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SUNDAY, JUNE 15, 2014 SHAABAN 17, 1435 AH www.kuwaittimes.net Kuwaiti aid Obama visits Bollywood Kings reclaim helps improve ‘Indian actress files Stanley Cup life in Country’ in molestation in overtime Bethlehem2 North Dakota9 complaint39 thriller17 Kuwait scrambles to Max 43º Min 28º High Tide keep out Iraq tumult 01:55 & 12:27 Low Tide Army asked to be on ‘level 3’ alert • US sends aircraft carrier 07:10 & 18:08 40 PAGES NO: 16197 150 FILS By A Saleh and Agencies
KUWAIT: The Cabinet is preparing to discuss a report from Deputy Prime Minister and Defense Minister Sheikh Khalid Al-Jarrah Al-Sabah tomorrow about national preparations amid the security developments in Iraq. The Cabinet’s weekly meeting is expected to end with instructions for the Interior Ministry to reinforce security at border checkpoints, especially the northern Abdaly checkpoint in order to prevent infiltrators asso- ciated with the Islamic State in Iraq and the Levant from making their way in or out of Kuwait, said informed sources. The Cabinet is also expected to make a decision to send humanitarian aid to Iraqi refugees from cities con- trolled by ISIL troops, and coordinate with the Iraqi gov- ernment and the rest of the Gulf Cooperation Council states in this regard, said the sources who spoke on the condition of anonymity because they were not author- ized to speak publicly about the matter. This comes amid reports indicating that army intelli- gence sent a recommendation to the Kuwait Army General Staff Headquarters to raise the armed forces’ level of alert to level 3, which requires that one third of forces from all sectors of the army must remain in their camps. The army has meanwhile taken measures to maintain constant communication with the Directorate General for Border Security and the State Security Department in the Interior Ministry in order to stay updated about possible security breaches at the borders, according to sources quoted by Al-Anbaa daily yesterday. Army offi- cials have already received updates regarding the latest developments following blasts on Friday in Safwan near the border with Kuwait, said the sources who were unnamed in the report. The daily also reported that officials at the Safwan border checkpoint informed their Kuwaiti counterparts that they have stopped receiving passengers from all nationalities into Iraq starting from Friday until further BAGHDAD: Iraqi Shiite tribal fighters raise their weapons and chant slogans against the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant (ISIL) in Sadr City yesterday after notice. authorities urged Iraqis to help battle insurgents. — AP Continued on Page 15 Turmoil blurring borders
CAIRO: Working in secret, European State of Iraq and the Levant, wants to diplomats drew up the borders that have establish a shariah-ruled mini-state Iran offers defined the Middle East’s nations for near- bridging both countries, in effect uniting ly a century - but now civil war, sectarian a Sunni heartland across the center of help in Iraq bloodshed and leadership failures threat- the Mideast. en to rip that map apart. In the decades Other potential de facto states are since independence, Arab governments easy to see on the horizon. A Kurdish one if US acts have held these constructs together, in in northern Iraq - and perhaps another in part by imposing an autocratic hand, northeast Syria. A rump Syrian state BAGHDAD: Shiite Iran offered yesterday to consider despite the sometimes combustible mix based around Damascus, neighboring working with long-time foe Washington if it takes of peoples within their borders. But recent cities and the Mediterranean coast, the the lead in helping repel Sunni Arab militants who history - particularly the three years of heartland of President Bashar Assad’s have seized a swathe of northern Iraq. The offer Arab Spring turmoil, has unleashed old minority Alawite sect. A Shiite-dominat- came as Iraqi commanders said soldiers had recap- allegiances and hatreds that run deep and ed Iraq truncated to Baghdad and points tured two towns north of Baghdad as they pre- cross borders. The animosity between south. pared a fightback, bolstered by thousands of Shiite Shiites and Sunnis, the rival branches of Fawaz Gerges, a professor at the volunteers who answered a call to arms by top cler- Islam, may be deepest of all. London School of Economics, sees an ic Grand Ayatollah Ali Al-Sistani. Prime Minister The unrest is redefining Syria, Iraq, ongoing, violent process to reshape gov- Lebanon and Libya - nations born after ernment systems that have been unable LUGANSK, Ukraine: Pro-Russian fighters walk past the remnants of a downed Nouri Al-Maliki visited the besieged shrine city of the fall of the Ottoman Empire. Already to address sectarian and ethnic differ- Ukrainian army aircraft Il-76 at the airport yesterday. — AP Samarra north of the capital Friday to rally troops quasi-states are forming. For the Al- ences and provide for their publics. “The and pray at the Al-Askari mausoleum, a revered Qaeda breakaway group that overran current order is in tatters,” he said. “More 49 killed as militants Shiite shrine whose 2006 bombing by Al-Qaeda parts of Iraq this week, the border and more and more people are coming sparked sectarian conflict that killed tens of thou- between that country and Syria, where it to realize that the system as it is organ- sands. is also fighting, may as well not even be ized, as it is structured, is imploding.” down Ukraine plane Continued on Page 15 there. The group, known as the Islamic Continued on Page 15
LUGANSK, Ukraine: Ukraine’s new telling us what to do.” Mudzhakhed said Western-backed leader vowed yesterday to that the plane tried to dump fuel after the strike back at pro-Russian rebels who killed rebels hit its engines. The heavy transporter 49 troops by downing a military plane in crashed on its second landing approach. the deadliest attack against federal forces Ukrainian President Petro Poroshenko in the two-month insurgency. The attack signalled an imminent intensification of the came hours before top Moscow and Kiev offensive he had pledged to end just days officials were to meet in the Ukrainian capi- after his May 25 election. He vowed to deal tal for 11th-hour gas negotiations aimed at the rebels “an adequate response”. And an averting an imminent cut in Russian sup- irate mob of about 300 in Kiev overturned plies that would also affect large swathes several cars before tearing down the of Europe. The United States accused Russian embassy flag while a dozen city Russia of helping the insurgency by send- police officers looked on without interfer- ing tanks and rocket launchers to the pro- ing. Federal forces suffered still more casu- Moscow rebels - a charge the Kremlin alties on Saturday when three border denied. guards were killed and four wounded after A Lugansk rebel commander who being ambushed in the eastern port of showed pieces of the Il-76 transporter’s Mariupol - captured with great fanfare by charred debris in a wheat field a dozen kilo- federal forces the day before. metres outside the airport said five mili- German Chancellor Angel Merkel and tants shot down the plane using machine French President Francois Hollande guns. The tall and bulky commander, expressed “extreme concern” over Ukraine’s referred to by his unit as Mudzhakhed spiralling violence in a joint phone conver- (Sacred Fighter), brandished a Kalashnikov sation with Russia’s Vladimir Putin in which rifle while listing the mostly Russian-speak- they said it was important to rapidly reach a ing region’s grievances against the new ceasefire. Just before the transport plane more nationalist leaders in Kiev. “They was shot down, an AFP correspondent in brought machine guns and ammunition,” Lugansk heard heavy fighting and a series BELO HORIZONTE, Brazil: Colombia’s midfielder Abel Aguilar (second left) breaks through the Greece defense during a group C football match Mudzhakhed said. “We do not like people of loud explosions. “ — AFP between Colombia and Greece at the Mineirao Arena during the 2014 FIFA World Cup yesterday. Colombia won 3-0. - AFP (See Page 20) p2 COPY_Layout 1 6/14/14 9:58 PM Page 1
LOCAL SUNDAY, JUNE 15, 2014
Photo of the day
KUWAIT: A child plays with a ball during a friendly tournament in Yarmouk. Kuwait is gripped by football fever as the World Cup got underway in faraway Brazil. — Photo by Joseph Shagra Kuwaiti aid helps boost lives in Bethlehem Mayor thankful for support
By Ben Garcia The Red Crescent Society’s and Kuwaitis for Jerusalem’s has about 50 beds will help cardiac patients and our city pledges in the form of medicine supplies and financial and municipality greatly. For cardiac surgery, patients now KUWAIT: The mayor of Bethlehem is in Kuwait to attend assistance are also underway. “I am here to sign some doc- have to go to Jerusalem. Then from Jerusalem, we transfer meetings and sign various documents of grants and uments regarding the grants, and we have scheduled our patients to Jordan. The hospital we are currently build- pledges made earlier by Kuwait-based non-governmental meetings regarding the funding. The hospital is almost ing will be a great help when completed and ready,” she agencies. Speaking with Kuwait Times at the Sheraton done, and will be ready soon if the equipment and furni- added. She lamented that Bethlehem is wholly controlled Hotel on Thursday, Vera Babuon noted two hospitals in ture that we need are installed in a few days,” Baboun said. by Israelis, and if you want to move out for emergency pro- Bethlehem and some roads and bridges are currently fund- According to Babuon, the hospital is an important health cedures, the task is not easy for Palestinians. “So building a ed by Kuwait-based agencies. The Arab Fund for Economic facility in a municipality that has a population of about specialized hospital in the area will help us in many ways. Development has already fulfilled its promise for the first 200,000. “Bethlehem city itself has about 35,000 people, We have the expertise but we don’t have facilities. As you hospital dedicated to cardiac patients and funding for the but the entire municipality has about 200,000 people. We know, we have the highest number of educated people - streets of Bethlehem. only have two hospitals and the additional hospital which about 93 percent of the population, but no job opportuni- ties. If the hospital will be completed, it will employ 150 staff, so we are giving not just hundreds of jobs to our peo- ple in the area, but also boosting our much needed health facilities. About a quarter of our population or 25.1 percent of our population suffers from unemployment. It is a very high rate in the West Bank, and 50 percent of Bethlehem’s population is made up of young people, so they need sup- port,” Babuon added. Bethlehem is a twin city of Jerusalem, but in 2002, the cities were divided by the Israeli separation barrier. “The wall installed by Israelis has become a nightmare to many. Entry into Jerusalem since 2002 needs a permit from the Vera Babuon Israeli authorities. We have now a generation of people confiscation in the Israeli high court. They want to expand who have never been to Jerusalem, the most important settlements so that is why they illegally grab land from us,” city in Palestine. The only Palestinians who are allowed to she said. enter Jerusalem are 35 years old and above. In area C, there Babuon said 62 percent of Israeli tourism is because of are about 22 Israeli settlements, and we cannot access our the Nativity Church in Bethlehem. Since the beginning of own lands. The areas are controlled and we cannot do any- 2014, they have already welcomed about 1.2 million visi- thing about it. The most critical issue is water - we have tors. “The problem is that Arab visitors are not welcome. water facilities, we have a reservoir, but it is being con- They can come, but through strict guidelines set by Israelis, trolled by Israelis. We buy the water which we own. It is the which is why very few Arabs are coming, and Palestinians very challenge I am facing as mayor of Bethlehem. The only interact with Arab people when they go out of problem is not about paying for the water, but patiently Palestine. We cannot even issue a visa as the Palestinian waiting for the water to come,” Babuon mentioned. government,” she rued. Asked if the government is benefit- She lamented that just before leaving Bethlehem on ing from tourism revenues, she said, “No, we don’t, only pri- Wednesday, about 900 dunams (a dunam equals 1,000 sq vate entities. We don’t impose taxes because we are m) of agricultural land was confiscated by Israelis. “The encouraging tourism in Bethlehem. We need tourists for confiscated land is very fertile, where we plant grapes, our private businessmen so they can feed their families olives and various vegetables. We are going to protest the and help people who need jobs from their businesses.”
ABK sponsors graduation of KU architecture students KUWAIT: Al-Ahli Bank of Kuwait is proud to sponsor the graduation event of students of the Kuwait University- College of Architecture. The Six imams suspended, ceremony was recently held at the Missoni Hotel where ABK participated in felicitating the life ban against two fresh graduates. Sahar Al-Therban, Public KUWAIT: Kuwait has suspended six imams for violating regula- Relations Manager at ABK, expressed her happi- tions that ban discussing political matters inside mosques ness at being able to share the infectious around the country. The decision released by the Ministry of enthusiasm of the fresh graduates. Al-Therban Awqaf and Islamic Affairs last Thursday names Waleed Al-Tarrad said: “Al Ahli Bank of Kuwait works within the and Osama Al-Kandari, who were suspended permanently. framework of its CSR campaign ‘Our The remaining imams are Badr Al-Mutairi and Mohammad Society...Our Responsibility’ aimed at support- Seranik, who each were suspended for four months, in addition ingvarious segments of the society we live in, to Hamid Al-Ali, who was suspended for six months. especially the youth. The graduates of today are The ministry also suspended imam Mohammad Al-Houli the future of tomorrow, and we hope that sup- indefinitely for the same reasons, Al-Qabas reported yesterday. porting their progress and education initiatives The decision comes a couple of weeks after the ministry termi- will lead to building a stronger society.” nated the contract of an Egyptian imam after he discussed the At the conclusion of the ceremony a trophy presidential elections in his home country during a Friday ser- was presented to Al-Ahli Bank of Kuwait in mon at a Farwaniya mosque. The man was deported within 48 recognition for its initiative in sponsoring the Graduation thereby encouraging the deserving hours, and his family was forced to leave with him since he was students. their sponsor. p3.e$S_Layout 1 6/14/14 9:57 PM Page 1
LOCAL SUNDAY, JUNE 15, 2014 MoE strives to end cheating in exams Students eye World Cup
KUWAIT: The Education Ministry is Commenting on the final exams, ic. It added that it could not be detect- working hard on finding solution to the acting supervisor general of maths ed by metal detectors used to search cheating in exams, and some educa- Munira Al-Bakr stressed that exams students on entering exam halls. “It is tional areas distributed flyers at vari- were usually set to match all students’ as small as a rice grain,” says the ad, ous exam centers to highlight the con- abilities and that they include ques- noting that it does not need any but- sequences and penalties for cheating. tions with grading difficulties talking tons to press to start a call. These Meanwhile, students seem to be torn into consideration students’ levels devices may cost up to KD 200. between searching for equipment that varying from brilliant to average to Accordingly, Al-Anbaa urged the con- would help them cheat, like ‘Nano’ ear- low achievers. cerned authorities to act and take all phones or smartphone groups that Concerning cheating equipment, legal actions against such websites. provide them with all answers as soon Al-Anbaa said that the ‘4Sale’ website A grade ten female student was as the exams start, and watching the has been advertising and promoting a recently caught cheating using an World Cup matches. number of devices to be used in expensive digital watch that has built- Well-informed educational sources cheating. It also advertises some of the in software that can store a whole said that MoE’s assistant undersecre- devices already found in the market or textbook. On being questioned about tary for public education and the those some people have, and with a the incident, the student claimed that deputy control manager Dr Khaled Al- click of a button, a student can use a she was sick and that she was using Rasheed gave strict orders to apply all credit card to purchase items such as a the watch upon doctor’s orders to rules and regulations concerning ‘magic earpiece’, an “exams earpiece’, a check and regulate her heart pulse. cheating at all exam centers and this ‘earpiece that helps you relax during Not convinced by that, the school includes preventing cheat attempts, exams’ and a ‘cheating earpiece’. director examined the watch to find a banning the use of mobile phones, One of the ads said that the ear- special button that opened a program earpieces or any other devices for piece being promoted was the small- to find an e-copy of the Islamic both students and teachers. est worldwide and that it was magnet- Education textbook.
KUWAIT: Shin Boonam with Korean and Kuwaiti students at their embassy.— Photos by Joseph Shagra Embassy honors Kuwaiti, Korean language students
By Ben Garcia tant for both Kuwait and Korea,” he back, but it was only in 2011 when added. Kuwait University offered its facilities KUWAIT: The Embassy of South Korea “We have ten Korean students cur- to the Korean Embassy. With the tech- hosted a function to recognize the rently studying Arabic in Kuwait, so nology right now, students can learn achievements of both Kuwaiti and this is like an education exchange pro- more even if they are in their own Korean students who are currently home,” the envoy added. part of the Korean and Arabic pro- Moneera Al-Bas, Head of the gram being taught at Kuwait Center for Community Service and University. Shin Boonam, Ambassador Continuing Education at Kuwait of Korea to Kuwait, welcomed about University, said the Korean language 50 students at the embassy on is one of the most liked subjects at the Thursday and thanked them for their university. “Many languages are participation. The ambassador noted taught at our center. We are very hap- the program aimed at reinforcing py over the support being extended Korean-Kuwait relations in order to to us by the Korean Embassy, and increase the interest in the Korean many Kuwaitis want to learn Korean. language and disseminating Korean We have several other languages culture among the Kuwaiti society. available - French, Italian, Japanese “The function today is called ‘Korea- and Chinese - and we also teach Kuwait Youth Night’. We organized this Arabic to non-speakers. Korean is event to honor students who are in taught here at the university via the last semester of their language online courses, so we have native training courses which became possi- Ambassador Shin Boonam speakers of Korean as instructors,” she ble through the cooperation of gram. Kuwaiti and Korean coopera- added. The course started in 2011 has Kuwait University. This is very impor- tion in education started many years now about 30 Kuwaiti students. Gitmo detainees’ fate to be determined in a month KUWAIT: The Kuwaiti Guantanamo described the hearing as ‘great’ and head of the public committee for detainee Fayez Al-Kandari answered stressed that Kandari did well at the defending Guantanamo detainees all questions asked during a hearing hearing. He added that the video he Khaled Al-Odah said that the released held on June 12 to discuss his case. showed explained that Kandari’s bedoon had been arrested while fight- Kandari’s attorney Barry Wingard said return home was a demand of all ing with the ‘Arab mujahideen’ and he that he showed a 26-minute video to Kuwaitis including his family mem- was one of the “misled” young people. explain the case details and said that bers, who were eager to see him. Odah added that the committee had Prof Ghanim Al-Najjar had testified in Meanwhile, Kuwaiti authorities worked hard in collaboration with the court and that a final decision recently received a 22-year-old Kuwait’s foreign ministry and efforts about Kandari would be issued in bedoon who had been prisoner in a were finally fruitful. “The man is now about a month. Wingard also US base in Afghanistan since 2008. The held at the central prison,” said Odah.
Shamsah second winner in NBK’s competition
KUWAIT: National Bank of Kuwait (NBK) announces the sec- ond winner in its Rolls Royce competition on Instagram. Abdullateef Jassem Shamsah won a KD 100 NBK prepaid gift card. NBK launched this campaign due to the high anticipation of its Annual Summer Campaign that will give away this year a prestigious, custom-made, Rolls Royce phantom car. Through this competition, NBK’s social media followers can have the chance to experience the customization factor of NBK’s sum- mer campaign which the winner of the grand prize will enjoy in reality. Followers of NBK page on Instagram still have the chance to participate in this competition that runs for four weeks. A committee from NBK will choose every week the best photo to win a KD 100 prepaid gift card. Participants must be followers of NBK’s official Instagram account. They are required to download the Rolls Royce Phantom application on their smart phones, customize their car and upload it on their Instagram account, hash tagging #NBKPhantom. NBK greatly values social media as an easy mean to com- municate with customers and build a strong and lasting rela- tionship. NBK is keen to support customers through all chan- nels and views social media networks as important aspects for supporting the lifestyle and banking habits of NBK clients. For more information regarding banking transactions, events and competitions check out National Bank of Kuwait official face- book page NBK - Official Page or follow NBK on Twitter @NBKPage, and on Instagram @NBKPage. SUNDAY, JUNE 15, 2014 LOCAL
In my view Local Spotlight Suitable work
Al-Watan Save Iraq!! environments
By Muna Al-Fuzai
By Labeed Abdal
[email protected] he crisis in Iraq has been in the spotlight of world interest, public opinion and the media since a week. The stunning collapse s temperatures reach nearly 50 degrees T of Iraq’s 14 army divisions was a big slap to the these days, construction workers find leadership. It created concern in and outside Iraq themselves in very difficult environments A after soldiers abandoned their posts, taking off as they race to meet deadlines to finish mega their uniforms and fleeing without a fight when projects as set by state departments. In the mean- confronted with ISIL terrorists. The Islamic State of time, local authorities need to monitor the works Iraq and the Levant made a reputation for itself in of contractors in order to ensure that they take all the past three years in Syria as bloodsuckers, safety procedures to protect workers, in parallel rapists and killers, all under the name of Islam and with efforts to finish the job as per the required for the sake of establishing an “Islamic caliphate”. quality standards. They made a scene suggesting that they are According to a research study released by about to achieve their goal. They are so wrong. NASA, productivity level drops by 62 percent in Their move in Iraq was no surprise. It is a new environments where temperatures reach 38 kuwait digest chapter in their evil plan to take over control of degrees - which is a normal temperature during the whole region. Oil-rich Iraq will lead to a small the summer in the Arabian Gulf region. country like Kuwait with active cells of Muslim Furthermore, the study indicates that the quality Brotherhood and a diversity of inhabitants, then of work drops in similar environments by 700 per- Administrative Jordan, Lebanon and Palestine! I believe there are cent, which is more alarming. many obstacles, and with the way they are acting So the more temperatures rises, the more the now, they only make their image worse because level of productivity, quality and risks of accidents no one is ready to let a group of crazy killers take a and injuries increase. This requires efforts in the deportation leadership of rich oil countries with holy sites. Gulf region to prepare to face 90 days of hot Does anyone think the Shiites or the Israelis will weather through precautionary measures that let go of their holy spots go easily, and to whom? protect workers and at the same time maintain By Abdulaziz Al-Fadhli It is going to be a long fight and a bloody, endless quality as much as possible. We can take prepara- war. ISIL is only digging its own grave. tions similar to cold countries that take precau- hree incidents happened recently that pertain businessman’s money, and somehow caused him to With this, the world turned to the US as usual tionary measures ahead of the winter season with the administrative deportation law be deported, which made it hard for him to demand for comment and action. The policeman of the when temperatures drop sometimes to -50 C. inspired me to write about this topic. The first is his rights. T world this time is still making calculations and Taking these precautions are necessary as an incident that happened with an imam whose It is well known that countries put laws to protect wondering if it is worth offering anything to Iraq. Kuwait currently experiences or is set to see con- contract was terminated, and deported with his their security and stability, such as administrative It was clear that the US is trying to gain time. No struction of several mega projects, including the entire family within 48 hours after he was ques- deportation in Kuwait. This law gives the interior surprise, they said they will not send their soldiers metro, Silk City, new terminal, Jaber Causeway tioned over remarks he made during a religious ser- minister the right to deport any expatriate that to die for Iraq. They are right. Why would they? But and Failaka Island’s restoration. It is important to mon. serves the public interest, safety or morals. The prob- what I really can’t understand is their denial so far increase awareness in Kuwait, the Gulf and the lem with this law is that it does not put specific con- to air strikes and short, quick action. I think it is a entire Middle East about the importance of creat- ditions based on which deportation decisions can be mistake by the US because this will only give ing suitable work environments for workers in Administrative deportation, made, and instead leaves the matter to the interior more power and control to the Russians and order to achieve our goals with full responsibility minister’s personal assessment. And everyone knows Chinese in the region. we can be proud of. while it is meant to maintain the that determining what best serves the general inter- est is something that differs from one person to If US pulls out completely now, they will lose state’s security, negatively another. control over the region. Whatever they worked for Administrative deportation, while it is meant to in the past fifty years will end. Even a limited air affects Kuwait from different maintain the state’s security, negatively affects strike on terrorists’ locations will stop their move. Kuwait from different aspects, such as harming The US has spent billions of dollars in Iraq as well kuwait digest aspects, such as harming Kuwait’s international image with regards to human on security, and the lack of a security advisory rights, especially regarding cases in which the mission is the lesson learned. Maybe it is not too Kuwait’s international image deportee is not convicted with evidence. The law late. Opposition... also has negative impact on the economic level, as it In Kuwait, there were several comments by the leaves investors feeling unsafe to risk investing their Foreign Ministry to build an opinion. The concern with regards to human rights. money in Kuwait, only to be subjected to administra- was clear by all their official statements. They tive deportation that can be caused by a dispute youth is turned to their neighbors and allies. But this old The second case is the story of a senior Arab citi- with a business partner or foe. zen, who was deported despite having no relations All I hope for is that the administrative deporta- organization called GCC has enough troubles the answer! to a fight that occurred at a diwaniya he happened tion law is reviewed and amended to introduce pre- already, especially internally. The Israelis are also to be visiting at the time. Police arrested everyone at cise conditions based on which a deportation deci- angry over the cautious comments by the US. the diwaniya and deported them, including the old sion is made. This way, we can ensure that the law is They are under direct threat too! The world is expecting the US to take action. By Thaar Al-Rasheedi man who was only a guest there. not misused based on many factors, such as being in The third story I heard from a lawyer about an a state of anger. I also hope that the ministry avoids An immediate short-term response as a wakeup Arab investor who had a conflict with his Kuwaiti collective punishment, or deporting an entire family call to the Iraqi government and possibly long- verybody knows that what is going on in business partner. According to the lawyer, the for a mistake that one of its members committed. term plans on how to eliminate financial sources our political arena is a reflection of some Kuwaiti man took thousands of dinars of the Arab —Translated by Kuwait Times from Al-Rai of terror groups like ISIL. E‘polar’ conflicts. This is no secret now. So are the coalitions that are formed. For almost a year, everybody has known who is allying with whom. More precisely, all allies’ cards were exposed three months ago and it is no longer a secret to say that kuwait digest what is going on now is another battle in this six- year conflict. Now we hear talk about bargains between the Domestic help in Lebanon and Kuwait conflicting parties to calm down their speech and stop political acceleration. Politically speaking, bargaining is normal but what is not is when such By Khalil Ali Haidar bargains are made at the expense of reform, which is another story yet to unfold before the rom the first moment we arrive at the airport, same place and the employer keeps their passports and manners and are thieves and we are compelled to return holy month of Ramadan. If the information I have police take away our passports, take us to a deprives them from moving around, the second category them. We notice that offices in other countries do not like about those bargains prove true, the conflicting “Froom and lock us up. This is how imprisonment is those under contract, and those who work on their own to deal with us again if we return one or two cases to parties will tend to calm down their speech with- starts at the airport, then when we arrive at the employ- provided they give the sponsor a certain amount of mon- them”. in the coming few days. ers’ homes, we do not get any rest at all, because work ey each month, and the third are the illegal workers, and Embassies are accused of protecting domestic helpers The opposition itself, I mean the real opposi- starts from the very first moment. We wake up at 5:30 and most of them are those who leave the homes they were whether they are right or wrong, and if you “enter any keep working until midnight, 24 hours, seven days a working for any reason (Al-Sharq Al-Awsat). The number embassy, you will find out that those people are the oil tion in the lead now, suffers some problems from week, work without time to rest.” This is the way domestic of foreign workers in Lebanon in 2009 was around for them, even if the worker was in error, they will stand within. Their most significant problem is that its helper Mariam from Madagascar was speaking about her 200,000, mostly from Sri Lanka, Philippines, Ethiopia, with him 100 percent because labor for them is wealth. volume does not match the way it handles many experience in Lebanon! Bangladesh, Nepal and Madagascar, and some of those Some embassies began doing the work of offices by dis- issues, needless to speak about basic disagree- The complaint was during the annual celebrations of countries banned their citizens from going to Lebanon, tributing helpers to people and this is a violation of the ments between some of the opposition mem- Labor Day, and Mariam, as Veronica Abu Ghazalah, a and some offices resorted to bring Filipinas illegally. law, but who can speak with that embassy?” (Al-Watan). bers. Most importantly, there is a hidden conflict reporter in Al-Hayat newspaper said “like all domestic The Sri Lankan embassy resorted to the ban following There are those who attack domestic help offices, and say between them that can be easily detected helpers came to Lebanon without the ability to negotiate conditions of work and its circumstances, under the through the implications they make against each deceiving practices by some domestic help offices in The issue of domestic help is complicated in Lebanon, as other in statements they make about some poor countries, and the wrong information they give to issues. girls, who get shocked with reality in Lebanon and hard is the case in Kuwait and Gulf countries, and it is difficult The opposition needs to do up its ‘home’ from living conditions, especially if they were brought by a within first. It should bridge the gaps between its middle income family.” to resolve it soon, because of the multiple number of members and go back to realistic thinking The sponsor system is fixed in Lebanon, Abu Ghazala because the opposition’s internal conflict is says, “due to the huge profits it brings to domestic help those involved in the issue and conflicting interests. offices and brokers who impose illegal costs on the reflected on supporters and has so far dramatical- helper or the employers.” Lebanese lawyer Rolan Touq, ly reduced their numbers though opposition who has been working on domestic help cases for years, the death of its citizens and other Asians mysteriously, that some of them negotiate with helpers who escape to members have been through much as a result of said “the sponsor system is totally different from the work which made Human Rights Watch ask the Lebanese gov- increase their profits. such conflicts and they faced prison, fines and system in Lebanon, and the sponsor system controls the ernment to move and explain the reason behind the Dr Adel Al-Damkhi, in criticism, says “offices contact cases. Those conflicts have negatively affected work contract principle.” return of foreign domestic helpers to their countries in each other and practice the worst violations of human the opposition’s image in general. Among the complaints of the domestic helpers is coffins, as eight foreign domestic workers were killed rights such as encouraging domestic helpers to commit Unless the opposition resolves its problems as racism. “Family members where she worked were swear- under mysterious circumstances (Al-Sharq Al-Awsat). vice acts”. An office owner blames citizens who do not pay ing at Africa each time she made a mistake, and they told The issue of domestic help is complicated in Lebanon, attention to the limited ability of the helper, and the entire soon as possible and transparently declares its her that this continent has nothing but disease.” And as is the case in Kuwait and Gulf countries, and it is diffi- family bombards them with requests all at the same time, full political path, it will surely lose more support- among other complaints is not receiving salaries for ten cult to resolve it soon, because of the multiple number of and adds “people in our time want a full-option helper, like ers soon. The opposition must realize that bring- months, and abuse. Mariam continues: “I used to be those involved in the issue and conflicting interests, like a computer full of software. Those helpers are human, so ing younger faces forward, be them from within forced to clean the house of the employer’s brother or the the domestic helper, family, sponsor, offices, government let us pause and think together about the psychological or outside the opposition, will increase its power house of his in-laws for free, and I did not have the right and embassies. Who will protect the right of the sponsor state they go through while outside their countries. They because the 2011 movement would not have to refuse that. I am not allowed to contact anyone, or go in Kuwait for example, if the domestic helpers resort to need at least four months to speak your language, and been achieved without young people, who had to worship places or leave the house at all. I became like a their embassies, and this is a complaint by domestic help need one or more months to adapt to the house and its people, and this is the role of the mother, of course, to been mainly away from politics. machine in the hand of my sponsor.” offices. “We get harmed a lot when domestic helpers — Translated by Kuwait Times from Al-Anbaa A Lebanese researcher said foreign domestic helpers abscond and we cannot take embassies to court.” Another teach her and to be harsh with her if she makes a mis- in Lebanon are of three categories: One that work in the office complaint is “that there are helpers who have bad take.”—Translated by Kuwait Times from Al-Watan LOCAL SUNDAY, JUNE 15, 2014
KUWAIT: The Charge d’Affaires of the Republic of the Philippines Lamberto V. Monsanto held on Wednesday a reception on the occasion of the National Day of his country at Crowne Plaza Hotel. It was attended by a number of dilpomats and dig- nitaries — Photos by Joseph Shagra
NBK launches beach Investigations begin in clean-up campaign judiciary vs Barrak case KUWAIT: National Bank of Kuwait (NBK) different areas in Kuwait. More informa- launches its annual campaign to help tion regarding the cleanup and loca- keep Kuwait beach clean during the tions will be sent through NBK’s social summer season, for the eighth consec- media network. utive year. “This Annual Nationwide Campaign Libel, spreading false information NBK staff and volunteers will clean for Kuwait’s Beach cleanup and preser- up beaches littered with trash and oth- vation will include an all-day beach By A Saleh cial committee will reject any plans to refer tion committee in the North Zour contract is er harmful waste and will also provide cleanup undertaken by NBK staff and the build-operate-transfer law amendments expected to vote on its final report during a awareness initiatives to encourage peo- volunteers, where they will visit popular KUWAIT: The public prosecution begins this back to the parliament for a second voting, if meeting on Wednesday or Thursday. ple to keep Kuwait beaches clean. beaches and collect trash, food left- “As part of its corporate social overs and other debris left by visitors,” week legal procedures in the case filed by the a large number of amendments are proposed. Government insiders commented on the responsibility program, NBK aims to added Al-Baqer. Supreme Judicial Council against former MP The panel believes that the draft law it issue by saying that the project has already help keep the environment safe and NBK is an environment-friendly bank Musallam Al-Barrak. Barrak is expected to be approved already addresses all issues that entered the construction stage and is consid- clean this summer,” said Yaqoub Al- and has launched a range of initiatives - summoned before the end of the week and makes the BOT law attractive to foreign ered among the key development projects for Baqer, NBK Public Relations Officer. including electricity conservation and charged with libel and spreading false infor- investors, while introducing more amend- the Ministry of Electricity and Water, and can- The cleanup campaign will run dur- paper recycling- aimed at promoting mation about the judiciary, according to ments will return the issue back to square not be put on hold. ing the summer season and will cover environmental awareness. sources. The public prosecution will also ask one, the sources said. The government is confident that no irreg- the Interior Ministry to arrest suspects In the meantime, head of the committee ularities happened in the project’s tendering accused of offending consultant Ahmad Al- MP Faisal Al-Shaya told Al-Jarida daily that the process, but still plans to deal swiftly with any Ojail on Twitter, the sources added. panel referred a report about proposed violations that could be mentioned in the The government meanwhile is preparing a amendments to the Capital Markets Authority committee’s report, said the sources who report its plans regarding remarks raised dur- law, requesting more time to carry out a com- spoke on the condition of anonymity. ing the opposition’s rally at Irada Square last prehensive study on the matter. Meanwhile, the budgets committee dis- Tuesday. The report could be prepared before cussed the budget for the Oil Sector Services the end of the week to be referred to the par- North Zour investigation Company, which the Kuwait Petroleum liament as per MPs’ recommendations, said Meanwhile, sources revealed that the Corporation recently dissolved. The draft sources. human resources development committee budget that the panel discussed a recommen- will request from the parliament that it votes dation to keep the company as a consultation Parliament committees on its report regarding the proposed end of firm with around 50 employees, while its Al-Rai reported meanwhile that attorney service indemnity for public security employ- 2,137 staff are transferred to other KPC sub- Emad Al-Seif plans to file a lawsuit on behalf ees, when it refers it in time to be discussed sidiary companies. of his client, former prime minister Sheikh during June 24 session. Head of the commit- The company would mainly handle recruit- Nasser Al-Mohammad Al-Sabah, against for- tee Yaqoub Al-Sane had said previously that ment of technical labor forces for oil compa- mer MP Dr Waleed Al-Tabtabaei, regarding the an agreement was reached with the govern- nies under its new structure. The panel former lawmaker’s allegations that the former ment to pay 18 months’ pay as reward to argued however that there is no need for the premier has a multibillion-dollar account in employees in state departments where staff company to remain active, since oil compa- A group photo of NBK volunteers Tel Aviv, Israel. are not paid end of service indemnities. nies are capable of hiring technical workers Separately, sources revealed that the finan- In other news, the parliament’s investiga- on their own. Kuwait condemns violence against women
LONDON: Kuwait does not accept violence against women or violation of their rights, said Coordinator of Fatwa and Legislation Sub-committee at the Kuwaiti Cabinet’s Women Affairs Committee Huda Al-Shaiji. Al-Shaiji’s statement came during her participation in the first ‘Global Summit to End Sexual Violence in Conflict’, which concluded here Friday night, in the presence of over 100 countries and 900 experts and representatives of international human rights organiza- tions and NGOs. Kuwait was one of the first countries to announce an initiative to end violence against women, while hosting the sixth session of the Commission on the Status of Women under the United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Western Asia (ESCWA) last December, she said.—KUNA LOCAL SUNDAY, JUNE 15, 2014
KUWAIT: The Kuwait Dive Team issued a statement recently calling state officials to take firm action against fishermen who dumpge lar amounts of dead fish, nets and plastic waste at the Shamlan marina, harming the environment at the Kuwait Bay. Fugitive nabbed with unlicensed firearm Cyclist killed in Ghous Street accident
KUWAIT: A convicted felon was arrested in taxi driver was taken in police custody for were referred to the authorities to face Sabahiya with an unlicensed firearm. The man questioning. charges. was stopped near a school in the area after he initially tried to escape when a patrol vehicle Fatal crash Suicide case KUWAIT: A fire force officer who was injured while fighting a fire at a Rehab House. approached his car. He was placed under An army recruit died in a accident on Jahra A man committed suicide in a workers’ resi- arrest after police found a gun in his car, and Road. The 22-year-old Kuwaiti man was driv- dence in Mangaf, according to investigations. Gangs fight at hospital he failed to produce a license for it. An identi- ing towards Mutlaa when his sedan lost bal- Police arrived to the scene in response to an ty check later revealed that the Kuwaiti man is ance and overturned, according to investiga- emergency call reporting that the Indian man wanted for several crimes, including a case in tions. The man was pronounced dead at the had not left his room for days. They broke in By Hanan Al-Saadoun pital before backup forces arrived, leaving which he was sentenced to three years in scene before criminal investigators were the room with a warrant in hand, and found only the injured who were hospitalized under prison. The man was taken to the Criminal called to examine the crash site and transfer the man hanging motionless from a rope tied KUWAIT: A big brawl took place at Farwaniya police custody. The sources added that hospi- Investigations Department for further action. the body to the forensic department. to the ceiling. He was pronounced dead at the Hospital casualty department when over 30 tal cameras would be used to identify the sus- Investigations are ongoing to determine the scene before criminal investigators were expatriates fought using knives and metal pects and arrest them all. Road accident circumstances which led to the accident. called. A case was filed. objects, said security sources. Case papers A cyclist died in an accident with a taxi on indicate that the fight started outside the Rehab fire hospital and that some of the injured arrived A fire officer was injured while fighting a Ghous Street near Mubarak Al-Kabeer. Bootleggers arrested Salhiya gambling at the hospital for medical treatment. fire at a Rehab house, said security sources, Paramedics and police arrived at the scene Ahmadi police arrested two men with pos- Criminal investigators arrested three men Another gang caught up with the injured noting that on reaching the site, Jleeb and shortly after the accident was reported, but session of alcoholic drinks they hid in a school in Salhiya for gambling. The Asian men were men to resume the fight, which many of the Farwaniya firefighters found that the fire had discovered that the man had already suc- bus. Police at a checkpoint grew suspicious of busted red-handed after investigators headed hospital clerks and security officials failed to broken on the rooftop. After controlling the cumbed to his injuries. Police could not plastic bags hidden under the seats of a to the scene based on information that they stop and some of them were even injured. fire and during routine post-extinguishing identify the man because he was not carry- Kuwait University bus. They placed the driver were gambling. The detainees were taken to The sources added that in view of the low measures, Capt Mohammed Al-Matroud was ing any identification papers. The body was and his companion under arrest after discov- the Criminal Investigations Department, number of policemen posted at the hospital injured when a metal object fell on his head. taken to the forensic department after crimi- ering that the bags contained a total of 113 along with the gambling tools seized from the at the time, most of the fighters fled the hos- nal investigators examined the scene. The homebrewed liquor bottles. The Asian men scene, to face charges.
Burgan Equity Fund wins Zawya Award
KUWAIT: Burgan Bank announced yesterday that the Burgan to remind us of the high standards to which we aspire. ‘People Equity Fund was recognized by Zawya Reuters as a top per- come first’ is the foundation on which its products and services former fund among equity funds managed by a bank. Zawya’s are developed. Earlier this year, ‘Brand Finance’ - the interna- award was based on four key components, namely returns, tional brand valuation company- rated Burgan Bank brand as risk, fees to Return and management style. AA with positive outlook. The rating places Burgan Bank Brand Salem Al-Haroun, Head of Investments at Burgan Bank said, at 2nd amongst the most valuable banking brands in Kuwait. “We are very pleased with the impressive performance of the Excellence is one of the Bank’s four key values and Burgan Burgan Equity Fund. Since the fund’s inception in 2001, Burgan Bank continually strives to maintain the highest standards in Bank, as fund manager of the Burgan Equity Fund, has contin- the industry. The Bank was re-certified in 2010 with the ISO ued to deliver high returns to its investors. The fund’s balanced 9001:2008 certification in all its banking businesses, making it strategy and long term investment philosophy are the two the first bank in the GCC, and the only bank in Kuwait to main contributors to these returns. Working closely with KAM- receive such accreditation. The Bank also has to its credit the CO, the Fund’s external advisors, we have utilized a dynamic distinction of being the only Bank in Kuwait to have won the JP stock selection model involving fundamental and technical Morgan Chase Quality Recognition Award for twelve consecu- data to aid us in picking the right investments for the fund. This tive years. has allowed us to generate a cumulative alpha of 8.92% over the KSE Weighted Index over the last three-year period.” “It has been more than a decade since KAMCO was appoint- ed as the Investment Advisor to the Burgan Equity Fund,” said Kuwait takes part Mr. Wassim Al Hayek, Vice President at KAMCO’s Investment Research Department. “It gives us great pleasure to be part of in bird migration the success story of this Fund, and we are keen to provide the optimal professional investment advice to the Fund”. The Fund’s Net Asset Value (NAV) as of Dec 31, 2013 posted KD meeting 1.82686 per unit compared to KD 1.81394 per unit as of Dec 31, 2012. The Fund also distributed 150 fils dividends during the KUWAIT: The Environment Public Authority (EPA) took part year. Including dividends, the Fund generated an annual return in a regional meeting on the protection of migrating birds. of 8.98% during 2013, outperforming the KSE Weighted Index Head of the Kuwaiti delegation and the EPA’s bird tracking which closed the year with an 8.43% increase. and protection team Abdulmohsen Al-Surai’e said that the Birdlife International meeting which was held in Jordan Real values focused on finding means to better protect migrating birds. Established in 1977, Burgan Bank is the youngest commer- The meeting also touched on the international organiza- cial Bank and third largest by assets in Kuwait, with a signifi- tion’s general activities in 2013 and 2014, said the official. cant focus on the corporate and financial institutions sectors, Member of the EPA team, Saad Al-Noori said, on his part, as well as having a growing retail and private bank customer that the Kuwaiti elegation presented to the meeting the base. Burgan Bank has five majority owned subsidiaries, which EPA’s efforts in tracking and protecting migrating birds, include Gulf Bank Algeria - AGB (Algeria), Bank of Baghdad - adding that the delegation had suggested several proposals BOB (Iraq & Lebanon), Jordan Kuwait Bank - JKB (Jordan) Tunis to improve means to protect wild birds. International Bank - TIB (Tunisia), and fully owned Burgan Bank BirdLife international is a global partnership of conserva- - Turkey, (collectively known as the “Burgan Bank Group”). The tion organizations that strives to conserve birds, their habi- Bank has continuously improved its performance over the tats and global biodiversity, working with people towards years through an expanded revenue structure, diversified sustainability in the use of natural resources. It is the World’s funding sources, and a strong capital base. The adoption of largest partnership of conservation organizations, with over state-of-the-art services and technology has positioned it as a 120 partner organizations 120 partner organizations. trendsetter in the domestic market and within the MENA Together the BirdLife Partnership forms the leading authori- region. ty on the status of birds, their habitats and the issues and Burgan Bank’s brand has been created on a foundation of problems affecting bird life. — KUNA real values - of trust, commitment, excellence and progression, SUNDAY, JUNE 15, 2014 Stubb to be Finland’s next PM, backs NATO Obama pledges help for American Indians membership Page 9 Page 10
KABUL: Afghan election workers count ballots at a polling station in Kabul yesterday. Polls closed in Afghanistan’s run-off presidential election yesterday, with officials hailing the security forces after Taleban militants failed to launch a major attack during voting. —AFP Afghans vote again in final test Afghans brave Taleban threats with high turnout
KABUL: Millions of Afghans turned out dipping a finger in ink to register that to vote yesterday in a presidential run- they had voted. off election despite Taleban threats and “We do not want even one fraudulent violence that killed nearly 50 people vote for us,” Abdullah told reporters, ahead of the withdrawal of NATO troops while Ghani said via Twitter: “We ask later this year. everyone to prevent, avoid and discour- Afghan officials said more than seven age people from rigging.” million people voted, a higher than On the eve of the run-off, UN head of expected turnout of 52 percent based mission Jan Kubis had issued a stark on an estimated electorate of 13.5 mil- warning to candidates’ supporters not to lion voters. resort to the ballot-box stuffing that But fraud allegations were likely from marred the 2009 election when Karzai both campaign teams after the election, retained power. The two candidates and a close count could lead to a con- came top of an eight-man field in the tested result as the country undergoes April election, triggering the run-off as its first democratic transfer of power. The neither reached the 50 percent thresh- election will decide whether former for- old needed for outright victory. eign minister Abdullah Abdullah or ex- Abdullah secured 45 percent of the World Bank economist Ashraf Ghani vote with Ghani on 31.6 percent, after leads the country into a new era of investigations into fraud claims from declining international military and civil- both sides. ian assistance. On the campaign trail, “I want someone who can improve both candidates had offered similar our economy, create jobs and improve pledges to tackle rampant corruption, our lives,” said Janat Gul, 45, a shopkeep- build much-needed infrastructure and er voting in Kabul. “If the economy is protect citizens from violence. good there will be no insurgency, every- Polling day saw no major attacks in one will be busy working, not fighting.” cities, but at least 150 other incidents Harsh terrain and poor roads make including a Taleban rocket that hit a holding an Afghan election a logistical house near a polling station in the east- challenge, with thousands of donkeys ern province of Khost, killing five mem- used to transport ballot boxes to remote bers of the same family. “Eleven police, villages. 15 ANA (Afghanistan National Army) and Counting the ballot will take weeks. 20 civilians were martyred,” Interior The preliminary result is due on July 2 Minister Omar Daudzai told reporters, and a final result on July 22. adding that about 60 militants were also Ahead of the vote, the Taleban had killed in fighting. threatened to kill voters and officials, “Election security was better than the saying the election was an American first round despite level of threats being plot “to impose their stooges”. higher,” he said. “People voted to reject the militants. There were some casual- Search for peace ties on our side, but the enemy has Karzai, who is constitutionally barred failed.” Independent Election from a third term in office, has fulfilled Commission chief Ahmad Yusuf his pledge not to interfere in the elec- Nuristani admitted there had been prob- tion-in public at least-though he is lems with ballot paper shortages, as in tipped to retain influence after handing the first round election in April. over power. His relationship with the US President Hamid Karzai is due to step soured badly, and the next president is down after ruling Afghanistan since likely to reset ties by signing a long- 2001, when a US-led offensive ousted delayed pact for some US troops to the austere Taleban regime for shelter- remain on a training and counter-terror- ing Al-Qaeda militants behind the 9/11 ism mission after this year. Last month attacks. President Barack Obama said that if the “We are very proud to be choosing pact is signed, 9,800 of the 32,000- our favourite candidate,” he said after strong US deployment would stay in voting. “Today Afghanistan goes from a 2015. Yesterday the US-led NATO mili- transition period towards long-lasting tary mission said it provided one med- peace.” ical evacuation and several “shows of A smooth handover would be a major force” after requests from Afghan forces. achievement for the international effort Priorities for the incoming president will to establish a functioning state after the be to stabilise the faltering economy as depredations of the Taleban era. aid falls, and a fresh attempt to bring peace after decades of war by exploring Security and jobs peace talks with the Taleban. Afghan officials said the day was Ethnic friction is also a concern as proof that the security forces, who have Abdullah’s support is based among the been trained by the US-led military Tajik minority and other northern tribes, coalition, will be able to protect the while Ghani is a Pashtun-Afghanistan’s country when all NATO-lead combat largest ethnic group, which is strongest troops exit Afghanistan this year. Both in the Taleban heartlands of the south candidates cast their ballots in Kabul, and east. — AFP INTERNATIONAL SUNDAY, JUNE 15, 2014
Iraqi troops dig in, bolstering Baghdad’s defences
BAGHDAD: Soldiers armed with shovels are digging in tants. Trucks carrying hundreds of volunteers were Tamimi, a local leader of the Sahwa militia forces, which Baghdad University, said he does not expect the militants just 25 kilometres (15 miles) north of Baghdad as others among a large number of vehicles passing through the fought alongside American troops against militants in to reach Baghdad, and that “their end will be far from the man new checkpoints, bolstering the Iraqi capital’s key main checkpoint north of Baghdad, as security forces previous years. capital”. defences against a militant assault. carried out spot checks. The volunteers sang patriotic “Where are they?” he asked of the militants. “We are But if they did reach Baghdad, it would devolve into A major militant offensive launched on Monday, songs as they were driven to a nearby training centre. waiting for them and looking for them. We want them to street-to-street fighting, Shammari added. Inside the cap- spearheaded by the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant Security forces performed poorly when the militant come so we can finish them.” Dhia Ali al-Tamimi, a local ital, life is still relatively normal in the Kadhimiyah area, (ISIL) group but also involving supporters of executed onslaught was unleashed, but they now appear to be tribal leader, also spoke out in support of the security the city’s northernmost area and home to a revered Shiite dictator Saddam Hussein, has overrun a large chunk of recovering from the initial shock and have begun to forces, telling AFP that “everyone must protect the land shrine visited by hundreds of thousands of people every northern and north-central Iraq. regain ground. and the state”. year. Kadhimiyah shop-owner Abu Khodr was defiant, The advance swept to within less than 100 kilometres They are regrouping despite scenes of disarray in the “Life is completely normal in our areas and attacks by saying that “standing up to terrorism is a national duty for (60 miles) of the capital, raising fears among residents early days of the offensive, when soldiers shed their uni- these terrorists don’t scare us,” he said. Inside Baghdad everyone in the world, not just in Iraq”. “We don’t fear that the city itself would be next, though militants have forms for civilian clothes and abandoned weapons and itself, security forces have also set up new checkpoints, them at all,” he said of the militants. “Do we fear the ene- since been pushed back by security forces in areas farther other equipment. And they have retaken areas north of joining a slew of others. Brigadier General Saad Maan has mies of God?” north, making an assault on Baghdad appear less likely. the capital that were among the closest militants got to told AFP that “we put in place a new plan to protect A confident army Colonel Abduljabbar al-Assadi, ISIL spokesman Abu Mohammed al-Adnani has Baghdad, officers said. Baghdad”. It “consists of intensifying the deployment of inspecting the new defensive positions north of vowed its fighters would press on to Baghdad and forces, and increasing intelligence efforts and the use of Baghdad, said: “Our forces are ready for any emergency.” Karbala, a city southwest of the capital that is considered Bolstered by militiamen technology such as (observation) balloons and cameras Assadi said the checkpoint had already been attacked one of the holiest sites in Shiite Islam. Regular security forces are bolstered by militiamen in and other equipment,” Maan said. He also said coordina- twice. In one attack, his arm was broken. “Despite that, I Top Shiite cleric Grand Ayatollah Ali al-Sistani on preparing to defend the capital. “Our forces stand as one tion between the various security forces had been refused to leave the checkpoint, and I will not abandon it,” Friday urged Iraqis to take up arms against the Sunni mili- rank beside the army and the police,” said Hussein al- increased. Ihsan al-Shammari, a politics professor at he said. — AFP
In defence of Baghdad, Iraq turns to Shiite militias
BAGHDAD: The Special Forces soldier watched Amid rumors and allegations of Iranian as militia fighters from the group Asaib Ahl advisers or units working in Iraq to defend Haq reinforced his elite Iraqi military battalion Shi’ite territories, the likelihood is that any north of Baghdad earlier this week. Iranian presence is tied to these groups, who Beyond their ranks, deployed between the have been nurtured and trained by Iraq’s Shiite cities of Dujail and Balad, was the army of neighbor for years. Sunni militants. He marveled at the group that had been trained by the Iranians. They were in Call To Arms the thousands and drove in a mix of military On Tuesday, Maliki vowed to arm volunteers and civilian vehicles, organized by skill set: to take back territory in Mosul. Iraq’s moderate there was a sniper platoon and a special pla- Shiite religious and political leaders have joined toon for raiding houses. the call. A representative of Grand Ayatollah Ali “There were too many. I couldn’t count,” he al-Sistani, the country’s most influential Shiite said on Friday. “The weapons they have are bet- cleric, who refrained from telling citizens to ter than the military’s.” For several months, bear weapons during the previous civil war, Asaib Ahl Haq and another Iranian-trained mili- issued a call to arms on Friday. tia, Kata’ib Hezbollah, have been Prime Minister Now even Maliki’s Shiite rivals, who have Nouri Maliki’s secret weapon in his fight against positioned themselves as moderates in com- Sunni militants who seized western Iraq’s parison to the prime minister, are sending vol- largest cities Fallujah and Ramadi in January. unteers to the front lines around Baghdad. Maliki will be counting on them as never Convoys of volunteers were racing through before in the coming days to lead an informal Baghdad on Saturday. army of Shi’ite citizen volunteers in the defence A senior member of Maliki’s Dawa party of Baghdad. Sunni militants have made a rapid explained they had no other choice than to advance through northern Iraq this week, tak- activate Shiite volunteer fighters, whether tribal ing control of Iraq’s second city Mosul and sev- or associated with the militias. He acknowl- eral others. edged the use of militias weakened the state’s In March and April, Sunni fighters from the authority, but he said he saw no other way to Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant and other ensure Iraq’s survival. ANBAR: This undated file image posted on a militant website on anJ 4, 2014, which is consistent with other AP reporting, shows Shakir Waheib, a senior groups, had pushed on to the rural edges of On the streets of Sadr City, the Shiite slum in member of the Al-Qaeda breakaway group Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant (ISIL), left, next to a burning police vehicle in Iraq’s Anbar Province. For Baghdad. Watching his military struggle, Maliki Baghdad, ordinary men, unattached to any the Al-Qaeda breakaway group that overran parts of Iraq last week, the border between that country and Syria, where it is also fighting, may as well called upon militia volunteers because of their militia, were stocking up weapons and asking not even be there. — AP experience in guerrilla war, according to two those with military experience to train them. advisers to the prime minister. “For the second day running I have been The groups were put under a formal military receiving people and neighbors asking me to command structure beneath commander in help them maintain and clean their weapons Strong blast in Syrian chief Maliki and called Sons of Iraq, the name for them,” said a former officer, named given to Sunni tribal fighters who battled Al Mohammed Darraji. “The situation is similar to Qaeda-inspired groups with U.S. support in that during the fall of the regime (of Saddam). 2007 and 2008. The young are so enthusiastic, and just waiting town near Iraq kills 8 Asaib and Kata’ib Hezbollah, who have sent for orders to go and fight.” fighters to Syria to defend Shiite shrines and One elite security officer with the interior recognize Iran’s supreme leader Ali Khamenei ministry who had been stationed in Samarra, Jordan’s border guards open fire on 4 vehicles as their spiritual leader, memorialized their home to a Shiite shrine, praised the militia dead in the fighting around Baghdad at public fighters who stood by him as he fought to drive funerals in Shiite neighborhoods like Hurriya back Sunni militants. BEIRUT: A strong explosion struck a weapons market in an and on Facebook pages. “I am very much for the partnership with eastern Syrian town near the border with Iraq yesterday, There they also advertised phone numbers Islamic resistance groups like Asaib Ahl Haq killing at least eight people and wounding many others, state for recruiting new fighters to join the battle Those groups are important and trained in the media and activists said. The explosion in the eastern town of around the capital’s perimeter. street fighting,” the officer said. “They did well Mayadeen came amid heavy fighting in the coastal province in the fighting in Samarra. They are trained to of Latakia and the southern region of Daraa, where opposition Sectarian Conflict fight alongside and back up the security fighters captured an army post on a hill overlooking wide However, in their zeal to defeat al Qaeda, forces.” areas in the province where the anti-government uprising the groups also carried out raids in Sunni areas Countering such praise, Sunnis accuse the started more than three years ago. north, south and east of Baghdad that have left groups of having carried out executions of any Syrian state TV said the blast in Mayadeen killed 30 people civilians dead - their bodies turned up days lat- Sunni they suspect of terrorism and warn the and wounded many others, while the Britain-based Syrian er in the morgue - in a repeat of the dark days militias have gone on a rampage in the rural Observatory for Human Rights said eight people were killed of Iraq’s 2005-2008 sectarian war. districts around Baghdad. and 21 wounded, including some who are in critical condition. The worst of the excesses so far was in late Shiite tribal figures, Maliki supporters, and Mayadeen is about 60 kilometers (37 miles) from the Iraqi March when security forces and militia mem- Sunni politicians all confirm Asaib and Kata’ib border in Syria’s eastern oil-rich province of Deir el-Zour, bers from Asaib Ahl Haq entered the town of Hezbollah have been active fighting around which has seen heavy fighting among rival rebel factions as Bohruz and killed at least 23 people following a the so-called Baghdad Belt since the beginning well as between government forces and opposition fighters. takeover of the town by Sunni militants. of the year. The blast came days after fighters of the al-Qaeda-breakaway In April, medical sources said at least 50 In southern Baghdad’s farm district of Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant launched a wide offensive unidentified bodies showed up at the morgue, Madain, Reuters interviewed several families in northern and central Iraq capturing much of the border many of them handcuffed and with bullet who counted 16 relatives assassinated in April between the two countries. wounds to the head, trademarks of militia style either in drive by shootings or taken by men The Islamic State, which is largely composed of foreign CAIRO: Egyptian women shout slogans against sexual harassment during a protest killings. The corpses were found on the edges with security badges, only to have their bodies jihadists, has made significant headway in eastern Syria over in Cairo, Egypt, yesterday. Egypt’s top prosecutor referred yesterday 13 men to trial of the Shiite neighborhoods of Sadr City in turn up days later at the morgue. Terrified, the the past six weeks, seizing towns and villages in heavy fight- for attempted rape and assault of women during public rallies in Cairo’s iconic Tahrir eastern Baghdad and Shaola to the West. families fled their homes. They believed at least ing against the al-Qaeda-affiliated Nusra Front and other square, the first implementation of tough new penalties against rampant sexual vio- Before the fall of Mosul this week, the activi- 50 Sunnis had been killed in assassinations Islamic rebel groups. The Observatory said the blast occurred lence, the state news agency reported. — AP ties of both Asaib and Kata’ib Hezbollah had south of Baghdad since January. when a bomb exploded accidentally in the car of a local arms been kept out of the open. Politicians and Two of the men, whose sons were killed, dealer who was in the market to sell the device, also setting group members acknowledged the militias’ met on a May afternoon with Reuters having off ammunition in the area. Egypt sends 13 to trial activities in private, but government spokes- returned to Madain to discuss how their eight men and Asaib and Kata’ib Hezbollah publicly relatives were taken by men with security Heavy clashes for sexual violence denied their involvement in fighting. badges on April 26 at 5:30 am, only to be found To the northwest, state media and the Observatory report- Now, with Sunni armed groups pushing to dead, dumped hours later on the outskirts of ed heavy clashes in the coastal province of Latakia, a govern- break through Baghdad’s western, northern, Sadr City in Baghdad. CAIRO: Egypt’s top prosecutor referred women, assaulting them, torturing them, ment stronghold that opposition fighters were able to pene- yesterday 13 men to trial for attempted robbing them, and attempting to murder southern and eastern edges, Asaib and Kata’ib “It was a black day, a dark day for us and just trate in March. State TV said Syrian troops captured the town Hezbollah are at the tip of the vanguard of imagine if you have a son and you lose your rape and assault of women during public and rape them. The charges carry a maxi- of Al-Nabein after intense fighting with rebels. In Daraa, the rallies in Cairo’s iconic Tahrir square, the mum sentence of life imprisonment. informal volunteers. No one bothers to pretend son, what will stick in your head?” one of them rebels stormed early yesterday al-Jumouaa Hill near the town any more that the fighters are not patrolling said trembling. “ We raised them for years and first implementation of tough new penal- Egypt only recently criminalized sexual of Nawa, killing, wounding and capturing a number of sol- and battling in Baghdad’s hinterlands. then we lost them just like that.” — Reuters ties against rampant sexual violence, the harassment, a much lesser charge than diers, the Observatory and Daraa-based activist Ahmad Al- state news agency reported. that which the 13 men face. In one of his Masalmah said. The rebels launched the attack on the hill last The speedy trial reflects a government last decisions before stepping down, Adly week and by early yesterday were in full control. push to address the issue. Harassment has Mansour, Egypt’s interim president and el- The Observatory said eight rebels were killed yesterday in long been a problem in Egypt, but assaults Sissi’s predecessor, decreed sexual harass- the fighting in addition to “tens” of soldiers, including some have become more frequent and grue- ment a crime punishable by up to five who were found decapitated. Jihadi fighters such as Islamic some over the past three years of turmoil. years in prison. The decree issued earlier State members of those of al-Qaeda-linked Nusra Front have It comes less than a week after the inau- this month was much-anticipated as a way beheaded soldiers in the past. Al-Masalmah denied any sol- guration of President Abdel-Fattah el-Sissi, to combat the abuse, deeply rooted in dier was beheaded, adding that those captured “are being who ordered a crackdown on sexual vio- Egypt. The decree amended the country’s treated like prisoners of war and are currently being interro- lence. Celebrations in Tahrir square of his existing laws, which did not criminalize gated.” It was a rare achievement by the rebels in recent inauguration were marred by a string of sexual harassment and only vaguely months, when government forces have been regaining brutal mob attacks on women. referred to such offenses as indecent ground in different parts of the country. Following the emergence of a video assault. Earlier yesterday, Jordan’s state-run news agency reported showing one of the assaults, el-Sissi visited Harassers face between six months to that border guards opened fire on four vehicles trying to enter one of the survivors, apologizing to her five years in prison, with harsher sentences illegally from Syria after they ignored orders to stop. It did not and promising tough actions against the reserved for offenders holding a position of say whether anyone was killed or wounded in the incident. attackers. The First Lady, in her first official power over their victims, like being a The Petra news agency said the incident took place Friday. function, also paid a visit to the survivor woman’s superior at work or being armed Officials could not immediately be reached to provide further Friday. with a weapon. details. Egypt’s state news agency MENA said Offenders would be prosecuted Jordan hosts nearly 600,000 registered Syrian refugees - the country’s top prosecutor Hesham whether they commit harassment in public although Jordanian officials say the real number is far higher. Barakat referred 13 men to trial for taking or in private, and repeat offenders would The kingdom has quietly supported Syria’s rebels since the part in at least three separate incidents of see their sentences doubled. Along with start of the uprising against President Bashar Assad in 2011, sexual assault, including one at the inaugu- the maximum five-year sentence, offenders and ordered Syria’s ambassador out last month after accusing ration celebration and one from January can be fined up to 5,000 Egyptian pounds, ARBIL: Iraqi families arrive at a checkpoint in the town of Al-Muafakiya, 80 kms west him of making “offensive” statements about Jordan. Syria’s 2013. One of the defendants is a minor, or about $714, with the maximum fine of Arbil, yesterday, after fleeing their homes due to violence. Shiite Iran offered to conflict, now in its fourth year, has killed at least 160,000 peo- aged 14. reserved for harassers who use a weapon consider working with longtime foe the United States if it takes the lead in helping ple, according to activists. Nearly three million Syrians have The men are accused of kidnapping the or pressure. — AP push back Sunni Arab militants, who have seized a swathe of northern Iraq. — AFP fled the country. — AP SUNDAY, JUNE 15, 2014 INTERNATIONAL Brazil’s oppn leader closes Obama pledges help in on Rousseff SAO PAULO: Opposition leader Aecio Neves, who for American Indians vows to shake up Brazil’s stagnant economy with fiscal austerity and pro-market policies, is chipping away at President Dilma Rousseff’s lead four months from election day, a poll published yester- Fourth president to set foot in Indian Country day showed. Neves, a senator and former governor of Brazil’s CANNON BALL: President Barack Obama made his first visit second richest state Minas Gerais, will be nomi- to an American Indian reservation since taking office on nated later yesterday by his centrist PSDB party to Friday in a show of support for improving the plight of a run for president and challenge Rousseff’s re-elec- proud people struggling with relentless cycles of poverty. tion bid. On a sunny and windy day in North Dakota, Obama and Rousseff dropped to 32.2 percent this month his wife, Michelle, visited the Standing Rock Sioux Tribal from 34 percent in a previous poll in April, while Nation in Cannon Ball to demonstrate the administration’s Neves climbed to 21.5 percent from 19.9 percent, commitment to a strong relationship between Washington and tribal nations. Native Americans, some dressed in full the polling firm Sensus said. feathered headdresses and multi-colored, beaded outfits, The poll confirmed the results of other recent greeted the couple, who met with tribal leaders and young surveys that predict Rousseff will not win enough people before attending a ceremony that honored Native votes on Oct. 5 to avoid a bruising second round. American veterans with dance and song. “We can follow the Rousseff is still favored to win a runoff by 37.8 lead of Standing Rock’s most famous resident, Chief Sitting percent against 32.7 percent for Neves, but the gap Bull. He said, ‘Let’s put our minds together to see what we can between them has narrowed to 5.1 from 6.7 per- build for our children,’” Obama said. centage points in April, according to the Sensus Sitting Bull was a Sioux tribal chief who defeated poll. General George Custer at the 1876 Battle of the Little The polls suggest the October election could be Bighorn. Native Americans who live on reservations face the toughest for the ruling Workers’ Party since it low education levels, poor healthcare, a high poverty rate came to power in 2003 led by Rousseff’s predeces- and substandard housing. sor and mentor, former union leader Luiz Inacio Obama hugged and posed for a picture with many of the Lula da Silva. tribal children who attended the ceremony at Cannon Ball’s annual flag day ceremony. Polls showing declining support for Rousseff has The trip is unusual for Obama, who has devoted most of boosted the Sao Paulo stock market, which hit a his US travel to highlight programs on the broader economy seven-month high on Wednesday, as investors bet and other domestic policy priorities. It came just after the on a move away from state intervention in the president announced at the White House that he and his CANNON BALL: President Barack Obama seen with Native American youngsters during his visit to Cannon Ball, economy under Rousseff’s government. advisers were reviewing options to help Iraq deal with an ND, Friday. — AP Neves, 54, plans to restore vitality to Brazil’s once insurgency. Obama courted the American Indian vote as a a budget increase to support tribal communities. His adminis- teachers. booming economy by adopting more business- first-time White House candidate in 2008. He became an hon- tration has also settled a series of legal disputes and breach of It also proposed ways to ease regulatory hurdles for infra- friendly policies and curbing inflation by cutting orary member of a tribe in Montana, the Crow Nation, and trust lawsuits by Indian tribes against the United States. structure and energy development and initiatives to boost back on the expansion of public spending to less took on a native name: Black Eagle, which means “one who The White House announced new initiatives on Friday small businesses owned by Native Americans. The trip is part than the GDP rate of growth. helps all people of this land.” Since entering office Obama has including reforms for the Bureau of Indian Education, efforts of an administration push to advance rights for Native But in an interview with Globo TV broadcast on hosted meetings with tribal leaders every year and proposed to bring high-speed Internet to tribal schools, and training for Americans. — Reuters Friday, Neves warned that a fiscal adjustment would not happen overnight and it could take two or three years to bring inflation down to the center of the government target of 4.5 percent, from close to the ceiling of 6.5 percent at present. “Our government will create a more serene and propitious climate for the market, which is impor- tant to recover investments and grow,” Neves said. “We will have a more austere and transparent fiscal policy than we have today,” he said. “People want to trust again in government numbers, the fiscal poli- cy and inflation targets.” Neves called Rousseff’s intervention in the electricity sector “perverse” and said her govern- ment’s attempt to lower power rates scared off investors and cost taxpayers 30 billion reais ($13.50 billion) so far. Neves said he would maintain the social pro- grams that have helped reduce poverty in Brazil under the Workers’ Party. But he plans to reduce the size of federal government and establish a meritoc- racy based on performance like he did in Minas Gerais. — Reuters Drunk passenger punched flight attendant: Feds
HONOLULU: A drunken passenger assaulted a flight attendant while flying from Japan to Honolulu, federal prosecutors said. Kenji Okamoto, who is Japanese, pleaded guilty Friday to interfering with the duties of a flight attendant by assaulting and intimidating him. According to a criminal complaint, Okamoto was fly- ing first-class from Osaka for his honeymoon last month when flight attendants noticed he was drunk before takeoff and continued drinking alcoholic beverages during the flight. Okamoto got upset when one of the flight atten- dants wouldn’t take his meal tray away, the court docu- ment said. The flight attendant told him his hands were full. Okamoto allegedly “threw a roundhouse type punch” at a flight attendant who intervened in an attempt to diffuse the situation. Okamoto struck the flight attendant in his arms, which were raised to protect his head, the complaint said. The Delta Air Lines flight crew told authorities that Okamoto later apologized while crying, remained calm for the remainder of the flight and eventually fell asleep. After crew members restrained him in his seat, “Okamoto apologized for his actions by repeatedly say- ing ‘I’m sorry’ and bowed down on his knees and placed his head on the floor,” the complaint said. During an interview with authorities, Okamoto said he’s in the construction business and was “drinking heavily because he was celebrating his honeymoon with his wife ... that he married on April 20, 2014,” the complaint said. Okamoto told authorities that before boarding the plane, he had four glasses of beer and one glass of wine and he continued drinking champagne and wine while on board. He said the incident happened “like a flash,” accord- ing to the court document, and that he doesn’t remem- ber what exactly happened but that he was upset because he felt like he was being disrespected when the first flight attendant wouldn’t take his tray away. US Magistrate Kevin Chang initially allowed Okamoto, 30, of Kyoto, to be released on $50,000 bond, but Assistant US Attorney Tracy Hino appealed, arguing that Okamoto didn’t disclose a previous conviction in Japan for assaulting a police officer. Hino’s appeal pro- vided photos of the Okamoto’s near full-body tattoos, arguing that Okamoto is a flight risk and a danger. Delta banned Okamoto from flying on the airline, according to Hino’s appeal. US District Judge J. Michael Seabright granted the appeal to keep him held without bail at the Honolulu Federal Detention Center. Because he was arrested at the airport, he never got to enjoy his honeymoon, which was to be spent at a luxury resort in east Honolulu, Hino said. He faces a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison when he’s sentenced on Sept. 22. His federal public defender, Salina Althof, declined to comment after the guilty plea hearing. — AP INTERNATIONAL SUNDAY, JUNE 15, 2014
UN says 50,000 children face death in South Sudan
JUBA: Tens of thousands of children in South this year if they do not get assistance.” groups were so far attending to 1.9 million people displacement had already “shattered the lives of Sudan could die this year without assistance from Government forces backing President Salva Kiir and had raised $740 million out of a total $1.8 bil- millions of people,” Lanzer told reporters in the capi- aid agencies, the United Nations said yesterday, as it and soldiers loyal to his sacked deputy Riek Machar lion needed by December to address the humani- tal Juba. Warring parties have been accused of appealed for more than $1 billion to help those hit violated the latest ceasefire signed in May hours tarian crisis. blocking or interfering in relief operations in South by six months of civil war. Fighting that erupted in after it took effect, with the continued bloodshed “This leaves a gap of just over $1 billion - or only Sudan, forcing aid agencies to resort to more December has driven 1.5 million people from their compounding the humanitarian crisis in the world’s $1.50 per day for each person to be assisted. With expensive airdrops of supplies. homes, and seven million were at risk of starvation youngest nation. sufficient resources, we will be able to do much “We need to the water ways to be opened, it and disease, said Toby Lanzer, UN Humanitarian Lanzer said the seasonal rains had set in and more,” he said. A UN Office for the Coordination of costs us 10 times less to deliver relief to some loca- Coordinator in South Sudan. conditions for South Sudanese were deteriorating Humanitarian Affairs response plan for South Sudan tions by (river) barge than it does to fly supplies into “Unless fighting ends and people can return to by the day. “Cholera has broken out and malaria is released on Saturday said that by December up to those locations,” Lanzer said. Earlier last week, East their homes and resume their livelihoods, the situa- rampant and many children are malnourished. 1.5 million people would have been displaced with- African states threatened to slap South Sudan’s war- tion will continue to worsen,” he said at the launch Millions of people need emergency healthcare, in South Sudan and more than 835,000 would have ring sides with sanctions unless they cease all mili- of a plan to support 3.8 million people. “The conse- food, clean water, proper sanitation and shelter to sought refuge in neighbouring countries. tary operations in the conflict which has sparked quences could be dire: 50,000 children could die make it through the year,” he said. Lanzer said aid Even if a new ceasefire took effect, fighting and fears that it could spiral into genocide. — Reuters Tanzania police hunt bombers after blast
ZANZIBAR: Tanzanian police yesterday hunted for was killed by gunmen earlier this month. suspects amid tightened security a day after an explo- Zanzibar has been the scene of sectarian and sion at a mosque in the busy capital of Zanzibar killed political tensions in recent years, although the island a Muslim preacher and wounded several people. has been generally quiet for several months. In The blast from a homemade bomb was the latest February two improvised bombs exploded at Stone in a series of explosions on the Indian Ocean island, Town’s Anglican cathedral and a seafront bar popular whose economy depends on tourism. “We ask mem- with tourists, without causing any casualties. bers of the community for assistance in providing Last year suspected Islamist attackers hurled acid information that will lead us to arrest,” the police said into the faces of two British teenage girls as they in a statement yesterday. strolled through Stone Town, as Zanzibar’s Muslim The blast area in Zanzibar’s Stone Town was cor- majority were preparing to celebrate the end of the doned off yesterday as police scoured the area for Islamic holy month of Ramadan. clues. Police named the victim as Sheikh Mohammed Some have blamed the hardline Islamic group Abdalla Mkombalaguha, who had recently arrived Uamsho, Swahili for “The Awakening”, a minority from the Tanga region on the Tanzanian mainland. group that is believed to be growing in influence, Senior police chief Yussuf Ilembo said several sus- especially among disaffected and jobless youth. pects had been questioned but none arrested. “We While the group denies involvement in any of the need help to find the thugs,” he said. The attack coin- attacks, they have widely succeeded in funnelling cul- cided with the opening of the Zanzibar International tural and political tensions into support for radical Film Festival, which has drawn a number of interna- Islam. The unrest had sparked fears of a tourist exodus tional visitors, and bars and restaurants have also from Zanzibar, which is famed for its pristine white- been packed with people watching World Cup sand beaches and is heavily reliant on tourism. matches. Britain’s Foreign Office updated its advisory to citi- No one has claimed responsibility for the attack. zens on Saturday, noting the attack and warning of Zanzibari police spokesman Mkdam Khamis said the “an underlying threat from terrorism.” There have also motive for the attack was unclear. However, they were been wider tensions surrounding this year’s 50th investigating reports that the killed preacher had anniversary of Zanzibar’s union with mainland links with a Muslim cleric in neighbouring Kenya’s Tanzania, with some opposition political parties want- port city of Mombasa, Sheikh Mohamed Idris, who ing to break ties and return to independence. — AFP
LAHTI: Alexander Stubb, (left) new chairman of the National Coalition party, is hugged by his predecessor Jyrki Katainen after his elec- tion in the party’s congress in Lahti, Finland, yesterday. Stubb will also become the new Prime Minister of Finland as Katainen chose to step down as chairman of the party and as Prime Minister. — AP Stubb to be Finland’s next PM, backs NATO membership Favours lower taxes, smaller state
LAHTI: Finland’s EU minister Alexander ings.Analyst Niemi said expectations were strongly from the global financial crisis than Stubb, who wants to cut taxes and take his high for both new party leaders, Stubb and Finland. neutral country into NATO, won the leader- the SDP’s Antti Rinne, a former union boss. The father of two comes from Finland’s ship of his ruling conservative party yester- “The SDP is in a very difficult situation, Swedish-speaking minority and, in addition day, putting him on track to become prime they have very little room to make more con- to Finnish, Swedish and English, also speaks minister later this month. cessions. They might go hard in the negotia- French and German. His wife Suzanne is British and US-educated Stubb, 46, a poly- tions, and if the National Coalition won’t take British. Stubb is an active user of social media CALABRIA: A handout picture released by the Italian coast guard yesterday shows migrants on a boat off glot sportsman, will take over Finland’s five- it, they could go into opposition.” and counts tweeting as well as triathlons and the coast of the Calabria region in southern Italy, before being rescured by the Italian coast guard. The party governing coalition after Prime Minister Stubb, who holds a doctorate in interna- golf among his hobbies. Italian coast guard rescued around 281 asylum-seekers, including 93 children and six women in the Jyrki Katainen steps down, possibly as early as tional relations from the London School of “He is a politician of the selfie era, a per- Mediterranean as an influx of asylum-seekers try to reach Europe. — AFP next Thursday. Finland holds a general elec- Economics, has said he wants to reduce taxes sonality. Young people can view him as radi- tion in April 2015. and state ownership in companies. cal, outspoken, untraditional, trendy, cool and “This was a bold and surprising choice. The He has said he admires economic reforms dynamic,” said researcher Niemi. Prime Ten migrants drown after party has historically won elections with a made over the last decade by Sweden and Minister Katainen, 42, is stepping down to centre-leaning leader, but now they have Germany, which have rebounded more seek a high-level EU job. — Reuters clearly picked the most right-leaning candi- boat sinks off Libya coast date,” said Mari K Niemi, a researcher at Turku ROME: Ten migrants drowned after the boat they North African shores is straining the ability of the University. were travelling in sank off the Libyan coast, Italy’s Italian naval mission - called Mare Nostrum or “Our In the vote, Stubb beat two rivals, Jan Nigeria’s opposition slams navy said yesterday, reporting the latest deaths Sea” - to patrol the waters between Africa and Italy on Vapaavuori and Paula Risikko, both Stubb’s among thousands of migrants trying to reach Europe its own. colleagues in the current government. ruling party on insecurity from Africa and Syria. Italian Prime Minister Matteo Renzi has called on The change at the top of Finland’s govern- ment is not expected to lead to any immedi- At least 50,000 people have crossed from North the United Nations to intervene in Libya, from where ABUJA: Nigeria’s main opposition party held by the extremists since the April 14 Africa to Italy so far this year, exceeding the 40,000 he says more than 90 percent of the migrants depart ate policy changes, but Stubb reaffirmed his has taken up the issue of insecurity, abduction from their school dormitory who arrived in the whole of 2013, according to the and where criminal gangs charge migrants more than support for joining NATO in the longer term. Italian coastguard authorities. $1,000 each for a passage on unsafe vessels. “We have to aim at maximising Finland’s slamming President Goodluck in the remote northeastern town of That leaves the annual total set to surpass the Mare Nostrum began in October after 366 national security and being part of decision- Jonathan’s party for failing to stem the Chibok. 60,000 who made the trip in 2011 when the Arab migrants fleeing African countries drowned when making, and that happens best as a NATO rising violence, ahead of what it calls Spring revolutions loosened border controls. The their boat capsized a mile from Sicily. After the member,” Stubb told Reuters after delegates “watershed” elections next year. Divisions navy said that, together with the Italian coastguard, tragedy, the EU pledged 30 million euros ($40.85 mil- at a congress of his National Coalition party Africa’s most populous country and Jonathan’s Peoples Democratic Party on Friday it had saved 39 migrants from the boat lion )in emergency funding, mainly to finance immi- elected him as their leader. biggest economy will go to the polls in (PDP) has controlled the federal govern- which capsized around 40 nautical miles north of gration facilities on land. Italy has repeatedly asked “It is absolutely clear that we have to have February 2015 to elect a new president ment since Nigeria returned to civilian Libya but that it had also picked up 10 dead bodies. for more European Union countries to join Mare a comprehensive debate about that,” said and parliament, overshadowed by a rule in 1999 but is facing unprecedented It gave no information on the nationality of the Nostrum, which is Europe’s biggest ever search-and- Stubb, who has stepped up his support for five-year insurgency by Boko Haram divisions in the run-up to the vote. victims or the other migrants, who have been trans- rescue mission, but so far only Slovenia has chipped NATO membership since the Ukraine crisis Islamists who have killed thousands and Former military ruler and APC presi- ferred onto the Italian supply ship Etna. in, offering one ship for two months late last year. The erupted. whose abduction of more than 200 dential hopeful Muhammadu Buhari Stubb declined to say whether he The ship, carrying a total of around 700 migrants flood of migrants has helped revive Italy’s anti-immi- schoolgirls two months ago sparked described the 2015 polls as a “water- picked up in the last few days, is heading for the grant Northern League party, which had lost much of favoured a referendum on joining NATO. Opinion polls show only one fifth of Finland’s global outrage. shed” and urged Nigerians to vote out Sicilian capital of Palermo where it is due to arrive its support over the last two years due to corruption The All Progressives Congress (APC) the PDP he accused of destroying the today, the navy said. The surge of migrants leaving scandals and leadership changes. — Reuters 5.5 million people agree with him on the issue. Finland shares a 1,300 km border with held its convention in Abuja on Friday country. Russia, which opposes NATO expansion. and elected new national officers in the “We have remained resolved to make The current government’s programme run-up to the crucial vote. Former gov- sure that this country that we have states that Finland will not seek NATO mem- ernor of southern Edo state John helped to build, nobody should com- bership during its term but Stubb, who Oyegun emerged as the new chairman, pletely destroy it. Enough destruction argues that politicians have a responsibility to while the party slated November for the has been done,” said Buhari, a former shape public opinion, says he wants that selection of its presidential candidate. military ruler. stance to change during the next parliament. “Our country is at its lowest moment “Stand firm. Vote for APC. Let’s get since the end of the unfortunate civil this country moving again.” Former vice Reviving Economy war in 1970,” former APC interim chair- president Atiku Abubakar who contest- Stubb, currently minister for foreign trade man Bisi Akande told thousands of par- ed the 2011 election but was defeated as well as for European Union affairs, takes ty supporters at the convention, recall- by Jonathan, said the ruling party had over a country whose economy has contract- ing the 30-month war that broke out nothing to offer the country. ed for two years in a row and may shrink when the southeast Igbo people “Today, Nigerians you have got the again this year. attempted a secede from Nigeria and opportunity to change a government He could face his first big test in govern- form a Republic of Biafra. that is corrupt, that is inept, that is weak, ment negotiations as early as next week The inability of government to end that has no clue. This government has because the Social Democrats (SDP), a coali- the Boko Haram violence has made no business being in office after 2015,” tion partner which has also just elected a new leader, have demanded new stimulus meas- Nigeria, which used to be a regional mil- he said. ures to boost economic growth and cut itary power, “a subject of some form of Jonathan has so far refused to unemployment. global assistance after it was apparently declare his plans but is widely expected “National Coalition took a step to the right, overwhelmed by security challenges,” he to seek re-election, even as he is up and Stubb is clearly not a stimulus man. This said. International surveillance and intel- against mounting pressure within his might cause friction in the government nego- ligence specialists from the United own party to stand aside. He has been tiations,” SDP deputy chairwoman Sanna States, Britain, France and Israel have accused of breaking an unwritten rule in Marin said in a statement. been trying to help find the kidnapped the PDP which calls for the presidency The coalition government previously girls. to rotate between Christians from the agreed to cut spending and step up econom- While some of the teenagers have south, like Jonathan, and Muslims from VATICAN: Pope Francis waves to faithfuls as he arrives to lead an audience to catholic volunteers of ic reforms to curb debt and to protect the escaped from their captors, 219 are still the north. — AFP Misericordie d’Italia in St Peter’s Square at the Vatican yesterday. — AFP euro zone member state’s triple-A credit rat- SUNDAY, JUNE 15, 2014 INTERNATIONAL
India must be ‘self sufficient’ in defence technology: PM
NEW DELHI: India’s Prime Minister Narendra Modi economy and boost manufacturing and local produc- Vikramaditya carrier to India late last year after a refit was also quoted by the Press Trust of India news said yesterday the country must be “self sufficient” in tion. that overran by five years and went vastly over budg- agency saying. “We want to see eye to eye with the its defence capabilities at a ceremony inducting a “Why should we import defence equipment? We et, damaging ties between the countries. world. We don’t wish to threaten others, neither do Russian-built aircraft carrier into the navy. must be self sufficient,” Modi’s office tweeted him as Russia is India’s largest arms supplier. India last we wish to bow down before others.” Modi said India should place “immense impor- saying while on board the carrier off the coast of Goa. August unveiled a domestically produced carrier, and The new carrier is 284 metres long and is designed tance” on developing the latest technology as the “Why can’t we send our defence equipment to other the INS Vikramaditya is its second, intended to shore to carry 30 aircraft. The induction comes after a fully- navy looks to recover from a string of deadly acci- nation?” he said. “We need to give immense impor- up the country’s defence capabilities as it seeks to armed submarine exploded in flames and sank last dents and other mishaps. tance to latest technology. This will help the nation,” counter a military build-up by an increasingly year in a military shipyard in Mumbai, killing 18 The premier, considered a hardline nationalist, he added. assertive China. sailors. Six months later, a submarine accident off the swept to power last month on a pledge to reform the Russia handed over the 44,500-tonne INS “Security of the country is our top priority,” Modi Mumbai coast left two sailors dead. — AFP Wary of Chinese Nine killed in riots advances, Indian PM woos neighbors in Bangladesh capital NEW DELHI: Narendra Modi will step up a Maldives, Nepal and Bangladesh, where charm offensive with India’s neighbors in Indian mediation efforts failed. There was the hope of stopping them falling into friction with Bhutan when India cut fuel Exact trigger for the incident unclear China’s embrace when he travels this week subsidies ahead of elections last year, to Bhutan on his first foreign trip since although they were restored after Tobgay’s DHAKA: Clashes in a refugee camp north of becoming prime minister. A month after his victory. The move was seen as a rebuke over Dhaka killed at least nine people during festival election, the Hindu nationalist premier will Bhutan’s moves to engage more with China celebrations yesterday. pay a two-day visit to the tiny Buddhist but commentators say India is more likely to The shanty town in Mirpur suburb is home to kingdom from today when he will meet his keep its neighbors on side by reaching out a community of Bihari Muslims and authorities counterpart Tshering Tobgay and King to them rather than punishing them. said tensions there had been rising. Emergency Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck. “We’re services put the death toll at nine, including honored to have him choose Bhutan as the Chinese power eight in the camp and another who was brought first country he’s visiting,” Tobgay said in Former diplomat G Parthasarathy said to a hospital in central Dhaka. comments published by the local Kuensel “far greater imagination” was needed given The exact trigger for the incident was unclear. daily. “It speaks volumes about the impor- China’s economic clout. “The fact of the “We can confirm the death toll of eight people tance he attaches to the region.” matter is that China’s power has grown sub- (in the camp). All of them are Biharis,” fire service Tobgay was one of seven regional lead- stantially and its economy is larger,” he said. director Mahabubur Rahman told AFP. Half a ers invited to Modi’s inauguration and ana- “As the Indian economy has slowed, our million Indian origin Muslims have lived in lysts say the decision to make Bhutan his ability to engage in the neighborhood has refugee camps in the country since the 1971 war first port of call is designed to underline the been affected.” As Chinese investment has of independence against Pakistan. importance he attaches to neighborly rela- grown, countries such as Sri Lanka and the Although not all came from the Indian state tions, which suffered under the last govern- Maldives have fallen further away from of Bihar, they are referred to as “Biharis” in ment. “Bhutan may be a small country but it India’s sphere of influence. Even Bangladesh. Anti-Bihari feelings run deep is strategically very important and ... China Bangladesh, which partly owes its existence among Bangladesh’s majority Bengalis as the is on the other side,” said Ranjit Gupta, a to India’s intervention in its independence migrants supported Pakistan during the war. retired ambassador whose postings includ- war, is seeking China’s help to build a new Most of the victims at the camp burned to ed Nepal and India’s UN mission. “If you port. Despite his nationalist credentials, death after their homes were torched during the aren’t interested in your neighbors, they’ll Modi has stressed a desire in his early days clashes, Rahman said. An AFP photographer lose interest in you.” in office to forge good ties with Beijing and inside the camp said he counted nine bodies With the exception of Pakistan, India has invited President Xi Jinping to visit. there, all of them with burn injuries. enjoyed generally close ties with its South There had been expectations Modi Several people were injured after police fired DHAKA: Bangladeshi police detain a refugee following clashes at a refugee camp in Dhaka yes- Asian neighbors in the first six decades after would pick Tokyo for his first trip but such a shotgun pellets at the rioters, Rahman added. terday. Clashes in a refugee camp north of Dhaka killed at least nine people during festival cel- independence. But critics say the previous choice could have upset China. “Mr Modi- “The situation is now largely under control. But ebrations. — AFP centre-left Congress party government who is keen on strengthening economic we could not recover the bodies from the camp,” started to take things for granted, allowing links with China-is clearly alert to reactions he said. Islamic festival of Shab-e-Barat. side and then set them on fire. “We were able to China-which shares a border with four of in Beijing were Tokyo to be his first port of One Bihari resident was brought to Dhaka “Tension has been building in the area for escape as our sidewall was built of bamboo, but India’s neighbors-to step into the breach. call,” said an editorial in The Hindustan Medical College Hospital where he was declared some time. Early this morning clashes erupted those who lived in concrete houses could not Relations with Sri Lanka, complicated by Times. “Equally, by heading to Thimphu, Mr dead from shotgun injuries, police inspector between Bengalis and Biharis and also Biharis get out and died,” he said. Shahjahan said the India’s large ethnic Tamil population, Modi conveys to China that just as he is Mozammel Hoque told AFP. versus Biharis,” he said. Residents claimed that clashes were sparked as the Biharis marked the became so bad that Modi’s predecessor alert to dynamics in its neighborhood, homes in the camp were torched by local festival by exploding crackers-Bengali Muslims Manmohan Singh boycotted November’s Beijing too must be sensitive about Delhi’s Tensions building Bengali Muslims. also celebrate the occasion, but in recent years Commonwealth summit in Colombo to sphere of influence.” It is three years since “Five other people were also brought to the “Some 500 Bengalis armed with machetes, have rarely used firecrackers. protest at the government’s rights record. the eight-nation South Asian Association for hospital with shotgun and burn injuries,” he said. cleavers and hockey sticks attacked our camp in Mohammad Jalaluddin Bantu, a camp chief, More evidence of waning influence Regional Cooperation (SAARC) has held a Assistant commissioner of Mirpur police Kamal the early hours,” resident Mohammad Shahjahan blamed local Bengalis for torching the slum-like came during recent election disputes in the summit. — AFP Hossain told AFP yesterday’s clashes were trig- told AFP. camps where thousands of Biharis have lived for gered by firecracker explosions marking the “They locked up four of our houses from out- generations without basic amenities. — AFP Pakistan Christian lawmaker shot dead
QUETTA: A Christian lawmaker from Pakistan’s troubled southwestern Baluchistan province was gunned down by his own bodyguard yester- day as he tried to prevent him from shooting his nephew, police said. Handery Masih, a provincial mem- ber of parliament for the governing National Party was leaving his home in a suburb of Quetta when a policeman who had been his bodyguard for 13 years shot him, Akbar Hussain Durrani, a senior government official told AFP. Abddul Razzaq Cheema, the city’s police chief, said: “The bodyguard had some personal dispute with Handery Masih’s nephew and both had a brawl outside the residence of the lawmaker. “The bodyguard opened fire on the nephew as Masih came out of his home to stop him. He was hit in the neck and died on the way to hospital.” QUETTA: Pakistani Christians mourn the death of Handery Masih, Christian Cheema added that the bodyguard provincial legislator of the governing National Party after he was gunned was “loyal” and bore Masih no personal down by his own bodyguard, outside a hospital in Quetta yesterday. — AFP enmity. Another police official in Quetta assassinated within months of each tants, banditry and sectarian violence confirmed the killing and added: other in 2011 for speaking out against between Sunnis and Shiites. “Masih’s nephew was also wounded in the country’s controversial blasphemy Christians make up some 300,000 the attack.” It was the latest killing of a laws. of the province’s more than 6.6 million serving lawmaker in Pakistan. Baluchistan, Pakistan’s largest but people but have rarely been targeted Punjab province governor Salman least developed and most sparsely by attacks in the past, unlike in other Taseer and minorities minister populated province, is racked by a regions of the country where attacks Shahbaz Bhatti-also a Christian-were separatist insurgency, Islamist mili- have risen over recent years. — AFP Pakistan to appeal ruling to allow Musharraf to travel
ISLAMABAD: Pakistan’s government yesterday appealed to the country’s Supreme Court to overturn a decision allowing Pervez Musharraf to leave the country, his lawyer said, pro- longing the ex-military ruler’s legal woes. The move came after a court in Karachi ordered the lifting of a travel ban imposed on the 70-year-old last year following his return to Pakistan in a failed attempt to stand for election. Musharraf has said he wants the travel ban removed so he can visit his sick mother in Dubai, but many in Pakistan see it as a ruse to flee the country and avoid a litany of criminal cas- es dating back to his 1999-2008 rule. “The federal government has filed an appeal in the Supreme Court,” Ahmad Raza Kasuri, a member of Musharraf’s legal team, told AFP. Pervez Musharraf Musharraf has been battling several court cases since his between civilian authorities and the powerful army that return-including treason charges for imposing emergency would ease tensions at a time when the country is fighting a rule in 2007 — stoking tensions between civilian authorities resurgent Taliban. and the powerful military. The former commando has been staying with his daugh- Akram Sheikh, a senior lawyer who is the chief prosecutor ter in Karachi since April, where he travelled for tests at a in the treason case, confirmed an appeal had come from the navy-run hospital. He has been undergoing medical treat- attorney general’s office. “I hope it will be fixed for (hearing ment since January after suffering from heart problems on on) Monday,” he added. his way to court for a hearing. After his indictment for treason Thursday’s decision to overturn the travel ban had briefly in March, Musharraf asked to be allowed to visit his mother, raised hopes by Musharraf’s supporters of a face-saving deal who is in her 90s, but was denied permission. — AFP INTERNATIONAL SUNDAY, JUNE 15, 2014
China not to send military to oil rig spat with Vietnam
BEIJING: A Chinese official said on Friday that China will we have never, are not and will never send military Vietnamese coast. Vietnam has said the rig is in its 200- China’s actions were “creating serious frictions” in rela- never send military forces to the scene of an increasingly forces. Because we are carrying out normal, civilian, nautical mile exclusive economic zone and on its conti- tions with Washington. ugly spat with Vietnam over an oil rig in the South China commercial activities,” he told a news conference. nental shelf, while China says it is operating within its Vietnamese Prime Minister Nguyen Tan Dung told Sea and accused Hanoi of trying to force an international “What I can tell you is that this is on a maritime route waters. The United States has not taken sides in the terri- Reuters last month his government was considering var- lawsuit. A senior US official in Washington dismissed the and at some periods there have been certain Chinese torial disputes but has been strongly critical of China’s ious “defence options” against China, including legal Chinese statement as “patently ridiculous” and said military ships coming back from the south but these behaviour in pressing its claims and called for negotiati- action, a move the United States has said it would sup- Beijing had been using air force and navy as well as have been far away” from where the standoff round the ated solutions. port. Yi Xianliang denied China was blocking any pro- coastguard assets “to intimidate others.” rig has been taking place, Yi added. The US official called Yi Xianliang’s statement “a weak posals by Hanoi for high-level dialogue or for a special Scores of Vietnamese and Chinese ships, including China claims about 90 percent of the South China attempt to obscure what China is really doing.” “China envoy to travel to Beijing. coastguard vessels, have squared off around the rig Sea, but parts of the potentially energy-rich waters are has maintained a robust and consistent military pres- “I know that certain people in Vietnam, perhaps despite a series of collisions after the Chinese platform also subject to claims by the Philippines, Vietnam, ence near the oil rig since its placement on May 2, because they are trying to find another way to resolve was towed into disputed waters in early May. Malaysia, Brunei and Taiwan. including flying helicopters and planes over and around the problem, are creating certain conditions. The so- Vietnam has accused China of sending six warships, the rig. There are currently multiple military vessels in called other route is the so-called lawsuit way,” he said. but Yi Xianliang, deputy director-general of the Ministry Territorial disputes the vicinity of the rig,” he said. “...If this spreading of rumours or distorting of facts is of Foreign Affairs’ Department of Boundary and Ocean Beijing stations military forces on some of the numer- The official said that on any given day, there were to achieve the aim of lodging a lawsuit, then I have to Affairs, said that Beijing had never sent military forces. ous islands it occupies in the Spratly and Paracel Island also Chinese navy warships in waters disputed with the say that this is a miscalculation.” The rig’s deployment “I can tell you very clearly that from May 2 to today, groups in the South China Sea. The Haiyang Shiyou 981 Philippines. Reiterating US criticism of how China has triggered anti-Chinese riots in Vietnam last month that including to when the (drilling) operations are complete, rig is drilling between the Paracel Islands and the handled maritime disputes with its neighbours, he said killed at least four workers. — Reuters
Thousands of Cambodian workers in exodus home from Thailand
PHNOM PENH: Tens of thousands of plans to systematize migrant labor. Cambodians have fled neighboring Thailand to The Cambodian government has sent scores return home, fearing a crackdown on migrant of trucks to Poipet to take the workers home. workers under Thailand’s new military govern- Cambodians, working both legally and illegally, ment, a senior Cambodian official said yester- fill low-paying and undesirable jobs shunned by day. Activists said the workers had been forced most Thais, as do migrants from Thailand’s other out of the country, but Thailand denied the poor neighbors, especially Myanmar. accusation. Cambodian Labor Minister Ith Samheng told More than 84,000 workers have returned reporters that about 200,000 Cambodian this month through the border crossing at the migrants had been working in Thailand, just western Cambodian town of Poipet, said Kor 80,000 of them legally. Other estimates of the Samsarouet, the governor of Banteay number of workers are higher. Meanchey province, where Poipet is located. About 40,000 crossed over on Friday alone, and Importance of migrant workers 10,000 returned to Cambodia on Saturday As the number of Cambodians seeking to morning, he said. The U.N.-affiliated leave ballooned this past week, Thai immigra- International Organization for Migration gave tion authorities joined hands with the military similar figures. Earlier in the week, it said more to help transport them to the border, said Thai than half of the migrants were women and chil- Foreign Ministry spokesman Sek Wannamethee, dren. “Aside from transport, there is also a grow- stressing that the process was meant to provide ing need for food, water, health care and shel- convenience to the Cambodian workers, not to ter,” the IOM said in a statement. forcibly expel them. The trigger for the exodus seems to have “The Thai authorities realize the importance been comments by Thailand’s military govern- of migrant workers from neighboring countries ment, which took power in a coup last month, toward driving Thailand’s economy forward,” he that it would crack down on illegal immigrants said. “As a result, we would like to revamp and and those employing them. Several were integrate the management system, as well as to reportedly fired from jobs and sent home, and get rid of exploitation from smugglers, in a bid the belief spread that both legal and illegal to prevent abuses of the workers and human workers were being ejected. trafficking problems.” The numbers of those fleeing swelled as The Cambodian Human Rights Action unsubstantiated rumors circulated that Thai Committee, a coalition of 21 nongovernment authorities had shot dead or beaten several organizations, saw the matter differently, post- Cambodian workers. Thai authorities have ing an open letter Thursday deploring what it denied the rumors and sought to quell con- described as the Thai junta’s decision to deport KHAOSAN: A tourist, left, walks past as others sit at a restaurant in Bangkok’s Khaosan road, Thailand yesterday. The generals who seized power in cerns about a crackdown, adding that they have Cambodian migrants en masse.—AP Thailand have lifted a nationwide curfew, giving a green light for the capital’s red-light districts, nightclubs and pubs to roar back to life. Late night rev- elry was planned in Bangkok to celebrate the return of Saturday night freedom for the first time in a month. — AP Thailand lifts curfew throughout country Political protests remain banned
BANGKOK: Thailand’s military government announced that it has fully lifted a nationwide curfew it imposed after seizing power last month, saying there is no threat of violence and that tourism needs to be revived. Political protests and criticism of the coup, however, remain banned by the junta, which said a return to elected civilian rule cannot be expected for at least 15 months. The HONG KONG: Policemen remove protesters from the grounds of the Legislative Council in curfew had earlier been reduced to four hours from seven Hong Kong yesterday. Riot police were deployed to prevent protestors gaining access to hours, and had been lifted in several resort areas popular with the city’s Legislative Council, an attempt by the demonstrators to force the Hong Kong tourists after complaints from the tourism industry over the government to withdraw a development plan for the city’s North Eastern New Territories financial damage it was causing. which is set to turn farmlands into housing estates. — AFP “The overall situation in other areas of the country has Police arrest 21 in Hong been resolved and there is no tendency toward possible vio- lence. Therefore, in order to relieve and mitigate the impact on people’s daily lives, and to boost tourism by Thais and for- Kong new town protest eigners, the curfew order is being canceled in the rest of the country,” the junta said in a statement issued Friday night over HONG KONG: Police used pepper spray to Around 200 protesters then chained them- all domestic TV stations. scatter protesters at Hong Kong’s government selves together for a sit-in outside the building “It’s brilliant because like last night we wanted to see the headquarters in an angry rally against plans for and anti-riot police were sent in to disperse World Cup match but we couldn’t because it was on at 2 a.m.,” a new town development, with 21 arrested, them and make the arrests. A police said Sinead Dowd, 27, a tourist from County Kerry, Ireland. “So BEIJING: In this April 29, 2014 file photo, Chen Guang, former Chinese soldier officials said yesterday. spokesman said a “minimal level of force” was yes, it’s great.” In an address before the curfew announcement, turned artist, poses for a photo after a performance to commemorate the upcom- Around 900 people gathered at the city’s used to handle the protest. army commander Gen. Prayuth Chan-ocha briskly listed the ing 25th anniversary of a military crackdown at a studio in Beijing, China. Chen was harbourfront government complex with some He added police had acted to remove the junta’s achievements - including the seizure of weapons released yesterday, more than a month after he was detained ahead of the 25th trying to force their way into the building to protesters upon a request from the Legislative linked to political unrest, and scores of reconciliation meet- anniversary of the military crackdown on China’s pro-democracy protests, his oppose the project, which they say will dis- Council-the city’s top lawmaking body. Jasper ings among rival political camps - and its plans, especially on friend said. — AP place villagers and turn farmland into housing Tsang, speaker of the Legislative Council, con- the economic front. estates-favouring property developers. demned the protest. “We feel very regretful “There are still many problems left,” he acknowledged. Television footage showed protesters pushing that some people disrupted the committee “Please give us time to deal with these problems.” Prayuth told China frees artist held over barricades and surging towards an meeting of the Legislative Council through civil servants earlier Friday that a temporary constitution entrance to the Legislative Council as lawmak- such means,” he told reporters on Saturday. would be drafted and an interim government installed in ers met to discuss funding for the develop- Hong Kong suffers from a serious shortage of about three months, in his most specific timeline yet on a pos- for Tiananmen ’versary ment. housing and government leader Leung Chun- sible transfer of power after the coup. Police cordons inside and outside the ying made increasing supply a policy priority He has said it could take more than a year after that for BEIJING: Soldier-turned-artist Chen Chen witnessed the crackdown as a building pushed back the rally late Friday as when he took office in 2012. He hopes to cool elections to be held because peace and reforms must be Guang was released yesterday, more military soldier in 1989 and later protesters tried to prise the doors open with record-high housing prices, which have rocket- achieved first in the deeply divided country. than a month after he was detained became a dissident artist. His detention bamboo sticks, shouting “Withdraw the plan”. ed due to an influx of investment from main- ahead of the 25th anniversary of the mil- is believed to be connected to a private They managed to smash a hole in a glass land China. But concerns have been raised Redraft ing constitution itary crackdown on China’s pro-democ- art performance, where he whitewashed panel, which police inside then used to pep- that the new housing projects threaten the “A government will likely be set up in August or early racy protests, his friend said. over walls of painted year numbers from per-spray protesters, while lawmakers were city’s nature reserves and will encroach on its September,” Prayuth said. “When ... we have a government, we Chen was among a dozen or so peo- 1989 on. forced to suspend the meeting. country parks. — AFP will move forward. Then the reform council can begin.” Among ple detained by the government bent “(This performance is about) what on preventing any commemoration of has happened to us, to me, to society,” the areas where the curfew had remained in effect was the the bloody suppression that took place he said in an interview with The capital, Bangkok, because of its political volatility. Until the at Tiananmen Square on June 3-4, 1989. Associated Press a week before Chinese May 22 coup, it had been the scene of a half a year of anti- Beijing does not allow public discus- public security officers detained him government protests and political turmoil that left at least 28 sions of the event and even discourages and seized several of his paintings. “It is people dead and the government paralyzed. private conversations about it. The gov- meant to be a reflection of why we have The government had been elected by a majority of voters ernment also has tried to deter foreign not made a correct and fair assessment three years ago. Prayuth has justified the coup as necessary to media from covering the anniversary of what happened 25 years ago.” restore order. But since taking power, the army appears to be with threats of unspecified conse- Chen’s friend Melanie Wang said he carrying on the fight of the anti-government protesters by quences. had been freed, although he could not mapping out a similar agenda to redraft the constitution and Moves to control activists were par- be immediately reached Saturday, and institute political reforms before elections, just as they had ticularly harsh this year, as more people calls to the Tongzhou Detention Center demanded. It has also gone after politicians from the previous than in previous years were detained, where he was held were unanswered. pro-government “Red Shirt” movement that had vowed to put under house arrest or forced to But his friends shared a photo of take action if there was a coup. leave their cities of residence weeks Chen - smiling and in a V-necked T-shirt - On Thursday, a military court extended the detention of before the anniversary. walking out of the detention center on prominent activist Sombat Boonngam-anong for 12 more Most have been released since June social media. days. He has been held without charges since his arrest June 4, although the prominent rights lawyer Another artist, Guo Jian, also was tak- 5, but has been informed that under martial law he faces up to Pu Zhiqiang got formally arrested Friday en into police custody before the 14 years in prison on possible charges of inciting unrest, vio- on suspicion of “creating a disturbance” anniversary and after a profile of him lating cyber laws and defying the junta’s orders. and “illegally obtaining personal infor- appeared in the Financial Times newspa- SOLO: Indonesian presidential candidate Joko Widodo, popularly known as ‘Jokowi,’ cen- Sombat had spearheaded an online campaign calling for mation.” Pu was taken away after he per. Guo is expected to be repatriated to ter, gestures to his supporters during a campaign rally in Solo, Central Java, Indonesia, people to raise a three-finger salute borrowed from “The attended a private commemoration. Australia, where he is a citizen. — AP yesterday. Indonesia will hold its presidential poll on July 9. — AP Hunger Games” to show opposition to the coup. — AP
SUNDAY, JUNE 15, 2014 ANALYSIS
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Washington Watch Who lost Iraq?
By Dr James J Zogby
ventually the question will be asked - “Who lost Iraq?” In a way it might be seen as an improper question to Eask since it presumes that Iraq was ours to lose. The fact that it was not, however, doesn’t absolve us of responsibility. We have badly bungled Iraq from the beginning. Our inva- sion was irresponsible, our occupation and administration of the country were disastrous, and our departure, though nec- essary, left too many critical issues unresolved. What should also be clear is that no one is blameless. The Iraq war was conceived in sin. It was based on the lies of the Bush Administration, the most notorious of which were not about “weapons of mass destruction.” More dan- gerous were the fabricated projections they presented about how: the war would last only a few weeks and our presence would end in six months; it would only cost one to two billion dollars; our soldiers would be greeted as “libera- ISIL Iraq onslaught aids Syria regime, rebels tors” with flowers at their feet; and Iraq’s new democracy would be “a beacon for the new Middle East.” Early on, in October of 2003, when we our first poll of By Sammy Ketz Western Policy Change? Boosting ISIL Prestige Iraqi opinion was released showing that Iraqis were dissatis- But for Bassam Abu Abdullah of the Damascus Centre for “The seizure of Mosul is going to increase ISIL’s prestige fied with our behavior and wanted us to leave, the Bush oth Syrian President Bashar Al-Assad and jihadist Strategic Studies, which is close to the regime, ISIL’s advances around the world, but especially in Syria,” said Romain Caillet, an Administration again lied. They tried to spin the poll into groups battling to oust him stand to benefit from a could alter Western policy. He said the change may come expert in radical Islamism in the region. ISIL’s successes in good news about how we were winning and the war was Blightning offensive by militants across the border in “because there is an imminent threat to the security and stabili- Fallujah, Ramadi and Mosul could persuade people that “it going well. By 2005-6, it was clear we were in a worse mess Iraq, analysts believe. Fighters from the powerful jihadist ty of the whole region”. Events in Iraq have bolstered the Syrian could also take cities in Syria, which the revolution, for all its than we had ever imagined. The crimes of Abu Ghraib had Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant (ISIL) group began an government’s claims that the threat posed by “terrorists” in the outside support, is unable to do,” he added. The jihadist group shocked the world, laying waste to American honor, sectari- offensive in Iraq last Monday, taking a swathe of mostly region requires a regional and international response, he said. and its tribal allies brought Iraq’s armed forces close to collapse an strife had devastated Iraqi society creating waves of Sunni Arab territory in the north. The attack led by ISIL, “Particularly when you consider that there are Europeans and with their offensive, with many troops shedding their uniforms refugees and internally displaced persons, and both Arab which operates in both countries, has brought the Iraqi army Americans among the jihadists’ ranks,” he said. and abandoning positions and equipment. and American public opinion had decided that “enough was to the brink of collapse. Analysts say their advance could The Damascus government labels all rebels as “terrorists” “It may not necessarily be a game changer altogether for enough.” Back then, the American debate was waged deliver not just a military boost to jihadists in Syria, but also and has repeatedly accused the West, Turkey and Gulf Arab Syria, but ISIS will come out of all of this significantly strength- between two poles: one which called for US forces to dou- political gains for Assad. states of backing insurgents financially and militarily. But the ened and emboldened with confidence,” said Charles Lister of ble-down, and the other which envisioned an immediate ISIL’s brutal tactics and reputation for abuses against civil- jihadist push on Baghdad could also increase the pressure on the Brookings Doha Centre. ISIL “has already transferred cap- withdrawal. ians and rival rebels may force Western governments to Assad’s troops, other analysts said. Firas Abi Ali, of London- tured weaponry and new recruits into parts of northern and It was then that Congress commissioned the “Iraq Study reconsider their support for Syrian insurgents. “Washington based risk analysts IHS, said the Iraqi army’s withdrawal from eastern Syria, and it seems likely this will serve to bolster their Group”, led by our most senior statesmen, to find a way for- and London are going to find themselves on the same side the border is a major “problem for the Syrian government counter offensives in Deir Ezzor and farther west towards ward. The ISG report was highly anticipated. When it was as Damascus, facing what appears to be a threat to the because they need that border to be open to get supplies from Aleppo,” he added. The Syrian Observatory for Human rights, a released, it was largely ignored. The Bush Administration region, the West and Europe,” said Frederic Pichon, author of Iraq”. If not enough volunteers can be found to tackle the mili- Britain-based monitoring group, also said weapons seized in cherry-picked the parts they liked, ignoring recommenda- “Syria: Why the West was Wrong”. Since the beginning of the tant advance in Iraq, it is possible that Iraqi Shiite militiamen Iraq are being taken into Syria. Some in Syria’s armed opposi- tions they didn’t like. The result was to consolidate Iraq’s sec- Syrian conflict in March 2011, Assad has become the “bete fighting alongside Assad’s troops could be recalled. tion welcomed ISIL to the battle when it first emerged there in tarian divide while reinforcing the country’s corrupt sect- noire” of the Western governments who opposed him. With This, Abi Ali says, could dent the Syrian government’s battle- 2013. But its abuses prompted a backlash that escalated into based leadership. Toward the end of the Bush more than 162,000 people killed in the more than three- field strength. For ISIL, which is currently fighting other rebels in open hostilities between ISIL and a coalition of moderate and Administration, the US negotiated a Status of Forces year-long conflict and fighting still raging, Assad won a third, Syria, including their fellow jihadists in the Al-Qaeda-linked Al- Islamist rebels backed by Al-Nusra Front. The inter-rebel fight- Agreement (SOFA) with the Iraqi government requiring US seven-year term in office earlier this month in an election Nusra front, their advances in Iraq are a huge military and finan- ing inside Syria is estimated to have killed 6,000 people since forces to withdraw from the country by the end of 2011. It dubbed a “parody of democracy” by opponents. cial step forward. January. — AFP was this agreement that President Obama was forced to implement. During the 2008 campaign candidate Obama had rejected calls to simply abandon Iraq, insisting that the Military breakdown fueled by graft, politics US must be “as careful getting out of Iraq as we were careless getting in.” The date for withdrawal had been set by the SOFA, and the Iraqi government insisted that it be honored. By Ned Parker and Missy Ryan been advancing for weeks across the rocky, dusty flatlands siles and surveillance drones, much of which has yet to But the challenge facing the Administration was not the of western Iraq. “There’s no question there was a break- arrive. Warren, the Pentagon spokesman, declined to dis- date we were to leave, but what they were to do before the he Iraqi army that disintegrated under an onslaught down, a structural breakdown, in Mosul,” Pentagon cuss what, if any, US weapons sold to Iraq might have been date marking the end of the US military presence in Iraq. by Islamist fighters last week was a hollow force, riven spokesman Colonel Steve Warren said in Washington. seized by ISIL, but said the militants had exaggerated One of the ISG recommendations that Bush had refused Tby corruption, poor leadership and sectarian splits - a gains. to implement was the establishment of a regional security shadow of the military Washington had hoped to leave in Captured US Equipment framework. This required the participation of all the regional the war-ravaged country. The United States dismantled The Sunni rebel advance engulfed towns and cities, Achilles’ Heel stakeholders: Turkey, Saudi Arabia, Jordan, Kuwait, Syria, and Iraqi dictator Saddam Hussein’s military after invading in allowing them to seize weapons and other equipment, The military collapse this week can be traced back to Iran. While many of the participants might have objected, all 2003 and spent $20 billion to build up a new 800,000- much of it supplied by the United States. Two days after Maliki’s earlier failure to rebuff ISIL in western Anbar had an interest in and a role to play in Iraq’s stability. strong force, banking on its ability to keep the peace when the fall of Mosul, ISIL militants staged a parade of American province, which has become a militant stronghold as the Moreover, many of these principals were already involved in the US military withdrew in 2011. While the 2003 decision Humvee patrol cars. Eyewitnesses said they saw two heli- conflict in Syria intensified. After ISIL fighters seized Iraq, in ways designed to protect their own interests. The key to disband Iraq’s army led to a bloody civil war, Iraqi forces copters captured by the militants flying over the city. Fallujah and other areas of Anbar late last year, Iraqi med- reason behind convening them was that it would be better were seen as generally competent by 2011 and sectarian President Obama expressed frustration on Friday. “The fact ical sources say some 6,000 soldiers died there. Iraq-based to have them sitting around a table working above board fighting had eased, giving US President Barack Obama that they are not willing to stand and fight and defend foreign diplomats say 12,000 deserted their posts. Iraqi then to have them manipulating events under the table. some confidence as he pulled out all American forces. their posts against admittedly hardened terrorists, but not forces have not been able to retake Fallujah or regain all of This was not done, with neither Bush nor Obama accepting But corruption sapped funds meant for soldiers’ rations, terrorists who are overwhelming in numbers, indicates that the largely Sunni province’s capital, Ramadi. the challenge. for maintaining vehicles and for fuel, said an Iraqi officer in there’s a problem” with morale and commitment that is In the battle for Mosul, US government experts estimate In a wide-ranging poll we conducted in Iraq toward the Sunni-dominated Anbar Province, parts of which have rooted in politics, he said. that Iraqi army forces outnumbered ISIL fighters by a factor end of 2011, the concerns of the Iraqi people were clear. been out of government control for more than six months. Since the withdrawal of US troops, American support for of “double digits”. Still, the militants easily took the city. They were deeply divided about our presence and our with- Senior military posts are frequently for sale, and soldiers go Iraqi forces has been modest, consisting mostly of a small Senior Iraqi military officials “are picked because Maliki val- drawal. The majority Shiite constituency wanted us out, but to local markets to buy spare parts because government number of advisers attached to the US embassy in ues their loyalty to him over any kind of war-fighting skills. majorities among both the Sunni Arab and Kurdish commu- stores are empty, he said. The Iraqi force has also been Baghdad, some cooperation on intelligence and limited They don’t understand what it takes to fight a counterin- nities were concerned that with our departure they would heavily politicized under Shiite Prime Minister Nouri Al- arms deliveries. This changed after the war in neighboring surgency like this,” one former senior US military officer be vulnerable and at risk. Their biggest fears were that with Maliki, said Retired Lieutenant General Jim Dubik, who led Syria flared in 2013 and fueled resurgent violence. US spe- said. “They failed to put in rigorous training (for their sol- our departure their country would explode in civil war, the US and NATO effort to train Iraqi forces from 2007 to cial forces began training small numbers of elite Iraqi sol- diers). They failed to invest in maintenance and logistics as would divide along sectarian lines, and would become dom- 2008. diers in Jordan and Washington accelerated arms sales.This we told them to,” the former official said. “We warned them inated by Iran. “Their leadership has eroded,” said Dubik, who is now a included deals for Apache attack helicopters, Hellfire mis- this would be their Achilles’ heel.” — Reuters We had early warnings of what was to come. senior fellow at the Institute for the Study of War in Nevertheless,at the end of 2011, we left Iraq in the hands of Washington. “If you’re a fighter and you think your side’s a sectarian and increasingly autocratic government. In the going to lose, you don’t fight until the last man. You save absence of any regional security arrangement, the Maliki yourself.” A former US official in Iraq said poor treatment of government became more closely allied with Iranian inter- rank-and-file soldiers by their superiors contributed to ests, increasingly alienating its Sunni Arab and Kurdish con- mass desertions. “These guys, these units are demoralized. stituencies, setting the stage for where we are today. They are underpaid and ripped off constantly by their com- It is just plain wrong for hawkish critics of the Obama manding officers, who steal their allowances and use their Administration to argue that “we never should have left commands as a way to build a personal nest egg,” the for- Iraq.” They conveniently forget that we were obliged to do so mer official said. by the Bush Administration’s negotiated SOFA. And it is equally wrong for doves to argue that Iraq is none of our A Hollow Army business. Whether we like it or not, we have become part of Apart from a few standout units, such as special forces Iraq’s history. Our war and occupation have created a who have borne the brunt of the fighting, “it’s a hollow responsibility. After all the lives lost and the treasure spent, army,” the former official said. The performance of the Iraqi we cannot simply abandon the country. forces was far from perfect even before the US pullout. — Dr James J Zogby is the President of the Arab American Endemic problems of fraud in military contracting, extor- Institute. tion at checkpoints, and the padding of rosters with non- existent soldiers were things the US military was never able to solve and sometimes ignored. The collapse this week started at the top with the senior-most commanders aban- All articles appearing on these pages doning their positions early on Tuesday morning as black- are the personal opinion of the writ- clad fighters of the radical Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant (ISIL) swept into the country’s second city of Mosul. ers. Kuwait Times takes no responsibil- Mosul’s defenders held up well for three days until late ity for views expressed therein. Kuwait Monday evening, but over the next few hours the force Times invites readers to voice their imploded, with the senior commander for all of Nineveh province, Mahdi Garawi, fleeing. The commander of Iraq’s opinions. Please send submissions via ground forces, General Ali Ghaidan, and the vice chief of email to: [email protected] or army staff, Lieutenant General Abboud Qanbar, also aban- via snail mail to PO Box 1301 Safat, doned their posts, according to an Iraqi official and a Western security expert. Kuwait. The editor reserves the right The entire military structure deployed by the Shi’ite A jacket belonging to an Iraqi Army uniform lies on the ground in front of the remains of a burnt-out Iraqi army vehicle to edit any submission as necessary. government in Baghdad to protect the north and west close to the Kukjali Iraqi Army checkpoint, some 10 km of east of the northern city of Mosul on June 11, 2014. — AFP melted away before the well-armed Sunni rebels, who had NEWS SUNDAY, JUNE 15, 2014
Iran offers help in Iraq if US acts Turmoil blurring borders Continued from Page 1 that saw them overrun a large part of northern and Continued from Page 1 Aleppo and Damascus, along with the long-separate north-central Iraq this week. Troops also retook the coastal areas dominated by Alawites, an offshoot of President Barack Obama said he was “looking at all nearby Muatassam area of Salaheddin, the colonel said. The new frontiers, backed solely by force of arms, may Shiism. Lebanon was broken away as a French-protected the options” to halt the offensive that has brought On Friday night, police and residents expelled mili- never be formally recognized - it’s not easy to actually cre- Christian protectorate, and Sunni and Shiite Muslim areas ate a new country - but given the weakness of central were added, creating a sectarian mix that has erupted jihadist-led militants within 80 km of Baghdad city lim- tants from another town in the province, Dhuluiyah, authority that may not make much of a difference. The into civil war and constant turmoil. Cities like Acre, Haifa, its, but he ruled out any return of US combat troops. where they had set up checkpoints, witnesses said. Islamic State’s campaign is helped by Sunni discontent Nazareth - which by administration, trade and clan were “We will not be sending US troops back into combat in “Residents are now firing into the air” in celebration, with Assad’s Alawite-dominated Syrian government and long connected to areas now in Lebanon and Syria - were Iraq, but I have asked my national security team to pre- witness Abu Abdullah told AFP. Security forces have also the Shiite-led government in Iraq, two states whose bor- instead looped into Mandate Palestine and now are in pare a range of other options that could help support held fast in the Muqdadiyah area of Diyala province, ders were drawn by Britain and France after World War I. Israel. Iraqi security forces,” he said. Obama has been under preventing militants from taking the town in heavy The militants’ capture of Iraq’s cities of Mosul and Tikrit mounting fire from his Republican opponents over the fighting, a police colonel said. makes their dream of a new Islamic state look more realis- Artificial Creation swift collapse of the Iraqi security forces, which In Samarra, reinforcements were awaiting orders to tic. It already controlled a swath of eastern Syria along the Perhaps the most artificial creation was Jordan. An old Washington spent billions of dollars training and equip- launch a counter-offensive against areas north of the Euphrates River, with a spottier presence extending fur- joke has it that a strange zigzag in Jordan’s border with ping before pulling out its own troops in 2011. city, including Dur and Tikrit, seized by the militants ear- ther west nearly to Aleppo, Syria’s largest city. In Raqqa, Saudi Arabia was the result of a tipsy Winston Churchill Iranian President Hassan Rouhani, who since taking lier this week, an army colonel said. North of Baghdad, the biggest city it holds in Syria, it imposes taxes, rebuilds hiccupping as he drew the line on the map. Its main pop- bridges and enforces the law - its strict version of shariah. ulation centers like Amman had historically been a hinter- office last August has overseen a rapprochement with a gunmen yesterday attacked a convoy carrying the head Historically, Raqqa and Mosul and the surrounding land for Syria and Palestine, but they were broken off and superpower Tehran long derided as the “Great Satan”, of the anti-corruption watchdog, sparking clashes that areas that make up Northern Mesopotamia - a region handed stretches of desert to the east and south to form said his government was prepared to consider offering killed nine policemen, an officer said. Security forces known as the Jazira - have had more in common with a new entity under a king installed by Britain. Ironically, help. “If we see that the United States takes action have generally performed poorly, with some abandon- each other than they did with distant Southern for all its arbitrariness, Jordan looks at the moment like against terrorist groups in Iraq, then one can think ing their vehicles and positions and discarding their Mesopotamia centered on Baghdad and Basra. The desert the most stable of the post-World War I creations. about it,” Rouhani told a news conference. uniforms. wadi routes that the Islamic State uses to smuggle its Despite the foreign-drawn lines, the countries that Iraq’s Shiite premier said the cabinet had granted But they have been bolstered by a flood of volun- weapons, fighters and money back and forth across the resulted were relatively stable for the next century. In him “unlimited powers” to reverse the offensive, in teers since Sistani urged Iraqis Friday to join up to border are the same trade routes established five millen- part, that’s due to the grip of autocratic regimes. But also, which militants swept down towards Baghdad after defend the country. A representative of Sistani, who is nia ago when the first cities arose in the Upper Tigris and people developed true identities as Jordanians, Iraqis, overrunning second city Mosul on Tuesday before los- adored by Shiites but rarely appears in public, made the Euphrates valleys. Lebanese or Syrians - even if at the same time they con- ing some of its steam. Troops found the burned bodies call from the shrine city of Karbala, south of Baghdad. A sidered the borders illegitimate colonial creations. That Ambitions makes the sense of nationhood more durable than it of 12 policemen as they recaptured the town of Ishaqi Qatar-based union of Sunni Muslim clerics yesterday And the Islamic State is not the only group with ambi- looks. in Salaheddin province from Sunni Arab insurgents, denounced the call, saying developments in Iraq were a tions. Iraq’s Kurds, who run an autonomous region in Take Lebanon, for example. During its 1975-1990 civil police and a doctor said. It was one of the closest points “result of oppression and exclusion of people that want- northern Iraq, seized control of the city of Kirkuk, ostensi- war, some predicted it would break up into Christian, to the capital that the militants reached in the offensive ed freedom”. — AFP bly to defend it from the militant group’s advance. But Sunni or Shiite mini-states, but it never happened. Syria they may not want to leave. The ethnically mixed city his- dominated it for years, and Hezbollah still bridges both Kuwait scrambles to keep out Iraq tumult torically holds a revered status among Kurds and they countries, making the border hazy. Yet, “odd and dys- claim it as their own. Holding it will only further stoke the functional as it is, it still is a border that is real and mean- Continued from Page 1 Qaeda-linked Nusra Front which is fighting against longtime hopes among many Kurds of declaring outright ingful,” said Paul Salem, vice president of the Syrian President Bashar Al-Assad’s army, and for his con- independence. Washington-based Middle East Institute. Meanwhile, MP Faisal Al-Duwaisan urged Deputy troversial anti-Shiite remarks in the media and social Syria’s Kurds, meanwhile, have taken advantage of the World powers have no desire to see borders Prime Minister and Interior Minister Sheikh Mohammad networks. turmoil of that country’s civil war - now in its fourth year - rearranged. The United States and Turkey would both Al-Khalid Al-Sabah to exert all efforts to secure the inter- Separately, the United States has ordered an aircraft to take control of the pocket of northeast Syria where sharply oppose any Kurdish declaration of independence nal front from any unexpected threat. The Shiite law- carrier, the USS George H W Bush, into the Gulf in they predominate. In North Africa, Libya is grappling with in Iraq, for example, Salem said. But informal and de facto maker further stated in a press statement that there are response to the crisis in Iraq, the Pentagon said yesterday. its own centripetal forces since the 2011 fall of Muammar enclaves are entirely possible. The lines being drawn by Kuwaitis who contribute in financing the ISIL “which is “The order will provide the commander-in-chief addi- Gaddafi. The authority of the central government in Islamic State fighters are “unrecognized but real,” he said. Tripoli has collapsed as multiple local militias take power “Taxes are levied, an armed force is in control, there’s just described by Saudi Arabia as a terrorist group”. He also tional flexibility should military options be required to in cities and regions around the country. In the eastern no formalization.” Gerges said the dissatisfaction over the called on the government to launch a media campaign protect American lives, citizens and interests in Iraq,” Rear half of Libya - historically a distinct entity centered around current order is generating debate over what the new to spread awareness about the ISIL’s threat to Kuwait Admiral John Kirby, the Pentagon spokesman, said. Benghazi - there are calls for autonomy. Mideast should look like. and the entire region. Ordered by Defense Secretary Chuck Hagel, the move The contours and regimes of the Mideast are rooted in For the Islamic State and other extremists, there Also, Kuwaiti cleric Dr Shafi Al-Ajmi warned of ISIL’s comes amid calls for air strikes to blunt a lightning offen- Britain and France’s 1916 Sykes-Picot accord, which should be a caliphate - a ruler implementing Islamic law. potential threat to Kuwait and other countries in the sive by Sunni Islamic militants that threatens Baghdad carved up the Ottoman Empire’s Middle Eastern lands Others want the Levant unified as it was under the region. He refused to credit the militant group for and the country’s Shiite-led government. into spheres of influence. A series of later treaties after the Ottomans, but under Arab rule. Others dream of some- ‘advancing’ into Mosul, Kirkuk and Nineveh, saying that US President Barack Obama said Friday the United end of World War I set the final boundaries, eventually thing resembling the European Union, he said. Creating the ‘conquest’ is a result of an Iraqi popular revolution States would not send in US ground troops but that he creating Lebanon, Syria, Iraq, Jordan and a British man- federalist systems in the existing states has been touted against what he described as Iraqi Prime Minister Nouri was weighing all other options. The Bush is being accom- date in Palestine that paved the way for the creation of as a cure. Effectively, it’s controlled decentralization: Give Al-Maliki’s attempts to control the Sunnis in northern panied by two other warships - the guided-missile cruiser Israel. The lines were drawn according to British and ethnically or religiously distinct regions enough autono- Iraq. USS Philippine Sea and the guided-missile destroyer USS French interests with little regard to realities on the my to meet yearnings for self-identity while still being “After one year of an Arab Spring-inspired revolution, Truxtun, Kirby said in a statement. The carrier’s move- ground. part of a cohesive state. The Americans infused that idea [the Iranian and the Iraqi governments] found a perfect ment into the Gulf from the north Arabian Sea was After wrangling between Paris and London, for exam- into Iraq’s post Saddam Hussein constitution, and some excuse by opening the door for the ISIL, then accusing expected to be completed by the end of the day, he said. ple, mainly Sunni Mosul - along with Kurdish areas further have called for it in Libya as well. But there is also resist- the revolutionists of being accomplices,” Ajmi said, “American naval presence in the Arabian Gulf continues north - was thrown together with Baghdad and the over- ance among governments and some in the public who describing an ‘alleged conspiracy to end the revolution’. to support our longstanding commitments to the securi- whelmingly Shiite south to form Iraq. Syria was cobbled fear “federalism” is a code word for dismembering their Ajmi is known for being outspoken in support of the Al- ty and stability of the region,” he added. together from what had been the Ottoman provinces of country. — AP SUNDAY, JUNE 15, 2014 SPORTS
Drogba ‘the main man’ for Pedrosa hits pole; Protesters outside Brazil philosophy teachers Marquez crashes FIFA headquarters RECIFE: Their countrymen may be swept up in a wave of Neymar euphoria GENEVA: Around 150 demonstrators gathered outside FIFA’s headquarters in Zurich after his two goals against Croatia, but Brazil’s philosophy teachers are firmly BARCELONA: Dani Pedrosa took pole position yesterday for the Catalonia Grand Prix while points leader Marc Marquez crashed, yesterday, apparently in solidarity with Brazil’s anti-World Cup protests and amid behind another leading striker - Didier Drogba of the Ivory Coast. “I started ending his run of six poles in the first six races of the MotoGP sea- mounting criticism of football’s governing body, police said. Zurich police said following the Ivory Coast in 2006. I love the way Drogba plays, his attitude to son. Marquez was trying to beat Pedrosa’s time when he lost control around 150 people, some of the wearing black masks, gathered for about 20 min- the game,” Luiz Nelson told Reuters outside the African team’s hotel in Recife, of his front wheel and slid into the gravel on turn 1. He walked away utes outside the gate leading into the grounds of FIFA’s sprawling headquarters in where they play Japan in their opening World Cup Group C game last yester- and still managed the session’s third best time behind Jorge Lorenzo Switzerland’s largest city. The protesters were carrying banners stating: “F—-k FIFA” day. Carrying a flag bearing the words “Brazilian Philosophy Teachers Support in second. Pedrosa, Marquez’s Honda teammate, clocked the fastest and “We love football, we hate FIFA,” and a few slathered red paint on the FIFA logo Ivory Coast”, Nelson travelled to Recife from his home in Sao lap of 1 minute, 40.985 seconds at the Barcelona-Catalunya circuit outside the entrance, but they did not made it past the front gate, Zurich police Paulo to see Drogba in action. He said he would support the for his first pole position since last year’s race here in front of his spokesman Michael Wirz said. “It was quite loud, but not vio- African team even if they meet Brazil in the quarter- finals. home fans. Marquez has started his title defense by winning all six lent,” he said, adding that police had chosen not to intervene to The teacher added that he was one of many races this year to lead the standings with 150 points. Valentino Rossi avoid an escalation. “We made sure they didn’t get into the FIFA Brazilians disillusioned by corruption in the is second with 97 points and will start today’s race from fifth on the grounds.... Then they left,” he said. Preparations for the World Cup, which kicked off Thursday, have been dogged in Brazil by country, which was part of the reason for his grid behind Stefan Bradl. Spaniards also took pole position in the months of protests, reflecting widespread public anger over the switch of allegiance. “Every time they build a lower two classes. In Moto2, point leader Esteve Rabat claimed his fifth pole of the season ahead of nearest chaser Mika Kallio and billions spent, widespread corruption and FIFA’s long and street there is money left over, and it disap- expensive list of demands placed on the country. — AFP pears,” he said glumly. —Reuters rookie Maverick Vinales.—AP Cardinals down Nationals
ST LOUIS: Lance Lynn threw eight innings of two-hit ball and Matt Adams homered on his first swing since coming off the disabled list, leading the St Louis Cardinals to a 1-0 victory over Jordan Zimmermann and the Washington Nationals on Friday night. Lynn (7-4) retired his first 16 batters and struck out eight with no walks against the National League East leaders, who had won 10 of 13. Trevor Rosenthal added three more strikeouts in the ninth, working around rookie second baseman Kolten Wong’s two-out error on Dennard Span’s routine grounder for his 18th save in 21 chances. Zimmermann (5-3) gave up three hits, two of them by Adams, in eight innings. He is 0-5 against the Cardinals and 0- 2 against the Pirates, the only two NL teams he hasn’t beaten.
BLUE JAYS 4, ORIOLES 0 Drew Hutchison scattered six hits over sev- en innings in another sparkling performance on the road, and the Blue Jays got a two-run homer from Juan Francisco in a victory over the Orioles. Hutchison (5-4) outpitched Ubaldo Jimenez (2-8), who allowed two runs and three hits in six innings but fell to 0-6 at home. Hutchison struck out three, walked ST LOUIS: Danny Espinosa #8 of the Washington Nationals leaps over Allen Craig #21 of the St none and permitted only one runner past sec- Louis Cardinals as he completes the double play during the second inning at Busch Stadium ond base. The right-hander is 1-3 with an 8.72 on June 13, 2014 in St Louis, Missouri. —AFP ERA at home and 4-1 with a 1.79 ERA on the Butler of the Royals each had two RBIs, includ- on the disabled list with a sore right elbow. road. Jimenez was seeking his first win at THE HAGUE: The Netherlands’ team poses after defeating Australia to win the World ing a run-scoring single in the first inning. Camden Yards since signing a $50 million, Cup in the women’s tournament of the Field Hockey World Cup in The Hague yester- Jose Quintana (3-7) never recovered from the YANKEES 7, ATHLETICS 0 four-year contract during the offseason. day. — AFP slow start, allowing six runs and eight hits in David Phelps pitched two-hit ball into the six innings. Jose Abreu went 1 for 4 with an seventh inning and two relievers were perfect TWINS 2, TIGERS 0 RBI for the White Sox. the rest of the way, leading the New York Kyle Gibson threw seven innings and Netherlands win women’s Yankees past the Oakland Athletics 7-0 on Eduardo Escobar hit a solo homer in the third RAYS 6, ASTROS 1 Friday night for their fourth straight victory. and drew a bases-loaded walk in the ninth for field hockey World Cup Alex Cobb had 11 of the Rays’ season high- Phelps (2-4) didn’t allow a hit until Derek Minnesota. Detroit left seven on base against tying 16 strikeouts, helping Tampa Bay to its Norris’ soft single over the head of third base- Gibson, who escaped a bases-loaded, one-out first road win in almost a month. Ben Zobrist, man Kelly Johnson with one out in the fifth. THE HAGUE: The women’s World Cup Cups, had difficulty keeping possession jam in the fifth by getting Miguel Cabrera to Matt Joyce and Evan Longoria drove in two Phelps struck out four and walked three in 6 trophy was back in Dutch hands after and struggled to find any weakness in ground into a double play. Gibson (6-5) runs apiece to break a 10-game road skid dat- 2-3 innings. Dellin Betances recorded four they extended their record haul of titles the Dutch defense. They drew a penalty allowed five hits and two walks while striking ing to May 16. It’s just the third win in the last straight outs, and Jose Ramirez pitched a per- to seven by beating Australia 2-0 in the corner with one second to play in the out three. He threw seven scoreless innings 17 games overall for the Rays, who have the fect ninth for New York. Jacoby Ellsbury, Mark final yesterday. Winners of the last two first half but couldn’t capitalize. for a second straight start and held an oppo- worst record in the majors at 26-42. Cobb (2- Teixeira and Brett Gardner each drove in a run Olympics, the Netherlands regained the “They’re a great team and absolutely a nent without a run for the third time in four 4) rebounded from his worst start of the year as the Yankees built a 3-0 lead against Sonny World Cup it last won in 2006, and con- little bit better than us at the moment,” outings. Casey Fien pitched a perfect eighth to allow three hits and one run with a season Gray (6-3) in the first two innings. New York ceded to Argentina in Rosario four years Australia’s Madonna Blyth said. “We gave and Glen Perkins gave up one hit in the ninth, best in strikeouts in 6 1-3 innings. Houston scored four more in the eighth off Jeff Francis. ago. it everything we had, we worked for 70 closing the game for his 17th save in 19 rookie Jon Singleton continued his hot start, After Roos Drost was brought down in minutes, we created some good chances. Drew Smyly (3-4) gave up one run, hitting his fourth homer in his 11th career RANGERS 1, MARINERS 0 the circle, captain Maartje Paumen chances.” four hits and three walks over six innings. scored from a penalty in the 12th For the Dutch players, the win in front game. Collin McHugh (4-4) allowed five hits Elvis Andrus singled, stole two bases and and four runs in five innings for the loss. scored on Adrian Beltre’s infield grounder in minute, making her the top scorer in a of 15,000 fans at Kyocera Stadium was a CUBS 2, PHILLIES 1 the ninth inning and the Texas Rangers did second straight World Cup, and Kim moment to savor. “I could only dream of Jake Arrieta threw seven impressive REDS 6, BREWERS 5 just enough against Seattle ace Felix Lammers doubled the score in the 29th this,” Lammers said. “It’s a dream to score, innings, Starlin Castro hit a two-run homer Billy Hamilton drove in the go-ahead run Hernandez for a 1-0 victory over the Mariners in her last international before retiring. first in a final, and in our own home, and and the Cubs beat the Phillies in matchup of with a single in the ninth inning and on Friday night. Andrus singled with one out “We waited until our chances came, and it’s my 200th cap, so yeah, I’m so proud.” last-place teams. Arrieta (2-1) allowed two hits Cincinnati capitalized on four Milwaukee in the ninth, then proceeded to steal second we were easy (relaxed),” Lammers said. Another superstar, Luciana Aymar, the and no runs, tying a career high with nine errors. Hamilton lined his single to right off and third base. The second stolen base came “Finally, we got the penalty shot and eight-time world player of the year, strikeouts. He didn’t give up a hit until Francisco Rodriguez (2-2), the Brewers’ closer as Shin-Soo Choo walked on a 3-2 pitch from Maartje Paumen, she’s a killer. There’s a scored twice in her international finale as Domonic Brown sliced a double just inside pitching in a non-save situation. Reds coun- Hernandez. That was the final batter for lot of pressure but she always does it.” Argentina beat the United States 2-1 to the left field line with one out in the fifth. The terpart Aroldis Chapman had little trouble in Seattle’s ace. Closer Fernando Rodney entered Paumen finished the tournament with win the bronze medal. Today, the men’s Phillies were seeking their first four-game the bottom of the ninth with a 1-2-3 inning and got Beltre to hit a grounder into the hole seven goals, one more than Australia’s final features the same nations, with winning streak since last June 2-6. Phillies for his 11th save. Milwaukee rallied from a at shortstop. The Mariners got Choo, but Anna Flanagan. Australia, on the rise defending champion Australia slightly starter Roberto Hernandez (2-5) was ejected four-run deficit in the seventh on Carlos couldn’t turn the double play and Andrus after winning the 1998 and 2002 World favored against the Netherlands.— AP after hitting Castro with a fastball on the left Gomez’s RBI double. Jonathan Broxton (2-0) scored. The run snapped a streak of 19 con- arm in the sixth inning. Hernandez allowed tossed a scoreless eighth for the win. The secutive scoreless innings for Hernandez (8-2). two runs and three hits in 5 2-3 innings. He Brewers nearly overcame a sloppy day Matching Hernandez was Texas starter Nick walked Anthony Rizzo leading off the fourth. marked by two errors starter Matt Garza. After Tepesch and a trio of relievers. Tepesch threw Castro then drove his ninth homer out to left. Khris Davis’ homer in the seventh, Homer 6-1-3 innings, Jason Frasor finished off the Hall of Fame coach Bailey allowed two singles before Sam LeCure seventh, Shawn Tolleson (2-1) got through the RED SOX 10, INDIANS 3 took over on the mound. Scooter Gennett fol- eighth and Joakim Soria pitched the ninth for AJ Pierzynski, Mike Napoli and Dustin lowed with a solid RBI single to right before his 14th save. Chuck Noll dies at 82 Pedroia hit two-run doubles and Boston Jonathan Lucroy drove in another run on his scored its season-high in runs. After manag- 28th birthday by beating out a hard chopper DODGERS 4, DIAMONDBACKS 3 ing just one run in a three-game series at PENNSYLVANIA: Former Pittsburgh game and two years after that they won to third. Gomez followed with his game-tying Clayton Kershaw allowed one run over sev- Baltimore, Boston won its second straight Steelers coach Chuck Noll, who helped their first Super Bowl. double. en innings, Matt Kemp homered for the first over Cleveland, which has lost four in a row. transform the team into one of the league’s time in more than a month, and the Los Boston’s Xander Bogaerts hit a solo homer in dominant franchises and became the only ‘Tremendous technician’ PIRATES 8, MARLINS 6, 13 INNINGS Angeles Dodgers beat the Arizona the eighth, his sixth of the season. John NFL coach to win four Super Bowl titles, has “Through shrewd drafts and strong Gregory Polanco broke a tie in the 13th Diamondbacks 4-3 on Friday night. Kershaw Lackey (8-4) struggled early when he allowed died at the age of 82, the National Football guidance, Noll helped team owner Art inning with his first major league homer, and (6-2) gave up eight hits and one run, walked three runs and six hits in three innings. But he League said on Friday. Citing the Allegheny Rooney and the Steelers shed their ‘lovable the Pirates overcame a ninth-inning melt- one, and struck out seven to win his third con- gave up just one hit in his next 3 2-3 scoreless County Medical Examiner, media reported losers’ image,” according to a biography on down to beat the Marlins. Polanco, playing in secutive start. He didn’t allow a runner past innings. Justin Masterson (4-5) had his short- the Pro Football Hall of Fame’s website. “He his fourth big league game, went 5 for 7, second base after the third inning. est stint of the season - two innings plus two quickly established a building program scored three times and made a run-saving Kemp got the scoring started when he walks in the third - 11 days after he had a sea- with an emphasis on the annual college catch in right field. Clint Barmes singled off crushed a 2-1 changeup deep into the bleach- son-high 10 strikeouts in seven innings draft to realize the ultimate goal of an NFL Mike Dunn (5-4) to start the 13th and ers in left-center field in the second inning to against Boston and beat Lackey 3-2. championship.” advanced on a sacrifice. Polanco homered on put the Dodgers up 2-0. The blast, measured This emphasis on the draft helped to a 2-2 pitch. Jeanmar Gomez (1-2) pitched four at 402 feet, was Kemp’s first home run since BRAVES 4, ANGELS 3 build the fabled “Steel Curtain” defense and scoreless innings after the Pirates blew a 6-2 May 10. Diamondbacks rookie Chase a powerful offense in the 1970s featuring Evan Gattis and Chris Johnson hit back-to- lead in the ninth when three relievers com- Anderson (5-1) came up short in his bid to defensive tackle “Mean Joe” Greene, quar- back homers in the first inning and the Braves bined to issue six walks. The Pirates’ Jeff Locke become the second NL pitcher since 1914 to terback Terry Bradshaw, and running back edged the Angels 4-3 for their first inter- pitched a career-high eight innings, and the win his first six career starts. He gave up five Franco Harris, among other Hall of Famers. league win. The Braves were 0-6 against bullpen’s wildness cost him his first victory hits and two runs in five innings. Noll graduated from the University of American League teams before taking advan- since Sept. 12. Dayton and went on to play seven seasons tage of four runs in the first on the two ROCKIES 7, GIANTS 4 as a so-called messenger guard and a line- homers off CJ Wilson (7-6), including a three- METS 6, PADRES 2 DJ LeMahieu hit a tiebreaking single in a backer for the Cleveland Browns in the run shot by Gattis. Aaron Harang (5-5) allowed Bobby Abreu went 4 for 4 with two RBIs five-run ninth inning, lifting the Colorado 1950s. He was an assistant coach for nine one run in six innings to end a streak of five and Bartolo Colon pitched four-hit ball into Rockies to a 7-4 win over the San Francisco years before joining the Steelers. consecutive starts without a win. Braves right 1971 file photo shows Chuck Noll the eighth inning for New York. Abreu scored Giants on Friday night. The Rockies were list- Noll was a “tremendous technician in fielder Jason Heyward left the game with a twice in the rain-delayed opener of a three- less at the plate for most of the night, trailed Noll died of natural causes at his home in the individual fundamentals of football, bruised right hand after being hit by a pitch game series between fourth-place teams 4-2 and had gone five straight innings with- Sewickley, Pennsylvania, in the presence of which was something very important to from Wilson in the first inning. The Braves said struggling to score. Colon (6-5) set down 18 out a hit before rallying off Giants closer family members. him,” Denver Broncos coach John Fox, who X-rays were negative and Heyward is day to straight batters and won his fourth consec- Sergio Romo, who went into the night tied for Noll, who was inducted into the Pro coached defensive backs under Noll for day. Football Hall of Fame in 1993, coached the three seasons from 1989 through 1991, utive decision, sending the Mets to only most saves in the majors. Troy Tulowitzki their second victory in 10 games. Rene opened the ninth with a single off Romo (3-2) Steelers for 23 seasons from 1969 until said in an interview published on the ROYALS 7, WHITE SOX 2 Rivera hit a two-run homer but Andrew but was replaced by pinch-runner Charlie 1991, guiding the franchise to Super Bowl Steelers website in February. “He was very Lorenzo Cain had a two-run double to wins in the 1974, 1975, 1978 and 1979 sea- calm, very technique and fundamental-ori- Cashner (2-6) failed to hold a rare lead for Culberson after injuring his foot reaching first highlight a five-run first inning and Jeremy sons. Overall, he built a 209-156-1 record in ented,” Fox said. “He was not a screamer. He the Padres, who have dropped five straight base. After Justin Morneau singled, Romo Guthrie pitched into the sixth inning as all games, including a 16-8-0 post-season wasn’t up or down. I think his biggest thing and nine of 11. The hard-throwing Cashner, retired Wilin Rosario on a fly to center field. He Kansas City extended its winning streak to record, which is one of the best in league is that he was the same guy every day. He who entered with a 2.13 ERA, has lost five then intentionally walked Corey Dickerson to five games. Guthrie (3-6) allowed two runs history. In his first year at the helm the was not an ego guy like, ‘Look what I’m straight decisions. He gave up four runs load the bases. Pinch-hitter Ryan Wheeler hit and six hits in 5 2-3 innings to snap an 11- Steelers finished 1-13. Three years later, the doing.’ He was a great mentor, I know and eight hits over six innings in his second a two-run single before LeMahieu’s soft single game winless streak. His last win was on April Steelers reached the AFC championship that.”—Reuters start since spending more than three weeks to center drove in Dickerson.— AP 9, against Tampa Bay. Eric Hosmer and Billy p17 2_Layout 1 6/14/14 11:55 PM Page 1
SUNDAY, JUNE 15, 2014 SPORTS Australia stun France 6-0 in sloppy 2nd test
MELBOURNE: Australia clinched its three- have been seven or 10 points in front,” test series against France with a dour 6-0 France coach Philippe Saint-Andre said. “In win in the second match yesterday, the the second half, Australia started very well lowest-scoring encounter ever between and we needed to carry on.” White had two the two teams. Second-half penalties from chances to get Australia on the scoreboard flyhalf Bernard Foley and scrumhalf Nic within the first three minutes of the sec- White provided the only points in a match ond half, but both penalty kicks missed the that offered plenty of opportunities for mark. both teams that neither could capitalize Australia finally made the breakthrough on. The previous lowest scoring match via Foley’s penalty kick 13 minutes into the between the two teams was a 19-0 win by second half, and White converted in the France in Paris in 1958. It was also the first 65th after a French offside. Kurtley Beale time since the two teams first met in 1928 made an instant impact after coming on as that France was held scoreless. The win flyhalf in the 62nd, delivering a cross-field marked Australia’s sixth straight victory, its kick into the French in-goal that almost longest winning streak since 2005. France, paid off. “It wasn’t like last week,” backrow- meanwhile, has not won a test in Australia er Michael Hooper said after making his since 1990. debut as Wallabies captain. “You’ve got to After losing the first test in Brisbane 50- be able to find ways to win and all the 23 last week, France opening the match at good teams are doing that, so it’s nice to a frenetic pace, triggering a determined be in that space.” counterattack by the Australians only for France captain Thierry Dusautoir said the scores to be locked at 0-0 at halftime. his side was even more determined to take “It was a contrast (to the first test),” a win from the third test in Sydney next Australia coach Ewen McKenzie said. “It week. “We haven’t won here for 24 years so was a contrast on the scoreboard and it it would be great to win the third game,” was a contrast in tactics too. “It was pretty Dusautoir said. Hooker Nathan Charles, much a game of chicken in the first half. who suffers from cystic fibrosis, made his We created pressure then let them off the test debut from the reserves bench in the hook with some silly penalties in the mid- closing minutes. Australian media have dle of the field.” Australia was denied a try been reporting that Charles, who kept the in the 22nd minute when Matt Toomua disease confidential until the past few sea- was ruled to have interfered with French sons, is the only athlete with the condition LOS ANGELES: Members of the Los Angeles Kings pose for a team picture after winning the Stanley Cup over the New York Rangers in Game 5. —AP fullback Brice Dulin while chasing his own in the world who is playing a professional kick before No. 8 Ben McCalman touched contact sport. The match also marked the down. 50th test for former captain James Horwill, Yannick Nyanga had the best chance for who was replaced in the second half. “6-0 Kings crowned; reclaim Stanley Cup France two minutes from the break when is not the most attractive scoreline, but it’s he charged down Toomua’s kick inside 10 a win,” Horwill said. “It wasn’t the prettiest LOS ANGELES: The Los Angeles Kings reclaimed the teams slugged it out in overtime. Overtime thriller meters, only to lose his grip on the ball game to watch but it was good to be a the Stanley Cup on Friday with a double over- Williams gave the Kings a 1-0 lead when he short of the line. “At halftime we should part of.”— AP time win over the New York Rangers that capped Great goaltending backhanded a loose puck between the legs of one of the most remarkable postseasons in New York goalie Henrik Lundqvist made 48 Lundqvist after a scramble near the New York National Hockey League history. With both saves for the Rangers while Jonathan Quick net six minutes after the opening faceoff. New teams close to exhaustion, broken sticks scat- turned away 28 shots for the Kings, who claimed York got on the board late in the second period tered on the ice and fans at the Staples Center their second title in three years. “This team never when Kreider scored a powerplay goal by send- roaring themselves hoarse during a heart- quits,” said Kings center Jeff Carter. “People have ing a cross-ice pass from Ryan McDonagh into pounding contest, the Kings sealed a 4-1 series been talking about it all playoffs but unless you the back of the Kings net. The Rangers, appear- victory with a 3-2 win in Game Five. are in that room you don’t really realize what it’s ing in the Stanley Cup Final for the first time in The winning goal came courtesy of defense- all about and it’s pretty amazing.” While the 4-1 two decades, briefly grabbed the lead with a man Alec Martinez almost 15 minutes into the series outcome suggested the Kings romped to short-handed goal from Boyle with 25 seconds second overtime, triggering a wild celebration victory, three of their four wins were decided in to play in the second period when he sent a as Kings captain Dustin Brown raised the Stanley wrist shot into the top right corner of the net. overtime and they overcame incredible odds to Cup above his head. “We always had the confi- The Kings drew even on a powerplay less make the final, playing the maximum seven dence. We just had a bad start to the first series,” than eight minutes into the third period when said Kings defenseman Drew Doughty. “But we games in all three series en route to the final. In Gaborik fired a wrist shot underneath never gave up, we were fully confident that we the first round, they roared back from 3-0 behind Lundqvist’s pads before both teams came inches were going to get to this point and I am so hap- to beat the San Jose Sharks. from winning the game in the first overtime py right now.” In they next round, they came from 3-2 down period. McDonagh hit the post for the Rangers The Kings struck first in the opening period to defeat the Anaheim Ducks. Then, in the and Tyler Toffoli struck the crossbar for the Kings. through Justin Williams, who won the Conn Western Conference Final, they won a Game Both teams hit the pipes again in the second Smythe Trophy as the Most Valuable Player in Seven overtime thriller to see off the defending overtime before Martinez found the back of the the playoffs, but the Rangers got goals form Stanley Cup champion Chicago Blackhawks. “It net and ignited the party in Tinseltown. “I just Chris Kreider and Brian Boyle during a four- wasn’t easy by any means. The past two months saw there was a loose puck in my own end and I minute span late in the middle frame to move in have been the most physically exhausting I’ve just tried to get it in our forwards’ hands and front. Marian Gaborik, who finished as the lead- been in my career,” said Quick. “To overcome all Toffoli a great shot,” explained Martinez. ing scorer in the playoffs with 14 goals, tied the the challenges and adversity ... our group is pret- “Fortunately the rebound came to me and I was game with 12 minutes left in regulation before ty special so it means a lot.” able to put it in.”— Reuters LONDON: Bulgaria’s Grigor Dimitrov plays a shot during his semi-final match against Switzerland’s Stan Wawrinka on day five of the ATP Aegon Championships tennis tournament at The Queenís Club yesterday.— AFP Sangakkara century frustrates England
Dimitrov and Lopez to LONDON: Kumar Sangakkara scored his first Test the 90 went by lofting Ali down the ground for hundred at Lord’s as Sri Lanka looked to avoid the four. Liam Plunkett, playing his first Test in seven follow-on against England yesterday. Sri Lanka years, tried bowling short from around the wicket clash in Queen’s final were 309 for four at tea on the third day, still 266 to a packed legside field but to no avail. And when runs behind after Joe Root’s maiden Test double the fast bowler reverted to over-the-wicket, LONDON: Bulgarian fourth seed Grigor “But at the same time that pushed me century had taken England to 575 for nine Sangakkara drove him down the ground for an all- Dimitrov booked a Queen’s Club final to practice hard and put me in a really declared in the first of this two-match series. But run four to move on to 97. By now, Cook had clash against Feliciano Lopez with an good position. “I was really positive com- now they needed just 67 more runs to make brought on part-time off-spinner Root in a bid to impressive 6-2, 6-4 win over world num- ing into this week. Next thing you know, England bat again. Left-hander Sangakkara, 36, break the stand. Sangakkara, though, cover-drove ber three Stan Wawrinka yesterday. I’m in the final. So that’s a good sign.” was 121 not out but there was no third Lord’s hun- Root for his 10th boundary to complete a 182-ball Dimitrov is one of the emerging talents in Playing with more freedom, Dimitrov has dred yesterday for the 37-year-old Mahela century-his 36th in 123 Tests-and was promptly the men’s game and he underlined his raced through the draw, adding an admir- Jayawardene in what was set to be a fourth and embraced by a leaping Jayawardene who seemed growing reputation by overpowering top ing Wawrinka to a list of scalps that final Test at ‘the home of cricket’ for both Sri Lanka as pleased his clearly-elated colleague at the greats. Sri Lanka resumed yesterday on 140 for achievement. It was a century warmly applauded seed Wawrinka in just 61 minutes at the already includes Andy Murray and Tomas one, having fought back well in the face of by a capacity crowd, with Sangakkara a popular Wimbledon warm-up in west London. The Berdych this year. “His game is similar to England’s imposing total. Kaushal Silva was 62 not figure at Lord’s both on and off the field after world number 13 can now look forward to Roger (Federer). He has a one-handed out and Sangakkara unbeaten on 32. Play com- delivering a well-received MCC ‘Sprit of Cricket’ his third ATP Tour final this season today backhand, a big forehand and can serve menced in gloomy overcast conditions that led to Lecture in 2011. against Spanish 10th seed Lopez, who well,” Wawrinka said of a player once the floodlights being switched on. But it was pace But with the second over of the new ball, defeated Czech veteran Radek Stepanek dubbed ‘Baby Fed’. “He’s been having a and bounce, rather than swing, that did for gutsy England at last separated the veterans following a 7-6 (9/7), 6-4 in the other semi-final. great year already, winning two titles. I’m opener Silva. He’d added just one to his score third-wicket partnership of 126 when Stuart Broad And if the 23-year-old lifts the trophy, it sure he can achieve big things in tennis.” when, trying to sway out of the way of a James had Jayawardene plumb lbw for 55. Jayawardene will go some way to silencing the critics Dimitrov was just too hot to handle as Anderson bouncer, he didn’t lower his bat, with reviewed New Zealand umpire Billy Bowden’s deci- who claim he should have fulfilled his he moved a step closer to his first grass- the ball grazing the face on its way through to sion but it was a poor challenge with replays indi- potential by now. It’s tough to define the court title. The Bulgarian, who has been wicketkeeper Matt Prior. Silva and Sangakkara put cating the ball would have hit middle stump two- word ‘breakthrough’,” Dimitrov said. “Of supported by girlfriend and French Open on 97 for the second wicket. England captain thirds of the way up. Sri Lanka were now 277 for course, you would want to be more con- champion Maria Sharapova this week, Alastair Cook using all five members of his attack, three, still nearly 100 runs shy of avoiding the fol- including debutants Chris Jordan and Moeen Ali, low-on. And with Lahiru Thirimanne soon out after sistent. I think that’s more my word for it. took just five games to became the first in the morning session. Sri Lanka, though, were he chipped Anderson to Sam Robson the third of “Sometimes people make a big deal out player in the tournament to break 212 for two at lunch with Sangakkara 73 not out England’s three newcomers-at square leg, the wor- of the breakthrough. To me, it’s just a Wawrinka’s serve and added another and Jayawardene unbeaten on 29. ry for Sri Lanka was finding someone to stay in stage that you’ve got to go through. break for good measure to clinch the first with Sangakkara. But despite Anderson’s miserly “Some people find it very easy and accli- set. There was no let-up from Dimitrov in Clearly-elated haul yesterday of two wickets for 22 runs in 11 mate themselves pretty fast to the atmos- the second set and Wawrinka, who Sangakkara then went past his previous Lord’s overs, Sri Lanka captain Angelo Mathews was 14 phere and to the stage. Others it just smashed his racquet in frustration at one Test-best of 78 and and the 36-year-old entered not out at tea. — AFP takes time. Everyone is different.” point, conceded the decisive break when Dimitrov is already the youngest player his forehand missed by the narrowest of SCOREBOARD in the world’s top 20, having broken into margins to surrender a 4-3 lead. the upper echelons with a run to the In the second last-four clash, world LONDON: Scoreboard at stumps on the third day of the first Test between England and Sri Lanka Australian Open quarter-finals before win- number 29 Lopez followed up his surprise at Lord’s yesterday: ning titles in Acapulco and Bucharest. last eight win over world number six England 1st Innings 575-9 dec (J Root 200 no, M To bat: N Pradeep, S Eranga One of his few low moments this year Tomas Berdych with a victory over the Prior 86, I Bell 56; N Pradeep 4-123, S Eranga 3-163) Fall of wickets: 1-54 (Karunaratne), 2-151 (Silva), 3- came last month when he was dumped week’s other giant-killer. Stepanek, 35, Sri Lanka 1st Innings (overnight: 140-1) 277 (M Jayawardene), 4-289 (Thirimanne), 5-385 out of the French Open first round by Ivo had defeated reigning Wimbledon and D. Karunaratne c Prior b Jordan 38 (Sangakkara), 6-400 (P Jayawardene), 7-413 Karlovic. He had expected to do well in Queen’s champion Andy Murray in the K. Silva c Prior b Anderson 63 (Kulasekara) Paris and admitted the loss sparked sever- third round and seventh seed Kevin K. Sangakkara c Prior b Ali 147 Bowling: Anderson 24-6-73-2 (1w); Broad 24-7-60-1 al days of soul-searching, ultimately giv- Anderson in the quarter-finals. But he ran M. Jayawardene lbw b Broad 55 (1w); Jordan 27-4-98-2 (1w); Plunkett 30-2-113-1 ing him the renewed focus and hunger to out of steam against the 32-year-old L. Thirimanne c Robson b Anderson 2 (2nb, 3w); Ali 16-2-56-1; Root 3-1-7-0 succeed at Queen’s. “I was really down Lopez, whose last final came 12 months A. Mathews not out 79 England: Alastair Cook (capt), Sam Robson, Gary P. Jayawardene c Bell b Plunkett 6 Ballance, Ian Bell, Joe Root, Moeen Ali, Matt Prior after the French Open. I didn’t touch a rac- ago when he won the grass-court title at N. Kulasekara c Prior b Jordan 9 (wkt), Chris Jordan, Stuart Broad, Liam Plunkett, LONDON: Sri Lanka’s Kumar Sangakkara hits a quet for around five, six days after that,” Eastbourne. “The quality of tennis I played R. Herath not out 0 James Anderson ball off the bowling of England’s James Dimitrov said. “It was painful. I kept today was amazing,” Lopez said. “Radek Extras (b7, lb1, w6, nb2) 16 Match position: Sri Lanka are 160 runs behind England Anderson on the third day of the first test cricket dwelling on it. You go for those long walks also played great. It was a matter of a few Total (7 wkts, 124 overs, 573 mins) 415 with three first-innings wickets standing—AFP match between England and Sri Lanka at Lord’s and keep thinking about what happened. points that came my way.”—AFP cricket ground in London yesterday. — AP Ivanovic nears her grasscourt ‘dream’ BIRMINGHAM: Former French Open winner enhanced a claim she made at the start of this event in only her second grasscourt tourna- stronger favorite for Sunday’s final against title now,” Ivanovic said. “It would be a dream Ana Ivanovic, seven times a season-end top 20 week’s Birmingham Open that she is overcom- ment. Asked if she now felt like a genuine Barbora Zahlavova Strycova, an unseeded come true. And of course Wimbledon is still player, at last moved closer to a dream by ing her insecurities on this surface. grasscourt player, Ivanovic smiled and said: Czech who will also be contesting her first regarded as the most prestigious title of all.” reaching the first grasscourt final of her career Ivanovic certainly hit ground strokes with “Well, definitely after the end of that match. grasscourt final after overcoming two rain The 2007 Wimbledon semi-finalist added how- yesterday. The 26-year-old Serbian former stoppable force, especially from the forehand, You know after a slow start I picked up my delays and Casey Dellacqua, the 16th seeded ever that she would not be getting ahead of world number one’s thumping 6-2, 6-2 win over and grew conspicuously in confidence against rhythm and played really well.” Her imposing Australian, by 7-6 (7/5), 6-1. herself and already seeing herself as a potential Zhang Shuai, the ninth seeded Chinese player, an opponent contesting her first Premier level performance should make her an even “It would be wonderful to win a grasscourt champion at the All England Club.—AFP SUNDAY, JUNE 15, 2014
Spain mourns World Cup ‘catastrophe’
MADRID: Spanish newspapers yesterday bemoaned in South Africa. The Spanish press’s only source of con- the “humiliation” and “catastrophe” of world champions solation was pointing out that Spain lost its first game in FAN FERVOR Spain’s 5-1 battering by the Netherlands in their open- that World Cup, to Switzerland. Many commentators ing World Cup match in Brazil. Most splashed on their mourned the ineffective performances of front pages photos of Spain’s goalkeeper and captain past heros of the Spain squad, such Iker Casillas kneeling with head bowed as Dutch players as Casillas, defenders Sergio celebrated after ripping apart the Spanish defense. Ramos and Gerard Pique and The image summed up a tale of fallen heros in a midfielders Andres Iniesta, team shouldering huge expectations as it defends its Sergio Busquets and Xavi world title. Leading Madrid sports daily Marca mourned Hernandez. Some thought “a historic catastrophe”, dubbing the Netherlands’ per- the defeat marked the end formance “a goal-scoring spree of Biblical proportions”. of an era for the world and Cafe terraces across Madrid erupted with joy when European champions. Spain went 1-0 up through a contentious 27th minute “Spain is like the remains of penalty by Xabi Alonso on Friday night. But they fell an empire that knows it is near its silent when Robin van Persie struck back just before half end,” wrote commentator Joan Maria time with a stunning header that looped over Casillas Batlle in Sport. “Casillas was unrecogniz- into the net. The mood darkened as the Dutch added able. Pique and Sergio Ramos were unco- four more goals in the second half and the capital was ordinated, as if they had never played quiet as fans in their red shirts plodded home. together,” while Iniesta and Xavi dropped out of sight in the second half, Batlle wrote. The Humiliation online editions of the sporting press yester- With two Euro championships plus the 2010 World day were a gallery of Spain’s glum-faced fall- Cup under their belt, expectations for Spain in this com- en heros. Marca’s led with Casillas’s post- petition could not be higher and the response to Friday match apology to fans. He was the first night’s upset was bitter. It left fans and press alike Spain goalkeeper to let in five goals since mourning the decline of Casillas and demanding 1963 when Scotland beat them 6-2 in a changes for the next match, against Chile on friendly. Wednesday. “This is not just any old defeat. It is a his- toric disaster. There is no precedent of this scale in the Urgent solutions history of the World Cup,” Marca wrote. “Humiliation”, AS said that fans consulted in a survey ran a headline on the front page of general daily El online “want to get Pique, Busquets and Mundo. Xavi Hernandez out of the team and “World disaster,” said leading newspaper El Pais. have great doubts about Casillas and Leading general newspaper El Pais noted on its front Diego Costa”-a new face in the squad page that Spain had not let in more than one goal in a this year. Instead they want midfielders World Cup or European championship match since Javi Martinez, Koke and Pedro 2008. On Friday’s “the collapse was total, it was hell”, it Rodriguez, it said. If Spain wants to extend its wrote. “A ridiculous start,” screamed Barcelona-based winning streak after the 2010 World Cup crown daily Sport on its front page, calling the match Spain’s and the past two Euro championships, coach “worst nightmare”. Barcelona general newspaper El Vicente del Bosque “will have to seek urgent Periodico saw the defending world champions, known solutions”, Marca warned. “The hardest job will as La Roja or the Reds, as “Red with shame”. Madrid be in maintaining team spirit.” “It is time to think sports daily AS mourned a “Total breakdown” by Spain quickly, draw firm conclusions and make logical in the second half as they gave away their lead. changes in the next starting line-up to get back into this World Cup,” wrote Lobo Carrasco in Revenge Barcelona sports paper Mundo Deportivo. Spain’s coach Spanish papers noted bitterly that the scoreline-two “Winning it seems is almost impossible, but it all Vicente Del goals each by Arjen Robben and Robin Van Persie and depends on beating Chile.” Chile opened with a Bosque one by Stefan de Vrij-was sweet revenge for the Dutch 3-1 win over Australia on Friday.— AFP for their 1-0 defeat by Spain in the 2010 World Cup final
Improved Switzerland confident of last-16
BRASILIA: Switzerland have improved since the last World Cup in 2010 and are confident they can reach the last 16 as one of two qualifiers from Group E, coach Ottmar Hitzfeld said yesterday. Speaking ahead of today’s opening game against Ecuador, the experienced Hitzfeld said an injection of youth and creativity allied with traditional Swiss defen- sive solidity would help his team avoid the early exit they suffered four years ago. Switzerland began their campaign A combination of file pictures shows Nigeria’s coach Stephen Keshi (right) and Iran’s Portuguese in South Africa with a stunning 1-0 win over eventual win- coach Carlos Queiroz reacting. Nigeria play Iran in their Group F opener tomorrow during the ners Spain before defeat by Chile and a draw with 2014 FIFA World Cup football tournament. —AFP Honduras ended their hopes. “We began the revolution in 2011 when we brought in younger players,” Hitzfeld told a news conference at the Nigeria and Iran seek to national stadium in the Brazilian capital. “We have a very strong younger generation and we also have young, yet end 16-year winless run experienced, players,” added the 65-year-old German, who took over in 2008 after coaching stints at clubs including CURITUIBA: Iran and Nigeria The current African champion one of the most experienced Bayern Munich and Borussia Dortmund. “In that sense we have something in common has got back on track over the goalkeepers in the tournament. have a better mix and I think also in human terms the team ahead of their World Cup clash in past couple of years under coach Iran last victory at the World Cup is better suited to each other. “We are a bit more creative Curituiba. When they meet Stephen Keshi, who played for was against the United States in going forward and in defense we are still well organized. tomorrow at the Arena da Nigeria in the 1994 World Cup one of the great geopolitical Baixada, both teams will be bid- and has helped it recover some of clashes. It’s one appearance in “I am convinced we will perform better this time and ding to win their first match in the flair and power that marked the finals since, in Germany 2006, that we will reach the last 16. “Dreams are there to be real- the World Cup finals since France his country’s football in the yielded just a solitary point. ized. It is already a dream to be here in Brazil at the World 1998. With Argentina the clear 1990s. Keshi appears uncon- Despite haphazard prepara- Cup. “My dream is of course that we reach the last 16 and favorite in Group F, Iran and cerned that his team failed to win tions that involved a dearth of then we can dream bigger.” Hitzfeld said there was a lot Nigeria are expected to compete any of its three pre-tournament friendlies and financial con- more to Ecuador than well-known players like Antonio with tournament newcomer friendlies. “My concern is how I’m straints, Iran will be no pushover. Valencia and Felipe Caicedo and Switzerland would have to Bosnia-Herzegovina for second going to bring my players to With Carlos Queiroz, a former be careful not to be caught out by one of the South spot. understand the style of play, to coach of Real Madrid and Americans’ swift counter-attacks. “Ecuador’s strength is Though Nigeria is often con- bring them back into the rhythm Portugal, at the helm, Nigeria will their counter and they can turn defense into attack in the sidered a powerhouse of African that we are used to, because it’s a find Iran difficult to break down. blink of an eye,” he told reporters. “They also have two football, the Super Eagles have long time we were apart,” Keshi To bolster the attack, Queiroz has excellent centre backs and the full backs are very quick. not won a game at the World Cup said. convinced Reza Ghoochannejhad finals since defeating Bulgaria in Keshi has a number of hugely and Ashkan Dejagah to represent “We know Ecuador’s strengths and we know that we will a group match 16 years ago. experienced players at his dispos- the country of their birth. Both have to be at our best tomorrow to win the game.” Since then, Nigeria has endured al, many of whom play for some played key roles in Iran’s late two fairly dismal World Cup cam- of Europe’s top clubs. Much could charge to clinch top spot in an Game time paigns, including in South Africa hinge on the form and fitness of Asian qualifying group that Midfield pair Gokhan Inler, the captain, and Valon in 2010, notching up a grand Fenerbahce striker Emmanuel included regional powerhouse Behrami also appeared at the news conference and total of two points. That’s not Emenike, who has been prolific South Korea. Ghoochannejhad, Behrami said it was an attempt to show a reported spat good enough for a team many for Nigeria since his debut in often known as “Gucci”, is a between the two, who play for Italian club Napoli, was in have touted as the most likely to 2011. Behind Emenike, John Obi speedy forward who has been the past. “It could be one of the reasons we are here become Africa’s first-ever World Mikel has license to play more prolific for Iran, scoring 10 goals together is to show that everything is okay between us,” Cup winner. After all, Nigeria has creatively than he does for his in 14 appearances since Queiroz Behrami said. “I have a lot of respect for him and he has a pedigree on the global stage, club side Chelsea, where he’s convinced him in 2012 to opt for lot of respect for me so tomorrow we are going to be fight- having defeated Argentina to win often a shield in front of the “Team Melli” rather than the ing for the team and the team needs us together. “So we the Olympic gold medal in defense. And in goal, Keshi can Netherlands, whom he had repre- Atlanta in 1996. call upon Lille’s Vincent Enyeama, sented at youth level. — AP are ready, we are very calm, we know the importance of the first game and we can’t wait just to begin this World Cup. It’s game time now and we will do everything we Dutch trouncing could need to do to win.” France and Honduras, who meet in herald ‘end of an era’ Porto Alegre today, make up Group E.—Reuters
SALVADOR: Spain’s domination of world football, Iker Casillas took the blame for what he called his which has seen them win three trophies in the past worst night. Spain’s hopes of rescuing their cam- Matches on TV six years, could be at an end after their hopes of paign and avoiding the fates of France in 2002 and (Local Timings) retaining the World Cup took a huge knock when the Italy in 2010 in defending champions going out at Netherlands inflicted their worst defeat in 51 years. the group stage, face a real challenge from highly- FIFA World Cup Robin van Persie and Arjen Robben each scored rated Chile. twice as a rampant Netherlands humiliated Spain in The South Americans joined the Dutch on three Switzerland v Ecuador 19:00 a 5-1 trouncing in their opening group game, a rerun points after beating a stubborn Australia side 3-1. beIN SPORTS of the 2010 World Cup final. It was the heaviest Mexico beat Cameroon 1-0 in Group A, but claimed France v Honduras 22:00 defeat suffered by any defending champions at a they should have had two more on the scoresheet beIN SPORTS finals and the Spanish press did not refrain from as referees’ decisions again inflamed the World Cup slamming a side they have had the habit of eulogis- debate. Van Persie made an incredible dive to send ing over for the past six years. a looping header over Casillas to level the game TOMORROW “Spain is like the remains of an empire that knows just before half-time. “We didn’t react well to van Argentina v Bosnia 1:00 it is near its end,” mused a columnist in the Persie’s second goal-they were euphoric and they beIN SPORTS 1 HD Barcelona-based daily Sport. A jubilant van Persie, hammered us,” said Spain coach Vicente del beIN SPORTS 2 HD who scored one of the best goals seen at the World Bosque. “We did everything wrong in the second Cup, said it was one of greatest football nights for half, it was a debacle,” added Spain’s veteran mid- beIN SPORTS 1 HD FR the Netherlands. Spanish goalkeeper and captain fielder Xavi.—AFP beIN SPORTS 1 FR SUNDAY, JUNE 15, 2014
Chile hold off battling Australia
FAN FERVOR
CUIABA: Chile’s Jean Beausejour (center) celebrates with teammates after scoring his side’s third goal during the group B World Cup soccer match between Chile and Australia in the Arena Pantanal in Cuiaba on Friday, June 13, 2014. —AP CUIABA: Chile got the victory they needed if they are Valdivia scored in quick succession. “The ambience sprawling save, this time one-handed low to his left. to have any chance of progressing from a daunting really helped the team establish its authority to go Australia had a let-off when Alex Wilkinson got back Group B when they held off a strong Australian fight- after those goals at the beginning,” Chile’s Argentine to clear off the goalline from Vargas but Chile could back to emerge 3-1 winners in another open and coach Jorge Sampaoli told reporters. not relax. Cahill again demonstrated his renowned entertaining World Cup match on Friday. Alexis aerial ability when he climbed above his marker Sanchez put Chile ahead from close range after 12 Chile will ‘correct things’ Gonzalo Jara but this time headed over. minutes and two minutes later Jorge Valdivia made it Charles Aranguiz neatly kept the ball in play on the Any hopes of securing a point vanished when sub- 2-0 with a well-struck shot as the South Americans right with defenders scrambling to block him and he stitute Beausejour drilled a low strike into the far cor- looked in control. Australia fought back strongly, chipped into the middle where Eduardo Vargas and ner in stoppage time. Even so, the outcome was a vic- though, and Tim Cahill replied with a trademark Mile Jedinak jostled for the header, the ball falling for tory of sorts for Australia coach Ange Postecoglou, header after 35 minutes and thought he had goalscoring talisman Sanchez to poke home. Chile hired in October to rejuvenate an aging team only to equalised with another early in the second half only were quickly two up, carving through Australia’s be faced with one of the toughest groups in to have it ruled offside by an excellent linesman’s defence before Sanchez squared for Valdivia to rifle December’s draw. “The good thing is that we believe decision. into the roof of the net from the edge of the box. A in our football, we believe in our structure,” said Cahill, Both sides went close in an end-to-end second heavy defeat looked on the cards for the Socceroos who scored his 33rd goal for Australia. “Last week half before Jean Beausejour grabbed a third for Chile but Chile sat back and allowed them to settle. they were questioning whether we could create in stoppage time, and they will now have to try to get Australia’s record goalscorer Cahill got above Gary chances - we did create quite a lot.” After the tougher- something from games against Spain or the Medel to head powerfully home and the striker was than-expected challenge from Australia, Chile recog- Netherlands, who thrashed the holders 5-1 earlier in denied again moments later when his low strike was nized that they need to do better to get to the next the day. Amidst the 40,000 spectators at Cuiaba’s saved by Claudio Bravo. The lowest-ranked team of stage. They play Spain in Rio de Janeiro on June 18. brand new Pantanal arena, dominated by Chile’s “Red the 32 in Brazil began the second half strongly with “This is good to correct things and we need to play Tide” of fans, the South Americans looked to be coast- Cahill’s bullet header ruled out and then veteran mid- more complete games to face the strong teams ing to a comfortable victory when Sanchez and fielder Mark Bresciano forcing Bravo into another ahead of us,” Sampaoli said. — Reuters Football fever grips Pakistan KARACHI: A corner of Karachi will forever over the past 15 years to produce the be Brazil. Seen from overseas, Pakistan’s country’s best football players. Former biggest city this week issued a fresh Pakistan international Aurangzeb Shahmir, reminder of its reputation for chaos and who lives in the neighborhood, said local violence but on its teeming streets, the residents are obsessed with the tourna- more burning topic of interest is the World ment, even if his countrymen have never Cup now under way. The “beautiful game” even qualified for the finals. “When you offers residents of Pakistan’s commercial come to Lyari these days, you will realise metropolis a brief respite from the mael- that the football World Cup is on,” he said. strom of violence that blights their every- day lives. Earlier this week Islamic mili- Load shedding tants laid siege to the city’s airport in a Finding a working television is not easy sophisticated nighttime raid that killed 38 in a city beset by regular power outages. people, the latest in a series of militant Like thousands of fans, Shahmir almost attacks to bring chaos to the country’s missed the opening ceremony on vital economic hub. But in the Lyari neigh- Thursday night after much of the city’s borhood, the talk is all football. southwestern suburbs were plunged into Most of the homes in this gang-blight- darkness. “The power came on just min- ed slum are festooned with the flags of dif- utes before the opening ceremony, so I ferent national teams, with Brazil’s yellow was lucky. But we appeal to the authorities and green colors by far the most popular. to reduce load-shedding (rolling black- KARACHI: A Pakistani football fan demonstrates his skills in front of a mural Local resident Mohammad Ameen was outs) so that we can watch all the match- celebrating the World Cup painted on the wall of a house in Karachi. — AFP busily preparing for his wedding Friday. es,” he said. In Malir, which lies on the west- The timing of the tournament suits Pakistanis are travelling to our country Yet he was equally determined not to miss ern edge of Karachi airport, a football fies- school children, who are currently on their from other parts of the world,” Brazil’s out on any footballing action, despite ta is also under way as people do their holidays and can stay up late into the bak- ambassador Alfredo Leoni told reporters cricket ranking far ahead of football for best to forget about how Pakistan’s avia- ing summer nights. “I am gearing up to in Islamabad on Thursday. “Here in most Pakistanis.”I can’t miss the World tion hub was briefly turned into a war watch matches and there will be no school Pakistan, we’ve given 100 percent waiver Cup,” the 27-year-old said. “I have asked my zone only a few days before. “We started to worry about,” said local student Abbas on visas to Pakistani fans to help them relatives to come early so that we can preparations for the World Cup late Ali Shabbir, an avid football fan. Those enjoy football extravaganza in our coun- wrap up the ceremonies early and I can because of the airport attacks,” said local who can afford it have also taken advan- try,” he added. But for the vast majority of watch the match with my friends.” resident Jalil Baksh, whose house is paint- tage of a recent relaxation of visa restric- Karachi’s estimated 20 million inhabitants, Lyari has overcome miserable facilities ed with a tournament schedule and group tions to go and watch the games in per- a television-and a prayer that the city’s and a notorious reputation for gang vio- standing tables. “But now we can’t wait son. “We have issued visas to around 200 electricity supplies hold up-will just have lence that has killed hundreds of people any more as the festival is on.” people from Pakistan, while some 300 to do. — AFP Winners of World Cup VIVA Vespa Campaign
KUWAIT: VIVA, Kuwait’s fastest-growing in this exciting draw campaign which is and most developed telecom operator, applicable for existing and new postpaid announced Mohamed Humoud Hassan Al (Voice and data) and prepaid (voice only) Mutairi and Ratinyaka as the first two lucky customers who pay their bills through customers to win Vespa scooters with VIVA’s website, VIVA’s application or by call- World Cup designs. The announcement was ing the Call Center at 102 giving customers made at a festive event at the Grand a chance to win a brand new World Cup Avenue - Avenues Mall on 12 June 2014. Vespa scooter. The draw was held in the midst of an excit- The draw campaign started on 22 May ing ambiance, where audiences were enter- and will last until 14 July 2014, where post- tained by well-known radio presenter Ali paid and prepaid customers will earn one Najem. point for every KD5 spent on their bill pay- Ayman Salem Al Mutairi, Senior ment or recharge usage. Each point will Manager Corporate Communications said: count as one entry into the draw, so the “On behalf of VIVA, I would like to congratu- more points accumulated by a customer, late the lucky winners Mohamed Humoud the more chances they will have of winning. Hassan Al Mutairi and Ratinyaka and thank The upcoming draws will take place on 19 each and every customer who made the June, 26 June, 3 July, 10 July and 14 July effort to enter the draw. VIVA will continue 2014. To find out more about VIVA’s numer- to demonstrate its commitment towards its ous competitions, promotions, products customers by delivering unique products and packages visit any of the 53 VIVA and services and designing exciting offers branches, one of the VIVA authorized dis- that will allow VIVA to further engage with tributors, the company’s website at them”. www.viva.com.kw or contact its 24 hour call VIVA invites its customers to participate center at 102. Spain mourns Chile hold World Cup off battling ‘catastrophe’ Australia
SUNDAY, JUNE 15, 201418 19 Kings crowned; reclaim Stanley Cup Page 17
FORTALEZA: Costa Rica’s Yeltsin Tejeda clears the ball during the group D World Cup soccer match between Uruguay and Costa Rica at the Arena Castelao in Fortaleza, Brazil yesterday. — AP Costa Rica stun Uruguay 3-1
FORTALEZA: Costa Rica came from a goal down to beat Uruguay stepped Paris Saint-Germain striker Cavani to calmly bury the 3-1 in a huge World Cup upset yesterday as the Copa America penalty to the right of Costa Rica goalkeeper Keylor Navas. It was champions suffered for the absence of star striker Luis Suarez. Cavani’s 22nd goal in 63 internationals. Colombia shrug off Falcao After Edinson Cavani gave the South Americans the lead from Uruguay went close to a second goal in the closing moments the penalty spot in the first half, Costa Rica roared back with two of the first half when veteran striker Diego Forlan’s shot took a goals in three minutes from Joel Campbell and Oscar Duarte. huge deflection which forced a back-pedalling Navas into a dra- absence to thrash Greece With Liverpool star Suarez confined to the bench recovering matic tip over. In the 54th minute, Costa Rica were level with 21- from a knee injury, Costa Rica grabbed a third through substitute year-old Campbell, who spent last season on loan at Olympiakos BELO HORIZONTE: James Rodriguez rounded off a convinc- Marcos Urena to throw Group D, which also features England and from Arsenal, firing in a superbly controlled drive from Cristian ing 3-0 win for Colombia over Greece as the South Americans Italy, wide open. Uruguay’s Maxi Pereira was red-carded in injury Gamboa’s cross. It got better three minutes later when Duarte made light of the absence of injured striker Radamel Falcao in time to compound his team’s misery. Uruguay had the ball in the dived bravely at the feet of Christian Stuanito to head in a free- their opening Group C match at the World Cup yesterday. net after 15 minutes but Diego Godin’s effort was rightly ruled kick for a 2-1 lead. Substitute Urena latched on to a fine pass by Full-back Pablo Armero had given the Colombians-appearing out for offside. German referee Felix Brych called it right again in the influential Campbell in the 84th minute to make it 3-1 before at their first finals since 1998 - the lead in the fifth minute the 22nd minute when defender Junior Diaz was penalized for Pereira became the first player sent off at these finals for a wild while Teofilo Gutierrez’s 13th goal for his country shortly hauling down Uruguay skipper Diego Lugano in the box. Up lunge on Campbell. — AFP before the hour mark wrapped up the three points. Rodriguez, nicknamed the ‘new kid’ as he is seen as the suc- cessor to legend Carlos Valderrama, known as ‘the kid’, round- ed off an impressive performance with a sweet left footed Nepalese pay a terrible price shot in time added on. Armero’s goal was the fastest in Colombia’s five appear- ances at a World Cup finals, beating the 19 minutes it took in Qatar World Cup build-up another defender Francisco Zuluaga to score against Uruguay in the 1962 finals in Chile. Colombia coach Jose Pekerman, who KATHMANDU: A broken leg, a metal crutch and piles of ticket home to Kathmandu. guided his native Argentina to the quarter-finals in 2006, said paper testifying to his fight for justice: all reminders of he was delighted with the performance. “We were strong Bhupendra Malla’s stint working for a Qatari construction ‘No choice’ going forward, we had a nice style of play and we created sev- firm, ahead of the 2022 World Cup. As the 32-nation tour- Malla’s victory against his employers was a rare silver lining eral chances,” said the 64-year-old. “The crucial thing was that nament gets under way in Brazil, the oil-rich emirate of in a tale tainted by tragedy. Campaigners say many migrants everyone did the job they were tasked with and that allowed Qatar has come under fire for allegedly bribing officials to in Qatar endure brutal conditions, with no relief in sight. “They us to play calmly. secure 2022 hosting rights and over the abusive conditions have to work 18-19 hours a day and then they do not get “This result is very important for us and sets us up well for endured by migrant workers like Malla. proper food, proper accommodation... and because of this the rest of the group stage.” Greece’s Portuguese coach Three years ago, Malla was desperate to leave his village in fact their health goes down”, said Yubraj Nepal of the Fernando Santos conceded that the Colombians had been worthy winners. “They caused us a lot of problems from the central Nepal. Drowning in debt after a failed attempt to open Kathmandu-based migrant rights group, Pravasi Nepali Co- opening minutes,” said the 59-year-old. “We did get back into a shop, the prospect of a job in the Gulf state that would clear ordination Committee. Some pay the ultimate price, returning the game and the end result was a little bit unfair.” It took his loans and fund the education of his three children seemed home in coffins, with documents listing “cardiac arrest” as the Colombia just five minutes to send their fans wild. With Falcao like his only way out. “I could barely make ends meet, my leading cause of death. watching from the stands, great work down the right by Juan father was a farmer but farming doesn’t pay and I needed to According to government data at least 360 Nepalese work- Cuadrado outwitted the Greek defense and a step over by find another way to feed my family,” Malla told AFP in ers have died in Qatar in the last two years. The International Gutierrez saw the ball come to Armero. The 27-year-old full- Kathmandu. Trade Union Confederation (ITUC) warned this month that as back fired in a weak shot which took a deflection off a defend- Like hundreds of others who leave the Himalayan nation many as 4,000 migrant workers might be killed by the time er and past ‘keeper Orestis Karnezis. every day in search of jobs, Malla headed for Qatar, where the 2022 tournament kicks off. But the spiraling figures have The goal sparked an energetic goalline celebratory dance demand for labor has skyrocketed in the run-up to the World done little to dissuade others from seeking employment in routine which drew in the players on the bench as well. Greece, Cup. The shock decision to award the hosting rights to the tiny the booming Gulf nation. Scores of men line up every morn- whose leading striker Kostas Mitroglou was left on the bench Gulf state triggered a massive construction boom and an exo- ing outside the Department of Foreign Employment in as he battles for full fitness after suffering a knee injury, had lit- dus of Nepalese migrant workers to cope with the upsurge in Kathmandu, waiting for work permits. Many, like Lal Bahadur tle to offer up front. However, one bustling run from Celtic’s related infrastructure projects. The 32-year-old says he was Sunar, work in Qatar and say they have little alternative. “We Georgios Samaras set up Panagiotis Kone but he had to stretch one of a dozen men housed in a room measuring four by four have no choice, we have to go overseas. We can’t get good for the ball and his effort curled harmlessly wide. Kone made a meters (12 by 12 feet) and was paid no wages during his first jobs, good money here,” Sunar said. far better fist of it right at the end of the first-half as once again four months in the country, sending him deeper into debt. Nepal’s government says it wants to resolve the problem Samaras’s physical approach unnerved the Colombian defense But his nightmare had only just begun. A month later, he but argues it can’t do much on its own. “At the ground level, and laid the ball back to his team-mate. nearly died when his legs were crushed in a workplace acci- the responsibility lies with the local recruiting agency here The 26-year-old fired in a powerful shot towards the top dent. After six operations, his employers refused to pay any and the employer over there,” Rabindra Mohan Bhattarai, for- right hand corner but Colombian goalkeeper David Ospina compensation and confiscated his passport, unless he agreed mer Director-General of the Department of Foreign produced a superb two handed diving save to deny him. If the to leave the country on their terms. Malla took them to court, Employment said. Since returning to Nepal, former migrant Greeks needed any encouragement to rescue the situation the representing himself since he couldn’t afford a lawyer. “I had a worker Malla hasn’t been able to find a job but says nothing fans provided them with it wielding a banner which read ‘We family to feed, I needed money, so I fought for two and a half could persuade him to return to Qatar. “When I was stuck won’t say Greeks play like heroes, we say heroes play like years. During that time, I sometimes felt that I would just rot there, I thought I would die without seeing my wife’s and kids’ Greeks’. However, apart from one vain call for a penalty by BELO HORIZONTE: Greece’s forward Georgios Samaras (right) and die there,” he said. The court ruled in his favor: he secured faces again... unless Qatar treats workers better I don’t think Samaras the Greeks were incapable of threatening the vies with Colombia’s midfielder Abel Aguilar during a Group $33,000 in damages, got his passport back and a one-way the World Cup should be held there”. — AFP Colombian goal and it was the South Americans who C football match between Colombia and Greece at the deservedly doubled their lead through Gutierrez. — AFP Mineirao Arena in Belo Horizonte yesterday. — AFP Trade agreement with EU ‘game-changer’ for Georgia
Page 22 Business Kuwait’s inflation slows to 2.7% on food prices SUNDAY, JUNE 15, 2014 Page 25 Kuwait Airways: Rebuilding from zero Zain completes successful launch of VoLTE with Huawei and NSN Page 26 Page 23
YANGON: Myanmar laborers collect usable bricks from the site of an abolished building in Yangon yesterday. — AFP China housing slump fuels fears for economy Lending and sales curbs begin to bite as businesses feel the pinch
BEIJING: Six months ago, China’s housing mar- price is going down.” The boom took off in the ket was so red-hot that Feng Xiaowei, a sales late 1990s when then-Premier Zhu Rongji start- manager at a real estate agency in the eastern ed selling housing owned by the government or city of Hangzhou, rarely took a day off. state companies in which almost all urban Then lending and sales curbs imposed by the Chinese lived. government to cool soaring housing costs start- Many families traded up to newly built apart- ed to bite and business evaporated. Now Feng ments. Ancient neighborhoods of narrow lanes and the seven salespeople he supervises spend and one- and two-story homes in Beijing and the day playing cards. “There are no buyers,” said other cities were demolished to make way for Feng, 24. “We take three days off a week. We go 20- and 30 story apartment towers. In the sub- out for barbecue and play poker.” urbs, farms were replaced by sprawling com- China’s house prices have marched higher for plexes of 5,000 and more units. Sales drove 15 years, helping to drive an economic boom demand for cement, steel, furniture and kitchen but making home ownership unaffordable for appliances. Within a decade, the majority of city many families. Now a slump is dragging down dwellers lived in privately owned homes. economic growth that already was slowing. With few other investment options in China’s Some analysts worry banks might be shaken if state-dominated economy, families with money developers default on loans. bought multiple properties. Spending was The slowdown should fit the Communist boosted further by the flood of stimulus money Party’s ambition to nurture growth based on Beijing sent coursing through the economy after domestic consumption instead of trade and the 2008 global crisis. credit-fueled investment. But the timing is awk- Prices have risen so high that an 85 square ward, with demand for China’s exports and meter (920 square foot) apartment in an average growth in consumer spending both weaker than Beijing neighborhood can cost 4.5 million yuan expected. That is forcing the government of ($725,000) - the equivalent of more than 180 President Xi Jinping into a politically delicate years of income for the average Chinese person. balancing act. It wants to discourage specula- Alarmed by complaints about soaring costs tive investment and increase supplies of low- and warnings China faced a possible real estate cost housing without allowing prices to fall, bubble, leaders began tightening controls in which would alienate prosperous city dwellers, a 2010. They raised minimum down payments to pillar of ruling party support. Banks were as much as 70 percent of the purchase price and ordered in May to prop up the industry with imposed quotas on how many apartments one BEIJING: Real estate sales agents look at their smartphones near display boards showing properties for sale and for rent, as they wait more lending. “They don’t want to get into a sit- customer could buy. for potential buyers in Beijing. China’s house prices have marched higher for 15 years, helping to drive an economic boom but making uation where prices are going into negative ter- home ownership unaffordable for many families. Now the slump is dragging down economic growth that already was slowing. — AP ritory,” said economist Brian Jackson of IHS Wait and see real estate plays such an outsized economic role Economics. “There are stability concerns related Prices that had been rising at double-digit that any decline will rattle other industries. to that on the social side and also on the finan- annual rates started to decelerate this year. In Lending for mortgages or to developers is 20 Ukraine, Russia set cial side.” May, surveys by real estate companies said percent of outstanding bank loans, and that Nationwide, sales fell 7.7 percent in the first prices slipped by 0.1 percent to 0.3 percent from share doubles if credit to construction and other quarter from a year earlier to 1.1 trillion yuan April’s level, the first decline in two years. related industries is added, according to Barclays for gas talks in Kiev ($176 billion), according to government data Su Xiaoling, a sales manager in Shanghai, economist Jian Chang. reported by the official Xinhua News Agency. E- bought an apartment in February for 1.8 million KIEV: Ukrainian and Russian delegations prepared for gas pricing talks in Kiev yester- Many investors think that China will not come House China R&D Institute, a research firm in yuan ($300,000) as an investment. “There might day in an attempt to avert possible supply cuts to Ukraine and interruption of onward out of the property downturn unscathed and Shanghai, said the volume of unsold new hous- be some correction in the short term, but it does flows to Europe - two days before a payment deadline. some expect a “large credit event that could ing in 35 cities rose in May to a five-year high. not mean I lose money as long as I do not sell it,” A spokesman for Russia’s top natural gas producer Gazprom said it was preparing to cripple the economy and financial system,” said said Su, 33. “I can wait.” resume talks with Ukraine. A Ukrainian government source said that delegations from Chang in a report. Price cuts Investors who own multiple apartments Russia and the European Commission were due in Kiev. Some buyers have staged protests after see- often leave them vacant while they wait for At least seven developers have defaulted on “We are ready to seek compromise, but it is useless to put pressure on us,” Gazprom’s ing developers cut prices of similar units in the prices to rise, prompting complaints by would- loans or stopped projects due to financial trou- spokesman Sergei Kupriyanov said. Gazprom has said that Ukraine should pay $1.95 same complex by up to 20 percent from what be renters about lack of supply. ble this year, according to Chinese news reports. billion, a part of its debt for Russian gas supplies, by tomorrow, June 16, or face a pre- they paid months earlier. China had 49 million such vacant apartments Fitch Ratings says real estate is the “principle payment regime and possible gas supply cuts. The move could disrupt supplies to the In Hangzhou and another city, Nanjing, buy- in August, or 22.4 percent of the total of 218 mil- source of risk” to the stability of China’s financial European Union where Russia meets a third of gas needs. ers who want a refund of the difference between lion, according to an estimate by the China system. Around a half of Russian gas exports to Europe goes via pipelines in Ukraine. The what they paid and the current price stormed Household Financial Survey and Research Center Longer term, analysts see strong demand Ukrainian government source said: “The arrival of the representatives of the European showrooms and smashed models of apartment at the Southwestern University of Finance and from millions more rural Chinese who are Commission is already confirmed and now we are waiting for confirmation from the complexes, according to Xinhua and other Economics. That was based on data gathered by expected to move into cities. But that might not Russian side.” media. In Guangdong province, near Hong researchers who visited 28,000 properties in come soon enough for some developers and the The EU’s energy commissioner, Guenther Oettinger, has been mediating the talks. Kong, unhappy owners in one complex blocked 2011-13 and staying in touch with owners by construction companies and others that depend Gazprom’s Kupriyanov said the meeting in Kiev would be held in “a new format, differ- entrances so customers couldn’t see units being phone, said one of the report’s authors, Yi on them. ent from the previous consultations”. He declined to elaborate. Ukrainian Energy offered at lower prices. Daichun. “China’s property market faces a difficult peri- Minister Yuri Prodan proposed on Friday starting a new round of talks in Kiev or, failing Feng, the sales manager, said he used to sell Regulators say China’s real estate slowdown is od,” said Duncan Innes-Ker of the Economist that, in another European city. Russia initially demanded at the talks that Ukraine at least two properties a month, in addition to different from the US crash in 2008. They say Intelligence Unit in a report. “Property invest- should pay $485 per 1,000 cubic metres of gas but then offered to remove the export those sold by his staff, but there have been no banks face little risk because mortgages are ment is already falling, but it will have to con- duty, a move that would cut the price to $385 - around the average amount paid by sales in the past month. “There is just too much small and most buyers pay cash. tract even more sharply if a severe drop in prices Russia’s European clients. — Reuters housing in Hangzhou,” he said. “That’s why the Private sector analysts warn, however, that is to be avoided.” — AP SUNDAY, JUNE 15, 2014 BUSINESS
Four ways to manage employee productivity during World Cup Bayt.com weekly report orld Cup hysteria is upon us employees’ productivity during the unplanned absences during the World on the costs of absenteeism will act as they think will win the World Cup. The once again. Thursday saw the World Cup from the career experts at Cup. So it’s important to turn unplanned a deterrent. winners could get free meals from Wopening match take place Bayt.com, the Middle East’s #1 job site: absences into planned ones. This means everybody else who joined the pool, between Brazil and Croatia. For much of creating policies that will encourage and 3. Get involved for example. the world, work productivity may take a 1.Offer flexibility support employees for requesting time Rather than accept the high level of small dip over the next month as mil- Employers can offer flexible work off beforehand. This gives managers the absenteeism around such events, 4 Adapt lions of fans become glued to TVs, hours during the World Cup. For exam- ability to plan for that absence ahead of employers can tap into the excitement Don’t plan any big meeting for a phones, and computers to watch the ple, you may allow employees to vary time and mitigate some of the associat- of the event by screening matches in morning after a major sporting event, games. While restaurants and cafÈs break times; swap shifts; take work ed productivity loss. For those business- the workplace, perhaps by turning especially if it’s a late event. Instead, across the Middle East may see an uptick home; access radios or TVs during work; es that already have an absence policy in conference rooms into screening do your research beforehand and pick in business, other employers are consid- or vary start and finish times. While place, it’s a good time to review it and rooms or allowing the radio on in the a more suitable date. It’s also worth ering how to allow their employees to there’s no legal requirement for employ- remind employees what is expected of background if it’s not too disruptive. bringing up the possibility of absences cheer their favorite teams with the least ers to give employees time off to watch them and the disciplinary consequences Another option to really get involved the week before an important game, disruption possible to their day-to-day World Cup matches, a bit of give-and- of taking unauthorized leave. It is also would be to allow employees to wear so that you can establish who might operations. take to accommodate employee advisable for employers to reiterate its their football kit to work, take ‘power be planning a late night and may be Indeed, with the kick off of the World requests could do a huge amount for policies on sick leave, annual leave, and naps’, run some competitions perhaps, coming in late the next day. Cup employers might experience a high- employee morale. Help your employees PC and internet use. and really try to get involved. Use it as This year, the World Cup could er level of absenteeism, increased reschedule their daily routine for match- According to the Bayt.com a way of improving morale. result in a loss of working hours and requests for annual and sick leave, and es they feel passionate about. With your ‘Absenteeism in the MENA Workplace’ Employee productivity is highly productivity. Employers could witness increased web traffic on their networks support, employees can adjust, accom- poll, July 2012, more than half of the dependent on emotions. You can a rise in absence levels, late arrivals, as employees keep track of events on modate, and adapt their work and their poll’s respondents (51%) state that properly transform these emotions poor performance due to lack of sleep, dedicated websites and other social lives without compromising their happi- recognizing and rewarding regular during this time in a positive manner or side discussions at the workplace. media sites. ness or productivity. and punctual attendance is the best to increase productivity. Use the World These four tips will help your business But employers need not worry. Even way to lower rates of absenteeism. Cup as an opportunity for team build- curb absenteeism and manage pro- the World Cup can be turned into a very 2.Manage absenteeism One fifth (18.5%) claim that a strict ing and organize competitions and ductivity during the World Cup while productive month. Here are four things Companies with football fans among absenteeism policy will work, while sweepstakes related to the World Cup promoting team spirit and boosting you can do to better manage your their workforce could see an increase in 9% believe that educating employees where employees choose the team employee morale. Trade agreement with EU ‘game-changer’ for Georgia EBRD cuts Georgia’s GDP growth forecast to 4%
TBILISI: A looming trade deal with the flexible provision of local currency financing the bank reduced the country’s gross European Union will be a “game changer” for would also be needed. “I think... in 3-5 years domestic product (GDP) growth forecast for Georgia, connecting its firms to one of the you are going to see a meaningful impact of this year to 4 percent in May from a previous world’s biggest markets, a development bank these changes on peoples’ lives,” Simor said. 4.5 percent, due to risks stemming from the said, although it will take 3-5 years for the ex- The EBRD vice president praised Georgia’s Ukraine conflict. Georgia’s GDP grew 3.2 per- Soviet republic to feel the benefits. Georgia, a “robust economic performance”, although cent in 2013. — Reuters small Caucasus state of 4.5 million, which hosts pipelines that pump oil and gas from the landlocked Caspian Sea to world markets, plans to sign an association agreement with OECD sees US growth the EU on June 27. It views the deal as a cru- cial step towards eventual full EU member- accelerating through 2015 ship. The EU has urged Russia not to stand in ATHENS: A protesting former Finance Ministry cleaning lady is tended by other pro- the way of Georgia and another former Soviet WASHINGTON: The US economic recovery growth built in.” Notably, the OECD said that testers after she fainted following scuffles with riot police outside the ministry head- republic, Moldova, signing the deal, following should accelerate in coming months as an the steps taken to rein in federal spending and quarters in central Athens. — AP the conflict caused by Ukraine’s lurch to the energy boom, steadily falling unemployment debt in recent years were succeeding. The west. “The agreement Georgia is planning to and a rebound in investment push growth to drag on the economy from budget cuts has sign is certainly going to give a further boost its fastest pace in a decade, the Organization diminished, while federal debt as a percent- Greek CB sees end to the economy, even if the benefits are not for Economic Cooperation and Development age of GDP was stabilizing at around 106 per- necessarily going to be shown in a month, said on Friday. cent - high by world standards but perhaps set and rather in years,” said Andras Simor, vice In its latest overview of the US economy, to decline. to 6-year recession president for policy at the European Bank for the Paris-based group said US gross domestic The OECD, an economic policy organiza- Reconstruction and Development (EBRD). product would expand 2.5 percent this year, a tion that includes the world’s largest devel- ATHENS: Greece’s outgoing central bank slump, while unemployment shot up to “This is going to be a total game changer touch below a forecast it released last month. oped nations, did warn that some trends in chief said yesterday that the country’s record highs. for Georgia going forward,” he said, adding it But it maintained its 3.5 percent growth pro- labor markets could hurt the country’s battered economy is on track to expand Data released on Thursday showed jection for next year, which would be the prospects. Despite stronger growth, the group would attract investors. again after a punishing six-year recession, unemployment was 27.8 percent in the strongest advance since 2004. forecast the unemployment rate would Foreign direct investment (FDI) to Georgia but warned that any slippage in reforms first quarter, unchanged from the last The OECD is more optimistic on US growth decline only slowly, remaining at 6 percent at rose by 15 percent on the year to a modest could still lead to disaster. George quarter of 2013 and slightly higher than a than most private forecasters and some other the end of 2015 - still above the level typically $260 million in the first quarter of 2014. Provopoulos said in a report that confi- year earlier. The Statistical Authority fig- international organizations, including the regarded as full employment. The jobless rate The EBRD is owned by 64 countries and the dence is growing in the bailed-out coun- ures showed unemployment remained World Bank, which looks for growth in 2015 of stood at 6.3 percent in May. EU, and invests mostly in private sector clients try’s economy’s prospects and markets highest among 15- to 24-year-olds, at only 3.0 percent. The OECD said it saw several The continued stagnation of wages among whose needs cannot be met by the market. “anticipate a gradual exit from the crisis.” 56.7 percent. positive trends converging to make the recov- middle- and lower-income families has stunt- Simor said closer ties with the EU would allow The report expects the economy to The central bank report said that, ery faster, more entrenched and more driven ed demand and worsened income inequality, Georgian companies a chance to operate grow 0.5 percent this year, just below the despite progress in the public sector by private demand. the OECD said. It called for tax law changes freely in Europe. Experts expect Georgian Low energy prices and continued low bor- and an increase in the minimum wage to government’s 0.6 percent forecast. reforms, the government must still exports to the EU to rise by 12 percent after rowing costs, coupled with record corporate address the issue. But it warns that “the slightest back- address delays and gaps in the program. the signing. The EU share in the country’s total stores of cash, should produce a surge of 10 Declining labor force participation also tracking or reversal” in economic reforms It also stressed that over the next five trade turnover stands at 27 percent. It totalled percent in business investment in 2015, the poses a problem which the OECD said could could cause instability and lead to Greece years, further efforts are needed to about $11 billion in 2013. OECD projected, while steadily falling unem- be addressed through reform of immigration losing bond market access again. rationalize public spending and improve Simor said many countries, perhaps even ployment would mean rising consumer laws, or employee tax and training programs In April, the country successfully sold tax administration. from Russia, might establish companies in demand and a firm recovery in housing over that encourage people to work. It recom- its first bonds since it was priced out of The conservative-led governing coali- Georgia in order to export to the EU. the next year. mended specifically a broadening of the the market more than four years ago, tion said it was continuing to meet its Exposure to the European market would also “The US is the bright spot in the world’s earned income tax credit. when international investors were deficit targets. Preliminary figures create jobs in Georgia, where unemployment recovery today,” said OECD head Angel Gurria. The OECD said the United States should spooked by the country’s soaring debt showed a primary budget surplus of 711 stands at 15 percent. “This has been building up,” as the United also cut its 39.1 percent corporate tax rate, the levels. Greece has since then implement- million euros ($962 million) in January- States worked through the aftermath of the highest among OECD countries, and reform Simor added new regulations would ed harsh spending cuts, reforms and tax May, about 500 million euros above tar- crisis and recession and set the stage for the system to broaden the base of corpora- require Georgian exporters to improve prod- hikes to secure international bailouts. The get. The primary surplus does not include domestic demand and investment to take off. tions paying taxes and to give businesses less uct quality. Easier access to funding for small deeply resented belt-tightening con- the cost of servicing the country’s crip- “The US is the one country that has its own incentive to book profits abroad. — Reuters and medium size companies, as well as more tributed to a depression-like economic pling debt.— AP EXCHANGE RATES
Al-Muzaini Exchange Co. UAE Exchange Centre WLL Syrian Pound 2.900 Sierra Leone 0.000069 0.000075 Nepalese Rupees 3.880 Singapore Dollar 0.223383 0.229383 South African Rand 0.020490 0.028990 ASIAN COUNTRIES Malaysian Ringgit 87.040 COUNTRY SELL DRAFT SELL CASH Chinese Yuan Renminbi 45.395 Sri Lankan Rupee 0.001872 0.002452 Japanese Yen 2.769 Australian Dollar 269.43 266.43 Thai Bhat 9.680 Taiwan 0.009316 0.009496 Indian Rupees 4.776 Canadian Dollar 262.90 263.90 Turkish Lira 134.045 Thai Baht 0.008401 0.008951 Pakistani Rupees 2.869 Swiss Franc 319.50 317.50 Arab Srilankan Rupees 2.170 Euro 385.46 386.46 Bahraini Dinar 0.744207 0.752207 Nepali Rupees 2.989 US Dollar 282.40 285.40 Egyptian Pound 0.037172 0.040272 Singapore Dollar 226.930 Sterling Pound 482.34 485.34 Bahrain Exchange Company Iranian Riyal 0.000078 0.000080 Hongkong Dollar 36.520 Japanese Yen 2.82 2.84 Iraqi Dinar 0.000181 0.000241 Bangladesh Taka 3.641 Bangladesh Taka 3.635 3.905 CURRENCY BUY SELL Jordanian Dinar 0.394934 0.402434 Philippine Peso 6.484 Indian Rupee 4.746 5.046 Europe Kuwaiti Dinar 1.0000000 1.0000000 Thai Baht 8.739 Sri Lankan Rupee 2.167 2.602 Belgian Franc 0.007355 0.008355 Lebanese Pound 0.000138 0.000238 Irani Riyal transfer 0.271 Nepali Rupee 2.969 3.504 British Pound 0.467910 0.482910 Moroccan Dirhams 0.024426 0.048426 Irani Riyal cash 0.273 Pakistani Rupee 2.875 2.790 Czech Korune 0.006218 0.018218 Nigerian Naira 0.001197 0.001832 GCC COUNTRIES UAE Dirhams 76.96 77.42 Danish Krone 0.047395 0.052395 Omani Riyal 0.729033 0.734713 Saudi Riyal 75.524 Bahraini Dinar 751.63 753.70 Euro 0.378081 0.386081 Qatar Riyal 0.077023 0.078236 Qatari Riyal 77.817 Egyptian Pound 39.48 40.08 Norwegian Krone 0.043224 0.048424 Saudi Riyal 0.074830 0.075530 Omani Riyal 735.710 Jordanian Dinar 401.92 407.57 Romanian Leu 0.081659 0.81659 Syrian Pound 0.001755 0.001975 Bahraini Dinar 752.230 Omani Riyal 734.42 741.72 Slovakia 0.008106 0.018106 Tunisian Dinar 0.167397 0.175397 UAE Dirham 77.128 Qatari Riyal 77.98 78.53 Swedish Krona 0.038506 0.043506 Turkish Lira 0.136222 0.143222 ARAB COUNTRIES Saudi Riyal 75.44 75.84 Swiss Franc 0.308716 0.318916 UAE Dirhams 0.076069 0.077218 Egyptian Pound - Cash 39.850 Turkish Lira 0.136222 0.143222 Yemeni Riyal 0.001276 0.001356 Egyptian Pound - Transfer 39.568 Dollarco Exchange Co. Ltd Australasia Yemen Riyal/for 1000 1.322 Australian Dollar 0.257927 0.269427 Tunisian Dinar 172.200 New Zealand Dollar 0.239319 0.248819 Rate for Transfer Selling Rate Jordanian Dinar 399.940 America Al Mulla Exchange US Dollar 281.500 Canadian Dollar 0.255545 0.264045 Lebanese Lira/for 1000 1.900 Canadian Dollar 259.510 US Dollars 0.278900 0.283250 Syrian Lira 2.019 Sterling Pound 475.750 Currency Transfer Rate (Per 1000) Morocco Dirham 35.168 Euro 391.810 US Dollars Mint 0.279400 0.283250 US Dollar 282.300 EUROPEAN & AMERICAN COUNTRIES Swiss Frank 320.975 Asia Euro 384.800 US Dollar Transfer 282.100 Bahrain Dinar 749.235 Bangladesh Taka 0.003297 0.003897 Pound Sterlng 475.850 Euro 384.450 UAE Dirhams 76.620 Chinese Yuan 0.044143 0.047643 Canadian Dollar 260.250 Sterling Pound 475.610 Qatari Riyals 78.200 Hong Kong Dollar 0.034426 0.037176 Indian Rupee 4.768 Canadian dollar 260.920 Saudi Riyals 75.340 Indian Rupee 0.004492 0.004893 Egyptian Pound 39.485 Turkish lira 136.240 Jordanian Dinar 396.715 Indonesian Rupiah 0.000020 0.000026 Sri Lankan Rupee 2.166 Swiss Franc 315.780 Egyptian Pound 40.115 Japanese Yen 0.002698 0.002878 Bangladesh Taka 3.635 Australian Dollar 266.400 Sri Lankan Rupees 2.154 Kenyan Shilling 0.003299 0.003299 Philippines Peso 6.475 US Dollar Buying 281.900 Indian Rupees 4.679 Korean Won 0.000268 0.000283 Pakistan Rupee 2.868 GOLD Pakistani Rupees 2.852 Malaysian Ringgit 0.084219 0.090219 Bahraini Dinar 751.700 20 Gram 245.000 Bangladesh Taka 3.622 Nepalese Rupee 0.002996 0.003166 UAE Dirham 76.850 Philippines Pesso 6.322 10 Gram 124.000 Pakistan Rupee 0.002664 0.002944 Saudi Riyal 75.350 Cyprus pound 691.420 5 Gram 64.000 Philippine Peso 0.006363 0.006643 *Rates are subject to change Japanese Yen 3.750 BUSINESS SUNDAY, JUNE 15, 2014
Kuwait Airways: Rebuilding from zero
Turnaround strategy includes immediate axing of 1,000 jobs: Al-Roumi KUWAIT: Flight FZ057 from Dubai lands at Kuwait but the problem is the government and the parlia- International Airport and the majority of the passengers ment.” on board flow through immigration. But 20 or so - those The parliament stopped a previous bid to buy new without residency, given that Kuwait is hardly a tourist In an interview with Arabian Business.com, Kuwait Airways CEO Rasha Al-Roumi planes for the airline in 2007. A plan to privatize the destination - are left to linger. They need visit visas but carrier was first proposed in 2006 and was approved there is no one to process them and the Gulf state is yet says the airline will imminently announce 1,000 jobs to be axed, slicing the total number by parliament last year, but little has been done and to set up an online or pre-service facility. A pleasant air- of employees from 6,000 to 5,000. “They will be informed within one to two months. This is only the real optimists believe it will be carried out in port assistant takes each foreign passenger through the the three-year time-frame set. cumbersome process of buying stamps, peeling them what we are doing now... as quick as possible because we are rebuilding the company from The sale would see the government retain a 20 per- back and plastering them onto a piece of paper that zero and from next September we want to start the company in good shape. I can’t do it like cent share, while 5 percent would be given to employ- then must be filled out with the usual details. ees, an investor would be sought for 35 percent and Those unprepared with a passport copy are directed this, I need the right team. My target is 4,500, but I can’t do that this year,” says Al-Roumi. the remaining 40 percent would be distributed to to another assistant in charge of the photocopy Kuwaiti citizens via a stock issuing. machine. The private investor would likely be an existing air- But it’s another half-hour before an immigration offi- line; Qatar Airways has previously said it would be cial who can approve entry to the country becomes interested but in the meantime it has agreed to set up available to process the detailed applications. At KD3 a subsidiary airline in Saudi Arabia. ($10.60) per visa, the process seems hardly worth the “I heard that one of the Saudi private airlines would Kuwaitis’ time. Even the lovely assistant acknowledges like to be one of the investors,” Al-Roumi says. She is the inefficiency, but what she can do? hesitant to show any confidence that privatization will It’s a typical welcome to Kuwait and an unexaggerat- go ahead, but she says if the airline is properly pre- ed reflection of the country’s entire aviation industry: pared then it will be an easy sell. old, inefficient and unappealing. “It depends. If all the documents are finalized with the government and it really becomes a private com- Market share pany then it’ll be easy to sell this company, it’s not In a startling rejection, the country’s publicly-owned very complicated,” she says. flag carrier, Kuwait Airways, has just 14 percent of the local market, with passengers preferring international Open skies competitors. It would be difficult to find another gov- The airline also is working in an open skies environ- ernment airline that suffers from such a dismal level of ment that provides flexible access for other carriers, backing from its own people. without any protection of the flag-carrier, unlike the Kuwait Airways has not received a new plane - leased other Gulf states. or bought - since 1998 and the average age of its exist- In 1994, it lost its monopoly when low-cost carrier ing fleet is nearly 20 years. Jazeera Airways launched. Further highlighting While exact financial data is difficult to extract from Kuwait Airways’ poor performance, the private airline the airline, it is not disputed that it has been bleeding has, in a brief period, managed to become one of the tens of millions of dollars in all but one year since 1991. most profitable in the world according to size, while It was forecast to have lost KD80 million ($285 million) operating in exactly the same environment. in 2011-12, on top of $275 million in losses in 2010-11 “[The open skies agreement] is really not good for and $180 million the year before. us,” Al-Roumi says. But last year, the airline received $500 million in com- “We have to convince the civil aviation to give us pensation from the Iraqi government for damages priority in the future - for the timing, the lounges, the incurred during the 1990 invasion, and also had $1.5 bil- gates, that it is priority for the Kuwaiti flag-carrier and lion worth of debt accumulated between 2004-2012 Kuwait Airways CEO Rasha Al-Roumi I’ll try my best for this. Dubai really gives priority to taken over by the Kuwaiti government as part of plans Emirates Airline, any airline that competes with them to privatize the airline. flies in the night, not at good timings.” The new CEO, Rasha Al-Roumi, claims last year’s loss- And, as visitors on flight FZ057 experienced, the es shrunk to $60 million. ‘The problem is we lost the Kuwaiti people. They’re flying with Emirates Airline, Etihad, poor service at Kuwait’s only international airport - Qatar Airways, because they say it’s not efficient to pay a lot of money for aircraft or first which is bursting at capacity - does little to support Turnaround strategy the country’s airline industry. Al-Roumi was appointed in December and already class or business seats with a low product; the product is not as good as they expect. When Again, the parliament approved a $6 billion expan- she is implementing a tough strategy to turn around we get our new aircraft with the new seats and entertainment, then we’ll get the market sion and upgrade program several years ago but it is the company, with 25 new aircraft ordered, 1,000 job still yet to begin. Sources have told Arabian Business cuts to come and new networks being studied. share here in Kuwait. That’s really my goal because our share was 57 percent three years ago they expect groundwork to start in November. She has signed off on a deal with Airbus - which was and now we’ve reached 14 percent. It’s really very, very low.’ “Because [the airport] is not that big we can’t accept initially negotiated under her predecessor - that will see all the [required] flights, that’s why sometimes we Kuwait Airways purchase ten new A350-900s and 15 don’t get gate access; [planes have to] land far away A320neos, with deliveries to start in 2019 or 2020. As well as reducing costs, Al-Roumi has her sights set Far East with Europe and the US. and we have buses, which is not very comfortable for It also will lease ten aircraft from September while it on new opportunities. She’s planning to launch new Serving the locals will be the initial focal point. the passengers,” Al-Roumi says. awaits the new planes. Upgrading the entire fleet - the routes with the upgraded aircraft but she’s also well Kuwait’s gross domestic product per capita, at more oldest in the region - is an important immediate step aware Kuwait Airways will need to carve out its own than $56,000, is one of the ten highest in the world, New airport that will save tens of millions on maintenance each year, niche in the already heavily populated Gulf aviation sec- according to the World Bank. “I’m trying to push the government to do the new as well as improve the airline’s fuel efficiency, reliability, tor, with the likes of Dubai-based Emirates, UAE flag car- Two thirds of its population of about 3.7 million are airport. I think by the end of this year they will [start staffing requirements and appeal. rier Etihad and Qatar Airways already well in front. expats, who typically are more frequent travellers, construction] but it will take five years to finish. “Of course we will save. Our fleet now is really old; we Flydubai has up to nine daily flights between Kuwait using their holidays to visit home. “Maybe we’ll start with our newly-purchased aero- are reaching C-check and in two years we’ll reach D- and Dubai, while Emirates has four or five each day - “We will concentrate on the Kuwaiti people. This is planes. check, which is a very, very expensive check for old both more than Kuwait Airways’ two - and Qatar my goal. After that we will see,” Al-Roumi says. “We will “They said they’d do a temporary airport but I want planes, it will cost us a lot of money,” Al-Roumi says, Airways has three flights daily to Doha compared to not compete with [the other Gulf airlines]; we will get to do something really big. It should reflect the image referring to the two most thorough aeroplane inspec- Kuwait Airways’ one. Kuwait also has had to pair up with our profit by doing the best for the Kuwaiti people. of the Kuwait government.” tions. The five-yearly D-check can cost $1 million and Turkish Airlines in order to offer a service to Istanbul, “The Kuwaiti people like travelling... and I will take Al-Roumi has a glorious picture in mind of a take two months per plane. which is operated by the Turks five times daily on a advantage of this. We also have many labor people national airline carrying the majority of local passen- “Because the aircraft are really old we can’t find the code-share agreement. who I can really take advantage of, taking them to gers to almost anywhere they want to go, on board spare parts and when we find them they’re expensive. If “We don’t have this [market] share. I think if we do their countries on their holidays. comfortable and modern planes at competitive prices we have a problem, let’s say in Frankfurt airport, for one the best plan and the best network, we will get the local “The market here in Kuwait is really a very rich one. and from a grand airport that altogether makes the of our aircraft, we can’t find somebody to do the main- market and this is really my challenge,” Al-Roumi says. I want to concentrate on that. Maybe in the stage country proud of its aviation industry. tenance for this aircraft, so we have to send an engineer “The problem is we lost the Kuwaiti people. They’re after that, if the government gives us good support, But there’s a long - and hazardous - road ahead and from Kuwait and the spare part from Kuwait, and this flying with Emirates Airline, Etihad, Qatar Airways, we can compete with [the other airlines]. But I don’t the woman who used to run the company’s risk man- costs us a lot of money.” because they say it’s not efficient to pay a lot of money think so because it’s an open city.” agement team as the head of aviation insurance, is for aircraft or first class or business seats with a low Kuwait Airways has struggled since it lost most of playing her cards tactfully. Bloated workforce product; the product is not as good as they expect. its aircraft, engines and spares during the Iraqi inva- “I can’t push them [the government and parlia- Another heavy item on the airline’s books is its bloat- “When we get our new aircraft with the new seats sion in 1990. The grounding of five aircraft in July ment] to do everything, but I will try,” she says. “I just ed workforce. and entertainment then we’ll get the market share here 2012 also publicized the airline’s operational issues finished the big, big project - the new fleet and our Al-Roumi reveals to Arabian Business she will immi- in Kuwait. That’s really my goal because our share was and generated a significant amount of bad media. signature with Airbus. This was really my target and I nently announce 1,000 jobs to be axed, slicing the total 57 percent three years ago and now we’ve reached 14 did it.” number of employees from 6,000 to 5,000. All of the percent. It’s really very, very low. Political hurdles But that’s one hurdle down and there are several retrenched employees will be foreigners and from “not “Last year 9.3 million passengers [passed through In recent years, a hostile parliament has either more to overcome. Commentators have previously very senior” positions, she says. Kuwait International Airport]. Capacity is increasing but opposed or delayed much needed changes to the predicted a turn-around for the airline, only to be let The affected staff are expected to be informed within we didn’t go up. This is a problem; we want to compete. company, including privatization and aircraft down. So will Al-Roumi manage to complete the one to two months. “This is what we are doing now... as “I’m very confident when we get our new aeroplanes upgrades. course? “I like challenges, to be honest with you,” she quick as possible because we are rebuilding the compa- we will get most of the Kuwait people with our fleet.” “This is something in the hands of the government says. “I like to set goals and work hard to get these ny from zero and from next September we want to start and parliament. It is very complicated [but] I don’t goals, and I’m trying my best. the company in good shape. I can’t do it like this, I need Destinations know why,” Al-Roumi says. “I want Kuwait Airways to go back [to its glory the right team,” Al-Roumi says, adding she would like to Al-Roumi says on initial studies it will be attractive for “The government is rich, they have money and days]; I want the people in Kuwait to be happy that eventually reduce staff numbers even further. “My tar- Kuwait Airways to fly daily to London, Paris, Rome, they have people who can think in the right manner there’s really a product for them and a service for the get is 4,500 but I can’t do that this year,” she says. Malaga, Geneva and New York, as well as connect the and they know their goals and they have their vision, Kuwaiti people. Inshallah I will [achieve that].” SUNDAY, JUNE 15, 2014 BUSINESS
Kuwait stocks bearish amid selling pressure
BAYAN WEEKLY MARKET REPORT
KUWAIT: Kuwait Stock Exchange (KSE) ended last week to its closing in 2013, while the weighted index in the red zone. The Price Index closed at 7,244.13 increased by 7.60 percent, and the KSX-15 recorded points, up by 1.27 percent from the week before clos- 11.52 percent growth. ing, the Weighted Index decreased by 1.00 percent after closing at 487.30 points, whereas the KSX-15 Index Sectors’ indices closed at 1,191.50 points down by 1.03 percent. Ten of KSE’s sectors ended last week in the red zone, Furthermore, last week’s average daily turnover while the other two recorded increases. Last week’s decreased by 6.23 percent, compared to the preceding highest loser was the Technology sector which index week, reaching KD 22.48 million, whereas trading vol- declined by 7.66 percent, closing at 911.23 points, The ume average was 140.73 million shares, recording a Financial Services sector was second on the losers’ list, decrease of 1.63 percent. which index declined by 2.54 percent, closing at 996.77 KSE stock indicators recorded different losses in light points, followed by the Telecommunication sector, as its of the selling pressures and the profit collection opera- index closed at 778.30 points at a loss of 2.52 percent. tions, which had a limited presence in few daily sessions The Consumer Goods sector was the last loser as its of the week, whereas the selling operations included index closed at 1,293.10 points at a loss of 0.53 percent. many stocks, the small-cap stocks were the most how- On the other hand, the Industrial sector, achieving ever, thus had a negative impact on the Price Index in 0.30 percent growth rate as its index closed at 1,131.85 particular, which declined mostly during the last week points. Whereas, the Basic Materials sector’s index in comparison with the Weighted Index and KSX-15 closed at 1,205.37 points recording 0.17 percent Index. increase. Also, many negative factors contributed to the stock market decline during the last week, headed by the Sectors’ activity increased severity of the latest political movement, The Financial services sector dominated total trade which pushed some traders to hold back from trading, volume during last week with 316.53 million shares waiting for the aggravation to end, and contributed to changing hands, representing 44.98 percent of the total the decline of the trading indices when compared to market trading volume. The Real Estate sector was sec- the previous week; in addition to the absence of the ond in terms of trading volume as the sector’s traded positive motivators that give the investors trust and shares were 25.89 percent of last week’s total trading assist in improving the investment atmosphere in the volume, with a total of 182.16 million shares. stock market. On the other hand, the Banking sector’s stocks were Moreover, the stock market performance was mixed the highest traded in terms of value; with a turnover of with a low trend, as some of the sessions witnessed lim- KD 31.65 million or 28.16 percent of last week’s total ited increases resulted from random purchasing opera- market trading value. The Industrial sector took the sec- tions on few small-cap and large-cap stocks; however ond place as the sector’s last week turnover was KD the quick profit collection operations that followed, caused the indicators to decline once again. 22.87 million represented 20.35 percent of the total For the annual performance, the price index ended market trading value. —Prepared by the Studies & last week recording 4.05 percent annual loss compared Research Department Bayan Investment Co.
Pound jumps after hint US stocks end streak of of interest rate hike LONDON: The pound jumped on Friday being slammed shut,” said Ross Walker of gains as Iraq fears loom to reach its highest level against the dol- RBS UK economics. “Perhaps we ought to lar in nearly five years after the Bank of have seen it coming.” Carney’s first year in NEW YORK: US equity markets finished the week Iraq will be different, he said. England’s governor predicted an interest office has been defined by a “forward with losses after a rising jihadist offensive in Iraq lifted “We’ve had three strong weeks of gains. We’re sit- rate hike might come sooner than guidance policy,” which kept rates low oil prices to nine-month highs and stoked further ting at close to record highs,” Greenhaus said. “You expected. and closely tied an interest rate rise to a concerns about Middle East stability. The Dow Jones obviously don’t go straight up in perpetuity, and this The British currency rose to $1.6960 drop in unemployment. Industrial Average shed 148.54 points (0.88 percent) was a week we chose to take break.”The Iraq story from $1.6830 the day before after Mark But as economy the strengthened and over the week, closing at 16.775.74 Friday, while the stood out in part because it was a fairly light week as Carney said an interest rate rise from its unemployment fell below the level broad-market S&P 500 dropped 13.28 (0.68 percent) far as economic data. The Commerce Department current record low of 0.5 percent, “could where a rate rise would have been con- to 1,936.16. said May retail and food sales rose by just 0.3 percent, happen sooner than markets currently sidered, that “forward guidance” passed The Nasdaq declined 10.75 (0.25 percent) to well below the 0.7 percent increase expected by ana- expect.” The last time the pound traded into history. 4,310.65. The losses snapped three straight weeks of lysts. The World Bank trimmed its 2014 global growth above $1.70 was in August 2009. Carney Further underscoring the recovery in gains for equity markets that had translated into fresh forecast 2.8 percent from its January forecast of 3.2 hedged the hint by telling an annual the British economy, credit rating agency records for the Dow and S&P 500. But geopolitics percent, citing in part the sluggish first quarter in the banquet of bankers that the Bank of Standard & Poor’s on Friday lifted its out- returned with force to the market’s radar as Iraq was US due to severe winter weather and the Ukraine cri- England is not pre-committed and would look for the country’s debt to stable from hit by an insurgent offensive. sis. make its decisions according to incoming negative. That means there is less chance On Tuesday, militants spearheaded by the Islamic NEW YORK: A sign for Wall St is shown out- economic data. of a downgrade in the coming years, State of Iraq and the Levant captured Iraq’s second- Mergers afoot side the New York Stock Exchange in New But the warning nevertheless sur- something the agency credited to biggest city of Mosul as part of a multi-pronged Corporate headlines were dominated by merger assault that by Friday brought the insurgents just 50 York. — AP news. Tyson Foods won the bidding war for hot dog prised economists and traders, many of improvements in public finances and the miles (80 kilometers) away from Baghdad. On Friday, maker Hillshire Foods after offering $8.6 billion. which had been forecasting the first rate pickup in growth. forces is wearing off,” said Tim Evans, an energy ana- Shiite Grand Ayatollah Ali Al-Sistani urged Iraqis to Online travel giant Priceline unveiled a $2.6 billion lyst at Citi Futures. hike to come in the spring next year. With Should the Bank of England lift inter- take up arms against the rebels, while President acquisition of restaurant reservation service Investors are now “clearly focused on Iraq rather the economy strengthening and the est rates this year, Britain would be way Barack Obama said he may take military action to OpenTable. And pharmaceutical giant Merck than ignoring it as they had as recently as unemployment rate dropping to 6.6 per- ahead of the ECB, which is still cutting support the government but ruled out sending in announced a $3.9 billion takeover of antiviral drug Wednesday,” he said. Opinions varied on the serious- cent in the three months ending in April, rates - and maybe even ahead of the US ground troops. developer Idenix Pharmaceuticals. ness of the Iraqi situation. the pressure to raise rates sooner has Federal Reserve, said Stephen Lewis, US equity markets fell sharply on Thursday as US But a transaction between Valeant Mace Blicksilver, director of Marblehead Asset increased. Economists quickly updated chief economist of Monument Securities. oil prices soared more than two percent to their high- Pharmaceuticals International and Botox-maker Management, characterized it as “very unsettling.” their forecasts, with some predicting a “The markets have, for a while, suspected est level since September last year. However, equity Allergan remained far from certain after Allergan “Iraq is a place we forgot about and suddenly we rate hike by early 2015, or even sooner. the BoE might be the first of these central markets steadied on Friday, as all three indices fin- rejected the latest bid from the Canadian company. see this unraveling and it has very dramatic implica- “We acknowledge that this forecast banks to tighten,” Lewis said. “Mr. ished the day with gains. Oil prices continued to rise, Corporate stories next week include earnings from tions,” he said. But Dan Greenhaus, chief global strate- but not nearly as much as they had Thursday. “Some FedEx and Oracle and a mystery announcement from change is being made against the Carney’s comment has served to gist at BTIG, said US equity markets have been “fantas- of the element of surprise regarding the ease with Amazon that analysts say could be the launching of a metaphorical cacophony of stable doors strengthen their conviction.” — AP tically resilient” in the face of previous geopolitical which the Islamic militants overran Iraqi security new smartphone. scares over Ukraine and Syria. It is too soon to say if BUSINESS SUNDAY, JUNE 15, 2014 Kuwait’s inflation slows to 2.7% on food prices
NBK ECONOMIC REPORT
KUWAIT: Inflation in the con- Inflation in the biggest com- sumer price index (CPI) logged in ponent of the CPI - rented hous- a rate of 2.7 percent year-on-year ing - came in at 4.6 percent y/y, in April, slowing down slightly almost unchanged from March. from 3.0 percent y/y in March. Note that the housing compo- The cool down in inflation was nent is surveyed/updated only mostly attributed to the ongoing once every three months. slowdown in food inflation as Housing rental inflation is cur- well as a fall in core (i.e. excluding rently just 0.2 percent shy of the food) inflation. Core inflation fell peak rate seen last October. from 2.8 percent y/y to 2.6 per- Pressures in the three other WASHINGTON: US Treasury Secretary Jacob Lew testifies before a House Financial cent y/y in April, and inflation major components of the CPI - Committee hearing on Capitol Hill in Washington.— AP excluding both food and housing clothing, furnishing and ‘other also continued to decelerate into goods & services’ appear to have April. However, food prices are subsided of-late. Inflation in the US economy still facing expected to climb later this year, clothing component took a slight which along with a projected rise dip in April, whilst both the fur- in core pressures (especially in nishing and ‘other’ (which major challenges: Lew the housing sector and its related remains in decline) segments wit- components), are set to pressure nessed some stabilization. the overall inflation rate up, Clothing inflation slowed down WASHINGTON: Treasury Secretary Jacob just two-thirds of the average right after toward 3.0 percent. from 3.3 percent y/y in March to Lew said that the economy should grow World War II. Food price inflation slowed 2.9 percent y/y in April, and the at much stronger rates the rest of this “The choices we make over the years down from 3.6 percent y/y in furnishing inflation figure stood year as the country overcomes the to come can alter this projection,” Lew March, to 2.9 percent in April. almost unchanged at 4.9 percent impact of a harsh winter. But Lew said said, suggesting increased investments Food price inflation has remained y/y. However, the robust level of millions of Americans continue to strug- would boost economic growth and pro- on a downward trend since the activity in the housing sector is gle as unemployment remains too high ductivity. middle of last year. Until recently, expected to drive this figure and economic growth is too slow. Lew’s suggestions reflected many pro- CPI’s core components were on higher. “Evidence continues to mount that our posals that the Obama administration the rise and the downward trend With housing inflation expect- economy is gaining traction,” Lew said in has put forward but which Congress has in food inflation helped keep the ed to remain firm, overall inflation a speech to the Economic Club of New yet to enact. Among the areas Lew overall inflation rate in check. In is expected to edge toward 3.0 York. “Nevertheless, we cannot escape stressed: April we saw core inflation also percent. In the meantime domes- the fact that millions of Americans con- • Worker training. Lew said the coun- slow down; and excluding both tic food inflation is expected to tinue to struggle and their pain reminds try needs to do a better job of help- food and housing, CPI inflation climb somewhat, given the us that our work is not finished. ... For too ing workers laid off during the Great decelerated again in April, to 1.6 recent trend in international food many families this hardly feels like a Recession to re-enter the workforce percent y/y from 1.9 percent y/y prices, and so is the furnishing recovery.” through improved worker training, in March. However, the recent rise component, given its rather In his remarks, which were distributed career counseling and job training. in international food prices may strong correlation with housing in Washington, Lew called for actions by Lew called on businesses to make a subsequently push domestic inflation. Headline inflation is food inflation up, at least for thus expected to average near 3.0 the government and the private sector good-faith effort to hire from the sometime. percent in 2014. to boost hiring of the long-term unem- ranks of the long-term unemployed. ployed and increase investment in pro- • Investment. Lew said American busi- ductivity-enhancing equipment and crit- nesses were sitting on historically ical infrastructure projects such as roads, high levels of cash and what is need- railways and ports. ed is for those businesses to come off Venezuela’s China invests in development Lew said the country also needed a the sidelines and make investments. stronger commitment to education in Lew said the administration is seek- rising inflation to enhance LatAm presence the areas of science, math and engineer- ing to reform the tax system to lower ing to make sure students have the skills business tax rates to boost invest- SANTA CRUZ DE LA SIERRA, Bolivia: of manufactured goods have made China they need to compete in the new econo- ment. ups pressure China, whose presence in Latin America the second trading partner of a number of my. • Innovation and Productivity. Lew until now was largely based on an appetite countries in the region in recent years. And Lew said that from 1948 to 2007, the said the country must commit to for reforms for raw materials, is diversifying invest- in 2009, China became Brazil’s number one economy grew at average annual rates of improving education in the fields of ments by financing much needed develop- trading partner, ahead of the United ment projects, analysts say. At a summit, States. 3.4 percent per year. But he said the science, technology, engineering and CARACAS: Venezuela’s inflation soaring above 60 percent that opened yesterday in Santa Cruz, the “Until recently Bolivia did not consider Congressional Budget Office is now pro- math as well as providing support to has boosted pressure on President Nicolas Maduro to G77 + China group of developing nations China a partner, it was very wary,” Dabdoub jecting that after the economy returns to cutting edge research and develop- speed up a transition toward a market-driven economy as full employment, economic growth will ment to maintain America’s position meets on its 50th anniversary to promote said. “But now there is more trade, and, in the OPEC nation’s model of state-controlled socialism economic development. Delegations from fact, we’ve just acquired a satellite.” Bolivian only average about 2.1 percent per year - as a leading global innovator. — AP heads toward stagflation. Sky-rocketing consumer prices 133 countries and some three dozen heads President Evo Morales last December trav- and shortages of nearly a third of basic goods have of state will be in attendance. eled to China with several ministers to helped push Maduro’s approval rating to 37 percent and “China now acts in a different way with attend the launch of Tupac Katari, his coun- weakened his standing as the heir to the wildly popular South American countries,” said Gabriel try’s first telecommunications satellite. late socialist leader Hugo Chavez. Dabdoub, president of the chamber of China provided $102.2 billion in loans to He has launched reform measures over the last year commerce of the Santa Cruz region, Latin American countries between 2005 that were applauded by Wall St., such as easing Chavez’s Bolivia’s economic engine. and 2013, particularly to Venezuela and rigid currency controls, but they have not stopped The Asian powerhouse “no longer aims Argentina, according to a report released in growth from slowing or prevented inflation from rising to at only at buying raw materials, it wants to April by the Global Economic Governance the highest level since current records began in 2008. get into investing in industrialization,” Initiative at Boston University. The central bank blamed May’s 5.7 percent inflation Dabdoub said. Bolivia, Latin America’s Last year, alone, China loaned Latin reading on three months of opposition protests, but poorest country, has experienced more American governments, public enterprises economists say the true culprit is a doubling of the mon- than six percent growth in recent years and and private companies $20.1 billion. ey supply since the start of last year and a 17 percent has plans for major infrastructure work. “Today, in terms of trade and investment, increase this year. “It’s easier to blame the protests than to “China is particularly attracted by indus- China is displacing the region’s traditional cut spending and maintain fiscal discipline, which has a trialization projects that the country needs partners like Europe and the United States,” high political cost,” said Asdrubal Oliveros of Caracas- over the next 10 years and which cost an Gary Rodriguez, president of the Bolivian based Ecoanalitica. “If you don’t reduce monetary distor- estimated $42 billion,” Dabdoub said. Institute of Foreign Trade, based in Santa tions, you won’t control inflation.” Chinese companies have expressed interest Cruz, said. Annualized inflation hit 60.9 percent in May, a most notably in building a railway from Bolivian analyst and former foreign min- headache for foreign companies such as Colgate- Bolivia to Brazil, connecting the Atlantic ister Armando Loayza told AFP that China Palmolive that are struggling under rising costs as well as and Pacific oceans, as well as in road and “certainly plays a greater role in the new the hefty devaluation caused by recent currency meas- river connection projects. millennium and will strengthen its com- ures. Any long-term stabilization of prices will require cut- In Brasilia, Chinese Foreign Minister mercial expansion by coming together ting state spending, which the government is loathe to Wang Yi recently announced his country’s with Latin America.” In neighboring Peru, do because it would like exacerbate the sharp GDP slow- interest in increasing its investments and one of the region’s most dynamic down of 2013. First-quarter GDP figures were due out last relationship with Latin America and the economies, China’s metal mining industry month. Soaring prices have cut into the social develop- Caribbean. And although Chinese made its largest overseas acquisition earlier President Xi Jinping will be notably absent this year with the purchase of the Las ment gains achieved by the late Chavez, who won repeat- from the Santa Cruz summit, he plans to Bambas copper mine, for around $5.85 bil- Shoppers walk past a now hiring sign at a Ross store in North Miami Beach, Florida. —AP ed elections by lavishing oil revenue on the country’s participate mid-July in Brazil in a BRICS lion. poor through free health clinics, subsidized food and meeting of emerging economic powers In 2013, China also signed a contract Weak US producer prices stipends for single mothers. Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa. with Venezuela-which sits atop the world’s Poverty dropped by almost 25 percentage points dur- largest oil reserves-for a $28-billion project ing Chavez’s 14-year rule, but inflation helped drive it From infrastructure to satellites in the resource-rich Orinoco Oil Belt in the point to benign inflation back up by 4 percentage points on average in 2013 from Mass purchase of raw materials and sale country’s east. — AFP 2012. Typically dry macroeconomic discussions have WASHINGTON: US producer prices the Fed to make its first interest rate hike become fodder for jokes among Venezuelans, who use Twitter or long waits in supermarket lines to chuckle unexpectedly fell in May as costs in the second half of 2015. The Fed, about the country’s economy. declined broadly, indicating inflation which is scaling back the amount of “With this ferocious inflation, it’s an investment to buy pressures remained benign. The Labor money it is injecting into the economy green plantains and eat them as they ripen,” wrote social Department said its producer price index through monthly bond purchases, has media pundit Luis Carlos Diaz, referring to sweet plan- for final demand slipped 0.2 percent, kept overnight lending rates near zero tains often served with rice or meat. braking sharply from April’s 0.6 percent since December 2008. Policymakers increase, which was the largest gain in 1- meet next week to assess the health of ‘Economic war’ 1/2 years. the economy. Maduro says the problems are the result of an opposi- Economists polled by Reuters had “They will probably say inflation is tion-led “economic war” backed by Washington, blaming forecast producer prices rising 0.1 per- trending toward its 2 percent goal but saboteurs and speculators for pushing up prices. In cent. The department revamped its PPI they will keep it pretty close to the vest December he won praise, even among the opposition, by series at the start of the year to include since so much of what they might do on ordering merchants to cut prices of goods ranging from services and construction. The series is short-term rates would depend on what televisions to car batteries. Even opposition skeptics still volatile because of big swings in prices happens with second-half growth,” said trust central bank figures, citing a core group of econo- received for trade services, making it Brown. mists that have resisted pressure from some politicians to hard to get a good read on inflation. In the 12 months through May, prices manipulate the figures. Wholesale prices had hinted at some received by the nation’s farms, factories But the bank is routinely delaying the release of indi- pick-up in inflation pressures in recent and refineries rose 2.0 percent, moderat- cators, publishing April’s 5.7 percent inflation reading months. But Friday’s report suggested ing from April’s 2.1 percent gain. nearly a month after the legal deadline. It came out about that inflation at the factory gate Wholesale food prices fell 0.2 percent an hour after the opening match of the World Cup. remained muted. “We have seen a lot of after increasing for four consecutive Wall St. has hailed some signs of pragmatism includ- noise in these numbers the past couple months, while gasoline prices fell 0.9 per- ing an easing of the 11-year-old exchange controls to of months. This puts us back in a relative cent. reduce import bottlenecks and limit product shortages. benign trend,” said Scott Brown, chief Prices received for services at the final Many applauded this week’s removal of Planning economist at Raymond James in St demand level also fell 0.2 percent after Minister Jorge Giordani, an advocate of interventionist Petersburg, Florida. gaining 0.6 percent in April. Producer economics, from the central bank’s board. But Maduro The overall inflation backdrop remains prices excluding food and energy slipped has stepped up enforcement of price controls that rarely generally tame, with the main gauge 0.1 percent in April after advancing 0.5 keep up with inflation, which puts the squeeze on con- watched by the Federal Reserve continu- percent the prior month. In the 12 sumer goods companies that cannot pass costs on to ing to run below the US central bank’s 2 months through May, the core PPI for consumers. Colgate reported a 7 percent drop in first- SANTA CRUZ: The President of Bolivia and President pro tempore of the G77 + China, Evo percent target. But with the labor market final demand rose 2.0 percent, up from quarter profit at its Latin America unit driven in part by Morales (ledt) listens to China’s vice-chairman of the Standing Committee of the National tightening, price pressures are expected the 1.9 percent gain in the period Venezuela’s inflation.—Reuters People’s Congress, Chen Zhu, during a meeting in the framework of the G77 + China to build up a bit by year end and position through April. — Reuters Summit in Santa Cruz, Bolivia, yesterday. — AFP SUNDAY, JUNE 15, 2014 BUSINESS Zain completes successful launch of VoLTE with Huawei and NSN First-ever service in Kuwait reaffirms Zain’s technology
KUWAIT: Zain, the leading telecommunications completion of Kuwait’s first VoLTE call by Zain company in Kuwait, announces the completion with our global technology solution providers of the successful launch of the first ever Voice Huawei and NSNgives further support to our over LTE (VoLTE) technology in Kuwait over its strategy to bring the best technology to the advanced 4G LTE network, in conjunction with country in a timely fashion. This launch in plan- its technology partners Huawei and Nokia ning for the future is an important milestone, Solutions and Networks (NSN). which will translate into providing enhanced In partnership with its technology providers mobile broadband services to our customers and getting ready for the future, Zain tested across Kuwait, offering them an opportunity to VoLTE in live experiences in order to showcase enjoy unparalleled communication services.” the technology’s superior calling capability in Becoming the first network operator in preparation for Zain launching commercial Kuwait to Launch VoLTE reaffirms Zain’s technol- VoLTE in the near future once the handsets are ogy and market leadership, which in late 2012, released. saw the company also become the first network Qatalum delegation attends 15th The potential of VoLTE has many benefits to operator in the country to launch 4G LTE nation- Zain’s customers as it enhances the customer wide. At the end of 2013, Zain further GCC joint exhibition in Sharjah experience overall with clear High Definition announced its intention to launch a commercial voice and low latency. This technology will result LTE-A network in the country. SHARJAH: Qatalum has participated at the and standing behind the social and envi- in the voice quality attaining a superior Mean Zain plans to continue advancing its network 15th GCC Joint Exhibition, held at the Expo ronmental pillars of Qatar’s long-term strat- Opinion Score (MOS), which allows a customer and launching new Services and technologies in Centre Sharjah from 26 to 30 May 2014. egy - particularly in terms of Qatalum’s to be able to hear better and feel closer to the order to sustain its leadership position in the Qatalum was exhibiting and networking at ‘Qatarisation’ policy and sustainability ini- person on the other end of the call. The call set- Kuwaiti Market. The company expects to move the Expo GCC event, a great opportunity tiatives. up of VoLTE takes approximately one second. to commercialize VoLTE in Kuwait in due course for promoting, marketing and introducing Qatalum Comunication’s Officer Khalifa Speaking on the back of the latest VoLTE, Zain as smartphones and devices that support it Gulf products. In addition to serving as a Al-Khuzaei, who attended as part of Kuwait CEO, Omar Al-Omar said: “The successful become available on the global market. Zain Kuwait CEO Omar Al-Omar launch pad for emerging SMEs and seed Qatalum’s delegation, said at the conclu- ventures, the exhibition opens up network- sion of the conference: “By participating at ing opportunities with businesspeople and Expo GCC, we see the opportunity to be investors from across the region, which involved in one of the important economic serves as a wide potential market for such events in the GCC region. Expo GCC 2014 is products - including the massive growth in promoted across the GCC to buyers, aluminium. traders, manufacturers and contractors For Qatalum, this has been a chance to who are interested in products which are solidify its position as a regional leader made in the region, and as the centre of while promoting Qatar within the Gulf. The gravity in the aluminium industry shifts to country currently hums with new infra- emerging markets, this has been a great structure projects, particularly in the con- opportunity. text of the hosting of the 2022 FIFA World “We have been able to promote our Cup and the Qatar National Vision 2030 - products, ideas and innovations to our the multi-pillar national development strat- regional friends and partners, while learn- egy for economic, social and environmen- ing from them in terms of regional and tal progress. international Best Practice. The Joint Qatalum, as one of the region’s leading Exhibition brings together stakeholders aluminium smelters and a crown jewel in from many sectors and all parts of the alu- Qatar’s corporate landscape, sees its role as minium value chain, so it has been an important in promoting industrial diversifi- invaluable chance to leverage this into new SAMENA Council proposes fresh cation, supporting downstream industries, partnerships which can benefit us all”. view on data delivery, protection ITU’s Global Symposium for Regulators 2014
KUWAIT: SAMENA Telecommunications Council that data will flow in and out of the particular was a key participant at the Global Symposium country under the regulator’s jurisdiction. There for Regulators (GSR) 2014 held recently in are legitimate concerns about consumer privacy Bahrain. The 14th edition of the GSR was organ- and this certainly needs to be addressed but it is ized by the International Telecom Union (ITU) in unrealistic to stick to regulation that was line with the theme “Capitalizing on the poten- designed to address legacy systems and tial of the digital world.” processes.” The GSR is a unique ITU forum which brings “In addition, when one looks beyond the tele- together heads of national telecom and ICT reg- com world, at IT companies for instance - they ulatory authorities from around the world and are using cloud computing without any of the serves as the global annual venue for regulators same restrictions imposed by telecom regula- to discuss the most pressing issues they have tors. Therefore, from a telecom regulatory stand- identified. At the forum, the South Asia - Middle point, the area of data delivery and protection East - North Africa (SAMENA) region was repre- needs to be looked at from a fresh perspective,” sented by SAMENA Telecommunications he added. Speaking about the principal chal- Council’s Chief Executive Officer, Bocar Ba, who lenges faced by operators in the digital world, was a member of the panelists in the opening Bocar highlighted: “There is a significant shift in Chief Executive Officer Bocar Ba day debate session titled “Redefining responsi- revenue sources driven by the expansion of the bilities in a data driven digital world.” Internet, especially mobile applications. In addi- bring the full potential of the digital world to the Commenting on whether regulatory frame- tion, there is an increase in customer network consumers in an informed, responsive and safe Al-Muzaini Exchange announces works are evolving in sync and on a timely basis service expectations that require national broad- manner. with the evolution in network technology and band infrastructure building, which is a costly During a meeting of Private Sector Chief grand prize winner, daily data handling and storage techniques, Bocar proposition. Next, there is a major change in Regulatory Officers (CRO) held prior to the GSR said, “In many countries in the SAMENA region, users and patterns of digital services and prod- 2014, SAMENA Telecommunications Council winners of ‘Cash Promo’ draw regulation has not, so far, kept pace with the ucts, which we at SAMENA Council call stated the importance of bringing in investors rapidly changing technical arena. For instance, a Digitization.” and private equity funds to the discussion, along KUWAIT: Al-Muzaini Exchange Co, Kuwait’s Ibrahim Zakour — Salmiya Branch number of telecom regulators are opposed to During the GSR 2014, participants including with policy makers and regulators, in order to leading Exchange and Remittance Morzouk Nawar— Bayan Co-op. cloud computing as well as the introduction of regulators, policy makers and ITU-D sector mem- ensure the adoption and development of invest- Company, announced yesterday the grand Al-Muzaini has launched this promotion services such as M2M simply because it means bers analyzed and discussed several means to ment friendly policies and regulations. prize winner of KD 2,000 and winners of the with an aim to offer its customers, extend- daily KD 100 Cash Promo draws. The final ed opportunities to fulfill their dreams in an draw was conducted on 9 June 2014 at the easy and simple manner. Al-Muzaini Consumer Protection Andallus Department Exchange Company, a pioneer and leader under the supervision of Abdulaziz Al-Koh in the foreign exchange business in Kuwait representative from the Ministry of for over 70 years now with network branch- Commerce. es that spans over 60 branches located The lucky grand prize winner of KD across Kuwait. To ensure customer satisfac- 2,000 was Maher Ahmed. The lucky win- tion, arrival and departure sections of the ners of the daily KD 100 cash prize and KD Kuwait International airport and the Sheikh 2,000 grand prize for the period of 31 May - Saad airport guarantee 24 hours 7 days a 6 June 2014 are: week full service. Robert Fernandez — Mubarakiya Al-Muzaini Exchange Company provides Branch, customers a broad range of services that Sana Mussa Abdulla includes issuing checks and collection of Aswaq— Al-Qurain Branch, checks drawn on foreign banks and the Libnos Gebreslase — Mubarakiya sale and purchase of foreign currencies and Branch, remittances (to all parts of the world), DHL Andulhameed Al-Rabieai related services while also benefitting from Hateen — Co-op, Western Union’s varied services that are on Mohamad Sobhy — Nugra Branch offer. Gulf Bank announces winners of Al-Danah daily draws KUWAIT: Gulf Bank held its Al-Danah daily and KD250,000 in the second Al-Danah quar- draws on June 8, 2014, announcing the terly prize draw for 2014. Any withdrawal Jazeera Airways reports April names of its winners for the week of June 1 to before the draw in June would reduce June 5. The Al-Danah daily draws include chances of winning. draws each working day for two prizes of Al-Danah allows customers to win cash 2014 operational performance KD1000 per winner. prizes and simultaneously encourages them The winners are: to save. Each KD100 gives the customer 1 KUWAIT: Jazeera Airways released its April 2014 increased in April 2014 by 36 percent from April The April 2014 report also shows that Jazeera (Sunday 1/06): Ali Hussain Yousef Al- chance daily which accumulates day by day. Operational Performance Report yesterday, which 2013, and by 19 percent on the Kuwait-Bahrain Airways grabbed a 29 percent market share on the Naddaf, Mezyed Abdullah Mohammed Al- The more money saved and the longer it is in shows an increase in flown passengers on routes route. The airline grabbed a 17 percent market Kuwait-Beirut route, a 12 percent market share on Belaihis the account, the more chances individuals serving Istanbul, Jeddah, Bahrain, Alexandria, Cairo share on the Kuwait-Jeddah route and a 10 percent the Kuwait-Dubai route, a 5 percent market share (Monday 2/06): Hmoud Abdullah Al Ali stand to win. Every Al-Danah prize draws will and Mashhad, and an on-time performance of market share on the Kuwait-Bahrain route. on the Kuwait-Riyadh route, and a 39 percent mar- Al-Shaiji, Mohammad Obaid Mohammad Al- automatically be deposited into the winner’s 92.59 percent. Jazeera Airways serves six cities in Egypt. The ket share on the Kuwait-Al Najaf route. Shammari account within two working days. Al-Danah Jazeera Airways issues its Operational airline led on the route serving Luxor with a 70 per- (Tuesday 3/06): Bader Saleh Haji Kamal, also offers a number of unique services Performance Report on both a monthly and annual cent market share, and grabbed a 24 percent mar- Mahmoud Khalil Mohammed Shehabuldin including the Al-Danah Deposit Only ATM basis. The Report is based on official figures and ket share on the Kuwait-Cairo route, an 18 percent April 2014 highlights (Wednesday 4/06): Basem Abdelamir card which helps account holders deposit statistics from Kuwait’s Directorate General for Civil market share on the Kuwait-Alexandria route, a 42 Kuwait-Istanbul route: 76% increase in Mohammed Shehab, Hadeer Abdullah Hamza their money at their convenience; as well as Aviation (DGCA). On-time performance is reported percent market share on the Kuwait-Assiut route, flown passengers from April 2013 Al-Bahrani the Al-Danah calculator to help customers based on results by independent US-based OTP and a 47 percent market share on the Kuwait- Kuwait-Jeddah route: 36% increase in (Thursday 5/06): Srokal Ghoulam Husain, calculate their chances of becoming an Al- tracker, FlightStats. Sohag route. Flights to the seasonal destination Mariam Abdulmohsen Jaber Al-Zaid. Danah winner. flown passengers from April 2013 The airline continues to lead with a 33 percent ofSharm El Sheikh resumed in May 2014. Kuwait-Bahrain route: 19% increase in Gulf Bank’s Al-Danah 2014 draw lineup Gulf Bank’s Al-Danah account is open to market share on the Kuwait-Amman route for the Flown passengers on the route serving Cairo includes daily draws (2 winners per working Kuwaitis and all residents of Kuwait. flown passengers from April 2013 eighth month in-a-row against three other carriers increased by 10 percent from April 2013, and flown Kuwait-Alexandria route: 21% increase in day each receive KD1,000). Al-Danah’s 2nd Customers who open an account and/ or serving the route. passengers on the route serving Alexandria flown passengers from April 2013 Quarterly draw for 2014 will be held in June deposit more will enter the draw within two Jazeera Airways also saw a 76 percent increase increased by 21 percent from April 2013. (KD250,000, KD125,000, and KD25,000). Gulf days. To be part of the Al-Danah draws, cus- Kuwait-Cairo route: 10% increase in flown in flown passengers on the Kuwait-Istanbul route The airline saw an 11 percent increase in flow Bank advises all its Al-Danah customers to tomers can visit one of Gulf Bank’s 58 branch- from April 2013, and grabbed a 7 percent market passengers on the Kuwait-Mashhad route com- passengers from April 2013 keep their money saved in their accounts to es, transfer on line, or call the Customer share on the route. pared to April 2013, and grabbed a 21 percent mar- Kuwait-Mashhad route: 11% increase in enhance their chances of winning one of the Contact Center on 1805805 for assistance and Flown passengers on the Kuwait-Jeddah route ket share during April 2014. flown passengers from April 2013. major cash prizes of KD25,000, KD125,000 guidance. SUNDAY, JUNE 15, 2014 technology
Egypt asks YouTube to remove video of sexual assault victim
CAIRO: Egypt has asked YouTube to the posting of the video, which caused tal to check on her condition,” he added Sexual assault was rife at demonstra- to the woman in the video. remove a video showing a naked an uproar in local and international in an emailed statement late on tions during and after the 2011 uprising But some liberals have been wary of woman with injuries being dragged media. It was not clear whether the men Thursday. YouTube was not immediately that ousted veteran president Hosni Sisi, especially after remarks he made through Cairo’s Tahrir Square after being arrested took part in the assault shown available for comment on the Egyptian Mubarak and has been common for a defending an army practice - later sexually assaulted during celebrations on the video. “The Egyptian embassy in request. The clip showing the assault decade at large gatherings in Egypt. denied by an army court - of conducting for President Abdel Fattah Al-Sisi’s inau- Washington DC and a number of was still available on the video-sharing Sisi, Egypt’s former army chief who “virginity tests” on female protesters guration. Egyptian authorities, at the direction of website on Friday. won a landslide poll victory last month who complained of abuse. Sunday night’s assault took place as President Abdel Fattah Al-Sisi, have Egypt approved a new law this after deposing elected Islamist president Sexual harassment, high rates of thousands of people enjoyed inaugura- requested the YouTube administration month which punishes sexual harass- Mohamed Mursi last July, has frequently female genital mutilation and a surge in tion festivities, raising new worries about to remove the video of the sexual assault ment with at least six months in jail or spoken highly of women and their violence after the Arab Spring uprisings Egypt’s commitment to fighting sexual victim,” Sisi’s spokesman said. fines of at least 3,000 Egyptian pounds importance to society. have made Egypt the worst country in violence. Authorities arrested seven men “This came in response to her wish, ($420). The United States has urged A police officer who rescued the vic- the Arab world to be a woman, a aged between 15 and 49 for sexually which she expressed during the presi- Egypt to make good on its promises to tim of sexual harassment should be hon- Thomson Reuters Foundation survey harassing women on Tahrir Square after dent’s visit to her yesterday at the hospi- fight sexual violence. oured, Sisi said, in an apparent reference showed late last year. — Reuters Augmented reality puts players into game action ‘Virtual reality is the next big thing’
LOS ANGELES: A street luge rider Zuckerberg when the takeover was races down a winding mountain announced. “I do think gaming is a road, zips under a truck and start.” Zuckerberg billed the acqui- through a curve and into the path sition as part of a drive to build the of an oncoming car. The vulnerable “next major computing platform rider whips his upper body to one that will come after mobile.” side in a futile bid to evade impact. The pulse-pounding potential The world goes red, then he of virtual reality was found in a cor- harmlessly passes through the ner of the E3 show floor where auto in a video game that made startup Virtuix showed off an Omni play visceral using Sony circular treadmill that let players “Morpheus” virtual reality head- wearing Oculus Rift roam game WASHINGTON: Students from the the University of Pennsylvania General Robotics, gear paired with a PlayStation 4 worlds by really walking. Automation, Sensing and Perception (GRASP) Laboratory observe as their robots console. Rifle controller clutched tightly play soccer during a live demonstration on Friday at the New America Foundation in Moments earlier, the player was in hands, a user carefully explored Washington, DC. — AFP a knight wielding swords and underground concrete passage- maces outside a castle, before a ways and rooms, only to wind up dragon swooped down and ate blasting away at and trying to out- Football-playing robots eye him. Putting players into game run creatures attacking from unex- worlds using new technology such pected directions. their own cup and beyond as Morpheus or Oculus headgear A brief session of play ramped was a featured trend at the major up the player’s heart rate, made WASHINGTON: When robots play football, sometimes failed to locate the ball, and E3 video game gathering that him sweat and logged about half a it looks like a game played by five-year- often ended up in collisions or fell over on wrapped here on Thursday. mile of walking as measured by the olds: they swarm around the ball, kick hap- their own. “Who doesn’t want to be a Omni prototype. hazardly and fall down a lot. “We have machines that can beat us in knight slashing in armor and firing But robot teams have made strides in chess,” he said. “But we (humans) can still a cross bow?” Sony Computer The next big thing recent years, and some researchers believe kick their butts in soccer.” Because the Entertainment chief Andrew House Virtuix chief Jan Goetgeluk the humanoids could challenge the world’s robots are autonomous, they need to be asked while happily recounting his began working on Omni three best players in a decade or two. able to handle all kinds of tasks humans first time in the Morpheus demo years ago to create a way to physi- “Maybe in 20 years we could develop a take for granted: finding the ball, respond- taking place behind closed doors cally walk around virtual worlds team of robots to play against the best ing to different light conditions and terrain, at the show. instead of using controllers to navi- World Cup teams,” said Daniel Lee, who and determining the best strategy. “You are at the point where you gate. His startup brought in slightly heads the University of Pennsylvania robot- “Our robots are calculating everything can generate that magical sense of more than a million dollars in a ics lab, which is seeking a fourth consecu- terms of probability,” he said, which means presence; your brain tricks you into Kickstarter crowd-financing cam- tive RoboCup in Brazil next month, the pre- a human can outsmart a machine. “In cre- thinking you are actually there.” paign last year and recently took in miere event for robotic football. ativity, humans have an advantage.” $3 million from venture capitalists. Robotic football, says Lee, is more than The Penn student team took home the Pulse-pounding potential “Virtual reality is the next big thing; fun and games. It involves artificial intelli- RoboCup in the Netherlands in 2013 for the Next to the Sony booth on the you see it here at E3,” Goetgeluk gence and complex algorithms that help third year running, after victories in Mexico show floor was Oculus, which told AFP. provide a better understanding of human City in 2012 and Istanbul in 2011. Lee said caused such a sensation that lead- The Omni’s convex base is lined vision, cognition and mobility. the research draws from a variety of disci- ing social network Facebook with sensors and treadmills come Similar technology can be used for plines, from engineering to anatomy to LOS ANGELES: Entertainment-US-Japan-IT-Internet-games-E3-Sony- announced in March that it was with special slick shoes that slide robots that perform household tasks or knowledge of sports. Virtuix Startup Virtuix pairs an “Omni” treadmill with Oculus Rift vir- buying the startup in a $2 billion easily along its curved surface. search and rescue, and for self-driving cars, The biggest challenge is to develop the tual reality head gear to immerse players in a shooter video game deal. Circular railing and belt harnesses said Lee, who led a demonstration of his type of awareness and intelligence that during the E3 in Los Angeles. — AFP Facebook co-founder and chief keep people from falling or step- robot football team Wednesday at the New athletes have. Mark Zuckerberg said acquiring ping off. America Foundation, a Washington think “What is difficult is to understand the years such a groundswell of devel- ing play that people will want to Oculus was a long-term bet that Adding walking to virtual reality tank. intent of the other team, that is what pre- oper interest,” House said of the immerse themselves in for 20 making the social network’s offer- could have uses beyond gaming in Lee said robots have improved their vents us from being more sophisticated,” buzz created by virtual reality gear hours or more. “There is some work ings more immersive would pay tourism, training, and health care. game from a decade ago, having moved Lee said. in the video game industry. to do to make sure you have the off. US space agency NASA has from four-legged doglike machines to two- And in addition to developing technolo- Ubisoft co-founder and chief fantastic experience there that can “People will build a model of a expressed interest in Morpheus, legged humanoid forms. gy for individual robots, the researchers Yves Guillemot saw promise of vir- last long enough,” the head of the place far away and you will just go according to Sony’s House. need to find better ways for the machines tual reality in gaming, but noted it France-based video game titan see it; it is just like teleporting,” “I have not seen in quite a few Robots are calculating to communicate with each other to coordi- comes with the challenge of creat- sais. — AFP But he said there is still a lot to be nate strategy. learned before robotic football can be com- Lee said all this requires “a deep under- petitive with humans. The robots in standing of intelligence,” and added that Wednesday’s demo still moved awkwardly, “we are still many years away.” — AFP New CEO Sikka to revive India’s Infosys with tech, boardroom savvy MUMBAI: Vishal Sikka is equally comfortable friends and colleagues say. managing vice president at consultants Gartner. designing cutting-edge software as he is negotiat- “He’s a man of varied interests, but his passion is Genovese said she knew Sikka before he ing in the boardroom, skills the new chief executive technology,” said Ranadive. became a household name in the IT industry and of Infosys Ltd will need to turn around a company The choice to give Sikka the top job at Infosys worked with him and others at SAP on the strategy that was once the poster child of India’s $108 bil- must not have been easy for founder and outgoing for software product HANA when it was just an lion IT services industry. executive chairman N.R. Narayana Murthy, who idea. “Sometimes he ends up far away from the Sikka, a former senior executive at German soft- was brought back from retirement last year to help office. When you’re with him, you’d better have ware giant SAP AG, takes over as India’s second turnaround the company. Infosys has always your walking shoes on,” she added. —Reuters largest IT services exporter struggles to retain staff picked its CEO from among its founders, and Sikka and market share. is the first outsider. But Infosys lead independent Some investors blame its outgoing risk-averse director K.V. Kamath, who along with Murthy was Jury verdict management for blunting the innovative edge of a in charge of finding the next CEO, said Sikka had company that was once the employer of choice for beaten all other candidates because he best fit the gives Facebook young IT workers. bill of a “transitional” chief. Employees at SAP and business associates told Investor pressure for a change of guard at victory in Reuters that Sikka was seen as the bridge between Infosys intensified after Murthy’s return triggered the “brains” - the IT engineers that helped him cre- the staff exodus and management uncertainty. patent case ate the flagship HANA programme and the besuit- “With age on his side, Sikka should be able to McLEAN: Facebook successfully defended itself ed executives that spearheaded product sales make long-term strategies and goals, which is a against a lawsuit that claimed the social media globally. He was also SAP’s first chief technology good thing for Infosys. It brings stability,” said company infringed on patents held by a Dutch officer. “He was on the board at SAP and he ran all Ankita Somani, Mumbai-based analyst at MSFL programmer who launched a website called development on the technology and application Research Institutional Business Group. “Surfbook” more than a decade ago. side. That says it right there,” said Donald Feinberg, Sikka’s term at Infosys is for five years and he is A holding company called Rembrandt Social a US-based executive at IT consultants Gartner who to be given a free hand to chalk his own way as all used to be the lead analyst for SAP and who has the founders at Infosys will step down by end-July. Media had alleged that a now-deceased Dutch known Sikka for five years. His tenure at SAP, however, was not without computer programmer, Joannes Van Der Meer, Sikka’s skills will come in handy as investors conflict. Sikka quit SAP amid rumours of a power developed and patented methods for running a expect him to move Infosys towards high-margin, struggle within thecompany. Employees who Web-based personal diary before Facebook high tech services like cloud computing and away worked with him or reported to him also told came into existence in 2003. But Van Der Meer’s from the low-margin, labour intensive outsourcing Reuters he tends to hog the limelight. After Sikka, website, Surfbook, never got off the ground. contracts that it battles for against peers Tata SAP CEO Bill McDermott told reporters they would Facebook said the patents should never have Consultancy Services Ltd and Wipro Ltd . get more access to engineers at company events been issued to Van Der Meer, in part because Colleagues say he is a demanding but commu- from then on. they described methods that would be obvious nicative manager whose persistence helped bring Analyst Feinberg said one of Sikka’s first tasks to people in the trade. HANA to life. The programme, which took several would be to build a team at Infosys, which has lost Patent-infringement cases rarely make it to a years to develop, analyses large amounts of data many senior executives in the past year. jury trial, and Facebook had fought for a year to quickly and clients include Unilever PLC, Lenovo “There’s basically nobody in the IT business in keep the case from getting to a jury. Experts say Group Ltd, Lonmin PLC, Deloitte & Touche and management who does not know who Vishal Sikka that jury rulings in such cases can be unpre- Procter & Gamble Co. “Vishal’s a visionary and one is. Just by that he should be able to get the people dictable. A jury returned a verdict Friday in favor of the smartest guys in the Valley,” said Vivek he wants to work for him,” he said. of Facebook after a weeklong civil trial in US Ranadive, CEO of U.S. firm Tibco Software who has District Court in Alexandria, Virginia. been friends with Sikka since meeting him at an Walk On Rembrandt lawyers and officials did not airport seven years ago. They hit it off by talking Infosys has a sprawling 170-acre complex in immediately return phone calls and emails seek- about surfing in Hawaii. Bangalore that combines stately old buildings and ing comment on whether they planned to futuristic glass and steel edifices - one looks like a appeal. The company complained about rulings Fresh Blood pyramid, the other remarkably like a front-loading before and during the trial that hurt its case. In this handout photo released by Amazon Music shows Amazon new music stream- Sikka, 47, is an American citizen who was born washing machine. US District Judge T.S. Ellis III barred ing service for its Prime members, adding yet another freebie to the free-shipping in Vadodara in western India. He currently lives in The vast space will help Sikka indulge one of his Rembrandt’s expert on potential damages plan ahead of the expected unveiling of its first smartphone next week. Starting this Los Altos, California with his wife and two boys and defining habits - walking for miles to work out a from testifying. Rembrandt tried unsuccessful- week, Amazon.com Inc. will offer more than a million tracks for streaming and down- has said he plans to travel to India for the new job. problem, often taking along people he believes ly before the trial began to appeal that ruling loading to its own Kindle Fire tablets as well as on its Amazon Music app for Apple A graduate of Stanford University, Sikka is held will help. “This is his thinking time. He will walk, to the 4th US Circuit court of Appeals in and Android devices. People that pay $99-a-year for Prime can use the music for no in great respect by IT executives in Silicon Valley for sometimes miles. And sometimes, smile to himself Richmond. —AP extra cost. — AP his humility, his sharp mind and his enthusiasm, when he has sorted it out,” said Yvonne Genovese, HEALTH & SCIENCE SUNDAY, JUNE 15, 2014
Kuwait Times interview with Dr Charles Berul MD American pediatric cardiologist visiting Kuwait
KUWAIT TIMES: To begin with, can you tell us a little everything, at least in part. However, most heart KT: What warning signs should parents be on BERUL: Many types of heart issues in children about your professional background and about the disease is not what we call autosomal dominant, the lookout for in terms of heart conditions or dis- are curable with intervention (catheter or surgical) work you currently do at Children’s National in where 50% chance with each child inheriting the eases in their children? and have an excellent prognosis. Most children, Washington? disease. Some heart rhythm abnormalities, such as BERUL: It differs depending on age of child. In even those with complex heart problems, can par- BERUL: I am a pediatric cardiologist, with expertise in long QT syndrome, are inherited in this fashion babies, look for rapid breathing or poor color, poor ticipate in most activities and lead enjoyable, electrophysiology (heart rhythm problems in children). I (50% risk). weight gain, whereas in older children, look for symp- healthy lives. trained first as a pediatrician, then as a cardiologist and then in electrophysiology. I have been doing this for over 20 years. Currently, I serve as the Division Chief of Cardiology at Childrenís National in DC. Charles I. Berul, M.D. KT: Can you tell us more about your visit to (Division Chief, Cardiology) Kuwait and the work you are doing here? Is this your first visit to Kuwait? Dr. Berul is Chief of the Division of Cardiology within the Center School until coming to Children’s National Medical Center in 2009. BERUL: This is my second visit to Kuwait, and both for Heart, Lung and Kidney Disease and the Children’s National Dr. Berul is a professor of Pediatrics at George Washington times I participated in teaching rounds, lectures to pedi- Heart Institute. He was born in Washington, DC and was raised in University School of Medicine. Dr. Berul is a fellow of the Heart atric cardiology team, and performing electrophysiology the area. He earned his bachelor’s and master’s degrees in biology Rhythm Society, the American Academy of Pediatrics, the procedures along with the adult electrophysiologist from Bucknell University and then received his doctorate of medi- American College of Cardiology, the Society for Pediatric Research, from Kuwait, Dr. Ali Al-Sayegh. cine from the University of Maryland. Dr. Berul completed his and the American Heart Association’s Council on Cardiovascular internship and residency in pediatrics at Yale, followed by specialty Disease in the Young. Dr. Berul has over 150 publications in the KT: How often do you work with patients from fellowship training in pediatric cardiology and electrophysiology at field of pediatric cardiology. He is an invited speaker nationally and Kuwait, or from the Gulf region in general? Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia. He was the director of the internationally and is an acknowledged expert in the area of pedi- BERUL: I am happy to see patients from Kuwait and Pacemaker Program at Children’s Hospital Boston, Harvard Medical atric cardiac electrophysiology. the Gulf overall, and continue to be available to pediatric and adult cardiologists as a consultant by email when requested. toms of rapid heart rate, palpitations, syncope (fainting), KT: In conclusion, can you tell us a little bit KT: In terms of heart disease or heart condi- or chest pain with exertion. more about cardiac electrophysiology and your work KT: As a pediatric cardiologist, what would you tions in children, how much is congenital versus in that field? say are the most common cardiovascular diseases in acquired? KT: How big of a part can an unhealthy BERUL: In particular, cardiac electrophysiology children? BERUL: The majority is congenital, but acquired lifestyle have in a child developing heart disease or issues have excellent outcomes and most can be BERUL: Structural congenital heart disease (babies heart disease includes infections such as myocarditis heart conditions? treated with catheter ablation or cardiac rhythm born with defects in heart anatomy). (viral infection of heart). BERUL: Although it’s important to have a healthy management devices such as pacemakers. Abnormal heart rhythms, such as supraventricular lifestyle including diet and exercise, this really doesnít Advancing clinical progress and physician innova- tachycardia (SVT). KT: Can heart disease in children be treated directly impact congenital heart disease. tion have allowed for the use of these technologies with medication only, or is surgery always required? and devices even in the smallest of patients. It is a KT: How much of a role do genetics play in the BERUL: Some heart disease can be treated with KT: What is the best advice can you give chil- very satisfying specialty and I get to see patients development of heart disease? medications, some require catheter-based interventions, dren and their parents about living with a chronic grow from babies to adults, leading normal healthy BERUL: Genetics is responsible for almost and some require surgical repair. heart condition? lives.
Experts cast doubt on Big Bang bolstering discovery
WASHINGTON: Astrophysicists are casting That analysis was carried out by David doubt on what just recently was deemed a Spergel, a theoretical astrophysicist who is breakthrough in confirming how the uni- also at Princeton. Spergel queried whether verse was born: the observation of gravita- what the BICEP2 telescope picked up really tional waves that apparently rippled through came from the first moments of the uni- space right after the Big Bang. verse’s existence. If proven to be correctly identified, these “What I think, it is not certain whether waves-predicted in Albert Einstein’s theory of polarized emissions come from galactic dust relativity-would confirm the rapid and violent or from the early universe,” he told AFP. “We growth spurt of the universe in the first frac- know that galactic dust emits polarized radia- tion of a second marking its existence, 13.8 tions, we see that in many areas of the sky, billion years ago. and what we pointed out in our paper is that The apparent first direct evidence of such pattern they have seen is just as consistent so-called cosmic inflation-a theory that the with the galactic dust radiations as with grav- universe expanded by 100 trillion trillion itational waves.” times in barely the blink of an eye-was announced in March by experts at the Galactic emissions Harvard-Smithsonian Center for Astrophysics. When using just one frequency, as these The detection was made with the help of a scientists did, it is impossible to distinguish telescope called BICEP2, stationed at the between gravitational waves and galactic South Pole. emissions, Spergel added. The question will “Detecting this signal is one of the most likely be settled in the coming months when important goals in cosmology today,” John another, competing group, working with the Kovac, leader of the BICEP2 collaboration at European Space Agency’s Planck telescope, the Harvard-Smithsonian Center for publishes its results. That telescope observes Astrophysics, said at the time. The telescope a large part of the sky-versus the BICEP2’s two targeted a specific area known as the percent-and carries out measurements in six “Southern Hole” outside the galaxy where frequencies, according to Spergel. there is little dust or extra galactic material to “They should revise their claim,” he said of interfere with what humans could see. the BICEP2 team. “I think in retrospect, they By observing the cosmic microwave back- should have been more careful about mak- SINGAPORE: People spend their time on smart phone while travelling in the Mass Rapid Transit train in Singapore. Alarmed by danger ground, or a faint glow left over from the Big ing a big announcement.” signs among the youth, Singaporeans have begun taking steps to address addiction to the Internet and digital devices, and psychia- Bang, the scientists said small fluctuations He went on to say that, contrary to normal trists are pushing for its formal recognition as a disorder in the affluent island nation. — AFP gave them new clues about the conditions in procedure, there was no external check of the early universe. The gravitational waves the data before it was made public. rippled through the universe 380,000 years Philipp Mertsch of the Kavli Institute for Singapore grapples with after the Big Bang, and these images were Particle Astrophysics and Cosmology at captured by the telescope, they claimed. If Stanford University said data from Planck and confirmed by other experts, some said the another team should be able to “shed more work could be a contender for the Nobel light on whether it is primordial gravitational smartphone addiction Prize. waves or dust in the Milky Way.” “Let me stress, however, that what is leav- ‘Serious flaws’ ing me (and many of my colleagues) unsatis- But not everyone is convinced of the find- fied with the state of affairs: If it is polarized Stress, anxiety-related problems ings, with skepticism surfacing recently on dust emission, where is it coming from?” he blogs and scientific US journals such as said in an email. Kovac, an associate professor SINGAPORE: Easily distracted? Can’t be separat- He was eventually hospitalised, put on anti- young Chinese addicted to the Internet. Science and New Scientist. Paul Steinhardt, of astronomy and physics at Harvard, ed from your smartphone? Constantly checking depressants and received “a lot” of counselling, In Singapore, there are two counselling cen- director of Princeton University’s Center for declined to respond to requests for com- your device for no real reason? Chances are Wang said. “We just needed to break the cycle. tres-National Addictions Management Services Theoretical Science, addressed the issue in ment. Another member of the team, Jamie you’re an addict-and you may even need profes- He got better, he was discharged from the hospi- and Touch Community Services-with pro- the prestigious British journal Nature in early Bock of the California Institute of Technology, sional help. Psychiatrists in Singapore are push- tal and I saw him a few more times and he was grammes for digital addiction. June. “Serious flaws in the analysis have been also declined to be interviewed. At the time ing for medical authorities to formally recognise okay.” Trisha Lin, an assistant professor in communi- revealed that transform the sure detection of their announcement in March, the scien- addiction to the Internet and digital devices as a cations at the Nanyang Technological University, into no detection,” Steinhardt wrote, citing an tists said they spent three years analyzing disorder, joining other countries around the Social media fixation said younger people face a higher risk because independent analysis of the BICEP2 findings. their data to rule out any errors. —- AFP world in addressing a growing problem. Tan Hwee Sim, a consultant psychiatrist at they adopt new technology earlier-but can’t set Singapore and Hong Kong top an Asia-Pacific The Resilienz Mind clinic in Singapore, noted limits. Lin defined digital addiction by a number region that boasts some of the world’s highest that the symptoms exhibited by her young adult of symptoms: the inability to control craving, smartphone penetration rates, according to a patients have changed over the years. Obsession anxiety when separated from a smartphone, loss 2013 report by media monitoring firm Nielsen. with online gaming was the main manifestation in productivity in studies or at work, and the Some 87 percent of Singapore’s 5.4 million popu- in the past, but addiction to social media and need to constantly check one’s phone. Lin lation own smartphones-as Internet-capable video downloading are now on the uptrend. warned that parents should avoid giving their phones with cameras are popularly known. In “Internet addiction as a disorder is not even children a smartphone or tablet computer to the United States, where there are similar con- listed in our latest psychiatric manual, it’s only keep them quiet. cerns about the impact of smartphones on socie- listed in the appendix as a disorder that requires “It’s like the TV in the past with the babysitters ty, a 65 percent penetration rate would not even further study,” she said. In terms of physical and now it’s even worse because now you have make the top five in Asia Pacific. symptoms, more people are reporting “text the screen with you everywhere,” she said, citing Singaporeans also spend on average 38 min- neck” or “iNeck” pain, according to Tan Kian Hian, the case of a Taiwanese high-schooler who could utes per session on Facebook, almost twice as a consultant at the anaesthesiology department only sleep clutching her smartphone in case long as Americans, according to a study by of Singapore General Hospital. someone tried to call her. A group of undergrad- Experian, a global information services company. “It is a commonly observed phenomenon uates from Singapore’s Nanyang Technological Adrian Wang, a psychiatrist at the upmarket that many people have their heads lowered and University launched a campaign late last year Gleneagles Medical Centre, said digital addiction are now using their mobile devices constantly encouraging the public to put their smartphones should be classified as a psychiatric disorder. on the go, while queuing or even crossing the in a face-down position when they are with “Patients come for stress anxiety-related prob- roads,” Tan told AFP. Singapore’s problem is not loved ones. lems, but their coping mechanism is to go online, unique, with a number of countries setting up The “Put it on Friend Mode” campaign drew go on to social media,” Wang said. He recalled treatment centres for young Internet addicts, strong support from students, said Chan Jing having treated an 18-year-old male student with particularly in Asia where South Korea, China Hao, one of the organisers, and there are plans to extreme symptoms. and Taiwan have moved to tackle the issue. expand the campaign to schools. “When I saw him, he was unshaven, he had Addiction is so pervasive in Singapore that a long hair, he was skinny, he hadn’t showered for Craving and anxiety “cyber wellness” education programme for pre- days, he looked like a homeless man,” Wang told In South Korea, a government survey in 2013 school children-and their parents-is set to be AFP. The boy came to blows with his father after estimated that nearly 20 percent of teenagers launched in the second half of 2014. he tried to take away the young man’s laptop were addicted to smartphones. China already Chong Ee Jay, an assistant manager at Touch SINGAPORE: People donate blood to the Philippine Red Cross at a mall in Manila computer. After the father cut off Internet access has an estimated 300 Internet addiction centres, Community Services, which is launching the yesterday as the world celebrates World Blood Donor Day. The World Health in the house, desperation drove the boy to hang according to a report on state broadcaster drive, said: “We want to give (the parents) a warn- Organization focus for this year’s World Blood Donor Day campaign is “Safe around neighbours’ homes trying to get a wire- CCTV’s website in February. It also cited a survey ing to not give these gadgets so early-and learn blood for saving mothers”. — AFP less connection. showing there may be more than 24 million to withhold them.” — AFP HEALTH & SCIENCE SUNDAY, JUNE 15, 2014 WHAT’S ON SUNDAY, JUNE 15, 2014 LOYAC inaugurates 2014 summer program
The Lothan Youth Achievement Center (LOYAC) inaugurated its 2014 summer program recently at the Coral Ballroom, Sheraton Hotel, featuring a large number of participants. WHAT’S ON SUNDAY, JUNE 15, 2014
Future kid’s festival for successful students
uture Kid Entertainment Company major future kid’s sites” she added. tribute for outstanding students at the branch Tuesday and Wednesday, June 17-18. midan “square “dental clinic. In addition, Al- (Future Kid) announced its intent to At the same time, Mabrouk invited all suc- of Salmiya on Monday, June 16, the branch of International Cartoon Network world charac- Sanabel Sebamed will introduce valuable gifts Forganize a series of concerts for the dis- cessful students to bring their original certifi- “SOUQ SHARQ” the Eastern market on ters will participate in the ceremony that will for all members of the family.” she clarified. At tinctive fresh graduate students to mark the cates or a photocopy of them so as to get the Tuesday, June 17, the branch of Meshref on introduce interesting entertainment shows the end, Mrs.Elham Mabrouk stated that the end of the school year with the participation distinctive offer that allows them to enjoy the Wednesday, June18, the branch of Selial Al and gifts for children. The Casper’s scare Festival will include many children’s gifts from of thousands of students in various stages of festive atmosphere of the celebration. “The Jahra complex on Thursday, June 19, the school world in Liwan Mall in El Agaila district the sponsored companies and a lot of enter- kindergarten, primary and middle school. In a Festival of successful students for this year will branch of Salmiya on Friday, June20 and Alri will hold a large ceremony for successful stu- tainment activities. She also called all students press conference, the Director of marketing witness many pleasant surprises for children. It branch on Saturday, June 21” she revealed. dents on 17-18 of June with the friends of the to follow the advertising campaign in the offi- and public relations in the company, Elham will include a variety of entertainment events “The cartoon network world in SHARQ lovely ghost Mantha and Jimy.” She noted. cial page of the Festival in Facebook and Mabrouk stated that the Festival will be held and interesting competitions for students. In “east” cooperative society is about to hold the “The festivals will be organized under the Instagram. from June 15 to July 3. “The ceremony for suc- addition, cartoon characters shows will be pre- Festival of successful students for the young partnership and the sponsorship of Cinnabon cessful students will be organized in 16 of sented on stage along with gifts and special champions of cartoon network world on Com, Al-shefa “cure” honey miracle and Al
The Pearl-Qatar celebrates Hilton Panorama Residence construction
nder the patronage of HE Issa Al region. The Hilton Pearl Residences will be ideal- at The Pearl-Qatar work together by mobilizing Qatar’s growing number of leisure and business Mohannadi, Chairman of Qatar Tourism ly positioned at the Island’s entrance and sur- significant resources and talents available at travelers. To that end, Hilton Panorama UAuthority, The Pearl-Qatar, United rounded by upscale and stylish coffee shops, UDC, consequently sustaining service excel- Residence at The Pearl-Qatar is expected to be Development Company’s flagship Island devel- retail boutiques and restaurants. lence and promoting The Pearl-Qatar as a lead- an outstanding new landmark property, attract- opment on Wednesday night hosted the official In a speech delivered during the ceremony, ing mixed-use development of world-class ing both residents and visitors. Adding over 32 launching ceremony inaugurating the construc- Fahad Al-Ghunaim, Chairman & CEO, First Qatar standing.” The UDC Acting CEO added, “We rec- kilometers to the country’s coastline and locat- tion works of the “Hilton Panorama Residence” Real Estate Development Company, elaborated ognize that the importance of this facility and ed 350 meters offshore from Doha’s West Bay at the Abraj Quartier precinct of The Pearl-Qatar. on the strategic importance of Hilton Panorama the caliber of work that will be done in it will Lagoon area, The Pearl-Qatar features ten According to First Qatar Real Estate Residence’s location at The Pearl-Qatar. also generate significant opportunities for fur- themed districts expected to be home to over Development Company, which will be investing “Panorama Hilton Residence boasts an unparal- ther business investments at The Pearl-Qatar.” 45,000 residents by 2018. Constructed on a up to $390 million in the project, construction is leled location at the gateway of the Pearl Island,” Hilton Worldwide had announced last March its reclaimed pearl diving reef, and designed to set to begin this month and is expected to com- Al Ghunaim said. “Designed by world-class expansion plans in Qatar with the signing of a resemble a string of pearls, the name of the plete by mid-2017. architects, the Panorama tower will be the management agreement with First Qatar Real iconic island pays tribute to Qatar’s rich past as a GUST MBA program The ribbon cutting was conducted in the tallest building in Phase Three of the Island. The Estate Development Company to open Hilton major pearl producer. The Pearl-Qatar is located presence of a number of senior officials, busi- visibility, location and dramatic styling of the Pearl Residences, Qatar. a convenient 20 kilometers from Doha welcomes students at nessmen, investors, representatives from the tower will all serve to establish the project’s The 41-storey apartment tower and the 51 International Airport. The event was officiated Summer Orientation tourism sector, and with a number of media unique identity.” On this occasion, Engineer surrounding townhouses boast a stunning view by the world’s leading business-to-business and representatives in attendance. The new 445- Badr Al-Meer, Acting Chief Executive Officer of of the Doha skyline and overlook other vital dis- business-to-consumer luxury affinity marketing, room serviced hotel apartments will be located United Development Company (UDC), one of tricts of the Island. First Qatar Real Estate partnerships and events group, The Luxury he Gulf University for Science and Technology (GUST) in the upscale and exclusive man-made island, Qatar’s leading shareholding companies and Development Company has designed a proper- Network, headed by its CEO Mr. Fares Ghattas, MBA program organized the Summer 2013/2014 The Pearl-Qatar, regarded as one of the most master developer of The Pearl-Qatar said, “All ty with the right balance of quality facilities and on behalf of one of its pioneer members, First TOrientation. The session was well attended and stu- prestigious developments in Doha and the these new schemes progressing simultaneously high service standards combined to appeal to Qatar Real Estate Development Co. dents were welcomed by the MBA Director, Professor Issam Moughrabi who started with greeting the new students and later emphasized the importance of relating what stu- dents learn to their jobs in order to maximize their learn- ing. He also explained to them the nature of the program, its objectives and the importance of sharing work experi- ence among other colleagues to diversify the experience students will gain during their progress in the program. Students were also introduced to the online systems available at GUST, which provide them with easy online access to all student related information, registration, pay- ments, as well as access to class material and assignments, all of which emphasize GUST’s steadfast approach to the utilization of IT and the automation of services. Students also got a glimpse of the process maker system; a ticketing system that provides MBA students with efficient service regarding any requests they require. Students were finally given a tour of the GUST Library and the different facilities available to them within the campus. TV PROGRAMS SUNDAY, JUNE 15, 2014
19:00 My Family 19:30 The Cafe 20:00 Ashes To Ashes 20:50 The Line Of Beauty OSN brings viewers 00:45 I’m Alive 21:50 Getting On 00:00 Violetta 01:35 Untamed & Uncut 22:20 Gracie! 00:45 The Hive 02:25 Lion Man: One World African 23:40 Eastenders over 13 new Arabic Safari 00:50 Art Attack 02:50 Lion Man: One World African 01:15 Art Attack shows this Ramadan Safari 01:40 Wolfblood 02:05 Wolfblood 03:15 Natural World • OSN triples investment in Ramadan content this 04:05 Wildest Indochina 02:30 Violetta 00:15 Tareq Taylor’s Nordic Cookery 03:15 The Hive year 04:55 Animal Cops Houston • 13 new shows, including seven exclusive shows and 05:45 Dog Rescuers 00:40 Delicious Iceland 03:20 Art Attack 01:10 Come Dine With Me 03:45 Art Attack two Khaleeji shows 06:10 Dog Rescuers • Network to offer 20 dramas on special ‘On-Demand’ 06:35 Steve Irwin’s Wildlife Warriors 02:00 Masterchef: The Professionals 04:10 Jungle Junction service ‘Ramadan Ma Fatak TV’ 07:00 Animal Airport 02:55 Bargain Hunt 04:25 Jungle Junction 07:25 Preposterous Pets 03:40 Marbella Mansions 04:35 Jungle Junction 08:15 Wildest Indochina 04:30 Lorraine’s Fast, Fresh And 04:45 Jungle Junction DUBAI: OSN, the region’s leading pay-TV network is 09:10 Steve Irwin’s Wildlife Warriors Easy Food 05:00 Art Attack underlining its credentials as the ‘gateway to premium 09:35 Steve Irwin’s Wildlife Warriors 04:55 Tareq Taylor’s Nordic Cookery 05:25 Art Attack content’, this Ramadan, with an unparalleled repertoire 10:05 Lion Man: One World African 05:20 Delicious Iceland 05:50 Mouk of exclusive Arabic content, offering something for Safari 05:45 The Boss Is Coming To Dinner 06:00 Austin & Ally every member of the family to enjoy. 10:35 Lion Man: One World African 06:10 Come Dine With Me 06:25 Dog With A Blog Boasting 13 new shows, including seven exclusive, Safari 07:00 Masterchef: The Professionals 06:45 Mako Mermaids and two Khaleeji shows, OSN’s Ramadan programming 11:00 Animal Precinct 07:55 Bargain Hunt 07:10 A.N.T. Farm features the biggest Arab stars including Jamal 11:55 Animal Airport 08:40 Marbella Mansions 07:35 A.N.T. Farm Sulaiman, Ghada Abdul Razek, Maysa’a Moghrabi, 12:20 Breed All About It 09:25 Lorraine’s Fast, Fresh And 07:55 Good Luck Charlie Sharif Salama, Sireen Abdul Noor and Nayef Al Rashed. 12:50 ER Vets Easy Food 08:20 That’s So Raven In addition to brand-new shows, audiences can also 09:50 Tareq Taylor’s Nordic Cookery 13:15 ER Vets 08:45 Suite Life On Deck tune into OSN’s ‘On Demand’ service, ‘Ramadan Ma 10:15 Delicious Iceland 09:05 Dog With A Blog 13:45 Biggest And Baddest Fatak TV’, which offers access to over 20 dramas, via 10:45 Come Dine With Me 09:30 Shake It Up 14:40 Lion Man: One World African OSN Plus HD giving viewers complete control over their Safari 11:35 Masterchef: The Professionals 09:55 Austin & Ally 12:30 Bargain Hunt 10:15 A.N.T. Farm viewing experience so they can watch what they want, 15:05 Lion Man: One World African when they want. Shows will also be available to catch Safari 13:15 Marbella Mansions 10:40 Good Luck Charlie 14:05 Lorraine’s Fast, Fresh And 11:05 Suite Life On Deck up on OSN Play, OSN’s award-winning online TV view- 15:30 Tanked ing platform - giving viewers all the flexibility they need 16:30 Wildest Indochina Easy Food 11:25 Jessie to personalise their Ramadan viewing. 17:25 Nature’s Newborns 14:30 Delicious Iceland 11:50 That’s So Raven Khulud Abu Homos, Executive Vice President - 17:50 Nature’s Newborns 14:55 Tareq Taylor’s Nordic Cookery 12:15 Hannah Montana 18:20 Mutant Planet 15:20 Come Dine With Me 12:35 Hannah Montana Programme & Creative Services, OSN, said: “Having 19:15 Gator Boys 16:10 Masterchef: The Professionals 13:00 Wizards Of Waverly Place tripled our investment in premium content this year, we 20:10 Biggest And Baddest 17:05 Lorraine’s Fast, Fresh And 13:25 Wizards Of Waverly Place are confident that our newly-unveiled repertoire of 21:05 Lion Man: One World African Easy Food 13:45 A.N.T. Farm exclusive, fresh and long-format dramas will appeal to Safari 17:30 Bargain Hunt 14:10 Jessie one and all. Our endeavour is to raise the bar with every 21:35 Lion Man: One World African 18:15 Homes Under The Hammer 14:35 Dog With A Blog new production taking Arabic programming to new Safari 19:10 Tareq Taylor’s Nordic Cookery 15:00 Good Luck Charlie heights. We have something for everyone and our 22:00 Gator Boys 19:35 Lorraine’s Fast, Fresh And 15:25 Liv And Maddie state-of-the-art technology and services will ensure 22:55 Biggest And Baddest Easy Food 15:50 Gravity Falls that people can enjoy their entertainment anytime 23:50 Animal Cops Houston 20:00 DIY SOS 16:10 A.N.T. Farm without compromising on the values of the Holy 20:30 Come Dine With Me 16:35 A.N.T. Farm Month.” 21:20 Masterchef: The Professionals 17:00 Dog With A Blog 22:15 Bargain Hunt 17:20 Good Luck Charlie The best of Khaleeji drama 23:00 Homes Under The Hammer 17:45 Liv And Maddie Among the latest Khaleeji dramas are Lel Hob 23:50 Tareq Taylor’s Nordic Cookery 18:10 Jessie 00:15 Doctors TIN CUP ON OSN MOVIES COMEDY HD 18:30 Austin & Ally Jonoon, featuring renowned actors Abdulmuhsen Al 00:45 Mistresses 18:55 Mako Mermaids 14:30 Style Star Nimer and Maysa’a Moghrabi who tell a story of love, 01:35 Alan Carr: Chatty Man 15:35 Take On The Twisters 19:20 Violetta 15:00 Keeping Up With The trust, revenge, and betrayal. Catch this sure-hit series 02:20 Twenty Twelve 16:30 Big Star’s Little Star 20:05 Liv And Maddie Kardashians exclusively on OSN Ya Hala HD; while Naif Al Rashid 02:50 The Job Lot 17:25 The Hungry Sailors 20:30 Jessie 16:00 Keeping Up With The tackles sensitive issues across the Gulf - from love to 03:15 Ashes To Ashes 18:20 Murdoch Mysteries 20:50 Dog With A Blog Kardashians 00:00 Suits broken families, the power of money to the strength of 04:05 Lark Rise To Candleford 00:20 How Tech Works 19:10 Coronation Street 21:15 Mako Mermaids 17:00 Giuliana & Bill 01:00 Unforgettable dreams in Intikam Aziz, exclusively on OSN Ya Hala HD. 05:00 Nina And The Neurons 00:45 Things That Move 19:35 Take On The Twisters 21:40 Austin & Ally 18:00 E! News 02:00 Bates Motel 05:15 Poetry Pie 01:10 The Unexplained Files 20:30 Big Star’s Little Star 22:00 Shake It Up 19:00 E!ES 03:00 Nip/Tuck 05:20 Mr Bloom’s Nursery 02:00 Last Flight Of The Space 21:25 The Hungry Sailors World-class Egyptian dramas 22:25 A.N.T. Farm 20:00 #RichKids Of Beverly Hills 04:00 Chicago Fire 05:40 Jollywobbles Shuttle 22:20 Coronation Street Egyptian superstar Ghada Abdulrazik sheds light on 22:50 Good Luck Charlie 20:30 #RichKids Of Beverly Hills 05:00 Once Upon A Time 05:50 The Green Balloon Club 02:45 Mythbusters 22:50 Emmerdale the trials and tribulations of a woman’s ambitions to 23:10 Wolfblood 21:00 Fashion Police 06:00 Suits 06:15 Nina And The Neurons 03:35 Sci-Trek 23:45 Murdoch Mysteries become the first lady of Egypt, when an attempted 23:35 Wolfblood 21:30 Party On 07:00 C.S.I. New York 06:30 Poetry Pie 04:30 Bad Universe assassination of the President results in chaos and the 22:00 Party On 08:00 Warehouse 13 06:35 Mr Bloom’s Nursery 05:20 Junkyard Wars only person who knows the truth is found dead. The 22:30 E! News 09:00 Unforgettable 06:55 Jollywobbles 06:10 Meteorite Men action-packed Al Sayida Al Oula will mark its on-screen 23:30 Chelsea Lately 10:00 Chicago Fire 07:05 The Green Balloon Club 07:00 Junk Men premiere on OSN Ya Hala HD. 11:00 Once Upon A Time 07:30 Charlie And Lola 07:25 Junk Men Maxim Khalil and Cyrine Abdelnour star in Seerat 00:00 Breakout 12:00 Emmerdale 07:40 Twenty Twelve 07:55 Da Vinci’s Machines Hob S1- an enchanting love story guaranteed to melt 08:45 Sci-Trek 00:00 Chelsea Lately 01:00 Hard Time 12:30 Coronation Street 08:10 The Cafe even the toughest of hearts. Set in the modern Arab 09:40 Meteorite Men 00:30 Scouted 02:00 Hunter Hunted 13:00 The Ellen DeGeneres Show 08:35 The Job Lot 10:30 Superships 01:25 Style Star 03:00 Situation Critical 14:00 Warehouse 13 world, the show provides all the frills and thrills expect- 09:00 Eastenders 11:20 Bad Universe 01:50 Style Star 00:05 Tastiest Places To Chowdown 04:00 The Indestructibles 15:00 Suits ed from a romantic drama exclusively on OSN Ya Hala 09:30 Doctors 12:10 Junkyard Wars 02:20 E!ES 00:55 Charly’s Cake Angels 04:30 The Indestructibles 16:00 Emmerdale HD. 10:00 Only Fools And Horses 13:00 Things That Move 03:15 Extreme Close-Up 01:20 Roadtrip With G. Garvin 05:00 Naked Science 16:30 Coronation Street Ahmed Mekky starrer Al Kabir Awoi returns for its 10:30 Big Cat Diary 13:30 Sci-Trek 03:40 Extreme Close-Up 01:45 Diners, Drive-Ins & Dives 06:00 Megastructures 17:00 The Ellen DeGeneres Show fourth season, guaranteeing viewers non-stop enter- 10:55 Lark Rise To Candleford 14:20 Mythbusters 04:10 E!ES 02:10 Diners, Drive-Ins & Dives 07:00 World’s Toughest Fixes 18:00 Warehouse 13 tainment. Tune in for buckets of laughter from the first 11:50 Twenty Twelve 15:10 Thunder Races 05:05 THS 02:35 Roadtrip With G. Garvin 08:00 Breakout 19:00 Necessary Roughness day of Ramadan only on OSN Ya Hala Shabab HD. 12:15 The Cafe 16:00 Superships 06:00 15 Remarkable Celebrity 03:00 Roadtrip With G. Garvin 09:00 Hard Time 20:00 Covert Affairs Other highlights include Sherif Salama’s Al Khatia’a 12:40 The Job Lot 16:50 Meteorite Men Body Bouncebacks 03:25 Andy Bates American Street 10:00 Hunter Hunted 21:00 Chicago Fire S1, which tells the story of betrayal, when one loose 13:05 Eastenders 17:40 Last Flight Of The Space 07:50 Style Star Feasts 11:00 Situation Critical 22:00 Intelligence 13:35 Doctors end results in the lives of an interconnected group of Shuttle 08:20 E! News 03:50 Iron Chef America 12:00 The Indestructibles 23:00 Nip/Tuck 14:05 Only Fools And Horses people unravelling. A thrilling drama sure to keep you 18:30 The Unexplained Files 09:15 Giuliana & Bill 04:40 Chopped 12:30 The Indestructibles 14:35 Big Cat Diary at the edge of your seat, catch Sherif’s stunning per- 19:20 How Tech Works 10:15 Giuliana & Bill 05:30 Unwrapped 13:00 Naked Science 15:05 Twenty Twelve formance on OSN Ya Hala Shabab HD. 19:45 Things That Move 11:10 Eric And Jessie: Game On 05:50 Tastiest Places To Chowdown 14:00 Megastructures 15:30 The Weakest Link Plus, Rania Youssef shows how greed can close the 20:10 Mythbusters 11:35 Eric And Jessie: Game On 06:10 The Next Food Network Star 15:00 World’s Toughest Fixes 16:15 Lark Rise To Candleford blinds towards the people closest to you in Wasaya Al 21:00 Redesign My Brain 12:05 E! News 07:00 Luke Nguyen’s Vietnam 16:00 Breakout 17:10 Eastenders 01:00 Good Morning America Saba’a, on OSN Ya Hala Drama HD. 21:50 The Science Of Fear And Lust 13:05 Extreme Close-Up 07:25 Roadtrip With G. Garvin 17:00 Hard Time 17:40 Doctors 05:00 Good Morning America 22:40 Sci-Trek 13:35 E!ES 07:50 Diners, Drive-Ins & Dives 18:00 Hunter Hunted 18:10 Outcasts 23:30 Bad Universe 07:00 Emmerdale 08:15 Iron Chef America 19:00 Cosmos: A Spacetime Leading Arab dramas 10:00 Emmerdale 09:05 Barefoot Contessa - Back To Odyssey In Sadeeq Al Omr, Jamal Suleiman epitomises the 14:00 Live Good Morning America Basics 20:00 In The Womb reign of former Egyptian President, Jamal Abdel Nassar, 09:30 Amazing Wedding Cakes 22:00 Family Guns from 1961 to 1967, highlighting his greatest achieve- 10:20 Easy Chinese 23:00 None of the Above ment, the Nationalisation of the Suez Canal; the unifica- 10:45 Andy Bates Street Feasts 23:30 None of the Above tion of Egypt and Syria in the United Arab Republic; and 11:10 Tastiest Places To Chowdown the six-day War. Audiences can watch conspiracy, 11:35 Grill It! With Bobby Flay 00:00 Money Kills-PG15 friendship, and drama come to life, on OSN Ya Hala 12:00 Reza’s African Kitchen 02:00 The Killing Jar-18 Shabab HD. 12:25 Charly’s Cake Angels 04:00 Metal Shifters-PG15 Critical issues in society take the centrestage in Taim 12:50 Siba’s Table 06:00 Daylight-PG15 Hassan and Bassel Khayat Al Ekhwah S2. Conspiracies 13:15 Jenny Morris Cooks Morocco 00:30 The Daily Show With Jon 08:00 Abandoned-PG15 and plots get exposed by greed and exploitation, and 13:40 Andy Bates Brazilian Street Stewart 09:30 The Dark Knight Rises-PG15 clashes will arise when immense passion hits the harsh Feasts 01:00 The Colbert Report 12:15 Unbreakable-PG15 reality of betrayal. A thrilling drama full of unexpected 14:05 The Next Food Network Star 01:30 Sean Saves The World 14:00 Abandoned-PG15 twists is in store in this captivating story, exclusively on 14:55 Roadtrip With G. Garvin 02:00 Web Therapy 16:00 The Apparition-PG15 OSN Ya Hala Drama HD. 15:20 Diners, Drive-Ins & Dives 02:30 Veep 18:00 Unbreakable-PG15 Abed Fahid and Youssef Al Khal star in Low, a 15:45 Chopped 20:00 Shank-18 03:30 Back In The Game thrilling drama of love, murder and mystery. For a dif- 16:35 Tastiest Places To Chowdown 04:00 Seinfeld 22:00 Wrong Turn 5: Bloodlines-18 ferent type of love story, tune into OSN Ya Hala Drama 17:25 Jenny Morris Cooks Morocco 04:30 The Tonight Show Starring HD from the beginning of Ramadan. 17:50 Diners, Drive-Ins & Dives Jimmy Fallon 18:15 Diners, Drive-Ins & Dives 05:30 Two And A Half Men 18:40 Siba’s Table The essence of Ramadan 06:00 Better Off Ted 00:00 That’s What She Said-18 19:05 Reza, Spice Prince Of India 06:30 Friends Headlining OSN’s Ramadan programming is Saudi 19:30 Andy Bates Brazilian Street 02:00 The Hot Potato-PG15 journalist Mustafa Alaidaroos who brings to light the 07:00 Late Night With Seth Meyers 04:00 10 Things I Hate About You- Feasts 08:00 Seinfeld necessity of having good faith and a good heart, 19:55 Roadtrip With G. Garvin PG15 inspired by the Holy Quran. Salim addresses Arab youth 08:30 Two And A Half Men 06:00 The Longest Yard-PG15 20:20 Chopped and families and discusses self-awareness, social devel- 09:30 Trophy Wife 08:00 Splash-PG 21:10 The Next Food Network Star 10:00 Modern Family opment, and improvement. Catch Alaidaroos’ wisdom 22:00 Mexican Made Easy 10:00 Three Men And A Little Lady- 10:30 Friends PG only on OSN Ya Hala HD. 22:25 Mexican Made Easy 11:00 The Tonight Show Starring 22:50 Siba’s Table 12:00 10 Things I Hate About You- Jimmy Fallon PG15 23:15 Siba’s Table 12:30 Seinfeld 23:40 Diners, Drive-Ins & Dives 13:45 Tin Cup-PG15 13:00 Two And A Half Men 16:00 Three Men And A Little Lady- 13:30 Friends PG 14:00 Back In The Game 18:00 All American Christmas 14:30 Trophy Wife Carol-PG15 15:00 Modern Family 20:00 Tough Guys-PG15 15:30 The Daily Show With Jon 22:00 That’s What She Said-18 00:35 Dancing On Ice Stewart 02:00 Emmerdale 16:00 The Colbert Report 02:55 Coronation Street 17:00 Late Night With Seth Meyers 03:25 Breathless 18:00 Baby Daddy 04:20 The Syndicate 18:30 Arrested Development 05:15 The Chase 19:00 Trophy Wife 01:00 Beasts Of The Southern Wild- 06:05 Dancing On Ice 19:30 Brooklyn Nine-Nine PG15 07:30 Breathless 20:00 The Tonight Show Starring 03:00 Flower Girl-PG15 08:25 The Syndicate Jimmy Fallon 05:00 Magic Journey To Africa- 09:20 Take On The Twisters 21:00 The Daily Show With Jon PG15 10:15 Murdoch Mysteries Stewart 07:00 Someday This Pain Will Be 11:10 Emmerdale 21:30 The Colbert Report Useful To You-PG15 12:00 Coronation Street 22:00 Family Guy 09:00 Beasts Of The Southern Wild- 12:30 The Chase 22:30 Web Therapy PG15 13:20 Dancing On Ice 23:00 Veep 11:00 The Philly Kid-PG15 UNBREAKABLE ON OSN MOVIES HD ACTION 14:45 Murdoch Mysteries 23:30 Late Night With Seth Meyers 13:00 The Forger-PG15 Classifieds
SUNDAY, JUNE 15, 2014
Kuwait KNCC PROGRAMME FROM THURSDAY TO WEDNESDAY (12/06/2014 TO 18/06/2014)
SHARQIA-1 EDGE OF TOMORROW (DIG) 12:30 PM FANAR-3 AVENUES-3 MALEFICENT (DIG) 2:45 PM BAD WORDS (DIG) 1:30 PM THE FAULT IN OUR STARS (DIG) 1:30 PM 7500 (DIG) 4:45 PM BAD WORDS (DIG) 3:15 PM THE FAULT IN OUR STARS (DIG) 4:00 PM 7500 (DIG) 6:30 PM BAD WORDS (DIG) 5:00 PM THE FAULT IN OUR STARS (DIG) 6:30 PM EDGE OF TOMORROW (DIG) 8:15 PM THE FAULT IN OUR STARS (DIG) 6:45 PM THE FAULT IN OUR STARS (DIG) 9:00 PM 7500 (DIG) 10:45 PM THE FAULT IN OUR STARS (DIG) 9:15 PM THE FAULT IN OUR STARS (DIG) 11:30 PM EDGE OF TOMORROW (DIG) 12:30 AM THE FAULT IN OUR STARS (DIG) 11:45 PM AVENUES-4 SHARQIA-2 FANAR-4 BLENDED (DIG) 1:15 PM TUITION MALEFICENT (DIG) 1:00 PM MALEFICENT (DIG-3D) 2:00 PM THE FAULT IN OUR STARS (DIG) 3:30 PM HOW TO TRAIN YOUR DRAGON 2 (DIG-3D) 3:15 PM MALEFICENT (DIG) 4:15 PM BLENDED (DIG) 6:00 PM MALEFICENT (DIG) 5:30 PM BLENDED (DIG) 6:15 PM THE FAULT IN OUR STARS (DIG) 8:15 PM Arabic Teacher for non- MALEFICENT (DIG) 7:30 PM MALEFICENT (DIG) 8:30 PM EDGE OF TOMORROW (DIG) 10:45 PM native speakers beginners & THE FAULT IN OUR STARS (DIG) 9:30 PM BLENDED (DIG) 10:30 PM THE FAULT IN OUR STARS (DIG) 1:00 AM advanced - All levels of the THE FAULT IN OUR STARS (DIG) 12:05 AM BLENDED (DIG) 12:45 AM 1:00 AM Arabic language - IGCSE & 360º- 1 GCSE, language training syl- SHARQIA-3 FANAR-5 EDGE OF TOMORROW (DIG-3D) 2:00 PM labus foreign and common- BLENDED (DIG) 1:30 PM X-MEN: DAYS OF FUTURE PAST (DIG) 1:00 PM EDGE OF TOMORROW (DIG) 4:30 PM wealth office. Only KD 10 for A MILLION WAYS TO DIE IN THE WEST (DIG) 3:45 PM X-MEN: DAYS OF FUTURE PAST (DIG) 3:30 PM EDGE OF TOMORROW (DIG) 7:00 PM an hour & free books. BLENDED (DIG) 5:45 PM JUMP JILANI (DIG) (Telugu) 3:30 PM EDGE OF TOMORROW (DIG-3D) 9:30 PM Contact: Mr Khalid: BLENDED (DIG) 8:00 PM JUMP JILANI (DIG) (Telugu) 6:30 PM EDGE OF TOMORROW (DIG) 12:05 AM 99619998. (C 4740) ALIEN ABDUCTION (DIG) 10:15 PM FRI+SAT+MON 15-6-2014 BLENDED (DIG) 12:15 AM THE RAID 2 (DIG) 6:30 PM 360 º- 2 NO FRI+SAT+MON BAD WORDS (DIG) 12:30 PM MUHALAB-1 JUMP JILANI (DIG) (Telugu) 9:30 PM ALIEN ABDUCTION (DIG) 2:30 PM CHANGE OF NAME BLENDED (DIG) 2:00 PM THE RAID 2 (DIG) 12:30 A BAD WORDS (DIG) 4:30 PM JUMP JILANI (DIG) (Telugu) 4:15 PM THE ANGRIEST MAN IN BROOKLYN (DIG) 6:30 PM FRI+MON MARINA-1 ALIEN ABDUCTION (DIG) 8:30 PM I, Husain Suksorwala X-MEN: DAYS OF FUTURE PAST (DIG) 4:30 PM BLENDED (DIG) 12:30 PM ALIEN ABDUCTION (DIG) 10:30 PM Murtuza Mohammed, hold- End Time: 3:00am 7500 (DIG) 2:45 PM ALIEN ABDUCTION (DIG) 12:30 AM er of Indian Passport No: NO FRI+MON BLENDED (DIG) 4:30 PM L4536374, hereby change BLENDED (DIG) 7:15 PM 7500 (DIG) 6:45 PM 360 º-- 3 my name to Murtuza BLENDED (DIG) 9:30 PM BLENDED (DIG) 8:30 PM HOW TO TRAIN YOUR DRAGON 2 (DIG) 2:00 PM Mohammed Husain BLENDED (DIG) 11:45 PM ALIEN ABDUCTION (DIG) 10:45 PM HOW TO TRAIN YOUR DRAGON 2 (DIG-3D) 4:15 PM Suksorwala. (C 4747) 7500 (DIG) 12:30 AM HOW TO TRAIN YOUR DRAGON 2 (DIG) 6:30 PM MUHALAB-2 HOW TO TRAIN YOUR DRAGON 2 (DIG) 8:45 PM 14-6-2014 MALEFICENT (DIG) 1:30 PM MARINA-2 X-MEN: DAYS OF FUTURE PAST (DIG) 11:00 PM THE FAULT IN OUR STARS (DIG) 3:30 PM THE FAULT IN OUR STARS (DIG) 12:45 PM I have changed my name MALEFICENT (DIG) 6:00 PM A MILLION WAYS TO DIE IN THE WEST (DIG) 3:15 PM AL-KOUT.1 from Archana Jeetendra MALEFICENT (DIG) 8:00 PM EDGE OF TOMORROW (DIG) 5:30 PM HOW TO TRAIN YOUR DRAGON 2 (DIG) 12:45 PM Vyas to Safiyah Shaikh as THE FAULT IN OUR STARS (DIG) 10:00 PM THE FAULT IN OUR STARS (DIG) 7:45 PM MALEFICENT (DIG) 3:00 PM per Maha Gazette No. U- THE FAULT IN OUR STARS (DIG) 12:30 AM THE FAULT IN OUR STARS (DIG) 10:15 PM HOW TO TRAIN YOUR DRAGON 2 (DIG) 5:00 PM 45730 dated 17/01/2013. EDGE OF TOMORROW (DIG) 12:45 AM MALEFICENT (DIG) 7:15 PM I, Archana Jeetendara Vyas MUHALAB-3 MALEFICENT (DIG) 9:30 PM HOW TO TRAIN YOUR DRAGON 2 (DIG) 12:30 PM MARINA-3 BLENDED (DIG) 11:45 PM have changed my religion 7500 (DIG) 2:30 PM HOW TO TRAIN YOUR DRAGON 2 (DIG-3D) 1:30 PM from Hindu to Muslim as HOW TO TRAIN YOUR DRAGON 2 (DIG) 4:15 PM MALEFICENT (DIG-3D) 3:45 PM AL-KOUT.2 per Maha Gazette No. U- EDGE OF TOMORROW (DIG) 6:30 PM HOW TO TRAIN YOUR DRAGON 2 (DIG) 5:45 PM BAD WORDS (DIG) 1:15 PM 45735 dated 17/01/2013. 7500 (DIG) 8:45 PM MALEFICENT (DIG) 8:00 PM THE FAULT IN OUR STARS (DIG) 3:00 PM (C 4744) EDGE OF TOMORROW (DIG-3D) 10:30 PM MALEFICENT (DIG) 10:00 PM BAD WORDS (DIG) 5:30 PM 10-6-2014 7500 (DIG) 12:45 AM X-MEN: DAYS OF FUTURE PAST (DIG) 12:05 AM THE FAULT IN OUR STARS (DIG) 7:30 PM ELISA KHATAFHA JAMEEL (DIG) (Kuwaiti Film) 10:00 PM FANAR-1 AVENUES-1 THE FAULT IN OUR STARS (DIG) 12:45 AM MALEFICENT (DIG) 12:45 PM 7500 (DIG) 12:45 PM EDGE OF TOMORROW (DIG) 2:45 PM 7500 (DIG) 2:30 PM AL-KOUT.3 ACCOMMODATION EDGE OF TOMORROW (DIG) 5:00 PM 7500 (DIG) 4:30 PM X-MEN: DAYS OF FUTURE PAST (DIG) 1:30 PM EDGE OF TOMORROW (DIG) 7:15 PM BAD WORDS (DIG) 6:30 PM 7500 (DIG) 4:00 PM Full furnished + attach ELISA KHATAFHA JAMEEL (DIG) (Kuwaiti Film) 9:30 PM 7500 (DIG) 8:30 PM EDGE OF TOMORROW (DIG) 5:45 PM bath. One room available EDGE OF TOMORROW (DIG) 12:15 AM 7500 (DIG) 10:30 PM 7500 (DIG) 8:00 PM for decent executive bach- 7500 (DIG) 12:30 AM EDGE OF TOMORROW (DIG) 9:45 PM FANAR-2 7500 (DIG) 12:05 AM elor (lady or gentleman) 2 HOW TO TRAIN YOUR DRAGON 2 (DIG) 1:30 PM AVENUES-2 BR central A/C new build- HOW TO TRAIN YOUR DRAGON 2 (DIG) 3:45 PM X-MEN: DAYS OF FUTURE PAST (DIG) 1:15 PM AL-KOUT.4 ing near Amman Street, in ALIEN ABDUCTION (DIG) 6:00 PM BAD WORDS (DIG) 4:00 PM BLENDED (DIG) 1:00 PM front of IPS. Rent KD 130. 7500 (DIG) 7:45 PM X-MEN: DAYS OF FUTURE PAST (DIG) 6:00 PM THE RAID 2 (DIG) 3:15 PM Please call 50038875 - ALIEN ABDUCTION (DIG) 9:30 PM BAD WORDS (DIG) 8:30 PM BLENDED (DIG) 6:00 PM 98007972. 7500 (DIG) 11:15 PM X-MEN: DAYS OF FUTURE PAST (DIG) 10:15 PM BLENDED (DIG) 8:15 PM (C 4746) 7500 (DIG) 1:00 AM BAD WORDS (DIG) 12:45 AM ALIEN ABDUCTION (DIG) 10:30 PM 12-6-2014
Directorate General of Civil Aviation Home Page (www.kuwait-airport.com.kw)
Arrival Flights on Sunday 15/6/2014 SVA 500 Jeddah 14:30 Departure Flights on Sunday 15/6/2014 SYR 342 LTK 13:20 Airlines Flt Route Time KNE 472 Jeddah 14:40 Airlines Flt Route Time IRC 529 AWZ 13:50 QTR 1084 Doha 00:05 UAE 857 Dubai 14:55 AIC 976 GOI 00:05 MSR 611 CAI 14:00 JZR 239 Amman 00:20 KAC 788 Jeddah 15:00 JZR 562 HMB 00:10 THY 767 IST 14:10 JZR 267 Beirut 00:25 ABY 127 Sharjah 15:35 JAI 573 BOM 00:20 KAC 561 AMM 14:45 JZR 539 Cairo 00:30 RJA 640 Amman 15:55 UAL 981 IAD 00:25 QTR 1079 DOH 14:55 PGT 858 Istanbul 01:25 JZR 535 Cairo 16:05 MSR 615 CAI 00:30 GFA 222 BAH 15:05 THY 764 Istanbul 01:40 JZR 787 Riyadh 16:15 DLH 635 FRA 01:35 KAC 617 DOH 15:15 RJA 642 Amman 01:45 QTR 1072 Doha 16:15 THY 773 IST 02:20 KAC 673 DXB 15:20 ETH 620 Addis Ababa 01:45 JZR 257 Beirut 16:30 ETH 621 ADD 02:45 KNE 473 JED 15:35 GFA 211 Bahrain 01:55 ETD 303 Abu Dhabi 16:45 PGT 859 SAW 02:55 SVA 503 MED/JED 15:45 UAE 853 Dubai 02:25 NIA 251 Alexandria 16:50 MSC 404 ATZ 03:30 KAC 773 RUH 15:50 ETD 305 Abu Dhabi 02:30 IRC 6507 Shiraz 16:55 UAE 854 DXB 03:45 JZR 188 DXB 15:50 MSC 403 Asyut 02:30 SVA 510 Riyadh 17:15 FDB 5068 DWC 03:45 ABY 128 SHJ 16:15 JAI 576 Kochi/Abu Dhabi 02:35 UAL 982 IAD 17:25 MSR 613 CAI 04:15 KAC 513 IKA 16:20 FDB 5067 Dubai 03:05 GFA 215 Bahrain 17:30 ETD 306 AUH 04:20 RJA 641 AMM 16:55 MSR 612 Cairo 03:15 JZR 153 Dubai 17:45 QTR 1077 DOH 04:25 JZR 266 BEY 17:05 QTR 1076 Doha 03:25 JZR 777 Jeddah 17:50 MSC 406 HMB 05:00 QTR 1073 DOH 17:20 MSC 401 Alexandria 04:00 JZR 483 Istanbul 17:55 QTR 1085 DOH 05:20 JZR 538 CAI 17:40 JZR 555 Alexandria 04:10 KAC 542 Cairo 18:15 ETD 304 AUH 17:45 KAC 544 Cairo 04:10 QTR 1080 Doha 18:25 JZR 560 HMB 05:35 THY 765 SAW 06:00 NIA 252 HBE 17:50 THY 770 Istanbul 04:35 KAC 786 Jeddah 18:30 IRC 6508 SYZ 17:55 DHX 170 Bahrain 05:10 RJA 643 AMM 06:05 KAC 166 Paris/Rome 18:40 UAE 858 DXB 18:15 FDB 055 Dubai 05:50 FDB 056 DXB 06:25 AXB 393 Kozhikode 18:55 SVA 511 RUH 18:15 QTR 8632 Doha 05:55 JAI 575 AUH/COK 06:30 ABY 129 Sharjah 19:00 GFA 216 BAH 18:20 KAC 412 Manila/Bangkok 06:15 KAC 618 Doha 19:00 THY 771 IST 06:50 JZR 563 Sohag 06:35 GFA 212 BAH 07:00 JZR 156 DWC 18:20 GFA 217 Bahrain 19:05 UAL 982 BAH 18:40 BAW 157 London 06:35 KAC 774 Riyadh 19:15 JZR 240 AMM 07:05 JZR 1541 Cairo 06:40 JZR 150 DWC 07:15 JZR 238 AMM 18:45 KAC 502 Beirut 19:20 JZR 134 BAH 18:50 FDB 053 Dubai 07:00 MSR 606 Luxor 19:30 QTR 8632 LHE 07:25 KAC 382 Delhi 07:30 FDB 054 DXB 07:50 QTR 1081 DOH 19:25 KAC 102 New York/London 19:35 ABY 120 SHJ 19:40 KAC 288 Dhaka 07:45 BAW 156 LHR 08:25 JAI 572 Mumbai 19:35 GFA 218 BAH 19:50 KAC 302 Mumbai 07:50 KAC 171 FRA 08:55 KAC 674 Dubai 19:40 AXB 394 CCJ 19:55 KAC 206 Islamabad 07:50 OMA 647 Muscat 19:55 SVA 513 RUH 08:55 QTR 1086 Doha 07:55 KAC 283 DAC 20:30 KAC 562 Amman 20:00 QTR 1087 DOH 08:55 SVA 512 Riyadh 07:55 MSR 619 HBE 20:30 FDB 5061 Dubai 20:05 KAC 117 JFK 09:05 KAC 364 Colombo 08:00 JAI 571 BOM 20:35 AFG 415 Kabul 20:10 JZR 256 BEY 09:05 KAC 361 CMB 20:50 KAC 332 Trivandrum 08:00 JZR 534 CAI 09:15 KAC 352 Kochi 08:05 MEA 402 Beirut 20:15 FDB 5062 DWC 20:50 DLH 636 Frankfurt 20:15 KAC 671 DXB 09:25 OMA 648 MCT 20:55 UAE 855 Dubai 08:25 ABY 126 SHJ 09:30 ABY 125 Sharjah 08:50 FDB 063 Dubai 20:15 DLH 636 DMM 21:00 JZR 189 Dubai 20:25 KAC 787 JED 09:35 AFG 415 JED 21:10 IRA 665 Shiraz 09:25 JZR 482 IST 09:45 ETD 301 Abu Dhabi 09:30 KAC 514 Tehran 20:50 FDB 064 DXB 21:15 UAE 856 DXB 09:50 FDB 5055 Dubai 09:35 KLM 417 Amsterdam 21:05 MEA 403 BEY 21:15 MEA 406 Beirut 09:40 ALK 229 Colombo 21:10 ETD 302 AUH 10:15 JZR 554 HBE 21:15 QTR 1070 Doha 10:00 SYR 441 Damascus 21:15 FDB 5056 DWC 10:15 DHX 171 BAH 21:50 GFA 213 Bahrain 10:40 UAE 859 Dubai 21:15 IRA 664 SYZ 10:25 KLM 417 DMM/AMS 22:05 MEA 404 Beirut 10:55 KAC 172 Frankfurt 21:15 KAC 741 DMM 10:30 SYR 442 MOW/DAM 22:15 MSC 405 Sohag 11:20 QTR 1074 Doha 21:30 MEA 407 BEY 10:40 ETD 308 AUH 22:15 JZR 151 Dubai 11:50 ETD 307 Abu Dhabi 21:30 QTR 1071 DOH 11:00 ALK 230 CMB 22:20 JZR 561 Sohag 12:00 GFA 219 Bahrain 21:45 KAC 541 CAI 11:30 UAE 860 DXB 22:25 SYR 341 Latakia 12:20 JZR 135 Bahrain 21:45 GFA 214 BAH 11:35 KAC 343 MAA 22:30 FDB 071 Dubai 12:35 AIC 981 Chennai/Hyderabad/Ahmedabad 22:25 KAC 501 BEY 11:40 QTR 1075 DOH 22:40 JZR 241 Amman 12:40 IRC 534 Mashhad 22:30 MEA 405 BEY 11:55 KAC 301 BOM 22:40 IRC 528 Ahwaz 12:50 UAL 981 Bahrain 22:40 JZR 776 JED 12:15 GFA 220 BAH 22:45 MSR 610 Cairo 13:00 JZR 157 Dubai 22:55 MSC 402 HBE 12:20 KAC 351 COK 23:00 THY 766 Istanbul 13:10 BBC 043 Dhaka 23:10 KAC 103 LHR 12:30 IRC 535 MHD 23:20 KAC 742 Dammam 13:30 JAI 574 Mumbai 23:20 JZR 786 RUH 12:50 KAC 205 ISB 23:35 KAC 672 Dubai 13:40 MSR 614 Cairo 23:30 KAC 785 JED 13:00 KAC 411 BKK/MNL 23:40 QTR 1078 Doha 13:45 THY 772 Istanbul 23:45 JZR 152 DWC 13:10 KAC 415 KUL/CGK 23:50 GFA 221 Bahrain 14:20 PIA 205 Lahore 23:50 FDB 072 DXB 13:15 JZR 1540 CAI 23:50 DIAL161 FOR AIRPORT INFORMATION stars34 SUNDAY, JUNE 15, 2014 CROSSWORD 579 STAR TRACK
Aries (March 21-April 19) Libra (September 23-October 22)
This is a good time to really get down to the business of cleaning up your You are a very feeling person and can sense the drift of a situation without a act, taking care of loose ends and attending to any details you may have neglected up to lot of analysis. This immediate hands-on approach might be contrasted with one that is now. Health, food and physical condition come under scrutiny and you work to care for more deliberate and cerebral. You could be left with a bit of an inferiority complex when it these matters. Perhaps you will be encouraging loved ones to join you in beginning comes to matters of education, philosophy and conceptual ability. In a word, you revere some regular form of exercise. Your system of values may deepen, providing you with a this kind of stuff, not because it is natural to you, but rather because it may not come easily. better sense of discrimination. You will make good choices in the area of investment pur- You enjoy the process of work and although you may feel you take a lot of time to com- chases today. There is a lot of mental energy to complete your plans for this day, and plete your task, you are most successful with the desired results. Be humble as you display there must be a balance maintained so you are not too stressed. Things do seem almost your work or your accomplished results. There is time this evening for your love relation- magical in the way they work out for you at this time. ship to blossom. The two of you enjoy communicating.
Taurus (April 20-May 20) Scorpio (October 23-November 21)
There could be some restrictions on your activities at home this morning. Try not to worry so much–your abilities are much more accurate than you You may find yourself pacing the floor much of the morning. Inactivity can be just as give yourself credit for lately. Your concern for everything makes you invaluable when any- stressful as too much activity. Repairing machinery or perhaps performing some chores thing needs doing and, if left unoccupied, you have been known to worry for worry’s sake. could be most beneficial now. Perhaps you could find ways to help relieve the slowdown Given only a few facts, you are able to take in a situation and come up with a real picture of through running errands, etc. You will be able to help speed things along and there will what is happening. So, be realistic and use your worry energy productively. The accent is on be some time to yourself this afternoon. You and your friends have plans for a camping or earning, spending and possessions. You can put a new moneymaking idea into motion fishing trip this evening, and there is just enough time to get ready. Honest and frank, you soon. Your sharp communication skills are at a high, so ask the right questions and the day hate routines and love the outdoors, travel and sports. An eternal optimist, you are open, will take you where you need to go. You might become interested in selling homes. Take a friendly and lucky too. Include the family in some future travels. walk this evening and enjoy time.
Gemini (May 21-June 20) Sagittarius (November 22-December 21) You have an innate urge to save, salvage and conserve. You always want to Your outward seriousness and no-nonsense approach to things are obvious help and to be of service whenever possible. You hate waste and are very to all. This deliberate sense of responsibility comes across and is central to thorough and precise. For the most part, you work very hard to understand people and you your personality and the way you relate to other people. You can be a stickler with details ACROSS 4. A sodium salt of carbonic acid. are very accepting. There is a need to be the center of attention today–also a craving to give today. You are driven and passionate in your pursuit of change and inner growth. You 1. Hormone secreted by the posterior pitu- 5. Any of various coarse shrubby plants of and to be appreciated. This can be an expansive, creative and even romantic phase, a time possess, at the core, an intensity that burns through superficialities, searching for oppor- itary gland (trade name Pitressin) and also by the genus Iva with small greenish flowers. you will look back on with pride. Emotionally, you are full of energy, rushing into areas and tunities to face the truth and render the evidence to view. You will find opportunities to nerve endings in the hypothalamus. 6. A colorless odorless gaseous element that handling subject matters that others would never come near. Vulnerable issues, sensitive be with your friends this afternoon in some form of group sports. Have fun with a loving areas of the self and psychology are the first places you head. Interestingly enough, you are 4. Unusual or striking. give a red glow in a vacuum tube. person who thinks you are special and would like a little one-on-one play. You are in a able to find the most positive outcome in most problems. 12. Surface layer of ground containing a matt 7. The father of your father or mother. planning mood this evening. You can see the road ahead and will make the right choices. of grass and grass roots. 8. Of or relating to a nail or claw or hoof. 15. Owed and payable immediately or on 9. A jaunty rhythm in music. demand. 10. (informal) Of the highest quality. 16. Excessively fastidious and easily disgust- 11. An involuntary spasm of ineffectual vom- Cancer (June 21-July 22) Capricorn (December 22-January 19) ed. iting. 17. An accountant certified by the state. 12. Someone who works (or provides work- When it comes to your work or home your conservative values may clash with You may feel that you are in touch and in harmony with others as the lines of 18. A large fleet. ers) during a strike. whatever is unconventional and different at this time. Others may decide to communication are open. The support you need is there. This is a good day 20. Metal or plastic sheath over the end of a 13. A translucent mineral consisting of create some changes. You may not care for the furniture or appliance someone has chosen. to solve problems and make important decisions. You will find a way around most any problem and are in control and able to guide yourself with ease. Your sense of inner direc- shoelace or ribbon. hydrated silica of variable color. You may do your best to ignore these changes. You appreciate tradition and regularity and your value system is dead set against anything new or out of the ordinary. Occasionally, you tion is good and should lead to many opportunities. You bring a sense of value and the ide- 21. A river in north central Switzerland that 14. A challenge to do something dangerous al to what are otherwise very practical matters. A cycle of settling down and nesting within runs northeast into the Rhine. or foolhardy. surprise others with your sense of humor and eventually, you adapt to whatever changes occur. There are breakthroughs regarding relationships. There are unconventional your home begins now. There could be a decision regarding family planning or real estate. 22. Capital and largest city of the Czech 19. According to the Old Testament he was a approaches to partnerships and lovers. Republic. pagan king of Israel and husband of Jezebel 24. A telegram sent abroad. (9th century BC). 26. The basic unit of money in Western 23. A white metallic element that burns with Samoa. a brilliant light. Leo (July 23-August 22) Aquarius (January 20- February 18) 27. An informal term for a father. 25. A river in north central Switzerland that 29. A soft silvery metallic element of the alka- runs northeast into the Rhine. Others may find you witty and unconventional today. Much of your personal You will tend to find yourself socializing more than usual today. You can li earth group. 28. Foul with waste matter. life hinges on pursuing your own growth and success. Today you have an urge to go into always put your ideas into words and describe or analyze situations for yourself and others. 31. Type genus of the Alcidae comprising 30. Title for a civil or military leader (especial- work and finish up some issues or fine tune your plans for next week. Harmonizing the Your theories may be fine, but you may lack heart or patience to let things ripen. Write down needs and demands of business and personal life may be difficult but certainly worth the your ideas and next week you will find an opportunity to share them, perhaps in a memo or solely the razorbill. ly in Turkey). presentation to an administrator, instead of talking about them to co-workers. You will get 33. A Hindu prince or king in India. 32. Being ten more than one hundred ninety. effort. Think again about your itinerary today. Your time may be best spent in the company of your family or nurturing your friendships. Participate in the upkeep of your home or car credit for your own ideas and the people in control of business production will appreciate 37. A federally chartered savings bank. 34. Keenly excited (especially sexually) or instead of hiring someone else to do the job. Discover parts of you and your loved ones that your input. Work on patience this day–new neighbors may present some fun, busy and new 40. Showing or causing joy and pleasure. indicating excitement. renew your spirit and your energies. This can be a very creative and even romantic time to ideas for entertainment this evening. Careful, pick and choose and create a balance of activi- 43. A mountainous island in eastern 35. The part of a ship's equipment or cargo remember. ties so that finances and fun do not suffer. Indonesia. that is thrown overboard to lighten the load 44. One who hates or loathes. in a storm. 46. Your general store of remembered infor- 36. The capital of Eritrea. Virgo (August 23-September 22) mation. 38. Erect bushy hairy annual herb having tri- Pisces (February 19-March 20) 47. A port in southwestern Scotland. foliate leaves and purple to pink flowers. 48. An associate degree in nursing. 39. Found along western Atlantic coast. You are a solid supporter, always gravitating to the heart of things. You may There may be confusion today over a professional or career decision. You have trouble getting moving, but once rolling, others should be prepared. You have a stick- do not like making career decisions and you can get downright confused when it comes to 49. A Chadic language spoken south of Lake 41. United States tennis player (born in to-itiveness that may often find you in the thick of things. Your energies run effectively making the right choice. You may not appreciate advice, but advice may be the best route Chad. Czechoslovakia) who won several singles toward making yourself felt in the material, tangible outer world. You can be an action per- to consider just now. Otherwise, the question at hand could become somewhat more com- 52. A small cake leavened with yeast. championships. son if you want to be. You can gain the attention of others and encourage others to get plex. Once you have determined the right route for yourself, you should take it. With this 54. An official prosecutor for a judicial dis- 42. A colorless and odorless inert gas. moving. Some circumstances of your life suggest extroversion. You may, however, find it behind you, let it go and enjoy the rest of the weekend by relaxing in some fun way. This is trict. 45. A rare silvery (usually trivalent) metallic more convenient to neglect your mental and organizational abilities when social opportuni- a good time to purchase a new beauty or a new perfume scent. Enjoy your dreams of the 56. Any of various Spanish fortresses or element. ties arise later today. Keep your priorities straight and you will be a happy camper. People future. You might enjoy an early dinner with your loved ones or friends. Tonight’s evening palaces built by the Moors. 50. The syllable naming the fourth (subdomi- value you for your dynamic qualities. hours are for romance. 58. Release from a clasp. nant) note of the diatonic scale in solmiza- 62. Swelling from excessive accumulation of tion. serous fluid in tissue. 51. Genus of sticky herbs with yellow flowers WORD SEARCH PUZZLE Yesterday’s Solution 63. North American republic containing 50 open in morning or evening but closed in states - 48 conterminous states in North bright light. America plus Alaska in northwest North 53. Climbing salamanders. America and the Hawaiian Islands in the 55. An associate degree in applied science. Pacific Ocean. 57. A ductile gray metallic element of the lan- 65. (Akkadian) God of wisdom. thanide series. 66. Personnel who assist their superior in car- 59. (of a young animal) Abandoned by its rying out an assigned task. mother and raised by hand. 69. Full of flavor. 60. Tiered seats consisting of a structure 71. Essential oil or perfume obtained from (often made of wood) where people can sit flowers. to watch an event (game or parade). 72. Type genus of the family Arcidae. 61. A characteristic language of a particular 76. Ground snakes. group (as among thieves). 78. A water wheel with buckets attached to 64. A river that rises in central Germany and the rim. flows north to join the Elbe River. 80. A former agency (from 1946 to 1974) that 67. A comedy characterized by broad satire was responsible for research into atomic and improbable situations. energy and its peacetime uses in the United 68. A male religious of an order of mendicant States. preachers of the gospel. 81. On or toward the lee. 70. One of the common people. 82. A tricycle (usually propelled by pedalling). 73. A flat float (usually made of logs or 84. 32nd President of the United States. planks) that can be used for transport or as a 85. The compass point that is one point platform for swimmers. south of southeast. 74. Give over. 86. A small square tile of stone or glass used 75. A unit of area (4840 square yards) used in in making mosaics. English-speaking countries. 87. The starting place for each hole on a golf 77. (usually followed by `to') Naturally dis- course. posed toward. 79. A loose sleeveless outer garment made DOWN from aba cloth. 1. Make fit for, or change to suit a new pur- 83. The branch of engineering science that pose. studies the uses of electricity and the equip- 2. Sorghums of dry regions of Asia and North ment for power generation and distribution Africa. and the control of machines and communi- 3. Relating to the blood vessels or blood. cation. Yesterday’s Solution
Daily SuDoku Yesterday’s Solution SUNDAY, JUNE 15, 2014 information
For labor-related inquiries and complaints: Call MSAL hotline 128 Al-Madeena 22418714 Al-Shuhada 22545171 GOVERNORATE PHARMACY ADDRESS PHONE Al-Shuwaikh 24810598 Ahmadi Sama Safwan Fahaeel Makka St 23915883 Sabah Hospital 24812000 Abu Halaifa Abu Halaifa-Coastal Rd 23715414 Al-Nuzha 22545171 Danat Al-Sultan Mahboula Block 1, Coastal Rd 23726558 Amiri Hospital 22450005 Sabhan 24742838 Maternity Hospital 24843100 Jahra Modern Jahra Jahra-Block 3 Lot 1 24575518 Madina Munawara Jahra-Block 92 24566622 Al-Helaly 22434853 Mubarak Al-Kabir Hospital 25312700 Capital Ahlam Fahad Al-Salem St 22436184 Al-Faiha 22545051 Chest Hospital 24849400 Khaldiya Coop Khaldiya Coop 24833967
Farwaniya Hospital 24892010 Farwaniya New Shifa Farwaniya Block 40 24734000 Al-Farwaniya 24711433 Ferdous Coop Ferdous Coop 24881201 Adan Hospital 23940620 Modern Safwan Old Kheitan Block 11 24726638 Al-Sulaibikhat 24316983 Ibn Sina Hospital 24840300 Hawally Tariq Salmiya-Hamad Mubarak St 25726265 Al-Fahaheel 23927002 Al-Razi Hospital 24846000 Hana Salmiya-Amman St 25647075 Ikhlas Hawally-Beirut St 22625999 Jleeb Al-Shuyoukh 24316983 Physiotherapy Hospital 24874330/9 Hawally & Rawdha Hawally & Rawdha Coop 22564549 Ghadeer Jabriya-Block 1A 25340559 Kindy Jabriya-Block 3B 25326554 Ahmadi 23980088 Ibn Al-Nafis Salmiya-Hamad Mubarak St 25721264 Mishrif Coop Mishrif Coop 25380581 Al-Mangaf 23711183 Kaizen center 25716707 Salwa Coop Salwa Coop 25628241 Al-Shuaiba 23262845 Rawda 22517733
Adaliya 22517144 Al-Jahra 25610011 Khaldiya 24848075 Al-Salmiya 25616368 Kaifan 24849807 Shamiya 24848913 INTERNATIONAL Shuwaikh 24814507 CALLS Abdullah Salem 22549134
Nuzha 22526804 Afghanistan 0093 Iran 0098 Albania 00355 Iraq 00964 Industrial Shuwaikh 24814764 Algeria 00213 Ireland 00353 Qadsiya 22515088 Andorra 00376 Italy 0039 Angola 00244 Ivory Coast 00225 Dasmah 22532265 Anguilla 001264 Jamaica 001876 Antiga 001268 Japan 0081 Bneid Al-Gar 22531908 Argentina 0054 Jordan 00962 Shaab 22518752 Armenia 00374 Kazakhstan 007 Australia 0061 Kenya 00254 Qibla 22459381 Austria 0043 Kiribati 00686 Bahamas 001242 Kuwait 00965 Ayoun Al-Qibla 22451082 Bahrain 00973 Kyrgyzstan 00996 Mirqab 22456536 Bangladesh 00880 Laos 00856 Barbados 001246 Latvia 00371 Sharq 22465401 Belarus 00375 Lebanon 00961 Belgium 0032 Liberia 00231 Salmiya 25746401 Belize 00501 Libya 00218 Jabriya 25316254 Benin 00229 Lithuania 00370 Bermuda 001441 Luxembourg 00352 Maidan Hawally 25623444 Bhutan 00975 Macau 00853 Bolivia 00591 Macedonia 00389 Bayan 25388462 Bosnia 00387 Madagascar 00261 Mishref 25381200 Botswana 00267 Majorca 0034 Brazil 0055 Malawi 00265 W Hawally 22630786 Brunei 00673 Malaysia 0060 Bulgaria 00359 Maldives 00960 Sabah 24810221 Burkina 00226 Mali 00223 Jahra 24770319 Burundi 00257 Malta 00356 Cambodia 00855 Marshall Islands 00692 New Jahra 24575755 Cameroon 00237 Martinique 00596 Canada 001 Mauritania 00222 West Jahra 24772608 Cape Verde 00238 Mauritius 00230 South Jahra 24775066 Cayman Islands 001345 Mayotte 00269 Central African 00236 Mexico 0052 North Jahra 24775992 Chad 00235 Micronesia 00691 Chile 0056 Moldova 00373 North Jleeb 24311795 China 0086 Monaco 00377 Ardhiya 24884079 Colombia 0057 Mongolia 00976 Comoros 00269 Montserrat 001664 Firdous 24892674 Congo 00242 Morocco 00212 Cook Islands 00682 Mozambique 00258 Omariya 24719048 Costa Rica 00506 Myanmar (Burma) 0095 N Khaitan 24710044 Croatia 00385 Namibia 00264 Cuba 0053 Nepal 00977 Fintas 23900322 Cyprus 00357 Netherlands (Holland) Cyprus (Northern) 0090392 0031 Czech Republic 00420 Netherlands Antilles 00599 Denmark 0045 New Caledonia 00687 Diego Garcia 00246 New Zealand 0064 Djibouti 00253 Nicaragua 00505 PRIVATE CLINICS Dominica 001767 Nigar 00227 Dominican Republic 001809 Nigeria 00234 Ecuador 00593 Niue 00683 Egypt 0020 Norfolk Island 00672 El Salvador 00503 Northern Ireland (UK) Plastic Surgeons Paediatricians Ophthalmologists Endocrinologist England (UK) 0044 0044 Dr. Abidallah Al-Mansoor 25622444 Dr. Mohammad Al-Khalaf 22547272 Dr. Khaled Hamadi 25665898 Equatorial Guinea 00240 North Korea 00850 Dr. Abd Al-Naser Al-Othman 25339330 Dr. Samy Al-Rabeea 25752222 Dr. Abdal-Redha Lari 22617700 Dr. Abd Al-Aziz Al-Rashed 25340300 Eritrea 00291 Norway 0047 Dr. Masoma Habeeb 25321171 Dr. Abdel Quttainah 25625030/60 Dr. Zahra Qabazard 25710444 Dr. Ahmad Al-Ansari 25658888 Estonia 00372 Oman 00968 Dr. Mubarak Al-Ajmy 25739999 Ethiopia 00251 Pakistan 0092 Family Doctor Dr. Sohail Qamar 22621099 Dr. Mohsen Abel 25757700 Dr. Kamal Al-Shomr 25329924 Falkland Islands 00500 Palau 00680 Dr Divya Damodar 23729596/23729581 Dr. Snaa Maaroof 25713514 Faroe Islands 00298 Panama 00507 Dr Adnan Hasan Alwayl 25732223 Physiotherapists & VD Psychiatrists Dr. Pradip Gujare 23713100 Dr. Abdallah Al-Baghly 25732223 Fiji 00679 Papua New Guinea 00675 Dr. Zacharias Mathew 24334282 Dr. Deyaa Shehab 25722291 Ear, Nose & Throat (ENT) Dr. Esam Al-Ansari 22635047 Finland 00358 Paraguay 00595 Dr. Ahmed Fouad Mouner 24555050 Ext 510 Dr Eisa M. Al-Balhan 22613623/0 Dermatology Dr. Musaed Faraj Khamees 22666288 France 0033 Peru 0051 French Guiana 00594 Philippines 0063 Dr. Abdallah Al-Ali 25644660 Gynaecologists & Obstetricians Dr. Mohammed Salam Rheumatologists: French Polynesia 00689 Poland 0048 Dr. Abd Al-Hameed Al-Taweel 25646478 DrAdrian arbe 23729596/23729581 Bern University 23845955 Gabon 00241 Portugal 00351 Dr. Sanad Al-Fathalah 25311996 Dentists Dr. Verginia s.Marin 2572-6666 ext 8321 Dr. Adel Al-Awadi 25330060 Gambia 00220 Puerto Rico 001787 Dr. Mohammad Al-Daaory 25731988 Dr. Fozeya Ali Al-Qatan 22655539 Dr Anil Thomas 3729596/3729581 Georgia 00995 Qatar 00974 Dr. Ismail Al-Fodary 22620166 Dr. Khaled Al-Jarallah 25722290 Dr. Majeda Khalefa Aliytami 25343406 Dr. Shamah Al-Matar 22641071/2 Germany 0049 Romania 0040 Dr. Mahmoud Al-Booz 25651426 Ghana 00233 Russian Federation 007 Dr. Ahmad Al-Khooly 25739272 Dr. Anesah Al-Rasheed 22562226 Internist, Chest & Heart General Practitioners Gibraltar 00350 Rwanda 00250 Dr. Salem soso 22618787 Dr. Abidallah Al-Amer 22561444 Dr. Mohamme Y Majidi 24555050 Ext 123 DR.Mohammes Akkad 24555050 Ext 210 Greece 0030 Saint Helena 00290 Dr. Faysal Al-Fozan 22619557 General Surgeons Dr. Yousef Al-Omar 24719312 Dr. Mohammad Zubaid Greenland 00299 Saint Kitts 001869 Dr. Abdallateef Al-Katrash 22525888 Dr. Tarek Al-Mikhazeem 23926920 Dr. Amer Zawaz Al-Amer 22610044 MB, ChB, FRCPC, PACC Grenada 001473 Saint Lucia 001758 Dr. Abidallah Al-Duweisan 25653755 Dr. Kathem Maarafi 25730465 Dr. Mohammad Yousef Basher 25327148 Assistant Professor Of Medicine Guadeloupe 00590 Saint Pierre 00508 Dr. Bader Al-Ansari 25620111 Guam 001671 Saint Vincent 001784 Dr. Abdallah Ahmad Eyadah 25655528 Internists, Chest & Heart Head, Division of Cardiology Dr. Nabeel Al-Ayoobi 24577781 Neurologists Mubarak Al-Kabeer Hospital 25339667 Guatemala 00502 Samoa US 00684 Dr. Adnan Ebil 22639939 Guinea 00224 Samoa West 00685 Dr. Dina Abidallah Al-Refae 25333501 Dr. Sohal Najem Al-Shemeri 25633324 Consultant Cardiologist Dr. Mousa Khadada 22666300 Guyana 00592 San Marino 00378 Urologists Dr. Jasem Mola Hassan 25345875 Dr. Latefa Al-Duweisan 25728004 Dr. Farida Al-Habib 2611555-2622555 Haiti 00509 Sao Tone 00239 Dr. Ali Naser Al-Serfy 22641534 Gastrologists MD, PH.D, FACC Holland (Netherlands) 0031 Saudi Arabia 00966 Dr. Fawzi Taher Abul 22639955 Dr. Nadem Al-Ghabra 25355515 Dr. Sami Aman 22636464 Inaya German Medical Center Honduras 00504 Scotland (UK) 0044 Dr. Khaleel Abidallah Al-Awadi 22616660 Dr. Mobarak Aldoub 24726446 Dr. Mohammad Al-Shamaly 25322030 Te: 2575077 Hong Kong 00852 Senegal 00221 Dr. Adel Al-Hunayan FRCS (C) 25313120 Dr Nasser Behbehani 25654300/3 Dr. Foad Abidallah Al-Ali 22633135 Fax: 25723123 Hungary 0036 Seychelles 00284 Dr. Leons Joseph 66703427 Ibiza (Spain) 0034 Sierra Leone 00232 Soor Center Iceland 00354 Singapore 0065 Psychologists [email protected] Tel: 2290-1677 Kaizen center Noor Clinic William Schuilenberg, RPC 2290-1677 India 0091 Slovakia 00421 /Psychotherapists www.soorcenter.com Zaina Al Zabin, M.Sc. 2290-1677 Fax: 2290 1688 25716707 23845955 Indian Ocean 00873 Slovenia 00386 Indonesia 0062 Solomon Islands 00677 lifestyle SUNDAY, JUNE 15, 2014 Gossip
AnnaLynne McCord afraid she would face humiliation
he ‘Dallas’ star, who recently revealed she felt “suici- year-old boyfriend Dominic Purcell for teaching her “to dal” after being raped by a close friend when she love myself,” has written a new TV pilot based on her T18 and was allegedly physically abused by her par- traumatic experiences. She said: “[It] has to do with a vig- ents as a child, admits she was surprised to receive so ilante and going after rapists, so hopefully I’ll be able to much support because she was initially terrified of shar- put that out there to the world.” AnnaLynne is also set to ing her story. The 26-year-old actress told PEOPLE.com: speak at several universities across the US later this year, “The support has been amazing. You think in your head as she wants to help other survivors of abuse. that the opposite is going to happen. You think that you’ll be shamed and there will be even more degrada- tion, humiliation. And the opposite has been apparent. But what’s even more important than that to me has been the outreach from survivors who are telling me their stories.” The blonde beauty, who credits her 44-
Chris Martin thinks Rihanna is ‘intoxicating’ he Coldplay frontman - who split from Gwyneth Paltrow in March after 10 years of marriage - had immediate chemistry with the 26-year-old Tsinger when they collaborated on their hit, ‘Princess of China’, in 2012 and allegedly wants to explore his feelings for her further. A source said: “They plan on spending much more time together. Chris felt suffocated by Gwyn because she’s such a perfectionist. But Rihanna is more down-to-earth and carefree and beautiful. He thinks she’s intoxicating.” The ‘Stay’ singer - who recently split from Drake - was spotted having dinner with Chris at her favorite restaurant, Giorgio Baldi, in Santa Monica last Sunday (08.06.14) and is said to be equally attracted to him. The source told America’s Star maga- zine: “Rihanna hasn’t dated many men like Chris, but she’s telling friends that she thinks he’s sexy in his own way. She’s willing to see where things go with him.”
George Michael no longer feels ‘safe’
he ‘Careless Whisper’ hitmaker - who collapsed at his London home last month, reportedly for the second time recently - “almost” died Tafter being stricken with acute pneumonia in December 2011 and admits the experience has changed him. Speaking before his recent illness, he said: “It almost killed me. On a subconscious level it was very frightening and I’ll probably never feel quite as safe again. But oh my God, I was just so grateful to come out alive and very happy to get back to my home in London.” George is astonished at how long his career has lasted and thinks fans connect with him because of his “genuine” desire to make an artistic statement. Asked the secret to his longevity, he said in an interview: “I think it’s heart. It’s the desire to communicate genuinely, rather than a desire to show off and make a bit of money. “I always had a strong intent to be direct and emotional with my songs, and that’s never left me. When music comes from the heart it’s as much an artistic statement as a painting or a book. “To have had such a long and successful career, well - it’s every artist’s dream, isn’t it? Snooki feels more positive during second pregnancy Kanye West, Kim
he former ‘Jersey Shore’ star, who has 21-month-old postponed daughter’s first birthday bash son Lorenzo with fiance Jionni LaValle, is set to wel- Tcome a baby girl into the world in September, and he couple’s little girl North is set to turn one today, but they have decided believes her healthy diet has made the experience more to wait until next weekend to celebrate, so the rapper can focus on work enjoyable. The 26-year-old star said: “My first pregnancy, I didn’t do anything. I just sat and ate on the couch and I was Tand both of their families can fly to Los Angeles for the event. A source literally a whale. I was so negative, ‘cause I just didn’t feel told E! News: “They are throwing her a big party next weekend and Kourtney good at all. With this pregnancy, I’m working out and eating [Kardashian], Khloe Kardashian and kids coming home for it.” Kanye, 37, is also healthy. I feel better about life.” The brunette beauty - real looking forward to spending his second Father’s Day with North in New York name Nicole Polizzi - is determined not to gain any unnec- City today, after he performs at the Bonnaroo Music and Arts Festival in essary weight in her third trimester, as she is getting mar- Nashville, Tennessee. The couple have planned a “low-key” celebration to mark ried shortly after her daughter’s birth. Asked about her crav- the occasions ahead of next weekend’s lavish festivities. The insider said: “North ings, she told UsMagazine.com: “I craved a lot of fruit the was one day old last year [on Father’s Day]. This weekend Kanye is performing first pregnancy, and this time it’s strawberries. [During my at Bonaroo and they will fly to New York City for a low-key Father’s Day and first pregnancy], I would eat so much pineapple that my birthday party.” The ‘Keeping Up with the Kardashians’ star’s sisters Khloe and tongue would burn from the acid.” Snooki works out regu- Kourtney, who is expecting her third child, are currently living in the Hamptons larly, but her son is also helping her to stay active. in Long Island, New York, where they are filming their upcoming E! spin-off series with Kourtney’s boyfriend Scott Disick and their children, Mason, five, and Penelope, 23 months.
Matt Damon is planning to relax on Father’s Day he ‘Monuments Men’ star, who raises stepdaughter Alexia, 15, and daughters Isabella, seven, Gia, five, and three-year-old Stella with wife Luciana Barroso, is looking forward to celebrating the occasion with them Tin Los Angeles today. The 43-year-old actor told PEOPLE.com: “I don’t know what they have planned for me but they always have something up their sleeve. I get to put my feet up.” But the actor admits he is unlikely to be the centre of attention all weekend, as his daughter Isabella will also be celebrating her eight birthday. The actor previously admitted he has learnt a lot about women from his daughters. He explained: “I never expected to be surrounded by girls, but it’s great. ...You never know which way life’s going to take you. I’m learning so much, not the least of which is how much smarter girls are.” The ‘We Bought a Zoo’ star tries to visit him own father, Kent Damon, in his native Boston as often as possible and would love to make a movie there. He said: “It would be great to come home. Every other movie shoots here.” lifestyle SUNDAY, JUNE 15, 2014 Gossip
Keira Knightley is often mistaken for other celebrities
he ‘Begin Again’ actress is often mistaken for other celebrities, including Kate Winslet and Natalie Portman, in Los Angeles and couldn’t resist playing along when Ta fan thought she was the ‘Toxic’ hitmaker. The 29-year-old star told ‘The Graham Norton Show’: “It has happened to me three times in LA. I was quite excited by that and definitely signed and had a picture.” But the British beauty admitted she has very little in common with the blonde singer, 32, as she hates singing in public. She said: “I like singing if I’m in my own in the shower or if I am really drunk, but I’m not a big fan of singing in front of people, which I didn’t realize until I said yes to the movie and found myself singing in front of rather a lot of people.” She also recalled auditioning for the lead in the stage version of ‘The Phantom of the Opera’ in the past, saying: “When I got to the end of the song there was absolute silence in the room and one of the producers, I think it might have been Andrew Lloyd Webber, said, ‘You really can’t sing.’ It was the most mortifying day of my life.”
Olivia Munn’s new boyfriend says they are ‘very happy he ‘Newsroom’ actress, who recently split from ‘RoboCop’ actor Joel Kinnaman after two years together, started dating Aaron Rodgers last month and he Tdoesn’t mind the attention their relationship is attracting. Asked if he was upset about photographs of them kissing appearing online, the 30-year-old Green Bay Packers player told ESPN Wisconsin radio: “No. For one, I’m real happy in my relation- ship. And I understand what comes with it. And two, the last couple years I’ve learned a lot about perspective and what’s important. And, that you cannot, when you’ve had success individually and collectively as a team and you are highlighted for the things you’ve done on the field and off the field, you cannot hide from the spotlight. You have to learn to embrace it.” Olivia has yet to comment on their romance, but claimed she didn’t know how to define “love” in a video interview with Vogue.com on Wednesday. The 33-year-old actress said: “What is love? Ha, that’s a huge, loaded ques- tion that I do not know the answer to. So if you find out, please DM me and let me know.”
Robert Pattinson is living in Kristen Stewart’s home
he ‘Cosmopolis’ star - who split from Kristen following Ther rumored affair with her ‘Snow White and the Huntsman’ director Rupert Sanders in 2012 - is Rochelle Humes back in contact with his former co- star and often stays at her Los Feliz house when he travels to Los felt like she is in Angeles so he can spend time with their dogs, Bear and Bernie. A ‘Sex and the City’ source told HollywoodLife.com: “Rob doesn’t have his own place in he Saturdays singer - who tied the knot with for- LA. When he’s in town, he some- mer JLS star Marvin Humes in July 2012 - says try- times stays at the Chateau Marmont Ting on stunning Vera Wang dressing gowns to and very often at Kristen’s when wear on her big day was like a scene out of the fashion- she’s out of town. This gives him the Jenny McCarthy able TV show. Quizzed about her favorite fashion chance to hang out with Bear and moment, Rochelle said: “That would be my wedding Bernie. “However, the source insists and Donnie want to day. I always dreamt of having a Vera Wang dress and the pair are not dating. They have small wedding when I went into the store I felt like I was in ‘Sex and the explained: “Rob and Kristen aren’t romantic or anything, but they are he former Playboy model - who got engaged to New Kids City’.” The 25-year-old beauty hopes to pass down her still really close and would do any- on the Block member in April - insists they aren’t interested gown to her and Marvin’s adorable 13-month-old thing for each other.” While Rob, 28 Tin having a lavish celebration, as they’ve both been married daughter, Alaia-Mai. She said: “I hope my daughter and Kristen, 24, have managed to before. ‘The View’ co-host, who has son Evan, 11, with ex-husband wants to wear it when she’s older, but Marvin says it will remain close friends, the ‘Water For John Mallory Asher, told ‘Extra’: “We’ll have a small wedding in a probably be out of fashion by then.” Rochelle admits to Elephants’ star is believed to have really beautiful place and we both want do it right this time. feeling more conscious about her sartorial choices after fallen out with his once rumored We’ve both been married before and we want to make it special- giving birth, but still keeps up with the latest trends. ex-girlfriend Katy Perry after failing this is the last wedding.” The blonde beauty, 41, says their nuptials She explained in an interview with Britain’s Star maga- to pay her enough attention at an won’t be anything like Kim Kardashian and Kanye West’s extrava- zine: “I’m definitely a bit more body conscious but as I’m after party following the premiere gant wedding in Paris, France and Florence, Italy last month. She a young mum - only 25 - I’m still very much into my his new film ‘The Rover’ in Los said: “I won’t have three dressed.” Donnie, who has sons Xavier, 21, fashion and the latest trends.” Angeles. and Elijah, 12, with ex-wife Kimberly Fey, added: “We’re not get- ting married in Istanbul with eight million guests. No seven dress- es, not going to happen...that’s their thing, good for them.” Jenny previously said she instantly knew Donnie, 44, was the man for her because they’re so similar.
Jade Jagger gives birth to baby boy
he 42-year-old model - whose 21-year-old daughter Assisi Jackson gave birth to a baby girl last month - has welcomed her third child Tinto the world, according to HELLO! magazine. The British jewelry designer, who also has a 17-year-old daughter, Amba Jackson, with ex- boyfriend Piers Jackson, revealed in February that she and her art designer husband, Adrian Fillary, were expecting their first child together. She proudly showed off her growing baby bump in a photograph on Instagram, with the caption: ‘Happy to announce this granny is going to become a mummy Iím 6 months pregnant xx double whammy this year.’ The couple tied the knot in a lavish ceremony at the luxurious Aynhoe Park hotel in the Cotswolds, England in July 2012. The arrival of Assisi’s baby girl last month made Jade’s father, Sir Mick Jagger, a great-grandfather for the first time, and Assisi previously insisted he was thrilled about her pregnan- cy. She said: “He said, ‘Well done,í and I said, ‘I didn’t have to try too hard.’ “ But she added: ‘I imagine it’s nice to be a great-granddad - although Iím not sure he likes the idea of getting old, or being called one.’ lifestyle SUNDAY, JUNE 15, 2014
Shanghai film festival opens with domestic focus
hanghai yesterday kicked off its annual film festival, a given to a foreign director. nine-day event with a heavy emphasis on Chinese Festival organizers picked a Chinese movie, the 1965 Scinema and a sprinkling of Hollywood stars promot- production “Stage Sisters” about two Chinese opera artists, ing their latest works. The Shanghai International Film as the opening film while a major tribute will celebrate Festival dates to 1993, but a similar event in political capi- China’s “5th Generation” of filmmakers from the 1980s, tal Beijing has stolen some of the spotlight though it has including director Zhang Yimou. Chinese state media has only been running for four years, industry officials say. recently criticized big-budget action films in an indirect “China’s film centre is Beijing,” said movie critic Raymond swipe at foreign movies. “Chinese moviegoers wants more Zhou, but he added: “The Shanghai film festival has nur- than car chases, explosions and eye-catching special tured a loyal audience, who are all movie enthusiasts. effects,” the official Xinhua news agency said in a recent Every year, there are many classic movies screened.” article which declared a “golden period” for low-budget At the opening ceremony, actress Nicole Kidman who is Chinese movies. promoting “Grace of Monaco” at the festival, received an It praised Chinese art-house production “Black Coal, award for outstanding contribution to film. “I like Chinese Thin Ice”, which won the “Golden Bear” for best film at the women. I like that they’re strong and they have a very Berlin International Film Festival in February. The gritty good sense of humor,” she said, answering a question thriller about a ex-policeman will be screened at the about Chinese culture. “That’s my dream, one day to play a Shanghai festival. China was the world’s second largest box Chinese woman,” she said with a laugh. office at $3.6 billion last year, behind only North America, Before the opening ceremony, foreign and Asian movie according to the Motion Picture Association of America. stars and directors strolled on the red carpet in muggy But foreign films entering China come under an annual heat. American actor John Cusack, now in China shooting quota of just 34 annually and face censorship by cultural the movie “Dragon Blade”, joined Hong Kong action star authorities who excise content deemed politically sensitive Jackie Chan who also stars. Actor Hugh Grant, whose or obscene. — AFP movie “The Rewrite” will show at the festival, received a brief lesson in Shanghai dialect from a host, repeating “I love Shanghai” to the screams of fans. Shanghai has Australian actress Nicole Kidman (left) interacts with fans as she arrives at the red carpet of the Shanghai tapped the grande dame of Chinese cinema, actress Gong International Film Festival opening ceremony in Shanghai yesterday. — AFP Li, to head the jury for its flagship award, an honor usually
Filmmaker Nathan Silver explains how to direct your mom in movie athan Silver (the filmmaker, not statistician-media when bossing around your mother. wunderkind) makes most other writer/directors seem “It becomes a family affair when you direct your mother,” Ndownright lazy. He began making short films shortly he added, laughing. “You fight with her like you would with after graduating college in 2005, and after a brief (seriously, your mother, not like another actor. Shes a very reluctant three months) stay in grad school, he decided to go all-in actor, she doesn’t like doing multiple takes, and you have to with his cinematic ambition. He didn’t wait for permission or explain to her why, but in the end she always gets to that much funding, either; his first feature-length film (after three point. She does one take and she’s great and I’ll say we’re shorts), “The Blind,” came out in 2009. His next, “Exit Elena,” gonna do another angle and we’ll fight about it and I have really got him noticed upon its 2012 release, thanks to the to get her to the point where she can act with a clear head.” acclaim he received for his very loose, improvisational tech- Silver doesn’t have much time to bask in the premiere of his niques and lo-fi methods. film, tomorrow at the LA Film Festival, as he’s going into pro- His most distinct quality as a director, though, is his will- duction this summer on his next project, “Stinking Heaven,” ingness to cast his mom. First, she appeared in “Exit Elena,” about a commune for recovering drug addicts that is rocked and now she has a major role in his latest film, “Uncertain by a young woman, played by Deragh Campbell, who is hav- Terms,” playing a woman who runs a home for wayward ing a breakdown.—Reuters pregnant girls. “I just always loved the way she told stories, she brings in a million ideas and never really gets to a point but somehow gets to appoint through all these non- sequiturs and I also love her sense of humor,” Silver said, though he soon highlighted a few complications that arise
A file picture taken shows a collector dressed as a WWII soldier listening to music on an old gramophone, near the reen- actment of the WWII Cecil Breeden camp in Vierville-sur-Mer, on the Normand coast near Omaha Beach. The sons of jazz icon Dave Brubeck and a Normandy doctor have composed a transatlantic symphony ‘for our fathers’, whose paths crossed in the war-torn villages of northern France right after D-Day landings, as the world remembers the 70th anniver- sary of the Allied operation that changed the course of World War II. — AFP ‘For our fathers’: Sons of Brubeck, French doctor write D-Day symphony
ight after the D-Day landings, their fathers’ paths nies on the trombone and the piano. The symphony, crossed in the war-torn villages of northern which is 50 minutes long, evokes the early years of their RFrance, one a US jazz musician turned soldier, the fathers-in California and in France-before moving on Johnnae Morris, 16, a team manager for the Blue Springs A driver uses an iPhone while driving in Los Angeles. Among other a French teenager. Now the sons of jazz icon the devastation wrought by World War II and D-Day. High School football team, relaxes while texting in the teen drivers, 41 percent had texted or emailed behind the Dave Brubeck and a Normandy doctor have come Wartime speeches from US General Dwight press box at the end of practice at the school in Blue wheel in the previous month according to a study by the together to write a transatlantic symphony as the world Eisenhower, French leader in-exile Charles de Gaulle, Springs, Mo. — AP Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. — AP remembers the 70th anniversary of the Allied operation and British Prime Minister Winston Churchill punctuate that changed the course of World War II. “Brothers in the symphony, which also features a section on the Arts-Hommage a Nos Peres”, or homage to our fathers, Liberation. Teens are drinking is a symphony written by Chris Brubeck, a composer and jazzman himself, and the musician Guillaume Saint-James, which opens in France in June before moving to the US later this year. It was a chance meet- less, texting more ing in Rennes, in France’s northwest Brittany region, in 2012 that saw the two decide to write a symphony about the lives of their fathers and the music they both merican teens are smoking less, drinking less and fighting months held steady at about 34 percent from 2011. Among them, loved. less. But they’re texting behind the wheel and spending a condom use was unchanged at about 60 percent. Brubeck, one of the greatest jazz innovators of the Alot of time on video games and computers, according to 1950s who hit the big time in 1959 with his album the government’s latest study of worrisome behavior. Generally Suicide “Time Out”, featuring the classic “Take Five”, arrived in speaking, the news is good. Most forms of drug use, weapons use The percentage who attempted suicide in the previous year Normandy in the summer of 1944, in the weeks after and risky sex have been going down since the government start- held steady at about 8 percent. the Allied landings. Then aged 24, his unit had moved ed doing the survey every two years in 1991. Teens are wearing onto Metz in northeastern France where one night he bicycle helmets and seat belts more, too. “Overall, young people Media use was called on to help out three singers in need of a have more healthy behaviors than they did 20 years ago,” said Dr TV viewing for three or more hours a day has stalled at around pianist in an impromptu show. Spotted by his general, Stephanie Zaza, who oversees the study at the Centers for Disease 32 percent since 2011. But in one of the largest jumps seen in the Brubeck was tasked with creating a jazz band to raise Control and Prevention. The results come from a study of 13,000 survey, there was a surge in the proportion of kids who spent the troops’ spirits and introduce the local population in US high school students last spring. Participation was voluntary three or more hours on an average school day on other kinds of newly-liberated villages to this American genre still and required parental permission, but responses were anony- recreational screen time, such as playing video or computer new in Europe and definitely exotic in the countryside. mous. Highlights of the study, released Thursday: games or using a computer or smartphone for something other “His boss said to him, ‘It’s more important for you to than schoolwork. That number rose to 41 percent, from 31 per- make good music than to get killed’,” said Brubeck, Smoking cent in 2011. Health experts advise that teens get no more than explaining that his father narrowly missed the bloody Fewer than 16 percent of the teens smoked a cigarette in the two hours of recreational screen time a day, and that includes all Ardennes offensive known as the Battle of the Bulge in A file picture shows US previous month - the lowest level since the government started screens - including Xboxes, smartphones and televisions. the winter of 1944-45. The battle, a last-ditch German jazz legend Dave Brubeck doing the survey, when the rate was more than 27 percent. Although video-gaming is up, particularly among teen boys, offensive to try and turn the tide of the war, led to the performing at the Another CDC study had already put the teen smoking rate below some researchers believe most of the screen-time increase is due death of 19,000 American soldiers. Brubeck’s band, one Schauspielhaus theater in 16 percent, but experts tend to treat this survey’s result as the offi- to social media use. And it’s probably not a good thing, they say. of the first to be made up of both black and white sol- the southern city of cial number. It’s “terrific news for America’s health,” said Matt Through texts and social media, young people are doing more diers at a time when the US military was still largely Nuremberg, where he Myers, president of the Campaign for Tobacco-Free Kids. Even so, communicating and living in an online world in which it’s easier to segregated, was called the “Wolf Pack”. After the libera- served as a GI during there are still about 2.7 million teens smoking, he said. The survey think they’re the center of the universe, said Marina Krcmar, a tion of Europe, the US military provided hundreds of WWII.— AFP did not ask about electronic cigarettes, which have exploded in Wake Forest University professor who studies teen screen time. pianos to troops and soldiers, inundating Europe with popularity in the past few years. Meanwhile, more than 23 percent That can lead to a form of extended adolescence, she said. It can millions of records and “V-disks” spreading the music of of teens said they used marijuana in the previous month - up from also distract youngsters from schoolwork, exercise and other Frank Sinatra, Sidney Bechet, Louis Armstrong, and 15 percent in 1991. CDC officials said they could not tell whether healthy activities, she said. Bing Crosby. At the heart of the work, the two composers have marijuana or e-cigarettes have replaced traditional cigarettes For the young Alain Saint-James, who was undergo- included the jazz rhythms their fathers loved so much, among teens. Fighting ing an operation by candlelight for appendicitis on the despite the risk of courting controversy among classical Fights at school fell by half in the past 20 years. And there was day his town of Bayeux was liberated in June 1944, jazz music purists. A drum player and an accordionist Texting a dramatic drop in kids reporting they had been in a fight any- became “the music of the people who saved him”, accompany the orchestra, evoking the sounds of popu- Among teen drivers, 41 percent had texted or emailed behind where in the preceding year - about 25 percent, down from 33 according to his son Guillaume. Alain, who was only 13 lar dance from the end of the war. “It’s the key to mak- the wheel in the previous month. That figure can’t be compared percent two years earlier. The addition of more guards and other when the war swept through northern France, went on ing this piece. It gives a texture, it changes the whole to the 2011 survey, though, because the CDC changed the ques- security measures may be a factor, said school violence expert to play the piano in the bars of Saint-Germain-des-Pres flavour,” says Brubeck, adding that his father-who died tion this time. The latest survey gives texting-while-driving figures Todd DeMitchell of the University of New Hampshire. Fighting in Paris. Later, after training as a doctor and working in in 2012 - “was one of the first musicians to marry jazz for 37 states - ranging from 32 percent in Massachusetts to 61 per- may be down, but it’s not uncommon, according to some teens at the countryside of Normandy, he would listen to the and classical”. The piece is being played in Rennes and cent in South Dakota. the High School of Fashion Industries in lower Manhattan. Two music of his idols whenever he drove in his car and Brittany from June 12-17 June, and will travel to the US students said they saw roughly one fight a week. “It’s like ‘The passed on his passion to his sons. in November.— AFP Drinking Hunger Games,’” said 14-year-old Maya Scott. She said she had Fewer teens said they drank alcohol. Drinking of soda was been in a fight during the current school year. A few minutes later, A jazz-infused symphony down, too. About 35 percent said they had had booze in the pre- as if to prove her point, three girls exchanged words and nearly Decades on, the two sons found themselves at a vious month, down from 39 percent in 2011. About 27 percent came to blows outside the front entrance before a school lunch concert in Rennes. Learning of their shared history, they said they drank soda each day. That was only a slight change from worker stepped in and separated them._ AP came up with the idea of writing a score together, 2011 but a sizable drop from 34 percent in 2007. which was later commissioned by the Brittany Symphony Orchestra. “We allocated the chapters, like Sex for a film,” explains Guillaume, 47, a composer himself. The proportion of teens who had sex in the previous three He plays saxophone in the piece, while Chris accompa- lifestyle SUNDAY, JUNE 15, 2014
‘Nu’ - the Turkish fashion brand launched in Kuwait
rmada Retail group opened the first branch of differing from competitors in price with added val- produce daring styles for each season. To mark the a Unique well known Turkish fashion Brand at ues through a multi creative production system. opening of the store, Nu hosted a grand opening Athe Avenues Mall during the first week of NU consistently produce pieces that are distinc- event on 12th June with the presence of the Famous June. The 170 square meter store extends over a spa- tive, and instantly recognizable. Inspiring women to Fashion bloggers like Ascia, the media and well cious area which reinterprets the architectural codes discover their own unique fashion through its niche known People from the Kuwait society. NU Stores are of the brand using a silent strategy of standard bold collections and look, NU succeeds to create an now in the Avenues, Souk Sharq and The Gate Mall. colors like Black and white. Nu Collection is show- impressive consumer recognition and loyalty. cased to speak for it itself with its close attention to Though working with a very specific aesthetic each detail, use of cutting-edge techniques and materials, piece has subtle hints of emotion and emphasis to
Bollywood actress files ‘The Rover’ Reviews: Does Robert Pattinson impress or bore critics?
molestation complaint obert Pattinson continues his teeth; when he smiles, his incisors get ne of India’s top Bollywood actresses totally false and baseless”. Mumbai Police quest for recognition outside the stuck on the corners of his mouth and Preity Zinta has filed a police com- Commissioner Rakesh Maria said an investi- R“Twilight” franchise in bleak apoc- hang there like limp socks,” Nicholson Oplaint alleging that she was molested, gation was underway. “We will be recording alyptic thriller “The Rover” this weekend, wrote. “If his playing a mentally handi- abused and threatened by a former boyfriend the statements of the witnesses,” Maria told and critics are mixed as to whether or capped role here is a desperate stunt, he at an Indian Premier League (IPL) cricket news channel CNN-IBN. Police have lodged not he completely pulls it off. The R-rat- mostly lands it He makes Rey a person, match, officials said yesterday. Zinta accused an initial case of “outraging the modesty of a ed movie, directed by David Michod, has not a clichÈ, and arguably more of a businessman Ness Wadia, who co-owns the woman”, intimidation and intentional insult, scored a majority of positive reviews on complex character than Pearce’s angry Kings XI Punjab IPL team with the actress, of local media reported. Zinta and Wadia, scion critic aggregator Rotten Tomatoes, hard-ass.” abusing her after the pair got into an argu- of the Wadia group, an Indian conglomerate which currently grades the movie as 67 Vulture critic David Edelstein was also ment while watching their team play the with interests including in real estate, textiles percent “fresh” after counting 48 impressed by Pattinson’s “full retard” Chennai Super Kings on May 30. and a low-budget airline, called off their five- reviews. Set in the Australian Outback approach, but wasn’t entirely convinced “We received Zinta’s complaint on Friday,” year relationship in 2009, although they con- “10 years after the collapse,” Guy Pearce in its validity, and wasn’t fond of the Mumbai police officer Vijay Mane told tinue to be business partners, according to (“Memento”) takes the lead as a survivor overall film, either. “The Rover’ is the reporters. “She wrote that both of them were local media.— AFP whose car is stolen by a gang of thieves handiwork of Aussie David Michod, sitting together at the Mumbai Wankhede led by Scoot McNairy (“Monsters”), while whose overpraised 2010 ‘Animal stadium on May 30 when they had an argu- Pattinson plays McNairy’s brother, left Kingdom’ was memorable chiefly for the ment over something following which he for dead along the dusty road. Pearce nightmarish mother-son tag-team of threatened her, pushed her and used bad lan- In this file photo, Indian Industrialist and Pattinson’s forge an unlikely alliance Jacki Weaver and Ben Mendelsohn. This guage against her,” Mane said. Zinta issued a Ness Wadia (left) and Bollywood as they journey to track down the men one is even darker - but also sillier, easy statement yesterday describing it as a “diffi- actress Preity Zinta leave the High responsible for their woes. to watch at arm’s length and easier to cult time”. “My intention is not to harm any- Court in Mumbai after filing a peti- TheWrap’s Steve Pond praised the shake off. It’s overbaked art-pulp,” one, but only to protect myself,” the state- tion relating to an Indian sports film as “a brutally brilliant and brilliantly Edelstein wrote. “Pattinson’s hair is ment said, according to the Press Trust of team. Preity Zinta has filed a police brutal post-apocalyptic road movie” shaved to the skull and his teeth artfully India news agency. complaint alleging that she was after it premiered at the Cannes Film mottled. His diction is American Deep- Wadia also issued a media statement molested, abused and threatened Festival earlier this year. Wrap critic South mush. He’s not convincing, but I’m expressing “shock” over the complaint against by a former boyfriend at a sports Diane Garrett shared similar sentiments impressed that he’s willing to go, as Kirk him and said the “allegations against me are event, officials said. — AFP in her review, and complimented Lazarus in ‘Tropic Thunder’ would say, Pattinson for his portrayal of Pearce’s “the full retard.’” “half-wit” sidekick. “Pattinson does a Rolling Stone critic Peter Travers had commendable job moving beyond his nothing but kind words for both sparkly-vampire period, especially in a Michod’s “brilliantly rendered” vision and Scott, jazzman heart-wrenching scene with McNairy, his stars’ performances. “All you really with ethereal voice dies but the movie really belongs to Pearce,” need to know is that ‘The Rover’ is a Garrett wrote. “He conveys his charac- modern Western that explodes the immy Scott, a jazzman with an ethereal man-child try to enjoy it.” His signature high voice came from word,” Ray Charles once said in a PBS documentary on ter’s deep despair over society’s anomie, terms good and evil; that its desolation voice who found success late in life with the Kallmann’s syndrome, which kept him from experienc- the history of jazz. crying out that a lost life should mean is brilliantly rendered by MichÙd and JGrammy-nominated album “All the Way,” has died. ing puberty and stunted his growth. He stood just A record label dispute prevented Scott from mak- something, while at other times his eyes cinematographer Natasha Braier; that He was 88. Scott died in his sleep Thursday at his Las under 5 feet - and his voice did not change. At age 37, ing an album in the 1950s produced by Charles. Scott’s tell you everything you need to know Pearce and Pattinson are a blazing pair Vegas home, said his wife, Jeanie Scott. He had battled he grew another 8 inches to the height of 5 feet, 7 previous record company, Savoy Records, said it had about the character and what he’s seen.” of opposites,” Travers wrote. “Pattinson, health problems stemming from a genetic hormone inches. an exclusive, lifetime contract with him, and the com- Los Angeles Times critic Kenneth free of the ‘Twilight’ trap, shows real act- deficiency and had been under the care of a home Although that trait ultimately helped Scott stand pany blocked Scott’s efforts to release new records for Turan joined the praise for the film fea- ing chops, especially in a moving final nurse, she said. His 1992 comeback album “All the out as a singer, he also suffered from congestive heart nearly 20 years. Savoy Records dropped the matter in turing Pattinson “convincingly” stepping scene. In revealing two men trying to Way” sold only 49,000 copies in the US but earned him failure and had a lifestyle that included heavy drinking the 1970s. By that time, Scott had returned to out of his teen idol shoes to take a dirty get in touch with the shreds of their cult-like popularity in Europe and Asia, particularly and smoking. Despite his youthful sound, Scott Cleveland, where he worked as a hotel clerk and nurs- and bloody ride through the Outback. shared humanity, MichÙd offers a star- ing home aide before returning to the stage in 1985 “Masterfully brought to life by Guy tling vision. You’ll be hooked.” and resuming his recording career in 1990. Scott was Pearce in a performance of pure con- New York Times critic A O Scott born in Cleveland on July 17, 1925. He had a difficult trolled ferocity, Eric and his implacable, sided with the 33 percent minority who childhood in East Cleveland, losing his mother, who obsessive, stop-at-nothing quest to were not particularly fond of the latest cultivated his passion for music, in a traffic accident at recover his stolen vehicle is the center- take on a familiar genre, for one reason age 13. piece of David MichÙd’s tense and or another. “Demonstrates once again His first claim to fame came in 1949 when he remorseless ‘The Rover,’ a film shot in that he has a knack for violence and recorded the vocals as “Little Jimmy Scott” for the 100-degree-plus heat that chills the suspense. (The sound design in particu- Lionel Hampton Band’s “Everybody’s Somebody’s blood as well as the soul,” Turan wrote. lar is brilliantly sinister.) But he can’t Fool.” His name never appeared on the record, and he “Pearce’s willingness to give [his charac- find much of interest beyond the never received royalties from the jukebox hit. He was ter] an integrity of purpose mixes well puffed-up, stripped-down glumness roommates with Quincy Jones as the band traveled with MichÙd’s intense, controlled direc- that is this genre’s default mood,” Scott the world. “I am so deeply saddened at the news that tion and his ability to blend unexpected, wrote. “There is both too much story my friend and brother Jimmy Scott has left us,” Jones empathetic character moments with all and not enough. The contours of this said in a written statement. “If you don’t believe that the killing. It’s a combination that all but desolate future are lightly sketched Jimmy was one of the most influential jazz singers of guarantees that ‘The Rover’ will put you rather than fully explained, which is his day, all you have to do is listen to his recordings away.” always a good choice. But that mini- ‘Everybody’s Somebody’s Fool’ and ‘Why Was I Born.’” LA Weekly critic Amy Nicholson bor- malism serves as an excuse for an irri- At age 67, Scott was rediscovered by a Warner Bros. rowed a phrase from 2008 comedy tating lack of narrative clarity, so that Records executive who heard him sing at a friend’s “Tropic Thunder” to describe Pattinson’s much of what happens seems arbitrary funeral, and the result was “All the Way.” He went on to performance as “going full retard.” rather than haunting.”— Reuters release several more recordings, including the jazz- Jazz legend Jimmy Scott Although Robert Downey Jr’s Kirk gospel album “Heaven,” for the Sire and Milestone Lazarus noted actors should never make labels, and appeared on Reed’s 1992 recording “Magic that kind of commitment, Nicholson and Loss.” He was also the subject of a documentary suggests Pattinson proves otherwise. Japan, where he often sold out performances. brought heavy emotion to his delivery, often dramati- film “Jimmy Scott: If You Only Knew” and a biography “Appears to have picked the role pre- Eventually, he performed with the likes of Elton cally drawing out lyrics and singing far behind the “Faith In Time: The Life of Jimmy Scott.” In 2007, he cisely because it will send his ‘Twilight’ John, Lou Reed, Michael Stipe and Sting. He also beat. The technique won praise from Billie Holiday, received the National Endowment for the Arts Jazz fans screaming out of the theater. As the appeared in the series finale of “Twin Peaks,” singing Nancy Wilson and Madonna, who after seeing him Master Award, the nation’s highest jazz honor.—AP bumbling, guileless Rey, Pattinson has the song “Sycamore Trees,” co-written by the TV show’s perform in 1994 told The New York Times that Scott allowed the makeup crew to rot his creator David Lynch. “I love show business,” Scott told was the only singer who ever made her cry. “Jimmy The Associated Press in 2004. “It’s my life, honey, and I had soul way back when people weren’t using the Bollywood actress files molestation complaint
SUNDAY, JUNE 15, 2014 39
Inked in - five players with World Cup tattoo touch
hile many footballers at the WWorld Cup sport all kinds of tat- toos for artistic reasons, some honor family members or pay tribute. AFP Sport looks at the five best in Brazil:
Kevin-Prince Boateng-Ghana Ezequiel Lavezzi-Argentina
amos may have a great variety of tattoos avezzi has a tattoo on the top of his left Rbut nothing compared to the 13 that the Lhip inspired by Diego Maradona. The self-confessed ‘Ghetto Boy’ has covering his design of the tattoo is not of Maradona’s body. The 27-year-old Schalke 04 star, who notorious ‘Hand of God’ goal against has a gangster tattoo ‘Pain vs Love’ on his England in 1986 but of him heading the ball. torso, said each of his tattoos has a senti- Like Maradona, the 29-year-old also played mental meaning. “I have Africa and Ghana for Serie A side Napoli but Lavezzi, now with from my father... I have the name of my wife French champions Paris Saint Germain, and my home town, Berlin. I also have two refutes any comparison with his controver- jokers; one is smiling and the other crying. It sial compatriot. “I wish people would stop means laugh now, cry later,” Boateng told a likening me to a legend. There’s only one German newspaper. Diego Maradona and there always will be.”
Sergio Ramos-Spain Darjo Srna-Croatia he 28-year-old defender has he 32-year-old captain and almost as many tattoos as he has T defender has a tattoo across winners medals with Spain and Real T his heart reading “Igor” in hon- Madrid. His left bicep sports the dates our of his brother who has ‘9/11 and 3/11’ referring to the terror Down’s Syndrome. He dedicates attacks on the United States in 2001 all his goals to him and has been and Madrid in 2004 with the phrase in known to buy hundreds of tick- English ‘lies in the memory of those ets for orphans to attend alive’. He also has a tattoo dedicated to Shakhtar Donetsk games. Srna a former team-mate at Sevilla, Antonio has another personal tattoo of a Puerta who died aged 22 after suffer- Antonio Valencia-Ecuador deer (“srna” in Croat) on his calf ing a succession of heart attacks dur- in honour of the sacrifices his ing a La Liga game in 2007. “From then he Manchester United winger suffered a grievous blow last year parents made for him as a child. on (when he died), Antonio has always when his closest friend and Ecuador’s leading striker Christian “My father and my family mean T been with me. The next game, I went Benitez died playing for his Qatari club Al Jaish. The 28-year-old in everything to me,” he told the out on the field with his shirt and for a hommage to his compatriot immediately had a tattoo inscribed with Guardian. “I can’t forget how long time after that, I wore one that Benitez’s nickname ‘Chucho’ alongside three stars, his date of birth, they suffered while they were was dedicated to him,” said Ramos. his shirt number and date of death. “I wanted to share with you this trying to find money for me dur- tribute in honor of my brother ‘Chucho’,” posted Valencia on his ing my days at Hajduk.” Twitter account. “We’ll never forget you.”
Britain makes Angelina Jolie an honorary dame
ngelina Jolie has been made an honorary dame in Teen cancer victim rewarded Queen Elizabeth II’s birthday honors list released Maggie Smith, 79, who won an Oscar as best actress for AFriday, as Britain paid tribute to the Hollywood star “The Prime of Miss Jean Brodie” (1969), becomes a compan- for her efforts to combat warzone rape. The American ion of honor, an order limited to the queen and 65 other actress, who US Secretary of State John Kerry described as ordinary people from across the Commonwealth. “a fierce and fearless advocate”, leads a list of film idols, “Homeland” actor Damian Lewis was made an Officer of sports stars, authors and designers recognized for their the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire (OBE). “I was services to the United Kingdom. Daniel Day-Lewis receives very surprised but very happy to accept,” said the 42-year- a knighthood, while his fellow Oscar-winning film star old, who made his name in World War II series “Band of Dame Maggie Smith-the star of TV period drama “Downton Brothers”. “I decided to do the very un-British thing of Abbey” and the “Harry Potter” films-is made a companion accepting the compliment.” of honor. Jolie was given the female equivalent of a knight- BBC chief international correspondent Lyse Doucet hood for her services to British foreign policy in her cam- receives an OBE for her services to British broadcast jour- paign to end sexual violence in conflict zones. nalism. Author Hilary Mantel, the first woman to win the She co-hosted a four-day global conference in London Booker Prize for fiction twice, for her historical novel “Wolf on the issue with British Foreign Secretary William Hague, Hall” and its sequel “Bring Up the Bodies”, was made a during which Kerry suggested she had played her most dame. “I’m delighted to receive this honor. It’s given for lasting role, “the role of fierce and fearless advocate”. The ‘services to literature,’ but I see it not so much as a reward 39-year-old actress said: “To receive an honour related to for the past, more as encouragement for the future,” the 61- foreign policy means a great deal to me, as it is what I wish year-old said. to dedicate my working life to. “Working on the Preventing Fashion designer Zandra Rhodes also becomes a dame. Sexual Violence Initiative and with survivors of rape is an Nineteen-year-old cancer victim Stephen Sutton, who died honour in itself. I know that succeeding in our goals will on May 14 after raising more than £4.2 million ($7.1 million, take a lifetime, and I am dedicated to it for all of mine.” 5.3 million euros) for a teenage cancer charity, was given an Jolie becomes an honorary dame commander in the MBE for his efforts, backdated to the date of his death. His Most Distinguished Order of Saint Michael and Saint mother Jane said her son was asked shortly before he died George, an order of chivalry for people “who render whether he would accept the MBE in recognition of his extraordinary or important non-military service in a foreign fundraising services-and thought it was “awesome”. Honors country”. Day-Lewis, the only man to win three Oscars for lists are produced twice a year, at New Year and to coincide best actor-”My Left Foot” (1989), “There Will Be Blood” with the queen’s official birthday in June. She turned 88 in (2007) and “Lincoln” (2012) - said he was thrilled to become April. Most recipients are not celebrities, but people who a knight of the realm. “I’m entirely amazed and utterly have given their time for charity work or helping their local delighted in equal measure,” he said. The 57-year-old is communities.— AFP known for taking his method acting very seriously, often staying in character off set and living a quiet life in the Irish Camilla, Duchess of Cornwall (left) meets Angelina Jolie, as the actress talked about her campaign against sexual countryside to prepare for roles. violence in war zones during a meeting, at Clarence House, London on Thursday June 12, 2014. — AP