SANAA: PeoplestandamidbodiescoveredwithblanketsinamosqueaftersuicideattackduringFridayprayersyesterday.— AP costs ofSyriangirl kidney transplant Kuwait covers terday. —AP A totalsolareclipse isseenfromSvalbard, Norway yes- eclipse I’veeverseen,”JohnValentinMikkelsen,a63-year-old zine. Faroe IslandsfromaBoeing737charteredbysciencemaga- kroner each($2,261)towatchtheeventmilesabove group of50die-hardDanisheclipsewatcherspaid15,800 pelago andaboardaplaneaboveremoteNordicislands.A asts swooningoverspectacularsightsinafrozenArcticarchi- of thesolareclipseyesterday,withmostintrepidenthusi- LONGYEARBYEN: Ecl SUBSCRIPTION “It wassobeautiful,Ithinkitthemostbeautifulsolar 2 150 Fils i Thousands ofpeopleflockedforaglimpse AUDY AC 1 05 JMD LAAI1 46A No:16466 SATURDAY, 1436 AH JAMADA ALTAHANI MARCH21,2015 1, p 142 deadinYemen mosque bombings Islamic Stateclaimsresponsibilityforattacks se thr i ll steaming cupsof hotchocolate.—AFP bling backinside nearbybussesandawarming tentserving resounded fromthecrowdand somegazersbeganscram- emerged frombehindthedark side ofthemoon,ahugeroar nomena duringaneclipse,”she gushed.Whenthesunre- “Oh man...thisissoamazing!I’ve neverseensomanyphe- Diamond ring!Chromosphere!Moon’s shadow!”theyyelled. into thebracing-20Celsiusmorning air.“Crescentshadows! panions gleefullyyelledthenamesofeclipsephenomena dogs, KathyBiersdorff,fromCalgary,Canada,andhercom- tripled aheadoftheevent.Toasoundtrackyelpingsled main townLongyearbyen,wherethepopulationof2,000had a DanishautonomousterritoryintheNorthAtlantic. he said.Morethan8,000touristshadgatheredintheFaroes, collective shockthatyoucouldhearfromallthespectators,” onds theskywascoveredanditbecamedarktherea high abovetheFaroes’capitalTorshavn.“For20to30sec- from Denmark’sAarhusUniversity,whowatchedhills but itwasstillfantastic,”saidOleJ.Knudsen,anastrophysicist minute totaleclipsewasvisibleyesterday.“Wehadclouds... go weretheonlyplacesonEarthwherelessthanthree- awesome,” headded,withalmostspiritualreverence. some placesduringatotaleclipse.“Itwasbeautiful,it moon’s ruggedsurfaceallowingsunlighttoshinethroughin Baily’s beads,”hesaid,referringtoalightshowcausedbythe teacher fromtheDanishcityofAarhustoldAFP.“Wesaw expelled students 600 Indian 11 The viewswereequallybreathtakinginremoteSvalbard’s The FaroeIslandsandNorway’sArcticSvalbardarchipela- s ky ga z e r s in Aden,escapedunharmed,said theofficialfromLahj.—AFP road, butGeneralAbdelHafedhAl-Sakkaf, thespecialforceschief overnight. Fourpeoplewerekilled inanambushontheLahj-Taiz the Houthishadescapedan assassination bidnearAden recent daysbetweenforcesloyal tohimandtheHouthis. gling toreasserthisauthority,and violencehaseruptedtherein Since fleeingtoAdenlastmonth,PresidentHadihasbeenstrug- and thosealliedwiththeHouthisinsoutherncityofAden. es betweenforcesloyaltoPresidentAbedrabboMansourHadi of backingtheHouthis.Yesterday’sblastscameadayafterclash- longtime strongmanAliAbdullahSaleh,whohasbeenaccused Iraq, headded. between YemeniextremistsandtheIslamicStateinSyria Earnest said.Butthereisnot,asyet,a“clearoperational”link fully engagedinFridayprayers,”WhiteHousespokesmanJosh today’s unprovokedattackonYemenicitizens,whowerepeace- “We deplorethebrutalityofterroristswhoperpetrated it couldnotconfirmtheveracityofISclaimresponsibility. a long-standingUSdronestrikecampaign. resistance fromSunnitribesandAl-Qaeda,whichisthetargetof extend theircontrolintootherareashavebeenmetbydeadly and havesincetightenedtheirgriponpower.Theirattemptsto Shiites tobeheretics.TheHouthisoverranSanaainSeptember support fromIran.IS,aradicalSunniorganization,considers Yemen,” thestatementsaid.TheHouthisareaccusedofreceiving cate them...andcutoffthearmofSafavid(Iranian)planin that thesoldiersofIslamicStatewillnotrestuntiltheyeradi- were “justthetipoficeberg”.“InfidelHouthisshouldknow source added. at themosquepreventedbomberfromgoinginside, Only theassailantwaskilledinthatexplosion,andtightsecurity Houthi strongholdofSaada,asourceclosetothemilitiasaid. cide bomberblewhimselfupoutsideamosqueinthenorthern mosque wasamongthedead,amedicalsourcesaid.Anothersui- urgent appealsforblooddonations.TheimamoftheBadr least 351werewounded.HouthiTVsaidhospitalshadmade tions committee,toldAFPthat142peoplewerekilledandat the Houthis. according totheSabanewsagency,whichisnowcontrolledby northern Sanaa,whileafourthstruckoutsidethemosque, said. AthirdsuicidebombertargetedAl-Hashushmosquein another targetedworshippersastheyfledoutside,witnesses bomber struckinsideBadrmosqueinsouthernSanaawhile trucks, whileothersevacuatedmutilatedbodies.Onesuicide has seizedcontrolofthecapitalSanaa. blasts, whichtargetedsupportersoftheHouthiShiitemilitiathat Charred bodiesandpoolsofbloodwereseenatthescene where rivalAl-Qaedaisthemostprominentjihadistorganization. and representastrongshowofforcebythegroupincountry jihadist attacks.ThekillingswerethefirstclaimedbyISinYemen Yemen’s capital-oneofthestrife-torncountry’sdeadliestever group killedatleast142peopleyesterdayShiitemosquesin SANAA: defy Barca Atletico asPSG Real draw 45 A securityofficialsaidyesterday atopYemeniofficerlinkedto Yemen hasdescendedintochaossincethe2012ousterof The UnitedStatescondemnedthemosquebombingsbutsaid In anonlinestatement,theSanaabranchofISsaidattacks Nashwan Al-Atab,amemberofthehealthministry’sopera- Worshippers rushedthewoundedtohospitalsinpick-up Multiple suicidebombingsclaimedbytheIslamicState Max Min 25º 18º LOCAL SATURDAY, MARCH 21, 2015 90% of Kuwait II pledges honored

‘Extraordinary support’ for refugees lauded

NEW YORK/BRUSSELS: Ninety percent of pledges at Kuwait’s donors confer- ence for Syrian people, held in January President of the Mexican Senate Miguel Barbosa Huerta is 2014, were honored, said Kuwait’s per- seen with the Arab delegation during the meeting. manent representative to the UN Mansour Al-Otaibi, describing the per- Mexico seeks stronger centage as ‘very high.’ He said the pledges delivered ties with Arab states exceeded $2 billion, out of $2.4 billion committed during the Second KUWAIT: President of the Mexican Senate Miguel Barbosa International Pledging Conference for Huerta expressed aspiration to stronger parliamentary rela- the Syrian people. Kuwait hosted the tions with Arab states including Kuwait, according to a state- first conference in January 2013 and ment released by the Kuwaiti embassy. pledges amounted to $1.5 billion. Kuwait’s Ambassador to Mexico Sameeh Johar Hayat quot- Kuwait contributed $300 million in the ed the chief senator as expressing these sentiments during a first conference and $500 million in the meeting yesterday, which discussed preparations for the Arab second. Cultural Week, due on April 6th. The ceremony, to be chaired Kuwait is set to host the third confer- by Kuwait, will be held to mark the Arab League’s 70th anniver- ence on March 31 with the UN seeking sary. Ambassador Hayat said Huerta expressed aspiration for Kuwait’s permanent representative to the UN Mansour Al-Otaibi to collect billions of dollars to honor further deepening of the parliamentary relations with the Arab states as well as boosting coordination between the two sides growing needs of some 12.5 million quite unprecedented,” he added.The Plan will be launched in the regional at international quarters. The Arab event ceremony is to be Syrian people, either internally dis- 3RP is dedicated to Syrian refugees in funding conference in Kuwait and noted held at headquarters of the Mexican Foreign Ministry. — KUNA placed or living as refugees in neighbor- five neighboring countries - Lebanon, that Lebanon is part of 3RP. “The appeal ing countries. Jordan, Turkey, Iraq and Egypt, while the will be for $2 billion which includes $1.9 “The humanitarian conditions are Syrian Response Plan is for over 6.5 mil- billion for humanitarian response,” she deteriorating because of the continua- lion internally displaced. Otaibi wished said. tion of the crisis and violence, and the success for the upcoming conference in Dire situation Syrian authorities’ failure to abide by the order to alleviate suffering of the Syrian Speaking at a press conference in relevant UN Security Council resolu- refugees. Brussels earlier, Kelley said she is visiting tions, especially those aim at improving Meanwhile, the UN Refugee Agency the Belgian capital to meet EU officials the humanitarian situation,” (UNHCR) Representative in Lebanon, to thank the EU for its very important Ambassador Otaibi said. “More than 12 Ninette Kelley, commended Kuwait’s support to the Syrian refugees and to million people need help and there are role in assisting the Syrian refugees and brief them on the dire humanitarian sit- figures released by institutions and UN welcomed the country’s hosting of the uation faced by Syrian refugees in agencies showing the size of destruc- third international pledging conference Lebanon as well as the impact this has tion, and the economic, social and for Syria on March 31. “I see the support on the political, economic and security humanitarian impacts of this crisis,” of Kuwait as extraordinary. Kuwait was context in the country. Otaibi added. the first country in the Gulf to come out As the Syrian conflict enters its fifth with such a large contribution which year, millions of refugees stay in neigh- $8.4 billion they provided to the UNHCR and to oth- boring countries and nearly 1.2 million The Syrian conflict broke out in er agencies in the region,” she said in an have fled to Lebanon which is itself a March 2011, killing more than 220,000 interview in Brussels. small country with a population of four people and injured many more, as well “In Lebanon it has been life saving million people, she said. as causing massive losses for the Syrian assistance and critical for us to both Kelley noted that in proportion with economy. The UN, to appeal for up to help and provide services to the its size and population Lebanon is the $8.4 billion during the coming donors’ refugees and also in a way for benefits only country in the world which has tak- conference, better known as Kuwait III, to Lebanese communities itself. It is a en so many refugees and also praised launched the Regional Refugee and partner and we are also very grateful the fact that there has been no backlash Resilience Plan 2015-16 (3RP) late last that Kuwait has agreed to again host the against the Syrian refugees in Lebanon. year in order to address suffering of conference on Syria” said Kelly. She underlined that all Syrian refugees Syrian refugees in host communities in “We need the world to once again in Lebanon want to return to their neighboring countries at humanitarian see the region in its entirety see the homes once the conditions allow them. and development levels. great magnitude of needs and give oth- Kuwait hosted the first and second aid The Syrian conflict is entering its five er donors opportunity to come forward pledging conferences for Syria in 2013 KRCS Chairman Dr Hilal Al-Sayer is pictured with the girl. year now with no solution looming in with their pledges. and 2014. horizon thus causing what has become Last year, 90 percent of all pledges The events successfully raised $3.9 Kuwait covers Syrian to be known as Donors Fatigue, trigger- for humanitarian conference were made billion in aid pledges, $1.5 billion in the ing social problems irrelevant to sole at the Kuwait conference. That is how first and $2.4 billion in the second. girl’s kidney transplant humanitarian needs. critical it is and most of those pledges Kuwait donated a total of $800 million in The Syrian refugees are becoming were met,” stressed the UN official. She the two conferences, $300 million in the KUWAIT: Kuwait Red Crescent Society (KRCS) is covering costs helpless and lack financial resources said that the Lebanon Crisis Response first and $500 in the second. — KUNA of kidney transplant for a 10-year-old Syrian girl. A donor is a thus seeking all means to survive, like providing a kidney for the girl whose two kidneys are no forcing early marriage of girls and sell longer functioning, KRCS Chairman Dr Hilal Al-Sayer said. She basic belongings. “This is the biggest Kuwaitis in Japan advised has been subjected to dialysis three times per week, thus suf- humanitarian crisis, and the Syrian fering from excruciating pain. refugees who are 3.8 million people are to carry passports outside The Kuwaiti society has taken the initiative to cover the the largest refugee community in the transplant expenses, estimated at $25,000. One of the child’s world,” said Otaibi. The humanitarian TOKYO: Kuwait’s embassy in Tokyo stressed in a statement yesterday the parents would be donating the healthy kidney for the girl, advised Kuwaitis planning to visit Japan imperative to respect Japanese laws and Sayer clarified. KRCS teams have been touring Syrian villages needs are “very massive, and the humanitarian appeals launched by the to be careful and carry their passports in regulations, offering hotlines for Kuwaitis and towns offering help to anyone in need, particularly under outings during their stay. The embassy to seek help in case of trouble. — KUNA current war circumstances. — KUNA UN for 2015 are $8.4 billion which are LOCAL SATURDAY, MARCH 21, 2015 MP backtracks from Mudej grilling plans

By A Saleh minister, saying that he decided against liqui- dation of the parliament’s petitions committee, three years in jail, after they were found guilty dating a number of shareholding companies which calls for allowing a company to hold a for forging a car transfer contract. The employ- KUWAIT: MP Roudhan Al-Roudhan that failed to hold their general assembly general assembly meeting and hold its board ee reportedly forged a document to transfer a announced that he had decided against filing a meetings,” Roudhan said in a statement. He members accountable,” Roudhan explained. car’s ownership to her brother, before the vehi- grilling motion against Minister of Commerce added that the Mudej made the call on the last cle’s original owner discovered the incident and Industry Abdulmohsen Al-Mudej, after the day of a period he had given to the minister to Siblings sentenced and filed a case. The verdict overrules the latter backtracked from a decision he had respond to inquisitions made earlier on the The Appeals Court sentenced an Interior Criminal Court ruling which acquitted the made earlier. “I received a phone call from the subject. “The minister adopted the recommen- Ministry employee along with her brother for defendants. Crime Report Marijuana smuggling attempt thwarted

By Hanan Al-Saadoun

KUWAIT: Customs officers at Kuwait International Airport arrested an Asian man with two kilograms of marijuana. Another passen- ger was also arrested with one kilogram of the same drug. The two arrived on the same plane yesterday morning. They were taken to the proper authorities for further action.

Motorbike crash A child was injured in a motorcycle accident reported on the Arabian Gulf Road yesterday. The kid was taken in an ambulance to the hospital.

Building fire A fire broke out in the power room of an Abu Hlaifa building Thursday night. No injuries were reported among resi- dents of the 9-story building, who were evacuated by firefight- ers before they tackled the blaze. One fireman suffered heat exhaus- tion and was treated on site. LOCAL SATURDAY, MARCH 21, 2015 Asian Parliament urged to adopt anti-terror resolution Confronting hate speech ‘vital’

ANKARA: Kuwait lawmaker Dr Awda Al-Rowaey urged the extend to the groups that could emerge in the future, MP Rowaey also noted that the meeting tackled a wide array of Asian Parliamentary Assembly (APA)’s Standing Committee on Rowaey said on the sidelines of the meeting of the APA’s key issues relevant to Asian affairs such as the friendship dec- Political Affairs to ratify the draft anti-terror resolution. Standing Committee on Political Affairs, currently held in laration, workers rights, and the role of media in boosting The resolution should not be confined to certain numbers Ankara. He added that there should be clear condemnation of inter-Asian relations. of terrorist groups, but rather it has to be more general to terrorism in all its manifestations and states that patronize it. Hate speech Meanwhile, another member of the Kuwaiti delegation called yesterday for vital measures to confront and counter hate speech around the globe. In his speech to the meeting’s session on using media to counter hate speech, MP Khalil Abdullah said that acts of incit- ing violence against a group of people should not be taken lightly, calling for measures to stop this kind of act. “There are countries and corporations that sponsor satellite channels dedicated to the spread of hate on the grounds of freedom of speech,” Abdullah affirmed. The Kuwait MP called on the com- mittee to formulate a legislation that condemns hate speech, noting that such act was of paramount importance. —KUNA

ANKARA: MPs Dr Awda Al-Rowaey (left) and Khalil Abdullah are pictured during the meeting. —KUNA Kuwait keen on women’s rights NEW YORK: Kuwait underscored its great keenness on women care and its eagerness to grant them their rights that would ensure safe and decent living for them and their families. This came in an intervention by Badria Al-Khalidi, Chancellor of Women’s Affairs Committee of the Kuwaiti cabinet, and member of the participating delegation in the meetings of the 59th session of the Commission on the Status of Women of the United Nations. Khalidi said that the Kuwaiti Constitution has guaranteed women all the rights that preserve and protect the family structure of motherhood, aging, childhood, in addition to granting them the right to work freely besides the social, health care and education rights for the sake of achieving full social justice. She added that the Kuwaiti constitution has made the social justice a basis of the national economy and to achieve the goal of prosperity for citizens and lift the burden of disasters on their shoulders.

KUWAIT: Duhairan Aba Al-Khail, Foreign Relations Committee Chairman at the Kuwait Journalists Association (KJA), met yesterday with Saad Al-Adwani, Consultant at the Saudi Commission for Tourism and Antiquities. Adwani invited KJA members to participate in the Khafji Tourism Festival, taking place this weekend in the Saudi border city of Khafji. LOCAL SATURDAY, MARCH 21, 2015 Kuwaiti envoy submits credentials to Kazakh Pres

KUWAIT: Kuwait’s new ambassador to Ambassador Al-Faraj also delivered greet- Kazakhstan Tareq Abdullah Al-Faraj submit- ings of Highness the Amir Sheikh Sabah Al- ted his credentials to President Nursultan Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah to the Kazakh Nazarbayev. Kazakh Foreign Minister Erlan President, it added. Faraj said he was looking Idrissov and senior state officials attended forward to bolstering bilateral ties, most the ceremony, the Kuwaiti embassy in earnestly after opening an embassy in each Tareq Al-Faraj (left) is pictured after presenting his credentials as Kuwait’s new Astana said in a statement yesterday. other’s country. —KUNA ambassador to Kazakhstan.

KUWAIT: The Kuwait Fire Services Directorate (KFSD) carried out a drill at the maternity building in Jahra Hospital yesterday morning. The drill fol- lowed the scenario of a fire that left a number of people trapped on the third floor and rooftop due to smoke. —By Hanan Al-Saadoun FROM THE ARABIC PRESS SATURDAY, MARCH 21, 2015

Weekend wrap-up Crime Municipality fights bachelors Report in government housing areas Search for KUWAIT: The Municipality has completed a Ministry fights extremism at schools study on amending decreed law 125/1992 ban- Minister of Education and Higher Education Dr ning ‘bachelors’ from renting flats in some resi- Bader Al-Essa instructed all educational zone car arsonist dential areas by imposing a fine of up to KD directors to report any teachers discussing 10,000 on landlords and tenants. The step pri- extremism, tribalism or sectarianism at schools. KUWAIT: Detectives are looking for a person who burned a woman’s car marily targets single expatriate men who rent He also noted that the ministry’s curriculum to the ground in front of her house in Adan. A security source said the rooms inside buildings at areas allocated for department had omitted parts of the syllabi woman was surprised when a fire broke out in the car, and when police government houses, which are referred to offi- taught in schools because they directly or indi- and firemen arrived, they found a bottle of inflammable material nearby. cially as ‘private housing areas’. It does not have rectly encouraged hatred or extremism. “Islamic Detectives are working on the case. an effect in areas allocated for apartment build- education and Arabic curriculums were a top pri- ings, otherwise known as investment areas. ority to me ever since I came to office,” stressed Failed kidnap Municipality Director General Ahmad Al-Subaih Essa. - Al-Anbaa cancelled in a letter to the Director of the Fatwa A motorist stopped near a hairstylist in Fintas and offered her a ride, and Legislation Department all violating con- Certificates to be issued online and when she refused, he attempted to abduct her, according to a tracts and agreements, as power will be cut The Education Ministry’s private education direc- police source. He said the incident took place while she was walking from the buildings and they will be evacuated tor Abdullah Al-Basri said that his directorate home. The suspect escaped when the Egyptian hairdresser screamed for help. The prosecutor ordered the case to be registered administratively. —Al-Qabas would cooperate with the Ministry of Higher as a felony. Education’s IT department to build a special web- ‘Spice’ drug banned site to be used for electronic certificates’ accredi- Having reviewed all relevant laws and regula- tation so that the transactions could be made Domestic violence tions, Health Minister Dr Ali Al-Obaidi issued a online and eliminate personal applications to do A citizen accused her brother of beating her in a complaint filed with ban on the chemical substance ‘Spice’ that is so. Moreover, in an attempt to reduce crowding Fahd Al-Ahmad police. The man justified his actions by saying that she illegally mixed with other ingredients and used students in private Arabic schools, Basri urged returned home late and insulted him, so he wanted to discipline her. as a drug. Notably, a special committee was relevant authorities at the MoE to reconsider Separately, a Lebanese newlywed woman recently filed a complaint formed and meetings held to list the aforemen- using some government schools in Khaitan and accusing her Lebanese husband, saying that he beat her, took her ATM tioned substances as drugs and psychotropic Salmiya where student numbers are low and card and withdrew money from her bank account. elements. —Al-Anbaa could be easily transferred to other schools to house some private Arabic schools. - Al-Jarida Insult charges Bank forgery network busted Banking sources said banks discovered a net- Health recommends less sugar A media personality and a beauty shop owner accused each other of work of loan sharks who forge salary certificates The Ministry of Health (MoH) submitted medical hurling insults. A security source said the media personality told and national labor support statements to get reports to the Cabinet with a recommendation to them that she received insulting messages from the beauty shop loans contrary to supervisory rules for huge reducing the amount of subsidized sugar provid- owner and gave them copies. When the shop owner arrived at the interest rates that may reach 30 percent in ed to citizens through subsidized supplies cen- station, she admitted to sending the messages, adding this was due to financial disputes and said she was also insulted in front of several some cases. The sources said that the loan ters from two to only one kilogram per month. witnesses. Both were freed on bail. Meanwhile, a female citizen was shark network uses the needs of some citizens The recommendations are based on sugar’s neg- arrested for insulting two police officers when they stopped her and whose salaries are not enough to take a loan, or ative health effects, in addition to helping save asked for her ID in Salmiya, said security sources. Case papers indi- who are in debt in a way that does not allow around KD31 million annually. —Al-Anbaa cate that a police patrol suspected a vehicle being driven unsteadily, them to get another loan. It ofers to help them and on stopping it, the motorist reeked of liquor and insulted the get a loan of the maximum amount of KD Food subsidies policemen after refusing to show her ID. 70,000, while the network gets between KD A committee entrusted with studying all forms of 10,000 and KD 20,000. Sources said the banks subsidies provided by the state recommended Beggar deported got wind of the operation quickly, and are limiting the number of domestic laborers who cooperating with the Central Bank to catch benefit from food items provided through the Assistant Undersecretary for General Security Affairs Abdelfattah Al-Ali those involved in the activity. —Al-Rai subsidies cards to four per family. This was stated ordered an Arab lady be sent to criminal detectives to be administrative- following a meeting with the Ministry of ly deported. A security source said the woman was caught begging and New parliamentary bloc Commerce and Industry to discuss subsidies of had KD 19, which she had collected over two hours. A new parliamentary bloc is in the offing, and basic supplies. The sources added that this would its seven members formed its nucleus during reduce Kuwaiti families’ rations from subsidized Auto theft preparations to grill former Electricity and supplies and eventually save huge sums. —Al- Public Works Minister Abdelaziz Al-Ibrahim, Anbaa An employee at the education ministry told Fahaheel police that reported Al-Rai daily. Parliamentary sources while his driver was warming the car in Dhaher, a man approached said the bloc will be announced soon, and it Iraqi IS-affiliate to state Security him, pulled him out of the car and drove off. aims at unifying opinions in the chamber and An Iraqi man was referred to the State Security form an effective parliamentary influence. The department for interrogation over charges of Worker offenders arrested bloc is expected to include Talal Al-Jalal, Faisal being affiliated with the Islamic State (IS) group, Following up the case of four young people who made fun of an Indian Al-Kandari, Sultan Al-Lughaisim, Oudah Al- reported local daily Al-Anbaa. The report elaborat- expat wearing a wig while working at Kuwait International airport and Ruwaei, Mohammad Tana, Abdullah Al-Mayouf ed that an IS-affiliate, who is currently being inter- pulled it off his head, security sources said that using the airport’s sur- and Majid Mousa. —Al-Rai rogated, confessed and provided state security veillance cameras, police identified the four suspects and managed to detectives with the Iraqi suspect’s name and arrest two of them, who confessed and led the police to their accom- Kuwaiti ‘Jihadist’ killed address in Salmiya, who was arrested after his plices. During interrogation, the suspects confessed and claimed that Jihadi websites affiliated to Islamic State hide-out was raided. —Al-Anbaa they were only joking with the man. announced the death of the so-called Amir of ‘Hisba’ Mohammad Abdelrazaq Al-Enezi, also Weapons surrender known as Abu Talha Al-Kuwaiti, who was A prominent tribe sheikh is to make a general Teacher charged killed by the Syrian army in Raqqa. News call to members of his tribe to hand over their A citizen recently filed a complaint against his primary school son’s agencies said a month ago he defected from weapons, sources said, adding that the leader teacher, accusing her of beating the boy, said security sources, not- Daesh and escaped to Turkey, but jihadist will exhort other tribes to follow suit. The ing that the father provided the police with a medical report of his accounts confirmed his death with photos. Interior Ministry is all set to handle the awaited son’s bruises. Abu Talha’s comrades were paying tribute to call during the week, by forming a whole team him while publishing images if him destroy- for this purpose. Meanwhile, the number of ing tombs in the Tabaqa area of Raqqa in weapons handed over by the ruling family Fake passports addition to video clips of him speaking dur- members reached 100. The weapons vary Three Asians were recently arrested at Kuwait International Airport while ing a demo in front of the American Embassy between pistols and machine guns, sources trying to leave the country using fake passports, said security sources, in Kuwait. —Al-Rai added. —Al-Rai noting that the suspects confessed and justified what they did because they were banned from leaving the country. The added that they had stolen the passports they used from a vehicle. —Al-Rai/Al-Anbaa SATURDAY, MARCH 21, 2015 Netanyahu backtrack Putin stages huge Former Aussie PM fails to mollify US 8 military exercises 11 Fraser dies at 84 13

LAUSANNE: US Secretary of State John Kerry (left) expresses his condolences over the death of mother of Iranian President Hassan Rouhani before a negotiation session with Iran’s Foreign Minister Javad Zarif (right) over Iran’s nuclear program yesterday, as European Union Political Director Helga Schmid (fourth left) looks on. —AFP Deadlocked Iran talks break off Make-or-break negotiations to resume next week

LAUSANNE, Switzerland: Iran and six world powers suspended negotia- sanctions relatively quickly if a deal is struck. Iran wants all UN sanctions, for a political framework agreement and a full nuclear deal by June 30, tions on a historic nuclear deal and were set to convene again later next including those targeting its nuclear programme, to be lifted immediate- Western officials said. “For us the deadline is June 30,” the senior week to break a deadlock over sensitive atomic research and lifting of ly. “They insist they have to go immediately. No way. It is out of the ques- European official said. Officials close to the talks have expressed con- sanctions, Western officials said yesterday. While the negotiations have tion,” said a senior European negotiator, echoing concerns raised by the cerns that the French might block a deal. Deputy Foreign Minister Abbas made progress over the past year and both sides appear determined to French. “We have reached a very crucial point in the talks, there are one Araqchi said the talks would resume on Wednesday. He did not say push for a deal, differences on major sticking points are still wide enough or two critical issues and for the other issues still one or two points where. to potentially prevent an agreement in the end. France was demanding remain to be resolved,” Zarif told reporters. “We had good talks and This week’s re-election of Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu, a fierce more stringent restrictions on the Iranians under any deal than the other whether we will reach a result ... we have to wait and see,” he said after opponent of engagement with Iran and critic of a possible nuclear deal, Western delegations, officials said. meeting Kerry. “We made very good progress.” made clear that the pressure on the United States would not let up. On the sixth day of talks at a 19th century hotel in the Swiss city of Kerry said they made good progress, adding: “We’ll be back next Pressure from the US Congress is also driving the pace of negotiations. Lausanne, plans for the delegations changed repeatedly over the course week.” Russia’s chief negotiator Sergei Ryabkov told Reuters he agreed Obama bought some time on Thursday after US Senate Democrats and of several hours. At one point, the foreign ministers of France, Britain and wholeheartedly with Kerry’s assessment. During that meeting, Kerry Republicans agreed to delay until April 14 the Senate Foreign Relations Germany were expected to join the talks today. But less than an hour lat- expressed condolences to the delegation for the passing of Rouhani’s Committee’s vote on legislation that would force Obama to submit any er, the Iranian delegation informed their US, British, French, Germany, mother and greetings for the Iranian new year holiday Nowruz, which agreement with Iran for Congress’ approval. Russian and Chinese counterparts that they were returning to Tehran begins today. US President Barack Obama prepared a video message to Obama has said a nuclear deal does not need Congressional approval due to the death of President Hassan Rouhani’s 90-year-old mother yes- Iran’s people and leaders on Thursday, saying this year represented the and vowed to veto any proposals for new US sanctions. A further meet- terday. Tehran’s delegation checked out of the hotel and headed to the “best opportunity in decades” to improve ties between their two coun- ing of foreign ministers from the Western powers this weekend will airport. All sides agreed a resumption late next week was likely. tries. But differences in the nuclear talks remained, he said. demonstrate unity in the face of the deadlock and give ministers the Prior to the Iranian departure, US Secretary of State John Kerry, Western and Iranian officials have said that the sides are very far opportunity to coordinate, a source close to the talks said, adding that Energy Secretary Ernest Moniz, Iranian Foreign Minister Mohammad apart, though all delegations want a deal. “The alternatives to a negotiat- Kerry telephoned his counterparts overnight to advise them of develop- Javad Zarif and Iranian Atomic Energy Organisation chief Ali Akbar Salehi ed agreement are not very pleasant,” a Western official told Reuters. “No ments. Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi told Kerry the talks “must not held another series of meetings to break the impasse. In addition, techni- one wants to give up. We all want and need this deal.” But U.S. and fall short for lack of a final effort”, China’s Foreign Ministry said after the cal and political experts from the parties have been gathering daily to European officials say they only want a solid agreement that ensures Iran two spoke on the telephone. discuss options that could form the basis of an agreement under which will not be able to quickly build an atomic weapon. Tehran denies har- Russian news agency Interfax reported that Foreign Minister Sergei Iran would accept curbs on sensitive nuclear work for at least a decade bouring nuclear weapons ambitions. Lavrov and Kerry agreed that an acceptable solution to the standoff must and sanctions would be gradually eased. be found as soon as possible. The biggest sticking point, Western officials There was no breakthrough this week. Disagreements arose among Political Framework said, remains Iran’s demands to have no limits on research and develop- the six powers, with France insisting on a longer period of restrictions on The European ministers, rather than coming to Lausanne, may meet ment of advanced centrifuges, machines that purify uranium for use in Iran’s nuclear work. It also opposed the idea of suspending some U.N. elsewhere in Europe over the weekend ahead of an end-March deadline nuclear reactors or, if very highly enriched, in weapons. —Reuters INTERNATIONAL SATURDAY, MARCH 21, 2015

Ahead of New Year, Iranians hope for deal

TEHRAN: After years of false starts in nuclear leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, who will have mean failure to most Iranians. “How could it ment, I think, and it would be good for us,” talks with the West, most Iranians are begin- the final word on any deal. With Nowruz be otherwise?” said Hermidas-Bavand. “The said Hassan Sadraie, an 80-year-old carpet ning their New Year hopeful of a decisive deal falling at 2:15 am today (2245 GMT Friday), a people cannot digest any more disappoint- seller, sat behind the shop’s front desk where to end over a decade of punishing sanctions. speech later that day by Khamenei is attract- ment.” he greets customers. With fewer buyers, But many remain wary that an agreement ing ever higher interest. As a March 31 dead- In the bazaar, a maze of corridors totalling trade has dwindled in recent years. with the United States and other world pow- line for a political agreement approaches, several kilometres where thousands of “Sanctions are bad for business, so the more ers is possible - or even, for some hardliners, people are eager for signs that he will give his traders sell every type of good imaginable, relationships we have with the outside world, desirable - after 12 years of bitter dispute that assent. people are upbeat. “They will reach an agree- the better it will be,” he said. has included periodic threats of war. “All the nation is hopeful,” said Azadeh Kajkolah, a 30- Successful Enough? year-old housewife doing last minute shop- Davoud Hermidas-Bavand, a veteran ping in the capital’s fabled Grand Bazaar on political analyst and university lecturer in Wednesday, the last official work day before Tehran, believes a deal is within reach. “I Nowruz, (Persian New Year) on March 21. “I expect it’s going to be successful enough,” he saw on TV that they have reached peace on said when asked if Iran would feel it has got 90 percent of the issues,” she said, thanking what it wanted out of negotiations. For now, Iranian President Hassan Rouhani, who on key differences remaining between Iran and Tuesday said “sooner or later we will see six world powers - Britain, China, France, results”. Nuclear talks, which took many by Russia, the US and Germany - include the surprise when they officially restarted in 2013 process of lifting sanctions and the amount of after secret meetings between Iranian and US uranium Tehran would be allowed to enrich officials, could end Western sanctions on Iran in future. and temper Tehran’s long isolation. Kajkolah Iran denies seeking an atomic bomb, reserved special praise for Foreign Minister though opponents of the talks say any final Mohammad Javad Zarif, Iran’s chief negotia- deal - due by the end of June - would allow it TEHRAN: Iranians pick painted eggs to buy for Nowruz festivities, the tor, describing him as “a knowledgeable man to become a nuclear threshold state. For all Persian new year celebrations, at Tajrish square market yesterday on who knows diplomacy.” the talk from both sides about “no deal being the eve of beginning of 1394 Persian solar calendar year. —AFP But it is the Islamic Republic’s supreme better than a bad deal” no agreement would Netanyahu backtrack Assad fires fails to mollify US spy chiefs

BEIRUT: Syrian President Bashar Al-Assad has fired two top Next government’s shape crucial intelligence chiefs after a fight between the two officials, a high-ranking security source in Damascus told AFP yester- JERUSALEM: Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin changed”. But by Thursday, he was emphati- anonymity, referring to his comments about day. “General Rustom Ghazaleh, head of political intelli- Netanyahu has begun to tone down anti- cally denying having set himself in opposi- Israeli Arabs voting in “droves”. White House gence, and General Rafiq Shehadeh, head of military intelli- Palestinian rhetoric in order to mend ties with tion to decades of US policy by going back on spokesman Josh Earnest said “steps that the gence, were fired at the beginning of the week by a furious White House but analysts say he will his commitment to Palestinian statehood. “I United States has taken at the United Nations President Assad after a violent dispute between the two have to do more. The White House has said that the conditions for that, today, are had been predicated on this idea that the men,” the source said. Ghazaleh has been replaced by his warned that it might withdraw crucial diplo- not achievable,” Netanyahu in a round of two-state solution is the best outcome. “Now former deputy, Nazih Hassoun, with Mohamed Mahalla matic cover for Israel at the United Nations, remarks to US media. “I haven’t changed my our ally in these talks has said that they are taking over as military intelligence chief, the source added. even as Netanyahu denied he had ruled out policy. What has changed is the reality. I want no longer committed to that solution. That the creation of a Palestinian state. But, as a a sustainable, peaceful two-state solution, means we need to reevaluate our position in The two men were replaced after a violent argument senior Israeli official said yesterday, ties but for that circumstances have to change.” this matter, and that is what we will do mov- over Ghazaleh’s involvement in the southern front of the between the two long-standing allies are But in Washington, an administration offi- ing forward.” conflict in Syria, according to the source. Ghazaleh had extremely strong and will continue that way. cial said President Barack Obama told reportedly sought greater involvement in the battle On Monday, the day before he was Netanyahu “we will need to reassess our New Government against rebel fighters in southern Daraa province, where he reelected, Netanyahu was asked if it were options following the prime minister’s new Experts in Israel and the United States say was born. But Shehadeh “was categorically opposed to him true that there would be no Palestinian state positions and comments regarding the two- Washington’s next step will depend on the taking part in the battle” being waged in the area by were he to remain in office. “Indeed,” he said, state solution”. “They also discussed Prime shape of the government Netanyahu forms regime troops backed by Lebanon’s Shiite Hezbollah later adding that a two-state solution was Minister Netanyahu’s comments about Israeli and his actions on settlements. “If you have a movement, the source said. “A violent disagreement erupt- now irrelevant because the “reality has Arabs,” the official said on condition of right-dominated coalition... and if there isn’t ed and Shehadeh’s men beat up Ghazaleh badly,” the some kind of settlement freeze, then we are source said. looking at an administration that will not take Ghazaleh was briefly hospitalised after the incident two active measures against Israel but will cer- weeks ago, but was readmitted later on suffering complica- tainly not help Israel in the way it usually does,” political scientist Jonathan Rynhold tions related to hypertension. The source said Ghazaleh told AFP. was currently in “critical condition”. Ghazaleh and In particular, he mentioned the tradi- Shehadeh both took their posts in July 2012, after being tional veto by permanent UN Security promoted following a bombing that killed four top regime Council member the United States on reso- figures. Shehadeh was previously head of military intelli- lutions deemed hostile to the Jewish state. gence in central Homs province, an early bastion of the Former Obama Middle East strategist opposition to Assad’s regime. Dennis Ross said the administration’s next Ghazaleh was head of military security in Damascus step would take some time to become before his 2012 promotion. He is considered a strongman clear. “I would wait until there are some dis- of Assad, since he became president in 2000, succeeding cussions before we leap to conclusions his father Hafez. In 2002, Ghazaleh was named head of about what exactly the White House is feel- Syrian military intelligence in Lebanon, where he was ing,” he told Israeli public radio yesterday. “Obviously some of this is likely to be affect- accused of intervening extensively in the country’s political ed by the government that is ultimately affairs. He was also frequently named by witnesses as a sus- formed,” he added. “We know that the pect in the planning of the 2005 assassination of former KFAR QADDUM: Palestinian protestors throw stones at an Israeli army prime minister is going to be the same Lebanese prime minister Rafiq Hariri, though he has not bulldozer during clashes following a weekly demonstration against prime minister, the question is what’s the been indicted by the international tribunal prosecuting the the expropriation of Palestinian land by Israel in this village near shape of his government and what are his murder. —AFP Nablus in the occupied West Bank yesterday. —AFP policy guidelines going to be.” —AFP INTERNATIONAL SATURDAY, MARCH 21, 2015

In Tripoli, hope survives on busy streets

TRIPOLI: Armed convoys, checkpoints and Tripoli’s port. Petrol is still cheap and the at controversial army chief Khalifa Haftar, At Mitiga airport to the east of the capital, sporadic exchanges of gunfire are still com- Libyan dinar is stable at 1.36 to the dollar. who was recently appointed by the interna- Raja, an affluent businessman, is returning to mon in the Libyan capital, but residents are Power cuts are becoming rare and electronic tionally recognised government and has live and work in the city. He fled Tripoli a cou- flocking back to the streets and surprisingly goods are becoming cheaper as imports from vowed to take on Islamists. ple of years ago following an altercation with hopeful of a brighter future. Sitting in a newly China rise. “There has been some unrest, peo- Anas El-Gomati, an analyst with the Libya- gunmen in a grocery store. “They came into opened cafe overlooking the blue waters of ple momentarily deserted the area, but now based Sadeq Institute think tank, said that the store and kidnapped the owner as they the Mediterranean, Mohammed, a 19-year- they are coming back,” said Anas, who works although Libyans differ on politics, they still beat me and threatened to kill me. After that I old student, said that while fear remains, in a restaurant in the neighbourhood. He said want a political solution. “It would be near left the country immediately,” he said. “I left Tripoli’s residents are trying to get on with the shops and restaurants were abandoned impossible to generalise as to what Libyans then because of fear, but now I have decided life. “Tripoli is a city that loves life and wants during the deadly summer clashes but life is want. What they certainly don’t want is more to return because I love my city and I believe peace and peace must find her,” he said. returning to normal. “That’s not to say that war. Any peaceful solution to the current civil that peace will prevail soon. But I will never Since the ouster of dictator Muammar people are totally reassured. They fear for the war is desperately needed,” he said. go to a grocery store ever again.” —AFP Gaddafi almost four years ago, rival militias future, they are afraid of explosions and fight- and administrations have battled for power ing that could happen any time,” he said. in the oil-rich North African country. The city was seized in August by the Islamist-backed Peace ‘Desperately Needed’ General National Congress after weeks of Armed convoys patrol Tripoli’s roads dai- bloody fighting with forces backing the inter- ly, often erecting checkpoints. This is reassur- nationally recognised government. That trig- ing for residents, but few venture out after gered an exodus of foreign residents and dark. “Some people go out at night, but most prompted most diplomatic missions to close. stay at home because we can’t identify who is The rise of the Islamic State group, which on the checkpoints,” said Anas. “It is difficult has claimed several attacks in the country, to know who we are dealing with these has also raised fears but the city’s residents days.” On the short drive to the city centre are adapting as best they can. Some even from Gargaresh, pictures of killed militia fight- sense a changing tide. In the coastal neigh- ers adorn the big metal billboards that once bourhood of Gargaresh, shops, designer bou- displayed commercial advertising. tiques and restaurants stretch for some three The facades of the old town display revo- kilometres (two miles) along the seafront. The lutionary graffiti and slogans of the NATO- streets are crowded with pedestrians and backed uprising that drove Kadhafi from traffic. Women in colourful scarves, men and power in 2011, such as “Free Libya” and children are busy socialising and shopping. “Tripoli: Citadel of Free Men”. But new slo- TRIPOLI: Libyan women shop in the old part of the capital on March 17, Almost nothing is missing from stores gans are encroaching. “Yes for Libya Dawn, 2015. —AFP that continue to import goods through No to the Murderer Haftar,” reads one aimed

Warning over US military chief ‘victory’ against grapples with Iraq Boko Haram LAGOS: Nigeria’s President Goodluck Jonathan yesterday said the military hopes to recapture towns seized by Boko Haram within a month, in what would be a swift victory after six years of bloody con- Dempsey drawn in again flict. But experts warned against any premature declaration of victo- ry, with the militants still proving capable of carrying out deadly hit- WASHINGTON: For much of the past two the onslaught of the Islamic State group has the capital by helicopter, he noted the Shiite and-run strikes and indications of coalition lapses. Jonathan, who is decades the US military has been waging war in drawn him - and US forces - back to Iraq again. banners flying over buildings, referring to “the seeking re-election on March 28, said Boko Haram was “getting Iraq. And one US Army officer has been there for And the echoes of the previous war are plethora of flags, only one of which happens to weaker and weaker every day”. “I’m very hopeful that it will not take just about every painstaking step of it. General never far away. This month, Dempsey flew to be the Iraqi flag.” us more than a month to recover old territories that hitherto have Martin Dempsey has experienced firsthand Baghdad and found himself confronted by a More than 10 years ago, Dempsey led the been in their hands,” he told the BBC. America’s tortuous history in Iraq, from the 1991 problem that vexed him in the past - the coun- 1st Armored Division in Baghdad, just as Sunni- Nigeria has claimed major gains against the Islamists with the Gulf War’s swift victory to the troubled occupa- try’s volatile sectarian split. After a full day of Shiite violence exploded. Later, he was put in help of coalition partners Cameroon, Chad and Niger, achieving in tion after the 2003 US invasion. As Washington’s meetings, a weary-looking Dempsey said his charge of training the Iraqi army. But the Shiite- just over one month what for years it had failed to on its own. Two top-ranking officer, Dempsey, 62, expected to conversations were all too familiar. “This was led government’s exclusion of Sunnis was a out of three of the worst-hit northeast states - Yobe and Adamawa - leave Iraq behind to focus on new threats. But like deja vu for me,” he said. After flying over recurring frustration. Now, as chairman of the have been declared “cleared” while the third, Borno, is expected to US Joint Chiefs of Staff, Dempsey brings his be liberated “soon”, the military said this week. Major towns such as sobering experience from years past to the Bama and Dikwa are among some 36 localities recaptured, with just new mission in Iraq. And he is urging a new three said to be still in rebel hands. National security advisor Mike government led by a new prime minister, Omeri said on Wednesday that “the final onslaught” was under way. Haider Al-Abadi, to make good on its promises to bridge the sectarian divide. “I got a lot of Greater Urgency assurances,” Dempsey said. “But I made it clear More than 13,000 people have lost their lives in the conflict and that chief among our campaign assumptions is the main opposition candidate, former military ruler Muhammadu the establishment of a national unity govern- Buhari, has campaigned hard on the government’s security record. ment.” Mark Schroeder, vice-president for Africa analysis at security risk con- sultants Stratfor, said announcing victory before March 28 made ‘Things Fall Apart’ political sense for Jonathan as part of the election campaign. “The Iraq has dominated Dempsey’s career and risk he runs, however, is that the insurgency is not really defeated, those of a generation of American officers. For only disrupted temporarily and for political posturing,” he told AFP. the soldiers who served during the eight-year “It would be akin to the ‘Mission Accomplished’ declaration by (US) occupation until 2011, the Iraqi army’s abject President (George W) Bush in 2003 that was a premature symbol of defeat at the hands of Islamic State jihadists victory in Iraq. “Clearly, Iraq is still today struggling with an Islamist last year was painful to watch. “The experience insurgency.” was difficult when we were there,” said Peter Until this year, Nigerian troops had appeared unable - even Chiarelli, a retired army four-star general who unwilling - to tackle the better-armed militants, who have allied In this March 8, 2015 photo, Gen Martin E Dempsey (left), US chairman of served in Iraq at the same time as Dempsey. themselves with the Islamic State group in Syria and Iraq. Jonathan “But the experience has been just as difficult acknowledged to the BBC that a lack of resources was to blame. the Joint Chiefs of Staff, and Gen Pierre de Villiers, French Chief of after we went home to watch this thing fall Defense, confer aboard the French aircraft carrier Charles de Gaulle in the Nnamdi Obasi, senior Nigeria researcher at the International Crisis apart,” said Chiarelli, a close friend of Group, attributed the sense of urgency to the prospect of defeat by Arabian Gulf. —AFP Dempsey’s. —AFP Buhari. —AFP INTERNATIONAL SATURDAY, MARCH 21, 2015

Tourists abandon cruise after massacre

BARCELONA: Hundreds of shocked tourists ies blocked the door of the vehicle. “That is Mediterranean. “It was very sad last night. cancelling all its stopovers in Tunisia this year. disembarked yesterday in Spain after their lux- why the terrorist could not get on board,” Nobody was dancing,” said Piot Henri, a 50- Bronskaya said she and her mother stayed on ury cruise was cut short by a jihadist massacre Bronskaya said. year-old from the Indian Ocean island of La the bus for four hours before being rescued. in a Tunisian museum that killed 12 of their fel- Reunion. “I’m wasn’t afraid though, and I’m still “We only started to cry afterwards, when we low passengers. Of the more than 3,000 pas- Honeymoons Cut Short not scared. I’ll still go and visit Arab countries.” saw the Tunisian people taking pity on us, say- sengers who had sailed on the cruise liner MSC Newlyweds Francisco Buciegas and his The cruise operator MSC Cruceros said it was ing: ‘Forgive us,” she said. —AFP Splendida, 25 did not return: 12 were killed in wife Inma, from Cordoba, stepped off shocked the attack and 13 injured when gunmen after their honeymoon was cut short. “The stormed the museum in Tunis on Wednesday. whole thing was really awful. It made us really “They started shooting at the tourists. Anyone anxious,” Inma, who is four months pregnant, they found, they shot at, without mercy,” one told AFP, trying not to cry. “I don’t want any- passenger who witnessed the attack, Jose Lluis thing more to do with Arab countries,” added Cusido, mayor of the town of Vallmoll west of Francisco. A passenger, Josefa Ramirez, from Barcelona, told reporters after disembarking. Malaga in Spain, who was on the boat with her The jihadist group calling itself the Islamic husband Jose Pinto, said she had dined at the State claimed it had carried out the attack, same table as that couple on board the which killed 21 people. Victoria Bronskaya, a Splendida. “Their children had paid for the 33-year-old tour guide from Belarus, was on a cruise for their 50th wedding anniversary,” bus parked outside the National Bardo Josefa said.”Now this has taken away any Museum in Tunis along with her mother when desire to return, to Tunisia or to any Arab the attackers struck. “We threw ourselves to country.” the floor and they started shooting at the bus,” she told AFP. “I wasn’t even afraid. You just Not in the Mood for Dancing think about saving yourself. I shouted ‘God Seven hundred passengers on the save me’ in Russian.” As she and others cow- Splendida ended their cruise in Barcelona, BARCELONA: Tourists traveling on the MSC Splendida cruise ship, ered inside, the gunmen shot two other while the hundreds of others stayed on board whose passengers were among the victims of a deadly attack on a tourists trying to board the bus. The dead bod- to continue their cruise around the Tunis museum, arrive at the port of Barcelona yesterday. —AFP

UNICEF: S Sudan government, rebels kidnapping kids GENEVA: South Sudan’s army and rebels have stepped up the kidnap- ping of children to fight in the country’s civil war, with hundreds snatched from villlages in the last month alone, the UN children’s agency said yesterday. Providing the most detailed account yet of the country’s child soldier crisis, UNICEF said it believed there were now more than 12,000 children in government and rebel ranks across the country. “It has become increasingly desperate for boy children in many areas of the conflict zone. They are being targeted. They are being rounded up and sent to the frontline. This is happening as I speak,” Jonathan Veitch, UNICEF’s representative in the country, said. Veitch said UNICEF had “credible and in some instances verifiable TUNIS: Tunisians wave banners and their national flag during a demonstration on Bourguiba Avenue yester- information that forces aligned with the government and opposition day, two days after gunmen attacked the National Bardo Museum. —AFP have abducted or coerced hundreds of children into their ranks in the past month alone”, a period coinciding with the collapse of peace talks. “Our teams on the ground and our partners are reporting a strong Tunisia museum gunmen upsurge in recruitment at the moment and it is ongoing,” he told reporters in Geneva. South Sudan is the the world’s youngest nation, having broken away from Khartoum in 2011 after a long and bloody independence trained in Libya camp struggle. Civil war broke out in the new nation in Dec 2013, when President Salva Kiir accused Riek Machar, his former deputy, of planning a coup. Since then tens of thousands have died, two million have been EU leaders to visit Tunis uprooted and four million face starvation. The government and the rebels have been accused of widespread atrocities and war crimes - TUNIS: Tunisia said two gunmen who killed 21 Benghazi and the jihadist stronghold of Derna. the southern Mediterranean are dangerous for including gang rapes, massacres and attacks on aid organisations and people at its national museum trained at a mili- President Beji Caid Essebsi’s office said Europe,” Tusk told a press conference after a peacekeepers. Earlier this month the UN Security Council passed a US- tant camp in Libya, as the country marked security forces arrested nine suspects - “four two-day European Union leaders summit in drafted resolution creating a sanctions regime for South Sudan, Independence Day in sombre fashion yester- people directly linked to the (terrorist) opera- Brussels. “We condemned the appalling terror- although none have yet been imposed. day. The Islamic State jihadist group has tion and five suspected of having ties to the ist attack in Tunis this week and agreed to claimed Wednesday’s attack on foreign tourists cell”. A presidential source said soldiers were to intensify cooperation with Tunisia in order to ‘Grabbed in Villages’ in Tunis, the deadliest since Tunisia’s 2011 rev- be deployed in major cities. As international counter the terrorist threat, to strengthen its Veitch reminded South Sudan’s warring factions that the resolution olution, which sparked the Arab Spring region- outrage grew over the attack on Tunisia - promising democracy and to assist its eco- “specifically lists the recruitment of children as soldiers as one of the cri- al uprisings. The two assailants “left the country hailed as a rare success story of the Arab Spring nomic and social development,” Tusk added. teria for imposing sanctions”. The official said “hundreds” of children illegally last December for Libya and they were - Essebsi was defiant. “The process of imple- Mogherini, a former Italian foreign minister, were seized from the village of Wau Shilluk in Upper Nile in an attack able to train with weapons there,” Secretary of menting a democratic system is underway, said the Tunis killings were “an attack on last month by soldiers loyal to Major-General Johnson Olony, who com- State for Security Rafik Chelly told Tunisian tel- well anchored,” he told France’s TF1 television. Europe”. “We know that the risk of instability mands an ethnic Shilluk militia in the northern Upper Nile state, an oil- evision. “We will never move backwards.” Essebsi was from terrorism in Libya is also a risk for rich and fiercely contested region. “Despite advocacy and appeals to IS, which includes hundreds of Tunisians in set to give a speech yesterday to mark the Tunisia,” she said. the government and the Johnson Oloni militia which took the children, its ranks, threatened more attacks in an online anniversary of independence from France in The daily La Presse’s front page declared: no child has been unconditionally released,” he said. audio message claiming responsibility for the 1956, amid muted celebrations after the car- “Tunisia will overcome” and the Assasbah Some of the children were meanwhile allowed to return home dur- National Bardo Museum massacre. Authorities nage. newspaper ran the headline: “The Second ing the day, but forced to return to the training camps in the evening, say as many as 3,000 Tunisians have gone to Republic will prevail”. The dead included four he said, adding that UNICEF had “credible reports” that children were Iraq, Syria and Libya to join jihadist ranks, rais- Honeymooners Hid in Storeroom Italians, three Japanese, three French, two also being sent to fight on the frontline in Kaka. In Unity State the situa- ing fears of returning battle-hardened militants European Council President Donald Tusk Spaniards, a Colombian, an Australian- tion in opposition areas had also worsened significantly, with soldiers plotting attacks. Chelly named locations of sev- and EU diplomatic chief Federica Mogherini Colombian, a British woman, a Belgian rounding up children and men in their houses and elsewhere, Veitch eral suspected training camps for Tunisians in will travel to the Tunisian capital on March 31 woman, and a Pole, health ministry officials said. “Taken together, we believe the seizures in Unity and Upper Nile violence-wracked Libya, including second city to show solidarity after the attack. “Events in said. —AFP total well into the hundreds in the past month,” he said. —AFP INTERNATIONAL SATURDAY, MARCH 21, 2015

Mystery bombings muddy waters in Odessa

ODESSA, Ukraine: Alina Radchenko lost track east. A blast destroyed her office in January, forces. Although Odessa lies far from the brutal the SBU said. SBU officials believe the blasts after about the 15th bombing in Odessa, followed by explosions at the headquarters of fighting, dozens of mystery attacks here have were planned from Russia and are treating where she runs a volunteer centre to support pro-Western parties, Ukrainian nationalist killed one person since last year and stirred up them as acts of terror. battalions fighting pro-Russian rebels in the groups and banks known to support Kiev’s an atmosphere of mistrust in the already divid- ed Russian-speaking Black Sea port. ‘We are Novorossiya!’ Founded in 1794 by Russian Empress The main port of Imperial Russia and site of Catherine II, the buzzing coastal city lies deep important WWII battles, Odessa is highly sym- in government-controlled territory but some bolic for Moscow. Russian President Vladimir here fear that it could eventually be in Putin last year said it is not historically part of Moscow’s sights. “Attitudes in Odessa are Ukraine but of Novorossiya - a tsarist-era term about 50-50,” Radchenko said in a new city- now used by pro-Russian rebels in the east. centre office decorated with Ukrainian flags Some in Russia talk of extending rebel rule and pictures of Ukrainian soldiers, where she westwards from Crimea, across the north of and other volunteers are now under police the Black Sea to reach Moldova’s unrecog- protection. “The situation is very strange,” she nised separatist region of Transdniestr - where added, accusing local authorities of being anti- Russia has a sizeable military presence. Ukrainian and of turning a blind eye to the vio- The rhetoric has put pro-Ukrainians on lence. high alert in Odessa, raising fears that the Ukraine’s security service (SBU) this week region could become another “people’s claimed to have “disarmed” two groups republic”, similar to rebel territories in Donetsk behind some of the blasts, detaining five peo- and Lugansk, where a tense ceasefire has held ple. One detainee - a former Ukrainian soldier for about a month. Local SBU advisor Andriy ODESSA, Ukraine: Oleksandr Bornyakov, a local lawmaker and who deserted - was found to have an arsenal Yusov recently warned that peace in the east member of the pro-Western Samopomich party, leaves his office in of grenades, handguns and other weapons. could lead to heightened efforts to “desta- this southern Ukrainian city on March 14, 2015 after it was targeted Another was part of a pro-Russian Cossack bilise” government-controlled cities like by a blast. —AFP group and had weapons as well as “pro- Odessa and Kharkiv beyond the rebel-held ter- Russian propaganda materials” in his home, ritories. —AFP Putin stages huge military exercises Game of ‘brinkmanship’ with West

MOSCOW: Mammoth Russian military drills Brinkmanship Diplomacy forces on alert during the annexation of Crimea a ordered by President Vladimir Putin from the Military analyst Pavel Felgenhauer said Russia year ago. But others dismissed it as little more than Pacific to the Black Sea are designed to send a was pursuing a two-pronged strategy: Using posturing. “Putin is talking about nuclear weapons message to the West: keep your distance and “nuclear blackmail” to try to press the West into but no one is afraid of us,” wrote Yulia Latynina, a don’t overplay your hand on Ukraine, observers making concessions amid sanctions over Ukraine columnist for Novaya Gazeta newspaper. She say. Since the start of the Ukraine crisis more than while making sure its forces are ready for any full- called the “grandiose bluff” a warning to the West HAJIPUR, India: In this March 18, 2015 file photo, a year ago, Russia has flexed its muscles with a scale military confrontation. “This is brinkmanship, not to escalate the Ukraine crisis. Indians climb the wall of a building to help students series of war games but the scale of the latest mili- balancing on the brink of war,” he told AFP, The tactics have worked to a degree. appearing in an examination in the eastern Indian tary exercises - including sending nuclear adding that in the current atmosphere of shat- Washington is sending troops on a training mis- state of Bihar. —AP bombers to Crimea and ballistic missiles to tered ties with the West the Kremlin is not ruling sion to Ukraine next month but is holding off on Kaliningrad in central Europe - has triggered a out any scenarios. “These are preparations for a supplying Kiev with lethal weaponry. Russia’s series of new questions. Experts say whatever the possible nuclear conflict, for a big war with Europe seizure of Crimea, support for Ukranian sepa- 600 Indian students purpose of the latest manoeuvres involving tens and for a global nuclear war with America.” ratists and drills across Russia have caused unease of thousands of troops, the intent is clear: to show In a bombastic statement many saw as in Eastern Europe and galvanised NATO, which is expelled for cheating Putin’s Russia will stop at nothing to protect its emblematic of the Kremlin’s willingness to go all boosting defences on Europe’s eastern flank. This PATNA, India: About 600 high school students in eastern India have been interests. out, Putin said he was ready to put Russia’s nuclear month European Commission chief Jean-Claude expelled for cheating on pressure-packed 10th grade examinations this Juncker went so far as to call for the creation of an week, education authorities said yesterday. The incident has received EU army. widespread attention after Indian television footage showed parents and Russia insists the only purpose of its drills is to friends of students scaling the outer walls of school buildings to pass cheat keep its armed forces battle ready. “This is neither sheets to students inside taking exams. More than 1.4 million 10th graders the rumbling of caterpillar tracks, nor sabre rattling are taking the tests at more than 1,200 high schools across the state. They nor muscle flexing,” said deputy defence minister face tremendous pressure because they must pass the exams to continue Anatoly Antonov. “We are not like some countries their education. Teachers and state education department officials super- who cockily stage a show of force by moving their vising the examination caught hundreds of students who had smuggled troops, arms and equipment to foreign territories.” in text books or scraps of paper for cheating. “It’s virtually impossible to He said foreign attachés would be briefed on the conduct fair examinations without the cooperation of parents,” said P K drills at the military’s top secret National Defence Shahi, Bihar’s education minister. He said it was not possible to monitor Management Centre this weekend. the 6 million parents and others who accompany the students to the The country-wide exercises have involved examination centers. nearly every unit: from paratroopers to antisub- State authorities posted police at all schools where examinations were marine and air forces and from special operation being held, “but we can’t use force to drive away the parents,” he said. units to communications personnel. The Nearly two dozen parents were detained after they were caught helping Northern Fleet has been put on full combat alert their children, but were released after several hours. Yesterday, the high and yesterday Russia launched military exercises court in the state capital, Patna, ordered the Bihar police chief to ensure on the Kuril Islands, a chain of Pacific islands that examinations are conducted in a fair manner. claimed by Japan. Moscow is also sending State education authorities have canceled examinations held at four nuclear capable Iskander missiles to the exclave centers after they received reports of large-scale cheating. Bihar School Kaliningrad region bordering EU members Examination Board Secretary Sriniwas Tiwari said students caught cheat- Poland and Lithuania. Lithuanian President Dalia ing could be barred from taking the exam for up to three years, ordered to Grybauskaite slammed the deployment, saying pay a fine or even sent to jail. Cheating seems to be particularly wide- the missiles “can reach nearly half of European STAVROPOL: Russian military troops take part in a military drill on this spread in Bihar, although there have been no reports of anyone being sent capitals, it can reach Berlin.” —AFP polygon close to the Chechnya border on Thursday. —AFP to jail for the offense. —AP INTERNATIONAL SATURDAY, MARCH 21, 2015 7 held after Kabul mob kills woman

KABUL: Afghan police arrested seven suspects after a Kabul mob beat a woman to death, then set her body on fire and threw it into the Kabul River, a police chief said yesterday. The city’s head of criminal investigation, Mohammad Farid Afzali, said the motive for the attack, which happened the previous night, was unknown. Police had tried to disperse the crowd by shooting in the air, Afzali said, but had “reacted too late”. He identified the woman as 27-year-old Farkhanda, and said she had been receiving psychiatric treatment for an unspecific condition for at least four years. The incident took place outside Kabul’s famous yellow mosque, the Shahi Doshamshira. Later, cell phone footage surfaced in the Afghan capital of the horrific beating. Violence against women is endemic in Afghanistan but mob assaults on women in Kabul are extremely rare. President Ashraf Ghani ordered the Interior Ministry and the Ulama Council, which oversees religious issues, as well as the mosque leadership to investigate the attack. “No one has the right to take it upon themselves to act as judge and court, nor to commit violence against anyone for any reason,” Ghani said in a statement. Ulama Council member Ahmad Ali Jebreili also condemned the attack, saying it was against Islamic law. Ghani put women’s rights and equality at the heart of his presidential campaign last year and has elevated his wife, Rula, to First Lady status. A Christian of Lebanese descent, she has spoken for women’s rights in Afghanistan, routinely named by international groups as one of the worst places to BACHRAWAN, India: Rescue workers carry a young child from mangled train carriages following the derail- be a woman. Under the Taleban, women were not permitted ment of an express train in Raebarelli district, about 50 km from Lucknow, the capital of the northern state to work, study or leave their homes without a male relative. of Uttar Pradesh. —AFP The new Afghan constitution guarantees equal rights and protection from violence, but women still struggle to have the laws applied. Heather Barr, senior women’s rights researcher for the New 32 killed after train York-based watchdog Human Rights Watch said Thursday’s attack highlights “the impunity that pervades every aspect of life in Afghanistan, and in particular the disregard for violence derails in north India against women”. —AP Minister vows to modernize infrastructure

LUCKNOW, India: At least 32 people, including children, India’s Railways minister expressed his grief at the loss of were killed and dozens more injured when an express train life and promised to expedite the process of modernizing the derailed in northern India yesterday, authorities said. country’s rail infrastructure. “This budget I focused on safety Television images showed two mangled carriages lying as I feel saddened by loss of life and injuries to our valued beside the track after the accident, which occurred around 50 passengers. We must modernize crumbling infra,” Prabhu km from Lucknow, capital of the northern state of Uttar said on Twitter. “We are prioritizing safety as thrust area.” The Pradesh. Neeraj Sharma, chief public relations officer for minister said that the “neglect of past or limited budget Northern Railway, told AFP that the rescue work had been resource can’t be the reason for accidents”. “...it takes some completed by early afternoon and a total of 32 bodies had time to neutralize past inaction. We will,” Prabhu added. been found. Another 50 people received injuries in the crash. The railways minister said last month that decades of An official at the scene said one of the coaches was vacant underinvestment had taken their toll on the rail network and at the time of the accident, limiting the number of deaths. promised to restore it to its former glory. Deadly accidents are The Press Trust of India (PTI) news agency said the train common on India’s railways, whose vast and rundown net- apparently overshot a signal before crashing into a barrier work carries tens of millions of people daily. Last month a and coming off the rails. Sharma said there would be an offi- passenger train derailed in southern India after a boulder fell cial investigation into the cause of the accident, which could on the tracks, killing at least 10 people. India’s government KABUL: Pigeons fly at the Shahi Doshamshira mosque have been down to driver negligence or the brake system has pledged to invest $137 billion to modernize its crumbling yesterday where an Afghan woman was beaten to failing. railways, making them safer, faster and more efficient. —AFP death and her body set alight by a mob. —AFP Shootout at Kashmir police station kills 6

SRINAGAR: Suspected rebels wearing army cordoned off the area near the border ly, the militants infiltrated from the Pakistani uniforms stormed an Indian police station in between Indian- and Pakistani-controlled side overnight,” Rana said. Kashmir, killing a policeman and sparking a parts of the disputed Himalayan region, and India has long accused Pakistan of support- four-hour gun battle yesterday that left two traffic on the nearby main highway connect- ing the rebels with arms, training and logistical paramilitary soldiers, two militants and a civil- ing Jammu region with the rest of country has support - a charge Pakistan denies. The mili- ian dead, police said. At least seven paramili- been suspended. Inspector-General Danish tants who carried out yesterday’s attack were tary officers, two policemen and a second civil- Rana said at least two militants were involved dressed in army combat uniforms, but it was ian were also wounded in the fighting on the in the attack. He said they hijacked a car and unclear from which country’s army, Police outskirts of Kathua town in the region of drove it to the police station, where they Director-General K Rajendra said. No one has Jammu. Indian forces also rescued at least two forced several civilians to enter in order to gain claimed responsibility for the attack. Several KATHUA, India: The body of a suspected rebel lies on dozen paramilitary and police officers who had access to the building. They then killed a anti-India groups are fighting for Kashmir’s the ground at Rajbagh police station in this district been trapped inside the station, police said. police sentry and one of the civilians, and independence or merger with neighboring about 80 km south of Jammu yesterday. —AP Indian army and paramilitary soldiers have pushed their way into the building. “Most like- Pakistan. —AP INTERNATIONAL SATURDAY, MARCH 21, 2015 Former Aussie PM Fraser dies at 84 Current, former premiers pay tribute

SYDNEY: Former conservative prime minister “Malcolm Fraser held true to the belief that his what Malcolm Fraser achieved in his life TOKYO: Subway workers offer a silent prayer at Malcolm Fraser, who came to power in 1975 actions were in the best interests of Australia. deserves respect as a quite extraordinary Kasumigaseki station yesterday, marking the 20th after Australia’s greatest constitutional crisis, He was determined to ‘turn on the lights’ and Australian,” he said. A staunch opponent of anniversary of a poison gas attack in Japan. —AFP died yesterday after a short illness at the age of restore Australia’s economic fortunes. “The apartheid, Fraser was also noted for taking a 84. His death came just five months after the greatest win in Australian political history con- strong stand in supporting reform in South Japan remembers demise of Gough Whitlam, the man Fraser firms that he had correctly read the mood of Africa and playing a prominent part in the replaced after the Labor figure became the public. He was rightly proud of his govern- Commonwealth’s efforts to establish an inde- subway gas attack Australia’s only prime minister to be sacked. “It ment.” pendent Zimbabwe. He formed aid group is with deep sadness that we inform you that CARE Australia, established the Australian TOKYO: Japan marked the 20th anniversary yesterday of coordinated after a brief illness John Malcolm Fraser died Lasting Legacy Federal Police, enacted the nation’s first attacks on the Tokyo subway system, when a doomsday cult released a peacefully in the early hours of the morning of Former Liberal prime minister John Freedom of Information laws, and welcomed Nazi-developed nerve gas on packed trains, killing 13 people and injur- 20 March 2015,” a statement said. He leaves Howard called him a dedicated, professional tens of thousands of Vietnamese boatpeople ing 6,000. At Kasumigaseki, one of the hardest hit subway stations, wife Tamie and four children. and skilful politician. “Anybody who achieves into the country.—AFP staff and relatives of some of those who died in the biggest attack on Fraser, from Australia’s conservative Liberal post-WWII Japan fell silent at 8:00 am to remember those who were Party, began his term as the country’s 22nd lost and those still affected. “Twenty years have passed but I think the prime minister after the representative of victims are still suffering,” said Fumiko Suzuki, who was there to pay Britain’s Queen Elizabeth II, Sir John Kerr, dis- tribute to a friend made ill by the invisible clouds of sarin that spread missed Whitlam’s government in November through rush-hour trains. “We should not forget about the attack.” 1975 in a constitutional crisis. He was appoint- Prime Minister Shinzo Abe also visited the station in the afternoon ed caretaker and despite persistent questions to place flowers in memory. “I offered my condolences to the victims about the legitimacy of how he came to office, as we marked the 20th anniversary of the attack,” he said. “The inci- the man seen as a ruthless politician went on dent isn’t over yet because many are still suffering from the after- to win three elections, serving until 1983 and effects of the sarin.” Thirteen members of the Aum Supreme Truth cult pursuing goals of reducing spending and remain on death row for their part in the March 20, 1995 terror and for responsible fiscal management. other murders and kidnappings the group carried out. He was also a strong supporter of human Cult leader Shoko Asahara, a blind mystic who espoused a blend of rights who oversaw an upsurge in immigration Hinduism and Buddhism, was convicted of ordering five teams of fol- from Asia and a conservationist who banned lowers to dump packets of sarin on trains, puncturing them with the whaling in Australia, while helping shape diplo- sharpened tip of an umbrella. Thousands of commuters were unknow- matic and trade relations with East and ingly exposed to the colourless, odourless nerve gas, which even in Southeast Asia before being succeeded by low doses can cause paralysis of the lungs and neurological damage. Labor’s Bob Hawke. “The constitutional crisis of SYDNEY: In this Nov 4, 2014 file photo, former Australian Prime Minister Some died almost instantly, while others suffered gradually worsening 1975 was one of the defining political events of Malcolm Fraser arrives at Town Hall with his wife Tamie for a memorial symptoms. —AFP our nation,” said Prime Minister Tony Abbott. service for former Australian Prime Minister Gough Whitlam. —AP INTERNATIONAL SATURDAY, MARCH 21, 2015

Makati in chaos as two mayors stand off

MANILA: The Philippines’ financial capital Joey Salgado told AFP yesterday. He also in terms of revenue, with 11.9 billion pesos of the Liberal Party’s Interior Secretary Mar Makati has been plunged into chaos with warned there was a looming crisis over ($265 million) in earnings from taxes and Roxas. The Binays have ruled Makati since two politicians claiming to be mayor, forc- who had the authority to sign the city’s fees in 2013, according to government the restoration of democracy in 1986, ing courts to close and delaying govern- cheques, while some welfare recipients said data. endearing themselves to the masses with ment business during a bitter standoff trig- they did not receive their benefits on time. The city hosts the country’s stock unparalleled benefits such as free college gered by graft claims. Surrounded by hun- If banks do not honour cheques signed exchange, 82 embassies and consulates, education, medicine, movies and birthday dreds of supporters, Makati mayor Jejomar by Binay, street lamps and traffic lights will 506 bank offices and 246 business process cakes. Erwin Binay has been holed up in city hall be shut down, taps in government build- outsourcing and technology companies. The elder Binay capitalised on this pop- since the ombudsman suspended him last ings will run dry and garbage collection will The stand-off appears likely to drag on for ulist theme to propel himself to the coun- week because of its investigation into his stop, according to Salgado. “This is a very weeks, with the Binay family against the try’s second highest post in 2010 and fortify alleged corrupt practices. dangerous situation, if their (national gov- suspension but Pena continuing to receive a political dynasty that includes two other Insisting the graft accusations are ernment’s) actions result in delays in the Aquino administration’s support. While daughters elected to parliament. True to trumped up, Binay has refused to cede salaries, utilities,” he said. “Any perception of the power struggle is unlikely to affect big the family’s populist touch, the Binay’s have power to his deputy and rival, Romulo instability would have an effect on the business in the city in the short term, it attracted supporters to the vigil at the city Pena, who insists he is now “acting mayor”. country. They are sending the wrong signal could affect the Philippines’ image as a safe hall grounds with film showings on giant The power struggle is widely seen as a bat- to investors. Makati is the financial centre of investment destination, Richard Javad screens and free Zumba lessons. Media tle between the nation’s ruling Liberal Party the country.” Heydarian, a political science professor at have also been given free food. and main opposition. Binay is the son of From an adjacent old building, with hall- the De La Salle University in Manila, told Balloon salesman Errol Bonba waited opposition leader, Vice President Jejomar ways that reek of leaking toilets, Pena AFP. “Business can’t be tied to political outside Mayor Binay’s office door yesterday, Binay, while Pena is a member of President issued a memorandum on Friday to all city cycles,” he said. waiting for the chance to give him a state- Benigno Aquino’s Liberal Party. hall employees asserting his authority. “All ment of support from the city’s disabled Makati’s courts closed for a day last ordinances, official documents and official Dynasty Rule persons group. “I hope this standoff won’t week because of the crisis, and some actions must be submitted and referred to Binay’s family has said the mayor’s sus- delay the delivery of my dentures. It will give judges have continued to postpone hear- the undersigned for approval and/or pension is politically motivated as his father me confidence when dealing with my ings to avoid the crush of Binay supporters appropriate action,” Pena said, referring to continues to dominate surveys to become clients,” the wheelchair-bound 52-year-old outside the building, family spokesman himself. Makati is the country’s largest city the next president in 2016 elections, ahead told AFP, flashing a toothless smile. —AFP

Old Thai man US 1st lady gets taste of jailed for ‘royal insult’ graffiti Japan’s ancient culture BANGKOK: An elderly Thai man was jailed by a military court yesterday for scrawling graffiti in a shopping mall toi- Obama to promote girls’ education in Cambodia let critical of the country’s junta leaders and its revered king. KYOTO, Japan: US first lady Michelle Obama to a younger sibling, or volunteering through Obama is expected to “share American per- Thailand’s monarch Bhumibol Adulyadej, 87, is protected was treated to a serene classical Noh perform- your school or place of worship.” spectives about education and good gover- by one of the world’s toughest royal ance and then tried taiko drums as she ended Soon after, Mrs Obama left Japan, one of nance” but was unlikely to directly criticize defamation rules under which anyone her visit to Japan yesterday with a taste of tradi- Asia’s richest nations, for Cambodia, one of Cambodia’s human rights record. Mrs Obama’s convicted of insulting the king, tional culture in Kyoto, one of the country’s Asia’s poorest. Cambodia is one of the 11 coun- trip is the first by a sitting American first lady to queen, heir or regent faces up to 15 ancient capitals. Mrs. Obama viewed the Noh tries to be included in the “Let Girls Learn” pro- Cambodia, whose strongman leader, Prime years in prison on each count. Ophas performance at Kiyomizu-dera, a Buddhist tem- gram, which is being run by the Peace Corps, Minister Hun Sen, has ruled for 30 years with lit- Chansuksei, a 67-year-old pin-badge ple founded in 780 that is one of the most with support from counterpart organizations tle tolerance for dissent. She was not expected vendor, received a year and a half sen- famous sights in Japan, sitting on a forested hill including the Japan Overseas Cooperation to meet Hun Sen but will spend today with his tence for writing anti-monarchy and overlooking the city. Local college students in Volunteers. This was Mrs Obama’s first visit to wife, Bun Rany, who greeted Mrs Obama at the anti-government messages in an east- kimono performed a brief piece of Noh, a classi- Japan, as she did not accompany the president airport yesterday night. The White House said ern Bangkok mall last October. cal Japanese musical drama that usually on his state visit last year. The visit is seen partly Japan and Cambodia were chosen for Mrs Ophas The judge described the comments employs elaborate costumes and stylized masks as a way of making up for her absence then, Obama’s trip because one is a donor country Chansuksei as “false” and said they “lowered the to symbolize roles of women, ghosts and other and as a sign of closeness between the allies. and one is a country in need, and it reflects a US value of the king”. His sentence was cut from three years characters. While at Kiyomizu-dera, a UNESCO commitment to be more involved in the Asia- because he pleaded guilty, the judge added. An AFP reporter World Heritage site, whose name means “clear Human Rights Pacific region. In Cambodia, she will get a first- inside the military court said Ophas, grey-haired and dressed water,” Mrs Obama also observed a traditional Mrs Obama arrived in the city of Siem Reap, hand look at the country’s educational chal- in rose coloured prison clothes, remained impassive as the tea ceremony. She then traveled across town to home to Cambodia’s famed Angkor Wat tem- lenges. Cambodia was devastated by the sentence was read out. But his wife struggled to hold back the 1,300-year-old Fushimi Inari Shrine, a place ple complex. The White House has said Mrs Khmer Rouge in the 1970s. —Agencies her tears. Speaking after sentencing, Ophas said he was of worship for Japan’s other major religion, relieved that the sentence had been reduced for his guilty Shinto. There are 30,000 such shrines in Japan plea. “Soldiers told me when I was detained that if I didn’t like that venerate the guardian god of abundant someone I should keep it in my heart. I shouldn’t have done harvests, prosperity and family safety. The it,” he told AFP. Fushimi Inari is renowned for the many crimson torii gates lining paths through its leafy grounds. Basic Freedoms There she watched a rousing performance During the brief hearing the judge read out what the mar- by the award-winning Akutagawa High School ket vendor had written on the wall. The majority of his com- Taiko Club, who drummed, jumped and gestic- ments were critical of Thailand’s junta chief Prayut Chan-O- ulated with all their might. “You guys are good!” Cha, who imposed martial law and then seized power in a she said. “That’s good exercise. Wonderful.” The coup last May. But one sentence made reference to the king. students then invited Mrs. Obama to join them, Reporting lese majeste cases is fraught with difficulty and and performed a number as she and a student drummed on a big, round taiko drum. media must heavily self-censor. Even repeating details of the The US first lady arrived in Japan on charges could mean breaking the law. Wednesday for a visit that has focused mainly Rights groups say basic freedoms have fallen off a cliff on cooperation in the “Let Girls Learn” initiative since the military took over last May following the ousting to support girls’ education in the developing of former premier Yingluck Shinawatra’s democratically world. President Barack Obama and his wife elected government. They argue that draconian lese recently announced the program, which will majeste legislation is increasingly being used as a tool to sti- devote millions of dollars in aid to girls’ empow- fle political opposition. Under martial law, political gather- erment projects. “Does this kind of work sound ings of more than five people are banned, criticism of the exciting to you? If so, you should consider join- junta is outlawed and civilians can be tried in military courts ing the Peace Corps,” Mrs Obama said in a travel KYOTO: US First Lady Michelle Obama plays the taiko drum with the for national security or lese majeste offences. —AFP blog posted late Thursday. “You can also make Akutagawa High School Taiko Club members during her visit to Fushimi a difference by tutoring a classmate, or reading Inari Shinto Shrine yesterday. —AP Hong Kong property Spanish bank Sabadell Russia president calls for Businessboom poised to end 17 buys UK’s TSB for £1.7b18regional currency union 20 SATURDAY, MARCH 21, 2015 Greece’s PM assures EU creditors ‘reforms coming to unlock cash’ 19

PORT VILA, VANUATU: A woman walks by an uprooted tree near the Apostolic Church of Tagabe, a district of Port Vila yesterday. — AFP Villagers hungry as cyclone destroys Vanuatu crops

TAOUNONO: Since Cyclone Pam destroyed all her in a country where most people survive by growing making the task of delivering food quickly to far from a net on the beach, giving them to women family’s crops, Eunice Narua has had one source of their own produce, the government and aid agen- flung outposts difficult. At the same time, with who string six together using pieces of bark torn food for her meals-banana. And in storm-hit cies have warned they could soon run out of food. months before new seedlings planted now can be from a tree branch. Before the cyclone, one “rope” Vanuatu there are fears that even homegrown fare “Cyclone Pam... has severely impacted the abili- harvested, populations needed food aid longer- would hold 10 fish and cost 100 vatu (92 US cents). will run out within days. In Narua’s village of ty of our population to feed itself,” Agriculture term, national disaster committee deputy chair Now, 100 vatu buys only six fish. Taounono on the outskirts of the capital Port Vila, Minister David Tosul said, adding that “aerial and Benjamin Shing said this week. The price of kava, a mildly narcotic herbal drink banana trees are broken in half, their trunks protrud- on-ground assessments confirm that bananas and Tom Perry of CARE Australia said a large ship- popular in Vanuatu and made from a local root, has ing from the ground and large green leaves strewn other fruiting trees have been destroyed outright”. ment of tinned food, water, seeds and hygiene sup- likewise shot up as the pepper plant it is extracted across fields. “I took the bananas that were knocked “In short, our agricultural experts estimate that plies would reach hard-hit Tanna Island in from was devastated by the cyclone. One kilogram down and put them in a saucepan, and I’ve eaten Vanuatu’s people will run out of food in less than Vanuatu’s south yesterday. “This is a huge logistical of the root, which is chopped up into small pieces, them for five days,” Narua said in the wake of the one week from today, and our government must challenge. Our initial aim is to have enough food costs 500 vatu, up from 350 vatu before the disas- cyclone that tore through the Pacific nation last start distributions immediately.” Local crops-such for the next three months,” Perry said, adding that ter. Ian Karie, 31, has found a way to feed his vil- Friday night. as manioc, tapioca and taro-make up most his aid agency was working with the southern lage. The wild pig hunter usually shoots the ani- Taounono’s chief representative Joe Kwanu said Vanuatuan’s diets but were obliterated by the provincial government to support their emergency mals once a week, but has started to head out without donations from local churches, which have cyclone, which packed winds of up to 320 kilome- relief plans. more often. “I’m eating wild pigs almost every day,” brought rice to his village, they might have strug- ters (200 mph) and brought torrential rain. Other humanitarian organizations and the mili- Karie said in Taounono, adding that his usual diet gled to feed themselves. “I’m asking the NDMO taries of neighboring countries including Australia would include more local crops. Amid the food (National Disaster Management Office) for help,” Prices spike and New Zealand are also delivering food and shortage, Karie said his greatest concern was not Kwanu said, but added that with many villages in The situation is compounded by Vanuatu’s water shipments by planes and boats. The shortage about feeding himself, but children in the village. the same situation, it could be some time before geography. The country is a sprawling archipelago of food has pushed up prices of what’s left. Near “We are worried about the children... they need more aid arrived. Since the storm hit, wrecking crops of more than 80 islands, of which 65 are populated, Taounono village, dozens of men pull small fishes three meals a day,” he said. — AFP BUSINESS SATURDAY, MARCH 21, 2015

Gold stays on track for biggest weekly gain Platinum still at around $50 discount to gold

LONDON: Gold edged back towards two-week ounce at $1,171.20. Spot prices have risen 1 Treasuries coming off a bit in the last few days, Gold Exchange staying at a robust $6-$7 an highs yesterday, on track for its biggest weekly percent this week, snapping two weeks of loss- the environment is relatively benign for gold to ounce yesterday. Sustained physical buying jump since January, after the US Federal es. Gold prices hit a four-month low earlier this make some gains over the next three or four could further support prices. Silver was up 0.3 Reserve sounded a cautious note on interest week and are down 1 percent this year, having weeks.” “By the time of the April (Fed meeting), percent at $16.15 an ounce, while spot plat- rates, arresting a dollar rally. The US currency come under pressure from expectations that we might start on that down trendline once inum was up 0.1 percent at $1,124.05 an headed for its worst weekly performance the US central bank is on track for its first inter- again, as expectations of rate rises are priced ounce. Platinum continued to trade at about a against the euro in 18 months after the Fed est rate hike in nearly a decade. in,” he added. “I think ultimately, gold is due $50 discount to gold, a factor that is likely to downgraded its growth and inflation projec- Such a move would boost the dollar and lift another leg down.” Post-Fed, the world’s stoke physical demand according to the Perth tions, signaling it is in no rush to push borrow- the opportunity cost of holding non-yielding largest gold-backed exchange-traded fund, Mint, which is ramping up production of its ing costs to more normal levels. bullion. The Fed, however, indicated it pre- New York-listed SPDR Gold Shares, saw its first platinum coins. Palladium was up 0.5 percent Spot gold was at $1,172.20 an ounce at ferred a more gradual path. “For the short term, inflows since Feb. 20, also boosting sentiment. at $769.25 an ounce, though it was the worst 1037 GMT, up 0.1 percent, while US gold gold has had a stay of execution,” Mitsubishi In the physical markets, Chinese buying performing precious metal of the week, down futures for April delivery were up $2.20 an analyst Jonathan Butler said. “With yields on was steady, with premiums on the Shanghai nearly 3 percent. — Reuters

Brent falls below $54 on OPEC output, Iran

LONDON: Brent crude oil fell below $54 a barrel yes- terday and was on track for its third straight weekly loss, hurt by worries of rising supplies from OPEC and the United States. Intensive efforts to clinch a deal between world powers and Iran over its nuclear program fed concerns that freeing up its flow of oil exports would pile more pressure on the market. Brent for May delivery had fallen 71 cents to $53.72 by 1120 GMT. The contract is set to decline by more than 1.5 percent this week. US crude for April delivery slipped 65 cents to $43.31 a barrel, headed for its fifth weekly loss. The contract expires yesterday. Kuwait’s oil minister said on Thursday that the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) had no choice but to shun oil output cuts, reiterating the emirate’s view that the group will hold its course when it meets NEW YORK: Traders work on the floor of the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE) in New York City. —AFP next in June. “Oil has been under pressure following remarks by Kuwait’s oil minister and the very slim chance of an approaching deal with Iran,” said Athens pledge, cautious Fed Eugene Weinberg, Commerzbank’s head of com- modities research. “Continuously high OPEC supplies, rising US pro- soothes Europe’s investors duction and inventories” meant the market was still looking for a floor, he said, adding he “wouldn’t be Euro set for best week in 18 months surprised” if the current month contract dropped to around $50 in coming weeks. The British, French and LONDON: The euro nudged towards its best 0.2 percent higher against the dollar at Thailand. Australian and Chinese stocks were German foreign ministers are due to meet Iranian week in 18 months while yields on low-rated $1.0683, well below Wednesday’s high above among the gainers in a choppy session. nuclear negotiators in Lausanne on Saturday in the bonds fell as investors welcomed the Fed’s $1.10 but still leaving the single currency on Japan’s Nikkei swerved in and out of the red cautious approach to raising interest rates track for its best weekly performance in 18 and was last up 0.4 percent, taking a push to resolve the confrontation. A deal with Iran and a reform pledge from Athens that could months. “What’s been dominating the euro breather after a strong rally since February could lead to the easing of sanctions restricting oil avert a cash crunch. Illustrating the problems over the course of the last week has been the that took it to a 15-year high. “There are exports to around 1 million barrels per day, poten- low inflation is causing for central banks look- moves in the dollar. The FOMC announce- some signs the rally had got overheated. So tially adding to a global supply glut. ing to normalize monetary policy in the likes ment was, on margin, more dovish than the market is in a correction phase,” said But Iran was unlikely to be able to raise oil sup- of the United States and Britain, oil was set to expected,” said Phyllis Papadavid, senior Masahiro Ayukai, senior investment strate- rack up its third weekly price slump. global FX strategist at BNP Paribas in London. gist at Mitsubishi UFJ Morgan Stanley plies in the short term even if a deal is struck, accord- Stocks flat-lined, but euro zone bond The pan-European FTSEurofirst 300 share Securities in Tokyo. ing to Amrita Sen, chief oil analyst at London-based yields dipped after assurances from Athens index was flat at 1.597.27 points, having hit a The dollar was little changed against the consultancy Energy Aspects. The recent strengthen- that it will submit reforms needed to unlock new 7-1/2 year high just after markets Japanese yen at 120.725 yen after sinking to ing of the US dollar against other currencies has also bailout cash. Focus also drifted back to the opened. The impetus from Wednesday’s the week’s low of 119.29 after the Fed’s weighed on demand for dolar-priced assets, Sen European Central Bank’s trillion euro asset dovish statement from the US Federal statement. The dollar index was down 0.3 said. Analysts at Bank of America Merrill Lynch purchase scheme. “The outlook for European Reserve started to ease, but Europe was bol- percent at 98.96 but still well above a low of markets is better than it has been for years, stered by gains in the construction sector 96.628 plumbed midweek. The index was on believe oil prices are unlikely to recover in the near and the risks now are largely political,” said after Holcim and Lafarge agreed to new track for slight loss on the week after touch- term and will average $52 a barrel in 2015 and $58 a Christian Schultz, senior economist at merger terms. Asian stocks were also broad- ing a 12-year high above 100.00 on March barrel in 2016. “This combination of a stronger dol- Berenberg. ly unchanged MSCI’s broadest index of Asia- 13. In commodities, Brent crude oil was lar, a slowing China, and falling commodity prices is Greek bond yields opened 18 basis points Pacific shares outside Japan up 0.01 percent down 0.7 percent at $54.04 a barrel hurt by not going away any time soon. As the money runs lower at 12.10 percent, while Portuguese, after rallying 1.3 percent the previous day. It oversupply worries after Kuwait said OPEC Spanish and Italian equivalents were all was on course for a gain of over 2 percent for had no choice but to maintain output levels. dry and governance issues across emerging markets down around 1-2 bps. German bonds - the the week. US crude was down around 1 percent, a spring up, expect global oil demand to stay soft,” euro zone benchmark - were flat at 0.19 per- The region’s decliners included shares in shade above the six-year low of $42.03 a bar- BAML said. —Reuters cent, just above a record low. The euro was Hong Kong, Malaysia, South Korea and rel hit earlier in the week. —Reuters Business SATURDAY, MARCH 21, 2015

China shoppers gain appetite for Chanel on euro drop

SHANGHAI: Chinese shoppers are mob- bing Chanel stores and counting their sav- ings after the French fashion house slashed handbag prices in the world’s biggest luxury market due to the slumping euro. Long lines formed at Chanel stores in commercial hub Shanghai and shopping Makkah Hong Kong, a special administra- tive region of China, this week as word spread of deep discounts, according to media reports. China is widely considered the world’s biggest luxury market as a ris- ing middle class and corrupt officials drive a shopping frenzy, but domestic prices are high due to hefty import taxes and huge retail mark-ups. At one branch of Chanel in Shanghai, dozens waited anxiously in line for their SHANGHAI: This photo shows a line of people queuing outside a Chanel store in downtown Shanghai. — AFP turn, fearing the shelves might be stripped 2.55 bag for a discounted 19,700 yuan including the 2.55, 11.12 and Boy bag col- Apple but ahead of French fashion com- bare before a shop assistant could escort ($3,200). “I rushed from Kunshan to buy a lections, but did not specify the size of patriot Louis Vuitton. White collar worker each person one-by-one into the tightly Chanel bag after a store clerk told me they the discounts in China, or price rises in Wang Lei, also in her 20s, gave up 5,500 guarded store. Miao Sijia, a well-dressed were making a special price adjustment,” the euro-zone. According to China-based yuan ($894) of her salary to buy a woman in her 20s who said she does not Miao, a VIP customer of the store said. luxury publisher the Hurun Report, Cambon purse but marveled at the 21 work, rushed 50 kilometers from a nearby Chanel said it was harmonizing the Chanel is considered the second best percent discount. “It was almost 7,000 city to buy a limited-edition, gold-colored prices of its products around the world, brand for gifting to women, behind yuan ($1,138) before,” she said. — AFP Investors fret as prices for India start-ups soar India a hot market for e-commerce start-ups

MUMBAI: As billions of dollars flow into advisory firm Grant Thornton in India. “If for larger rivals, potentially closing another India’s booming online economy, some you are a late-stage investor, then the exit exit option for investors. Several bankers, investors are beginning to fret that soaring and return risks become higher ... The risks angel investors and PE firms also said they valuations could hamper market listings are always on exits.” PE firms typically exit were worried about the rate at which some and limit their options when it comes to investments via IPOs, and most of the local of these firms were burning cash. turning paper profits into cash. India’s rising companies look to overseas markets, mainly Executives at private equity firms who number of smartphone users, cheaper NASDAQ OMX Group, where a greater have invested in e-commerce said that internet costs and a vast middle class have number of comparable firms trade. The while there was no immediate pressure on TOKYO: Bank of Japan governor Haruhiko Kuroda covers turned it into one of the hottest markets for Indian regulator is also looking to make it companies to turn a profit, conversations his face as he answers questions during a press confer- investors such as Singaporean wealth fund easier for them to list on domestic bourses. had turned to better margins. Heavy ence at the Foreign Correspondents’ Club of Japan in Temasek Holdings, venture capitalists Accel investments by Indian e-commerce firms Tokyo yesterday. — AFP Partners and Japan’s SoftBank Corp. But Burning cash to lure buyers away from traditional chan- several advisers and particularly later stage About half a dozen online companies nels mean it will be a while before they 2 years on, BoJ says investors say they are concerned that opti- are in talks to raise fresh funds, and reports become profitable, as was the case with mistic estimates and already sky-high prices of negotiations surface in local media daily. older overseas peers such as Amazon.com war on deflation implied by privately sold stakes could make Softbank in October said it would invest Inc. The combined losses faced by e-tailing initial public offerings hard to pull off. $10 billion in the Indian e-commerce sector. companies as a result of discounting ‘very challenging’ “Public markets will have a completely “There is a fear (among investors) of missing strategies is almost 10 billion rupees ($160 different perception to the excitement in out, which is partly driving up valuations,” million), according to consultant PwC. TOKYO: The head of the Bank of Japan yesterday acknowledged that the private market,” said a banker with an said Amit Patni, co-founder of Nirvana None make a profit. India’s online start-ups Tokyo’s attempt to conquer years of deflation had been “very chal- Indian firm, which advises investors in the Venture Advisors, which invests in early- spend as much as 1,700 rupees ($27) to lenging”, but said it was a key test case for other central banks. The online sector. “Investors are now taking a stage firms. High valuations of mid-sized gain a new customer, according to analyst unusually downbeat comment from Haruhiko Kuroda underscores pause and asking if these valuations will companies also make them pricey targets estimates. — Reuters the scale of the task he and Prime Minister Shinzo Abe face as they stand the scrutiny of stock markets.” look to revive Japan’s fortunes with a vast monetary easing program Investors have pumped $4.5 billion into the and government spending blitz, dubbed Abenomics. Indian internet space in the 13 months to Hong Kong property The scheme, launched in 2013, kicked off a sharp decline in the February, with online marketplaces Flipkart yen and a stock market rally, but efforts to drag the country out of and Snapdeal getting almost 60 percent of years of deflation have been met with mixed success-and growing the funding since 2007, according to boom poised to end doubts among many economists. Kuroda, who marked two years in Morgan Stanley. the job on Friday, said the bank would press on with its plan to hit a Analysts value Flipkart, India’s biggest e- HONG KONG: The US Federal Reserve is would also trigger a rise in Hong Kong 2.0 percent inflation target, though hopes to reach that goal within commerce company, at around $11 billion. likely to succeed in reining in home because the local currency is pegged to the next year look increasingly slim. That would amount to roughly three times prices where Hong Kong’s government the US dollar, paving the way for “Over the last 20 months, the inflation rate has been positive but I estimates of their gross merchandise vol- has failed and property investors in one monthly mortgage repayments to jump think deflation, or I should say the deflationary mindset, has not been ume (GMV), or the value of goods they sell. of the world’s most expensive real nearly a fifth by the end of 2016 in a city completely eradicated,” he told the Foreign Correspondents’ Club of Snapdeal CEO Kunal Bahl said his company estate markets are already bracing for a where the household debt, by some Japan, adding that his job was only “halfway” done. “We have is currently valued at slightly over $5 billion slump. The Fed is expected to raise measures, is at a record high. “Don’t enough tools to combat deflation and achieve price stability...but it’s and is expected to end the financial year interest rates by June at the earliest, its buy. You have to wait for another two been very challenging.” While deflation may sound good for with $3 billion in GMVs. By comparison, e- first monetary tightening measure since years,” said Jacinto Tong, chief execu- Japanese consumers, it means people tend to put off buying because commerce veteran Ebay trades at roughly 2006. If history is anything to go by, tive of property firm Gale Well Group they do not expect prices to rise and hope they might even get equal to its GMV, according to its website. Hong Kong’s monthly residential real which has investments exceeding goods cheaper down the line. That, in turn, hurts producers and Flipkart did not respond to an email and call estate sales could plunge more than HK$30 billion ($3.9 billion). holds back their expansion and hiring plans-bad news for the wider seeking comment. three-fold when that happens. Hong Kong home prices have surged economy. The BoJ’s stimulus plan-which scoops up bonds and other Three of the leading brick and mortar Some industry experts forecast over 130 percent since 2008 when the assets at a rate of about 80 trillion yen ($679 billion) annually-is retailers in the country-Future Retail, home prices to fall by over a third by Fed adopted its near-zero rate policy, aimed at changing that psychology and kickstart the world’s number Shoppers Stop and Pantaloons Fashion and end-2016, clouding the prospects of due to low interest rates and a supply three economy. Growth picked up in the beginning, but Tokyo’s deci- Retail-only manage a combined valuation major developers CK Hutchison shortage, shrugging off a series of cool- sion to hike sales taxes last year hammered consumer spending and Holdings Ltd, owned by Asia’s richest ing measures and posing policy chal- pushed Japan into a brief recession. Worries spiked again Tuesday of less than $1.5 billion, according to Reuters Data. “Valuations are obviously man Li Ka-shing, and Sun Hung Kai lenges to the government of embattled when the central bank said tumbling world energy prices could push Properties Ltd. An increase in US rates leader Leung Chun-ying.—Reuters inflation to zero, or even negative. —AFP quite high,” said Raja Lahiri, a partner at BUSINESS SATURDAY, MARCH 21, 2015

Australia signals approval of China-based AIIB Japan split on joining AIIB bank, caught between US, China

TOKYO: Australia said yesterday there was a lot of merit in and South Korea were also considering the possibility. involved to help ensure best practices and to avoid being the China-led Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB) Asked about the three countries joining the bank, China’s left out. “Now it has become awkward as Europe joins but while Japan’s finance minister signaled cautious approval Foreign Ministry said it was “open” to it. “They have all the US and Japan stay out,” the source said. According to of the institution that the United States has warned already expressed that they are contemplating the issue at one senior official in the ruling coalition, the result of the against. However, other top officials in Tokyo were more hand,” ministry spokesman Hong Lei told a daily briefing. differences is that Japan’s participation “is not going to skeptical, reflecting a split in the government of Prime “We are open to them making the relevant decision.” happen under the Abe administration”. Minister Shinzo Abe over whether joining an institution Japanese Finance Minister Taro Aso said Tokyo could con- launched by Japan’s main rival would help or hinder its sider joining the China-led bank if it could guarantee a Our neighborhood interests. credible mechanism for providing loans. Australian Treasurer Joe Hockey said no final decision The Sydney Morning Herald newspaper reported that “We have been asking to ensure debt sustainability tak- had been made on Australia’s involvement but the matter Canberra could formally decide to sign up to the AIIB when ing into account its impact on environment and society,” had been under careful consideration. “More than 30 the full cabinet meets on Monday. Japan, Australia and the he told reporters after a cabinet meeting. “We could (con- countries have already signed up. This is going to operate South Korea, all major US allies, are the notable regional sider to participate) if these issues are guaranteed. There in our region, in our neighborhood,” he told a radio station absentees from the AIIB. The United States, worried about could be a chance that we would go inside and discuss. in Brisbane. “There is a lot of merit in it, but we want to China’s growing diplomatic clout, has questioned whether But so far we have not heard any responses.” Other offi- make sure there are proper governance procedures. That the AIIB will have sufficient standards of governance and cials were more leery, reflecting Tokyo’s concern over there’s transparency, that no one country is able to control environmental and social safeguards. But the opposition to China-led lending practices, its relations with major ally the entity.” The Sydney Morning Herald said Canberra the AIIB began crumbling after Britain said earlier this Washington and the AIIB’s potential rivalry with the Asian could invest as much as A$3 billion ($2.3 billion) in the month that it would join the institution, maintaining it was Development Bank (ADB), the Manila-based multilateral bank and that the National Security Committee has in its national interest. France, Germany and Italy swiftly institution dominated by Japan and the United States. cleared the way for the investment. South Korean govern- followed suit. “We have a cautious position about participation,” said ment officials denied a newspaper report that Seoul had Australia now appears close to joining, although no top government spokesman Yoshihide Suga. But a source decided to join in exchange for a five percent stake in the formal decision has been made, and Beijing said Japan familiar with Japan’s policy-making said Tokyo should get AIIB and the position of deputy chief. —Reuters Spanish bank Sabadell buys TSB for £1.7b LONDON: Spanish lender Sabadell clinched yesterday a £1.7-billion takeover of TSB, a unit of Britain’s bailed-out lender Lloyds, marking its entry into the UK retail banking sector. The two banks announced in a statement that they have agreed terms on the bid which was pitched at 340 pence per share and worth 2.3 billion euros or $2.5 billion. The takeover strength- ens Spain’s hold on British banking following rival Santander’s acquisition of Abbey, Alliance & Leicester and parts of Bradford & Bingley. “The boards of directors of Banco de Sabadell SA and TSB Banking Group plc are pleased to announce that they have reached agreement on the terms of a recommended cash offer for TSB by Sabadell,” the pair said in a statement. Lloyds, which is 23-percent state-owned after a bailout at the height of the global financial crisis, will sell its remaining 50-percent stake in TSB, which it floated on the London stock market nine months ago. The announcement means that investors who bought the stock at the offer price of 260 pence will receive a 31-percent premium. The Spanish bank LONDON: A man walks past a newly-opened branch of the TSB bank in central London. TSB, a division of Britain’s described the deal as “strategically attractive” and added that it marked a “continuation of Sabadell’s successful growth strategy” to expand globally. bailed-out lender Lloyds Banking Group, has accepted a GBP 1.7 billion takeover from Spanish bank Sabadell, the It said the acquisition would bring benefits through enhanced scale and a pair said yesterday. —AFP broader funding and capital base. “Sabadell believes that the UK banking market, including the market serving UK retail and SME (small and medium-sized enterprise) customers, UK’s bankers to put wallets is attractive, having a well-defined and stable regulatory framework, consis- tent profitability and good future growth prospects.” It added that “TSB will be able to further enhance its growth strategy and efficiency, benefiting first in ‘nightmare’ election from Sabadell’s resources, experience in SME lending and experience gained in the Spanish banking market”. Sabadell also launched plans to raise 1.6 billion euros via a rights issue to shore up its balance sheet, but Contingency planning for ‘Brexit’ underway stressed that the takeover was not conditional on the move. The deal remains subject to approvals from British regulatory authorities, sharehold- LONDON: When it comes to politics, bankers tend to let their wallets guide week. The British Bankers Association has warned Osborne’s move could their voting choices and May’s British national election will likely be no drive members out of London, but in private, bankers accept that the ers and the European Commission. exception. Faced with the prospect of a Labor government that would hike Conservatives, their usual party of choice, need to win votes and they “Today’s offer by Sabadell to acquire TSB is a real vote of confidence in the top rate of income tax to 50 percent and extract a levy from their remain a convenient cash-raising target. Miliband’s plans, which target their TSB, our 8,700 employees and the straightforward, transparent approach bonuses, most financiers are rooting for the re-election of David Cameron’s personal wealth and the structure of the industry, are more contentious. we’re bringing to banking in the UK,” said TSB Chief Executive Paul Pester, Conservatives, even though that would mean a potentially damaging refer- who will continue in his post. “I’m looking forward to working with Sabadell endum on Britain’s membership of the European Union (EU) before the end Trump card to continue to bring great banking to consumers across Britain, accelerate of 2017. The mere threat of Britain leaving the EU could seriously damage To reassure the financial elite, Labour lawmakers privately play their the expansion of our services to business customers and to continue to London’s standing as Europe’s financial hub, but many bankers would pre- trump card that a vote for them is a vote for certainty on Europe. But this is bring more competition to UK banking.” The announcement comes one fer to deal with the uncertainty and campaign for a “Yes” vote than see not gaining much traction in the skyscrapers of Canary Wharf, the east week after the Barcelona-based bank confirmed its takeover plans. Labor’s Ed Miliband voted prime minister on May 7. “Miliband would be London estate which hosts institutions including Barclays and HSBC. As part of its turnaround strategy and in order to meet European Union worse (than Cameron) by far. If they bring in the bonus tax there won’t be “Senior Labor figures, when you go to lunch with them, they are actively state aid rules, Lloyds relaunched TSB as a standalone lender in 2013, any bankers left,” said one investment banker. Elected to lead Labor with getting that message out there,” said an executive at one international rebranding more than 600 branches ahead of its IPO in 2014.Lloyds had the backing of the unions, Miliband has reversed the pro-business mantra bank. “Frankly you see a lot of fairly stoney faced people sitting around the been obliged to dispose of its remaining TSB stake by the end of this year. “I of Tony Blair, Labor’s most successful leader, who along with his finance room.” None of the 23 senior bankers interviewed by Reuters for this story am delighted to confirm we have agreed terms for the sale of our remain- minister Gordon Brown embarked on an offensive to build relations with wanted to be identified because of the sensitivity of the topic. State-backed ing stake in TSB to Sabadell,” added Lloyds Chief Executive Antonio Horta- boardrooms in the 1990s. With voters still aggrieved at how the banks have banks such as RBS and Lloyds have the most to lose if Miliband follows Osorio.”This is a significant and positive step for the Group and will enable snapped back from the financial crisis with bumper pay packets intact, the through on a promise to limit the market share of any bank. Lloyds is the us to meet our commitments to the European Commission, well ahead of Conservatives have also targeted the sector, with Finance Minister George biggest player in personal current or checking accounts with a 25 percent its mandated deadline.” —AFP Osborne hiking an industry levy by one third in his annual budget this share, while RBS has the same share of small business accounts. —Reuters BUSINESS SATURDAY, MARCH 21, 2015

Confusion Greece’s PM assures EU creditors over Ryanair’s ‘reforms coming to unlock cash’ transatlantic Greece running out cash; creditors frustrated BRUSSELS: Greece said yesterday it was moving Sakellaridis said: “Once the reforms are submit- of Europe,” he said in a blog post yesterday. swiftly to meet creditors’ demands for a detailed ted, and in a detailed manner, to the Euro Group flights plan economic reform plan after Prime Minister when that happens ... then the funding will be Joint statement Alexis Tsipras assured euro-zone leaders his left- unlocked towards the Greek economy.” The meeting involved Tsipras, Merkel, sum- DUBLIN: Confusion reigned yesterday over transat- ist-led coalition would speed up work to avert The Finance Ministry said it would respond mit chairman Donald Tusk, European lantic flights envisaged by low-cost airline Ryanair, bankruptcy. After two months of mounting frus- in a “constructive spirit” to a list of requirements Commission President Jean-Claude Juncker, which this week announced its board had approved tration on both sides since Tsipras was elected on reforms being drawn up by a team of techni- Jeroen Dijsselbloem, the chair of the Eurogroup with a mandate to end years of austerity, he cal experts from the creditors - a contrast to an of finance ministers, European Central Bank the plans but then said it had not done so. The Irish held three hours of late night talks to try to atmosphere of mutual mistrust which marked (ECB) President Mario Draghi and French airline on Monday unveiled plans to link several break an impasse that risks sending Athens encounters with EU officials in Athens this President Francois Hollande. Juncker, Tusk and European cities to destinations in the United States stumbling of the euro-zone. week. Finance Minister Yanis Varoufakis, who Dijsselbloem issued a brief joint statement on including New York, Boston and Washington with But while a joint statement by the EU institu- tickets starting at £10 ($15, 14 euros). tions spoke of a “spirit of mutual trust” and Tsipras said he left feeling more optimistic, “The board of Ryanair has approved the business German Chancellor Angela Merkel stressed no plans for future growth, including transatlantic,” the money would be released before Athens imple- carrier said in a statement on Monday. But in anoth- ments budget measures and other reforms that er statement on Thursday, the company said: “The it has so far been reluctant to accept. The risk of board of Ryanair Holdings Plc (public limited com- a continued standoff, exactly a month after Greece secured a last-gasp four-month exten- pany) wishes to clarify that it has not considered or sion of an EU/IMF bailout, was highlighted by approved any transatlantic project and does not different descriptions by Tsipras and Merkel intend to do so.” A source close to the matter told about what reforms Athens would need to AFP that the company was still intending to launch launch. transatlantic flights but said that the confusion “It is clear that Greece is not obliged to implement recessionary measures,” the 40-year- arose because the plans would have to be approved old leftist premier told reporters, referring to not by the Ryanair board but by the board of a sepa- previously agreed reforms. “Greece will submit rate future brand. its own structural reforms, which it will imple- “The board of Ryanair would not have seen or ment.” But Merkel, facing mounting resistance signed off these plans because it would be a differ- in Europe’s richest state to continued lending to keep an erratic partner in the common currency ent company that would have to do that,” the area, insisted that only the full completion of source said. Ryanair is “very much still pushing already approved measures would satisfy the BRUSSELS: (From left) Italy’s Prime minister Matteo Renzi, Greece’s Prime ahead with these plans”, the source said, adding creditors. “The reference point is the agreement of Feb 20,” she said. “We have not changed one minister Alexis Tsipras, European Parliament President Martin Schulz and that the airline would first have to buy long-haul Germany’s Chancellor Angela Merkel talk before a working session during planes. Stephen Furlong, aviation analyst with Davy iota. You may have heard some of this before. But then not much has happened in the last few an European Council summit at the Council of the European Union (EU) Stockbrokers, said: “It’s certainly a public relations weeks.” Justus Lipsius building in Brussels. —AFP mess. “It’s not a U-turn. It’s just the board had never Tsipras will make a much anticipated visit to formally approved transatlantic plans,” he said. “I Merkel in Berlin on Monday. EU officials said that has offended many of Greece’s partners, espe- the outcome, intended partly to reassure euro- think the confusion came about over what they if Greece did come up with a convincing plan to cially in Germany, with incendiary comments zone minnows upset at being left out of the might do under Ryanair PLC rather than some other get its debts under control, euro-zone finance and undiplomatic behavior, joined the call for talks.. “We fully adhere to the agreement of the ministers could meet soon to release at least immediate implementation of the Feb. 20 Eurogroup of Feb. 20. In the spirit of mutual company that hasn’t even been set up yet,” he some funds to help it meet pressing commit- agreement. “First, we should work towards end- trust, we are all committed to speed up the added.—AFP ments in the coming weeks. In Athens yester- ing the toxic ‘blame game’ and the moralizing work and conclude it as fast as possible,” they day, government spokesman Gabriel finger-pointing which benefit only the enemies said. —Reuters

Single country ETFs burgeon amid currency concern

NEW YORK: US investors looking to make a bet on companies in As a result, the ETF prices don’t always match the value of announcement on Friday, Oct 31, last year that it would be Kazakhstan or Qatar are getting help from an exchange-traded their underlying assets, as they do in traditional mutual funds that expanding its massive stimulus spending, the iShares MSCI Japan funds industry that is increasingly adding single-country ETFs to price once a day. Single country ETFs often sell at either a dis- ETF spiked to a 6.8 percent premium on the following Monday, their offerings. Some 30 new single-country ETFs came to market count or a premium, and they can hit unwary investors. The aver- Nov. 3 - a day that Japanese markets were closed for a national last year focusing on markets ranging from the United Arab age maximum premium for all single-country ETFs was 3.2 per- holiday. Emirates to South Korea and China. That brings the total to 202 cent, while the average maximum discount was -2.9 percent, over single-country ETFs with $97.2 billion assets in the United States, a 12-month period, according to a Reuters analysis of data pro- Playing, or paying, the price more than double the number of funds that existed five years vided by ETF.com. By comparison, the maximum premium at the Investors can take advantage of those price divergences, by ago. Dozens more - including one aimed at Kazakhstan - are in SPDR S&P 500 ETF, a major US domestic ETF, was 0.14 percent using discounts as opportunities to buy into markets they like registration with the US Securities and Exchange Commission. and its maximum discount was -0.08 percent. anyway, Glovista Investments’ Bhatt said. But unaware investors Darshan Bhatt, chief investment officer of Jersey City, New may get stuck paying a premium for an ETF without even under- Jersey-based Glovista Investments LLC, which manages about Premium-discount conundrum standing that they are doing so. One afternoon last year, for $1.1 billion, picked Vietnam as a good place to invest, based on Premium and discount trading in international ETFs is the example, Bank of America Merrill Lynch received an order for $1 its growth potential. Last year, Bhatt bought shares in the Market result of a simple timing issue. Once an overseas market closes, million worth of shares of the iShares MSCI Japan ETF, at $12 a Vectors Vietnam ETF. “It’s important for us to have these single say Japan, the value of the underlying Japanese assets stay the share - a price that included a 2 percent premium because country funds,” said Bhatt, whose firm runs a strategy that seeks same, while the US-listed ETF keeps trading. That means that for investors were expecting Japanese shares to rise overnight. to outperform the MSCI Emerging Markets benchmark index, most of the US trading day, the US-listed Japanese ETF is trading Japanese stocks did rise but the ETF did not move up with it which can involve turning to “off benchmark” nations like based on expectations of how the underlying market is going to that bump had already been priced in by US buyers. “We had to Vietnam that they favor. perform the next day. “As the day goes on, the net asset value explain that the ETF was projecting the premium already,” said The fund includes Vietnamese companies including food pro- (NAV) gets more and more stale,” said David Garff, president of Sanjay Chablaney, director of ETF trading at BofA, at a conference. cessing firm Masan Group Corp, property conglomerate Vingroup Walnut Creek, California-based Accuvest Global Advisors, which US investors also have to consider currency exchange rates given and Sacombank. Still, focusing on a single market overseas can invests in a range of country ETFs. the stronger dollar, which can cut into total returns generated in carry risks and requires monitoring. Government restrictions can A 1 or 2 percent premium or discount is not alarming on a weaker local currencies abroad. Investors have been turning to limit the supply of securities available to US fund managers, and typical trading day, but a surprise economic policy announce- currency hedged ETFs, which strip out the effect of a region’s cur- the funds’ pricing can be unpredictable because they can trade ment or unforeseen event could make those premiums double or rency on the performance of a given fund. The difference can be all day on US exchanges while the markets they track are closed. triple, analysts said. When the Bank of Japan made a surprise substantial. —Reuters Business SATURDAY, MARCH 21, 2015 Russia looks to lift first barrier to Islamic finance; crisis grows Sanctions spur Russian interest in Islamic finance

MOSCOW: Russian lawmakers have signed into law. Lawmakers would introduced to parliament a draft bill to have to pass further amendments in support Islamic finance, aiming to areas such as taxation before the sec- attract capital inflows at a time when tor can fully develop. The changes an economic slowdown is intensifying could take at least a year to be passed, and Western sanctions show no sign experts say. State development bank of being lifted. The draft law, sent to Vnesheconombank and VTB Bank, parliament’s lower house, the State both hit by sanctions, have sought to Duma, this week, proposes allowing build their Islamic finance know-how banks to engage in trade activities, a in a bid to develop new funding concept central to many of the struc- sources. One impulse for the recent tures used in sharia-compliant finan- efforts is that Russia is looking to cial products. diversify its economic ties away from While many other obstacles Western markets, said Linar Yakupov, remain, the bill is seen a first step to the head of the Association of spur development of a sector which Regional Investment Agencies of the has posted double-digit growth in Russian Federation. several Gulf and Southeast Asian “This is where recent sanctions countries, but which has struggled to became a kind of catalyst, an extra get off the ground in Russia. Instead of push, to further look at the economic interest, which is prohibited on reli- perspective in the relationship ASTANA: (From left) Russian President Vladimir Putin, Kazakh President Nursultan Nazarbayev and gious grounds, Islamic finance relies between Russia and OIC (Organization Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko, stand shoulder to shoulder during their meeting in on banks charging service fees and of Islamic Cooperation) countries,” he Astana, Kazakhstan yesterday. —AP depositors sharing in bank profits. said in an interview in Bahrain. Islamic Turkey is another country that is look- finance could attract foreign invest- Russia president calls for ing to expand in the sector. ment and also mobilise funds from “During a period of a practically Russia’s 20 million Muslims, Yakupov total economic blockade from Europe added. regional currency union and the US, our banks must find new ASTANA: President Vladimir Putin proposed yesterday al in public, but analysts say it is unlikely to get off the ways to attract investment,” said Political will creating a regional currency union with Belarus and ground. Dmitry Savelyev, who sits on the Legislation is crucial to facilitating Kazakhstan, Russia’s partners in a political and economic Kazakhstan, the second-largest post-Soviet oil pro- Duma’s financial markets committee. Islamic finance transactions which can union made up of former Soviet republics. Putin made his ducer and economy after Russia, has traditionally been Western-imposed sanctions on Russian attract double or triple tax duties as proposal at a meeting with the Belarusian and Kazakh lukewarm to the idea of introducing a common curren- officials and large firms over the coun- they require multiple transfers of presidents which highlighted the challenges facing the cy, saying that first the three nations should synchronize try’s role in the Ukraine crisis have dried underlying assets, moves which coun- Russian-led Eurasian Economic Union following the fall in their monetary policies. Grigory Marchenko, a key up access to international capital mar- tries like Britain and Luxembourg have global oil prices and the decline of the Russian rouble. Kazakh reformer and former central bank head, has esti- kets. A collapse in oil prices has further addressed. “It is theoretically and tech- “The time has come to start thinking about forming a mated that it would take 10 to 12 years before such a contributed to a slowdown in the econ- nically possible for the government to currency union,” Putin said after the talks in the Kazakh currency is launched. The Russian rouble’s decline has hit omy, which is expected to contract by prepare a law on Islamic banking, but capital Astana with Belarussian President Alexander former Soviet trading partners such as Belarus and at least 3 percent this year. it all depends on political will,” said Lukashenko and Kazakh President Nursultan Kazakhstan. The Russian rouble has declined by about 40 The draft law must pass three read- Murad Aliskerov, chief executive of Nazarbayev. He gave no details of the proposal but sug- percent against the US dollar since midway through last ings in the Duma before it moves to LaRiba Finance, an Islamic financial gested it would be easier to meet economic challenges year, Belarus devalued its own rouble in January and the upper house and then to company based in Russia’s Dagestan by working closely together. Lukashenko and there has been speculation on markets that Kazakhstan President Vladimir Putin’s desk to be republic. — Reuters Nazarbayev did not immediately respond to the propos- may soon devalue its tenge currency. — Reuters Alaska fishermen’s vote highlights rift in marketing group JUNEAU: A growing number of restaurant who support the vote say the board needs to changes to the bylaws without calling for a Washington border, Thomas said. “But customers and grocery store shoppers in the reassess its operations. Per Nolan is one of the referendum on the tax, he said. The organiza- Copper River held its price - which was a pret- country are asking for Alaska’s Copper River fishermen who voted to create the organiza- tion is audited regularly by law because it ty good premium over the rest of the state - sockeye salmon by name. But the marketing tion. Now he supports the repeal. Nolan, a brings in more than $500,000 per year. Efforts the whole summer,” Thomas said. That could effort that popularized the firm, red fish could former board member who’s fished in the to market Copper River salmon started in the change if the association’s marketing stops, be in jeopardy as the commercial fishermen region since 1978, said he would like to see 1980s, and several groups have contributed Bailey said. “I think that anybody who pro- who provide much of its funding decide the association continue but with more trans- over the years, said Thea Thomas, another duces a resource, whether it be an agricultur- whether to pull their support. Ten years ago, parency and better program evaluations. drifter on the board. The organization formed al product or a wild harvest product, should the fleet of drift fishermen who hang nets “Hopefully the board refocuses and realizes after the Legislature voted to allow regional be marketing their product,” Bailey said. The from their boats to catch salmon in Prince there is a portion of the members that feel marketing associations in 2004, at the recom- setnet fleet initiated its own referendum in William Sound voted to assess itself a 1 per- they’re being underserved,” he said. mendation of a task force convened to response to the drift vote. Setnetters con- cent tax to fund Alaska’s first regional seafood Nolan said that as a board member, he address a slump in salmon prices. tributed about $18,754 to the organization in development association. supported an effort to accept project propos- The association has focused heavily on 2014. Their vote closes in mid-May, with The Copper River/Prince William Sound als from outside the board, which gave mem- branding in the Lower 48. “What a lot of con- results due by May 31. Marketing Association has since helped cre- bers a chance to help direct the association’s sumers didn’t know was that we fished Meanwhile, the Legislature appears ate brand-name recognition and raise the work. If the tax is repealed, the organization Copper River sockeye all the way through the poised to cut the budget for the state fish- price of the region’s sockeye to the highest in could operate on grants, or even vote to rein- month of July,” Thomas said. The organiza- eries marketing association. The Alaska the state. But some drifters frustrated with stitute the tax after restructuring, he said. Bob tion does tours each year, which bring jour- Seafood Marketing Institute cannot, by law, the association’s rules and alleged lack of Smith, another drifter, said he’s particularly nalists, food bloggers and chefs from around push one region over another, but it does transparency are seeking to eliminate the tax, concerned with the association’s bylaws, the country to Prince William Sound. The visi- advocate for Alaska salmon in general. and they have forced a vote on the matter. which he said fail to protect the member- tors meet fishing families, eat salmon, go fish- Declining oil prices mean it likely will see Ballots were due in early March, and results ship’s interest. He also wants more scrutiny of ing and learn about the fishery’s sustainabili- decreased funding next year. Bailey said if the are expected this weekend. A smaller group the association’s finances. Smith has served ty, Thomas said. Besides its marketing work, tax continues, it might be time to limit how of area setnet fishermen - those who let out on the board twice and both times been the association tries to improve fish quality, often members can vote on it. The organiza- nets from shore - later joined the association removed. His efforts to change the organiza- including encouraging fishermen to bleed tion is spending about $10,000 on this elec- and have initiated a separate vote. tion from within failed, and he wants the tax and ice fish, which helps with taste and fresh- tion, he said. “It’s a huge distraction, it’s Association board members say without removed to instigate change. ness. In 2014, sockeye runs were strong in expensive, and it keeps us from doing the the drifters’ contribution - about $545,334 in But the board’s president, drift fisherman several regions, from Cook Inlet and Prince work that a majority of the membership 2014 - continuing their efforts will be impossi- Jeff Bailey, said not all the concerns make William Sound all the way to the Columbia wants us to, and that’s to market and pro- ble once current funding runs out. But those sense. Members could have brought up River, which runs along the Oregon- mote their product,” he said. — AP SATURDAY, MARCH 21, 2015 SATURDAY,

A model walks the ramp during the Valliyan by Nitya show at the Lakme Fashion Week Summer Resort 2015 in Mumbai, India. — AP

Miley Cyrus surprises crowd at SXSW event

Pages 25 SATURDAY, MARCH 21, 2015 Diesel found ‘Furious 7’ to be his ‘hardest movie’

he 47-year-old actor became notice- that you see on film are so real. “When the speaking of his close friend, added: “We ably emotional several times as he tragedy happened, I lost my best friend. I truly made this for you.” In an interview Tspoke about his close friend and co- lost my brother.” At that stage, the action last year, Vin expressed regret that Paul - star - who died in a car crash at the age of star - who recently announced the arrival who he nicknamed ‘Pablo’ - would never 40 in 2013 - at a screening of the latest of his third child with long-time partner get to see the finished production of installment of the action franchise in Paloma Jimenez - paused as he was over- ‘Furious 7’. He said: “We all went above California. He reflected: “This was a labor of come by emotion, but was reassured by and beyond to make Pablo proud, but love, and in some ways hardest movie I’ve the audience. One person shouted: man, I wish he could see what we have ever had to do, because the relationships “You’ve got family here, Vin.” And Vin, created and just how far we have come.” Lovato speaks up about mental health

he ‘Skyscraper’ hitmaker - who has openly spoken up about her treatment for drug Taddiction, self-harm and an eating disorder - believes she was always meant to use her singing as a “platform” to speak up about mental health. Addressing the crowd at her first Lovato Scholarship Benefit fundraiser on Wednesday in a video obtained by PerezHilton.com, she said: “My whole life - all I’ve wanted to do is help. And I knew that singing could be a platform. And I thought that singing was the loudest I was going to get. It wasn’t until I started talking and sharing my story that I realized it was really reaching people. “So that’s what I believe I’m here to do. I believe every single person in this room; whether you are here as one of my friends or whether you are here in the audience tonight or whether you’re working in the crew. You’re here and you’re helping; this is incredible.” Meanwhile, the 22-year-old singer recently cele- brated three years sober and paid tribute to her “incredible” boyfriend Wilmer Valderrama. Alongside a picture of the couple, she wrote: “I wish I could put into words how grateful I am for this man right here. But my love has grown to a level that words could never possibly express how much this man completes me. He’s loved me the way I never thought I deserved to be Upton thinks the loved and with this day marking my 3rd year sober... “After sharing my ups, putting up with my downs and supporting my recovery... he still internet is horrible never takes credit and I want the world to know how incredible his soul is. I really wouldn’t be he 22-year-old model has admitted whilst she does alive today without him. I love you Wilmer.” despise the web, she thinks some hate is “good” Tfor her because it means she tries harder. She said: “[The scrutiny was really hard to deal with] because I actually cared what people thought. The only thing I do for other people now is cook. That’s the only place in my Aniston uses sweat life where I care what they think...”I’ve heard people say, ‘You put yourself in that position to be judged’. But no, I put myself in that position because I really liked that to style her hair photographer. I wanted to do that piece of work. Not to be judged. “The internet can be horrible, so I just don’t look at it anymore...But maybe a bit of hate is good for he ‘Cake’ star believes perspiration Fashionista magazine: “Silicone is a culprit me. Because if I’m in a spot where everyone loves me, I is a great tool for styling your locks in most shampoos. Over time, it builds up won’t try as hard.” The ‘Sports Illustrated’ model particu- Tand uses it as though it was “prod- and turns into a hard coating and it cracks larly dislikes social media and thinks the micro blogging uct”. When asked if she washes her hair and breaks and snaps your hair. “[People site Twitter has changed since the beginning when it after workouts, she said: “No, I don’t. I were] always saying, ‘Don’t wash your was “amazing [and] fun”. She added to Net-A-Porter’s actually don’t. A little sweat in the hair is hair every day!’ but it was impossible - The Edit magazine: “I feel like social media at this point is nice. It’s like a little product. You just blow because of all the oils and silicone - it kind of b******t. At the beginning it was amazing and a it out with your fingers and it’s actually would create this greaseball head of hair lot of fun. It was like, ‘Cool, I can talk to my fans!’ And just fun.” The 46-year-old star has insisted within a day.”The Living Proof scientists ... now I think that we’re losing the art of it. “When I first she only washes her hair every two or found a molecule to replace the silicone. joined Twitter it was just me, but [when] you’ve got con- three days thanks to a shampooing prod- Therefore, your hair is lighter and cleaner tracts, it’s so planned. Now it’s about who has the best uct - made by a company she partly owns for days. I’d say I go every two to three marketing, not who has a really good personality.” - which contains no silicone. She added to days easily without washing my hair.” SATURDAY, MARCH 21, 2015 Malik takes a break from 1D tour

t was confirmed earlier on Thursday that the 22- year-old singer had been “signed off with stress” Iand had flown back to the UK but his bandmates - Harry Styles, Liam Payne, Niall Horan and Louis Tomlinson - are said to be “stunned” but fully “sup- portive” of Zayn’s decision. An insider shared: “The boys fully understand Zayn’s desire to leave their cur- rent tour.”They were a little stunned at first, but realise it’s for the best with everything he’s going through with Perrie and the long-tour commitment, which real- ly takes it out of you. “It’s up to them now to carry the torch while Zayn does what he needs to do, and they’re up for the challenge of becoming a four-piece, instead of five. Harry, Liam, Niall and Louis are very supportive of Zayn’s need to recuperate and get his life back on track. They’re like brothers and will do any- thing they can to help.” The ‘Night Changes’ hitmaker has reportedly been left stressed by the media specu- lation surrounding his private life after he was pho- tographed with a woman whilst partying in Phuket, Thailand. Meanwhile, Zayn’s decision to leave his bandmates in Asia was reportedly the direct result of an “ultimatum” given by his fiancÈe Perrie Edwards. A source told HollywoodLife.com: “She was furious about the pictures of him holding hands with an attractive blonde fan, and delivered an ultimatum to leave the tour and fix their relationship.”Zayn’s been away on a world tour and it’s difficult for them to maintain their commitment when they aren’t togeth- er. Perrie reiterated, ‘Get home if you want to sort this Bieber being sued mess out, or we’re done.’” by former neighbor eff Schwartz has filed a lawsuit stating he and his Mendes tries to wife have been left with “emotional distress” follow- Jing allegations the ‘Boyfriend’ hitmaker and a group of friends threw eggs at his house, gossip website TMZ reports. The 21-year-old singer pleaded no contest to van- avoid exercising dalism and was given probation after the incident but his payout of $80,000 for repairs is not enough, Jeff has said in he ‘Other Guys’ actress is so keen brunette beauty - who recently wel- the documents. He has claimed Justin and his friends had to avoid exercising she admits she comed six-month-old Esmeralda with terrorized their neighborhood with loud parties and drag regularly makes up excuses why partner Ryan Gosling - also admitted she races and Justin has even been accused of spitting on Jeff, T she can’t attend her personal training doesn’t find exercising “fun” and has something he has vehemently denied. The suit also claims sessions. She said: “My entire day is accepted the fact she will never be the that the singer’s bodyguard called Jeff a “little Jew boy” planned on how can I get out of my person who is desperate to get in her prior to his house being egged in January 2014. He workout. Like, if I’m even running five daily workouts. She added to E! News: “I claimed the incident happened in 2013 when the pop star minutes late I will text my [my trainer], I’ll am not the girl who’s like, ‘Oh yeah, I and his pals were speeding around the neighborhood in a be like, ‘I’m on the 101, it doesn’t look gotta get my workout in today.’ That is Ferrari owned by the star. When asked by Jeff and a friend like I’ll be getting to you on time.’ “She’s not me. “It’s something I accepted quite to stop over fears of safety, his bodyguards allegedly like, ‘That’s OK, I’m here... I don’t have a few years ago. I was like, ‘OK, this has to called him the racist term and said repeatedly, ‘What are anything after you.’ And I’m like, ‘Ugh! be part of my life. Just to stay healthy.’ you going to do about it, Jew boy?’ Jeff is suing the star for Woman, don’t you have other clients? But working out, it’s not fun. It’s not fun. “emotional distress”. Don’t you have to go?’” The 41-year-old Do you really look forward to it?” Cooper splits from long time girlfriend he couple - who have been dating for pens soon.” Suki is also said to have charmed approximately two years - are said to the actor’s mother Gloria, with the pair regular- Thave separated, an E! News report claims. ly meeting up even when Bradley, 40, isn’t free. A source told People magazine the pair had The source added at the time: “They hang out parted ways before the Academy Awards in when Bradley is busy. She wants Gloria to know January - which they attended together - but she’s in the relationship for the right reasons.” have remained friends. It comes just weeks Meanwhile, the Hollywood star previously after a source revealed the 23-year-old model revealed he couldn’t wait to settle down and was keen on marrying the Hollywood hunk. An start a family. He said: “I would love to be a insider shared: “Suki says she’s been warming father one day. I’m sorry my father won’t be him up to the idea of marriage and he’s starting around to see his grandchildren, but he knows to get excited about it.”It’s up to Bradley to pop fatherhood was something I was looking for- the question, of course, but she hopes it hap- ward to. That’s my next big step in life.” SATURDAY, MARCH 21, 2015 An urban myth lives in ‘Kumiko, The Treasure Hunter’ Film Review

This image released by Amplify Releasing shows Rinko Kikuchi in a scene from “Kumiko, The Treasure Hunter.” — AP n 2001, a stranger-than-fiction “true story” emerged in local papers about a 28-year-old Japanese woman who flew from IJapan to Minnesota and bussed to North Dakota to search for the buried money from Joel and Ethan Coen’s 1996 film “Fargo.” Her dead body was discovered in the snowy wilderness, making the tale even more intriguing. As the reports will tell you, Takako Konishi stood out as she wandered around in the snow in a mini- skirt. Between the language barriers and the mysterious map that she carried, rumors started to spread that perhaps she had believed the opening title card to the Coens’ film. It reads: “This is a true story.” The only problem was that none of it was true. An investiga- tion by writer and filmmaker Paul Berczeller a few years later found that Takako Konishi’s journey and suicide was likely relat- ed to an affair and not a briefcase full of cash from a fictional movie. In the years between the initial reports and the ultimate debunking, indie filmmakers David and Nathan Zellner became fascinated with the myth, and decided to reimagine the sensa- tional story as an epic quest - even after the truth came out. In “Kumiko, The Treasure Hunter,” the Zellners (David Zellner President Obama greets a student at the event. — AFP directed, both co-wrote and co-star) create a haunting, fantasy adventure for the ages in one of this century’s most breathtaking independent films. We first encounter Kumiko (Rinko Kikuchi) as a distant figure trudging along a rocky shore in a red-hooded sweatshirt. She has the gait of someone who knows exactly White House to host where she is going as she heads into a dark cave and digs into a little crevice to find a slimy, buried VHS tape of “Fargo.” As the words “this is a true story” flash at the start of the film, Kumiko decides that it really is true and her obsession takes course as she student film festival carefully sketches maps of the endless wire fence where Steve Buscemi’s character buries the cash-packed briefcase. resident Barack Obama is showcasing the work of entries, the White House said. students from around the country who produced The filmmakers range in age from 6 to 18, and come Suspicious gaze Pshort films about service and giving back for a White from 12 states. Actor Ken Howard, president of SAG- Kumiko’s life in Japan is a lonely one, which is fleshed out in House contest. The budding filmmakers include a AFTRA, said the union’s members want to help the next devastating, often hilarious detail. In her job as an “office lady,” Montana 6-year-old alarmed about climate change and a generation of actors and filmmakers. “Sharing the tools of she hovers in the corner in a near-trance deciding whether or not group of Chicago high school students who spin a hip-hop the trade helps ensure dynamic new storytellers practicing to spit in her boss’s tea. At home, in her tiny, cluttered apartment, yarn of encouragement for peers facing adversity. A the craft, and a vibrant future for the entertainment indus- she reluctantly picks up phone calls from her disapproving moth- California 17-year-old entered a “sockumentary” about try,” said Howard, star of the late 1970s TV show “The White er and cares for her pet rabbit. Kikuchi, an Academy Award nomi- helping the homeless one pair of socks at a time, an 18- Shadow.” nee for Alejandro Gonzlez Irritu’s 2006 film “Babel,” is beautiful, year-old from Arizona uses his film to raise awareness severe and makeup-free, with an intense, suspicious gaze. about Navajo water rights issues, and an 18-year-old born The participating kids When Kumiko talks to others, it’s almost in a whisper. Every word uttered seems like a herculean effort. She might be severe- with cerebral palsy documents his campaign to get wheel- Six-year-old Noah Gue, of Bozeman, Montana, was ly depressed or something else entirely, but it’s clear she was not chair-accessible doors installed at his Texas school. inspired by the changing climate and landscape in his meant for this world. Already disconnected, her new mission hometown. He created his film to inspire others, especially allows her to retreat from society even further as she embarks for Mentor young artists children who will be affected by climate change in later the new world, imagining herself as a modern-day conquistador. The films are among 15 shorts that will be screened at years. Desmond Bournes, 18, and Ajamu Austin, 15, partici- Things go wrong from the start when she arrives in Minnesota. the second White House Film Festival in an East Room pate in CHAMPS Mentoring Filmmakers, a program for After her bus breaks down, she sets out on foot, hobbling down turned movie theater for the afternoon. Obama will use high school males that is based on the South Side of the side of a major road in the windy snow. Every soul she the event to announce a new initiative through the Chicago, Obama’s hometown. They used hip-hop to deliv- encounters tries their best to help her, while also trying as polite- Corporation for National and Community Service to help er a positive message to young men facing adversity. Riley ly as they can to talk her out of going to Fargo. A wonderful inspire and mentor young artists. The American Film Beres, a 17-year-old senior at Port of Los Angeles High police officer (played by director David Zellner) actually tries to Institute and the Screen Actors Guild-American Federation School in San Pedro, California, summarizes her investiga- explain that the movie is not real. The setbacks just make her of Television and Radio Artists have pledged to provide 1 tion of homelessness in Los Angeles with her “sockumen- more determined. million hours of mentoring over the next three years. tary.” She created Socks for Souls, Inc, to help those experi- With a steady gaze and expert attention to composition and No “winners” will be announced and Obama won’t hand encing hardship, one pair of socks at a time. color, David Zellner and cinematographer Sean Porter have cre- out any gold trophies at the festival. But along with the Keanu Benjamin Jones, an 18-year-old Navajo senior at ated a stylish, moody world around Kumiko that is ominous and recognition that comes from having one’s amateur film Flagstaff Arts and Leadership Academy in Arizona, alien. The atmosphere is enhanced by The Octopus Project’s shown on a big screen at the White House, the makers of focused on diabetes and water rights issues. His grand- melancholy music and a few perfectly placed nods to Carter these 15 “official selections” will get to spend Saturday toil- parents suffered from diabetes, which is prevalent in the Burwell’s iconic “Fargo” score. “Kumiko, The Treasure Hunter,” ing alongside actors and directors at workshops held at the Navajo Nation. Thousands of Navajo homes also have no transcends the gimmick of the mythical origin story to become something of its own: An enchanting, original work of art that Newseum. running water. Archer Hadley, an 18-year-old senior at seems too good to be true. “Kumiko, The Treasure Hunter,” an Actors and directors are also expected at the White Austin High School in Texas, has cerebral palsy and gets Amplify release, has not been rated by the Motion Picture House, including Hillary Swank of “Million Dollar Baby” and around in a motorized wheelchair. He started a fundraiser Association of America. Running time: 105 minutes. Four stars Steve McQueen, director of the Oscar-winning “12 Years a to install wheelchair-accessible doors at school, which out of four. — AP Slave.” The 15 films were chosen in conjunction with the inspired classmates to produce a documentary about American Film Institute and were culled from some 1,500 Hadley’s efforts. — AP SATURDAY, MARCH 21, 2015

Pharrell warns of adverse effects after ‘Blurred Lines’ judgment Pharrell Williams

ou can’t own emotions,” singer Pharrell Williams has said in his first interview since losing the “Blurred Lines” copy- Miley Cyrus joins Mike WiLL Made It onstage at the Fader Fort Presented by Converse during the SXSW ‘Yright case. Williams warned the ruling could have a chill- Music Festival. — AP ing effect on creativity. “The verdict handicaps any creator out there who is making something that might be inspired by some- thing else,” Williams told the Financial Times. “This applies to fash- ion, music, design... anything. If we lose our freedom to be inspired we’re going to look up one day and the entertainment industry as Miley Cyrus surprises we know it will be frozen in litigation. This is about protecting the intellectual rights of people who have ideas.” A federal court in Los Angeles had ruled his song “Blurred Lines” infringed the copyright of Marvin Gaye’s “Got to Give It Up,” and ordered Williams and the singer Robin Thicke to pay damages of crowd at SXSW event $7.3 million to the Gaye estate. On Thursday, the Gaye family filed an injunction to stop the copying, distributing and performing of “Blurred Lines.” iley Cyrus surprised the full of water and confetti into the laborations with Pharrell, Big Sean, Williams claimed “Blurred Lines” did not break copyright rules. audience Thursday during audience. Nelly, Future and French Montana; “There was no infringement,” he said. “You can’t own feelings and Ma South by Southwest Cyrus sang - well, rapped - her and she also appeared on albums you can’t own emotions... there are only the notations and the pro- event featuring a slew of rappers, portion on the song “23,” Mike by Snoop Dogg and Will I Am. gression. Those were different.” He added: “Everything that’s including her producer Mike WiLL WiLL Made-It’s 2013 hit that also Mike WiLL Made-It, who has around you in a room was inspired by something or someone. If Made-It. Cyrus appeared to be the starred Wiz Khalifa and Juicy J. She worked with Rihanna and 2 Chainz you kill that, there’s no creativity.” Williams has attracted backing only woman on the stage, which also performed her anthemic “We and executive produced Cyrus’ from other entertainment industry figures. “The award seems to was packed with nearly 20 people Can’t Stop,” which Mike WiLL “Bangerz,” was headlining the have been made on the mood of the song, which is extraordinary,” jumping up and down, left and Made-It produced. She also recited show. He was excited throughout Paul McGuinness, the former manager of U2, told the FT. right. Rappers including Future, Riff some of Nicki Minaj’s part on Rae the set, and before he performed Producer Harvey Weinstein said the case could have an impact Raff, the duo Rae Sremmurd and Sremmurd’s song “Throw Sum Mo.” “23” - a song that references Air on Hollywood. “I’m very concerned about the notion that feeling the group Two-9 - who all also per- Since Cyrus marked a breakthrough Jordan sneakers - he said he would or having a piece of art that feels like something else can be formed - were onstage at The Fader with the hits “We Can’t Stop” and give sneakers away to the “most infringement,” he said. “Everyone quotes things, even subcon- Fort alongside Cyrus. Others “Wrecking Ball,” she has been sup- pumped person in the crowd.” sciously, but this can be a disruptive decision,” he added. “What ranged from hype men to camera- ported by rappers. The Grammy- Then he threw blue ones into the filmmaker couldn’t sue another filmmaker for making a movie that men to people shooting toy guns nominated “Bangerz” featured col- audience. —AP feels like another one? It’s deeply troubling.” — Reuters Maker of film on rapper Drake sues its own star film company that is bringing the rapper Drake to the is being promoted as footage that had been feared lost. The that before the show Drake agreed to $15,000 along with 25 big screen has filed a lawsuit against its own star over company submitted a document to court that indicated percent of profits from merchandise sold at the concert and Aa tweet. Ahead of the release Thursday of the movie 15 percent of the film’s profits. It was unclear if the amount “Drake’s Homecoming: The Lost Footage,” the Canadian hip- was in US or Canadian dollars. The lawsuit said that Drake hop artist wrote on social media that he played no part in agreed to give SpectiCast the right to distribute the film making the film. “I feel it is my responsibility to inform and everywhere but Canada. protect my fans,” Drake wrote both to his 21.6 million The lawsuit alleges that Drake had raised no com- Twitter followers and on his Facebook page, which is liked plaints until several days ago, when he announced the by more than 36 million people. SpectiCast, the company lineup for his own label’s Ovo Fest in Toronto in August. that made the film, on Thursday announced a lawsuit in a “On information and belief, Drake’s secret motivation for California court that accused Drake of libel. publishing the damaging falsehoods about the film, and “Drake authorized the filming, he was paid for it, he still trying to destroy its commercial and artistic success, was has a financial stake in the movie, and his current state- to drive Drake’s fans to purchase tickets to his own Ovo ments to the contrary are completely false,” said Peter Fest,” the lawsuit said. Drake did not immediately respond Haviland, a lawyer for SpectiCast. The company is seeking to the lawsuit. SpectiCast said that the film was opening damages as well as a declaration that the film is authorized Thursday in 350 US theaters and hundreds more abroad. by Drake. The film covers a concert by Drake in his home- File photo shows recording artist Drake as he Last month, Drake released without warning “If You’re town Toronto in 2009, a year before he burst on the inter- arrives for the 2010 MTV Video Music Awards in Reading This, It’s Too Late,” which debuted at number one national scene with his debut album “Thank Me Later,” and Los Angeles. — AFP on the US charts. — AFP SATURDAY, MARCH 21, 2015 A wild and unexpected adventure Antarctica tourism

Tourists jump as they pose for a picture. — AP photos

hey trekked snow-covered mountains, nently frozen and where wildlife can be found. Some agencies even lead reenactment expe- gasped at seals flopping along the coast- Those areas account for less than 2 percent of ditions of Ernest Shackleton’s desperate sea and Tline and oohed at penguins waddling the continent. Most visitors arrive on the land journey to a South Georgia Island whaling along on the ice, and even took in the spectacle Antarctic Peninsula, accessible from southern station in the southern Atlantic Ocean in 1916. of a humpback whale flapping its tale amid a sea Argentina and Chile by plane or ship. The next After his ship was crushed by sea ice during an of melting icebergs. But then, the dozens of most popular destination is the Ross Sea on the Antarctica expedition, Shackleton left 22 of his tourists stranded on a cruise ship at the end of opposite side of the continent, which visitors crew at on remote Elephant Island and then set the world could only stare up at the sky, waiting reach after sailing 10 days from New Zealand or sail in a lifeboat on an 800-nautical-mile (1,482 for several days of thick fog to clear so they Australia. The harsh environment requires vaca- kilometers) voyage to seek help. Thanks to could go home. tioners to come with many essentials: water- Shackleton, the crew was rescued by a Chilean “In Antarctica, you can plan all you like, but resistant hiking boots, several layers of winter Navy cutter boat. you can’t really schedule anything,” goes a local clothes including long underwear and a parka, saying. It’s the last terrestrial tourism frontier and powerful sun lotion and dark shades with Sky is the limit Elephant seals rest on the beach in Robert that nature lovers, adventurers and explorers are extra ultraviolet protection. “I was awed by Antarctica is not for budget travelers, and the Island, in the South Shetland Islands archi- rushing to visit. This tourist season, which runs everything,” said Maria Estela Dorion, a retired sky is the limit when it comes to cost. At the top pelago, Antarctica. November through March, more than 37,000 nurse from Chile. “The snow-covered moun- end, chartering a 114-foot yacht in Antarctica people are expected to visit the coldest conti- tains, the sunsets, the sunrises. There are no the last remaining essentially pristine areas on will cost about $53,000 per week, while a 460- nent on Earth, about 10 percent more than last words to describe Antarctica.” the planet,” said Alan Hemmings, an environ- foot yacht runs more than $1 million a week, season. mental consultant on polar regions. “We should according to estimates by Superyachts.com. Tim While some tourists climb Mount Vinson, Earth’s most pristine area not passively watch Antarctica being turned into Johnson, the founder of London-based TBJ Antarctica’s highest point at 16,050 feet, others Although many tourists are well-heeled a theme park.” Super Yachts, said demand is rising every year seek a chance to take in the views of other- retirees who mostly stay aboard cruise ships, Hemmings said several countries with territo- for clients wanting to explore “unchartered terri- worldly terrain or snap pictures of massive conservationists worry about potentially devas- rial claims in Antarctica, such as the United tory” in style. groups of penguins as they bop in and out of tating environmental damage from boat pollu- States, Great Britain, Argentina, Chile and others, “This is the last frontier on the planet,” he the water. Still others do extreme sports, like tion and from the more adventurous visitors have signed agreements to regulate tourism, said. For those not quite part of the 1 percent, a scuba diving in icy waters, or imagine them- who hike or cross-country ski around sensitive but most are non-binding or nearly impossible 14-day expedition on the National Geographic selves as early 20th century explorers during sites, such as moss beds or bird breeding to enforce. Many visitors are drawn here by the Explorer ship costs between $12,000 and reenactment expeditions. High-profile visitors colonies during the Southern Hemisphere sum- legacy of the so-called heroic era of Antarctic $24,000. A more affordable option is Antarctica of recent years include Bill Gates and Prince mer, when 24-hour daylight allows unrestricted exploration from 1898 to 1915, when several XXI, which offers plane and cruise ship trips Harry, while heavy-metal band Metallica rocked access. Increasing foot traffic poses “particular adventurers braved harsh conditions, and some- starting at $10,000 for six nights, which is on top out for a small group of fans at the Carlini risks of disturbance or contamination to some of times died, to explore the mysterious continent. of the cost to fly to southern Chile. Argentine Base here in 2013. Most tourists sleep on their cruise ships, which offer a bevy of fine-dining options and Travel essentials on-board entertainment between several excur- No matter the draw, a strong dose of humor, sions to see the landscapes and animals. No patience and humility, not to mention tens of matter how tourists arrive, weather delays are thousands of dollars, are an essential part of any the norm. During the recent patch of heavy fog, Antarctica vacation. Without fail, every year for six days planes could not take off or land on some tourists are left waiting for the sun to King George, leaving guides to deal with more come out, or for a patchy Internet connection to than 100 frustrated tourists. work, or even for help to get their stuck boots Despite the unpredictable weather and high dislodged from the ice. costs, tourism in Antarctica has become increas- “Was it worth it? Yes, of course it was,” said ingly popular since the 1980s, when on average English tourist Christine Brannan, 65, recently less than 2,000 visitors came per year. The peak holed up on the cruise ship. “But I would say to was in 2007-2008, when 46,000 people visited, anybody who wants to do the flight and cruise according to the Rhode Island-based International to be aware of the unpredictability.” “It’s been Association of Antarctica Tour Operators. “It’s defi- fantastic,” chimed in husband John as the cou- nitely on many people’s bucket list,” said Steven ple walked with a group of tourists to the Cowpe, who leads expeditions for Antarctica airstrip. “It’s something we’ll never forget.” Bound, a United Kingdom-based travel agency. Antarctica is roughly the size of United States “You feel like you’re at the end of the planet and Mexico combined, but tourists and the because it’s so wild and when you come back, you 4,000 or so scientists who live here part of the feel like you have achieved something great, even year mostly keep to areas that aren’t perma- The Ocean Nova cruise in Maxwell Bay. if you’re not an explorer.” — AP SATURDAY, MARCH 21, 2015 New York celebrates ‘Mad Men’ end in style

ad Men” captured the style and drive of New York’s finest-and drunkest — 1960s ad men, “Menthralling viewers with tales of their creative genius and tortured infidelities. That vivid depiction of a bygone Manhattan won millions of fans around the world, dozens of accolades and turned previously under-the-radar actors into household names since its debut in 2007. With the final seven episodes to start airing on cable net- work AMC on April 5, fans in the Big Apple can indulge in cut- price liquid lunches and visit a beautifully curated exhibition about the hit television series. On Monday, AMC will unveil a “commemorative sculpture” outside the Time and Life Building, fictional home to Sterling Cooper and Partners, the advertising firm at the heart of the show. Jon Hamm-Don Draper himself-and co-stars Elisabeth Moss, January Jones and Christina Hendricks will attend, and the stat- ue will remain on display in the plaza through the summer, the network said. The Museum of the Moving Image has mounted an exhibition of sets, costumes and hundreds of props, and offers a fascinating glimpse of how creator Matthew Weiner turned an idea into a series. It opened last Friday and runs until June 14, but curator Barbara Miller said it was already “tremen- dously popular.” The museum said the opening weekend saw nearly 2,000 Some outfits worn on the show, part of Matthew Weiner’s ‘Mad Men’ exhibit, are seen at the Museum of the visitors each day-more than double its regular attendance. “It’s Moving Image. —AFP bringing new audiences here that are either ‘Mad Men’ fans or just intrigued by hearing about it. So it’s been great,” said Miller. Visitors can step into Don’s office in all its 1960s glamour, and his and Betty Draper’s colonial-style kitchen-so true to life that even the cheese grater appears stained by years of use. ‘Dead Rising’: A new approach ‘Million dollar question’ Among more than 30 costumes on display is the black dress worn by Don’s secretary-turned-new wife Megan to sing “Zou Bisou Bisou” and some of the hourglass attire that has made for a video game adaptation Hendricks an international sex symbol. Screens broadcast clips from the series, showing the objects on display as they hen a pair of filmmakers first “Pacific Rim,” signed on to co-produce source material on the big screen, “Watchtower” appeared on celluloid. “It’s the million dollar question-what approached video game publisher “Watchtower” as their first digital movie with strictly exists in the same fictional realm as the makes a fantastic television show or movie fantastic,” Miller WCapcom about crafting a live-action Contradiction Films. “This sort of project, by virtue “Dead Rising” games. There, the drug Zombrex said. movie based on their popular zombie series of being digital, is a lot more nimble and creator- keeps humans from transforming into flesh-eat- “I think that the visual style of the series is beautiful and it’s “Dead Rising,” they were asked to prove them- focused than a big-budget film would be,” said ing creatures and gardening and sporting equip- very attractive to people and it’s sort of like the candy that selves in a very specific way: The creators behind Carter. “That allows us to work more closely with ment taped together usually make for the best gets people involved and it’s very satisfying. “But I think all of such video game franchises as “Street Fighter” the game developer and hold onto game canon weapons. After decades of unfaithful renditions, that without the strong story structure and the compelling and “Resident Evil” handed the movie producers in a way that wouldn’t be possible if there were the mere mention of the term “live-action video characters, I don’t know that would have been enough to sus- a game controller. “They told me, ‘Show me you more cooks in the kitchen and it was a huge game adaptation” usually provokes groans from tain a series through seven successful seasons.” love the game,’” said Tomas Harlan, who along Other exhibition highlights are journal entries that Weiner with business partner Tim Carter, is the brains made in the 1990s — 15 years before the series came to tele- behind Contradiction Films. The independent vision. The “Mad Men” writers’ room has also been partially production company last brought supernatural reconstructed, featuring the conference table and chairs, martial-arts fighters to life with “Mortal Kombat: trucked over from Los Angeles where the team met daily to Legacy,” a series of web shorts set in the world of prep storylines. The attention to detail is astonishing. Weiner Midway’s long-running punch-out series. Harlan was so determined to immerse his characters in period detail wasn’t deterred. He’d already maxed out level 50 that even drawers-not seen by the viewer-were stuffed with at home. After showing off some zombie-evad- props. ing strategies, “Dead Rising: Watchtower” was born. The straight-to-streaming movie is launch- Fascinating history ing March 27 on Crackle, Sony’s free, ad-support- Linda Pawlowski, an American who lives in Germany but ed online video service. was in New York to visit her daughter, said the design was so authentic that it reminded her of her childhood. “My son and Smaller scale, more freedom daughter-in-law have watched it and I think they find it fasci- Following the success of “Legacy,” whose sec- nating because it’s a period of history they don’t know any- ond-season premiere has amassed more than 20 thing about,” she told AFP. “Now I’m more interested in million views on YouTube, Harlan and Carter watching it after seeing the exhibit.” Weiner is in conversation wanted to create another game adaption on a at the museum, the first of four such public discussions with similar small scale as the “Mortal Kombat” series. This photo provided by Crackle/Dead Rising: Watchtower shows, Jesse the creative director advertised in New York until late May. The pair said such minimalism affords them more Metcalfe, in a scene from the film, “Dead Rising: Watchtower.” —AP To cap it all, New York is offering a Mad Men Dining Week-a freedom and fewer expectations than most send-up of the city’s traditional restaurant week that offers Hollywood productions. “Our way of producing is financial juggernaut.” gamers, but Harlan and Carter see the stigma as cut-price meals at some of the city’s finest establishments. very different than a conventional feature film “Watchtower” stars “Desperate Housewives” an opportunity where others have frequently From March 23 to 29, fans can ape the liquid intake or posh that costs $100 million,” said Carter, who also and “Dallas” co-star Jesse Metcalfe as a glory-chas- flopped. In fact, they studied every previous live- nosh imbibed by “Mad Men” characters-enjoying a two- wrote the script for the movie. “I think that most ing reporter stranded in a town being overrun by action game adaptation before going into pro- course lunch or two cocktails for $19.69 at more than 30 film studios usually have a standard operating zombies and quarantined by the government. duction on “Watchtower.” establishments. procedure that you’re not allowed to deviate Virginia Madsen and Meghan Ory play fellow sur- “In the past, there were a lot of hatchet jobs Barbetta, a high-class Italian restaurant dating back to 1906 from - and we deviate all over the place.” vivors, while Rob Riggle portrays Frank West, the by executives in Hollywood,” said Harlan. “The and whose menu was featured on “Mad Men”, is among those As attendance in movie theaters has dipped protagonist from the first “Dead Rising” game intellectual properties were not authentic to taking part. Owner Laura Maioglio told AFP that diners can and streaming networks have strengthened, the released in 2006. them. They didn’t grow up with them. It wasn’t chose a two-course lunch featuring dishes Barbetta served duo also sees the digital medium as a boon, not a things they experienced. They just thought it was during the 1960s, and said “very many” had already made punishment. They’re apparently not alone. Learning from mistakes valuable and tried to adapt it in a very traditional, reservations. “It’s really a giveaway for us, but we’re happy to Legendary, the production company best known Unlike such game adaptations as “Doom” or linear way. There’s been a lot more failures than participate,” she said, describing the show as “fabulous.” —AFP for event movies like “The Dark Knight Rises” and “Resident Evil,” which veered off from the original successes.” —AP SATURDAY, MARCH 21, 2015

TOKYO FASHION WEEK Wheelchair on the runway at Fashion Week

Japanese designer is challenging said it was “very rare” for such a fashion accepted ideals of beauty at Tokyo event to take place in Japan, which is gear- AFashion Week, with an easy-to-wear ing up to the Olympics and Paralympics in collection unveiled on the catwalk by mod- 2020. els who are blind, wear prosthetic limbs or “I think there are a considerable number use a wheelchair. In his unorthodox show of disabled people who don’t leave their for the “tenbo” brand, Takafumi Tsuruta homes,” she said. “It would be great if chose a mix of disabled and able-bodied chances like today increase.” Often criti- models to showcase his quirky designs, cized for their narrow choice of models, with several of them donning bright yellow global fashion weeks have lately taken wigs. He is the latest designer to celebrate small but significant steps towards greater disability at a major fashion week, after an diversity. Last month US actress Jamie actress with Down’s Syndrome and a male Brewer, who has Down’s Syndrome, took a amputee model graced runways this year turn down the runway in New York in an A- in New York and Milan. line black dress designed by Carrie “We are introducing something called Hammer. Hammer launched the “Role ‘people’s design’,” Tsuruta said after the Models Not Runway Models” campaign in show. “The clothes are aimed at everyone 2014, choosing her models for their profes- in the world. I think it’s fashion’s responsi- sional achievements, and brought the first bility to have trendy and easy-to-wear woman in a wheelchair to the catwalk in clothing”. His ‘Dream”-themed New York. autumn/winter collection included details British model Jack Eyers also made his- such as magnetic buttons and reversible tory in February as the first male amputee jumpers, aiming to reach a wider audience to appear at New York’s fashion week, in than typical high-fashion items. creations by Italian designer Antonio Urzi Ami Sano, who was born with a rare dis- which he later showcased in Milan. Two order that left her without limbs except a women with prosthetic legs modeled for left foot, said backstage before performing Tsuruta this week in Tokyo, including 31- that she “really didn’t dream” she would year-old Sayaka Murakami, who wore a stylish white shirt patterned with paper end up modeling at fashion week. The 24- Disabled model Ami Sano goes down the catwalk with a male model during cranes. As she prepares to compete in both year-old appeared before the packed-out rehearsals before modeling on the runway at a fashion show for the “tenbo” brand, sprint and long jump at the Rio hall in her wheelchair, donning a white designed by Japanese designer Takafumi Tsuruta. — AFP wedding dress, in the show’s moving finale. Paralympics Games next year, she is hope- “Simple clothing for us is great. I think peo- abilities, but she thought the show could Rina Akiyama, 27, who won a gold medal ful the fashion industry, like the sporting ple in general will be thankful for this type help to challenge prejudice. “I would like for swimming at the London 2012 world, will continue to champion inclusion. of design, and there are various ways of people to keep having hope,” she said. Paralympics and works at a pharmaceuti- “In the future, people with disabilities arranging the pieces,” Sano said. She told cals company. Akiyama, who wore a dot- won’t have to give up their dreams of AFP that “there is still a wall” in Japan Braille-inspired designs ted trapeze dress inspired by Braille-a tac- modeling and will be able to work hard to between those with and those without dis- Opening the show was blind model tile writing system used by blind people- achieve them.”— AFP

Models display the creations of Japanese designer Tae Ashida during her 2015-16 autumn/winter collection in Tokyo as a part of Tokyo Fashion Week. — AFP photos SATURDAY, MARCH 21, 2015

Models display the creations of Japanese designer Tae Ashida during her 2015-16 autumn/winter collection in Tokyo as a part of Tokyo Fashion Week. — AFP photos TECHNOLOGY SATURDAY, MARCH 21, 2015 US allows Amazon to test drones

WASHINGTON: US aviation officials announced The person controlling the drone must have at In February, US authorities issued sweeping new Thursday they will allow online giant Amazon to least a private pilot’s certificate and medical certifi- guidelines governing the use of drones for civilian carry out testing for its drone program which could cation, the FAA said. Amazon must provide monthly purposes, following testing at six sites across the be used for quick deliveries. The Federal Aviation data to the FAA on the number of flights conducted country since late 2013. Under the proposed rules, Administration statement said it issued “an experi- and report any problems stemming from the tests. the person controlling a drone would be considered mental airworthiness certificate” to Amazon Amazon last year wrote the FAA threatening to take an “operator” and would be required to pass an Logistics so it can test its unmanned aircraft design. much of its research for its drone program outside aeronautical knowledge test and obtain an FAA cer- The certificate allows Amazon to conduct flights at the United States amid frustrations with the regula- tificate. With falling prices and improved technolo- 400 feet (122 meters) or below during daylight tory agency. The company hopes to develop a deliv- gy, interest in civilian drones has been surging for hours, with the drone “within visual line-of-sight of ery system which would dispatch small packages in purposes such as cinematography, industrial man- the pilot and observer.” under 30 minutes. agement, agriculture and journalism. —AFP

CHICAGO: Photo shows a dissembled telescope dating back to 1738. Signed by NEW YORK: Marvin Bolt demonstrates a 19th Century telescope built in to a its maker, Franciscus Baillou, the device is SATURDAY, MARCH 21, 2015 walking stick at his office at the Corning made of ivory and measures five feet long Museum of Glass in Corning, NY. —AP Vision quest: Curator catalogs the world’s oldest telescopes

CORNING: You could say Marvin Bolt takes the long view. ago when a friend in Switzerland, a private collector, let Bolt 1750, when the addition of a second piece of glass to the lens He’s on a worldwide quest to track down and catalog the old- look through a 17th-century telescope on a clear night. improved the quality and led to a production surge. That’s est telescopes known to man, dating to the early 1600s and Although writings suggest the old telescopes didn’t work all already more than he’d anticipated, given the frailty of the the days of Galileo. “You’d think after 400 years, people would that well, “the image was spectacular,” he said, “and not as quarry. Telescopes, with delicate glass lenses, were made indi- know where they are,” said Bolt, an expert on historical tele- people had described it.” “That was the turning point,” said vidually from rolled paper or parchment covered in leather or scopes and the science and technology curator at the Corning Bolt, whose interest grew from his work as a curator at the fish skin. Museum of Glass. So far, he has traced relics to private collec- Adler Planetarium in Chicago, which he left for Corning in Fewer than 10 telescopes from the earliest days, from 1608 tions and museums throughout Europe, where the hand-held 2013. “We have to make a systematic study of actual objects: to 1650, were known to exist at the start of the project. That instruments first opened astronomers’ eyes to moons and Where are they? How many are there and what can you actu- number is now up to about 30. Among them are two that Bolt planets and served as military surveillance tools. He continues ally see through them?” and a colleague found in decorative arts museums in to chase leads there, as well as in Asia and North America. Backed by grants from the National Endowment for the Germany amid oddball collections of keyboards and other sci- The hunt has taken him to 21 countries, including China, Humanities and the National Science Foundation, Bolt has entific instruments. After finding the first telescope in Berlin, Portugal, Estonia and the Vatican and began about a decade since catalogued more than 1,000 telescopes made before Bolt and Michael Korey, curator at the Mathematisch Physikalischer Salon in Dresden, decided to look for similar displays. The next day, they learned of a cabinet at a similar museum nearby. “Sure enough,” Bolt said, “we found one Toyota rolls into TED with which dates to about 1620. It’s one of the oldest ones in the world.” Still another 17th-century telescope had collected dust on a new way to get around a shelf in an antiques store in Belgium, complete with its origi- nal lenses, before a colleague of Bolt’s identified it. Another, Gundrum test drives i-ROAD prototype from 1710, was discovered by a woman who as a 9-year-old girl sick in bed with chicken pox had poked her finger through the wallpaper and found it hidden in her bedroom wall in East VANCOUVER: Steve Gundrum was grinning on Thursday San Francisco or Manhattan where parking is so constrained,” Lansing, Michigan. Sometimes, print on the rolled paper tub- when he climbed out of a Toyota some might call a cross Schulz said. “You could get around with this and then park a ing provides clues to a telescope’s origin. Bolt dated one find between a zippy scooter and an eco-friendly electric car. couple of them in the same space as a typical car today.” The i- by tracing a printed verse to a 1705 version of the “Book of Gundrum was among the TED Conference attendees who test Road weighs about 660 pounds (300 kilos), has a top speed of Common Prayer.” Bolt and Korey estimate 300 or 400 addi- drove one of the company’s i-ROAD prototype “personal 35 miles per hour (56 kilometers per hour) and a range of tional telescopes survive from before the 1750s. The more tel- mobility vehicles” on a course set up in the basement of the about 30 miles (48 kilometers). It recharges in three hours and escopes that are located and examined, the more experts say Vancouver Centre, where the gathering took place. The sec- plugs into standard outlets. they can learn about the evolution of the device. ond seat in the small, electric two-seater vehicles is likely to be Gyroscopes and sensors for balancing the three-wheeled While the telescopes generally remain where they are better used for backpacks or grocery sacks than passengers. vehicle result in it leaning through turns similar to the exhila- found, information about them, including photos showing Steering was accomplished with the single rear tire of the i- rating way motorcycles take curves. “In the 20 years I’ve been the views through them, will be included in an online public Road’s three wheels, meaning drivers needed to turn a few in the car business, this is the most fun, interesting ride database. “Before the telescope, you can think of humanity as heartbeats earlier than in a typical car. “It’s easy and intuitive,” dynamic I’ve ever had because of the rear-steer and the being in a room in the middle of the day, but with all the Gundrum said. “It’s kindred to a motorcycle, but it’s really a active lean system,” Schulz said. “It is just a total blast to blinds drawn, so your view is limited to the walls in the room very small automobile,” the California man added. drive. We have seen so many ‘Tedsters’ come out of the car and your understanding of the world around you is minimal,” Toyota brought the prototypes to TED to find out how the smiling and happy.” The vehicles are being tested in Tokyo, said Bart Fried, founder and president of the Antique gathering’s attendees see the future of mobility, said Jason Silicon Valley and via a carsharing program in Grenoble, Telescope Society. “After the telescope, it’s as if somebody Schulz of Toyota Motor Sales USA. Schulz pictured i-Road France. Toyota has yet to figure out how it will price i-Road, opened up all the blinds and you can look out and see this being used for everyday short trips-such as getting to train but Schulz said it will need to be attractive enough to com- wide world that you had no idea even existed.” “Suddenly, the stations, darting to markets or commuting to jobs. “Look at pete with new cars. —AFP earth was not the center of the universe.” —AP TECHNOLOGY SATURDAY, MARCH 21, 2015

40% of parents in UAE worried about cyber bullying Kaspersky Lab introduced the Kaspersky Total Security

DUBAI: Kaspersky Lab introduced the encountered inappropriate or danger- victim’s devices and files. help parents better protect their chil- Kaspersky Total Security - multi- ous content in 2014. According to the Users should also be aware of dren the solution comes with a parental device, a security solution for home study, more than half of young users threats aimed at exploiting mobile control feature that can limit the num- users that protects Windows, OS X, in the UAE encountered adult content, gamers, for instance, the popular ber of hours children spend online in Android, iOS and Windows Phone over 22% landed on websites dedicat- “Gomal Trojan” was known to be cam- addition to monitoring activity online platforms. The solution is the succes- ed to gambling; every sixth user stum- ouflaged as an innocent game of tic- and on social media platforms,”said sor to Kaspersky PURE and is designed bled across sites featuring weapons. tac-toe. The game carried within it Ovanes Mikhailov, Managing Director, to protect against cyber threats and The cyber landscape for an average spyware functionality to record Kaspersky Lab Middle East. manage the digital assets of an household is now far more complex sounds, process calls and steal SMS The Kaspersky Total Security - Internet user. The announcement than it was in the past. Recent research information. With 92% of users in the multi-device comes with a number comes as heavy internet penetration, by B2B International and Kaspersky UAE reported to trust their computers of unique features including:- smartphone and social media adop- Lab shows an average household now and smartphones to store both corpo- Parental Control tool allows users to tion across the region continues to has more than 5 connected devices, rate, personal and financial data, the set a time limit on their children’s result in a surge in the complexity and Internet use. Internet access can be frequency of attacks targeted at restricted to specified times of day, exploiting personal devices and net- or blocked after a certain period works. online. - Communications Control A growing area of concerns for fam- prevents children from sharing per- ilies and parents in particular is around sonal information and restricts com- cyberbullying and protecting their munication with undesirable con- children from inappropriate online tacts.Users can also easily view content. With mobile adoption and detailed reports on what their chil- social networking an established norm dren have been doing online. among teenagers in the region, par- l Anti-Theft Web Management ents continue to worry about their for mobile devices allows remote children’s exposure to the Internet and activation of all anti-theft com- ways to better protect them from mands: Device Lock, Data Wipe, malicious content and people. Locate, Alarm, Mugshot, and SIM According to a study by Kaspersky Watch. - Password Manager allows Lab and B2B International conducted users to securely and conveniently in the UAE, 40% of parents reported to store all their passwords and identi- be worried about cyberbullying, with ty forms and synchronize them 48% reported to have intervened to between different devices. protect their child from being cyber- which means families today, have a lot malware could easily lead to financial l Webcam Protection identifies bullied. The survey points to a need for more to worry about than the tradi- or identity theft. “Families today need attempts to access webcams (exter- increased awareness amongst parents tional home network. They need to mutli-platform solutions that inte- nal or built-in), alerts the user, and so that they may be able to better con- protect their families from the host of grate a full range of features and tools blocks access if the app is regarded trol their children’s activities online, vulnerabilities they can be exposed to that allow them to provide compre- as suspicious or untrusted. - Safe identify cases of cyberbullying and as a result of the use of seemingly hensive protection from all these vul- Money - the suite of technologies is prevent serious repercussions for their harmless social networks, smart- nerabilities without the hassle of man- designed to protect online financial children. While, 29% of parents report- phones and other connected devices. aging and operating disparate, indi- transactions. It confirms that the ed that the abuse was not limited to Experts have also shared insights vidual consoles. user is working with a genuine bank the Internet but continued in real life, on increasing numbers of attacks tar- Kaspersky Total Security - multi- website or payment system, verifies almost 21% admitted to not taking geted at the users in the Middle East. devicecan help protect not just their security certificates, and safeguards any measures to protect their kids Early this year, Kaspersky Lab experts information but also safeguard their the transaction process. - Trusted from online threats. alerted users about malware deliv- children. The solution enables compre- Applications mode allows only Another study titled ‘Children ered through politically-oriented hensive, multi layered protection across trusted applications to launch. The Online’ reveals that more than two- news or social networking forums a range of devices allowing real time list of trusted applications is based thirds (68%) of users of Kaspersky using social engineering tactics to protection and monitoring of the cyber on the Kaspersky Lab Whitelisting Lab’s Parental Control technologies gain full access and control over the landscape and related cyber activity. To service. Canada caps basic cable China finally gets its fee, ends TV ‘bundles’ official PlayStations

OTTAWA: Canada’s television regulator ers complained about having to pay for SHANGHAI: Japanese electronics giant Sony yester- PlayStation Vita for 1,299 yuan ($211), said a store has capped the price for basic cable at “bundles” of channels to access one or day launched its PlayStation gaming console in clerk. But some customers showed disappointment Can$25 (US$20) while ordering broad- two they wanted. China, where authorities impose strict controls on over the small selection of games on offer initially. “It casters to offer specialty channels a la Bundling has been very lucrative for content, but some popular titles including “Grand is quite embarrassing that there are only a few titles carte instead of in large, pricey bundles. cable companies, with prices for packages Theft Auto” and “Call of Duty” were not available. available because of government censorship,” Gu The basic package would include local rising at more than twice the rate of infla- China last year authorized the domestic sale of game said. Games must pass inspection by China’s cultural and regional news and information pro- tion over the past two decades. The same consoles through its first free-trade zone (FTZ) in authorities, according to FTZ rules, in line with gov- Shanghai, ending a 2000 ban that authorities argued ernment restrictions on content it deems to be grams, which the Canadian Radio-televi- is true in the United States, which is also was aimed at protecting the country’s youth. The obscene, violent or politically sensitive. sion and Telecommunications facing a viewer backlash. But consumers start of Sony’s PlayStation 4 consoles, originally Only four PlayStation 4 titles were available at Commission (CRTC) said allow Canadians now have much more choice: online planned for January, makes it the second foreign Sony’s flagship Shanghai store on Friday: fantasy to participate in the nation’s democratic, movie streaming services such as Netflix company into the Chinese market after rival adventure “Dynasty Warriors 8: Xtreme Legends”, economic, cultural and social life. or downloading entire seasons of televi- Microsoft, which launched its Xbox One in motorcycle racing game “Trials Fusion” and youth- But beyond that, Canadians will be sion shows on Apple iTunes or Google September. Gaming consoles brought into mainland oriented “Knack” and “Rayman Legends”. Analysts China through unofficial channels were already said a broader selection of games is the key to able to pick and pay only for the extra Play, skirting broadcasters. The CRTC said widely available online and at the country’s many longer-term success in China’s multi-billion-dollar channels they want, starting in 2016 broadcasters must adapt to the new tech- electronics markets. market. “Just having the console is only the first step, when the new rules take effect. The nologies and viewing habits. The changes At a Sony store in downtown Shanghai, around access to high-quality games remains the biggest change is in reaction to widespread dis- are part of an overhaul of the rules gov- 50 people waited in line to enter by small groups and driver for console sales,” said Jack Chuang, associate content over television packages offered erning the way Canadians watch televi- buy consoles, games and the hand-held PlayStation partner at OC&C Strategy Consultants Greater China. by cable and satellite companies that had sion and the prices they pay, following Vita. “It’s quite exciting that we can have this in China “For the average gamer, access to major titles with now,” said Gu Chunhua, an engineer. Sony is selling Chinese subtitles or dubbed in Mandarin will be become too large and costly. Many view- CRTC hearings last year.—AFP PlayStation 4 in China for 2,899 yuan ($471) and vital,” he said in a statement to media. —AFP TV listings SATURDAY, MARCH 21, 2015

12:40 American Muscle 20:30 Invent It Rich 22:50 Sabrina: Secrets Of A Teenage 07:50 Diners, Drive-Ins & Dives 12:50 Coach Trip 13:30 American Muscle 21:20 Game Changers Witch 08:15 Chopped 13:15 Coach Trip 14:20 American Muscle 21:45 Game Changers 23:10 Wolfblood 09:05 Siba’s Table 13:35 Come Dine With Me Ireland 15:10 American Muscle 22:10 How We Invented The World 23:35 Wolfblood 09:30 Have Cake, Will Travel 14:05 Sunday Night At The Palladium 16:00 Gold Rush 23:00 Rise Of The Machines 09:55 Have Cake, Will Travel 15:00 Ant & Dec’s Saturday Night 00:50 Gator Boys 16:50 Gold Divers: Under The Ice 10:20 Barefoot Contessa - Back To Takeaway 01:45 River Monsters 17:40 Alaska: The Last Frontier Basics 16:05 Mr Selfridge 02:40 Tanked 18:30 The Island With Bear Grylls 10:45 Barefoot Contessa - Back To 17:00 The Doctor Blake Mysteries 03:35 Tigerfish: Africa’s Piranha 19:20 Tethered Basics 18:00 Remember Me 04:25 River Monsters 20:10 Man vs Weird 00:00 #RichKids Of Beverly Hills 11:10 Siba’s Table 19:00 Ant & Dec’s Saturday Night 05:15 Treehouse Masters 21:00 Backroad Bounty 00:30 #RichKids Of Beverly Hills 11:35 Siba’s Table Takeaway 06:02 Call Of The Wildman 21:25 Backroad Bounty 00:55 Extreme Close-Up 12:00 Guy’s Big Bite 20:05 Mr Selfridge 06:25 Call Of The Wildman 21:50 Backroad Bounty 01:25 THS 12:25 Unique Sweets 21:00 The Doctor Blake Mysteries 06:49 Tigerfish: Africa’s Piranha 22:15 Backroad Bounty 00:00 Violetta 02:20 E! News 12:50 Unique Sweets 21:45 The Doctor Blake Mysteries 07:36 Steve Irwin’s Wildlife Warriors 22:40 Backroad Bounty 00:45 The Hive 03:15 Kourtney And Khloe Take The 13:15 Chopped SA 23:00 Coronation Street 08:00 Steve Irwin’s Wildlife Warriors 23:05 Street Outlaws 00:50 Art Attack Hamptons 14:05 Diners, Drive-Ins & Dives 23:25 Coronation Street 08:25 Tanked 23:55 American Muscle 01:15 Art Attack 04:10 THS 14:30 Diners, Drive-Ins & Dives 23:50 Coronation Street 09:15 Tanked 01:40 Jungle Junction 05:05 E!ES 14:55 Diners, Drive-Ins & Dives 10:10 Tanked 01:50 Jungle Junction 06:00 Kourtney And Kim Take Miami 15:20 Diners, Drive-Ins & Dives 11:05 Tanked 02:05 Jungle Junction 06:55 Kourtney And Kim Take Miami 15:45 Chopped 12:00 Secret Life Of Pets 02:15 Jungle Junction 07:50 Style Star 16:35 Barefoot Contessa 12:30 Secret Life Of Pets 02:30 Violetta 08:20 E! News 17:00 Siba’s Table 12:55 Jurassica 03:10 The Hive 09:15 #RichKids Of Beverly Hills 17:25 Guy’s Big Bite 00:00 Alaska Wing Men 13:50 Killer Iq: Lion vs Hyena 03:20 Art Attack 00:40 How It’s Made 09:45 #RichKids Of Beverly Hills 17:50 Guy’s Big Bite 01:00 Inside Combat Rescue 14:45 Tigerfish: Africa’s Piranha 03:45 Art Attack 01:05 How It’s Made 10:15 E!ES 18:15 Guy’s Big Bite 02:00 World’s Toughest Fixes 15:40 Secret Creatures Of Jao 04:10 Jungle Junction 01:30 How The Universe Works 11:10 E! Entertainment Special 18:40 Barefoot Contessa - Back To 03:00 Convoy: War For The Atlantic 16:10 Secret Creatures Of Jao 04:25 Jungle Junction 02:20 Through The Wormhole With 12:05 E! News Basics 04:00 Armageddon Outfitters 16:35 Queens Of The Savannah 04:35 Jungle Junction Morgan Freeman 13:05 Giuliana & Bill 19:05 Barefoot Contessa - Back To 05:00 Animal Mega Moves 17:30 The Lion Queen 04:45 Jungle Junction 03:10 How Do They Do It? 14:05 Kourtney And Khloe Take The Basics 06:00 Wild Russia 18:25 Leopard Fight Club 05:00 Art Attack 03:35 How Do They Do It? Hamptons 19:30 Diners, Drive-Ins & Dives 07:00 Breakout 19:20 Killer Iq: Lion vs Hyena 05:25 Art Attack 04:00 Food Factory 15:00 Kourtney And Khloe Take The 19:55 Diners, Drive-Ins & Dives 08:00 Alaska Wing Men 20:15 Tigerfish: Africa’s Piranha 05:50 Mouk 04:24 Food Factory Hamptons 20:20 Chopped 09:00 Inside Combat Rescue 21:10 Zombie Sharks 06:00 Kim Possible 04:48 How Do They Do It? 16:00 Kourtney And Khloe Take The 21:10 Siba’s Table 10:00 World’s Toughest Fixes 22:05 Alaskan Bush People 06:25 Girl Meets World 05:12 How Do They Do It? Hamptons 21:35 Siba’s Table: Fast Feasts 11:00 Science of Stupid 23:00 Ivory Wars 06:50 Binny And The Ghost 05:36 Joe Rogan Questions 17:00 Kourtney And Khloe Take The 22:00 Barefoot Contessa - Back To 11:30 Science of Stupid 23:55 Jurassica 07:15 H2O: Just Add Water Everything Hamptons Basics 12:00 Mad Scientists 07:40 Jessie 06:24 Bang Goes The Theory 18:00 E! News 22:25 Barefoot Contessa - Back To 12:30 Mad Scientists 08:05 Liv And Maddie 06:48 How Tech Works 19:00 Kourtney And Khloe Take The Basics 13:00 Big, Bigger, Biggest 08:30 Binny And The Ghost 07:12 Food Factory Hamptons 22:50 Fast Food Gone Global 14:00 Doomsday Preppers 08:55 Hank Zipzer 07:36 How Do They Do It? 20:00 Kourtney And Khloe Take The 23:40 Diners, Drive-Ins & Dives 15:00 Apocalypse World War I 09:20 Dog With A Blog 08:00 How Do They Do It? Hamptons 16:00 Expedition Wild 09:45 Good Luck Charlie 08:25 How Do They Do It? 21:00 Christina Milian Turned Up 17:00 Beyond Magic with DMC 10:10 Gravity Falls 08:50 How Do They Do It? 22:00 E! News 18:00 Is It Real? 00:00 Fantasy Homes By The Sea 10:40 Cars 09:15 How Do They Do It? 23:00 The Soup 19:00 Apocalypse World War I 00:45 Come Dine With Me: South 12:40 Cars Toons Compilation 09:40 How Do They Do It? 23:30 THS 00:40 Ade In Britain 20:00 Expedition Wild Africa 13:30 Girl Meets World 10:05 How Do They Do It? 01:30 Paul O’Grady: For The Love Of 21:00 Beyond Magic with DMC 01:35 Nigellissima 13:55 Liv And Maddie 10:30 How It’s Made Dogs 22:00 Is It Real? 02:00 Masterchef: The Professionals 14:20 H2O: Just Add Water 10:55 How It’s Made 02:00 The Chase: Celebrity Specials 23:00 Science of Stupid 02:55 Bargain Hunt 14:55 Hank Zipzer 03:35 Come Dine With Me 11:20 How It’s Made 02:55 Emmerdale 23:30 Science of Stupid 11:45 How It’s Made 15:20 Binny And The Ghost 03:20 Emmerdale 04:00 Fantasy Homes By The Sea 15:45 Jessie 04:45 Come Dine With Me: South 12:10 How It’s Made 03:55 Emmerdale 16:10 Austin & Ally 04:20 Emmerdale Africa 16:35 Austin & Ally 05:40 Bargain Hunt 12:35 How It’s Made 00:05 Chopped SA 04:45 Emmerdale 13:00 Food Factory 17:00 Austin & Ally 00:55 Grill It! With Bobby Flay 05:00 Coronation Street 06:20 Masterchef: The Professionals 17:25 Dog With A Blog 07:15 Fantasy Homes By The Sea 13:25 Food Factory 01:20 Amazing Wedding Cakes 05:25 Coronation Street 13:50 Food Factory 17:50 Hank Zipzer 02:10 BBQ Crawl 05:50 Coronation Street 00:30 The Daily Show With Jon 08:00 Masterchef: The Professionals 18:15 Jessie 08:50 Masterchef: The Professionals 14:15 Food Factory 02:35 BBQ Crawl 06:15 Coronation Street Stewart 14:40 Food Factory 18:40 Binny And The Ghost 03:00 Diners, Drive-Ins & Dives 06:40 Coronation Street 01:00 The Nightly Show With Larry 09:45 Masterchef: The Professionals 19:05 Cars Toons Compilation 10:10 Masterchef: The Professionals 15:05 Food Factory 03:25 Diners, Drive-Ins & Dives 07:05 Ant & Dec’s Saturday Night Wilmore 15:30 Invent It Rich 19:55 Dog With A Blog 03:50 Diners, Drive-Ins & Dives Takeaway 01:30 You’re The Worst 11:00 Masterchef: The Professionals 20:20 I Didn’t Do It 11:55 Come Dine With Me: 16:20 Man vs The Universe 04:15 Chopped 08:15 The Doctor Blake Mysteries 02:00 You’re The Worst 17:10 The World’s Strangest UFO 20:45 H2O: Just Add Water 05:05 Rachael vs. Guy: Celebrity 09:00 The Doctor Blake Mysteries 02:30 Web Therapy Supersized 21:10 Good Luck Charlie 13:25 Extreme Makeover: Home Stories Coo 10:15 Arthur And George 03:00 Hot In Cleveland 18:00 Close Encounters 21:35 Jessie 05:50 Siba’s Table 11:10 Coach Trip 03:30 New Girl Edition 22:00 Gravity Falls 14:05 Extreme Makeover: Home 18:25 Close Encounters 06:10 Sweet Genius 11:35 Coach Trip 04:30 The Tonight Show Starring 18:50 Alien Encounters 22:25 Sabrina: Secrets Of A Teenage 07:00 Tastiest Places To Chowdown 12:00 Coach Trip Jimmy Fallon Edition Witch 14:45 Extreme Makeover: Home 19:40 How The Universe Works 07:25 Diners, Drive-Ins & Dives 12:25 Coach Trip 05:30 My Name Is Earl Edition 06:00 Til Death 16:05 Bargain Hunt 06:30 My Boys 16:50 Bargain Hunt 07:00 Late Night With Seth Meyers 17:35 Bargain Hunt 08:30 My Name Is Earl 18:20 Come Dine With Me: South 09:00 Hot In Cleveland Africa 09:30 Black-Ish 19:10 Extreme Makeover: Home 10:00 Parks And Recreation Edition 10:30 My Boys 19:50 Extreme Makeover: Home 11:00 The Tonight Show Starring Edition Jimmy Fallon 20:30 The Hairy Bikers: Mums Know 12:00 Til Death Best 13:00 My Name Is Earl 21:25 Masterchef: The Professionals 13:30 My Boys 22:15 Masterchef: The Professionals 14:00 New Girl 23:10 Masterchef: The Professionals 14:30 Black-Ish 23:35 Masterchef: The Professionals 15:00 Parks And Recreation 15:30 The Daily Show With Jon Stewart 16:00 The Nightly Show With Larry Wilmore 16:30 Til Death 17:00 Late Night With Seth Meyers 18:00 Enlisted 18:30 New Girl 19:00 2 Broke Girls 00:20 Fast N’ Loud 19:30 Cougar Town 01:10 Fast N’ Loud 20:00 The Tonight Show Starring 02:00 Misfit Garage Jimmy Fallon 02:50 Philly Throttle 21:00 The Daily Show Global Edition 03:40 Auction Hunters: Pawn Shop 21:30 The Nightly Show Global Edition Edition 04:05 Garage Gold 22:00 Saturday Night Live 04:30 Backroad Bounty 23:00 Web Therapy 05:00 How It’s Made 23:30 Late Night With Seth Meyers 05:30 How It’s Made 06:00 Chaos Caught On Camera 06:25 Chaos Caught On Camera 06:50 What Happened Next? 07:15 What Happened Next? 01:00 Once Upon A Time 07:40 You Have Been Warned 02:00 Survivor: Worlds Apart 08:30 The Island With Bear Grylls 03:00 Hemlock Grove 09:20 Tethered 04:00 American Idol 10:10 Survive That! 05:00 Grey’s Anatomy 11:00 American Muscle 08:00 White Collar 11:50 American Muscle A Good Day To Die Hard ON OSN MOVIES ACTION HD 09:00 American Idol TV listings SATURDAY, MARCH 21, 2015

10:00 Grey’s Anatomy 11:00 Once Upon A Time 13:00 The Ellen DeGeneres Show 14:00 White Collar 18:00 White Collar 19:00 Graceland 20:00 The Blacklist 21:00 Resurrection 22:00 Salem 23:00 Hemlock Grove

00:00 The Ellen DeGeneres Show 01:00 Good Morning America 03:00 Supernatural 04:00 Defiance 05:00 Good Morning America 08:00 The Ellen DeGeneres Show 11:00 The Ellen DeGeneres Show 12:00 Rake 13:00 Twisted 15:00 Live Good Morning America 17:00 Rake 18:00 Twisted 19:00 Parenthood 20:00 Rake 21:00 Twisted 22:00 Supernatural 23:00 Defiance

00:00 22 Bullets 02:00 The Hills Have Eyes II 04:00 Europa Report 06:00 Marvel’s Doctor Strange 08:00 Olympus Has Fallen 10:00 Police Story 12:00 Europa Report 14:00 Recoil 16:00 Olympus Has Fallen 18:00 Darkman 20:00 Police Story 22:00 A Good Day To Die Hard THE HILLS HAVE EYES II ON OSN MOVIES ACTION HD

13:45 The Chateau Meroux-PG15 20:00 LOL-PG15 15:30 Faces In The Crowd-PG15 22:00 Peace, Love & 07:15 Hoarding: Buried Alive 09:40 Real Emergency Calls 06:10 Calimero 17:30 The Great Train Robbery-PG Misunderstanding-PG15 08:05 World’s Worst Mum 10:05 Real Emergency Calls 06:25 Henry Hugglemonster 00:00 The Hills Have Eyes II-18 19:30 Texas Killing Fields-PG15 23:45 CBGB-18 08:55 World’s Worst Mum 10:30 Who On Earth Did I Marry? 06:35 Zou 02:00 Europa Report-PG15 21:30 The Insider-PG15 09:45 Cake Boss 10:55 Who On Earth Did I Marry? 06:50 Mouk 04:00 Marvel’s Doctor Strange-PG 10:10 Cake Boss 11:20 Who On Earth Did I Marry? 07:00 Jungle Junction 06:00 Olympus Has Fallen-PG15 10:35 Sister Wives 11:45 Who On Earth Did I Marry? 07:10 Art Attack 08:00 Police Story-PG15 11:25 17 Kids And Counting 12:10 The Will 07:35 Julius Jr. 10:00 Europa Report-PG15 02:00 Super League 11:50 17 Kids And Counting 13:00 The Will 07:45 Calimero 12:00 Recoil-PG15 01:00 The Immigrant-PG15 05:00 Live AFL NAB Challenge 12:15 17 Kids And Counting 13:50 Nightmare Next Door 08:00 Jungle Junction 14:00 Olympus Has Fallen-PG15 03:00 Muppets Most Wanted-PG 08:30 Super Rugby 12:40 17 Kids And Counting 14:40 Fatal Encounters 08:10 Zou 16:00 Darkman-PG15 05:00 Marvel’s Next Avengers: 09:30 Live Super Rugby 13:05 17 Kids And Counting 15:30 Fatal Encounters 08:25 Henry Hugglemonster 18:00 Police Story-PG15 Heroes Of Tomorrow-PG 11:30 Super Rugby 13:30 Say Yes To The Dress: The Big 16:20 Disappeared 08:35 Julius Jr. 20:00 A Good Day To Die Hard-PG15 06:45 Great Expectations-PG15 12:00 Golfing World Day (Specials) 17:10 Real Emergency Calls 08:50 Mouk 22:00 The Package-PG15 09:00 Upside Down-PG15 13:30 Live PGA European Tour 14:20 Oprah: Where Are They Now? 17:35 Real Emergency Calls 09:00 Calimero 11:00 Gravity-PG15 17:30 Super Rugby Highlights 15:10 Cake Boss 18:00 Stalked: Someone’s 09:15 Jake And The Never Land 12:45 Foodfight!-PG 18:00 Live Super Rugby 15:35 Cake Boss Watching Pirates 14:30 The Great Gatsby-PG15 20:00 Live Super Rugby 16:00 Cake Boss 18:25 Stalked: Someone’s 09:40 Doc McStuffins 17:00 Upside Down-PG15 22:00 Super Rugby Highlights 16:25 Cake Boss Watching 10:05 Art Attack 19:00 Baggage Claim-PG15 16:50 Cake Boss 18:50 I Was Murdered 10:35 Mickey Mouse Clubhouse 00:00 Son Of Rambow-PG 21:00 At Middleton-PG15 19:15 I Was Murdered 11:00 Sofia The First 02:00 Standing Ovation-PG15 17:15 Bakery Boss 22:45 Her-18 18:05 Oprah’s Next Chapter 19:40 Murder Shift 11:25 Sheriff Callie’s Wild West 04:00 Hello Ladies: The Movie-PG15 20:30 Murder Shift 11:55 Zou 06:00 See Spot Run-PG 18:55 Say Yes To The Dress ‚Äì 03:00 Live NHL Bridesmaids 21:20 Murder Shift 12:10 Calimero 08:00 RV-PG 22:10 Murder Shift 12:25 Minnie’s Bow-Toons 10:00 Mystery, Alaska-PG15 07:00 Live NRL Premiership 19:20 Say Yes To The Dress ‚Äì 09:00 NRL Full Time Bridesmaids 23:00 True CSI 12:30 Sofia The First: Once Upon 12:00 Struck By Lightning-PG15 23:50 Deadly Affairs A Princess 14:00 Syrup-PG15 09:30 Live NRL Premiership 19:45 Say Yes To The Dress ‚Äì 01:00 Eleanor’s Secret 11:30 Live NRL Premiership Bridesmaids 13:25 Sofia The First 16:00 RV-PG 13:50 Sofia The First 18:00 Free Samples-PG15 02:45 Kong Return To The Jungle 14:00 Champions Tour 20:10 Say Yes To The Dress ‚Äì 04:30 Barbie Fairytopia 16:00 NHL Bridesmaids 14:20 Sofia The First 19:30 The Heat-PG15 14:45 Jake And The Never Land 22:00 John Dies At The End-18 06:00 Postman Pat: The Movie 18:00 Golfing World 20:35 Say Yes To The Dress ‚Äì 08:00 A Cat In Paris 19:30 Live PGA Tour Bridesmaids Pirates 09:45 Khumba 21:00 Oprah: Where Are They Now? 15:15 Doc McStuffins 11:15 The Missing Lynx 21:50 Oprah Presents: Master Class 15:40 Sheriff Callie’s Wild West 13:00 Kong Return To The Jungle 22:40 Extreme Couponing 00:10 Zou 16:05 Sofia The First 14:30 Back To The Sea 23:05 Mob Wives 00:25 Mouk 16:35 Zou 01:00 Great Expectations-PG15 16:15 A Turtle’s Tale 2: Sammy’s 23:55 Mob Wives 00:35 Jungle Junction 16:50 Mickey Mouse Clubhouse 03:00 ICC World Cup H/L: Quarter 17:15 Lilo & Stitch 03:15 The Tall Man-PG15 Escape From Paradise Final 3 00:50 Art Attack 05:15 Stuck In Love-PG15 18:00 Khumba 01:15 Julius Jr. 17:40 Adventures Of The Gummi 04:00 Live ICC World Cup: Quarter Bears 07:00 Centre Place-PG15 20:00 Skateboy And The Challenge Final 4 01:25 Calimero 09:00 Safe Haven-PG15 Beyond The Seas 01:40 Henry Hugglemonster 18:05 Chip n Dale Rescue 12:00 ICC Cricket 360 Rangers 11:00 Stuck In Love-PG15 21:45 Back To The Sea 16:00 ICC World Cup H/L: Quarter 01:50 Zou 13:00 The Twilight Saga: Breaking 23:30 A Turtle’s Tale 2: Sammy’s 02:05 Mouk 18:30 Ducktales Final 4 19:00 Art Attack Dawn Pt. 2-PG15 Escape From Paradise 18:00 ICC Cricket 360 02:15 Jungle Junction 15:00 Dawn Rider-PG15 02:25 Art Attack 19:25 Sofia The First 17:00 Safe Haven-PG15 00:40 Dates From Hell 02:50 Julius Jr. 19:55 Calimero 19:00 Grace Of Monaco-PG15 01:05 Dates From Hell 03:00 Calimero 20:10 Doc McStuffins 21:00 McCanick-PG15 01:30 Couples Who Kill 03:15 Henry Hugglemonster 20:25 Jake And The Never Land 23:00 Machine Gun Preacher-PG15 02:20 Great Crimes And Trials 03:25 Zou Pirates 00:15 Trespass-PG15 02:45 Great Crimes And Trials 03:40 Mouk 20:50 Mickey Mouse Clubhouse 02:00 Curious George: Swings Into 03:10 Serial Killers 03:50 Jungle Junction 21:20 Minnie’s Bow-Toons Spring-FAM 00:45 Breaking Amish 04:00 Most Evil 04:00 Art Attack 21:25 Sofia The First 04:00 Safe-PG15 01:35 The Undateables 04:45 Dates From Hell 04:25 Julius Jr. 21:50 Adventures Of The Gummi 06:00 Mr. Peabody & Sherman-FAM 02:25 New Body, New Style 05:07 Dates From Hell 04:35 Calimero Bears 01:30 The Fifth Estate-PG15 08:00 The Book Thief-PG15 03:15 Extreme Cheapskates 05:30 Couples Who Kill 04:50 Henry Hugglemonster 22:20 Chip n Dale Rescue 03:45 The French Minister-PG15 10:30 Transformers-PG15 03:40 Extreme Cheapskates 06:20 True CSI 05:00 Zou Rangers 05:45 Faces In The Crowd-PG15 13:15 Percy Jackson: Sea Of 04:05 Super Saver Showdown 07:10 American Greed 05:15 Mouk 22:45 Ducktales 07:30 Timer-PG15 Monsters-PG 05:00 Super Saver Showdown 08:00 Deadly Affairs 05:25 Jungle Junction 23:15 Art Attack 09:30 The Great Train Robbery-PG 15:30 The Book Thief-PG15 06:00 17 Kids And Counting 08:50 On The Case With Paula 05:35 Art Attack 23:40 Calimero 11:30 The Fifth Estate-PG15 18:00 The Hot Flashes-PG15 06:25 Hoarding: Buried Alive Zahn 06:00 Julius Jr. 23:55 Henry Hugglemonster WHAT’S ON SATURDAY, MARCH 21, 2015

Large crowds drawn at Tulu Koota Kuwait Picnic

he pleasant climate of the second month of the year drew healthy mind and healthy body. Suresh Salian conceptualized fascinated and engrossed for an extensive length of time. The large crowds at the Tulu Koota Family Picnic, which was the inauguration idea and well executed by Ronald D’Souza, Throwball tournament for Ladies was won by Rolce Joyce and Theld on 27 February 2015 at the Mishref garden, Kuwait. Vishwanath Shetty and Purander Manchi. the runners up were Jaguar Friends. Kabbadi tournament was The event was inaugurated with a theme of ‘Swachh Bharat The picnic, which was very well coordinated by the Sports won by Billava Sangha Kuwait while the runners up were Abhiyan’ flagged off by the Prime Minister of India. All the com- Secretary, Faustine Pinto, started off immediately and then Navachetna. Volleyball tournament was won by Sara Friends mittee members followed the theme by demonstrating to continued in rapid rotation all through the day. Children until 4 and the runners up were Kunjal Friends. A game of Housie clean up the ground in unity. The torch of the picnic was first lit years old played passing the hat and picking the ball and put- housie was played while the audience settled after the games up by the members of the advisory committee and handed ting in the basket with ease, while 4-6 year olds competed in and quiz conducted in between the games. The Grand raffle over to the Sports secretary, Faustine Pinto, which was then the ball race and ring in the wicket. Little bigger boys and girls draw that was held at the conclusion of the event continued to carried forward to all the managing committee members and played sack race and ring race, while children above 10 raced in interest one and all with the exciting prizes after which the finally to the President, Tharendra Shettigar. The President then slow cycling, skipping and hitting the wicket. General Secretary, Wilson D’Souza gave out a Vote of Thanks. lit the big torch and declared the event open. Children with Ladies and men enjoyed Shot Put and Breaking the Pot, The event was beautifully hosted by Preeti Shetty,Purander pom-poms looked vibrant with the colors of the Kuwait and while the couples enjoyed the ball race and the three-legged Manchi, Sanath Shetty, Prithvi Shetty, Yadunath Alva and Indian flag. The national anthem of both the countries was race. Additionally, the game of Musical chair for the Seniors Harish Bhandary. Scrumptious lunch was served by Avanti then sung after which the traditional breaking of the coconut was a feast to the eye. Palace, while the lightings and sound was arrangedby Anand was carried on by the President and the Sports Secretary. It was There were team games of Throwball, Voleyball, Kabbadi, Illuminations. The success of the event is owed to the whole- then followed by an effective presentation of yoga postures by Govinda and Tug of war played. Men and women came to reg- hearted support of all the committee members, who toiled day Alka Rao and her team to emphasize the importance of a ister in large numbers for the teams as they kept the audience and night to achieve their target.

What’s On - Submission Guidelines

All photos submitted for What’s On should be minimum 200dpi. Articles must be in plain text and should include name and phone numbers. Articles and photos that fail to meet these requirements will not be published. Please send them to [email protected] WHAT’S ON SATURDAY, MARCH 21, 2015

The ministry’s official with Oriental team at the draw. Oriental team with representative of 1st Prize winner Avinash Wadhawan.

2nd Prize winner Abraham Varghese 3rd prize winner Sulaiman Al Failakawi Bader Al Mulla and Bros Co announces 3rd draw winners

ader Al Mulla and Brothers Company WLL (BMB), Chief Oriental Insurance is a public sector Government of India Damage coverage from OICL, in addition to standard damage Agents of Oriental Insurance Company Limited (OICL) undertaking and one of the largest general insurance compa- insurance coverage, clients could avail entry into draw to win Bannounced three lucky winners of 3rd and final draw nies in India. Through their Chief Agents in Kuwait, Bader Al diamond jewellery worth KD 1000/KD 500/KD 250, discount for the promotion of Motor Own Damage Insurance policies. Mulla and Brothers, they offer most extensive coverage’s to vouchers on tires, batteries, car spare parts and accessories On 16th March 2015, in the presence of Ministry officials, the Kuwaiti and expatriate population with reasonable premium. and V-Kool items and free personal accident cover from draw was conducted at their office in Sharq area. Avinash They also provide Industries with property all risk cover, vehi- Oriental. Their team constitutes technically qualified and Wadhawan won 1st prize, Abraham Varghese won 2nd prize cle insurance cover, Marine transit insurance cover, Health competent team of professionals to tender the best customer and Sulaiman Al Failakawi won 3rd prize. The winners Insurance cover and liability insurance cover. service. Their office is located in 1st and 2nd Floor, Awadi received gift vouchers worth KD 1000, KD 500 and KD 250 BMB had announced a special three month promotion Towers 1, Ahmed Al Jaber Street, Sharq, Kuwait. For more respectively at the hands of Agency Manager, Ravi Kumar valid from 15th December 2014 to 15th March 2015 for Retail information, contact 22415823 Ext 209 - 99515516, or email Raizada. Clients with discounted rates. On purchase of Motor Own [email protected].

First Kuwait musical festival concludes

KUWAIT: First edition of Kuwait Music tions to promoting music at the national Festival concluded late Thursday at the level. Higher Institute Of Musical Arts’ Theater, Several Arab and foreign musicians and under sponsorship of Minister of Education troupes took part in the festival. Among the and Higher Education Dr Bader Al-Essa. activities, held during the festival, were three Mohammad Al-Daihan, the festival chair- seminars, addressing topics such as Arab man, said in a statement on the occasion music development, the Arab song and that the institute theater was named after prospects of promoting it internationally, the late Ahmad Baqer, founder of the insti- the Lebanese song and birth of the Kuwaiti tute, in gratitude for his tangible contribu- song. —KUNA HEALTH SATURDAY, MARCH 21, 2015 India’s growing cities face huge water shortages NEW DELHI: Ranbir Singh still remembers when the wells in his village on New Delhi’s southwestern edge were filled with sweet- tasting water and livestock drank from the small ponds that dot- ted the area. Now the village has been all but subsumed by Dwarka, a high-rise satellite city that sprang up in the 1990s on the edge of India’s sprawling capital. The ponds dried out long ago and are now filled with rubbish, while over-extraction has caused the groundwater level to fall so far that industrial pumps are needed to bring water to the surface. “Today what you get from underground is not even drinkable,” the 62-year-old told AFP in Pochanpur, now a hodgepodge of small-scale construction overshadowed by Dwarka’s tower blocks. “People who still consume it complain of stomach problems, and many young people in our village suffer from skin problems because of this water.” Decades of population growth and uncon- trolled urbanization have created a water crisis in India. The World Resources Institute, a Washington-based research group, says the national supply is predicted to fall to 50 percent below demand by 2030. A new UN report to be launched in Delhi yesterday ahead of World Water Day tomorrow will warn of an urgent need to man- age the world’s water more sustainably and highlight the prob- lem of groundwater over-extraction, particularly in India and China. It says 20 percent of global groundwater sources are already over-exploited and warns the problem will only become more acute without better management, with demand expected to rise by 55 percent by 2050. GENEVA: Director-General of the World Health Organization (WHO) Dr Margaret Chan leaves the podium Contaminated rivers after delivering a speech during the 66th World Health Assembly at the European headquarters of the Sushmita Sengupta of the Delhi-based Center for Science and United Nations. —AP Environment says much more could be done to manage supplies in India. “Our lakes and ponds were once a natural way of recharg- ing groundwater, but they are being destroyed through urbaniza- tion,” she said. “Our sewage goes untreated, so the rivers are con- UN health agency resisted taminated. We used to be very good at managing water in India, but we are losing that ability.” Activist Diwan Singh is campaigning for the city to divert rain- declaring Ebola emergency water drains, which currently flow into the sewage system, to lakes and ponds in order to replenish the water table. The 44-year- The two-month delay may have cost lives old experienced Delhi’s water woes first hand when he moved into a tower block in Dwarka, which like many parts of the capital GENEVA: By early June of last year, the email, WHO Director-General Dr Margaret all those problems - some argue it can receives no piped water and has to rely on tanker deliveries and Ebola epidemic centered on Guinea was Chan was sent a memo that warned cas- create new ones - but it acts as a global borewells. “Delhi’s groundwater management has been dismal,” the deadliest ever recorded. Foreign es might soon appear in Mali, Ivory Coast distress signal. Dr Joanne Liu, the inter- complained Singh, who says he faces an uphill struggle against a workers were being evacuated. Top dis- and Guinea Bissau. But it went on to say national president of Doctors Without slow-moving and sometimes corrupt bureaucracy. “In some areas ease-fighters warned that the virus could that declaring an international emer- Borders, said she had been lobbying around Dwarka, the groundwater level has fallen by 200 feet. soon spread across West Africa. But the gency or even convening a committee to Chan to sound the alarm. “You have Meanwhile all the water that falls in the monsoon is being drained World Health Organization resisted discuss it “could be seen as a hostile act.” the legitimacy and the authority to into the sewers and lost.” The result is that in many parts of Delhi sounding the alarm until August, partly Critics and former WHO staff dismiss label it an emergency,” Liu said she the groundwater contains such a high concentration of impurities for political reasons, despite the fact that that reasoning. “That’s like saying you told Chan in a July 30 meeting in that it is undrinkable. senior staff in Africa proposed doing so in don’t want to call the fire department Geneva. “You need to step up to the June, The Associated Press has found. because you’re afraid the trucks will cre- plate.” The emergency was eventually ‘People get very angry’ The two-month delay, some argue, may ate a disturbance,” said Michael declared on August 8, by which point A few kilometers away from Dwarka’s modern high-rises in the have cost lives. More than 10,000 are Osterholm, a prominent infectious dis- nearly 1,000 people had already died working-class suburb of Kailash Puri, life revolves around the city believed to have been killed by the virus eases expert at the University of from Ebola. water board’s twice-weekly deliveries. Residents used to drink since WHO first announced the outbreak Minnesota. The signs this was no ordi- WHO’s Ebola response leader, Dr water drawn from the ground with borewells, but that is now too a year ago. nary outbreak - the panic, the health Bruce Aylward, couldn’t say whether toxic, and few can afford the expensive water purifiers that are a WHO has acknowledged acting too workers’ deaths, and the urban spread of an earlier declaration would have standard feature of Delhi’s wealthier households. As the water slowly to control the Ebola epidemic. In the virus - were there from the begin- made a difference, noting that “the board’s brightly-colored trucks roll down the street, entire families its defense, the agency says the virus’s ning. Many are recorded in a memo sent overall response slowed down” after including small children dash out of their homes with plastic con- spread was unprecedented and blames to WHO’s Africa director on March 25. the emergency was declared. “Had we tainers to fill. —AFP several factors, including lack of In mid-April, an experienced Ebola declared it earlier, it is very, very diffi- resources and intelligence from the field. expert with WHO’s Africa office wrote to cult to say how perceptions would Internal documents obtained by AP, Geneva, with disturbing news that many have affected the response.” however, show WHO’s top leaders were staffers at a leading hospital in Guinea Dr Matthieu Kamwa, a former WHO informed of how dire the situation was. had been exposed to the virus. “What we scientist, describes that kind of reason- But they held off on declaring an emer- see is the tip of an iceberg,” Jean-Bosco ing as contradictory. If emergencies gency in part because it could have Ndihokubwayo wrote in an email, writing don’t work, why declare them at all? angered the countries involved, inter- in all caps: “WE NEED SUPPORT.” The The declaration triggered a global fered with their mining interests or Ebola outbreak erupted at a difficult time deployment to contain the virus. US restricted the Muslim pilgrimage to for the agency. WHO was also struggling President Barack Obama ordered up to Mecca in October. to contain polio outbreaks - which it had 3,000 troops to West Africa and prom- declared an international emergency in ised to build more than a dozen 100- Hostile act May - and Middle Eastern Respiratory bed field hospitals. Britain and France Declaring an emergency was “a last Syndrome. At a June 2 meeting, one sen- also pledged to build Ebola clinics; resort,” Dr Sylvie Briand, who runs WHO’s ior scientist warned the agency was China sent a 59-person lab team and pandemic and epidemic diseases depart- “overwhelmed.” Cuba sent more than 400 health work- NEW DELHI: This photo shows Ram Naresh, who ment, said in a June 5 email to a col- ers. Kamwa says it’s clear the alarm makes a living by washing other people’s clothes, league who floated the idea. “It may be Global distress should have been sounded sooner. dipping a bucket into the Yamuna River as he begins more efficient to use other diplomatic Declaring an international emer- “People died because things were not work early in the morning. —AFP means for now.” Five days after Briand’s gency might not necessarily have fixed done,” he said. —AP HEALTH SATURDAY, MARCH 21, 2015 Time to act on looming water crisis warns UN 40-percent ‘global water deficit’ by 2030

PARIS: Without reforms, the world will be which also provides 43 percent of all water and the United States, as well as in the Middle plunged into a water crisis that could be crip- used for irrigation. Around 20 percent of East, have been relying on the unsustainable pling for hot, dry countries, the United Nations these aquifers are suffering from perilous extraction of groundwater to meet existing warned yesterday. In an annual report, the UN over-extraction, the report said. So much water demands,” he told AFP. “In my personal said abuse of water was now so great that on freshwater has been sucked from the spongy opinion this is, at best, a short-sighted Plan B. DHAKA: This photo taken on March 18, 2015 shows indus- current trends, the world will face a 40-per- rock that subsidence, or saline intrusion into As these groundwater resources become cent “global water deficit” by 2030 the gap freshwater in coastal areas, are often the depleted, there will no Plan C, and some of trial chemicals being dumped into Shitalakhya River. —AFP between demand for water and replenish- result. By 2050, global demand for water is these areas may indeed become uninhabit- ment of it. “The fact is there is enough water likely to rise by 55 percent, mainly in response able.” Last year, the Nobel-winning British DNA gives to meet the world’s needs, but not without to urban growth. Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change dramatically changing the way water is used, “Cities will have to go further or dig deeper (IPCC) estimated that around 80 percent of window into managed and shared,” it said in its annual to access water, or will have to depend on the world’s population “already suffers serious World Water Development Report. innovative solutions or advanced technolo- threats to its water security, as measured by ancient Viking past “Measurability, monitoring and implementa- gies to meet their water demands,” the report indicators including water availability, water tion” are urgently needed to make water use said. The overview, scheduled for release in demand and pollution.”“Climate change can NEW YORK: Genetic samples collected from across the United Kingdom sustainable, said Michel Jarraud, head of the New Delhi, draws together data from 31 agen- alter the availability of water and therefore are shedding light on the ancient past, including Viking invasions and a agency UN-Water and the World cies in the United Nations system and 37 part- threaten water security,” the IPCC said. mystery about the arrival of the Anglo-Saxons, researchers report. The Meteorological Organization (WMO). Surging ners in UN-Water. It placed the spotlight on Fixing the problems-and addressing the DNA also suggests that, genetically speaking, people in Wales are the population growth is one of the biggest driv- hot, dry and thirsty regions which are already needs of the 748 million people without closest matches to early settlers of Britain after the last ice age, people ers behind the coming crisis, the report said. struggling with relentless demand. “improved” drinking water and the 2.5 billion who began showing up some 10,000 to 11,000 years ago. In the North China Plain, intensive irriga- without mains sewerage-requires smart and That’s because the Welsh genetic material has been the least affected Long list of abuses tion has caused the water table to drop by responsive governance, the new UN report by later migrations, said Peter Donnelly of Oxford University, a key author Earth’s current tally of around 7.3 billion over 40 metres (130 feet) in some places, it said. In real terms, this means putting togeth- of the research. The work is presented in a paper released Wednesday by humans is growing by about 80 million per said. In India, the number of so-called tube er rules and incentives to curb waste, punish the journal Nature. The researchers studied DNA samples from 2,039 year, reaching a likely 9.1 billion by 2050. To wells, pulling out groundwater, rose from less pollution, encourage innovation and nurture white residents of Britain and Northern Ireland, chosen for their family feed these extra mouths, agriculture, which than a million in 1960 to nearly 19 million 40 habitats that provide havens for biodiversity roots in rural areas. The DNA they inherited from their grandparents already accounts for around 70 percent of all years later. “This technological revolution has and water for humans. It also means learning reflects the genetic landscape of those areas in the late 1880s, researchers water withdrawals, will have to increase out- played an important role in the country’s to defuse potential conflicts as various groups said. To identify signs of ancient immigrations, the researchers consulted put by some 60 percent. Climate change- efforts to combat poverty, but the ensuing jockey for a precious and dwindling resource. DNA samples taken from continental Europeans. which will alter when, where and how much development of irrigation has, in turn, resulted Tough decisions will have to be made on pric- Analysis showed that Danish Vikings, who occupied and controlled a rainfall comes our way-and urbanization will in significant water stress in some regions of ing, and on rallying people together. “Present large part of England after invading in the year 865, have left no clear add to the coming crunch. The report point- the country, such as Maharashtra and water tariffs are commonly far too low to actu- genetic heritage today. That suggests they didn’t settle in large numbers, ed to a long list of present abuses, from con- Rajasthan,” the report said. ally limit excessive water use by wealthy Donnelly said in an email. The study also weighed in on the question of tamination of water by pesticides, industrial households or industry,” the report observed. what happened after Anglo-Saxons migrated into Britain from Europe, pollution and runoff from untreated sewage, Empty taps and dry reservoirs But it added, “ responsible use may at times which began in the fifth century. After they showed up, their language, to over-exploitation, especially for irrigation. Water expert Richard Connor, the report’s be more effectively fostered through aware- cereal crops and pottery styles replaced those of the existing British pop- More than half of the world’s population lead author, said the outlook was bleak ness-raising and appealing to the common ulation. —AP takes its drinking supplies from groundwater, indeed for some areas. “Parts of China, India good.” —AFP SATURDAY, MARCH 21, 2015 change my name to ACCOMMODATION Muhammaed Shaliq. FOR SALE No: 16466 (C 4952) Sharing accommodation 21-3-2015 Mazda/6 model 2006 engine, available in Salmiya near Al gear, AC good, passing Oct Rashid hospital for an Indian I, Ashpaq Ahamad Ibrahim, 2015, selling low price. Call small family or working lady. holder of Indian Passport No. 66329575. Separate room and bath- H1510685 issued at Kuwait (C 4950) room is available in a good and having Indian residency 16-3-2015 location. Available from at 272 Kannukere, Tekkatte March 22nd onwards. Post, Kundapur Tq, hereby Contact: 99315825, declare change my name to 99838117. (C 4953) Sheikh Ashfak Ahamad. 21-3-2015 (C 4951) 112 17-3-2015

CHANGE OF NAME Prayer timings Fajr: 04:32 I, Thiru Senthil Venkatagalam, holder of Shorook 05:51 Indian Passport No. Duhr: 11:55 L2554748, native district Thanjavur, No. 127 Asr: 15:23 Natarajapuram colony, 8th Str. Medical college road, Maghrib: 18:00 Thanjavur, 613007, hereby Isha: 19:17

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Arrival Flights on Saturday 21/3/2015 JZR 777 Jeddah 17:55 FDB 056 Dubai 10:35 Airlines Flt Route Time UAL 982 IAD 17:55 IRM 1181 Mashhad 10:50 JAI 574 Mumbai 00:10 UAE 875 Dubai 18:00 QTR 1071 Doha 11:00 JZR 239 Amman 00:25 SVA 500 Jeddah 18:00 KAC 541 Cairo 11:05 JZR 267 Beirut 00:30 JZR 177 Dubai 18:20 KAC 165 Rome/Paris 11:15 JZR 539 Cairo 00:40 KAC 542 Cairo 18:25 GFA 214 Bahrain 11:25 KLM 413 Amsterdam/Dammam 00:40 KAC 118 New York 18:30 KAC 741 Dammam 11:45 THY 772 Istanbul 00:45 FDB 063 Dubai 18:40 RBG 554 Alexandria 11:55 FDB 069 Dubai 00:55 ABY 121 Sharjah 18:40 KAC 501 Beirut 12:00 QTR 1084 Doha 01:00 CLX 856 Luxembourg 18:50 JZR 776 Jeddah 12:20 RJA 642 Amman 01:05 QTR 1080 Doha 18:50 MSC 402 Alexandria 12:25 DLH 637 Dammam 01:15 KAC 774 Riyadh 19:15 UAE 874 Dubai 12:30 SAI 441 Lahore 01:30 KAC 618 Doha 19:15 IRM 1189 Mashhad 13:10 PGT 858 Istanbul 01:35 KAC 674 Dubai 19:25 JZR 176 Dubai 13:45 ETH 620 Addis Ababa 01:45 GFA 217 Bahrain 19:30 MSR 611 Cairo 14:00 GFA 211 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21:20 GFA 222 Bahrain 15:45 JZR 563 Sohag 06:45 ETD 307 Abu Dhabi 21:30 KAC 773 Riyadh 15:50 KAC 416 Kuala Lumpur/Jakarta 06:45 FDB 073 Dubai 21:35 KNE 471 Jeddah 15:50 KAC 412 Manila/Bangkok 07:10 UAE 859 Dubai 21:40 RJD 136 Abu Dhabi 16:05 FDB 053 Dubai 07:45 GFA 219 Bahrain 21:45 OMA 646 Muscat 16:25 KAC 204 Lahore 07:45 QTR 1074 Doha 21:55 ABY 128 Sharjah 16:25 QTR 1086 Doha 07:50 KNE 480 Taif 22:00 KNE 463 Madinah 16:30 KAC 352 Kochi 08:10 JZR 135 Bahrain 22:05 KAC 613 Bahrain 16:35 KAC 382 Delhi 08:15 KLM 415 Amsterdam 22:15 KNE 481 Taif 16:50 KAC 302 Mumbai 08:20 ETD 309 Abu Dhabi 22:15 FDB 052 Dubai 17:00 KAC 206 Islamabad 08:25 FDB 059 Dubai 22:30 JZR 266 Beirut 17:05 UAE 855 Dubai 08:40 AIC 975 Chennai/Goa 22:30 NIA 252 Alexandria 17:15 KAC 362 Colombo 08:45 MSC 403 Sohag 22:45 QTR 1073 Doha 17:40 KAC 344 Chennai 08:45 UAL 981 Bahrain 23:10 UAE 858 Dubai 17:45 KAC 284 Dhaka 08:50 JZR 185 Dubai 23:15 JZR 538 Cairo 17:45 ABY 125 Sharjah 09:00 AGY 684 Sohag 23:15 ETD 304 Abu Dhabi 17:50 ETD 301 Abu Dhabi 09:20 THY 764 Istanbul 23:35 SYR 341 Damascus 17:50 IRM 1186 Tehran 09:40 FDB 071 Dubai 23:45 RJA 641 Amman 17:55 FDB 055 Dubai 09:40 IRM 1187 Tehran 18:15 QTR 1070 Doha 10:00 Departure Flights on Saturday 21/3/2015 SVA 511 Riyadh 18:15 GFA 213 Bahrain 10:40 Airlines Flt Route Time GFA 216 Bahrain 18:20 UAE 873 Dubai 11:00 AIC 976 Goa/Chennai 00:05 JZR 184 Dubai 18:40 RBG 553 Alexandria 11:15 JZR 562 Sohag 00:05 IZG 4162 Mashhad 18:45 MSC 405 Sohag 11:25 PIA 206 Lahore 00:40 JZR 238 Amman 18:50 JZR 165 Dubai 11:30 FDB 072 Dubai 00:45 JZR 134 Bahrain 19:10 IRM 1188 Mashhad 11:45 JAI 573 Mumbai 01:10 UAL 982 Bahrain 19:15 UAE 871 Dubai 12:50 KLM 413 Amsterdam 01:55 ABY 122 Sharjah 19:20 JZR 241 Amman 12:55 DLH 637 Frankfurt 02:15 SVA 505 Jeddah 19:30 MRJ 4815 Mashhad 12:55 SAI 442 Lahore 02:30 UAE 876 Dubai 19:40 MSR 610 Cairo 13:00 ETH 621 Addis Ababa 02:45 QTR 1081 Doha 19:50 IAW 157 Al Najaf 13:20 THY 773 Istanbul 02:55 FDB 064 Dubai 19:55 JZR 779 Jeddah 13:35 PGT 859 Istanbul 03:25 GFA 218 Bahrain 20:15 AGY 680 Alexandria 13:40 UAE 854 Dubai 03:50 CLX 856 Hong Kong 20:20 IRC 526 Mashhad 13:50 FDB 068 Dubai 03:55 KAC 283 Dhaka 20:30 KAC 672 Dubai 13:55 IRA 666 Esfahan 20:50 QTR 1078 Doha 14:05 ETD 306 Abu Dhabi 04:05 MSR 613 Cairo 04:10 KAC 361 Colombo 20:50 KNE 472 Jeddah 14:25 JAI 571 Mumbai 21:00 FDB 057 Dubai 14:30 KKK 6508 Istanbul 04:10 OMA 644 Muscat 04:25 OMA 648 Muscat 21:05 IZG 4167 Mashhad 14:35 MSR 607 Luxor 21:05 KAC 742 Dammam 14:45 QTR 1085 Doha 04:30 MSC 406 Sohag 05:05 JZR 554 Alexandria 21:05 KNE 470 Jeddah 14:55 KNE 475 Jeddah 21:10 RJD 135 Abu Dhabi 14:55 QTR 1077 Doha 05:15 THY 765 Istanbul 05:40 KAC 331 Trivandrum 21:10 GFA 221 Bahrain 15:00 ABY 124 Sharjah 21:15 OMA 645 Muscat 15:25 FDB 070 Dubai 06:30 JAI 525 Abu Dhabi/Chennai 06:35 KAC 351 Kochi 21:15 KAC 788 Jeddah 15:40 FDB 062 Dubai 21:20 KNE 462 Madinah 15:45 JZR 164 Dubai 06:55 RJA 643 Amman 07:05 DHX 171 Bahrain 21:50 UAE 857 Dubai 15:45 KAC 381 Delhi 22:00 ABY 127 Sharjah 15:45 GFA 212 Bahrain 07:15 JZR 240 Amman 07:15 ALK 230 Colombo 22:10 FDB 051 Dubai 16:00 ETD 308 Abu Dhabi 22:15 KNE 460 Riyadh 16:00 THY 771 Istanbul 07:30 JZR 778 Jeddah 07:55 KAC 301 Mumbai 22:15 JZR 535 Cairo 16:10 MEA 403 Beirut 22:20 FDB 054 Dubai 08:25 NIA 251 Alexandria 16:15 FDB 074 Dubai 22:30 BAW 156 London 08:45 KAC 562 Amman 16:20 GFA 220 Bahrain 22:30 QTR 1087 Doha 08:50 JZR 357 Mashhad 16:30 UAE 860 Dubai 22:50 QTR 1072 Doha 16:40 JZR 534 Cairo 09:15 KNE 461 Riyadh 22:50 SYR 342 Damascus 16:50 KAC 671 Dubai 09:25 KAC 205 Islamabad 22:55 RJA 640 Amman 16:55 ABY 126 Sharjah 09:40 ETD 310 Abu Dhabi 23:00 ETD 303 Abu Dhabi 16:55 KAC 787 Jeddah 09:50 IRM 1180 Mashhad 17:00 QTR 1075 Doha 23:05 KAC 101 London/New York 09:50 KLM 415 Dammam/Amsterdam 23:15 SVA 510 Riyadh 17:15 UAE 856 Dubai 09:55 GFA 215 Bahrain 17:30 KAC 543 Cairo 23:20 ETD 302 Abu Dhabi 10:20 KAC 411 Bangkok/Manila 23:30 IZG 4161 Mashhad 17:45 KAC 561 Amman 10:25 JZR 325 NJF 17:50 MSC 404 Sohag 23:45 JZR 356 Mashhad 10:30 FDB 060 Dubai 23:55 Directorate General of Civil Aviation Home Page (www.kuwait-airport.com.kw) SATURDAY, MARCH 21, 2015

Word Search Puzzles DOWN CROSSWORD 848 1. Thin fibrous bark of the paper mulberry and Pipturus albidus. 2. Sew up the eyelids of hawks and falcons. 3. Of inferior or mixed breed. 4. Full of submerged reefs or sandbanks or shoals. 5. A relativistic quantum theory of the electromagnetic interactions of pho- tons and electrons and muons. 6. North American republic containing 50 states - 48 conterminous states in North America plus Alaska in northwest North America and the Hawaiian Islands in the Pacific Ocean. 7. The capital of Western Samoa. 8. Aristocratic Italian family of powerful merchants and bankers who ruled Florence in the 15th century. 9. A plumbing fixture (usually attached to the wall) used by men to urinate. 10. A Nilotic language. 11. Electronic warfare undertaken under direct control of an operational com- mander to locate sources of radiated electromagnetic energy for the purpose of immediate threat recognition. 12. (informal) Exceptionally good. 13. Round object that is hit or thrown or kicked in games. 14. 100 lwei equal 1 kwanza. 19. Tropical American tree grown in southern United States having a whitish pink-tinged fruit. 23. United States evangelical preacher famous as a mass evangelist (born in 1918). 24. A member of a Turkic people of Uzbekistan and neighboring areas. 27. Distinctive and stylish elegance. 29. Coffee with the caffeine removed. 31. A small cake leavened with yeast. 33. A segment of DNA containing adjacent genes including structural genes and an operator gene and a regulatory gene. 34. A starch made by leaching and drying the root of the cassava plant. 35. English lyric poet (1887-1915). ACROSS 37. English monk and scholar (672-735). 1. Syndrome resulting from a serious acute (sometimes fatal) infection associ- 42. A former communist country in eastern Europe and northern Asia. ated with the presence of staphylococcus. 45. A mountain peak in the Andes in Argentina (21,654 feet high). 4. A minute scale (on a plant or fungus). 46. Winter aconite. 12. Any of various units of capacity. 48. A highly unstable radioactive element (the heaviest of the halogen series). 15. A former agency (from 1946 to 1974) that was responsible for research 49. A learner who is enrolled in an educational institution. into atomic energy and its peacetime uses in the United States. 52. Any of several more or less arboreal marsupials somewhat resembling 16. A planet (usually Venus) seen at sunset in the western sky. martens. 17. (used especially of commodities) In the natural unprocessed condition. 54. An imaginary creature represented as a white horse with a long horn 18. An amount of time. growing from its forehead. Yesterday’s Solution 20. A manner of speaking that is natural to native speakers of a language. 55. A port city on the Caspian Sea that is the capital of Azerbaijan and an 21. Fermented alcoholic beverage similar to but heavier than beer. important center for oil production. 22. Scale-like structure between the base of the wing and the halter of a two- 57. An international organization of European countries formed after World winged fly. War II to reduce trade barriers and increase cooperation among its members. 25. (Norse mythology) God of light and peace and noted for his beauty and 60. A major European river carrying more traffic than any other river in the sweet nature. world. 26. An ancient port city in southwestern Spain. 61. The 3rd letter of the Greek alphabet. 28. A public promotion of some product or service. 62. The capital and largest city of Yemen. 30. A promontory in northern Morocco opposite the Rock of Gibraltar. 64. Cry weakly or softly. 32. An explosive device fused to denote under specific conditions. 65. A cord that is drawn through eyelets or around hooks in order to draw 36. Cubes of meat marinated and cooked on a skewer usually with vegeta- together two edges (as of a shoe or garment). bles. 66. In bed. 38. (astronomy) The angular distance of a celestial point measured westward 67. A unit of length equal to 3 feet. along the celestial equator from the zenith crossing. 70. A state of southwestern India. 39. South American armadillo with three bands of bony plates. 71. A transuranic element that has not been found in nature. 40. (informal) Of the highest quality. 41. (Babylonian) God of wisdom and agriculture and patron of scribes and Yesterday’s Solution schools. 43. A game in which numbered balls are drawn and random and players cov- er the corresponding numbers on their cards. 44. An emblem (a small piece of plastic or cloth or metal) that signifies your status (rank or membership or affiliation etc.). 47. An independent group of closely related Chadic languages spoken in the area between the Biu-Mandara and East Chadic languages. 50. The former capital and 2nd largest city of Brazil. 51. Regional and archaic. 53. Official record of the pedigree of purebred animals especially horses. 56. (South African) A camp defended by a circular formation of wagons. 58. A subtle difference in meaning or opinion or attitude. 59. Edible viscera of a butchered animal. 63. A rhythmical work song originally sung by sailors. 68. Lap that forms a cloth border doubled back and stitched down v 1. 69. A French Calvinist of the 16th or 17th centuries. 72. A loose sleeveless outer garment made from aba cloth. 73. Game in which matchsticks are arranged in rows and players alternately remove one or more of them. 74. Instrumentalities (tools or implements) made of metal. 75. An emotional response that has been acquired by conditioning. Maze 76. (Irish) Mother of the ancient Irish gods. 77. An airplane that can land on or take off from water. 78. A doctor's degree in education.

Daily SuDoku Yesterday’s Solution SPORTS SATURDAY, MARCH 21, 2015 Senators pound Bruins Canadiens roll

OTTAWA: Bobby Ryan’s third-period goal snapped a tie and lifted the Ottawa Senators to a 6-4 victory over the Boston Bruins in a back-and-forth game on Thursday night. The surging Senators moved within two points of the Bruins in the race for the second wild-card spot in the Eastern Conference. Ottawa has a game in hand. Kyle Turris netted two goals, and Milan Michalek, David Legwand and Jean-Gabriel Pageau also scored for the Senators. Andrew Hammond, making his fifth straight start, faced 35 shots and improved to 12-0-1 in his first 13 NHL starts. Ottawa native Ryan Spooner had two goals as Boston dropped its third straight.

CANADIENS 4, HURRICANES 0 Carey Price made 31 saves for his league-leading and career-best 39th win of the season, lifting Montreal past Carolina. Price also earned his eighth shutout for the Canadiens, who got goals from Dale Weise, Brendan Gallagher, David Desharnais and Max Pacioretty. Anton Khudobin stopped 18 of 22 shots for Carolina, which has lost five of its last six. Montreal has won five straight against the Hurricanes.

PANTHERS 3, RED WINGS 1 Jaromir Jagr scored his 718th NHL goal, moving into fifth place on the career list, and added an assist in Florida’s win over Detroit. Jagr, who gave the Panthers a 1-0 lead, passed Phil Esposito for sole possession of fifth place with his first goal since March 1. Scottie Upshall and Brandon Pirri also scored, and Roberto Luongo made 25 saves in his return after missing six games due to an upper-body injury. It was Florida’s first OTTAWA: Tuukka Rask No. 40 and Zdeno Chara No. 33 of the Boston Bruins defend the net against a puck carrying Kyle Turris No. 7 of win in three games. Erik Cole had the lone goal for the Ottawa Senators in the second period at Canadian Tire Centre. — AFP Detroit, and Petr Mrazek stopped 29 shots, but the Red Wings lost for the fifth time in seven games. in the second period, and the Dallas Stars held on od to preserve his 30th win of the season. Kris added two assists to lead Calgary over Philadelphia. to beat the Pittsburgh Penguins. Letang scored the Penguins’ second power-play Gaudreau’s fourth three-point game of the season - SHARKS 4, MAPLE LEAFS 1 Benn set up Ritchie’s deflection goal at 2:15 of goal in nine games at 13:26 of the second. against the team he grew up cheering for - moved Logan Couture had a goal and an assist, helping the second, and put his own rebound past Marc- the 5-foot-9 forward into the NHL rookie scoring San Jose defeat Toronto. Couture’s goal early in the Andre Fleury at 3:37 for a 2-0 lead. Dallas’ Kari FLAMES 4, FLYERS 1 lead with 56 points, one more than Nashville’s Filip second period was the eventual winner for San Lehtonen made 15 of his 31 saves in the third peri- Johnny Gaudreau scored his 20th goal and Forsberg. Jiri Hudler, Dennis Wideman and T.J. Jose (35-28-8), which ended a two-game skid. Brodie also scored for Calgary. Claude Giroux scored Tomas Hertl, Melker Karlsson and Tommy Wingels the lone goal for Philadelphia. also scored for the Sharks, and Antti Niemi made 27 NHL results/standings saves for the win. Jake Gardiner was the lone scorer BLUE JACKETS 6, CANUCKS 2 for Toronto, which has dropped four straight. Rookie Marko Dano recorded his first two-goal San Jose 4, Toronto 1; Montreal 4, Carolina 0; Ottawa 6, Boston 4; Florida 3, Detroit 1; Washington game in the NHL and Sergei Bobrovsky made 38 CAPITALS 3, WILD 2 3, Minnesota 2; Winnipeg 2, St. Louis 1 (SO); Dallas 2, Pittsburgh 1; Calgary 4, Philadelphia 1. saves as Columbus routed Vancouver. Alex Ovechkin scored two goals, helping lift the Western Conference Tampa Bay 43 21 7 230 184 93 Rene Bourque, Cam Atkinson, Scott Hartnell and Washington Capitals past the Minnesota Wild. Pacific Division Detroit 38 20 11 201 186 87 Alexander Wennberg - an empty-netter - also Evgeny Kuznetsov also had a goal, and Braden W L OTL GF GA PTS Boston 36 24 11 189 183 83 scored for Columbus, which has won five of its last Holtby stopped 28 of 30 shots as the Capitals won Anaheim 45 20 7 211 197 97 Ottawa 35 24 11 202 185 81 six.Bo Horvat and Daniel Sedin had goals for their third straight. Ovechkin’s 13th multigoal Vancouver 40 26 4 199 191 84 Florida 32 25 14 175 196 78 Vancouver. Eddie Lack allowed five goals on 30 game this season improved his NHL-leading goal Calgary 39 27 5 209 186 83 Toronto 27 39 6 189 230 60 shots before being pulled in favor of Jakob total to 47. Minnesota got goals from Christian Los Angeles 34 22 14 188 175 82 Buffalo 20 43 7 134 235 47 Markstrom midway through the third period. Folin and Jared Spurgeon. San Jose 35 28 8 199 199 78 Edmonton 19 39 13 167 243 51 Metropolitan Division Arizona 21 42 8 147 236 50 AVALANCHE 5, COYOTES 2 JETS 2, BLUES 1 NY Rangers 44 18 7 207 159 95 Ryan O’Reilly and Jarome Iginla scored 29 sec- Central Division NY Islanders 43 25 4 222 203 90 Andrew Ladd scored the decisive shootout goal St. Louis 45 20 6 219 172 96 onds apart in the first period, Semyon Varlamov to give the Winnipeg Jets a victory over the St. Nashville 43 21 8 205 176 94 Pittsburgh 39 22 10 197 177 88 made 27 saves, and Colorado beat Arizona for its Washington 39 23 10 212 177 88 Louis Blues. Drew Stafford netted the only goal in Chicago 43 21 6 203 158 92 third straight win. Philadelphia 29 29 15 188 210 73 regulation for the Jets. David Backes scored the Minnesota 39 25 7 201 178 85 Freddi Hamilton added his first NHL goal, and Winnipeg 36 23 12 198 189 84 New Jersey 30 29 11 160 179 71 lone goal for the Blues. Ondrej Pavelec made 32 Columbus 32 35 4 190 223 68 Matt Duchene and Gabriel Landeskog also scored saves for his 16th win of the season. Brian Elliott Colorado 33 26 11 189 195 77 for the Avalanche, who won for the 11th time in 15 Dallas 33 28 10 220 230 76 Carolina 26 35 9 162 193 61 stopped 33 shots in the loss. Eastern Conference Note: Overtime losses (OTL) are worth one games to remain seven points behind Calgary for Atlantic Division point in the standings and are not included in the final Western Conference playoff spot. Oliver STARS 2, PENGUINS 1 Montreal 45 20 7 191 159 97 the loss column (L). Ekman-Larsson scored twice for the Coyotes, who Brett Ritchie and Jamie Benn scored 1:23 apart have dropped four straight and 16 of 17. — AP Sprinters to kick off Spring Classics in San Remo

PARIS: Top sprinters such as Mark Cavendish, Andre Greipel the longest one-day race on the calendar-has fewer climbs Those two races, of course, pale in comparison to the true and last year’s winner Alexander Kristoff will kick off the Spring than the last few years. objectives not only of Cancellara and Sagan but also the likes Classics season at Milan-San Remo tomorrow. It is likely to set up a bunch sprint with Greipel, Kristoff or of Tom Boonen, Sep Vanmarcke, Greg Van Avermaet and Niki It is the one opportunity during the Spring season, which even German John Degenkolb looking to be in the mix. If not, Terpstra, which are the Tour of Flanders on April 5 and Paris- runs through to the end of April with the Cobbled Classics fol- though, a one-day specialist such as Fabian Cancellara, Roubaix a week later. Cancellara has won Flanders the last two lowed by the Ardennes Classics, for the sprinters to shine. Philippe Gilbert or Peter Sagan could take their chance, years and like Boonen has triumphed three times at the event. Following Paris-Nice and Tirreno-Adriatico the last two although they will probably need to drop the sprinters before The Swiss star beat Belgians Van Avermaet, Vanmarcke and weeks, where Grand Tour contenders had their chance to test the finish. The short distance between the final Poggio climb Stijn Vandenbergh in a sprint finish last year while Boonen their early-season legs, it is now the turn of the one-day spe- and the finish could give them that opportunity if they can dis- could only manage seventh. cialists to come to the fore. tance the sprinters as the road rises. Flanders, like San-Remo, is one of the five Monuments of The 2011 road race world champion Cavendish won Milan If not, both Cancellara and Sagan will be looking forward to cycling-the others being Paris-Roubaix, Liege-Bastogne-Liege San-Remo in 2009 but this year will provide him with his best the Cobbled Classics beginning with E3 Harelbeke on March and October’s Giro di Lombardia-and winning it holds extra opportunity for a second victory as the nearly 300km course- 27 and Ghent-Wevelgem two days later. special significance. —AFP SPORTS SATURDAY, MARCH 21, 2015 Six Nations set for exciting climax

PARIS: For the second year running the Six Nations Championship will come down to a thrilling final day with sev- eral teams still in the running to take the title. A year ago England and Ireland were neck and neck with France also in with a shout, albeit a slim one. England trounced Italy 52-11 in Rome but it wasn’t enough as Ireland’s 22-20 win over France in Paris gave them the sil- verware on points difference. And this season, points differ- ence is likely to decide the championship once again, with potentially three teams finishing level at the top. Ireland, England and Wales are separated by points differ- ence at the moment and with none of them playing each oth- er this weekend, they could all win and finish tied on match points. England have the current edge with a points differ- ence of +37 but, on paper and traditionally at least, they have the hardest task. The 2003 world champions host France at Twickenham looking for their first Six Nations crown since 2011, having fin- ished second the last three years. “Having gone so close in recent years has been tough for myself and the other guys involved. As a player you want to be picking up silverware,” said captain Chris Robshaw. “Unfortunately that’s eluded us a couple of times. We’ve collected the odd bit here and there, but to finally pick up the main trophy would be great.” Ireland have a points difference of +33 and travel to Murrayfield to take on winless Scotland. On paper that looks an easier task, but Ireland have lost on their last two trips to Edinburgh. They’ve never won back-to-back Six Nations titles but prop Mike Ross believes managing to do so would prove more than merely a historic success. “It would be huge, it would be a huge one for us,” he said. “It would certainly give us a huge lift going into the World Cup.” Wales must start as outsiders despite a trip to Rome to face Italy on their agenda. Their points difference of +12 means they have to make up 25 points on England and 21 on Ireland to claim the title. Although they’ve beaten Italy seven times in a row-including on their last three visits to Rome-it is HOUSTON: Denver Nuggets’ Kenneth Faried (35) grabs a rebound against Houston Rockets’ Donatas Motiejunas (20) 16 years since they last won in Italy by a score that would suf- during the second half of an NBA basketball game. — AP fice to take them to the title. Their last three visits to Rome saw them win by 17, eight and five points, none of which would be enough. It means the Rockets demolish Nuggets 2012 and 2013 champions must not only try to win the game but also be mindful of the need to score a sackful of points. Perhaps, more realistically, they need Ireland and England HOUSTON: James Harden scored a Trey Burke added 17 off the bench, and as the Minnesota Timberwolves outlasted to both fail to win. “It’s a tough ask but I think we can do it. career-high 50 points with 10 rebounds to the Utah Jazz sent the Los Angeles Lakers the New York Knicks in a matchup of the We’ve reacted well in the past to certain situations like this,” lead the Houston Rockets to a 118-108 to their 50th loss of the season. NBA’s biggest losers. Minnesota (15-53) said centre Jonathan Davies. There is another factor to take win over the Denver Nuggets on The Jazz, coming off an 88-84 loss ended a six-game losing streak and into consideration, albeit an unlikely one. Thursday night. against that Washington that ended a snapped a tie with the Knicks (14-54) for France can still win the title following their 29-0 victory in Harden eclipsed his previous career- season-best six-game winning streak, the NBA’s worst record. New York can still Italy last week-a score Wales would gladly settle for today. best of 46, set in 2013, on a free throw are 12-2 since the All-Star break. The loss win for losing, and now has pole position However, for France to do so, they must beat England by at with about a minute remaining. On was the fourth in a row for the lottery- in the race for the No. 1 draft pick. least eight points and hope that both Ireland and Wales lose- Houston’s next possession, Trevor Ariza bound Lakers, who have dropped 25 of Kevin Martin scored 22 points and although they also need to overturn an 11-point difference to found him in the corner and he swished a their last 30. Andrew Wiggins had 20 for Minnesota Ireland. France have only ever won by that much at 3 under heavy pressure, to make it 50. despite shooting 4 for 17 from the field. Twickenham once-an 11-3 success back in 1951. Nonetheless, Six straight points by the Nuggets cut TIMBERWOLVES 95, KNICKS 92 Gorgui Dieng finished with 19 points and with England playing France in the final match of the tourna- the lead to 8 with about five minutes left Zach LaVine made the tying and go- 11 rebounds, and his blocked shot trig- ment, it means Twickenham looks set for a thrilling climax to when the Rockets made the next five ahead free throws with 10.7 seconds left gered the fast break that set up LaVine’s the Six Nations Championship and a fitting prelude to the points, capped by a step back jump shot and scored six of his 20 points in overtime free throws. — AP World Cup later this year. — AFP from Harden, to make it 104-91. Harden scored seven points after that to secure the victory. It was the 29th game Harden NBA results/standings had at least 30 points. Minnesota 95, NY Knicks 92 (OT); Houston 118, Denver 108; Phoenix 74, New Orleans SUNS 74, PELICANS 72 72; Utah 80, LA Lakers 73. Brandan Wright scored 16 points and American League Western Conference matched his career high with seven Eastern Division Northwest Division blocked shots, helping the Phoenix Suns W L PCT GB Portland 44 22 .667 - to a sluggish, cold-shooting victory over a Toronto 41 27 .603 - Oklahoma City 38 30 .559 7 New Orleans Pelicans team playing with- Boston 30 37 .448 10.5 Utah 31 37 .456 14 Brooklyn 27 39 .409 13 Denver 26 43 .377 19.5 out star Anthony Davis. Philadelphia 16 52 .235 25 Davis rolled his left ankle in the team’s Minnesota 15 53 .221 30 NY Knicks 14 54 .206 27 Pacific Division shootaround and his availability for the Central Division Golden State 54 13 .806 - game at Golden State Friday was uncer- Cleveland 44 26 .629 - LA Clippers 44 25 .638 11 tain. The loss dropped New Orleans a Chicago 41 28 .594 2.5 Phoenix 36 33 .522 19 game behind Oklahoma City for the Milwaukee 34 34 .500 9 Sacramento 22 45 .328 32 Indiana 30 37 .448 12.5 eighth playoff spot in the West. Phoenix is Detroit 24 44 .353 19 LA Lakers 17 50 .254 37 21/2 behind Oklahoma City and 11/2 Southeast Division Southwest Division behind the Pelicans. Eric Gordon scored Atlanta 53 15 .779 - Memphis 47 21 .691 - 14 for the Pelicans. Washington 40 28 .588 13 Houston 46 22 .676 1 Miami 31 36 .463 21.5 Dallas 44 25 .638 3.5 ROME: Italy’s prop Dario Chistolini is tackled by French San Antonio 42 25 .627 4.5 players in this file photo during the Six Nations interna- JAZZ 80, LAKERS 73 Charlotte 29 37 .439 23 Orlando 21 49 .300 33 New Orleans 37 31 .544 10 tional rugby union match. — AFP Gordon Hayward scored 22 points, SPORTS SATURDAY, MARCH 21, 2015 Champions League tops English agenda

LONDON: After a chastening fortnight in the Champions League, the tussle to qualify for next season’s tournament takes priority in the Premier League this weekend, with Manchester United’s trip to Liverpool topping the bill. Manchester City’s 1-0 loss at Barcelona on Wednesday ended English interest in this season’s Champions GERMANY: Bayern Munich’s Spanish defender Juan League and the champions are one of six Bernat (left) vies for the ball in this file photo. — AFP clubs now apparently vying for three berths in the 2015-16 competition. Leaders Chelsea, six points clear of Bayern to welcome back second-place City with a game in hand, wingers for Gladbach already appear guaranteed to qualify, but Manuel Pellegrini’s side’s place in the top four is no longer as secure. BERLIN: Bayern Munich hope to welcome back wingers Consecutive away defeats to Arjen Robben and Franck Ribery for tomorrow’s clash at Liverpool and Burnley have seen City’s home to Borussia Moenchengladbach as they look to edge lead over third-placed Arsenal eroded to closer to the Bundesliga title. a single point, with United a point fur- Pep Guardiola’s Bayern start the weekend 11 points clear ther back in fourth place and Liverpool SPAIN: Manchester City’s manager Manuel Pellegrini reacts in this file photo. — AP and could still break last season’s record when they claimed two points further back in fifth. after following up their Champions and we get a foot in the top four,” the title with seven games to spare. Southampton and Tottenham League elimination at the hands of Paris Liverpool midfielder Adam Lallana told The Allianz Arena clash sees the runaway leaders host Hotspur, meanwhile, are only six points Saint-Germain with a 1-1 draw at home talkSPORT radio. third-placed Gladbach, but Lucien Favre’s Borussia are below the top four, and with home to Southampton last weekend. “But it’s not all decisive on this game. already a staggering 20 points adrift of Guardiola’s games against strugglers Burnley and There are still another eight games after. Bavarians. bottom club Leicester City respectively TWISTS AND TURNS “There are constantly going to be twists With 17 league goals in 20 games this season, Robben is on their agendas this weekend, will be Arsenal travel to Newcastle United, and turns, I’m sure. Tottenham and battling Frankfurt’s Alex Meier to become the Bundesliga’s confident of making up ground on the where they will be bidding to record a Southampton are still in and around the top scorer but the flying Dutchman is battling to overcome teams above them. sixth consecutive league victory. Arsene fight as well, so they are going to want to a trapped nerve that saw him miss last Saturday’s 4-0 rout Three days after a defeat at Camp Wenger’s side tumbled out of the be picking up points to make it almost of Werder Bremen. Robben took part in training this week, Nou marked by Lionel Messi’s brilliance Champions League in the last 16 despite three teams out of six getting into the as did left winger Franck Ribery, who also sat out the and Joe Hart’s heroics in the visitors’ winning 2-0 at Monaco on Tuesday, but top four.” Bremen victory with an ankle injury. goal, City return to league action with a they have been in fine form, with the 3-1 After weeks of patchy performances, However, with Poland striker Robert Lewandowski pil- lunchtime game at home to West first-leg loss to Leonardo Jardim’s side United blew off the cobwebs by beating laging six goals in his last five league games and on 13 for Bromwich Albion today. City captain the only time they have failed to win in Tottenham 3-0 last Sunday and winger the season, the champions would still have plenty of fire- Vincent Kompany is wary about ruling their last nine matches. Ashley Young has encouraged his team- power without the pair. his side out of the title race, but he No team, however, can match mates to put Liverpool on the back foot. Bayern will be without suspended centre-back Medhi acknowledges that he and his team- Liverpool’s current form, with Brendan “We will go there looking for the Benatia, whose yellow card at Bremen was his fifth of the mates owe the club’s supporters a rous- Rodgers’s side approaching Sunday’s three points,” he said. “We are going season, carrying with it an automatic suspension. ing run of performances. showdown against old foes United on there to win. You don’t go to a place to Bayern captain Philipp Lahm is set for another place “Forget about Chelsea. We owe it to the back of a 13-game unbeaten run in try and draw. The performance against on the bench having made his return from injury at ourselves, to our fans to have a good end the league. Tottenham was brilliant, but we have a Bremen. Gladbach face an uphill task to take points off to this campaign,” said the Belgium cen- United were the last team to beat tough game coming up at Liverpool.” their hosts with Bayern unbeaten at home this season tre-back. “Then again, if we finish this Liverpool, winning 3-0 at Old Trafford in Dick Advocaat begins his tenure as after 11 wins and a draw. Fresh from their midweek campaign as good as we can, maybe mid-December, but Rodgers’s men have Sunderland manager with a trip to West Champions League exit, tenth-placed Borussia Dortmund there is still something in it. We will have rediscovered their swagger in the three Ham United, as the experienced are hunting their first win in four games when they travel to see. “It is not in our hands by any months since then, and will leapfrog Dutchman looks to increase the one- to Hanover 96, who are 13th. Germany defender Marcel means, but we just have to go back and their rivals if they win at Anfield. point gap that currently separates the Schmelzer is an injury doubt having picked up a knock in work hard and improve.” Chelsea visit “Psychologically, it’s massive for us, north-east club from the relegation their 3-0 last 16 defeat to Juventus, which sealed a 5-1 Hull City tomorrow, in need of a spark because if we win, we go above United zone. —AFP aggregate defeat, but defensive midfielder Nuri Sahin is definitely out with a leg injury. “Our main priority is the league now, although that Celtic ‘happy’ to face familiar foe doesn’t mean that we don’t want to progress in the German Cup,” said Borussia coach Jurgen Klopp. His side have improved in the league since the turn of GLASGOW: Celtic are in good shape as they prepare to face a ENJOYMENT the year having started February bottom of the table fol- familiar foe in the shape of Dundee United in the Scottish “The work is to their benefit on the pitch and the rhythm is lowing a dire set of results. Hanover coach Tayfun Korkut is Premiership on Saturday, according to manager Ronny Deila. coming more and more and that’s how football should be, players under pressure as his side have won just one of their last 10 It will be the fourth time in the past 14 days the two sides have have to enjoy playing football and look forward to every game. “I games. Fifth-placed Schalke have a chance to improve their met. Celtic came out on top in the League Cup final last Sunday think what we’re seeing now is that enjoyment and we see that in Champions League chances for next season when they before knocking United out of the Scottish Cup following a fiery our squad now. “That’s the only way to make the players better, to host fourth-placed Bayer Leverkusen tonignt with just three 4-0 victory in a quarter-final replay at Celtic Park on Wednesday. really enjoy playing football in training and in matches - just to points separating the teams. “I think you can describe this The sides now meet on league duty and Deila said his side improve and to try to do things even better. “We are one step clos- game as a ‘six-pointer’,” said Schalke coach Roberto di would be taking nothing for granted in their preparation as they er to the treble now and you have to just continue winning games attempt to maintain their lead at the top of the table. and performing.” Celtic will have Stuart Armstrong and Gary Matteo. “It’s about mental and physical preparation so that we are 100 Mackay-Steven available for the match after the former Dundee “We’re playing at home and are confident of getting a per cent ready for the game,” the Celtic manager said. “We just United pair were cup-tied for the Scottish Cup and League Cup, good result.” The 44-year-old is set to keep teenage goal- have to try to make the same performance and maybe make but Anthony Stokes will miss out through suspension. Elsewhere keeper Timon Wellenreuther between the posts with first- some of the things even better. today, Aberdeen have the chance to put some pressure on Celtic if choice stopper Ralf Faehrmann working his way back from “Then we will know we have a good chance to win again.” The they can defeat Dundee in the early kick-off. injury after picking up a cruciate knee ligament strain in Cup win put Celtic a step closer to their treble dream and Deila is The Dons could draw level on points at the top of the table if January. Both teams exited the Champions League at the delighted with the progress the Hoops have made after a shaky they can pick up a win at Dens Park. Ross County, who host last 16 stage with Schalke going out 5-4 to Real Madrid on start to his Celtic career. Kilmarnock, will want to get back to winning ways after their aggregate despite a stunning 4-3 win in Spain just over ten “What’s exciting us is that we are in good shape and we are in draw with Hamilton interrupted a run of four consecutive wins. days ago. Bayer are still licking their wounds after bowing a very good place right now,” the Norwegian manager said. “The Third-placed Inverness Caledonian Thistle travel to Fir Park to out on a penalty shoot-out at Atletico Madrid on Tuesday players are happy, you can see it, they love playing together and face Partick Thistle while bottom of the table St Mirren take on St despite winning the first leg in Leverkusen. — AFP you can see that in the way they train. Johnstone at McDiarmid Park. — AFP SPORTS SATURDAY, MARCH 21, 2015

Messi wary of wounded Real Matches on TV (Local Timings)

English Premier League Man City v Bromwich 15:45 beIN SPORTS 6 HD beIN SPORTS 11 HD Newcastle v Arsenal 18:00 beIN SPORTS 1 HD beIN SPORTS 14 HD Tottenham v Leicester 18:00 beIN SPORTS 6 HD beIN SPORTS 11 HD Stoke City v Crystal 18:00 beIN SPORTS 4 HD beIN SPORTS 14 HD Southampton v Burnley 18:00 beIN SPORTS 6 HD beIN SPORTS 11 HD Aston Villa v Swansea 18:00 beIN SPORTS 1 HD beIN SPORTS 14 HD West Ham v Sunderland 20:30 beIN SPORTS 6 HD beIN SPORTS 11 HD

Spanish League Atletico v Getafe 18:00 beIN SPORTS 2 HD beIN SPORTS 14 HD Rayo v Malaga 20:00 beIN SPORTS 2 HD beIN SPORTS 14 HD SPAIN: Barcelona fans wave flags in this file photo after their 1-0 win in the Champions League round of 16 second leg, soccer Levante v Celta 22:00 match against Manchester City. —AP beIN SPORTS 2 HD beIN SPORTS 14 HD MADRID: Four-time World Player of the Year Lionel weeks mean the European champions now trail Barca be any surprises.” Modric will be reunited with Toni Sunday Messi has warned his team-mates not to take Real by a point with just 11 games to play. Kroos and Isco in midfield with James Rodriguez now Bilbao v Almeria 0:00 Madrid lightly, despite their contrasting form ahead of And Andres Iniesta knows that victory for the hosts the only significant injury absentee. beIN SPORTS 6 HD tomorrow’s crucial La Liga clash at the Camp Nou. Barca tomorrow would be a huge step towards a fifth La Liga Meanwhile, Bale’s first two goals in nine outings will beIN SPORTS 11 HD go into the game still on course to win the treble for just title in seven years for the Catalans. ensure his place up front alongside Ronaldo and Karim Granada v Eibar 0:00 the second time in the club’s history after a 17th win in “We have prepared for Clasicos in every way in the Benzema. beIN SPORTS 6 HD 18 games over Manchester City on Wednesday secured past. They are one-off matches no matter how the Before the ball is kicked at the Camp Nou, though, beIN SPORTS 11 HD their place in the last eight of the Champions League for teams come into the game. I don’t think Madrid are in Valencia could force their way into an unexpected Italian Calcio League the eighth consecutive season. bad shape,” said the Spanish international. three-way fight for the title with victory at Elche yes- By contrast, Madrid have lost five of their 16 games “We have to play well and be at our best. There isn’t terday night. Chievo Verona v Citta 20:00 beIN SPORTS 2 HD in 2015 so far with some of the Los Blancos faithful a long time until the game and all the small details Nuno Espirito Santo’s men have dropped just two beIN SPORTS 14 HD rounding on star players Cristiano Ronaldo and Gareth count. If we do things right tomorrow then it could be a points in their last six games and would move to within Milan v Cagliari Calcio 22:45 Bale, as well as coach Carlo Ancelotti. great day.” five of Barcelona with another win. beIN SPORTS 2 HD “We have a lot of respect for them. When Madrid are Sergio Busquets isn’t expected to recover from an Atletico Madrid are just a further point adrift of beIN SPORTS 14 HD like this is when they are at their most dangerous,” said ankle injury in time to make his return, so Luis Enrique is Valencia and will need to shake off the fatigue and Messi, whose brilliant form has been the catalyst for expected to make just one change from the side that knocks accumulated in their tense progression to the German Bundesliga Barca’s rise in recent months. started against City with Claudio Bravo replacing Marc- Champions League quarter-finals on penalties over Stuttgart v Eintracht 17:30 Messi has struck 20 times in his last 17 games to Andre ter Stegen in goal. Bayer Leverkusen in midweek to stay in contention for a beIN SPORTS 1 HD usurp Ronaldo as La Liga’s top scorer this season by two Madrid boss Ancelotti all but admitted his starting top four finish. beIN SPORTS 11 HD goals. “They have a great team full of brilliant individu- line-up had been decided for him by the promising Miguel Angel Moya, Raul Garcia and Mario Koln v Werder Bremen 17:30 als,” added Messi. returns from injury made by Luka Modric and Sergio Mandzukic all picked up injuries that will keep them beIN SPORTS 2 HD beIN SPORTS 14 HD “We will try to face the game like we do every match, Ramos in last weekend’s 2-0 win over Levante. “I think it out for the visit of Getafe to the Vicente Calderon Freiburg v Augsburg 17:30 to play our game and win.” Madrid’s slip-ups in recent is quite clear for everyone,” said the Italian. “There won’t today. —AFP beIN SPORTS 1 HD beIN SPORTS 11 HD Paderborn v Hoffenheim 17:30 Champions League? Juve in comfort zone as beIN SPORTS 2 HD beIN SPORTS 14 HD Clasico? Simeone rivals battle for Europe Hannover v Dortmund 17:30 beIN SPORTS 1 HD beIN SPORTS 11 HD focused on Getafe MILAN: Juventus host Genoa tomorrow look- tomorrow decidedly less confident. Schalke v Bayer 20:30 MADRID: Atletico Madrid coach Diego Simeone gave ing to take another step towards a 31st ‘scud- A 2-0 defeat to Sampdoria at the Stadio beIN SPORTS 1 HD short shrift to questions about the Champions League and etto’ as the battle to qualify for Europe Olimpico last week left Roma just one point beIN SPORTS 11 HD resumes in earnest after a mitigated week of ahead of city rivals Lazio, with Napoli a further the ‘Clasico’ yesterday and said he was focused only on French League the battle for third spot in La Liga. competition for Italy’s clubs. three points adrift and Fiorentina and Even in the absence of influential midfield- Sampdoria both only one point off third place. Lyonnais v Nice 18:00 In a repeat of last season’s Champions League final, beIN SPORTS 2 HD which Real Madrid won 4-1 after extra time, Atletico were er Paul Pogba, ruled out for nearly two months Roma then suffered further ignominy in a 3-0 beIN SPORTS 14 HD drawn on Friday to play their city rivals in the quarter- on Thursday with a thigh injury, the chances of rout by Fiorentina in the second leg of their Bastia v Guingamp 22:00 finals of Europe’s elite club competition. However, Juve slipping up on their way to a fourth con- Europa League last 16 tie on Thursday. beIN SPORTS 2 HD Simeone said the only thing that had his immediate atten- secutive Serie A crown look slim. With 11 Fiorentina went through to the quarter- beIN SPORTS 14 HD tion was another Madrid derby, today’s La Liga game at games remaining, Massimiliano Allegri’s men finals 4-1 on aggregate and Roma’s irate fans Gaillard v Montpellier 22:00 home to Getafe, and he refused to answer questions hold a 14-point lead on a Roma side seemingly responded as only angry Serie A fans know beIN SPORTS 1 HD about tomorrow’s ‘Clasico’ between leaders Barcelona and coming apart at the seams as evidenced by how: by demanding Roma’s ‘unworthy’ players beIN SPORTS 11 HD second-placed Real at the Nou Camp. Atletico surren- two morale-sapping home defeats in less than to remove their shirts at the end of the game. Caen v FC Metz 22:00 dered third place in Spain’s top flight to Valencia last a week. Roma’s failure to add to their sole vic- beIN SPORTS 2 HD beIN SPORTS 14 HD weekend after a 0-0 draw at Espanyol and are a point tory in 10 league games has ended their title LONG-SUFFERING behind them ahead of Valencia’s game at Elche later yes- Stade Rennes v Nantes 22:00 hopes, but it has injected life into the battle for Garcia admitted he was “mortified” but has beIN SPORTS 2 HD terday. “All I want is to beat Getafe, that’s what we need the league’s second automatic qualifying spot dug his heels in, declaring: “Now, there’s only beIN SPORTS 4 HD right now,” Simeone told a news conference. “What the rest for the Champions League, as well as the fight one thing to do: concentrate on the champi- Toulouse v Girondins 22:00 do sincerely does not interest me much,” the Argentine for Europa League places. onship and save second spot. Only qualifica- beIN SPORTS 1 HD added. —Reuters Roma began the season with a confident tion for the Champions League is acceptable beIN SPORTS 11 HD swagger but Rudi Garcia’s men visit Cesena now.” —AFP SPORTS SATURDAY, MARCH 21, 2015 Fiorentina down Roma Sevilla, Napoli advance in Europa League

LONDON: Fiorentina tore apart Italian rivals night to remember for coach Vincenzo Ljajic was sent off for a second booking. AS Roma to reach the Europa League quar- Montella against a club where he spent 10 Holders Sevilla, bidding for a fourth tri- ter-finals with a 3-0 win that left their oppo- years as a player and also had a spell as care- umph in the competition, moved comfort- nents’ season in tatters and under-fire coach taker manager, it was a miserable occasion ably into the last eight with Vicente Iborra Rudi Garcia tottering on the brink of the sack. for Garcia. “Fiorentina deserve compliments and Denis Suarez scoring either side of a Roma were 3-0 behind before the match for making the most of our gifts to them, but Giovani dos Santos goal for Villarreal. Ajax’s had settled into any rhythm with Gonzalo I am mortified,” the beleaguered Roma boss Riechedly Bazoer raced through unchal- Rodriguez, Marcos Alonso and Jose Maria told Mediaset. lenged to score on the hour to force extra- Basanta all finding the net in a breathless The Roma coach said this week he would time against Dnipro, who retook the lead on opening 22 minutes to set the visitors on step aside the moment he felt he was aggregate through Yevhen Konoplyanka’s their way to a 4-1 aggregate victory. Napoli becoming a burden to his team. The matter, curling effort. held off a spirited Dynamo Moscow to secure however, may now be out of his hands with Ajax’s Mike van der Hoorn headed into an a 0-0 draw in Russia that gave them a 3-1 his side’s record of one win in their last nine unguarded net in the 117th minute to make aggregate success on a mixed night for games having seen their Serie A title chal- it 2-1 on the night but Dnipro went through Italian clubs in the round of 16. lenge evaporate and their last realistic hope having won 1-0 in the first leg in Ukraine. Inter Milan went out after a 2-1 defeat at of a trophy ended by Fiore in embarrassing Dynamo Kiev enjoyed an emphatic win home to VfL Wolfsburg that completed a 5-2 circumstances. over Everton that ensured no English aggregate reverse while Torino were elimi- involvement in the quarter-finals of any NYON: Porto’s Fernando Gomes (left) shakes hands with nated by Zenit St Petersburg, who lost 1-0 on TERRIBLE START European competition for the first time since Bayern Munichís board member Andreas Jung next to the the night but went through 2-1 over the two Roma got off to a terrible start when 1993. Everton manager Roberto Martinez UEFA Champions League trophy after the draw for the UEFA legs. Holders Sevilla wrapped up a 2-1 home Rodriguez fired Fiorentina ahead from the was punching the air when Romelu Lukaku Champions League quarter-final football matches. — AFP win over Villarreal to complete a 5-2 aggre- spot in the 10th minute, having been made cancelled out Andriy Yarmolenko’s early gate victory, Club Bruges went through with to retake his initial effort, after Jose Holebas opener. But home goals from Lukasz Real to face Atletico a 3-1 win on the night at Besiktas and felled Matias Fernandez in the area. Alonso Teodorczyk, Miguel Veloso, Oleh Gusev and Dynamo Kiev thrashed visitors Everton 5-2 to doubled the advantage when Roma goal- Antunes turned the match into a rout before in Champions League overturn a 2-1 first-leg deficit. Fellow keeper Lukasz Skorupski palmed the ball into Everton’s Phil Jagielka grabbed a late conso- Ukrainians Dnipro Dnipropetrovsk knocked his path and left him to dribble into the emp- lation. Wolfsburg’s Nicklas Bendtner swept NYON: Atletico Madrid were handed a chance to avenge out four times European champions Ajax ty net and then Basanta headed in powerful- home the winner on the half-volley in the last season’s Champions League final defeat by city rivals Amsterdam on away goals after a 2-2 draw ly from a corner to leave a dizzy Roma gasp- 89th minute, while Bruges also went through on aggregate following extra time but the ing for breath. 5-2 on aggregate with Boli Bolingoli- and record 10-times winners Real after the two sides were biggest surprise of the last 16 arrived in After a largely uneventful second half, the Mbombo grabbing a late double against drawn together in the last eight yesterday. Rome. While Fiorentina’s triumph made it a hosts were dealt another blow when Adem Besiktas. — Reuters Paris St Germain and Barcelona were paired together having met in the group stage, with the French side win- ning in Paris and the Catalans coming out on top in Spain. Porto will face 2013 champions Bayern Munich and Juventus take on Monaco in the other ties. The fixtures will be played on April 14/15 and April 21/22, with PSG, Atletico, Porto and Juventus playing the first legs at home. Real won last year’s final 4-1 after extra time against their local rivals, but Atletico’s superb recent record against their more illustrious neighbors will give them huge cause for optimism. The teams have met six times in all competitions this season with Real Madrid yet to regis- ter a win, while last year’s final was Real’s only victory in the last eight derbies. Carlo Ancelotti’s side have drawn three and lost four of those eight games while the last Madrid derby ended in a 4-0 win for Atletico, their biggest victory against their rivals since 1987. Real’s recent form has also been less than impressive having ceded the advantage in La Liga to Barcelona and suffered a surprise wobble in the last 16 against Schalke 04 when they slumped to a 4-3 defeat at the Bernabeu to squeeze through 5-4 on aggregate. “Atletico are a very competitive team,” Real director Emilio Butragueno told Canal Plus. “But we are Real Madrid, we are defending the title and we will try to per- form well enough to get through the tie.” Porto’s clash with Bayern is a repeat of the 1987 final when the NYON: A monitor displays the names of clubs next to the trophy after the draw for the UEFA Europa League quarter-final Portuguese side came out on top 2-1 in Vienna. football matches at the UEFA headquarters. — AFP Bayern will start as overwhelming favourites, however, against an inexperienced Porto side, with the Germans offering a potent reminder of their pedigree in a devastat- Sevilla to face Zenit in ing 7-0 drubbing of Shakhtar Donetsk in the last 16. “There are certainly more uncomfortable opponents,” Bayern captain Philipp Lahm said. “But they (Porto) have Europa League q-finals showed their class. We will try to get in our away match an even better NYON: Zenit St Petersburg will have to overcome a terrible record round, winning 5-2 over two legs. “Zenit are one of the strongest result than in the last 16. We are Bayern and we know against Spanish clubs after being drawn yesterday against Europa sides in the draw,” said Sevilla technical secretary Oscar Arias what we have achieved in the last few years.” — Reuters League holders Sevilla in the quarter-finals. whose side beat Zenit in the last eight en route to their 2006 UEFA Zenit, UEFA Cup winners in 2008, have won only twice in 14 Cup title. “It will be a very open but difficult game. We know we CL q-final draw games against Spanish opponents and are without a victory in have to travel a long way, and that’s a handicap, but that’s the their last seven against La Liga opponents. way the draw has worked out and it cannot be an excuse.” Fiorentina’s reward for demolishing Serie A rivals AS Roma in VfL Wolfsburg will fancy their chances against Italy’s Napoli Paris St Germain v Barcelona the last 16 was a quarter-final against Dynamo Kiev, while Napoli having dispatched Serie A Inter Milan comprehensively in the last Atletico Madrid v Real Madrid play VfL Wolfsburg and Dnipro Dnipropetrovsk play Club Bruges, round, 5-2 on aggregate. Porto v Bayern Munich the only unbeaten side left in the competition. Napoli, however, may prove cannier opposition under Juventus v Monaco The ties will take place on April 16 and 23 with Sevilla, Club European specialist Rafa Benitez, who is seeking to become only Bruges, Kiev and Wolfsburg set to play the home legs first. Sevilla, the second man after Giovanni Trapattoni to win the trophy for a Matches to be played April 14/15 and April 21/22. —Reuters three-times winners of the competition, have eased into the last third time after victories with Valencia in 2004 and Chelsea in eight and made light work of La Liga rivals Villarreal in the last 2013. — Reuters SATURDAY, MARCH 21, 2015

Australia defeat Pakistan for spot in World Cup semis ICC rebuke own chief

SYDNEY: Australia overcame Pakistan yesterday to set ter-final thrashing of Bangladesh in Melbourne on up a World Cup semi-final with defending champions Thursday saw the ICC’s president, Mustafa Kamal of India, as the International Cricket Council took the Bangladesh, say decisions made by officials seemed to extraordinary step of rebuking their own president in have been “pre-arranged”. a row over ‘biased’ umpiring. He was especially angry that India’s Rohit Sharma, Pakistan, the 1992 champions, collapsed to 213 who made 137, had not been given out when caught after skipper Misbah-ul-Haq won the toss and batted on 90 after umpires Aleem Dar and Ian Gould sig- first on a good Adelaide Oval pitch. nalled a no-ball for what appeared to be a legitimate Recalled Australia fast bowler Josh Hazlewood waist-high delivery from Rubel Hossain. But ICC chief took four for 35 in an innings where Haris Sohail top- executive David Richardson, who labelled Kamal’s scored with 41 and put on 73 for the third wicket with comments “very unfortunate”, defended the umpires Misbah (34). But a spirited Pakistan reduced Australia by saying: “Any suggestion that the match officials to 59 for three, with left-armer Wahab Riaz (two for 54) had ‘an agenda’ or did anything other than perform to capturing the prize wicket of home captain Michael the best of their ability are baseless and are refuted in Clarke for just eight in a superb spell of fast bowling. the strongest possible terms.” SCOREBOARD However fine leg Rahat Ali dropped a routine catch New Zealand and the West Indies complete the after all-rounder Shane Watson, then on four, top- quarter-final stage in Wellington on Saturday, with the ADELAIDE: Scoreboard in the World Cup quarter-final between Pakistan and Australia at edged a Wahab bouncer. It was a key moment, with winners playing South Africa-who thrashed Sri Lanka the Adelaide Oval yesterday: Australia then 83 for three. by nine wickets-in Auckland on March 24. West Indies’ Steven Smith’s composed 65 steadied Australia chances of victory won’t be helped if star batsman Pakistan Maxwell 7-0-43-2, Watson 5-0-17-0, Faulkner before Watson, 64 not out and Glenn Maxwell, also Chris Gayle, who earlier in this tournament scored a Ahmed Shehzad c Clarke b Hazlewood 5 7.5-0-31-1 dropped off the luckless Riaz on his way to an unbeat- World Cup record 215 against Zimbabwe, is ruled out Sarfraz Ahmed c Watson b Starc 10 en 44, saw the tournament co-hosts to a six-wicket through injury. The big-hitting opener trained for the Haris Sohail c Haddin b Johnson 41 Australia win in the 34th over. first time this week on Friday, two days after receiving Misbah-ul-Haq c Finch b Maxwell 34 D. Warner c Rahat b Riaz 24 “It was a close game, in the end our bowlers did a an injection in his lower back. Umar Akmal c Finch b Maxwell 20 A. Finch lbw b Sohail 2 great job and we were strong in the field,” said Clarke. “He (Gayle) has had an injection and a scan. The Maqsood c Johnson b Hazlewood 29 S. Smith lbw b Ehsan 65 Pakistan’s defeat meant this match became a final scan didn’t show anything major, so we’ll just see how Shahid Afridi c Finch b Hazlewood 23 M. Clarke c Maqsood b Riaz 8 one-day international before retirement for both the he pulls up and make a decision tomorrow morning,” Wahab Riaz c Haddin b Starc 16 S. Watson not out 64 40-year-old Misbah and fellow veteran Shahid Afridi, said West Indies captain Jason Holder. Ehsan Adil c Starc b Faulkner 15 G. Maxwell not out 44 who bowed out with a typically quickfire 23. “It is dis- However, Holder stressed the West Indies-winners Sohail Khan c Haddin b Hazlewood 4 Extras: (w9) 9 appointing...but Australia deserve it,” said Misbah. of the first two World Cups back in 1975 and 1979 — Rahat Ali not out 6 Total: (for four wkts; 33.5 overs) 216 Turning to Riaz, he added: “I have never seen a bowler could still succeed even without the 35-year-old Extras: (lb5, w5) 10 Did not bat: James Faulkner, Brad Haddin, bowling like that and if that catch had been taken who Jamaican, pointing to the composed 55 made by Total: (all out; 49.5 overs) 213 Mitchell Johnson, Mitchell Starc, Josh knows what could have happened?” Australia, wear- Johnson Charles when he stepped in for last week- Fall of wickets: 1-20 (Ahmed), 2-24 Hazlewood ing black armbands as mark of respect for former end’s win over the UAE that saw the side into the last (Shehzad), 3-97 (Misbah), 4-112 (Sohail), 5- Fall of wickets: 1-15 (Finch), 2-49 (Warner), prime minister Malcolm Fraser, who died earlier on eight on net run-rate. 124 (Akmal), 6-158 (Afridi), 7-188 (Maqsood), 3-59 (Clarke), 4-148 (Smith) Bowling: Sohail Friday, will now play India in Sydney on March 26. “Johnson came in the last game and got a half- 8-188 (Riaz), 9-195 (Khan), 10-213 (Adil) 7.5-0-57-1 (2w), Adil 5-0-31-1, Rahat 6-0-37-0 century and looked the part. So we’ve got people to Bowling: Starc 10-1-40-2 (2w), Hazlewood (1w), Riaz 9-0-54-2 (6w), Afridi 4-0-30-0, Haris ‘BASELESS’ ATTACK fill his boots but obviously having Chris there is a Meanwhile the fall-out from India’s 109-run quar- plus for us.” — AFP 10-1-35-4 (1w), Johnson 10-0-42-1 (2w), 2-0-7-0

AUSTRALIA: Pakistani bowler Sohail Khan (left) looks on as Australian batsmen Shane Watson (second right) and Glenn Maxwell celebrate after scoring the winning runs at the end of the 2015 Cricket World Cup quarter-final match. — AFP SATURDAY, MARCH 21, 2015

Pakistan fans hold mock funeral after WCup exit

KARACHI: Angry Pakistan cricket fans the Pakistan team give expect they played spinner Saeed Ajmal, fast bowler Junaid smashed television sets and carried out a rank bad cricket and couldn’t handle the Khan and all-rounder Mohammad Hafeez mock funeral after the national team lost pressure,” fan Munazza Jillani said at a throughout the tournament and leading to Australia in the World Cup quarter-finals school for special children in Karachi. fast bowler Mohammad Irfan missed the in Adelaide yesterday. Bangladesh blamed poor umpiring deci- quarter-final. Pakistan Cricket Board chair- Around 50 supporters in Multan sions for their defeat by India in the second man Shaharyar Khan tried to take positives mourned the death of Pakistan cricket and quarter-final. from the tournament. “The quarter-final burnt bats and cricket equipment to Cricket analyst Aaliya Rasheed said the loss is disappointing, but what is hearten- express their disappointment. reaction of the people in some cities was ing is that the team showed a lot of fight- The quarter-final, which began at 800 understandable but said generally cricket ing spirit and character in trying to defend NEW ZEALAND: Chris Gayle of the West Indies takes a local time, was followed nervously by mil- fans had taken the defeat sportingly. a low total against tournament favourite moment out during a West Indies training session lions in the country with special screenings “I think our team was good enough to hosts Australia,” he said. Khan said the ahead of their 2015 Cricket World Cup quarter-final in public parks, schools, restaurants and reach the quarter-finals and not beyond board would give a fitting farewell to cap- match against New Zealand today. — AFP hotels on a normal working day. that. Give them credit for this given the tain Misbah-ul-Haq and all-rounder Shahid “Bangladesh can claim they were done number of injury problems we faced,” Afridi who have now retired from one-day New Zealand in by poor umpiring but what excuse can Rasheed said. Pakistan were without top internationals. —Reuters clear favorites

WELLINGTON: New Zealand’s Brendon McCullum expects favoritism, underdog status and the possibility of choking under the weight of expectation to have lit- tle influence on today’s World Cup quarter-final against West Indies. A rampant New Zealand went through pool phase unbeaten, while inconsistent West Indies lurched into the last eight clash at Wellington Regional Stadium with a six-wicket victory over United Arab Emirates. To McCullum, though, that meant nothing. “I’ve said right throughout the tournament, whether you’re favorites or whether you’re underdogs, once the coin goes up, the contest between bat and ball starts,” the New Zealand skipper told reporters on Friday. “All of that talk and all of that pre-match favouritism goes out the window. Tomorrow’s no different, just because it’s a quarter-final.” The co-hosts have arguably the most balanced side in the World Cup, all of whom have stepped up at one stage or another during the tournament. That has particularly pleased McCullum. “In horse racing parlance ... I think the horse has never been bet- ter and we’ve got every chance in this game to be able to go out there and win, even if things aren’t a hundred per cent,” McCullum said. “That’s something you probably can’t say about too many New Zealand teams in the past. That’s encourag- ing.” McCullum has indicated that New Zealand will revert to their top lineup, with fast bowler Adam Milne returning from shoulder injury to join new ball duo MULTAN: Pakistani cricket fans chant slogans during a protest against the national cricket team players in Multan. Trent Boult and Tim Southee in place of Mitchell Angry Pakistan cricket fans smashed TVs and staged a mock funeral for the team after poor batting and sloppy catching McClenaghan. saw them dumped out of the World Cup. — AFP Southee somehow managed to exploit a clear blue sky and little wind to produce a captivating spell of late-swing bowling to take career-best figures of 7-33 against England at Wellington Regional Stadium a Bitter end for Misbah and month ago. Boult was imperious in their match against Australia with 5-27 the following week in Auckland, while left- Afridi’s one-day careers arm spinner Daniel Vettori has complemented the opening pair with 13 wickets at 13.29, and an economy rate of 3.69. West Indies, by contrast, have struggled in ADELAIDE: A crushing quarter-final loss for his reserve, the explosive Afridi’s dis- improve standards. “Especially we need the top-order batting with most of the runs from top- to Australia at the World Cup yesterday missal for 23 was less unexpected, albeit to improve our batting. This has been scorers Chris Gayle and Marlon Samuels coming in one was a heart-breaking swan-song in one- a carbon copy of his captain’s demise. now a problem for almost three, four big partnership against Zimbabwe in Canberra. day cricket for Pakistan captain Misbah- A third batsman in Umar Akmal years,” he told reporters after scoring his Gayle, who is struggling with a back injury, has ul-Haq and fellow veteran Shahid Afridi. would hit straight to Aaron Finch near 3,000th run as captain. scored 279 runs with 215 coming from that one Though Pakistan grafted hard to reach the rope to squander his positive start of “We are not up to the mark, up to the innings, while Samuels’ 133 not out has accounted for the knockout rounds, Australia ruthlessly 20. With the batsmen failing to provide a standards, international standards. We 66 percent of his total runs of 203. exposed their batting frailty, which will total to defend, their bowlers were let need to really improve that. “And also West Indies captain Jason Holder said the key to the be further undermined by the seasoned down by two dropped catches in the fielding is another aspect where all the game could be to take early wickets when McCullum pair’s retirements. field that could have changed the com- other international teams are really comes out firing and then get stuck into the middle Over eight Pakistan batsmen scored plexion of the match. going up to a higher level, and we really order. “Obviously Brendon McCullum’s carrying some 10 or more runs in their modest total of Australia all-rounder Shane Watson need to improve that, and obviously that form ... we will be our normal self in the power play, we 213, but none could build on it, and both was dropped on four and Glenn Maxwell comes with the fitness. “A lot of steps just have to be disciplined,” Holder said. Misbah and former skipper Afridi were spilled on five. The pair would then build have been taken by the cricket board “I think aggression is also key. Brendon is a pretty among those who failed to convert their an unbeaten partnership of 68 to close and just trying to develop that sort of aggressive batsman so I can probably try to fight fire starts. Forty-year-old Misbah, who finish- out a six-wicket victory. system, fitness culture in Pakistani with fire and try to get the better of him. es his one-day career without a century, Misbah lamented his side’s poor shot domestic cricket. “But still, we are not “New Zealand’s middle order (also) hasn’t been test- slog-swept straight to a fielder at deep selection and forecast a grim future for there, and I think we need to really ed in this tournament and so it’s important that we get midwicket to be out for 34. Pakistan if administrators failed to crack improve that, otherwise we’re going to early wickets and test them.” — Reuters If surprising for a batsman renowned the whip in the domestic leagues to suffer in the future.” — Reuters Australia defeat Pakistan for spot in SATURDAY, MARCHSATURDAY, 21, 2015 SportsSports World Cup semis46

INDIAN WELLS: Sabine Lisicki of Germany celebrates against Flavia Pennetta of Italy late in the third set during day eleven of the BNP Paribas Open at the Indian Wells Tennis Garden. —AFP Lisicki triumphs, Djokovic in semis

INDIAN WELLS: Sabine Lisicki staved off three match 22 minutes and twice more in the second before the Romanian Simona Halep and top seed Serena this side of the face, which is not very good because points before battling into the last four at the BNP Ukrainian walked across to her opponent and told her Williams, back at Indian Wells after a 14-year boycott it’s tough for me to even breathe this side,” he said, Paribas Open on Thursday, the German edging out the match was over. of the event where she alleged she had suffered racist pointing at his right cheek. defending champion Flavia Pennetta 6-4 6-7(3) 7-6(4) “It’s never nice to end a match in that way,” Serb abuse from fans. American Williams, who clinched her “I’m not functioning on this side well. I’ve been on in an enthralling contest. Jankovic, 30, said on another hot day at the Indian 19th grand slam singles title at this year’s Australian medication the last few days for the infected area, my The 24th seed advances to face Jelena Jankovic in Wells Tennis Garden. “In the second set, she started Open, and world number three Halep both advanced wisdom tooth.” Tomic, who had made a strong start the semi-finals on Friday after the Serb progressed limping and I saw that she had some problem. “I had from the quarters on Wednesday. to this season by reaching the quarter-finals in six of when Ukrainian qualifier Lesia Tsurenko retired from to just focus on my game and try to make as many Meanwhile, Top-seeded Serb Novak Djokovic was his first seven tournaments, said he first experienced their last eight encounter with an ankle injury while balls as possible in the point. I was feeling pretty good gifted a place in the BNP Paribas Open semi-finals the back pain in Memphis last month. “It was lower trailing 6-1 4-1. Lisicki nearly sealed a straight sets win out there. I was playing my game and waiting for my when Australian Bernard Tomic pulled out of their back connecting to the hip area and the groin,” said when she earned her first match point while holding chances to execute. I was solid. “I’m really sorry she quarter-final on Thursday, citing a back injury. the 22-year-old, an outstanding junior player who has a 5-4 advantage in the second before the Italian pro- got injured. She has had such a great tournament, Tomic, who is also struggling with a painful wis- gone on to win two ATP World Tour titles. “I have duced a magical shot to spark a rally that leveled the she has beaten a lot of great players in the draw. dom tooth, had reached the last eight at an elite ATP been playing a lot of matches on it, and it’s just very match. Pennetta then forged three match points of Unfortunately she couldn’t play a great match today.” Masters 1000 event for the first time with a 6-4 4-6 6-4 painful now. her own at 5-4 in the decider before Lisicki fought Tsurenko, ranked 85th in the world, injured her victory over compatriot Thanasi Kokkinakis in the pre- “It was a tough match for me yesterday, playing back to claim victory in a tiebreaker. right ankle during her upset of sixth-seeded Canadian vious round. last night with Thanasi under the medication that I “It’s unbelievable,” Lisicki said in a courtside inter- Eugenie Bouchard in the previous round and was World number one Djokovic, who is bidding for a was on, the antibiotics. It made me feel like I have no view. “It’s such a great feeling to be part of such a noticeably restricted in her movement against fourth Indian Wells crown, will take on Andy Murray energy today.” great match. She saved a match point with an unbe- Jankovic. in the semi-finals, the Scot having advanced with a 6- Tomic, who upset eighth-seeded Spaniard lievable backhand. I could not have done much differ- She failed to hold serve in the second and sixth 3 6-4 victory over Spaniard Feliciano Lopez on David Ferrer in the third round at Indian Wells, is ent there and then I saved three match points in the games of the match to be swept aside in the opening Thursday. “I have a lot of pain today on this wisdom considering skipping the Miami Open which starts third set. set before calling for her trainer to re-tape her ankle. tooth and it’s causing a lot of stuff,” Tomic, who was on March 25. “It was just an unbelievable feeling to play in front Tsurenko, who double-faulted five times during seeded 32nd at Indian Wells, told reporters. “On the “If there is an opportunity to get that wisdom of all of you,” she added for the fans. Former champi- the curtailed match, was again broken in the first and right side of my face and neck it’s really inflamed. tooth out before Miami, I probably won’t play Miami,” on Jankovic, meanwhile, broke an error-prone fifth games of the second set before she retired. “I went to hit today and my back and low back felt he said. “It will come down to next few days before I Tsurenko twice to breeze through the opening set in The other semi-final will be contested by ... I couldn’t even move. On top of that, I had pain on decide.” —Reuters