we have only 100,000 golfers,” Rome’s bid co- There are exciting times ahead for the time for Matteo Manassero and Renato ordinator Marco Durante told AFP on Monday. hosts, who are also looking back fondly at Paratore-the latest Italian talents to shine on Man Utd vs Chelsea game “There is massive potential to expand the 1993 when Costantino Rocca became the first the European tour-to follow in Rocca’s foot- game. Hosting the Ryder Cup will be a great Italian to play in the tournament at The Belfry steps. — AFP KUWAIT: VIVA, Kuwait’s fastest-growing Manchester United vs Chelsea live from and most developed telecom operator, Old Trafford stadium in Manchester city, on announces the winners of draw campaign 28 December 2015. KAC beat Singapore Airlines to to win tickets for Manchester United vs VIVA announced its official sponsorship Chelsea game, held on 13 December in of Manchester United Football Club in presence of a representative from the min- 2011, being the first in Kuwait to sponsor clinch squash World Champion Cup istry of commerce and industry. this world-renowned football club. The winners are: Raed Saud Mehawesh, To find out more about VIVA’s new pre- Adnan Abdulaziz Baqer and Jassim paid packages, or any of its other competi- KUWAIT: Chairperson of Kuwait Airways Mohammad Al-Ali. This campaign will tive promotions, products and packages, Rasha Abdelaziz Al-Roumi received the head grant the chance for those winners to visit one of the 70 VIVA branches, or the of Kuwait Airways squash team captain Adel watch the upcoming match between VIVA website at www.viva.com.kw. Al-Ghareeb on the occasion of the team defeating Singapore Airline 5-1 and taking first place in the world’s airline champion, hosted lately by Singapore. Jaguar to make A-Ghareeb dedicated airlines world cham- pionship cup to Rasha Al-Roumi, who expressed her joy over the achievement of motorsport return Kuwait Airways team. Al-Roumi said the LONDON: Jaguar will leap back on to owned brand departed Formula One at championship brings people closer and the world motorsport stage next year the end of 2004. increase competition. with the British luxury car brand Jaguar, who sold their team to Red Al-Roumi congratulated KAC team for their announcing yesterday it was entering Bull, failed to make an impact in the level in the matches and their ability to win the Formula E electric racing series. hugely expensive world of Formula the cup. Al-Ghareeb gave thanks for the sup- “Electric vehicles will absolutely play One but the costs in Formula E are far port of Al-Roumi and her urging players to a role in Jaguar Land Rover’s future lower with restrictions to keep spend- present the best of levels and winning the product portfolio and Formula E will ing in check. cup at the final. KAC team is comprised of give us a unique opportunity to further Rogers said the latest foray, which Adel Ghareeb, Hussein Safar, Hisham our development of electrification will start when Formula E enters its Ramadhan, Mohammad Al-Ramzi, Abdellatif KUWAIT: Chairperson of KAC Rasha Abdelaziz Al-Roumi holding the trophy with Kuwait technologies,” said Nick Rogers, JLR’s third season in the latter part of the Al-Maqsum and Saleh Al-Khudhan. Airways squash team. Group Engineering Director. year, was “all about the technology “In the next decade we will see development” rather than simply win- more changes in the automotive world ning races. Blanket ban on dope-tainted than in the last 30,” he added at a news Formula E launched in 2014 and conference in London’s Shard tower. holds one-day events in city centres “We believe electrification is the around the world, with this season’s nations ‘unjust’: Olympians future.” Williams Advanced calendar including Beijing, Moscow, Engineering, part of the group that Berlin, Paris, London and Long Beach in NEW YORK: The World Olympians Association will ultimately pay the price as they will miss the While accepting that athletes, officials and includes former Formula One world California. (WOA) has called blanket bans on competitors opportunity to see their clean heroes compete doctors who cheat should be sanctioned, champions Williams, will be technical Leading manufacturers Renault, from doping-tainted nations “unjust” and called at the highest level,” WOA President Joel Bouzou Bouzou suggested that athletes from banned partners to the Indian-owned compa- Citroen’s DS brand, Audi and India’s for urgent action to ensure clean athletes are said in a statement on the body’s website countries that have clean doping records could ny and much of the team’s work will be Mahindra are already involved. Rogers allowed to participate in major sporting events. (http://olympians.org/). undergo “extraordinary testing sessions” to allow done at their Grove factory. highlighted Jaguar’s history of techni- The Russian Athletics Federation (ARAF) was “The individual rights of clean athletes should them to compete. Williams chief executive Mike cal innovation, from the 1950s Le Mans suspended last month following a report by the also be respected as well as their right to train The Frenchman, a four-times Olympian in O’Driscoll is a former managing direc- winning lightweight cars, and said World Anti-Doping Agency’s (WADA) independ- and to compete in the sport that they love. modern pentathlon, also said the WOA support- tor of Jaguar, leading the company Formula E provided a perfect fit in a ent commission that exposed widespread, sys- “One thing is clear: an urgent solution is ed the IOC’s proposal for WADA to run inde- through the sale to Tata Motors in carbon conscious world. tematic state-sponsored doping and related cor- needed for athletes who are seeking to qualify pendent dope testing on behalf of the sports 2008. Jaguar also partnered with “Jaguar is a brand with a rich sport- ruption. for and participate in major events allowing federations and National Olympic Committees in Williams on the development of their ing heritage and the fact that it is Russian athletes are therefore set to miss the them to train, prepare and compete with cer- the future. C-X75 plug-in hybrid concept car. returning to global motorsport with world indoor athletics championships in the tainty,” the statement said. Overall, however, his main concern was to United States in March and face a race against The WOA was established by the ensure that athletes who have never been found The decision to enter Formula E, Formula E is a huge endorsement of time to be cleared to compete in the Olympics in International Olympic Committee (IOC) in 1994 guilty of wrongdoing would not suffer for the facilitated by the Italian Trulli team the championship and its ability to Rio de Janeiro in August. to represent those who have competed at offences of others. “It is not only the rights and already giving up one of the 10 slots, influence the development of electric The WOA, without mentioning Russia specifi- Games. The International Association of Athletics reputations of athletes at stake, but also their will be Jaguar’s biggest motorsport cars,” said Formula E chief executive cally, released a statement supporting the rights Federations (IAAF) last Friday published a long ability to act as role models, inspiring young involvement since the then Ford- Alejandro Agag. — Reuters of clean athletes. “We believe banning clean ath- and detailed list of criteria that the Russians people and encouraging the next generation to letes is unjust and that sport and its many fans must satisfy before the ban imposed is lifted. take up sport,” he said. — Reuters WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 16, 2015 SPORTS Once-mighty ‘Calypso Kings’ now missing a beat HOBART: The sad state of West Indies cricket will come Tobago board chief Suruj Ragoonath says the onus is on into sharp focus this week when some of their best play- administrators to make sure players prioritise playing for ers take part in an Australian Twenty20 tournament-just their country over lucrative Twenty20 cricket. days after sitting out the latest embarrassing Test defeat. Chris Gayle, Dwayne Bravo and Darren Sammy will all ‘BAD GOVERNANCE’ show their talents in the Big Bash League, after they were “We must understand that the sport of cricket now is notable absentees in the West Indies’ innings and 212 not what it used to be many years ago,” he said in the runs Test loss to Australia in Hobart. A stand-off with Trinidad and Tobago Guardian last weekend. “Therefore administrators, complete with a players’ strike and the we at the administrative level must find ways and means coach’s suspension, is at the heart of what has been a of dealing with the problem of players choosing to play dizzying descent for the former “Calypso Kings”. for club rather than country.” The West Indies have been stuck in the mire since Lara, who scored 34 centuries in 131 Tests and ranks as Australia’s watershed series win at Jamaica’s Sabina Park one of cricket’s greatest batsmen, also faults the adminis- in 1995. In 197 subsequent Tests, they have won just 42 tration and says there has been a breakdown of trust — 21 percent-and are above only Bangladesh and between the board and the players. “I think it’s bad gov- Zimbabwe on the Test rankings. For those with memo- ernance. I think the West Indies Cricket Board has faltered ries of the grander times of Garfield Sobers, Clive Lloyd, over the years,” said Lara, currently in Australia. “We’ve Viv Richards and Brian Lara there is a hollow feeling had the same sort of thinking from the 1970s right watching the current crop. through until now. There’s nothing new going on in West So how did it come to this? How could the West Indies Indies cricket, especially at administrative level. have become the easybeats of world cricket after produc- “The guys don’t trust the board anymore.” The current ing so many dynamic and inspirational characters? West Indies team has no shortage of greats mentoring Fazeer Mohammed has been broadcasting on West HOBART: Photo taken on December 14, 2015 shows West Indies cricketers practicing their batting after West them, from manager Richie Richardson, travelling selector Indies cricket for 23 years, and is in Australia witnessing Indies lost in under three days to Australia in the first cricket Test match in Hobart. The sad state of West Courtney Walsh and bowling consultant Curtly Ambrose. yet another dispiriting chapter in their history. Indies cricket will come into sharp focus this week when some of their best players take part in an Australian During the Hobart debacle, Darren Bravo scored a century Twenty20 tournament — just days after sitting out the latest embarrassing Test defeat. — AFP and opener Kraigg Brathwaite hit 94, showing talent still INDIA WALK-OUT “Now Caribbean prime ministers are involved following Bravo, the captain and players’ spokesman in India, and exists, and Richardson has been trying to instil more confi- “West Indies cricket has been in this situation for the latest recommendation calling for the immediate dis- Kieron Pollard were dropped for the subsequent ODIs in dence in the largely inexperienced team. “We have to almost two decades so it’s more of a systemic issue that solution of the present administration and the setting up South Africa and this year’s World Cup. Bravo and Sammy back ourselves and look to win. We have a young team we ties in all aspects of governance of the Caribbean game of an interim management committee.” Last year the are now long-term absentees from the Test side, and are moulding,” said Richardson, who amassed 16 centuries from the boardroom to the field of play,” Mohammed told West Indies players, disgruntled over terms of their con- Pollard is yet to make his Test debut. Gayle blames chronic in 86 Tests before retiring in 1995. AFP. “Three reports commissioned by the WICB (West tracts, and walked out of their tour of India. back problems for his reluctance to play the five-day for- Confidence will help, but it looks likely to a long, Indies Cricket Board) in the past eight years have all rec- India’s BCCI has presented the cash-strapped WICB mat. Meanwhile coach Phil Simmonds was suspended in tough tour for the West Indies, who will play the second ommended fundamental changes to the administrative with a compensation claim for US$42 million, covering the September after criticising selection for the tour of Sri Test from December 26 in Melbourne-with the Big Bash structure yet these recommendations have been ignored. loss of media rights fees, sponsorships and ticket revenue. Lanka, before being reinstated last month. Trinidad and still in full swing. — AFP Ahli United Bank trophy inaugurated Nitin scores first century of the tournament

KUWAIT: Ahli United Bank, pioneers in promot- ing cricket in Kuwait for many years, added one more feather to their cap by sponsoring the AUB trophy 2015 for the third successive year. Richard Groves, CEO of Ahli United Bank and Mrs Helen Groves jointly cut the cake to officially inaugurate KEA with the winners trophy. the AUB trophy at a glittering function arranged at the Sulaibiya cricket ground on December 12. KEA win 18th CETAA cricket Kuwait Banks Club which has many banks affiliat- ed to it and Kuwait Cricket, the official body of final in nail-biting finish controlling cricket in Kuwait has been jointly con- ducting cricket tournaments for bankers. The inaugural match of the AUB trophy was KUWAIT: The final of the 18th Prof. over. Ajin (13) and Govind (17) tried to get KEA Ramachandran Memorial Cricket Tournament going with a 2nd wicket stand of 24 runs in 5 played between CBK (Commercial Bank) and Gulf (RMC) conducted by College of Engineering overs. Govind’s and Binu’s exit in the 7th over Bank. On a pleasant winter morning, Shahab Trivandrum Alumni Association (CETAA) and and Ajin’s exit in the 8th with the score board Kandiyil the CBK captain won the toss and elect- sponsored by GTE Olayan Co, Khuff GT&C and reading only 40 seemed to have turned the tide ed to bat first. The highlight of CBK batting was a Noun Industrial Est: saw defending champions in AECK’s favour. But 4 down Renju who had sparkling 67 balls century by opener Nitin Lobo. KEA meet in form and favorites AECK on fought a lone battle in their league match The inform Nitin continued his form to play some December 11 at the Fahaheel Grounds. against AECK was still at the crease. His late marvelous strokes to plunder the Gulf Bank AECK had the initial advantage winning the arrival raised a few eyebrows but proved to be a bowlers and this lanky lad notched up his first toss and batting first. And when danger man master stroke in the end. Captain Tibish (11 - century of the season by scoring a splendid 112 Mahesh was dropped off the very first ball, the retired hurt) gave good support and with the runs which had 3 sixes &9 fours. In conditions tension of a final seemed to be telling on KEA. In aid of the tail, Renju brought KEA back into con- where the new ball did nothing, Nitin Lobo and the 2nd over, prolific run getter Shameer was tention with intelligent stroke play and brilliant Ajith Nair ran in relentlessly with tremendous also dropped and AECK took full advantage of running between the wickets. stamina as the duo worked out the singles and Richard Groves, Chief Executive Officer of Ahli United Bank, Mrs Helen Groves, Mahmoud Bastaki the lapses reaching 39 by the 3rd over. It was But still 36 runs were needed of the last 3 doubles to keep the score board moving. Ajith and Kuwait Cricket Council officials cutting the cake to officially inaugurate the AUB trophy. danger signs for KEA but they had a stroke of overs. The 13th and 14 over yielded 16 and 15 Nair found his form to strike a patient 31 runs luck when Mahesh (22) pulled Ajin straight which proved critical and brought the required while Nitin went for the leather hunt as he down square leg’s throat without the fielder runs to only 5 needed of the last over. But Rinaz stepped up to drive the over pitched deliveries having to move to take the catch. This proved to bowled a spirited last over giving nothing away. and struck the short balls with awesome power. be the break that KEA was looking for and they A few scampered singles amidst rising tension Zaheer Abbas, who came in late struck a brisky managed to put the brakes on AECK with only made it 2 runs required of 2 balls. Another scam- 12 runs coming off the next 3 overs. Shameer pered single and an overthrow of the 5th ball 25 runs and CBK at the end of their allotted 20 (33) and Rafi (19) tried to repair the damage with brought victory to KEA by 5 wickets with only a overs scored 195 runs. Adel Rafat of Gulf bank a 35 run 3rd wicket stand in 5 overs but their exit ball to spare. AECK were unlucky to loose after took 2 wickets. in the 11th and 12th over proved crucial. KEA having dominated initially but all credit to Renju bowlers tightened the screws thereafter with (30 not out - man of the match) who again BLOGGING TACTICS speed and accuracy restricting AECK to 106 for 7 proved spoil sport for AECK. Gulf Bank batsmen in an attempt to chase a off their 15 overs when a score of 120 and Special prizes were awarded to Renju (man huge total were restricted by some fine bowling beyond seemed very much on the cards. Nithin of the match), Nithin (best bowler), Shameer by the CBK bowlers who maintained a tight line (2 for 19), Ajin, Nasif, Arjun with a wicket each (best player), Mahesh (best batsman) and the and length. Waleed (23 runs) and Bilal (21 runs) bowled with heart while Presoon bowled a cru- winners I runners cups and medals were pre- put up a brave fight. As the scoring rate slowed cial last over giving away just 2 runs. sented by Messrs Tapan Ramesh (Regional down and wickets began to fall on regular inter- Manager - GTE), Jose Kurishinkal (President - vals and the slogging tactics did not yield much a LONE BATTLE Cetaa), Anil Kumar (GC-KEF), Sreekumar (GC positive result and Gulf Bank were restricted to 97 In reply, KEA suffered a setback when Nithin elect - KEF) and Mohanachandran (RMC runs. Mohammed Nawaz & Prasad bowled well was bowled by a Sebastian special in the 2nd Chairman). for CBK capturing 2 wickets each. The combined picture of AUB, CBK Gulf Bank and Kuwait cricket officials. In the second match of the day, Ahli United Bank fired all their guns to register a convincing 7 another 39 runs to set up a huge total. Kiran Lobo runs) offered more resistance than expected and wickets victory over Kuwait International Bank. played a cameo innings of 36 runs to boost the added 34 runs for the 5th wicket. As the run rate Having won the toss, KIB decided to bat on a NBK total to 196 runs in their allotted 20 overs. steeped up, Abdul Rauf of ABK took his chance to cloudy day when many of the Englishmen would Fahad Farooq bowled well for ABK to capture 2 for counter attack the NBK bowlers and scored a swift have loved to play. The AUB pace attack resorted 27. The ABK batsmen initially subdued to a defen- 32 runs. Mohammad Rehmatullah bowled well for to a short-pitched attack from over the wicket tar- sive mind set were pinned down to the crease as NBK as he accounted for the top 3 batsmen that geting the right-hand batsman’s ribs with men NBK slowly gained control over the match. Mid way fetched him the Player of the match award. catching close on both the sides of the wicket. through Fahad Farooq (14 runs) and Malik Awan (15 Khurram Rana took 2 for 15. The tactics applied by AUB skipper Mahmoud Bastaki paid rich dividends as none of the KIB batsmen could counter attack the AUB bowlers Dhoni to play who gave them no width, no opportunity to get on the front foot and hustling them with pace, thus forcing them to take evasive actions. KIB were content with only 34 runs on board. Saud for Pune in IPL Qamar with his willy off breaks took 3/3, Nabeel Ghafoor 3/11 and Mahmoud Bastaki 2/11 were MUMBAI: India’s limited-overs captain India batsman Ajinkya Rahane and off-spin- the successful bowlers for AUB. Mahendra Singh Dhoni was the first pick by the ner Ravichandran Ashwin were the other Fahad Bastaki and Anuj Rohtagi opened the new Pune franchise while Rajkot chose batsman players selected by Pune. AUB innings. Fahad Bastaki opted to play with Suresh Raina at the Indian Premier League draft New Zealand skipper Brendon McCullum softer hands and a straighter bat and batted with for the next two seasons yesterday. will play for Rajkot, who also added Australia calm technique to rotate the strike. The KIB attack AECK with the runners trophy. The western Indian cities of Pune and all-rounder James Faulkner, former West was as hostile as AUB and Nadeem Ahmad bowl- Rajkot were named as home to two new fran- Indies captain Dwayne Bravo and India’s ing with sheer determination struck twice to send chises for the next two years, filling the void spin-bowling all-rounder Ravindra Jadeja. Gayle talks up Test comeback back Anuj & Nabeel Ghafoor in one over. Not needing much to chase, AUB got the winning left by the two-year suspensions on the Both franchises will lose 390 million rupees Chennai and Rajasthan franchises following ($5.82 million) from their total purse of 660 MELBOURNE: West Indian Chris Gayle insisted wanted to play Tests again. runs in the 7th over as Fahad Bastaki remained yesterday he has not turned his back on Test “There’s no way I could have actually been not out with 17 runs. Nadeem Ahmad was the an illegal betting scandal. million for next year’s IPL auctions in which cricket and wants to pull on the whites again for part of that Test team (in Hobart), I’m just com- pick of KIB attack capturing 2/15. Nabeel Ghafoor Players from the two suspended franchis- the remaining players from the suspended his troubled national team. The flamboyant ing back off injury,” he told Australian Associated for his bowling performance was awarded with es were made available in the draft, allowing team will be added to the pool. Gayle has been portrayed in the media as prefer- Press. “I haven’t retired from the game. Next year the Player of the match memento. the two teams to pick five players each. New The Twenty20 league, with a $3.5 billion ring to take the money and play for Twenty20 hopefully Test cricket is on the agenda.” National Bank of Kuwait (NBK) scored a hand- Rising, a consortium led by Sanjiv Goenka, estimated brand value and boasting franchises than help rescue Caribbean cricket Gayle’s comments came as criticism mount- some 77 runs victory over Ahli Bank of Kuwait in chairman of the RP-Sanjiv Goenka Group, Bollywood stars and major conglomerates as from its current malaise. ed about the tourists’ inept performance in their first league round match of the AUB trophy. bagged the Pune team while mobile manu- investors, has been dogged by corruption But the ex-Windies captain insisted it was Hobart with pace great Michael Holding telling Electing to bat on a perfect batting track, the NBK facturers Intex made a successful bid for allegations for years. injury that sidelined him from the current series Fairfax Media the West Indies Cricket Board was openers Khuram Rana (21 runs) & Shakthy Rajkot in a reverse bidding process, the In July, a panel set up by India’s top against Australia, who won the first Test in “dysfunctional, untrustworthy and not liked by launched a fierce attack on the ABK bowlers and Hobart by an innings inside three days on the employees”. Indian Cricket board (BCCI) said last week. court recommended suspending the fran- the duo batted with immense confidence to post Saturday. Gayle was reluctant to criticise the board, Pune, having made the most successful chise owners of the two teams following an Gayle, who has played 103 Tests, had back and defended his younger Test team-mates. “It’s 58 runs for the first wicket. Getting to the pitch of bid, got the first pick and went for the 34- illegal betting and spot-fixing scandal sur- surgery earlier this year. Despite this, the 36- a young team, so we have to definitely give it the delivery and driving with precise timing Sakthy year-old Dhoni, who led Chennai in all eight rounding the IPL, the ninth edition of year-old expects to be fit enough to play every time rather than be so harsh on West Indies raced to a quick 41 runs while Khurram clouted previous seasons of the IPL. Australia captain which will be played from April 9 to May Big Bash League game for the Melbourne cricket all the time,” he said. “You have to give us two sixes in his brief stay. Ronald Fernandes (16 Steve Smith, South Africa’s Faf du Plessis and 29. — Reuters Renegades this season and was adamant he time ... it won’t happen overnight.” — AFP runs) and Imran Mohammed (22 runs) added WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 16, 2015 SPORTS NBA referee Kennedy tells Yahoo he is gay after Rondo’s slur

NEW YORK: Veteran NBA referee Bill Kennedy has support Bill’s decision to live his life proudly and comments before San Antonio’s 118-81 victory. “It’s guage that discriminates or disparages others told Yahoo Sports he is gay, nearly two weeks after openly,” NBA Commissioner Adam Silver said in a unfortunate,” Popovich said. based on sexual orientation or anything else,” Kings Sacramento Kings guard Rajon Rondo directed a statement. “Throughout his 18-year career with the “It’s disgusting, because Billy, he is a great guy. general manager Vlade Divac said. “Rajon has apol- gay slur at him during a game. Kennedy said he is league, Bill has excelled as a referee because of his He’s been a class act on and off the court. And as far ogized and this is not the sort of behavior we con- “proud to be an NBA referee and I am proud to be a passion, dedication and courage. Those qualities will as anyone’s sexual orientation, it’s just nobody’s done nor is it representative of the Sacramento gay man,” adding that he chose to come out in continue to serve him well both as a game official business. It just shows ignorance to act in a deroga- Kings organization.” Owner Vivek Ranadive also hopes of sending a message “that you must allow and as a positive influence for others. While our tory way toward anybody in the LGBT community. It apologized to Kennedy. Rondo wrote on Twitter no one to make you feel ashamed of who you are.” league has made great progress, our work continues just doesn’t make sense.” that his actions during the game “were out of frus- Rondo was suspended one game by the NBA for to ensure that everyone is treated with respect and The league took more than a week before tration and emotion, period!” directing a derogatory and offensive term toward a dignity.”Kennedy worked San Antonio’s home game announcing a penalty for Rondo, who will sit out “They absolutely do not reflect my feelings referee in the Kings’ game against Boston in Mexico against Utah on Monday, receiving applause from Sacramento’s game against Houston on Tuesday. toward the LGBT community,” Rondo added. “I did on Dec. 3. Rondo apologized Monday and the Kings fans when he was shown on the videoboard with Yahoo reported that Kennedy and another referee not mean to offend or disrespect anyone.” The refer- said his comments were disrespectful and offensive. the officiating crew and his name was announced. told league investigators that Rondo used profanity ees union did not return a request for comment. Kennedy is in his 18th season as an NBA official, and anti-gay comments. Female official Violet Palmer came out in 2014, having worked more than 1,050 regular-season RONDO CRITICIZED “Rajon’s comment was disrespectful and offen- announcing that she was marrying her longtime games and five in the NBA Finals. “I wholeheartedly Spurs coach Gregg Popovich criticized Rondo’s sive, and we wholeheartedly disapprove of any lan- partner. — AP Griffin powers Clippers to OT win at Detroit

WASHINTON: Blake Griffin poured in 34 points, and he found Jamal Crawford for a go-ahead three- pointer with 12.4 seconds left in overtime as the Los Angeles Clippers outlasted the Detroit Pistons at The Palace. J.J. Redick supplied 24 points and Chris Paul chipped in 13 and 12 assists for Los Angeles. Crawford had 14 points off the bench. Reggie Jackson led the Pistons with 34 points, 11 rebounds and seven assists. Andre Drummond added his league-high 22nd double-double with 20 points and 15 rebounds.

PACERS 106, RAPTORS 90 BOSTON: Edmonton Oilers Andrej Sekera, left, beats Boston Bruins goalie Jonas After falling into a 21-point, first-quarter hole, Gustavsson for the game-winning goal during an overtime period of an NHL hockey Indiana countered with a 39-4 run on the way to a game in Boston, Monday. The Oilers defeated the Bruins 3-2. At center is Boston roller-coaster victory over Toronto. The Pacers’ Bruins center Ryan Spooner. — AP charge, which spanned the end of the first quarter to the start of the second, gave them a 44-30 lead Caps spoil Sullivan’s debut as and the home team never trailed again, beating the Raptors for the first time in the past six meetings between the Eastern Conference rivals. Jordan Hill Penguins coach with 4-1 win led the Pacers with 20 points and 13 rebounds, each a season high. Kyle Lowry and DeMar DeRozan each PITTSBURGH: T.J. Oshie scored twice and big stops down the stretch, finishing with 25 had 20 for Toronto. added an assist as the Washington Capitals saves as Tampa Bay beat Columbus. Jonathan spoiled Mike Sullivan’s coaching debut for the Marchessault also scored for the Lightning, but Pittsburgh Penguins in a 4-1 win on Monday star forward Steven Stamkos was held off the GRIZZLIES 112, WIZARDS 95 night. Nicklas Backstrom had a goal and two scoreboard for the ninth straight game. Brandon Marc Gasol and Mike Conley posted double- assists for Washington. John Carlson added his Dubinsky scored for the Blue Jackets, who have doubles as Memphis defeated Washington. Gasol fifth goal of the season for the Metropolitan dropped four in a row. Joonas Korpisalo, a 21- finished with 24 points and 12 rebounds, plus six Division leaders. Braden Holtby stopped 44 of year-old rookie, was impressive in stopping 27 assists, and Conley scored 18 points with 11 assists. Pittsburgh’s season-high 45 shots. Evgeni Malkin shots during his first NHL start. Gary Neal paced the Wizards with 24 points. Just scored his team-leading 14th goal but the 24th in the NBA in field-goal percentage and 29th Penguins failed to keep pace with Washington SENATORS 5, KINGS 3 in three-point percentage before Monday, in Sullivan’s first game since taking over when Mike Hoffman had two goals and an assist to Memphis shot a season-best 56.4 percent from the Mike Johnston was fired Saturday. Marc-Andre lead Ottawa over Los Angeles. Kyle Turris, Erik floor and hit 10 of 15 from long range. Fleury made 30 saves, but captain Sidney Crosby Karlsson and Mika Zibanejad also scored for the was held without a point and Pittsburgh’s power Senators. Craig Anderson made 33 saves in his HEAT 100, HAWKS 88 play went 0 for 2. 15th straight start. Jamie McBain, Tyler Toffoli and Miami ended a seven-game losing streak to Jake Muzzin scored for Los Angeles. Jonathan Atlanta with a dominant performance on the back- OILERS 3, BRUINS 2, OT Quick stopped 16 shots. The Senators scored four boards and a big effort from the bench. Chris Bosh Andrej Sekera scored 41 seconds into over- goals in the second to build a 4-2 lead. had 24 points and grabbed 10 rebounds during the time to lift Edmonton over Boston for its sixth Heat’s first win in Atlanta since Feb. 20, 2013. Kent straight victory. Cam Talbot made 47 saves, and SABRES 2, RED WINGS 1 Bazemore led the Hawks with 28 points. Gerald Jordan Eberle and Ryan Nugent-Hopkins scored Ryan O’Reilly and Johan Larsson scored 61 first-period goals for Edmonton. The victory halt- seconds apart late in the third period, rallying Green came off the bench to score 20 points for ed an eight-game losing streak in Boston for the Buffalo past Detroit. O’Reilly tied it 1-all at 15:46 Miami. Led by Green, Miami’s reserves outscored Oilers, fresh off a 5-0 homestand - their best when his deflected shot beat goalie Petr Mrazek Atlanta’s bench, 31-17. The Heat out-rebounded the since 1987. The Bruins tied it on Brad Marchand’s between the legs. Larsson scored the go-ahead struggling Hawks, 54-37. goal with 4:38 to play in regulation. Matt goal with 3:13 remaining, his first goal in 30 Beleskey also scored for Boston, which has games since April 6 last season against Carolina. BULLS 115, 76ERS 96 earned at least one point in each of its last 16 Brad Richards scored for the Red Wings, who Overcoming a five-point halftime deficit, games against the Oilers (13-0-3). had earned at least one point in 13 consecutive Chicago rolled to victory over Philadelphia. The games. Buffalo snapped an eight-game winless 76ers led 56-51 at halftime before the Bulls took LIGHTNING 2, BLUE JACKETS 1 streak in Detroit with its first victory there since control by outscoring Philadelphia 34-12 in the Brian Boyle scored a short-handed goal in Oct. 13, 2006. Chad Johnson made 33 saves for third quarter. the third period and Ben Bishop made several the Sabres. — AP Tony Snell outscored the 76ers 13-12 in the peri- od and recorded 15 of his 16 points in the second half. He also had 11 rebounds. Chicago’s Jimmy NHL results/standings Butler scored 19 of his game-high 23 points in the first half. He shot 8-for-9 from the field prior to the Edmonton 3, Boston 2 (OT); Washington 4, Pittsburgh 1; Tampa Bay 2, Columbus 1. break. Western Conference Detroit 16 9 6 79 79 38 MAGIC 105, NETS 82 Central Division Ottawa 16 10 5 97 93 37 Nikola Vucevic scored 12 of his game-high 18 WL OTLGFGAPTS Boston 16 9 4 93 80 36 Dallas 22 6 2 102 79 46 points in a critical third quarter, and Elfrid Payton Tampa Bay 15 13 3 73 69 33 added 17, leading Orlando past Brooklyn. The Chicago 17 10 4 85 75 38 Florida 14 12 4 76 74 32 St. Louis 17 10 4 78 75 38 Magic broke open a close game with a 31-24 third Buffalo 13 15 3 74 84 29 Minnesota 15 7 6 73 66 36 quarter, keyed by the perimeter prowess of Vucevic, Nashville 15 10 5 80 79 35 Toronto 10 13 5 64 76 25 who made six of eight shots in the period. Orlando Winnipeg 14 14 2 82 91 30 Metropolitan Division received 15 points from Tobias Harris, who was Colorado 14 16 1 85 88 29 Washington 21 6 2 89 63 44 questionable to play right up until game time due Pacific Division NY Islanders 18 8 5 89 72 41 to a lower leg contusion, and from Andrew Los Angeles 19 9 2 78 66 40 NY Rangers 18 9 4 90 72 40 Nicholson who added 15 points. Jarrett Jack topped the Nets with 15 points. Arizona 14 14 2 81 95 30 New Jersey 15 11 4 74 75 34 Edmonton 14 15 2 85 92 30 Pittsburgh 15 11 3 68 71 33 Vancouver 11 12 8 79 86 30 SPURS 118, JAZZ 81 Philadelphia 12 12 6 62 83 30 Kawhi Leonard scored 22 points as San Antonio San Jose 14 14 1 75 78 29 Carolina 12 14 4 74 92 28 Calgary 13 14 2 78 103 28 smashed Utah. LaMarcus Aldridge and Tony Parker Columbus 11 18 3 75 95 25 Anaheim 11 13 5 56 73 27 had 18 points apiece for the Spurs. No San Antonio Eastern Conference Note: Overtime losses (OTL) are worth starter played more than 24 minutes as the Spurs Atlantic Division one point in the standings and are not won their third game in a row in blowout fashion. Montreal 20 8 3 100 70 43 included in the loss column (L). Derrick Favors led the Jazz with 16 points. NUGGETS 114, ROCKETS 108 Will Barton scored 23 points and added nine MICHIGAN: Los Angeles Clippers guard Jamal Crawford shoots the go-ahead three-point South Africa to add to player rebounds, Gary Harris scored a career-high 21 basket during overtime of an NBA basketball game against the Detroit Pistons, Monday, points, and Denver held on to beat Houston. Joffrey in Auburn Hills, Mich. The Clippers defeated the Pistons, 105-103. — AP purse in bid to retain talent Lauvergne got his second double-double of the season with 14 points and a career-high 11 CAPE TOWN: The South African Rugby Union game. “It has meant a realignment of how we rebounds for Denver, which swept the three-game NBA results/standings (SARU) will attempt to halt their player drain budget, but we are convinced that it is a wise season series from Houston. James Harden led the by making the domestic game more lucrative investment for the benefit of South African Rockets with 24 points, and Donatas Motiejunas with additional revenue from image rights to players and the game in this country.” scored 19 off the bench. Indiana 106, Toronto 90; Orlando 105, Brooklyn 82; LA Clippers 105, Detroit 103 (OT); Miami 100, be distributed to all professionals. SARU has struck a deal with MyPlayers, the Atlanta 88; Chicago 115, Philadelphia 96; Memphis 112, Washington 95; Dallas 104, Phoenix 94; A number of top Springbok players have body that acts as the official professional rug- MAVERICKS 104, SUNS 94 San Antonio 118, Utah 81; Denver 114, Houston 108; Portland 105, New Orleans 101. headed to Europe and Japan in recent years by players’ organisation in South Africa, to use Deron Williams scored 18 in his return, and Eastern Conference Western Conference to take advantage of the weak local currency the collective images of their contracted play- Dallas snapped a three-game home losing streak by Atlantic Division Northwest Division in South Africa, while there has also been a ers in marketing material and appearances for holding off Phoenix. Dirk Nowitzki snapped out of W L PCT GB targeting of young, emerging talent by clubs sponsors. It means they have budgeted for 90 mini-shooting slump with 14 points on 5-of-10 Oklahoma City 16 8 .667 - Toronto 16 10 .615 - outside of the country. million rand per annum to be distributed over shooting, and he added seven rebounds for the Utah 10 13 .435 5.5 Boston 14 10 .583 1 It has not only diluted the country’s Super the next five years, up from 25 million rand in Mavericks. Devin Harris scored 12 and tied his Portland 11 15 .423 6 NY Knicks 11 14 .440 4.5 Rugby franchises, but also made key players previous seasons. career high with six steals. Phoenix, which had won Denver 10 14 .417 6 Brooklyn 7 17 .292 8 unavailable for national team selection due to “The foundation for this deal was laid in three of its previous four games, got 23 points and Minnesota 9 14 .391 6.5 Philadelphia 1 25 .038 15 their overseas club commitments. 2009 when an agreement was reached to seven assists from Eric Bledsoe. Pacific Division SARU has announced an additional 65 mil- remunerate the national players for the use of Central Division Golden State 24 1 .960 - Cleveland 15 7 .682 - lion rand ($4.33 million) per annum will be their collective commercial rights,” said TRAIL BLAZERS 105, PELICANS 101 LA Clippers 15 10 .600 9 Chicago 14 8 .636 1 distributed among locally-based players in a Eugene Henning, managing director at Damian Lillard scored 21 of his 30 points in the Phoenix 11 15 .423 13.5 Indiana 14 9 .609 1.5 bid to keep them at home after they secured MyPlayers. “This new agreement will also be second half as Portland hung on to bead New Sacramento 9 15 .375 14.5 Detroit 14 12 .538 3 image rights for all professionals in the coun- extended to all professional players in South Orleans. Gerald Henderson came off the bench for Milwaukee 10 15 .400 6.5 LA Lakers 3 21 .125 20.5 try. “It has always been a challenge keeping Africa while additional provision is made for 19 points, C.J. McCollum chipped in 16 points and Southeast Division Southwest Division our players in the country, made ever worse the collective interests of the players. Mason Plumlee collected 15 points, 13 rebounds Charlotte 14 9 .609 - San Antonio 21 5 .808 - by the weakness of the rand,” SARU Chief “This is a significant step towards ensuring and six assists for Portland, which had lost three of Miami 14 9 .609 - Dallas 14 11 .560 6.5 Executive Jurie Roux said in a statement on that professional players are well looked after in its previous four games. Orlando 13 11 .542 1.5 Memphis 14 12 .538 7 Tuesday. “This new deal that we have struck an environment that is now much more secure, Anthony Davis poured in 28 points with nine Atlanta 14 12 .538 1.5 Houston 12 13 .480 8.5 with the players’ organisation is one part of allowing them to explore options which will rebounds for New Orleans, which has lost eight of Washington 10 13 .435 4 New Orleans 6 18 .250 14 the effort to retain the skills available to the prepare them for life after rugby.” — Reuters its last 10 contests. — Reuters WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 16, 2015 SPORTS Kiessling to stay at Leverkusen after talks

BERLIN: Stefan Kiessling is set to stay at 5-0 thrashing of Borussia Moenchen- Boldt on Monday. Gladbach match. “I want to be playing Augsburg, Mainz and Ingolstadt were Bayer Leverkusen for the rest of the sea- gladbach on Saturday in Bayer’s final Kiessling has found himself playing some football at the end of my career some of the Bundesliga clubs reported son, the club said yesterday, just days home match of 2015. understudy to Javier Hernandez since and that is why I’ve got to give things to be interested in signing him. Kiessling after the ex-Germany striker revealed he The club has confirmed to SID, an AFP the Mexico star signed from Manchester plenty of thought.” was superb alongside Hernandez as the wanted to leave. subsidiary, that Leverkusen bosses United at the start of the season. According to German daily Bild, direc- pair shredded the Gladbach defence, The 31-year-old, who won the last of moved fast to reassure Kiessling, who “I love playing here and I love this tor of sport Rudi Voeller wants to offer with ‘Chicharito’ scoring the other three his six caps for Germany at the 2010 was invited to talks with Leverkusen CEO club, and it’s overall a very difficult situa- Kiessling a contract extension to his cur- goals to claim the first club hat-trick of World Cup, scored twice in Leverkusen’s Michael Schade and manager Jonas tion for me,” said Kiessling after the rent deal which runs until 2017. his career. — AFP Barcelona better than ever: Messi

YOKOHAMA: Lionel Messi believes the already a great player and now he’s much current Barcelona side has more more complete.” weapons than Pep Guardiola’s 2009 world-beaters and wants to prove it by Evolving style winning a record third Club World Cup. Messi gave an insight into how the The Spanish giants, who have captured Spanish league leaders have evolved the Champions League, Spain’s La Liga, under Luis Enrique, who relies less on the the Copa del Rey and European Super “tiki-taka” style of short, intricate passes Cup this year, take on China’s Guangzhou than Guardiola. Evergrande Thursday for a place in the “We’ve become a more vertical tournament final in Yokohama on (direct) team,” said Messi. “Of course, December 20. we’ve not lost our ideology of keeping “It’s one of my favourite competitions,” hold of the ball. “That’s our priority: to said Messi, favourite to win his fifth control the play and keep possession. Ballon d’Or in January. “It gives you the But now we’ve incorporated the idea opportunity to round off the year in the that, with just a couple of touches, we best possible way. These titles are an can get in front of the opposition’s goal. indelible legacy in the history of the club. Before, it was about getting there using It’s something very important. “It’s been more elaborate build-up play.” an amazing year,” the Argentina wizard The addition of Luis Suarez, with his told fifa.com in the build-up to Barca’s ability to play off the shoulder of the last clash against Luiz Felipe Scolari’s defender, has undoubtedly given Barca Guangzhou. “That time when we won more thrust. Messi, Neymar and Suarez everything under Guardiola looked unre- have plundered a jaw-dropping 127 peatable. We genuinely weren’t sure if goals for Barca in 2015 — more than we’d get close to that again. (But) here Spanish rivals Real Madrid-although we are. Now what’s left for us to do is end Neymar is a doubt in Japan with a groin the year in the best possible way and strain. make it unforgettable.” “At the moment Neymar is one of the Barring an upset in Wednesday’s first best three players in the world,” defender semi-final between Libertadores Cup Jordi Alba said after training on Tuesday. holders River Plate and Japan’s Sanfrecce “But Barcelona are able to cope without Hiroshima, Messi will come face to face any player, no matter who they are.” with the side which almost signed him as Midfielder Javier Mascherano described LEICESTER: Chelsea’s Branislav Ivanovic, second right, has his shot at goal blocked during the English Premier League soccer match between a teenager in his native Argentina. Barca’s three-pronged attack as the best Leicester City and Chelsea at the King Power Stadium in Leicester, England, Monday. — AP Remarkably, Messi has only once pre- ever. “It is the best I have seen,” he said. “I viously played against an Argentine club, don’t know if we will ever see anything when Barcelona beat Estudiantes 2-1 in better. The most surprising thing for me Pluck, pizza propel Leicester the 2009 Club World Cup final. Two years is how unselfish they are. later Barca smashed four past Brazil’s “It is difficult to find three players of Santos, which featured current team- that level that complement each other so to Premier League summit mate Neymar. well, and that all offer something differ- “I’ve witnessed (Neymar’s) enormous ent,” he added. LONDON: To fully appreciate the implausibility growth, both as a footballer and as a per- “To get on so well and manage the of Leicester City’s astonishing rise to the top of English Premier League table son,” said Messi. “Back then he was egos like they do is not easy.” — AFP the Premier League, wind the clock back 12 months. A year ago, Leicester were at the foot of LONDON: English Premier League table after Monday’s match (played, won, drawn, lost, goals the table, five points from safety with 10 points for, goals against, points): from 16 matches and looking dead certs for an immediate return to the Championship. Leicester 16 10 5 1 34 22 35 Stoke 16 6 5 5 13 14 23 Now they are top, with 35 points from 16 Arsenal 16 10 3 3 29 13 33 Southampton 16 5 6 5 21 19 21 games, and making a mockery of pre-season Man City 16 10 2 4 32 17 32 West Brom 16 5 5 6 16 21 20 odds of 2,000-1 by mounting the most unlikely Man Utd 16 8 5 3 21 12 29 Bournemouth 16 4 4 8 20 31 16 title challenge in the recent history of the Tottenham 16 6 8 2 26 14 26 Newcastle 16 4 4 8 18 31 16 English game. “It’s a magical time,” said manager Crystal Palace 16 8 2 6 21 15 26 Chelsea 16 4 3 9 18 26 15 Claudio Ranieri after Monday’s 2-1 home win Watford 16 7 4 5 18 16 25 Swansea 16 3 5 8 15 24 14 over his old club Chelsea. West Ham 16 6 6 4 25 21 24 Norwich 16 3 5 8 18 28 14 “We must continue to work hard because I Liverpool 16 6 6 4 20 19 24 Sunderland 16 3 3 10 17 30 12 don’t want to wake up. I want to continue to Everton 16 5 8 3 29 21 23 Aston Villa 16 1 3 12 13 30 6 dream with our fans.” The victory over Chelsea, courtesy of goals from top scorer Jamie Vardy and Algerian dangerman Riyad Mahrez, typified CONTINUITY have a price”, but the club’s Thai owners are likely Leicester’s approach. Their honest, hard-work- Takeaway pizza has become the currency to have their resolve tested in that regard. ing style has charmed rival fans and journalists with which he rewards his players for clean Ranieri may not be entirely serious when he alike-”refreshing” was the buzzword on sheets, while he cited a song by local rock band says that he is not looking beyond the 40-point Tuesday’s British sports pages-and their success Kasabian as the inspiration for the opening-day margin traditionally required to avoid relegation, is also a personal triumph for Ranieri. Ranieri win over Sunderland. On the pitch, the indefati- but a challenging run of fixtures now awaits. was derisively labelled ‘The Tinkerman’ during gable Vardy and the jinking Mahrez have been Leicester have not played any of the current his four years at Chelsea, due to his habit of symbols of Leicester’s revival, with Ranieri’s side top seven away from home yet and face trips to rotating his team, and his appointment by typically defending deep and springing forward Everton, Liverpool and Tottenham Hotspur in Leicester in July following Nigel Pearson’s sack- at devastating speed on the break. Vardy, a £1 the next month, as well as a visit from ing unleashed a tide of mockery. Former million ($1.52 million, 1.38 million euros) recruit Manchester City. England striker Gary Lineker, probably from Fleetwood Town in 2012, has scored 15 Premier League history carries ominous Leicester’s most well-known alumnus, summed league goals, while Mahrez, signed from Le precedents, with Newcastle United (2001-02), up the disdain when he tweeted: “Claudio Havre last year for just £400,000, has 11 goals Leeds United (1999-2000) and Aston Villa (1998- Ranieri? Really?” “I had mixed thoughts, to be and seven assists. Close-season signings such as 99) among the teams to have topped the table honest,” former Leicester captain Steve Walsh N’Golo Kante and Christian Fuchs have slotted in at Christmas, only to fall away. Hull City avoided told AFP. “But he’s ‘tinkered about’ and added seamlessly, but another important factor has relegation by a point in 2009 despite having some good tactical things, so it’s worked out been continuity. Leicester heaved themselves been sixth on December 25, while Blackpool TOKYO: FC Barcelonaís goalkeeper Claudio Bravo, right, of Chile and his teammates really well.” clear of danger last season with seven wins in were eighth at the turn of the year in 2010-11, work out during a practice session in Yokohama, near Tokyo, yesterday. — AP The genial Italian, 64, has been converting their last nine games and Ranieri has retained only to go down five months later. cynics to admirers with each victory, all the Pearson’s back-room staff and kept faith with For now, at least, Leicester are on cloud nine while maintaining the irreverent tone that made most of the players he inherited. and as a lengthening list of vanquished oppo- Italian Serie A table him a popular figure during his first spell in He is resolute that neither Vardy nor Mahrez nents can testify, they look to be a match for England between 2000 and 2004. will leave in January, declaring that they “don’t anyone. — AFP TURIN, Italy: Italian Serie A table on Monday (played, won, drawn, lost, goals for, goals against, points): Inter Milan 16 11 3 2 22 9 36 Torino 15 6 4 5 21 19 22 Hiroshima look to staunch River’s flow Fiorentina 16 10 2 4 31 15 32 Lazio 16 6 2 8 18 25 20 Napoli 16 9 5 2 28 12 32 Bologna 16 6 1 9 17 21 19 OSAKA: Argentina’s River Plate will be expected become the first team to win the Club World San Lorenzo have all finished as runners-up Juventus 16 9 3 4 25 12 30 Palermo 16 5 3 8 17 24 18 to dispatch Sanfrecce Hiroshima in their Club Cup three times. But Gallardo recently received a since the revamped FIFA Club World Cup was Roma 16 8 5 3 30 18 29 Udinese 16 5 3 8 14 24 18 World Cup semi-final in Osaka today despite the glowing tribute from Barca superstar Lionel launched in 2000, with European clubs winning Sassuolo 15 7 5 3 19 14 26 Sampdoria 16 4 5 7 22 26 17 spoiling tactics the Japanese champions plan to Messi, who described him as an “intelligent seven of the 11 tournaments played. AC Milan 16 7 4 5 20 19 25 Genoa 16 4 4 8 15 21 16 deploy. “We will try to frustrate them,” Hiroshima coach”. A blushing Gallardo said: “Coming from “We have the chance to crown an excellent Atalanta 16 7 3 6 18 16 24 Frosinone 16 4 2 10 15 30 14 manager Hajime Moriyasu told reporters yester- the world’s best player, it is a nice compliment, year and make history,” said winger Carlos Empoli 16 7 3 6 20 20 24 Carpi 16 2 4 10 13 30 10 day. “We will need to try and cancel out their it’s positive. There will be time to take on board Sanchez, making his River Plate swansong Chievo 16 6 4 6 21 16 22 Verona 16 0 7 9 11 26 7 strengths to have a chance of winning. Anything such praise but for now we must focus on before joining Mexican side Monterrey. “Being can happen in football. A victory would be a tomorrow’s game against a very good Japanese here in Japan is special. I don’t know if I’ll get a huge achievement for us.” team.” Argentina’s Boca Juniors, Estudiantes and chance to experience it again.” — AFP Hiroshima will be buzzing after pulling off a Bayern’s Vidal wanted 3-0 upset over Congolese side Mazembe in the quarter-finals at the weekend. “We scored more goals than anyone in the J-League and conced- to meet Juve in final ed the fewest goals,” said Moriyasu. “We will be prepared for a battle.” BERLIN: Bayern Munich midfielder Vidal told German daily Bild. But Moriyasu’s side are likely to find that Arturo Vidal is relishing the Champions “I would have preferred to have had Libertadores Cup holders River have too much League last 16 clash against his former them in the final.” Bayern are set to face firepower when they compete for the right to club Juventus, but says he would have their former striker Mario Mandzukic, face tournament favourites Barcelona or Asian prefered to meet them in the final. who joined Juventus from Atletico champions Guangzhou Evergrande in the final Bayern play Juventus in Turin in the Madrid before the start of the season, in Yokohama on December 20. first leg on February 23, then host last while France Under-21 winger Kingsley River Plate won the Intercontinental Cup, season’s finalists at Munich’s Allianz Coman joined Bayern in August on a forerunner of the Club World Cup, by beating Arena on March 16 for a place in the two-year loan deal from Juve. Steaua Bucharest 1-0 in Tokyo in 1986. They will quarter-finals. It will be Vidal’s first return “It will be a great match,” said Coman, be roared on by around 15,000 fans who have made the trip from Buenos Aires. to Turin since signing for Bayern in July who has scored four goals for Bayern “Hiroshima play the game the right way,” said and the Chile international is wary of since his arrival. “I am looking forward to River coach Marcelo Gallardo, dubbed ‘The Doll’ resurgent Juve, who have climbed to it, because I came to Bayern to play in big in Argentina for his slight frame. “They’re pre- fourth in Serie A on the back of six games like this.” Bayern are eager to pared to take risks and look to attack and score straight victories. “They are very strong. reach this season’s Champions League goals. “But we will try to play smart with high They had a few problems at the start of final in Milan on May 28 having exited in intensity,” he added. “If we play intelligently and OSAKA: Players of Argentina’s River Plate inspect the football field while head coach Marcelo the season, but that was to be expected the semi-finals for the last two years run- press well, we can gain an advantage.” Gallardo (3rd R) and defender Jonatan Maidana (4th R) talk at the Nagai Stadium ahead of because they changed many players,” ning. — AFP Barcelona remain runaway favourites to their next match in the Club World Cup football tournament in Osaka yesterday. — AFP KAC beat Barcelona Singapore better Airlines to clinch than squash Cup ever: Messi

WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 16, 201516 19 Once-mighty ‘Calypso Kings’ now missing a beat Page 17

MIAMI GARDENS: Miami Dolphins free safely Michael Thomas (31) tackles New York Giants running back Rashad Jennings (23), during the first half of an NFL football game, Monday in Miami Gardens. — AP Beckham’s 2 TDs guide Giants past Dolphins

MIAMI GARDENS: With the score tied in the Beckham said. “They’re all playoff games.” series when he went to the locker room due to follow up and go over the top,” Jones Manning led a touchdown drive in the fourth quarter, Odell Beckham Jr. somehow The Dolphins (5-8) were mathematically to cramps in both calves, but didn’t let that said, “which he didn’t.” Beckham outplayed final two minutes of the first half covering slipped 5 yards behind the secondary. That eliminated from the playoff race, extending slow him down. And with the score 24-all, his close friend and former LSU teammate, 80 yards, including 45 on a long pass to turned out to be the winning margin for the their postseason drought to a franchise- he took advantage of broken coverage to Miami’s Jarvis Landry, who made 11 catch- Beckham, to make it 17-all. The receiver on New York Giants. record seven consecutive years. “Obviously score the go-ahead touchdown. es for 99 yards but was flagged for a costly the 5-yard pass for the tie: Will Tye. Beckham’s 84-yard touchdown reception this is not where we want to be,” quarter- personal foul penalty with his team trailing Tannehill threw for 236 yards and burned put the Giants ahead to stay with 11 min- back Ryan Tannehill said, “but here we are.” MISCOMMUNICATION in the fourth quarter. a blitz by throwing deep to Kenny Stills for a utes to go, and they forged a three-way tie In celebration of the franchise’s 50th season, Cornerback Jamar Taylor and seldom- Beckham made a 45-yard reception to 47-yard score that put Miami ahead 24-17. atop the NFC East by beating the Miami the Dolphins introduced their 50 greatest used safety Shamiel Gary were the closest set up a touchdown and had a 6-yard scor- But Tannehill overthrew an open Landry Dolphins 31-24 on Monday night. New players at halftime. The not-so-great 2015 defenders, but Manning hit Beckham in ing catch. The latter pass was initially ruled behind the Giants’ secondary with his team York’s Eli Manning went 27 for 31 for 337 Dolphins topped 20 points for the first time stride at midfield and he sprinted to the end incomplete because Beckham was out of trailing and less than five minutes to go. yards and four scores. His passer rating of since October, but couldn’t keep up with zone for his 12th TD this year. bounds, but the decision was overturned by “Those are the ones you’ve got to make,” 151.5 was his highest since 2009, and his 87 Beckham. The Giants plotted the play at the team a replay review that made the score 24-all. Tannehill said. The Dolphins were hurt by 12 percent completion percentage was a He had seven catches for 166 yards and hotel before the game. “We got the cover- His final catch, a diving grab on third penalties and seemed reluctant to run the career best. the game’s final two scores. The 100-yard age we wanted,” Manning said. “We thought down at midfield, sealed the victory with ball, as has been the case most of the year. The Giants (6-7) broke a three-game los- game was his sixth in a row, a Giants record. it would be a big play, but I didn’t think he less than two minutes left. “Obviously his Lamar Miller rushed for 89 yards, including a ing streak and are tied with the Redskins “They got it to a star player, and he made would be that open.” performance is something we all expect,” darting 38-yard touchdown run after mak- and Eagles for the lead in their woeful divi- plays for them,” Dolphins defensive tackle Miami safety Reshad Jones blamed mis- Landry said. “He’s just continuing to do what ing Jason Pierre-Paul miss, but carried only sion. “It’s a must-win, a playoff game for us,” Ndamukong Suh said. Beckham missed one communication. “The corner was supposed he does.” 12 times. — AP ‘Betrayed’ Mourinho Sierra Leone rejects FIFA vows to fight on demand to reinstate FA FREETOWN: Sierra Leone has rejected national associations, with Kuwait, Nigeria Mourinho claimed his team’s hopes of a top- demands by FIFA to reinstate its dissolved and Cameroon among the most recent four finish are over after they fell 20 points behind football association, cautioning the world targets for sanctions. Leicester City 2 Leicester, despite substitute Loic Remy scoring to governing body yesterday to “respect Online sports news portal Football give them hope with 13 minutes remaining. national laws”. FIFA has given the west Sierra Leone printed a letter on Saturday it Chelsea’s latest flop is certain to bring African nation until Wednesday to comply said was from acting FIFA secretary gener- renewed reports that Mourinho is on the verge with the directive or risk an immediate al Markus Kattner, warning SLFA general of being sacked, but he is determined to oversee ban from all international competition. secretary Chris Kamara of a possible ban. Chelsea 1 a turnaround and urged his players to show “Our decision stands and it will not be “The decisions of the National Sports humility as they look to change their fortunes. changed,” Ibrahim Bangura, of the Council appear to amount to government “The players who are not performing well must National Sports Council (NSC), told interference in the internal affairs of the LEICESTER: Jose Mourinho insists he will fight to for sure feel attacked in their pride and their self reporters in the capital Freetown. “The SLFA,” Kattner says in the letter. He warns stay as Chelsea manager after accusing his play- esteem,” he said. Ministry of Sport and the Sports Council that unless the NSC backs down, the mat- have the responsibility to govern sports in ter will be referred to FIFA’s Emergency ers of betraying him in their 2-1 defeat at Premier “They have to do everything to get results in Sierra Leone and will stand by the deci- Committee, which would almost certainly League leaders Leicester City. Mourinho told a humble way. “The players at this minute can- Chelsea manager Jose Mourinho not feel top players or they are superstars. “They sion to dissolve the Sierra Leone Football result in the SLFA being suspended. Chelsea’s underachieving stars to be humble as Mourinho gave a more cryptic response to have to feel ‘I am not the player of the season, Association (SLFA). “We would like to underline the dire they look to turn around their dismal defence of questions about Eden Hazard, who appeared to not the World champion, not the Premier “FIFA must follow procedures and effects a suspension could have on Sierra the English title and claimed he wants to remain ignore his manager’s request to continue when League champion’. respect national laws. Our decision is final Leone football,” Kattner says. “It would for in charge. the Belgium midfielder limped off with a first-half “The players have to put their feet on the and cannot be changed or overturned by instance mean that no team from Sierra Chelsea have lost nine of their 16 league injury. ground and be humble. “They have to look to the anyone outside our jurisdiction.” Deputy Leone of any sort (including clubs) could games so far this season and sit just one point “He made the decision in a few seconds, he Leicester players and feel these are the top play- sports minister Ismael Al-Sankoh Conteh have any international sporting contact.” above the relegation zone, while Leicester was on the floor, he came off, when he went on to ers. “They have to look to Sunderland and Watford said the NSC had been forced to take SLFA president Isha Johansen urged climbed back to the top thanks to goals from try he immediately decided to go back,” said and say we are at the same level as you are.” action last week after the SLFA dissolved a the government to think again in a state- Jamie Vardy and Riyad Mahrez at the King Power Mourinho. “I have to believe he is injured.” Asked whether he believed he would remain in seven-man committee set up to identify ment on Tuesday pleading for her organi- Stadium on Monday. In contrast to Chelsea’s troubled title defence, charge, the 52-year-old said: “I want to be, clearly. delegates for the association’s next con- sation to be allowed to “create a culture of “I feel like my work was betrayed,” said Leicester have lost just once all season in the gress. good governance”. “I have no doubt and I am not afraid of a big Mourinho. “I worked four days on this match and league and sit two points clear of Arsenal at the The NSC says the committee was set “Striving to retain independence has challenge. I want to stay. “I hope Mr (owner prepared everything relating to the opponents. summit. But manager Claudio Ranieri insists up by FIFA and endorsed by Sierra Leone’s been a huge challenge and has made the Roman) Abramovich and the board want me to “I identified four movements where they score reaching 40 points to ensure another season in President Ernest Bai Koroma. FIFA outlaws Sierra Leone football industry the focus of stay because I want to stay. almost all their goals. “My players got all that the top flight remains his only objective. “For our government interference in the running much international and national atten- “I accept we are around the relegation zone, I information but we still conceded the first and fans we are top of the league but for my players of football and frequently suspends tion,” she said. — AFP don’t accept we are in a relegation battle.” the second goals from those movements.” we need another five points,” he said. — AFP Australia budget deficit blows out on the commodity price hit Page 23

Mexico to hold auction usiness for oil in violent states B Page 25 WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 16, 2015 Etihad celebrates official opening of Abu Dhabi new Oil edges up as multi-year lows trigger buying cruise terminal Page 24 Pages 26

KUWAIT: The Governor of Al-Ahmadi Governorate Sheikh Fawaz Al Sabah takes a group photo with Jassar Dakheel Al Jassar, Vice Chairman & Chief Executive Officer of Warba Bank and other top executives as Warba Bank inaugurates its new branch in Fahaheel. — Photo by Yasser Al-Zayyat. (See Page 25) US rate hike expected as Fed meeting looms Is US economy sufficiently strong? Officials weigh

WASHINGTON: The US Federal Reserve is Market Committee, will weigh over whether It will come as leading central banks else- weak inflation, though, is a key reason why fed funds rate at the end of 2016 and 2017. widely expected to finally push interest rates the US economy is sufficiently strong to where, including China, Japan and the euro- many in the FOMC have resisted, arguing that “There is a large gap between financial up after seven years at the zero level when it weather increasing the fed funds rate from 0- zone, are easing monetary policy to boost there is time to wait before liftoff. markets’ expectation of the path of rates and opens a two-day policy meeting. The break, 0.25 percent to an expected 0.25-0.50 percent. growth. However, Yellen argued in a December 2 the FOMC’s expectation,” said Deutsche Bank well-flagged by Fed officials including Chair The benchmark rate is a short-term peg for speech that if the Fed waits too long,” we in a client note. Deutsche Bank noted that Janet Yellen, would signify leaving behind the interbank lending which influences rates ‘Calibrating’ policy would likely end up having to tighten policy markets on average are expecting just two extraordinary crisis stance in monetary policy throughout the financial system. But even with a 0.25 percentage point relatively abruptly to keep the economy from increases next year while in the FOMC’s that aimed to restore the US economy’s Most importantly, expectations about its increase, US rates would still be extraordinarily significantly overshooting both of our goals.” September projections four increases to end strength after the financial crisis and deep future level determine long-term interest rates low, far below what the Fed considers a “nor- With the first rate hike already presumed, the at about 1.5 percent were indicated. If the Fed recession of 2008-2009. While an increase in on car and home loans, financing for business- mal” monetary stance. Yellen has stressed that greater question is, what happens next? Yellen reiterates that stance, it could strengthen the the federal funds rate-which has not been es and foreign governments, and savers’ the Fed still wants to see more tightening in has repeatedly said that the liftoff from zero dollar but also weigh down equity markets. moved higher in almost a decade-is not cer- deposits. The prospect of the launch of a cam- the labor market and to push inflation up, and will initiate a series of increases whose pace The impact of sinking oil prices aside, howev- tain, Yellen strongly pointed to it at the begin- paign to raise the rate and tighten US mone- that means continued low rates to support will depend on how the economy reacts-slow- er, markets were relatively subdued Monday ning of December. tary policy after years of cheap dollars has stronger growth. “The Fed is not trying to slow er if there is weakness, and faster if it picks up going into the meeting. “Overall, markets are Since then, economic data, including job already stirred turmoil in the global financial down a fast-growing economy or dampen strength. For that reason, most eyes will be on on edge,” said David Levy of Kenjol Capital creation and consumer spending, have been system, hurting especially emerging-market runaway inflation,” Sam Stovall, equity strate- what the Fed and Yellen say in statements and Management. “There is not a lot a reason to strong enough to keep her from changing her economies with significant dollar exposure gist at S&P Capital IQ. A hike would be “an in forecasts about their expectations for eco- get ahead of the Fed and step and be a buyer view. The Fed’s policy body, the Federal Open and weakening currencies. attempt to recalibrate, not restrain.” Extremely nomic growth and the expected level of the today. — AFP Why the Bitcoin’s founder matters

LOS ANGELES: Since the founding of the cryp- posh suburb of Sydney. reporters that ended at the offices of The tocurrency Bitcoin in 2009, its inventor - or inven- While neither report was conclusive - no Associated Press in Los Angeles in March 2014. tors - have been shrouded in mystery. For six attempt at identification can be without the Why anyone cares boils down to three key years, that individual or group has lurked behind founder sending a message or moving bitcoins things: Bitcoin is designed for secure financial the pseudonym Satoshi Nakamoto and hoarded using Nakamoto’s own encrypted signature, transactions that require no central authority - a pile of the digital currency so large it might known as a PGP key - both raised startling cir- no banks, no government regulators. That makes crash the market if sold today. The hunt for cumstantial evidence that puts a bright spotlight it attractive to off-the-grid types such as libertari- Bitcoin’s secretive founder has taken a turn. The on Wright. Attempts to reach Wright on ans, people who want to evade tax authorities, technology magazine Wired and the website Wednesday were unsuccessful. The hunt for and criminals, even though Bitcoin doesn’t guar- Gizmodo both published investigative pieces Bitcoin’s founder has become a cottage industry antee anonymity, since it documents every trans- this week that sorted through a trove of leaked among some journalists. The chase has veered action in a public forum. Still, it attracts conspira- (and possibly hacked) emails and documents from a Finnish sociologist to a Japanese mathe- cy theorists interested in the very conspiracy that pointed to Craig Stephen Wright, a 44-year matician to a Japanese-American engineer, all of that created it. old Australian bitcoin entrepreneur living in a whom denied it - the latter after a car chase with “It’s part of the mystery of Bitcoin,” said James Angel, associate professor of finance at Georgetown University. “Usually when people invent something really cool, they’re more than happy to take credit for it. Here, we have this RENTON: Boeing’s first 737 MAX named the ‘Spirit of Renton’ is parked on the tarmac at the obsessive anonymity. You kind of wonder, ‘Who Boeing factory in Renton, Washington. The latest version of Boeing’s best-selling 737, is Satoshi Nakamoto?’” Bitcoin is still working out introduced in the mid-1960s is due to make its first flight early next year and reach cus- kinks and problems, one of which is a dispute tomers in 2017. It will burn an estimated 14 percent less fuel per seat than current 737s over an arbitrary cap on the number of bitcoins and fly farther, allowing airlines to open new routes. — AFP transactions that are processed each day by so- called miners who keep the system running. Boeing unveils a $14bn Some advocates would like Nakamoto to re- emerge and resolve the conflict, even though the founder hasn’t been involved for years. share buyback program Nakamoto’s encrypted PGP key can unlock a huge stash of bitcoins - a million or so worth NEW YORK: Boeing has unveiled a $14 billion share “Once again, we are demonstrating our commit- more than $400 million, accounting for about 7 buyback program and boosted its quarterly divi- ment to a balanced cash deployment strategy that percent of all bitcoins in existence. No one has dend as the US aerospace giant shared its bounty fuels investments in our people, innovation and touched that bitcoin hoard. Should the real with investors from strong demand for its jetliners. growth, and returns significant value to our share- Nakamoto begin cashing in those bitcoins, it The Chicago-based company said it would pay holders,” said Dennis Muilenburg, Boeing president could destabilize the cryptocurrency. According investors a $1.09 dividend for the quarter under and chief executive, in a statement. Investors wel- to Nicholas Weaver, a researcher at the way, a 20 percent increase from a year ago. It noted comed the bonanza, pushing shares in the Dow International Computer Science Institute in that it had raised the dividend for five straight years. member up 1.2 percent to $144.75 in after-hours In addition, Boeing will embark on a new $14 trade. Boeing has benefited from a strong civil avia- Berkeley, California, bitcoins are thinly traded. billion share repurchase program that replaces the tion market as airlines, reaping cost savings from Only about $1.4 million in real dollars flow into $12 billion buyback approved last December, of lower fuel prices, update and expand their fleets. SYDNEY: This general view shows a house that police raided in Sydney where Australian the system every day to buy the roughly 3,600 which $5.25 billion remained. The company said Boeing reported a $485 billion backlog of nearly entrepreneur Craig Wright reportedly lived with his family. Craig Wright has been identi- bitcoins created by “miners” who run intensive repurchasing was expected to resume in January 5,700 commercial airplane orders at the end of the fied by tech publications as possibly the mysterious founder of online cryptocurrency computations necessary to keep track of bitcoin and likely would be made over the next two to third quarter and said it had delivered 580 planes in Bitcoin, shortly before his Sydney home was reportedly raided in a tax probe. — AFP transactions in exchange for new bitcoins. —AP three years. the year to September. — AFP WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 16, 2015 BUSINESS China ready to moderate sharp offshore yuan falls PBOC steers away from dollar-yuan rate

BEIJING: China’s central bank is on guard against a sud- onshore and offshore markets.” imports, which has benefited by arbitraging lower dollar den attack on the yuan in offshore markets, and is ready The bank indicated late on Friday that it wanted mar- interest rates offshore. Two senior oil traders said that to intervene if the gap between offshore and onshore kets to stop fixating on the dollar-yuan rate, which is at was now on the decline because of the likely exchange exchange rates becomes destabilizing, sources involved its lowest since July 2011, and launched a new index rate loss. “I believe the PBOC is still watching. It hopes the in policy discussions say. Though the People’s Bank of measuring the yuan, also known as the renminbi (RMB), offshore rate could get closer to the onshore rate. If the China (PBOC) wants to avoid a sharp depreciation in the against a basket of currencies. “We should use the RMB big gap persists, we cannot rule out fresh interventions,” currency, it is comfortable with further weakening of the index to show that the RMB has gained against most the think-tank source said. The gap between onshore yuan against the dollar, policy insiders said, especially as currencies, although it has depreciated against the dol- and offshore rates also creates a diplomatic headache for the US Federal Reserve is expected to raise interest rates lar,” said a policy insider at the Commerce Ministry. “We China, less than a month since its currency was accepted on Wednesday for the first time since 2006. “An interest should find the yuan’s equilibrium exchange rate by the International Monetary Fund into its Special rate rise by the Fed could put big pressure on the yuan ... between the dollar, euro and yen,” he added. Drawing Rights (SDR) basket of reserve currencies. so it’s a good thing to allow the yuan to depreciate mod- Before the IMF decision, the PBOC had intervened estly to help release the pressure,” said a senior econo- Mind the gap offshore to minimize the gap. “If the onshore-offshore mist at a top government think-tank. A growing problem of the yuan’s depreciation off- spread is too wide, China will lose credibility after joining But the bank, which devalued the yuan by an ini- shore - including a 2 percent fall this month alone - is the SDR; it will have two currencies,” said Zhou Hao, tial 2 percent in August when it introduced a market- that a wide gap is opening up with the onshore rate, China economist at Commerzbank in Singapore. That based mechanism to determine the daily opening which is partly sheltered from market forces by China’s would give ammunition to critics, especially in the rate, was alive to the dangers of more abrupt falls, he capital controls. “The gap is not sustainable,” said the United States, who complain that China keeps its curren- added. “A sharp yuan depreciation is not what the think-tank insider, since it could lead to more capital out- cy low to support otherwise uncompetitive exporters. PBOC is happy to see ... If that happens, the PBOC will flows as trading companies sold dollars offshore to get a With both the think-tank and Commerce Ministry source intervene ... because sharp yuan falls could fuel capital better rate. With China’s growth at its weakest in 25 years, forecasting further currency weakness of at least 3 per- outflows and financial risks.” “The government still has it can ill afford further capital outflows, nor for its curren- cent and perhaps as high as 6 percent against the dollar various means to manage the yuan exchange rate,” cy to keep pace with a rising dollar, which would suck next year, it is little wonder that China is aiming to steer said another influential economist who advises poli- money out of the slowing economy. market attention away from the dollar rate and towards cymakers. “The central bank may still intervene to pre- The growing spread could also disrupt corporate its new basket index. “This could help avoid currency vent sharp fluctuations in the yuan exchange rate - on behavior, such as trade financing on commodities wars,” said the latter. —Reuters Alex appointed MEIRS Chairman

KUWAIT: The Middle East Investor further develop the IR profession that, he worked with HSBC’s associ- Relations Society (MEIRS) has and evolution of the region’s capital ate SABB, where he established the appointed Alex MacDonald-Vitale, markets and its economy.” first bank Investor Relations function who has headed regional IR at HSBC MEIRS, an independent and non- in Saudi Arabia. Alex has worked Middle East for the past five years, as profit organization, aims to enhance closely with MEIRS since 2010, lead- its new Chairman for the region. the reputation of the Middle East’s ing on the Regulatory Development Alex replaces Oliver Schutzmann, capital markets through upholding Committee and other initiatives. who has been Chairman since 2014. international best practice across “I am honored to be taking a Oliver will remain active with MEIRS the investor relations (“IR”) profes- leadership role in MEIRS, and to con- as Board Member. Speaking of his sion. Working alongside and sup- tinue supporting members and appointment, Clemence Piot, porting regional stock exchanges stakeholders in upholding best General Manager, MEIRS, said: “The and regulators, MEIRS seeks to practice in corporate governance role of Investor Relations (IR) has improve the efficiency of Middle and IR across the Middle East. I look become increasingly important in East capital markets and is the only forward to further developing driving economic growth for the organization providing accreditation MEIRS’ regional footprint, providing region and we are pleased to wel- for the IR profession in the region. a dynamic platform to support and come Alex as the new Chairman of Alex has been working with enable our membership to meet the the Middle East Investor Relations HSBC in Dubai since 2010, heading rapidly evolving demands of regula- Society. The appointment comes at Alex MacDonald-Vitale the Bank’s investor relations depart- tion and market practice.” said a crucial time, as we work to help ment for the MENA region. Prior to MacDonald-Vitale, Chairman, MEIRS. Ahli United Bank organizes seminar on residential property in United Kingdom

KUWAIT: With its concern to keep its On the other hand, Piers Master, taxes including land stamp duty, capital erty in the UK through offshore compa- clients interested in the residential partner in Charles Russel, addressed gains tax, income tax and inheritance nies, beneficiaries will be subject to the property sector in the UK informed, the issue of UK taxes relevant to tax. Piers Master drew attention to an inheritance tax in the amount of 40% of Ahli United Bank organized recently a Kuwaiti citizens who already own or important proposal presented during the total value of property after deduct- seminar in cooperation with the intend to invest in residential and com- the discussion of the Summer budget ing 325,000 pounds sterling exempted renowned London-based law office, mercial property in the UK. He clarified on July 8, 2015 which specified a new from tax. This exemption amount Charles Russel Speeches, to shed light that that UK still offers a competitive inheritance tax pertinent to British resi- applies to the value of all assets inside on the latest developments in UK tax environment in terms of tax conditions dential properties under the offshore the United Kingdom, he clarified. The regulations. Such changes com- seminar added: Parties affected by the menced some years ago impacting proposed changes should review their residential properties owned by resi- investments during 2016 when the new dents outside the UK. The seminar pre- laws will become clearer, indicating that sented the most prominent anticipat- some investors will defer from the off- ed changes to be issued in 2017, shore model ownership. Others who including inheritance tax on offshore own rented properties might obtain tax companies. privileges. In his welcoming remarks, Medhat Fahad Abu Aisha of Berkeley Real Tawfik, General Manager of Private Estate Group in London shed light on Banking and Wealth Management at the real estate market in London and Ahli United Bank, asserted the Bank’s the investment vision for the real estate willingness to organize such seminars despite the introduction of new and regime which would become effective sector in the coming period. He high- on a periodic basis to enable clients of more onerous tax laws in the past few in April 2017. The seminar clarified that lighted the main real estate projects in Private Banking to benefit from the best years while indicating the possibility of residents outside the UK , who own a the British capital. Tawfik concluded the legal expertise in the field and which avoiding the legal and financial conse- residential property through an off- seminar and said: Those who are inter- helps broaden the understanding of quences to these changes by obtain- shore company, are not currently sub- ested in owning real estate in the clients interested in UK investment. ing proper and sound legal advice. ject to any liability towards inheritance United Kingdom should seek special- Tawfik added: Ahli United Bank will con- The seminar also addressed the tax on properties. However, starting ized advice to address the anticipated tinue its efforts to avail of all information anticipated inheritance tax which con- April 2017, these properties will be sub- inheritance tax implications. He stressed and assistance to its clients to enable cerns Kuwaiti investors and advised ject to inheritance tax for the first time the importance of clients’ knowledge of them to own UK properties minimizing clients not to take any precipitative in addition to the annual tax on offshore fundamental laws relevant to their real the potential risks that come with own- action at this stage but to explore and dwellings introduced in 2013. estate investments to avoid any nega- ing such property, especially the impli- discuss the issues with a specialist advis- This means that if a non-British resi- tive consequences for the projected tax cations of the tax regime. er. The seminar focused on the main UK dent passes away while owning a prop- changes.

EXCHANGE RATES

Al-Muzaini Exchange Co. GOLD UAE Dirhams 83.090 US Dollars 0.299800 0.304300 20 Gram 219.040 Qatari Riyals 84.310 US Dollars Mint 0.300300 0.304300 10 Gram 112.210 ASIAN COUNTRIES Saudi Riyals 81.825 5 Gram 56.79 Asia Japanese Yen 2.511 Jordanian Dinar 428.910 Bangladesh Taka 0.003457 0.004057 Indian Rupees 4.544 Egyptian Pound 38.751 Chinese Yuan 0.045875 0.049375 Sri Lankan Rupees 2.126 Pakistani Rupees 2.920 UAE Exchange Centre WLL Hong Kong Dollar 0.037120 0.039870 Indian Rupees 4.537 Srilankan Rupees 2.123 Indian Rupee 0.004324 0.004714 Pakistani Rupees 2.920 Nepali Rupees 2.842 Indonesian Rupiah 0.000017 0.000023 COUNTRY SELL DRAFT SELL CASH Bangladesh Taka 3.846 Singapore Dollar 216.100 Japanese Yen 0.002427 0.002607 Australian Dollar 208.92 Philippines Pesso 6.431 Hongkong Dollar 39.232 Kenyan Shilling 0.002968 0.002968 Canadian Dollar 224.82 Cyprus pound 579.600 Bangladesh Taka 3.849 Korean Won 0.000246 0.000261 Swiss Franc 313.81 Japanese Yen 3.505 Philippine Peso 6.424 Malaysian Ringgit 0.066841 0.072841 Thai Baht 8.451 Euro 337.20 Syrian Pound 2.610 Nepalese Rupee 0.002881 0.003051 US Dollar 304.15 Nepalese Rupees 3.830 Pakistan Rupee 0.002696 0.002976 GCC COUNTRIES Sterling Pound 465.50 Malaysian Ringgit 71.210 Philippine Peso 0.006425 0.006705 Saudi Riyal 81.123 Japanese Yen 2.55 Chinese Yuan Renminbi 47.600 Sierra Leone 0.000068 0.000074 Qatari Riyal 83.565 Bangladesh Taka 3.853 Thai Bhat 9.375 Singapore Dollar 0.211974 0.217974 Omani Riyal 790.150 Indian Rupee 4.555 Turkish Lira 102.970 South African Rand 0.014040 0.022540 Bahraini Dinar 807.890 Sri Lankan Rupee 2.128 Sri Lankan Rupee 0.001763 0.002343 UAE Dirham 82.825 Nepali Rupee 2.842 Bahrain Exchange Company Taiwan 0.009137 0.009317 Thai Baht 0.008112 0.008662 ARAB COUNTRIES Pakistani Rupee 2.923 UAE Dirhams 0.08277 COUNTRY SELL CASH SELLDRAFT Egyptian Pound - Cash 37.700 Arab Bahraini Dinar 0.8083 Europe Egyptian Pound - Transfer 38.897 British Pound 0.453924 0.462924 Bahraini Dinar 0.799211 0.807211 Egyptian Pound 0.03875 Yemen Riyal/for 1000 1.420 Czech Korune 0.004365 0.016365 Egyptian Pound 0.036164 0.039290 Tunisian Dinar 151.270 Jordanian Dinar 0.4326 Danish Krone 0.040481 0.045781 Iranian Riyal 0.000084 0.000085 Jordanian Dinar 428.390 Omani Riyal 0.7898 Euro 0.329187 0.337187 Iraqi Dinar 0.000200 0.000260 Lebanese Lira/for 1000 2.027 Qatari Riyal 0.08386 Norwegian Krone 0.031064 0.036264 Jordanian Dinar 0.424634 0.432134 Syrian Lira 2.168 Saudi Riyal 0.08107 Romanian Leu 0.074170 0.074170 Kuwaiti Dinar 1.000000 1.000000 Morocco Dirham 31.345 Slovakia 0.009076 0.019076 Lebanese Pound 0.000151 0.000251 Swedish Krona 0.031819 0.036819 Moroccan Dirhams 0.022067 0.046067 EUROPEAN & AMERICAN COUNTRIES Dollarco Exchange Co. Ltd Swiss Franc 0.302412 0.312612 Nigerian Naira 0.001256 0.001891 US Dollar Transfer 304.050 Turkish Lira 0.098036 0.108336 Omani Riyal 0.782930 0.788610 Euro 334.760 Rate for Transfer Selling Rate Qatar Riyal 0.082762 0.083975 Australasia Sterling Pound 463.370 US Dollar 304.300 Saudi Riyal 0.080403 0.081103 Australian Dollar 0.211941 0.223441 Canadian dollar 222.100 Canadian Dollar 223.610 Syrian Pound 0.001288 0.001508 New Zealand Dollar 0.200176 0.209676 Turkish lira 102.530 Sterling Pound 462.955 Tunisian Dinar 0.147938 0.155938 Swiss Franc 309.940 Euro 334.875 Turkish Lira 0.098036 0.108336 Australian Dollar 220.130 America UAE Dirhams 0.081760 0.082909 Swiss Frank 300.725 Canadian Dollar 0.216217 0.224717 US Dollar Buying 302.850 Bahrain Dinar 805.040 Yemeni Riyal 0.001374 0.001454 BUSINESS WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 16, 2015 News in brief

‘Doomsday vault’ to receive two deposits OSLO: Two new consignments of crop seeds will be deposited next year in the “doomsday vault” built in an Arctic mountainside to safeguard global supplies The vault - which opened on the Svalbard archipelago between Norway and the North pole in 2008 - is designed to protect crop seeds such as beans, rice and wheat against the worst cataclysms of nuclear war or disease. It already has more than 860,000 samples, from almost all nations. Even if the power were to fail, the vault would stay frozen and sealed for at least 200 years. “The seed vault is the back-up of the back-up,” said Cierra Martin, a spokeswoman for the Crop Trust, the Bonn-based organization which manages the Svalbard Global Seed Vault. She said two deposits were planned for next year, but that the details of the deposits were as yet unclear. “The deposits are due in March and May,” she said. To protect the seeds, the vault is rarely opened. Syria’s civil war prompted the first with- drawal of seeds from the vault in September, following a request by the International Center for Agricultural Research in Dry Areas (ICARDA). ICARDA moved its headquarters to Beirut from Aleppo in Syria in 2012 because of the conflict.

DP World to invest $1.9 billion in China DUBAI: Dubai ports operator DP World will invest $1.9 billion in China, according to the Twitter account of the Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi. The Twitter post did not elaborate and DP World could not immediately be reached for comment. Sheikh Mohammed Bin Zayed Al-Nahayan is on a three-day official visit to Beijing, during which a host of business deals have been announced between the United Arab Emirates and China. DP World has three ports in China-Qingdao, Tianjin and Yantai-according to its website.

AHMADABAD: Indian vendors prepare garlands of marigold at a flower market in Ahmadabad, India yesterday. — AP UK inflation turns positive British households better placed to cope with rate hike

LONDON: Britain’s annual inflation rate is a slight rise in headline CPI,” added Philip England showed yesterday. British house- recent years, helped in part by historically rebounded slightly in November after two Gooding, head of ONS, in the statement. The holds’ debt represents a hefty 135 percent of low interest rates. The BoE has kept its months in negative territory, aided by small- rise in inflation took CPI into positive territo- their income, making them potentially sensi- benchmark rate at a record low of 0.5 per- BERLIN: People walk past stands of a Christmas market er-than-expected falls in the prices of alco- ry for the first time since July. However, the tive to a rise in interest rates, which financial cent since 2009. in Berlin yesterday. — AFP holic drinks, tobacco and transport. The 12- rate has remained at or close to zero for 10 markets pencil in for late 2016 or early 2017. “Modest improvements in balance sheet month Consumer Price Index (CPI) rose by months in a row in the longest run of flat or But the survey does not foresee an “unusual- positions imply that households are in a Investor sentiment rises 0.1 percent last month, after registering falling prices since records began, dented by ly large effect on household spending”. slightly better position to cope with an in robust Germany: ZEW minus 0.1 percent in both September and collapsing oil prices. It estimates a 1 percentage point rise in increase in interest rates than they were a year FRANKFURT: Investor sentiment in Germany rose for the October, the Office for National Statistics Meanwhile, Britain’s first rate hike in near- interest rates could reduce aggregate ago,” the survey of around 6,000 British house- second month in a row in December, amid confidence (ONS) said in a statement. “Although the ly a decade should have little impact on spending by around 0.5 percent as borrow- holds conducted by NMG Consulting said. The Europe’s biggest economy is robust enough to withstand prices of many items continue to fall, spending as households are better placed to ers reduce spending by more than savers survey results also suggest that government the refugee crisis and the economic slowdown in China, a because they are falling at a slower rate than cope with higher borrowing costs than last increase it. Households have been able to spending cuts would continue to weigh on leading survey said yesterday. The investor confidence at the same time last year, the overall effect year, a survey commissioned by the Bank of reduce their debts as a share of income in household spending. — Agencies index calculated by the ZEW economic institute rose to 16.1 points from just 10.4 points a month earlier, the think tank said in a statement. “While the large influx of refugees is above all a major challenge facing policy-makers and civ- Australia budget deficit blows il society in Germany, the economic slowdown in emerging markets is exerting pressure on the German export indus- try. Overall, however, confidence is growing that the out on the commodity price hit German economy is sufficiently robust to meet these chal- lenges in the coming year,” said ZEW president Clemens Fuest. For the survey, ZEW questions analysts and institu- SYDNEY: Slumping commodity prices and lower tax tional investors about their current assessment of the eco- receipts will see Australia’s budget deficit balloon to nomic situation in Germany, as well as their expectations Aus$37.4 billion (US$27.2 billion) this year, Treasurer for the coming months. Scott Morrison said yesterday as he downgraded eco- nomic growth forecasts. Australia’s resources-driven economy has enjoyed more than 20 years of growth but Egypt Central Bank sold over it is now transitioning out of an unprecedented mining $750 million to clear imports investment boom, and the going has been bumpy with CAIRO: Egypt’s Central Bank sold between $750 mil- revenues under pressure. lion and $1 billion in an exceptional dollar auction on Sunday, the head of the Egyptian Federation of The conservative government’s mid-year economic Industries Mohamed El Sewedy said yesterday. Egypt’s update showed the deficit this financial year will blow central bank injected the foreign currency liquidity out from the Aus$35.1 billion forecast in the May budg- into the banking system on Sunday in a surprise oper- et, when Joe Hockey was treasurer. This is largely due to ation, the latest in a series of steps aimed at ending a falling commodity prices, especially iron ore which foreign exchange shortage that has seen goods pile up accounts for a large part of the nation’s export income at ports. The central bank has not announced the exact and now stands at around US$38 per tonne-US$10 low- quantity of dollars sold to banks and bankers said each er than the average predicted in May. bank was only aware of the share it would be receiv- Slow wages growth also contributed, hammering tax ing. Sewedy told Reuters the dollars sold were directed receipts. The government had previously aimed to at smaller importers with needs of less than $750,000, return the budget to balance in 2019-20, but has now and prioritized importers of foodstuffs, medicine and pushed this back a year. Economic growth is projected raw materials. Sunday’s auction follows a similar meas- to come in at “a more realistic” 2.5 percent in 2015/16, a ure in November that Sewedy said supplied an initial quarter of a percentage point lower than the previous $1 billion to banks to cover their dollar overdrafts. estimate, and is expected to be 2.75 percent in 2016/17 - a significant deterioration from the 3.25 percent fore- cast in May. However, unemployment forecasts S Korean tycoon jailed rebounded in one of the few bright spots, with the job- for fraud, tax evasion less rate set to peak at six percent next year instead of SEOUL: Ailing South Korean business tycoon Lee Jay-Hyun the previously expected 6.5 percent. was sentenced to two and a half years in prison yesterday, fol- lowing a court review of his trial on charges ranging from ‘Budget disappointment’ embezzlement to tax evasion. Lee, the head of the South SYDNEY: A ferry passes Sydney’s skyline from Fort Denison in Sydney Harbor. Slumping commodity prices and “Despite revenue writedowns of Aus$34 billion Korean food and entertainment giant CJ Group, was also lower tax receipts will see Australia’s budget deficit balloon to 37.4 billion AUD (27.2 billion USD) this year. — AFP slapped with a heavy fine. “The court finds it necessary to caused by falling commodity prices, a declining terms mid-year update repeated the “pattern of continued increased humanitarian refugee intake. ANZ said in a send a clear message that such economic crimes won’t go of trade, weaker global growth and the adoption of unpunished,” the high court in Seoul said in passing the sen- more realistic domestic growth outlook, we continue budget disappointment”. “There will be a formidable research note the government had rightly taken remedi- tence. The court also handed down 25.2 billion won ($21 mil- patiently and responsibly on the path to budget bal- challenge in terms of getting back to an eventual budg- al steps to offset new policy expenditure with savings. lion) in fines. The tycoon will not go straight to prison as the ance,” said Morrison. “I want to stress those words: et surplus,” he said. “The government has not fully offset softer revenue court granted a stay of sentence pending hospital treatment. Patiently and responsibly. “We need to take a safe and “A lot can happen between now and 2020/21 - any- though, which is why the deficit widens,” it said. “At a Lee, who has undergone a kidney transplant, claims to suffer careful route and one that does not put at risk our jobs thing can happen.” Morrison said major savings on wel- time when national income is being damaged by soften- from multiple illnesses, including a degenerative neurological and growth,” he added. fare cheats and changes to family day care and aged ing commodity prices, this is likely a wise course of disease. The businessman was initially sentenced to four years “Our plan is straightforward-responsibly restraining care would help offset much of the new spending since action. To have tightened fiscal policy or even left it in in prison in 2014 by a district court. He served just 50 days expenditure while supporting economic growth to lift the budget, including Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull’s neutral would have placed most of the burden of lower before being released for treatment. revenues.” HSBC chief economist Paul Bloxham said the recently announced innovation agenda and an commodity prices on the private sector.” — AFP British Airways threatens to shift business abroad

LONDON: The boss of British Airways’ parent the strengthening Irish and Spanish economies.” it’s likely they’ll lose votes over it,” Walsh said. group has threatened to develop the business Irish carrier Aer Lingus and Spain’s Iberia are also Heathrow lost its crown as the world’s busiest air- abroad rather than in Britain after the govern- part of IAG. Walsh accused the government of port for international passenger traffic to Dubai ment further delayed a decision on expanding choosing short-term political gain over a long- last year, while Turkey is planning massive airport airport capacity. Prime Minister David Cameron term boost for British business. While in opposi- capacity expansion in Istanbul. had promised a decision on where to expand air- tion in 2009, Cameron had opposed adding a Environmentalists and those living near port capacity in southeast England by the end of third runway to Heathrow, “no ifs, no buts”. Heathrow are fiercely opposed to its expansion the year, but last week said no decision would be However, a commission on boosting British air given hundreds of homes would have to be taken until at least the middle of next year. capacity later recommended he do so. A U-turn demolished and the extra traffic could mean The government said it needed to assess would be embarrassing for his government, and Britain misses emissions targets. Walsh said he environmental impact, but business leaders who also poses further risks given a prominent mem- did not necessarily advocate expanding have lobbied hard for a third runway at London’s ber of his party has threatened to resign should a Heathrow because under current plans the pro- Heathrow, Europe’s busiest airport, condemned third runway be built. jected costs are too high and the bill would have the delay as “gutless”. “If the government contin- Zac Goldsmith, who represents a constituen- to borne by passengers. “This is not just fighting ues to dither over a new runway, then I’ll move cy near Heathrow, is running for London mayor talk-we have the practical ability to expand else- my business elsewhere,” Willie Walsh, head of in elections next year, and his resignation would where,” he concluded. “This means Spain and International Airlines Group (IAG), wrote in trigger a by-election that could turn into a refer- Ireland will get the economic benefits and new Britain’s Daily Mail newspaper. endum on Heathrow’s expansion. “Politicians jobs from our expansion plans, while the UK gov- “We now have airlines in Dublin and Madrid, have no accountability. They’re not interested in ernment twiddles its thumbs and watches as the and can expand our business there, supporting making decisions that will benefit the country if LONDON: Photo shows an aircraft preparing to land at London’s Heathrow Airport. — AFP world progresses around it.” — AFP WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 16, 2015 BUSINESS Oil edges up as multi-year lows trigger buying

LONDON: Oil prices edged higher yester- The dollar also slipped to a seven-week change...Lifting the ban could help to clear are lifted, fuelled a 16 percent sell-off usually see strong demand towards day as a slump to near 11-year lows in the low against a basket of currencies, incen- US crude oil stocks,” said said Olivier Jakob, since the OPEC meeting on Dec 4. year end as the northern hemisphere previous session triggered investors’ buy- tivizing the purchase of dollar-denominat- an analyst at consultant Petromatrix. Credit ratings agency Moody’s said enters its peak winter heating demand ing appetite. Brent crude, the global ed oil contracts. In the United States, now OPEC Secretary General, Abdullah Al- yesterday it had lowered its 2016 season. Yet an unusually mild start to benchmark, traded up 60 cents at $38.52 a the world’s biggest oil producer, congres- Badri, said yesterday current low oil prices Brent crude oil estimate to $43 a bar- winter, in part due to the El Nino barrel at 1117 GMT, after touching an intra- sional leaders inched closer on Monday to would not continue and may rise in a few rel from $53 on a the outlook for a weather phenomenon, has limited day high of $38.95. US crude was trading at agreeing to repeal a 40-year old US oil months or a year. Nevertheless, bearish prolonged oversupply. heating demand. Also looming large is $36.82, up 51 cents. “It’s technical buying. export ban. If the United States started sentiment remained strong with prices With OPEC pumping strongly and an expected increase in US interest It’s pretty obvious shorts started to take exporting large volumes of excess oil it hovering around 7-year lows. An OPEC US drillers keep producing large rates this week. Crude typically falls as profit when Brent prices dropped down to would alleviate pressure on its oil swelling decision to abandon setting a production amounts of crude, the Brent/WTI pre- the US currency strengthens since it the 2008 low,” said Tamas Varga, oil analyst storage tanks. “We read any lifting of the ceiling for the oil cartel, as well as a likely mium has nearly halved over the last becomes more expensive for buyers at London-based PVM Associates. US export ban as a significant structural rise in Iranian oil exports after sanctions week to $1.8 per barrel. Oil markets paying in other currencies.—Reuters Gold rises; dollar retreats

LONDON: Gold rose yesterday as a retreat with investors cutting favorable bets in in the dollar sparked a rebound after the the currency on growing nervousness previous day’s 1 percent slide, but moves about the Federal Reserve’s message on were muted as traders awaited the out- interest rates later this week. Stocks rose come of this week’s Federal Reserve policy in Europe and Asia, although volatile oil meeting. Gold has fallen 10 percent this prices kept investors cautious before a year, largely on the back of expectations widely anticipated increase in US rates lat- that the Fed is set to hike rates for the first er in the week. “Until the Fed reveals its time in nearly a decade. Rising rates decisions regarding rates we suspect the increase the opportunity cost of holding financial markets will be volatile and that non-yielding bullion. The central bank’s volatility will seep into gold,” HSBC said in Federal Open Market Committee is a note. expected to announce the rate rise at the Markets were awaiting US inflation end of its two-day policy meeting on data later in the session for more clues Wednesday, but has hinted it intends to on price pressures in the United States. hike rates only gradually from there. Rising inflation could boost expectations Gold could bounce higher after the that the Fed could keep increasing rates move as attention switches from the tim- next year, analysts said. Gold took little ing of the first rise to the pace of tighten- support from the physical markets. Gold ing, analysts said. Spot gold was up 0.4 prices in India swung to a discount for percent at $1,067.27 an ounce at 1033 the first time in a month on Monday as GMT, while US gold futures for February jewelers and dealers in the world’s sec- delivery were up $3.40 an ounce at ond-biggest consumer postponed pur- $1,066.80. “Gold continues to be trading chases ahead of the Fed meeting. in a range until tomorrow,” MKS’ head of Among other precious metals, silver was trading Afshin Nabavi said. “I would guess up 0.4 percent at $13.81 an ounce after a the FOMC will hike by 25 basis points. I six-day losing streak. It had dropped to guess that much is already in the market, $13.60 on Monday, its lowest since so gold could see a push higher and US August 2009. Platinum was up 1.2 per- dollar probably a touch lower.” cent at $858.90 an ounce, while palladi- The dollar fell to a seven-week low um was up 1.9 percent at $554.90 an against a basket of currencies yesterday, ounce. —Reuters

TOKYO: A man (center) looks at a share prices board in Tokyo yesterday. Japan’s share prices fell 317.52 points to close at 18,565.90 points at the Tokyo Stock, as investors booked profits before a US Federal Reserve meet- ing at which policymakers will decide whether to announce a long-awaited interest rate rise. —AFP Global stocks rise Dollar drops vs euro, yen

LONDON: Stocks rose in Europe and launch into its next phase of apprecia- Asia yesterday, though volatile oil prices tion.” However, concerns that a rate rise kept investors cautious before a widely could hurt highly-leveraged companies anticipated increase in US interest rates have seen a handful of funds in the later in the week. Oil prices resumed high-yield debt market fail and pro- their fall and the euro rose against the pelled measures of risk sharply higher in dollar. Concerns in the high-risk US cor- recent days. They have also pushed the porate debt market about the potential yield premium of short-term Italian and impact of a rate hike weighed on low- Spanish bonds over German bench- rated euro zone government bonds. marks to their highest since July. European shares opened higher after “At times like this, when liquidity is hitting 2-1/2-month lows on Monday very thin due to the pending FOMC when oil prices fell to their weakest decision, the correlation between asset since 2008. The pan-European classes has a tendency to rise signifi- FTSEurofirst 300 index rose 1.2 percent. cantly,” said Peter Chatwell, head of MSCI’s broadest index of Asia-Pacific European rates strategy at Mizuho. shares outside Japan was up about 0.1 “Thus the weakness in credit markets, percent. Japan’s Nikkei stock index end- which itself may also be a function of ed down 1.7 percent at a 7-1/2-week the FOMC, is apparent in euro sovereign low and Chinese stocks lost 0.3-0.5 per- spreads.” The dollar index, which meas- cent. ures the U.S. currency against a basket On Monday, US stocks ended higher of its peers, fell 0.2 percent. The euro as oil pulled off its lows. However, Brent rose 0.4 percent to $1.1031 while the crude dropped 25 cents a barrel to yen gained 0.2 percent to 120.83 per $37.67 yesterday after falling the previ- dollar. “(The dollar) could face additional ous day to as low as $36.33, its weakest pressure if U.S. Treasuries are bought since December 2008. A fall below back on relief that the Fed’s rate hike $36.20 would take it back to levels last cycle will be quite a slow one,” he said. seen in mid-2004. Prices have been falling due to a global glut of oil and, in China’s Yuan the northern hemisphere, a mild start to China’s yuan, however, weakened winter. The first US rate rise since 2006 is against the dollar after the Chinese cen- largely priced in, with the Fed expected tral bank set the mid-point of the per- to increase its targeted rate range to mitted trading band at a 4 1/2-year low 0.25-0.5 percent from the current zero for a second day. The Swedish crown to 0.25 percent. rose versus the dollar and euro after the “Even if the Fed sends a hawkish Riksbank, Sweden’s central bank, kept message by suggesting it aims to hike interest rates unchanged as expected actively next year, they are data-depen- but said it was ready to act if a slight rise dent,” said Shin Kadota, chief FX strate- in inflation stalled. gist at Barclays in Tokyo. “Indicators will Gold fell in anticipation of higher US have to show the US economy can with- interest rates. It last stood at $1,062.15 stand rate hikes before the dollar can an ounce. —Reuters BUSINESS WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 16, 2015

Warba Bank inaugurates new branch in Fahaheel KUWAIT: Warba Bank inaugurates its new saving account, deposit account in addition to branch in Fahaheel. The new branch opening consumer and installment finance. Customers marks the 8th in branches network covering will also enjoy all benefits and services such as all governorates of Kuwait. The opening cere- credit cards, ATM cards. mony has been organized under the patron- The customers will carry out all their bank- age and presence of Sheikh Fawaz Al Sabah- ing transactions without having to visit anoth- the Governor of Al-Ahmadi Governorate, er branch. Warba Bank’s Fahaheel Branch is Jassar Dakheel Al Jassar -Vice Chairman & located in the Remal Commercial Complex Chief Executive Officer of Warba Bank and with separate section for women. The Branch attended by huge gathering of prominent fig- has been designed in accordance with the ures and Bank’s customers in the Bank. highest standards of decoration and interiors Jassar Dakheel Al Jassar said: The opening of to provide customers with ultimate comfort Warba Bank new branch in Fahaheel comes in and privacy in line with Warba Bank’s commit- line with the Bank’s aspiration aiming at net- ment for applying innovation principle as one work expansion and getting closer to our cus- of the core values adopted in the Bank’s busi- tomers and our endeavors to satisfy our cus- ness in the Kuwaiti market. tomer banking needs by offering them the state Prior to the event, Fahaheel Branch work of the art products and services in full compli- team made several visits to elite people, many ance with the rules of Islamic Sharia. Al Jassar Diwaniyas, schools and institutions in the area also said: “The new Warba Bank Branch is to introduce the new Branch and the services marked by innovation and creativity on the level that will be provided to them and to listen to of the banking services provided to customers their suggestions. as well as the construction and design level that This comes our utmost care to fulfill the ensure comfort and superb service to the peo- requirements of that big segment of society ple of that vibrant highly populated area that is for getting innovative banking service suitable in need of refined banking services. aims at leading the Islamic banking business at Fahaheel since the Bank’s incorporation. tomers’ experience easier, faster and safer”. to their desires and in full compliance with the The Bank’s general strategy focuses on high in Kuwait through an ambitious plan, which This opening of the new branch is just the Jassem Al Muzaini, Fahaheel Branch rules of Islamic Sharia. dense population areas across Kuwait to get targets the inauguration of new branches in start of our presence in Al-Ahmadi Manager expressed his delight with Warba Warba bank continues to interact with cus- closer to our customers and facilitate the lively and strategic locations across the coun- Governorate. This step will be followed by oth- Bank’s presence in Al-Ahmadi Governorate tomers - answering inquiries and listening to process of fulfilling their requirements, avail try. The plan also focuses on the ongoing er steps to provide optimal service to people that encompasses wide range of customer their suggestions through the call center staff from Warba Bank’s products and offers and development and introduction of new servic- of that area and to enhance direct communi- segments wishing to get better banking serv- available around the clock. To know more creative banking solutions that meet their es and products to serve all segments of the cation with them. At Warba, we will continue ice. Al Muzaini highlighted that the Branch is about the Bank’s products, services, branches, expectations hence serving the Bank’s goals society and give them ad-hoc features to satis- expanding and devising creative solutions in equipped with the latest technology to ensure latest exclusive offers, terms and conditions or for expansion and raising its domestic market fy their ever-changing desires. all our businesses in full compliance with customers’ convenience and availing from the customer’s rights, please visit Warba Bank’s share by attracting new customers”. Al Jassar He also added:” We are proud to announce Islamic Sharia in addition to developing our superb services of opening diverse accounts website or follow our social media platforms added: Warba Bank continues its strategy that the official launch of our 8th branch in Kuwait online and mobiles services to make cus- such as salary transfer account, investment on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. Mexico to hold auction for oil in violent states More than 80 companies line up for contract

MEXICO CITY: Dozens of energy firms, including fields on Tuesday “would be excellent” given the Pemex “very hard.” The oil auction “remains more some from Australia, Canada and the United sector’s tough international conditions. The attractive than the security risk,” said Raymundo States, have signed up to bid yesterday for companies participating in the auction include Tenorio, energy expert at the Monterrey Institute onshore oil projects in Mexican regions ravaged Australia’s Armour Energy Limited, France’s GDF of Technology, noting that companies invest in by drug violence and pipeline thefts. The gov- Suez and several US firms. The new energy com- conflict zones elsewhere in the world. David ernment is offering 25 deposits containing more pany of Mexican billionaire Carlos Slim, Carso Oil Shields, direct of the industry magazine Energia than 100 million barrels of oil in the violent and Gas, is among the national start-ups partici- a Debate, said “many companies are minimizing” states of Veracruz (east), Tamaulipas (northeast) pating in the process. this issue to avoid driving up the costs. and Nuevo Leon (northeast) as well as the south- ern states of Chiapas and Tabasco. More than 80 Violence doesn’t deter firms Easier terms companies, most from Mexico but others from Coldwell said the onshore fields are attractive The government has also softened the rules KQIC revolutionizes personal insurance Latin America and Europe as well, have lined up because they have already produced oil and still for the auctions in order to lure more potential offerings with launch of online platform for a chance to win a contract. have enough left to make it profitable for smaller investors. The first deals were production-shar- The auction is the third organized by the gov- firms. Experts estimate that each of the 25 fields ing contracts that involve a “sophisticated KUWAIT: Kuwait Qatar Insurance Company “Customers are increasingly getting tech-savvy ernment this year following the 2014 enactment are worth between $50 million and $100 million. administrative structure” that smaller firms lack, (KQIC), a premier insurer offering both conven- and their preferences rapidly changing with the of a historic energy reform bill that opened the Nuevo Leon, Tamaulipas and Veracruz have seen said David Enriquez, an expert at the consultan- tional insurance and Takaful products yesterday evolution of smart technology. Being a customer- sector to private investors for the first time since some of the most brutal turf wars between rival cy Goodrich, Riquelme and Associates, which announced the launch of its online retail plat- driven segment, we are committed to provide 1938. Officials were disappointed with the out- drug cartels as well as rampant theft from represents companies competing. This time, the form, WWW.KQIC-ONLINE.COM. With this new new, innovative channels that meet the evolving come of the first auctions for projects in shallow pipelines operated by state-run firm Pemex. companies are vying for license contracts, which platform, customers will now be able to renew or needs of customers. With the introduction of the waters of the Gulf of Mexico, with fewer More than 5,000 illegal taps were discovered are “friendlier for the sector” because the income purchase personal insurances (car, home and online channel, we aim to create a seamless investors than expected making bids as compa- in the first 11 months of the year, compared to goes through less bureaucratic red tape, travel) from anywhere just with the click of a but- engagement with our customers providing an all ny earnings have been hit by falling oil prices. 3,386 in the same period last year for an increase Enriquez said. Coldwell said this latest auction ton. Speaking at the launching ceremony, Darren new level of convenience of purchasing/renew- Only two of 14 sites were awarded in July and of 55 percent, according to official figures cited was aimed at wooing Mexico’s burgeoning Collinson CEO of KQIC stated “KQIC’s successful ing personal insurance from anywhere, at any three of five in September. by Milenio newspaper. Coldwell noted on small- and medium-sized companies in a coun- operation in Kuwait for over a decade is testa- time. Frederik Bisbjerg, Executive Vice President Energy Minister Pedro Joaquin Coldwell told Monday that Congress is mulling legislation to try that has only known Pemex for nearly 80 ment to that fact that our personal insurance and Head of Group Retail for Qatar Insurance Radio Formula that auctioning off five onshore toughen laws against such theft, which has hit years. — AFP business through our corporate customers has says, “There are mainly two types of insurance been and is very successful. However, stifling companies in the personal insurance market- competition in the personal insurance market- place- large international insurers headquartered place over the last few years has made it clear outside the region and local insurers with strong that there was a gap which will now be filled local knowledge and presence. Argentina’s new president cuts with this new online platform.” The large international insurers are very He further added, “With this online portal, strong in providing customer service and hav- KQIC will enhance its distribution channel to ing their business processes aligned to interna- taxes on farms, manufacturing deliver secure, modern and innovative solutions tional standards, while the local insurers ‘know to help customers make their insurance purchas- the way around the Souq’ and are able to pro- BUENOS AIRES: Argentina’s conservative new 10 million tons of wheat in stock. European grain management, including protectionist import con- ing experience simple, quick and easy. We have vide customers with local knowledge and assis- president, Mauricio Macri, got down to business prices were down after Macri’s announcement. trols, heavy taxes on agricultural exports and an revolutionized our personal insurance offerings tance.” “We’re proud to offer a very unique Monday by eliminating or cutting a string of taxes Argentina is the world’s third-largest producer and official exchange rate. “We have to reward by making them directly available to individual online platform where customers can manage on agricultural and industrial exports, seeking to exporter of soybeans, after the United States and exporters. As of today there will be no more taxes customers under the theme ‘Global Insurance - all their personal insurances; no need to call or kick-start Latin America’s third-largest economy. Brazil, and the largest producer of soy products. withheld on industrial exports,” Macri told the Local Assurance’. visit our branches; all can be managed online”, says Frederik. Macri, whose inauguration Thursday ended more The country vies with Ukraine for the title of third- Argentine Industrial Union. The country has major Part of global strategy than a decade of left-wing rule, had promised on largest corn exporter, and is the seventh-biggest export industries in the food, automotive, and alu- KQIC’s focus into expanding its direct person- Online window-shopping the campaign trail to slash the South American wheat exporter. minum and steel sectors. Argentina’s economy is al insurance business through the online plat- KQIC’s online retail platform helps potential farming giant’s steep taxes on agricultural exports, suffering from high inflation and faces warnings of form is no coincidence but is an integral part of customers ‘window-shop’ while browsing for the which triggered major protests by producers ‘Double production’ a recession next year. Its foreign reserves are also QIC Group’s Global Strategy. Darren Collinson, best insurance deals in Kuwait in less than a against former president Cristina Kirchner. The export tax cuts are the first of the economic precariously low, and Macri urgently needs farmers CEO of KQIC says, “We’re already within the top- minute, without having to disclose any personal He fulfilled that promise at a meeting with farm- reforms promised by Macri, who has vowed to to start exporting their hoarded crops-a key source 50 reinsurers worldwide and we aim to place QIC information. Visitors can receive quick quotes ers in the heart of the Argentine breadbasket, overhaul Kirchner’s legacy of hands-on economic of hard currency for the central bank. —AFP Group amongst the global top 50insurance play- and purchase or renew car, home or travel insur- announcing the end of taxes on wheat, corn and ers. Hence our expansion into direct line is very ance -be it a transfer from another insurance sorghum exports and a tax cut on soybean exports, much in line with our Group strategy.” company or a brand new policy purchase or from 35 percent to 30. Then he met with industrial- Hassan Al Jaidah, Deputy CEO of KQIC adds, renewal. ists to announce an end to the five-percent tax on their exports, as well. “Let’s not think of things in terms of ‘farms versus industry,’” he told farmers in Yahoo faces pressure from the town of Pergamino, in the heart of the fertile plains known as the Pampas. “It’s farms and indus- frustrated shareholders try, farms and the country. Without farms, the SAN FRANCISCO: Yahoo is facing shareholder lay off 9,000 of its 10,700 workers and elimi- country can’t survive.” pressure to pursue other alternatives besides nate free food for employees to help save $2 Farmers had accused Kirchner of saddling the a complex spinoff of its Internet operations billion annually. Canyon Capital, a Los Angeles agricultural industry with an unfair share of the while CEO Marissa Mayer struggles to revive investment firm, wants Yahoo to sell its national tax burden, hurting their international the company’s revenue growth. The demands Internet business instead of spinning it off. competitiveness. Macri vowed those days were from SpringOwl Asset Management and Yahoo has warned the spinoff could take over. Taxes on wheat and corn exports were previ- Canyon Capital Advisors reflect shareholders’ more than a year to complete, a time frame ously 23 and 20 percent, respectively. The taxes frustration with Mayer’s inability to snap the that Canyon Capital called “simply unaccept- had been introduced in 2008 under Kirchner. company out of a financial funk after three- able” after Yahoo spent most of this year Protests over the steep rates paralyzed the agricul- and-half years on the job. preparing to break off its $31 billion stake in ture sector that year and turned into a crisis for her Mayer hoped to placate investors with last China’s Alibaba Group in an attempt to avoid government. Argentine farmers have been hoard- week’s announcement of a revised spinoff, paying taxes on the gains from its initial ing their crops in hopes of more favorable condi- but the company’s stock has slid 6 percent investment of $1 billion. Yahoo scrapped the tions. Outside Argentina, the tax cuts stoked fears since then. The shares fell 32 cents to close Alibaba spinoff after another shareholder, of a glut of grains and soybeans, at a time of Monday at $32.59. SpringOwl, a New York Starboard Value, threatened an attempt to already-low global prices for agricultural commodi- hedge fund, has sent a 99-page presentation overthrow the board if the company stuck to ties. Argentina’s farmers have an estimated 17 mil- BUENOS AIRES: Argentina’s President Mauricio Macri (right) and his wife, first lady Juliana to Yahoo’s board that calls for the company to that plan. —AP lion tons of soybeans, 20 million tons of corn and Awada leave the Metropolitan Cathedral after attending a Te Deum in Buenos Aires. — AFP WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 16, 2015 BUSINESS

Henkel delivers strong increase in Q3 sales and earnings KUWAIT: “Despite a persistently challenging 14.5 percent. Henkel’s financial result of -11 mil- emerging markets. The regions of Eastern ly to developments in Western Europe and the ronment, however, organic growth amounted market environment, Henkel delivered a strong lion euros was at the level of the prior-year quar- Europe and Asia (excluding Japan) both mature markets of the Asia-Pacific region, sales to 9.7 percent with the businesses in Russia performance in the third quarter. We significant- ter. The tax rate amounted to 24.6 percent (prior- recorded double-digit growth. Latin America were slightly below the level of the prior-year and Turkey making a major contribution. Sales ly increased both sales and earnings across all year quarter: 24.0 percent). Adjusted net income posted a very strong increase in sales. Despite quarter. By contrast - and despite a challenging in Africa/Middle East rose from 279 million business units. Organic sales in emerging mar- for the quarter after deducting non-controlling challenging conditions, the Africa/Middle East competitive environment - North America euros to 320 million euros. Although political kets were strong, once again making an above interests increased by 11.0 percent, from 508 region posted strong growth. The mature mar- posted strong growth compared to the third unrest in some countries continued to affect average contribution to growth. Mature markets million euros to 564 million euros. Reported net kets recorded positive sales growth which was quarter of 2014. growth, organic sales showed a strong increase showed a positive development, driven espe- income for the quarter grew by 9.8 percent, due in particular to a solid performance in Adjusted operating profit of the Beauty of 5.9 percent. cially by the solid performance in North from 450 million euros to 494 million euros. North America. Sales in Western Europe Care business unit rose significantly versus the Sales in North America rose from 755 mil- America. Here we grew our business for the After deducting 10 million euros attributable to remained at the level of the third quarter of prior-year quarter, by 10.7 percent to 155 mil- lion euros to 940 million euros. Organically, third consecutive quarter,” said Henkel CEO non-controlling interests, quarterly net income 2014. lion euros. Adjusted return on sales also sales improved by 3.2 percent, with all three Kasper Rorsted. increased to 484 million euros (prior-year quar- Adjusted operating profit of the Laundry & showed a very strong increase to 16.1 percent. business units contributing. Sales in Latin “Adjusted operating profit and adjusted EBIT ter: 440 million euros). Adjusted earnings per Home Care business unit increased significant- Reported operating profit grew by 45.2 per- America rose from 266 million euros to 280 mil- margin reached record levels in the third quarter preferred share (EPS) rose by 11.1 percent from ly, by 19.3 percent to 239 million euros. cent to 142 million euros. The Adhesive lion euros. The organic increase was 10.9 per- and all business units reported a higher adjust- 1.17 euros to 1.30 euros. Reported EPS increased Adjusted return on sales showed an excellent Technologies business unit recorded solid cent. This improvement was primarily attributa- ed EBIT and adjusted EBIT margin than in the by 10.9 percent from 1.01 euros to 1.12 euros. increase, reaching a new high of 18.2 percent. organic sales growth of 2.3 percent in the third ble to double-digit growth in Mexico. Sales in previous year.” “The strong third quarter per- Net working capital relative to sales increased Reported operating profit also grew substan- quarter. Nominally, sales increased by 8.5 per- the Asia-Pacific region rose from 691 million formance in challenging and volatile markets year on year by 0.4 percentage points to 6.0 per- tially, by 23.0 percent from 171 million euros in cent to 2,279 million euros (prior-year quarter: euros to 777 million euros. Organically, sales demonstrates our ability to adjust to the difficult cent. The rise is primarily due to acquisitions. the prior-year quarter to 211 million euros. The 2,100 million euros). improved by 0.8 percent. While the mature economic environment. Agility and flexibility Beauty Care business unit also continued on its The business unit’s successful development markets in the region reported solid growth, remain key success factors for us, confirming our Business performance long-standing profitable growth path in the in the emerging markets continued with solid sales in the emerging markets rose only slightly strategy of adapting and further simplifying our In the first nine months of 2015, Henkel’s third quarter of 2015. At 2.1 percent, organic organic sales growth. Latin America recorded as a result of slowing growth dynamics in China. structures and processes in line with the chang- sales increased significantly by 1,413 million double-digit growth. Eastern Europe and In the emerging markets of Eastern Europe, ing market conditions.” euros to 13,715 million euros, reaching a new Africa/Middle East reported strong sales Africa/Middle East, Latin America and Asia high for Henkel. This was an increase of 11.5 per- growth, although the situation in some coun- (excluding Japan), sales grew by 4.2 percent to Guidance for EPS growth raised cent compared to the first nine months of 2014. tries was difficult. In Asia (excluding Japan), 1,994 million euros. Organically, sales in emerg- Henkel specified the outlook for organic Adjusted for foreign exchange, sales grew by 6.4 sales were below the level of the prior-year ing markets grew by 6.5 percent, again making sales growth and raised its guidance for EPS percent. Organically - i.e. adjusted for foreign quarter, due particularly to weaker economic an above-average contribution to organic growth for the fiscal year 2015: “We now expect exchange and acquisitions/divestments - sales growth in China. Overall, sales performance in growth at the Henkel Group, with all three to achieve organic sales growth of around 3 per- increased by 3.1 percent, with all three of the mature markets was positive, with the business units contributing. The share of sales cent in 2015. We continue to expect our adjust- Henkel’s business units contributing. Adjusted mature markets of the Asia-Pacific region from emerging markets declined compared to ed EBIT margin to increase to around 16 percent operating profit grew by 267 million euros from recording strong growth. the third quarter of 2014, to 43 percent. In the and now anticipate an increase in adjusted earn- 1,986 million euros to 2,253 million euros (+13.4 Sales in North America showed positive mature markets, sales grew organically by 0.4 ings per preferred share of more than 10 per- percent). Adjusted return on sales increased development. In Western Europe, however, percent to 2,563 million euros. cent.” from 16.1 percent to 16.4 percent. organic sales were slightly lower year on year. Adjusted net income for the first nine Adjusted operating profit of the Adhesive Outlook of Henkel Group Sales, earnings performance months, after deducting non-controlling inter- Technologies business unit increased signifi- Henkel has specified its guidance for organ- In the third quarter of 2015, sales rose signifi- ests, rose by 11.9 percent from 1,459 million cantly versus the third quarter of 2014 - by 10.3 ic sales growth for the fiscal year 2015 and now cantly by 8.4 percent to 4,590 million euros. euros to 1,632 million euros. Adjusted earnings percent to 412 million euros. Adjusted return expects growth of approximately 3 percent. Adjusted for positive foreign exchange effects of per preferred share (EPS) improved by 11.9 per- Henkel CEO Kasper Rorsted on sales showed a solid improvement - reach- Organic sales growth in the Laundry & Home 2.3 percent, sales improved by 6.1 percent. cent from 3.37 euros to 3.77 euros. Henkel’s net ing 18.1 percent for the first time. Reported Care business unit is expected to be between 4 Organically - ie adjusted for foreign exchange financial position as of September 30, 2015 was sales growth was once again above that of the operating profit increased by 3.7 percent to and 5 percent. In the Beauty Care business unit, and acquisitions/divestments - sales rose by 3.2 -336 million euros (December 31, 2014: -153 mil- relevant markets, leading to further market 367 million euros. Henkel continues to expect organic sales percent. The Laundry & Home Care business lion euros). The change versus year-end 2014 is share gains. Nominally, sales increased by 5.0 growth of approximately 2 percent. Due in par- unit recorded strong organic sales growth of 5.5 mainly due to the dividend payout and pay- percent to 964 million euros (prior-year quar- Regional performance ticular to slowing growth in China, Henkel now percent. In the Beauty Care business unit, organ- ments for acquisitions. ter: 918 million euros). Henkel’s sales in the Western Europe region anticipates that organic sales growth in the ic sales rose by a solid 2.1 percent. The Adhesive With a very strong increase in organic sales, increased by 6.0 percent to 1,508 million euros. Adhesive Technologies business unit will be Technologies business unit also posted a solid Unit performance the business unit’s successful development in In a highly competitive market environment, between 2 and 3 percent. As before, Henkel improvement in organic sales of 2.3 percent. The Laundry & Home Care business unit the emerging markets continued. The Latin organic sales were 1.3 percent lower than in expects a stable development in the share of After one-time charges, one-time gains and once again very successfully delivered prof- America region again grew double digits. the prior-year quarter, although with mixed sales from emerging markets. Henkel confirms restructuring charges, adjusted operating profit itable growth in the third quarter of 2015. Sales Eastern Europe recorded a very strong increase developments within the region. While the its guidance for adjusted return on sales (EBIT) improved by 12.3 percent from 693 million grew organically by 5.5 percent year on year, in sales. The Asia region (excluding Japan) post- businesses in the United Kingdom, France, and and continues to expect an increase to around euros to 778 million euros. Reported operating outperforming the relevant markets. This led to ed a strong sales performance, mainly driven Southern Europe posted an increase in organic 16 percent (2014: 15.8 percent) and that all profit (EBIT) grew by 10.4 percent from 603 mil- further market share gains. Nominally, sales by double-digit growth in China. Africa/Middle sales, sales in Germany were below the level of business units will contribute to this improve- lion euros to 666 million euros. again increased double digits, by 10.6 percent East posted solid organic sales growth. the third quarter of 2014. Sales in Eastern ment. Henkel has raised its guidance for adjust- Adjusted return on sales increased by 0.5 to 1,314 million euros (prior-year quarter: 1,188 Business in the mature markets continued to Europe amounted to 733 million euros com- ed earnings per preferred share and now percentage points to 16.9 percent. Reported million euros). The strong organic sales growth be impacted by intense crowding-out compe- pared to 792 million euros in the prior-year expects an increase of more than 10 percent return on sales rose by 0.3 percentage points to was mainly driven by the performance in tition and strong price pressure. Due particular- quarter. Despite the challenging market envi- (2014: 4.38 euros).

Etihad celebrates official opening of Abu Dhabi new cruise terminal KUWAIT: Etihad Airways, the Abu Dhabi, is also providing eight cruise terminal in Abu Dhabi.” MSC Cruises, the world’s largest national airline of the United Arab unique tours to MSC Cruises guests Many of the ground services will privately-owned global cruise line, is Emirates, celebrated the official that can be pre-purchased online or also be handled by Etihad Airways offering week-long cruises from Abu opening of Abu Dhabi’s new cruise bought on board the ship. The Abu and Hala Abu Dhabi. The airline will Dhabi with ports of call including terminal, flying in more than 650 Dhabi shore excursions and tour provide an enhanced guest experi- KhorFakkan (UAE), Muscat and guests for the inaugural voyage experiences will all delivered by ence in Abu Dhabi including a meet Khasab (Oman) and Dubai. The com- from the facility in Zayed Port. In qualified guides. and greet service and return coach pany has repositioned MSC Musica, conjunction with MSC Cruises, Peter Baumgartner, Chief transfers between Abu Dhabi a 1,268 cabin vessel accommodat- Etihad Airways has created a special Commercial Officer for Etihad Airport and the Cruise Terminal. ing more than 2,500 passengers, to Fly-Cruise package for travelers Airways, said: “The new cruise termi- Additionally, Abu Dhabi Airports Abu Dhabi to operate the 16 week- from around the world to experi- nal at Zayed Port represents our Company (ADAC) has placed 15 long cruises from the new terminal ence the splendors of luxury cruis- shared vision alongside our local check-in counters at the cruise ter- during the current season. Located ing around the Arabian Gulf. MSC partners to position Abu Dhabi as a minal where the airline will provide at Abu Dhabi’s Zayed Port, the new Cruises’ ship, MSC Musica, will serve world-class transport hub. “Cruising check-in services, allowing passen- terminal covers 8,000sqm and hous- the region for the 2015/2016 cruise is an exciting and fast growing sec- gers to proceed directly to immigra- es all key passenger facilities, retail season which runs from 13 tor of the travel industry and we tion and customs. Currently cruise outlets and a cafÈ. The architectural December 2015 to 3 April 2016. The look forward to helping develop this passengers in the region need to design of the new terminal is based Abu Dhabi-based carrier’s destina- segment further with the expansion disembark the ship and go to the on the UAE’s heritage and identity tion management company, Hala of our services from the brand new airport to check-in for their flights. with a view of the Louvre Museum.

Adyton One plans to expand presence in the GCC regions KUWAIT: Adyton One general trading -a company that deals with unique and high quality Food and Beverage Products, have developed great plans to expand their presence in the UAE and GCC regions. Founded in the recent year of 2012 the company has already reached great success and is keeping its word on becom- ing a world leader by rapidly implementing its plan to expand; ensuring quality products are readily avail- able for consumers. Adyton Mercedes celebrates world title with AMG A 45 4MATIC One is proudly in partner- KUWAIT: It doesn’t get any better: With victory model. Then there is the ingenious streamlining tuated with a petrol green rim flange. high-quality badge on the lid of the stowage ship with The Armed Forces in the constructors’ world championship as well package. At the front it includes a larger splitter Further equipment includes the Night pack- compartment with the official lettering of the Cooperative Society, and as a part of HH Sheikh as the drivers’ championship plus runner-up and special flics and there is the roof spoiler at age, the AMG Performance seats, the AMG MERCEDES AMG PETRONAS Formula One Team. Mohammad Establishment giving the company momen- titles clocked up by Lewis Hamilton and Nico the tail end, also inspired by motorsport’s cham- Exclusive package plus the AMG DYNAMIC The electronically adjustable Performance tum to uphold its high standards. Rosberg, the MERCEDES AMG PETRONAS pion’s league. Available for selection as paint- PLUS package. sports seats in leather/DINAMICA microfibre A major part of the swiftly growing success of Adyton Formula One Team has achieved the ultimate work for the edition are mountain grey metallic, offer increased lateral support even in fast, One is its great devotion in providing only the finest quali- in motorsport’s champion’s league in 2015. To designo mountain grey magno and polar silver Exclusive interior with dynamic bends and immediately attract atten- ty products to its consumers. Its long list of products mark the end of the season, Mercedes-AMG is metallic. motorsport citations tion with their exclusive striped design. The fine include; Waiwera Water, Birk Drinks, Barambo Chocolate, celebrating this outstanding team achieve- To match there are 19-inch cross-spoke The interior also radiates a racing atmos- petrol green topstitching on the armrests and and Zedazeni Drink in addition they also have canned and ment with an exclusive special model: The wheels painted in titanium grey and accen- phere. The exclusive distinguishing feature is a dashboard, the petrol green rings in the air raw food materials including grain, rice and lentils which MERCEDES AMG PETRONAS 2015 World vents plus the seat belts, also with petrol green are provided to the armed forces cooperative society. The Champion Edition of the A 45 4MATIC blends highlight strips, round off the high-quality company remains developing the capabilities that have the expressive Formula 1 look of the victorious impression. The Performance steering wheel in been built up over the years and will continue to create a Silver Arrows with particularly extensive and DINAMICA microfibre boasts petrol green top- range of unique products to satisfy their customer’s needs unique equipment. stitching and a 12 o’clock mark in the same The Food and Beverage Industry has witnessed high A Silver Arrow for everyday: with the ingen- colour. growth rates over the last five years and is expected to ious streamlining package, the large 19-inch The MERCEDES AMG PETRONAS 2015 World continue over the next four years. This indicates that there wheels and the characteristic foiling the MER- Champion Edition is celebrating its world pre- will be an eight percent growth rate annually. The Food CEDES AMG PETRONAS 2015 World Champion miere as part of the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix in Yas and Beverage Retail Market is the fastest growing sector Edition is taking the Formula 1 success from the Marina on 26 November 2015 and from January of The UAE’s economy and is expected to reach a worth of race track to the road. “With the World 2016 it will be available for a limited time, until 10 billion dollars by the end of 2016, verifying that the Champion Edition we would like to share with May 2016. The price in Germany is 65,402.40 Food and Beverage segment leads the UAE Retail Sector. our customers our delight and pride in the euros (incl. 19% VAT), 66,818.50 euros in con- Committed to giving consumers even tastier products strong performance of the MERCEDES AMG junction with the designo mountain grey mag- that are loved all over the world, Ahmed Al Raeesi, PETRONAS Formula One Team,” said Tobias no matt paint. With a maximum output of 280 Founder and CEO of AdytonOne said, ‘People are starting Moers, CEO of Mercedes-AMG. “This is a way for kW (381 hp), the Mercedes-AMG A 45 4MATIC is to educate themselves on what is healthy and good for every fan to share the success of Lewis Hamilton the most powerful compact athlete in the them, living a healthy lifestyle is on the forefront of every- and Nico Rosberg.” world. Thanks to the standard-fit AMG body’s mind, so in actual fact the success of the company The striking external characteristic of the Performance all-wheel drive and the front axle has grown itself’. - Ahmed Al Raeesi also hinted to keep exclusive edition of the A 45 is the hallmark foil- differential lock, the special edition brings pow- our eyes open for the launch of a prestigious product that ing with petrol green and black highlights in the er to the road slip-free: 100 km/h is already is expected to take the UAE by storm. design of the winning F1 W06 HYBRID super reached from a standstill in 4.2 seconds. technology WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 16, 2015

Samsung takes Apple patent case to US Supreme Court

SAN FRANCISCO: Samsung, on the losing end of a response to an AFP inquiry. Several of the world’s Samsung pays up trial in Northern California, and doesn’t put to rest an massive smartphone patent lawsuit, appealed on technology titans filed briefs supporting Samsung Samsung early this month agreed to pay smart- argument over who should pay Apple’s legal costs Monday to the US Supreme Court in hopes of over- while the case was in federal circuit court in Silicon phone rival Apple just over $548 million in the years- said to total $1.8 million. turning a ruling that it pay $548 million to rival Apple. Valley, according to the firm. long patent battle in federal court in California. In another sign that the legal fight would drag on, The two hi-tech behemoths went to court over the Attorneys for the South Korean consumer elec- However, the agreement came with one key proviso, Apple also asked the court for a green light to file a designs that have now become commonplace on tronics titan argued that the massive payout was not as the two tech giants agreed to continue “to pursue motion asking for supplemental damages for prod- most popular smartphones, with a court ruling in warranted, because smartphones “contain countless the existing cases in US courts.” Samsung said in a ucts that weren’t calculated into the award. Samsung 2012 in favor of Apple. At issue were design features other features that give them remarkable functionali- legal filing that it would pay Apple the partial judge- and Apple decided last year to drop all patent dis- by now familiar to consumers: a black, rectangular, ty wholely unrelated to their design.” ment awarded but that it reserved the right to get putes outside the United States, marking a partial round-cornered phone front, a surrounding rim, “Even if the patented features contributed one money back if the amount is modified or overturned ceasefire in a long-running legal war between the known as the “bezel” and a grid of 16 colorful icons. percent of the value of Samsung’s phones, Apple gets on appeal or if the validity of patents at issue is suc- world’s two largest smartphone makers. Those design elements were protected, prompting 100 percent of Samsung’s profits,” the appeal said. In cessfully challenged. The arch-rivals have battled in close to a dozen the jury to award Apple all the profits from sales of response to an AFP inquiry, Apple said it stands by its Apple said in the joint filing that it disagrees with countries, with each accusing the other of infringing smartphones containing those features, Samsung comment after the trial victory in 2012. Samsung’s contention that it has a right to be reim- on various patents related to their flagship smart- lawyers said in their filing. “While Samsung prefers to “The lawsuits between Apple and Samsung were bursed. A court in September awarded Apple the par- phone and tablet products. compete in the marketplace, not the courtroom, the about much more than patents or money,” the Apple tial judgment. Samsung’s options narrowed to simply But neither has managed to deliver a knock-out company feels that it is important to appeal this case statement said. “They were about values. We applaud paying the money or trying to take its fight to the US blow with a number of rulings going different ways, to the US Supreme Court on behalf of all US compa- the court for finding Samsung’s behavior willful and Supreme Court. and in an announcement they agreed to drop all liti- nies, big and small, that could be affected if this legal for sending a loud and clear message that stealing The hefty sum is significantly less than the billion gation outside the United States, suggesting a line precedent stands,” the company said in an email isn’t right.” dollars Apple sought at the outset of the 2012 patent was finally being drawn. — AFP EMC announces major data lake advancements

NEW YORK: EMC Corporation yesterday announced the center, at edge locations and in the cloud. next generation of its EMC Isilon Scale-out NAS Data Lake, Isilon SD Edge is a 100% software-defined offering that which includes new products, features and capabilities that runs on commodity hardware. Isilon SD Edge will support allow enterprises to scale easily to edge locations as well as VMware ESX and be fully integrated with VMware vCenter to public clouds. The new products,- Isilon SD Edge, the for ease of management. Isilon SD Edge sacrifices none of next generation of Isilon One FS and IsilonCloudPoolsTM- the capabilities of the OneFS operating system and will enhance the Data Lake by allowing unstructured data to support OneFS’s data services and protocols while scaling be available not only within the core data center, but also up to 36TB, seamlessly replicating data to and distributing at data center edge locations such as remote offices and it from the core. Isilon SD Edge will be free for non-produc- archived in the cloud. Designed to offer a more efficient tion use and licensed per cluster for production use. Data Lake, the new Isilon solutions consolidate multiple In addition to extending the Data Lake to edge loca- workloads and allow users to access and analyze data from tions, EMC is also enhancing the Data Lake at the core all locations. through the new, next-generation IsilonOneFS operating Three major trends are transforming the enterprise. system. This feature-rich offering is designed to improve First, enterprises are becoming more global with a distrib- resiliency, simplify management, raise efficiency and pro- uted workforce. Second, the volume of unstructured data vide continuous operations for massive Data Lakes. A key is growing rapidly and doubling every two years, increas- enhancement is full Non-Disruptive Upgrade (NDU) sup- ing the need for managing data efficiently while also gar- port. OneFS has supported NDU for minor code families, TAIPEI: A fan wears a HTC Vive headset and holds two sensors during a promotional event held by HTC in Taipei yester- nering value from it. Lastly, hybrid cloud has become the and now works across major code families enhancing the day. Smartphone maker HTC unveiled to Taiwanese gamers its virtual reality headset for the first time, as the company preeminent choice for customers to most efficiently and resiliency of the Data Lake. The more resilient Data Lake pins hopes on the new product to help revive its struggling business. — AFP effectively run their data centers. will help ensure no downtime for users and application Remote offices and edge locations have historically had workloads during major upgrades HTC gives Taiwan first look challenges with cost, low capacity, management complexi- Understanding that much of the data within the enter- ty, conflicting formats and spotty governance when it prises today is “cold data” - data rarely in use - that needs to comes to data. This has impacted the productivity of infor- be retained for regulatory and compliance purposes, EMC at virtual reality headset mation workers in these locations, as well as IT’s ability to is also offering EMC CloudPools, a new software applica- view and manage data. tion for the Isilon product line that will allow Isilon to easily EMC’s Data Lake 2.0strategy and new announcements extend to public, private and hybrid clouds to ensure TAIPEI: Smartphone maker HTC unveiled cased HTC Vive in the US and Europe In a bid to boost its flagging fortunes, today are at the heart of managing these challenges. Early access to data, regardless of location. When the data is yesterday to Taiwanese gamers its virtual after announcing the device earlier this HTC also launched a new flagship smart- Data Lake deployments were limited to pulling in only data tiered to the cloud, it is encrypted in transit and com- reality headset for the first time, as the year. The lightweight head gear will also phone-the One A9 — in October to take sources available within -or in close proximity to -the core pressed to ensure security of enterprise data at rest in the company pins its hopes on the new prod- be shown at a developer conference in on Apple’s latest iPhones. data center. Now there is an increasing need for the Data cloud. This allows organizations to extend their Data Lakes uct to help revive struggling sales. HTC Beijing on Friday and at the Sundance HTC reported a second straight quar- Lake 2.0 to expand and be able to manage unstructured to tap into cloud-scale capacity while ensuring consistent has been suffering losses as it grapples Film Festival in January. HTC will start terly loss in the three months to data in a simple and consistent way within the core data and simplified access to and management of the data. with intense competition in the crowded taking pre-orders in February, with the September, just weeks after announcing smartphone sector from Samsung, Apple official sales launch in April. job cuts. — AFP and rising Chinese brands. The HTC Vive will vie for consumers with Facebook’s Oculus Rift and Sony’s PlayStation VR, all set to be released next year as tech firms seek to make their mark in the virtual reality field. Gamers in the capital Taipei queued at a tech mall for 10-minute tri- als of the headset, during which they played games including shooting zom- bies and exploring a sunken ship. “It’s exciting to feel like you’re in the scene,” Judy Chen, 30, told AFP. “It feels quite real and gives you that sense of distance,” she said, adding she would consider buying one if it was priced around Tw$30,000 ($917). The company has yet to announce pricing for HTC Vive, Siri vs Cortana vs ‘OK Google’: created with US game developer Valve. “The sensory aspect of it is quite dif- ferent. You’re not just looking but inter- Who’s better, who’s best acting,” said Shawn Chen, 24, but he wor- ried a lack of space would prevent him playing at home. SAN FRANCISCO: Cortana’s learning the neighborhood. AT YOUR SERVICE TAIPEI: Local fans wait to test the HTC Vive headset during a promotional The Taiwanese company has show- Google’s digital assistant can’t tell a joke. And Siri apparent- Next came more complicated tasks, like finding the event held by HTC in Taipei yestertday. — AFP ly has a thing for the metric system. nearest pharmacy. Google and Siri listed three within a half- Those are just a few of the things I learned after staging mile of The Associated Press bureau in downtown San a face-off between the three leading digital assistants. Francisco. But neither mentioned the drug store on the More telecoms let you watch Apple’s Siri and “OK Google” - they’re not big on personifica- ground floor of the building where the bureau is located. tion at Google - are now standard on smartphones; Cortana did. Microsoft recently added its Cortana service to Windows 10, Posing questions is hungry work. I asked for help making video without dinging data caps so it works on PCs, too. a lunch reservation at Credo, a fancy restaurant around the Now that just about anyone can talk to their phone or corner. Siri and Cortana were stumped, but Google automat- NEW YORK: Cellphone and broadband providers are aged network,” which Comcast considers separate from the computer, we wanted to see what happens when you try. ically fired up the Open Table app on the Nexus phone, with excluding some video from data caps, meaning consumers public Internet, says spokeswoman Lisa Scalzo. Though none of the assistants are perfect, they do have the form already filled out to make a reservation. Too bad have more data available for other apps and services. But in a complication for customers, she says logging distinct personalities, even if they’re just deliberate artifacts the place is so trendy; it was booked for weeks. But that’s not necessarily good, according to advocates into a channel’s app, like HBO or ESPN, or video using of their creators. Ever feel like ducking work to catch an afternoon movie? of net neutrality, the concept that Internet access providers another Comcast app, Xfinity TV Go, would count toward I asked the same 10 questions of each service, using an (Shhh! Don’t tell my editor.) All three assistants had local shouldn’t discriminate against some Web traffic in favor of caps because data go over the public Internet. iPhone with Siri, a Nexus phone with Android’s “OK Google” movie listings at their digital fingertips. But Siri led off with others. They say innovation could be curtailed if smaller The company used to have an Xbox app that let cus- and a Microsoft Surface Pro tablet with Cortana. a new release at a theater just half a mile from the AP video providers couldn’t afford to pay for an exemption. tomers watch Comcast-supplied TV without counting bureau. With a couple of taps, Siri had opened Fandango, The exemptions come as mobile video booms. But toward data caps, but Comcast says the app was scrapped an app that lets you buy tickets online. video eats up a lot of data. On a smartphone, an hour or in late August. Google also connected with Fandango. Cortana had two of video consumes about 1 gigabyte. AT&T and more trouble; Microsoft lags behind Apple and Google in Verizon, the biggest wireless companies, have been phas- AT&T the number of apps that work with its software, and I could- ing out unlimited plans, so customers pay more to watch Since early 2014, the No. 2 wireless carrier has exempt- n’t get the right Fandango app to load on a Surface tablet. more over cellular networks. ed some Internet services from data caps on its main wire- Even home Internet providers are testing data caps. less plans. Instead, AT&T says it has pilot agreements with a JUST FOR LAUGHS About 13 percent of Comcast’s customers are in a market handful of businesses under its “Sponsored Data” program. Finally, a personality test. I challenged each to tell a joke. with caps, according to research firm MoffettNathanson. On its website, AT&T lists six companies as participating, Siri had the best answer: “If I told you a joke in my language, Comcast exempts its own video, but not video from rivals including Aquto and Syntonic, which specialize in spon- I’d have to explain it.” like Netflix. Critics say that could hurt competition, as con- sored content. Then I tried the famous line from “2001: A Space sumers would be drawn to the service that’s exempt. The company would not say who pays for the data that Odyssey” in which astronaut Dave Bowman tells the ship’s The Federal Communications Commission has adopted are exempted from consumers’ plans under these pro- computer: “Open the pod bay doors.” Cortana knows the rules to protect net neutrality, but these exemptions aren’t grams. right answer: “I’m sorry Dave. I’m afraid I can’t do that.” But banned under the rules. The FCC says consumers could As for AT&T’s cable business, AT&T agreed not to Siri had a better one: “Doesn’t anybody knock anymore?” BOSTON: File photo, shows signage at a Verizon To be clear, these aren’t the witty rejoinders of some arti- benefit in some cases and will address complaints as they exempt streaming of its own U-verse or DirecTV online Wireless retail store at Downtown Crossing in ficial intelligence. The creators of Siri and Cortana thought it come up. Here’s a look at what major US companies are video from its home Internet data caps in order to win FCC Boston. The country’s biggest wireless company has would be fun to pre-load each service with humorous doing: approval of its July purchase of DirecTV. said that its mobile video service, go90, launched in answers to predictable questions. October 2015, will include sponsored content. — AP Google doesn’t bother with such frills. Sticking to its T-MOBILE VERIZON search-engine roots, “OK Google” answered the “2001” The No. 3 wireless carrier exempts major streaming The country’s biggest wireless company has said that its INFORMATION PLEASE question by silently presenting a series of Internet links, music and, as of November, many popular video services mobile video service, go90, launched in October, will First up: Some basic factual questions. All three did pret- starting with one for a YouTube clip from the movie. from data caps on most of its plans. The company says the include sponsored content. That means Verizon customers ty well when asked, “What’s it like outside?” Likewise, when asked about the meaning of life, Siri and video providers don’t have to pay for that, but do have to watching that video will be exempt from data caps. Verizon Cortana earned extra points for answering with a spo- Cortana were both ready with a quip. Google just recited a meet certain technical requirements. YouTube and will make money instead through ads. Not all go90 video ken weather report. Google and Siri each showed a screen dry definition that only a biologist could love: “Life is the Facebook video aren’t covered; T-Mobile says it couldn’t tell will be sponsored content, though; some does count image that listed current conditions and a forecast. condition that distinguishes animals and plants from inor- when those services are delivering video. toward a data cap. All three supplied President Obama’s age. When asked ganic matter. ...” Spokeswoman Marie McGehee confirmed a Re/code “What’s his wife’s name?” they all remembered that the COMCAST report that said Verizon will soon test a sponsored-data pro- question referred to the president, and correctly identified FINAL SCORE This fall, the cable TV giant started offering a streaming gram similar to AT&T. It would roll out more broadly next the First Lady: Michelle Obama. All three services are good on factual questions. Siri’s alternative, with channels delivered to customers’ homes year. She declined to comment further Friday. The company Similarly, they all knew the length of the Golden Gate programmers have the best sense of humor. Google stays without the need for a cable box. That video - and any is currently running a promotion in which Verizon cus- Bridge. But for some reason, Siri answered in meters, while focused on the task at hand. And Cortana is quickly catch- streaming that regular cable customers do on the compa- tomers get an extra 2 gigabytes of data for three months for Cortana and Google stuck to feet. ing up to both of them. — AP ny’s Xfinity TV app in their homes - aren’t counted toward downloading the go90 app and registering. But you don’t data caps. That’s because they’re cable services on a “man- have to watch any video to get the deal. — AP WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 16, 2015 HEALTH & SCIENCE

Squeezed by budget and Islamic State, Iraqi health system struggles Healthcare hammered by wars and sanctions BAGHDAD: Iraq’s prime minister non-governmental organizations such say.” Dari relies partly on donations and Decades of suffering electricity, water and jobs erupted into responded to protests this summer over as one called Dari. supplies from pharmaceutical firms and Health ministry spokesman Rifaq Al- protests this summer in Baghdad and failing public services by launching a Based in a modest apartment build- food manufacturers. Abdel Sadaa said Araji said non-governmental organiza- many southern cities, prompting Abadi campaign against corruption and mis- ing in Baghdad’s Karrada Mariam neigh- the government has called on non-gov- tions had helped to ease the pressure. to declare war on corruption. At the management, yet more than four borhood, Dari treats about 50 patients a ernmental organizations to help it fill the Araji blamed economic sanctions same time, falling oil prices forced the months later there is little sign of day, mostly children and the elderly. So gap in public services caused by the imposed by the United Nations in 1990 government to slash spending. improvement in one key sector: health- far this year, Dari has provided more state’s new austerity measures. after Iraq invaded Kuwait, and subse- State hospitals are grim. “I came to a care. With Iraqis fleeing Islamic State in than 15,000 families with food aid and But he said instead of helping groups quent wars and violence, for the poor government hospital because I can’t pay ever greater numbers, the country’s registered another 8,400 patients at its like his operate, government agencies state of the health care system. The war the high cost of private doctors. But the growing population of internal refugees free medical clinic, said its president, often obstruct his work. Instead of with Islamic State has displaced more problem is I still have to get medication is straining public facilities already Alaa Abdel Sadaa. Abdel Sadaa said his supervising organizations to prevent than 3 million Iraqis. With most belong- from a private pharmacy as it is usually ground down by decades of war, sanc- organization managed resources better corruption and theft, the state uses the ing to the minority Sunni sect, the prob- not available here,” said Ameera Abdel tions and red tape. Focused on fighting than the government, which is plagued security situation to restrict the groups’ lem is also a political one which Iraq is Muhsin, 50, a housewife, at a state hospi- insurgents, the government is struggling by political infighting. Prime minister activities, he said. The chief of the NGO poorly placed to handle following years tal. Al-Yarmouk hospital in western to provide the services that Iraqis took Haider Al-Abadi must meanwhile deal directorate in the Iraqi cabinet, Ali of sectarian bloodletting between Baghdad is typical. Patients are trans- to the streets to demand. with resistance from Iraq’s fractious Makki, said his office is intensifying Sunnis and Shi’ite Muslims. ported through corridors littered with That failure is nowhere more acute members of parliament, which means efforts to facilitate the work of non-gov- With lower revenues from oil exports cigarette butts. than in a healthcare system once seen as that as the healthcare crisis deepens, he ernmental organizations, especially and higher costs associated with the “I was admitted to hospital two days one of the best in the Middle East. The has to build a political consensus before those providing relief and health servic- battle against Islamic State, the govern- ago suffering with kidney failure but I’m World Health Organization says Iraq’s he can proceed with any reforms. es. Dari was founded in 2013 to encour- ment is failing to help the most vulnera- getting worse because of a lack of treat- public health, water, and sanitation sys- For its part, Dari relies on volunteers. age blood donations after bomb attacks ble. “We came from the province of ment,” said Qasim Al-Kinani, 68, point- tems are collapsing. The situation has None of its more than 100 medical pro- in the capital. It now runs a mobile clinic Anbar as a displaced family because of ing to a cat eating leftover food become so desperate that thousands of fessionals are paid, said Abdel Sadaa. in one of Iraq’s provinces every week or the fighting there. We came here as our beneath his bed. “Look at this farce. I’m Iraqis forced to flee Anbar province in “We can treat 100 patients with $1,000,” so, and has played a big role in fighting financial position is weak. I have no job,” sleeping on a bloodstained mattress the west have opted to bypass the gov- he said. “That is difficult for the health the worst cholera outbreak in Iraq in said Khalil Ibrahim, 60, whose family has with a filthy smell. I feel like I’m sleep- ernment and seek medical care from ministry or any government hospital to years. 10 members. Anger over shortages of ing in a zoo.”—Reuters

WHO planning major aid delivery during Yemen ceasefire

GENEVA: The World Health Organization one of the greatest challenges for health yesterday outlined plans to take advantage workers. Fadoul said WHO had prepared of a ceasefire in Yemen to distribute med- “around 19 trucks which will be distributed ical supplies across the crisis-hit country. to different parts of the country, probably The WHO representative in Yemen, Ahmed to 14 locations.” He said he believed those Shadoul, told reporters in Geneva that the trucks had already left warehouses in Sanaa UN agency had received assurances from and in the southern governorate of Aden. the warring factions that its staff were free A key priority was Taiz in the southwest, to move with the supplies while the cease- where oxygen and trauma kits were due to fire holds. “We have requested uncondi- be dispatched. The operation was on track tional movement of supplies, personnel despite reported breaches in the ceasefire and teams to all parts of the country and that came into effect earlier yesterday, we got the confirmation that this will defi- Shadoul said. WHO was also aiming to nitely be granted,” Shadoul said. move some 150 metric tons of material Yemen’s healthcare system has been from Djibouti, the delivery of which has devastated by the conflict pitting pro-gov- been complicated by restrictions on ernment forces backed by a Saudi-led coali- imports imposed by the rival factions. A tion against Houthi rebels supported by national polio vaccination campaign has Iran. Attacks on health facilities and a lack also been scheduled from December 19 to of vital supplies, especially fuel, have posed 23, targeting around five million Yemeni major problems but Fadoul stressed that children, provided health workers are free limited access to hard-hit areas has been to move around.—AFP Guatemala mulls redress for US syphilis experiment victims

GUATEMALA CITY: Guatemala is consider- effects antibiotics would have. ing compensation for the family of three The fact the subjects were never people who were victims of a 1940s US-led informed of what was being done to them medical experiment in which hundreds prompted President Barack Obama in 2010 WILLSTTT, Germany: Felicitas Rohrer, a German woman who is suing German pharmaceuticals giant Bayer, holds a box of the birth control pill “ were infected with syphilis, Vice President to apologize for what he termed a “crime Yasminelle “ at her home in Willstaett.—AFP photos Alfonso Fuentes said Monday. “They have against humanity.” Obama vowed to pro- been heard and what they are asking for is mote ways to remedy the wrong, but made some form of damages,” Fuentes told no concrete offer of compensation. The reporters, adding that the government was unethical experiment was revealed by Bayer sued in Germany over studying the option of providing “financial Doctor Susan Reverby, a professor at and moral” reparation. Wellesley College in the US. contraceptive pill after health scares The family’s relatives were part of a She came across the work while 1946-1948 experiment conducted by US researching notes left by John Charles health officials in which 1,300 people in Cutler, a public health services sexual dis- WILLSTTT, Germany: “If I’d known, I’d never Guatemala-prisoners, prostitutes, soldiers ease specialist who headed up the experi- have taken this pill,” says Felicitas Rohrer, who is or mental patients-were deliberately ment, following his death in 2003. Cutler suing German pharmaceuticals giant Bayer, exposed to or contaminated with venereal was also involved in another infamous US claiming its oral contraceptive Yasminelle caused diseases such as syphilis and gonorrhea. At medical experiment that for half a century her to suffer a pulmonary embolism. The accusa- least 83 of those involved in the experi- up to 1972 studied the progression of tions against Bayer’s contraceptive pills ment died, according to a US presidential untreated syphilis in poor American blacks Yasminelle and Yaz, based on drospirenone, are commission. The aim was to see what in Alabama.—AFP not new and the company has already paid out nearly two billion dollars (1.8 billion euros) to around 10,000 women in out-of-court settle- ments in the United States to avoid long and Sanofi aims for top spot in costly trials. But Rohrer’s case, which opens on Thursday, is highly symbolic in the company’s consumer health via asset swap home country of Germany, where Bayer, maker of Aspirin, stands as a beacon for the domestic PARIS: Sanofi said yesrerday it hopes to take see a “significant expansion”, it said. chemicals and pharmaceuticals sectors. over the consumer health care unit of Boehringer’s consumer health care unit Rohrer is suing the company for 200,000 euros German peer Boehringer Ingelheim via an includes leading brands in anti-spasmodics, ($220,000) in damages and interest. But “the asset swap, making the French pharmaceuti- laxatives, vitamins and cough treatments. money cannot compensate for what I and other cal giant the sector’s world leader. Sanofi is “This transaction would allow Sanofi to women have gone through,” she told AFP. “What offering its animal health unit Merial in become a world leader in the attractive non- I really hope for is justice,” she said in her home in exchange for Boehringer’s consumer health, prescription medicines market and would Willstaett, not far from the French-German bor- or non-prescription drugs, business plus 4.7 bring a complementary portfolio with highly der, adding that her hope is for Yasminelle to be billion euros ($5.2 billion) in cash in exclusive recognized brands, allowing for mid and withdrawn from the market. At the age of 31, negotiations between both companies. The long term value creation,” Sanofi chief execu- and following a pulmonary embolism-a blockage WILLSTTT, Germany: Felicitas Rohrer speaks to an AFP journalist next to medical documents announcement was a shot in the arm for tive Olivier Brandicourt, said in the state- of the lung’s main artery-Rohrer now has to take and a box of the birth control pill “ Yasminelle”. Sanofi shares, which posted a healthy 4.8 ment. an anti-coagulant that significantly reduces her percent increase at 78.33 in midday Paris “The acquisition is perfectly in line with where Bayer has already been the target of a the market. “There is a lack of information on the chances of having a baby. trading. the announced strategy, with the potential number of other high-profile cases, health insur- part of the doctors and the pharmaceuticals She suffers from shortness of breath and is If concluded, the deal would give Sanofi for large synergies, which is very reassuring ers have halted reimbursements for the pills, hit- industry,” said Gerd Glaeske, pharmacologist and forced to wear anti-embolism compression close to 4.6 percent of the world’s consumer for markets,” Natixis analyst Philippe Lanone ting group sales there. A German medical journal co-author of the report. stockings on car journeys of any length. She health care market, making it the global told AFP. In addition to the deal itself, stock claims that there has been a drop in the number He said he viewed the lawsuit filed by Rohrer studied to become a vet but now works as a jour- leader in the segment. The German compa- market sentiment was also underpinned by of women admitted to hospital with pulmonary as “an important symbol”. All the more so, nalist because she is not allowed to carry any ny’s Chinese operations are, however, not Sanofi’s announcement that it would use embolism in France. because Yasmin, with its anti water-retention heavy loads. It was in June 2009 that Rohrer, part of the talks. Boehringer meanwhile part of the deal’s proceeds to buy back its effects, means patients are less likely to gain hitherto a perfectly healthy young woman, sud- would become the world’s number two in own shares from the market, boosting future ‘Lack of information’ weight, Glaeske said. It is “the first pill that has a denly collapsed. Her heart stopped for 20 min- animal health. Sanofi’s animal health unit earnings per share. Sanofi’s last major acqui- Taking the pills “increases the risks and very clear marketing angle on beauty and well- utes. And in an emergency operation, doctors Merial is valued at 11.4 billion euros in the sition dates back to 2011, when it bought US women should be aware of that,” said Yana being,” opening the way for boasts that contra- found massive blood clots clogging her heart. deal and the assets Boehringer is bringing to bio-technology company Genzyme for 15 Vinogradova, a scientist at Nottingham ceptive pills are effective in fighting acne, for the table at 6.7 billion. billion euros. Last month, Sanofi warned that University in Britain. Nevertheless, “the risks example, he argued. In the meantime, in the Increased risk “The consumer health care business of profits would stagnate for the next two years remain low, lower than those connected to preg- United States, Bayer is also the target of a grow- “The doctors couldn’t believe that a 25-year- Boehringer Ingelheim would strengthen during a major restructuring drive which nancy,” she added. One of the leading public ing number of lawsuits against another of its old woman could suffer from a pulmonary Sanofi’s position in Germany and in Japan, would include a streamlining of its product health insurers in Germany, Techniker contraceptive products, the implant Essure, embolism,” she said. And the doctors clearly where Sanofi’s presence is limited,” Sanofi portfolio. At the time, Sanofi also flagged Krankenkasse, expressed alarm in a recent report which women complain has caused them pain pointed the finger at the pill. The self-help group said in a statement. Its presence in the that it would possibly spin off its animal about the “predominance of high-risk pills” on and severe bleeding.—AFP Rohrer has since set up has collected testimony United States and Latin America would also health division.—AFP from around 250 women who suffered similar side effects. She is the first person in Germany to sue Bayer over the drug, accusing the company Elected leaders die of not informing patients sufficiently about the risks associated with Yasminelle. The trial opens on Thursday in a court in Waldshut-Tiengen near younger, says study the Swiss border. Bayer-which sold 768 million euros worth of PARIS: Politicians may achieve a lifelong dream the election who never served in that office. In the Yasmin group of contraceptive pills in 2014, of becoming a prime minister or president, but Britain and other parliamentary democracies, compared with total overall group sales of 42 bil- in doing so may face the Grim Reaper some- the researchers looked at politicians who served lion euros-rejects the accusations as “unjustified”. what sooner than the expected. So suggests an as party leaders at the time of their election to It insists the pills have a “positive” risk-benefit offbeat study in the Christmas edition of the the legislature. After adjusting for life expectan- profile and are approved by every national drug British medical journal, The BMJ. Researchers led cy at the time of the last election, elected heads agency. So far, the courts have agreed, notably in by Anupam Jena, an associate professor in of government lived 2.7 years less than non- a case brought against Bayer in Switzerland. health care policy at Harvard Medical School, elected rivals. “We found that heads of govern- Nevertheless, a number of studies have sug- looked at the age of death among 279 national- ments had substantially accelerated mortality gested that contraceptive pills using ly-elected leaders in 17 Western countries, from compared with runner-up candidates,” says the drospirenone and other progestins double the 1722 to 2015. study. “Our findings suggest that elected lead- risk of clotting blood vessels compared with ear- This was compared with 261 runner-ups in ers may indeed age more quickly.”—AFP PARIS: French drugmaker group Sanofi new CEO Olivier Brandicourt addresses the lier generations of contraceptive pills. In France, group’s general meeting in Paris.—AFP WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 16, 2015 HEALTH & SCIENCE

Mental health care would curb violence, some at hearing say SACRAMENTO, California: A gun club Sacramento on the third anniversary of by a couple who authorities say were about the cost of requiring ammuni- tion.” On background checks for buying owner and a gun dealer are among the Dec 14, 2012, shooting at Sandy inspired by a foreign terror organiza- tion buyers to buy a license every two guns, Thompson had support from Joe those telling a congressman Monday Hook Elementary School in tion. Thompson opposed one sugges- years. He also opposes a ban on sales Deaser, owner of Capital Gun Club in that closing loopholes in federal back- Connecticut that left 20 first-graders tion from gun control advocates: back- to those under age 18 and said the Roseville, and Chris Kitaeff, a gun show ground checks and increasing mental and six educators dead, and he ground checks for buying ammunition, checks could make it difficult for gun dealer from Arizona and board mem- health help would reduce gun vio- opened by criticizing Congress’ inac- as would be required under a 2016 bal- owners who live in other states to buy ber of Arizonans for Gun Safety. “This lence. California US Rep Mike tion since then. lot initiative proposed by Lt. Gov Gavin ammunition during visits to California. really isn’t about gun control. It’s about Thompson, chairman of House But Thompson said he is a gun own- Newsom. “Doesn’t the California keeping bad people from doing dumb Democrats’ Gun Violence Prevention er trying to find middle ground as he Newsom, a Democrat who is run- Congressman want to know if a visitor things,” Deaser said. But Craig DeLux, Task Force, held the hearing less than co-authors a House bill requiring ning for governor in 2018, also wants from another state buying deadly an advocate with the California two weeks after 14 people were fatally nationwide background checks at gun to ban the possession, not just the sale, ammo is a violent felon?” Dan Association of Federal Firearms shot in San Bernardino. Gun rights pro- shows and for those who buy guns of large-capacity ammunition maga- Newman, a spokesman for the ballot Licensees, said even California’s strict ponents accused Thompson of politi- from individuals online. His office said zines and require police reports when measure campaign, responded in an gun control laws aren’t enough to stop cizing the issue. He conducted the the panel discussion was scheduled guns are lost or stolen. Thompson said email. “Right now there is absolutely criminals, terrorists, or others willing to hearing at the state Capitol in before the San Bernardino shootings in an interview that he is concerned no oversight on the sale of ammuni- break the law.—AP

Study documents sea lion brain damage due to algae’s toxin WASHINGTON: A toxin produced by called Pseudo-nitzschia, responsible for the marine algae is inflicting brain damage on toxin occur naturally in coastal waters. Their sea lions along California’s coast, causing blooms have become more frequent and neurological and behavioral changes that severe in recent years. This year’s bloom can impair their ability to navigate in the was the largest on record, reaching from sea and survive in the wild, scientists said Santa Barbara, California to Alaska. on Monday. Ocean pollution from chemicals like fer- Brain scans on 30 California sea lions tilizers and warming ocean temperatures detected damage in the hippocampus, a associated with global climate change are brain structure associated with memory believed to contribute to bloom size and and spatial navigation, in animals naturally frequency. The toxin accumulates in shell- exposed to the toxin known as domoic fish and small fish that consume algae. Sea acid, the researchers said. Domoic acid lions, other marine mammals and seabirds mimics glutamate, a chemical that trans- are exposed to it after eating those shellfish mits nerve impulses in the brain, and leads and fish. to over-activation of hippocampus nerve “Domoic acid-producing blooms have cells and chronic epilepsy, according to been in the environment for a very long Emory University cognitive psychologist time, but the current pattern of much larg- Peter Cook, who worked on the study while er and more frequent blooms causing more at the University of California-Santa Cruz. visible damage to marine animals has been “The behavioral deficits accompanying going on since the 1980s,” Cook said. Sea brain damage with domoic acid are severe, lions exposed to the toxin had greatly and may negatively impact foraging and reduced connectivity between the hip- navigation in sea lions, driving strandings pocampus and the thalamus, a brain struc- and mortality,” Cook said. Hundreds of sea ture associated with sensory perception lions annually are found stranded on and regulation of motor functions. Those California beaches with signs of domoic with hippocampus damage also performed acid poisoning such as disorientation and worse on memory tasks such as one involv- BAIKONUR, Kazakhstan: Russia’s Soyuz TMA-19M spacecraft carrying the International Space Station (ISS) Expedition 46/47 crew of Britain’s seizures. Thousands are thought to be ing finding a food reward. “Hundreds of sea astronaut Tim Peake, Russian cosmonaut Yuri Malenchenko and US astronaut Tim Kopra blasts off from the launch pad at the Russian-leased exposed to the toxin. lions end up in stranding facilities each Baikonur cosmodrome yesterday.—AFP View galleryA photo showing normal year. A great many of them do die although California sea lion brain section &hel- some can be rehabilitated and survive for lip; A normal California sea lion brain sec- some time in the wild,” Cook said. The tion (L) and California sea lion brain that research was published in the journal First Briton to travel to has been affected ... The microscopic algae, Science.—Reuters In Chile, world’s astronomy hub, ISS blasts off into space scientists fear loss of dark skies BAIKONUR, Kazakhstan: Tim Peake, the first ‘Quite emotional’ age into space, talking about his expectations of a Briton to travel to the International Space Station, Peake’s mission has generated considerable festive season aboad the ISS during a pre-flight CHILE: When some of the world’s leading smooth airflow in northern Chile’s Atacama blasted off yesterday from the Baikonur cosmod- excitement in Britain. Crowds gathered in the news conference at the Cosmonaut Hotel in astronomers scaled a frosty, Chilean peak in Desert create unrivalled visibility for the high- rome with two other astronauts, to cheers and Science Museum in London to witness the liftoff, Baikonur on Monday. “We’ll be enjoying the fantas- mid-November to break ground on a state-of- tech telescopes that scientists hope will shed excitement back home. Peake, 43, joins Russian with thousands of people including around 2,000 tic view of planet Earth and our thoughts will be the-art, $1 billion telescope, they were light on the formation of the universe and the space veteran Yury Malenchenko and Tim Kopra of schoolchildren breaking into screams and waving with everyone on Earth enjoying Christmas and stunned by an unexpectedly hazy glow. On possibility of extraterrestrial life. NASA for a six-month mission on the ISS. Fire from British flags as giant screens set up in the exhibi- with our friends and family,” he said. On the eve of the floor of the Atacama Desert, some 1,700 But scientists say light pollution has the boosters of the Soyuz rocket cut a bright light tion hall showed the rocket blasting off. A further Peake’s departure, the British government unveiled meters (5,600 ft) below the planned Giant increased sharply in the barren Atacama as through the overcast sky at the Moscow-operated party is planned for Tuesday evening, when the an ambitious new space policy. The policy aims to Magellan Telescope, new streetlights lining mining cities swell and tourist numbers cosmodrome in Kazakhstan as the spacecraft museum will stay open late in a special celebration, more than triple the value of the sector to the Chile’s north-south highway shone brightly. mushroom. “There is an ongoing concern that launched on schedule at 1103 GMT. “It was great to and the first British citizen in space Helen Sharman national economy, reaching $40 billion by 2030. To the naked eye, the Milky Way still looked ground-based astronomy is at risk long-term. watch Tim Peake blast off on his mission to join the will give a talk. UK Secretary of State for Business Innovation sharp. But to a sensitive, state-of-the-art tele- There just are not that many pristine sites International Space Station,” British Prime Minister “If just one or two of the school children here and Skills, Sajid Javid, said the new policy will “turn scope scouring the deepest reaches of the left,” said Patrick McCarthy, the president of David Cameron said on Twitter. decide to be engineers or scientists or test pilots as science fiction into science fact” while helping known universe, the new ground light could the Giant Magellan Telescope, which will be Queen Elizabeth II’s official Twitter account a result of this mission, then it’s going to be worth London increase its share of the global space mar- be blinding. constructed at the Las Campanas @BritishMonarchy retweeted the UK Space Agency it,” said TV science presenter Brian Cox, who ket from seven to 10 percent. Space travel has been “It’s like putting an oil rig in the middle of Observatory in the southern Atacama. “As saying “We have liftoff! @astro_timpeake is on his watched the launch at the Science Museum. In one of the few areas of international cooperation the Great Barrier Reef,” said Guillermo Blanc, a these cities and highways grow, you start to way to space! #GoodLuckTim, the #UK is with you!” Peake’s hometown of Chichester in southeastern between Russia and the West that has not been University of Chile astronomy professor, who wash out the faintest objects. The thing is, the Russian space officials said the launch had gone England, the launch was shown at his old school. wrecked by the Ukraine conflict. first saw the lights at the opening. “It’s insane,” faintest objects are the reason we’re building according to plan and that the spacecraft was due The Chichester Observer quoted his old physics The Soyuz trio will join up with three astronauts he added. “Why are they trying to light up the these telescopes in the first place.” to dock at the ISS at about 1724 GMT. Former army teacher, Mike Gouldstone, as saying: “This is every already at the ISS-Scott Kelly of NASA and Russians Andes?” In the past 30 years, Chile has carved Just over 100 kilometers southwest of the major Peake-a European Space Agency flight engi- physics teachers dream, to have had a future astro- Sergei Volkov and Mikhail Kornienko. Three other out a niche as the global hub for observation- Giant Magellan Telescope, the populations of neer-begins a mission of more than 170 days or naut in front of you. “It is all quite emotional for me. astronauts-NASA’s Kjell Lindgren, Japanese astro- al astronomy. More than a dozen major Coquimbo and La Serena ballooned by nearly six months at the orbiting research outpost A lot of children come here because ‘the astronaut naut Kimiya Yui and Russian cosmonaut Oleg research telescopes have already been built, almost 70 percent from 1992 to 2012. along with Malenchenko, 53, and 52-year-old Tim Peake’ came here.” Kononenko-returned to Earth on Friday in a rare and by 2020, the South American country will Nightclubs, sports arenas and sprawling sub- Kopra.His two fellow crew members have already nighttime landing. The ISS space laboratory has boast around 70 percent of the world’s astro- urbs all spew bright, artificial light into the spent 641 and 58 days in space respectively. Christmas in space been orbiting the Earth at roughly 28,000 kilome- nomical infrastructure. The low humidity and night sky.—Reuters Peake himself was relaxed ahead of his first voy- ters (17,500 miles) an hour since 1998.—AFP WHAT’S ON WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 16, 2015

Birthday Greetings May this birthday come with love, laughter and blessings. May Almighty God shower all His blessing today and throughout the year on you. Many, many hap- py returns of the day Charvita Polineni! From your par- ents: Santaram Naidu Polineni and Lata Polineni. Brothers and Sisters: Vathsalya, Rupesh, Hemanth and Nani.

Bangladeshi Embassy closure he Embassy of the People’s Republic of Bangladesh in Kuwait will remain closed on Wednesday, 16 TDecember 2015 on the occasion of The Victory Day of Bangladesh. The Embassy will arrange the following program on Wednesday, 16 December 2015 at Chancery to observe the Victory Day of Bangladesh: Chancery Roof: 9 am: Ceremonial hoisting of the National Flag. Multipurpose Hall: 9:15 am: Recitation from the Holy Quran 9:16 am: Observance of one minute silence 9:17 am: Reading out the messages 9:30 am: Discussion on the Day Ahmadi Governor Sheikh Fawaz Khaled Al-Hamad Al-Sabah sponsored an entertaining day for elderly and disabled people’s care home’s residents, organ- 10 am: Speech by the Ambassador. ized by the social development centers in Fintas and Ali Sabah Al-Salem. Ayanam holds opens forum ‘Cinema on Crossroads’

s it another cinema possible” “Creative Possibilities of Cinema” presided the event and Abdul was one of the topic pre- with his vision of cinema and the Fathah Thayyil welcomed the audi- “Isented by national award visual language and culture to ence. Bergman Thomas, Rafeek winning eminent film critic and evolve in the society to counter the Uduma, Thomas Mathew Kadavil, filmmaker Dr C S Venkiteshwaran in negative elements exists. Shareef Thamarassery, Kannan the program “Cinema on crossroads” Manilal the wellknown film mak- Kavungal, Sunil Cheriyan, John conducted by Ayanam Open Forum er and writer presented the topic Mathew, Mujibullah, and others par- at FOKE Hall. about the film society movement in ticipated in the discussion and pre- The event was held as an open Kerala and the present status. He sented their views. Sathar Kunnil, forum with active participation from was optimistic about the new Shaji Raghuvaran and Rafeek the audience and expanded to an trends and expected to produce Uduma handed over the souvenir to in-depth discussion about cinema good films from this evolving cul- the film personalities. Nottam Fim and film culture in India and the ture. festival Director Vinod world present today. Sunny Joseph Writer Karunakran opens the dis- Valloopparambil and other digni- an Indian Cinematographer and cussion about cinema and analyzed taries from Kuwait art, media and director from Kerala, most known the root elements in society which film arena attended the event. for his award winning work in Shaji impacts not only cinema but all the Habeebulla Muttichoor, Sabu Peter N Karun classic, ‘Piravi’ and other other art forms in the present day. and Anwar Sadath coordinated the major films in more than 16 lan- Ayanam Open Forum General event. Shareef Thamarassery deliv- guages in India presented the topic Convener Mohammed Riyaz ered vote of thanks.

The KG Department at the American Baccalaureate School (ABS) went on an exciting field trip to the zoo recently. WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 16, 2015 W H AT ’ S O N

ACK’s smoking awareness initiative goes live

s an educational institution dedicated to the Engineering students, guided by their instructors, Business, noted that the experience had a strong Usameh said: “We need to show children from a very advancement of youth, the Australian College of designed and constructed models to demonstrate the impact on the participants. She commented: “My stu- young age what can happen to their bodies if they AKuwait (ACK) has been committed to the plan- effects of smoking on humans and the environment. It dents have been developing their presentations for the smoke. This is one of the most important messages ning and development of a nation-wide initiative rais- is worth mentioning that the students’ efforts were rec- past 10 weeks and were well prepared. However, when they should hear for their futures. I believe that our ing awareness on the health and environmental ognized and rewarded at the Kuwait National they actually stood in front of the young 6-year olds, students will definitely make a difference through this impacts of smoking. Petroleum Company’s (KNPC) 8th Annual CEO Awards and they could see that these children were listening to project.” Set as a priority, ACK’s executive management has ceremony. This semester, ACK’s School of Business stu- the message, my students realized how important it Not only is ACK dedicated to raising awareness put together a core team to ensure the sustainability of dents took part in the project and used these models was that they show their personal belief in the smoking externally, the College is also finalizing its internal poli- the initiative through the inclusion of its students, aca- by organizing school visits to the International awareness initiative. I have no doubt this experience cy to establish staff and student smoking zones to con- demic and administrative staff. Academy of Kuwait (IAK) and showcasing presentations will remain with my students way into their futures.” tain second hand smoke, best it can. The College is Now in its second year, the initiative has witnessed to inform Grade 1 students on how smoking can nega- ACK’s Advisor to the Chairman, Dr Usameh Jamali, now working on the next phase of this important ini- input from its School of Business academic staff and tively affect them and their loved ones. was also in attendance at the school presentations. tiative and hopes to engage with more schools and students. During previous semesters ACK’s Mechanical Rawa Al-Wadani, a Junior Instructor at the School of Commenting on the success of the initiative, Dr students in the coming months. NBK’s ‘I Dream to Be’ initiative grants Farah’s wish to spend a day at Kidzania ational Bank of Kuwait (NBK) tomized activity. They ended up the social responsibility. NBK works close- continues its ‘I Dream to Be’ ini- day creating their own burgers. ly with the Kuwait Association for the Ntiative, a first-of-a-kind initia- “Farah’s wish is yet another wish Care of Children in Hospitals (KACCH), tive that aims at granting wishes for granted through NBK’s initiative “I Bayt Abdullah for the Care of Children children with severe illnesses and spe- dream to be”. We are proud to be a in Hospice (BACCH) and several other cial needs around Kuwait, giving them part of the children’s dreams and special needs organizations to maxi- the chance to make their dreams expand our support to them as much mize its reach to all the children in come true. as possible,” said Joanne Al-Abdul numerous hospitals and schools. Farah Al-Odaili, who is undergoing Jaleel, NBK Public Relations Officer. NBK has been at the forefront of treatment at NBK Hospital, had her “I Dream to Be” initiative is a life- supporting Kuwait’s community own wish to spend a full day with her time experience for children not only through a range of initiatives towards friends at Kidzania. Therefore, NBK’s with life-threatening conditions but education, health, sports and social family organized exclusive shows and children with special needs as well,” responsibilities. The establishment of activities in cooperation with Kidzania she added. “This initiative is a great NBK’s Children Hospital for Oncology to draw a smile on her face. The tour way to spread joy and show that and Hematology at Al Sabah Medical included a special fashion show there’s always a positive side to a diffi- Area stands as one of many ongoing designed for Farah in addition to an cult situation. We ask children what corporate social initiatives towards exclusive Winter Carnival Show. Photo they want to be and try to fulfill that health and children. “I Dream to Be” booths were designed for her to strike for them.” aims at focusing and supporting NBK’s poses with her friends in addition to NBK gives top priority to children efforts towards children and address- being the main star for each cus- through its commitment to corporate ing their needs as much as possible.

The Direct Aid Society’s Public Relations Director Abdulrahman Al-Shatti received students from the ‘Energy Camp’ club, and gave them a brief about the society’s charitable activities in Africa.

Tolerance, human South African Embassy closure rights celebrated n the occasion of at KNES Reconciliation Day, Othe South African Embassy will be closed on o commemorate the 50th Anniversary of the Wednesday, 16 December two international covenants on Human Rights 2015. The Embassy will T(International covenant on economic, social and resume its normal work- cultural rights and the International covenant on Civil ing hours on Thursday, 17 and Political Rights) coupled with Tolerance Day, December 2015, from Kuwait National English School (KNES) Primary Sunday to Thursday. Department celebrated with song and poetry. We wit- Please note that the work- nessed wonderful assemblies presented by KS1 and ing hours will be from KS2 respectively. Songs like, “The waving Flag-song”, 8:00 to 16:00 and the “Can’t we get along”, “Song of Peace” were sung and a Consular Section opera- Tolerance Acronym as well as various other poems tion hours will from 8:30 to 12:30. For Emergency were performed. Through the performances pupils calls please contact: learnt about the importance preserving each other’s 94924895. human rights and to be tolerant towards each other. p32.qxp_Layout 1 12/15/15 8:02 PM Page 1

WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 16, 2015 TV PROGRAMS

Teenage Witch Kardashians 04:45 Brave New World 09:45 Jessie 07:50 Style Star 05:40 Nat Geo Amazing! 10:10 Jessie 08:20 New Money 06:35 China’s Grand Canal:photog- 10:35 Aladdin & The King Of 08:45 New Money rapher’s Journey Thieves 09:15 Giuliana & Bill 07:30 The Great Food Revolution 00:20 Fast N’ Loud 11:55 Hank Zipzer 10:15 Giuliana & Bill 08:25 The Toilet Men 01:10 Ed Stafford: Into The 12:20 Hank Zipzer 11:10 #RichKids Of Beverly Hills 09:20 Brave New World 03:35 Tanked Unknown 12:45 I Didn’t Do It 11:35 #RichKids Of Beverly Hills 10:15 Do Or Die 04:25 Killer Iq: Lion vs Hyena 02:00 Dual Survival 13:10 I Didn’t Do It 12:05 The Grace Helbig Show 10:40 Do Or Die 05:15 Gator Boys 02:50 River Monsters 13:35 Liv And Maddie 12:35 The Grace Helbig Show 11:10 Man V. Viral 06:02 Treehouse Masters 03:40 Auction Hunters 14:00 Liv And Maddie 13:05 Fashion Bloggers 12:05 Car SOS 06:49 Shamwari: A Wild Life 04:05 Property Wars 14:30 H2O: Just Add Water 13:35 Fashion Bloggers 13:00 Expedition Wild 07:12 Shamwari: A Wild Life 04:30 Storage Wars Canada 14:55 H2O: Just Add Water 14:05 Dash Dolls 14:00 The Great Food Revolution 07:36 Call Of The Wildman 05:00 Americarna 15:20 Dog With A Blog 15:00 Keeping Up With The 15:00 Hubble’s Cosmic Journey 08:00 Call Of The Wildman 05:30 How It’s Made 15:45 Girl Meets World Kardashians 16:00 Do Or Die 08:25 Killer Iq: Lion vs Hyena 06:00 Ice Cold Gold 16:10 Violetta 16:00 Keeping Up With The 16:30 Do Or Die 09:15 Gator Boys 06:50 Kindig Customs 17:00 The Next Step Kardashians 17:00 Man V. Viral 10:10 Treehouse Masters 07:40 Fast N’ Loud 17:25 Mako Mermaids 17:00 Hollywood Cycle 18:00 Car SOS 11:05 Tanked 08:30 Auction Hunters 17:50 Girl Meets World 18:00 E! News 19:00 Air Crash Investigation 12:00 Dogs/Cats/Pets 101 08:55 Property Wars 18:15 Dog With A Blog 19:00 Dash Dolls 20:00 Do Or Die 12:55 Bondi Vet 09:20 Storage Wars Canada 18:40 Gravity Falls 20:00 Fashion Bloggers 20:25 Do Or Die 13:50 The Primeval Forest Of 09:45 Americarna 19:05 H2O: Just Add Water 20:30 Fashion Bloggers 20:50 Man V. Viral Belovezhskaya Pushcha 10:10 How It’s Made 19:30 Violetta 21:00 House Of DVF 21:40 Car SOS 14:45 Killer Iq: Lion vs Hyena 10:35 Ed Stafford: Into The 20:20 The Next Step 22:00 E! News 22:30 Air Crash Investigation 15:40 Treehouse Masters Unknown 20:45 Good Luck Charlie 23:00 Keeping Up With The 23:20 Nat Geo Amazing! 16:35 Tanked 11:25 Dual Survival 21:10 Good Luck Charlie Kardashians 17:30 Shamwari: A Wild Life 12:15 River Monsters 21:35 Wizards Of Waverly Place 23:30 Keeping Up With The 17:55 Shamwari: A Wild Life 13:05 Auction Hunters 22:00 Binny And The Ghost Kardashians 18:25 Killer Iq: Lion vs Hyena 13:30 Property Wars 22:25 Sabrina: Secrets Of A 19:20 Yankee Jungle 13:55 Storage Wars Canada Teenage Witch 20:15 Tanked 14:20 Ice Cold Gold 22:50 Sabrina: Secrets Of A 21:10 Shamwari: A Wild Life 15:10 Kindig Customs Teenage Witch 00:10 American Food Battle 21:35 Shamwari: A Wild Life 16:00 Fast N’ Loud 23:10 Wolfblood 00:35 David Rocco’s Dolce Vita 22:05 Treehouse Masters 16:50 Americarna 23:35 Wolfblood 01:00 Chefs Run Wild 23:00 Yankee Jungle 17:15 How It’s Made 00:00 Diners, Drive-Ins And Dives 01:25 Tales From The Bush Larder 23:55 Biggest And Baddest 17:40 Mythbusters 00:30 Diners, Drive-Ins And Dives 01:50 Food Lover’s Guide To The 00:50 Gator Boys 18:30 The Carbonaro Effect 01:00 Diners, Drive-Ins And Dives Planet 01:45 Call Of The Wildman 18:55 The Carbonaro Effect 01:30 Diners, Drive-Ins And Dives 02:15 The Food Files 02:15 Call Of The Wildman 19:20 Outback Truckers 02:00 Man Finds Food 02:40 Eat Street 02:40 Yankee Jungle 20:10 Property Wars 00:00 Nina Needs To Go 02:30 Man Finds Food 03:05 The Best Job In The World 20:35 Storage Wars Canada 00:05 Henry Hugglemonster 03:00 Man Fire Food 03:30 The Great Food Revolution 21:00 Mythbusters 00:20 Calimero 03:30 Man Fire Food 04:20 Bondi Rescue Outback 21:50 The Carbonaro Effect 00:35 Zou 04:00 Diners, Drive-Ins And Dives Adventure 22:15 The Carbonaro Effect 00:50 Loopdidoo 04:30 Diners, Drive-Ins And Dives 05:10 Home Strange Home 22:40 You Have Been Warned 01:05 Art Attack 05:00 Guy’s Grocery Games 06:00 Food Lover’s Guide To The 23:30 Kindig Customs 01:30 Henry Hugglemonster 06:00 Chopped Planet 03:45 Little Britain 01:45 Calimero 07:00 Roadtrip With G. Garvin 06:25 International Open House 04:15 The Weakest Link 02:00 Zou 07:30 Roadtrip With G. Garvin 06:50 Chefs Run Wild 05:00 Teletubbies 02:15 Loopdidoo 08:00 Chopped 07:15 Tales From The Bush Larder 05:25 The Green Balloon Club 02:30 Art Attack 09:00 Guy’s Grocery Games 07:40 Food Lover’s Guide To The 05:50 Charlie And Lola 02:55 Henry Hugglemonster 10:00 The Kitchen Planet 06:00 Teletubbies 00:35 Mythbusters 03:05 Calimero 11:00 Barefoot Contessa: Back To 08:05 The Food Files 06:25 The Green Balloon Club 01:20 How It’s Made 03:20 Zou Basics 08:30 Eat Street 06:50 Charlie And Lola 01:44 How It’s Made 03:30 Loopdidoo 11:30 Barefoot Contessa: Back To 08:55 The Best Job In The World 07:00 Woolly & Tig 02:08 Food Factory 03:45 Art Attack Basics 09:20 The Great Food Revolution 07:05 Woolly & Tig 02:31 Food Factory 04:10 Henry Hugglemonster 12:00 Chopped 10:10 Bondi Rescue Outback 07:15 Jollywobbles 02:55 What Could Possibly Go 04:20 Calimero 13:00 Guy’s Big Bite Adventure 07:20 Jollywobbles Wrong? 04:35 Zou 13:30 Guy’s Big Bite 11:00 Home Strange Home 07:30 The Weakest Link 03:42 Cosmic Collisions 04:45 Loopdidoo 14:00 Diners, Drive-Ins And Dives 11:50 Dog Whisperer 08:15 Up The Women 04:29 Mythbusters 05:00 Art Attack 14:30 Diners, Drive-Ins And Dives 12:40 Chefs Run Wild 08:45 Doctors 05:16 Food Factory 05:25 Henry Hugglemonster 15:00 Roadtrip With G. Garvin 13:05 Tales From The Bush Larder 09:15 Eastenders 05:39 Food Factory 05:35 Calimero 15:30 Roadtrip With G. Garvin 13:35 Food Lover’s Guide To The AGE OF DINOSAURS ON OSN MOVIES HD ACTION 09:45 Call The Midwife 06:03 What Could Possibly Go 05:50 Zou 16:00 Chopped Planet 10:40 Starlings 11:25 The Weakest Link Wrong? 06:00 Loopdidoo 17:00 The Kitchen 14:00 American Food Battle 06:30 My Name Is Earl 11:00 The Ellen DeGeneres Show 15:15 Robot & Frank-PG15 12:10 Up The Women 06:50 X-Machines 06:15 Art Attack 18:00 Jenny And Reza’s Fabulous 14:30 Eat Street 07:00 Late Night With Seth Meyers 12:00 Drop Dead Diva 17:00 Quartet-PG15 12:40 Up The Women 07:37 How It’s Made 06:35 Henry Hugglemonster Food Academy 14:55 The Best Job In The World 10:30 My Name Is Earl 13:00 Once Upon A Time 19:00 Transcendence-PG15 13:10 Call The Midwife 08:00 How It’s Made 06:50 Calimero 18:30 Grandma’s Secret Cookbook 15:25 The Great Food Revolution 11:00 The Tonight Show Starring 14:00 Red Band Society 21:00 Before I Go To Sleep-PG15 14:05 Starlings 08:23 Mythbusters 07:00 Zou 19:00 Chopped 16:20 David Rocco’s Dolce India Jimmy Fallon 15:00 Live Good Morning America 23:00 Taken 3-PG15 14:50 Up The Women 09:08 Cosmic Collisions 07:20 Loopdidoo 20:00 Guy’s Grocery Games 16:45 David Rocco’s Dolce India 12:30 $#! My Dad Says 17:00 Drop Dead Diva 15:20 Doctors 09:53 X-Machines 07:35 Art Attack 21:00 Chopped 17:15 Home Strange Home 13:00 Suburgatory 18:00 Once Upon A Time 15:50 Eastenders 10:38 How It’s Made 08:00 Calimero 22:00 Chopped South Africa 18:10 Food Lover’s Guide To The 13:30 My Name Is Earl 19:00 Red Band Society 16:20 The Weakest Link 11:00 How It’s Made 08:10 Zou 23:00 Iron Chef America Planet 14:00 2 Broke Girls 20:00 Drop Dead Diva 01:30 Hiroku: Defenders Of Gaia 17:05 Up The Women 11:23 How Do They Do It? 08:25 Limon And Oli 18:35 International Open House 15:30 Hot In Cleveland 21:00 Once Upon A Time 03:00 Bolts And Blip 17:35 Up The Women 11:45 How Do They Do It? 08:35 Jake And The Neverland 19:05 The Best Job In The World 16:00 The Nightly Show With Larry 22:00 Tyrant 04:30 Mamma Moo And Crow 18:05 Call The Midwife 12:08 What Could Possibly Go Pirates 19:30 The Great Food Revolution Wilmore 23:00 Helix 06:00 Christmas Is Here Again 19:00 Doctors Wrong? 09:05 Sofia The First 20:25 David Rocco’s Dolce India 17:00 Late Night With Seth Meyers 07:45 Marco Macaco 19:30 Eastenders 12:53 X-Machines 09:30 Miles From Tomorrow 20:50 David Rocco’s Dolce India 18:00 Marry Me 09:30 Pim And Pom: The Big 20:00 New Tricks 13:38 Mythbusters 10:00 Mickey Mouse Clubhouse 21:15 Home Strange Home 18:30 2 Broke Girls 00:10 Come Date With Me Adventure 20:55 DCI Banks: Aftermath 14:23 How It’s Made 10:30 Doc McStuffins 22:05 Food Lover’s Guide To The 20:00 The Tonight Show Starring Australia 11:00 Charlie And The Chocolate 21:45 Stewart Lee’s Comedy 14:46 How It’s Made 11:00 Sofia The First Planet Jimmy Fallon 00:35 Come Date With Me Factory Vehicle 15:10 Cosmic Collisions 11:30 Jake And The Never Land 22:30 International Open House 21:00 Hot In Cleveland Australia 00:00 Reign Of Assassins 13:00 Bolts And Blip 22:15 Waking The Dead 15:57 How Do They Do It? Pirates 22:55 Chefs Run Wild 21:30 The Nightly Show With Larry 01:05 Seven Days With‚Ķ 02:00 At The Devil’s Door 14:30 Hatching 23:05 Waking The Dead 16:20 How Do They Do It? 11:55 Miles From Tomorrow 23:20 Tales From The Bush Larder Wilmore 02:00 Emmerdale 04:00 The Scorpion King 4: Quest 16:00 The Elf Who Stole Christmas 00:00 The Weakest Link 16:44 What Could Possibly Go 12:25 Henry Hugglemonster 23:45 Food Lover’s Guide To The 22:00 The League 02:25 Coach Trip For Power 18:00 Pim And Pom: The Big 00:45 Doctors Wrong? 12:55 Loopdidoo Planet 22:30 The League 02:55 Coronation Street 06:00 Last Passenger Adventure 01:15 Eastenders 17:31 X-Machines 13:10 Sheriff Callie’s Wild West 23:30 Late Night With Seth Meyers 18:18 Cosmic Collisions 03:25 Midsomer Murders 08:00 The River Wild 20:00 Minuscule: Valley Of The 01:40 Call The Midwife 13:35 Mickey Mouse Clubhouse Lost Ants 19:05 Mythbusters 14:00 Sofia The First 05:15 Come Date With Me 10:00 The Italian Job (2003) 02:35 New Tricks 19:50 Strip The Cosmos Australia 12:00 The Scorpion King 4: Quest 22:00 Hatching 14:30 Henry Hugglemonster 23:30 The Elf Who Stole Christmas 20:40 What Could Possibly Go 14:45 Calimero 05:40 Come Date With Me For Power Wrong? 15:00 Doc McStuffins Australia 14:00 Marvel’s Next Avengers: 00:00 Bates Motel 21:25 How It’s Made 15:30 Zou 06:10 Seven Days With‚Ķ 00:20 World’s Deadliest Heroes Of Tomorrow 01:00 Blood & Oil 21:50 How It’s Made 15:45 Mickey Mouse Clubhouse 07:05 Coronation Street 01:10 Man V. Monster 16:00 Last Passenger 02:00 Supergirl 22:15 Cosmic Collisions 16:15 Sofia The First 07:30 Midsomer Murders 02:00 Africa’s Deadliest 18:00 Age Of Dinosaurs 03:14 Grojband 03:00 Scream Queens 23:00 Strip The Cosmos 16:45 Jake And The Never Land 09:20 Peter Andre’s 60 Minute 02:50 World’s Deadliest Animals 20:00 Escape Plan 03:35 Johnny Test 04:00 The Voice 23:45 What Could Possibly Go Pirates Makeover 03:45 Animal Fight Club 22:00 The Outsider 00:00 Men, Women & Children-18 05:05 Transformers: Robots In 06:00 Unforgettable Wrong? 17:10 Aladdin 10:10 Seven Days With‚Ķ 04:40 Built For The Kill 02:00 Big Hero 6-PG Disguise 07:00 Bones 17:40 Adventures Of The Gummi 11:05 Coach Trip 05:35 Africa’s Deadliest 04:00 No Clue-PG15 05:27 Transformers: Robots In 08:00 Resurrection Bears 11:35 Four Weddings UK 06:30 World’s Deadliest Animals 06:00 Marvel’s Hulk vs. Thor & Disguise 09:00 The Voice 18:10 Chip n Dale Rescue Rangers 12:30 Come Date With Me 07:25 Animal Fight Club Wolverine-PG 05:50 Regular Show 11:00 Blood & Oil 18:40 Jake And The Never Land Australia 08:20 I, Predator 08:00 So Undercover-PG15 06:00 The Amazing World Of 12:00 Emmerdale Pirates 12:55 Come Date With Me 09:15 Built For The Kill 00:00 At The Devil’s Door-PG15 10:00 Hellboy: Sword Of Storms- Gumball 12:30 Coronation Street 18:55 Cars Toons Australia 10:10 World’s Deadliest 02:00 The Scorpion King 4: Quest PG 07:00 Adventure Time 13:25 Emmerdale 11:05 72 Dangerous Animals 13:00 The Ellen DeGeneres Show For Power-PG15 12:00 Brick Mansions-PG15 00:00 Violetta 19:00 Miles From Tomorrow 07:25 Teen Titans Go! 13:50 Coach Trip Australia 14:00 Resurrection 04:00 Last Passenger-PG15 14:00 Sabotage-PG15 00:45 The Hive 19:30 Sofia The First 08:10 Ninjago: Masters Of Spinjitzu 14:20 Coronation Street 12:00 Global Whale Shark Mystery 15:00 Unforgettable 06:00 The River Wild-PG15 16:00 So Undercover-PG15 00:50 Sabrina: Secrets Of A 19:55 Doc McStuffins 08:35 Ben 10 Omniverse 14:45 Peter Andre’s 60 Minute 12:55 Ultimate Animal Countdown 16:00 Emmerdale 08:00 The Italian Job (2003)-PG15 18:00 Vamps-PG15 Teenage Witch 20:15 Jake And The Never Land 09:20 Regular Show Makeover 13:50 World’s Deadliest Animals 16:30 Coronation Street 10:00 The Scorpion King 4: Quest 20:00 A Case Of You-PG15 01:15 Sabrina: Secrets Of A Pirates 10:10 Clarence 15:35 The Jonathan Ross Show 14:45 Animal Fight Club 17:00 The Ellen DeGeneres Show For Power-PG15 22:00 The Skeleton Twins-18 Teenage Witch 20:45 Sheriff Callie’s Wild West 10:30 Johnny Test 16:30 The Syndicate 15:40 How Big Can It Get 18:00 The Voice 12:00 Marvel’s Next Avengers: 01:40 Wolfblood 21:05 Mickey Mouse Clubhouse 11:20 Uncle Grandpa 17:25 Seven Days With‚Ķ 16:35 Built For The Kill 20:00 Supergirl Heroes Of Tomorrow-PG 02:05 Wolfblood 21:35 Sofia The First 11:40 Ninjago: Masters Of Spinjitzu 18:20 Come Date With Me 17:30 World’s Deadliest Animals 21:00 Marvel’s Agents Of 14:00 Last Passenger-PG15 02:30 Violetta 22:00 Aladdin 12:05 Teen Titans Go! Australia 18:25 72 Dangerous Animals S.H.I.E.L.D. 16:00 Age Of Dinosaurs-PG15 03:15 The Hive 22:30 Adventures Of The Gummi 12:50 Steven Universe 19:10 Coronation Street Australia 22:00 The Flash 18:00 Escape Plan-PG15 03:20 Sabrina: Secrets Of A Bears 01:00 Live MSNBC Mtp Daily 13:02 Steven Universe 19:35 The Jonathan Ross Show 19:20 Animal Fight Club 23:00 American Horror Story: Hotel 20:00 The Outsider-PG15 Teenage Witch 23:00 Chip n Dale Rescue Rangers 02:00 Live MSNBC News 13:15 Regular Show 20:30 The Syndicate 20:10 How Big Can It Get 22:00 The Terminator-18 03:45 Sabrina: Secrets Of A 23:30 Lilo & Stitch 03:00 Live NBC Nightly News 14:00 Johnny Test 21:25 Seven Days With‚Ķ 21:00 Built For The Kill Teenage Witch 14:50 Adventure Time 22:20 Coronation Street 21:50 World’s Deadliest Animals 03:30 ABC World News With David 04:10 Wolfblood 15:10 The Amazing World Of 22:50 Emmerdale 22:40 72 Dangerous Animals Muir 04:35 Wolfblood Gumball 23:15 Four Weddings UK Australia 04:00 Live MSNBC All In With Chris 05:00 Violetta 15:35 The Amazing World Of 23:30 Global Whale Shark Mystery Hayes 05:45 The Hive Gumball 00:00 The Ellen DeGeneres Show 05:00 Live MSNBC The Rachel 05:50 Mouk 00:00 Stewarts And Hamiltons 00:00 The Hot Chick 16:00 Ben 10 Omniverse 01:00 Good Morning America Maddow Show 06:00 Lolirock 00:55 The Grace Helbig Show 02:00 Zoolander 16:45 Ninjago: Masters Of Spinjitzu 03:00 Tyrant 06:00 Live MSNBC The Last Word 06:25 Hank Zipzer 01:25 Keeping Up With The 04:00 Foodfight! 17:10 Ninjago: Masters Of Spinjitzu 04:00 Helix W/ Lawrence O’Donnell 06:50 Girl Meets World Kardashians 06:00 Simon Birch 17:30 Teen Titans Go! 05:00 Good Morning America 07:00 NBC Nightly News 07:15 H2O: Just Add Water 02:20 Giuliana & Bill 00:10 The Border 08:00 Tooth Fairy 18:20 Regular Show 07:00 Emmerdale 07:30 ABC World News With David 07:40 H2O: Just Add Water 03:15 Christina Milian Turned Up 01:00 Air Crash Investigation 00:30 Hot In Cleveland 10:00 Foodfight! 19:05 The Amazing World Of 07:30 Coronation Street Muir 08:05 Austin & Ally 04:10 Pop Innovators 02:00 Wicked Tuna: North vs. 01:00 The Nightly Show With Larry 12:00 Zoolander Gumball 08:00 The Ellen DeGeneres Show 07:57 NBC Nightly News 08:30 Austin & Ally 05:05 E! Entertainment Special South Wilmore 14:00 The Ladykillers 19:30 Johnny Test 09:00 Red Band Society 08:18 ABC World News With David 08:55 Sabrina: Secrets Of A 06:00 Keeping Up With The 02:55 Cosmos: A Spacetime 03:30 2 Broke Girls 16:00 Tooth Fairy 19:40 Johnny Test 10:00 Emmerdale Muir Teenage Witch Kardashians Odyssey 04:30 The Tonight Show Starring 18:00 Planes, Trains And 19:51 Adventure Time 10:30 Coronation Street 08:39 Live ABC Nightline 09:20 Sabrina: Secrets Of A 06:55 Keeping Up With The 03:50 The Border Jimmy Fallon Automobiles 20:15 Steven Universe 20:00 That Awkward Moment 09:06 MSNBC The Rachel 20:27 Steven Universe 22:00 Duets Maddow Show 20:40 Teen Titans Go! 10:00 MSNBC The Last Word W/ 21:25 Ben 10: Omniverse Lawrence O’Donnell 21:50 Ben 10: Omniverse 11:00 Live ABC World News Now 22:15 Uncle Grandpa 11:30 Live ABC World News Now 22:40 Adventure Time 12:00 Live NBC Early Today 00:10 Regular Show 12:30 Live ABC America This 01:40 Transformers: Robots In 01:00 InSight-PG15 Morning Disguise 03:00 At Middleton-PG15 13:00 Live ABC America This 02:02 Transformers: Robots In 05:00 Wrath-PG15 Morning Disguise 07:00 A Promise-PG15 13:30 Live ABC America This 02:25 Grojband 09:00 Paranoia-PG15 Morning 02:51 Grojband 11:00 Wrath-PG15 14:00 Live ABC America This 13:00 At Middleton-PG15 Morning 15:00 The Truth About Emanuel- PG15 14:30 MSNBC First Look 17:00 Paranoia-PG15 15:00 Live NBC Today Show 19:00 Jack Strong-PG15 18:57 MSNBC Hardball W/ Chris 21:15 As Cool As I Am-PG15 Matthews 23:00 Her-18 19:38 MSNBC The Rachel 03:40 The Killer Speaks Maddow Show 04:35 Gangsters: America’s Most 20:19 MSNBC The Last Word W/ Evil Lawrence O’Donnell 05:25 Crimes That Shook Australia 21:00 Live MSNBC Live With 06:15 Killers Thomas Roberts 07:05 The First 48 01:00 The Hidden Face 08:00 The First 48 03:00 The Bag Man 23:00 Live MSNBC Live With Kate Snow 09:00 The First 48 05:00 1911 10:00 Nightmare In Suburbia 07:00 Rushmore 11:00 Very Bad Men 09:00 Tea With Mussolini 11:30 Very Bad Men 11:00 The Bag Man 12:00 Frenemies 13:00 Rushmore 13:00 The FBI Files 15:00 We Are Family 04:20 Big Screen 14:00 Crime Stories 17:00 Tea With Mussolini 04:35 Nobody’s Fool 15:00 Nightmare In Suburbia 19:00 71 06:20 Inspector Clouseau 16:00 Very Bad Men 21:00 Jersey Boys 07:55 Late For Dinner 16:30 Very Bad Men 23:15 Mobius 09:30 Little Sister 17:00 The First 48 11:05 Death Rides A Horse 18:00 Frenemies 13:00 Big Screen 19:00 The FBI Files 20:00 Crime Stories 13:15 Saved! 01:15 Ask Me Anything-PG15 21:00 Very Bad Men 14:45 Thunderbirds Are Go 21:30 Very Bad Men 03:00 Million Dollar Arm-PG15 16:20 The Great Escape 05:15 Lizzie Borden Took An Ax- 22:00 Nightmare In Suburbia 19:10 Shattered Glass PG15 23:00 Celebrity Ghost Stories 07:00 The Giver-PG15 20:45 Big Screen 23:55 The Last Goodbye 09:00 Quartet-PG15 21:00 The Blair Witch Project 00:25 The Last Goodbye 10:45 Divergent-PG15 22:20 Cold Mountain 00:50 The Ghost Inside My Child REIGN OF ASSASSINS ON OSN MOVIES ACTION 13:00 The Hunger Games: 00:55 Cabin Fever 01:45 My Haunted House Mockingjay Part I-PG15 02:30 The Heavenly Kid 02:45 Nightmare In Suburbia Classifieds

WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 16, 2015

LOST Kuwait KNCC PROGRAMME FROM THURSDAY TO WEDNESDAY Original document policy (10/12/2015 TO 16/12/2015) No. 633003315 of Muhammad Mali by the State Life Insurance SHARQIA-1 NO FRI+SAT+MON CLOSE RANGE 11:00 PM Corporation Pakistan, Gulf V8-2 11:30 AM V8-2 4:30 PM CLOSE RANGE 1:00 AM Zone is reported to have THE GOOD DINOSAUR 11:30 AM FRI+SAT+MON IN THE HEART OF THE SEA 1:45 PM BUS 657 6:30 PM AVENUES-4 been lost. Anyone finding IN THE HEART OF THE SEA 4:15 PM ZINZANA (Emirati Film) 8:30 PM IN THE HEART OF THE SEA 12:30 PM the same or claiming any IN THE HEART OF THE SEA 6:45 PM ZINZANA (Emirati Film) 10:30 PM IN THE HEART OF THE SEA 3:15 PM interest in it should com- IN THE HEART OF THE SEA 9:15 PM ZINZANA (Emirati Film) 12:30 AM IN THE HEART OF THE SEA 6:00 PM municate with State Life IN THE HEART OF THE SEA 11:45 PM “IN THE HEART OF THE SEA” 6:00 PM FANAR-4 IN THE HEART OF THE SEA 8:45 PM office Kuwait. Tel: SHARQIA-2 THE GOOD DINOSAUR -3D 1:00 PM IN THE HEART OF THE SEA 11:30 PM 22452208. (C 5099) THE GOOD DINOSAUR 1:00 PM THE GOOD DINOSAUR 3:15 PM 16-12-2015 THE GOOD DINOSAUR 3:15 PM THE GOOD DINOSAUR -3D 5:30 PM AVENUES-5 THE GOOD DINOSAUR 5:30 PM THE GOOD DINOSAUR 7:45 PM THE GOOD DINOSAUR 1:00 PM THE GOOD DINOSAUR 7:45 PM THE GOOD DINOSAUR -3D 10:00 PM CLOSE RANGE 1:30 PM THE GOOD DINOSAUR 10:00 PM BUS 657 12:15 AM THE GOOD DINOSAUR -3D 3:15 PM FOR SALE CREED 12:15 AM THE GOOD DINOSAUR -3D 5:30 PM FANAR-5 THE GOOD DINOSAUR 7:45 PM SHARQIA-3 CREED 12:45 PM Special Show “HOWL” 7:45 PM Toyota Aurion - Grande - CLOSE RANGE 12:30 PM TAMASHA - Hindi 3:30 PM CLOSE RANGE 10:00 PM 2011, full options, km CLOSE RANGE 2:30 PM BENGAL TIGER - Telugu 3:30 PM CLOSE RANGE 12:05 AM 85000, white color, KD CLOSE RANGE 4:30 PM BENGAL TIGER - Telugu 6:30 PM 2650. Mob: 50994848. CLOSE RANGE 6:30 PM BENGAL TIGER - Telugu 9:30 PM 360º- 1 (C 5097) BUS 657 8:30 PM CREED 9:30 PM THE GOOD DINOSAUR -3D 1:00 PM CLOSE RANGE 10:30 PM CREED 12:30 AM THE GOOD DINOSAUR -3D 3:15 PM CLOSE RANGE 12:30 AM THE GOOD DINOSAUR 5:30 PM KIA Mohave jeep - (6 clr) MARINA-1 THE GOOD DINOSAUR -3D 7:45 PM 2013, white color, excellent MUHALAB-1 HYENA ROAD 12:45 PM THE GOOD DINOSAUR 10:00 PM conditions, km 87000, KD BUS 657 11:45 AM HYENA ROAD 3:00 PM THE GOOD DINOSAUR 12:15 AM 3100. Tel: 66729295. Prayer timings IN THE HEART OF THE SEA 1:45 PM HYENA ROAD 5:15 PM (C 5098) IN THE HEART OF THE SEA 4:15 PM HYENA ROAD 7:30 PM 360º- 2 15-12-2015 Fajr: 05:10 CREED 6:45 PM HYENA ROAD 10:00 PM BUS 657 1:00 PM IN THE HEART OF THE SEA 9:30 PM HYENA ROAD 12:30 AM BUS 657 3:00 PM Shorook 06:34 CREED 12:05 AM V8-2 5:00 PM CHANGE OF NAME MARINA-2 BUS 657 7:00 PM Duhr: 11:43 MUHALAB-2 THE GOOD DINOSAUR 12:30 PM BUS 657 9:00 PM ZINZANA (Emirati Film) 1:00 PM THE GOOD DINOSAUR 2:45 PM BUS 657 11:00 PM My daughter, Magishaa Asr: 14:33 ZINZANA (Emirati Film) 3:00 PM THE GOOD DINOSAUR 5:00 PM BUS 657 1:00 AM Madhan Kumar, born on ZINZANA (Emirati Film) 5:00 PM THE GOOD DINOSAUR 7:15 PM ZINZANA (Emirati Film) 2:00 PM THE GOOD DINOSAUR 9:30 PM 360º- 3 05th June 2014 (native dis- Maghrib: 16:51 BENGAL TIGER - Telugu 4:00 PM CREED 11:45 PM BRIDGE OF SPIES 11:30 AM trict: Coimbatore), residing BENGAL TIGER - Telugu 7:00 PM CREED 2:30 PM at No. 54, Jothi Theatre Isha: 18:14 TAMASHA - Hindi 7:00 PM MARINA-3 BRIDGE OF SPIES 5:30 PM Road, Chinnasamy Kadu, BENGAL TIGER - Telugu 10:00 PM THE GOOD DINOSAUR 11:30 AM CREED 8:30 PM Ammapet, Salem - 636003. ZINZANA (Emirati Film) 1:00 AM IN THE HEART OF THE SEA 1:45 PM BRIDGE OF SPIES 11:30 PM Shall henceforth be known ZINZANA (Emirati Film) 10:00 PM IN THE HEART OF THE SEA 4:15 PM ZINZANA (Emirati Film) 12:05 AM BRIDGE OF SPIES 6:45 PM AL-KOUT.1 as Darssha Madhan Kumar. 112 IN THE HEART OF THE SEA 9:45 PM THE GOOD DINOSAUR 1:00 PM (C 5096) MUHALAB-3 IN THE HEART OF THE SEA 12:15 AM THE GOOD DINOSAUR 3:15 PM 12-12-2015 THE GOOD DINOSAUR 12:15 PM THE GOOD DINOSAUR 5:30 PM THE GOOD DINOSAUR 2:30 PM AVENUES-1 THE GOOD DINOSAUR 7:45 PM THE GOOD DINOSAUR 4:45 PM BRIDGE OF SPIES 1:00 PM THE GOOD DINOSAUR 10:00 PM No: 16728 THE GOOD DINOSAUR 7:00 PM BRIDGE OF SPIES 4:00 PM IN THE HEART OF THE SEA 12:15 AM THE GOOD DINOSAUR 9:15 PM BRIDGE OF SPIES 7:00 PM IN THE HEART OF THE SEA 11:30 PM BRIDGE OF SPIES 10:00 PM AL-KOUT.2 BUS 657 2:00 PM HYENA ROAD 12:45 PM FANAR-1 BENGAL TIGER - Telugu 4:00 PM HYENA ROAD 3:00 PM STRIKE ONE 12:15 PM BENGAL TIGER - Telugu 7:00 PM HYENA ROAD 5:15 PM STRIKE ONE 2:45 PM BENGAL TIGER - Telugu 10:00 PM HYENA ROAD 7:30 PM STRIKE ONE 5:00 PM BUS 657 1:15 AM HYENA ROAD 9:45 PM STRIKE ONE 7:30 PM HYENA ROAD 12:05 AM STRIKE ONE 9:45 PM AVENUES-2 STRIKE ONE 12:05 AM HOWL 11:30 AM AL-KOUT.3 BUS 657 1:30 PM STRIKE ONE 11:30 AM FANAR-2 HOWL 3:45 PM STRIKE ONE 1:30 PM V8-2 11:30 AM BUS 657 6:00 PM STRIKE ONE 3:45 PM IN THE HEART OF THE SEA 1:30 PM HOWL 8:15 PM STRIKE ONE 6:00 PM IN THE HEART OF THE SEA 4:00 PM HOWL 10:30 PM STRIKE ONE 8:15 PM IN THE HEART OF THE SEA 6:45 PM HOWL 12:45 AM STRIKE ONE 10:30 PM IN THE HEART OF THE SEA 9:15 PM STRIKE ONE 12:45 AM IN THE HEART OF THE SEA 11:45 PM AVENUES-3 CLOSE RANGE 1:00 PM AL-KOUT.4 FANAR-3 CLOSE RANGE 3:00 PM IN THE HEART OF THE SEA 11:30 AM ZINZANA (Emirati Film) 12:30 PM CLOSE RANGE 5:00 PM IN THE HEART OF THE SEA 2:00 PM ZINZANA (Emirati Film) 2:30 PM CLOSE RANGE 7:00 PM IN THE HEART OF THE SEA 4:30 PM ZINZANA (Emirati Film) 4:30 PM CLOSE RANGE 9:00 PM IN THE HEART OF THE SEA 7:00 PM

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

Arrival Flights on Wednesday 16/12/2015 IRM 1186 Tehran 14:15 Departure Flights on Wednesday 16/12/2015 IRM 1189 Mashhad 13:40 Airlines Flt Route Time SVA 500 Jeddah 14:30 Airlines Flt Route Time JZR 176 Dubai 13:45 MSC 415 Sohag 00:05 KAC 672 Dubai 14:45 AIC 988 Hyderabad/Chennai 00:05 IRC 6522 Lamerd 13:55 JZR 267 Beirut 00:30 KAC 284 Dhaka 14:45 JAD 302 Amman 00:15 MSR 611 Cairo 14:00 JZR 539 Cairo 00:40 KAC 512 Mashhad 14:50 FDB 072 Dubai 00:40 UAE 872 Dubai 14:15 FDB 069 Dubai 00:55 KNE 462 Madinah 14:55 MSC 404 Asyut 00:55 CLX 792 Hanoi 14:30 THY 772 Istanbul 01:05 GFA 221 Bahrain 15:00 JAI 573 Mumbai 00:55 IYE 827 Mukalla/Sanaa 14:30 DHX 172 Bahrain 01:10 KNE 472 Jeddah 15:05 MSC 416 Sohag 01:00 IZG 4168 Mashhad 14:30 MSR 614 Cairo 01:20 MRJ 4815 Mashhad 15:15 UAL 981 IAD 01:10 KNE 481 Taif 14:50 DLH 635 Doha 01:35 OMA 645 Muscat 15:30 SYR 344 Damascus 01:10 MSR 576 Sharm el-Sheikh 14:55 ETH 620 Addis Ababa 01:45 ABY 127 Sharjah 15:45 KAC 283 Dhaka 02:10 IRC 527 Mashhad 14:55 CLX 784 Luxembourg 01:45 UAE 857 Dubai 15:45 MSR 615 Cairo 02:20 KAC 673 Dubai 15:00 PGT 858 Istanbul 02:00 QTR 1072 Doha 16:10 THY 773 Istanbul 02:30 FDB 058 Dubai 15:10 UAE 853 Dubai 02:30 JZR 787 Riyadh 16:25 DLH 635 Frankfurt 02:35 QTR 1079 Doha 15:10 GFA 211 Bahrain 02:30 FDB 051 Dubai 16:30 ETH 621 Addis Ababa 02:45 KAC 791 Madinah 15:10 KKK 6507 Istanbul 02:50 JZR 357 Mashhad 16:30 KAC 203 Lahore 03:05 IRM 1187 Tehran 15:30 OMA 643 Muscat 02:55 ETD 303 Abu Dhabi 16:40 DHX 173 Bahrain 03:10 KAC 617 Doha 15:45 FDB 067 Dubai 03:05 KAC 788 Jeddah 16:50 CLX 784 GYD 03:15 SVA 503 Madinah/Jeddah 15:45 RJA 644 Amman 03:05 RJA 640 Amman 16:55 UAE 854 Dubai 03:45 GFA 222 Bahrain 15:45 MSR 612 Cairo 03:10 KAC 542 Cairo 16:55 KKK 6508 Istanbul 03:50 KAC 773 Riyadh 15:50 QTR 1076 Doha 03:15 SYR 341 Damascus 17:00 PGT 859 Istanbul 03:55 KNE 463 Madinah 16:00 CEB 7694 Manila 03:15 SVA 510 Riyadh 17:15 OMA 644 Muscat 03:55 KNE 473 Jeddah 16:05 ETD 305 Abu Dhabi 03:25 IRC 6521 Lamerd 17:20 FDB 068 Dubai 04:00 JZR 554 Alexandria 16:10 AGY 680 Alexandria 04:30 GFA 215 Bahrain 17:30 MSR 613 Cairo 04:10 MRJ 4814 Mashhad 16:15 DHX 170 Bahrain 05:40 JZR 777 Jeddah 17:55 ETD 306 Abu Dhabi 04:15 ABY 128 Sharjah 16:25 THY 770 Istanbul 05:55 UAE 875 Dubai 18:00 QTR 1077 Doha 05:00 OMA 646 Muscat 16:30 FDB 5061 Dubai 06:30 KAC 502 Beirut 18:00 THY 765 Istanbul 05:15 KAC 563 Amman 16:45 BAW 157 London 06:40 FDB 063 Dubai 18:05 CEB 7695 Manila 05:20 JZR 266 Beirut 17:05 KAC 412 Manila/Bangkok 07:20 JZR 177 Dubai 18:20 AGY 685 Sohag 05:30 JZR 238 Amman 17:30 QTR 1086 Doha 07:40 KAC 786 Jeddah 18:30 JZR 560 Sohag 06:10 ETD 304 Abu Dhabi 17:30 FDB 053 Dubai 07:45 JZR 483 Istanbul 18:40 FDB 070 Dubai 06:30 FDB 052 Dubai 17:35 KAC 302 Mumbai 07:50 ABY 123 Sharjah 18:45 JZR 164 Dubai 06:55 QTR 1073 Doha 17:40 OMA 641 Muscat 07:55 QTR 1080 Doha 18:55 RJA 645 Amman 07:05 JZR 538 Cairo 17:45 KAC 382 Delhi 08:00 KAC 774 Riyadh 19:25 THY 771 Istanbul 07:05 UAE 858 Dubai 17:45 KAC 206 Islamabad 08:25 GFA 217 Bahrain 19:30 FDB 5062 Dubai 07:10 RJA 641 Amman 17:55 KAC 352 Kochi 08:30 KAC 166 Paris/Rome 19:30 GFA 212 Bahrain 07:15 SYR 342 Damascus 18:00 KAC 344 Chennai 08:30 KAC 618 Doha 19:35 KAC 511 Mashhad 08:30 SVA 511 Riyadh 18:15 KAC 346 Ahmedabad 08:30 KAC 154 Istanbul 19:45 FDB 054 Dubai 08:30 IRC 6512 ABD 18:20 UAE 855 Dubai 08:40 KAC 674 Dubai 19:45 QTR 1087 Doha 08:40 GFA 216 Bahrain 18:20 KAC 332 Trivandrum 08:50 ETD 919 Abu Dhabi 19:55 BAW 156 London 08:45 JZR 184 Dubai 18:40 KAC 362 Colombo 08:50 KAC 792 Madinah 19:55 OMA 642 Muscat 08:55 JZR 124 Bahrain 19:10 ABY 125 Sharjah 09:00 KAC 102 New York/London 19:55 ABY 126 Sharjah 09:40 FDB 064 Dubai 19:20 ETD 301 Abu Dhabi 09:20 KNE 480 Taif 20:10 KAC 117 New York 09:55 ABY 124 Sharjah 19:25 QTR 1070 Doha 09:25 FDB 061 Dubai 20:20 UAE 856 Dubai 09:55 UAE 876 Dubai 19:30 FDB 055 Dubai 09:40 OMA 647 Muscat 20:20 KAC 541 Cairo 09:55 GFA 218 Bahrain 20:15 GFA 213 Bahrain 10:40 KAC 546 Alexandria 20:35 JZR 482 Istanbul 10:00 KAC 361 Colombo 20:45 IRA 665 Shiraz 10:40 MSR 606 Luxor 20:45 KAC 671 Dubai 10:05 QTR 1081 Doha 20:50 IAW 157 Al Najaf 10:50 FDB 5053 Dubai 20:50 ETD 302 Abu Dhabi 10:25 KAC 351 Kochi 20:50 UAE 873 Dubai 11:05 JAI 572 Mumbai 20:55 JZR 356 Mashhad 10:30 KAC 343 Chennai 21:00 AXB 889 Mangalore/Bahrain 11:15 DLH 634 Frankfurt 20:55 KAC 175 Frankfurt/Geneva 10:30 KNE 461 Riyadh 21:10 JZR 165 Dubai 11:30 MEA 402 Beirut 21:20 KAC 501 Beirut 10:30 KAC 331 Trivandrum 21:10 AGY 684 Sohag 11:35 ETD 307 Abu Dhabi 21:20 FDB 056 Dubai 10:35 OMA 648 Muscat 21:20 MEA 404 Beirut 11:55 ALK 229 Colombo 21:25 KAC 153 Istanbul 10:40 FDB 062 Dubai 21:20 KAC 204 Lahore 12:20 UAE 859 Dubai 21:40 QTR 1071 Doha 11:00 MSR 619 Alexandria 21:45 SAW 701 Damascus 12:20 GFA 219 Bahrain 21:45 KAC 787 Jeddah 11:25 DLH 634 Doha 21:45 IRM 1188 Mashhad 12:25 JZR 125 Bahrain 22:00 GFA 214 Bahrain 11:25 DHX 171 Bahrain 21:50 FDB 075 Dubai 12:25 QTR 1082 Doha 22:00 IRA 664 Shiraz 11:40 FDB 5054 Dubai 21:50 MSC 401 Alexandria 12:30 AIC 975 Chennai/Goa 22:25 IAW 158 Al Najaf 11:50 JAI 571 Mumbai 21:55 JZR 561 Sohag 12:45 AXB 890 Mangalore 12:15 KAC 381 Delhi 22:00 UAE 871 Dubai 12:50 ETD 309 Abu Dhabi 22:25 JZR 776 Jeddah 12:20 JZR 502 Luxor 22:00 IRC 6511 ABD 13:00 KAC 564 Amman 22:25 KAC 103 London 12:25 KAC 301 Mumbai 22:10 MSR 610 Cairo 13:00 FDB 059 Dubai 22:30 UAE 874 Dubai 12:30 ETD 308 Abu Dhabi 22:10 CLX 792 Luxembourg 13:15 BBC 044 Dhaka/Dammam 22:40 AGY 681 Asyut 12:35 MEA 403 Beirut 22:20 IZG 4167 Mashhad 13:30 JZR 239 Amman 23:05 MEA 405 Beirut 12:55 ALK 230 Colombo 22:25 IYE 826 Sanaa/Mukalla 13:30 JZR 185 Dubai 23:15 KAC 785 Jeddah 13:00 GFA 220 Bahrain 22:30 KNE 460 Riyadh 13:50 JZR 555 Alexandria 23:25 JZR 786 Riyadh 13:10 ETD 920 Dubai 22:35 IRC 526 Mashhad 13:55 FDB 071 Dubai 23:45 FDB 076 Dubai 13:10 UAE 860 Dubai 22:55 MSR 575 Sharm el-Sheikh 13:55 THY 764 Istanbul 23:50 KAC 545 Alexandria 13:25 KAC 345 Ahmedabad 23:00 QTR 1078 Doha 14:10 JAI 574 Mumbai 23:55 MSC 402 Alexandria 13:30 QTR 1083 Doha 23:05 FDB 057 Dubai 14:10 MSC 403 Asyut 23:55 SAW 702 Damascus 13:35 KAC 205 Islamabad 23:10 DIAL161 FOR AIRPORT INFORMATION p34_p34 stars 12/15/15 8:00 PM Page 1

stars34 WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 16, 2015

CROSSWORD 1111 STAR TRACK

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

You may work in an area, already a hotbed of home-building activity, and This is a time that you could be enjoying and appreciating your ties to oth- decide to take on the art of real estate. This sales industry seems perfect for ers. You soon may find yourself working especially hard on some project that requires a you. By the time you get your license you will find that-regardless of the way the economy group effort. Others could view you as the perfect person to be in charge of some project is moving-you will be moving houses. Your comedic attitude is appropriate in some requiring a conservative mind. Marriage and other close relationships give rise to great places, but inappropriate in others, and you have come a long way in learning when to expectations now, as a new cycle gets underway in your life. It would also be a good time step back and view the type of audience you might have before inserting foot, so to to bring together and organize your affairs or to rearrange your living situation. You may speak. You are sensitive to the needs of others and can demonstrate this when someone tend to isolate yourself somewhat just now, but only to become caught up on last-minute asks for your opinion. Tonight you may enjoy the entertainment of youngsters. A holiday details for a party or get-together with friends. Expect some change in the way you help play or musical will show off a child of your own, perhaps. others. Perhaps your schedule will become more flexible soon.

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

You may find yourself in a talkative mood this morning. Ideas are clear and The things that will pique your interest are adventures that take you com- easy to see. You may have a conversation with an older person or someone in authority. pletely out of your realm of imagination. You may find such travel on the internet or You tend to business this afternoon and mostly continue working overtime in hopes of through pamphlets that friends show you. There is an interest in new worlds, new cultures getting ahead. Perhaps it is some weather change or the upcoming holiday parties, but and new styles. You want the freedom to explore places that no one has ever gone to you want to be able to leave work without leaving work incomplete. Whatever the case, before. These are very deep and powerful longings-it is what got the human race to the you aim to get ahead with work issues-as much as possible. Today, an award luncheon other side of the moon. Many of your experiences would be best put into words-the writ- may be planned for next week and you will want to go. You find problems are valued for ten and spoken word is your work of art. Expect pleasant conversations with others and the lessons that you derive from them and you try to teach the young people around you absorb the new thoughts that may come your way today. You may become a very good this idea as well. A warm fire is enjoyed this evening. writer; keep practicing. Music and fun is scheduled soon.

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

The activities before noon are few and you may find that you can get quite a Your passion for detail puts you in a slumped-over posture for much too bit accomplished at your own desk. You have a passion for details-be careful not to waste long. Stretch and take a break as soon as you can so that you can finish too much of your time. You will feel a sense of satisfaction and completeness by coming to what you start; pull up a stool. You have the ability to think things through to the most grips with the past or getting in touch with things of a mysterious or spiritual nature. positive end. You dislike working for others and may soon decide to go into business for ACROSS DOWN Commiseration and comprehension are emotional qualities that take on greater impor- yourself. There may be an opportunity to have a business consultant advise you this after- 1. The syllable naming the sixth (submediant) 1. The sediment from fermentation of an alco- tance now. Be careful that this does not move into gossip. It’s commonsense, not informa- noon on going into business for yourself. This way you can intelligently decide whether to note of a major or minor scale in solmiza- holic beverage. tion, that counts at this time. Your taste in art and appreciation are heightened. Perhaps do a business out of your home or to work from some rental property. Legal problems are 2. The capital of Western Samoa. this afternoon is a good time to select furnishings, colors, etc. This is a great time to just sit not as bad as they seem. A snarled bit of paperwork is the only problem today, resulting tion. in some delay. Tonight is fun! 4. Aromatic gum resin. 3. The handle of a weapon or tool. back and enjoy what you have, to live life completely. 4. An ability to understand a broad range of 12. A boy or man. topics. 15. A federal agency established to coordinate 5. An ancient Greek city on the slopes of programs aimed at reducing pollution Mount Parnassus. Cancer (June 21-July 22) Capricorn (December 22-January 19) and protecting the environment. 6. A unit of energy equal to the work done by 16. (military) Signal to wake up. an electron accelerated through a poten- You should find this an exceptionally good day for anything job related. You may shine in your particular job or find that promotion or practical insights come with Setting your personal desires aside, you may dive into work with a strong 17. Being one more than two. tial difference of 1 volt. ease. You could find yourself representing or speaking for your company or communicat- determination to complete all tasks assigned to you. You do not want to get behind and find yourself working overtime. After work, you prepare in advance for a party-perhaps a 18. French engineer who constructed the 7. An accidental hole that allows something ing about your skills. This may be a day for figuring out what you truly believe in, maybe masquerade party. This party may be done as a benefit planned to help the less fortunate Eiffel Tower (1832-1923). (fluid or light etc.) to enter or escape. even fighting for it. This study becomes a high personal priority and may include religion, during the cold weather. You may find that your rewards are many as you consider the 20. A gliding joint between the distal ends of 8. A herbaceous plant genus of the family law, politics, travel and higher education. There are moments of testing your limits to see Linaceae with small sessile leaves. basics that these individuals might need. The things that you value and care about find a the tibia and fibula and the proximal end how far you can go. You feel a love of law and order and you have an appreciation for great deal of support. Being appreciated for your gifts and talents is a wonderful feeling, of the talus. 9. A kind of person. responsibilities and duty. Problems are valued for the lessons that they represent, rather 10. The amount that a container (as a wine but that comes with family. You could be feeling a particular closeness to lovers, children than perceived as obstacles. and other people that are near and dear to you this evening. 21. A prominent rock or pile of rocks on a hill. bottle or tank) lacks of being full. 22. A governor of a province in ancient Persia. 11. The feeling of patient submissive humble- 23. A radioactive transuranic element which ness. has been synthesized. 12. Understatement for rhetorical effect (espe- Leo (July 23-August 22) Aquarius (January 20- February 18) 24. Remote city of Kazakhstan that (ostensibly cially when expressing an affirmative by for security reasons) was made the capital negating its contrary). There is a doorway open for you in which you could receive insights regarding any number of matters. Career opportunities will continue to present them- Check to see if your company has, or will create, a college plan for employ- 13. Garlic mayonnaise. ees. If you could take off work early twice a week, you might have time for night school in 1998. selves to you and you should be able to find a particular job that will match your self- 14. English theoretical physicist who applied and might finish some special education. If not fo r yo u, it may be that you seek this fo r a 26. A condition (mostly in boys) characterized expression. You have a natural sense for communicating with others, especially those friend. Now is a time when you are particularly helpful to others and willing to set an by behavioral and learning disorders. relativity theory to quantum mechanics younger than you. You may be advising or guiding young people in matters of driving, and predicted the existence of antimatter example. These thoughts occur to yo u as you see or hear about some great opportunities 28. Of or relating to or caused by magnetism. voting or budgeting. You will do very well and you have their attention most of the time. with a co ntinuing-education project. Expect to make some clear decisions that will affe ct and the positron (1902-1984). Good results happen from your hard work. Your mind is exceptionally sharp and you are 30. Small tough woody zamia of Florida and 19. The basic monetary unit in many coun- others. Compliments are easy to find this evening. A party or group meeting is just the West Indies and Cuba. quick-witted. There is also a sense of nostalgia today. Certain smells, songs or pictures trig- thing to keep you aware. You love to kn ow all about the activities and achievements of tries. ger good memories of the past. 33. United States industrialist who manufac- 25. Any admirable quality or attribute. your friends and neighbors and you are always willing to help. tured plows suitable for working the 27. Remove the tusks of animals. prairie soil (1804-1886). 29. A public promotion of some product or 34. A period of time spent in military service. service. Virgo (August 23-September 22) Pisces (February 19-March 20) 35. A beverage made by steeping tea leaves in 31. Rig used in drilling for oil or gas. Problems that you work through today represent lessons, rather than water. 32. A member of the Algonquian people of Something may spell out your need to reorganize and become more con- southern Ontario. frustrations. You may sometimes feel that you are trudging uphill, especially if you add to servative. This should all work out since it is probably your intuition telling 37. A plant fiber used for making rope. your workload just now. The results can be much quicker if you gain help. Taking care of 40. Angular distance above the horizon (espe- 36. In bed. you it is time for some sort of inspection in your workplace. Because you begin a clean up, yourself through diet and exercise is important at this time. Depending on the weather, others seem to follow suit and when inspection does happen, everyone gets higher points 38. Genus of erect herbs of the Middle East you might enjoy a long drive near the outskirts of town before dinner; perhaps you will cially of a celestial object). having showy flowers. than usual-not necessarily this day. Team sports seem to occupy you and your friends this 41. A ductile malleable reddish-brown corro- discover a country vegetable stand to visit later this weekend. Alternatively, you could afternoon. Careful, you could be forgetting an important appointment. A short holiday 39. A spoon-shaped vessel with a long handle. choose to work on your car-tinkering with the motor, changing the oil-an activity that you sion-resistant diamagnetic metallic ele- 43. A feeling of strong eagerness (usually in trip, perhaps to look at lights, can be a fun activity for the whole family this evening. Curb may find comforting. This driving or working on your vehicle will help you to transition your excessive tendency to spend money on things that are short-time enjoyment. Save ment. favor of a person or cause). from any workday stress. 42. A living organism characterized by volun- 44. Not contained in or deriving from the some of this money for a real new year’s fling, or a special gift. tary movement. essential nature of something. 45. A white soft metallic element that tarnish- 47. Battle of World War II (1944). Word Search es readily. 48. A photographic image produced on a Yesterday Solution 46. (of persons) So unrefined as to be lacking radiosensitive surface by radiation other in discrimination and sensibility. than visible light (especially by X-rays or gamma rays). 49. Having a shell or or containing shell. 50. German chemist who was co-discoverer 52. A member of the North American Indian with Lise Meitner of nuclear fission (1879- people living in the central Sierra Nevada 1968). in California. 51. Having leadership guidance. 53. A family of Sino-Tibetan languages spoken 54. A woman who tells fortunes. in southeastern Asia. 56. A stiff chitinous seta or bristle especially of 55. (of reproduction) Not involving the fusion an annelid worm. of male and female gametes reproduc- 58. (plate tectonic theory) A hypothetical con- tion". tinent including all the landmass of the 57. Water scorpions. earth prior to the Triassic period when it 59. United States naval officer and historian split into Laurasia and Gondwanaland. 60. Muslim name for God. (1840-1914). 63. Set down according to a plan. 61. Tag the base runner to get him out. 64. A mountainous landlocked communist 62. Prohibited by law or by official or accepted state in southeastern Asia. rules. 65. (Norse mythology) God of war and strife 67. City in Sudan. and son of Odin. 71. The cry made by sheep. 66. The largest continent with 60% of the 72. A race between teams. earth's population. 74. An appearance of reflected light. 68. (in Gnosticism) A divine power or nature 75. The former capital and 2nd largest city of emanating from the Supreme Being and Brazil. playing various roles in the operation of the universe. 76. A drug (trade name Atabrine) used to treat 69. Pathetically lacking in force or effective- certain worm infestations and once used ness. to treat malaria. 70. A platform raised above the surrounding 78. The executive agency that advises the level to give prominence to the person on President on the federal budget. it. 79. A doctor's degree in dental surgery. 73. A loose sleeveless outer garment made 80. A great raja. from aba cloth. 81. (used as a combining form) Recent or new. 77. A Mid-Atlantic state on the Atlantic. Yesterday’s Solution

Daily SuDoku Yesterday’s Solution WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 16, 2015 information

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Afghanistan 0093 Luxembourg 00352 GOVERNORATE PHARMACY ADDRESS PHONE Albania 00355 Lesotho 00266 Algeria 00213 Macau 00853 Ahmadi Sama Safwan Fahaeel Makka St 23915883 Andorra 00376 Macedonia 00389 Sabah Hospital 24812000 Abu Halaifa Abu Halaifa-Coastal Rd 23715414 Angola 00244 Madagascar 00261 Amiri Hospital 22450005 Danat Al-Sultan Mahboula Block 1, Coastal Rd 23726558 Anguilla 001264 Majorca 0034 Maternity Hospital 24843100 Jahra Modern Jahra Jahra-Block 3 Lot 1 24575518 Antiga 001268 Malawi 00265 Madina Munawara Jahra-Block 92 24566622 Argentina 0054 Malaysia 0060 Mubarak Al-Kabir Hospital 25312700 Capital Ahlam Fahad Al-Salem St 22436184 Armenia 00374 Maldives 00960 Chest Hospital 24849400 Khaldiya Coop Khaldiya Coop 24833967 Australia 0061 Mali 00223 Austria 0043 Malta 00356 Farwaniya Hospital 24892010 Farwaniya New Shifa Farwaniya Block 40 24734000 Ferdous Coop Ferdous Coop 24881201 Bahamas 001242 Marshall Islands 00692 Adan Hospital 23940620 Modern Safwan Old Kheitan Block 11 24726638 Bahrain 00973 Martinique 00596 Ibn Sina Hospital 24840300 Bangladesh 00880 Mauritania 00222 Hawally Tariq Salmiya-Hamad Mubarak St 25726265 Barbados 001246 Mauritius 00230 Al-Razi Hospital 24846000 Hana Salmiya-Amman St 25647075 Ikhlas Hawally-Beirut St 22625999 Belarus 00375 Mayotte 00269 Physiotherapy Hospital 24874330/9 Hawally & Rawdha Hawally & Rawdha Coop 22564549 Belgium 0032 Mexico 0052 Ghadeer Jabriya-Block 1A 25340559 Belize 00501 Micronesia 00691 Kindy Jabriya-Block 3B 25326554 Benin 00229 Moldova 00373 Ibn Al-Nafis Salmiya-Hamad Mubarak St 25721264 Mishrif Coop Mishrif Coop 25380581 Bermuda 001441 Monaco 00377 Kaizen center 25716707 Salwa Coop Salwa Coop 25628241 Bhutan 00975 Mongolia 00976 Rawda 22517733 Bolivia 00591 Montserrat 001664 Bosnia 00387 Morocco 00212 Adaliya 22517144 Botswana 00267 Mozambique 00258 Khaldiya 24848075 Brazil 0055 Myanmar (Burma) 0095 Brunei 00673 Namibia 00264 Kaifan 24849807 Bulgaria 00359 Nepal 00977 Shamiya 24848913 Burkina 00226 Netherlands 0031 Burundi 00257 Netherlands Antilles 00599 Shuwaikh 24814507 Cambodia 00855 New Caledonia 00687 Abdullah Salem 22549134 Cameroon 00237 New Zealand 0064 Canada 001 Nicaragua 00505 Nuzha 22526804 Cape Verde 00238 Nigar 00227 Industrial Shuwaikh 24814764 Cayman Islands 001345 Nigeria 00234 Central African 00236 Niue 00683 Qadsiya 22515088 Chad 00235 Norfolk Island 00672 Dasmah 22532265 Chile 0056 N. Ireland (UK) 0044 Bneid Al-Gar 22531908 China 0086 North Korea 00850 Colombia 0057 Norway 0047 Shaab 22518752 Comoros 00269 Oman 00968 Qibla 22459381 Congo 00242 Pakistan 0092 Cook Islands 00682 Palau 00680 Ayoun Al-Qibla 22451082 Costa Rica 00506 Panama 00507 Mirqab 22456536 Croatia 00385 Papua New Guinea 00675 Cuba 0053 Paraguay 00595 Sharq 22465401 Cyprus 00357 Peru 0051 Salmiya 25746401 Cyprus (Northern) 0090392 Philippines 0063 Czech Republic 00420 Poland 0048 Jabriya 25316254 Denmark 0045 Portugal 00351 Maidan Hawally 25623444 Diego Garcia 00246 Puerto Rico 001787 Djibouti 00253 Qatar 00974 Bayan 25388462 Dominica 001767 Romania 0040 Mishref 25381200 Dominican Republic 001809 Russian Federation 007 W Hawally 22630786 Ecuador 00593 Rwanda 00250 Egypt 0020 Saint Helena 00290 Sabah 24810221 El Salvador 00503 Saint Kitts 001869 Jahra 24770319 England (UK) 0044 Saint Lucia 001758 Equatorial Guinea 00240 Saint Pierre 00508 New Jahra 24575755 Eritrea 00291 Saint Vincent 001784 West Jahra 24772608 Estonia 00372 Samoa US 00684 Ethiopia 00251 Samoa West 00685 South Jahra 24775066 Falkland Islands 00500 San Marino 00378 North Jahra 24775992 Faroe Islands 00298 Sao Tone 00239 Fiji 00679 Saudi Arabia 00966 North Jleeb 24311795 Finland 00358 Scotland (UK) 0044 Ardhiya 24884079 France 0033 Senegal 00221 Firdous 24892674 French Guiana 00594 Seychelles 00284 French Polynesia 00689 Sierra Leone 00232 Omariya 24719048 Gabon 00241 Singapore 0065 N Khaitan 24710044 Gambia 00220 Slovakia 00421 Georgia 00995 Slovenia 00386 Fintas 23900322 Germany 0049 Solomon Islands 00677 Ghana 00233 Somalia 00252 Gibraltar 00350 South Africa 0027 Greece 0030 South Korea 0082 Greenland 00299 Spain 0034 PRIVATE CLINICS Grenada 001473 Sri Lanka 0094 Guadeloupe 00590 Sudan 00249 Guam 001671 Suriname 00597 Guatemala 00502 Swaziland 00268 Ophthalmologists Plastic Surgeons Paediatricians Endocrinologist Guinea 00224 Sweden 0046 Dr. Abidallah Al-Mansoor 25622444 Dr. Mohammad Al-Khalaf 22547272 Dr. Khaled Hamadi 25665898 Guyana 00592 Switzerland 0041 Dr. Abd Al-Naser Al-Othman 25339330 Dr. Samy Al-Rabeea 25752222 Dr. Abdal-Redha Lari 22617700 Dr. Abd Al-Aziz Al-Rashed 25340300 Haiti 00509 Syria 00963 Dr. Masoma Habeeb 25321171 Dr. Abdel Quttainah 25625030/60 Dr. Zahra Qabazard 25710444 Dr. Ahmad Al-Ansari 25658888 Holland (Netherlands) 0031 Serbia 00381 Dr. Mubarak Al-Ajmy 25739999 Family Doctor Dr. Sohail Qamar 22621099 Honduras 00504 Taiwan 00886 Dr. Mohsen Abel 25757700 Dr. Kamal Al-Shomr 25329924 Dr Divya Damodar 23729596/23729581 Dr. Snaa Maaroof 25713514 Hong Kong 00852 Tanzania 00255 Dr Adnan Hasan Alwayl 25732223 Physiotherapists & VD Hungary 0036 Thailand 0066 Psychiatrists Dr. Pradip Gujare 23713100 Dr. Abdallah Al-Baghly 25732223 Dr. Zacharias Mathew 24334282 Dr. Deyaa Shehab 25722291 Ibiza (Spain) 0034 Toga 00228 Ear, Nose & Throat (ENT) Dr. Esam Al-Ansari 22635047 Iceland 00354 Tonga 00676 Dr. Ahmed Fouad Mouner 24555050 Ext 510 Dr Eisa M. Al-Balhan 22613623/0 Dermatology Dr. Musaed Faraj Khamees 22666288 India 0091 Tokelau 00690 Dr. Abdallah Al-Ali 25644660 Gynaecologists & Obstetricians Dr. Mohammed Salam Rheumatologists: Indian Ocean 00873 Trinidad 001868 Dr. Abd Al-Hameed Al-Taweel 25646478 DrAdrian arbe 23729596/23729581 Bern University 23845955 Indonesia 0062 Tunisia 00216 Dr. Sanad Al-Fathalah 25311996 Dr. Verginia s.Marin 2572-6666 ext 8321 Dentists Dr. Adel Al-Awadi 25330060 Dr. Mohammad Al-Daaory 25731988 Iran 0098 Turkey 0090 Dr. Fozeya Ali Al-Qatan 22655539 Dr Anil Thomas 3729596/3729581 Dr. Ismail Al-Fodary 22620166 Dr. Khaled Al-Jarallah 25722290 Iraq 00964 Tuvalu 00688 Dr. Majeda Khalefa Aliytami 25343406 Dr. Shamah Al-Matar 22641071/2 Dr. Mahmoud Al-Booz 25651426 Ireland 00353 Uganda 00256 Dr. Ahmad Al-Khooly 25739272 Dr. Anesah Al-Rasheed 22562226 Internist, Chest & Heart General Practitioners Italy 0039 Ukraine 00380 Dr. Abidallah Al-Amer 22561444 Dr. Mohamme Y Majidi 24555050 Ext 123 Dr. Salem soso 22618787 DR.Mohammes Akkad 24555050 Ext 210 Ivory Coast 00225 United Arab Emirates 00976 Dr. Faysal Al-Fozan 22619557 General Surgeons Dr. Yousef Al-Omar 24719312 Dr. Mohammad Zubaid Jamaica 001876 United Kingdom 0044 Dr. Abdallateef Al-Katrash 22525888 Dr. Tarek Al-Mikhazeem 23926920 Dr. Amer Zawaz Al-Amer 22610044 MB, ChB, FRCPC, PACC Japan 0081 Uruguay 00598 Dr. Abidallah Al-Duweisan 25653755 Dr. Kathem Maarafi 25730465 Dr. Mohammad Yousef Basher 25327148 Assistant Professor Of Medicine Jordan 00962 USA 001 Dr. Abdallah Ahmad Eyadah 25655528 Dr. Bader Al-Ansari 25620111 Internists, Chest & Heart Head, Division of Cardiology Kazakhstan 007 Uzbekistan 00998 Dr. Nabeel Al-Ayoobi 24577781 Neurologists Mubarak Al-Kabeer Hospital 25339667 Dr. Adnan Ebil 22639939 Kenya 00254 Vanuatu 00678 Dr. Dina Abidallah Al-Refae 25333501 Dr. Sohal Najem Al-Shemeri 25633324 Dr. Mousa Khadada 22666300 Consultant Cardiologist Kiribati 00686 Venezuela 00582 Urologists Dr. Jasem Mola Hassan 25345875 Dr. Latefa Al-Duweisan 25728004 Dr. Farida Al-Habib 2611555-2622555 Kuwait 00965 Vietnam 0084 Dr. Ali Naser Al-Serfy 22641534 Gastrologists MD, PH.D, FACC Dr. Fawzi Taher Abul 22639955 Dr. Nadem Al-Ghabra 25355515 Kyrgyzstan 00996 Virgin Islands UK 001284 Dr. Sami Aman 22636464 Inaya German Medical Center Dr. Khaleel Abidallah Al-Awadi 22616660 Dr. Mobarak Aldoub 24726446 Laos 00856 Virgin Islands US 001340 Dr. Mohammad Al-Shamaly 25322030 Te: 2575077 Dr. Adel Al-Hunayan FRCS (C) 25313120 Dr Nasser Behbehani 25654300/3 Latvia 00371 Wales (UK) 0044 Dr. Foad Abidallah Al-Ali 22633135 Fax: 25723123 Dr. Leons Joseph 66703427 Lebanon 00961 Yemen 00967 Soor Center Liberia 00231 Yugoslavia 00381 Psychologists [email protected] Tel: 2290-1677 Kaizen center Noor Clinic William Schuilenberg, RPC 2290-1677 Libya 00218 Zambia 00260 /Psychotherapists www.soorcenter.com Zaina Al Zabin, M.Sc. 2290-1677 Fax: 2290 1688 25716707 23845955 Lithuania 00370 Zimbabwe 00263 lifestyle WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 16, 2015

Gossip

Kim Kardashian West has shed 17lbs im Kardashian West has shed 17lbs - 10 days the rapper - revealed she weighed just over 9st when literally so skinny right after giving birth. How is that after giving birth. The reality TV star welcomed she fell pregnant with Saint and went up to 13st 7lb possible?!?! “I mean, I’m focused and I love the chal- Kson Saint into the world on December 5 and towards the end of her pregnancy. But when Caitlyn lenge of getting my body back and feeling good has admitted she is determined to lose the 60lbs she complimented her on her weight loss the 35-year-old again, BUT I am going to be a little bit more realistic. gained while she was pregnant with her and hus- beauty admitted she is “feeling much better”. Despite I’m not saying anyone is being unhealthy or not band Kanye West’s second child. Speaking to her shedding more than a stone since she had Saint, Kim doing it the right way, but how do they lose weight step-father Caitlyn Jenner on a live stream on her insisted before his birth that she wanted to take her and look so good so fast?! (sic)” app and website, she said: “This feels like a really hard time ditching her baby weight. In a post on her web- recovery but we will get through it. Everyone does it.” site, she wrote: “A few weeks to go and 60 pounds up! Kim - who also has two-year-old daughter North with I look at other celebrities and Instagram girls who are Adele Pregnant gives up drinking tea

dele has revealed her weight loss secret - giving up Anne Hathaway tea. The 27-year-old singer has “more energy than Aever” after ditching the 10 aromatic beverages she used to down a day, each with two spoonfuls of sugar in, works out meaning she has cut out 20 teaspoons of sugar from her daily regime. She told The Sun newspaper: “I used to drink regnant Anne Hathaway spent an hour 10 cups a day with two sugars in each so I was on 20 sug- in the gym doing cardio. The 33-year- ars a day. “Now I don’t drink it and I have more energy than Pold star - who is expecting her first ever.” According to the UK’s National Health Service (NHS) child with husband Adam Shulman - was website, the government recommends adults shouldn’t spotted doing a high-energy workout at a have more than 30g of added sugar a day - which equates gym in New York City over the weekend. A to around seven teaspoons. Last month, Adele admitted source told the New York Post’s Page Six col- she doesn’t like going to the gym to exercise but doesn’t umn: “She spent over an hour on the cardio mind lifting weights - although she is concerned the beau- equipment looking as beautiful as ever.” And ty regime might cause blood vessels on her face to burst. once the ‘Les Miserables’ actress gives birth, She said: “I’m not, like, skipping to the f**king gym. I don’t she isn’t planning on rushing back to the enjoy it. I do like doing weights. I don’t like looking in the gym to get her post-baby body back. A mirror. Blood vessels burst on my face really easily, so I’m source shared previously: “Anne wants to be so conscious when I’m lifting weights not to let them burst healthy and because she doesn’t want to in my face. And if I don’t tour, you’ll catch me back down at rush back into a film role, she’s not going to the Chinese!” put herself under pressure to slim quickly. “She does yoga every day and eats mainly organic food, although she has been tempt- ed by bagels and doughnuts recently to combat morning sickness.” Anne may have more time for the gym after the birth of her little one as she is also said to be planning to Fisher swears “take a break from Hollywood” following the Vergara and baby’s arrival. The source added: “Anne can’t wait to be a mum. She’s been wanting it for a long time and waited until the right time to Manganiello during live Star take a break from Hollywood. “She feels she’s achieved so much already, it’s time to take a break from acting. She’s told friends she first red carpet wants to put her career on the back burner Wars telecast for a while and concentrate on being a full- arrie Fisher swore during a live telecast at the time mum.” after marriage Hollywood premiere of ‘Star Wars: The Force ofia Vergara and Joe Manganiello have made their CAwakens’ last night. The 59-year-old actress, who is red carpet debut as a married couple. The pair chose reprising her role of Leia in the hotly-anticipated movie, Sthe world premiere of ‘Star Wars: The Force Awakens’ turned the air blue when she joked about talking to her in Los Angeles on Monday night for their appearance. The younger self during the star-studded event at the TCL newlyweds looked very much in love as they posed for Chinese Theatre in Los Angeles. After her co-star Oscar photographers at the star-studded premiere, with their Isaac - who plays X-wing fighter pilot Poe Dameron in the arms wrapped around one another. Sofia later shared a sci-fi film - asked her about her inspiration for reprising her snap from the event on her own Instagram page, tagging role of Leia, she replied: “I asked the early, young Carrie her husband and accompanying with picture with several Fisher what it would be like 48 years later ... oh wait it’s 40. heart emojis. ‘Modern Family’ actress Sofia looked stunning “She wouldn’t speak to me. She was very busy, partying in a figure-hugging black dress, which she teamed with and making sure I would look bad later.” But in an attempt two buns in her hair - inspired by the ‘Star Wars’ character to back-track on her expletives she made things worse as Princess Leia. Sofia and ‘Magic Mike XXL’ heartthrob Joe she continued to swear, saying: “I don’t mean s**t. By s**t I tied the knot in front of their family and famous friends in mean not as good as.” The actress turned up for the pre- Palm Beach, Florida, in November. The pair shunned exclu- miere, but kept fans updated on her progress on social sive offers from various magazines for their wedding pic- media. Posting a picture from her vehicle, Carrie wrote on tures, and instead opted to share shots from their special Twitter: “We probably’ll be stuck in traffic thru first hour of day on social media. They also decided against gifts, and film..bomb dogs currently sniffing the car-almost there asked their guests for donations to either St Judes (sic).” Carrie eventually made it to the event, and walked Children’s Hospital and Children’s Hospital of Pittsburgh in the red carpet alongside her daughter Billie Lourd. She had lieu of presents. Following the ceremony, Sofia and Joe cel- earlier shared a picture of herself and Billie getting ready ebrated their nuptials on a luxurious break at the Parrot for the event in their dressing gowns, writing: “Check out Cay by Como resort in Turks and Caicos. They once again pre premiere Robe Warriors!” treated fans to a look inside their holiday on their social media pages.

Dockery’s fiance has dies aged 34 McCarthy shocked ichelle Dockery’s fiance has died aged 34. The praise him as being a “wonderful man”. She said: “I ‘Downton Abbey’ star has been left devastat- have a wonderful man in my life from Ireland. We were Med after John Dineen, who she reportedly got introduced by [‘Downton Abbey’ star] Allen Leech. engaged to in February, passed away in Marymount That’s all you need to know.” Michelle is known for by show axe Hospital in Cork, Ireland after an illness on Sunday. playing Lady Mary Crawley in period drama ‘Downton’, According to the Irish Examiner, John had been ill for which will end this year after its Christmas special. some time. A private funeral for the Irishman is The actress recently revealed plans to go backpacking elissa McCarthy is “shocked and heartbroken” after expected to take place in Cork, where he is from, to Australia and India. She said: “I never had a year out. her TV sitcom was axed. ‘Mike & Molly’ - which Melissa tomorrow. Michelle, 34, has been dating John since I want to go travelling. I’ve never been to Australia. I’d Mhas starred in since 2010 - will end after its upcoming May 2013. The brunette beauty didn’t like to com- love to go to India. I want to go backpacking.” sixth season, which has been cut to just 13 episodes and ment publicly on their relationship but did once Melissa admitted the news took her by surprise. She tweeted: “I was shocked and heartbroken when @CBS canceled #MikeAndMolly. I would have shot this show for 50 more years. I’ll miss my 2nd family (sic).” Rondi Reed - who plays Mike’s mother Peggy on the show - first revealed on Facebook last week that the show had been axed. She wrote: “This is the final and sixth season of Mike & Molly on CBS.... We are done taping as of January 27th. Other venues were explored by [Warner Bros. TV] and [Chuck Lorre’s] Bonanza Productions after CBS announced their intentions, but did not turn up a future for our show (sic).” During her time on the show Melissa has seen her film career go from strength-to-strength, with an Oscar nomination for Best Performance by an Actress in a Supporting Role for ‘Bridesmaids; in 2011. Last week she also received her first ever Golden Globes nomination for her role in the movie ‘Spy’ and will compete against Jennifer Lawrence, Amy Schumer, Dame Maggie Smith and Lily Tomlin for Best Performance by an Actress in a Motion Picture - Comedy or Musical. lifestyle WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 16, 2015

Gossip Simpson’s sister wants Gigi reconciliation

ody Simpson’s sister wants him to get back together Meanwhile, following their split Cody spoke about his love for with Gigi Hadid. The pair ended their relationship in Gigi but insisted he was uncomfortable with the level of fame CMay with Cody, 18, admitting public interest in their it brought. He explained: “I love my ex-girlfriend, I always will. romance made him uncomfortable but his younger sibling It was an amicable, mutual decision, and we still talk every Alli, 17, is hopeful that the pair will eventually reconcile. She now and then, but the highly publicized thing made me told Entertainment Tonight: “I want to see it. I’m waiting for it. uncomfortable. Going out to dinner and there being all this “I text her kind of every day. She’s always been like a big sister paparazzi and stuff.. as soon as we split I had the realisation to me, and she helped me through my personal insecurities.” that I was straying away from who I was as a whole person. I However, Alli may be left disappointed as Gigi, 20, has moved want to keep it low key, and focus on my music.” on with Zayn Malik, 22. The model started dating the former One Direction hunk last month and the pair have been spot- ted on numerous dates in Los Angeles and New York. Morgan makes stand-up comedy return

racy Morgan has returned to stand-up comedy for the first time since his horrific road accident in June 2014. TThe 47-year-old actor and comedian was left with a traumatic brain injury and a broken leg after the crash in New Jersey but took to the stage at the New York Comedy Club on Saturday for an “hilarious and inspiring” set about his recov- ery. A source told the New York Post’s Page Six: “The first thing he asked when the doctors told him he was in an acci- dent [was] if his private part was all right. He then went on to talk about speech therapy and how he had to explain to the therapist that [his brain wasn’t injured], this was just his natu- ral way of speaking.” He also reportedly joked that before his coma there were “three Kardashians, but now there are nine, and one of them has muscles”. Meanwhile, Tracy’s ‘30 Rock’ co- star Tina Fey hailed his remarkable recovery and admitted she is shocked that he survived. She told Howard Stern on his SiriusXM radio show: “I honestly can’t believe that he made it. He was so frail before that. For him to have survived that, it’s incredible.” Tracy is planning a stand-up comedy tour in February and previously said: “I’m leaving it in God’s hands. Things are going to be all right. We’re going to have a good time. We’re not stressed out about it, we’re going to have a good time doing it.” Lawrence wants Schumer to win a Golden Globe Award over her Vikander’s ennifer Lawrence wants Amy Schumer to win a Golden for our movie if she won. So vote for Amy.” Speaking previous- Globe Award over her. The close pals will go compete in ly about going head-t0-head with Jennifer, Amy joked: “The Jthe Best Actress In A Comedy category for Amy’s perform- friendship is completely over. I just blocked her number. It’s career fear ance in ‘Trainwreck’ which she wrote and Jennifer’s starring over.” If neither of them are successful they will be able to turn in ‘Joy’ but the ‘Hunger Games’ star would be happy to drink their sorrows away as Jennifer revealed she wants a pina see her friend take home the trophy. She told Entertainment colada tap at her Golden Globes table. Jennifer and Amy’s Tonight: “We both agree. We want her up there. Although she good friend Brie Larson has also been nominated - for Best won’t say that, I can say it.” Jennifer previously won Golden Actress In A Drama for her performance in ‘Room’ - and the Globe Awards in 2013 and 2014 for 2013 ‘Silver Linings trio are planning to sit together and have fun. Jennifer said: Playbook’ and ‘American Hustle’ and wants her friend to win so “We’re gonna try to sit at the same table. I texted Brie Larson that it will increase interest in the screenplay they have writ- too. I was like, ‘We’re gonna try to get the same table’. ten together. She said: “I was like, ‘I want to see your sweet lit- tle ass up there on that stage’. Selfishly, it would be really good

licia Vikander feels “scared” her career dreams are Sam Smith coming true. The 27-year-old actress admits she Ais feeling “nervous” about the future following high-profile roles in ‘Testament of Youth’ and ‘Ex Machina” and the impending release of ‘The Danish charges his spirit Girl’. Discussing 2015 being her break-out year, she said: am Smith has been “charging” his “spirit and soul”. The “To be quite honest, it’s nerve-racking, the way these 23-year-old singer - who wrapped his ‘In the Lonely films sort of piled up. “It’s a mixed feeling when every- SHour’ world tour at the weekend - sought solace in gaz- thing you’ve ever wanted in making films is coming ing at the stars in order to gain some perspective on his life. true, and yet you feel scared because it’s happening all He tweeted: “Just sat on the beach with my family and star at once. “Suddenly you’re in rooms with people you’ve gazed. I have never seen anything like it “Star gazing in Ray J spent $6,000 to save his new puppy looked up to for years, the Judi Denches. “You wonder Australia is other worldly. “I find just sitting and watching the if you’re good, if you have what it takes. “You carry an stars is almost like plugging your spirit and soul on to charge. anxiety around with you-I’ve met many actors now who “Reminds me how small we all are, but also how mighty and he 34-year-old singer and his fiancee Princess the illness on the stress of moving to a new home. The will say this-and the lonely feeling that this could be magic we all are as humans. “Sorry to be intense and cringe - Love were extremely worried when Chihuahua puppy is expected to make a full recovery. Ray is your one chance.” Alicia always looks for the “humanity” but it’s the truth. I will always be in complete awe and filled Louie fell ill with a 105 degree fever on Thursday famously devoted to his dogs and earlier this year in her characters and always tries to embrace their T with complete confusion at the stars x (sic)” While the and rushed the dog to a New York vet. According to splashed out $30,000 for Boogotti’s birthday party. The “flaws and doubts” to show a rounded person. She told ‘Writing’s On the Wall’ hitmaker is upset his tour is over, he is TMZ, the pup was suffering from pneumonia and ‘Love and Hip Hop’ star treated the pooch to a special the January issue of America’s Vogue magazine: “Your already looking ahead to the future and has a title for his sec- almost didn’t recover from the illness but the couple - celebration at the Petrock Hotel and Spa in Encino, job as an actor is to try to understand your character’s ond album in place, though it is likely to change before who also have two Maltese dogs names Boogotti and California, where guests had to walk a red carpet to humanity. When she does things that people might release. He revealed: “I just wrote my new album title in the Coco - happily paid the huge urgent care bill to save enter. As well as food for the human guests, there was judge harshly, you have to summon a real sympathy for sand. “I always start new projects with a working title or mes- their furry friend. Ray and Princess Love had only also plans for a dog treat station and a special cake for her. When she is purely good and you fear that you’ll sage of what I’m trying to say - then the writing flows for me. acquired Louie a week before he fell ill and a worker at Boogotti’s canine pals to tuck into. become disconnected from her, you search for doubts, So I have the starting point. “When I’m finished - I’ll reveal the the pet store where they bought him said the dog had flaws. In the end, you succeed when you show both rest of this picture. Then we can see if the message stayed the a clean bill of health before he was sold, but blamed sides.” same (I change my mind a lot) xx (sic)”

Bieber touchy feely with Kourtney ustin Bieber and Kourtney Kardashian were reportedly admitted there is a chance he will reconcile with his ex Selena “super touchy feely” during a recent night out together in Gomez in the future. He previously said: “We have a lot of his- JWest Hollywood. The 21-year-old singer and the 36-year- tory together and I am sure it could possibly happen. I think old mother-of-three enjoyed a night out together over the we are both just on our own journeys and figuring ourselves weekend and witnesses said the pair appeared to be very out and I think maybe once we figure ourselves out we can close when partying together at The Nice Guy. A source told come back and make an awesome duo or she finds someone PEOPLE: “He and Kourtney were nearly inseparable - smoking awesome and I’ll find someone awesome. I just want her to be on the patio together and were super touchy feely. “They happy. “She is someone I love dearly. I’m never going to stop went to Blind Dragon afterwards. Kourtney left around 12:45 loving her. I’m never going to stop checking in on her. I don’t am and Justin left around 1:30 am.” While the pair have been think if you end a relationship, you should end that, unless it romantically linked, neither have confirmed it and Justin is a was super toxic and you guys were hurting each other physi- close friend of the Kardashian/Jenner family. Kourtney split cally or mentally. We always respected each other and we still from Scott Disick - the father of her three children - during the respect each other.”ually gonna be fun this time.” summer after he was spotted getting close to an ex in the south of France. Meanwhile, Justin is currently single but has lifestyle WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 16, 2015

Movies & Music

The Storm Troopers attend the World Premiere of ‘Star Wars: The Force Fans dressed in character wait in the stands at the world premiere of ‘Star Wars: A display of characters built from Legos appear on the red carpet at the world Awakens’, in Hollywood, California. — AP/AFP photos The Force Awakens’ at the TCL Chinese Theatre. premiere of ‘Star Wars: The Force Awakens’. ‘Star Wars’ premiere crowd cheers for familiar, new faces

he reaction was strong to “Star Wars: The Force Awakens” at Force Awakens,’ thank you, sir.” “The Force Awakens” will be the film’s world premiere in Hollywood. Inside the TCL released publicly Friday, with some box-office analysts expecting TChinese Theatre, the audience began cheering Monday it to smash sales records. “The Force Awakens” has already broken from the moments the movie’s first words appeared on screen presale ticket records, and many fans are eager to see the and reacted excitedly to seeing the return of Han Solo and reunion of original trilogy characters last seen in 1983’s “Return of Chewbacca after a 32-year hiatus. The audience also greeted the Jedi.” newcomers, such as Gwendoline Christie’s Captain Phasma and The premiere’s red carpet kicked off Monday with Daisy Ridley’s Rey, with vocal enthusiasm and loudly gasped at Stormtroopers marching and droids rolling past cameras before the film’s various twists and turns. the film’s stars arrived. John Williams’ soaring score played in the After the showing, audiences spilled out into an after-party massive opaque tent spanning four blocks in Hollywood. While held inside a giant tent erected on Hollywood Boulevard, where most stars opted for chic red carpet attire, Joseph Gordon-Levitt they snapped photos with Stormtroopers, lined up to build their showed up dressed as Yoda and actor-comedian Rainn Wilson own droid toys and noshed on salmon and short ribs. For many dressed as a Jedi. The celebration melded classic “Star Wars” of the celebrity guests in attendance, they wholeheartedly mythology with the new generation that will carry the weight of approved of director J.J. Abrams’ vision for the first new live- two more sequels, spin-offs, video games, comic books, toys and action “Star Wars” film in a decade. “I loved it,” actor-director Zach other merchandise. At one point on the red carpet, Fisher turned Mellody Hobson, left, and George Lucas. Braff told The Associated Press immediately after the premiere. “I the microphone on her co-star, Oscar Isaac, and conducted an thought J.J. did an amazing job. My favorite part was just seeing interview broadcast on StarWars.com that included her dropping the camaraderie between the veteran and the new cast mem- an expletive. bers.” Ford reflected on the impact of the film and the role that cata- “The Force Awakens” mixes old-school characters, such as pulted him to superstardom. “Well, in the ‘70s nobody knew what Harrison Ford’s Han Solo and Carrie Fisher’s Leia Organa, with a to anticipate,” said Ford. “Nobody had ever seen anything like it. new cast that includes John Boyega, Adam Driver and the spheri- Now we have to live up to what the first films delivered.” Abrams cal droid BB-8. Patton Oswalt said “The Force Awakens” represent- and “Star Wars” creator Lucas posed together for photos, and ed a return to what made him fall in love with “Star Wars” in the both men took time to chat with fans - some dressed as X-Wing first place. “It was a lot of fun,” the actor-comedian said after pilots and others as new “Force Awakens” characters - before watching the film inside the TCL Chinese Theatre. “I had the same heading inside. feeling as when I would watch these films as a kid.” For those without tickets to the premiere, the most they Disney screened “The Force Awakens” simultaneously at three could see was the outside of the tent. “We’re really disappointed Hollywood venues, with the cast and crew watching the film because we are big ‘Star Wars’ fans, and we were hoping to at Harrison Ford, left, and Calista Flockhart. together inside the adjacent Dolby Theatre. “It can’t be said least see a little of the celebrities,” said Natalie Arnet, a tourist enough - not nearly enough - that none of us would be here from Paris, who attempted to catch of glimpse of attendees from tonight without the miraculous creation of one man,” Abrams behind a barricade with her family. — AP told the crowd before the film. “George Lucas, from the bottom Mark Hamill of my heart, and behalf of everyone involved with ‘Star Wars: The

Kate Capshaw, left, and Steven Spielberg. Janelle Monae Cuba Gooding, Jr Carrie Fisher, left, and daughter Billie Lourd. Director JJ Abrams, left, and Katie McGrath.

Elizabeth Banks Gina Rodriguez Oscar Isaac Gwendoline Christie Daisy Ridley Lupita Nyong’o lifestyle WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 16, 2015

Features

John Boyega Andy Serkis Jason Bateman Film characters R2-D2, left, and C-3PO.

Zach Braff, left, and Donald Faison. Bonnie Piesse Jaime King Actress Zendaya Spike Lee, left, and Tonya Lewis Lee. Joanne Tucker and Adam Driver

This photo provided by Disney Consumer Products shows a pair of shoes from the unique irregular Choice Star Wars shoe col- lection.

This photo provided by Nestle Coffee-mate shows the Nestle Coffee-mate limited edition Star Wars bottles. This Pottery Barn Kids twin bed is designed after Han Solo’s Millennium Falcon. From food to makeup, ‘Star Wars’ stuff is out of this world ight now, in a store not too far away, there is a lection includes nail polish, mascara and lipstick in galaxy of new merchandise connected to “Star such shades as Droid, Jedi and Dark Apprentice. RWars: The Force Awakens.” Beyond the usual Clothing: Beyond the typical T-shirts and PJs, there action figures and apparel, the seventh installment in are one-of-a-kind designer outfits based on “The the space franchise (and the first from merchandise- This photo provid- Force Awakens” characters, such as Halston’s gown driven Disney) boasts a broader array of branded ed by COVERGIRL inspired by villain Kylo Ren, up for auction this month products than ever before: From Chewbacca Coffee- shows Star Wars to benefit the Child Mind Institute. American watch Mate creamer (Wookiees drink coffee?) and “Star nail gloss in Speed maker Devon has a limited-edition “Star Wars” model Wars” mascara to $400 designer Death Star shoes and of Light, Nemesis available for $28,500. The outrageous “Star Wars” col- a $4,000 Millennium Falcon bed. and Red Revenge. lection from British footwear company Irregular “It’s wider and broader and deeper and covers Choice is more affordable but may be harder to wear. more age ranges and is less gender specific than any- The C-3PO flats are cute and low-key, but the Death thing I have ever seen for ‘Star Wars,’” said Steve Star platform booties with the Stormtrooper- and Sansweet, Lucasfilm’s former director of fan relations Darth Vader-shaped heels are out of this world. and Guinness world record holder for the largest col- chopsticks) to the unbelievable (haute couture Force Awakens,” some of which Sansweet has already Lifestyle: Adult collectors might covet Pottery lection of “Star Wars” memorabilia. Expanding the uni- Stormtrooper wear). International offerings have added to his collection: Barn Kids’ Millennium Falcon bed, modeled after the verse of “Star Wars” merchandise internationally was grown in scope and distinction, too, with local Food: Chewbacca isn’t the only one with his own legendary starship (and only available in twin size). part of Disney’s original vision when it acquired licensees and artisans interpreting the iconic charac- Coffee-Mate creamer. Darth Vader, C-3PO, R2-D2 and American Tourister has a line of “Star Wars” luggage, Lucasfilm, he said: “It was very clear from the front, ters for their cultures. Sansweet recently added some Boba Fett also got the creamer treatment, and each is and the Disney Store has a backpack shaped like a and they have followed their game plan.” Japanese items to his collection, including soy sauce a different flavor. (Chewie is spiced latte.) New York’s Stormtrooper helmet. There’s a Darth Vader toaster “Star Wars toys have always played an important plates and “little kokeshi dolls, which are typical of a Ample Hills Creamery introduced two new flavors in that brands your breakfast bread with the “Star Wars” role in how our fans interact with the Saga,” Lucasfilm small community in Japan,” he said. “They’re usually “Star Wars” packaging: The Light Side is marshmallow logo and the aforementioned light-up lightsaber president Kathleen Kennedy said when the first “Force carved in traditional format of samurai or geisha or ice cream with crispy clusters, and The Dark Side is chopsticks, plus an X-Wing knife block and many Awakens” collectibles were introduced earlier this something like that, and now there’s a whole series of dark chocolate with espresso fudge brownies. Other other household items. Is there anything that can’t year. “They’ve inspired multiple generations to relive ‘Star Wars’ (characters).” branded food items include special General Mills be branded “Star Wars?” “There are limits,” Sansweet the experience of the movies and to create new Retired from Lucasfilm, Sansweet now shares his cereal boxes (one shows the Trix rabbit as Princess said. “I’m not sure we’ve seen the end of the limits This photo provided by adventures all their own. These spectacular ‘Star Wars: “Star Wars” collection with the public through his non- Leia) with plastic “droid viewers” inside and Kraft mac- yet.”— AP Disney Consumer Products The Force Awakens’ products will continue that tradi- profit Rancho Obi-Wan museum in Petaluma, aroni and cheese with pasta in “Star Wars shapes.” “I’m shows a boot from the tion.” California, where he offers educational tours and chasing around trying to find bags of Darth Vader unique irregular Choice The result is an amazingly diverse range of brand- hosts private events, including two weddings. Here’s a apples,” Sansweet said. “It’s crazy! But it’s fun-crazy.” Star Wars shoe collection. ed items, from the unexpected (light-up lightsaber look at some of the more unusual items keyed to “The Makeup: CoverGirl’s limited-edition “Star Wars” col-

Home Centre to launch ‘Star Wars’ themed collection

ome Centre, the largest home retailer in the this Home Centre -Star Wars collaboration is a celebra- initiative is a first for us and we are thrilled to be col- wherein they will be given a chance to win Star Wars Middle East, is set to launch its latest collection tion of those stories, promising to reinforce fans’ emo- laborating with Disney to offer exclusively curated goodies. Star Wars merchandise is now available in all Hinspired by the Star Wars movie series. While tional connection with the characters. products. Star Wars has a huge fan following in the Home Centre stores. Star Wars and related properties everyone is gearing up for the December 17th release In line with the theme of the movie series, the Middle East and we are sure this product range will are trademarks and/or copyrights, in the United States of the highly anticipated movie - Star Wars: The Force products have been styled as per the ‘light side’ and find takers among people of all ages. This meticulous- and other countries, of Lucasfilm Ltd and/or its affili- Awakens, Home Centre has decided to bring home ‘dark side’, bringing the iconic characters to life ly crafted collection reiterates our commitment to ates & TM Lucasfilm Ltd. the ‘Force’ by collaborating with Disney to launch a through a unique collection which includes innova- consistently innovate and offer signature choices to never-seen-before collection that will appeal to every tive products like the Darth Vader touch table lamp, our customers.” Star Wars fans. the stormtrooper shaped rug, Star Wars posters fea- Home Centre stores will have ongoing activities for Star Wars’ universal appeal is what makes it popu- turing classic quotes, a Yoda shaped clock and lots customers. Additionally, its social media platforms will lar across generations. Every product tells a story and more. MÈdÈric Payne, CEO of Home Centre, said “This be carrying out engaging contests for customers ‘Star Warsí premiere crowd cheers for familiar, new faces

WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 16, 2015 38

Performers parade in Hong Kong yesterday to promote a funfair and festival taking place during the Christmas festive season. — AFP Bullfighting in Spain: Is the allure fading?

spiring young matador Angel Tellez horns, charge classmates practicing moves despite its huge support among Spain’s pays little mind to Spain’s animal with their capes. They spend 20 hours a bullfighting elite. Arights activists driving a move to week at the school, which opened in 1976 in abolish the country’s legendary bullfights, the Casa de Campo, the huge woods known Bullfighting opponents lauded by aficionados as an “art” form loftier as the “lungs” of the Spanish capital, on the “We believe that municipal budgets must than sport. The 17-year-old Tellez is so pas- site called “La Venta del Batan” where bulls not be used to endorse such practices,” Celia sionate about his dream he makes a 70-kilo- destined for Madrid’s main bullring used to Maier, the city’s deputy chief of culture, told metre (43 -mile) train journey most days be held in the past. Along with the school, it AFP. Similarly, the Catalonia region in north- from his home in Toledo to the oldest of includes holding pens for bulls and a small eastern Spain banned corridas in 2012, a Spain’s 52 bullfighting academies, the bullring. leftist coalition running city hall in A Coruna Marcial Lalanda in Madrid. in the northwestern Galicia region dropped “I grew up in the world of bullfighting. I ‘All want to be stars’ the “feria”-an annual festival with bullfights have an uncle who was a ‘banderillero’ (an Their coursework includes the anatomy and bull running-and the island of Majorca assistant who sticks the banderilla rods into of bulls and the history of bullfighting along in the Balearic Islands archipelago off Spain’s A pupil practices using a small red cape or muleta during an open air the bull). He was the one who encouraged with the training-some with live bulls which east coast proclaimed itself as “opponents of class at Marcial Lalanda bullfighting academy in Madrid’s Casa de they are taught to respect as brave and bullfighting”. Today, “only eight percent of Campo park. — AFP photos noble adversaries. The “live” exercises known Spaniards say they go to the arenas,” said as “tentaderos, also give the breeders a Silvia Barquero, head of Pacma, a party chance to test the courage of their bull opposed to mistreatment of animals that calves,” said De Julia. The students “all want backs a total ban on bullfighting, bull runs to be stars ... but out of every 100, only one and related activities. shines and even then they might not make The latest official figures show that 1,868 it to the top,” said former matador Jose Luis bull-related events were held in Spain in Bote, one of three directors at the establish- 2014. Combined, they attracted six million ment that counted 200 students in its hey- spectators in a country of 47 million resi- day in the 1990s. dents, according to ANOET, the national The matador, the highest rank, is the one organization that arranges such events, who actually deals the fatal blow to his which said the “bull business” brings in opponent in the ring. In 2014, of 10,194 bull- annually 3.5 billion euros. Partisans of bull- fighting professionals, only 801 were actual- fighting argue that the low attendance fig- ly matadors, according to official figures. ures are tied more to Spain’s economic And even fewer become real stars in a sport woes-in 2014 the country came out of five that has faced increasing criticism in recent years of crushing recession or zero-growth A pupil stabs a fake bull during an open air class at Marcial Lalanda bull- years. Aficionados retort that the animal though recovery is slow-than to any drop in fighting academy. called “toro bravo”-fighting bulls used in the public enthusiasm for the corridas. “Some arena-are bred strictly for use in the corridas. arenas are better attended, some less,” said A pupil handle the “capote” me to attend this school,” said Tellez. He and “The end of bullfighting would mean the De Julia looking at his students, “but it is and “muleta”. 40-odd classmates, including two girls, are extinction of a race of animal created by bound to pick up.”— AFP unfazed by the scorn animal rights advo- man for combat,” thanks to careful selection cates cast on what they call a blood sport over generations, said matador Julian that brutalizes the beast and attracts only a Lopez, better known as “El Juli”, a former stu- minority of Spaniards. “My role model is Jose dent of the Madrid school. Tomas,” Tellez told AFP confidently, naming El Juli is notably critical of the way he one of Spain’s top matadors, now 40, says bullfighting has been politicized, after famous for his daring style particularly close several city halls and regions governed by to the bull. the left have taken measures against the The students all hope one day to make it sport. Madrid city hall, where a coalition of into this rarefied, ritualised circle. Some leftists and ecologists took over in May, come from as far as Mexico and Colombia, decided to end a 60,000-euro ($66,000) said teacher and retired matador Rafael de subsidy for the Marcial Lalanda academy- Julia, watching as students, wearing fake sowing doubt over the school’s future Two pupils practice with a small red cape or muleta and bull’s horns dur- ing an open air class.

A pupil practices with a small red cape, or muleta, during an open air class at Former Spanish matador Rafael de Julia (center) teaches pupils during an open A sword and a small red cape, or muleta, lean against a ‘burladero’, shelter Marcial Lalanda bullfighting academy. air class. made of planks.