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THURSDAY, APRIL 16, 2015 JAMADA ALTHANI 27, 1436 AH www.kuwaittimes.net PACI launches Egypt, Saudis The Real Barca blow revamped mull drills Fouz: The PSG away, Kuwait Finder as Yemen importance of Porto stun mobile app battles rage motherhood Bayern 5Controversy13 37 over maid20 Min 13º Max 30º recruitment company High Tide 10:05 & 22:05 Panel to discuss alleged violations by telecom firm Low Tide 03:15 & 16:00 40 PAGES NO: 16492 150 FILS

By B Izzak conspiracy theories KUWAIT: The rejection by the National Assembly’s health and labor committee of a proposal to establish a compa- It’s a disaster ny to recruit domestic helpers has triggered a controversy between the panel and MPs who submitted the proposal. Following last week’s rejection, MP Kamel Al-Awadhi, who is the main supporter of the proposal, said he will ask the Assembly in next week’s session to refer the proposal to its financial and economic affairs committee. By Badrya Darwish But rapporteur of the health and labour panel MP Saadoun Hammad, who is strongly opposed to the pro- posal, said that according to the Assembly charter, the proposal must be reviewed by his committee. Hammad reiterated that the rejection came after Kuwait Investment [email protected] Authority and the state-owned pension fund refused to participate in the company’s capital as was suggested in the proposal. eading the IMF World Economic Report for Supporters of the bill insist the company will resolve a 2015 was very interesting, especially when I large number of problems and violations in the recruit- Rread about the forecast for Kuwait, because ment of domestic helpers and will substantially reduce this is my concern. I was ashamed actually and I the expense of recruiting maids after a sharp rise in cost. went on reading about other countries. In the Awadhi had also said the company is fully backed by a beginning I was comparing my country with the large number of MPs and the government, mainly the most developed and strongest economies in our interior ministry. According to latest statistics, there are region such as Saudi Arabia, Qatar and the UAE. But about 650,000 domestic helpers in Kuwait, the over- it was shocking to me that we ranked not near them whelming majority of them are Asians, mainly from India, but next to the ones that have been suffering for LEBANON: Boys do homework at a UNHCR camp for Syrian refugees in south Lebanon on Tuesday. — AFP Sri Lanka and the Philippines. many years from war (Iraq) or international sanc- In another development, head of the public funds pro- tions (Iran). 21 million Middle East tection committee MP Abdullah Al-Turaiji said the panel I find it really a shame that Kuwait’s economic will discuss alleged violations at one of the three telecom growth prospects rank among these two countries companies in Kuwait. Turaiji said that the committee will in the region. Don’t forget Kuwait has ranked for the children out of school focus on alleged financial violations by the chairman of last 15 years as one of the wealthiest countries in the company - who is appointed by the government - the world per capita and has enjoyed a massive sur- BEIRUT: An estimated 21 million children in the flict, poverty and gender discrimination. who allegedly seized public funds and undermined plus in its budget. Middle East and North Africa are out of school or at risk “At a time of such change and turmoil, this region Kuwait’s relations with a friendly Gulf state which has sub- So what is the reason behind the massive deteri- of dropping out despite improved access to education simply cannot afford to let 21 million children fall by stantial investments in the company. The lawmaker did oration in Kuwait’s economy? Please do me a favor in the region over the past decade, the United Nations the wayside,” said Maria Calivis, regional director for not name the firm. and don’t bluff me by saying that it’s due to the col- said in a report released yesterday. Governments in the UNICEF. “These children must be given the opportunity He said that he has sent a series of questions to the lapse of oil prices. It has not caused our fall. Because region, which includes 20 countries stretching from to acquire the skills they need through education in finance minister about these alleged violations by the oil prices dropped only a few months ago, but Morocco to Iraq, have invested in education in the past order to play their part in the region’s transformation.” chairman, which included appointing a large number of Kuwait has enjoyed many years of strong income. 10 years, which has helped push up enrollment rates, More than 15 million children already are out of school his retired relatives and friends. He claimed that most of So we shouldn’t feel the pinch of income shortages according to the UNESCO and UNICEF report. But in the region, while another 6 million are deemed at the appointees have no professional or practical relation- for years to come, as the government is very smart progress has slowed in recent years in the face of con- Continued on Page 13 ship with the telecom sector. to set its budget on the basis of $55 per barrel. Continued on Page 13 So the only reason I can imagine is corruption, I’m sorry to say. Of course, the result of corruption is poor planning and a lack of development in every sector. Tell me for the last 20 years, in which area did Oil facilities remain on alert we develop? In infrastructure? No, on the contrary. Hospitals and national health? No. Did we develop our schools and education? No. In our power sys- Egypt signs $1.6bn energy deals with Alghanim tems and energy? No. What else can be said? Nothing. ABU DHABI/CAIRO/KHOBAR: militias in Yemen. The agency they had taken since the start these measures include “secur- exporter, is part of the Saudi- And I don’t think we are ever going to develop State-run Kuwait Petroleum quoted Sheikh Talal Al-Khaled of developments in Yemen. ing all industrial safety and led alliance that has been wag- because now oil prices have dropped and this will Corp (KPC) and all affiliated Al-Sabah, the spokesperson for KPC said at the start of mili- security requirements and rais- ing air strikes on positions of be a good excuse for the government to tighten its firms remain on alert, state the country’s oil sector and tary operations in Yemen led by ing the level of security meas- the Iranian-backed Houthi belt. If we couldn’t develop in the years of booming news agency KUNA said yester- chief executive of the Kuwait Saudi Arabia it had raised secu- ures and to intensify the pro- groups and forces loyal to for- oil prices, how can we do it now? This is a disaster day, three weeks after Saudi Oil Tanker Company, as saying rity around its oil facilities. KPC tection of oil installations in mer President Ali Abdullah for us and for the coming generations. Arabia and Arab allies began oil facilities were continuing acting chief executive officer Kuwait and abroad,” according Saleh. military strikes against Houthi the precautionary measures Mohammad Al-Farhoud said to KUNA. Kuwait, a major oil Continued on Page 13 Rouhani rejects US Congress pressure

TEHRAN: Iranian President Hassan Rouhani yesterday dismissed pressure from the US Congress over a preliminary deal on the Islamic Republic’s contested nuclear program, saying that Tehran is dealing with world powers - not American lawmakers. In a speech to tens of thousands of Iranians in the northern city of Rasht, Rouhani said his nation is pursuing a “dignified” agreement with the six-member group, which includes the United States, Russia, China, Britain, France and Germany. Rouhani’s remarks were an apparent reac- tion to developments Tuesday in Washington, where President Barack Obama bowed to pres- BANGKALAN, Indonesia: Family members of beheaded Indonesian maid Siti sure from Republicans and Democrats and Zainab display a poster bearing her portrait at their family home in East Java agreed to sign compromise legislation empow- province yesterday. — AFP ering Congress to reject a final nuclear deal with Iran. The legislation is now expected to sail through both houses of Congress but it is Indonesia protests unclear how it will affect the ongoing nuclear talks with Iran. Tehran and world powers reached a frame- maid’s beheading work agreement on the deal earlier this month. The deal, which is to be finalized by June 30, is JAKARTA: Jakarta summoned the Saudi al foreigners on death row for drug crimes. meant to curb Iran’s nuclear program in return RASHT, Iran: Iranian President Hassan Rouhani waves to the crowd after arriving in this Arabian ambassador yesterday to protest Indonesian President Joko Widodo and for lifting of crippling economic sanctions northern city yesterday. — AFP the beheading of an Indonesian domestic three of his predecessors had previously imposed on Iran. The disputes between the week that Tehran will not sign on to any final Portugal, yesterday. “We will hold the US gov- worker and complain that her family and written to the Saudi king asking for the Obama administration and the Congress are an deal unless all economic sanctions are com- ernment, the US president accountable.” consular staff were not given prior notice victim’s family to forgive Zainab. But the “internal issue”, Rouhani said. “Our partner is pletely lifted. “If there is no end to sanctions, Also yesterday, UN nuclear inspectors of the execution. Saudi authorities said Siti sentence was carried out despite Jakarta not the US Congress or the Senate, our partner there will be no deal,” Rouhani said. Iranian arrived in Iran to investigate suspicions that Zainab was executed Tuesday in the holy claiming Zainab’s family and consular offi- is a group called ‘5+1’,” Rouhani said, referring Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif said Tehran worked on nuclear weapons, a charge city of Madinah after being convicted of cials were not given adequate notice to the six world powers - the five permanent Iran will hold the US administration, not the US the Islamic Republic denies. The official IRNA stabbing and beating Saudi woman Noura before her execution. “From the begin- UN Security Council members and Germany. “It Congress, responsible for implementing a news agency quoted Iranian nuclear Al-Morobei to death in 1999. Human ning, the government has struggled to has absolutely nothing to do with our govern- future deal. spokesman Behrouz Kamalvandi as saying that rights groups have used Zainab’s behead- provide her with assistance and has asked ment and nation what ... US representatives or “As a point of principle, we hold the govern- inspectors from the Vienna-based International ing to urge Indonesia to abandon its sup- the family (of the victim) for forgiveness,” hardliners say. ... We are looking for reciprocal ... ment of the United States responsible for Atomic Energy Agency would discuss with port for the death penalty, as Jakarta Indonesia’s foreign ministry said goodwill and respect,” he said. implementing its international obligations,” Iranian officials “unresolved issues” surrounding presses ahead with plans to execute sever- Continued on Page 13 Rouhani reiterated his stance expressed last Zarif said during an official visit to Lisbon, a military site in Marivan, in western Iran. — AP LOCAL THURSDAY, APRIL 16, 2015 Helping Lebanon is helping Syrian refugees: UN Envoy

Fundraising campaign for Yemen Saturday

BEIRUT/KUWAIT: It is imperative to help ing the more impoverished regions in Lebanon deal with the enormous num- the country and consequently in dire bers of Syrian refugees on its soil, Dr need of assistance. Abdullah Al-Maatouq, the UN Secretary General’s Humanitarian Envoy, said at a Fundraising campaign press conference in Beirut, Lebanon. Meanwhile, the Kuwait Red Crescent In a joint press conference with UN Society (KRCS) announced yesterday that High Commissioner for Refugees it will launch fundraising campaign for Antonio Guterres, Dr Maatouq said they Yemeni people next Saturday in coopera- both discussed with Lebanese Prime tion with the local media. Minister Tamam Sallam the difficulties The five-day humanitarian effort is facing Lebanese authorities in hosting part of Kuwait’s solidarity with “brothers the Sryian refugees, promising remedies in Yemen who are experiencing hard to overcome these difficulties. conditions due to developments in the Among these remedies was the idea country,” Board Chairman Helal Al-Sayer of creating nurseries for children under said in a press statement. The move is an the age of five, said Dr Maatouq, who is urgent and immediate response to calls also chairman of the Kuwait-based from brothers in Yemen to meet their International Islamic Charitable needs of foodstuff and medical supplies, Organization and advisor to the Amiri he added. Diwan. He further stressed that the According to Sayer, the KRCS is follow- emphasis has been on addressing the ing up ‘with deep concern’ the ramifica- educational and health aspects of the tions of humanitarian conditions in lives of the refugees. Yemen and the direct impact on wide Meanwhile, Guterres said that his visit sections of the society there, as malnutri- with Dr Maatouq to Lebanon was to tion is taking toll on scores of children. seek further ways to help the refugees. The KRCS chief referred to reports by He added that the visit was incumbent leading humanitarian organizations on the international community to warning that Yemen is ‘on brink of a dis- extend more help to Lebanon which has astrous food crisis’ as some 10 million been overtaxed in its commitment to people, about 44 percent of the popula- assisting the plight of the Syrian tion, do not find enough food. refugees on its soil. Beneficiaries can deliver donation at the Lebanon hosts more than 38 percent KRCS headquarters, both in the morning of the Syrian refugees, most of them and the afternoon, or via the Society’s women and children, currently inhabit- website, he concluded. — KUNA Chancellor Dr Abdullah Ahmed passes away KUWAIT: Kuwait has lost one of its patri- was also a board member of the public otic citizens and veteran member of the authority for minors’ affairs. judiciary since the 1960s, Chancellor Dr In addition, Ahmed was also the first Abdullah bin Mohammed Abdullah Kuwaiti to get a PhD with honors from Al- Ahmed. The deceased, may the Almighty Azhar’s faculty of sharia and law. He was have mercy on his soul, was a man of one of the founding members of the sharia, law and judiciary. He received his supreme consultative committee on the high school education at the Religious implementation of the provisions of Institute, then joined the Sharia College sharia law since its inception in Dec 1991 at Al-Azhar University. Upon instructions and headed its economic committee. The from the head of education, justice and deceased wrote many papers on hisba, endowment department, the late Sheikh riba (usury), lawful rights, Islamic Abdullah Al-Jaber Al-Sabah, he joined jurisprudence and judiciary. Many further the judiciary and worked his way up the publications and researches of his are still career ladder until he was appointed in process of preparation. May Almighty KUWAIT: Ambassador of the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea (DPRK) So Chang Sik and an embassy delegation recently visited Kuwait chancellor at the court of cassation. He Allah have mercy on his soul. Times, where they celebrated the 103rd birthday of DPRK’s founder Kim Il Sung with Kuwait Times’ Editor-in-Chief Abd Al-Rahman Al-Alyan and staff. — Photos by Yasser Al-Zayyat THURSDAY, APRIL 16, 2015 LOCAL Crown Prince receives Lebanese Ex-President

KUWAIT: His Highness the Deputy Amir and Crown Prince Sheikh Nawaf Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah received at Bayan Palace yesterday the visiting former Lebanese President Michel Suleiman, as well as current Lebanese Health Minister Wael Abu Faour. They were accompanied by a delega- tion from the Children’s Cancer Center of KUWAIT: His Highness the Deputy Amir and Crown Prince Sheikh Nawaf Al-Ahmad Lebanon (CCCL), including Chairperson Al-Jaber Al-Sabah (second from left) is pictured with officials and some of the hon- Salwa Salman and Director General Hana ored teachers. — Amiri Diwan photos Chaar Choueib, as well as board members Paul Edde, Nora Joumblat and Faisal Al- Amir, Crown Prince Mutawa. The meeting was attended by Acting Minister of Amiri Diwan Affairs Adviser Khaled Abdullah Boodai and honor teachers ambassadors of the two countries. HH Sheikh Nawaf also received Acting KUWAIT: Under the auspices of His Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Highness the Amir Sheikh Sabah Al-Ahmad Sheikh Sabah Al-Khaled Al-Hamad Al- Al-Jaber Al-Sabah, and in attendance of HH Sabah, Deputy Prime Minister and Interior the Deputy Amir and Crown Prince Sheikh Minister Sheikh Mohammad Al-Khaled Al- Nawaf Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah, a cere- Hamad Al-Sabah and Deputy Prime mony was held yesterday marking the Minister and Defense Minister Sheikh World’s Teachers Day. Khaled Al-Jarrah Al-Sabah. HH the Deputy Amir’s motorcade Meanwhile, Sheikh Sabah Al-Khaled arrived at the event’s venue, Sheikh also met the visiting Lebanese ex-presi- Abdullah Al-Jaber Al-Sabah Theater in dent, CCCL Board Member Mutawa and Kuwait University (KU) Shuwaikh campus, Kuwaiti Ambassador to Lebanon Abdelal KUWAIT: His Highness the Deputy Amir and Crown Prince Sheikh Nawaf Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al- where he was welcomed by Minister of Al-Qenai. — KUNA Justice, Minister of Awqaf and Islamic Sabah meets former Lebanese President Michel Suleiman. -— KUNA Affairs, Acting Minister of Education and Higher Education Yaqoub Al-Sane, and oth- er officials. HH the Crown Prince Sheikh Nawaf Al- Embassy hosts US University Fair Deputy Chief of the National Guard Ahmad Al-Sabah receives a memento from Justice Minister Yaqoub Al-Sane. Sheikh Meshaal Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al- KUWAIT: On Sunday, April 19, 2015, the US at the fair: New school of Architecture and Greensboro and Valparaiso University, Sabah, Acting Prime Minister and Minister as well his diligent efforts and hard work Embassy in Kuwait will sponsor an educa- Design, University of Idaho, Farleigh Pennsylvania State University- University of Foreign Affairs Sheikh Sabah Al-Khaled for service of Kuwait. Meshaal Al-Dhafiri tional fair at the Marina Hotel, Salmiya Dickinson University, State University of Park, University of Colorado - Denver. Al-Hamad Al-Sabah, Acting Speaker of the addressed the attendees on behalf of the from 6:00-9:00 PM. The fair provides a New York - University at Buffalo, University EducationUSA advisers and US Embassy National Assembly Mubarak Al-Khurainej, teachers. He expressed pride for the UN chance for Kuwaiti students to meet with of Montana, Portland State University, Yale consular officers will be present at the fair to ministers, senior sheikhs and other ranking title for HH the Amir, hailing Sheikh Sabah’s representatives from more than 15 accred- University, Loyola Marymount University, address students’ questions related to study- state officials attended the ceremony. sagacious leadership. “Kuwait is the only ited US colleges and universities, who will DePaul University, St Cloud State University, ing in the US and the student visa process. In a statement at the event, minister state where the teacher is honored by the help Kuwaiti students explore higher edu- Northern Arizona University, University of For more information on the fair, visit the Sane lauded HH the Amir for being desig- highest authority; this a great honor for all cation opportunities in the United States. Missouri, Ball State University, Stevens link http://www.facebook.com/usembassyq8. nated by the UN as a Humanitarian Leader, of us,” he noted. — KUNA US Ambassador to Kuwait Douglas Silliman Institute of Technology, Willamette More information about studying in the US is will open the fair. University, American Consortium of available on the following link: Kuwait deposits $2bn The following schools will be represented Universities: University of North Carolina- http://www.educationusa.state.gov in Egypt central bank

By A Saleh work permits for some exempted sectors in addition to 36 other sectors that used to KUWAIT: Egyptian Ambassador to Kuwait have their permits issued on the approval Abdul Kareem Suleiman announced that of the permits committee, according to the Kuwait recently deposited $2 billion trust in previous rules. The authority added that the Egypt’s central bank in order to support other non-exempt sectors would only be the Egyptian economy. Suleiman added allowed to bring 25 percent of their needed that all the previous $4 billion financial workforce from outside Kuwait. According pledges made by Kuwait to Egypt had been to a decision issued by the authority’s paid and that the $2 billion of a new $4 bil- director Jamal Al-Dousary, the exempted lion pledge was deposited, and the other sectors include sports clubs and unions, $2 billion would be given in the form of NGOs, co-ops, industrial facilities, aviation government investments through the and marine agents, engineering and legal Kuwait Investment Authority. Exempted consultancies, media stations’ local and sectors’ work permits according to previous overseas offices, fishing and agricultural rules sectors, shepherding, journalism houses, automobile agents, opticians, specialized Work permits technicians, money exchangers accredited The Manpower Public Authority by the Central Bank, accredited private uni- announced that it would continue issuing versities and institutes. Kuwait supports Palestine budget with $15 million WASHINGTON: Kuwait donated $15 mil- in education, health care and services. lion for the World Bank’s Multi-Donor Trust World Bank’s vice president for the Fund for Sustainable Logistics to support Middle East and North Africa Hafedh the Palestinian Authority’s (PA) reforms and Ghanem signed the donation agreement development program. on behalf of WB, and said the fund allowed “Kuwait is always committed to improv- partners to contribute to the development ing the living conditions of the Palestinian of PA institutions to provide services for people, and supporting the construction the Palestinian people. and development of a balanced World Bank executive director Dr Mirza Palestinian economy,” Kuwait’s Hassan said Kuwait’s support would help Ambassador to the US Sheikh Salem address the ongoing PA’s budget deficit Abdullah Al-Jaber Al-Sabah was quoted as and strengthen the financial administra- saying in a statement by the World Bank. tion of the public sector, as well as Tuesday’s donation brings Kuwait’s contri- improving the business environment. bution to the fund since its establishment Australia, France, Japan, Norway, Britain in 2008 to $295 million. The donation aims and Kuwait have contributed to the Fund, at supporting economic reforms and with total funding amounting to $1.36 bil- addressing PA’s budget deficit, especially lion so far. — KUNA Anti-Corruption Authority begins receiving disclosures KUWAIT: The Public Anti-Corruption Association (KJA), Tunaib explained that Authority (PACA) announced yesterday those who needed to disclose their that it started receiving financial disclo- finances were also members of boards, sure statements of senior officials who authorities and committees who were should disclose their finances in line with appointed by an Amiri decree. Directors of the Financial Disclosure Law. department and senior officials are also The financial disclosure statement subjected to the financial disclosure law, should be presented by senior officials in he said. executive, legislative and judicial branches Every official should submit his or her about their finances, which could be cash financial disclosure statement within 60 or real estate, in and outside Kuwait, said days of appointment, at end of every Saleh Al-Tunaib, Director of PACA’s three years, and 90 days after leaving the Financial Disclosure Statements job, Tunaib said. The financial disclosure Department . law aimed at protecting public funds, Speaking in a seminar about fighting fighting illegal profiteering and prevent- corruption at Kuwait Journalists ing corruption, he added. — KUNA Kuwaiti industrialists eye int’l cooperation

KUWAIT: Kuwaiti industrialists are interest- Saleh said that Kuwait was eager to cooper- ed in collaborating with international ate with UNIDO to develop the country’s experts to bring more development to the industrial field. The cooperation with UNIDO country, Minister of Finance and Acting will help provide expertise that will eventu- Minister Commerce and Industry Anas Al- ally lead to high-quality Kuwaiti products, Saleh said yesterday. Saleh said, adding that his meeting with the Speaking after his meeting with Director UN official focused on reinforcing coopera- General of the United Nations Industrial tion with Kuwait in the small-medium indus- Development Organization (UNIDO) Li Yong, trial projects domain. — KUNA LOCAL THURSDAY, APRIL 16, 2015

KUWAIT: Mariam Ali and Zain Great Idea program participants pose for a group photo. —Photos by Yasser Al-Zayyat A band performs during the event. Zain Great Idea participants pitch their projects to local investors

KUWAIT: Zain, the leading telecommunications company Zain Demo Day represented the final phase of the Zain’s long way to reach the final phase of Zain Great Idea III, your in Kuwait, recently concluded the final phase of the Zain accelerator program, in which participants were intro- efforts and hard work were exceptional throughout this Great Idea accelerator program, following remarkable duced to a number of investors and investment firms. The exciting journey, and today is a live proof of that.” efforts from the participants during the Zain Demo Day ZGI participants presented their newly launched projects Ali added: “Similar programs are specifically designed to event. as well as their refined existing businesses. This event turn dreams into reality, especially with young, promising, The event gathered a number of local investors who infused motivation and inspiration within each participant, and creative minds of our younger generation. Zain has viewed participants’ projects and ideas carefully and knowing that they can work hard and eventually pursue been long known for its community engagement on all showed great interest in them. Heading the attendees was their dreams. levels, and this program comes in line with the company’s Mariam Ali, Chief Commercial Officer of Zain Kuwait, Mariam Ali, Chief Commercial Officer of Zain Kuwait, along During her opening speech, Mariam Ali, Chief well-focused Corporate Social Responsibility strategy to gives her speech. with several other Zain executives. Commercial Officer of Zain Kuwait said: “We have come a enrich skills and thereby reach our core goal: fostering young talents today to contribute to our nation’s develop- ment tomorrow.” Ali further added: “This year’s program was focused on technology-related projects that provide creative technical solutions such as mobile applications and interactive web- sites that provide both commercial and social entrepre- neurship services, due to our belief that technology contin- ues to enrich the lives of people around the world.” “Zain Great Idea wouldn’t have accomplished this suc- cess without the support of our strategic partners; Brilliant Lab and Mind The Bridge. Their support had a significant impact to where the program has reached today” Ali stressed.

International experience Mariam Ali further stated that this year’s journey was ideal, whereby participants benefited from an international experience by visiting the ‘Mind the Bridge’ Foundation located in Silicon Valley, San Francisco. The experience cov- ered informative field trips to Google, LinkedIn, and other major tech companies’ headquarters and was comple- mented by daily seminars and courses delivered by inter- national speakers to prepare them in finalizing their proj- ects. Zain believes that its initiative works as a catalyst for companies to pursue a similar strategy in adopting and fostering young talents in expanding their skills to present a passionate and work-committed generation, who will certainly position Kuwait among the leading countries in terms of growth. It is worth mentioning that participants have under- gone four main phases in Zain Great Idea III. The first phase included registration and qualification of ideas, followed by the second phase which involved intensive Boot Camp training sessions. The third phase involved the projects acceleration phase at Silicon Valley, San Francisco, and finally concluding the program by meeting investors at Zain Demo Day. Since its initiation, Zain Great Idea received overwhelm- ing responses from youth, who received opportunities to turn small ideas into running and successful businesses today, due to undergoing proper and internationally certi- fied programs. Crime Report Gold smuggling bid foiled

By Hanan Al-Saadoun

KUWAIT: Saad Al-Abdullah Airport customs officers arrested an Indian man who arrived from another Gulf country with eight kilograms of gold he had hidden in his clothing and shoes. The gold was seized and sent along with the suspect to concerned authorities for investigations.

Fugitive escapes General security and detective patrols are search- ing for an ex-convict citizen after he stole an Asian man’s car and escaped, a security source said. The suspect exchanged fire with detectives two days ear- lier and was spotted in Taima, but the car he was driving flipped over, the source said. He then forced a civilian out of a sports-utility-vehicle (SUV) and escaped to Sulaibiya.

Homicide An expat woman threw herself from a high place. Criminal evidence and the prosecutor went to the scene and considered the case as a homicide. A Sri Lankan woman accused two men of snatching her purse which contained KD 150, a mobile and her civil ID. THURSDAY, APRIL 16, 2015 LOCAL PACI launches revamped Kuwait Finder mobile app English support enhanced

By Nawara Fattahova in English, as many users are non-Arab speakers. “Kuwait Finder Hierarchal search Condolence locations for men and women are shown separate- now supports both Arabic and English search and user interfaces. “Kuwait Finder now offers different ways to search for an ly. The user can enter the name of the deceased and the appli- KUWAIT: The Public Authority for Civil Information (PACI) Users can perform the search in either language, and the result will address by a new search function which allows the user to cation will show him the way to the place,” he pointed out. launched the second version of its Kuwait Finder app yesterday. be displayed in the language which was used in the application search by the descriptive way used in Kuwait by describing the This version fixes errors and shortcomings in the previous version, setup. Users can change the application language anytime from area, block, street and house number. Kuwait Finder also intro- Satellite imagery and also adds more features. This application is currently available the application settings without closing the application,” stressed duces a new intelligent way of search by supporting search by “Kuwait Finder has introduced a new functionality in addi- for the iPhone and will soon be available for Android as well. Asousi. PACI number, address description, search by establishment tion of displaying vector maps. This functionality displays high Over 200,000 people use the Kuwait Finder app. “This program name or search by economic activity. The search functionality resolution satellite image covering Kuwait, and the user can use is one of the most important achievements of PACI. Launching the Favorites supports full text search and/or partial search text search. satellite images to show search results,” said Asousi. second version of Kuwait Finder is part of PACI’s ambitions and “Kuwait Finder has also introduced a new functionality, which Kuwait Finder has also introduced the search near me function, Kuwait Finder has been awarded locally, regionally, and came as a response to the feedbacks and comments of the users. is the possibility to store favorite search results, and use these as any search function will consider the user location when internationally for its simplicity, functionality and services. The program also received many local, regional and international favorites on any device. A user can use his Facebook, Twitter or locating the search result,” stated Asousi. Kuwait Finder was awarded the best GIS mobile application in awards, and next week we will travel to Dubai to receive the latest email information to link his favorites with his profile. This feature “One of the new Kuwait Finder services is the display of 2013, won an excellence award at the GCC e-government award,” said Musaed Al-Asousi, General Director of PACI, during a is especially important for drivers and mandoubs (company repre- funeral information. This service is updated daily, and shows awards and the Sheikh Salem Al-Ali informatics award for press conference. sentatives),” he noted. the funeral information and the days of receiving condolences. mobile applications. Kuwait Finder was designed to meet the needs of all categories and public and private institutions. “We have currently connected 16 institutions, and we are still receiving connection demands. Unfortunately, we didn’t announce all the connections, but the pri- vate sector is highly benefiting from it. We aim to serve the com- munity through Kuwait Finder, especially with the bad traffic prob- lem,” he added.

Features Asousi also gave a presentation on the features of Kuwait Finder. “Navigation was one of the most demanded features according to users’ feedback. This is a new feature of Kuwait Finder, the provision of turn-by-turn navigation and voice guidance to reach the searched destination. Kuwait Finder uses two of the best navigation systems in the word - Here (previously NAVTEQ) and Google. The Here navigation system is used in most cars and GPS navigation systems,” he explained. The other most demanded feature was the language support Officer charged with child rape

By Meshaal Al-Enezi

KUWAIT: A National Guard officer was arrested for raping an 11- year-old Kuwaiti boy, said security sources. They noted that the sus- pect confessed after the boy identified him in a lineup. The incident comes two weeks after a policeman was arrested for raping a Syrian child in Fintas.

Cafe owner arrested The owner of an Ardiya cafe was arrested for luring female clients by offering them free shisha and beverages if they bring along more men and boyfriends. The suspect was seeking help to increase prof- its, said security sources.

Citizen shoots self A 49-year-old citizen was rushed to Adan Hospital in very critical condition after he shot himself in the head at his house in Dhaher, said security sources, noting that further investigations were in progress to determine the man’s motives.

Hit-and-run A child was rushed to hospital with serious injuries he sustained when a car ran him over in Farwaniya and fled the scene, leaving the child to bleed to death. A case was filed and a search is on for the driver. THURSDAY, APRIL 16, 2015 From the Arabic press

Al-Watan Al-Jarida Nothing new about conscription Controversy over Obama’s statements By Dr Hassan Jouhar Dr Shamlan Al-Essa ollowing three decades, the conscription law is back to public culture each and every citizen experiences on a daily one officer in charge of every hundred privates. This equa- the forefront under the name of ‘national military serv- basis and round the clock, in less than a year. The previous tion will be reversed in the Kuwaiti situation! Ever since the he clear and bold statements by US President Fice’, and the new law has supposedly avoided the pre- conscription law was actually a manifestation those nega- liberation, our defense strategy has been based on security Barak Obama to the New York Times, in which vious mistakes. It comes with a philosophy that would con- tive phenomena by making up excuses and using wasta agreements with UN Security Council’s permanent member The said the biggest danger threatening Sunni tribute to achieving more discipline and fighting negatives either to avoid the service, for unjustified absence or even states, costing billions of dollars. Yet, the new law is void of Arab allies is not an attack from Iran, rather it is anger practices. So will this law achieve its ideal goals of building a getting exempted from doing night shifts. In addition, the any remarks on reconsidering this strategy and nationaliz- in their countries, including the anger of unem- new generation devoted to defending the nation? refresher training courses were the opportunities to get ing it even gradually! ployed youth and the feeling of having no solution The 1977-1990 conscription experience was one of the paid leaves as no more that 5 percent of those listed actually Anyway, if national military service was a basic demand, to injustices. He also affirmed his country’s readiness most unsuccessful projects ever in Kuwait’s history and no attended them. and it is, we should have considered many other options like to defend its allies in the Gulf against any foreign official, conscript or subsidiary officer would ever accept Logistically speaking, it would be impossible to annually expanding voluntary enlistment and openings for more aggression and announced his country’s readiness to such failure to take place once more now after three receive thousands of high school graduates whose numbers high school graduates and less qualified youth to join the help its allies build their capabilities so that they feel decades. Honestly speaking, I do not find the new law very are rapidly increasing. If we assume that we will have 40,000 army and then setting less harsh conditions if they wish to confident towards protecting themselves against promising despite good intentions behind it. A general high school graduates by the end of this school year, and quit after serving a minimum of five years. We should not any aggression. review of the articles of this recently passed legislation sug- assuming that half of them are girls, this means that the bal- also prevent them from resuming their studies or finding This created a wide storm of rejection by the gests that it is nothing but a new addition to the ‘quantita- ance will still be way beyond the military institution’s capaci- other civil jobs. Doing so, our military will always be ready powers that already oppose the American policy in tive legislations’ the current parliament is so hastily keen on ty. The easiest way out of this would be deferral, and thus and the field experience of thousands of volunteers would the region. In Kuwait for example, former minster making to set records even if it is at the expense of quality. we will have more undergraduates taking into consideration be the nucleus of forming a complete subsidiary army. Abdelwahab Al-Wazzan considered the timing of the Adjusting an unsuccessful conscription law and avoiding that over 60 percent of high school graduates join universi- Despite the many remarks made about the new law and the statement as not appropriate and considered it as its flaws cannot be done through reducing the service peri- ties. fact that it is on its way to take effect, we hope that its prac- interference in the Gulf’s domestic affairs. Member of od. Conscripted youth cannot be ‘purified’ of the social neg- This huge number will surely confuse work in various tical follies would be immediately rectified in order to avoid the Islamic Constitutional Movement (Muslim ative phenomena that have actually become more like a military bases where the rules necessitate the presence of previous failure.—Translated by Kuwait Times Brotherhood) in Kuwait Mohammad Al-Dallal said Obama’s latest statement is highly controversial, because on one hand, he promised to protect Gulf countries against danger, and on the other, it is America that allied with Iran to govern Iraq and allowed the resultant sectarianism, tyranny and extremism take hold. Meanwhile former Salafist min- ister Ahmad Baqer said: How can he scare us from the domestic situation and he is not scared of Iran’s control. It is very clear that some political powers in the Gulf, especially the political Islam powers, are not ready to listen to the realistic views that are in the interest of the US, Gulf countries and their people. What President Obama said is in our interest in the long run, as he affirmed very clearly that the US is an ally of the Gulf countries and will side by them against any foreign aggression, but as for domestic issues and problems, they are to be dealt with by governments and their people. And all what he asked the youth for is to solve their many internal problems including the issue of extremism and exaggeration in religion and terrorism. And this is an issue that needs deep-rooted solu- tions by the Gulf countries, which is changing educa- tion curricula and putting an end to the exaggera- tions of clergymen in mosques, and most important- ly to adopt a policy of cultural openness to distance the people of the region from religious extremism. What the president said about unemployment and treatment of Arab youth’s anger and their feel- ing of isolation because of not involving them in their countries’ issues, marginalizing them and not taking care of them is true, and Gulf countries are trying to deal with this but their steps towards reform are slow and hesitant. The United States as a democratic superpower has its political leadership under pressure from Congress to adopt the demo- cratic openness policy and take interest in human rights all over the globe and not Arabs in the Gulf alone. The US State Department’s annual reports on human rights in our countries must be respected and should improve the situation for citizens and expatriates. If Gulf countries and political Islam pow- ers had taken care of citizenry issues and cared for the conditions of Shiites and other minorities, we would not have seen the emergence of the sectarian problem in our countries. We should deal with our issues by boosting national unity and citizens’ rights so not to allow Iran or others to interfere in our inter- nal affairs. —Translated by Kuwait Times

Crime Report

Hash farm found in Khaitan KUWAIT: Drugs Control General Department officers discovered a hashish farm owned by a citizen in Khaitan. Residents reported a strong smell of hashish coming from a neighborhood. So a team was formed to search for the source and located a farm, then obtained a war- rant and raided it. The authorities found 33 plants in two tents being cared for by the suspect, who along with the plants were sent to concerned authorities.

Women beaten up A woman and her daughters were allegedly beaten up by a group of three bedoon girls in Jahra. The woman took her daughters to the police station with medical reports stating their injuries. They said that the three girls physically attacked and insulted them. The case was referred to detectives for further investigations.

Wanted woman caught Capital patrols arrested a woman in her sixties want- ed on several cases. A patrol car approached the woman who was in her car to find out whether she was in need of help, then when asked why she was parked in that spot, she did not answer. Policemen checked on her identity and found out that she is wanted for six cases including a debt of KD 28,466 to one of the banks. She was sent to concerned authorities.

Sheep drown Five Iranian sailors were rescued while 461 sheep drowned as a wooden ship sank near Ouhah island while heading to Kuwait at dawn Tuesday. A source at Shuwaikh port said that the skipper of a boat noticed the sinking of the ship and heard SOS cries, so he called authorities while helping the sailors until the arrival of the Coast Guard who saved the sailors. Unfortunately, nothing could be done to res- cue the drowning sheep. The sailors were sent to concerned authorities.

Romeo beats woman A man punished a citizen who rejected his advance- ments by violating and beating her. The woman was sur- prised by a car following her then the driver harassed her and asked her to take his number but she refused. A security source said the suspect refused to leave her alone, forced her to stop, caressed and beat her before speeding off in his car. The woman gave police the license plate number and filed a complaint. THURSDAY, APRIL 16, 2015

Calgary imams Immigrants close shops as anti-foreigner violence rages in S Africa fight back against jihad recruitment Page 10 Page 11 India builds first ‘smart’ city Urban population to rise to 814 million by 2050

GANDHINAGAR: India’s push to accommo- that needs to happen because nobody wants a as the smart city is called, will double up as a Mumbai gridlocked by traffic and hampered by McKinsey and Company, India. date a booming urban population and attract risky proposition,” he told Reuters, stressing the financial hub, with tax and other breaks to lure poor infrastructure and a lack of amenities like He added that new cities would be only a investment rests in large part with dozens of need for detailed planning. To build smart banks, brokerages and other businesses. parks and effective public transport. Yet some small part of the solution relative to brownfield “smart” cities like the one being built on the cities, India allocated 60 billion rupees ($962 Developed in partnership with IL&FS experts believe that building new cities may projects. India has built planned cities in the dusty banks of the Sabarmati river in western million) in its annual federal budget for the Engineering and Construction, it aims to com- not be the answer to India’s swelling urban past, including Chandigarh, designed by French India. So far, it boasts modern underground financial year starting April 1, even as it spent pete with India’s own financial capital of population. architect Le Corbusier, and Gandhinagar itself. infrastructure, two office blocks and not much just a fraction of last year’s allocation of 70.6 bil- Mumbai as well as overseas rivals like Dubai “To address India’s urbanization challenge But the scale of its current push is unprecedent- else. The plan, however, is for a meticulously lion rupees, said Shah. and Singapore. Pressure on India’s existing we have to start looking at our existing cities,” ed. A bird’s eye view from atop one of the two planned metropolis complete with gleaming Gujarat International Finance Tec-City (GIFT), urban centers is already intense, with cities like said Shirish Sankhe, director at consultant office buildings on the 886-acre GIFT site, a ven- towers, drinking water on tap, automated ture which began when Modi was chief minis- waste collection and a dedicated power sup- ter of Gujarat, shows little sign yet of the 9 bil- ply - luxuries to many Indians. With an urban lion rupees spent on the first phase. But the population set to rise by more than 400 mil- sandy plain hides infrastructure including an lion people to 814 million by 2050, India faces underground tunnel for utilities, a first in India. the kind of mass urbanization only seen before in China, and many of its biggest cities What makes a city smart? are already bursting at the seams. Ahead of his The government has yet to decide what election last May, Prime Minister Narendra exactly will make a city “smart”, but the program Modi promised 100 so-called smart cities by is expected to include building new centers as 2022 to help meet the rush. well as adapting existing ones. A detailed defi- At a cost of about $1 trillion, according to nition with guidelines is due soon, said the estimates from consultants KPMG, the plan is National Institute of Urban Affairs’ Shah. also crucial to Modi’s ambition of attracting Existing cities like Dholera and Surat in Gujarat, investment while providing jobs for the million and Visakhapatnam in the east, have already or more Indians who join the workforce every begun work to transform into smart cities with month. His grand scheme, still a nebulous con- help from companies such as Microsoft Corp, cept involving quality communications and IBM Corp and Cisco Systems. infrastructure, is beginning to take shape out- Beyond GIFT, greenfield projects are likely to side Gandhinagar, capital of the state of face hurdles including land acquisition rights Gujarat, with the first “smart” city the govern- and lengthy approval processes, as well as find- ment hopes will provide a model for India’s ing the right location. GIFT has the advantage urban future. “Most (Indian) cities have not of being flanked by a river on one side and a been planned in an integrated way,” said Jagan national highway on the other, and also sits Shah, director of the National Institute of Urban between Gujarat’s political capital of Affairs which is helping the government set Gandhinagar and its business hub of guidelines for the new developments. Ahmedabad, with a large international airport. Among the challenges to getting new cities The key, experts say, is time. “Physical master built or existing cities transformed is the lack of planning takes time. Complexity is built into experts who can make such huge projects work this. And my sense is it is probably going to and attracting private finance. “To get the pri- take longer than what most people think,” said vate sector in, there is a lot of risk mitigation OTTAWA: Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi arrives in Ottawa, Canada for the first stop on his 3-day visit to Canada. — AFP McKinsey’s Sankhe. — Reuters INTERNATIONAL THURSDAY, APRIL 16, 2015

Voices of Holocaust survivors fading, 70 years on WASHINGTON: Holocaust survivor France, as his family evaded deportation number of survivor funerals she has and resources like the ID cards will soon people. Only about 80 survivors attend- Albert Garih has recounted his traumat- to the notorious Nazi concentration attended. The passage of time is heavily be the only way to tell these stories, as ed an anniversary event on Saturday. ic experience during World War II count- camps. The liberation of Paris in August felt, she says.”I think both the museum the survivors themselves will be gone. From the work of museums to projects less times. But as the 76 year old ages, 1944 is still fresh in his mind, even and the survivors feel a sense of According to the Auschwitz-Birkenau like the University of Southern California he acknowledges he doesn’t have much though he was only a boy. “We saw the urgency-an urgency to provide oppor- State Museum, this year will be the last Shoah Foundation started by Oscar-win- longer to share his powerful story. As tanks, the jeeps, the soldiers with friend- tunities for the survivors to share their major anniversary with a sizable num- ning director Steven Spielberg, there the world marks the 70th anniversary of ly faces giving chewing gum, giving cig- experiences, to make sure that we’ve ber of living survivors. “We have to say it have been tremendous efforts to record the end of World War II, these eyewit- arettes and giving chocolate. You know documented as many Holocaust stories clearly: it is the last big anniversary that survivor stories. The Holocaust Museum nesses to history-some of them volun- they were our liberators, literally,” Garih as we can,” Saltzman said. “The museum we can commemorate with a numerous in Washington has plans for a new facili- teers at the US Holocaust Memorial said. The retired translator, who lives in is in a race against time.” The emphasis group of survivors,” museum director ty to house its collection of artifacts Museum-are even more acutely aware the Washington suburbs, is one of about at the Holocaust museum is on the peo- Piotr Cywinski said in an interview pub- from around the world, which they of their role in keeping the tales alive. 60 active survivor volunteers at the ple who experienced it. lished on its website. expect to double in size over the next “We’re not going to be immortal... so we museum in the US capital who primarily Survivor volunteers man a desk in decade. And while the survivors can have to live with that and that’s why it’s lead tours and translate documents. the lobby, and are at the ready to talk Documents live on never be replaced, Saltzman said she so important to pass the message to the with anyone who has a question, or just About 300 survivors attended the trusts in the institution to keep their next generations,” Garih, a French ‘Race against time’ wants to listen. January event marking of the liberation memories alive. “We leave it to the arti- national and long-time US resident said In the past few years, director of sur- Visitors can pick up “Identity Cards” at of Auschwitz, down from around 1,500 a facts, we leave it to the documents to be in an interview. vivor affairs Diane Saltzman-who has the beginning of their tour and follow decade ago. The liberation of the voices that are left behind when the Born in 1938, Garih spent his child- worked at the Holocaust museum since the life, or death, of a real person as they Buchenwald concentration camp in survivors’ voices themselves are hood hiding in various locations around 1996 — has noticed an increase in the move through the museum. Artifacts Germany on April 11, 1945 freed 21,000 silent.”— AFP

World powers turn screw on Yemen’s Houthi rebels

UNITED NATIONS: World powers united monarchies plus Egypt, Jordan, Morocco against Yemen’s Houthi rebels Tuesday, and Sudan. The UN resolution puts hitting them with a United Nations arms Houthi leader Abdulmalik Al-Huthi and embargo and new United States sanc- ex-president Ali Abdullah Saleh’s eldest tions. The UN Security Council vote son, Ahmed, on a sanctions list. They are came after Iran, which is accused of now under a global travel ban and mem- backing the rebels, proposed a ceasefire ber states are required to freeze any followed by foreign-mediated talks. The assets. The Houthis have allied with Houthi revolt has forced President troops still loyal to Saleh, who was Abedrabbo Mansour Hadi to flee the forced from power in 2012 following a impoverished Arab state and threatens year of nationwide protests. Russia had to provoke a humanitarian disaster. said both sides should mark a pause in The conflict has also further height- fighting for humanitarian reasons, but ened tensions in the broader Middle the final resolution did not include such East, with Saudi Arabia accusing Iran of a demand. Instead, it instructed UN fomenting the rebellion. A Saudi-led Secretary General Ban Ki-moon to inten- coalition of Sunni-led states has sify efforts to negotiate a ceasefire, with- launched air strikes against the Shiite out criticizing Saudi action. rebels, and the civilian death toll is mounting. The UN Security Council Tehran calls for talks responded by slapping an arms embar- Tehran strongly denies Saudi claims go on the Houthis and demanding their that it has armed the Houthis, and fighters withdraw from the capital Yemen was already one of the world’s Sanaa. Separately, the United States most heavily-armed societies. Hadi, who demanded that Iran obey the embargo has taken refuge in Riyadh, is still consid- and added two top figures in the rebel- ered the legitimate head of state by the lion to its sanctions blacklist. Iran, mean- United Nations. Saudi jets pounded while, was working on its own plan to rebel positions again overnight in Aden, end the conflict, proposing a negotiated where Hadi had taken refuge before peace plan that would lead to a power- fleeing the country last month. Rival sharing government. forces also clashed in several central dis- tricts of the battleground city, residents ALEPPO: Photo shows Syrians inspecting a destroyed car after an airstrike, in Ansari neighborhood in Aleppo, Syria. — AP Saudi air strikes said. Saudi Arabia, which is determined to UN rights chief Zeid Ra’ad Al Hussein punish the Shiite rebels on its borders warned that attacks on hospitals and Fighting adds to plight for driving its ally from Sanaa, will give on civilians unconnected to the fight- that short shrift. Saudi spokesman ing were war crimes. “Any suspected Brigadier General Ahmed Al-Assiri told breach of international law must be reporters the UN resolution shows the urgently investigated,” he said. Before of destitute refugees world supports the Saudi-led interven- the latest chaos, Yemen had been a US tion. “The United Nations vote today was ally in the fight against Al-Qaeda, allow- a victory for the Yemen citizens before ing Washington to carry out drone anyone else,” he said, adding the Council strikes. US special forces have with- Camp - a symbol of Syria’s devastation “sees the dangers in Yemen.” The UN drawn from the country since the gov- Security Council resolution was the first ernment fell, but strikes continue even BEIRUT: A bout of fighting between militants get up. Why get up only to regret it?” said the waving Palestinian flags, held a protest inside formal action by the body since the start as Al-Qaeda and the Houthis clash. Al- over control of the Yarmouk refugee camp on mother, who asked that her name not be used. the camp. “It was a show of steadfastness by the of Saudi air strikes on March 26. Iran’s Qaeda in the Arabian Peninsula said its the edge of Damascus has only compounded The camp was home to some 160,000 people of Yarmouk, not to leave unless to go ally Russia abstained in the vote, but did ideological leader Ibrahim Al-Rubaish the misery of residents already suffering from Palestinians before the Syrian conflict began in back to Palestine,” one protester said. The 40- not veto it, allowing the other 14 mem- had been killed in a “crusader” drone acute shortages of food, clean water and power. 2011, refugees from the 1948 war of Israel’s year-old mother also said she did not want to bers of the council to pass the resolu- strike on Monday. Rubaish spent sever- The camp, set up in 1957 to house Palestinians, founding and their descendants. Most have leave, despite fighting hunger and a bout of has become a symbol of the desperate plight of now left. The Syrian government said on jaundice. She feared she would be arrested by tion. al years in the US military prison in people in rebel-held territory since the Syrian Tuesday only 6,000 remained. Syrian security agents. Many feel that way in Tehran’s Shiite Islamist government Guantanamo and has become a key tar- government laid siege to it in 2013. Fighters Yarmouk, she said. “There are many young men has condemned the Saudi-led strikes. get since he returned to the battlefield from the hardline Islamic State attacked the Double-edged sword who are stuck - they defected (from the army) Iranian Foreign Minister Mohammad in Yemen. camp earlier this month, leading to a round of UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon said last and now regret it.” She never caught sight of the Javad Zarif, addressing reporters in In Washington, a senior US official clashes with other militants. week that residents “face a double-edged sword militants herself but heard the clashes. “They Madrid, said world powers should refused to comment on the strike, but Most Islamic State fighters had withdrawn on - armed elements inside the camp, and govern- didn’t knock on doors or storm anyone’s house,” instead back Tehran’s peace plan. “I pro- confirmed that the US has “capabilities Wednesday after largely defeating their rival, ment forces outside”. In a school outside the she said. posed a ceasefire followed by all inclu- postured in the area.” “As we have in the the Hamas-linked Aknaf Al Maqdis, leaving the camp, families from Yarmouk spoke to Reuters More than 220,000 people have been killed sive Yemeni dialogue that is facilitated past, we will take action to disrupt con- Al-Qaeda-affiliated Nusra as the main group in about how they escaped. “We heard that in Syria’s civil war, which began when protests by others,” he said. This could lead, he tinuing, imminent threats to the United the camp. The respite may bring only a small (Islamic State) were breaking walls and there inspired by the Arab Spring uprisings erupted in argued, “to the formation of a govern- States and our citizens,” he said. measure of comfort to residents. “We lack every- were clashes. We did not know anything. When March 2011 and were repressed by security ment in Yemen that represents a broadly Separately, a US official said Tuesday thing, even the lowest standards of living,” a 40- they came closer, people said they were killing forces. An array of rebel groups, some of them based community.” The Houthis, drawn that hundreds of American citizens and year-old mother of two told Reuters by phone women and children,” said a Palestinian woman, hardline jihadists such as Islamic State, are now from Yemen’s Shiite Zaidi minority, their families have fled Yemen on for- from inside Yarmouk. Bread smuggled in to the who asked to remain anonymous. Another fighting the government, and sometimes each stormed Sanaa in September 2014, eign ships, joining an exodus of terri- camp is sometimes sold at 170 times its normal woman, clutching a newborn child, said she other. About four million Syrians are now regis- sweeping south from their highland fied people fleeing the conflict. Those price, the woman said. Water tanks look like thought she would die before she escaped. tered by the United Nations as refugees in other stronghold. Undaunted by the Saudi escaping the violence have been dirty swamps. “During the last hours we lived in a real misery countries and about 6.5 million are internally bombardment, they have since seized brought to safety on board Indian, The power grid does not work, nor taps in we lost hope to stay alive. We waited for death displaced within the country. Children in swathes of the country, bringing intense Korean and Russian ships sailing from houses. Residents have learnt to draw small with our children.” Yarmouk cannot recall life free of war. “Our chil- fighting to the port city of Aden. Yemen across a narrow channel of the amounts of electricity from phone lines to run Not all of Yarmouk’s residents have fled. Last dren don’t know what fruit looks like,” the 40- small lights at night. “Sometimes, I don’t want to Sunday, several dozen men and women, some year-old mother said. — Reuters The air campaign was launched by Red Sea, only 30 kilometers wide, to Saudi Arabia and a coalition of five Gulf Djibouti in the Horn of Africa.— AFP Mine chiefs on trial over Turkey’s Soma tragedy

AKHISAR: Eight former managers from the mine ment asked for 25 year sentences for each of the I know the likelihood of a fire was next to none. I where Turkey’s worst industrial disaster occurred in eight, multiplied 301 times for every victim. This believe it is sabotage.” Gurkan defended his widely- May 2014 appeared in court yesterday on murder would result in a total sentence for each of 7,525 pilloried conduct in the aftermath of the disaster, charges, with prosecutors demanding they spend years in prison. They also face three-year sentences saying he did not go to the site because of the risk the rest of their lives in jail. Three-hundred-and-one for each of the more than 160 wounded. The terms from “provocateurs”. The other 37 suspects also face workers were killed in the disaster at the Soma coal of the indictment were confirmed at yesterday’s hefty sentences on charges of homicide by negli- mine in western Turkey that exposed horrendous hearing. gence. The eight main suspects are under arrest safety shortcomings in the country’s mining indus- while the others are free but under judicial supervi- try. A total of 45 suspects are on trial over the ‘May they burn’ sion. The trial is being heard around 50 kilometers tragedy but eight former managers from the Soma Disputing the conclusions of prosecutors over from Soma in western Turkey by a court in the town Komur group that ran the mine have been accused how the fire started, Gurkan said: “To date, I still of Akhisar specially created in a cultural centre to of “killing with probable criminal intent” and face have no idea why this accident happened. “As far as cope with the scale of the process. —AFP sentences of thousands of years each. The eight, who include former chief executive Can Gurkan and general manager Ramazan Dogru, were not brought to court on the first day of the tri- al on Monday for security reasons. However this infuriated the relatives of the victims and the judge rapidly adjourned the trial, ruling the eight should appear before the court. The eight arrived at the court in the early morning, entering by the back door and protected by 250 members of the security forces, police said. Some 3,000 members of the security forces were on duty around the courthouse to ensure order. In his initial testimony read by a clerk, Gurkan said he could not be held responsible for the safety problems at the mine. “I am not an engineer, a technician or a work- place safety expert. I am just an executive and as I have no technical expertise I cannot be held responsible for the accident,” he said. Prosecutors say the miners were killed after inhaling gas and ADEN: A Shiite Houthi rebel loads an artillery shell into a tank near the airport in the toxic smoke from the fire which was caused when southern Yemeni city of Aden yesterday as Saudi-led coalition air strikes continue to an abandoned pile of coal left next to an electrical strike rebel targets in the conflict ridden city. — AFP transformer caught fire. Prosecutors in their indict- MANISA: Photo shows closed tunnels of the Soma Komur Grup coal mine in Manisa. — AFP INTERNATIONAL THURSDAY, APRIL 16, 2015 US military ‘not ready’ to wage digital attack WASHINGTON: The US military is well support more investment in cyber com- equipped to defend the country against mand as needed, he added. Carter is cyberattacks but is not yet ready to wage reviewing a new cyber strategy for the mili- digital warfare, a senior defense official told tary that is due to be released next week, lawmakers on Tuesday. The military’s cyber he said. Cyber command, in preparing command, created in 2009, lacks the means options for offensive digital operations, was to lead an offensive campaign in a fast- prepared to go after some civilian targets, moving digital conflict, said Eric Rosenbach said, “but in a very precise and Rosenbach, the Pentagon’s principal advis- confined way.” Any offensive action would er on cyber security. adhere to the laws of war and seek to avoid Asked by Senator Bill Nelson if the com- causing civilian casualties, he said. mand lacks the computer network infra- But in response to questions from law- structure to carry out a cyber offensive makers on what a possible offensive opera- “effectively,” Rosenbach said: “Yes, they cur- tion might entail, Rosenbach said he would rently do not have a robust capability.” But prefer to discuss the subject in a closed when it comes to defending US networks, door, classified hearing. Experts and former “we are in good shape,” he told a Senate officials have cited the computer worm Armed Services subcommittee on emerg- Stuxnet that disrupted Iran’s nuclear pro- ing threats. His comments were unusual gram in 2010 as an example of a suspected because officials previously have suggest- joint US-Israeli digital operation. US cyber ed the military was ready to lead an offen- command is supposed to create a force of sive digital campaign if necessary. about 6,000 personnel for all the branches Rosenbach told senators there was no of the armed forces. The Pentagon recently shortage of resources or funding for cyber said it hoped to reach that by 2016 but command but there were technical and Rosenbach said the military will not meet manpower problems that had to be tack- that objective until 2018. He blamed auto- led. Pentagon chief Ashton Carter was fol- matic budget cuts in recent years that had lowing the issue closely and was ready to undermined training efforts.—AFP US woman helped starve boy to rid him of ‘demon’ HAVANA: Two women wearing t-shirts with the US flag walk along a street of Havana. — AFP

DALLAS: A woman who operated a church just gave him some water, which ultimately at her suburban Dallas home has been caused the child to die.” Church member arrested for allegedly helping starve a 2- Nazareth Zurita said she saw the child Pollsters see weaker year-old boy to rid him of a “demon,” then “looking frail and weak” the day before the holding a resurrection ceremony shortly resurrection ceremony, according to a after he died to try to revive him, investiga- police affidavit. She said the toddler fell tors said Tuesday. Police believe the boy and hit his head several times, but she hesi- was dead during the ceremony but that his tated to help him “due to his demon pos- support for AK Party parents took his body to their native session.” Mexico for burial without reporting the Zurita said the next time she saw the death, said Balch Springs police Lt Mark child was the next day being held by Maret. church leader Daniel Meza, who was trying A blow to Erdogan’s ambition He said an anonymous tip about the to revive the boy through a miracle during ceremony at Araceli Meza’s home, where the ritual. Zurita said “it took her a while to ANKARA: Five Turkish polling companies have AKP’s share of the vote will drop by between 1 would win between 276 and 290 seats, with a several other church members also lived, figure out” the child was dead, according to predicted the ruling AK Party’s share of the vote and 8 percentage points from the 49.8 percent it fragile peace process with Kurdish militants and led to the investigation. He noted that the affidavit. Investigators believe the boy will drop in a June 7 parliamentary election, a garnered in 2011. Ozer Sancer, head of the signs of tensions within the leadership of the AK more arrests are likely. Meza was charged died on March 21 or early the next day, and blow to Tayyip Erdogan’s ambition of strength- Metropoll Research Center, said the AKP’s vote Party fuelling uncertainty. The fate of the Monday with injury to a child causing seri- that the ceremony was held March 22 at ening his presidential powers. Erdogan, who is had plummeted to 41.7 percent since Kurdish HDP will be critical, with all five pollsters ous bodily injury by omission. The 49-year- Meza’s home. “Apparently... they had a cere- no longer head of the party he founded but con- September, with the nationalist MHP opposition putting the party close to the 10 percent it old was being held on $100,000 bond at mony called ‘the rising,’ trying to resurrect tinues to dominate the political scene, wants a party the main beneficiary. Such a fall could would need to enter parliament. If it fails, its the local jail, where records didn’t list an the child back to life,” Maret said. Police crushing AKP victory to pave the way for a leave the AKP, which currently holds 312 seats, votes would be redistributed, favouring the AK attorney. No one answered the door went to the home to check on the boy, change in the constitution to create a presiden- short of the 276 needed for even a simple major- Party. “It is the first time 1 or 2 points are so Tuesday at her home in Balch Springs, whose name was not released, and discov- tial system. Pollsters say the AKP is on course for ity, according to Metropoll, raising the possibility important in elections. Once we take into about 15 miles east of Dallas, and phone ered his parents had returned to Mexico. far fewer parliamentary seats than the 400 tar- of a coalition government, something the AKP account error margins, we have to see HDP on calls to the home went unanswered. Another church member, Delia geted by Erdogan, with some saying voters are has managed to avoid so far. “Erdogan’s persist- 11.5 to 12 percent in order to say they are offi- Witnesses told police that Meza and the Guadalupe Oyervides Herrera, told police turned off by his desire for greater powers. The ence on the presidential system has no reciproci- cially over the line,” AG Research’s Gur said. Polls boy’s parents believed he had a “demon” she tried several times to feed the child party would need at least 330 seats to change ty in the votes ... It creates the impression of a from research companies GENAR and MAK put inside him, and that fasting was the way to during the 25-day fast, “but was scolded by the constitution and 367 seats to do so without different, more solitary regime, rather than a the AKP on between 47-48 percent of the vote, save him. “They didn’t give the child any the pastors of the church,” according to the a referendum. democracy,” Sancer told Reuters. also suggesting they could win fewer seats than food for about 25 days,” Maret said. “They affidavit. —AP Five different polling companies estimate the Adil Gur from AG Research forecast the AKP they currently hold. —Reuters INTERNATIONAL THURSDAY, APRIL 16, 2015 Britain Liberals pitch for election centre ground

LONDON: Britain’s Deputy Prime Minister we won’t allow Labor to borrow too much Nick Clegg set out the Liberal Democrats’ and risk our economy again,” he said. general election pitch yesterday, promising to be an anchor in another coalition gov- Five coalition ‘red lines’ ernment. “The Liberal Democrats will add a Clegg set out five headline manifesto heart to a Conservative government and we commitments to “fight tooth and nail for,” will add a brain to a Labor one,” Clegg said saying he would not stand for any coalition as he launched the party’s manifesto for the deal without them. He pledged “prosperity May 7 vote. The centrist Lib Dems are the for all” through eliminating the budget junior partners to Prime Minister David deficit and investing in a high-skill, low-car- Cameron’s centre-right Conservatives in the bon economy; and “fair taxes”, through rais- outgoing coalition government. ing the threshold for income tax to £12,500 Polls predict Clegg’s Liberals could lose ($18,400, 17,400 euros). The manifesto also around half their seats-but they may retain offered “opportunity for every child”, with enough to hold the balance of power once education funding from nursery to age 19 again. Clegg tried to position the Lib Dems and qualified teachers in every classroom; as the best of both worlds between the “our environment protected”, with laws to Conservatives and Ed Miliband’s centre-left protect nature and combat climate change; main opposition Labor Party. “Most people and “quality health care for all” by investing want a stronger economy and a fairer socie- £8 billion in state healthcare and treating ty and they’re fed up of having to choose mental health on an equal footing. one or the other. This manifesto proves you The 33,000-word manifesto is “an insur- don’t need to,” he said. ance policy against a government lurching CORIGLIANO: Rescued migrants line up after disembarking at the southern Italian port of Corigliano, Italy yesterday. — AP Clegg said either Cameron or Miliband off to the extremes”, he said. The latest BBC would become prime minister, but neither poll of polls puts the Liberal Democrats on could secure a majority in parliament. “So nine percent, behind Labour and the what really matters is who they will have by Conservatives on 34 percent and UKIP on Up to 400 migrants died their side,” the 48-year-old said. He raised 14 percent. The Lib Dems are defending 56 the prospect of the left-wing Scottish seats in parliament’s 650-member lower nationalists working with Labor, the pop- House of Commons. Pundits predict they ulist United Kingdom Independence Party are on course to win 20 to 30 this time. as boat capsize off Libya (UKIP) working with the Conservatives. “Or it Though they lost protest votes by entering could be me and the Liberal Democrats,” he government in 2010 after generations in said at the launch in a trendy arts space in opposition, Clegg said it had been worth it Battersea, south London. “We won’t allow because three quarters of their manifesto Tension mounts over a surge in boat arrivals the Conservatives to cut too much and became part of the government’s pro- jeopardize our schools and hospitals and gram. —AFP ROME: Up to 400 illegal migrants died after their around 8,500 migrants had been rescued at sea refugees,” Salvini said on Facebook. vessel capsized off the Libyan coast, said sur- between Friday and Monday, reigniting a debate With summer approaching-and more than vivors who were brought to Italy, where tension in Italy about whether the country has a duty to 500,000 people waiting to set out from Libya for is mounting over a surge in boat arrivals from house all new arrivals. Recent good weather in Europe according to EU border agency Frontex- North Africa. The Italian coastguard on Monday the Mediterranean has prompted a spike in the aid groups are warning Rome is not prepared to said they had managed to rescue 144 of the number of migrants attempting to reach Italy deal with the next wave of arrivals. Greece said people on the sunken vessel, while nine bodies aboard boats. An increasingly violent and chaot- Tuesday it was planning to set up reception cen- were also recovered. The International ic situation in Libya, a key jumping off point for ters on the mainland to deal with an influx of Organization for Migration and the charity Save migrants, has also helped prompt the hike in migrants arriving on its islands. The decision at the Children said between 144 and 150 survivors asylum seekers trying to make it to Europe. an emergency cabinet meeting chaired by Prime arrived at Reggio Calabria, on Italy’s southern tip, Minister Alexis Tsipras came after more than 700 on Tuesday morning. Row over migrant beds migrants and refugees, mainly Syrians and “There were 400 victims in this shipwreck, Italian authorities say more than 15,000 Africans, arrived in Greece between Friday and which occurred 24 hours after (their vessel) left migrants have arrived so far in 2015. There were Tuesday. the Libyan coast,” Save the Children said in a 15,000 in April alone last year and an average of Meanwhile, Frontex on Tuesday said human statement, citing survivors. “There were several 25,000 each month between June and traffickers had fired shots into the air to recover young males, probably minors, among the vic- September. Italy’s interior ministry has ordered a vessel that had been used to transport tims” and also children among those rescued, regional prefects to find emergency housing for migrants across the Mediterranean. The incident the international NGO said. IOM spokesman in 6,500 migrants-a move condemned by the happened on Monday when an Icelandic coast- Italy Flavio Di Giacomo told AFP several of the opposition, which argues the policy of rescuing guard vessel was rescuing 250 people from a survivors had told his organization there were immigrants encourages others to attempt the wooden boat some 60 nautical miles off Libya. It between 500 and 550 people on board when risky sea journey. was the second such incident this year after the the ship sank. “We are continuing to investigate Matteo Salvini, head of the anti-immigrant Italian coastguard was confronted by armed traf- LONDON: Britain’s Liberal Democrat leader Nick Clegg meets pupils at the Weston in order to understand how the shipwreck hap- Northern League, on Tuesday urged local offi- fickers in February, who ordered a boat be hand- Park Primary School, in London during a General Election campaign yesterday. — AP pened,” Di Giacomo said. cials not to cooperate. “I ask the League’s gover- ed over once the rescue operation was com- Initial investigations indicate the boat may nors, mayors, assessors and councilors to say no, plete. People smuggling remains a lucrative have capsized after passengers started moving with every means, to every new arrival. The business, with refugees and migrants rescued in In British election, a taste for when they saw the Italian rescue team. The lat- League is ready to occupy every hotel, hostel, the Mediterranean in February saying they paid the absurd brings some relief est tragedy came as Italian authorities said school or barracks intended for the alleged $500-$1,000 for their crossing. — AFP Bacon sandwich versus hot dog Political battles bring more LONDON: In an election that will shape the des- Miliband family home. Photographs showed Ed tiny of the United Kingdom, anguish over how and his wife Justine standing in a narrow, white to eat bacon sandwiches and hot dogs has kitchen drinking tea. A columnist at the Daily powers to England’s north brought a note of absurdity to the battle for Mail was appalled. “Not much prospect of a Downing Street. The May 7 vote could throw decent meal emanating from that mean, sterile, Britain’s membership of the European Union little box,” wrote Sarah Vine, also the wife of a into doubt or give Scottish nationalists, who most senior Conservative politician, Michael Greater Manchester gets new powers in cross-party deal want to break up the United Kingdom, the role Gove. The affair took a surreal turn when it was of kingmaker in the London parliament. For revealed that Miliband was actually in his sec- Prime Minister David Cameron and opposition ond kitchen, a small add-on reserved for making MANCHESTER: Despite being on opposite sides in Labor off balance But whatever Osborne’s motives, local Labor politi- Labor leader Ed Miliband, though, the struggle tea and quick snacks. Desperately trying to pro- Britain’s election campaign, city bosses from the Handing new powers to a city mostly run by the cians in Manchester have seized the opportunity to for power has brought an array of culinary, and tect his left-wing credentials, Miliband said he opposition Labor Party in Manchester have struck opposing party could be canny politics in the long grow their powers. “It’s not just pork barrel politics cutlery, challenges. rarely used the larger, more attractive kitchen in deals with the Conservative finance minister to run, said Rob Ford, a political scientist at the prior to election,” said Labor’s Peter Smith, chair of Since appearing to want to vomit while eat- his 2 million pound ($2.9 million) London house. give new powers and funds to England’s lagging University of Manchester. “He can credibly say ‘I did the Greater Manchester Combined Authority ing a bacon sandwich live on television last May, “Revealed: Ed’s two-kitchen secret,” splashed north. Known for tight-fisted austerity, George this even though there was nothing in it for me (GMCA), which includes 10 boroughs that cover an Miliband has repeatedly raised the issue on the Times. To outsiders, the island nation’s political Osborne has pledged to spend billions on roads politically’. That can cut through to voters and help area with 2.7 million people. “These are important campaign, even quipping that he could share discourse may seem bizarre. Having led one story and railways linking northern cities like regain their trust in the long term,” Ford said. “But schemes that will help northern cities and by doing one of Britain’s best loved breakfast treats with on a poll showing 71 percent of the population Manchester, Liverpool and Leeds to create a conur- also it throws Labor off balance on their home turf.” that help the country as a whole.” —Reuters Cameron. “I think if I had my time again, I would- were not interested in the leaders’ wives or their bation with the scale and resources to compete n’t eat a bacon sandwich live on TV,” Miliband kitchens, the Daily Mail devoted the rest of the with London. told a magazine as he set out his bid to follow article to ranking the wives and their kitchens. More radically, in a proposal that could alter the Winston Churchill and Margaret Thatcher. “But “One interior designer said the Clegg kitchen was way Britain has been run for generations, he has the election is not a bacon sandwich-eating ‘middle of the road’... and in need of refreshing,” it also entrusted the Labor-led city of Manchester competition. I probably wouldn’t win if it was.” said of the leader of the smaller Liberal Democrat with unprecedented control over billions of Determined to avoid what the media called party, Deputy Prime Minister Nick Clegg. pounds of funds, to administer services previously “Ed Miliband’s bacon sandwich incident”, directed from London and decide their own strate- Cameron used a knife and fork to eat a hot dog ‘Beer and fags’ gic priorities. Ahead of next month’s election, the at a barbecue on one campaign visit. For the One politician who rarely brings his family confused, the Daily Mail explained that the into politics is Nigel Farage, the leader of the plans have wrongfooted Labor politicians in the prime minister, educated at the country’s most United Kingdom Independence Party (UKIP) who capital, who say they support them in principle famous school and a distant relative of the has spent much of the campaign in the pub. even as they denounce what they describe as queen, had a “chequered history with hot dogs”. Farage, a 51-year-old former commodities trader, Osborne’s cynical motives and his cost-cutting “In 2010 he caused offence on a visit to New likes to portray himself as a man of the people, record. York when he asked for a plain sausage, without with a pint of beer in one hand and a cigarette in “What this is about from George Osborne is his even onions,” it wrote. “And in March 2012 he the other. His party has suspended or expelled own political positioning and his attempt to was said to have tried eating one sideways while some members for racist comments while Farage rebrand himself and his party,” said Lucy Powell, at a basketball game with President Obama.” himself has been attacked for criticizing foreign Labor member of parliament for Manchester HIV sufferers and “ostentatious” breastfeeding. Central, who nevertheless said she fully supported Kitchen-gate One UKIP candidate was reported to have been the measures. Labor have now come up with their With the choice of Britain’s leader resting at replaced after writing on Facebook that Israel own plans to give more powers to England’s least partly on their table manners, the Labor should kidnap Obama for declassifying U.S. doc- regions. But the package agreed for Manchester party invited the television cameras into the uments on Israel’s nuclear program. —Reuters has put Osborne ahead of the curve on an agenda that has gained momentum since last year, when both main parties promised new powers to Scotland to persuade it to stay part of the United JOHANNESBURG: A local taxi driver pelts with stones a man on the ground during a confronta- Kingdom in a referendum. tion with foreign nationals in the Johannesburg Central Business District yesterday. — AFP Image problem Immigrants shut shops in S Africa There is little doubt that Osborne is trying to tackle the Conservatives’ image problem among as anti-foreigner violence rages urban northern voters, many of whom have seen the Conservatives since the days of Margaret JOHANNESBURG: Immigrants in downtown people are coming to town ... to kill every for- Thatcher as a party representing England’s richer Johannesburg, South Africa’s biggest com- eigner on the road”. south. Some of the closest-fought contests that mercial city, shut their shops yesterday as a One shopkeeper selling shoes, kept his could determine the outcome of next month’s wave of anti-foreigner violence that has killed shop open. “The guys are scared that is why election will be in northern districts, with some four people near the city of Durban threat- they are closing,” said the shop owner who Conservative candidates protecting tiny majorities. ened to spread, police said. South Africa has said he was Pakistani and gave his name as Manchester itself is out of play. Like those of other erected safe camps in Durban, a key port on Rashid. On the street outside a row of shut- major northern cities, its seats are impregnably South Africa’s Indian Ocean coast, for fleeing tered shops, a tall muscular man, who said he held by Labor, while Osborne himself is elected to immigrants, whose shops were looted and was Ethiopian, gave his first name as David the House of Commons from a rich suburb nearby burnt in the two-week old violence. and said “We are ready, we will fight.” that is safely Conservative. There were no reports of looting or vio- South Africa, with a population of about 50 But his overture could help Osborne personally lence in Johannesburg, the epicenter of the million, is home to an estimated 5 million whether or not it helps his party win: if the 2008 xenophobic attacks that killed more immigrants. Unemployment is around 25 per- Conservatives lose, he is a leading candidate to than 60 people. cent and youth joblessness is nearer to 40 succeed Prime Minister David Cameron as party “Foreigners in Johannesburg have been percent. Some politicians and residents say leader, and having appeal in the north would observed closing their shops. We don’t know some of the immigrants are in the country help. He has made sure that the policy on the why but police are keeping an eye on the situ- illegally and accused them of committing north is closely associated with him personally, ation,” Johannesburg police spokesman crimes and taking over local shops and jobs. LONDON: The Labor Party’s prospective parliamentary candidate for Camberwell making numerous speeches and posing in front Wayne Minnaar said. A mobile phone text Some foreign nationals say they are legally in and Peckham, Harriet Harman (right) meets with mothers and babies during a visit of a train named “Northern Powerhouse” to mark message sent to shop owners warned them the country, running businesses to provide to Stockwell Gardens Nursery on a campaign event to launch Labor’s women’s mani- the electrification of the Manchester Airport- to shut their premises, claiming that “Zulu services for the residents. — Reuters festo in south London yesterday. — AFP Liverpool line. INTERNATIONAL THURSDAY, APRIL 16, 2015 Calgary imams fight back against Islamic State recruitment

CALGARY: A group of Calgary imams is marking the downtown,” his mother Christianne Boudreau said. He first line of defense at the foot of the Rocky Mountains joined an extremist cell whose leader was being moni- against the Islamic State group’s recruitment of tored by Canada’s spy agency, the Canadian Security Canadians as fighters. Several imams issued a religious Intelligence Service. “They were a dozen young people edict against IS jihadists last month, denouncing its in the group, sons of immigrants or religious converts. threats against Canada and its online recruitment after They all went to Syria,” said Boudreau, leafing through a dozens of Canadians-mostly from Calgary-traveled to letter from CSIS telling the grieving mother they did all Syria to join their cause. they could to try and stop her son from leaving Canada. In the fatwa, the imams urge Muslim youths to shun The population of Alberta province is just under four the sway of the IS group, which they accuse of having million, or about 10 percent of the Canadian total. Yet a violated Islamic tenets “in the most horrific and inhu- large proportion of Canadian jihadists originate there. mane way.” “Some Muslims, having the fatwa against Boudreau thinks one reason is the “easy money” to be them, they will have second thoughts” before seeking made in Alberta’s oil fields, in order to pay for travel or to join an extremist group, said Khalil Khan, president facilitate terrorist activities. Many young people work in of Calgary’s Al Madinah Islamic center. “(They) will won- the oil patch of the isolated northern Boreal forest, der if this is right or wrong.” Khan is one of 37 imams where they can earn quick and easy cash. “You can work and religious scholars from across Canada, plus one in relative anonymity, you live in a work camp, and you from Texas, who endorsed the fatwa. can accumulate suitcases of money over a short period,” The edict was motivated by a wave of recruitment, according Rod Knecht, chief of police in Alberta’s capital as at least a dozen people have left the oil-rich Edmonton, where several recruits have also come from. province of Alberta to fight with the Islamic State Michael Zehaf-Bibeau, a Muslim convert who group abroad. The call comes in the wake of the stormed Canada’s parliament last October, had January 2014 death of Damian Clairmont, a 22-year- worked in the oil patch, hoping to raise enough mon- old Calgary man who was enticed to join the extremist ey to travel to Libya to join jihadists. His attack, he group and who became the first Canadian casualty in CALGARY: Imam Azfar Ayub Qadri leads the Muslim prayer in the Al Madinah Islamic center in said, was in retaliation for the West’s military deploy- the IS push to carve out an Islamic “caliphate” in the Calgary, Alberta. The Muslim community has rapidly increased in the economic area of Alberta in ment in Afghanistan and Iraq, including Canada’s. Middle East. Zaheera Tariq, a director of the Al the past years, from about 35,000 believers in 1995 to 120,000 in 2015. — AFP There has been no reaction from the Islamic State Madinah mosque, told AFP that recruits are being ing religious education gap facing Muslims whose enlarge the mosque and add space to accommodate group to the Canadian imams’ fatwa against them, lured by misrepresentations of Islam. “It’s a lack of edu- numbers are soaring in Calgary. The city’s Muslim pop- some 800 students. but another militant group linked to Al-Qaeda has cation, a lack of knowledge,” she said, adding that ulation has increased fourfold in the past two decades called for attacks on Canada’s biggest mall in young people are “being influenced by those people to 120,000. In 2010, Naheed Nenshi became the first Oil to jihad Edmonton. In response, imams say Canadians-Muslim who are misrepresenting Islam, who are misquoting Muslim to be elected as mayor of a major Canadian The son of French-speaking Canadians, Clairmont or otherwise-need to remain vigilant. “ISIS, they’re so the Prophet.” She added: “They need to find proper city. “The Muslim population is growing rapidly in converted to Islam at the age of 17 following a failed strong, they’re killing people all around the world. It imams.” Gathered at the mosque, Tariq, Khan and oth- Calgary. That’s why we needed a bigger mosque,” Tariq suicide attempt. Three years later, he began showing wouldn’t be surprising if they would attack and hit ers say more resources are needed to address a grow- commented, pointing to construction underway to signs of radicalization. “He met someone and moved here,” said imam Azfar Ayub Qadri. — AFP Flowers, tears as families mourn S Korea ferry dead

JINDO: More than 100 relatives of victims of ing after tossing their flowers into the water, South Korea’s Sewol ferry disaster tearfully cast along with yellow paper boats and sweets and flowers into the sea yesterday at an emotional snacks that their children liked. “I cried a lot memorial event on the eve of the tragedy’s first today,” said Jang Hoon, 45, who lost his student anniversary. In bright sunshine and on a calm son. “It was a difficult trip. I couldn’t stop thinking sea, the relatives were taken by boat to the large about my son’s face the whole time.” yellow buoy that marks the site where the ferry The overloaded Sewol was carrying 476 peo- sank on April 16 last year with the loss of 304 ple, including 325 students from the same high lives-most of them high school students. Lying school in Ansan city, when it sank. Only 75 stu- on the seabed 40 meters below, the sunken fer- dents survived. The emergency response to the ry remains a highly sensitive topic of heated disaster was widely criticized for being slow, debate a year later-not least over the question uncoordinated and unfocused, and prompted of whether it should be raised to the surface. President Park Geun-Hye to vow a complete Victims’ families have threatened to boycott overhaul of national safety standards. Park’s a semi-official memorial service on Thursday approval ratings plummeted after the tragedy unless the government makes an immediate and have only recently started to recover. There commitment to salvaging the 6,825-tonne has been fresh criticism on social media over her Sewol-an operation that would cost an estimat- decision to leave for an official tour of South ed $110 million. The relatives also continue to America on the day of the anniversary. A presi- stage regular protests calling for a fully inde- dential spokeswoman said she had no informa- pendent inquiry into the sinking, arguing that a tion on whether Park would do anything to committee created to probe the causes has mark the anniversary before her departure. been compromised by the inclusion of govern- ment officials in key posts. The accident-which Party chief unwelcome plunged the whole nation into a months-long The leader of Park’s ruling Saenuri Party, Yoo period of intense mourning-was largely blamed Seung-Min, travelled to Jindo to take part in a on the ship’s illegal redesign and overloading. memorial gathering yesterday after the families But it also laid bare deeper-rooted problems of returned from the accident site. But he and oth- corruption, lax safety standards and regulatory er officials were pushed away from the venue, failings attributed to the country’s relentless with some of the relatives screaming; “How dare JINDO: Family members of victims of ferry Sewol toss flowers and pray as they visit the site where the ferry sank off Jindo, South Korea on the push for economic growth. you come to this place!” A total of 295 bodies eve of the first anniversary of the disaster. — AP were recovered from the ferry, but nine Solidarity and grief remained unaccounted for when divers finally As the boat carrying the families yesterday called off the dangerous search in November. neared the scene of the accident off the south- The families of those still missing have spear- Ex-security chief charged ern island of Jindo, weeping relatives lined the headed the calls for the ferry to be brought to deck on both sides, clutching white flowers and the surface. The main anniversary event was to small mementos of their loved ones. Nearly all be a gathering of families and officials at the wore the yellow jackets that have become some- memorial set up for the students in Ansan. But with leaking state secrets thing of a uniform of solidarity and grief. At the Yoo Gyoung-Geun, spokesman for the main site itself, the sound of crying and wailing grew group representing relatives, said Tuesday the louder, and some relatives had to be restrained government should first promise to raise the as they climbed the lower rungs of the deck rail- Sewol, or risk a boycott. — AFP Chinese leadership accuses Zhou of tipping off Bo Xilai

BEIJING: China has charged former domestic security Committee - the apex of power in China - sources with Chinese law, Zhou’s crimes are punishable by death, chief Zhou Yongkang with leaking state secrets direct knowledge of the matter have previously said. sources and legal experts said. Zhou could be sen- because he warned political ally Bo Xilai in 2012 that They have also said President Xi Jinping was deter- tenced to death, but it might be suspended because Bo was about to be ousted, a crime that can be pun- mined to bring down Zhou for plotting such appoint- of his age and if he showed remorse, said the first ishable by death, sources said. Although prosecutors ments to try to retain influence after the party’s 18th source with leadership ties. The party, which controls charged Zhou on April 3 with intentional disclosure of Congress in November 2012, when Xi took over the the courts, usually determines verdicts in high-profile state secrets, the link to Bo has not previously been party and Zhou retired from the standing committee. trials ahead of time, experts say. made public. Bo, a charismatic politician and one-time “With knowledge of his impending ouster, Bo rising star within the ruling Communist Party, was could have absconded abroad or sought political asy- Under PLA guard jailed for corruption and abuse of power in 2013. lum at an embassy,” a second source with leadership Zhou will face trial in the northern port city of Sources with ties to the Chinese leadership said Zhou, ties said, adding this would have complicated the case Tianjin, near Beijing. A source close to the military and 72, stood accused of tipping off Bo that he was about against Bo. The sources said they did not know if Bo the first source with leadership ties said Zhou was to be sacked in early 2012 as party boss of the south- had contemplated fleeing China. They also did not say being guarded in Tianjin by People’s Liberation Army western metropolis of Chongqing and a member of how or why Zhou tipped off Bo, who could have soldiers instead of police in case elements of the civilian the decision-making politburo. already been under surveillance. Bo disappeared from force were still loyal to him. As security tsar, Zhou over- “Zhou Yongkang told Bo Xilai about the central public view around the same time he was sacked from saw the police, the civilian intelligence apparatus, leadership’s decision to bring him down,” one of the his senior party positions. Li Guifang, a lawyer who judges, prosecutors and paramilitary police. The senior sources said, requesting anonymity due to the sensi- represented Bo during his trial, declined to comment leadership deemed his portfolio too powerful and tivity of the case. Neither the state prosecutor’s office, when reached by Reuters and asked about the con- downgraded it at the 18th Congress, sources have said. the cabinet information office nor the party’s graft nection between the two men. Authorities have seized assets worth at least 90 watchdog, the Central Commission for Discipline billion yuan ($14 billion) from Zhou’s family mem- Inspection, responded to requests for comment. Murder scandal bers and associates, sources have said. “The wealth PHNOM PENH: Photo shows a general view of Phnom Penh. — AFP Prosecutors also charged Zhou with bribery and Bo’s career nosedived after his wife Gu Kailai was his clique amassed rivaled that of (some developing) abuse of power, although they have given no details implicated in the 2011 murder of a British business- countries,” the second source with leadership ties Capital to ghost town: 40 years about one of the most dramatic scandals to hit China man, Neil Heywood, who had been a family friend. said. Zhou’s alleged crimes took place over decades, since the Communist revolution in 1949. She was given a suspended death sentence in 2012. including when he was vice president of state- since Phnom Penh evacuation No date has been set for Zhou’s trial, although the That scandal came to light after Bo’s estranged police owned China National Petroleum Corporation sources said authorities would likely appoint a lawyer chief, Wang Lijun, unsuccessfully sought political asy- (CNPC), party boss of Sichuan province, minister of PHNOM PENH: When black-clad Khmer Rouge and many of the soldiers had one trouser leg for him. Zhou has not been seen in public since lum at the US consulate in the southwestern city of public security and a member of the standing com- soldiers first charged into Phnom Penh they rolled up to the knee. Others corralled the evac- October 2013. It has not been possible for Reuters to Chengdu in early 2012. Wang said at his trial that he mittee, prosecutors said this month. CNPC has pub- were welcomed with cheers, remembers uees by firing AK-47s into the air, strings of reach him for comment. Before Bo’s downfall, Zhou fell out with Bo over what to do about the murder. licly backed the government’s decision to investigate Chhung Kong, a teacher in the Cambodian extra bullets across their chests. had recommended that Bo succeed him as domestic Wang was jailed for trying to cover up the killing, for Zhou. A company spokesman said he had nothing capital during the seventies. Few foresaw the Tens of thousands of people were marched security chief on the party’s Politburo Standing defection, abuse of power and bribe-taking. Under further to add. — Reuters horrors that lay ahead as Pol Pot’s victorious for days out of the city, some carrying the very communist army seized control early on April young while others pushed the sick along on 17, 1975, signalling the end of a bloody civil hospital beds, and soon Chhung started to see ‘Bullets hit our car’: Pakistani war, and ordered the city’s two million people bodies littering the roadsides. A few days later to evacuate. Phnom Penh was empty, its entire population Four years later Chhung had lost 16 of his relocated to work in the countryside in one of recalls terrifying Yemen escape relatives to the regime, Phnom Penh was the largest forced migrations in modern history. deserted and his school transformed into the PESHAWAR: Pakistani teacher Saima Tanveer remarkable composure her desperate race much shelling at that time-two bullets hit our Tuol Sleng, or S21, torture chamber-one of the World turned upside down betrays little emotion as she recounts her fami- through Aden to reach the Chinese ship that car, tanks were moving. They were firing, but most grotesque emblems of a paranoid rule The next four years of Khmer Rouge rule ly’s terrifying dash through war-torn Aden, took them to Djibouti to fly home. For more we had to save our lives.” The Chinese ship took that wiped out a quarter of Cambodia’s popula- saw Cambodians turn on each other in a des- dodging bullets and shells to reach the port than a week they had been forced to wait as the evacuees to Djibouti where a special tion. On Friday the capital will mark the 40th perate bid to survive as Pol Pot’s socialist agrar- and flee Yemen on a Chinese naval vessel. The gunfire and explosions rattled around them, Pakistan International Airlines flight returned anniversary of the day Pol Pot defeated US- ian ideal swiftly unraveled and the nation was 35-year-old was among around 170 Pakistanis changing their location every night, never them to a joyful reception in Islamabad on backed republican Lon Nol and began a tyran- reduced to a workhouse. Those outside the nical rule that saw the Khmer Rouge reset the regime’s cadres were left scrambling for sur- who escaped the country on April 3, along with knowing whether the next shell would have April 3. kingdom to “Year Zero”. vival, and near the capital the “Killing Fields” her accountant husband and two disabled chil- their names on it. Memories of the bloody agrarian revolution, multiplied as the regime systematically dren. Pakistan has evacuated hundreds of its Finally the ship arrived, but reaching it from Bewildering conflict which left up to two million dead from starva- destroyed anyone they feared would oppose citizens from Yemen since a military coalition the hotel where Tanveer and other Pakistanis Before the Houthi Shiite rebels hit the city tion, overwork or execution, remain seared in them. As a French teacher at a high school in led by Saudi Arabia began bombing rebels last were hiding out meant a gut-wrenching half- and shattered the calm of their lives, Tanveer the mind of Chhung, now 71. “At first people downtown Phnom Penh, Chhung was deemed month to try to restore exiled President hour drive through a city where street battles used to take her son and daughter on evening were cheering, waving flags... we didn’t think a class enemy of the peasant revolution. Abedrabbo Mansour Hadi to power. were raging between rebels and militias loyal walks along Aden’s seafront. But when the about the death and danger that was coming,” He was sent from the “bourgeois” city to Tanveer’s two happy years in Yemen, teach- to President Hadi. “Our administration gave us rebels came and Hadi escaped to neighboring he says sitting inside his office in Phnom Penh, work in a rural co-operative 30 kilometers ing at a Pakistani-run school in the southern five to 10 minutes that we have to move to Saudi Arabia, Tanveer and her colleagues were where he now practices as a lawyer. “About 10 away, digging water canals to irrigate the city of Aden, came to a sudden end on March Moalla (Aden’s port district) because at five forced to close their school and flee. “It was or 11am the same day, the Khmer Rouge sol- parched land. Chhung says he survived by 23 when Houthi Shiite rebels descended on the o’clock they will start heavy bombing,” Tanveer continuous shelling, continuous firing and the diers ordered us off the streets and to start leav- “luck”, unlike family members including his city. Now back in the northwestern Pakistani said. “That was too horrible a journey for us. We tanks moving on the roads. It was quite fright- ing the city. They said it was for only a few days.” father, three brothers, sister, nephews and city of Peshawar, Tanveer described with moved from the airport area, there was too ening for us,” she said. —AFP The summer sun was strong, Chhung recalls, nieces who died from starvation. —AFP INTERNATIONAL THURSDAY, APRIL 16, 2015

China accuses Dalai Lama of inciting self-immolations News in Brief BEIJING: China accused the Dalai Lama age Tibetans to burn themselves to chological horror,” the report said. It among the most active opponents of yesterday of inciting a wave of self- death emerged after the self-declared gave no figures for the number of self- Chinese rule in the region and face some Saudi beheads drug immolations among Tibetans that are Tibetan government-in-exile based in immolations. Independent groups say of the harshest restrictions on their trafficker Al-Rowaili widely seen as desperate protests India recommitted itself to non-violence 113 men and 24 women have set them- activities. Tibet Communist Party chief RIYADH: Saudi Arabia yesterday beheaded one of its cit- against Chinese rule in the Himalayan in 2011. It cited statements from exile selves on fire since March 2011 and Chen Quanguo demanded last week izens for drug trafficking, adding to what Amnesty region. Similar accusations have been groups that it said encouraged such acts most have died of their burns. In the lat- that Buddhist monasteries display the International has called a “macabre spike” in the king- denied in the past, and the exiled as worthy Buddhist sacrifices and com- est incident, 47-year-old nun Yeshi national flag as part of efforts to shore dom’s executions this year. The sentence against Khalid Tibetan spiritual leader has called the memorated the victims as martyrs. It Khando set herself on fire last week near up government control. China says Tibet Al-Rowaili was carried out as Jakarta summoned Saudi deaths sad and ineffective in changing also said a monastic arm of the exile a police station in a Tibetan part of has been part of its territory for more Arabia’s ambassador over the execution a day earlier of Chinese policy. A report issued yester- government coordinated with monas- Sichuan province while shouting slo- than seven centuries, although many an Indonesian domestic worker for murder. Rowaili was day by the Cabinet’s State Council teries inside China to “remotely plan gans including “Tibet needs freedom,” Tibetans say they were effectively inde- convicted of smuggling amphetamine pills and was Information Office said Chinese police self-immolations.” overseas pro-Tibetan groups reported. pendent for most of that time. The Dalai executed in the northwestern region of Jawf, according investigations showed such incidents “To commit an act of self-violence in Tibetan areas in China are closed to Lama fled to India during an aborted to a statement from the Interior Ministry carried by the are being “manipulated and instigated” a public place is inherently violent foreign journalists and such incidents uprising against Chinese rule in 1959, official Saudi Press Agency. He was the 61st person exe- by the Dalai Lama and his supporters. behavior whose aim is to create an are virtually impossible to independent- eight years after Communist troops cuted in the kingdom so far this year, after 87 death sen- The report said a strategy to encour- atmosphere of terror and transmit psy- ly verify. Tibetan monks and nuns are occupied Tibet.— AP tences carried out in the whole of 2014, according to AFP tallies. Rowaili’s beheading by the sword follows the execution on Tuesday of Siti Zainab, a domestic worker convicted of stabbing and beating a Saudi woman to Missouri executes death. London-based Amnesty International said Zainab was executed despite suspicions she was mentally ill, inmate for while an Indonesian migrant workers’ group said she acted in self defense against an abusive employer. 1998 killing over Jakarta complained that her family and consular staff child support were not given prior notice of Zainab’s execution. Pope’s iPad fetches BONNE TERRE: A Missouri inmate was executed Tuesday $30,500 at auction night for killing a man in a fit of rage over child support pay- MONTEVIDEO: An iPad that belonged to ments 16 years ago. Andre Cole, 52, became the third convict- Argentina-born Pope Francis went under the ham- ed killer put to death this year in Missouri. His fate was sealed mer for $30,500 on Tuesday, autioneers in Uruguay after the US Supreme Court turned down several appeals, said. Montevideo-based auction house Castells said including one claiming Cole was mentally ill and unfit for exe- the winning bid was placed by telephone. Local cution. Also Tuesday, Gov Jay Nixon refused a clemency peti- media threw a spotlight on the iPad last year. The tion that raised concerns about the fact that Cole, who was pope gave it-complete with its His Holiness Francis black, was convicted and sentenced by an all-white jury. label and a Vatican certificate of authenticity-to an Mike O’Connell, spokesman for the Missouri Department of Uruguayan priest as a gift. It ended up being Corrections, said Cole was executed by lethal injection at donated to a local school by the priest, before being 10:15 pm and pronounced dead nine minutes later. In the exe- auctioned off to raise money. cution chamber, Cole nodded as relatives blew kisses his way. In this file photo, Russian fighter jet SU-27 flies over the sea off the Japanese island of Hokkaido. — AP He breathed deeply a few times as the drug was administered. Attorney General Chris Koster said in a statement he hoped Vandals attack Christian “that the sentence carried out tonight brings those forever graveyard in north Israel impacted by this tragedy a sense of justice and a measure of Japan jets scramble JERUSALEM: Vandals have smashed gravestones at a closure.” Cole and his wife, Terri, were married for 11 years and Maronite Christian cemetery in a village near Israel’s had two children before divorcing in 1995. The couple fought northern border with Lebanon, Israeli police said yester- about visitation and he was upset about child support pay- day. Police opened an investigation after receiving a ments, authorities said. at Cold-War levels report about damage to a number of graves at a By 1998, Cole was $3,000 behind in child support. Koster Christian cemetery in the village of Kufr Bir’im, spokes- said Cole became angry when he learned that a payroll with- woman Luba Samri said, indicating that the tombstones holding order was issued to his employer, taking the money Chinese and Russian incursions increase were “broken and displaced”. Kufr Bir’im is derelict out of his check. “Before I give her another dime, I’ll kill (her),” Palestinian Arab village whose inhabitants were evicted Cole told co-workers, according to Koster. TOKYO: Japan’s air force said yester- increase in operations by Japan’s two operate more freely overseas and to by the Israeli army in 1948, six months after Israel was The first deduction appeared on his Aug. 21, 1998, pay- day said jet fighter scrambles have big neighbors. While coping with the deepen cooperation with US forces. established, and never allowed to return. The village was check. Hours later, Cole forced his way into his ex-wife’s home reached a level not seen since the growing military might of a more Russian bombers and patrol planes almost totally razed by the Israeli army in 1953. Last by throwing a tire jack through a glass door, Koster said. He height of the Cold War three decades assertive China which is increasing often enter Japan’s air space close to year, Lebanese patriarch of the Maronite church Beshara was confronted by Anthony Curtis, a friend who was visiting. ago as Russian bombers probe its defense outlays by more than 10 per- Japan’s northern Hokkaido island and Rai paid a historic trip to the Holy Land during which he Andre Cole used a kitchen knife to repeatedly stab Curtis, then northern skies and Chinese combat cent a year, Japan is also contending close to four smaller islands which are visited Kufr Bir’im, pledging to help the displaced vil- Terri Cole. Curtis died but Terri Cole survived. Cole fled the aircraft intrude into its southern air with a military resurgence of a Cold claimed both by Japan and Russia. lagers return. There are some 11,400 Maronite Catholics state but surrendered 33 days later. He claimed at trial that he space. In the year ending March 31, War foe that has gathered pace since That territorial dispute has prevented living in Israel. The police did not say who was behind did not bring a weapon into Terri Cole’s house and that Curtis Japanese fighters scrambled 944 Moscow annexed the Crimean penin- Japan and Russia from concluding a the attack but in recent years there have been a spate of initiated the attack with a knife. Andre Cole’s brother, times, 16 percent more than the same sula from the Ukraine last year. formal peace treaty. The Russian air- hate crimes targeting Christian churches and cemeter- DeAngelo Cole, 38, of Las Vegas, said the attack was out of period the previous year, the country’s Japan too is upping defense craft commonly fly circuitous routes ies, with the perpetrators believed to be Jewish extrem- character for his sibling. He called it a crime of passion. Self Defense Force said. That is the spending, albeit by a smaller margin, around the Japanese archipelago. ists. “It was a one-time thing,” DeAngelo Cole said. “He didn’t second highest number of encounters to buy new equipment, including Chinese fighter incursions are concen- have a history of that kind of behavior.” Cole’s attorney, Joseph ever recorded over the 12-month peri- longer-range patrol aircraft, cargo jets, trated in the East China Sea, close to Luby, said Cole’s mental health deteriorated during the more od since records began in 1958 and helicopter carriers and troop carrying disputed uninhabited islets near than a decade he spent in prison. He said Cole was plagued by only one less than a record 944 scram- Boeing V-22 Ospreys and Lockheed Taiwan that Tokyo claims as the psychosis and constantly heard voices in his head. The courts bles in 1984. Martin F-35 stealth fighters. A non-fis- Senkaku islands and Beijing dubs the were not convinced. “It represents a sharp increase,” an cal boost to military capability will Diaoyu islands. In the past year, an Both the Missouri Supreme Court and the U.S. Supreme SDF spokesman said at a press brief- also come from plans by Prime increased number of Chinese planes Court declined to halt the execution based on mental health ing. While not a direct measure of Minister Shinzo Abe to loosen consti- have flown through Japanese air concerns. The U.S. Supreme Court also turned away appeals Russian and Chinese military activity, tutional constraints on his nation’s space into the Western Pacific, the based on Missouri’s secretive method of obtaining the execu- the numbers nonetheless point to an defense forces that will allow them to SDF spokesman said. — Reuters tion drug pentobarbital and over how instructions were given to the jury.—AP Plane smashes Taiwan opposition reveals its antenna in female presidential candidate TAIPEI: Taiwan could be on track for terms of diplomacy is the handling of ten to them,” she said. Tsai, 58, who is undershoot its first ever female leader after the cross-strait relations,” Tsai said to chairwoman of the DPP, had been island’s main opposition Democratic reporters at a press conference imme- widely expected to be named as the TOKYO: An Asiana Airlines plane smashed into a communica- Progressive Party (DPP) announced diately after her nomination. “The official candidate for the presidential tions antenna as it came in to land at a Japanese airport, yesterday that its chairwoman Tsai Ing- basic principle is to maintain the sta- elections in January 2016. footage showed Wednesday, injuring 27 people in an accident wen will run for president. Officially tus quo,” she said. “After we (the DPP) The KMT are yet to announce their with echoes of the Korean airline’s fatal 2013 crash in San accepting the party’s nomination, Tsai come to power we will examine agree- nominations, but Tsai leads all the like- Francisco. Aerial footage from Hiroshima airport in western pledged to maintain the “status quo” ments (with China) case by case, ly candidates in opinion polls. It will be NEW YORK: The Empire State Building is lit in red Japan showed the localiser a large gate-like structure, six with China, as her party-traditionally according to the law, and will continue her second shot at the presidency and purple in New York as part of the effort to meters high that sits around 300 metres from the start of the skeptical of Beijing-faces tough ques- negotiations.” after losing to current leader Ma in bring attention to the 219 missing Nigerian school- runway-splintered, with debris spread towards the landing tions on its cross-strait policy. Taiwan But she said that the party would 2012 by six percent. “The night we girls kidnapped by Boko Haram a year ago. —AFP strip. Sets of wheel marks were visible on the grass area in front split from China in 1949 after a civil also be “guided by the public’s will”. A were beaten, there were many young of the runway, while large fragments of the localizer-part of the war, but Beijing still regards the island student-led protest over a trade pact people crying,” an emotional Tsai said NY Empire State lights up instrument landing system were on the tarmac. as part of its territory awaiting unifica- with China sparked the occupation of at the DPP headquarters Wednesday. for Nigeria missing girls Several hundred meters away, skid marks showed the Airbus tion. parliament for more than three weeks “Today I want to tell you all-and NEW YORK: New York’s Empire State building was A320 had careered off the runway Tuesday and rotated more While ties have warmed under cur- last year. There have been smaller myself-I will do whatever I can to turn lit up in red and purple Tuesday in honor of more than 90 degrees. What appeared to be a chunk of the localizer rent president Ma Ying-jeou, fears over demonstrations recently over Taiwan’s those tears to laughter.” Despite than 200 Nigerian girls kidnapped by Boko Haram was seen dangling from one wing and emergency escape Beijing’s increasing influence have application to become a member of Taiwan’s conservatism, women have militants one year ago. The edifice was to remain chutes were deployed. Those on board flight OZ162 from grown, contributing to the worst-ever the Asian Infrastructure Investment long constituted a high-profile and illuminated until 2:00 am, a nod to the number of Incheon, near Seoul, to Hiroshima, spoke of terror and confu- defeat of his ruling China-friendly Bank (AIIB) and new flight routes vocal segment in parliament. Tsai took girls who remain missing. Candlelight vigils, rallies Kuomintang (KMT) at local elections in announced by China which cross on her first big government post in sion. “There was smoke coming out and some of the oxygen and prayers were held from Nigeria to New Zealand November. Though some members of Taiwanese waters. Tsai attacked the 2000, becoming head of the Mainland masks fell down. Cabin attendants were in such a panic and I to Paris to mark one year since the girls were kid- the DPP remain staunchly pro-inde- KMT over the island’s growing wealth Affairs Council, Taiwan’s top China pol- thought ‘We are going to die’,” a woman told Japanese networks napped, while others commemorated the missing late Tuesday, adding some people were bleeding. A man wear- pendence, other more moderate voic- gap and youth unemployment, vow- icy-making body. She was also the students and demanded their safe return with ing a neck brace said he “saw flames, and smoke filled the es like Tsai are pushing for a pragmatic ing to rehabilitate the slowing econo- government’s chief negotiator in #BringBackOurGirls messages. “On Tuesday, April 14, plane”. All 73 passengers and eight crew evacuated safely but approach, leaving the party factional- my. “The government has shut the Taiwan’s successful bid to join the 27 people were injured, Japanese officials said. Hiroshima ized. “The most important thing in door on the public and refused to lis- World Trade Organization.— AFP 2015, The Empire State Building will be lit Purple police have started an on-site investigation on suspicion of pro- and red in honor of BringBackOurGirls,” the Empire fessional negligence resulting in injuries, Jiji Press said.The air- State website said. Some 276 girls were taken from port is equipped with a sophisticated landing system, which the northeastern town of Chibok by the Boko can provide full assistance on direction and altitude when Haram extremists, 219 of which remain missing. planes approach from the west, it said. But the Asiana plane Amnesty International said the Chibok girls’ kidnap- was approaching from the east because of wind direction, pre- ping was one of 38 in northeast Nigeria since the venting the pilot-reportedly a veteran from South Korea-from start of last year that had seen at least 2,000 women being able to make full use of the system, media said. taken by the militants.

San Francisco echoes The South Korean carrier said 18 passengers - 14 Japanese, Truck plunge off a two Koreans and two Chinese-had been hurt. Only one of them hillside, killing 10 had to stay overnight in hospital. There was no explanation for YANGON: Ten farm workers were killed and two injured the discrepancy between Asiana and Japanese after a truck plummeted off a hillside in southern authorities.”Asiana Airlines apologizes for causing concern to Myanmar, state media said yesterday, as road accidents the passengers and the people over the accident,” it said in a surge during the Buddhist New Year holidays. The truck statement. “Asiana Airlines has immediately set up a response bound for a small village in the Irrawaddy delta region team to cope with the aftermath. “As to the determination of with 18 people aboard hurtled off the road at around 3 the cause of the accident, we will cooperate as closely as possi- am Tuesday when the driver lost control, according to ble with the relevant authorities.” the state-run Myanmar language Mirror newspaper. An Asiana spokeswoman told AFP in Seoul the firm was “Ten people including the bus conductor Hla Thein Oo checking Japanese news reports that the flight was approach- were killed,” said the Mirror, adding that two men sus- ing the runway at a lower altitude than normal before it grazed tained injuries while another five people on board the nearby communications tower. Tuesday’s accident had escaped unscathed. It was unclear what happened to echoes of an Asiana flight that crashed in San Francisco in July the driver. The accident comes as tens of thousands in 2013, killing three people and leaving 182 injured.US investiga- Myanmar mark the Thingyan water festival, a Buddhist tors concluded that a mismanaged landing approach in a high- celebration to welcome the new year that has become ly automated cockpit was the probable cause of the accident, in increasingly vibrant since the end of outright military which a Boeing 777 clipped a sea wall with its landing gear and rule four years ago. The Mirror said at least 26 people then crashed and burst into flames. The South Korean have been injured in car accidents in the country’s main Transport ministry ordered a 45-day suspension of Asiana TAIPEI: Tsai Ing-wen (center), chairwoman of Taiwan’s main opposition Democratic Progressive Party (DPP), ges- commercial city of Yangon since festivities began on Airlines’ service to San Francisco as a penalty.—AFP tures with party members during a press conference in Taipei yesterday. — AFP Monday. NEWS THURSDAY, APRIL 16, 2015 Egypt, Saudis mull drills as Yemen battles rage

SANAA: Saudi Arabia and Egypt are Hadi fled to Riyadh from Aden, action taken by the Security Council considering holding “large-scale” which has since seen heavy fighting since the start of the Saudi-led raids military exercises after launching air between pro- and anti-government - demands the Houthis withdraw strikes on Yemeni rebels who have forces, with overnight rebel attacks from Sanaa and all other areas they been slapped with a UN arms killing at least seven people. have seized. embargo and sanctions. In a possi- Saudi Arabia has accused Tehran It slaps an arms embargo on ble sign the Saudi-led air campaign - the main Shiite power - of arming Houthi leaders and their allies and against the Shiite rebels may the rebels and the conflict has puts chief Abdulmalik Al-Huthi and expand into a ground operation, heightened tensions in the Middle ex-president Ali Abdullah Saleh’s Cairo said it and Riyadh were East. Iranian President Hassan eldest son, Ahmed, on a sanctions mulling the drills in Saudi Arabia Rouhani insisted that the Islamic list, imposing a global travel ban with other Gulf countries participat- republic is not seeking regional and an assets freeze on the two ing. “It was decided to form a joint dominance. His country’s “ultimate men. The Houthis have allied with military committee to look into a goal is not Iran’s domination of the troops loyal to Saleh, who was large-scale strategic manoeuvre on region (or) the dominance of the forced from power in 2012 follow- Saudi territory,” Egyptian President Shiite on Sunni,” he said. “For us ing a year of nationwide protests Abdel Fattah Al-Sisi’s office said late there is no difference between the against his three-decade rule. Iran Tuesday after he met the Saudi Shiites and the Sunnis, Turks, Arabs, has denounced the Saudi interven- defence minister. Persians or Baluchis,” Rouhani said in tion as “criminal” and on Tuesday Saudi Arabia and a coalition of a speech in the Caspian Sea city of proposed a ceasefire followed by Arab countries launched the air Rasht. foreign-mediated talks that would strikes on March 26, after the Iran- World powers united against the lead to a power-sharing govern- backed rebels seized the capital rebels on Tuesday, with the UN ment. The Houthis are drawn from Sanaa last year and advanced on Security Council voting to impose Yemen’s Zaidi Shiite minority and the main southern city of Aden, an arms embargo on them and hit- have long complained of marginal- where President Abedrabbo ting their leaders with sanctions. ization, fighting several conflicts Australian model Miranda Kerr performs with ‘pear fairy’ Funassyi, the unofficial mascot of the city of Mansour Hadi had taken refuge. The UN resolution - the first formal with central authorities. — AFP Funabashi in suburban Tokyo, as she takes part in a promotional event during her visit yesterday. — AFP Indonesia protests maid’s beheading

Continued from Page 1 France, Nigeria, Ghana, Brazil and the Philippines - as soon as possible. in a statement received late Tuesday by AFP. “The Jakarta-based lawyer Todung Mulya Lubis, who represents Indonesian government filed a protest against the Saudi the two Australians drug convicts Andrew Chan and Myuran Arabian government for not giving prior notification to Sukumaran, said it was a “contradiction” to fight for clemency Indonesian representatives or to the family over the execution abroad while denying it at home. “It weakens Indonesia’s posi- date.” The Saudi interior ministry said Zainab’s execution was tion,” he told reporters yesterday. “If we abolish the death delayed until the victim’s children were old enough to decide penalty it will give us more leverage, or more ground to chal- whether the punishment should proceed. Riyadh’s ambassa- lenge them.” Foreign Minister Retno Marsudi said Indonesia dor to Indonesia Mustafa Ibrahim Al-Mubarak said he was “sur- would proceed with the executions as planned, despite prised” to be summoned by the foreign ministry but would fol- protests over Zainab’s case. “Our commitment is to protect our low up on Jakarta’s concerns. “The problem is not about the citizens, that is our priority,” she told reporters late Tuesday. “But court and the execution, it is about the date of the execution,” there’s an issue of law enforcement which we have to enforce he told reporters. “I have to check what went wrong.” domestically.” Migrant Care, an NGO advocating for the rights of Indonesian Indonesia executed six drug offenders in January, including workers abroad, condemned the execution and claimed Zainab five foreigners, prompting a furious Brazil and the Netherlands was acting in self defence against an abusive employer. The - whose citizens were among those put to death - to recall group urged Indonesia to abandon the death penalty “as a first their ambassadors. Amnesty International said the sentence step to push other countries to not impose the death penalty on against Zainab was carried out despite suspicions she was migrant workers”. Jakarta, however, remains determined to exe- mentally ill, adding to what the London-based watchdog calls cute several drug traffickers - including citizens from Australia, a “macabre spike” in Saudi executions this year. — AFP 21 million Middle East children out... Continued from Page 1 report said, adding that early marriage is also an issue in most countries in the region. “It’s the poor, rural girls who are high risk of dropping out, the report said. Several factors the most disadvantaged,” said UNICEF’s Dina Craissati. contribute to the problem, including armed conflicts, gen- Children who enter school late are at greater risk of drop- CAIRO: Egyptian President Abdel Fattah Al-Sisi (center) meets Saudi Defense Minister Prince Mohammed bin der discrimination, child labor, poor education standards ping out than children who start at the appropriate age. The Salman and Egyptian Defense Minister Sedki Sobhi at the Presidential Palace on Tuesday. — AP and poverty. UN agencies urged governments to ramp up efforts to pro- The wars in Syria and Iraq, two countries that used to vide education for disadvantaged families, particularly the have high rates of enrollment, have had a particularly devas- rural poor. tating impact. In those countries alone, some three million The report proposes three main recommendations, Oil facilities remain on alert children are out of school because of conflict. Escalating vio- including a focus on early childhood development (ECD), lence in Yemen and Libya is expected to have a similarly where the disparity between wealthy and poor children is Continued from Page 1 power cuts have become commonplace even in the capi- damaging effect on education. “As the violence expands, most stark in the region. “Levelling the playing field in terms tal Cairo. Blackouts deepened discontent with Islamist millions more are at risk of becoming a ‘lost generation’ of equal access to ECD is a matter of urgency,” it said. It also Separately, Egypt has signed preliminary deals with President Mohamed Mursi before his ousting in July 2013. deprived of the knowledge and skills needed to be success- urges a cross-sector approach to helping children enter Kuwait’s Alghanim International for two energy-related An ageing state-run infrastructure has total energy gener- ful adults,” the agencies said in a statement. school, pointing out that factors from transport to health projects worth a total of $1.6 billion, its prime minister said ation capacity of about 30,000 MW and is increasingly Girls are 25 percent less likely to go to school in the can affect whether a child is enrolled or not. The report sug- in a statement yesterday. One initiative would see four gas- unable to handle the burden of rapidly growing demand region, but once they are enrolled they are less likely to drop gests a focus on “retention,” to ensure that enrolled children powered plants converted to operate on combined cycle, in a country of 87 million people. Gas shortages have also out. “Girls are undervalued and, since they are not expected are not pushed out of education because of factors like cor- while the other would establish gas-powered plants with a worsened as dwindling local production has failed to meet to work, their families see no need for them to learn,” the poral punishment or falling behind peers. —Agencies total capacity of 900 megawatts. The statement did not domestic demand and export commitments. Rising ener- specify a timeframe for the Kuwaiti projects. Privately- gy consumption and decreasing production have turned owned Alghanim International is part of the Fouad Egypt from a net energy exporter to a net importer in the Controversy over maid recruitment... Alghanim & Sons Group, one of the biggest conglomer- past few years. ates in the Middle East. Meanwhile, state-run Kuwait National Petroleum Co Continued from Page 1 view by the minister a few days ago in which he was The government’s effort to encourage private invest- (KNPC) has controlled a fire at a delayed coker unit at its quoted as saying that the Public Authority for Applied ment to renovate the creaking national grid - which began Mina Abdulla refinery, KUNA reported. “...A very limited fire In addition, the chairman used half of social alloca- Education and Training has been hijacked by Islamists with initial reforms to costly energy subsidies last year - occurred at one of the supply lines of the unit,” KNPC tions by the company, estimated at KD 600,000, to sup- and tribals. He was also quoted as saying he planned to seems to be bearing fruit. Siemens won a contract last spokesman Khaled Al-Asousi told KUNA on Tuesday, when port personal projects of his relatives and friends. remove materials from religious textbooks that encour- month to supply four turbines to a power plant, and days the fire happened. He said the unit’s operational rates were Meanwhile, the group of former opposition MPs yes- age extremism. The group said in a statement that the later General Electric Co said it had delivered a majority of still high. Oil product exports are not expected to be terday strongly criticized what it called “racist” remarks minister has violated national unity principles, which the turbines for a project to provide 2.6 gigawatts of pow- affected, a source close to the matter said. According to by Education Minister Bader Al-Essa and warned him necessitates his sacking from the Cabinet. The group er by May. KNPC’s website, the coker unit has two identical trains with against subjecting school textbooks to his personal ide- also held the whole Cabinet responsible for the minis- Energy is a politically important issue in Egypt, where a total capacity of 76,000 barrels per day. — Agencies ological affiliation. The group was referring to an inter- ter’s remarks. THURSDAY, APRIL 16, 2015 ANALYSIS

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Issues London stakes claim as global bitcoin hub

By Jemima Kelly

ondon, centre of the $5-trillion-a-day global curren- cy market, now wants to be home to a controversial Lupstart - bitcoin. British authorities have come out in support of digital currencies in the name of promoting financial innovation, while proposing that regulations should be drawn up to prevent their use in crime. But it is technophiles who are leading the drive to make London a real-world hub for trade in web-based “cryptocurrencies”, of which bitcoin is the original and still most popular. Every Tuesday evening in a trendy cafe in London’s Shoreditch neighbourhood, a group of digital currency enthusiasts gathers to discuss ideas, “vape” from e-ciga- rettes and exchange their pounds for bitcoins in a dedi- cated “ATM”. With more than 2,200 members, CoinScrum, Could skeletons in Iran closet trip up deal? run by a former derivatives trader who left the world of traditional finance to work on a digital currency start-up, is the biggest bitcoin networking group in the world. Its By Simon Sturdee Iran still has a case to answer. “Although meetings draw a mostly young, mostly male crowd - some some of the individual evidence is ques- amateurs, others who have come to Britain to start bitcoin ossible skeletons in Iran’s closet - the tionable, there is no doubt in my mind that Retaking all of Anbar businesses. subject of talks in Tehran yesterday- Iran pursued nuclear weaponisation work,” Already the capital of traditional currency trading, Pcould yet spook the historic Iran Mark Fitzpatrick, a former US State out of reach for now London is competing with San Francisco’s web expertise nuclear deal, experts say. The UN nuclear Department official now at the International Institute for Strategic Studies and New York’s financial clout as it pushes to be the fore- watchdog conducts regular inspections of By Jean Marc Mojon and Local knowledge is seen as key to clawing in London, told AFP. most financial technology - or fintech - centre in the Iran’s nuclear facilities and these will be Karim Abou Merhi back territory along the fertile strip lining the world. Last month the British government announced increased if world powers and Iran can Euphrates, where IS has inflicted severe military Off the Hook? plans to regulate digital currency exchanges to prevent finalise their outline agreement by a June aghdad has announced its next battle setbacks to the police and army since last year. The six world powers agree that Iran their use in money-laundering, and to help to develop a 30 deadline. Such a deal will see Iran dra- against the Islamic State group is retaking “The Anbar operation is likely to be a Ramadi cannot continue stonewalling, not least set of standards for cryptocurrencies. Backers of bitcoin matically scale down its atomic activities. Anbar province, but analysts say operation,” said Michael Knights of the Combined with tighter UN inspections, this because clearing up what happened in the B praised this for lending legitimacy to the currency - which entrenched jihadists and limited Iraqi forces put Washington Institute for Near East Policy. “The past is vital for having confidence that Iran unlike traditional money has no printed form and remains will make any dash to make nuclear a full reconquest out of reach for now. Anbar is key to controlling Ramadi is to control the will stick to its commitments in the future. outside the control of central banks - without stifling weapons extremely difficult and easily by far Iraq’s largest province, shares a border Euphrates Valley palm groves and farmlands “In a final deal Iran will not be let off the innovation. detectable. Talks on this could resume as with jihadist-held territory in Syria and has his- around the city. This is what the Iraqi security hook for its past work,” Kelsey Davenport at “London has been the home of financial innovation for early as next week. torically been a difficult area to control. Iraqi forces have consistently failed to do for over a the Arms Control Association told AFP. “It is hundreds of years,” said Nicolas Cary, co-founder of However, the International Atomic security forces and allied paramilitaries are on a year now,” he said. vital for the IAEA’s credibility.” Western offi- Blockchain, which provides bitcoin data and “wallet” soft- Energy Agency also wants Iran to answer high after retaking most of Salaheddin province Fighting is ongoing on Anbar’s eastern cials have made clear that Iran’s main aim ware for storing the currency. “It would be a historical mis- allegations that prior to 2003, and possibly and its capital Tikrit in recent weeks, but those edge, where Iraqi regular forces on Tuesday in the hoped-for deal with major powers - take not to make this the home of digital currencies. since, Iran’s nuclear program had “possible victories will not be easy to replicate. launched their latest attempt to retake the getting painful sanctions lifted - will not There’s an incredible amount of talent and experience military dimensions” - “PMD” for short. This “Anbar differs from Tikrit and Salaheddin Garma area, a 40-minute drive from Baghdad. A happen until the IAEA’s questions are here.” Just over 14 million bitcoins are in circulation, worth means alleged research by Iran into how to more broadly because IS is much more military official from one of the countries in the addressed. “PMD (possible military dimen- around $3.1 billion at the current exchange rate of around make a nuclear bomb such as high-explo- entrenched there,” said Kirk Sowell, the publish- US-led coalition battling IS said Iraqi forces sions)... is part of the package. It is neces- $220 each. sives tests and looking into how to explode er of the Inside Iraqi Politics newsletter. Jihadist were likely to stick to very specific objectives in sary to get sanctions relief,” a European offi- Bitcoin brought 29-year-old Cary to Britain two years fissile material in a missile’s warhead. An fighters had a presence in Anbar long before a province where thousands of government cial involved in talks said. ago from Denver, Colorado. He joined forces with Ben IAEA probe into this has been stalled since the June 2014 offensive that saw the govern- fighters have perished since 2014. “The Iraqi All UN Security Council nuclear-related Reeves, then a 22-year-old computer science graduate, to August. On Wednesday though, the IAEA’s ment lose around a third of the country to IS. security forces will not clean Fallujah. Ramadi resolutions will be lifted “simultaneous” develop the Blockchain wallet, spending the first year chief inspector Tero Varjoranta was due to “This will have to be a limited-goals campaign will be difficult and even Garma is not guaran- with the completion of “actions addressing working out of a two-bedroom apartment in northern hold a new round of talks in Tehran. to be successful,” Sowell said. After recapturing teed,” he said. all key issues” - including PMD, according to England. Now Blockchain, named after the technology Tikrit, some expected government and allied a US State Department fact sheet. The behind bitcoin, is the world’s biggest wallet provider, with Having a Laugh? forces to continue their push towards Mosul, ‘Deluded’ Thinking same document - disputed by Iran as a mix- over 3 million users. Last year it raised over $30 million in The allegations are based largely on which is Iraq’s second city and IS’s main hub. An army staff brigadier general who is a field ture of “truth and lies” - says that Iran will be its first round of funding, including from billionaire information passed to the IAEA by But Prime Minister Haider Al-Abadi commander in the ongoing operation in Garma “required to grant access to... suspicious Richard Branson. unnamed other countries - experts say announced on April 8 that “our next stand and said more intensive air support was needed to sites”. State Department spokeswoman Israel and the US are the likely sources - and battle will be here in the land of Anbar to com- achieve any results. “Cutting those supply lines Marie Harf said Friday that it would be “very Positive Attitude deemed by the watchdog to be “overall, pletely liberate it.” Anbar is a vast arid expanse with ground troops is impossible,” he told AFP. difficult to imagine [a final deal] that did While some people argue that London lags New York credible” in a major 2011 report. Some of traversed by the Euphrates River, stretching east The US-led coalition, which also includes France, not require... access at Parchin.” overall as the centre for traditional finance, many say the the accusations could well be bogus, from the Baghdad governorate to the western Britain and various Arab countries, carries out air latter’s attitude to digital currencies - including a state plan experts say. Robert Kelley, a former US borders with Saudi Arabia, Jordan and Syria. Its strikes almost daily in Anbar but IS has held its Fessing Up to impose a “BitLicense” on bitcoin start-ups - makes nuclear weapons scientist who later capital is the city of Ramadi, much of which is ground. Abadi was on his first trip to the White Iran though rejects the IAEA’s claims, London more attractive for the growing number of busi- worked in atomic intelligence analysis for under IS control, while the jihadists hold all of House as prime minister this week seeking more saying they are based on forgeries supplied nesses dealing in the budding technology. “What we see in the US government and for the IAEA in Iraq, the city of Fallujah, which lies between it and arms and more strikes from Washington. to a gullible and partial watchdog by its the UK ... is a different attitude,” said Jerry Brito, executive says some are “laughable”. Claims of explo- Baghdad. The question of who will wage the battle director of Coin Center, a Washington DC-based non-profit sives testing and a subsequent “sanitisa- enemies. Parchin, it says, is not a nuclear against IS remains contentious. Iran-backed site so the IAEA has no right to go there. advocacy group for digital currencies. “It’s a very positive tion” at the Parchin military base, as well as Local Knowledge Key Shiite militias are seen as essential to shoring up Even if some of the claims are true, it would attitude, one of: this is an amazing innovation, we’re going over Iran’s use of certain detonators and Fighting has been relentless in the province a still-unsteady military that performed dismally be very difficult for Iran to make any kind of to have to have some kind of regulation in terms of money activities in the Marivan region, make little in recent months but government forces have against IS last year, but their involvement too confession, not least because this would laundering, but let’s do this in a constructive way, in part- sense, said Kelley, who is now at the SIPRI struggled to make major advances. It took deep in the province would alienate some Sunni mean the country had violated the nership with the technologists and the industry.” peace research institute. 10,000 US Marines to seize Fallujah from insur- tribes. “They are already active in the eastern- supreme leader’s “fatwa” forbidding nuclear Detractors worry that digital currencies make it easy for It is also unclear how much comes from gents a decade ago and analysts agreed that most areas of Anbar, but I don’t see major militia weapons. A possible solution, therefore, users to buy products anonymously from websites like Silk a controversial trove of more than a thou- retaking it now would be too big an ask for Iraqi deployment otherwise,” said Sowell. Fontan might be to have a “fudged” admission, Road, an underground marketplace for drugs and other sand pages of documents known as the forces. “Anbar, and especially Fallujah, is like meanwhile warned of the repercussions on Fitzpatrick said, with Tehran saying the illegal goods which was shut down in 2013. But advocates “alleged studies” that reportedly come from Asterix’s village,” said Victoria Fontan, a professor Anbar’s borders of a large operation against IS dirty work happened before the fatwa and argue that using cash for illicit trades is easier and less a laptop acquired by US intelligence in at American University Duhok Kurdistan, refer- there, saying: “The front line will dissolve and putting the blame on “rogue” scientists. traceable, pointing out that most US banknotes are con- 2004. Yousaf Butt, a nuclear physicist at the ring to an unconquerable town in the French asymmetric warfare will replace something Without this, or if Western nations make taminated with cocaine. Asked about bitcoin, the govern- British-American Security Information comic book series. The province is packed with much more predictable. They are deluded in “politically impossible demands for ing body for the City of London financial district said Council, said that the West should not be experienced fighters and while some Sunni thinking that they will take Anbar. The history of acknowledging culpability”, PMD is “one of authorities needed to be “alive to the potential risks and “obsessing” over the past, particularly since tribes have allied with the government, others the province has shown that when you think it is the ways” the whole deal could yet fall take strong action if they find evidence of abuse or crimi- some of the evidence seems “shoddy”. are fighting alongside IS or sitting on the fence. over and pacified, it isn’t,” she said. —AFP nal activities”. But the employment and growth opportuni- But analysts, including Kelley, say that apart, he said. —AFP ties offered by the fintech in general were to be welcomed, it said. Britain made bitcoin trading exempt from value-added tax last year. Other countries have yet to decide how to Iran’s tantalizing oil prize in sight tax bitcoin, since its independence from any central bank means it does not fall into the traditional definition of By John Kemp almost 2 million barrels a day of crude and refined products - which biggest oil and gas accumulations around the Middle East Gulf. money. However, Australia has made bitcoin transactions leaves between 1 million and 1.5 million bpd for export, down from On the Arabian side of the Gulf, the ancient marine sediments subject to goods and services tax. That helped to drive ran contains some of the largest and most attractive petroleum 2.5 million before sanctions were imposed. became the giant oil and gas fields of Saudi Arabia’s Eastern Province CoinJar, an Australian company that allows users to buy, resources in the world, so any easing of sanctions could have a If sanctions were eased or lifted as a result of a deal between Iran as well as adjacent areas of Iraq, Kuwait and the United Arab Emirates. sell and spend bitcoins, to move its headquarters to Imajor impact on oil and gas markets in the second half of the and world powers, production and exports could rise by between On the Iranian side, where the Arabian plate collided with the central London last December. —Reuters decade. Iran’s possible re-emergence as a major exporter would force 600,000 and 1 million bpd within a 12-month timeframe. In the medi- Iranian plateau it created an extensive folded zone and threw up the a re-ordering of the world oil market both because of the country’s um term, output could rise by 2 million or even 3 million bpd, Zagros Mountains. These folded structures have been excellent traps location on the cost-curve and the quality of its oil. Iran’s proved oil depending on prices and the country’s ability to attract investment, for the accumulation of oil and gas and account for Iran’s major oil reserves of 160 billion barrels, almost 10 percent of the world total, source equipment and partner with international majors and service and gas fields. The Zagros Basin stretches in a belt from Turkey and All articles appearing on these rank it fourth after Venezuela (300 billion barrels), Saudi Arabia (265 companies. The first phase of Iran’s return to global oil markets is most Syria through Iraqi Kurdistan and into Iran (“Sedimentary Basins and pages are the personal opinion of billion barrels) and Canada (175 billion barrels), according to BP. likely to occur in 2016 and 2017, with larger increases in production Petroleum Geology of the Middle East”, 1997). The basin covers more The country also has the world’s largest proved gas reserves of and exports unlikely to occur before 2018 or 2020. The prospect of than 550,000 square kilometres but is relatively narrow - more than the writers. Kuwait Times takes no almost 34 trillion cubic metres (18 percent of the global total), putting higher exports may already be weighing on global oil markets, 2,500 km long and generally just 500-700 km wide. Most of Iran’s oil responsibility for views expressed it ahead of Russia (17 percent) and Qatar (13 percent). Iran’s petrole- among other factors, with the back end of the futures curve slipping and gas fields are found in a narrow belt running along its maritime therein. Kuwait Times invites read- um resources are contained in large, conventional reservoirs with in recent months. boundary in the Gulf and the foothills of the Zagros Mountains. excellent geological properties that make them highly productive at a ers to voice their opinions. Please relatively low cost. Oil has been produced in Iran in commercial quan- Zagros Basin Asmari Formation send submissions via email to: opin- tities since 1908, making it one of the world’s oldest producers. Iran’s oil and gas accumulations are the result of organic material In Iran, the sediments comprising the Zagros Basin are up to [email protected] or via snail Production peaked at more than 6 million barrels per day (bpd) in deposited on the floor of an ancient ocean, Tethys, around 250 million 12,000 metres thick. Oil and gas have been trapped in and produced 1974 and although revolution, war and sanctions have been disrup- years ago. Tethys disappeared with the collision of the Indian, African from various layers, but by far the most important is the Asmari lime- mail to PO Box 1301 Safat, Kuwait. tive, it was still producing 4.2 million bpd as recently as 2008. and Arabian tectonic plates into the Eurasian continent - though rem- stone. The Asmari formation has been to Iran what the Bakken forma- The editor reserves the right to edit Sanctions imposed by the United States and the European Union in nants are left as the Black, Caspian and Aral seas. Thick layers of tion is to North Dakota and Eagle Ford is to Texas. The Asmari forma- any submission as necessary. response to concerns about Iran’s nuclear program have cut produc- ancient limestone and sandstone deposited on the floor of Tethys tion is not intrinsically very porous or permeable, which would make tion by around 1 million bpd to 3.4 million since 2012. Iran consumes were trapped and warped in the collision and became the world’s it a poor choice for oil and gas production.—Reuters THURSDAY, APRIL 16, 2015 SPORTS

Spotlight on Carvajal bite Wiggins to Buffon rules out retirement MADRID: Atletico Madrid captain Gabi has called on UEFA to act if there is tackle record TURIN: Juventus goalkeeper Gianluigi Buffon has no immediate plans to retire and evidence Real Madrid defender Dani Carvajal bit Atletico forward Mario said it would be a waste to quit now when he feels he is still in top form. Mandzukic in Tuesday’s Champions League quarter-final, first leg. Carvajal, PARIS: Bradley Wiggins will try to beat the Hour record “A player stops when he feels that he is no longer what he was before on the pitch,” who could in any case be sanctioned by European soccer’s governing at the London Velodrome on June 7, the International Buffon, 37, told reporters after Juventus beat Monaco 1-0 in the Champions League on body over a punch he threw at Mandzukic during the same incident in the Cycling Union (UCI) said yesterday. Tuesday. second half of the 0-0 draw at the Calderon, strongly denied trying to bite Wiggins, Britain’s most decorated Olympian with sev- “Looking at it objectively, that is not my case. I will continue to keep playing as long the Croatia international on the arm. en medals, four of them gold, and the nation’s first Tour as I am doing well, otherwise it would be a waste. Why bid farewell to football if you Footage published on social media showed de France winner said it would rank as one of his great- are playing well?” Carvajal’s mouth made contact with Mandzukic’s est achievements. “At the first sign of slipping, I would be the first to bow out. I arm as they tangled off the ball but it was impossi- “The Hour Record is a holy grail for cyclists,” said think one should stop playing when goes onto the field and ble to tell conclusively if he had sunk his teeth Wiggins. “It’s been fought over tooth and nail by the you see that you are no longer the same person,” he added. into it. greatest names in our sport for over a hundred years Buffon, who has helped Juventus win three successive “Seeing after the match that I have been Serie A titles and is still Italy’s first-choice goalkeeper, made accused of biting a rival player I want to make it and it’s time for me to have a crack at it.” The current world record of 52.491 km was set by three important saves to deny Monaco an away goal in clear that I did not bite anyone, nor did I try to,” the Tuesday’s game. Spain right back told reporters. Australian Rohan Dennis at the Velodrome Suisse in Buffon joined Juventus from Parma in 2001, and stayed Speaking later to Spanish radio, Gabi said if Grenchen, Switzerland, on Feb. 8. Wiggins, 34, raced his with them even after they were demoted to Serie B evidence of a bite was clear UEFA should act. “I last major road race last Sunday when he finished 18th following the Calciopoli match-fixing scandal in can’t judge the incident but if UEFA study the in the Paris-Roubaix classic. He is now returning to the 2006, the same year he helped Italy win the World images and see something they should take action,” track in order to compete in the 2016 Olympics in Rio Cup.—Reuters Gabi said.—Reuters de Janeiro.—Reuters

MLB results/standings

Boston 8, Washington 7; Baltimore 4, NY Yankees 3; Detroit 2, Pittsburgh 0; Tampa Bay 3, Toronto 2; Miami 8, Atlanta 2; NY Mets 6, Philadelphia 5; Chicago White Sox 4, Cleveland 1; Texas 8, LA Angels 2; Cincinnati 3, Chicago Cubs 2; Oakland 4, Houston 0; San Diego 5, Arizona 1; LA Dodgers 6, Seattle 5; Colorado 4, San Francisco 1. American League Eastern Division W L PCT GB Boston 6 2 .750 - Tampa Bay 5 3 .625 1 Baltimore 4 4 .500 2 Toronto 4 4 .500 2 NY Yankees 3 5 .375 3 Central Division Kansas City 7 0 1.000 - Detroit 7 1 .875 0.5 Chicago White Sox 3 4 .429 4 Cleveland 2 5 .286 5 Minnesota 1 6 .143 6 Western Division Oakland 5 4 .556 - Texas 4 5 .444 1 Houston 3 5 .375 1.5 LA Angels 3 5 .375 1.5 Seattle 3 5 .375 1.5 National League Eastern Division Atlanta 6 2 .750 - NY Mets 5 3 .625 1 Philadelphia 3 5 .375 3 Miami 2 6 .250 4 Washington 2 6 .250 4 Central Division Cincinnati 5 3 .625 - Chicago Cubs 4 3 .571 0.5 St. Louis 3 3 .500 1 Pittsburgh 3 5 .375 2 BOSTON: Red Sox’s Mookie Betts (50) slides into second with a stolen base as Washington Nationals second baseman Danny Espinosa takes in the late throw in the sixth Milwaukee 2 5 .286 2.5 inning of a baseball game at Fenway Park. —AP Western Division Colorado 6 2 .750 - LA Dodgers 5 3 .625 1 San Diego 5 4 .556 1.5 Arizona 4 4 .500 2 Red Sox edge Nationals San Francisco 3 6 .333 3.5

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Harvey league debut last year, gave up four runs, six Adrian Gonzalez walked to load the bases Nissan does, and as partners with (2-0), back from Tommy John surgery, gave hits and four walks in 2 2-3 innings in his and Kendrick slapped the next pitch the UEFA we are looking to introduce up three runs and five hits in six innings first major league start. other way to right field to give the Dodgers new ways in which to enrich the with eight strikeouts. their second walkoff win in two nights. On UEFA Champions League experi- ATHLETICS 4, ASTROS 0 Monday, Alex Guerrero gave the Dodgers a ence,” said Roel de Vries, Corporate RAYS 3, BLUE JAYS 2 Rookie Kendall Graveman (1-1) yielded 6-5 win with a bases-loaded RBI single in Vice President and Global Head of Desmond Jennings hit a tiebreaking sac- four hits in 5 1-3 innings for his first major the 10th inning. Yimi Garcia (2-0) recorded Marketing and Communications for rifice fly in the eighth inning off Miguel league win, and four relievers completed his second big league victory in as many Nissan. “Europe’s most prestigious Castro (0-1), helping Tampa Bay to its fourth the shutout. nights with a perfect ninth inning. —AP THURSDAY, APRIL 16, 2015 SPORTS All Blacks talent drain to hit home in 2016

NELSON: The decision of All Blacks fly- their careers, assisting the All Blacks Olympics,” he told the stuff.co.nz web- squad members while not necessarily “You’ve got guys that are committing half Colin Slade to head to Europe after into an easy rollover of talent, are now site. first-choice selections. (to New Zealand) and you’ve got guys the World Cup came with a rider creating a talent drain by luring up- “We could lose up to 15 players out Talismanic skipper Richie McCaw, 34, that are heading overseas. We certainly Tuesday that the exodus of New and-coming stars. of our current 31-man squad, which is deflects questions about his future, but feel that we’re taking a bit of a hit at the Zealand players is not yet over. Crusaders coach Todd Blackadder, massive.” The 17-Test Slade may not the indications are he will retire at the moment but it’s a long-running battle.” Slade is the 10th All Black so far to who stands to lose two fly-halves to have been the All Blacks’ first choice fly- end of the year along with fellow Test At Super 15 level, in the space of 12 announce he is heading offshore at the French clubs in Dan Carter and Slade, half but he was crucial to Hansen’s centurions Keven Mealamu, aged 36, months the Crusaders will have lost end of the year after the 27-year-old put a positive spin on the losses. plans because of his ability to cover and Tony Woodcock, 34. With the bank three All Blacks-fly-halves in Carter, was offered a deal reportedly worth “It’s a good opportunity for some wing and fullback, his sound defence accounts of the European clubs Taylor and Slade-while former New 660,000 euros ($698,000) a year to join young guys to put their hands up and and coolness as a goalkicker. bulging, New Zealand Rugby Players Zealand Under 20s star Tyler Bleyendaal French club Pau. for us to start again almost,” he said. But New Zealand’s player exodus also Association chief Rob Nichol expects left for Munster last year. Still to confirm their post-World Cup with the New Zealand sevens squad includes Carter (Racing Metro), Ma’a more All Blacks to depart despite the “It’s a concern every time you lose a futures are Julian Savea, Sam Cane and also able to call on All Blacks for the Nonu (Toulon) and Conrad Smith (Pau), effort going into keeping them in the player because it’s taking away another Ryan Crotty and, coupled with expect- Olympics next year, Hansen admitted who are near the end of their interna- country. brick from the wall, and if you take too ed retirements and the impact of the 2016 would be “one of the most difficult tional careers. “They’ve still got another couple many away, eventually the wall will fall Olympics, coach Steve Hansen is brac- years” for All Blacks rugby. But Charles Piutau (Ulster), Francis that they’re working through but we’ll over,” Hansen said. ing for a difficult 12 months following “Not only are we losing people as it’s Saiili (Munster), Tom Taylor (Bayonne) just let that process pan out,” he told “I understand in some circumstances the September-October tournament in time for them to go overseas or retire, and Frank Halai (Wasps) are just start- Radio Sport. there’s a really good reason for some England. and we’ve lost one or two other people ing theirs. Tight forwards Jeremy Thrush “We’re going through that two-three people to do it, but in others I just wish Cashed-up European clubs who we didn’t want to lose, but we’re also (Gloucester) and Ben Franks (London month frame where guys are making they’d hang on and chase their dream a once targeted players in the twilight of going to lose some guys to the Irish) are also considered valuable really big decisions about their future. bit more.” —AFP Race to Stanley Cup wide open in years

NEW YORK: The two-month Stanley Cup playoff race begins this week boasting one of the most wide open fields in recent memory, with some perennial powerhouses having failed to qualify and very little separating the contenders. The absence of the Los Angeles Kings, who became the first Stanley Cup champions to miss the playoffs in their defending season since 2007, and Boston Bruins, who won it all in 2011 and had the best record last year, has given hope to many others. Playoff teams were separated by a mere 16 points during the regular season, which is the smallest gap since the NHL adopted a 16-team postseason format for the 1979-80 season. Not only will the tournament feature seven teams that missed the cut last year, it will also include five of Canada’s seven teams, represent- Yuzuru Hanyu in action in this file photo. ing the most from the hockey-mad nation since 2004. The race to capture hockey’s ultimate prize Hanyu aims for redemption requires a team to win four best-of-seven playoff series. The action begins on Wednesday with TOKYO: Olympic gold medallist Yuzuru Miyahara in the eight-skater national line- Montreal, Washington, Nashville and Vancouver Hanyu will carry Japan’s hopes into the ISU up. Five other teams-Russia, US, Canada, hosting the openers of their respective series. World Team Trophy in Tokyo this week, France and China-will join the hosts to The New York Rangers have earned home-ice determined to bounce back in front of compete in men’s and women’s singles, advantage for the playoffs after finishing first home fans after an injury-plagued season. pairs and ice dance disciplines in four days overall in the regular season. But that guaran- Hanyu, men’s individual champion at of competition beginning today. The team tees them nothing more than a first-round date with reigning league MVP Sidney Crosby and the the Sochi Games last year, is nursing ankle with the best combined points total from NEW YORK: Henrik Lundqvist of the New York Rangers takes a break during the game in this Pittsburgh Penguins. problems and slipped to a disappointing the four disciplines will emerge victorious. file photo. —AFP second place behind Spain’s Javier Teenagers Elizaveta Tuktamysheva and The Anaheim Ducks, powered by Ryan Fernandez in the World Championships in Elena Radionova, who clinched the Getzlaf and Corey Perry, are the top seed in the title by one point. drive against in 2010. Shanghai last month. The 20-year-old told women’s gold and bronze medals in Western Conference, but could be in tough ver- Hall of Famer Steve Yzerman, who spent his The Predators boast Finnish goalie Pekka the Yomiuri Shimbun this week that he had Shanghai, will spearhead Russia’s chal- sus a physical and fast Winnipeg Jets team that playing career with the Detroit Red Wings before Rinne, while Chicago got a huge boost when for- “failed” after managing only a silver medal. lenge. finished 10 points below them in the standings. joining the Tampa Lightning as a general man- ward Patrick Kane, who broke his collarbone in “This season has felt like three years to Victory in Shanghai marked an incredi- The Ottawa Senators put together a late-sea- ager, will get a chance to topple his former team, February, was cleared this week to return for the me,” he said, referring to surgery for a blad- ble turnaround for the 18-year-old son surge behind the storybook play of goalie which is appearing in the playoffs for a 24th con- series opener. The Vancouver Canucks and der problem in December and a sprained Tuktamysheva, who failed to make the Andrew Hammond, earning a wild-card playoff secutive year. Calgary Flames both missed the playoffs last ankle that kept him from training until ear- Russian team for last year’s Olympics after a berth and a matchup with the rival Montreal The Minnesota Wild have been the best team year, but one is guaranteed to reach the second ly March. miserable season. Canadiens and Carey Price, the NHL’s top net- since goalie Devan Dubynk made his debut for round as they are set to meet in a series that is In Shanghai, Hanyu was unable to land a “I am full of emotion right now. This is an minder. the franchise in January, and will face the St. expected to be close. Each team won two of the single quad jump in his free skate, making amazing moment,” she said following the Two of the NHL’s best players will go head-to- Louis Blues in a matchup featuring a pair of four regular season games played against each only two rotations on a salchow attempt, win. US hopes will rest on female skaters head when Washington Capitals captain Alex teams built for the playoffs. The Chicago other, one on the road and one at home. before falling badly on a toeloop. Gracie Gold and Ashley Wagner, fourth and Ovechkin, coming off a league-high 53-goal Blackawks, who last won a Stanley Cup in 2013, Winnipeg, Nashville, Ottawa, Washington and Hanyu-a hugely popular figure in skat- fifth respectively in Shanghai, and Jason campaign, faces New York Islanders counterpart will face the Nashville Predators, the same team the Islanders are the other five teams back in the ing-mad Japan-is joined by women’s World Brown who just missed out on a world John Tavares, who missed the league scoring they opened their Stanley Cup-winning playoff playoffs after missing out last year. —Reuters Championship silver medallist Satoko championship medal for the men. —AFP Bubba back on course after Masters disappointment

SHENZHEN: Bubba Watson hardly had “It’s pretty special to see him battling time to wipe the sleep out of his eyes the year before and me beating him, and before he was back on the golf course, half then him coming with that performance a world away from the disappointment that the following year. Pretty amazing.” was this year’s Masters. Watson said the Shenzhen event - co- As defending champion, the 36-year-old sanctioned by the European and China finished on one over par, 19 strokes behind PGA Tours - would give him time to runaway winner Jordan Spieth when play reassess the putting that let him down as came to end on Sunday at Augusta he sought to add a third green jacket to his National. 2012 and 2014 triumphs. Watson presented the new champion “What I took from it is that I’m hitting with his green jacket then got on a plane the ball well. I just didn’t make the putts,” before dusting his jet lag down with a prac- he said before taking part in yesterday’s tice round at Genzon Golf Club ahead of pro-am event. Thursday’s inaugural Shenzhen “We know by watching golf [it’s about] International in the southern Chinese momentum. When you hit a great bunker metropolis. shot or something to six feet and you miss “I just didn’t make any putts,” was the the putt, it slows momentum. I had no world number four’s frank verdict of his momentum.” effort to retain his Augusta title. “And then Watson has happy memories of previ- Jordan played unbelievable,” he told ous trips to China, most recently his victory reporters Wednesday. “He was the first per- at last November’s WGC-HSBC son ever to get 19 under. Made all his putts. Championship in Shanghai where a trade- mark audacious 35-yard blast from a CHINA: Mercedes AMG Petronas F1 Team’s British driver Lewis Hamilton steers his car in this file photo. —AFP bunker for eagle on the final green put him into a play-off against South Africa’s Tim Clark which he won on the first extra hole. Too slow? Bahrain can now Watson said he would be happy to share his experience with China’s rising genera- tion of players, not least playing partner for the first two days Li Haotong, who at 194 is settle Mercedes argument the highest ranked of the home golfers. The third member of the marquee MANAMA: Bahrain Grand Prix organisers will be the tables at the circuit where he made his F1 to Lewis but on the other hand it was the most group for the first two days will be last rubbing their hands in delight at the prospect of debut with Williams in 2006 and scored his first exciting race I have ever had in my whole career,” year’s Volvo China Open winner Alexander Mercedes team mates Lewis Hamilton and Nico points. said Rosberg afterwards. Levy, as the Frenchman returns to the Rosberg renewing battle at their desert circuit “We are starting over. Lewis can drive as he The Mercedes duo were in a race of their own scene of that triumph. “The game of golf is this weekend. Last year the pair served up a pleases. It’s up to him,” he wrote in Germany’s last year but now they also have Ferrari to worry growing over here,” said Watson. “I’ll look thriller under the Sakhir floodlights and now, Bild daily on Tuesday, recognising he had been about even if Hamilton, who has a 13 point lead forward to watching [Li] and helping if he after each accused the other of driving too slow- angry with his team mate in the immediate in the championship over Sebastian Vettel, has has questions.” The 20-year-old Li has been ly in China last Sunday, they have even more of a aftermath of Sunday’s race. “There will be no big started all three races so far on pole. a standout on the China PGA Tour with score to settle. change in our relationship. I can and will turn it Four times world champion Vettel won twice wins in three of the final four events last Both may claim to have moved on from around in a few days and beat Lewis. in Bahrain with Red Bull and, after three podium year and said he would be relishing the Shanghai but their very public spat, with “Another one-two for Mercedes would be finishes in three races for Ferrari including victo- chance to play alongside one of the Rosberg accusing world champion Hamilton of alright with me. But this time, it should be the ry in Malaysia, will again pose a threat. If the world’s best. “I feel very lucky,” Li said. “I’ve compromising his race by not driving as fast as German anthem playing.” Rosberg started on German anthem sounds again on Sunday, there seen him on TV and also winning the he could have, has thrown the rivalry centre pole in Bahrain last year but Hamilton, who was are no guarantees Rosberg will be the one on Masters and so forth. I’m very lucky that I stage again. second on the grid and overtook the German at the top step. have a chance to be with him in the same Although the team discussed the situation on the start, won after a wheel-to-wheel duel in the “For Bahrain, we hope to get again a bit group for two days. “All I want to do right Sunday, the triumphant Hamilton’s subsequent closing laps. closer,” Vettel said after finishing third in China AUGUSTA: Bubba Watson of the US tees now is step by step earn my ranking points comments that Rosberg did not try hard enough Although Rosberg had a tyre advantage, and behind the Mercedes pair. “We have a strong off in this file photo during Round 3 of and prize money in order to get to the US to overtake him and was not quick enough will made several attempts to pass, Hamilton still car no matter what condition, that is the feel- the 79th Masters Golf Tournament. —AFP PGA Tour.” —AFP have stung the German. Rosberg is ready to turn held him off. “I strongly dislike finishing second ing.” —Reuters THURSDAY, APRIL 16, 2015 SPORTS Mayweather has last public training ahead of megafight

LAS VEGAS: Floyd Mayweather Jr. appearance in advance of his fight flashed a glimpse of the fighting form against Manny Pacquiao on May 2. he will show next month as the unde- The welterweight bout, which has feated champion put on an open train- been five years in the making, is the ing session on Tuesday in Las Vegas. richest in boxing history. Mayweather Flanked by his own camp and the and Pacquiao faced off for a press con- media, the 38-year-old went through a ference last month but have since workout at his Mayweather Boxing Club retreated to their separate camps to in what was the last scheduled public prepare for the highly anticipated clash. Pacquiao will hold his own public workout on Wednesday in Los Angeles. Mayweather’s showing was a light effort built for show and he did not do much talking as he worked the speed bag but occasionally offered words to his camp. Surrounded by photogra- phers, Mayweather delivered body shots to a sparring partner who wore body armour but did not throw any punches back. He then worked a body bag and seamlessly went through a ANTIGUA: West Indies’ Shivnarine Chanderpaul plays a shot from the bowling of England’s James Tredwell as England’s Jos Buttler (back left) series of light exercises. and Chris Jordan field during day three of their first cricket Test match. —AP “I’ve seen (Mayweather) do things (in the ring) without looking. He just knows, and he has a sense and a feel for things,” said Mayweather’s strength West Indies hold firm coach Alex Ariza. Ariza formerly worked with Pacquiao and cannot see the Filipino beating Mayweather. “Unless after early batting slump (Pacquiao) has a dramatic difference in how (he has prepared himself in the past) I can’t see anything different. I see ANTIGUA: West Indies trailed England by 244 Chanderpaul and Blackwood took them to full length delivery was snaffled up by wicket- the same routine.”—Reuters runs at the close of the second day of the first stumps. The hosts had earlier mopped up the keeper Ramdin, then Broad found Jermaine Floyd Mayweather test in Antigua on Tuesday after Shivnarine England tail, claiming the last five wickets for 42 Blackwood at point from another full delivery to Chanderpaul applied the brakes to any poten- runs. Jerome Taylor started off with the early leave England 361 for nine. tial batting slumps. wicket of Ben Stokes (79) who was caught by The last wicket pair of Chris Jordan (21 not England will feel in control of the test but Jason Holder at gully. out) and James Anderson (20) added 38, the Waugh backs paceman new West Indies coach Phil Simmons will also Holder then removed nightwatchman third biggest partnership in the England be encouraged by the way his team avoided the Tredwell, who edged an attempted drive to innings, before Anderson mistimed a shot from Starc to be a Test force kind of middle order slump that has hampered Darren Bravo at first slip. Seamer Kemar Roach Marlon Samuels’ off-spin to Holder at short cov- them in recent years. England were bowled out removed Buttler for a duck after his edge off a er. Roach finished with four for 94.—Reuters SYDNEY: Former Australia captain Steve young talent Josh Hazlewood will join for 399 just before lunch then made good Waugh has backed pace bowler Mitchell experienced hands Mitchell Johnson and inroads to reduce the Caribbean side to 99 for Starc to convert his World Cup form into Peter Siddle in a formidable pace attack four. SCOREBOARD the test team ahead of series against West for West Indies and the Ashes series, with But the 40-year-old Chanderpaul (29 not out), supported by Jermaine Blackwood (30 not Scoreboard at stumps on the second day in the first Test between West Indies and England on Tuesday in North Indies and England. seasoned campaigner Ryan Harris to join Sound, Antigua and Barbuda. Left-armer Starc was named the player them in England. Selectors have also out), produced a characteristically disciplined of the World Cup after an outstanding picked Pakistan-born leg spinner Fawad innings to take West Indies to 155 for four at the England 1st innings (Overnight: 341-5) Anderson close. A. Cook b Roach 11 Bowling: J. Taylor 20-4-90-3 (nb-1 w-1), K. Roach 29-6- tournament but has yet to cement his Ahmed to join offspinner Nathan Lyon in 94-4 (nb-3 w-2), J. Holder 25-11-69-2 (nb-2 w-1), S. Benn place in the test side after 15 matches. the attack for both tours. Waugh said for- England’s James Anderson, in his 100th test, J. Trott c Da. Bravo b Taylor 0 G. Ballance c Da. Bravo b Holder 10 26-3-85-0, M. Samuels 10.4-0-51-1. “That’s a big thing for Australia,” Waugh mer refugee Ahmed, who struggled in a claimed the early wicket of Devon Smith for 11, West Indies 1st innings said of Starc’s emergence in comments handful of limited overs matches for the left-hander edging to Jos Buttler. I. Bell c Ramdin b Roach 143 J. Root b Taylor 83 K. Brathwaite c Jordan b Tredwell 39 published by Australian Associated Press. Australia, was ready to become world Buttler then pocketed another catch to De. Smith c Buttler b Anderson 11 B. Stokes c Holder b Taylor 79 “We’ve got so many bowlers at our dis- class. remove Darren Bravo (10), who edged as he Da. Bravo c Buttler b Jordan 10 J. Tredwell c Da. Bravo b Holder 8 posal that we’re capable of winning every “I saw him bowl one ball in one of his tried to let go a delivery from Chris Jordan, to M. Samuels c Buttler b Broad 33 J. Buttler c Ramdin b Roach 0 Test match because we can take 20 wick- first games ... and I knew he had some- leave West Indies at 42 for two. S. Chanderpaul not out 29 C. Jordan not out 21 ets. “But I think Starc will go to that next thing special,” Waugh said. “He’s going to Kraigg Brathwaite and Marlon Samuels J. Blackwood not out 30 S. Broad c Blackwood b Roach 0 level in test cricket as well. be a real asset to Australian cricket. “He’ll steadied West Indies to 84 for two at tea but Extras (lb-2 nb-1) 3 J. Anderson c Holder b Samuels 20 “I think we’ve got the best young slot in that squad no problems. They all frustratingly for skipper Denesh Ramdin, neither Total (for 4 wickets, 66 overs) 155 group of quicks we may have ever had in know each other well, there’s a lot of sup- batsman were able to capitalise. Extras (b-7 lb-3 nb-6 w-8) 24 Fall of wickets: 1-19 De. Smith, 2-42 Da. Bravo, 3-89 M. Australian cricket. “And if they all get fit, port staff around, including Darren A leg-cutter from Stuart Broad lured Samuels Total (all out, 110.4 overs) 399 Samuels, 4-99 K. Brathwaite. and guys like Ryan Harris and Peter Siddle Lehmann, and he seems to feel comfort- (33) into an edge to Buttler and then Brathwaite Fall of wickets: 1-1 J. Trott, 2-22 A. Cook, 3-34 G. Ballance, To bat: D. Ramdin, J. Holder, J. Taylor, K. Roach, S. Benn are around those young quicks, then we’re able in the Australian squad which is (39) was brilliantly caught by Chris Jordan at slip 4-211 J. Root, 5-341 I. Bell, 6-357 B. Stokes, 7-357 J. Bowling: J. Anderson 13-8-24-1, S. Broad 15-1-46-1, C. Jordan 13-4-29-1, B. Stokes 10-2-32-0(nb-1), J. Tredwell 15-7-22-1. going to take 20 wickets.” Starc and fellow important.”—Reuters from off-spinner James Tredwell before Tredwell, 8-361 J. Buttler, 9-361 S. Broad, 10-399 J.

Sreesanth with the runners up team Sreesanth with the winners team Raja Company ‘Q8 Calicut NRI’s ‘clinche twin title Indian cricket star Sreesanth graces presentation ceremony

KUWAIT: On a glorious Friday evening at The finals were played between the two However, Apshal survived the initial nervy elected to bat first. Sreesanth along with TACK KKPL TACK’s Doha Entertainment City Grounds, in top teams i.e. Thrissur Lions and Raja period and played a blinder of an innings. He Due to Sumit Pillai and Stanley Cherian’s Committee Members and representatives the presence of international cricketer Company Q8 Calicut NRI’s. Thrissur Lion’s went on to score a fine century, 102 of 59 balls heavy hitting, Q8 Calicut was able to score a from UAE Exchange and Oriental Restaurant Santhakumaran Sreesanth and scores of crick- Captain Sajed Kalam won the toss and elected with 7 sixes and 10 boundaries. Sakthy mammoth 127 in 10 overs. Sreesanth showed formed the presentation party. Gokul Das of et lovers; Kuwait Kerala Premier League (KKPL) to bat first. Openers Shejeel and Nishad gave a anchored the innings well with 51 runs which immense support and appreciation to his Victory XI Idukki was awarded the best bats- concluded its 3rd successful season with col- good start but some diligent bowling from came off 45 balls as Q8 Calicut NRI’s chased teammates and supported them throughout. man while Rinil of Royal Kings Trivandrum orful opening ceremony. Sanal PC dried up the runs which resulted in the target in 17.4 overs. Aphsal was adjudged He bowled 2 overs even though he was won the best bowler award. Sanal Govind was Respective national anthems of Kuwait and Nishad’s wicket. man of the match for his stunning hundred. injured and showed the crowd what real pace adjudged best all rounder and man of the India were played to mark the beginning Anees Babu top scored with 32 from 41 After the high intense finals, the much is all about even with 4 strides as his run up. finals was given to Aphsal Ashraf. which was followed by a short address by balls as the Lions managed to reach to 152 for awaited exhibition match between Sreesanth During their chase, Sreesanth XI gave a During the presentation ceremony, Sreesanth as he thanked TACK for inviting him the loss of 7 wickets. Defending 153, Thirssur XI and the winners of the grand final took stunning reply through Hanson Nicholas in Sreesanth also inaugurated the 4th Edition of to Kuwait while he also lauded the organiza- Lions got off to a dream start when their cap- place. Sreesanth XI comprised of one player blistering form. The target proved to be too KKPL which will be kicked off during the first tion’s efforts in developing cricket in Kuwait tain dismissed dangerous Farooq Muhammed each of the remaining KKPL teams. Raja big in the end with Sreesanth XI falling short week of April 2015 at the famous TACK through the KKPL platform. for a duck. Company Q8 Calicut NRI’s won the toss and by 8 runs. Entertainment City Cricket Ground - Doha.

Man of the finals Afzal Sreesanth presents a trophy to Sajid Kalam Sreesanth & Naveen Jayan THURSDAY, APRIL 16, 2015 SPORTS

Top players advance at Kuwait Open Tennis tourney

KUWAIT: Kuwait Sixth Open Tennis Ghareeb, Ali Hussein Al-Ghareeb and years) Majdi Al-Beetar, and Arraim Championship continued its activities Ahmad Ashour, Abdelaziz Mayouf and Garcia reached the semifinals. at the tennis federation courts, at Ali Al-Sheikh, Mohammad Mahmoudi In the pioneers doubles Waleed Yarmouk Sports Club, as men’s singles and Enaam Gul moved into the round Abu Lughud and Mohammad Tounaih, results were as follows Ali Abdelreda of eight. Ray Malabaitan and Garcia, Hassan Al- Al-Ghareeb, Ali Hussein Al-Ghareeb, In the masters category Ali Al- Yousufi and Mohammad Al-Alami Dawoon Salman Hashim and Gharee, Enaam Gul, Hassan Al-Mousa, made it to the semifinals. Mohammad Abdal moved to the sec- Youraish Lukaish, Mohammad In the singles juniors U17, Hussein ond round. Mahmoudi, Abdelhameed Al-Shatti, Jamal, Hadi Jamal, Faisal Najeeb and In the men’s doubles Mohammad Dawood Hashim and Nasser Al-Obaidli Tameem Al-Hallaq reached the semifi- Abdelreda Al-Ghareeb and reached the round of eight. nals. Mohammad Khaliq Sadeeq, Abdallah In the pioneers singles (above 45 In the beginners U13 Ahmad Al-Mashouti and Talal Ahmad Al- years) Mohammad Tourneih, Khamees, Talal Antar, Bader Antar, Beloushi, Hamid Al-Sulaiteen and Mohammad Al-Alami, Chris Sims and Rashid Al-Jaafar, Fahad Al-Dousary, Ali Abdallah Ahmad Al-Qallaf, Ali Majdi Khamis reached the semifinals. Al-Shatti, Baram Shylesh and Karam Abdelreda Al-Ghareeb and Hassan Al- In the pioneers singles (above 55 Al-Assaf reached the second round. Pacers see off Wizards

INDIANAPOLIS: CJ Miles scored 25 points higher playoff seeding on the line. and George Hill added 24, and together DeAndre Jordan had 13 points and 14 they keyed a 7-2 spurt to open the second rebounds, setting the Clippers’ single-sea- overtime Tuesday as Indiana kept its playoff son record for rebounds in a season. hopes alive with a 99-95 victory over Los Angeles (56-26) can finish with the Washington. The Pacers (38-43) have won No. 2 seed if the San Antonio Spurs and six straight and will make a fifth straight Houston Rockets lose their final games late playoff appearance if they win at Memphis yesterday. The Suns were down to eight - or if Brooklyn loses to Orlando - on the available players, Archie Goodwin leading final night of the regular season. Martin Phoenix with a season-high 18 points. Gortat and Bradley Beal each scored 19 points for the Wizards (46-35). CELTICS 95, RAPTORS 93 It was a grind for the Pacers, who strug- Jae Crowder hit an off-balance fall-away gled shooting all night and trailed 70-61 from deep on the right wing with .8 sec- deficit with 7:07 left. They rallied to take a onds left that secured the seventh seed in late 79-75 lead, then Washington forced the Eastern Conference for the Celtics. overtime. Indiana didn’t lead again until Evan Turner and Avery Bradley each Hill’s mid-range jumper 23 seconds into the scored 14 points for Boston, which will face second overtime made it 87-85. And Hill No. 2 seed Cleveland in the playoffs. finally sealed it with a 3 with 27.8 seconds Brandon Bass added 13 points and nine left. rebounds. It was the fifth straight win for the CLIPPERS 112, SUNS 101 Celtics, who clinched a playoff spot on Chris Paul’s 22 points, including six 3- Monday when Brooklyn lost. Kyle Lowry pointers, led the Clippers over the injury- had 16 points for the Raptors, who are depleted Suns in LA’s final regular-season locked into the fourth seed and will face game before the NBA playoffs. The Clippers Washington. Toronto beat the Wizards in clinched the West’s No. 3 seed with the win. all three meetings this season. Lou Blake Griffin hit his first six shots on his way Williams also had 16 points for Toronto, to 20 points as Clippers coach Doc Rivers Terrence Ross scored 12 and Jonas played his starters major minutes with a Valanciunas’ 11. —AP

NBA results/standings MONACO: Swiss player Roger Federer hits a return to his French opponent Jeremy Chardy during the Monte-Carlo ATP Masters Series Tournament tennis match. —AFP

Boston 95, Toronto 93; Indiana 99, Washington 95 (OT); LA Clippers 112 Phoenix 101. Eastern Conference Western Conference Federer, Nadal, Wawrinka Atlantic Division Northwest Division W L PCT GB Portland 51 30 .630 - Toronto 48 33 .593 - Oklahoma City 44 37 .543 7 Boston 39 42 .481 9 Utah 38 43 .469 13 off the mark in Monte Carlo Brooklyn 37 44 .457 11 Denver 30 51 .370 21 Philadelphia 18 63 .222 30 Minnesota 16 65 .198 35 NY Knicks 17 64 .210 31 MONTE CARLO: Finalist Roger Federer and moved into the third round. “It was a tough I’m happy with the first match. “Since I wasn’t Pacific Division holder Stan Wawrinka rolled to quick-fire open- match, but I played little bit better than what I playing well in practice, I consider this match as Central Division Golden State 66 15 .815 - ing wins at the Monte Carlo Masters yesterday as was doing before. a good one. There were ups and downs, but Cleveland 52 29 .642 - LA Clippers 56 26 .683 10.5 clay king Rafael Nadal also joined the Swiss pair “I played with the right mentality, the right that’s normal for a first match. Chicago 49 32 .605 3 Phoenix 39 43 .476 27.5 with a solid start. Second seed Federer, a three- concentration, I didn’t have (a lot of) mistakes in “I’m satisfied with my level physically and Milwaukee 41 40 .506 11 Sacramento 28 53 .346 38 Indiana 38 43 .469 14 time runner-up at the seaside Country Club, a row. That’s something that happened the last mentally. I was able to be aggressive. “It’s been LA Lakers 21 60 .259 45 Detroit 31 50 .383 21 took just 54 minutes to dominate Jeremy Chardy couple months with me. really difficult over the last two months had two 6-2, 6-1 as the Frenchman sent in a pair of dou- “Historically I am a (regular) player, I can have last months (Marseille quarter-final and second Southeast Division Southwest Division ble-faults in the penultimate game while mistakes, but not three in a row. “I am working and third-round defeats in the US).” Atlanta 60 21 .741 - San Antonio 55 26 .679 - Federer advanced with his third ace on match on that to fix that. Today I fixed it. Today I played The seventh seed, who lifted his first elite Washington 46 35 .568 14 Houston 55 26 .679 - point a game later. solid.” Masters 1000 title in Monaco a year ago as he Miami 36 45 .444 24 Memphis 54 27 .667 1 “Jeremy didn’t serve very well, and I felt good Nadal never faced a break point while break- beat compatriot Roger Federer for the title, Dallas 49 32 .605 6 Charlotte 33 48 .407 27 on the return,” said the Swiss winner. “So I was in ing his wild card opponent three times. The 28- spent 71 minutes in getting past Monaco. New Orleans 44 37 .543 11 Orlando 25 56 .309 35 a lot of the service games when he was serving. year-old spent 68 minutes in proving that he will Wawrinka will next face ninth seed Grigor “I thought I served well, had a high first serve not roll over on his preferred surface even after a Dimitrov, who beat Fabio Fognini 6-3, 6-4. percentage and was able to control the baseline. month of poor hardcourt results and a general The 2014 Australian Open winner comes onto On clay, things move ahead very quickly, I must lack of confidence after his ranking fell to fifth. the spring clay with a 17-4 match record and say. “I’ve had 10 days of clay training and I feel Nadal has not won in Monte Carlo since 2012, titles in Chennai and Rotterdam. The 30-year-old prepared.” For third seed Nadal, his 6-2, 6-1 sec- going out in the 2013 final to Novak Djokovic successfully defended a title for the first time in ond-round success against French wild card and losing in the quarters a year ago to country- January, winning Chennai for the second year in Lucas Pouille came as a huge relief after a poor man David Ferrer. a row. season and just one small South American tro- Switzerland’s Wawrinka kicked off his week Canadian Milos Raonic, seeded fourth beat phy to hand since winning a ninth Roland Garros with a 6-1 6-4 defeat of Argentine Juan Monaco Portugal’s Joao Sousa 6-3, 7-6 (7/4), while Czech title last May. in 71 minutes to progress. He was also glad to sixth seed Tomas Berdych beat Sergiy “I’m glad to be back here and playing on clay,” get some red dirt in his socks after an indifferent Stakhovsky 6-4, 7-6 (7/2). Gilles Simon, the num- said the troubled Spaniard who improved his last few months. “I’m happy to change, to come ber 10, defeated fellow Frenchman Benoit Paire record here to 51 wins and just three losses as he on clay again. The conditions are great here, so 6-4, 7-5.—AFP

Bach to visit India seeking more support for athletes

MUMBAI: International Olympic Committee “He is definitely bullish on India. After China and 1982 but the IOA faced heavy criticism over President Thomas Bach is baffled by India’s lack we have the largest population and we are the corruption charges and delays in construction of sporting success and will meet the country’s largest democracy in the world and it has a nice while organising the 2010 Commonwealth Prime Minister later this month seeking more federal structure.” Games. fund for the athletes, the country’s Olympic The German’s visit will also encourage the In cricket-obsessed India most of the sports association said yesterday. Indian corporates to look beyond cricket and federations, run by long-serving administrators, India’s only individual Olympic gold medal fund Olympic sports, Ramachandran said. rely on government largesse. Ramachandran came in 2008 when Abhinav Bindra won the 10 “Money is available in the corporate sector, said IOA was trying to put the focus back on the metre air rifle event in Beijing and the world’s we have to tap it. We can only tap it if the corpo- athletes. second most populous country’s best overall rates have confidence in the national sports fed- “Unless your athletes are going to win medals showing was at the last edition in London where erations,” he added. the image of IOA will not go up. The athlete they won six medals. Local media have been speculating on the must come first and not the administrator,” he “The IOC president is always telling me ‘1.2 possibility of an Indian bid for the 2024 said. billion people in India and you are hardly getting Olympics being discussed when Bach meets “You should simply look at the way a a few medals’,” Indian Olympic Association (IOA) Prime Minister Narendra Modi on April 27 but European country looks at the Olympics. If you president Narayanaswamy Ramachandran told Ramachandran would not hazard a guess. “It is take one athlete, that one athlete has a support Reuters in an interview. “I felt if he meets the not fair to comment on what they may probably staff of eight to 10 people. Prime Minister, it will give an impetus to the pro- discuss,” said Ramachandran, who also heads “How do you expect our athletes to go and INDIANAPOLIS: Indiana Pacers forward Paul George (13) shoots over Washington Wizards gramme and we can ask for additional funding World Squash Federation. perform at that level when you don’t give them forward Kris Humphries during the second half of an NBA basketball game. —AP for the athletes in Olympic disciplines. New Delhi hosted the Asian Games in 1951 that type of support?” —Reuters THURSDAY, APRIL 16, 2015 SPORTS Sevilla to face Zenit in Europa League q-finals

PARIS: Holders Sevilla host a Zenit Saint Petersburg side ripped apart by suspensions in the Europa League quarter-final first leg today. Andre Villas-Boas’s Russian league leaders travel to Spain missing no fewer than five first team regulars. Defenders Domenico Criscito and Igor Smolnikov, skipper Miguel Danny and Brazilian star striker Hulk are all banned after col- lecting third bookings in the last 16 return leg against Torino. Villas-Boas’s plight is compounded by the absence of Russian international midfielder Viktor Faizulin, recovering from knee surgery. “We have to think hard (about our line-up on Thursday) since we have four players that are suspended and we have to think about the objective (in that match),” the Zenit boss said. The 2008 winners face a stiff task against a Sevilla side fresh from holding Barcelona to a 2-2 draw in La Liga at the weekend. That fightback extended their unbeaten run at home to 33 games and ensured they remain just four points adrift of Atletico Madrid in the fight for a return to the Champions League next season. Sevilla, who claimed their third Europa League title when beating Benfica on penalties last year, will fancy their prospects of gaining an edge today ahead of next month’s return leg in Russia. They beat Zenit 5-2 at the same stage in 2006. “Winning the Europa League for the second successive year will be very complicated,” said Fernando Navarro, the Sevilla defender and Spanish Euro 2008 winner. Ukraine are doubly represented in the last eight by Dynamo Kiev, who ended Premier League club Everton’s ambitions in the last 16, and Dnipro Dnipropetrovsk. Dnipro are the surprise packages this season, stunning Dutch giants Ajax to set up a last eight clash with Club Brugge of Belgium. Dnipro owe their continued presence in the competition to the away goals rule after their last 16 tie with Ajax ended 2-2 on aggregate. Dnipro coach Myron Markevych insisted his SPAIN: Real Madrid’s Brazilian defender Marcelo trains at Valdebebas Sport City in team must show Brugge plenty of respect after this file photo. —AFP they were drawn against the Belgian outsiders. “It’s ridiculous to say that Brugge is a good SPAIN: Sevilla’s Polish midfielder Grzegorz Krychowiak (right) celebrates with Sevilla’s draw for us. This is a very strong, classy team that Portuguese defender Diogo Figueiras (left) in this file photo. —AFP plays great attacking football and got past Marcelo’s suspension Besiktas so easily, which says a lot,” said the The last eight line-up is completed by reached the quarter-finals, while Napoli memo- coach. Wolfsburg, who brushed aside Inter Milan last rably won the former UEFA Cup in 1989 when Dynamo Kiev have been ordered by UEFA to month to set up a meeting on Thursday with Diego Maradona inspired them to a 5-4 aggre- bad news for Real close part of their stadium for Fiorentina’s visit another Serie A outfit, Rafael Benitez’s Napoli. gate victory over Stuttgart. The quarter-final sec- after racist behaviour by their fans towards The 2009 German champions enjoyed their ond legs will be played on April 23, with the final MADRID: Holders Real Madrid and city Atletico goalkeeper Jan Oblak pulled off a Everton players last month. best run in the competition in 2010, when they in Warsaw on May 27.—AFP rivals Atletico emerged from Tuesday’s tem- string of brilliant saves. pestuous 0-0 Champions League quarter- “We come away with a bittersweet taste final draw knowing that Real left back in the mouth because we didn’t get a goal Marcelo and Atletico midfielder Mario to take a lead into the return,” Real centre Suarez are out of next week’s return leg. back Sergio Ramos told reporters. Each picked up a late booking in the “Madrid had control for practically the clash at Atletico’s Calderon stadium, a whole match, though the second half was repeat of last year’s final and the seventh trickier,” added the Spain international. time they have faced each other this term, “We have to draw positive conclusions. that means they will be suspended for the It was a really taxing, intense match against second leg at the Bernabeu on April 22. opponents who always make things very Atletico coach Diego Simeone has a difficult, and at a ground that’s always much easier task to replace Mario by bring- tough to go to.” ing in Tiago to play in the defensive mid- Real have not beaten Atletico for seven field role alongside captain Gabi. consecutive matches in all competitions, Marcelo’s absence, by contrast, will their worst run against their neighbors in deprive Real of one of their most effective the club’s history. —Reuters lines of attack and Simeone’s counterpart Carlo Ancelotti is likely to be forced to turn to the ageing Alvaro Arbeloa or the erratic Fabio Coentrao to fill in. Matches on TV Marcelo, a dressing-room heavyweight at the club and an inspirational presence (Local Timings) on the pitch, links up well with Cristiano Ronaldo down the left and can send over UEFA Europa League dangerous crosses for the likes of Ronaldo and Karim Benzema. He is also adept at dashing inside Sevilla V Zenit 22:05 towards the penalty area and slipping a beIN SPORTS killer pass through the defence to create a Brugge V Dnipro 22:05 scoring chance for his team mates. His defensive skills have improved in beIN SPORTS recent seasons, while Arbeloa and Wolfsburg V SSC Napoli 22:05 Coentrao are less likely to be able to thwart beIN SPORTS some of Atletico’s forward forays involving Dinamo Kiev V Fiorentina 22:05 playmaker Arda Turan and right back Juanfran. Real wasted a host of chances on beIN SPORTS Tuesday, especially in the first half when

GERMANY: Dortmund’s head coach Juergen Klopp attends a press conference to announce that he will step down as coach of German First Bournemouth keep Premier Division Bundesliga football club Borussia Dortmund. —AFP League dream very much alive Dortmund weigh options LONDON: Bournemouth kept their dream BRENTFORD DEFEATED of reaching English soccer’s top flight for Ipswich Town are a point behind Derby the first time firmly alive with a gritty 1-0 in sixth after beating Cardiff City 3-1 but as coach Klopp bows out win at FA Cup semi-finalists Reading on Brentford’s hopes of a second successive Tuesday. promotion took a hit when they lost 1-0 at The south-coast club took the lead Sheffield Wednesday. BERLIN: Jurgen Klopp will walk away from April 28 to bow out in style at the Berlin final on The charismatic Klopp, known for his trade- through Callum Wilson after four minutes The west London club are seventh, three Borussia Dortmund next month as one of the May 30. According to both German daily Bild and mark sideline-leaps of celebration after and hung on to stay ahead in the gripping points behind Ipswich and level with most successful coaches in the club’s history and book-makers Bwin Tuchel, one of Germany’s ris- Dortmund goals, was suddenly a forelorn figure race for promotion to the lucrative Premier Wolves. Bournemouth struck early through highly-regarded Thomas Tuchel widely tipped to ing star coaches, is favourite to succeed Klopp, this season as his team lost repeatedly and their League as the Championship pacesetters Wilson’s 22nd goal of the season at Reading take over. but Watzke says ‘certainty over speed’ is the priori- counter-pressing system failed to work. “But you all won. but the hosts tried to put Saturday’s Cup It took Klopp three attempts to get the words ty in finding the right man. can be sure that after all this great success and “It was a nervy ending with what’s at showdown against Arsenal at Wembley out out no Dortmund fan wanted to hear in A quick glance at the table, where Dortmund this incredibly good co-operation, you will always stake-we defended for our lives,” of their minds and battled hard to get back Wednesday’s press conference.The 47-year-old are tenth, shows how far Klopp’s side has have the eternal gratitude of Borussia Dortmund,” Bournemouth manager Eddie Howe told into the game. confirmed he is leaving after two Bundesliga slumped since winning back-to-back league titles said an emotional Watzke before hugging Klopp. the BBC. “We showed incredible mental Reading pressed strongly for a late titles, a Champions League final appearance and in 2011 and 2012, then finishing as runners-up to As to his future, Klopp insists there has been strength to score so early and see the game equaliser and Bournemouth goalkeeper the first league and cup double in Borussia’s his- Bayern for the last two years. no contact with any club. “I’m not tired, I have not out the way we did. We are finding new Artur Boruc was booked for time-wasting tory during his seven years in charge. “This is the Borussia were a mid-table side when Klopp planned anything in the background, there will ways to win and I’ll take that at this stage.” before his side held on for another vital vic- right time for a change at Borussia Dortmund,” arrived in 2008 before briefly usurping Bayern as be no sabbatical, unless I am forced to take one, Norwich City remained a point behind tory. Norwich missed a golden chance to said an emotional Klopp. Germany’s top club in 2012, which was confirmed nothing is planned or calculated.” the leaders with a 2-0 victory at Leeds lead at Leeds when Graham Dorrans “A big head has to roll-and it’s mine.” Having when the Bavarians were humbled 5-2 in that The timing of his announcement is simply to United, Middlesbrough beat spurned a first-half penalty but the Scottish been granted an early release from his contract, May’s German Cup final. allow Dortmund to plan their future without him. Wolverhampton Wanderers 2-1 to stay a midfielder made amends by scoring a late which ran until 2018, Klopp’s last home match will Following defeat to Bayern in the 2013 “I chose this time to announce it, because in the point back in third and playoff contenders second to seal the win after Jonny Howson be against Werder Bremen on May 23. Champions League final, Dortmund finished sec- last few years, some player decisions were made Derby County crushed relegated Blackpool had put the East Anglia side ahead. “It took me a while before I could even say the ond in the league in 2013 and 2014 until this sea- late and there was no time to react,” he added in 4-0. Middlesbrough, who visit Norwich on words,” admitted Klopp, flanked by ashen-faced son’s drop off. reference to Mario Goetze’s shock departure to The Rams stayed fifth, four points Friday, roared out of the blocks with early Dortmund CEO Hans-Joachim Watzke and equally Key injuries and a loss of form from their World Bayern in April 2013. German book-makers Bwin behind fourth-placed Watford who travel to goals by Jelle Vossen and Patrick Bamford glum director of sport Michael Zorc. Cup winners led to dire results which saw have Premier League clubs Manchester City, then Nottingham Forest late yesterday. With against Wolves but Bakary Sako pulled one “I wasn’t sure until I couldn’t answer the ques- Dortmund drop to 17th in December and then Arsenal, as his most likely future employers, espe- three games left the teams finishing first back soon after halftime to make the hosts tion whether I was still the perfect coach for last place in February. cially as Klopp speaks good English. “Jurgen Klopp and second will gain automatic promotion sweat for their win. League one (third tier) Borussia Dortmund with a clear ‘yes’. “The change Their Champions League exit after home and has a good reputation in England,” said ex- to the top flight and a potential cash boost leaders Bristol City thrashed Bradford City will be good for everyone. The club was great away defeats to Juventus in the last-16 signalled Liverpool and Germany midfielder Dietmar of more than 120 million pounds ($177.28 6-0 to guarantee their return to the second when I came and it’s still great.” how far they were from their incredible 4-1 rout of Hamann. “I think he would fit in well at million). The next four sides play off for the tier of English football after a two-year He admits he has “one last dream” of beating Real Madrid in Duortmund during the 2013 semi- Manchester City and they will certainly have final Premier League place. absence. —Reuters Bayern Munich in the German Cup semi-final on finals en route to facing Bayern at Wembley. talked about him.”—AFP Race to Stanley Sevilla to face Cup wide open Zenit in Europa in years League q-finals

THURSDAY, APRIL 16, 2015 16 19

West Indies hold firm after early batting slump Page 17

FRANCE: Barcelona’s Uruguayan forward Luis Suarez (left) celebrates with Barcelona’s Brazilian forward Neymar da Silva Santos Junior after scoring his first goal during the UEFA Champions League quarter-final first leg football match. — AFP Suarez double blows PSG away

PARIS: Luis Suarez hit a brilliant second-half double as goals at this stage of the competition in each of the last Messi, who has scored 45 goals in all competitions this the second half, and both Javier Pastore and Rabiot forced Barcelona appeared to end Paris Saint-Germain’s two seasons, including against Barca in 2013, but they will season, provided a 25th assist soon after, sliding a pass into saves from ter Stegen, before Barcelona were dealt an Champions League dream for another year with a 3-1 do well to even make it that close on this occasion. And the path of Neymar, who finished across Salvatore Sirigu injury blow of their own as captain Andres Iniesta had to quarter-final, first leg win at the Parc des Princes yesterday. their evening was further marred by the loss of captain with the PSG defence posted missing after Adrien Rabiot be stretchered off after taking a knee in the lower back The visitors’ all-star attack made their class count as Thiago Silva, who hobbled off just after Neymar’s opener lost possession on the right wing. from Pastore. Neymar coolly converted from a Lionel Messi assist in the with an apparent thigh problem. After crashing into Messi in the lead-up to that goal, However, Barcelona again undid the PSG defence mid- 18th minute to put Luis Enrique’s men in control, before A dejected Silva walked straight off the field to have his Silva hobbled off, and Luiz had taken his place in time to way through the second half, Suarez eliminating Luiz and Suarez produced two classy finishes in the final quarter of left thigh bandaged up, not even waiting until his fellow- see Neymar cut into the box and send in a shot that Sirigu, Marquinhos as he cut into the area from the right before the game. Brazilian David Luiz was ready to take his place. this time, saved comfortably. holding off Maxwell and prodding past the despairing PSG got one back eight minutes from time thanks to a The former Chelsea stopper was a surprise inclusion in It took 35 minutes for PSG to force Marc-Andre ter Sirigu at his near post. deflected Gregory van der Wiel strike, but this was their the squad after travelling to Russia to undergo treatment Stegen in the Barcelona goal into a save, and even then it Ter Stegen blocked a thunderous Cavani shot before first home defeat of the season and a first loss at home in on a hamstring injury that was expected to sideline him for was an easy catch as Edinson Cavani hooked a Maxwell the classy Suarez struck again on 79 minutes, playing a Europe in 34 matches since 2006. around three more weeks. But even with Silva on the field, cross on target. quick one-two with Javier Mascherano and nutmegging Next Tuesday’s second leg at the Camp Nou now looks Paris looked uncomfortable against the Barcelona attack. There was a further scare for the hosts as Sirigu came the hapless Luiz before lashing a shot high into the top- set to be a formality, even if PSG will have their talisman The match was only 14 minutes old when Suarez found up clutching his left arm after falling awkwardly while sav- right corner. That appeared to be that, although PSG were Zlatan Ibrahimovic and midfield maestro Marco Verratti Messi on the edge of the area, the Argentine controlling ing a Suarez shot, but the Italian goalkeeper was able to given the smallest glimmer of hope when a Van der Wiel back from suspension by then. the ball and curling a wicked shot off the left post before it carry on. volley from outside the area beat ter Stegen with the aid of The French champions have been eliminated on away rebounded out to safety. PSG had a greater purpose about them at the start of a decisive touch off substitute Jeremy Mathieu. —AFP Global sports gambling Porto poised for semis worth up to $3 trillion after stunning Bayern DOHA: The global sports betting Jay, a former director of trading at PORTO: Porto have one foot in the time European champions immediately on market is worth up to $3-trillion, the the Hong Kong Jockey Club, said ille- Champions League’s semi-finals after their the back foot. vast majority of that generated by gal gambling in Asia was driven by shock 3-1 win at home over Bayern Munich in In the opening exchanges, Martinez illegal gambling, a United Nations matches which are shown live on tel- yesterday’s Champions League quarter-final, pressed Bayern midfielder Xabi Alonso into a conference on crime being held in evision there and played at the right first leg. rare mistake on the edge of the area and Doha heard yesterday. time for a betting audience. “The key Porto carry a weighty advantage to charged straight at Manuel Neuer. Patrick Jay, a British-based inde- driver of demand in the global gam- Munich for Tuesday’s return leg at the Allianz The Germany goalkeeper brought the pendent betting expert, said around ing market is the time zone, because Arena while Bayern have a glimmer of hope Porto skipper down trying to clear the danger 65 per cent of that global figure was the market is Asia and therefore if after their away goal, but still need to score at and when Spanish referee Carlos Carballo spent on football betting, with the Gillingham versus Orient (two least twice at home. pointed to the spot, Quaresma drilled home Asian market the centre of sports English third-tier sides) is 7pm on a The Portuguese will be without Real the third-minute penalty. gambling. Saturday night in Asia on TV, that’s Madrid-bound defender Danilo, who is sus- Porto doubled their lead when Dante took Tennis and cricket account for a going to drive greater turnover than pended after picking up a late yellow, but too long on the ball, Quaresma pressed him further 12 per cent each of that $3- Barcelona versus Real Madrid, which Porto deserved their win after exploiting mis- into a mistake and sprinted clear before some trillion, said Jay who was speaking at is at four o clock in the morning, and takes by Bayern’s Xabi Alonso and Dante. “We clinical finishing put the hosts 2-0 up after just a session on match-fixing in sport at that’s a fact,” said Jay. always want to play from the back and this ten minutes. the week-long UN Congress on He added that “China is becom- style can sometimes be dangerous, but mis- It was his fifth goal in three games for the Crime Prevention and Criminal ing the epicentre of the problem” takes are part of football,” said Bayern captain 31-year-old Portugal veteran. Bayern were Justice, currently being held in Doha. and up to one billion euros can be DOHA: Qatar’s Prime Minister and Interior Minister Sheikh Philipp Lahm. without injured wingers Arjen Robben and Jay told the conference session gambled on a single game of foot- Abdullah bin Nasser bin Khalifa Al-Thani stands as International “The 3-1 defeat hurts, but nevertheless Franck Ribery, plus midfielder Bastian that a conservative estimate was ball. Centre for Sports Security President Mohammed Hanzab (left) and there is still all to play for in the return leg.” Schweinsteiger, but still enjoyed 70 percent that the betting market was worth The high-level conference session United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime Executive Director Yury Host coach Julen Lopetegui got one over his possession and made it count by scoring from around one trillion. However, he said was attended by the Qatari Prime Fedotov sign a partnership agreement to strengthen investiga- ex-Barcelona team-mate Pep Guardiola with their first real chance. afterwards, he thought the figure Minister, Abdullah bin Nasser bin tions and prosecutions into match-fixing and manipulation of Porto poised for a first semi-final appearance Centre-back Jerome Boateng put in a low was much higher. Khalifa Al Thani, Yury Fedotov, of the sports competitions. — AFP since 2004 when they won the Champions cross from the right and Thiago stabbed home “The trillion is all global sports UN Office on Drugs and Crime League under Jose Mourinho. from close range to put the Bavarians back in betting, of which the illegal amount (UNODC), and chaired by British sharing, protection of whistle-blow- Hershman, a member of the ICSS Lopetegui had said Porto needed to be the the game. It was the 23-year-old’s first would be 90 per cent of it,” he told peer, Lord John Stevens. ers and seizure of assets for those advisory board, said the issue of cor- ‘perfect protagonists’ against Guardiola’s European game for more than a year after AFP. “I’ll let you into a secret,” he con- UNODC and the Doha-based implicated in wrongdoing. Fedotov ruption in sport and how it had been Bayern and they got off to a dream start as back-to-back knee injuries and the first tinued. “I say the trillion figure International Centre for Sports told the session that “organised ignored “was rising to the level of a right winger Ricardo Quaresma scored twice Champions League goal of his career. because I can just about get away Security (ICSS), which tries to pro- crime and how it uses match-fixing, monumental scandal”. in the opening ten minutes. It finished 2-1 at the break, but only with it without being laughed off mote integrity in sport, hosted the corruption and illegal betting are He added, that in his personal Bayern pulled one back through Thiago Neuer’s reflex save tippped a shot by Mexico stage. meeting. issues that sport, law enforcement opinion, he was “very, very uncom- Alcantara with 28 minutes gone. But Porto midfielder Hector Herrera over the bar to deny “The fact of the matter is, the vast The two organisations and government cannot shy away fortable” with the idea that betting captain Jackson Martinez, a surprise inclusion Porto a third goal with nearly an hour gone. majority of people think it is less announced a new partnership on from”. groups were sponsoring football in the starting line-up after six weeks out with Their third came when Boateng mistimed than that, the only three or four peo- Wednesday to “strengthen investiga- Last year, the World Anti-Doping teams as happens in some countries, a hamstring injury, added their third on 65 his jump and Martinez accelerated onto the ple in the world that I actually tions and prosecutions into match- Agency (WADA) said 25 per cent of including Spain. “I think it sends the minutes for his 27th goal of the season. ball and went past Neuer to leave Bayern with respect on this thinks it is two or fixing”, which includes proposed world sport was controlled by organ- wrong message through to the The hosts rattled the German giants at it all to do if they want to reach a fourth con- three times that. And it is growing.” measures such as increased data- ised crime groups. Michael youth,” he said. —AFP Porto’s Estadio do Dragao and had the five- secutive Champions League semi-final. —AFP Indonesia seeks to revive faltering manufacturers

Page 22 Business Nokia wants to be networks giant with Alcatel-Lucent deal THURSDAY, APRIL 16, 2015 Page 23 Vigor Events launches Loose monetary policy helped avert catastrophe: OECD chief Knowledge Club 2015 Page 25 Page 26 ECB committed to full QE program ‘End dictatorship’ protester crashes Draghi news conference

FRANKFURT: The European Central Bank has no firmly in the hands of the Greek government, plans to curb or curtail its money-printing pro- which has yet to produce a program of economic gram although it expects euro-zone economic reforms that is acceptable to its creditors. recovery to broaden and strengthen. Last month ECB policymakers sanctioned further the ECB embarked on an asset-buying program Emergency Lending Assistance for Greece’s banks with 60 billion euros a month of news money, up to 74 billion euros, a banking source said on which it has said will last until at least September Tuesday, a reminder of the dire financial straits 2016. that the country is in. “We approved ELA and we’ll “Our focus will be on the full implementation continue to do so, extend the liquidity to the of our monetary policy measures,” ECB President Greek banks while they are solvent and they have Mario Draghi said yesterday. “Purchases are adequate collateral,” Draghi said, adding that intended to run until the end of September 2016 there was no end date for emergency assistance. and, in any case, until we see a sustained adjust- Time is running out for Athens to improve a ment in the path of inflation that is consistent package of reforms required for the release of with our aim of achieving inflation rates below, loans that it requires to stay afloat. Were Greece, but close to, 2 percent over the medium term.” At first bailed out in 2010 and again two years later, the last count, euro-zone inflation was running at ultimately to tumble out of the euro, it would -0.1 percent. deal a blow to the credibility of the currency A woman protesting against European Central union. Bank policy showered ECB President Mario For now though, the 1 trillion-euro-plus Draghi with paper and briefly shut down his reg- money printing scheme to buy chiefly govern- ular news conference yesterday, before being car- ment bonds is underpinning confidence. ried away. “End the ECB dictatorship,” the woman, “Through these measures we will contribute to who has not yet been named, shouted, throwing a further improvement in the economic out- what appeared to be confetti and sheets of paper look, a reduction in economic slack and a recov- at the startled central banker. Her T-shirt bore a ery in money and credit growth,” Draghi said. similar message, spelling it “Dick-tatorship”. “We expect the economic recovery to broad- Feminist activist group FEMEN, known for topless en and strengthen gradually.’ The QE program protests against what it sees as male “economic, has already prompted a rise in the value of cultural and ideological occupation”, claimed bonds and investors are questioning whether it responsibility. could become too costly for the ECB to buy suf- The woman, who flashed a V-for-victory sign ficient quantities in top-rated countries such as and smiled as two men in grey suits bundled her Germany. away holding her arms and legs, was detained by Draghi said there were plenty of bonds to Frankfurt police. The police said she is 21 and buy. “We don’t see any problems,” he said. “Our from Hamburg. program is flexible enough in any event to be Draghi said he was surprised at speculation adjusted if circumstances were to change.” He about exiting the program early since it was only said the ECB would not lower its -0.2 percent a month old. The main refinancing rate, which deposit rate although it will not buy any bonds determines the cost of credit, is now just 0.05 which yield less than that. The ECB meeting was percent, while the ECB’s deposit rate, which held a day early to allow Draghi to join finance means banks pay to park funds at the central ministers and central bankers from the Group of bank and has the most influence on market rates, 20 top economies at the International is -0.2 percent. Monetary Fund’s Spring meeting in FRANKFURT: A woman jumped on the table throws papers and confetti as she interrupts a press conference by Mario Draghi (center), Draghi said help for cash-strapped Greece was Washington. — Reuters President of the European Central Bank, (ECB) following a meeting of the Governing Council in Frankfurt/Main yesterday. — AFP THURSDAY, APRIL 16, 2015 BUSINESS Saudi Aramco starts testing parts of Wasit gas program

KHOBAR: Saudi Aramco has started testing parts of its Gas remains a top priority for Saudi Arabia as it tries Construction of the main gas plant is almost com- 2015 despite some difficulties linked to construction. Wasit gas program, raising hopes it can be begin part to burn less crude for power generation and water plete and is expected to start “very soon”, said another Aramco has said Wasit and another project, Karan, that operations this summer when demand for power in desalination. Wasit is one of the new gas plants which source. “The target is to start at least one train or 20-25 has been in operation since 2012 will likely boost the world’s top oil exporter peaks, four industry will raise the raw gas feed for the master gas system percent of the capacity up and running,” said the Saudi Arabian natural gas output by an estimated 40 sources said. (MGS) to almost 20 billion standard cubic feet per day source. percent. The oil giant is building the gas plants in Wasit, north of Jubail on the kingdom’s Gulf coast (Bscfd), Aramco has said. “Flare is operating, boilers are operating,” said Wasit, Fadhili and plans another new plant in Abqaiq will be one of the largest gas plants not linked to oil “They have fed gas to boilers from the master gas another. But the plant won’t be fully operational to implement a strategic plan called the “Peak wells ever built by Saudi Aramco. It has capacity to system because gas from the fields is not ready yet but before the end of the year or the first quarter of 2016, Seasonal Production” (PSP). Last year, 9 million barrels process up to 3 billion cubic feed per day of non-asso- they want to bring at least one gas train from the plant said the sources. of crude oil were saved by implementing the plan, ciated gas from the offshore fields Hasbah and and one train from the sulfur recovery unit online Sources told Reuters in October last year, Wasit was Saudi Aramco said in its weekly magazine the Arabian Arabiyah. before June,” one source said. expected to partially start up in the first quarter of Sun. —Reuters

News in brief

Kuwait oil price down by $0.19 to $54.30pb KUWAIT: Kuwait’s crude oil went down by $0.19 on Tuesday to $54.30 per barrel (pb) compared to $51.86 pb Monday, according to the Kuwait Petroleum Corporation (KPC) yesterday. In the global market, crude oil prices went up yesterday due to US energy reports on the retreat of US production of Shale Oil by 45,000 barrels per day. The US dollar’s weak exchange rate and disturbance in the Middle East region also played a part in the price decrease. The Brent mix went up by $0.50 to reach $58.43 pb while the American crude went up by $1.38 pb to reach $53.29 pb.

Dubai’s DIB happy with capital base DUBAI: Dubai Islamic Bank is happy with its current stock of capital but could look again at raising its reserves in the second or third quarter of this year, its chief executive said yesterday. Adnan Chilwan told a webcast that the bank had no plans to raise its current 17 percent capital adequacy ratio, a key indicator of the bank’s health. However, it could look at the level again in the second or third quarter and, if it thought that was required, might raise additional Tier 1 (core) capital or Tier 2 (supplementary) capital, he said. The bank sold a $1 billion capital-boosting sukuk issue in January.

Dollar goes down to 0.301 BOGOR: Indonesian workers of a shoe factory in Bogor (seen at right upper corner in background) take a lunch break from their work. Some factories pro- while euro moves up to 0.320 ducing shoes for Western markets are preparing for layoffs as orders fall and wages rise, an example of the challenge facing President Joko Widodo as he KUWAIT: The exchange rate of the US dollar against seeks to boost the country’s lackluster manufacturers. —AFP the Kuwaiti dinar, in yesterday’s trades, dropped to KD 0.301 but the Euro went up to KD 0.320, compared to yesterday’s rates. The Central Bank of Kuwait said in its daily release the sterling pound exchange rose to KD Indonesia seeks to revive 0.445, as well as the Swiss franc to KD 0.309 but the Japanese Yen remained unchanged at KD 0.002. The US Federal Reserve Board of governors is witnessing a split among its members on the future date to raise faltering manufacturers interest rates, thus leading to restoration of confidence in the dollar as a result of predictions for a change in the US monetary policy, expected very soon. BEKASI, Indonesia: Indonesian factory manager Ronie, States and Europe. “This shoe factory is one of the last left in the Indonesian Footwear Association, that represents the whose plant produces shoes for Western markets, is preparing Bekasi, the others have closed.” country’s $3.5-billion-a-year shoe export industry “If this does Egyptian pound steady for layoffs as orders fall and wages rise, an example of the not work, I believe very soon there will be another 10, or 15, or on official, black markets challenge facing President Joko Widodo as he seeks to boost Tepid support 20 factories moving from Indonesia,” association chairman the country’s lacklustre manufacturers. While worldwide factors-such as subdued demand in Eddy Widjanarko said. CAIRO: Egypt’s central bank kept the pound steady at Widodo is hoping to return the country’s factories to their developed markets-have played a role, industry figures say 7.53 to the dollar at a foreign exchange auction yester- former glory as he seeks to lift Southeast Asia’s biggest econ- the government’s tepid support means they have had little Push for new ports, roads day, while the currency remained steady on the black omy, which is growing at five-year lows, and reduce depend- help in an increasingly competitive global environment. Widodo’s push to improve infrastructure is also seen as key market. The central bank has kept the official ence on commodity exports. He faces numerous stumbling Economic data paints a bleak picture. In February, HSBC’s to helping manufacturers, as investors have long complained exchange rate steady for more than two months after blocks-complex bureaucracy, rising salaries, creaking infra- purchasing managers’ index of manufacturing activity for about ageing ports and potholed roads that hamper the letting the pound weaken at the start of the year, structure-that have in many cases encouraged foreign compa- Indonesia hit a record low of 47.5. A reading below 50 indi- transportation of goods. which, combined with other measures, has seen black nies to set up shop in other Asian countries seen as more busi- cates contraction. Observers had hoped that recent steep falls The president’s visit to China and Japan last month was market trading almost disappear. The bank said it ness-friendly. in the rupiah against the dollar would help exporters, but any focused on seeking investment for such projects, although offered $40 million at auction yesterday and sold $38.4 Nevertheless the president, who took office in October, is advantage has been offset by the increased cost of imported analysts are skeptical about his chances of success in a coun- million at a cut-off price of 7.5301 pounds per dollar, moving fast. His government has streamlined the notoriously goods, as many manufacturers have to import raw materials. try with a poor record on building infrastructure due to ram- unchanged from its last auction today before a long slow process for approving business licenses, increased infra- Indonesia performs poorly compared to others in pant corruption and problems with land acquisition. holiday weekend. The rates at which banks are allowed structure spending, wants to make wage rises more pre- Southeast Asia. The country’s export of manufactured goods While factories already in Indonesia are suffering, others to trade dollars are determined by the results of offi- dictable, and is striving to lure more foreign investment. was a mere eight percent of GDP in 2012, data from the can’t even get a foot in the door. Taiwan technology giant cial auctions, giving the central bank effective control The push can’t come soon enough for the country’s manu- Economist Intelligence Unit showed, trailing rivals Vietnam at Foxconn announced plans to invest back in 2012, but is yet to over exchange rates. One trader in the parallel market facturers, who make goods ranging from electronics to cloth- 50 per cent, Malaysia at 46 per cent and Thailand at 44 per start operations in Indonesia as it remains locked in negotia- said the pound was trading at 7.65 pounds to the dol- ing and toys, but have long been neglected as Indonesia cent. tions with the government. lar yesterday, the same rate quoted following the last relied on money from natural resources, which is drying up as For factory bosses and investors mulling coming to Despite the challenges, there are already signs that official auction today. Black market traders say vol- global prices fall. Ronie’s shoe factory in Bekasi, an industrial Indonesia, steep and unpredictable annual salary increases Widodo’s new approach is generating greater optimism. umes have fallen dramatically since the central bank’s zone outside Jakarta, has seen orders plunge 35 percent in have become a top concern, as trade unions become increas- Richard Hakim, who owns a leather shoe factory in Bogor, the past year. With wages rising steeply as unions flex their ingly vocal and demand higher wages to keep up with south of Jakarta, has raised his production targets and hired move against them and since it imposed a cap in muscles, the production manager now plans to lay off a third increased living costs. As well as sharp variations from year to more workers on top of the nearly 3,000 employees on the February on the amount of dollars that can be of the plant’s 1,200 staff. year, there are also large differences across the country, as assembly floor making trendy loafers for foreign markets. deposited in banks. The limit discourages use of the “We are definitely worried,” Ronie, who like many wage rises are negotiated from province to province. “We try out best to convince our buyers that we can make black market by depriving those who exchange dollars Indonesians goes by one name, told AFP from a room in his The government is seeking to come up with a new system the shoes good quality, and deliver on time,” he said. —AFP outside official channels from a place to keep their factory full of designer shoes destined for shops in the United to make wage rises more predictable, a move welcomed by funds.

EXCHANGE RATES

Al-Muzaini Exchange Co. GOLD Jordanian Dinar 424.925 US Dollars Mint 0.299150 0.303350 20 gram 241.450 Egyptian Pound 39.379 10 gram 123.420 Asia ASIAN COUNTRIES Sri Lankan Rupees 2.254 5 gram 62.390 Bangladesh Taka 0.003547 0.004147 Japanese Yen 2.536 Indian Rupees 4.853 Chinese Yuan 0.047336 0.050836 Indian Rupees 4.861 Pakistani Rupees 2.955 Hong Kong Dollar 0.036973 0.039723 Pakistani Rupees 2.977 UAE Exchange Centre WLL Bangladesh Taka 3.868 Srilankan Rupees 2.268 Philippines Pesso 6.770 Indian Rupee 0.004684 0.005085 Nepali Rupees 3.039 Cyprus pound 738.965 Indonesian Rupiah 0.000019 0.000025 Singapore Dollar 223.020 COUNTRY SELL DRAFT SELL CASH Japanese Yen 3.500 Japanese Yen 0.002444 0.002624 Hongkong Dollar 39.062 Australian Dollar 229.39 Syrian Pound 2.590 Kenyan Shilling 0.003237 0.003237 Canadian Dollar 242.57 Bangladesh Taka 3.889 Nepalese Rupees 4.000 Korean Won 0.000265 0.000280 Swiss Franc 316.56 Philippine Peso 6.793 Malaysian Ringgit 83.660 Malaysian Ringgit 0.078527 0.084527 Euro 327.51 Chinese Yuan Renminbi 49.375 Nepalese Rupee 0.003066 0.003236 Thai Baht 9.336 US Dollar 301.30 Thai Bhat 10.270 Pakistan Rupee 0.002836 0.003116 Sterling Pound 449.47 GCC COUNTRIES Turkish Lira 117.325 Philippine Peso 0.006747 0.007027 Japanese Yen 2.56 Sierra Leone 0.000066 0.000072 Saudi Riyal 80.766 Bangladesh Taka 3.868 Singapore Dollar 0.218509 0.224509 Qatari Riyal 83.207 Indian Rupee 4.820 South African Rand 0.019078 0.027578 Omani Riyal 786.870 Sri Lankan Rupee 2.251 Bahrain Exchange Company Bahraini Dinar 804.440 Nepali Rupee 3.015 Sri Lankan Rupee 0.001860 0.002440 UAE Dirham 82.498 Pakistani Rupee 2.954 Taiwan 0.009555 0.009735 COUNTRY SELL CASH SELLDRAFT Thai Baht 0.008979 0.0009529 UAE Dirhams 81.91 Europe ARAB COUNTRIES Bahraini Dinar 799.72 Belgian Franc 0.007898 0.008898 Arab Egyptian Pound - Cash 41.379 Egyptian Pound 39.38 British Pound 0.439554 0.448554 Jordanian Dinar 428.11 Bahraini Dinar 0.796587 0.804587 Egyptian Pound - Transfer 39.604 Czech Korune 0.003747 0.015747 Omani Riyal 781.40 Egyptian Pound 0.039333 0.042433 Yemen Riyal/for 1000 1.413 Danish Krone 0.038990 0.043990 Qatari Riyal 82.97 Iranian Riyal 0.000084 0.000085 Tunisian Dinar 154.390 Euro 0.316109 0.324109 Saudi Riyal 80.26 Iraqi Dinar 0.000192 0.000252 Jordanian Dinar 427.400 Norwegian Krone 0.033881 0.039081 Jordanian Dinar 0.423005 0.430505 Lebanese Lira/for 1000 2.032 Romanian Leu 0.072780 0.072780 Kuwaiti Dinar 1.000000 1.000000 Syrian Lira 2.159 Dollarco Exchange Co. Ltd Slovakia 0.009023 0.019023 Lebanese Pound 0.000150 0.000250 Morocco Dirham 30.581 Swedish Krona 0.030398 0.035398 Swiss Franc 0.304081 0.314281 Moroccan Dirhams 0.021749 0.045749 Rate for Transfer Selling Rate EUROPEAN & AMERICAN COUNTRIES Turkish Lira 0.116652 0.123652 Nigerian Naira 0.001249 0.001884 US Dollar Transfer 302.750 US Dollar 301.050 Omani Riyal 0.780351 0.786031 Euro 323.490 Canadian Dollar 243.535 Qatar Riyal 0.082447 0.083660 Sterling Pound 449.575 Australasia Sterling Pound 448.520 Saudi Riyal 0.080097 0.080797 Euro 328.685 Australian Dollar 0.221347 0.232847 Canadian dollar 243.470 Syrian Pound 0.001283 0.001503 Swiss Frank 286.250 New Zealand Dollar 0.221262 0.230762 Turkish lira 112.550 Tunisian Dinar 0.150296 0.158296 Bahrain Dinar 801.720 Turkish Lira 0.116652 0.123652 Swiss Franc 312.440 UAE Dirhams 82.340 America Australian Dollar 231.450 Qatari Riyals 83.515 Canadian Dollar 0.236775 0.245275 UAE Dirhams 0.081446 0.082595 US Dollar Buying 301.550 Saudi Riyals 80.460 US Dollars 0.298650 0.303350 Yemeni Riyal 0.001368 0.001448 BUSINESS THURSDAY, APRIL 16, 2015 British firm looks to expand financial services for children

LONDON: Osper, a British company that provides Varma told Reuters he was open to a collabora- by more than 10,000 customers in Britain. The serv- Parliamentary Commission on Banking Standards pre-paid debit cards for children, is looking for part- tion with a mainstream bank to accelerate the busi- ice is provided for free in the first year and cus- said recent mis-selling scandals reflected “wide- ners and plans to offer new services and expand into ness’s development. “I think we are keen to team up tomers are charged a 10 pound annual fee there- spread financial illiteracy”. Osper has so far targeted Europe and the United States, its founder and chief with partners whose core values align with ours. after. The cards are issued by IDT Financial Services, 7 million potential customers in Britain aged executive told Reuters. The company, which is From a traditional bank’s perspective, this is about which also provides pre-paid cards to firms such as between 8 and 18 but has the funding in place to backed by MasterCard, was set up by former maths showing they’re differentiating themselves provid- The Money Shop. begin expansion overseas, Varma said. teacher and McKinsey consultant Alick Varma in ing ‘value adds’ to parents,” he said. Varma, 31, was inspired to set up the business by “We’re thinking a bit about what it may look like January 2012 to help children learn how to manage As well as a debit card, Osper provides its cus- his own upbringing during which his parents, who to expand into new markets. The clear options are to money at an early age. tomers with a financial app that can be downloaded were chartered accountants, sat him down at the expand into Europe or to expand in the US,” he said. Last year, it raised 6 million pounds ($9 million) by parents and their children and can be used by age of eleven and taught him to manage a monthly Other opportunities include offering savings prod- from investors including Index Ventures, an early parents to transfer money into their child’s account. budget with which he would buy his own clothes ucts or services for students. “It’s not very far from backer of video-chat service Skype, and Horizons The accounts can be held by children as young as and other essential items. where we are to say you’ve not turned 18 and here’s Ventures, the investment arm of Hong Kong billion- eight years old. Most customers hold a deposit Varma said Osper was a way of replicating that a college savings account and here’s a credit card aire Li Ka-shing. Other investors include Peter between 100 and 200 pounds and the average age experience using digital technology, helping parents but it will come with an app that will teach you to be Jackson, the ex-chief executive of foreign exchange of users is between 11 and 13 years old. Parents can teach their children how to manage their finances. safe,” he said. Osper’s rivals in Britain include MeCard firm Travelex; Darren Shapland, former chairman of use the app to set an allowance for their children “Parents are open to having tools that will make it and GoHenry. A similar service in the United States Sainsbury Bank; Samir Desai, co-founder of peer-to- and are notified whenever the card is used to make easier to teach their children about handling money. named BillMyParents shut down earlier this year peer lender Funding Circle; and British television a purchase. Osper cards, which have been available There is an opportunity to help parents with that despite hiring pop star Justin Bieber to promote the personality Davina McCall. for less than a year, have already been snapped up experience,” Varma said. In a 2013 report, Britain’s brand. — Reuters Nokia wants to be networks giant with Alcatel-Lucent deal Finnish firm to buy French telecom operator for $16.5bn

HELSINKI: Nokia has agreed to buy the ailing French telecom company Alcatel-Lucent through a public exchange of shares in France and the United States, in a bid to become a leading global net- works operator. Though Alcatel-Lucent has been racking up bil- lions of euros of losses since its creation in 2006, Nokia seems to believe it can cut costs and hopes the deal will give it scale in the market of providing the networks that mobile phones use. The Finnish company said yesterday that the all- share transaction will be on the basis of 0.55 of a new Nokia share for every share of Alcatel-Lucent. The share offer values the French concern at 15.6 billion euros ($16.5 billion). Nokia stock was up 1.5 NEW YORK: People walk past a branch of Bank of America in New York. Bank of percent at 7.60 euros in early trading in Helsinki America reports quarterly financial results yesterday. — AP while Alcatel-Lucent plunged more than 12 per- cent in Paris. Mikko Ervasti, analyst at Evli Bank in Helsinki, said the deal puts Nokia among the global Bank of America back market leaders in networks. “Nokia is clearly focus- ing on its networks operations and this acquisition in the black in Q1 makes it a big enough player to clearly challenge Ericsson, perhaps even in several sectors,” he said. According to the deal, Alcatel-Lucent shareholders NEW YORK: Bank of America yesterday Like other banks, BofA faces a challenge would own 33.5 percent of the fully diluted share reported higher quarterly profits on low- growing earnings in a low interest rate capital of the combined company, with Nokia PARIS: (Left to right): Nokia’s chairman Risto Siilasmaa, Nokia’s Chief Executive Rajeev Suri, er expenses, although results in key lend- environment. shareholders owning 66.5 percent, Nokia said. Telecom equipment maker Alcatel-Lucent’s Chief Executive Officer Michel Combes and Alcatel- ing operations were mixed. Earnings for Total consumer loans fell 8.6 percent The acquisition has been approved by each Lucent’s chairman of the supervisory board Philippe Camus shake hands, yesterday in Paris, the first quarter were $3.4 billion com- from a year ago to $474.5 billion, while company’s board of directors and is expected to after formalizing the merger of the two companies. — AFP pared to a loss of $276 million a year ago. total commercial loans rose 1.7 percent close in 2016 subject to regulatory and other The 2014 results were marred by a $6 bil- to $403.5 billion. Chief financial officer approvals, including from shareholders. 2017. Alcatel-Lucent CEO Michel Combes admitted tronics firm before becoming an innovator in the lion charge for litigation. Revenues Bruce Thompson said the results showed The combined company, known as Nokia Corp., a “pang of sadness in the heart” at the demise of wireless industry and the world’s top cellphone dropped 5.5 percent to $21.42 billion, some clear signs of improvement in the will be based in Finland with “a strong presence in the Alcatel brand, but defended the deal as focus- maker. But it met its match when Apple launched below the $21.50 billion projected by US economy, such as the increase in France,” Nokia said. Nokia CEO Rajeev Suri was ing on “development and growth.” the iPhone and also was unable to compete analysts. Chief executive Brian Moynihan mortgage originations and a trend of upbeat on the takeover, saying he firmly believes it “We had difficult periods, but now we are one of against Google Inc.’s Android operating system and pointed to record deposits and a strong more companies increasing their bor- is “the right deal, with the right logic, at the right the building bricks for what will become a global cheaper handsets from Asia. performance in investment bank adviso- rowing. But Thompson said the overall time.” But analysts warned that their operations technology giant,” he said on France’s Europe-1 It has made a turnaround since the 5.4 billion- ry fees as positives in the quarter. pace of growth was still restrained. crossed over in some areas and the merger likely radio. “Nokia is becoming today the leader of euro sale of the lossmaking handset business to Mortgage production revenues were “There’s a continual grind towards the would cause layoffs and cuts. Ervasti described telecommunications networks thanks to Alcatel- Microsoft a year ago, with three remaining sectors: another high point, jumping from $10.8 improvement side,” he said. “It’s still not Alcatel-Lucent as a “sprawling” concern, and said Lucent.” Combes also said that they are committed networks, HERE mapping services and technolo- Nokia might have to shed some operations. billion to $16.9 billion thanks to an where we would like it to be.” to keeping job levels the same in France and that gies and patents. Nokia said yesterday it is looking “I think Nokia was interested in certain sectors the project would include 500 more research and into the potential divestment of its HERE business, increase mortgages. But net income for Litigation costs in the most recent of the company and had to bend over and make an development jobs in France. Both companies’ chief but gave no details. Alcatel-Lucent, which has global markets sank 28 percent to $945 quarter were $400 million. The bank cit- offer for the whole lot,” he said. executives had met with French President Francois undergone repeated rounds of restructuring since million, due in part to lower trading rev- ed lower non-interest expenses as a Nokia said it aims to make savings of 900 mil- Hollande briefly on Tuesday afternoon, and the the 2006 merger of France’s Alcatel and US-based enues. Revenues in the closely-watched favorable point. Headcount is down lion euros in “operating cost synergies” by 2019 and French government said it would support the deal. Lucent Technologies, is laying off more than 10,000 fixed income trading category dropped nearly eight percent from last year to some 200 million euros reductions in interest Nokia, which began as a maker of paper and workers and last year made a net loss of 118 million seven percent. Among other segments, 219,700. The results translated into earn- expenses, to be achieved on a full year basis in gum boots in 1865, transformed into a home elec- euros. — AP BofA reported higher income in global ings of 27 cents per share, two cents banking, lower income in global wealth below analyst expectations. Bank of and investment management and essen- America dipped 0.4 percent to $15.74 in tially flat results in consumer banking. pre-market trade. — AFP British firm looks to expand financial services for children

LONDON: Osper, a British company that provides pre- “widespread financial illiteracy”. not very far from where we are to say paid debit cards for children, is looking for partners and Osper has so far targeted 7 million you’ve not turned 18 and here’s a college plans to offer new services and expand into Europe and potential customers in Britain aged savings account and here’s a credit card the United States, its founder and chief executive told between 8 and 18 but has the funding in but it will come with an app that will Reuters. The company, which is backed by MasterCard, place to begin expansion overseas, Varma teach you to be safe,” he said. was set up by former maths teacher and McKinsey con- said. “We’re thinking a bit about what it Osper’s rivals in Britain include sultant Alick Varma in January 2012 to help children learn may look like to expand into new markets. MeCard and GoHenry. A similar service in how to manage money at an early age. The clear options are to expand into the United States named BillMyParents Last year, it raised 6 million pounds ($9 million) from Europe or to expand in the US,” he said. shut down earlier this year despite hiring investors including Index Ventures, an early backer of Other opportunities include offering sav- pop star Justin Bieber to promote the video-chat service Skype, and Horizons Ventures, the ings products or services for students. “It’s brand. — Reuters investment arm of Hong Kong billionaire Li Ka-shing. Other investors include Peter Jackson, the ex-chief execu- tive of foreign exchange firm Travelex; Darren Shapland, former chairman of Sainsbury Bank; Samir Desai, co- founder of peer-to-peer lender Funding Circle; and British television personality Davina McCall. Varma told Reuters he was open to a collaboration with TOKYO: People watch a landing Delta Air Lines jet approach the Narita International a mainstream bank to accelerate the business’s develop- Airport from a popular viewing spot at Sakuranoyama Park in Narita, east of Tokyo. ment. “I think we are keen to team up with partners whose Delta Air Lines reports quarterly financial results yesterday. — AP core values align with ours. From a traditional bank’s per- spective, this is about showing they’re differentiating themselves providing ‘value adds’ to parents,” he said. Delta’s Q1 profit rises on As well as a debit card, Osper provides its customers with a financial app that can be downloaded by parents traffic, lower fuel prices and their children and can be used by parents to transfer money into their child’s account. DALLAS: Delta Air Lines Inc said yesterday line company behind American and United, The accounts can be held by children as young as that first-quarter profit more than tripled as reported first-quarter net income of $746 eight years old. Most customers hold a deposit between passengers flew more and jet fuel prices fell million, or 90 cents per share, up from $213 100 and 200 pounds and the average age of users is from a year ago. The results were slightly million, or 25 cents per share, in the same between 11 and 13 years old. Parents can use the app to better than analysts expected, and the period last year. set an allowance for their children and are notified when- shares gained in trading before Wall The results were hurt, however, by ever the card is used to make a purchase. Street’s opening bell. Delta’s strategy of hedging against fuel Osper cards, which have been available for less than a CEO Richard Anderson said it was Delta’s price spikes. That helps when oil prices rise, year, have already been snapped up by more than 10,000 best January-through-March quarter ever but hedging contracts lose money when both financially and operationally. The energy prices fall as they did starting last customers in Britain. The service is provided for free in the strong US dollar and low oil prices are hurt- summer. Delta took a first-quarter write- first year and customers are charged a 10 pound annual ing ticket sales in some foreign markets, down of $372 million on its hedging con- fee thereafter. and Delta announced that it will reduce its tracts on top of the $1.2 billion that it took The cards are issued by IDT Financial Services, which international passenger-carrying capacity in the previous quarter. Excluding those also provides pre-paid cards to firms such as The Money by 3 percent later this year. The biggest write-downs and other one-time items, Shop. Varma, 31, was inspired to set up the business by cuts will fall in service to Japan, Brazil, India, Delta said it would have earned 45 cents his own upbringing during which his parents, who were Africa and the Middle East. It will suspend per share. That was a penny better than the chartered accountants, sat him down at the age of eleven winter service to Moscow. US capacity will average estimate of 10 analysts surveyed and taught him to manage a monthly budget with which grow 2 percent. by Zacks Investment Research. he would buy his own clothes and other essential items. Analysts are concerned that falling oil Revenue rose 5 percent to $9.39 billion, Varma said Osper was a way of replicating that experi- prices have tempted airlines to add too matching the Zacks forecast. In trading ence using digital technology, helping parents teach their many new flights, which tends to depress about an hour before the opening bell, children how to manage their finances. “Parents are open fares. They worry that airlines could aban- Delta shares were up 91 cents, or 2.1 per- to having tools that will make it easier to teach their chil- don their recent strategy of no or slow cent, to $43.99. At Tuesday’s closing price, dren about handling money. There is an opportunity to growth in capacity, which has helped boost they had lost 12 percent in 2015 compared help parents with that experience,” Varma said. In a 2013 fares and produce record profits. Atlanta- with the 2 percent gain in the Standard & report, Britain’s Parliamentary Commission on Banking based Delta, the nation’s third-biggest air- Poor’s 500 index. — AP Standards said recent mis-selling scandals reflected BUSINESS THURSDAY, APRIL 16, 2015 European shares jump to a 14-year high

LONDON: European shares hit a 14-year high unchanged at record lows at its meeting earlier Investec chief economist Philip Shaw. weeks as investors have chosen to focus on The euro held losses against the dollar and the euro fell yesterday after the European in the day, and is also tipped to quash talk it The pan-European Eurofirst 300 index of the prospect of extra policy stimulus, looks after the rate decision. ECB President Mario Central Bank affirmed its loose policy stance and might scale down sooner than planned the 1 leading shares rose 0.8 percent to 1,653.62 overdue for some consolidation, some ana- Draghi is expected to reiterate at his post- as weak data from China raised prospects of trillion euro quantitative easing scheme it points, its highest since late 2000. News that lysts say. meeting press conference that the bank monetary easing there too. A German auction launched last month. Finnish telecom equipment maker Nokia has China was in focus yesterday after fig- intends to fully deliver its 60 billion euros a saw 10-year borrowing costs for the euro zone’s Data earlier showed growth in China’s econo- agreed to buy France’s Alcatel-Lucent helped ures showed the world’s number 2 econo- month QE program as risks to growth biggest economy reach a new record low. my slowed to a six-year low of 7 percent in the the push higher. my cooled further as manufacturing and remain and inflation continues to be sub- Firmer commodity prices and merger news also first quarter-better than many feared after a Britain’s FTSE 100 index hit a fresh high, retail sales slowed in January-March. dued. He also faces questions on a German helped hoist European stocks, and US stock woeful trade performance in March. helped by gains in fashion chain Next, retailer Growth fell to 7 percent from the previous newspaper report that Berlin was working index futures pointed to a firmer start on Wall But both retail sales and industrial output Dixons Carphone and drugs firm AstraZeneca quarter’s 7.3 percent, the weakest perform- on a plan that would allow Greece to Street, bucking a softer trend in Asia. missed forecasts, intensifying Beijing’s struggle ance since it tumbled to 6.1 percent in the receive financing from the ECB even if it Financial markets remain broadly driven by to find the right policy mix to shore up activity. Asia’s day first quarter of 2009. The slower pace of missed payments to creditors. The euro policy actions of the world’s major central banks “Unless one can make a very good case or sug- In Asia, Shanghai stocks were volatile, falling growth has raised expectations that Beijing was down 0.7 percent at $1.058 and was and Tuesday’s softer US retail sales supported gestion that we’ll see a rebound in April or May more than 1 percent after the data but recover- will look to enact further stimulus. 0.5 percent lower against the yen at 126.53 the view that the Federal Reserve will not rush then it does look as if more easing from the ing subsequently to be marginally positive for yen. The common currency struck a one- to raise interest rates in June. The ECB kept rates People’s Bank (of China) is on the cards,” said the day. Shanghai, which has been rising for six ECB FOCUS month low against the dollar of $1.05205 Japan’s Nikkei 225 stock index fell 0.2 on Monday. percent to 19,869.76. Hong Kong’s Hang German 10-year borrowing costs, the Seng recovered from early losses, gaining benchmark for euro zone debt, fell close to 0.2 percent to 27,618.82 and South Korea’s zero as a Bund auction showed there were Kospi gained 0.4 percent to 2,119.96. But enough private investors willing to com- the Shanghai composite index yoyo’d to pete with the ECB for the top-rated, almost end the day 1.2 percent lower at 4,084.16. yield-free paper. “We are very, very close to In Australia, whose resource sector is vul- negative (yields) in the 10-year market,” nerable to fluctuations in Chinese demand, said Cyril Regnat, fixed income strategist at the S&P ASX/200 fell 0.6 percent to Natixis. “I know guys in this market willing 5,908.40. to test this zero bound.” — Agencies THURSDAY, APRIL 16, 2015 BUSINESS

Oil above $59 on Mideast, US output, IEA report caps gains

LONDON: Brent crude oil prices rose East, where fighting continues in Yemen. report forecasting US shale production “Recent developments thus may call percent seen in a Reuters poll and its above $59 a barrel yesterday amid ten- A Saudi-led campaign of air strikes would fall by 45,000 bpd to 4.98 million into question past expectations that lowest level since the global financial sion in the Middle East and signs of a dip against Iran-allied Houthi rebels threat- bpd in May, which would be the first supply and demand responses would crisis in 2008. Analysts said that in US production, but gains were ened to turn into a ground intervention monthly decline in four years. tighten the market from mid-year on,” investors were losing interest in com- capped by a report from the after Egypt said it had discussed military But world oil markets may take the IEA said in its monthly report. modities. International Energy Agency (IEA) indi- manoeuvres with Saudi Arabia and oth- longer to tighten than expected due to Meanwhile, China saw its economic “Given the poor return performance cating that supplies would take longer er Gulf allies. supply rising faster than demand, the growth slow to 1.3 percent between of commodities so far this year, it looks to tighten than previously expected. In the United States, North Dakota’s IEA said on Wednesday. Production from January and March on a quarterly basis likely that the first two months of the Front-month Brent crude futures February oil production fell 15,000 bar- the Organization of the Petroleum after seasonal adjustments, compared year are likely to prove a peak in inflows were up 68 cents at $59.11 per barrel by rels per day (bpd) versus January, Exporting Countries (OPEC) surged to with growth of 1.5 percent in the previ- for the year,” Barclays said in a note yes- 0903 GMT, while US crude futures were although the number of producing wells 31.02 million barrels per day (bpd) in ous three months. terday, adding that it expected net out- up 70 cents to $53.99. Prices were sup- hit a record high. That followed an March, almost a two-year high, out- March factory output rose 5.6 per- flows to resume soon, especially in the ported by uncertainty in the Middle Energy Information Administration weighing a rise in demand. cent from a year earlier, below the 6.9 oil sector. —Reuters

China’s slowdown deepens, piling pressure on Beijing

BEIJING: China’s economic growth slumped affirmed their commitment to a “new nor- to a six-year low as manufacturing and retail mal” of slower growth. They say their priority sales cooled in the first quarter, stepping up is to make the economy more efficient and pressure for Beijing to keep its overhaul of productive. the world’s second-largest economy on But unexpectedly weak trade and con- track. Growth declined to 7 percent from the struction, industries that support millions of previous quarter’s 7.3 percent, official data jobs, have prompted expectations Beijing showed yesterday. That was China’s weakest will boost spending or cut interest rates performance since the global financial crisis, again to shore up growth. when growth fell to 6.1 percent in the first RBS economist Louis Kuijs said he quarter of 2009. expects Beijing to cut interest rates at least Much of the decline has been self- once this quarter, followed by a second cut if imposed as communist leaders try to steer the first fails to produce results. The first China to more sustainable growth driven by quarter was China’s weakest since the global domestic consumption following the past financial crisis, when growth tumbled to 6.1 decade’s explosive expansion based on percent in the first quarter of 2009. trade and investment. But an unexpectedly Exports fell 15 percent in March, while sharp downturn over the past year has housing sales measured by floor space fell fueled fears of job losses and social tensions. 22.5 percent from a year earlier. Growth in “China’s economy is slowing at a rate with factory output slowed to 6.4 percent from which the government is probably uncom- December’s 9.8 percent rate, according to fortable,” said Tom Rafferty of the Economist yesterday’s data. Investment in real estate, Intelligence Unit in a report. Beijing has cut factories and other fixed assets was 13.5 per- interest rates twice since November and cent, down from last year’s 15.7 percent launched targeted measures to help expansion. exporters and other industries. But econo- Retail sales weakened markedly, with mists note China still depends on state-led growth slowing to 10.6 percent from 2014’s construction spending and other invest- full-year expansion of 12 percent, threaten- ment for nearly half its economic growth. ing to undercut official efforts to nurture a “We still are relying on a traditional consumer-driven economy. That was the growth engine, and that is declining,” said a weakest sales growth since 2006, “raising TOKYO: Secretary-general of the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) Angel Gurria (left) presents a spokesman for the National Bureau of doubts about the stability of consumption book of the latest OECD Economic Survey of Japan and summary to Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe (right) during a courtesy Statistics, Sheng Laiyun, at a news confer- amidst the construction and industrial slow- call at the latter’s official residence in Tokyo yesterday. —AFP ence. “We are in transition between the old down,” said Brian Jackson of IHS Global and new growth models.” Insight in a report. On Tuesday, the country’s top economic The government spokesman, Sheng, said official, Premier Li Keqiang, warned at a he had no details of what share of economic Loose monetary policy helped meeting with businesspeople and econo- growth came from consumption and how mists that China faces increased “downward much from investment. But he said it should pressure,” according to a report on the be about the same as last year, when con- avert catastrophe: OECD chief Cabinet’s website. Li called for regulatory sumption’s contribution to overall economic changes to nurture new industries, improve growth rose above half for the first time, efficiency and generate jobs, the report said. reaching 51.2 percent. This week, the World World owes debt of gratitude to central bankers: Gurria It made no mention of possible short-term Bank trimmed its forecast for China’s growth stimulus measures. to 7 percent this year from 7.1 percent. TOKYO: The head of the OECD yesterday cred- easing program has boosted growth, Gurria economy into a brief recession. “The adjustment needs support from Earlier, the International Monetary Fund cut ited a wave of loose monetary policy for pre- said the country’s living standards lag the Prime Minister Shinzo Abe delayed a second consumption while the economy adapts to its own outlook for China to 6.8 percent venting a global economic collapse, but OECD average, and Tokyo must press on with tax rise to 10 percent scheduled for this year, slower investment,” said Andrew Colquhun from 7.1 percent. Those rates are well above warned it was now up to governments to lift an overhaul of the highly regulated economy, but that rate is still only about half the OECD of Fitch Ratings in a statement. “It’s sobering the low single-digit growth forecasts for the growth and safeguard their economies. including luring more women into the work- average of 20 percent, Gurria said. that the economy has become so reliant on United States and Europe this year but less Angel Gurria, secretary-general of the force, shaking up a rigid labor market, and lift- A day after the International Monetary Fund construction and real estate to generate than half China’s peak of 14.2 percent Organization for Economic Co-operation and ing productivity. raised its growth projections for Japan, the jobs.” Chinese leaders have repeatedly growth in 2007. —AP Development, made the comments in Tokyo A string of central banks-including the OECD on Wednesday hiked its forecasts to a 1.0 where the 34-member club of rich nations was European Central Bank, the Reserve Bank of percent expansion this year and 1.4 percent presenting its latest report on the Japanese India and the Bank of Korea-have launched next, up from an earlier 0.8 percent and 1.0 per- economy. monetary easing schemes or cut interest rates cent, respectively. The world owes a “debt of gratitude to cen- to prop up their ailing economies. Meanwhile, Abe launched his economic growth blitz in tral bankers” for supplying easy money that the US Federal Reserve announced it was end- 2013, dubbed Abenomics, combining huge brought the global economy back from the ing its own six-year quantitative easing scheme monetary easing, big government spending brink after the 2008 financial crisis, Gurria said. as the world’s top economy gets back on track. and promises to overhaul Japan’s economy. “They have done a great job. Without central Gurria also warned that Japan had to get a But there is still a lot of work to do on the so- bankers...we would be in a bigger problem,” handle on its massive national debt-the heavi- called third arrow of his plan-reforms. “The Gurria told reporters. “But the problem is now est burden among OECD members at more third arrow of Abenomics is its most crucial structural changes (that) are not in the hands of than twice the size of the economy. component, without which the unprecedented central banks. Education, innovation, more Tokyo raised the national sales tax in April monetary expansion and the fiscal effort will competition, better regulations...These have 2014 to 8.0 percent from 5.0 percent to help not succeed in putting Japan on a path to nothing to do with central banks,” he added. pay down that debt load, but the move faster growth and fiscal sustainability,” the While the Bank of Japan’s massive monetary slammed the brakes on growth and sent the OECD’s report said. —AFP Under EU pressure, France unveils billions in savings JIANGSU: Workers producing dolls in a factory in Lianyungang, east China’s Jiangsu province. China’s economy expanded 7.0 percent year-on-year in the first quarter, official data showed yesterday, slumping to a new post global PARIS: France yesterday unveiled a and 0.9 percent in 2017. France issued the government said. The French The second is a package of reforms financial crisis low and raising analyst expectations for more action to bolster nine billion euro savings plan over a slightly sunnier outlook for its economy expanded at a sluggish rate aimed at opening up France’s closed growth prospects, pointing to of 0.4 percent in 2014 as the govern- economy, including extending the growth in the world’s second-largest economy. —AFP two years as it battles to reduce its budget deficit to below European “increased competitiveness of our ment battled stubbornly high unem- number of Sundays per year when Union limits. business ... the depreciation of the ployment. President Francois stores can open their doors. Most In its so-called “stability program” euro, low interest rates and a pick-up Hollande has launched a two- economists believe that France needs Finland’s floundering economy that each euro-zone country must in the euro-zone.” pronged attack to tackle joblessness a growth rate of around 1.5 percent to send to Brussels, France confirmed its It said growth would be at 1.0 per- and push for growth. The first is create jobs. Hollande has said he will at heart of election debate budget deficit would be below the cent in 2015, rising slightly to 1.5 per- known as the Responsibility Pact, a not stand for re-election in 2017 if he limit of three percent of gross domes- cent in 2016 and 2017. series of tax cuts for businesses in does not succeed in bringing unem- HELSINKI: Finns go to the polls yesterday in leg- told Finnish public broadcaster YLE. Finland was tic product in 2017. These forecasts are “conservative”, return for job creation. ployment down. —AFP islative elections widely expected to oust the long a top performer in the eurozone, hailed by The budget deficit of France, the country’s left-right coalition amid growing dis- Germany and credit rating agencies for running euro-zone’s second-largest economy, content over a floundering economy undergo- a tight economic ship. But it has failed to adapt will stand at 2.7 percent of GDP in ing a painful restructuring. Conservative Prime to a rapidly changing economic climate. The 2017, just below the EU bar of 3.0 per- Minister Alexander Stubb, who has headed the two pillars of the country’s economy, the cent. “These results show France’s abil- government since June when he replaced his forestry sector and technology industry led by ity to clean up its public finances,” the predecessor Jyrki Katainen, has a dire report one-time giant Nokia, have shrunk dramatically, finance ministry said in a statement. card to show Finns: a year of economic stagna- while two of Finland’s biggest trading partners, Some four billion euros ($4.23 bil- tion in 2014 after two years of recession. Russia and the euro-zone, are slogging through lion) will be trimmed from the budget “Many things need to change,” Timo Soini, their own economic woes. this year, including through 1.0 billion the head of the populist, eurosceptic Finns And Finland has one of the world’s most rap- euros worth of cuts from social securi- idly aging populations, that it doesn’t yet know Party, currently in opposition, told AFP when ty and health spending. The govern- asked what the economy needed. The govern- how to pay for. ment also expects to save 1.2 billion ment, which came to power in 2011, is made up euros in 2015 thanks to lower servic- of four parties: Stubb’s conservative National Highest unemployment since 2003 ing costs on public debt. Coalition Party, the Social Democrats, the Most politicians in Finland-with the excep- It is planning another five billion Swedish People’s Party, and the Christian tion of the Left Alliance and the Greens, agree euros in savings next year. The figures Democrats. Two other parties, the Greens and that Finland needs to cut costs to improve its the Left Alliance, quit the government last year competitiveness, including reducing taxes and are in France’s official economic report over policy disputes. public spending, and curbing wage increases. to Brussels, which has given Paris until The head of the opposition Centre Party, For the Finnish public, it’s a bitter pill to swallow 2017 to clean up its public finances or Juha Sipilae, who is expected to be the next after three straight years of declining dispos- face possible fines. Paris forecast how- prime minister at the helm of another broad but able income. “For most citizens, the living stan- ever that it will continue to break the as yet undefined coalition, has pledged a series dard hasn’t gone down much, but on a general rules in the near future, with a budget of economic reforms to get Finland back on its level the situation is bad. I don’t think that the deficit of 3.8 percent in 2015 and 3.3 feet. They include easing up on bureaucracy, tax government has succeeded well with its auster- percent in 2016. breaks for newly-created jobs and a reform of ity program,” said Johanna Rautio, a lawyer in And it said it would make less of unemployment insurance. her 40s. an effort than requested over its so- Sipilae, an IT millionaire, has campaigned “The economic situation is very difficult at called structural, or underlying, heavily on his experience as a businessman and the moment. Unemployment is a huge prob- deficit. Paris said it would reduce its structural deficit by 0.5 percent per entrepreneur. “I have a lot of experience of how lem,” said Jukka Ihanus, a 38-year-old union PARIS: French Finance minister Michel Sapin gives a press conference to present France’s stability pro- to manage companies to make big changes,” he employee. —AFP year until 2017, whereas Brussels wanted a 0.8 percent effort in 2016 gram yesterday at the Economy ministry in Paris. —AFP BUSINESS THURSDAY, APRIL 16, 2015 Vigor Events launches Knowledge Club 2015 Zain Telecom lead sponsor

KUWAIT: Vigor Events starts this year’s Communications and Relations Director edition of the Knowledge Club with the said: “As a leading telecommunications international speaker and expert Scott company, Zain acknowledges the impor- Friedman who will bring to life his best- tance of providing a platform that brings selling book ‘Celebrate! Lessons Learned together international experts from sev- from the World’s Most Admired eral areas such as economics, finance, Organizations’ on April 20th through a marketing, and social fields to offer a one-day seminar that demonstrates how range of realistic solutions to the chal- celebration drives engagement and lenges faced by institutions.” engagement drives performance and Khashti added: “Zain’s lead partner- productivity. ship with the Knowledge Club 2015 is Founder and Managing Partner of aimed at supporting the development of Vigor Events, Soliman Arab, said that human resources, and the company Scott’s extensive research reveals the firmly believes that by strengthening its great need for transformation in today’s relationship with the society in which it fast-paced, stress-inducing workplace. operates in, benefits will accrue to all “He offers a refreshing message, convey- members of society.” ing how taking work too seriously is The ‘Celebrate!’ Seminar will take undermining our greatest potential - Mohammad Al-Ibrahim Scott Freidman Soliman Arab place on the 20th April 2015 from 9:00 personally, professionally, and financial- showcasing the power of “the celebra- Friedman is an internationally acclaimed author and an extraordinary humorist. am to 4:00 pm at the Hilton Hotel and ly. The good news? The best antidote to tion mindset” in action. With lightheart- speaker whose programs have influ- He offers all his clients a global and cul- Resort and will mark the beginning of all this pressure in the workplace is - sur- ed humor and refreshing honesty, Scott enced more than 250,000 people in 25 turally sensitive perspective on how to the Knowledge Club 2015 series which is prise - through celebration.” will show attendees how to turn griev- countries, including the US, UK, South get more out of work and life. His varied sponsored by Zain Telecommunications “Throughout the seminar, Scott ances into gratitude, dismay into play, Africa, Australia, Singapore, Malaysia, experiences have brought him success in Company as the lead sponsor, Qualitynet Friedman will present case studies from and failure into lessons learned, ripe for Thailand and Bahrain. He has guided many industries including: hospitality, as the Silver sponsor, Warba Insurance as top organization around the world and celebration.” Arab added. members of organizations all over the meetings, real estate, insurance, health Event Sponsor, and Corporate Sponsors: introduce the attendees to the secrets world, speaking for companies such as care, education, government and just Kuwait Petroleum Corporation and that make suck organizations retain their Internationally acclaimed Singapore Airlines, HSBC Bank, IBM and about any association.” Ibrahim stated. Kuwait Oil Company, EQUATE as Success employees and attract their customers. On the other hand, Mohammad Nestle.” “In addition to being the Chief Partner, and media support from the He links the latest applicable research Ibrahim, General Manager at ALGAS Celebration Officer (CCO) at Friedman Platform International Advertising Association- together with ready-to-use examples Events Co, also mentioned that “Scott and Associates, Scott is a bestselling Waleed Al-Khashti, Zain’s Corporate Kuwait Chapter. Hyundai Veloster Turbo 2016 blazes onto Kuwait roads

KUWAIT: The Hyundai Veloster Turbo 2016 has arrived in Kuwait shifting the Korean manufac- turers model portfolio into top gear. Offering the sportiness of a coupe with the roominess of a sedan, the new edition will offer customer’s Hyundai’s signature driving experience through a high powered engine and a selection of savvy specifications and technological infotainment features. Tom Lee, Vice President and Head of Hyundai Africa and Middle East Regional Headquarters, said: “It is with great delight that we welcome the new Veloster Turbo to our Middle East port- folio. It brings new levels of sportiness to our KIPCO-owned TAKAUD fleet and represents the latest vehicle to feature our ‘Fluidic Sculpture’ design language and is set hosts recruitment drive to make waves across the region.” Raed Turjuman, Northern Gulf’s CEO said, BAHRAIN: As a result of its which to recruit the highly “Hyundai is proud to launch the 2016 Veloster on-going growth and expan- skilled financial services pro- Turbo, which features a truly unique design and sion, KIPCO-owned TAKAUD, fessionals we seek. We are exceptional performance, both aimed at captur- the specialist savings, invest- committed to employing tal- ing the passion of youth, in addition to an ments and pension provider ented individuals and to sup- impressive list of standard options which are for the MENA region, recently porting both our local and now within everyone’s reach.” He also added, “I hosted a Recruitment Open regional economies.” am hopeful Hyundai will continue to offer the Day, which attracted hun- Our growth momentum best possible for those passionate about com- dreds of potential applicants. continues and with this addi- pact sports cars, and continues to live up to its The 30 new roles have tional investment in our customers’ expectations.” also include standard 18-inch alloy wheels with This dynamic model puts safety first by fea- been created in support of human capital, we are Under the bonnet the Veloster Turbo houses 10mm-wider fitted tires, a chrome-tipped dual turing six airbags and a state-of-the-art braking TAKAUD’s growing sales and uniquely placed to become a seven-speed dual clutch gearbox featuring exhaust, sporty bodykit and a special wide- package which includes four-wheel disc brakes marketing initiatives and the the region’s leading provider shiftronic automatic technology for increased mouthed grille. and an Anti-Lock Braking System (ABS) includ- creation of comprehensive Luc MÈtivier of world-class savings and power. With a maximum output of 204 horse- The Veloster Turbo’s unique 3-door design ing Brake Assist, which provides maximum distribution channels, such as investment solutions for both power from a 1.6-liter turbo four-cylinder engine with glass rear hatch and optional panoramic force when a panic stop is detected. This sys- wealth management offering and onsite individuals and corporates”. this new model is set to take pole position on sunroof gives the interior a spacious feel. As pas- tem is supported by Electronic Brake-force marketing, which provide its customer The open day, which was held in Bahrain the region’s roads. sengers are supported by new sportier front Distribution (EBD), to automatically adjust the base with greater access to its solutions on 14 April, was advertised across To deliver a sportier ride the Turbo features seats they can enjoy being surrounded by a braking force to front and rear axles based on across the MENA region. TAKAUD’s social media networks and gen- modified front suspension, featuring gas-filled sport-bike-inspired dashboard detailed with vehicle loading conditions. Some of the newly created roles will erated significant interest. On the day, 200 hydraulic monotube shock absorbers while the intricate Turbo stitching. Nothern Gulf continues to apply Hyundai’s support TAKAUD’s customer service func- people applied in person with a substantial Motor-Driven Power Steering (MDPS) has been Once on board, passengers can take advan- vision for exceptional customer service and tion, which will provide customer support number applying electronically for the tuned for increased steering response. When tage of advanced in-car technology via quality products, and has been able to increase and guidance on all of the saving and Bahrain-based roles. taking a corner, large front and rear stabilizer Hyundai’s class-leading multimedia 7 inch its market share and win several accolades investment solutions which are available. The vast majority of candidates were bars are in place to reduce body roll and touchscreen which allows easy access technolo- because of these commitments. In addition to Luc MÈtivier, CEO of TAKAUD Savings & Bahraini, which represents the high calibre improve handling and control. gy at the touch of a button. this list of accolades, Northern Gulf constantly Pensions, said: “As a leading financial servic- of the financial services professionals that Additional Hyundai performance features The Veloster Turbo, as with all Hyundai mod- offers a variety of promotions to ensure cus- es hub, Bahrain is an ideal location from work in the kingdom. include Torque Vectoring Control (TVC) which enhances vehicle stability and safety and the els, has an exceptional level of standard safety tomer satisfaction and to make Hyundai’s vehi- seven-speed EcoShift(r) Dual Clutch features as highlighted by the Vehicle Stability cles accessible to all with competitive and rea- Transmission (DCT) with steering-wheel-mount- Management (VSM) system. sonable prices. The company is also keen to ed paddle shifters which incorporate the latest This is in place so that when a driver acceler- reinforce Hyundai’s global brand value as a technology while delivering smooth and effi- ates or brakes on a difficult surface and the leading automotive brand that has been able cient power. vehicle wants to pull in one direction, VSM to compete with older legacy brands. The pro- The bold design of this new edition features a detects this condition and sends a signal to the motions stand as a tribute to Hyundai’s cus- stealth 3rd door, striking LED headlight accents MDPS to apply steering assist to counter this tomer-centric philosophy, which places cus- and raking contour lines that make the Veloster force. VSM reacts the same way during sudden tomer needs at the top of its priorities, whether Turbo instantly recognisable. Standard features lane changes or fast cornering. before or after purchase. Bollywood actor Anil Kapoor opens Malabar Gold & Diamonds in Ajman

AJMAN: Malabar Gold & Diamonds, the leading jew- jewellery until 25 April 2015. Keeping the conven- ments purchased from GCC can be exchanged with ellery retailers opened its 130th outlet in Ajman. ience of their customers in mind, they also offer Malabar Gold & Diamonds designs by paying only Bollywood Actor Anil Kapooralong with Sheikh advance booking facility, where the customers can making charges ensuring they donít lose any value Sultan Bin Saqer Rashid Humaid Al-Nuiami inaugu- book their ornaments in advance by paying a cer- on the rate of gold. Malabar Gold & Diamonds oper- rated this showroom on 14 April 2015 in the pres- tain percentage of the total cost. They also give their ates 53 international showrooms in GCC and ence of MrShamlalAhamed, Managing Director- customers a unique opportunity to buy diamond Singapore. The group has 24 showrooms in UAE, out International Operations; Abdul Salam K P, Group jewellery of their choice and get free home delivery of which 2 are in Ajman. They are planning to come Executive Director; Mayankutty C, Director; person- in UAE on AkshayaTritiya Day. up with more showrooms in UAE, Qatar, Bahrain, alities from media and other well-wishers. The customers also get a fabulous chance to buy Oman, Kuwait and Saudi Arabia in the coming Located at Al-Bustan, one of the oldest localities 8 gm gold coins with absolutely no making charges months. They are also all set to expand their pres- GMTC awarded $18 million in Ajman, their latest showroom showcases a from any of Malabar Gold & Diamonds outlets in ence in the Far East market by opening their first breathtaking of collection of jewellery with the per- GCC during this period. outlet in Malaysia next month. Actress Kareena contract by Japan’s JGSK fect combination of precious metals and stones that Moreover, any old ornaments purchased from Kapoor Khan will inaugurate their showrooms in can hold you spell-bound. Each piece meticulously GCC can be updated with the brand new enticing UAE at Shabia, Musaffah, Abu Dhabi and in Qatar at KUWAIT: Gulf Maritime General Trading & ised cargo from port to job site. During the peak crafted in gold, platinum, diamonds and precious collection of Malabar Gold & Diamonds without any Lulu Hypermarket, D Ring Road, Doha on 16April Contracting Company WLL, (GMTC) has been season in Feb, 2016, the number of trailers stones is not only unique, but also express the per- loss during this period. Any 22 ct old gold orna- and 23 April respectively. awarded the $18 million, on-shore transporta- required for transportation is estimated around sonality of the wearer, ultimately becoming an tion contract of clean fuel project package for 2,978 for the month. The cargo consists of exclusive style statement. Mena Al-Ahmadi (MAA) by EPC Contractor Supper heavy and super over-dimensional units. Their branded jewellery segment includes Ethnix JGSK, Japan. JGSK is a consortium consisting of The longest piece is 80 meters, widest is 12 - Handcrafted Designer Jewellery, Era - Uncut three companies, ie. M/s JGC Corporation of meters and tallest is 12.5 meters. The heaviest Diamond Jewellery, Mine - Diamonds Unlimited, Japan, M/s GS Engineering of Korea and M/s SK unit is 850 metric tons. Divine- Indian Heritage Jewellery, Precia - Precious Engineering of Korea. GMTC is supported by Al-Majdouie Logistics, Gem Jewellery and Starlet - Kids Jewellery. GMTC is a 45-year-old shipping & logistics Saudi Arabia (who is a winner of Guinness Book Like all their outlets in GCC and Singapore, their company belonging to Al-Kazemi Group which of World Records for Heavy Lift transportation), new outlet in Ajman will also take part in their fes- in business operations for last 62 years in Kuwait. for executing the contract. The challenge to suc- tive campaign- ëThe Great Gold Rushí, giving their GMTC, who is specialized in shipping agency & cessful execution of the project is completing customers a life changing opportunity to win a project logistics, is an approved freight forward- customs clearance process and deliveries with in ing and transportation company with KNPC to shortest time under the existing govt processes whopping 25 kilos of gold until 30 June 2015 with handle contracts up to KD 10 million. GMTC an and port infrastructure limitations. But GMTC is special facilities such as free home delivery, advance ISO & HSC certified Company, has successfully very confident that with proper planning and booking etc. With every purchase of gold jewellery handled Cargo Logistic of more than 16 Oil and with the support of Ministries, Port and Customs with AED 500, the customers get a chance to enter Infrastructure projects during last 15 years Authorities, we will be able to execute the proj- raffle draws to win 1 kg of gold each in every 10 Kuwait. The scope of the on-shore transportation ect successfully. GMTC together with Al- days. Those who buy diamond jewellery worth AED contract covers, customs clearance and trans- Majdouie is looking forward to focus more in 500 will get 2 raffle coupons and double the chance portation of approximately762,000 Freight Tone Kuwait Project Market and to handle Projects of to win. The customers can also avail a free one gram of Break Bulk Cargo and about 7750 container- bigger sizes in future. gold coin for every AED 5,000 spend on diamond THURSDAY, APRIL 16, 2015 technology

Culture clash as hip online firm Etsy hits Wall Street

NEW YORK: Cultures will clash this week as Etsy, Corporation,” which seeks to contribute to solving Last year Etsy boosted its international presence of vintage and handmade items. But critics say the online marketplace known for artisan goods social and environmental problems. with the acquisition of its French-based rival, “A mass-produced goods from China and counterfeit and strong social values, makes its Wall Street The company is one of 1,200 certified by the Little Market.” items make their way onto Etsy despite the compa- debut. BLab by showing “the positive impact the company ny’s efforts. Some analysts say the company has Etsy is expected to raise between $233 and $307 has on its workers, its suppliers, its customers, the Potential ‘negatives’ been successful enough to generate investor inter- million in its initial public offering (IPO) market community in which it operates and the environ- Etsy itself acknowledged in its filing that est. Smith at Renaissance Capital told AFP that Etsy priced yesterday, which would push its valuation as ment,” according to BLab co-founder Jay Coen investors should expect to see a different kind of has “a good, growing business” as well as a “high high as $1.78 billion. Gilbert. company. retention rate” of buyers and sellers and a large per- The stock is set to trade on the Nasdaq market Only two B corporations, however, are publicly “Adherence to our values and our focus on long- centage of women using the platform. today under the symbol “ETSY.” Etsy, a Brooklyn- traded, reflecting the apparent contradiction term sustainability may negatively influence our “They have a nice niche, they’re growing it,” based firm which was founded in 2005 and pegs between social values and responsibility to share- short- or medium-term financial performance,” the Smith said. itself as the “antidote to mass manufacturing” by holders. company said in its Securities and Exchange As of December 31, Etsy had 1.4 million active selling handmade and vintage goods, says hitting “Investors want a company to do good, but they Commission filing. sellers and 19.8 million active buyers, with a large the stock market won’t mean selling its soul. don’t want too much at the expense of getting the It added that “we may choose to prohibit the number of both coming back to the platform. “I intend to keep our unconventional operating profit they are looking for,” says Kathleen Smith at sale of items in our marketplace that we believe are Sucharita Mulpuru, a retail analyst with Forrester philosophy as we become a public company,” said Renaissance Capital, a research firm which special- inconsistent with our values even though we could Research, said Etsy has the potential to be “highly chief executive Chad Dickerson in a letter included izes in IPOs. benefit financially from the sale of those items.” lucrative.” with the Etsy regulatory filing. “There could be a little bit of contention Etsy also noted that it may take actions “such as “The fundamentals of the business are solid,” she “We eat on compostable plates, and employees between the investors’ constituency and social investing in alternative forms of shipping or locat- told AFP. “Marketplaces are extremely lucrative sign up to deliver our compost by bike to a local responsibility.” In the past year, Etsy reported a loss ing our servers in low-impact data centers, that especially once you have a brand and that brand is farm in Red Hook, Brooklyn, where it is turned back of $15 million as it ramped up marketing efforts. reduce our environmental footprint even though reinforced by the products that you produce. Etsy into the soil that produces the food we enjoy But it has generated sales on the platform of $1.93 these actions may be more costly than other alter- has done a great job at that. It’s a fine place to shop, together.” billion, one-third of which came from outside the natives.” Etsy has gained a reputation as a hipster, a lot of people know about it, and they don’t have Etsy plans to maintain its status as “a certified B US market. artisanal version of eBay, featuring a large number to own any inventory. It’s a great model.” — AFP EU sends Google antitrust charge sheet over shopping searches EU regulator launches probe into Android mobile system BRUSSELS: The European Union accused Google Inc yesterday of cheating competitors by distorting Internet search results to favour its shopping serv- ice, and launched another antitrust investigation into its Android mobile operating system. Competition Commissioner Margrethe Vestager said the US tech giant, which dominates Internet search engines worldwide, had been sent a Statement of Objections - effectively a charge sheet - to which it can respond. She also said other probes into Google’s business practices would con- tinue. “I am concerned that the company has given an unfair advantage to its own comparison shopping service, in breach of EU antitrust rules,” she said. “If the investigation confirmed our concerns, Google would have to face the legal consequences and change the way it does business in Europe.” The Commission, whose control of antitrust matters across the wealthy 28-nation bloc gives it a major say in the fate of global corporations, can fine firms up to 10 percent of their annual sales, in Google’s case up to $6.6 billion. Microsoft Kuwait If it finds that companies are abusing a domi- nant market position, the EU regulator can also BRUSSELS: European Union’s competition chief Margrethe Vestager listens to questions during a Imagine Cup ignites demand sweeping changes to their business prac- media conference at EU headquarters in Brussels yesterday. The European Union’s executive hit tices, as it did with U.S. software giant Microsoft in Google with an official antitrust complaint yesterday that alleges the company abuses its domi- inspiration of students 2004 and chip-maker Intel in 2009. Its record nance in Internet searches and also opened a probe into its Android mobile system. — AP antitrust fine was 1.09 billion euros on Intel. ping sites - Google has its own service called lined “Even Uncle Google must play fair”, German Asked whether she was ready to go as far as fin- KUWAIT: Microsoft along with spon- The competition is open to stu- Google Shopping - did not address all complaints lawmaker Manfred Weber, floor leader of the ing Google, Vestager told a news conference: “It is lodged with the Commission by competitors, large largest conservative group, said: “Internet is not the sors Burgan Bank, Diyar United dents between the age of 16 years very important that every road is open - first when and small, in Europe and the United States, which Wild West - there are rules on the web that must and 26 years, empowering them to Company and RISE Center at the it comes to commitments but also when it comes say Google has hurt their business. also be respected.” American University of Kuwait use their creative and technical abili- to the other road, at the end of which is a fine.” Vestager stressed her antitrust staff would con- French Socialists Pervenche Beres and Virginie announced today that Kuwait Imagine ties to make a positive impact on soci- Google now had an opportunity to explain tinue to investigate other areas of concern, includ- Roziere applauded the Commission for “at long Cup 2015, the world’s most presti- ety. The first place winning team in the itself, she said, and the case might be settled by the ing alleged “web scraping” to copy rivals’ content, last” taking action against “the threat posed to the gious student technology competi- Kuwait finals will participate in the company making further commitments to change and restrictive practices on advertising. European economy” and renewed their call for the tion, will take place at the American Imagine Cup Pan Arab semi finals its products. She stressed the EU regulator did not seek to breakup of Google. University of Kuwait on the 22nd of which will be held in Bahrain in June Flourish change Google’s screen design nor the mathemati- President Barack Obama accused the EU in April. Imagine Cup 2015 will give stu- 2015 and from there the winning cal algorithms it uses. February of taking a protectionist stance against dents in Kuwait an opportunity to team will attend the Imagine Cup Of the formal investigation into Android, used Google initially has 10 weeks to respond to the the U.S. tech industry. bring their tech ideas to life with worldwide finals which will be held in on smart phones and tablets, Vestager said: “I want charges and can demand a hearing. A final resolu- American domination of the Internet and other Microsoft resources and support. Seattle, USA in July 2015. to make sure the markets in this area can flourish tion - quite possibly involving court action if new technology sectors has prompted a mixture of Imagine Cup 2015 is comprised of Commenting on the Imagine Cup, without anticompetitive constraints imposed by Google does not choose to settle - is likely to take admiration and anxiety in Europe in an echo of three competition Tiers: Charles Nahas, Microsoft Kuwait any company.” many months and probably years. similar mixed feelings about reliance on U.S. mili- 1. Games: This tier invites students General Manager said: “Microsoft is In its first reaction, the Mountain View, tary might for security against a resurgent Moscow. to create a game on their favorite gam- fully committed to supporting Kuwaiti California-based company said in a blog post that Critics welcome However, many of the firms that have com- ing platform: Windows (PC or touch- youth and guiding the way towards it strongly disagreed with the EU’s statement of Google’s critics welcomed the decision to pur- plained to Brussels to challenge Google’s business screen), Windows Phone, Xbox Indie the development of a digital knowl- objections and would make the case that its prod- sue the U.S. giant, though many industry experts practices in Europe are themselves U.S. companies, ucts have fostered competition and benefited con- Games, or Kinect SDK. edge economy in the country. believe the action is unlikely to markedly shift such as Microsoft and Expedia. sumers. 2. Innovation: This competition Imagine Cup has grown to be a truly existing business their way. Rather, by firing a hefty The Initiative for a Competitive Online “Android has been a key player in spurring this shot across Google’s bows, it may favour competi- Marketplace, an alliance of businesses, applauded honors the most innovative, ground- global competition focused on finding competition and choice, lowering prices and tors in new areas as technology develops. the Commission for taking what it called “decisive solutions to real world problems. The breaking, and appealing software increasing choice for everyone (there are over That has been a priority for the new European action to end Google’s years of abusive behaviour application built with Microsoft tools Kuwait round of this competition will 18,000 different devices available today),” it said of Commission led by Jean-Claude Juncker, which in its long-running antitrust case”. Germany, and technology. give students a chance to take their its free operating system for mobile devices. wants to promote a more dynamic digital market backed by major companies in the EU’s biggest 3. World Citizenship: What global ideas to a global forum and an audi- Vestager, a Danish liberal who took over the in Europe and foster home-grown enterprises. economy, has been particularly vocal in pressing challenge can you help solve with tech- ence of the best young programmers, politically charged EU competition policy dossier in Juncker is also pressing for a free-trade treaty the Commission to act against Google. Axel nology? Got an idea for an app that will technologists and designers in the November, announced the moves on the eve of a with Washington to bolster growth and Vestager Springer chief Mathias Doepfner told the German help reduce world hunger, provide bet- world. We also hope that the Imagine high-profile visit to the United States. Her findings has stressed she is not seeking to penalise media group’s shareholders in Berlin on Tuesday ter treatment for disease, raise aware- Cup will continue to inspire the next following nearly five years of investigation and American firms or large companies - merely to that Almunia’s efforts to negotiate a deal with ness of environmental issues, or pro- generation of technology and busi- abortive efforts by her Spanish predecessor, avoid abuses of dominant market positions. Google would have been a “shoddy compromise” vide better access to education ness innovators in Kuwait and region.” Joaquin Almunia, to strike a deal with Google. Vestager’s action won cross-party endorsement and praised Vestager for being “more determined, The focus on the ranking of searches for shop- in the European Parliament. In a statement head- quicker and more true to the facts”. — Reuters

Adobe PDF tool is great, but casual users won’t need NEW YORK: No doubt you’ve run across your share of stamp. Fill & Sign would be great, but there’s no place I PDF documents in your work and personal life. could email that form to, nor would a parent necessar- Adobe’s Portable Document Format has become a ily know where to email a permission slip that’s common way to publish newsletters, instruction man- designed to be handed in. uals and even tax forms. Creating your own PDF docu- Plus, you can get this app for free. All the subscrip- ment is easy, with features built into major Web tion does is integrate the feature with others in the browsers and Apple’s Mac system, or available package. through an array of free Windows apps. So why pay $156 or a more a year for Adobe’s SIGNS AND TRACKS Acrobat DC service? You get those free capabilities in For small business owners and others who deal one place, plus features for filling out forms, append- with contracts, Adobe offers tools for sending out ing digital signatures and making changes on the go. forms for signing - even to those who don’t have Acrobat. Signers can draw signatures with their THE BASICS mouse or type their names in a signature-like font Many people already use Adobe’s free Acrobat This undated photo provided by Adobe (It’s not your actual signature, but Adobe says it’s Reader for reading documents. But to create docu- shows a signature on the Fill and Sign app. legally binding). Tools help you track who’s already ments, you need to pay for Acrobat, or use a free PDF Many people already use Adobe’s free signed which documents. This also leaves a legal creator from an outside party. Not all Acrobat Reader for reading documents. But audit trail. PDF creators are the same, though. Some convert to create documents, you need to pay for Speaking of tracking, another feature keeps track text to graphics, for instance, so you’re unable to Acrobat, or use a free PDF creator from an of who’s read or downloaded your search documents later. And editing capabilities tend outside party. — AP document. Your recipients can no longer pretend to be limited and cumbersome. Android tablets. Take any form, such as a school per- they didn’t get it. Recipients can’t decline the track- I create a lot of PDF files instead of printing out mission slip for your kid. You simply snap the form ing, which feels creepy, though they are notified if records. Free tools are typically adequate for that, but with your tablet’s camera and enhance the image you opt for detailed tracking. Acrobat is much easier for rotating and reordering using technology Adobe borrowed from its pages and combining multiple PDF documents into a Photoshop editing software. You can do more than PRICING single file. Acrobat also makes it easy to edit text and standard cropping. Let’s say you snapped the form on The standard subscription starts at $13 a month, convert documents back to their original form, your lap, so the page is curved rather than flat. On the with a one-year commitment. A Pro subscription, at whether that’s in Word or a Web page. app, you mark where the corners are, and the docu- $15 a month, gives you additional features, including Adobe Systems Inc. also makes an iPad version, ment magically stretches out so that it looks flat, as the ability to compare two though with fewer features. Versions for iPhones, versions of a document. If you just want it for a though scanned in. Then, you can type text, check NEW YORK: This Feb. 19, 2014 file photo shows the Facebook app icons on an iPhone Android and Windows Phone devices have even less. boxes and even add your signature. month, though, the subscriptions cost $23 and $25, in New York. Facebook remains the most used social media site among American Files you create and edit will sync through Adobe’s This can be useful for all the forms I hate filling out respectively. You can also buy the Mac or Windows teens ages 13 to 17, according to a new study from the Pew Research Center. And, Document Cloud storage service. All this comes with and mailing. And for forms that come in electronically, version the traditional way, for a one-time fee that Acrobat DC. I can skip the printer. starts at $299 ($139 for upgrades), but you don’t get surprisingly, boys visit the site more often than girls. Aided hugely by smartphones But going paperless isn’t easy. I’m months late in all of the mobile, storage or tracking features. With and other mobile devices, 71 percent of teens surveyed said they use Facebook, with FORMS AND MORE mailing a housing form because I couldn’t find a the subscription, you can sign in on two PCs at a the same percentage saying they use more than one social network of seven options My favorite tool is the Fill & Sign app for iPads and time, with no limits yet on mobile. — AP they were asked about. — AP THURSDAY, APRIL 16, 2015 HEALTH & SCIENCE

California lawmakers face second round in vaccine debate

SACRAMENTO: State lawmakers are Supporters say the measure would debate last week that the proposal’s signed by the governor, California would film screening in Sacramento last week he preparing for a second round of heated increase the number of children who are author, Sen. Richard Pan, a Democratic join Mississippi and West Virginia as the described the number of children injured talks on whether California should limit vaccinated in the wake of a measles out- pediatrician from Sacramento, was placed only states with such strict vaccine rules. by vaccines as “a holocaust.” vaccination waivers for schoolchildren. break that started at Disneyland in under added security. In addition to Only medical exemptions would be avail- Kennedy apologized this week for the The Senate Education Committee is December. But well-organized opponents threatening messages sent to his office, able for children with health problems. comparison, saying he was trying to con- the second body to consider a bill that have responded with impassioned pleas opponents of the legislation have posted Robert Kennedy Jr., the nephew of vey the effects of autism on children and prevents parents from seeking vaccina- against the proposal, saying the bill tram- images online comparing Pan to Adolf President John F. Kennedy and son of for- their families. The medical community tion exemptions because of religious or ples on parental rights. Hitler. mer US Attorney General Robert Kennedy, says such claims have been scientifically personal beliefs. The topic generated such an acidic If the bill passes the Legislature and is is among those who oppose the bill. At a disproved. —AP 43 taking part in Indiana needle-exchange push

INDIANAPOLIS: An SUV staffed with health work- Confirmed HIV cases ers on a quest to provide clean needles to intra- Gov. Mike Pence temporarily waived venous drug users has begun making the rounds Indiana’s ban on needle-exchange programs in in a small Indiana city at the center of an HIV out- a March public health emergency order that break, officials said Tuesday. authorized the program solely for Scott County, Brittany Combs, a public health nurse with the and initially only for 30 days for the county Scott County Health Department, said 43 people about 30 miles north of Louisville, Kentucky. are now taking part in a needle-exchange pro- Scott County typically sees only about five gram aimed at helping contain the outbreak that’s new HIV cases a year. But deputy state health affected more than 100 people in the rural county. commissioner Jennifer Walthall said the county Four of those people joined the program had 95 confirmed HIV cases and 11 preliminary Monday after the SUV stopped at one home in positives as of Friday and the vast majority of Austin - the city at the heart of the outbreak. those have been linked to needle-sharing Health workers convinced those IV drug users to among intravenous drug users. take part in the anonymous needle-exchange Health officials say all of those infected push that provides each participant with a week’s either live in Scott County or have ties to it, and supply of syringes. most of those who have tested positive for HIV Combs said those four people told staff they had shared needles while injecting a liquefied had recently been tested for HIV but were nega- form of the prescription painkiller Opana. tive for the virus that causes AIDS. The mobile nee- Walthall said health officials, including sever- dle-exchange, which is an extension of the county- al staffers from the Centers for Disease Control wide program, operated for only about an hour and Prevention who are on the scene, are uncer- Monday before heavy rainfall halted the SUV’s tain how much larger the outbreak will grow, work for the day. considering that dozens of people may have “If nothing else we saved those four people for shared needles with or had unprotected sex this week from having to share needles and possi- with those already infected. ble get HIV,” she said during a news conference in “We’re still early in the investigation process Austin. for those cases and all of their contacts,” she said That SUV will be traveling narrow streets and Tuesday. Austin Police Chief Don Spicer said IV dead-end streets in Austin in the days ahead to drug use and other drug problems have reach more users and help allay lingering, plagued the county for years and those ills will unfounded concerns among some users that they persist even if Opana falls out of favor among SAN FRANCISCO: Meal worms are unwrapped in preparation for baking yesterday, in San Francisco. A growing number of “ento- could face arrest if they take part, Combs said. local users. preneurs” are trying to persuade consumers that insects are the next super food, a nutritious, low-cost, environmentally friendly The 43 needle-exchange participants have “I don’t see this going away and if it does source of protein that can help feed a hungry world. But they face a tough job convincing Westerners that crickets, meal worms received more than 1,500 clean needles and they’ll just revert to heroin. Heroin is a little and caterpillars can be tasty treats. —AP returned 580 used ones. The program began April bit cheaper, it’s readily available. I mean, it is 4 but had seen only four takers during its first sev- what it is - it’s an animal you can’t contain,” he ‘Entopreneurs’ feed growing US eral days until participation picked up. said. —AP appetite for edible insects Customers are mothers looking for a healthy snack for kids

SAN FRANCISCO: They hop. They crawl. They Mexico. Among her specialties are spicy super- cookie,” said Miller, a former journalist and tech squirm. And they could be coming to more worms and chocolate-covered, salted crickets. entrepreneur. American dinner plates. An increasing number of “entopreneurs” are Snacks sold online ‘Branding problems’ launching businesses to feed a growing “The idea is to offer another type of protein Miller said insects have a “branding prob- appetite for crickets, mealworms and other edi- into the food market,” said Martinez, an artist lem,” so she’s trying to change people’s minds ble insects. and industrial designer who launched Don and palates by mixing them into familiar foods These upstarts are trying to persuade more Bugito as a street food project in 2011. “The in attractive packaging. Americans to eat bugs, which can be produced biggest job that we have to do is to try to get “We’re going to see people start trying with less land, food and water than other more people to try our foods.” insects in a powdered form - incorporated into sources of animal protein. Don Bugito snacks are sold online or at a La foods so they’re invisible - before people are The United Nations has been promoting edi- Cocina kiosk in San Francisco’s Ferry Building, going to make the leap to eating whole ble insects as a way to improve nutrition, where retail workers recently offered free sam- insects,” Miller said. reduce greenhouse-gas emissions and create ples of chocolate-covered crickets and spicy Big Cricket Farms, one of only a handful of jobs in insect production. At least 2 billion peo- superworms. North American companies producing crickets ple worldwide already eat insects as part of “No!” said a young boy when asked to try for human consumption, is struggling to meet PARIS: In this Dec.4, 2012 file photo, a sculpture of a cigarette butt is set up their diet, according to the 2013 report by the one. But more adventurous eaters gave them a fast-growing demand for the chirping insects, inside Gare de Lyon railway station, in Paris. Too-thin models, too much UN Food and Agriculture Organization. try. “It doesn’t really taste like a bug. It tastes said CEO Kevin Bachhuber, who launched the drinking, sexy cigarette packs — France’s Parliament is cracking down on all But it could be a tough sell for Westerners like crunchy spices,” said Leslie Foreman, who warehouse farm in Youngstown, Ohio, last year of this in a sweeping law designed to trim public health costs, and is tackling after getting his first taste of bugs in Thailand. who are more likely to squash bugs than savor works at a medical technology firm, after sam- unhealthy stereotypes along the way. —AP them. pling a chili-lime cricket. “I’m not sure this is Bachhuber’s startup currently produces “Insects are viewed as what ruins food - a going to be my everyday snack, but I think it’s about 8,000 pounds (3,600 kilograms) of crick- roach in your soup, a fly in your salad,” said fun and I think it’s cool.” ets a month. He hopes to increase capacity to Daniella Martin, an author of a book on eating Across San Francisco Bay inside at a kitchen 25,000 pounds (11,300 kilograms) per month, Ebola virus found in semen insects and the “Girl Meets Bug” blogger. in Berkeley, Megan Miller and her assistants but still doesn’t think that will be enough to Inside San Francisco’s La Cocina, a commer- shape clumps of orange-ginger cookie dough, meet demand from restaurants and health food six months after recovery cial kitchen for food entrepreneurs, Monica carefully arrange them up on a tray and slip makers. Martinez empties hundreds of live mealworms, them in an oven. The key ingredient: flour “We’re constantly slammed by orders. We GENEVA: Traces of Ebola have been found its website. each about 2 inches (5 centimeters) long, into a made from ground-up crickets. simply can’t keep up,” Bachhuber said. Oakland- in the semen of a man six months after his Jasarevic said more research was need- plastic container. She uses chopsticks to pull Miller’s startup, Bitty Foods, sells its cricket- based Tiny Farms is trying to address supply recovery, the World Health Organization ed before WHO could provide more out dead ones before pouring the squirming based cookies and baked goods online and at crunch by developing more efficient ways to said yesterday, urging survivors to practice detailed advice. critters on a tray and sliding them into an oven. upscale grocery stores. Many of its customers mass-produce crickets and other bugs. It even- safe sex “until further notice”. “We need to understand better if this Martinez started Don Bugito PreHispanic are mothers looking for a healthy snack for tually wants to create a large network of insect The man had been declared free of the particular case is an anomaly or if there Snackeria to entice American consumers with their kids. “We like to say our cookies have farms to supply food makers such as Don deadly virus in Liberia last September, WHO really are groups of people who might (car- treats inspired by popular snacks in her native twice the protein and half the sugar of a regular Bugito and Bitty Foods. —AP spokesman Tarik Jasarevic told AFP. ry) parts of the Ebola virus longer,” he said. “He has provided a semen sample which Until more is known, Ebola survivors has tested... positive for Ebola, 175 days should abstain from sex or practice safe sex after his negative blood test,” he said in an “until further notice,” Bruce Aylward, who Immune system link to Alzheimer’s disease email. heads WHO’s Ebola response, told reporters The UN health agency had previously last week. WASHINGTON: The immune sys- reported that researchers had found The study found that while the process, maybe we could block it said the virus had been detected in semen He said a number of studies were tem may play a part in Alzheimer’s that certain immune system cells exact role of immune system cells and reverse the disease,” said Carol around three months after a patient had already under way, as well as discussions disease, US researchers have discov- which normally protect the brain was unclear, the research could Colton, professor of neurology at been declared Ebola free. about whether Ebola survivors should be ered, in a breakthrough which could began to consume a key nutrient, point to a new potential cause of the Duke University School of The new finding has led WHO to recom- systematically screened after three months lead to the development of new arginine. Alzheimer’s while eventually open- Medicine, a senior author of the mend that survivors abstain from having to determine their status. treatments for the most common In tests on mice, researchers were ing a door to a new treatment strat- study. sex or that they practice safe sex using a “We should have answers to allow us to form of dementia. able to block the process with a egy. “We see this study opening the condom beyond the three-month period give more definitive advice to survivors A Duke University study pub- small-molecule drug to prevent “If indeed arginine consumption doors to thinking about Alzheimer’s previously prescribed. very, very quickly,” he said. The deadliest lished in the Journal of Neuroscience brain plaques and memory loss. is so important to the disease in a completely different way, to “Ebola survivors should consider cor- outbreak of Ebola in history began in late break the stalemate of ideas in rect and consistent use of condoms for 2013 and has killed more than 10,600 peo- Alzheimer’s disease.” Research into all sexual acts beyond three months until ple, mainly in Liberia, Sierra Leone and the brains of Alzheimer’s sufferers more information is available,” it says on Guinea. —AFP has typically focused on two hall- marks-”plaques” and “tangles.” Plaques are a build-up of sticky proteins known as beta amyloid while tangles are a twisted protein called tau. By studying a type of mouse cre- ated several years ago with a similar type of immune system to a human, researchers found that immune cells called microglia began to divide and change early in the onset of Alzheimer’s. Using the drug difluoromethylor- nithine (DFMO) before the onset of symptoms, scientists were able to block damage caused by arginase, an enzyme which breaks down argi- nine. “All of this suggests to us that if you can block this local process of MAPUTO: Photo taken on February 25, 2015, shows a lab technician who amino acid deprivation, then you opens access to a human sputum sample for a giant rat to detect whether it can protect-the mouse, at least-from is infected by tuberculosis at Apopo research center in Eduardo Mondlane LAHORE: A Pakistani health worker gives polio vaccine to a child at a neighborhood of Lahore, Alzheimer’s disease,” said Matthew University in Maputo, Mozambique. Giant rats may strike fear and disgust Pakistan, yesterday. Pakistan’s beleaguered battle to eradicate polio is threatening a global, Kan, one of the researchers involved into the hearts of homeowners worldwide, but researchers in impoverished multi-billion dollar campaign to wipe out the disease worldwide. —AP in the study. —AFP Mozambique are improbably turning some of them into heroes. —AFP THURSDAY, APRIL 16, 2015 HEALTH & SCIENCE Three new species of ‘mini-Godzilla’ found in Andes

QUITO: Three new species of multi-col- Museum at the Pontifical Catholic Peru-and others may well be out there. ‘Midget dragons’ found in the foothills of the Andes ored lizards sporting jagged crests that University of Ecuador. “Our knowledge of the diversity of rep- The new species are locally known as Mountains along the border between make them look like pint-sized His team found and classified the tiles in Ecuador and Peru is limited. We “lagartijas de palo,” or stick lizards. Ecuador and Peru. “Godzillas” have been discovered in three new species: Enyalioides altotam- still don’t have a full idea of all the They are diurnal animals that sleep in The third, E. sophiarothschildae- Ecuador and Peru, highlighting the bo, Enyalioides anisolepis and species,” said co-author Pablo Venegas of tree trunks and camouflage themselves named for Sophia Rothschild, a German region’s rich biodiversity. Enyalioides sophiarothschildae. All three Peru’s Ornithology and Biodiversity against their jungle environment. woman who sponsored the research-was The lizards were found in the rain- boast “very striking colors and morphol- Center. The scientists found the first of the found in the high forests of the forests of the Tropical Andes region, ogy,” he said, pointing out their protrud- Logging and farming are cutting into three species, E. altotambo, a decade ago Amazonian region of San Martin in Peru. where even more reptiles are likely wait- ing scales, serrated crests and shiny the reptiles’ habitat, however, turning in the forests of the Ecuadoran coastal DNA analysis and studies of the ing to be discovered, said the team of backs. the effort to find and classify new province of Esmeraldas. lizards’ physical characteristics revealed scientists who published the find in the The three species can grow up to species into a “race against time,” he said. They filed away the find, but found that they were three previously unknown latest issue of zoological journal about 40 centimeters (16 inches) long. Peru is home to a whopping 213 another specimen five years later in Alto species. ZooKeys. The find increases the number of known species of lizards and Ecuador 190, said Tambo, about 125 kilometers (75 miles) Nature lovers have likened them to “It’s incredible the quantity of reptile species in the Enyalioides genus to 15, all the research team, which also included north of the Ecuadoran capital Quito, a “midget dragons,” without the wings or species we still haven’t discovered even of them in a region stretching from zoologist Kevin de Queiroz of the region where violent conflicts over land fiery breath. “They don’t have anything in though it’s the 21st century,” said Omar Panama to northern Bolivia. Smithsonian Institution in the United limit scientific research. common with the mythological creature,” Torres Carvajal of the QCAZ Zoology Half are concentrated in Ecuador and States. The second lizard, E. anisolepis, was said Torres Carvajal with a smile. —AFP Migrating whale sets long-distance record

PARIS: A lone female Western North However, those in the east have large- Pacific grey whale has set a record for ly recovered while those in the west are long-distance migration, according to a teetering on the edge of extinction-and study Tuesday. indeed at one point were thought to Nicknamed Varvara, the nine-year-old have been wiped out. whale was tagged off Russia’s Sakhalin The International Union for Island in 2011. Conservation of Nature (IUCN) lists the She crossed from the northwestern to western grey whale population at around the northeastern side of the Pacific and 130, making it “critically endangered”. followed the western Canadian and US But if Varvara’s trek is any guide, there coast down to breeding grounds off Baja could be a genetic mix between the east- California, Mexico. ern and western populations, the investi- She swam 10,880 kilometres (6,800 gators said. miles) in 69 days-”the longest recorded In other words, some presumed west- distance travelled during a mammal ern grey whales could actually be eastern migration,” the scientists said. grey whales. She then returned home by a slightly “The population identity of whales off more southerly route, completing a 172- Sakhalin Island needs further evaluation,” day, 22,511-km (14,069-mile) trek, also a said the scientists, led by Ladd Irvine at record for round-trip migration. Oregon State University. Until now, the acknowledged record- Six other whales were also given satel- THOROOR: Indian workers spread disinfectant after an operation to cull chickens at Venkateshwara Hatcheries in Thoroor village holder for mammal migration has been lite-monitored tags. Along with Varvara, in Ranga Reddy district, some 55 kilometers from Hyderabad yesterday. Five chicks were found to be infected with H5N1 avian the humpback whale, one of which made two others also crossed into regions influenza on regular testing of samples belonging to the farm of a poultry farmer Srinivas Reddy. The authorities ordered the a one-way trip of 9,800 kms from waters inhabited by non-endangered eastern off Brazil to Madagascar, according to a grey whales. culling of 150,000 birds in a kilometre radius on poultry farms, although no cases of human infections were identified so far, 2010 study. They were “Flex”, a 13-year-old male according to Ranga Reddy district officials. —AFP The new research, published in the that crossed to waters off Oregon, a jour- British journal Biology Letters, raises ney of 7,611 km, and “Agent”, a six-year- intriguing questions about grey whales- old female, which headed to the Gulf of In parched California, Beverly Hills Latin name Eschrichtius robustus. Alaska, 5,464 km away. Grey whales exist in both the eastern The migration patterns break with the and western North Pacific and conserva- idea that grey whales follow exclusively may go greener by going brown tionists consider the two populations to north-south migratory routes along be separate. Commercial whaling rav- coasts and demonstrate that these mam- California faces its worst drought since records began aged numbers on both sides of the mals have “navigational skills across open ocean. water,” the paper said. —AFP LOS ANGELES: With its lush shrubs and mani- Cutting back around here have been watering less. A lot of cured lawns, posh Beverly Hills is being shoved On average wealthier neighborhoods like them are putting gravel everywhere the green somewhere it’s never been-pinched by deepen- Beverly Hills consume three times more water used to be,” he said. ing drought, mandatory cuts and now potential than less affluent ones, according to a recent fines. Even its mega-rich have had to shut the study by researchers at the University of Fines or fine-tuning? spigot, under fire for over-watering. California Los Angeles (UCLA). As he said, many Beverly Hills residents have “The lady of the house now has come to “With income and water use so tightly bound started giving some thought to the crisis. And terms. She is going to let the garden die,” together, further incentive must be given to some have reduced the time irrigation systems Mexican-born long-time gardener Gilberto, who higher water users-and thus higher-income cus- are run. declined to give his family name, told AFP, out- tomers-to conserve more,” the study said. Others have opted to replace some of their side an elegant two-story home of an octoge- Brown’s 25 percent reductions would be plantings with others that have deeper roots narian surrounded by a wall of shrubbery. achieved by ramping up enforcement to prevent and look fine with less frequent watering. “She says that the important thing now is to wasteful water use, while investing in technolo- But getting out of the typical American mind- cut back. Because this has become reallly seri- gies designed to make California more drought- set of homes needing big lawns and gardens ous,” he added, adjusting his big straw hat to resilient. remains a challenge. keep the scorching sun out of his eyes. The order also set out new measures to “It is a huge culture change-and a way of California is now in its worst drought since reduce water use, including the replacement of thinking,” said Trish Ray, with the city’s of Beverly records began, now in its fourth year. Reservoirs 50 million square feet (4.6 million square meters) Hills’ public works office. are nearing empty, agriculture has been hard of lawns with drought-tolerant landscaping. “What we have to work on with our citizens is hit. It can be a tough sell for people with plenty how do we redefine what a garden city means,” For the inhabitants of this enclave of extreme to spend. And many Americans who developed she said. With some changes made, “it may look wealth, a water shortage usually has meant they California came from the wetter US East, used to a little different, but it’s just as beautiful.” NEW YORK: In this March 12, 2015 photo an assortment of ingredients stand simply paid more for the water they used-which rolling lawns, hedges and flower beds. The move to fining hasn’t started yet, but might be more, instead of less. But “really, everyone here has got the mes- could soon if the situation does not change. ready for the lunchtime crowd in a display case at The Little Beet during But in the crisis-in this state which has a cli- sage on what is happening” in terms of drought, Governor Brown’s order also set out new lunchtime at the restaurant in New York. For years, healthy chains have sput- mate ranging from Mediterranean to desert-has said Onesimo Jauregui, another gardener from measures to reduce water use, including the tered and flopped but The Little Beet chef Franklin Becker, who’s opening turned so harsh that Governor Jerry Brown has Mexico, hose in hand, carefully watering plants replacement of 50 million square feet (4.6 mil- seven more restaurants in the New York area this year, says the demand is ordered 25-percent cuts in water use to try to in front of another mansion. lion square meters) of lawns with drought-toler- growing. “That’s what people want to eat. They want honest foods now.” —AP put a dent in the crisis. “For some weeks now, the people who live ant landscaping. —AFP WHAT’S ON THURSDAY, APRIL 16, 2015

The donated collection AUK faculty and staff members investigating the book collections.

AUK President, Dr. Nizar Hamzeh AUK Library Director, Ms Asmaa Al Kanaan Ambassador of India to Kuwait Sunil Jain

Dean of College of Arts and Sciences, Dr. Rawda Awwad, investigat- Event attendees. ing the books with the Indian ambassador. Embassy of India in Kuwait makes book donations to AUK library

he Ambassador of India to Kuwait Sunil with special illustrations and photographs. AUK community. Last year, the AUK Library Jain and the Deputy Chief of Mission The event was attended by a number of became the first in Kuwait to introduce the 3M TShubashis Goldar along with members faculty and staff of the AUK community to SelfCheck kiosk, a device that allows Library of the Indian Embassy visited the AUK Library reinforce the importance of cultural exchange. visitors to self-checkout books without stop- for a book donation ceremony on April 14 At the end of the ceremony, AUK President Dr ping by the helpdesk. intended to mark a generous donation of Nizar Hamzeh presented the ambassador with The American University of Kuwait (AUK) is books by the Embassy of India in Kuwait to the a small gift and a certificate of appreciation in an independent, private, equal opportunity, AUK Library. Guests were welcomed by Dr recognition of this contribution. and co-educational liberal arts institution of Nizar Hamzeh, AUK President Dr Rawda The AUK Library holds more than 42,000 higher education. The educational, cultural Awwad, Dean of College of Arts and Sciences, print books in different disciplines, in addition and administrative structure, methods and and Ms. Asma Al-Kanan, Library Director. to thousands of E-books and other electronic standards of AUK are based on the American The donated collection, which is placed on resources. Over the past 12 years of its exis- model of higher learning. The language of display, consists of over 53 titles on the history, tence, the Library has undergone physical and instruction is English. More information on the art and culture of India. Many of the titles are technological upgrades to cater for the grow- American University of Kuwait can be found A certificate of appreciation presented from AUK president to the Indian ambas- coffee table hardcover books that are filled ing academic and technological needs of the atwww.auk.edu.kw sador in appreciation for the Embassy’s donations. Idukki Association elects new office-bearers dukki Association Kuwait (IAK) held its The General body elected Georgie Mathew annual general body meeting on March 20 Manchapillil as President, Sibi John as General Iat Hi-Dine auditorium, Abbasiya to present Secretary, Bijoy Kurian as Treasurer, Baiju Paul as the annual reports and elect new office-bear- Vice President, Sunil Kumar as Secretary and ers and executive committee for the year Sanil Jose as Joint Treasurer. The new executive 2015- 2016. members are Ajai Thomas (auditor), Jomon P The General body started with a prayer Jacob, Joe Antony, Bruce Chacko, K S Joy, Jijo song. IAK president Jaison Kaliyanil presided Jose, Justin Joseph, Binoy M K, Binu PD, and the meeting. Secretary Berly Shilu welcomed Abraham Kuruvila. the gathering. General Secretary Biju P Anto In addition, an advisory board is formed presented the annual report and Treasurer headed by Jeral Jose Edavakandathil as chair- Mathew Areeparambil read annual financial man. Joy Mundacat, Shaju Paul Konnackel, report. The President briefed major activities of Jaison Kaliyanil, Benny Perikilathu, Jose the Association in his presidential address. Vice Nadakuzhakkal and Biju P Anto are other president Sojan Mathew expressed vote of members. Further, the new president thanks. addressed the general body and requested Benny Perikilathu was nominated as the support and cooperation from all its members Chief Election Commissioner. Jaison Kaliyanil towards the growth of the association. Those and Lancy Babu were the other returning interested for membership in Idukki officers. Association Kuwait visit www.idukkiassnkwt.in Football tournament ICSK Khaitan shines in art competitions oung Shooters Abbassiya Football Club organizing a one day football tournament on Friday 17th April Y2015 at Public Authority for Youth and Sports ground Mishref. Where 18 teams will be participating from all over Kuwait. Indian Embassy Official & prominent Kuwaiti personalities will be attending as guests. As part of this mega event we invite all of our Indian community to be part of this.

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. he students of the Indian Community School Kuwait, Khaitan, brought accolades to school by bagging presti- gious prizes in various art contests conducted in Kuwait recently. Christy Binoy of class 7-B bagged third Please send them to Tprize in ‘Raja Ravi Verma School of Arts Art Fest’ and third prize in ‘Kuwait Beautiful and Green Art Competition’ conducted by Kuwait Times. Griffin George of 8-A won the runners-up trophy in the ‘Kuwait Beautiful [email protected] and Green’ Art Competition. Also Omaima of 5-B won the first prize in ‘Toyota Dream Car Art’ Contest. The entire ICSK family is proud of these young achievers and congratulates them on their success. WHAT’S ON THURSDAY, APRIL 16, 2015

Added convenience for Etihad Airways’ guests flying to destinations in US

uests of Etihad Airways flying to all its destinations they are domestic arrivals, with shorter connection times Abu Dhabi Airport is one of only a handful of airports in Geneva, Casablanca, Washington, Seoul, and Bangkok,The in the US such as Chicago, Dallas, Los Angeles, New possible for onward flights within the mainland, as well as the Middle East and GCC region that offer the CBP facility. connection to all these top destinations is via Abu Dhabi, the GYork, San Francisco and Washington DC can now luggage arriving at the final destination. With the addition Accordingly, guests flying to all Etihad Airways’ destina- home of Etihad Airways, which also happens to be among use Abu Dhabi International Airport’s United States of Automated Passport Control (APC) kiosks, US, Canadian tions in the US can now look forward to more of our award- the top premium destinations for travelers from Kuwait. Customs and Border Protection Facility located at Terminal and eligible Visa Waiver Program international travelers winning hospitality and worry less about long queues. New routes have also been recently added such as 3. This facility enables the airline’s guests to pre-clear the can also experience even shorter wait times and faster Kolkata and Madrid. Other destinations that will be added US Customs and Border Protection formalities before processing when passing through Abu Dhabi Top 10 premium destinations of Etihad Airways to its rapidly growing network include Entebbe, boarding their flights in Abu Dhabi. International Airport. From Kuwait, the top premium destinations of Etihad Edinburgh, Hong Kong, Algiers, Baku, Tbilisi and Dar Es Upon arrival in the US, guests will be treated as though As the first purpose-built facility of its kind in the region, Airways include Los Angeles, New York, London, Chicago, Salam.

Tolaitilah school hosts Educational Forum for girls

By Hassan Abdel Bari of ‘Be Special!’ within a broader title of ‘Productive Thinking & Contemporary school made their own presentations about the main topic and how to ‘Be Issues’. The ceremony was also attended by Mubarak Al-Kabeer educational Special’ through good planning, time management, setting goals and the best nder auspices and with the attendance of Mubarak Al-Kabeer educa- activities manager, Essa Borhamah, social and psychological services manager, tactics students could use while studying in order to achieve high. tional Zone director, Talaq Al-Haim, Tolaitilah Secondary School for girls Badriya Al-Wehaib, social and psychological services’ supervisors, Mariam Al- Concluding the ceremony after the result was announced, winning students, Urecently hosted Mubarak Al-Kabeer’s 14th Educational Forum organ- Mass, Mouza Al-Qena’, Esra Al-Awadhi and school social workers. The forum their school directors and supervising social workers were honored by special ized by the area’s Social and Psychological Studies Supervision under the title included a competition between area schools where teams representing each cups and trophies.

KNES Charity Day 2015 ast Friday, 10th April, once again saw Kuwait National English School host its annual Charity/Fun Day. The event was incredibly well attended throughout the day with children enjoying a range of games and activities. The Talent Show once again showcased the wide range of singing, dancing and instrumental talent here in Kuwait both from and outwith the school. We would like to thank our sponsors for the financial support and gifts offered which ensured that our main recipi- Lents of funds, the Kuwait Red Crescent, and Hope and Homes for Children will be able to carry on their excellent work of relief support. Nido celebrates 70 years of providing good nutrition to children or 70 years, Nestle NIDO has been celebrating provide 7 glasses of milk to a child who needs it. need it; nurturing a healthier generation”, he concluded. mothers’ unconditional love, standing by their “For 7 decades NIDO has formed the cornerstone Milk is a crucial part of children’s diet and is Fside as they raised and nurtured their children. of the healthy diet of growing children in the Middle essential for their healthy growth and development. This nutritious fortified milk, since then, has been East, and around the world. As the needs of chil- NIDO will be donating their NIDO Fortified milk with part of mom’s journey to help nourish their growing dren have developed, so has Nestle NIDO, with a FortiGrow that contains high quality proteins, children. This year, to mark this special occasion and host of products that support their growth Calcium and Vitamin D for strong bones and teeth, celebrate the 70 years of NIDO, the brand is commit- enriched with vitamins, minerals and other nutri- Iron and Vitamin C important for brain development ted to take this contribution to another level, and ents that are critically important to overall growth and other key nutrients that are needed for chil- make a greater impact in the lives of children in the and development” said Nehmatallah Younes, Senior dren’s overall growth and development. The milk region. People from all over the Middle East are Brand Manager. will be donated to children aged 4 years onwards invited to take the pledge with a simple click at “This year, each one of us can contribute to the through recognized institutions that will be www.nidolove.com; and for every pledge NIDO will donation of 7 million glasses of milk to children who announced shortly. THURSDAY, APRIL 16, 2015 TV PROGRAMS

05:30 How It’s Made 09:20 Austin & Ally 06:00 Alaska: The Last Frontier 09:45 Gravity Falls 06:50 Wheeler Dealers 10:10 Gravity Falls 07:40 Fast N’ Loud 10:35 Sabrina: Secrets Of A 08:30 Storage Hunters Teenage Witch 00:40 Waking The Dead 08:55 Dukes Of Haggle 11:00 Sabrina: Secrets Of A 00:35 Midsomer Murders 01:35 Eastenders 09:20 Storage Wars Canada Teenage Witch 02:00 Emmerdale 02:05 Doctors 09:45 How It’s Made 11:25 Jessie 02:25 Emmerdale 02:35 Drop Zone 10:10 How It’s Made 11:50 Jessie 02:55 Coronation Street 03:30 Stella 10:35 Deadly Dilemmas 12:15 Austin & Ally 03:25 Love And Marriage: A 20th 04:15 The Weakest Link 11:00 Deadly Dilemmas 12:40 Austin & Ally Century Romance 05:00 Show Me Show Me 11:25 What Happened Next? 13:05 Good Luck Charlie 04:20 Mr Selfridge 05:25 Nuzzle & Scratch: Frock n 11:50 What Happened Next? 13:30 Good Luck Charlie 05:15 The Chase Roll 12:15 Man vs Expert 14:00 Gravity Falls 06:00 Midsomer Murders 05:45 Boogie Beebies 13:05 Storage Hunters 14:20 H2O: Just Add Water 07:30 Love And Marriage: A 20th 06:00 Gigglebiz 13:30 Dukes Of Haggle 14:55 Liv And Maddie Century Romance 06:15 Show Me Show Me 13:55 Storage Wars Canada 15:20 Binny And The Ghost 08:25 Mr Selfridge 06:40 Nuzzle & Scratch: Frock n 14:20 Alaska: The Last Frontier 15:45 Girl Meets World 09:20 Coach Trip Roll 15:10 Wheeler Dealers 16:10 Violetta 09:45 Coach Trip 07:00 Boogie Beebies 16:00 Fast N’ Loud 17:00 Dog With A Blog 10:15 May The Best House Win 07:15 The Weakest Link 16:50 How It’s Made 17:25 Girl Meets World 11:10 Emmerdale 08:00 Hebburn 17:15 How It’s Made 17:50 Hank Zipzer 11:35 Emmerdale 08:30 My Hero 17:40 Troy 18:15 Jessie 12:00 Coronation Street 09:00 Eastenders 18:30 Treehouse Masters 18:40 Gravity Falls 12:30 The Chase 09:30 Doctors 19:20 The Pool Master 19:05 H2O: Just Add Water 13:15 May The Best House Win 10:00 Drop Zone 20:10 Dukes Of Haggle 19:30 Violetta 14:05 Midsomer Murders 10:50 The Weakest Link 20:35 Storage Wars Canada 20:20 Binny And The Ghost 15:35 Harry At 30 11:35 My Hero 21:00 Treehouse Masters 20:45 H2O: Just Add Water 16:30 The Chase: Celebrity 12:05 The Lady Vanishes 21:50 The Pool Master 21:10 Good Luck Charlie Specials 13:35 Eastenders 22:40 Tanked 21:35 Wizards Of Waverly Place 17:25 Tricked 14:05 Doctors 23:30 Troy 22:00 Wizards Of Waverly Place 18:20 The Chase 14:35 Drop Zone 22:25 Sabrina: Secrets Of A 19:10 Coronation Street 15:25 Hebburn Teenage Witch 19:35 Harry At 30 15:55 My Hero 22:50 Sabrina: Secrets Of A 20:30 The Chase: Celebrity 16:25 The Weakest Link Teenage Witch Specials 17:10 Eastenders 23:10 Wolfblood 21:25 Tricked 17:40 Doctors 23:35 Wolfblood 22:20 Coronation Street 18:10 Jack The Ripper: Prime 22:50 Emmerdale Suspect DISCOVERY SCIENCE HD 23:15 Emmerdale 19:00 Hebburn 00:05 How It’s Made 23:45 May The Best House Win 19:30 Twenty Twelve 00:30 Space Pioneer 20:00 Spooks 01:20 How Do They Do It? 20:55 Waking The Dead 01:45 How Do They Do It? 00:00 House Of DVF 21:45 Waking The Dead 02:10 Through The Wormhole With 00:55 Extreme Close-Up 22:35 Silent Witness Morgan Freeman 01:25 Keeping Up With The 03:00 Food Factory Kardashians 03:24 Food Factory 02:20 E! News 03:15 #RichKids Of Beverly Hills 00:00 Brave New World 03:48 Strangest Weather On Earth 01:00 Battleground Brothers 04:12 Strangest Weather On Earth 03:40 #RichKids Of Beverly Hills 04:10 The E! True Hollywood Story 02:00 Britain’s Greatest Machines 04:36 Sport Science 03:00 Bob Ballard Specials 05:24 Space Pioneer 05:05 THS 06:00 Kourtney And Kim Take 04:00 Jurassic C.S.I. 00:15 Bill’s Kitchen: Notting Hill 06:12 How It’s Made 05:00 Brain Games 06:36 How It’s Made Miami 00:40 Sweet Baby James 06:55 Kourtney And Kim Take 05:30 Brain Games 01:05 Masterchef: The 07:00 Prank Science 06:00 Years of Living Dangerously 07:25 Gadget Show - World Tour Miami Professionals 07:50 Style Star 07:00 Animal Mega Moves 02:00 Bargain Hunt 07:50 Superships 08:00 Brave New World 08:40 Food Factory 08:20 E! News 02:45 Come Dine With Me 09:15 Giuliana & Bill 09:00 Battleground Brothers 03:10 The Hairy Bikers USA 09:05 Food Factory 10:00 Britain’s Greatest Machines 09:30 Strangest Weather On Earth 10:15 Giuliana & Bill 03:35 Kirstie Allsopp’s Home Style 11:10 House Of DVF 11:00 World’s Deadliest Animals 04:25 Tareq Taylor’s Nordic 09:55 Strangest Weather On Earth 12:00 Dogtown 10:20 Space Pioneer 12:05 E! News Cookery 13:05 Fashion Police 13:00 Situation Critical 04:50 Bill’s Kitchen: Notting Hill 11:10 How Do They Do It? 14:00 Is It Real? 11:35 How Do They Do It? 13:35 E!ES 05:20 Masterchef: The 14:30 Style Star 15:00 Brave New World Professionals 12:00 Prank Science 16:00 The Border 12:25 Gadget Show - World Tour 15:00 Keeping Up With The 06:15 Bargain Hunt Kardashians 17:00 America’s Lost Treasures 07:00 Bargain Hunt 12:50 Superships 18:00 Years of Living Dangerously 13:40 How It’s Made 16:00 Keeping Up With The 07:50 Come Dine With Me Kardashians 19:00 Brave New World 08:15 Kirstie Allsopp’s Home Style 14:05 How It’s Made 20:00 The Border 14:30 Strangest Weather On Earth 17:00 Christina Milian Turned Up 09:05 Tareq Taylor’s Nordic 18:00 E! News 21:00 America’s Lost Treasures Cookery 14:55 Strangest Weather On Earth 22:00 Years of Living Dangerously 15:20 Through The Wormhole With 19:00 E!ES 09:30 Bill’s Kitchen: Notting Hill 20:00 House Of DVF 23:00 World’s Deadliest Animals 09:55 Extreme Makeover: Home Morgan Freeman 16:10 How Do They Do It? 21:00 House Of DVF Edition 22:00 E! News 10:35 Masterchef: The 16:35 How Do They Do It? 17:00 Space Pioneer 23:00 The Soup Professionals 23:30 Who Wore It Better? 11:30 Bargain Hunt 17:50 Sport Science 12:15 The Hairy Bikers USA 18:40 Food Factory 00:30 The Daily Show With Jon 12:40 Come Dine With Me 19:05 Food Factory Stewart 13:05 Kirstie Allsopp’s Home Style 19:30 Weird Or What? 01:00 Hot In Cleveland 13:50 Tareq Taylor’s Nordic 20:20 Alien Encounters 01:30 Mixology Cookery 21:10 How Do They Do It? 02:00 Mixology 21:35 How Do They Do It? 14:15 Bill’s Kitchen: Notting Hill 00:30 Guy’s Big Bite 02:30 Friends With Better Lives 14:45 Extreme Makeover: Home 22:00 Weird Or What? 03:00 Community SIN CITY: A DAME TO KILL FOR ON OSN MOVIES PREMIERE HD 22:50 Through The Wormhole With 01:00 Chopped Edition 02:00 The Next Iron Chef 04:30 The Tonight Show Starring 15:25 Masterchef: The Morgan Freeman Jimmy Fallon 06:00 Magic Journey To Africa 23:05 Too Ugly For Love? 12:00 Justin Time 23:40 How It’s Made 03:00 Guy’s Big Bite Professionals 03:30 Guy’s Grocery Games 06:30 My Boys 08:00 All In Good Time-PG15 23:55 Oprah’s Lifeclass+ 12:15 Sofia The First 16:15 Bargain Hunt 04:30 Diners, Drive-Ins & Dives 07:00 Late Night With Seth Meyers 10:00 The Hot Flashes-PG15 12:45 Mickey Mouse Clubhouse 17:00 Come Dine With Me 05:00 Chopped 09:00 Community 12:00 Alex Cross-PG15 13:10 Sheriff Callie’s Wild West 17:25 Kirstie Allsopp’s Home Style 06:00 Diners, Drive-Ins & Dives 09:30 Modern Family 00:00 Chalet Girl 14:00 The Philly Kid-PG15 02:00 Austenland 13:35 Zou 18:15 Phil Spencer: Secret Agent 06:30 Siba’s Table 10:00 Modern Family 16:00 All In Good Time-PG15 13:50 Jake And The Neverland 19:00 Michela’s Classic Italian 04:00 She Wants Me 07:00 Roadtrip With G. Garvin 10:30 My Boys 18:00 Getaway-PG15 Pirates 19:30 Tareq Taylor’s Nordic 11:00 The Tonight Show Starring 06:00 Blazing Saddles 07:30 Roadtrip With G. Garvin 20:00 Snowpiercer-PG15 03:00 Solved 14:15 Doc McStuffins Cookery 00:00 Violetta Jimmy Fallon 08:00 Hope Springs 08:00 Chopped 22:00 Sin City: A Dame To Kill For 03:45 Dates From Hell 19:55 Masterchef: The 00:45 The Hive 13:00 My Boys 10:00 Chalet Girl 14:45 Limon And Oli 09:00 Barefoot Contessa - Back To 04:07 Dates From Hell Professionals 00:50 Sabrina: Secrets Of A 13:30 My Boys 12:00 Austenland 14:55 Loopdidoo Basics 04:30 Deadly Devotion 20:25 Masterchef: The Teenage Witch 09:30 Farm Kings 14:30 Modern Family 14:00 Addams Family Values 15:10 Sofia The First 05:20 True Crime With Professionals 01:15 Sabrina: Secrets Of A 10:30 The Big Eat... 15:00 Modern Family 16:00 Hope Springs 15:35 Mickey Mouse Clubhouse Aphrodite Jones 21:15 Bargain Hunt Teenage Witch 11:00 Mexican Made Easy 15:30 The Daily Show With Jon 18:00 Servitude 04:30 Golfing World 16:00 Cars Toons 06:10 On The Case With Paula 22:05 Come Dine With Me 01:40 Wolfblood 11:30 Chopped Stewart 20:00 10 Years 05:30 Live PGA European Tour 16:05 Lilo & Stitch Zahn 22:30 Nigel Slater’s Simple 02:05 Wolfblood 12:30 Siba’s Table 16:00 Hot In Cleveland 22:00 Fired Up! 08:30 Golfing World 16:30 Adventures Of The 07:00 Deadly Affairs Cooking 02:30 Violetta 13:00 Guy’s Big Bite 17:00 Late Night With Seth Meyers 09:30 Live PGA European Tour Gummi Bears 07:50 Fatal Encounters 23:00 Phil Spencer: Secret Agent 03:15 The Hive 13:30 Guy’s Big Bite 18:00 Community 12:30 Golfing World 17:00 Chip n Dale Rescue 08:40 Murder Shift 23:45 Michela’s Classic Italian 03:20 Sabrina: Secrets Of A 14:00 Diners, Drive-Ins & Dives 19:00 Black-Ish 15:30 Sevens World Series 09:30 I Was Murdered Rangers Teenage Witch 14:30 Diners, Drive-Ins & Dives 19:30 Parks And Recreation 16:00 Super Rugby Highlights 09:55 Stalked: Someone’s 17:25 Ducktales 03:45 Sabrina: Secrets Of A 15:00 Guy’s Grocery Games 20:00 The Tonight Show Starring 19:00 Golfing World Watching 18:00 Art Attack Teenage Witch 16:00 Chopped Jimmy Fallon 01:00 Temptation: Confessions Of 22:00 Live PGA Tour 10:20 Forensic Detectives 18:30 Sofia The First 04:10 Wolfblood 17:00 Guy’s Big Bite 21:00 The Daily Show With Jon A Marriage Counselor-PG15 11:10 True Crime With 18:55 Cars Toons 04:35 Wolfblood 17:30 Diners, Drive-Ins & Dives Stewart 03:00 The Tall Man-PG15 Aphrodite Jones 19:00 The Adventures Of Disney 05:00 Violetta 18:00 Siba’s Table 21:30 Hot In Cleveland 05:00 Robot & Frank-PG15 00:20 Fast N’ Loud 12:00 Blood Relatives Fairies 05:45 The Hive 18:30 The Big Eat... 22:00 Family Guy 07:00 Knife Fight-PG15 01:10 Deadly Dilemmas 07:00 Premier League Darts 12:50 On The Case With Paula 19:30 Jake And The Never Land 05:50 Mouk 19:00 Chopped 22:30 Brickleberry 09:00 Grace Of Monaco-PG15 01:35 Deadly Dilemmas 10:30 Sevens World Series Zahn Pirates 06:00 Dog With A Blog 20:00 Guy’s Grocery Games 23:00 Friends With Better Lives 11:00 Robot & Frank-PG15 02:00 What Happened Next? 11:00 Super Rugby Highlights 13:40 Who On Earth Did I 19:45 Doc McStuffins 06:25 Binny And The Ghost 20:10 Rev Run’s Sunday Suppers 23:30 Late Night With Seth Meyers 13:00 Almost Christmas-PG15 02:25 What Happened Next? 06:50 Girl Meets World 21:00 Rev Run’s Sunday Suppers 15:00 Safe Haven-PG15 15:00 Golfing World Marry? 20:00 Adventures Of The 02:50 Man vs Expert 07:15 H2O: Just Add Water 21:30 Siba’s Table: Fast Feasts 17:00 Grace Of Monaco-PG15 18:00 WWE Vintage 14:05 Who On Earth Did I Gummi Bears 03:40 Storage Hunters 07:40 Jessie 22:00 Best In Chow 19:00 August: Osage County-PG15 19:00 WWE NXT Marry? 20:30 Sofia The First 04:05 Dukes Of Haggle 08:05 Wizards Of Waverly Place 22:30 Best In Chow 21:00 Out Of The Furnace-PG15 20:00 WWE Smackdown 14:30 True Crime With 20:55 Cars Toons 04:30 Storage Wars Canada 23:00 Diners, Drive-Ins & Dives 23:00 End Of Watch-18 22:00 Live Super League Aphrodite Jones 08:30 Wizards Of Waverly Place 08:00 Rake 21:00 Chip n Dale Rescue 05:00 How It’s Made 23:30 Chopped 15:20 I Was Murdered 08:55 Austin & Ally 12:00 Emmerdale Rangers 15:45 Stalked: Someone’s 21:30 Ducktales 12:30 Coronation Street Watching 14:00 Rake 22:00 Lilo & Stitch 16:10 Murder Shift 22:25 Art Attack 16:00 Emmerdale 17:00 Blood Relatives 16:30 Coronation Street 01:30 ICC Cricket 360 22:55 Limon And Oli 02:00 Tar 17:50 Fatal Encounters 18:00 Rake 02:00 Indian Premier League H/L : 18:40 Forensic Detectives 23:05 Zou 19:00 Suits 03:30 Faces In The Crowd KXIP v DD 23:20 Mouk 05:15 The Happening 19:30 On The Case With Paula 20:00 The Flash 17:30 Live Indian Premier League : Zahn 23:35 Jungle Junction 21:00 American Idol 07:00 Kon-Tiki SH v RR 23:50 Art Attack 09:00 Everything Must Go 20:20 The Will 21:00 Indian Premier League H/L : 21:10 Who On Earth Did I 11:00 The French Minister KKR v MI 13:00 Jack And The Cuckoo Clock Marry? 22:00 Indian Premier League RPT : 21:35 Who On Earth Did I Heart SH v RR 15:00 The Damned United Marry? 16:45 Everything Must Go 22:00 Deadly Affairs 22:50 I Almost Got Away With It 01:00 Good Morning America 18:30 The Patriot 06:00 Kid vs Kat 21:30 The Prestige 23:40 Dates From Hell 03:00 Grimm 00:05 Dates From Hell 06:10 Zeke & Luther 05:00 Good Morning America 00:30 Deadly Sins 06:35 Kickin’ It 07:30 Coronation Street 01:20 I Almost Got Away With It 07:00 Phineas And Ferb 09:00 Royal Pains 02:10 Deadly Affairs 00:45 Extraordinary Pregnancies 07:25 Phineas And Ferb 10:30 Coronation Street 01:00 How I Live Now-PG15 07:50 Supa Strikas 12:00 Covert Affairs 01:35 America’s Worst Tattoos 03:00 The Hunger Games: 02:00 Too Ugly For Love? 08:15 The 7D 14:00 Live Good Morning America Catching Fire-PG15 16:00 Royal Pains 02:50 Say Yes To The Dress 08:40 Ultimate Spider-Man 05:30 Man Of Tai Chi-PG15 03:15 Something Borrowed, 09:05 Lab Rats 17:00 Covert Affairs 07:15 Escape From Planet Earth Something New 09:30 Kickin’ It 19:00 Royal Pains 09:00 I, Frankenstein-PG15 20:00 Covert Affairs 03:40 What Not To Wear 09:55 Phineas And Ferb 11:00 Gravity-PG15 04:30 Cake Boss 03:00 Art Attack 22:00 Grimm 13:00 The Book Thief-PG15 10:20 Boyster 23:00 The Assets 05:00 Little People, Big World 03:25 Julius Jr. 15:15 Maladies-PG15 05:30 Extreme Couponing 10:45 Zeke & Luther 17:00 I, Frankenstein-PG15 03:35 Calimero 11:10 Lab Rats 06:00 18 Kids And Counting 03:50 Henry Hugglemonster 19:00 The Secret Life Of Walter 11:35 Phineas And Ferb 06:25 Randy To The Rescue 04:00 Zou Mitty-PG15 07:15 Say Yes To The Dress 12:00 Pair Of Kings 21:00 The Grand Budapest Hotel 04:15 Mouk 07:40 Something Borrowed, 04:25 Jungle Junction 12:30 Supa Strikas 23:00 Dom Hemingway-18 Something New 00:00 Blade 04:35 Art Attack 12:55 Kickin’ It 08:05 Kate Plus 8 02:00 Plunkett & Macleane 05:00 Julius Jr. 13:20 Phineas And Ferb 04:00 The Aggression Scale 08:55 Say Yes To The Dress: The 05:10 Calimero 13:40 Mighty Med 06:00 A Common Man Big Day 14:05 Zeke & Luther 08:00 The Recruit 09:45 Cake Boss 05:25 Henry Hugglemonster 10:00 40 Days And Nights 10:10 Little People, Big World 05:35 Zou 14:30 Pair Of Kings 11:30 Man Of Steel 01:00 The Happy Cricket 2 10:35 Extreme Couponing 05:50 Mouk 14:55 Star Wars Rebels 14:00 Terminal Velocity 02:45 Planet 51 11:00 Toddlers & Tiaras 06:00 Jungle Junction 15:20 Boyster 16:00 Red Dawn 04:30 Barbie Presents: Thumbelina 11:50 Oprah’s Lifeclass 06:10 Art Attack 15:45 Phineas And Ferb 18:00 Stolen 06:00 Blackie And Kanuto 12:40 Randy To The Rescue 06:35 Julius Jr. 16:10 Supa Strikas 20:00 The Recruit 08:00 Barbie And The Diamond 13:30 Secrets Of The High Street 06:45 Calimero 16:35 Pair Of Kings 22:00 Babylon A.D Castle 13:55 Secrets Of The High Street 07:00 Jungle Junction 17:00 Lab Rats 09:45 Catch That Kid 14:20 19 Kids And Counting 07:15 Zou 17:30 Mighty Med 11:30 The Happets 14:45 19 Kids And Counting 07:30 Calimero 13:00 Planet 51 15:10 Cake Boss 07:45 Loopdidoo 18:00 Kickin’ It 14:45 Cinderella 15:35 Little People, Big World 08:00 Limon And Oli 18:25 Kickin’ It 16:15 Knight Rusty 16:00 Toddlers & Tiaras 18:50 Supa Strikas 00:00 Plunkett & Macleane-PG15 08:10 Jake And The Never Land 18:00 Catch That Kid 16:50 Say Yes To The Dress 19:20 Phineas And Ferb 02:00 The Aggression Scale-PG15 Pirates 20:00 Barbie Magic Of The 17:15 Something Borrowed, 19:45 The 7D 04:00 A Common Man-PG15 08:35 Doc McStuffins Rainbow Something New 09:05 Art Attack 20:10 Ultimate Spider-Man 06:00 The Recruit-PG15 22:00 Cinderella 17:40 18 Kids And Counting 08:00 40 Days And Nights-PG15 09:30 Mickey Mouse Clubhouse 20:35 Phineas And Ferb 23:30 Knight Rusty 18:05 Extreme Couponing 10:00 Sofia The First 09:30 Man Of Steel-PG15 18:30 What Not To Wear 21:00 Lab Rats 10:25 Sheriff Callie’s Wild West 12:00 Terminal Velocity-PG15 19:20 Oprah’s Next Chapter 21:25 Kickin’ It 14:00 Red Dawn-PG15 20:10 Randy To The Rescue 10:55 Calimero 21:55 Marvel Avengers 16:00 Stolen-PG15 21:00 90 Days To Wed 11:10 Jake And The Never Land Assemble 18:00 The Recruit-PG15 21:50 Say Yes To The Dress: The Pirates 22:20 Star Wars Rebels 00:00 Streetdance: All Stars-PG15 20:00 Babylon A.D-PG15 Big Day 11:35 Limon And Oli 23:00 Programmes Start At 02:00 Legendary Amazons-PG15 22:40 America’s Worst Tattoos 11:45 Loopdidoo BABYLON A.D ON OSN ACTION MOVIES HD 22:00 Lockout-PG15 04:00 Alex Cross-PG15 6:00am KSA Classifieds

THURSDAY, APRIL 16 2015

Kuwait Kncc Programme From Thursday To Wednesday (16/04/2015 To 22/04/2015)

SHARQIA-1 KILL ME THREE TIMES 10:45 PM CHILD 44 4:45 PM CHILD 44 12:00 PM PRESERVATION 12:45 AM FAST & FURIOUS 7 7:30 PM CHILD 44 2:45 PM FAST & FURIOUS 7 10:15 PM KILL ME THREE TIMES 5:30 PM FANAR-4 FAST & FURIOUS 7 12:45 AM CHILD 44 7:30 PM PAUL BLART: MALL COP 2 12:00 PM KILL ME THREE TIMES 10:15 PM PAUL BLART: MALL COP 2 2:00 PM AVENUES-5 KILL ME THREE TIMES 12:15 AM PAUL BLART: MALL COP 2 4:15 PM PAUL BLART: MALL COP 2 11:30 AM PAUL BLART: MALL COP 2 6:15 PM PAUL BLART: MALL COP 2 1:30 PM SHARQIA-2 PAUL BLART: MALL COP 2 8:15 PM PAUL BLART: MALL COP 2 3:45 PM PAUL BLART: MALL COP 2 1:00 PM PAUL BLART: MALL COP 2 10:15 PM PAUL BLART: MALL COP 2 6:00 PM PAUL BLART: MALL COP 2 3:00 PM PAUL BLART: MALL COP 2 12:15 AM NO THU FAST & FURIOUS 7 5:00 PM Special Show “PAUL BLART: MALL COP 2” 6:00 PM CHANGE OF NAME FAST & FURIOUS 7 7:30 PM FANAR-5 LAST KNIGHTS 8:15 PM FAST & FURIOUS 7 10:00 PM PAUL BLART: MALL COP 2 1:00 PM Special Show “BIG GAME” 8:15 PM JAGADESH, son of PERU- FAST & FURIOUS 7 12:30 AM PAUL BLART: MALL COP 2 3:00 PM PAUL BLART: MALL COP 2 10:30 PM MAL bearing an Indian FAST & FURIOUS 7 5:00 PM LAST KNIGHTS 1:00 AM Passport No. G0846093 SHARQIA-3 MR. X -Hindi 5:00 PM having an address No.28/13 LAST KNIGHTS 11:45 AM NO THU+FRI+SAT AVENUES-6 LAST KNIGHTS 2:00 PM FAST & FURIOUS 7 7:30 PM PAUL BLART: MALL COP 2 12:30 PM Pillaiyar Kovil Street, PAUL BLART: MALL COP 2 4:15 PM FAST & FURIOUS 7 10:00 PM PAUL BLART: MALL COP 2 2:45 PM Sathuma Nagar, LAST KNIGHTS 6:15 PM FAST & FURIOUS 7 12:30 AM PAUL BLART: MALL COP 2 5:00 PM Thiruvottiyur, Chennai, ASWAR AL QUMAR- Arabic 8:30 PM PAUL BLART: MALL COP 2 7:15 PM Tamilnadu 600019 had PAUL BLART: MALL COP 2 10:45 PM MARINA-1 PAUL BLART: MALL COP 2 9:30 PM embraced Islam and LAST KNIGHTS 12:45 AM CHILD 44 12:15 PM PAUL BLART: MALL COP 2 11:45 PM changed the name as BIG GAME 3:00 PM MOHAMMED JAVID. MUHALAB-1 CHILD 44 5:15 PM 360º- 1 BIG GAME 12:15 PM BIG GAME 8:00 PM PAUL BLART: MALL COP 2 11:30 AM (C 4969) BIG GAME 2:15 PM CHILD 44 10:00 PM PAUL BLART: MALL COP 2 1:30 PM 15-4-2015 BIG GAME 4:15 PM BIG GAME 12:45 AM PAUL BLART: MALL COP 2 3:45 PM PAUL BLART: MALL COP 2 6:15 PM PAUL BLART: MALL COP 2 6:00 PM I, Burhanuddin Ujramama, ASWAR AL QUMAR- Arabic 8:15 PM MARINA-2 PAUL BLART: MALL COP 2 8:15 PM holder of Indian Passport PAUL BLART: MALL COP 2 10:30 PM FAST & FURIOUS 7 1:00 PM PAUL BLART: MALL COP 2 10:30 PM No. F6534066, issued in BIG GAME 12:30 AM FAST & FURIOUS 7 3:45 PM PAUL BLART: MALL COP 2 12:45 AM FAST & FURIOUS 7 6:30 PM Jaipur on 01/03/2006, MUHALAB-2 FAST & FURIOUS 7 9:15 PM 360º- 2 change my name to CHILD 44 11:30 AM FAST & FURIOUS 7 12:15 AM BIG GAME 11:45 AM Burhanuddin Mohammedi. CHILD 44 2:15 PM BIG GAME 2:00 PM 12-4-2015 LAST KNIGHTS 5:00 PM MARINA-3 BIG GAME 4:15 PM CHILD 44 7:15 PM PAUL BLART: MALL COP 2 12:45 PM BIG GAME 6:30 PM LAST KNIGHTS 10:00 PM LAST KNIGHTS 3:00 PM BIG GAME 8:45 PM SITUATION VACANT CHILD 44 12:15 AM PAUL BLART: MALL COP 2 5:30 PM BIG GAME 11:00 PM LAST KNIGHTS 7:30 PM BIG GAME 1:15 AM MUHALAB-3 PAUL BLART: MALL COP 2 9:45 PM Driver needed for Kuwaiti PAUL BLART: MALL COP 2 12:30 PM LAST KNIGHTS 12:05 AM 360º- 3 family, fulltime or part- PAUL BLART: MALL COP 2 2:30 PM CYMBELINE 11:30 AM time. Call 60623330. FAST & FURIOUS 7 4:30 PM AVENUES-1 CYMBELINE 1:30 PM (C 4967) FAST & FURIOUS 7 7:00 PM BIG GAME 12:00 PM CAKE 3:30 PM 13-4-2015 FAST & FURIOUS 7 9:30 PM BIG GAME 2:30 PM CYMBELINE 5:45 PM FAST & FURIOUS 7 12:05 AM CINDERELLA 5:00 PM CAKE 8:00 PM CINDERELLA 7:30 PM CYMBELINE 10:15 PM Accountant: Young & FANAR-1 CINDERELLA 10:00 PM RUN ALL NIGHT 12:30 AM dynamic B. Com. Graduate CHILD 44 11:30 AM FAST & FURIOUS 7 12:30 AM (1st Class) of 28 years, hav- CHILD 44 2:15 PM AL-KOUT.1 ing good accounts knowl- CHILD 44 5:00 PM AVENUES-2 PAUL BLART: MALL COP 2 12:45 PM edge, worked in India and ASWAR AL QUMAR- Arabic 7:45 PM KILL ME THREE TIMES 11:45 AM PAUL BLART: MALL COP 2 3:15 PM last 4 years working in ASWAR AL QUMAR- Arabic 9:45 PM KILL ME THREE TIMES 1:45 PM PAUL BLART: MALL COP 2 5:15 PM CHILD 44 12:05 AM JUNGLE MASTER 3:45 PM FAST & FURIOUS 7 7:30 PM Kuwait, having transfer- KILL ME THREE TIMES 5:45 PM FAST & FURIOUS 7 10:00 PM able visa, looking for a job FANAR-2 KILL ME THREE TIMES 7:45 PM FAST & FURIOUS 7 12:30 AM of an accountant. Can join BIG GAME 11:30 AM KILL ME THREE TIMES 9:45 PM immediately. Contact LAST KNIGHTS 1:30 PM KILL ME THREE TIMES 11:45 PM AL-KOUT.2 50541464 BIG GAME 3:45 PM CHILD 44 12:00 PM (C 4966) CINDERELLA 5:45 PM AVENUES-3 CHILD 44 2:45 PM LAST KNIGHTS 8:00 PM LAST KNIGHTS 11:45 AM CINDERELLA 5:30 PM BIG GAME 10:30 PM LAST KNIGHTS 2:15 PM PAUL BLART: MALL COP 2 7:45 PM Prayer timings LAST KNIGHTS 12:30 AM LAST KNIGHTS 4:45 PM ASWAR AL QUMAR- Arabic 9:45 PM LAST KNIGHTS 7:15 PM CHILD 44 12:05 AM Fajr: 03:59 FANAR-3 LAST KNIGHTS 9:45 PM Shorook 05:21 KILL ME THREE TIMES 12:45 PM LAST KNIGHTS 12:15 AM AL-KOUT.3 PRESERVATION 2:45 PM BIG GAME 11:45 AM Duhr: 11:48 KILL ME THREE TIMES 4:45 PM AVENUES-4 LAST KNIGHTS 1:45 PM Asr: 15:22 KILL ME THREE TIMES 6:45 PM FAST & FURIOUS 7 11:30 AM BIG GAME 4:00 PM PRESERVATION 8:45 PM FAST & FURIOUS 7 2:00 PM BIG GAME 6:00 PM Maghrib: 18:14 Isha: 19:34

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

Arrival Flights on Thursday 16/4/2015 JZR 779 Jeddah 13:50 Departure Flights on Thursday 16/4/2015 MSR 611 Cairo 14:00 Airlines Flt Route Time KAC 672 Dubai 13:55 Airlines Flt Route Time THY 767 Istanbul 14:10 QTR 1084 Doha 00:05 QTR 1078 Doha 14:05 AIC 976 Goa/Chennai 00:05 UAE 872 Dubai 14:15 KAC 564 Amman 00:05 KNE 460 Riyadh 14:10 BBC 044 Dhaka 00:10 SVA 2441 Jeddah 14:30 THY 772 Istanbul 00:15 FDB 057 Dubai 14:20 JZR 562 Sohag 00:20 QTR 1079 Doha 15:05 JZR 239 Amman 00:20 GFA 221 Bahrain 14:20 JAI 573 Mumbai 00:25 GFA 222 Bahrain 15:05 JZR 267 Beirut 00:30 SVA 500 Jeddah 14:30 FDB 072 Dubai 00:30 FDB 058 Dubai 15:05 DLH 637 Dammam 00:35 KAC 538 Sohag 14:55 KLM 411 Amsterdam 00:55 KNE 481 Taif 15:10 FDB 068 Dubai 00:55 RJD 135 Abu Dhabi 15:00 JZR 502 Luxor 01:10 KAC 617 Doha 15:15 JAI 574 Mumbai 01:30 KAC 788 Jeddah 15:00 DLH 637 Frankfurt 01:35 KAC 673 Dubai 15:20 JZR 539 Cairo 01:30 OMA 645 Muscat 15:05 THY 773 Istanbul 02:05 JZR 188 Dubai 15:50 SAI 441 Lahore 01:35 ABY 127 Sharjah 15:35 SAI 442 Lahore 02:35 KAC 741 Dammam 15:55 PGT 858 Istanbul 01:40 UAE 857 Dubai 15:45 JAI 525 Abu Dhabi/Chennai 02:55 KAC 773 Riyadh 15:55 RJA 642 Amman 01:45 RJA 640 Amman 15:55 PGT 859 Istanbul 02:55 SVA 505 Jeddah 16:00 KKK 6507 Istanbul 02:15 JZR 535 Cairo 16:05 KKK 6508 Istanbul 03:10 KAC 613 Bahrain 16:00 GFA 211 Bahrain 02:15 FDB 051 Dubai 16:10 MSC 404 Sohag 03:30 OMA 646 Muscat 16:05 UAE 853 Dubai 02:25 QTR 1072 Doha 16:20 OMA 644 Muscat 03:35 RJD 136 Abu Dhabi 16:10 MSC 403 Sohag 02:30 JZR 125 Bahrain 16:25 UAE 854 Dubai 03:45 ABY 128 Sharjah 16:15 OMA 643 Muscat 02:35 KAC 118 New York 16:30 FDB 068 Dubai 04:00 RJA 641 Amman 16:55 QTR 1076 Doha 03:05 KNE 476 Jeddah 16:40 ETD 306 Abu Dhabi 04:05 JZR 266 Beirut 17:05 ETD 305 Abu Dhabi 03:05 ETD 303 Abu Dhabi 16:50 QTR 1077 Doha 04:05 FDB 052 Dubai 17:10 FDB 067 Dubai 03:15 KAC 562 Amman 17:00 MSR 613 Cairo 04:15 JZR 512 Sharm el-Sheikh 17:15 MSR 612 Cairo 03:15 SVA 510 Riyadh 17:15 JZR 560 Sohag 05:00 QTR 1073 Doha 17:25 KAC 1544 Cairo 03:35 UAL 982 IAD 17:25 MSC 406 Sohag 05:00 KNE 477 Jeddah 17:30 MSC 401 Alexandria 04:00 GFA 215 Bahrain 17:30 THY 765 Istanbul 05:05 UAE 858 Dubai 17:40 JZR 555 Alexandria 04:15 JZR 177 Dubai 17:45 QTR 1085 Doha 05:20 ETD 304 Abu Dhabi 17:40 THY 770 Istanbul 04:40 JZR 777 Jeddah 17:50 GFA 050 Bahrain 06:00 SVA 511 Riyadh 18:15 QTR 8646 Doha 04:50 KAC 678 Muscat/Abu Dhabi 17:55 QTR 8646 Doha 06:20 JZR 184 Dubai 18:20 DHX 170 Bahrain 05:10 FDB 065 Dubai 18:05 RJA 643 Amman 06:35 GFA 216 Bahrain 18:20 GFA 050 Istanbul 05:15 KAC 176 Geneva/Frankfurt 18:20 GFA 212 Bahrain 06:50 KAC 563 Amman 18:30 KAC 412 Manila/Bangkok 06:15 KAC 502 Beirut 18:35 THY 771 Istanbul 06:50 JZR 538 Cairo 18:40 BAW 157 London 06:35 KAC 786 Jeddah 18:35 JZR 240 Amman 07:05 UAL 982 Bahrain 18:40 JZR 563 Sohag 06:45 KAC 542 Cairo 18:55 FDB 070 Dubai 07:05 FDB 066 Dubai 18:55 JZR 503 Luxor 07:20 KAC 618 Doha 18:55 JZR 164 Dubai 07:15 JZR 238 Amman 19:15 IRA 673 Ahwaz 07:30 AXB 393 Kozhikode 18:55 KAC 537 Sohag 08:20 GFA 218 Bahrain 19:50 KAC 382 Delhi 07:30 QTR 1080 Doha 18:55 JZR 778 Jeddah 08:30 FDB 064 Dubai 19:50 KAC 206 Islamabad 07:45 KAC 104 London 19:00 BAW 156 London 08:30 QTR 1081 Doha 19:55 SVA 512 Riyadh 07:50 KAC 742 Dammam 19:00 IRA 672 Ahwaz 08:30 AXB 394 Kozhikode 19:55 FDB 053 Dubai 07:50 GFA 217 Bahrain 19:05 FDB 054 Dubai 08:30 KAC 361 Colombo 20:00 KAC 204 Lahore 07:50 UAE 875 Dubai 19:05 SVA 513 Riyadh 08:50 ABY 124 Sharjah 20:00 QTR 1086 Doha 07:55 FDB 063 Dubai 19:10 TAR 327 Dubai/Tunis 08:50 UAE 876 Dubai 20:35 KAC 302 Mumbai 07:55 KAC 614 Bahrain 19:10 QTR 1087 Doha 08:55 JAI 571 Mumbai 20:35 TAR 327 Tunis 08:05 ABY 123 Sharjah 19:20 JZR 534 Cairo 09:15 FDB 062 Dubai 20:35 KAC 352 Kochi 08:15 JAI 572 Mumbai 19:35 KAC 671 Dubai 09:25 AGY 681 Alexandria 20:50 UAE 855 Dubai 08:25 KAC 774 Riyadh 19:40 KAC 787 Jeddah 09:30 KAC 343 Chennai 20:55 KAC 332 Trivandrum 08:30 AGY 684 Sohag 19:50 ABY 126 Sharjah 09:45 KAC 543 Cairo 20:55 KAC 362 Colombo 08:30 FDB 061 Dubai 19:50 UAE 856 Dubai 09:50 OMA 648 Muscat 21:00 IRA 667 Esfahan 09:00 OMA 647 Muscat 20:00 KAC 101 London/New York 10:00 ABY 122 Sharjah 21:00 ABY 125 Sharjah 09:05 KAC 674 Dubai 20:00 IRA 668 Mashhad 10:00 KAC 331 Trivandrum 21:00 ETD 301 Abu Dhabi 09:10 KNE 480 Taif 20:10 ETD 302 Abu Dhabi 10:00 KAC 287 Dhaka 21:05 KAC 284 Dhaka 09:25 MEA 402 Beirut 20:15 IZG 4162 Mashhad 10:30 KAC 351 Kochi 21:05 IZG 4161 Mashhad 09:30 ABY 121 Sharjah 20:20 FDB 056 Dubai 10:40 KNE 461 Riyadh 21:10 FDB 055 Dubai 09:40 DLH 634 Frankfurt 20:20 KAC 677 Abu Dhabi/Muscat 10:50 JZR 554 Alexandria 21:15 KAC 350 Kochi 09:40 JZR 189 Dubai 20:25 KAC 501 Beirut 11:00 MEA 403 Beirut 21:15 QTR 1070 Doha 10:00 MSR 618 Alexandria 20:30 QTR 1071 Doha 11:00 MSR 619 Alexandria 21:30 SYR 341 Damascus 10:05 KLM 417 Amsterdam 21:05 SYR 342 Damascus 11:05 DHX 171 Bahrain 21:50 KNE 470 Jeddah 10:30 ALK 229 Colombo 21:10 KNE 471 Jeddah 11:20 KLM 417 Dammam/Amsterdam 22:05 GFA 213 Bahrain 10:40 UAE 859 Dubai 21:15 KAC 561 Amman 11:25 ETD 308 Abu Dhabi 22:05 UAE 873 Dubai 10:40 ETD 307 Abu Dhabi 21:15 KAC 165 Rome/Paris 11:25 FDB 074 Dubai 22:10 MEA 404 Beirut 10:55 FDB 073 Dubai 21:30 GFA 214 Bahrain 11:35 KAC 381 Delhi 22:20 MSC 405 Sohag 11:20 QTR 1074 Doha 21:30 MEA 405 Beirut 11:55 ALK 230 Colombo 22:20 JZR 561 Sohag 11:25 GFA 219 Bahrain 21:45 KAC 541 Cairo 12:05 UAE 860 Dubai 22:25 RBG 553 Alexandria 11:30 THY 764 Istanbul 22:10 UAE 874 Dubai 12:10 KAC 301 Mumbai 22:30 AGY 680 Alexandria 11:40 ETD 309 Abu Dhabi 22:10 RBG 554 Alexandria 12:10 KAC 349 Kochi 22:30 JZR 165 Dubai 11:50 AIC 981 Chennai/Ahmedabad 22:25 JZR 776 Jeddah 12:15 QTR 1075 Doha 22:40 FDB 075 Dubai 12:25 UAL 981 Bahrain 22:40 MSC 402 Alexandria 12:20 GFA 220 Bahrain 22:45 JZR 241 Amman 12:40 FDB 059 Dubai 22:50 AGY 685 Sohag 12:40 ETD 310 Abu Dhabi 23:00 UAE 871 Dubai 12:45 JZR 185 Dubai 22:55 KAC 785 Jeddah 13:00 KAC 205 Islamabad 23:05 MSR 610 Cairo 13:00 JAI 526 Chennai/Abu Dhabi 23:00 JZR 176 Dubai 13:10 KAC 411 Bangkok/Manila 23:25 SVA 9441 Jeddah 13:00 JZR 513 Sharm el-Sheikh 23:30 FDB 076 Dubai 13:10 FDB 060 Dubai 23:50 THY 766 Istanbul 13:10 FDB 071 Dubai 23:35 JZR 124 Bahrain 13:30 KAC 415 Kuala Lumpur/Jakarta 23:50 DIAL161 FOR AIRPORT INFORMATION stars34 THURSDAY, APRIL 16, 2015 CROSSWORD 874 STAR TRACK

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

Energy and self-assurance are with you. Physically, you are tiptop. It is a This morning you are at your best with regard to practical matters and superb day for conducting business and making decisions. Others may think you are lucky work-related affairs. Events may line up in your favor today. The atmosphere is absolutely today, but actually it is your sharp foresight that is avoiding future pitfalls. You know what crackling with energy. This is a day in which workaholics can celebrate! Your organiza- you want and you can make difficult situations come out in a positive light. This is not the tional ability, discipline and detailed objectives that are put in motion at this time are best time for decisions regarding a close relationship, however. In your hunger for emo- bound to lead to success down the road. You could truly make the world a better place tional excitement, you may be seeking out new and different kinds of people or new and to live! An artistic endeavor today could show the real you and be very impressive. The different kinds of places to spend the day or evening. If you deal with groups, you will prob- accent this afternoon is on relationships–relationships of all kinds: professional, social or ably be advocating sweeping changes. It would help if you knew ahead of time whether intimate. You just could not be mad at anyone today. Love relationships will especially you will be needed for a later follow-up. benefit from your warmth and charisma.

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

It is just too nice a day to get real excited over a new project, but you may Taking care of business is a major theme where your emotional orientation is find requests to do just that–begin a project. You may desire to retire so that you can be concerned. Deadlines, meetings and many other demands have your attention. Your ability to your own creative boss and enjoy financial stability. This idea encourages you to work very direct others is in high focus. You are apt to spend a great deal of time communicating with co- hard. There is a little extra energy available now to sort out any difficult chores or details. workers in group projects. Your mind is clear and ready to tackle any problem that may arise. This may be a time when you feel that lady luck is on your side. Sales are up and customer This afternoon communicating with friends is enhanced. You have an opportunity to get closer service is reaping rewards. As the day moves along, you are buoyed with confidence to suc- with family members or friends today. Your emotions are clearly in control and you are able to ceed at anything. Your creativity is unusually keen. Hold fast to friends and family–they are a wisely help others. Also, romance is heightened–you should take the time to actively cultivate great source of strength. There is much fluency in your social skills now, making it a good the good vibrations between you and your loved one. Some favorite music or dinner out time to be with friends or loved ones. would be nice.

Gemini (May 21-June 20) Sagittarius (November 22-December 21) The progress of work could be a bit slow today. Check it out and see what Energy, excitement and the opportunity for new discoveries rule the day. the cause of the slowdown could be. Now would be a good time to put There are plenty of other days for routine and discipline. When faced with a puzzle that forth some effort to find a compromise. Once a compromise is agreed upon, work will pick ACROSS 3. A Chadic language spoken south of Lake causes you to become the next mechanic or scientist, know that you have the mind for mak- up speed again. Be sure to keep an open mind about all ideas or proposals, paying atten- 1. A condition (mostly in boys) character- Chad. ing things work. That is what you do today . . . Make things work. A camera doesn’t work or a tion to the details. The end of this month may be a trigger point for feelings. Now would ized by behavioral and learning disor- 4. Preserve a dead body. doll has lost her head . . . You know exactly what to do to put things right. This is a day you be a good time to plan a vacation, or to plan a day off from work for your own relaxation. ders. 5. A plant hormone promoting elongation get many things accomplished. This is a powerfully energetic time that instills great ambi- Your money plans and outlook are particularly bright for the future. If you are looking for 4. Being one more than seventeen. of stems and roots. tion in you. It would be easy for people to make you dizzy–careful. Try to gain a constructive romance, enjoy the company of friends and then romance will happen when you least and focused goals. A group activity, whether it is social or sports related, will be both well expect it. You are particularly witty and make stimulating company. 12. Electronic warfare undertaken to pre- 6. A formal association of people with simi- attended and fun this afternoon. vent or reduce an enemy's effective use lar interests. of the electromagnetic spectrum. 7. A lipoprotein that transports cholesterol 15. A constellation in the southern hemi- in the blood. sphere near Telescopium and Norma. 8. The profession of a teacher. Cancer (June 21-July 22) Capricorn (December 22-January 19) 16. Befitting or characteristic of a maiden. 9. (prefix) Within. 17. A user interface in which you type com- 10. Angular distance above the horizon You have the ability to take charge in the work environment. There may be a gold- You can most likely expect a sudden shift in the routine of work today. You should mands instead of choosing them from a (especially of a celestial object). en opportunity to show off your abilities. This is not a good time to think that good things come to be extremely careful if your work requires travel at this time. Set yourself up so that you are not in one who waits. You have a good attitude today and your creative juices are busy working over- a time crunch. You may find it easy to get into a new relationship or transaction today and meet- menu or selecting an icon. 11. A small byte. time. If you give your best effort, success will soon follow and you may unconsciously help a co- ing new people can be quite stimulating. Staying on an even keel with a business partner is the 18. Extremely pleasing. 12. Oblong cream puff. worker through your efforts. Your interest with making money is heightened now–more through best bet during this time. Relations with members of the opposite sex are strengthened. Now is a 19. A narrative song with a recurrent 13. An assertion of a right (as to money or rational, intellectual processes than with brute, physical actions. Also, during this time, you may good time to ask favors from someone close or do something for them. Being more closely refrain. property). show an interest more in cultural or literary affairs regarding the spending of money than with just involved with another person may well become your highest priority. Marriage, contracts and 20. A pale rose-colored variety of the ruby 14. Do wrongly or improperly. merely collecting material goods. You may be elected to head a neighborhood committee. partnerships are seen as keys to success and happiness–they have plenty of lessons to teach you. spinel. 21. (Greek mythology) The virgin goddess 22. Small terrestrial lizard of warm regions of the hunt and the moon. of the Old World. 23. God of death. Aquarius (January 20- February 18) 24. A heavy odorless colorless gas formed 27. Minor or subordinate. Leo (July 23-August 22) during respiration and by the decompo- 28. South American wood sorrel cultivated You would like to be able to pitch in and help whenever you can with any sort of Concepts normally too subtle to grasp should come clear to you today–one sition of organic substances. for its edible tubers. problem that might come to your attention. Listening may be the best method of helping. after the other! Your sensitivity and imagination are running rampant. Do not expect too many 25. A hairdo formed by braiding or twisting 29. A Christian Bishop who translated the Consider listening when there are complaints today . . . Often people just need to hear them- people to understand you, though; you are just too far ahead of them at this time. Mental incen- the hair. Bible from Greek into Gothic (311-382). selves sort out their own options. You attract many opportunities for yourself as well–in most tive from others is invigorating–cooperate and compromise with others for the best results. A 26. A white linen liturgical vestment with 31. (of spores or microorganisms) Capable any category. Focus and fine-tuning may be an important action in your own life now. You are current project ends with a great success. You may need to listen to someone today at a time sleeves. of movement n. likely to misapply your energy on projects or people that could waste your time and tend to when you have other things to do but it would be good to give attention to this person; it will 30. Unpleasantly and excessively suave or 32. (Babylonian) A demigod or first man. drain your energy–careful. The art of feng shui has been introduced into your home and you come back to you in positive ways. Group activities, whether they are social or sports related, will may find yourself with a fun hobby that can be introduced into your work as well–prosperity is be both well attended and fun. This evening is also a good time to enjoy your artistic talents. ingratiating in manner or speech. 36. An island of Hawaii northwest of Oahu. in the wind. 33. Being one more than one hundred. 37. Very attentive or observant. 34. A facial expression of contempt or 38. Music composed for dancing the scorn. pavane. Virgo (August 23-September 22) 35. A member of a pastoral people living in 39. United States industrialist who manu- Pisces (February 19-March 20) the Nilgiri hills of southern India. factured plows suitable for working the Today may be an unusually quiet day, with few interruptions. Your vigor and Your goals and objectives are becoming very clear as you proceed through your 40. A reptile genus of Iguanidae. prairie soil (1804-1886). confidence are strong. Those around you are watching and you may receive credit for real day. You have a great deal of self-confidence, but with a clear understanding of the material 43. Dormice and other Old World forms. 41. (Judaism) Sacred chest where the deeds, even though you are not seeking it. You may feel generous toward your loved ones and resources and detailed hard work necessary to achieve them. If others are involved in your goals, 46. Producing two offspring at a time. ancient Hebrews kept the two tablets this will reflect back on you. You will have the opportunity to complete and clear away some dif- you may find yourself in a leadership role; otherwise, you prefer to work alone. You should avoid 49. Difficult to describe. containing the Ten Commandments. ficult details that you and others have neglected. Care should be taken when undertaking any- the desire to obtain material status symbols just now. You display an urge to be recognized by 50. Raspberry native to eastern North 42. Strong dark beer brewed in the fall and thing new; a practical manner is best. Volunteering your services to a friend can be most co-workers for your hard work; patience. Your mental faculties are strong, making you readily America having black thimble-shaped aged through the winter for spring con- rewarding this afternoon. Consider a trip to the library this evening and the study of ch’i, or feng receptive to all thoughts that impinge upon you. You have successfully found that it best to rely fruit. sumption. shui. By honoring the harmony in nature and bringing this harmony into your own life, positive on facts rather than feelings; mistakes could be expensive. Relax tonight. 51. A small piece of cloth. 44. Pastry made with a cream cheese things happen. 52. Primitive predaceous North American dough and different fillings (as raisins fish covered with hard scales and having and walnuts and cinnamon or chocolate long jaws with needle-like teeth. and walnut and apricot preserves). WORD SEARCH PUZZLE Yesterday’s Solution 53. A toxic nonmetallic element related to 45. One of the elements that collectively sulfur and tellurium. form a system of numbers. 54. Deciduous South African tree having 47. Harsh or corrosive in tone. large odd-pinnate leaves and profuse 48. A cut of pork ribs with much of the fragrant orange-yellow flowers. meat trimmed off. 56. Liquid excretory product. 55. The blood group whose red cells carry 59. A soft silvery metallic element of the both the A and B antigens. alkali metal group. 57. English courtier (a favorite of Elizabeth 61. A rotating disk shaped to convert circu- I) who tried to colonize Virginia. lar into linear motion. 58. Naked freshwater or marine or parasitic 63. A Chadic language spoken in northern protozoa that form temporary Nigeria. pseudopods for feeding and locomo- 69. An organization of countries formed in tion. 1961 to agree on a common policy for 60. The syllable naming the fourth (sub- the sale of petroleum. dominant) note of the diatonic scale in 70. A boat with a flat bottom for carrying solmization. heavy loads (especially on canals). 62. South American armadillo with three 72. A populous province in northeastern bands of bony plates. China. 64. Norwegian mathematician (1802-1829). 74. A light touch or stroke. 65. An informal term for a father. 77. An amino acid that is found in the cen- 66. A signal transmitted along a narrow tral nervous system. path. 78. A period marked by distinctive charac- 67. An important seaport on the Island of ter or reckoned from a fixed point or Cebu in the Philippines. event. 68. The face of a timepiece. 79. A state in the southeastern United 71. Aircraft landing in bad weather in States on the Gulf of Mexico. which the pilot is talked down by 80. The act of drawing or hauling some- ground control using precision thing. approach radar. DOWN 73. The cry made by sheep. 1. A Chadic language spoken south of Lake 75. An informal term for a father. Chad. 76. A soft silvery metallic element of the 2. (informal) Exceptionally good. alkali earth group.

Yesterday’s Solution

Daily SuDoku Yesterday’s Solution THURSDAY, APRIL 16, 2015 information

For labor-related inquiries and complaints: INTERNATIONAL Call MSAL hotline 128 CALLS

Afghanistan 0093 Luxembourg 00352 GOVERNORATE PHARMACY ADDRESS PHONE Albania 00355 Macau 00853 Algeria 00213 Macedonia 00389 Ahmadi Sama Safwan Fahaeel Makka St 23915883 Andorra 00376 Madagascar 00261 Sabah Hospital 24812000 Abu Halaifa Abu Halaifa-Coastal Rd 23715414 Angola 00244 Majorca 0034 Amiri Hospital 22450005 Danat Al-Sultan Mahboula Block 1, Coastal Rd 23726558 Anguilla 001264 Malawi 00265 Maternity Hospital 24843100 Jahra Modern Jahra Jahra-Block 3 Lot 1 24575518 Antiga 001268 Malaysia 0060 Madina Munawara Jahra-Block 92 24566622 Argentina 0054 Maldives 00960 Mubarak Al-Kabir Hospital 25312700 Capital Ahlam Fahad Al-Salem St 22436184 Armenia 00374 Mali 00223 Chest Hospital 24849400 Khaldiya Coop Khaldiya Coop 24833967 Australia 0061 Malta 00356 Austria 0043 Marshall Islands 00692 Farwaniya Hospital 24892010 Farwaniya New Shifa Farwaniya Block 40 24734000 Ferdous Coop Ferdous Coop 24881201 Bahamas 001242 Martinique 00596 Adan Hospital 23940620 Modern Safwan Old Kheitan Block 11 24726638 Bahrain 00973 Mauritania 00222 Ibn Sina Hospital 24840300 Bangladesh 00880 Mauritius 00230 Hawally Tariq Salmiya-Hamad Mubarak St 25726265 Barbados 001246 Mayotte 00269 Al-Razi Hospital 24846000 Hana Salmiya-Amman St 25647075 Ikhlas Hawally-Beirut St 22625999 Belarus 00375 Mexico 0052 Physiotherapy Hospital 24874330/9 Hawally & Rawdha Hawally & Rawdha Coop 22564549 Belgium 0032 Micronesia 00691 Ghadeer Jabriya-Block 1A 25340559 Belize 00501 Moldova 00373 Kindy Jabriya-Block 3B 25326554 Benin 00229 Monaco 00377 Ibn Al-Nafis Salmiya-Hamad Mubarak St 25721264 Mishrif Coop Mishrif Coop 25380581 Bermuda 001441 Mongolia 00976 Kaizen center 25716707 Salwa Coop Salwa Coop 25628241 Bhutan 00975 Montserrat 001664 Rawda 22517733 Bolivia 00591 Morocco 00212 Bosnia 00387 Mozambique 00258 Adaliya 22517144 Botswana 00267 Myanmar (Burma) 0095 Khaldiya 24848075 Brazil 0055 Namibia 00264 Brunei 00673 Nepal 00977 Kaifan 24849807 Bulgaria 00359 Netherlands 0031 Shamiya 24848913 Burkina 00226 Netherlands Antilles 00599 Burundi 00257 New Caledonia 00687 Shuwaikh 24814507 Cambodia 00855 New Zealand 0064 Abdullah Salem 22549134 Cameroon 00237 Nicaragua 00505 Canada 001 Nigar 00227 Nuzha 22526804 Cape Verde 00238 Nigeria 00234 Industrial Shuwaikh 24814764 Cayman Islands 001345 Niue 00683 Central African 00236 Norfolk Island 00672 Qadsiya 22515088 Chad 00235 N. Ireland (UK) 0044 Dasmah 22532265 Chile 0056 North Korea 00850 Bneid Al-Gar 22531908 China 0086 Norway 0047 Colombia 0057 Oman 00968 Shaab 22518752 Comoros 00269 Pakistan 0092 Qibla 22459381 Congo 00242 Palau 00680 Cook Islands 00682 Panama 00507 Ayoun Al-Qibla 22451082 Costa Rica 00506 Papua New Guinea 00675 Mirqab 22456536 Croatia 00385 Paraguay 00595 Cuba 0053 Peru 0051 Sharq 22465401 Cyprus 00357 Philippines 0063 Salmiya 25746401 Cyprus (Northern) 0090392 Poland 0048 Czech Republic 00420 Portugal 00351 Jabriya 25316254 Denmark 0045 Puerto Rico 001787 Maidan Hawally 25623444 Diego Garcia 00246 Qatar 00974 Djibouti 00253 Romania 0040 Bayan 25388462 Dominica 001767 Russian Federation 007 Mishref 25381200 Dominican Republic 001809 Rwanda 00250 W Hawally 22630786 Ecuador 00593 Saint Helena 00290 Egypt 0020 Saint Kitts 001869 Sabah 24810221 El Salvador 00503 Saint Lucia 001758 Jahra 24770319 England (UK) 0044 Saint Pierre 00508 Equatorial Guinea 00240 Saint Vincent 001784 New Jahra 24575755 Eritrea 00291 Samoa US 00684 West Jahra 24772608 Estonia 00372 Samoa West 00685 Ethiopia 00251 San Marino 00378 South Jahra 24775066 Falkland Islands 00500 Sao Tone 00239 North Jahra 24775992 Faroe Islands 00298 Saudi Arabia 00966 Fiji 00679 Scotland (UK) 0044 North Jleeb 24311795 Finland 00358 Senegal 00221 Ardhiya 24884079 France 0033 Seychelles 00284 Firdous 24892674 French Guiana 00594 Sierra Leone 00232 French Polynesia 00689 Singapore 0065 Omariya 24719048 Gabon 00241 Slovakia 00421 N Khaitan 24710044 Gambia 00220 Slovenia 00386 Georgia 00995 Solomon Islands 00677 Fintas 23900322 Germany 0049 Somalia 00252 Ghana 00233 South Africa 0027 Gibraltar 00350 South Korea 0082 Greece 0030 Spain 0034 Greenland 00299 Sri Lanka 0094 PRIVATE CLINICS Grenada 001473 Sudan 00249 Guadeloupe 00590 Suriname 00597 Guam 001671 Swaziland 00268 Guatemala 00502 Sweden 0046 Ophthalmologists Plastic Surgeons Paediatricians Endocrinologist Guinea 00224 Switzerland 0041 Dr. Abidallah Al-Mansoor 25622444 Dr. Mohammad Al-Khalaf 22547272 Dr. Khaled Hamadi 25665898 Guyana 00592 Syria 00963 Dr. Abd Al-Naser Al-Othman 25339330 Dr. Samy Al-Rabeea 25752222 Dr. Abdal-Redha Lari 22617700 Dr. Abd Al-Aziz Al-Rashed 25340300 Haiti 00509 Serbia 00381 Dr. Masoma Habeeb 25321171 Dr. Abdel Quttainah 25625030/60 Dr. Zahra Qabazard 25710444 Dr. Ahmad Al-Ansari 25658888 Holland (Netherlands) 0031 Taiwan 00886 Dr. Mubarak Al-Ajmy 25739999 Family Doctor Dr. Sohail Qamar 22621099 Honduras 00504 Tanzania 00255 Dr. Mohsen Abel 25757700 Dr. Kamal Al-Shomr 25329924 Dr Divya Damodar 23729596/23729581 Dr. Snaa Maaroof 25713514 Hong Kong 00852 Thailand 0066 Dr Adnan Hasan Alwayl 25732223 Physiotherapists & VD Hungary 0036 Toga 00228 Psychiatrists Dr. Pradip Gujare 23713100 Dr. Abdallah Al-Baghly 25732223 Dr. Zacharias Mathew 24334282 Dr. Deyaa Shehab 25722291 Ibiza (Spain) 0034 Tonga 00676 Ear, Nose & Throat (ENT) Dr. Esam Al-Ansari 22635047 Iceland 00354 Tokelau 00690 Dr. Ahmed Fouad Mouner 24555050 Ext 510 Dr Eisa M. 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Hosts working in the studio during a program in the Alpha Blondy FM radio station in Abidjan.

The logo at the entrance of the Alpha Blondy FM radio station in Abidjan. —AFP photos Reggae legend Blondy swaps beats for books in Ivory Coast

Hosts sitting in the studio during a program in the Alpha Blondy FM radio is voice is warm, his reading poised. it, but I liked it,” said the artist, who has sold mil- Livre is the only program featuring Blondy him- Adored by reggae fans everywhere, lions of records in his more than three-decade self, whose best-known songs include the call station. HIvorian superstar Alpha Blondy has now career. for peace “Jerusalem”, “Jah Glory” which become a storyteller on his own radio station. denounces poverty, and “Apartheid is Nazism”. Born Seydou Kone, the 62-year-old musician Storytelling to taxi drivers Program director Serge Allegbe is a big fan of and activist in March launched Radio Livre-a Every evening, listeners tune in to hear the storytelling shows. “They’ve made me love nightly program whose name in French means Blondy read from “The Alchemist” by Brazilian reading again,” said Allegbe, who spends hours “book radio”. Long committed to social change, author Paulo Coelho, “Allah is Not Obliged” by editing the programs that are often recorded in Alpha Blondy wants to inspire young people to fellow Ivorian Ahmadou Kourouma, or the early morning at the reggae star’s home. “I learn to love books. “At least those who don’t “Houseboy” by Cameroonian Ferdinand Oyono. had read ‘Allah is Not Obliged’ a long time ago. It know how to read know how to listen. This is For upcoming programs on Alpha Blondy FM, made me remember the horrific Liberia war,” he our goal: to encourage young people to read,” the singer has already pre-recorded readings of said, adding that the storytelling program is said Ivory Coast’s best-known musician and its Nigerian author Chinua Achebe’s globally especially popular among taxi drivers. former UN ambassador for peace. acclaimed “Things Fall Apart” and “The African In Plateau, Abidjan’s administrative and busi- “If we can kill two birds with one stone- Child” by Guinean Camara Laye. Radio Livre ness hub, a group of drivers wait for customers entertain them while we educate them-then kicks off every evening at 9:00 pm (2100 GMT) at a taxi stand under the hot sun. “Many drivers we’re doing something useful,” he added. The and runs for two hours. listen to the program,” said Souleymane radio station is located on the top floor of a For the first hour, listeners hear reruns from Gramboute, 30, who helps manage the taxi rank. small shopping arcade that Blondy himself is the previous night; then Blondy picks up where “When the time comes, some passengers ask me building near his own colorful home. “I’ve he left off. Every six to eight minutes, a song- to tune into Radio Livre,” smiles Sebastian always loved to read,” said Blondy. He had not often a Blondy classic-breaks up the narration. Kouadio, sweating from the heat and intense yet finished primary school when he read the The radio also broadcasts other shows, playing humidity as he waits by his orange cab. “I like it a 1933 Andre Malraux novel “Man’s Fate”, set in hip hop and Latin music. Alpha Blondy FM, lot,” he says, but then admits he doesn’t give the China and which tells a complex story of revolt, which is fully financed by the artist, will soon be readings his full attention. “When I’m at the Ivorian reggae Alpha Blondy speaking during an interview. betrayal and free will. “I didn’t understand any of playing a show for children. But for now, Radio wheel, it’s the bill that interests me.” —AFP

Hollywhere? Los Angeles unable to halt film exodus Review eature film production in been over a decade that sunny it could have: losing chunks of production is off by 50 percent. the Los Angeles area California has been struggling the entertainment industry and In 2009, the state put in place Fplunged 15.4 percent in the from a problem it never imagined film industry. Just since 2006, some incentives which ended up first quarter amid high industry favoring the TV industry; its film- taxes and few local government ing was up 1.7 percent in the first incentives, a report out Tuesday quarter of this year. Meanwhile, found. In the first three months of production crews have headed to 2015, there were just 926 Shoot other US states, to Canada and Days (SD) compared to 1,094 for other countries where subsidies the same time frame a year earli- can be as high as 30 percent. “We er, the non-profit organization are grateful for the increased FilmLA said. production, especially in televi- The news is a touch more sion, associated with the current encouraging than the figure in tax credit,” said FilmLA President the last quarter of 2014, when Paul Audley. “We remain hopeful filming slid 28 percent-disastrous that the region will also see gains news for the capital of the US in the feature category” as new entertainment industry. It has incentives are put in place. —AFP

In this image released by Twentieth Century Fox, Jonah Hill, left, and James Franco appear in a scene from “True Story.” —AP What to look for at this year’s festival ‘True Story’ handsomely ome 100 feature films, 67 of them world “GoodFellas” will close out Tribeca on April 25. vene on April 17, expect something of a premieres, will make up the 14th annual Not all the attendees are known, but this is Beard-Off. While the “Star Wars” creator has STribeca Film Festival, which kicked off yes- Robert De Niro’s festival, after all. A bit of long sported a professorial white beard, the terday. The films, though, will only be part of Python advice should serve both reunions well: usually fresh-faced Colbert has grown his made but misguided the story at the festival, which takes after the “This is supposed to be a happy occasion. Let’s “Colbeard” out while he prepares for his new eclectic frenzy of its city, New York. Perhaps to not bicker and argue over who killed who.” start on “The Late Show.” Other pairings ater director Rupert Goold, was clearly help compensate for a film slate that some- include fellow directors Christopher Nolan and ichael Finkel’s journalism career, conceived as a way to play with truth ver- times underwhelms, Tribeca thrives on its Documentaries Bennett Miller, Brad Bird and Janeane torpedoed by a partly fabricated sus fiction in storytelling (a favorite topic urban festiveness, surrounding its screens with Documentaries are often the strongest Garofalo, as well as talks with Amy Schumer, Mstory, had just bottomed out of Franco’s). The film is its own dramatiza- musical performance, celebrity conversations, selections of Tribeca, and this year appears no Courtney Love and Harvey Weinstein. when a phone call came asking why a tion of real events, of course, too. outdoor “drive-in” events, interactive exhibits different. There are intriguing films on the man accused of murdering his wife and and red carpets. This year, in particular, the off- controversial New York nuclear facility (“Indian Sparse dramas three children in Oregon was identifying Apparent chemistry screen attractions crowd the springtime festi- Point”), police use of tasers (“Tom Swift and Men dot spare landscapes in a trio of indies himself “Mike Finkel, New York Times.” Finkel’s downfall is caused by a desire val-going. Here are some of the highlights to His Electric Rifle”) and the making of sake at the festival, including Stephen Fingleton’s That was the identification Christian to use the techniques of fiction for non- this year’s Tribeca, running through Sunday “The Survivalist,” a about a man living fearfully Longo gave the FBI when they arrested fiction. Longo, a fan of the reporter, says April 26. alone after an apocalypse, and “Mojave,” a him in Mexico in February 2002 for the desert thriller by “The Departed” scribe William four Oregon homicides. The timing was, he’ll meet with Finkel exclusively on the condition that he teaches him how to Behind the laughs Monahan about two men (Oscar Isaac, Garrett in a strange way, fortuitous for Finkel. His write. So at the center of the film, which Tribeca opened yesterday with the premiere Hedlund) who meet on the outskirts of Los string of New York Times Magazine covers Goold co-wrote with David Kajganich, are of Bao Nguyen’s documentary about “Saturday Angeles. But the best of the bunch may be had come to an abrupt and scandalous the conversations between the two. A Night Live” through the years: “Live From New “Men Go to Battle,” a richly naturalistic, low- end when it was discovered that his piece friendship develops and there’s apparent York!” It’s a fitting start to a theme that runs budget film about two Kentucky brothers in on Ivory Coast cocoa plantations invent- chemistry between the two stars, but the throughout the festival where a host of films 1861. History may be moving around them ed a composite character. kind of menacing tension the film needs peer behind comedy institutions and delve into (this is the first year of the Civil War), but this is Finkel, nursing his wounds back at his is missing. A comedy routine between the nature of the comedian. “Very Semi- no ordinary historical drama. Zachary Treitz’s Montana home, wrote to Longo in prison the smirking Franco and the alert, usually Serious,” by Leah Wolchok, profiles the cartoons quiet, candle-lit directorial debut about a pair while he awaited trial: “At the same time combustible Hill seems to always be lurk- and cartoonists of the New Yorker. “Drunk of ignorant, awkward and illiterate brothers that you were using my name, I lost my ing just off camera. Stoned Brilliant Dead: The Story of the National strips the period film bare. own.” Their resulting meetings quickly led As the two get closer, an underused Lampoon,” a film that first premiered at the to a 2005 book, partly about Longo, part- Felicity Jones, as Finkel’s wife, looks on Sundance Film Festival, examines the fabled (“The Birth of Sake”). Among the highlights is Female directors ly a mea culpa for Finkel. Now it’s a movie warily. Oddly, their talks don’t lead to a humor magazine. And in Kevin Pollack’s “Misery “Palio,” a documentary that plunges into About a quarter of the films at Tribeca were starring Jonah Hill as Finkel and James deeper understanding of Longo’s evil, but Loves Company,” the comic interviews stand-up Italian culture - with all its passion, tradition helmed by female filmmakers, more than ever Franco as Longo. a kind of mystery at the sudden wrong colleagues on the mysterious compulsions of and corruption - in depicting the centuries-old before. It’s been a focus for the festival, which It’s not the bromance you may have directions people can take. Longo insists the comedian. The film is dedicated to Robin bareback horse race held twice annually in the honors women directors with the Nora Ephron been expecting between the two, but it’s he’s been “decent and regular 92.88 per- Williams. heart of Siena. Also noteworthy is “In Transit,” a Prize. One standout is “Song of Lahore,” direct- a bromance nevertheless. “True Life” has view of modern America from the rails made ed by Sharmeen Obaid-Chinoy (an Oscar win- its issues - neither Franco nor Hill, talent- cent of the time.” But any depth is pre- vented by the focus on Finkel’s redemp- Reel reunions by a handful of filmmakers led by the late ner for her 2012 short “Saving Face”) and Andy ed as they are, are suited to their parts - tion. When a tearful relative of Longo’s Knights who say ‘Ni’ and wiseguys who Albert Maysles, who died in March. It docu- Schocken. It’s about a group of Pakistani musi- but its biggest problem is at its heart. In wife chastises Finkel outside the court- amuse us (but definitely not like clowns). The ments the Empire Builder, a train that chugs cians trying to keep alive traditional Pakistani grafting Finkel’s self-serving story of room for telling the wrong person’s story, casts of “GoodFellas” and “Monty Python and between Chicago and the Pacific Northwest, music from its densely populated cultural cap- career revival onto a grisly tragedy, “True she’s half right. the Holy Grail” will gather for back-to-back and its passengers. ital of Lahore in the Punjab province. The Story,” though handsomely made, is “True Story,” a Fox Searchlight release, anniversary celebrations at the festival (the music largely died with the introduction of entirely misguided. When the final credits is rated R by the Motion Picture 25th for Scorsese’s gangster film, the 40th for Talking heads Sharia law in the late 1970s, but “Song of dramatically inform us that Finkel never Association of America for “language and the cult British comedy). A night after the five Festivals bring together all sorts from all Lahore” is a comeback story, propelled by the again wrote for the Times, the movie has some disturbing material.” Running time: living Pythons congregate for “Holy Grail” (fur- realms, but the pairing of George Lucas and musicians’ cover of Dave Brubeck’s “Take Five,” laughably overestimated our sympathies 99 minutes. One and a half stars out of ther Python screenings are planned as well as a Stephen Colbert feels like a tete-a-tete of a sensation that brings them all the way to for the disgraced reporter’s resume. “True four. —AP new documentary on the troupe), a restored intergalactic proportions. When the two con- Lincoln Center. —AP Story,” the feature debut of the British the- LIFESTYLE37 THURSDAY, APRIL 16, 2015 Features The importance of motherhood

n life, we can get caught up with whatever we are they experience on that day after. Mothers teach us interested in, whether it was a goal we want to how to nurture, love, care for, and protect everyone Iachieve or a talent we want to excel in. We, as that we care for. They also teach us patience and human beings, go through a lot of emotional ups and many more life lessons only by observing their downs during our journey, and it can definitely drift us behavior. A stable and healthy relationship with the mother encourages the child to be a part of a healthy relationship in the future and to make a more positive choice when looking for a partner. However, not every woman who gave birth is considered a mother. Mothers are the women who raise happy, healthy and positive children. They are not mothers only for physically carrying a baby for nine months. Sadly, the abandon- ment rate has skyrocketed alarmingly in the past few years. These results due to a number of reasons, some men who have low self-esteem and struggle having support, your backbone and your hope to having being mothers are very young, a stable relationship or abuse women. good in this world. They should never be considered the mothers themselves didn’t Women who are considering becoming mothers anything less than positive and healthy. It hurts my enjoy a healthy bond with their should really educate themselves and truly under- heart and soul to see women who call themselves families, they’re not ready to have stand the importance their existence will be to mothers shatter young children’s lives, esteem, and children, and the list goes on. another human being, and fully accept that obliga- innocence.

away from the importance of life and living. We often get distracted from the simple and basic essentials for a happy and healthy life. The importance of positive rela- tionships in life is something that shouldn’t be taken lightly, these relationships can shape and form our per- sonalities and character. It also influences the approach we use to tackle problems we face. However, every relationship we decide to partake in of course has its own importance, pros and cons, but nothing beats the importance of the relationship between you and your mother. It is probably the most complex and the most complicated relationship known to mankind. We all owe our lives to our mothers, she is the rea- son I’m writing this article and they are the reason you’re reading this. Every child’s first relationship is the one with the mother, which acts as a template they use for all the other emotional relationships tion and responsibility instead of just bringing in Neglecting children more lives to only let them exist rather than to live It saddens me to see children being mistreated or and grow to become beautiful human beings. A mislead to live an unstable life which results in them family is a beautiful thing to have, they can be your having a very difficult upbringing. Abandonment doesn’t necessarily mean giving up your child for adoption; I mean it in a more emotional manner. What I usually see is the kids are being left with nan- nies more than they are being around their own mothers. These nannies are becoming these chil- dren’s mothers - now, I am not against having nan- nies, but I am against a mother who completely neg- lects all her duties as a mother and lets the children eat, drink, go out and sleep with someone else other than her. These poor children will grow up trying to fill up an emotional void with all sorts of unwanted or neg- ative attention. As a result of being let down and dis- appointed by the person who was supposed to be their backbone they will not know how to differenti- ate between people who truly love them and those who would harm them. Little girls will end up with abusive men as partners, boys will end up being Splash enters a Jade plants

(and other succulents): Go easy on watering By Lee Reich light, to make energy. You can actually taste this ‘Brave New World’ trick this summer by nibbling a purslane leaf at friend phoned me a few weeks ago con- night and then another one in the afternoon. cerned about the sunken, blackened The leaves taste tart at night. t’s a natural desire for the picture. Splash presented pieces by the beautiful Dubai skyline that season which specifically features Aareas on the trunk of her jade plant. All of this means that my friend should water When I suggested that she might be overwater- her jade plant much, much less. If there is ever a human soul to return to the that were an amalgamation of the juxtaposed our nature- inspired the runway pieces.” ing, she replied that she watered only once a doubt about whether or not to water a succu- Ibasic simplicity of life to attain luxe fabrics in simple, basic silhou- runway adorned with geometric The breathtaking venue week. That made me sure she was overwater- lent, not watering is the correct choice. These bliss, yet stay connected to a ettes. The season’s hottest trends installations and trees. Rooftop Terrace at Jumeirah ing. Jade plants are succulents, a group of plants plants simply do not die from drying out. world that that has evolved expo- were interpreted in a way that Additionally this range will be Emirates Towers was divided into linked not by any botanical kinship but by a I have an aloe plant that I water maybe once nentially. Splash, the high street appeared almost close to nature added to the ‘Splash Studio’ col- three stunning areas with the physical kinship: They all have fleshy leaves and or twice a year. It looks fine. maven explored that new dimen- at an elevated level. lection that was introduced last guests first being welcomed into stems swollen with water. Cactuses are succu- Darwin studied the effect of gravity on sion of the world by paying hom- Raza Beig, CEO Splash & ICONIC the pre-party zone which served lents, as are hens-and-chicks, aloe and purslane. plants by watching the response of another suc- age to simplicity and infusing the added, “This season was about them premium refreshments and Those water-filled stems and leaves tide the culent, known as mother-in-law’s-tongue, hung luxury of fashion that surrounds exploring the roots and going time to mingle and soak in the plants through dry periods. upside down for six months. He didn’t have to us. ‘Brave New World’ showcased back to our basics from where it d�cor. The main show area was bother watering it. Too-frequent watering, or a the Spring Summer’ 15 collection began and so we presented a very transformed into a garden which Photosynthesis without water loss soil through which water does not drain readily, that urged us to go back to where clean, minimalistic collection that brought out the contrast yet high- All plants lose water through tiny pores in will rot any succulent. their leaves, pores that are also avenues through it all started. infused the modernity around us. lighted the way nature and which oxygen enters and carbon dioxide exits Succulents can heal While we move towards get- We highlighted two key themes modernity blends in seamlessly. for photosynthesis. Such a setup puts most Even succulents with rot on them can usual- ting into the Zen mode, we are namely Luxe Zen & Gypset. In 42 models sashayed down the plants in a bind during dry times. Should they ly survive or be revived. With less watering also incorporating the city land- terms of the venue we wanted to runway in a surreal set that came open their pores so that photosynthesis can and/or better drainage, my friend’s jade plant scape and lifestyle into the larger have an open air area surrounded to life with the energy from the give them energy, but risk drying out? Or should should overgrow its blackened areas with audience. they close up their pores to conserve water, but healthy tissue. And any part of these plants that Post the show, the guests suffer lack of energy? touches the soil can eventually grow roots to moved to an exclusive party arena Besides being able to store water in their make a healthy, new plant. that was created which saw them stems and leaves, jade plants and other succu- These abilities are most welcome in a jade dancing into the wee hours of the lents have a couple other tricks for solving this plant, but are not always welcome in a succu- night to the latest tracks of DJ conundrum. First, they have a more efficient lent like purslane, usually considered a weed. Kennedy. The VIP show was way than most plants of concentrating carbon During a wet summer, the roots might rot away attended by UAE’s cr�me de la dioxide in their cells. Second, they work the but the tops will remain alive, lying on top of the night shift, opening their pores only in darkness, ground, flowering and spreading seeds. Chop cr�me which saw Raza Beig walk when little water is lost. purslane with a hoe, and each piece can give the finale with Nisha Jagtiani They latch onto carbon dioxide at night by rise to a whole new plant. amidst a thunderous round of incorporating it into organic acids. Come day- Then again, you can eat purslane, even tai- applause. All fashion followers light, the leaf pores close up, conserving water, loring its flavor according to whether you pick it and Splash customers also got a and the acids made the night before release the during the day or at night. Purslane is often taste of the season’s most awaited carbon dioxide within the plant to be used, with found in green salads at ritzy restaurants. —AP runway action across 2 shows ear- lier in the evening. To maximize the reach of the shows and celebrate fashion on a larger scale, the 3 shows were live streamed on all the brand’s social media platforms along with other leading online platforms across the Region, where a million or more fans and consumers watched the Splash fashion show. The collection presented on the runway will be available from mid-April at all Splash stores in Photos provided by Lee Reich show a jade plant (crassula) left, in New Centrepoint and at Splash -The Paltz, NY. (Right) Having a few tricks to conserve water, this aloe plant can go Avenues, Phase II. months without a drop of added water. —AP lifestyle THURSDAY, APRIL 16, 2015 FEATURES Timbuktu rebuilds mausoleums destroyed by Islamists

A picture shows the Djingareyber mosque in Timbuktu. — AFP photos The Al-Imam Essaouti library of manuscripts.

The Djingareyber mosque in Timbuktu. A mausoleum under reconstruction in the Trois Saints (Three Saints) cemetery. The rebuilt Sidi Boulkhassoum Al-Taouti mausoleum in the Trois Saints cemetery.

rowels in hand, on their haunches, rice stalks, and banco-a mixture of clay and Kounta tribe, another from the central town of masons in Timbuktu use traditional tech- straw-to rebuild 14 of the 16 mausoleums, Djenne, and a third who was an Algerian. Tniques to reconstruct precious mau- destroyed along with thousands of manu- “It’s the Mali rainbow-with a black saint, a soleums destroyed in an Islamist takeover of scripts because the Islamists considered them saint who is a native of Timbuktu, and another northern Mali in 2012. Al-Qaeda-linked insur- to be idolatrous. The man in charge of the from the Maghreb,” said Assomo. Timbuktu’s gents wrecked 16 of the fabled desert city’s project, Malian engineer Mamadou Kone, said rehabilitation project also includes the restora- shrines to Muslim saints that date back to it was a challenge recreating the mausoleums, tion of the city’s collection of renowned manu- Timbuktu’s 15th and 16th century golden age which have been designated as World scripts. Around 4,000 among them have been as an economic, intellectual and spiritual cen- Heritage monuments by UNESCO. lost, stolen or burned, and 10,000 manuscripts tre. After a 2013 French-led military operation “Fortunately after the destruction we found were discovered in unsuitable storage condi- drove the jihadists out of the city, the UN cul- out that some of the walls remained. We took tions. But 370,000 of these priceless parch- tural body UNESCO began the rebuilding samples away and that was a first source of ments were smuggled to Bamako in 2012 to process with the Malian government and oth- information,” said Kone. Additionally, the team protect them from the jihadists, and archivists er international organizations. spoke to Timbuktu historians and elders, and in Mali’s capital are painstakingly classifying The reconstruction started last year and consulted old photographs to ensure the and digitizing them. relies heavily on traditional building methods restored buildings truly resembled the origi- The entire restoration project is expected and cultural knowledge of the area, generat- nals. to last four years and cost $11 million So far ing around 140 local jobs in the process. only $3 million has been collected with the “What’s nice is that UNESCO did not look for ‘National reconciliation’ support of the World Bank, the European masons elsewhere,” said one of the workers at The mausoleums were constructed to pay Union, Switzerland, and the US Agency for the reconstruction site, around 1,000 kilome- homage to deceased saints-regarded as great International Development. Speaking of the ters northeast of Mali’s capital Bamako. “We humanists, scholars and pious people of their rehabilitation of the old centre of Islamic Visitors looking at manuscripts at the Al-Imam Essaouti library in Timbuktu. have seen masons who were family build or time. For the people of Timbuktu-the “city of learning, the imam of Timbuktu’s Grand rebuild these mausoleums. So we know what 333 saints”-their destruction was an assault on he hopes the reconstruction project can help ing work begun with the shrines of three Mosque, Abderrahmane Ben Essayouti, called must be done to save our culture.” Malian history and culture. UNESCO’s Mali with “national reconciliation” between the saints who represent different geographical on “the world to support the project that The masons are using the local alhor stone, representative Lazare Eloundou Assomo said country’s different ethnic groups. The rebuild- regions and ethnicities-one from the Arab would bring Timbuktu back to life”. — AFP The man who keeps Napoleon’s memory alive on St Helena

ichel Dancoisne-Martineau knows that military hero died. Dancoisne-Martineau, who ing half of the bill, and he had to find the other the story of Napoleon’s life in exile is time- took up his job in 1987, has spearheaded an half. Despite the hefty price tag, the upgrade Mless-and irresistible. The Frenchman is ambitious project to renovate Longwood House, wasn’t difficult to finance. tasked with preserving the property where the home of the former emperor. The upgrade Napoleon Bonaparte lived after being exiled to the could not come at a better time. A labor of love remote South Atlantic island of Saint Helena in Next year, St Helena plans to start weekly “An international campaign was conducted 1815 and remained until his death six years later. flight service from Johannesburg which has only with the Napoleon Foundation to raise funds and “I have a product and I am trying to sell it,” he been accessible by a five-day boat journey-in it has since garnered 1.5 million euros,” said the A statue of Napoleon is seen at the Consulate hotel in Jamestown on the British island of said. One of the few Frenchmen on the British what many islanders hope will result in a signifi- curator, with a smile. With the leftover money, Saint Helena in the South Atlantic Ocean. — AFP photos island of just 4,200 people, Dancoisne-Martineau cant boost to the tourism sector. Dancoisne- Dancoisne-Martineau has started improving the manages a 16.5 hectare (40 acre) plot of French Martineau intends to be ready. “Hopefully, we wing of the house occupied by the ex-emperor of Waterloo, Napoleon surrendered to the complex that houses Napoleon’s grave in Paris, territory. “I want this to last after me,” said the will privatize the management of the building,” before he died age 52, plagued by boredom and English, hoping for lenient treatment. He must will display them for an exhibition marking the smiling 49-year-old as his dog Papillon (Butterfly) he said. “There will be a shop and ticketed entry.” haunted by spite. When Napoleon lived there have never imagined they would banish him to a bicentenary of his exile, along with some luxury lay at the foot of the bed where France’s greatest The property includes Napoleon’s house in under guard “there was standing water under no-man’s land so far from Europe. items that the former French emperor had taken Longwood and “Geranium Valley”-the peaceful the floor, water running down the walls, rats Yet, the distance has not stopped people with him. For Dancoisne-Martineau, a wave of site where the ex-emperor wanted to be buried if were everywhere and there was a permanent from visiting. “People do come for Napoleon,” sightseers would be the best way to end his cus- his remains weren’t sent back to his beloved musty smell,” said Dancoisne-Martineau. said Mark Capes, the island’s governor. “For St todianship of Napoleon’s final years before he homeland. He chooses to present the house the way it Helena, the Napoleon legacy is very important, steps down, maybe as early as next year. Dancoisne-Martineau started by renovating was the day Napoleon died-minus the rats and because he is part of what makes St Helena, he is “I’ll resume painting, I abandoned it 15 years “the generals’ rooms” that housed Napoleon’s dampness. “But I didn’t let the walls crumble,” he part of our history. “We celebrate it, and it is part ago,” he said. In the meantime, he has started companions in exile. Razed in 1860 and shoddily added. The refurbished apartments, with guest of our marketing.” As part of the restoration proj- repairing the roof of a house in Briars Pavilion, rebuilt in 1933, the cost to repair the building rooms and seminar facilities, will be inaugurated ect, Dancoisne-Martineau has sent 32 pieces of above the capital Jamestown, where Napoleon totalled more than 1.4 million euros ($1.5 mil- on October 15 to mark the 200th anniversary of furniture to France. stayed for two months after his arrival in 1815, lion). The French government committed to foot- Napoleon’s arrival on the island. After the Battle Next year, Les Invalides, a French military before moving to Longwood. —AFP

A copy of Napoleon Bonaparte’s funeral mask.

Napoleon Bonaparte’s deathbed. The interior of Napoleon Bonaparte’s last residence. Napoleon Bonaparte’s tomb. lifestyle THURSDAY, APRIL 16, 2015 FASHION 50 Cent designs underwear line

0 Cent has designed his own line of briefs. The rapper - whose real name is Curtis Jackson - has 5teamed up with men’s underwear brand Frigo to create the collection, entitled Frigo Crown, which will hit stores in summer with prices starting at $100. The ‘Candy Shop’ hitmaker, 39 - who has also designed a set of T-shirts for the line - shared the inspiration behind the collection. He told WWD: “My inspiration for this line came from the idea of the hierarchy of liv- ing, which is why you will see the crown as a constant throughout the designs.” The brand - which was found- ed by Mathias Ingvarsson, the former European direc- tor and president of mattress producer Tempur-Pedic - is known for its use of special microfibres which pre- vent sweating. Mathias said: “50 is a dream partner for Frigo, and we couldn’t be happier that he is designing his own line. He is amazingly creative and his attention to detail is immaculate, which will be transparent in his collection.” Australia Frigo boxers are available to buy at Neiman Marcus, Lord & Taylor and Freshpair.com.—Bang Showbiz Fashion Week

Hadid wants Models parade garments by Australian designer Akira Isogawa during Fashion Week to front Australia in Sydney yesterday. — AFP photos fashion TV show igi Hadid wants to front her own fashion TV show. The 19-year-old beauty has confessed she would Glove to star on the small screen when she exits the modeling industry and is considering appearing on her own fashion focused series or cooking program. She said: “When I’m done with modeling I want to be able to do oth- er things, definitely in the entertainment industry - maybe hosting my own fashion or cooking show.” Gigi - who has amassed over two million followers on Instagram and often shares private snaps of herself and model pal Kendall Jenner - is known for her effortless sense of style and insists the key to looking good is to always be yourself. She told Vogue magazine: “It think it’s important to be yourself. Let the world know your style. That’s how style stars are born.” The blonde star added she believes the role of models is changing and is pleased that nowadays girls are allowed to have their own “personality” in the fashion industry. She explained: “These days models get to have a personality behind the face.” — Bang Showbiz Kourtney wants to bring kids line to UK ourtney Kardashian wants to open a Kardashian Henderson is Kids store in the UK. The 35-year-old reality TV Kstar - who launched the children’s clothing col- lection with her sisters Khloe and Kim Kardashian West the face of dry earlier this year - revealed the siblings, who also have their own boutique Dash, are keen to expand their line shampoo across the pond in the future. When asked by a fan if she would like to launch the collection in the UK during a question and answer ses- brand Batiste sion on Facebook, the brunette beauty responded: lla Henderson has been unveiled as the “We are always looking for face of dry shampoo brand Batiste. The new ways to expand the line E‘Ghost’ hitmaker fronts the label’s 2015 and would love to bring it to Ready For It campaign and will star in a TV the UK. “It’s been a dream of advert featuring her new single ‘Mirror Man’ mine to do this for years! We which will be released on April 13. The 19-year- actually opened a kids store old singer will also perform a private set at The about 10 years ago and I’ve Sanderson Hotel in London on Wednesday always dreamt of having a night to celebrate the launch. Ella confessed line for kids.” she has always been a huge fan of Batiste’s Kourtney - who has three products and relies on their dry shampoo to children, Penelope, two, help revive her look. She said: “Batiste is my Mason, five and four-month-old Reign with her partner number 1 hit; I’m either in the studio or on Scott Disick - added the entire line has been a team stage, in a car or on a plane - often with little effort and counts her kids among her inspirations for time to get ready. I can always count on Batiste the collection along with Kim’s 22-month-old daughter to refresh and restyle my hair in one go; I know North. She said: “We always have all of our design I’ll always be ready for wherever the day takes meetings together and are constantly sending each me.” other pictures that inspire us for the line. Mark Hargreaves - who is CEO of the Crown “Everything is under $35 because I wanted it to be Models parade Talent & Media Group which manages the quite reasonable. My biggest inspiration for the line is garments by singer - has praised the “natural” and “very excit- my own children and niece, and seeing what they are Australian designer ing” team up. He said: “This campaign marks the into.” Kourtney added her favorite thing about design- Steven Khalil. very first endorsement for Ella Henderson. She ing the collection - which is available from Nordstrom is a remarkably talented International Artist and and Babies ‘R’ Us stores - is seeing youngsters sporting Batiste is a loved and respected brand, used by their creations. She said: “My favorite thing about being girls all over the world. The synergies between a designer is seeing other children in our pieces, it’s so both artist and brand just naturally came rewarding!” — Bang Showbiz together and I look forward to a very exciting 2015.”— Bang Showbiz Timbuktu rebuilds mausoleums destroyed by Islamists

THURSDAY, APRIL 16, 2015 38

Masaru Hashimoto puts gold paint onto a carp streamer at a factory in Kazo, Saitama prefecture, some 50-kilometre north of Tokyo yesterday. The 107-year-old Hashimoto Yakichi company produces and sells handmade carp streamers popular during the upcoming Children’s Day celebrations where parents wish their boys to grow up as strong as the carp. — AFP Supermodel Gisele An all-white garden in NYC, Bundchen set for final catwalk turn razilian supermodel Gisele Bundchen will strut her stuff on the catwalk for the last time BWednesday, putting a gold-plated seal on the runway career that launched her to stardom. inspired by a historic design Bundchen, the world’s top-earning model, will take her final sashay down the catwalk at Sao Paulo Fashion Week (SPFW), the same event where she made her debut 20 years ago. The 34-year-old Brazilian bombshell announced last month she was retir- ing from runway mod- eling, saying she wanted to spend more time with her husband, New England Patriots star quarterback Tom Brady, and their two children, Benjamin and Vivian. “My body tells me if what I do is worth it, and it asked to stop. I respect my body, it’s a privilege to be able to stop,” she told Brazilian newspaper Folha de Sao Paulo. She will Brazilian supermodel Gisele White blossoms attract attention against a sea of gray and green foliage in the white garden. A white wisteria dripping with blossoms in the white garden. — AP photos continue modeling off Bundchen as she presents a the runway and pro- creation by Colcci during the irst come the snowdrops, peeking through the snow, then flower beds. The color scheme inspired a fad for white gardens moting her lingerie 2015 Winter collection of the as things warm up, hellebores and crocuses, followed by around the world. The garden on Staten Island does not use the line, Gisele Bundchen Sao Paulo Fashion Week, in Fgeraniums, peonies, anemones, camellias and many more. same plants as Sissinghurst because “our summers are hotter Intimates, launched in Sao Paulo, Brazil. — AFP But there’s one thing all the flowers in this particular garden and our winters are colder here,” said Greg Lord, director of hor- 2011 for the Brazilian have in common: They’re all white. ticulture at the Snug Harbor Botanical Garden. But it does use a label Hope. Her final runway show, for Brazilian label This white garden is part of the Snug Harbor Cultural Center wide variety of plants, including alliums, summer snowflakes Colcci, is a symbolic return to her roots. & Botanical Garden, located on Staten Island in New York City, (leucojum), camassias, crambe, geraniums, peonies, roses, Bundchen and SPFW were both just starting out two just a ferry ride away from Manhattan. It was inspired by a sweet bay magnolia, veronicastrum and phlox. In the fall, there decades ago when she had her first show there, taking famous garden in England, the white garden at Sissinghurst are perennial Japanese anemones with single and double blos- the runway for local label Zoomp at 14 years old. Today, Castle in Kent, a National Trust historic site. But you don’t have soms, and camellias - a variety called winter’s waterfall that the twice-yearly event, which opened Monday, is the to own a castle or be a professional gardener to experiment blooms right through December. largest fashion show in Latin America. It was the start of with an all-white theme. White is a great color for home gar- The mix of shapes and sizes includes cascades of wisteria big things for Bundchen, who went on to model for dens too. The Sissinghurst garden was created by writer Vita blossoms, hardy orange and crepe myrtle trees covered with major fashion houses such as Alexander Wang, Sackville-West and her husband, Harold Nicolson. Sackville- white flowers, tiny primroses and tall asters. The garden has Balenciaga, Carolina Herrera, Chanel, Louis Vuitton, West hatched the romantic vision for the color scheme in 1939. three sections: a large rectangular flower bed, an area with seat- Valentino, Versace and Victoria’s Secret. Originally, according to the National Trust, the white garden ing and trees, and a border. was filled with roses, but over time they were replaced with For home gardeners who’d like to experiment with white, Height of career white gladioli, irises, dahlias, anemones and other flowers. The especially those with limited space, Lord recommends planting According to Forbes magazine, she has been the design included formal walkways and jam-packed, wild-looking Photo shows hellebores flowering in the white garden. close to the house. “At night, the white flowers will show up and highest-paid model in the world for the past eight look incredibly beautiful,” he said. years, with $47 million in earnings last year. Only Indeed, white blossoms - whether in a window box, planter, recently, she signed her largest ever contract-worth raised bed or big yard - seem to glow in twilight, reflecting more than $25 million, according to Forbes-with US whatever ambient light they happen to catch from windows, sports apparel firm Under Armor. “It’s marvelous she’s streetlamps, candles and the like. The luminosity is especially leaving the runway at a moment when she’s at the nice on summer evenings when folks hang out in porches and height of her powers. It’s an intelligent decision,” said yards. That high visibility factor is “also nice for people who Dilson Stein, the talent scout who discovered work during the day,” Lord said. “They come home in the Bundchen in 1994 during a modeling workshop in the evening, and that’s when they’re looking at the garden.” small city of Horizontina, in her native state of Rio White gardens are far from monochromatic. Flowers may Grande do Sul. Bundchen began her career when the be creamy, pale or bright white, and gray and green foliage so-called “heroin chic” of pale, angular models like Kate helps show the hues off. Boxwood edging and other broad- Moss was the prevailing aesthetic in high fashion. By leafed evergreens can help define and balance the delicate 1999, she became the face of what Vogue magazine, white, Lord said. For those who care to visit, there’s a lot more splashing her across its cover, called “the return of the to see at the Snug Harbor Botanical Garden than just the sexy model.” Stein remembers being wowed by the wil- The white lowy girl of German descent, with her long blonde hair, garden at the white garden. Other features include a Tuscan garden, orna- mental vegetable garden, sensory garden, shade garden, and sun-kissed skin and athletic build. “I saw something in Snug Harbor her. I knew she would be the great model of the future,” Cultural Center & its best-known section, a Chinese Scholar’s Garden with Asian art, a koi pond and a plum tree that blooms each year just as he told AFP. Bundchen is now expected to turn her Botanical Garden focus to print ad campaigns. — AFP in Staten Island. winter turns to spring. — AP