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TUESDAY, DECEMBER 30, 2014 RABI ALAWWAL 8, 1436 AH www.kuwaittimes.net Policemen to Jazeera Bahrain suspects Seahawks take be equipped journalists opposition chief NFC top seed, with body mark year in of inciting Packers and cameras2 Egypt jail8 ‘hatred,13 violence’ Panthers20 win Syria to reopen embassy Min 10º Max 24º in Kuwait, resume work High Tide 05:53 & 18:31 Low Tide Three diplomats on the way • No normalization of ties 00:05 & 12:12 40 PAGES NO: 16388 150 FILS

DAMASCUS: Three Syrian diplomats left Damascus for Kuwait yesterday where they will reopen their country’s embassy in the state, a Syrian official said. The official, who AirAsia jet ‘at bottom of sea’ spoke on condition of anonymity in line with regulations, told AP that the diplomats include a charge d’affairs. Kuwait, where tens of thousands of Syrians live, has been a JAKARTA: Dozens of planes and ships searching Indonesian waters for a missing AirAsia plane focused strong supporter of the opposition trying to remove yesterday on a patch of oil for possible clues, as a senior President Bashar Al-Assad from power. official warned the aircraft was likely at the bottom of the Khaled Al-Jarallah, an undersecretary at Kuwait’s sea. Australia, Singapore and Malaysia joined the Foreign Ministry, was quoted in the local Kuwaiti news Indonesia-led search as anguished relatives awaited news website Al-Jarida earlier this month as saying that the of their loved ones more than a day after Flight QZ8501 Syrian diplomats left Kuwait City voluntarily in March and disappeared over the Java Sea with 162 people on board. are returning voluntarily to resume consular services for “Papa come home, I still need Papa,” Angela, the daughter Syrian residents there. Jarallah was quoted as saying that of the Indonesian pilot Irianto, begged in an emotional this does not mean a normalization of relations with Syria appeal on local social media. and that Kuwaiti diplomats would not be returning to The Airbus A320-200 lost contact en route from Damascus, where the embassy closed after Syria’s crisis Surabaya in Indonesia’s east Java to Singapore on Sunday began in March 2011. after the crew requested a change of flight plan due to The Syrian Embassy in Kuwait shuttered it doors nine stormy weather, in the third crisis for a Malaysian carrier months ago, forcing some 130,000 Syrian residents there this year. Indonesian Air Force spokesman Hadi Tjahjanto to seek consular services from the embassy that remains told AFP the search was now concentrated on an oil open in the United Arab Emirates. Syrians across the Gulf patch spotted off Belitung island, across from Kalimantan Arab states have struggled to renew their passports and on Borneo island. “We are making sure whether it was register marriages, births and deaths with their govern- avtur (aviation fuel) from the AirAsia plane or from a ves- ment because of the closure of Syrian embassies in Saudi sel because that location is a shipping line,” he said. Arabia, Qatar and Kuwait. In early 2012, amid calls for the As the second day’s search ended at dusk, National expulsion of the Syrian diplomats, demonstrators stormed Search and Rescue Agency chief Bambang Soelistyo said the Syrian Embassy compound in Kuwait City, breaking an Indonesian corvette was on its way to collect an oil windows and hoisting the green-striped flag of the anti- sample, with an announcement expected today. Assad opposition. Soelistyo earlier it was likely the plane was at the “bottom Earlier yesterday, a Syrian official said two suicide of the sea”. SURABAYA, Indonesia: Family members of passengers on the missing AirAsia Flight QZ8501 gather at the attackers targeted separate natural gas facilities in the cen- Continued on Page 13 airport in this East Java city yesterday. — AFP tral province of Homs, killing eight people. — AP Expatriates rue Assembly panel to review fines lack of respect No exemption for Kuwaitis • More than KD 1m collected KUWAIT: The National Assembly’s interior and any intention to start the exemption by Dec 28 to spend the holidays abroad. “Expats waiting By Faten Omar and rents are getting more and more defense committee has decided to review the as previously announced, Marafi stressed that for the fines to be cancelled will only multiply expensive. I have 3 children, and my issue of fines imposed on expatriates for fail- such reports were fake and groundless and them and pay more,” warned the sources, not- KUWAIT: The rising cost of living and husband only makes KD 350 a month. ing to update their information after renewing that fines imposed on Kuwaiti sponsors would ing that referring the fines to courts for further ever-changing laws are making life dif- Since the law doesn’t allow us to take their passports. The committee has decided to be referred for investigation as usual. investigation was only allowed for Kuwaitis. ficult for expats in Kuwait. Some have up part-time jobs, charities were the invite the interior minister for a meeting, but Well-informed security sources stressed Egyptian Foreign Minister Sameh Shukri been forced to send their families back only answer,” Ftafta said. no date has been set for the discussion. that the ministry will keep collecting the fines recently told reporters that he was following home, or turn to charitable societies to She told Kuwait Times that her fami- Meanwhile, acting residency affairs director and that the sum collected so far from expats up the problems Egyptians were facing in make ends meet, like Amal Ftafta, a 52- ly is deep in debt, and charitable soci- Maj Gen Talal Marafi strongly denied any for failing to update their passport information Kuwait and that he was in direct contact with year-old Palestinian housewife. “Every eties and Good Samaritans pay her exemption for Kuwaiti families from paying has exceeded KD 1 million, especially since a the Kuwaiti side to reach an exemption that day we find a new law to make life rent or her children’s school fees. the fines due on their domestic workers and travel ban was imposed on violators pending ends the problem and helps Egyptians legalize more difficult. Schools, food, clothes Continued on Page 13 non-Kuwaiti spouses and children. Denying paying the fines and many intended to travel their statuses. — Agencies Resolutions more Zalzalah calls for procrastination than motivation Cabinet reshuffle NEW YORK: People seeking to get or stay fit in 2015 might do better to start today rather than rely on a Saadoun challenges PM New Year’s resolution to shape up tomorrow, fitness experts say. Losing weight and getting fit and healthy By B Izzak tion Sunday night that strongly lashed are among the top five resolutions every year, even out at the government and the National though most of winter’s great expectations wither by KUWAIT: MP Yousef Al-Zalzalah yester- Assembly, alleging that they have failed spring. “The New Year’s resolution is a kind of grand, day called on Prime Minister Sheikh to check the spread of corruption. glorified, long-term goal that people, for societal rea- Jaber Al-Mubarak Al-Sabah to reshuffle Saadoun also said yesterday that he sons, tend to begin on the first day of the calendar the Cabinet to upgrade its performance, has learnt through social networks that year,” said Gregory Chertok, a sports psychology con- which has been below expectations. the prime minister has accepted the sultant with the American College of Sports Medicine. The lawmaker said in a statement that challenge and was prepared for the Goals set because people feel they should make the ministers are incapable of perform- debate, provided he sets the date and them tend to be pressure-filled, unrealistic and less ing their duties adequately and have time. The opposition leader said he likely to be accomplished, he says. “‘I’d like to cut failed to achieve, and this is not accept- accepts the conditions of the prime able. Zalzalah complained that the gov- minister and vowed that he will reveal TEHRAN: Iranians carry the coffin of Brig Gen Hamid Taghavi, a commander of down on junk food a little bit,’ is a goal more likely to ernment has failed to achieve progress “horrifying details” about corruption the Revolutionary Guards reportedly killed in the Iraqi city of Samarra, during be accomplished than ‘I’ll completely revamp my in a number of key projects, and “we are plots against state properties. his funeral in the Iranian capital yesterday. — AFP lifestyle,’ which is the kind of goal we set as a New Year’s resolutions,” Chertok said. While about 45 per- retreating instead of moving forward”. Saadoun said he will reveal a number cent of Americans make New Year’s resolutions, only The lawmaker did not name any min- of major corruption cases that have tak- about 8 percent succeed, according to a University of ister who should be changed, but said en place after the dissolution of the IS claims killing Scranton study published in the Journal of Clinical the prime minister should thoroughly opposition-dominated National Psychology. evaluate the performance of ministers Assembly in June 2012, which involved Dr Michele Olson, professor of exercise science at and those who cannot deliver should granting projects worth billions of of Iran general Auburn University Montgomery said a resolution can stay at home. Zalzalah’s statements dinars in violation of the constitution be a way of putting off what can be done today. “If come amid reports that a number of and the law and facilitating the seizure there is a fitness need, such as to increase strength or MPs are applying pressure on the prime of billions of square meters of state BAGHDAD: The Islamic State group has the Iranian officer. minister to change a number of minis- land. claimed the killing of a senior Iranian offi- IS has not said how Taghavi died, but decrease body fat, I say, ‘Let’s make a plan now,’” Olson ters, mainly Minister of Oil and State In the meantime, MP Khalil Abul, a cer advising Iraqi forces in their fight his funeral was held in Tehran yesterday said, adding that what is essential is to set a long-term Minister for National Assembly Affairs member of a parliamentary committee against the jihadists, in posts on jihadist in the presence of several senior officials. plan with short-term goals. “This is why athletes stay Ali Al-Omair, alleging that the minister investigating alleged wrongdoings in Internet forums yesterday. Iran’s “If people like the martyr Taghavi were in shape year-round. They have a program scheduled has failed to curb violations in the oil granting state-owned farms, said the Revolutionary Guards on Sunday not engaged in Syria and Iraq against the and planned over an entire year with variation, rest ministry. A number of MPs have also probe has shown suspected violations, announced the death of Brig Gen Hamid terrorists, the enemy would surely look days, more-intense and less-intense workout periods,” sent questions to the oil minister in bribery and profiteering in granting Taghavi, who had been training the army to create insecurity in our country,” she said. “It’s like one’s job: there’s very little vacation what observers said could be a prelude those farms, including distribution of and Iraqi volunteers in the city of Supreme National Security Council secre- time.” to an attempt to grill the minister. farms to former MPs, influential people Samarra, north of Baghdad. One jihadist tary Ali Shamkhani told mourners, the Dr Cedric X Bryant, chief science officer of the forum posted an image of the officer official Fars news agency reported. In another development, veteran and others, adding the wrongdoings are American Council on Exercise, said the New Year may opposition leader and former Assembly as serious as the alleged multimillion standing next to three others, with a red Shiite Iran has sent military advisers to be the worst time to make a lifestyle change. “For circle around his head and the caption: “A Iraq to help train and equip troops and speaker Ahmad Al-Saadoun challenged bribes paid to former MPs. Abul said it many it’s the busiest, most hectic time,” he said, “and to the prime minister or one of his min- has been proved that the distribution of photo of the miscreant Hamid Taghavi allied militias in their counter-offensive most people have an all-or-nothing mentality”. Bryant who was killed by the men of IS in the against IS, which seized large areas of the isters or aides to an open debate on farms involved bribes, aggression on said people who succeed focus on progress, not per- local developments. Saadoun made the state properties and misusing the farms region of Samarra.” Another image on the country in a lightning June assault. fection, and plan for the inevitable slip-up. — Reuters forum purportedly showed the body of Continued on Page 13 challenge at a gathering of the opposi- for security-related issues. TUESDAY, DECEMBER 30, 2014 LOCAL Crime 6,332 companies questioned Crime Report over visa trafficking Report Trio acquitted of By A Saleh company actually work for it. tion for medical professions and serv- money-lender murder Doussary added that 6,332 company ices Dr Bahauddin Abdul Hameed KUWAIT: Manpower Public Authority files had been suspended and Fetaihah said that the items due to be KUWAIT: The criminal court acquitted three expats who Director Jamal Al-Doussary stressed referred to the Interior Ministry’s included in the GCC medicine price had been accused of robbing, murdering and burning a that as part of governmental efforts to investigators in 2014, and noted that unification project in 2015 have Filipina money-lender, though the suspects had initially put an end to visa trafficking, a joint the number of violating companies already exceeded 4,000 so far. “This is confessed when interrogated by the public prosecution committee comprising of elements was rapidly increasing die to the 95 percent of the medications regis- but later denied all charges before court, said security from the manpower and the detec- intensifying inspection campaigns. tered in a GCC state,” he underlined, sources. The suspects’ lawyer argued that his clients had tion department was formed to noting that the GCC medicine prices been unlawfully arrested without a search warrant and that review inspection procedures to make Unified med prices committee was constantly meeting to there was no substantial evidence that they committed the sure all laborers registered for a given CEO of Bahrain’s national organiza- discuss unifying all other prices. crime.

Auto thieves caught Three citizens were arrested for multiple car rob- Gang interrogated for beries, said security sources, noting that the suspects The suspect pictured with the liquor bottles confiscat- stole vehicles left with their engines running. ed during the operation. Investigating many complaints about car robberies led subsidized supplies’ theft detectives to arrest one of the suspects at his house in Rehab, and he led police to his two accomplices. The KUWAIT: The public prosecutor some people from outside the com- said that the ministry was closely fol- three suspects admitted that they had stolen 7 vehi- released a ministry of commerce merce ministry. lowing up developments and that he cles in the same way. A case was filed and further assistant undersecretary who had The sources explained that investi- had already issued instructions to the investigations are in progress. been arrested along with other min- gations started with some suspects a ministry’s legal advisors on how to istry employees for involvement in year earlier and that the undersecre- deal with the accusations made stealing subsidized supplies on KD tary’s involvement was revealed a few against the senior official. Probe in ministry fire 1,000 bail, said security sources. The days ago when he was summoned for In other news, Deputy Premier and The minister of education recently ordered conducting sources added that the assistant investigations before being released Interior Minister Sheikh Mohammad a wide-scale investigation in a mysterious fire that suspi- undersecretary faces charges of vio- on bail. However, the sources high- Al-Khalid Al-Sabah took several ciously broke out at Ministry of Education’s (MOE) tenders lating public funds, not reporting a lighted that none of the suspects actions against four officers responsi- department at the early hours of the morning, burning crime he knew about and involve- would be sent to court until investi- ble for missing liquor bottles from the many documents, said security sources, noting that the fire ment in forgery by illegally taking gations are over. ministry’s warehouses, after receiving coincides with reports about violations in MoE tenders. subsidized supply cards and prod- Commenting on the case, deputy a report from the disciplinary council However, initial KFSD reports suggest that the fire was ucts. The sources added that investi- PM and Minister of Commerce and that questioned the concerned caused by a short circuit. Further investigations are in gations also led to the involvement of Industry Dr Abdulmohsen Al-Mudej policemen. — Al-Jarida and Al-Rai progress. The scene after the fire was extinguished.

Cable theft Man reports Ministry of Electricity and Water’s (MEW) legal rep- resentative reported the theft of 8 electric cables from wife’s suicide a ministry site in Fahaheel, said security sources. A case was filed and further investigations are in progress. By Hanan Al-Saadoun

KUWAIT: An Indian expat told police that he found his wife Break in and theft hanging from the ceiling upon his return home. He said A 41-year-old citizen reported that after attending a that he lowered the body in an attempt to save her, but in wedding ceremony, she found that her vehicle windshield vain. The body was recovered by the coroner. was broken and two mobile phones and a purse including her ID and several credit cards were stolen. A case was filed. Liquor possession Narcotics authorities arrested a citizen with 180 imported liquor bottles after receiving tips about him Armed robbery selling the liquor in Ahmadi. Police found the bottles in A Sri Lankan man reported that two armed people his house. He was sent to concerned authorities. threatened him with a gun in the Qurtuba co-op park- ing lot and took KD 300 he had in addition to his wallet with KD 120 in it. A case was filed and further investi- Basement fire gations are in progress. Fire broke out in a basement in Souq Mubarakiya Sunday morning, prompting Capital and Hilali fire centers Impounded cars’ theft foiled to respond. The area was evacuated, and the fire took four hours to be put out because of haphazard storage, closed Two citizens and a stateless person working for the KUWAIT: Commander of the Military Affairs at the National Guard, Brigadier Staff Saad Al-Hajraf attended an exer- Ministry of Interior (MoI) and the Defense Ministry were ventilation windows and blocked passages, which made it cise by the first internal security brigade and its attached National Guard units, in order to inspect accuracy of pre- difficult to reach the fire source. Two other fire centers from arrested while trying to steal some vehicles from MoI’s ventive inspection procedures, dealing with violence and dangers. — By Hanan Al-Saadoun vehicle impoundment garage in Jahra, said security Shuhada and Salmiya were called in. No injuries were reported. sources. Handicapped parking Ingrate son apprehended Fugitive nabbed An ungrateful son was arrested after assaulting his A citizen in his fifties was arrested as he owes KD father and stealing KD 700 in cash from him, in addi- spaces campaign continues 239,000 in addition to being involved in 38 cases and a tion to his ATM and credit cards in Nugra, said security jail sentence for three years due to breach of trust and sources. Case papers indicate that failing to stop his dud cheques. The arrest was made when a patrol By Hanan Al-Saadoun parking in handicapped parking their designated parking,” his state- son’s assault, the father screamed for help, and his stopped him and found that he faced jail sentences spaces. He said that recent cam- ment reads. As part of the campaigns, neighbors caught the assailant and called the police. and other financial offences. KUWAIT: Interior Ministry Assistant paigns concentrated on cooperative 920 citations were issued from 25/12 Undersecretary for Traffic Affairs Maj societies, main markets, and other to 28/12, while 92 cars were impound- Man falls in trap Gen Abdallah Al-Muhanna said that places with handicapped parking ed. Meanwhile, 955 citations were Mubarak Al-Kabeer campaigns A car rental money collector reported that two Chinese unscheduled traffic campaigns will spaces. “The campaigns’ goal is to pro- issued for using the mobile phone Operations and patrols in Mubarak Al-Kabeer gover- girls lured him into going to his house in Hawally to spend continue to ‘put an end’ for illegal tect disabled people’s rights of using while driving. norate issued 472 traffic citations, arrested 121 persons a good time, but 6 men followed them, assaulted him and without IDs, 47 persons in violation of visas, 28 absconders, stole KD 1,140 in cash he had collected for the company in 91 loose laborers, 76 roaming vendors, 20 persons wanted addition to three mobile phones, before they fled with the over civil cases and four over felonies besides four fights. girls, said security sources. Duo held Airport arrest Ahmadi patrols arrested two Kuwaitis - one working A drunk citizen was arrested at the airport while try- for the interior ministry and the other for the defence ing to get in the departure lounge to ‘travel’ without ministry - following resistance and attempted escape. having a passport or a ticket, said security sources. Both were found in an abnormal condition with 10 “What’s wrong with you? I am a genuine Kuwaiti,” the narcotic tablets and drug paraphernalia. Both were man told airport security when they told him he had sent to the DCGD. to have a passport and a ticket to travel. A case was filed and the man was referred to relevant authorities.

Drug possession Body cameras A citizen wanted for financial claims worth KD 15,000 was arrested in Ahmadi with drugs, said security sources. for policemen He was referred to the proper authorities for further action. KUWAIT: The Interior Ministry will equip police uniforms with special smart cameras to monitor any violations by Cheating devices civilians or security men, said Ministry of Interior’s assistant Following foiling several cheating attempts by stu- undersecretary for operation affairs Maj Gen Jamal Al- dents sitting for midterm exams who are using mod- Sayegh. He added that the new cameras would be used ern technology in the form of tiny wireless earpieces next year and fixed to policemen’s chests in order to record hidden in their ears without being noticed while encounters with various violators and avoid alleged com- somebody outside the exam halls dictates the correct plaints against policemen. — Al-Jarida answers, the juveniles manager at the criminal investi- gations department Brig Bader Al-Ghadhouri recently raided several stores selling the devices in Jahra and Hawally, said security sources, noting that over 100 devices were confiscated.

KUWAIT: The Interior Ministry’s Undersecretary Lieutenant General Suleiman Al-Fahad headed a meet- KUWAIT: Kuwait Municipality’s public relations department said its campaigns during December included the closure of 19 stores, 100 citations and destruction of 440 kilos ing for the police officers affairs’ committee yesterday. of fish. —By Hanan Al-Saadoun TUESDAY, DECEMBER 30, 2014 LOCAL In Brief Oppositionist criticized Licensed concerts Primary schools

KUWAIT: Leading oppositionist and former par- KUWAIT: The Information Ministry approved hold- KUWAIT: Subjects taught to students from the liament speaker Ahmad Al-Saadoun criticized fel- ing a number of concerts in January and February first to the third grades in public schools next year low Popular Action Movement (PAM) member 2015, to be held as part of Kuwait’s National and will be reduced to five only as part of the new pri- Khalid Shukhaiyer, who reportedly met with Liberation days as well as the Hala February celebra- mary school chart that was referred recently to National Democratic Alliance member Bashar Al- tions. Meanwhile, ministry sources indicated that no Minister of Education Dr Bader Al-Essa, the min- Sayegh recently. Saadoun says that opposition applications to hold concerts on New Year’s Eve istry’s Undersecretary Mariyam Al-Wutaid members are morally obligated to avoid meeting were submitted so far, adding that unlicensed par- announced. These subjects include Arabic and with members of political groups that have mem- ties and events will be dealt with in accordance with English languages, Islamic education, mathemat- bers represented in the Cabinet or parliament. the law. Ministry observers will attend the licensed ics and science, Wutaid explained. She added that Both Shukhaiyer and Sayegh have denied that the concerts to make sure that contractors fully adhere the school day would also be reduced to include alleged meeting had taken place. —Al-Rai to the regulations, the sources added. —Al-Jarida six periods instead of seven.—Al-Jarida Photo of the day

KUWAIT: The picture above shows the Horsehead Nebula, located nearly 1,500 light-years away from Planet Earth, as taken recently by Kuwaiti astrophotographer Nasser Al-Sulaihem. Sulaihem said that he used special astrophotography equipment in a 3-hour-long process to take high-resolution pictures at the Subbiya desert north of the country. —KUNA

MPs, ministers discuss Municipality inks KD1.3m major development projects quarrying contract KUWAIT: Members of the parliament’s Electricity and Water and Minister of finance and economy committee dis- Public Works, and Hind Al-Subaih, cussed Sunday key strategic develop- Minister of Social Affairs and Labor and KUWAIT: Kuwait Municipality signed a one-year, ment projects like the second North Minister of State for Development and KD 1.3 million ($4.4 million) contract with a for- Zour power station, and Khairan station Planning. Jabri said they reviewed with eign company for delineating quarry sites where for electricity and water distillation. the ministers 40 projects to be imple- sand can be extracted for construction purpos- Committee members also discussed mented in the 2015-16 plan, with a total es. amendments to a law regarding estab- value of KD 8.975 billion ($30.665 bil- The project is part of the Kuwait lishment of Kuwaiti shareholding com- lion). He said the committee members Municipality’s efforts to delineate lands and panies tasked with building power and acknowledged the determination of the determine relevant uses, Director-General water desalination stations, Rapporteur ministers in the implementation of the Ahmad Al-Subaih said in a news release follow- MP Mohammad Al-Jabri said in a state- development plan, citing the formation ing the contract signing. The contract comes at a ment to the press after the meeting. of a government committee tasked with time when development projects are being The meeting was attended by following the execution of these ven- increasingly carried out in Kuwait within the Abdulaziz Al-Ibrahim, Minister of tures. — KUNA framework of the Gulf country’s 2005 holistic strategy of the third structural plan, he said. The plan features new cities and residential KD 250 million in unpaid areas nationwide, together with development projects involving roads, bridges and facilities bills overdue to government implemented by both public and private sectors, Subaih added. The consulting office which has KUWAIT: The government has urged various rent bills. The sources added that 10 percent won the contract will spot appropriate sites for ministers to refer those who have not been of the debts (KD 25 million) were bad ones extracting sand to be used for construction pur- paying their dues for long to the prosecu- that are not expected to be collected poses, he pointed out. tion. Ministerial sources said that around because they had been registered as con- The project will be carried out in four phases: 250,000 citizens and expats, companies and sumption fees in the pre-Iraqi invasion peri- feasibility studies, field studies and soil survey as major petroleum companies owed over KD od before 1990, as many of the indebted per technical, geotechnical and environmental 250 million in unpaid electricity, water, consumers had left the country or live in criteria, quarry delineation and final reports, the KUWAIT: Kuwait Municipality’s Director-General Ahmad Al-Subaih (right) and a company offi- phone, municipality and public property new, untraceable addresses. — Al-Jarida municipality chief noted. — KUNA cial sign the contracts yesterday. —Photo by Yasser Al-Zayyat Kuwaiti, Egyptian justice ministers discuss judicial cooperation Cooperation mulled to combat terrorism

CAIRO: Kuwaiti Minister of Justice extremist ideologies. should be made through the govern- and official levels is a model that and Minister of Awqaf and Islamic During his meeting with Egyptian mental institutions and ministries. He could be followed, he said, adding Affairs Yaacoub Al-Sanea held talks Minister of Islamic Endowments also stressed that Arab countries that Kuwait always looks forward to yesterday with Egyptian Minister of Mohammad Mokhtar Jomaa at the could face challenges and difficulties, further cooperation with Egypt in all Justice Mahfouz Saber Abdul Qadir, headquarters of the ministry in Cairo, saying that “no one in the world can domains. on ways to boost judicial relations. Sanea said that extremist ideology impose its influence on the Arab For his part, Minister Jomaa The meeting dealt with increasing came to the region from abroad and region.” Earlier in the day, Minister thanked Kuwait for equipping the cooperation, experiences and legisla- supported by “unknown” bodies. He Sanea met the Grand Imam of Al- dialysis unit, stressing the impor- tion exchange and ways to counter noted that there is a major coopera- Azhar Sheikh Ahmad Al-Tayyeb and tance of building bridges of coopera- extremism and terrorism, Sanea told tion between Kuwait and Egypt in all discussed a number of topics of com- tion between the two countries at all KUNA. He further stressed the depth domains, notably endowments and mon interest. levels. He at the same time com- of relations between Kuwait and charity work. mended fruitful and constructive Egypt in all fields, particularly in the For his part, Jomaa underlined the Dialysis unit relations between the two countries judicial, administrative and legal significance of forming a solid intel- Also Sunday, Minister Sanea inau- under the wise leadership of them, fields. The meeting was attended by lectual Arab Islamic Front to combat gurated a dialysis unit at Al-Doaah underling the unity of joint destiny. an official of the Kuwaiti embassy in terrorism, referring that cultural salon Hospital; a project sponsored by the The Cairo-based Kuwaiti Office for Cairo. of Endowments in Egypt started Kuwaiti government. On this occa- Charity Projects (KOCP), affiliated renewing of Islamic thought. sion, Minister Sanea stressed in his with Kuwait’s Zakat House, equipped Fighting extremism Jomaa underlined the significant speech the depth of links and solid- the unit dialysis with required med- CAIRO: Kuwaiti Minister of Justice and Minister of Awqaf and Islamic On Sunday, the visiting Kuwaiti of such meetings aiming at exchang- ness of ties of mutual cooperation ical devices in the framework of Affairs Yaacoub Al-Sanea, and Egyptian Minister of Islamic Endowments minister emphasized that the cohe- ing expertise, saying that the between the two countries. cooperation protocol between Mohammad Mokhtar Jomaa pictured during their visit to the dialysis siveness among Arab and Islamic exchange of cultural and scientific Ties of cooperation between Egyptian and Kuwaiti ministries of unit. —KUNA countries will contribute to fighting visits in the field of Islamic Dawa Kuwait and Egypt on both popular endowments. — KUNA LOCAL TUESDAY, DECEMBER 30, 2014 Employee morale higher end of year: Survey Raises best way to show employees end-of-year appreciation DUBAI: The Bayt.com ‘Holidays in the percent of these claim that it doesn’t Middle East and North Africa’ poll, happen every year. 18.5 percent of recently conducted by Bayt.com, the respondents say that they have no end- Middle East’s leading job site, has of-year party due to a lack of money. revealed that employees in the Middle The best end-of-year perk to receive, East and North Africa (MENA) region as stated by 49 percent of respondents, consider office productivity to be higher is a salary raise. 18.9 percent would like a than usual at the end of the year, with cash bonus; 17 percent would like paid 27.7 percent statingthat it’s at’ an all time time off; and 11.3 percent believe an high’, when compared to the rest of the office party is a good perk to end the year. Employee morale is also higher year with. Only 3.7 percent want to KUWAIT: His Highness the Prime Minister Sheikh Jaber Mubarak Al-Hamad Al-Sabah chairs the Cabinet meeting yesterday. — KUNA than the rest of the year according to receive gift cards. 58.9 percent of respondents, with 38.7 Suhail Masri, VP of Sales, Bayt.com, percent claiming it’s at ‘an all time high’. said: “The fact that employee morale is Cabinet briefed on meetings With many employees taking leaves highest at the end of the year is a boon during the holiday season, 93 percent for workplaces - and clearly higher claim that they are expected to be con- morale has an impact on employee pro- with Bahrain, Iraq tactable by their management while on ductivity. It also seems that employees leave. While 45.2 percent state this is in would be most appreciative of thanks in case of emergencies only, 47.8 percent the form of monetary remuneration at say that they are required to stay con- the end of the year. Employers who want Two draft bills approved, referred to parliament tactable at all times. The majority of to build loyalty and trust among their respondents (71.7 percent) believe this employees should tap into this type of KUWAIT: First Deputy Prime Minister and Sabah Al-Khaled informed the cabinet of his talks the Arab Women Organization and Egypt’s to betruer for their colleagues in senior appreciation.” Foreign Minister Sheikh Sabah Khaled Al-Hamad on the sidelines of the Committee meeting with National Council for Women Mervat Tellawi to His management, though 86.5 percent claim Data for the Bayt.com ‘Holidays in the Al-Sabah briefed the cabinet yesterday on the Iraqi President Fuad Masum, Prime Minister Highness the Amir congratulating him on the UN they will continue working while on holi- Middle East and North Africa’ poll was outcome of the preparatory meeting of the 8th Haider Al-Abadi, and other senior officials. honoring, naming him a “Humanitarian Leader” day regardless of their seniority at work. collected online from24 November-14 Joint Higher Committee with Bahrain. Bilateral ties and regional and international top- and Kuwait a “Humanitarian Center,” Minister of More than half (58.2 percent) of December 2014, with 2,773respondents Sheikh Sabah Al-Khaled also offered the ics of common concern featured high on the State for Cabinet Affairs noted. Tellawi also urged respondents state that their company from the UAE, KSA, Kuwait, Qatar, Oman, meeting, held at Seif Palace under chairmanship agenda of these meetings. Kuwait to join the Arab Organization. organizes an end-of-year party to cele- Bahrain, Lebanon, Syria, Jordan, Algeria, of His Highness the Prime Minister Sheikh Jaber The cabinet congratulated His Highness the brate company successes, though 12.5 Egypt, Morocco, and Tunisia. Mubarak Al-Hamad Al-Sabah, an account of his Bills approved Amir and His Highness the Crown Prince Sheikh recent visit to Iraq, Minister of State for Cabinet Meanwhile, the cabinet approved and submit- Nawaf Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah, and the Affairs Sheikh Mohammad Abdullah Al-Mubarak ted to His Highness the Amir Sheikh Sabah Al- Kuwaiti people as well as all Muslims on the Al-Sabah said. Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah two draft bills, to be occasion of Prophet Mohammed’s Birthday, The Kuwaiti-Bahraini Higher Committee, held later referred to the National Assembly, Sheikh falling on Saturday, and also on the new year. It within the framework of the principles and goals Mohammad Abdullah said. prayed for stability, security and peace for Kuwait of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC), focused The first is a decree for issuing the executive and the Arab and the Muslim Nations. on means of bolstering bilateral ties and strategic regulation of law 39/2010 on founding Kuwaiti Yesterday’s meeting discussed the main topics partnership in all fields for the good of the peo- joint stock companies to be tasked with setting on the agenda of the coming National Assembly ples in both. up power stations and water desalination plants. sessions. Reviewing the political developments Foreign Minister has recently led the country’s The other bill is an amendment to article 241 of on the Arab and international scenes, the cabinet delegation to meetings of the 4th Kuwaiti-Iraqi the Kuwait Code of Criminal Procedure 17/1960. congratulated Tunisia’s Beji Caid Essebsi on win- Joint Higher Committee, which discussed means At the beginning of the routine meeting, the ing the presidential race, wishing the country of enhancing bilateral ties on all levels. Sheikh cabinet was informed of a letter from Director of progress, welfare and stability. — KUNA

Kuwaiti-Bahraini military cooperation extolled MANAMA: Kuwaiti Military Attache to included four Kuwaiti graduates saying that Bahrain Major General Brigadier Ali Al-Asaker such gesture had reflects the deep-rooted praised the remarkable military cooperation ties between the two sides. This college con- between Kuwait and Bahrain especially in tributes to the education and training of a improving military capabilities. group of high-level military personnel, thanks Asaker said yesterday that the graduation to its improved academic and military educa- ceremony of cadets at Isa Royal Military tion, in addition to being a distinguished col- College that was held recently under the lege that competes with other prestigious patronage of King Hamad Bin Isa Al-Khalifa, faculties in the same field. — KUNA KUWAIT: First Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Sheikh Sabah Khaled Al-Hamad Al-Sabah received yesterday the creden- tials of the newly-appointed Indonesian Ambassador to Kuwait Tatang Budie Razak, and met with the outgoing South African Ambassador to Kuwait Delarey Van Tonder. Senior foreign ministry officials attended the meetings. — KUNA photos Information Minister emphasizes KUNA’s role

Minister Sheikh Salman Al-Humoud Al-Sabah visits the editorial section. Minister Sheikh Salman Al-Humoud Al-Sabah meeting with KUNA board members. KUWAIT: Minister of Information and Minister of State editorial sector, the backbone of KUNA work. for Youth Affairs Sheikh Salman Sabah Salem Al- Malak also expressed appreciation of the Minister’s Humoud Al-Sabah yesterday emphasized KUNA con- support of the agency’s development. It will serve as an structive role in highlighting the state plans and strate- incentive for all KUNA staff to work harder so that the gies for development. agency can always remain a reliable source of informa- KUNA plays a prominent role on the local, regional tion and news, he said. KUNA Deputy Director General and international levels through persistent efforts by for Editorial Sector Saad Al-Ali expressed gratitude to the agency’s officials, and staff, Sheikh Salman Al- Sheikh Salman Al-Humoud on behalf of the editorial Humoud said. “It is a well-established agency working staff in particular, for his landmark visit. The visit gives hard on developing itself to deliver its media message impetus to all KUNA staff, especially the editorial sector and support the state.” “Together with the agency’s and heads, to work harder on developing their agency, board of directors and staff, we are all working on pro- Al-Ali said. It is also a message of support to KUNA, moting its technical and media potential so that it will which is working hard to deliver an objective account carry on as the accurate and credible source of news in of events. Ali noted that KUNA enjoys a wide network KUWAIT: Minister of Information and Minister our dear Kuwait,” the Minister said. of correspondents worldwide, closely following up the of State for Youth Affairs Sheikh Salman Sheikh Salman Al-Humoud noted that he had a first- world’s news, focusing on issues relevant to Kuwait. In Sabah Salem Al-Humoud Al-Sabah addresses hand experience of how work proceeds in the editorial addition to the newswire and the website, KUNA offers KUNA’s board during a meeting yesterday. sector, the core of KUNA work, and saw for himself the SMSs, audio and other personalized and specialized enormous efforts by the staff in all sector, together with services. It also has official pages on the social network- lined the vast range of freedom offered to the Kuwaiti the overseas offices and reporters. The Minister was ing sites to provide up-to-minute news and information press, which prompts KUNA to exert more efforts to also briefed on KUNA ongoing efforts to upgrade work about the government’s projects, he said. Ali under- convey to the world “Kuwait’s civilized image.” — KUNA at the agency, referring to the formation of a new panel on new and interactive media. During his visit to KUNA, Sheikh Salman Al-Humoud listened to views of the agency’s staff for developing it. He accented in this respect the significant efforts by KUNA Board Chairman and Director General Sheikh Mubarak Al-Duaij Al-Ibrahim Al-Sabah, his two deputies and members of the board.

National role Sheikh Salman Al-Humoud urged state officials to help KUNA play due national role of shedding lights on the government’s tremendous efforts to develop the society and achieve aspired goals. For his part, KUNA’s Acting Director-General Abdulhamid Malak welcomed Sheikh Salman Al- Humoud on behalf of the agency’s staff. “The Minister KUWAIT: A training course on ‘Successful International Experiences in Crisis has offered a host of directives which we consider a Management’ was held on December 21-25 under the patronage and attendance of roadmap for developing KUNA and serving the copious Brigadier Nasser Boresli, Ministry of Interior’s Acting Training Director. Dr Bader march of the Kuwait media,” Malak said. He noted that Malallah, General Manager of the Arab Planning Institute, was also in attendance. the visit would encourage the staff, especially in the Minister Sheikh Salman Al-Humoud Al-Sabah in a group photo with KUNA staff. — KUNA photos LOCAL TUESDAY, DECEMBER 30, 2014 Development plan obstacles discussed at Achievements Forum Two-day event concludes

By Nawara Fattahova as the rate dropped to 4.6 percent,” he explained. According to him, the Kuwaiti KUWAIT: The two-day Achievements labor market depends mainly on the Forum held at the Salwa Al-Sabah Ballroom unqualified marginal workers. “The private concluded yesterday evening with award- sector depends on this manpower, particu- ing the participants. Around 25 public insti- larly in the service sector. There should be tutions and ministries participated in this balance in the demography and a decrease forum that included symposiums, work- in depending on unqualified and unskilled shops and exhibitions organized by the employment. Also, the private sector is not Vision Group. attractive for Kuwaiti employees, as most of This forum showcased models and their activities don’t meet their career experiences of various ministries’ and pri- ambitions,” stressed Tamimi. vate institutions’ achievements. It also shows the role of each institution in realiz- National labor ing the development plan and executing He suggested that the main goal of the projects and needs of this plan. There development should focus on developing were many examples of excellent achieve- the performance of national labor through ments of the participating ministries, which specialized programs to improve their skills reflect their awareness of the development and abilities. “As a result, this will increase plan and its execution. The main goal of the the diversity of our economic capabilities forum was to build a positive vision about and shift from an economy that depends various public institutions and highlight on raw materials to depend on a science the role of the media and social media in Economic expert Amer Al-Tamimi speaks during the symposium yesterday. and knowledge based economy, which affecting people’s lives. nificant goals of Kuwait’s development age of Kuwaiti citizens didn’t reach the tar- caused a boom in many countries,” he plan (2010-2014) were not achieved com- geted figure,” added Tamimi. pointed out. Missing philosophy pletely yet due to the absence of this phi- According to him, the weak spending in The second symposium held yesterday losophy and high expectations,” said Demographic imbalance the development plan was one of the main was titled ‘The Most Important Obstacles of Tamimi. He also spoke about human devel- “The expats are prevailing in our obstacles. “Less than KD 12 billion was Applying the Development Plan’. Economic opment as part of the first development demography, which affects manpower. The spent on the plan, which is one-third of the expert Amer Al-Tamimi noted that there is plan of Kuwait. “The main goal set by the percentage of Kuwaitis in the labor market set amount. Also, there is a marked short- a social and economic philosophy along plan was to restructure demography in in 2008 was only 17 percent. The first devel- age in skilled labor, which all resulted in with the development plan to ensure Kuwait by increasing the Kuwaiti popula- opment plan aimed to increase the per- many of the plan’s project still being in achieving social and economic changes in tion from about 31 percent to 35 percent. centage of Kuwaiti workforce that makes progress. We should focus on education applying the development plan. “This phi- Although this is a humble ambition, it was- up 4.8 percent in the private sector gradu- and human development in the next plan,” losophy is missing in Kuwait. The most sig- n’t achieved by the plan and the percent- ally, while in fact the opposite happened, concluded Tamimi. Govt attention to people with special needs stressed

KUWAIT: Minister of Information and their care to the handicapped, he added. Minister of State for Youth Affairs Sheikh The ministry sets a top priority to this Salman Sabah Salem Al-Humoud Al-Sabah category of society by means of holding said yesterday that the government attach- meetings and gatherings with civil society es much attention to people with special organizations to produce a national study needs so it is eager to incorporate them in on people with special needs, Sheikh society in a scientific manner. Salman Sabah pointed out. Addressing a seminar at the National For his part, the Minister’s Advisor Dr Library of Kuwait on how to provide better Abdulaziz Al-Duaij said the State Ministry care to people with disabilities, the minister for Youth Affairs is keen on the principle of called for diagnosing and developing care partnership and social responsibility in to people with special needs in line with the terms of societal care to young people in world perspective of genuine partnership general. with all society components. This mainly On the seminar, he said it mainly aimed KUWAIT: The Kuwait Dive Team of the Environment Voluntary Foundation recently aims to adopt the best national policy to to effectuate societal responsibility for floated an 18-feet-long that had sunken at Shamlan harbor near the fish market in take care of people with special needs youth care in Kuwait and to monitor the Sharq. Special equipment were used to lift the 1-ton boat afloat. through legislative and executive support, implementation of recommendations the minister said. enshrined in a scientific study conducted by In this regard, the Ministry of State for the ministry on youth care. It is also meant NBK celebrates Shabab Youth Affairs has adopted a set of plans and to highlight the potential and role of gov- blueprints to follow up and conduct ernmental bodies and civil society in the Training Program graduates research studies pertinent to the efforts of development of services and care to young State institutions and establishments on people with disabilities. — KUNA KUWAIT: National Bank of Kuwait (NBK) designed to develop the skills of diploma celebrated the graduation of the sixth holders, and is part of NBK’s strategy to batch of newly hired young Kuwaitis attract young Kuwaitis by offering them a from the new Shabab Training Program. range of career and professional devel- The program is specially designed to opment opportunities. NBK Shabab develop the skills of newly recruited Training Program extends over a period diploma holders as part of NBK’s strategy of two and a half months and is specially to attract and develop young Kuwaitis. tailored to provide trainees with theoreti- NBK organized a special ceremony for cal and practical skills covering the differ- the graduation of the newly hired young ent aspects of the banking industry. Kuwaitis. The ceremony was attended by NBK`s training programs include NBK Emad Ahmed Al-Ablani, NBK General Academy which aims to train and devel- Manager, Human Resources Group, op the professional skills of fresh gradu- Ahmed Khaled Al-Khader, NBK’s Deputy ates, the Summer Internship Program for General Manager, Consumer Banking high school and college students, in Group and Mohammed Khaled Al- addition to professional training and Othman, NBK’s Assistant General development programs especially Manager, Consumer Banking Group designed and provided by world along with senior leaders from the bank. renowned institutions to enhance the Shabab Program is the first initiative skills of the Bank’s young leadership of its kind in the private sector in Kuwait members.

KUWAIT: Minister of Information and Youth Affairs Sheikh Salman Al-Hmoud Al- Sabah (right) speaks during the seminar. — KUNA Kuwait Airways records 12% growth

KUWAIT: Up to 2.1 million pas- sengers have travelled on Kuwait Airways planes over the period from January to November of 2014, the compa- ny’s Acting Director for Sales and Marketing said Mohammad Al-Enezi said yes- A group photo of the graduates with NBK officials. terday. This marks a rise of 12 percent compared to the cor- responding period last year, he Food Choice Co Mohammad Al-Enezi added. Net revenues realized over the 11 months hit KD 144.6 sponsors Horeca million, KD 14.4 million (11 percent) higher than the same KUWAIT: Food Choice Co announced its period in 2013, Enezi told the golden sponsorship of Horeca Kuwait 2015 annual conference for the exhibition to be organized by Leaders Group national carrier’s overseas sta- in cooperation with the Hospitality Services tions. He stressed that Kuwait Company from Jan 19-21 at the Jumeirah Airways achieved the aspired Messila Hotel. Food choice’s CEO Marwan targets despite challenges it Fares said Horeca is an ideal platform for faced, old fleet and retirement exchange of views and ideas between of a numerous staff members over the past two years. experts and specialists to make more According to Enezi, the com- advancements in the hospitality sectors, food pany is adopting a new strategy, and hotel industries. through a private sector vision, Fares said Food Choice Co was established making the best use of market in 2005 to supply Kuwait market with food- tools and flexible plans and stuff of international standards, and gained a polices so that Kuwait Airways good reputation very quickly among its cus- would restore its leading status, tomers due to its keenness to find innovative not only in the region, but solutions and multiple services in hotel spe- worldwide. The strategy focus- cialties, be it for hotels, restaurants or super- Marwan Fares es on linking Kuwait to the markets, in addition to exclusive international guished services with dependence on a high- world’s top economic, trade and products like high-quality meat, raw material ly qualified working team,” Fares said. He said tourist hubs, he said. This signals for making sweets and many types of cheese Food Choice has branches in several coun- a strong bid to develop the coun- and seafood. tries, because its work does not stop at try into a financial, cultural and “Food Choice worked on developing work achieving productivity for the present only, trade center, responding to direc- standards since its establishment with the but also seeks to achieve more success with tives by His Highness the Amir goal of finding solutions for most distin- the interest of the Kuwaiti consumer as its Sheikh Sabah Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber guished professionals to extend distin- Al-Sabah. — KUNA main goal. TUESDAY, DECEMBER 30, 2014 LOCAL

In my view The new environmental law Corruption

By Labeed Abdal

[email protected]

he Environment Public Authority announced recently that it began executing law number 42/2014 with Tregards to environmental protection in Kuwait. The law includes punishments ranging between fines, jail time and even capital punishment for those who import nuclear waste into the country. The law in my opinion signifies an important step towards firmness in protecting the society - a duty that we all share simply because we all live in the same environ- ment. While the punishments might seem harsh - including fines that reach up to KD 1 million for crimes pertaining with nuclear waste - I believe that such firmness is required when it comes to matters that directly affect public safety. The law protects endangered species in Kuwait, as well as natural reserves and the environment at Kuwait Bay. It includes plans that take care of environmental strategies, including the Gulf environmental strategies, and establishing an environmental police force to enforce the law. This approach deserves to receive a lot of awareness and support. Meanwhile, we must teach our children the importance of protecting our environment. When you instill these basic teachings in people’s minds, this will provide insurances for environmental protection when they grow up. Another good thing about this law is that it is compatible with older laws pertaining with the environment. Establishing Al-Jarida an environmental police is good, but it is important that it is executed firmly. Furthermore, I believe that this step needs to be complemented by establishing an environmental court, kuwait digest where trials regarding environmental violations can take place, and verdicts can be handed out accordingly. Furthermore, the court will help allow defendants appeal cas- A dentist killed es, especially when it comes to severe punishments in which they are required to pay large fines. By Dr Hassan Jouhar

kuwait digest ears ago, a political joke went around turned out to be a fugitive Iranian with a crimi- Yes, indeed. That is how the West handles about a green light given by the US presi- nal record full of murders and sexual harass- Arabs feelings and disasters. One cannot even A leaf falls, Ydent to the Israeli PM to liquidate the ment. In other words, he was a loony! exclude the possibility that Western govern- Palestinian people without the world noticing Despite the tragic killing of innocent civilians ments in Europe and US are actually the ones a vine grows the magnitude of the crime. The Israeli PM by a nutcase, the news roused the whole world behind creating, magnifying and financially, asked how he could do that and the US presi- and IS was inaccurately accused of committing politically and logistically supporting IS to serve By Arwa Al-Waqian dent said that news headlines about it would it while the real crimes actually committed by IS executing their schemes for the region. They have to read: “100,000 Arabs and a dentist have used those terrorists to serve their own hen a leaf from our life tree falls, it may grow killed”. He told him everybody would be very interests and never realized their danger until more roses in our life’s garden than we ever curious to learn how the dentist was killed with- However, the crisis end- they turned into a global goblin threatening Wexpected. Some of us may stop for long to out paying any attention to the annihilation of even them right in the middle of their countries, mourn that leaf and completely stop living. Others may 100,000 Arabs! ed when security forces even in the slightest forms. show more gratitude to Allah’s destiny and go on work- It seems that this media strategy has proved broke into the café, This is not the only conspiracy plotted by the ing harder and harder even though they may have not effective and turned into reality after all. Days US and its sister countries in the Arab region, yet received due appreciation or reward for such work, ago, an armed Muslim carrying a gun and a killing the kidnapper because ever since World War II, Western and but they go on, acting, dreaming and achieving things. black flag barged into a Sydney café in Australia American policies have been nothing but a Those who weep and regret those leaves falling off where he held a number of customers as and two of the innocent series of crimes and scandals ripping off Arab their lives in autumn forget that three more seasons hostages, whom he threatened to kill. The news hostages they killed by peoples’ bonds through the Zionist entity, the are yet to come. A year does not include only one sea- dominated all Western media, which rushed to so-called borders where lots of blood was shed son. Those who stand by watching others’ achieve- provide live coverage of the story that rocked mistake, of course. or through tyrant rulers who were strongly sup- ments will always be sorry and angry at their success. the whole world. Thousands of political analyses ported to oppress their peoples. They would always be disgruntled with others’ good were made by reporters, terrorism experts and IS is nothing but a new criminal tool and they luck. But have you ever done anything to make your officials who all warned of the arrival of IS to in the Arab world leaving over 100,000 Arabs still have so many alternatives. However, it seems dreams come true? Do you really think that nagging Australia to spread later on to all Western capi- killed that have been systematically and atro- that our ‘Western bosses’ enjoy a great deal of and whimpering will get you what you aspire for?! tals and Washington. ciously going on seem to attract no Western political stupidity and are blinded by hate Some people only speak while others act and a However, the crisis ended when security media attention. Not a single Western tear was because their ‘spells always turn up against them’ third party may speak and act at the same time. The forces broke into the café, killing the kidnapper shed for beheading helpless little children, rap- and they never learn. So, how many dentists will choice is yours, but remember it is only you who can and two of the innocent hostages they killed by ing their moms or eating their dads’ hearts and have to be killed before they wake and reason? make your dreams come true. The world is not as rosy mistake, of course. Later on, the ‘dentist’ killed livers! —Translated by Kuwait Times from Al-Jarida as a baby’s attire or as colorful as rainbows you watch in the sky. Those beautiful colors do not form easily - they can only be formed by you. Learn this well because life is a great tutor, if only you listen to it and kuwait digest manage to hear the echo of your mistakes so that you can avoid them later. It is OK if we had good intentions towards people Thank you Nabil Al-Fadhl who let us down. We will never regret good intentions, yet it would be stupidity to carry on such good inten- tions towards both people who return our kindness By Dr Shamlan Al-Essa with rudeness. People who cover us with their kindness despite our short acquaintance with them are like a e thank the distinguished member of an actual voting force, so the extremists pre- Coptic brothers in Egypt and Levant Christians rainy night falling on deserts desperately yearning for a parliament who has national and sented a law that limited naturalization to in Syria, Iraq, Lebanon and Palestine. few drops of water, that get watered by heavy, hearten- Whumanitarian sense, Nabil Al-Fadhl, Muslims only to prevent naturalization of dis- Terrorist groups prosecute all those who dif- ing rain because ‘good’ still exists in this world. for his proposal against what was added to the tinguished competent Christians. fer with them, whether Muslims or non- For those who lost our company, it is OK; you still nationality law in 1981 which bans the natural- Fadhl’s submission of his progressive pro- Muslims, and so the Islamic State (Daesh) vent- have time to realize your loss, but we do not have ization of our Christian brothers. The nationali- posal revealed the false claims of patriotism ed all its anger against the Christians of Levant much time for you to re-win our friendship. Days go by ty law, after its amendment by political Islam and progression of those who voted in favor of and Iraq and resorted to killing many of them and you are still foolishly clinging to some arrogance groups in the Assembly along with some tribal and displaced the rest out of their historic and pride preventing you from apologizing for your and national powers, bans the naturalization areas in Syria. The Pope appealed to Arab and treachery, misunderstanding and slandering. We will of non-Muslims, and this law contradicts the Fadhl’s submission of Muslim countries to care for the Christians of go on living, losing some and winning some. We will constitution and its articles no. 7, 9 and 35, the east, because they, as good citizens, want go on fighting, losing some rounds, winning some and which we do not have room to mention here. his progressive proposal to live in peace and love in their own coun- getting even in some others. We will go on striving and Fadhl said that those who presented this tries. achieving dreams, and even if they do not come true, shameful law in 1981 are MPs who do not revealed the false claims It is regretful and shameful for Arab leaders we will never neglect them. deserve the oath they took, and considered in general and Gulf leaders in particular not to Dreams and aspirations are the lanterns of hope in a of patriotism and pro- the existence of such a shameful article in the realize the importance of the Christian pres- life that seems so much like an arena with two gression of those who wrestlers in it where survival is sometimes, and only law as not part of Kuwaiti conduct. ence among us. The multiplicity of sects, sometime, for the ‘most cunning’ because good deeds The initiative of the respected MP comes at voted in favor of this creeds and religions in any society is an ele- will ultimately repay you no matter how cruel this a key time because Christians of the Arab east ment of strength for any state that seeks world may seem. Some people have angelic hearts and are facing all types of insults and sieges. We do shameful law in 1981. advancement and development, and that is help make this cruel world a better place to live in. So, not exaggerate when we say that they are the why the United States, Canada, Australia, and wish you many happy returns with your hearts as love most educated group in the Kuwaiti society. South Africa flourished because of the diversi- gardens full of hope! They are as citizens loyal to their country and this shameful law in 1981. If the constitutional ty and variety of the society components in a Final remark: Kuwait could have been a touristic you do not hear them complain or demand court restores esteem to our Christian brothers civil, constitutional and legal state. destination if it were not for the retarded laws that their rights and to be fair with them like the in Kuwait, Kuwait and its National Assembly Finally, we hope that Fadhl pays attention to made even its citizens abandon it because it is a joy- rest of society members. There is a deliberate will be pioneers in halting the ferocious and other unconstitutional laws that were passed expelling country where all statements urge people negligence of Christian national competen- unjust campaign against Christians in the Arab by previous assemblies such as the nationality not to celebrate new year’s eve or any other occasion cies, as we did not hear about the appoint- east. Christians are older than Muslims in the law, higher education organization, establish- to avoid trouble. Oh, yes indeed. Kuwait will turn into a ment anyone of them in higher state posts or Arab world, and despite this, they are under a ment of private universities, elections, print great economic and financial hub in view of the falling give ministerial positions to their competent ferocious attack by political Islam groups such and publication, and gender cross-dressing. oil prices, lack of tourism and other resources. people, and the reason is very clear - as a as the Brotherhood, Salafists, Hezbollah and May Allah grant you a healthy life. —Translated by Kuwait Times from Al-Jarida minority in the society, and they do not form others. These fundamentalist groups chase our —Translated by Kuwait Times from Al-Watan TUESDAY, DECEMBER 30, 2014

Mayor to speak at NYPD Journalists jailed in Egypt seek end to ordeal graduation amid tensions Page 8 Page 9

BARI: Survivors of the ferry “Norman Atlantic” are helped by rescuers as they disembark from the ship “Siprit of Piraeus” after arriving in the harbor of Bari, southern Italy yesterday. — AFP Greek ferry fire death toll rises to 7 Passengers recount terror on blaze-hit ferry

BARI: Survivors of a disaster in which a car ferry caught fire panic which the crew appeared ill-prepared to deal with. investigation which will seek to establish whether negli- “I ran out. I looked out for a lifejacket but I could not find in a heaving Adriatic Sea yesterday described a terrifying One of the first passengers off in Bari told reporters he gence contributed to the disaster. The Italian owner of the one,” he told Greek newspaper Ethnos.Athina Pappas, a ordeal that could easily have claimed far more lives. had thought he was going to die as parts of the boat boat, Carlo Visentini, said he would cooperate fully. He Greek journalist who was travelling with her husband, The death toll from the disaster rose to seven with the became engulfed by thick smoke as the ferry was travelling insisted that the vessel, which was leased to Greek operator added: “Everyone was consumed by panic and nobody was discovery of two more bodies soon after the 24-hour opera- from Greece from Italy. ANEK ferries, had passed a technical inspection which telling us what we had to do.” tion to evacuate the stricken Norman Atlantic was complet- included its firedoors on December 19. The Italian navy and coastguard worked through the ed in the early afternoon. ‘Lifeboats did not work’ Teodora Douli, the wife of a Greek passenger who died night trying to get people off a boat that was being buffet- Ship captain Argilio Giacomazzi, 62, upheld centuries of “We did not know what to do. The staff had no idea how on Sunday, described how she watched her husband die in ed by powerful, bitingly cold winds and huge waves. maritime tradition by ensuring he was the last man off, to get people off the boat,” he said. “The lifeboats did not front of her after they ended up in the water. Despite their efforts, more than 200 people were still handing over to Italian navy officers at 2:50 pm (1350 GMT). work, there was only one of them in the water and none of “We spent four hours in the water,” she said Monday. “I onboard at dawn, having spent 24 hours exposed to the His conduct was in marked contrast to that of the last the crew were there to help people.” tried to save him but I couldn’t. We are dying, we’re dying, elements in fear of their lives. Italian sea captain to make global headlines, Francesco The evacuation was completed nearly 36 hours after a he told me. The ship, which was travelling from Patras in western Schettino, the Costa Concordia skipper currently on trial for fire broke out on the car deck and left the huge vessel drift- “I watched my husband die,” she added in an interview Greece to Ancona in Italy, started drifting because the fire manslaughter abandoning a sinking cruise liner on which ing dangerously in high seas off the coast of Albania. with the Italian news agency ANSA at the hospital she was put its steering system out of action. 32 people died in January 2012. With a second navy boat at the scene and able to pro- helicoptered to. “He was bleeding through his nose, per- A flotilla of merchant, coastguard and military ships from Wrapped in blankets and with many of them sporting vide a landing deck for helicopters, the pace of the evacua- haps because he banged his head on the side of the ship.” Greece, Italy and Albania were involved in the rescue bandages, 49 of the 478 passengers and crew who were on tion accelerated significantly on Monday. efforts. board the ferry when it caught fire shortly after dawn on With the evacuation complete, questions began to be ‘No lifejackets’ Some of the rescued passengers displayed mild symp- Sunday disembarked from a merchant ship at the Italian asked about how the fire started and why it was not con- Other evacuees were flown to the Greek island of Corfu, toms of hypothermia but doctors treating the evacuees port of Bari. tained. where lorry driver Fotis Santakidis described how the smell indicated that they were mainly dealing with shock and They and other evacuees told how the fire triggered Bari prosecutor Giuseppe Volpe announced a criminal of the smoke from the fire had woken him in his cabin. trauma. — AFP In crowded skies, lost plane’s request for new path denied

SURABAYA: The plane sought permission to climb tion is in the sea, and that the hypothesis is the Search and rescue crews were looking for the above threatening clouds. Air traffic control plane is at the bottom of the sea,” Indonesia search plane with at least 15 ships, seven aircraft and four couldn’t say yes immediately - there was no room. and rescue chief Henry Bambang Soelistyo said. helicopters, national search and rescue spokesman Six other commercial airliners were crowding the Search officials did, however, plan to expand their Jusuf Latif said. Most are Indonesian but Singapore, surrounding airspace, forcing AirAsia Flight 8501 to search efforts onto land today. Malaysia and Australia have contributed planes, remain at a lower altitude. The last communication from the cockpit to air and a ship and aircraft from Thailand were awaiting Minutes later, the jet carrying 162 people was traffic control was a request by one of the pilots to clearance from Indonesia’s Foreign Ministry. gone from the radar. No distress signal was issued. increase altitude from 32,000 feet (9,754 meters) to Those numbers do not include Indonesian war- It is believed to have crashed into Indonesia’s Java 38,000 feet (11,582 meters) because of the rough ships taking part in the search. Many fishermen Sea on Sunday morning, but exactly what hap- weather. The tower was not able to immediately from Belitung island also have joined in, and all pened - and whether the plane’s flight path played comply because of the other planes, said Bambang vessels in that area of the sea have been alerted to any role - won’t be determined until after the air- Tjahjono, director of the state-owned company in be on the lookout for anything that could be linked craft is found. charge of air-traffic control. to the plane. Broad aerial surveys yesterday spotted two oily Sarjono Joni, a former pilot with a state-run Jakarta’s air force base commander, Rear patches and objects in separate locations, but it’s Indonesian carrier, said the usual course of action Marshal Dwi Putranto, said an Australian Orion air- unknown whether any of it is related to the missing when planes run into rough weather is to veer craft had detected “suspicious” objects near an Airbus A320-200. either left or right. A request to climb would most island about 100 miles (160 kilometers) off central The plane left Surabaya, Indonesia, but van- likely come if the plane was experiencing heavy Kalimantan. That’s about 700 miles (1,120 kilome- ished halfway into what should have been a two turbulence or otherwise causing serious passenger ters) from the location where the plane lost con- hour hop to Singapore. Officials yesterday saw little discomfort, he said. tact, but within Monday’s greatly expanded search reason to believe the flight met anything but a He added that heavy traffic is not unusual for area. “However, we cannot be sure whether it is grim fate. any given airspace. The twin-engine, single-aisle part of the missing AirAsia plane,” Putranto said. SURABAYA: Family members of passengers onboard the missing Malaysian air carrier “Based on the coordinates that we know, the plane was last seen on radar four minutes after the “We are now moving in that direction, which is in AirAsia flight QZ8501 attend a briefing inside the crisis-centre at Juanda evaluation would be that any estimated crash posi- final communication from the cockpit. cloudy conditions.” — AP International Airport in Surabaya yesterday. — AFP p8_Layout 1 12/29/14 9:10 PM Page 1

TUESDAY, DECEMBER 30, 2014 INTERNATIONAL

Palestinians to submit resolution for UN statehood bid

RAMALLAH: Palestinians plan to sub- pushing for a less stringent timeline that “The draft resolution calls for the Bank. A Palestinian draft, submitted to hood, would only deepen the decades- mit a final draft of a statehood resolu- might win broader support. “Today the resumption of negotiations to solve all the Security Council by Jordan on Dec. old conflict. It supports negotiations but tion to the United Nations yesterday Arab group will meet in New York, and final status issues by no later than 12 17, had called for Jerusalem to be the rejects third-party timelines. calling for a peace deal with Israel within we will submit the original draft resolu- months after the adoption of the resolu- shared capital of Israel and a Palestinian “We will continue to rebuff vigorous- a year and an end to occupation of tion to the Security Council hoping to tion and ensures the end of the Israeli state. ly attempts to force terms that would Palestinian territories by the end of conclude the vote by tomorrow or the occupation that began in 1967 will The final proposal reverts to a harder jeopardise our security,” Israeli Prime 2017, officials said. day after,” senior Palestinian official Saeb come no later than the end of 2017,” the line, saying only that East Jerusalem will Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, referring Palestinian President Mahmoud Erekat told Reuters. Palestine Liberation Organisation said. be the capital of Palestine, the officials to the Palestinian U.N. bid, said in public Abbas informed US Secretary of State Palestinian officials said the proposal “It calls for two sovereign, democratic said. It also calls for an end to Israeli set- remarks to his cabinet on Sunday. John Kerry by phone that he would calls for negotiations to be based on the and secure states, Palestine and Israel.” tlement building in the West Bank and Nine Security Council votes are press ahead with the initiative despite territorial lines that existed before Israel Israel, which pulled troops and settlers East Jerusalem. needed to adopt a resolution, which Israeli and US opposition, the official captured the West Bank, East Jerusalem out of the Gaza Strip in 2005, has said its Israel has said a Security Council vote, would then force the United States, Palestinian WAFA news agency reported. and Gaza Strip in the 1967 Middle East eastern border would be indefensible if which follows the collapse in April of Israel’s closest ally, to decide whether Several European countries had been war. it withdrew completely from the West U.S.-brokered talks on Palestinian state- to veto it. — Reuters Car bomb near Syria gas plant kills eight BEIRUT: A car bomb exploded near a gas recaptured the Shaer gas field in central plant in Syria’s Homs province yesterday Homs province, a week after IS fighters had killing eight people, including four soldiers, overran parts of the installation. and wounding 15, a monitoring group said. IS killed some 350 regime troops and The jihadist Islamic State (IS) group loyalist militiamen, as well as gas plant claimed responsibility for the attack and workers, during its bid to take over Shaer. said the two bombers were killed. State Elsewhere in Syria, the Observatory said news agency SANA confirmed the attack the number of IS members killed in fighting but claimed regime troops captured the against Kurdish forces in the flashpoint bombers. town of Kobane on Sunday had risen to 18. “Eight people were killed in a car bomb Another two IS suicide attackers also attack on a checkpoint guarding the Firqlos died, as did 10 members of the Kurdish gas plant in Homs province, and 15 others People’s Protection Units (YPG), the British- were wounded. Four of the dead were based monitor said. regime troops,” said the Syrian Observatory The jihadists launched a major offensive for Human Rights. in mid-September to try to capture SANA, quoting a military source, said Kobane, and at one point controlled more “guards captured the two terrorists who than half of the town, known in Arabic as detonated the pick-up truck at the Ain al-Arab. entrance to the plant while they were try- But backed by US-lead coalition ing to flee.” airstrikes on IS positions, Kurdish forces IS meanwhile claimed the two men, have regained control of several neigh- both Moroccan, had died. The jihadists bourhoods. Coalition aircraft struck IS tar- have targeted oil and gas facilities in Iraq gets in Kobane on Sunday night, the and Syria as the group seeks funds for its Observatory said. fight to seize territory for a self-proclaimed More than 1,000 people are reported to Islamic “caliphate”. In November, Syrian have been killed in the battle for the town, troops backed by pro-regime militiamen most of them jihadists. — AFP Gaza’s children struggle to overcome nightmares of war CAIRO: In this Monday, March 31, 2014 file photo, Al-Jazeera English producer Baher Mohamed, left, Canadian-Egyptian acting Cairo bureau GAZA CITY: Muntasser survived an Israeli says the father. chief Mohammed Fahmy, center, and correspondent Peter Greste, right, appear in court along with several other defendants during their trial strike on Gaza this summer which killed his “What if he were to try and kill one of his on terror charges, in Cairo, Egypt. A year after three Al-Jazeera English journalists were arrested in Egypt, they and their families are pleading young brother and three cousins. Five classmates?” Suddenly Muntasser begins to for justice and an end to their ordeal. — AP months and a suicide attempt later the speak, his eyes fixed on the floor. “I don’t Palestinian boy remains haunted by the want to go to school. Before, I used to go memory. with Zakaria, he helped me spell my name. Just a week into the deadly 50-day July- Now he’s dead,” says the boy. Journalists jailed in August war, two Israeli missiles slammed “I don’t want to do anything, I just want into a beach in Gaza City where Muntasser to get a Kalashnikov and kill them all to Bakr, 11, was playing football with relatives. avenge Zakaria and my cousins,” he shouts. Four of them, all aged between nine and For a few seconds the boy is silent before Egypt seek end to ordeal 11, were killed. Muntasser, like countless saying how he dreams of them each night. other children in the embattled Gaza Strip, “I dream that I am holding them in my now faces a personal battle to overcome arms. I will never go to the beach again Court of Cassation to hear appeal on Thursday the trauma and psychological damage because that’s where they died.” caused by the violence. The fighting, which CAIRO: A year after three Al-Jazeera English several months earlier of Islamist President lasted for six weeks after the beach strike, A normal life? journalists were arrested in Egypt, they and their Mohammed Morsi. Authorities accused Al- killed nearly 2,200 Palestinians and wound- Health professional Samir Zaqqut says families are pleading for justice and an end to Jazeera of acting as a mouthpiece for Morsi’s ed more than 10,000. the children of Gaza have been too trauma- their ordeal. Brotherhood and threatening national security. In the densely-populated coastal tised to live a normal life. “The memories The unprecedented arrest and prosecution of enclave, where more than half of the 1.8 they have acquired during the war are Australian Peter Greste, Egyptian-Canadian Political dispute million population is aged 14 and under, harsh and impossible to erase.” Mohammed Fahmy and Egyptian Baher The station denied the accusations and said children paid a terrible price. More than “They have all undergone successive Mohammed sent a chill through the media in the journalists were doing their job, covering 500 children were killed-around a third of shocks and continuous traumas,” he tells Egypt. They were detained in a raid on suspicion protests by Morsi’s supporters. The defendants them 12 and under and they made up AFP. “After three wars in six years, how can of helping the Muslim Brotherhood, which the say they were pawns in bitter political dispute more than a quarter of the wounded. these children live a normal life?” Coping government later declared a terrorist organiza- between Egypt and Qatar over the latter’s back- The UN children’s fund, UNICEF, says with the flashbacks, nightmares and severe tion, and were sentenced to between seven and ing of the Brotherhood. In past weeks, however, hundreds of thousands remain in desper- anxiety is made even harder by the lack of 10 years in prison in a trial that most observers Egypt’s Gulf patrons - led by Saudi Arabia - ate need of psychological help to over- mental health clinics and professionals called a politicized sham that lacked any evi- reached a reconciliation agreement with Qatar come the long-term mental health damage working in the battered territory, Zaqqut dence to incriminate the journalists of anything to end their feud, also bringing a thaw in Cairo the war caused. says. beyond doing their job. and Doha’s relations. “Since the incident, Muntasser has been When the fighting ended in August, Egypt’s Court of Cassation begins hearing In one likely sign of the reconciliation, Al- receiving treatment from a mental health Kamela Abu Hadaf discovered that all five their appeal on Thursday. A recent reconciliation Jazeera shut down its Egypt affiliate, Al-Jazeera centre,” says his 55-year-old father, Ahed of her children had began wetting the bed- between Egypt and Qatar - the tiny Gulf nation Mubasher Misr, which dedicated its coverage to Bakr. “If his appointment is delayed, or he a common symptom of stress and anxiety. that owns the Al-Jazeera news network and is a Egypt and in particular to its Islamists, angering gets his medications late-even by just 10 “I don’t know what to do to help them,” strong backer of the Brotherhood - has raised the Cairo government. That has raised specula- minutes-you can’t control him.” the 45-year-old mother tells AFP. “During speculation that a solution is in the works that tion that Egypt could respond by freeing the Al- the war, they were completely terrorised, could lead to the journalists’ release. Jazeera journalists, either through the courts or ‘In another world’ but we adults were also afraid so we But their families are taking nothing for through a pardon from President Abdel-Fattah Bakr, who lost his nine-year-old son weren’t able to reassure them.” granted. “It’s a very anxious time,” Greste’s moth- el-Sissi. Zakaria in the beach strike, looks on wor- Today, her children are receiving some CAIRO: Marwa Omara, the fiancee of Al- er, Lois, told The Associated Press in Cairo. “We “The recent Saudi-brokered reconciliation riedly as Muntasser silently chews his nails. help from a group of German doctors who Jazeera English journalist Egyptian-Canadian are biting our nails. And the next three days are between Egypt and Qatar should reflect posi- “He becomes extremely violent, he breaks hold counselling sessions with them. Mohammed Fahmy, speaks during an inter- going to be pretty tough. We will get there. We tively on our appeal hearing on New Year day everything and then he starts banging his Raghda Ahmed also worries about her view with The Associated Press in Cairo, just hope so much that everything sorts itself considering the political nature of our shameful head against the walls. He even tried to eight-year-old son Wissam. “Since the war, Egypt, yesterday. —AP out on January 1.” trial,” Fahmy said in a message to the AP, throw himself off the roof.” he won’t leave me alone any more, not She and Greste’s father, Juris, were in the acquired through his family. ary, not in people and not in lawyers.” “With all As well as trying to take his own life, even for a minute. He says: ‘Stay with me so Egyptian capital to attend the appeal’s opening - Fahmy also praised the support his case has the reconciliation talk, we don’t know what it Muntasser has also attacked relatives. “The if the planes bomb us again we will die and maybe return home with their son. “We gotten through his colleagues in various parts of means for them,” she said. “No one said anything other day, we found him trying to hang his together’,” says the 30-year-old. “Often I have spent enough time in Egypt, in Cairo, to the world. Over 140,000 people have shared about a pardon. No one (official in Egypt) said cousins,” his father says, his hands fiddling stay with him even at school.” have learned not to react to expectations and their support with the journalists in a social anything. I won’t believe anything until it hap- restlessly with a packet of pills. Wissam suddenly interrupts his mother: rumors and talk,” his father, Juris Greste, said. “We media campaign with the Hashtag pens.” Since the bombing, Muntasser is “in “But why do we go to school and study? We will only be certain of anything when we can #journalismIsNotACrime. The case was an escalation of a crackdown on another world” and refuses to go to school, will only be killed in the next war.” — AFP embrace Peter and, as I have said before, when journalists in Egypt in general following Morsi’s we are at 30,000 feet in a civilian aircraft in direc- Crackdown on journalists ouster. There are at least 12 other Egyptian jour- tion to home.” “My one year unjust imprisonment has nalists arrested since last year who are still Greste, an award winning journalist, has dis- become much more bearable knowing our behind bars, facing various charges including tracted himself from the nerve-wracking wait by cause to report freely and safely has transcend- participating in protests or using violence, said immersing himself in studies, his mother said - ed into a global uprising against those world Mohammed Lotfy, a rights campaigner in Egypt he began an international studies post-graduate leaders who muzzle, kill and imprison journal- who observed the trial for Amnesty program in jail. ists,” Fahmy said. International. Greste, Fahmy - who was Al-Jazeera English’s For Baher Mohammed’s wife, no sign is clear “The case had a strong impact on journalism Cairo bureau chief - and Baher, a producer, were enough. She is only praying her 4-month child - in Egypt because it was a clear message to jour- arrested in a Dec. 29, 2013, raid on the Cairo born while his father was in jail - can get to know nalists that there is no absolute freedoms to deal hotel room they were using as an office. The his father. with issues which the government may consider arrest came as the government was cracking “These three days are nerve-wracking,” she a threat to the official narrative regarding what down on Islamists following the military’s ouster said. “I only have hope in God. Not in the judici- happened” after Morsi’s ouster, he said. —AP

‘Qaeda’ ambush on Yemeni general kills two soldiers

ADEN: Two Yemeni soldiers were killed and 11 to Al-Qaeda. The attacks come a day after a simi- strongest in the south and southeast of the wounded yesterday when Al-Qaeda militants lar bombing targeted the commander of the impoverished country, but AQAP has also ambushed a regional army chief in southeastern 31st Armoured Battalion, General Farej al-Atiqi, launched attacks in the capital itself. In other Hadramawt province, a military official said. in the southern city of Aden. unrest, a bomb planted in the car of Ali al-Sharif, “Members of Al-Qaeda” set an ambush for the Atiqi escaped unharmed but his driver was a prominent Shiite Huthi chief in Marib, east of convoy of General Abdulrahman al-Hulaili, the killed and two bodyguards were wounded. Sanaa, killed his son and a bodyguard, a local head of the First Military Region, the official told Security forces are often the targets of attacks official said. AFP. They detonated explosives planted on the blamed on Al-Qaeda in the Arabian Peninsula, Yemen has been rocked by instability since roadside and opened fire as the convoy passed, which the United States regards as the deadliest the Shiite fighters, who are also known as but Hulaili escaped unscathed, the official branch of the global extremist network. Ansarullah, seized control of Sanaa on GAZA CITY: Hamas security forces take part in a parade in Gaza City yesterday, mark- added. In central Baida city, two gunmen on a AQAP has exploited the weakened central September 21. The Huthis have since expanded ing the sixth anniversary of the three-week Israeli offensive on the Gaza Strip in motorbike shot dead intelligence officer Nasser authority in Yemen since the 2012 departure of their presence in central and western Yemen, which more than a thousand Palestinians were killed between the late 2008 and ear- al-Wahishi, a local authority official said, adding president Ali Abdullah Saleh following a year- but have met fierce resistance from Sunni tribes ly 2009. — AFP that the assailants were suspected of belonging long popular uprising. The group’s presence is and Al-Qaeda. — AFP” TUESDAY, DECEMBER 30, 2014 INTERNATIONAL

China looking at deal with US to recover dirty assets

BEIJING: China is looking at signing an groups say authorities use torture and Ministry’s legal assistance and foreign Australia are popular destinations for ill- Gu Yuanxu, brother-in-law of a one-time agreement with the United States to tar- the death penalty is common in corrup- affairs department. gotten assets, the paper said. senior aide to former President Hu get assets illegally taken out of China by tion cases. The state-run China Daily said “After the agreements are made, But legal problems have prevented Jintao. The influential Caixin magazine corrupt officials, a newspaper said yes- the central People’s Bank of China was China will share intelligence with the US China from getting these assets back, reported Gu had “been taken away terday, as the government tightens the talking to the US Treasury Department’s and Australia, which will also offer infor- Zhang said. “Although the US Federal recently for investigation” but it did not screws in its anti-graft battle. Financial Crimes Enforcement Network mation to their enforcement agencies to Bureau of Investigation or Australian say what for. The Communist Party China has vowed to pursue a search, about an agreement targeting ill-gotten conduct further investigations,” Zhang police have traced the assets and col- announced a week ago that the brother- dubbed Operation “Fox Hunt,” beyond its assets in the United States. told the English-language paper. lected enough evidence to identify them in-law, Ling Jihua, was under investiga- borders for corrupt officials and business China is set to finalise a similar deal “Once law enforcement officers in the as ill-gotten gains, they are unable to tion for corruption. Gu is deputy director executives, and their assets. But Western with Canada, Chinese state media US and Australia identify illegal funds, take immediate measures to freeze and of the public security bureau in countries have balked at extradition reported this month. The central bank they will immediately initiate judicial confiscate them due to the lack of asset Heilongjiang province. An official at the deals with China, partly out of concern was also looking at a deal with Australia, procedures to freeze and confiscate restraining orders from the Chinese bureau said she “was not clear” about about the integrity of its judicial system the China Daily said, citing Zhang those criminal proceeds in their coun- courts.” The latest senior figure to be the news and it was not possible to con- and treatment of prisoners. Rights Xiaoming, deputy head of the Finance tries.” The United States, Canada and caught up in the anti-corruption drive is tact Gu. —Reuters Pakistan says ‘Homeland’ insulting to terror fight

ISLAMABAD: The latest season of US TV where the military and intelligence estab- spy drama “Homeland” is ruffling feathers lishment wields huge power. In 2013 among Pakistani officials who are unhappy Pakistani movie distributors boycotted at the unflattering portrayal of the coun- “Zero Dark Thirty”, the Oscar-winning try’s powerful spy agencies. movie about the CIA’s 10-year hunt for Season four of the hit series starring Osama bin Laden, to avoid offending local Claire Danes as troubled CIA agent Carrie sensibilities. Mathison revolves around feared Taleban Pakistan was humiliated by the 2011 US group the Haqqani network and Pakistan’s special forces raid that found and killed bin top spy agency Inter-Services Intelligence Laden in his hideout-a stone’s throw from (ISI). an elite military academy in the northern A Pakistani official told AFP on Sunday town of Abbottabad. that the show “insulted” the country’s secu- Around the same time in early 2013, rity personnel by suggesting the ISI pro- local cable distributors blocked transmis- tected militants at the expense of its citi- sion of the first season of “Homeland”. zens. Hotiana echoed the criticism made by Pakistani cable networks have refused many Pakistanis about inaccuracies in the to screen “Homeland” from its first season fourth season of the show, such as charac- onwards, saying it is against the country’s ters speaking the wrong language or wear- “national interest”. But it is unusual for an ing the wrong clothes. official to comment on a fictional TV show “In addition to the fact that the show in such forthright terms. projects and reinforces stereotypes about “Repeated insinuations that an intelli- the US and Pakistan... it is also important to gence agency of Pakistan is complicit in point out factual errors in the production of protecting the terrorists at the expense of this show,” Hotiana said. innocent Pakistani civilians is not only “A little research would have gone a absurd but also an insult to the ultimate long way in correctly portraying the cul- sacrifices of the thousands of Pakistani ture, language, people and landscape of security personnel in the war against ter- the city/country.” Replying to a question rorism,” Nadeem Hotiana, press attache at Hotiana said Pakistan officially complained NEW YORK: File photo shows New York City Mayor-elect Bill de Blasio, left, arriving with his family Chiara de Blasio, second from left, Dante de Pakistan’s embassy in Washington told AFP. to Homeland’s broadcaster and other offi- Blasio, center right, Chirlane McCray to take the oath of office on the steps of City Hall in New York. Mayor Bill de Blasio iswinding down his first Criticism of the ISI is taboo in Pakistan, cials but did not get a response. — AFP year in office, which saw success at fulfilling many of his liberal campaign promises. — AP Police boss urges more Mayor to speak at NYPD dialogue, less rhetoric graduation amid tensions NEW YORK: New York City’s police com- credit for the symbolic protest, and its missioner called for a “lot less rhetoric and a head, Patrick Lynch, repeatedly dodged lot more dialogue” to defuse the tension reporters’ attempts to ask about it after between police officers and the population Ramos’ funeral. NYC mayor’s first year in office they protect. It was not clear if officers planned to Commissioner William Bratton, speaking turn their backs on de Blasio again at the NEW YORK: Mayor Bill de Blasio will be sending a York Police Department, yet also defend the rights what they have lost,” he said last week. “I think that’s on NBC’s “Meet The Press” Sunday, a day funeral for Ramos’ partner. Arrangements keenly watched message as he addresses new of the protesters who share his liberal values. the right way to try and build toward a more unified after the funeral for one of two police offi- for that service have not yet been police recruits at a fraught point in his relationship As 2014 draws to a close, his balancing act is tee- and decent city.” De Blasio made a similar call for cers gunned down in their patrol car, said announced. with the New York Police Department. tering. Twice in a week, officers mourning their fall- unity last New Year’s Day. the “pent-up frustrations” that have caused The silent protest was a continuation of The mayor is set to speak at a police graduation en brothers turned their backs on de Blasio, a sear- Out went Bloomberg, the businessman who people to take to the streets in recent the defiance shown at a hospital after the ceremony. It comes two days after hundreds of ing display of contempt and an omen that de reshaped New York with his data-driven manage- weeks go far beyond policing policies officers’ slayings on Dec. 20, when Lynch police officers turned their backs to a video monitor Blasio’s struggle with police could cripple his ment style that made the city safe and glamorous across the nation. and others turned their backs on de Blasio. as they watched de Blasio speak at Officer Rafael attempts to improve the fortunes of those living at yet economically stratified. In came de Blasio, who “This is about the continuing poverty Lynch said the mayor had “blood on his Ramos’ (rah-fy-EHL’ RAH’-mohs) funeral. the city’s margins. took the oath of office in front of his modest rates, the continuing growing disparity hands.” Ramos and Officer Wenjian Liu (WEHN’-jihn Under former mayors Rudolph Giuliani and Brooklyn home, surrounded by his biracial family. between the wealthy and the poor. It’s still Bratton said de Blasio was “totally sup- LOO’) were shot dead Dec. 20. The gunman sug- Bloomberg, the NYPD largely went unchecked for He campaigned on a pledge to reduce the city’s about unemployment issues. There are so portive” of officers and had contributed gested in online posts that their deaths were in 20 years, its power growing considerably after the income inequality gap and worked in tandem with many national issues that have to be hundreds of millions of dollars outside the retaliation for police killings of Eric Garner in New Sept. 11 terrorist attacks. But de Blasio was a differ- City Council to pass legislation aimed at bettering addressed that it isn’t just policing, as I department’s budget this year, much of it York and Michael Brown in Ferguson, Missouri. ent voice, one who wanted to continue the historic the lives of the less fortunate. Laws were passed to think we all well know,” he said. focused on officer safety enhancements. Police unions have criticized de Blasio as too drop in crime but prioritized improving relations expand paid sick leave and living wage legislation, Bratton said rank-and-file officers and After Bratton, former Mayor Rudolph sympathetic to police critics who protested over the between police and communities of color. and the first steps were taken to create the nation’s much of America’s police leadership feels Giuliani told the CBS program that it was Garner and Brown cases. The unions heard his campaign promise to curb largest municipal ID program. under attack, including “from the federal wrong for officers to turn their backs on de Bill de Blasio saw success at fulfilling many of his the use of stop and frisk - a police tactic a federal His affordable housing plan aims to create or government at the highest levels.” He Blasio or to try to blame him for officers’ liberal campaign promises during his first year in judge ruled discriminated against minorities - not preserve 200,000 units in the next 10 years. And he urged: “See us. See the police. See why they deaths. office but has at times been overshadowed by as a criticism of strategy but rather as an assess- struck labor deals with more than half the city’s have the anxieties and the perceptions But he also said de Blasio should apolo- events beyond his control, most notably the recent ment of the men and women of the NYPD. After workforce. But the centerpiece of his agenda was a they have.” gize to the police department because he killings of two police officers amid a wave of Garner’s death, the police unions - which are seek- plan to massively expand universal prekindergarten Bratton also appeared on CBS’ “Face the “created an impression with the police that protests against police conduct. ing a new contract - roared against de Blasio’s close schooling. He aimed to fund it with a tax on the Nation,” where he defended Mayor Bill de he was on the side of the protesters.” The mayor, whose election opened a new chap- connections to the Rev. Al Sharpton, a civil rights city’s wealthy, an idea that died in the state legisla- Blasio, saying it was wrong for hundreds of “Say you’re sorry,” Giuliani urged. De ter in America’s largest city after billionaire Michael activist and noted police critic. ture. police officers to turn their backs to a video Blasio stayed out of sight Sunday, staging Bloomberg’s three terms, has appeared triumphant After the grand jury’s decision, de Blasio spoke However, his advocacy loosened $300 million monitor outside a Queens church as de no public events and continuing to let against some of those outside forces - notably dur- about cautioning his own son, who is half-black, from the state budget to launch the program. Blasio spoke at the funeral of Officer Rafael Bratton hold center stage in the week since ing an Ebola scare - and has become a national pro- about contact with police, and he permitted anti- Dozens of city agencies combined on a smooth roll- Ramos. the double murder. The five city police gressive voice. The police shooting, however, has NYPD protesters to march freely. And when the two out and 53,000 4-year-olds entered the new pre- “I certainly don’t support that action,” he unions will meet with Bratton this week. pushed his young mayoralty into its biggest crisis officers were gunned down Dec. 20 by a man who school classrooms in September. Perhaps his said. “That funeral was held to honor Ramos and his partner, Wenjian Liu, were yet.The double slaying came weeks after a grand cited Garner as one of his motivations for violence, crowning achievement was his steady hand after Officer Ramos. And to bring politics, to shot to death as they sat in their patrol car jury declined to indict an officer in the chokehold the unions said de Blasio had “blood on his hands” the city’s first Ebola diagnosis. Grounded in science, bring issues into that event, I think, was in daylight. After the officers’ deaths, the death of an unarmed black man, Eric Garner. It has for fostering an atmosphere of anger toward police. his calm demeanor reassured New Yorkers even as very inappropriate.” Some police officers gunman, Ismaaiyl Brinsley killed himself. heightened de Blasio’s delicate efforts to support De Blasio has sought to lower the temperatures other political figures were all over the map in their blame de Blasio for creating an atmosphere Police said he was troubled and had shot arguably his most important city agency, the New on both sides. “Let’s focus on these families and approach. — Agencies of negativity toward the New York Police and wounded an ex-girlfriend in Baltimore Department in the city after a grand jury earlier that day. declined to charge an officer in the police In online posts shortly before the attack, Republicans see diversity in their 2016 hopefuls chokehold death of Eric Garner on Staten Brinsley referenced the killings of two black Island. men by white police officers. Bratton said WASHINGTON: Long criticized as the party of about whether they’re going to build a mean- has struggled with attracting support from Bratton acknowledged that the morale the department had recently investigated old white men, Republicans are seeing a diverse ingful multiracial coalition by respecting and minorities since Democratic President Lyndon B. of officers is low and said their actions more than 50 reports of threats against offi- group of people step up for possible contention defending the rights of all people in this coun- Johnson signed the Civil Rights Act of 1964 into “unfortunately” reflected the feelings of cers, closing out over half of them with in the 2016 presidential race. try,” said Benjamin Jealous, a former president of law. Goldwater, the Republican presidential some toward the mayor. The gesture at nine arrests, and had warned officers to be This class of contenders could include two the National Association for the Advancement of nominee, opposed it. But Jealous and others Ramos’ funeral came amid contentious alert to potential dangers. More than Hispanic senators, an Indian-American governor, Colored People, “or whether they’re going to suggest there are signs of hope in a crowded contract negotiations with the city. The 20,000 officers attended Ramos’ funeral, a female business leader and an African- continue to play this dog-whistle politics that and diverse 2016 Republican class. Florida Sen. rank-and-file police union did not claim along with Vice President Joe Biden. — AP American neurosurgeon. In a group that could have besmirched the Republican Party since the Marco Rubio and Texas Sen. Ted Cruz are both exceed a dozen Republican White House days of Barry Goldwater.” The Republican Party Hispanic. —AP prospects, all but a few are in their 40s or 50s, while one of the oldest white men is a fluent Spanish speaker whose wife is a native Mexican. This development is a point of pride for those Republicans who have long pushed for a wel- coming “big tent” party. “This is a diverse nation, and we need to be a diverse party,” said Carly Fiorina, the former Hewlett-Packard chief execu- tive and the only Republican woman openly weighing a 2016 bid. “That doesn’t mean we sac- rifice our principles, but it means we need to look like and understand and empathize with the nation.” Republican strategists hope a more diverse slate of candidates will appeal to a growing minority population that has given Democrats a decided advantage in the last two presidential contests. It’s unclear, however, whether changing the faces of the GOP’s messengers will be enough to take back the White House in 2016. Republicans have alienated some minority voters by pushing for voter identification laws that disproportion- GUERRERO STATE: The president of the Mexican National Human Rights Commission, Luis Raul ately affect nonwhites, while resisting compre- Gonzalez (R), speaks with relatives of the 43 missing students during a meeting in Tixtla com- hensive changes in the immigration and criminal NEW YORK: New York Police Department commissioner William Bratton, center, walks munity, Guerrero State, Mexico on Sunday. 43 missing students disappeared on September justice systems. with his wife Rikki Klieman, left, following funeral services for officer Rafael Ramos at 26, when police attacked busloads of college students in Iguala, allegedly under the orders of “They’re going to have to make a decision Christ Tabernacle Church, in the Glendale section of Queens, Saturday, in New York. — AP its mayor, and handed them over to a gang. — AFP p10 2_Layout 1 12/29/14 7:30 PM Page 1

TUESDAY, DECEMBER 30, 2014 INTERNATIONAL

Cameroon fights off Boko Haram attacks, kills 41 militants

YAOUNDE: Cameroon’s army killed at Information Minister Issa Tchiroma off the militants and said it launched air of their attacks” Tchiroma said late on army spokesman Lieutenant Colonel least 41 Islamist militants as it fought off added. attacks on the movement for the first Sunday. Didier Badjeck told Reuters by phone. a wave of attacks along its border with Boko Haram’s campaign to carve out time on Sunday. At least 34 militants were killed after All the militants had now pulled Nigeria over the weekend in an escala- an Islamist caliphate has spread from its “Units of the (Boko Haram) group the army laid siege to a base used by the back into Nigeria, Badjeck said. Both tion in the conflict, the government said. stronghold in northeast Nigeria to attacked Makari, Amchide, Limani and militants in Chogori, and seven others Tchiroma and Badjeck said it was too The coordinated assaults on five neighbouring Cameroon, raising fears Achigachia in a change of strategy and one soldier were killed near the early to give full details of casualties. towns and villages showed a change in for an already unstable region also which consists of distracting town of Waza, he said. Boko Haram has killed more than 40 tactics by Nigerian Boko Haram fighters, threatened by Islamist militants in the Cameroonian troops on different fronts, The Islamists briefly occupied an soldiers and recruited hundreds of who have focused on hit-and-run raids Sahel. Cameroon has sent thousands of making them more vulnerable in the army camp in Achigachia after a fierce youths during raids in Cameroon’s Far on individual settlements in the past, soldiers to its Far North region to fight face of the mobility and unpredictability fight, but withdrew after air attacks, North region this year. —Reuters

Poroshenko to meet Putin, Merkel, Hollande on Jan 15

KIEV: Ukrainian President Petro called it a threat to its own and Europe’s Poroshenko said yesterday he would security. meet his Russian counterpart Vladimir Poroshenko said he is working to Putin and the leaders of Germany and reform the Ukrainian economy and its France on January 15 to discuss ongoing military forces to meet European Union peace efforts with Moscow-backed and NATO standards, but he will leave it rebels. up to Ukrainian citizens to decide in a “My diplomatic year will start on popular vote whether to join NATO or January 15 in Astana (Kazakhstan) with not. Normandy-style talks,” Poroshenko said “When we are able to conform to in reference to crisis negotiations these criteria, the people of Ukraine will between the four leaders that were first make up their mind about the member- held in June in France. Poroshenko’s ship,” Poroshenko said and added that announcement came after his envoy this will likely happen in the next five to resumed direct negotiations with the six years. However much enthusiasm insurgents last week in the Belarussian there is , Ukraine’s prospects for NATO capital Minsk. membership in the near term appear But those talks quickly broke down dim. With its long-underfunded military due to differences over how to achieve a suffering from the war with the sepa- lasting ceasefire and mutual withdrawal ratists and the country’s economy in per- of forces from the front line in the former il, Ukraine has much to overcome to Soviet republic’s Russian-speaking indus- achieve the stability that the alliance trial east. seeks in members. Merkel urged Putin at the weekend to The leaders of Ukraine, Russia, put more pressure on separatist leaders Germany and France will get together in to sign a comprehensive peace deal that Kazakhstan on Jan. 15 to discuss a peace Poroshenko had hoped to reach last settlement, Poroshenko announced yes- week to end the eight-month uprising. terday. This will be the first such high- ATHENS: Greece’s Prime Minister Antonis Samaras votes during the third round of voting to elect a new Greek president at the Parliament Putin denies US and EU charges of profile summit on the conflict since June. in Athens yesterday, as Greece heads to early general elections after parliament failed to elect a new president in a third and final round backing the guerrillas in retribution for Poroshenko added that he still believes of voting. — AP the February ouster in Kiev of a Moscow- that there is “no military solution” to the backed president and subsequent rise to conflict in the east. power of a pro-European team. President Petro Poroshenko said yes- Greece set for snap poll after terday that his forces had lost three sol- Ukraine drops nonaligned status diers in battles with pro-Russian fighters KIEV: The Ukrainian president yester- for a disputed airport near the rebel failure to choose president day signed a bill dropping his country’s stronghold of Donetsk. nonaligned status but signaled that he “The battle for Donetsk airport end- will hold a referendum before seeking ed 10 minutes ago,” Poroshenko told NATO membership. an end-of-year press conference. ‘The future has already begun’ The bill, which Parliament adopted “Donetsk airport remains under our last week and Petro Poroshenko signed full control. Unfortunately, the infor- ATHENS: Greece is set for a snap election next and under the constitution, parliament will have years of contraction. “The opposition today month that could bring a radical anti-austerity to be dissolved in the next 10 days. forced early elections at the worst possible time into the law at a news conference on mation about three dead has been party to power, after lawmakers failed for a third Samaras said he would ask outgoing for the country’s economy,” conservative law- Monday, has angered Moscow which confirmed.” — Agencies time yesterday to elect a new president. President Karolos Papoulias to hold elections on maker Dora Bakoyannis said after the presidency The vote, which Prime Minister Antonis January 25. “We are close to exiting the crisis. I vote. Opinion polls show Samaras’s ruling coali- Samaras proposed for January 25, is likely to fur- am here to guarantee that the country reaches tion trailing Syriza. ther rattle the economy and financial markets the haven of safety and stability,” he said in a But Syriza’s lead has narrowed to 3.3 percent Siberian TV channel to after Greece’s dire finances nearly destroyed the nationally televised address. from 3.6 percent in early December, according to eurozone in 2012. He said the ballot would be Greece’s “most a survey by the Alco polling institute for Proto go off air on Jan 1 Greek stocks lost more than seven percent decisive in decades.” Hamburg-based analysts Thema newspaper, indicating the party would after the parliamentary vote-having dropped a Berenberg said there was “a risk of around 30 not have a clear majority to form a government MOSCOW: An independent TV station television contribute from Moscow via massive 11 percent earlier in the day-amid fears percent that Greece may descend into a new on its own if polls were held now. based in Siberia will go off air on Skype. that the front-running far-left Syriza party could deep crisis with potential euro exit beyond the The looming political stalemate, as well as January 1st on the orders of Russian The decision to shut it down led to undo many of Greece’s economic reforms if it inevitable bout of near-term uncertainty now”. Syriza’s political agenda, prompted Schaeuble to authorities following months of pres- unprecedented rallies of support earli- wins the election. “That is a significant risk,” they added. In warn on Saturday that any new government sure, its editor in chief said yesterday. er this month in Tomsk. The channel’s The rate on 10-year Greek government bonds recent days, European Commission President must respect commitments made by its prede- also jumped to 9.55 percent from 8.5 percent Jean-Claude Juncker and German Finance cessor. The reforms required by the creditors TV-2, a popular channel in the city problems began earlier this year, when last week. “With the will of our people, in a few Minister Wolfgang Schaeuble have warned have improved the government’s finances but of Tomsk and one of the last independ- it went off the air for an extended peri- days the bailout agreements of austerity will be Greeks not to change course and abandon the have taken a heavy toll on Greeks as unemploy- ent channels, will have to cease its od due to an “accident” at the local TV history,” Syriza’s 40-year-old leader Alexis Tsipras reforms. ment has soared above 27 percent and many cable broadcasts one month later, fol- tower. “Other channels get these prob- told reporters after the vote. people have had wages and benefits cut. lowing the decision by the state televi- lems fixed quickly, and we were off air “The future has already begun,” he said. ‘Worst possible time’ Greece recently secured a two-month exten- sion and radio broadcasting network, for two months,” Muchnik said. Syriza, which declined to vote in the presidential The European Union and the International sion from its EU-IMF creditors to conclude an Viktor Muchnik told AFP. The outage provoked allegations of election in order to force snap polls, wants to Monetary Fund have overseen two massive ongoing fiscal audit that will determine the Long-running frictions with the censorship. Muchnik said that 200 peo- raise salaries and pensions, halt layoffs and international bailouts for Greece after its debt release of some 7.0 billion euros ($8.6 billion) in authorities have intensified this year, ple have already been informed about freeze the privatisation of state assets-key ele- crisis nearly destroyed the 17-member single loans. Muchnik said. “We were under con- their imminent dismissal. A number of ments of reforms demanded by Greece’s EU-IMF currency zone. This extension expires in February. The third stant pressure to change our editorial Russian media outlets have been over- creditors. But even after the rescue packages worth 240 and final round of voting to choose a successor policies,” he said. “We’re not an opposi- hauled this year, as the conflict in The government’s candidate, former EU billion euros ($290 billion) and most of the debt to Papoulias came after 11th hour efforts by tion channel, we simply give everyone Ukraine has fuelled one-sided and Environment Commissioner Stavros Dimas, held by private investors being wiped out, the Samaras to get the government candidate elect- an opportunity to speak.” even fake news coverage on state secured just 168 votes out of the 180 needed economy has only just begun to recover after six ed. — AFP “Before, this was considered normal, channels. Several news companies but then they started telling us who to have had their editors fired while oth- invite and who not to invite.” TV-2 ers have lost studio space. “The politi- reaches around 600,000 people and cal situation has changed and now all Heavy snow brings chaos to Europe about 50,000 tune in to its news pro- media is being purged,” Muchnik said. grams, where local officials are often “If we didn’t have news and analysis, PARIS: Heavy snowfall brought both chaos and joy more than 100,000 homes were left without power ‘Gift from the sky’ criticised and analysts unseen on state our problems wouldn’t exist.” — AFP across Europe overnight Sunday, with some 15,000 and airports suffered delays. Despite the chaos, the arrival of fresh white people stranded overnight in the French Alps while In Germany, police reported dozens of weather- powder was a boon to European ski resorts which skiers revelled in the fresh powder blanketing related accidents on Autobahn highways and had been unable to fully open during the key holi- slopes. country roads, with trucks sliding across icy lanes day season. “What joy! It is a gift from the sky,” said A winter storm left thousands of Britons with- and creating a 20-kilometre traffic jam near the Gilbert Blanc-Tailleur of the Courchevel ski resort in out power, sent trucks sliding across icy highways western city of Stuttgart. the French Alps. “Snow is coming. Winter is finally in Germany and caused airport delays and traffic The country’s biggest airport, Frankfurt, can- here!” said the La Bresse ski station in the eastern disruptions across the region. A Swiss national died celled 20 of Sunday’s more than 900 scheduled Vosges mountains on its website. and 30 people were injured, two of them seriously, flights and reported widespread delays as runways In Austria ski resort operators also breathed a in a highway pile-up some 40 kilometres (24 miles) were cleared and jets de-iced. sigh of relief as much of the country was blanketed from the Slovenian capital after heavy snow across As temperatures plunged in Italy, more than in white. The Oesterreich daily declared the ski sea- the centre of the country, police said. half the country was covered in snow, to the son saved on Saturday, headlining with: “Hurray! The abundant powder created idyllic conditions delight of ski resort operators from the Alps down The snow is here.” for skiers in France and Germany, who have anx- to the lesser-known mountains of Abruzzo, east of Meanwhile in France, winds also wreaked hav- iously been watching bare slopes as temperatures Rome. The cold snap is expected to dig in across oc, with storms packing gusts of up to 160 kilome- remained unseasonably warm in recent weeks. But Europe into the New Year, with temperatures in tres (100 miles) per hour forcing the temporary clo- it also created havoc for holidaymakers rushing to Britain likely to drop as low as minus 10 degrees sure on Saturday of France’s port of Calais and the and from ski resorts for their end-of-year vacations. Celsius (14 degrees Fahrenheit) next week. suspension of car ferries to and from Britain. —AFP Authorities in the Savoie region of the French Alps said nearly 15,000 people had been housed in emergency shelters, while others were forced to spend the night in their cars. “It took us 10 hours to go 130 kilometres,” said Kevin Clavel who was stuck in his car with four passengers. Around 50 British holiday makers bitterly com- plained of inaction after they were stuck in a French gymnasium for a second night following heavy snowfall in Savoie. “We’re still stuck in Albertville, where we were put to sleep with excuses for 28 hours,” said Sarah Stewart on Twitter, who was travelling with Britain’s Crystal Ski tour operator.

Transport links frozen The heavy snows also brought the threat of ava- lanches, and one person died Sunday after being buried in a torrent of snow in the southern French Alps. Icy conditions also caused the death of a 27- year-old man whose car slid into a ravine in the Belledonne mountain range. France’s Interior Minister Bernard Cazeneuve LES MENUIRES: People sit at a cafe terrasse at the ski resort of Les Menuires, eastern France, ANKARA: Turkey’s Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu (R) shakes hands with his urged drivers “to exercise the utmost caution” and yesterday. The heavy snowfall caused havoc on the roads, with some 15,000 people overall Kazakh counterpart Yerlan Idrisov following their meeting and prior to their joint asked those who could delay their trips to do so. stranded in the French Alps, but created idyllic conditions for skiers, who had been glumly press conference, in Ankara yesterday.— AFP The snow storm caused disruption in Britain where looking at bare slopes for weeks until the deluge arrived. — AFP

TUESDAY, DECEMBER 30, 2014 INTERNATIONAL

No season of goodwill for China’s underground Christians

BEIJING: A group of Christians gathered in an in the 12th storey apartment this Christmas foreign missionaries who often worked along- if they wish. Local authorities who have long tol- use of Christianity by foreigners to infiltrate apartment above a Beijing dental surgery, the where green and silver tinsel hung beside plas- side colonial European powers. erated underground churches are increasingly China,” according to the state-run China News atmosphere jubilant as a choir belted out carols tic snowflakes, and several dozen worshippers China’s ruling Communist party is officially taking a harder line. Service. on Christmas Eve-but the curtains stayed tightly joined in with Chinese versions of traditional atheist and effectively banned the religion dur- China Aid estimated that 1,470 Chinese Experts say the Christian conception of uni- closed. carols “Away in a Manger,” and “Noel, Noel.” ing the 1960s, but the Christian population has Christians were detained in connection with versal values fits uncomfortably with the Unofficial Christian groups have long been “Things have got worse this year because swelled at rates of up to ten percent each year their faith in 2013, with the number almost cer- Communist party’s insistence that China cannot subject to crackdowns, but the situation the police started to detain us. I was detained for since restrictions were relaxed around thirty tain to rise this year. be judged by foreign standards. appears to be worsening as their numbers a week,” said Zhao Sheng, 54, musical organiser years ago. The summer in the eastern city of Wenzhou, Richard Madsen, expert on Chinese increase, and the ruling Communist party takes for the service. The country is now home to an estimated 70 sometimes known as “China’s Jerusalem,” Christians at the University of California San a more nationalist tone under its leader Xi “But Christmas is still a happy time. No mat- million Christians, according to a 2011 survey by because of its large Christian population, police Diego, said “there seems to be a new move to Jinping. Members of Shouwang, a Beijing ter what happens, God is with us,” he added with the Pew Research Center, as people search for a stormed Churches to force the removal of visible try and suppress Churches.” Christian group who held the Christmas Eve a grin. You Zhanglao, one of those under house sense of community and meaning in a fast- crosses. “Its connected with the nationalism of service, have faced more trouble than most. arrest, said in a telephone interview that he had changing society. The crackdown affected more than 400 China’s government, and concerns that this is a Several pastors from the group-which at its celebrated Christmas “at home with my family The vast majority of Chinese Protestants- churches in eastern Zhejiang province, accord- foreign religion with connections around the height boasted around 1,000 mainly middle- by saying prayers”. around 50 million, according to the survey-shun ing to US-based rights group China Aid, with world,” he added. class members-have been under house arrest state-run churches and worship in self-organis- some churches completely demolished. Since coming to power in 2012, China’s since they tried to arrange Easter services in a ‘Resolutely resist’ ing groups outside government-control. In the strongest sign of official fears so far, President Xi Jinping has praised the ancient public square in 2011. Christianity has aroused suspicions in China These underground churches are technically top religious official Wang Zuoan told worship- Confucian moral system, and previously met top Nonetheless there was a joyful atmosphere since the 19th century when it was spread by illegal, giving authorities a pretext to crack down pers at Beijing churches to “resolutely resist the Buddhist figures. —AFP Afghans fleeing war now face brutal winter ‘Violence has forced us out of our homes’

KABUL: Thousands of Afghans are the volatile Helmand province, an tal in Helmand’s capital Lashkar in Bagrami, in Kabul’s eastern sub- pouring into makeshift camps in opium-rich region where the Gah has been full for months with urbs. People have been coming the capital where they face a harsh British struggled for years to keep wounded civilians and combatants here from Sangin for the past six winter as the Taleban return to the Taliban at bay before withdraw- from both sides of the Sangin months, but conditions are so poor areas once cleared by foreign ing in 2010. fighting. Unlike previous years, he that many long for the war zones forces, who this week are marking The insurgents are now once said there had been no winter they left. the end of their combat mission. again on the move, and have slowdown. The facility is “100 per- The Bagrami camp is effectively On the grimy outskirts of Kabul, extended the summer fighting sea- cent a war hospital,” he added. an illegal settlement on public hundreds of families are huddled son as foreign forces have handed This has been the bloodiest year parkland in a middle-class Kabul in flimsy tents or mud shelters at over front-line combat responsibili- of the war for civilians, with the toll suburb. There is little local sympa- the Bagrami camp. By day the chil- ty to Afghan security forces. This of dead and wounded expected to thy for the displaced, many in the BANGALORE: Indian officials carry the body of 38-year-old Bhavani Devi dren forage for fuel and food. At week the US and NATO are formally hit 10,000 for the first time since camp said. Local authorities have from a hospital in Bangalore yesterday, after she succumbed to her injuries night the families burn garbage to ending their combat mission, 13 the UN began keeping records in objected to proposals to dig a well following a bomb blast in the southern Indian city late December 28. One try to keep warm as the icy winds years after the invasion that top- 2008. Sangin is not the only place to provide more water for the 400 families here, and residents com- woman has died and two people were injured when a crude bomb exploded plain about the smoke from the outside a restaurant in the southern Indian city of Bangalore, police said. fires as the displaced burn whatev- The blast outside a popular eatery in the upscale Church Road area of India’s er they can find for heating and technology hub came weeks after the national government warned major cooking. cities to be on alert. —AFP After a mild start, the worst of the winter is yet to come. Temperatures can fall to well below Bomb blast kills woman freezing, with searing winds off the mountains and snow that turns to in south Indian city filthy ice. Every year scores of peo- ple-mainly children and the elder- ly-die of cold and hunger, though BANGALORE: One woman died and two siege to the city, killing 166 people. But no precise figures exist. people were injured late Sunday when a experts say security forces still suffer from Bebi has been at the camp for crude bomb exploded outside a restaurant weak grassroots intelligence gathering. six months, she said, after losing in the southern Indian city of Bangalore, Sunday’s blast came weeks after Indian her husband and oldest son when police said. police arrested a Bangalore executive they were caught in the crossfire of The blast outside a popular eatery in the accused of being behind a Twitter account a gunfight between government upscale Church Road area of India’s technol- that published jihadist propaganda and forces and insurgents. The men ogy hub came weeks after the national gov- information for would-be recruits to the had stopped their farm work for a ernment warned major cities to be on alert. Islamic State group in Syria and Iraq. tea break when the firing started. Bangalore police commissioner M.N. Mehdi Masroor Biswas’s account, “They were killed before my eyes,” Reddi said the 38-year-old victim had suf- @ShamiWitness, had around 18,000 follow- she said. fered head injuries in the blast and later died ers at the time but has since been deactivat- She rounded up her remaining in hospital. ed. five children and made the 630- “Another two injured persons are still Security experts have warned that kilometer (390-mile) journey to being treated at the same local hospital,” he Bangalore has increasingly become vulnera- Kabul in the hope of finding some told reporters. No one has claimed responsi- ble to attacks with a number of groups with means of support now that the bility for the attack, but two people who militant ties believed to have based them- KABUL: In this picture taken on Wednesday, Dec. 24, 2014, an internally displaced Afghan girl pre- breadwinners of her family are were detained nearby are being questioned. selves in the city. pares traditional bread in a camp in Kabul, Afghanistan. Thousands of Afghans are pouring into dead. “I am so worried about my Police say the improvised explosive A 2013 bomb blast in the city wounded makeshift camps in the capital where they face a harsh winter as the Taleban return to areas once children,” said Bebi, who like many device was triggered by a timer. They have 16 people, including 11 policemen, ahead of cleared by foreign forces, who this week are marking the end of their combat mission. —AP Afghans goes by one name. asked city’s top businesses and shopping state elections. No group has claimed “We have no food, no water and malls to be extra vigilant during new year responsibility for that attack. sweep down from the Hindu Kush pled the Taliban in the wake of the in Helmand where the Taleban are even no blankets to keep my chil- celebrations. “We have stepped up our vigil “We had already issued a general nation- mountains surrounding the city Sept. 11 attacks. attempting to reclaim territory, dren warm.” The cash-strapped UN and intensified patrolling across the city to wide alert on December 18, warning big and temperatures plunge to below The insurgents have taken said Omar Zwak, spokesman for Office for the Coordination of prevent further incidents in view of the New cities like Delhi, Mumbai and Bangalore to freezing. advantage of the vacuum and the provincial governor. But it is an Humanitarian Affairs plans to dis- Year’s Eve festivities,” Reddi said. be extra-vigilant,” said a home ministry “Violence has forced us out of seized territory across the country, important junction on the insur- tribute some relief - food, children’s India has made efforts to improve spokesman who asked not to be named. our homes but here misery and redrawing battle lines through gents’ supply routes and their clothing, firewood and plastic sheet- domestic security since the 2008 Mumbai “We haven’t issued any fresh alerts or poverty have made our life even urban areas and putting civilians at access line to the capital. Zwak ing for shelter. But the agency’s attacks, in which 10 Islamist gunmen laid warnings after the Sunday blast.” —AFP more difficult,” said Abdul Qayyum, greater risk. The Sangin fighting estimates that 3,000 families have deputy head in Afghanistan, 52, who fled here with his wife and began in June after Afghan forces been displaced from northern Catherine Howard, told people in eight children. “Such a life is not replaced withdrawing US troops. Helmand, mostly Sangin, since the the camp during a recent visit that worth living.” Emanuele Nannini, project coor- summer. there was no money for blankets. Like the others in the camp, dinator of the Emergency aid Some of that tragic fallout from “It is really a struggle to get the they fled their home in Sangin in organization, says its 90-bed hospi- the renewed violence can be found money needed,” she said. —AP One dead, thousands flee as floods hit southern Philippines

BUTUAN: One person was killed and thousands Fred Olaer said. In Surigao del Sur province on Pimentel said he declared a “state of calamity” in fled their homes as a tropical storm battered the Mindanao island where the storm-known locally the province to allow local authorities to tap into southern Philippines with strong winds and as ‘Seniang’-hit land before dawn, 13,740 people additional funding for relief supplies. Flood heavy rain yesterday, officials said. were evacuated in eight towns, Governor Johnny waters as deep as five feet (1.5 metres) were One person in Butuan City was killed after Pimentel told AFP. reported in some areas as rescuers in rubber DHAKA: Bangladeshi police stand guard during a nationwide strike being hit by a tree uprooted by the storm’s 80- “The rains are very strong and there has been boats rushed to aid residents trapped in their called by the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP)-led alliance in Dhaka kilometre (50-mile) per hour winds, village chief no let-up in the last three days,” Pimentel said. homes, he said. yesterday. Bangladesh opposition activists clashed with police during a The number of evacuees may rise as rivers nationwide strike, leaving a woman dead and several injured as tension continue to swell, he said. Winds had brought grew in the politically volatile country ahead of the first anniversary of a down trees and blown roofs off shanties, he said. controversial election. —AFP “This is the first time that my house was flooded,” Agusan del Sur Vice Governor Santiago Cane said by phone. One killed as Bangladesh Thousands of others were evacuated from lakeside and riverside communities in Agusan del opposition calls strike Norte, said provincial disaster office staffer Erma Suyo. DHAKA: Bangladesh opposition activists sary of the January 5 elections that the Seniang was forecast to bring “heavy to clashed with police during a nationwide party boycotted. intense” rains within its 300-kilometre diameter, strike yesterday, leaving one woman dead A senior member of BNP’s main deci- as it packed wind gusts of 80 kilometres per hour. and several people injured, as tensions sion-making body and the head of its The storm, moving west at 11 kilometres per grew ahead of the first anniversary of youth wing are among those to have hour, is expected to cross the central Philippines controversial elections. been arrested while other officials have in the next two days. The storm forced the cancel- Police said a female school teacher gone into hiding. The opposition boycott lation of 32 domestic flights, the Manila airport succumbed to her injuries after she was of the polls meant there was no contest in authority said. hit on the head by a rock thrown by an the majority of the parliamentary seats, Hundreds were stranded in seaports in the opposition protester in the coastal district allowing Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina’s south, police said. The affected provinces are of Noakhali. Awami League party to retain power by a located in the Caraga region in northeast “She was declared dead after being landslide. Mindanao, one of the Philippines’ most flood- brought to a hospital,” local police chief Hasina has ruled out any election before prone areas. Anwar Ali told AFP. the end of her new term in 2019. The streets The Philippines is battered by about 20 storms The main opposition Bangladesh in the capital was largely deserted during every year, many of them deadly. Earlier this Nationalist Party (BNP) and 19 allies, yesterday’s strike. Offices and schools were month Super Typhoon Hagupit left 18 people including Islamist outfits, called the strike closed and there were buses or lorries on dead after it lashed central provinces with 210- to protest a crackdown against their lead- national highways. In Dhaka four people MINDANO: Residents help each other out from their inundated neighborhoods after kilometre per hour winds. ers and supporters by the security forces. were injured, including a young man who rains spawned by a tropical storm, locally known as Seniang, caused flooding in A year earlier, Super Typhoon Haiyan, the BNP spokesman Rizvi Ahmed told AFP was hit by shotgun pellet after police fired Misamis Oriental on the southern Philippine island of Mindanao yesterday. Three strongest ever to hit land, left 7,350 people at least 400 party officials and activists shotguns and tear gas to disperse opposi- people were killed, one was missing and thousands fled their homes as the tropical dead or missing in the same region as it stirred have been arrested since Wednesday to tion protesters, police inspector Shahab storm battered the southern Philippines with strong winds and heavy rain yesterday, up tsunami-like waves, wiping out entire thwart protests to mark the first anniver- Uddin told AFP. —AFP officials said. —AFP towns. —AFP NEWS TUESDAY, DECEMBER 30, 2014 Wefaq leader inciting ‘hatred and violence’

DUBAI: Detained Bahraini Shiite opposition chief Sheikh Ali Salman is suspected of inciting hatred and violence, a minister said, warning against any escalation in protests that saw supporters clashing with police yesterday. News of the Al-Wefaq leader’s arrest Sunday prompted hun- dreds of his supporters onto the streets of Shiite villages outside the capital of the Sunni-ruled kingdom, leading to clashes with security forces. Police have fired tear gas and birdshot to disperse them, many of whom had gath- ered in Salman’s home village of Bilad al-Qadeem, wit- nesses said. Salman has been mainly “subjected to questioning for breaches of the law, including inciting hatred and vio- lence,” Information Minister Isa Abdulrahman Al- Hammadi told AFP. He is also being questioned about “promoting political change using illegal and forceful means and for explicitly inciting hatred against specific segments of the society”. Authorities had been tight- lipped about Salman’s whereabouts since summoning over “violating certain aspects of the law.” Salman’s lawyer, Abdullah Al-Shamlan, tweeted Sunday that his client had been arrested and accused of inciting hatred against the regime and calling for its overthrow by force. Shamlan said he was also accused of insulting the judiciary and the executive branch, sectari- an incitement, spreading false news likely to cause panic and undermine security and participating in events detri- mental to the economy. He said he had not been allowed MANAMA: A Bahraini holds up a portrait of the head to attend Salman’s questioning. of the banned Shiite opposition movement Al- Hammadi said “the government of Bahrain supports Wefaq, Sheikh Ali Salman, during clashes with riot the right to free speech, which is protected by the consti- police in Bilad al-Qadeem. — AFP tution, but no country and no government can allow but ruled by the Sunni Al-Khalifa dynasty, has been A snowman made by children is backdropped by trees covered in snow in a park in Bucharest yesterday. hate speech to go by unchecked”. He warned that any gripped by sporadic violence ever since the authorities Romania, especially the eastern part, is affected by heavy snow falls and blizzards this year that cause traffic escalation in violence will be dealt with “in accordance crushed month-long protests led by Al-Wefaq in 2011. At disruptions but are enjoyed by children and mountain tourists. — AP with the law in Bahrain” where authorities clamp down least 89 people have been killed since then in clashes on unauthorised protests. A statement of opposition with security forces, and hundreds have been arrested groups led by Al-Wefaq said Salman’s detention is “an and put on trial, human rights groups say. Strategically IS claims killing of Iran general escalating step that targets social stability and civil peace located just across the Gulf from Iran, Bahrain is home in Bahrain.” Authorities are “moving backward to a police base of the US Navy’s Fifth Fleet, and Britain announced Continued from Page 1 order to boost its defensive capacity”, he added. state instead of taking steps towards a political solution IRNA said Obeidi also insisted on the “strategic” plans earlier this month to build a naval base of its own and an end to the serious human rights violations there. It has also armed Kurdish forces in northern Iraq and cooperation between the two neighbours and urged against citizens” Iranian media have reported the deaths of several mili- Iran to step up its assistance to Baghdad to fight “ter- Bahrain is also a partner in the US-led coalition carry- Yesterday, clerics gathered in Imam al-Sadeq mosque ing out air strikes against the Islamic State group in Syria. tary personnel in both Iraq and Syria this year. rorism and corruption”. Iran did not join a US-led coali- in Al-Guful village, brandishing photographs of Salman, Iranian Defence Minister General Hossein Dehgan tion conducting air strikes against IS positions in Iraq Authorities have rejected Al-Wefaq’s demand for an pictures posted on Al-Wefaq’s Twitter account showed. elected prime minister to replace the current govern- yesterday underscored his country’s support for Iraq, and neighbouring Syria. Samarra, 110 km north of The party has demanded Salman’s immediate release. during talks in Tehran with his Iraqi counterpart Khaled Baghdad, is a mainly Sunni city but also home to the ment dominated by the ruling family. Al-Wefaq’s Several rights groups have also condemned Salman’s announcement that it would boycott a November parlia- Al-Obeidi. “The Islamic Republic of Iran’s support for the Askari shrine, one of the holiest sites in Shiite Islam. arrest. army and military forces of Iraq is a strategic policy,” he Several Iranian officials, including President Hassan mentary election it dismissed as a farce was followed by Top Shiite clerics issued a statement late Sunday criti- a court order banning the party in late October. Salman, said, according to the official IRNA news agency. Tehran Rouhani, have declared the preservation of Iraqi Shiite cising the questioning of Salman as a “huge insult to the is “ready to develop military cooperation with Iraq in sites a “red line”. — AFP reelected as party leader Friday, marked the occasion by whole people”. Four leading clerics, including Isa Al- leading a protest march outside the capital. In other Qassem, considered the spiritual leader of Al-Wefaq, said developments yesterday, a Manama court sentenced two summoning Salman does not demonstrate “wise political Shiites to death and a third to life in prison for killing a AirAsia jet ‘at bottom of sea’ reasoning,” warning that harming Salman “amounts to policeman, BNA state news agency said. Nine others harming the whole population”. were jailed for six years over involvement in the explo- Continued from Page 1 help with the latest search. The Gulf kingdom, with a majority Shiite population One Indonesian family of 10 had a miraculous escape sion that killed him. — AFP The hypothesis is “based on the coordinates given to when they arrived too late to catch Flight QZ8501. us and evaluation that the estimated crash position is “Maybe it is all God’s plan that my family and I were not in the sea”, he told journalists. Ships and aircraft were on the flight. It was a blessing in disguise,” said Expatriates rue lack of respect searching an area where the sea is 40-50 m deep, he Christianawati, 36. AirAsia said 155 of those on board said, adding that Indonesia was coordinating with oth- were Indonesian, with three South Koreans and one Continued from Page 1 ent consultancy group ECA International showed that er countries to borrow any equipment needed to scour person each from Singapore, Malaysia, Britain and Kuwait is the second most expensive city in the Arabian the seabed. France. The Frenchman was the co-pilot. Air traffic con- “Thirty years in Kuwait with no respect for what we have Gulf and the fourth in the Arab world. Distraught relatives in Surabaya were desperately trollers lost contact with the twin-engine aircraft done for this country! We love this country - it’s our home. After a law linking the validity of the iqama to passport hoping for news of loved ones as the international around an hour after it left Surabaya’s Juanda interna- We have nowhere else to go. How can they keep telling us validity was enforced last week, many expats were caught search expanded. Intan, 28, said Indonesia needed tional airport at about 5:35 am Sunday. to get out just like that with their laws!” she exclaimed. by surprise when they went to immigration offices and overseas help to find the plane which was carrying her Shortly before the plane disappeared, the pilot asked “Expatriates caught barbequing at beaches and parks found they owed a large amount of money, exceeding KD brother and his family and friends. “My hope is to ascend by 6,000 feet to 38,000 feet to avoid heavy will be deported is the most shocking headline I have ever 1,000 in some cases. Rana Koujan, a 32-years-old sales- Indonesia seeks as much help as possible from other clouds but his request was turned down due to another read. This is inhumane,” said Ali Mahajneh, a 35-year-old woman, was one of the expats who found that she, her countries. Don’t claim ‘We have sophisticated technolo- flight above him. The missing plane was operated by accountant. Bristling with anger, Mahajneh said that he husband and their two children owed KD 3,000 in fines. “If I gy’, just ask other countries because they are better AirAsia Indonesia, a unit of Malaysian-based AirAsia had to send his wife and child home because of the high had KD 3,000, I would’ve done many things for my future. equipped,” she told AFP, as Jakarta welcomed offers of which dominates Southeast Asia’s booming low-cost cost of living, “I could not afford it - so many requirements I’m selling my gold, my clothes and my personal stuff that I help from its neighbours. “My prayer is I really, really airline market. Indonesia, a vast archipelago with poor and low salary. I miss my kid and my wife... I miss having don’t need just to stay here. I wish they cancel this law...we hope that there will be news about the people on roads and railways, has seen explosive growth in low- my family around me and eat delicious meals cooked at are dying here,” she said bitterly. board. Whatever it is, what is important is we know cost air travel over recent years. home instead of living a single man’s lifestyle.” “I am just wondering if they consider what would be the where they are now,” she said. But the air industry has been blighted by low safety Like Mahajneh, Ahmed Zakaria, a secretary at a major plight of residents who have left their home countries due While the international operation has drawn com- standards in an area that also experiences extreme company in Kuwait, also sent his family back home. “I’m to unstable conditions. Palestine, Syria, Yemen and Libya, parisons with the ongoing search for Malaysia Airlines weather. AirAsia, which has never suffered a fatal acci- seriously thinking of leaving Kuwait. It is obvious that they for example. What will they expect after living in Kuwait for MH370, Australian Prime Minister Tony Abbot said it dent, said the missing jet last underwent maintenance are kicking us out. I’m sick and tired of struggling alone to decades? Will they be kicked out and sent back to their did not appear to be a great mystery. “It doesn’t appear on Nov 16. Its shares slumped 12 percent at the open survive with no one around me. In Egypt, they all think I’m home countries? There has to be some flexibility,” she cried. that there’s any particular mystery here,” Abbott told but recovered slightly to close 8.50 percent lower in a rich, happy man. They don’t know what we have been Omar Mustafa, a 39-year-old sound and light engineer, through to make a better life for them,” Zakaria was philosophical. “As an expat, on the positive side, I have Sydney radio station 2GB. “It’s an aircraft that was flying Kuala Lumpur. The plane’s disappearance comes at the said.“Having lived abroad for more than ten years, I am now a nice car and the latest smartphone. This is what I worked a regular route on a regular schedule, it struck what end of a disastrous year for Malaysian aviation. Malaysia beginning to feel that I belong nowhere. The laws here, the for in my 9 years as a resident in Kuwait. I also got varicose appears to have been horrific weather, and it’s down. Airlines Flight MH370 disappeared while flying from system and the lifestyle are not what they used to be. I felt veins from standing for 12 hours continuously, in addition But this is not a mystery like the MH370 disappearance Kuala Lumpur to Beijing in March with 239 passengers that Kuwait was my home. I know that it will be very diffi- to sinus and allergies from the Kuwait dust and blood pres- and it’s not an atrocity like the MH17 shooting down.” and crew, and in July flight MH17 was shot down over cult to move back after so long, but I have to,” he added, his sure due to personal problems. I also missed my sisters’ China, which had 152 citizens on MH370, has offered to troubled Ukraine killing all 298 on board. — AFP voice tinged with sadness. A survey last year by independ- weddings and my father’s funeral. This is our life as expats.” TUESDAY, DECEMBER 30, 2014 ANALYSIS

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Focus ‘Is it a curse?’: Prayers for missing plane

By M Jegathesan

he disappearance of an AirAsia flight marks a tragic climax to a heartbreaking 2014 for TMalaysians still grieving from the loss of two planes operated by their national carrier, and has some wondering whether their country is cursed. Nine months after Malaysia Airlines Flight MH370 disap- peared, followed by the shooting down of MH17, the latest disappearance is the third crisis for a Malaysian airline this year. The AirAsia plane, carrying 162 people, disappeared in bad weather Sunday while flying to Iraqis ponder what comes next Singapore from Indonesia, losing contact with air traffic control in a chilling echo of the earlier tragedies. By Isabel Coles, Ahmed Rasheed more than just three parts, and the back across the river Zab towards Mosul, Christmas the government told him help “Why is this country facing such hardships? It is and Ned Parker longer those fragments exist on their Barzani said he met with an American would come in a week. Fraih tried be painful when disaster strikes without warning. Is it a own the harder it will be to rebuild the general to talk strategy and coordinate polite about the promise, but it’s hard. curse? I think we are fated,” Subramaniam Gurusamy, he machine gun poking out from country even as a loose federation. Such airstrikes. “It’s all words,” he said. whose son Puspanathan Subramaniam was one of 239 between a framed portrait of a an arrangement would require the defeat “They asked about my plan,” Barzani Every day, tribal fighters and Iraqi sol- people on board MH370, told AFP. With the painful TShiite imam and a stuffed toy of Islamic State, a massive rebuilding pro- told Reuters in a military base on the diers in Haditha stop Islamic State memory of two plane disasters this year still fresh, the Minnie Mouse was trained on anyone gramme in the Sunni regions, unity frontline near Gwer, 48 km south of the assaults and defend the city’s massive news left many in Malaysia bewildered during the tradi- who approached the checkpoint. Like among Iraq’s fractious political and tribal Iraqi Kurdish capital Arbil. “I said, ‘My plan dam. If Islamic State take the dam they tional year-end festive season. dozens of other communities in Iraq, this leaders, and an accommodation between is to change the Sykes-Picot agreement’” - could flood Anbar and choke off water Social media users immediately offered prayers and small Sunni settlement in northern the Kurds and Baghdad on the Kurds’ ter- a reference to the 1916 agreement supplies to the Shiite south. The army, in messages of support to family members of the victims Salahuddin province’s Tuz Khurmatu dis- ritorial gains. between France and Britain that marked particular, is struggling, he said. “In every via Facebook and Twitter, and urged the carrier’s flam- trict has been reduced to rubble. In Even the optimists recognise all that out what would become the borders of fight the army loses 50 soldiers. Their boyant chief executive Tony Fernandes to remain October, Shiite militiamen and Kurdish will be difficult. Finance Minister today’s Middle East. “Iraq is not real,” vehicles get destroyed, they are short on strong. “I personally pray for all the passengers and peshmerga captured the village from the Hoshiyar Zebari, a Kurd who wants Iraq to Barzani said. “It exists only on the map. fuel, and no new vehicles are coming. Sunni militant group Islamic State. The stay united, says he can picture Iraq even- The country is killing itself. The Shiites They are hurting more than my own crews of AirAsia Airbus A320 QZ8501. Especially my victors then laid it to waste, looting any- tually regaining its “strength and bal- and Sunnis cannot live together. How can men.” cousin Oscar Desano as a flight attendant,” wrote thing of value and setting fire to much of ance.” But, he concedes, “the country is they expect us to live with them? Our The city’s one lifeline to the outside Twitter user Paris Duarte. the rest. Residents have still not been severely fractured right now.” Ali Allawi, a culture is different. The mentality of Kurds world is a huge government airbase called QZ8501’s disappearance came as Malaysia grapples allowed to return. former minister of trade, defense and is different. We want a divorce.” Ain al-Assad, some 36 km south. Fraih with its worst floods in decades, which have displaced “Our people are burning them,” said finance, and author of two books on Iraqi recently met US Special Forces there. They more than 160,000 people, piling further anguish on one of the Shiite militiamen when asked history, agrees. “There is so much up in The Sunnis assured him that if Islamic State breaks the country. “God pls help my country Flood tornando about the smoke drifting up from still the air,” he said. “There are the trappings Where Kurds saw opportunity in 2014, through the barriers to Haditha, the US MH370 lost MH17 shot down QZ8501 still lost contact smouldering houses. Asked why, he of a functioning state, but it is like a func- Iraq’s Sunnis saw endless turmoil and will carry out air strikes. The logic confuses hoping and praying,” Angah Kalisa wrote on Facebook. shrugged as if the answer was self evi- tioning state lying on a sea of Jello...The new oppression. Residents in the western Fraih. “They know the people have no Uthaya Kumar Pillai, meanwhile, referenced Malaysia’s dent. The Shiite and Kurdish paramilitary ground is so unstable and shifting.” and northern cities of Mosul, Tikrit and food, no weapons, no ammunition, noth- diversity when he wrote on the social networking web- groups now patrol the scorched land- Falluja - all now controlled by Islamic ing. We are sinking. If you are not going to site: “My support for SAR (search and rescue) team. Let scape, eager to claim the most strategic Kurdistan State - complain about fuel and water help us, at least take us to the south and us unite together and pray for 8501 regardless of race.” areas or the few houses that are still Iraq’s Kurds often see opportunity in shortages, and Islamic State directives north. We are dying now.” His faith in get- intact. For now, the two forces are con- ting help from anyone has almost van- Churches nationwide lit candles, praying for the venient but uncomfortable allies against ished. “What is left of Iraq if it keeps mov- plane, which is operated by AirAsia Indonesia, a sub- the nihilist Islamic State. ing this way?” he asked. sidiary of the low-cost Malaysian regional giant, to be This is how the new Iraq is being recovered and for the safe return of all its passengers forged: Block by block, house by house, The Shiites and crew. “Our hearts go out to all the families who in village by village, mostly out of sight and In a house on the outskirts of Baghdad, anguish are awaiting news of the whereabouts of the control of officials in Baghdad. What is a Shiite tribal leader sat and imagined his plane,” The Council of Churches Malaysia wrote on its emerging is a different country to the one world as “a dark tunnel with no light” at its Facebook page. “In the meantime churches throughout that existed before June. That month, end. “Iraq is not a country now,” he said. “It the country will join all other Malaysians in lighting of Iraq’s military and national police, rotten was before Mosul.” The sheikh, who spoke candles and praying for the families.” with corruption and sectarian politics, col- on condition of anonymity, would like to Harussani Zakaria, the mufti of northern Perak state, lapsed after Islamic State forces attacked see his country reunited but suspects attributed the air tragedy and floods to domestic politi- Mosul. The militant group’s victory in the Abadi is too weak to counter the many cal bickering. “Due to this incessant political fighting, we largest city in the north was one step on forces working against him. Now the Shiite its remarkable dash across Iraq. militias and Iran, whom the sheikh fought are being tested by Allah,” he told AFP. “Such incidents Islamic State’s campaign slowed in the 1980s, are his protectors. It is a situa- are a test from Allah. We should unite and strive for towards the end of the summer. But it has tion he accepts with a grim inevitability. peace among races. I pray for the families and hope all left the group in charge of roughly one- “We are like a sinking ship. Whoever gives will return home safely.” third of Iraq, including huge swathes of you a hand lifting you from the sea Malaysian Prime Minister Najib Razak took to Twitter its western desert and parts of its war rav- whether enemy or friend, you take it with- to express his solidarity: “Called (Indonesian) President aged central belt. It also shattered the out seeing his face because he is there.” Joko Widodo. Expressed our deep concern. Offered illusion of a unified and functioning state, Iranian-advised paramilitaries now visit M’sia’s fullest support & assistance to Indonesian search triggering multiple sectarian fractures his house regularly. He has come to enjoy & rescue effort.” National carrier Malaysia Airlines, itself and pushing rival groups to protect their A member of the Kurdish forces stands next to an armored vehicle the Iranian commander of a branch of the still reeling from the loss of its two planes, wrote: “#stay- turf or be destroyed. The far north is now destroyed by an improvised explosive device placed by Islamic State mili- Khorasani Brigades, a group named for a strong @AirAsia - Our thoughts and prayers are with all effectively an independent Kurdish tants that killed several peshmerga fighters and injured dozens when they region in northeastern Iran. The com- family and friends of those on board QZ8501.” region that has expanded into oil-rich pushed towards Sinjar Mountain in Kasr Reej, Iraq, Dec 18, 2014. —AP mander likes to joke, speaks good Arabic AirAsia CEO Fernandes chimed in on Twitter, writing: Kirkuk, long disputed between the Kurds and has an easy way, while other fighters and Iraqi Arabs. Other areas in the north times of trouble. This year they moved that women cover themselves and smok- speak only Persian, the sheikh said. He “My only thought are with the passangers and my have fallen to Shiite militias and Kurdish quickly to take lands long disputed with ers be fined. They tell stories about the expresses appreciation for their defense of crew.” “We put our hope in the SAR operation,” he peshmerga fighters, who claim land Arab Iraqis, including Kirkuk. For a while, destruction wrought by shelling by the his relatives in the Shiite town of Balad, wrote. Fernandes later added: “Keeping positive and where they can. talk of secession increased, but then qui- Iraqi government and US forces. which is under assault from the Islamic staying strong. My heart bleeds for all the relatives of In Baghdad’s rural outskirts and in the eted after Islamic State mounted a suc- In places where Sunnis themselves are State. my crew and our passangers. Nothing is more impor- Diyala province to the east and north cessful attack into Kurdistan in August. battling Islamic State, the brutality can be The sheikh’s changing perceptions are tant to us.” towards Samarra, militias, sometimes Since then, buoyed by U.S. air strikes unrelenting. Many wonder what will be shared by other Iraqi Shiites. They once AirAsia changed its fiery red logos on its Facebook backed by Iraqi military, are seizing land designed to hurt Islamic State, the Kurds left when the war finishes and whether it viewed Iran as the enemy but now see and Twitter accounts to a sober gray following the inci- and destroying houses in Sunni areas. have recaptured areas they lost and will be possible for Sunnis to reconcile their neighbour as Iraq’s one real friend. dent. The Airbus A320-200 lost contact around an hour Last there is Baghdad and Iraq’s southern forged an agreement to export oil from even among themselves. Sheikh Ali Abed The streets of Baghdad and southern Iraq after it left Juanda international airport at Surabaya in provinces, which are ostensibly still ruled Kirkuk and its own fields for Baghdad. Al-Fraih has spent months fighting are decorated with images of Iran’s east Java at 5:35am (2235 GMT Saturday). Flight MH370 by the country’s Shiite-led government. Kurdish business tycoon Sirwan Islamic State. A tribal soldier in Anbar supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. disappeared between Kuala Lumpur and Beijing in But the state is a shell of what it once Barzani, a nephew of Iraqi Kurdish province, he has sunken, tired eyes and a The sheikh, though, does not believe he March, and in July, MH17 was shot down over troubled was. As respect for the army and police President Masoud Barzani, sees this as a frown. His clothes are one size too big for can rely on Iran altogether. He is sure has faded, Iraqis in the south have turned moment to advance his people’s nation- him. He sees the conflict as an internal some Iranian-backed militiamen would Ukraine killing all 298 on board. —AFP to the Shiite militia groups who respond- alist dream. He was in Paris chairing a battle among the Anbar tribes. Some happily kill him. He has heard of one case ed to the rallying cry of Iraq’s most senior board meeting of the telecom company have chosen to join Islamic State, others in Diyala where a militia leader shot dead clergy to take on Islamic State. he founded in 2000 when he received to fight the group. Some of his enemies, the son of a popular Shiite tribal leader. He Prime Minister Haider Al-Abadi, a news that Islamic State militants had he says, are from his own clan. The fight has also watched as militia fighters All articles appearing on these Shiite moderate who became Iraq’s new overrun Mosul. A former peshmerga will not end even if areas around his town aligned with police and army officers kid- pages are the personal opinion of leader in September, four months after fighter in the 1980s, he cancelled his holi- of Haditha and other Anbar cities are napped a cousin and a friend for ransom. “I the writers. Kuwait Times takes no national elections, hopes that the coun- day plans in Marbella and rushed back to cleared, he says. All sides will want feel threatened by their bad elements,” he try can be stitched back together. Abadi Kurdistan to help prepare for war, taking revenge. “Blood demands blood. Anbar said of the militias. responsibility for views expressed has tried to engage the three main com- command of peshmerga forces along a will never stop.” If the state doesn’t rebuild its military therein. Kuwait Times invites read- munities, taking a more conciliatory tone 130 km stretch of the Kurds’ front line Fraih flew to Baghdad in late quickly and replace the multiple groups ers to voice their opinions. Please than that of his predecessor Nuri Al- with Islamic State. December to beg the government to now patrolling the lands, the sheikh fears send submissions via email to: opin- Maliki, who was often confrontational Washington sees the Kurds as its most send help to Haditha, which is pinned to Shiite parts of Iraq will descend further and divisive. Abadi, the Kurds and even dependable ally in Iraq. For Barzani and the west and east by Islamic State and into lawlessness. “It will be chaos like the [email protected] or via snail some Sunni politicians now all speak of other Kurds, though, the fight against defended by a 5-km-long berm. Fraih old times, where strong tribes take land mail to PO Box 1301 Safat, Kuwait. the need for federal regions, so the coun- Islamic State is simply the continuation of could only reach Baghdad by military from the weak tribe. Militias fight mili- The editor reserves the right to edit try’s communities can govern themselves a long struggle for an independent plane. The government had promised for tias,” he said. “It will be the rule of the any submission as necessary. and remain part of a unified state. nation. Before leading an offensive last two months to send food and medicine, jungle, where the strong animal eats the Iraq, though, has been splintered into month to drive Islamic State militants but no help had come. The week before weak.” —Reuters TUESDAY, DECEMBER 30, 2014 SPORTS

Surprise pick for Mali Khan visits Torres to return to Atletico CAPE TOWN: Metz forward Modibo Maiga has surprisingly been named in Mali’s 23-man massacre school MADRID: Spain forward Fernando Torres has agreed to return to Atletico Madrid on squad for the African Nations Cup finals in Equatorial Guinea after missing the entire qualifica- PESHAWAR: British boxer Amir Khan yesterday visited loan from AC Milan until the end of the 2015-16 season, seven and a half years after tion campaign. the Pakistani school where Taleban gunmen slaugh- leaving his boyhood club, the La Liga champions said yesterday. The 27-year-old, on loan in Ligue 1 from West Ham United, has not played for his national tered 150 people including 134 children to pay his Torres, 30, has been struggling for goals since joining Chelsea from Liverpool in team in over a year and will not have fond memories of the Nations Cup finals after contract- respects to the victims. The WBC welterweight world 2011 and moved to Milan on loan in August. Chelsea and Milan agreed on Saturday to ing malaria at the 2012 tournament that was co-hosted by Gabon and Equatorial Guinea. champion, who has Pakistani roots, has pledged to help make the switch permanent, paving the way for Torres to be loaned to Atletico, where Coach Henryk Kasperczak provided few other surprises in his squad, with Bordeaux midfielder rebuild the Army Public School in the northwestern city Abdou Traore also returning after more than a year out of the national team. Ajaccio goalkeep- of Peshawar, the scene of Pakistan’s deadliest ever terror he will hope to resurrect his stuttering career under inspirational coach Diego er Oumar Sissoko can perhaps feel the most aggrieved at missing out, with N’Tji Michel attack. He offered prayers at a memorial to the dead at Simeone. Samake from local side Duguwolofila Mali preferred despite not appearing on the preliminary the school gates and said he wanted to visit the city The deal is subject to Torres passing a medical and will be finalised on Jan. 5 when list of 35 players announced by Kasperczak last week. despite security concerns to show solidarity. the Italian transfer window opens, Atletico said on their website (www.clubatleticode- The team will be captained by veteran Roma midfielder Seydou Keita and also “The main reason I’ve come to Pakistan was to come madrid.com). “In this way, the forward from Fuenlabrada returns to his home where he includes Wolverhampton Wanderers forward Bakary Sako. to Peshawar and see the parents and the children and was trained as a footballer and became one of their big stars,” the club added. Mali, who have finished third at the last two continental finals, have been give the children the confidence to go back to school,” A World Cup and double European Championship winner with Spain, drawn in a difficult Group D along with Ivory Coast, Cameroon and Guinea in he told reporters. “My heart goes out to the families and Torres joined Atletico at the age of 11. Known as ‘El Nino’ (The Kid), he made the parents whose children died.” The attack this month the Jan. 17-Feb. 8 tournament. shocked the world and prompted Pakistan’s political his first-team debut as a 17-year-old in 2001, when Madrid’s second club Squad: and military leaders to vow decisive action to stamp out were in the second division, and was appointed club captain two years later, Goalkeepers: SoumaÔla Diakite (Esteghlal Khuzestan), Germain Berthe militancy. Khan, 28, said the country must pull together becoming a huge favorite with the fans. (Eleven Creators) N’Tji Michel Samake (CS Duguwolofila Mali) to prevail. “We have to stop terrorism and with the help When he left for Liverpool in July 2007, having scored 91 goals in Defenders: Drissa Diakite (Bastia), Fousseyni Diawara (Tours), Molla of the army and the people of Pakistan we can stop it,” 244 appearances, he pledged to return and could make his debut Wague (Udinese), Ousmane Coulibaly (Platanias), Adama Tamboura he said. Last week the boxer announced he would against holders Real Madrid in the first leg of a King’s Cup last 16 (Randers), Idrissa Coulibaly (Hassania Agadir), Salif Coulibaly (TP would be setting up Amir Khan academies for young tie on Jan. 7. — Reuters Mazembe), Mohamed Konate (Renaissance Berkane) people in selected Pakistani cities. —AFP

SAN ANTONIO: Houston Rockets center Dwight Howard (right) makes contact with San Antonio Spurs forward Tiago Splitter, of Brazil, during the second half of an NBA basketball game. — AP Spurs defuse Rockets, Mavs silence Thunder

SAN ANTONIO: Danny Green had 24 points and lost 127-98 to Atlanta on Dec. 17, and the convincing Kenneth Faried, who had 26 points and a career- the injury-depleted San Antonio Spurs beat the victory for Detroit drew boos from the home crowd. best 25 rebounds in Friday’s win over Minnesota, Houston Rockets 110-106 on Sunday night, snap- Andre Drummond had 16 points and 17 rebounds had 17 points and 19 boards for the Nuggets, who ping a six-game skid against their intrastate rivals. for the Pistons (7-23), who were coming off a 119- have lost three of four. Tim Duncan scored 16 points and Manu Ginobili 109 victory over Indiana on Friday. Detroit set a sea- had 15 for San Antonio (19-13), which won for first son high for made 3-pointers by going 17 for 31 from SUNS 116, LAKERS 107 time in three games. James Harden had 28 points long range. Kevin Love had 20 points and 10 Goran Dragic scored 24 points, Eric Bledsoe had for Houston (21-8), and Dwight Howard added 24 rebounds for Cleveland, and LeBron James finished 20 of his 22 after halftime, and the Phoenix Suns points and 17 rebounds. The Rockets’ newest addi- with 17 points, 10 boards and seven assists. Cavaliers beat the Los Angeles Lakers for their sixth consecu- tions had differing levels of success: Corey Brewer point guard Kyrie Irving missed his second straight tive victory. Isaiah Thomas added 15 points for the scored 25 points, but Josh Smith finished with five game because of a bruised left knee. balanced Suns, who haven’t lost with their new points on 2-of-7 shooting. Green made four straight starting lineup. Phoenix weathered an impressive free throws in the final minute, helping San Antonio RAPTORS 116, NUGGETS 102 Los Angeles surge in the final minutes for its seventh avoid going into overtime for the fourth time in its Kyle Lowry had 30 points and 11 assists, leading win in eight meetings with the Lakers, who lost their last six home games. The Spurs played without Toronto to the win. Lou Williams scored 31 points as third straight despite Kobe Bryant’s return. Kawhi Leonard (bruised right hand) and Tony Parker the Eastern Conference-leading Raptors completed Bryant had 10 points, eight rebounds and seven (mild strain left hamstring). a sweep of the season series against Denver. They assists in 32 minutes during his first game back from also beat the Nuggets 112-107 in overtime on Dec. a three-game absence to rest his aching 36-year-old MAVERICKS 112, THUNDER 107 8. The Raptors have won seven of eight. Ty Lawson body. Nick Young hit four 3-pointers and scored 21 Dirk Nowitzki matched his season high with 30 led Denver with 28 points, and Wilson Chandler had points while taking up Kobe’s scoring slack again for points for Dallas, and Chandler Parsons added 26. 20 points and 10 rebounds. the Lakers, who got within one point late. —AP Rory McIlroy The Mavericks rallied from seven points down to start the fourth quarter. They were without center Tyson Chandler, a late scratch with back spasms. NBA results/standings McIlroy ends year The Thunder played their sixth straight game without Kevin Durant because of a sprained right ankle. They fell short in their third chance to reach Detroit 103, Cleveland 80; San Antonio 110, Houston 106; Dallas 112, Oklahoma City 107; .500 for the first time after Durant and Russell Portland 101, NY Knicks 79; Toronto 116, Denver 102; Phoenix 116, LA Lakers 107. as top player Westbrook were sidelined by injuries for 14 of the first 16 games. Serge Ibaka led Oklahoma City with Eastern Conference Western Conference PARIS: Rory McIlroy made it a career total of Official World rankings at the end of 2014: a season-high 26 points. Atlantic Division Northwest Division 60 weeks as world number one yesterday 1. Rory McIlroy (NIR) 11.04pts W L PCT GB Portland 25 7 .781 - with the final golf rankings of the year. The 2. Henrik Stenson (SWE)8.13 TRAIL BLAZERS 101, KNICKS 79 Toronto 24 7 .774 - Oklahoma City 15 17 .469 10 Northern Irishman started the year as world 3. Adam Scott (AUS) 7.71 Wesley Matthews had 28 points, including six 3- Brooklyn 13 16 .448 10 Denver 13 18 .419 11.5 number six, but after wins in the British 4. Bubba Watson (USA) 7.27 pointers, and the Trail Blazers beat the short-hand- Boston 10 18 .357 12.5 Utah 10 20 .333 14 5. Sergio Garcia (ESP) 6.70 Open in July and in the WGC-Bridgestone ed Knicks. Portland was 16 for 36 from 3-point NY Knicks 5 28 .152 20 Minnesota 5 24 .172 18.5 6. Justin Rose (ENG)6.69 range. Nicolas Batum had five 3-pointers and 17 Invitational at the start of August he was 7. Jim Furyk (USA) 6.62 Philadelphia 4 25 .138 19 Pacific Division points. It was the eighth straight loss for the Knicks, back at the top. He cemented that position 8. Jason Day (AUS) 5.81 Central Division Golden State 24 5 .828 - with his fourth major title win at the US PGA 9. Jordan Spieth (USA) 5.75 who had just nine available players to start the Chicago 21 9 .700 - LA Clippers 20 11 .645 5 Championship and ended the year almost 10. Rickie Fowler (USA)5.47 game, and then lost Carmelo Anthony for the sec- Cleveland 18 12 .600 3 Phoenix 18 14 .563 7.5 three ranking points clear of second-placed 11. Matt Kuchar (USA) 5.11 ond half because of a sore left knee. Milwaukee 15 16 .484 6.5 Sacramento 13 17 .433 11.5 Portland, which led by as many as 27 points, has Henrik Stenson of Sweden. 12. Martin Kaymer (GER)4.86 Indiana 11 20 .355 10.5 LA Lakers 9 22 .290 16 13. Billy Horschel (USA) 4.78 won eight of its last nine games. Cole Aldrich had Detroit 7 23 .233 14 Southwest Division Tiger Woods, who was top-ranked at the 12 points and a career-high 19 rebounds for New 14. Phil Mickelson (USA) 4.47 Southeast Division Memphis 22 8 .733 - start of the year, slumped to 32nd due to a York, and Tim Hardaway Jr. scored 17 points. 15. Graeme McDowell (NIR) 4.16 Atlanta 22 8 .733 - Houston 21 8 .724 0.5 run of injuries and related problems with 16. Hideki Matsuyama (JPN)4.12 his swing. Masters champion Bubba 17. Victor Dubuisson (FRA)4.02 PISTONS 103, CAVALIERS 80 Washington 21 8 .724 0.5 Dallas 22 10 .688 1 Watson is the top-ranked American at 18. Zach Johnson (USA) 3.83 Brandon Jennings scored 25 points, and the Miami 14 17 .452 8.5 San Antonio 19 13 .594 4 fourth with Japan’s Hideki Matsuyama the 19. Dustin Johnson (USA) 3.78 Pistons used an 18-0 run in the second quarter to roll Orlando 12 21 .364 11.5 New Orleans 15 15 .500 7 top Asian at 16th. —AFP 20. Chris Kirk (USA)3.76. past the Cavaliers. It was Cleveland’s second blowout Charlotte 10 21 .323 12.5 loss at home in less than two weeks. The Cavaliers TUESDAY, DECEMBER 30, 2014 SPORTS

ANAHEIM: Vancouver Canucks’ Chris Tanev (front) and Anaheim Ducks’ Devante Smith-Pelly fall to the ice in overtime of an NHL hockey game. — AP

Shiffrin dominates for Ducks defeat Canucks season’s slalom win KUHTAI: American teenager Mikaela here.” she added. Strachova was the to stretch Pacific lead Shiffrin won her first World Cup closest to rival the 19-year-old, under slalom race of the season yesterday falling snow at the Austrian resort, but as she dominated the field at Kuhtai was almost a second slower while ANAHEIM: Anaheim beat Vancouver 2-1 in over- to finish 0.80secs ahead of Czech Holdener was at 0.92secs. time on Sunday to open an 11-point lead over NHL results/standings Sarka Srachova with Wendy Holdener It was Shiffrin’s second win of the the Canucks and other rivals in the NHL Pacific of Switzerland third. season, after winning the giant Division, with Cam Fowler scoring the winner for The reigning Olympic and world slalom at Solden, Austria in October, the Ducks 2:42 into the extra period. Florida 6, Toronto 4; Anaheim 2, Vancouver 1 (OT) champion from Vail, Colorado was and keeps her in touch with overall Yannick Weber scored early in the second Western Conference Detroit 19 8 9 103 89 47 fastest after the first run and then leader Tina Maze of Slovenia and period for Vancouver and the visitors held that Pacific Division Montreal 22 11 2 95 84 46 lead until Ducks defenseman Francois turned in a flawless second leg to fin- Austrian Anna Fenninger who is sec- WL OTLGFGAPTS Toronto 20 13 3 122 108 43 ish on the podium for the first time in ond. She also finished third in the Beauchemin tied it in the third period with his Anaheim 24 8 6 107 101 54 first goal of the season. Florida 16 9 8 79 86 40 a slalom race this campaign. giant slalom at Kuhtai on Sunday, Vancouver 20 11 3 100 93 43 The two-time defending Pacific Division Boston 18 15 3 93 97 39 “I can’t tell you how much fun that behind maiden World Cup winner Los Angeles 18 11 7 100 89 43 champions are 8-0-1 in their past nine games San Jose 19 12 5 100 93 43 Ottawa 14 14 7 92 97 35 was,” beamed Shiffrin after her blister- Sara Hector of Sweden and against Vancouver. The Canucks were tied with Calgary 19 15 3 108 99 41 Buffalo 14 19 3 73 118 31 ing second run to nail down victory. “I Fenninger. Canada’s Marie-Michelle Anaheim atop the Western Conference stand- felt really smooth and happy out Gagnon, who was fourth after the Arizona 13 18 4 82 113 30 Metropolitan Division ings four weeks ago but have drifted a long way Pittsburgh 22 8 5 108 83 49 there and I’m just really happy now. It first run, crashed out while Maze had off that pace. Vancouver had only 14 shots on Edmonton 7 22 7 76 125 21 was very tough with the conditions to settle for sixth after a poor second goal for the game. Central Division NY Islanders 23 11 1 108 98 47 and hard to see but everyone loves it run. —AFP In the day’s other match, Florida scored four Chicago 24 10 2 112 74 50 NY Rangers 19 10 4 100 84 42 goals in the third period to beat Toronto 6-4. The Nashville 23 9 2 99 71 48 Washington 18 11 6 102 90 42 AUSTRIA: Mikaela teams combined for six goals in the second, but St. Louis 21 11 3 103 90 45 Philadelphia 14 15 6 98 105 34 Shiffrin of United the Panthers controlled the final period. Winnipeg 19 10 7 92 84 45 Columbus 15 16 3 86 109 33 Minnesota 16 13 4 96 93 36 States, the winner, Brad Boyes scored a tiebreaking power-play New Jersey 12 18 7 79 107 31 celebrates in the finish goal while Willie Mitchell, Dmitry Kulikov and Dallas 15 14 5 99 116 35 area after an alpine Scottie Upshall also scored in the third for the Colorado 13 14 8 92 106 34 Carolina 10 21 4 71 95 24 ski, women’s World Panthers. Jonathan Huberdeau earlier had a goal Eastern Conference Note: Overtime losses (OTL) are worth one Cup slalom and an assist for the home team. James van Atlantic Division point in the standings and are not included in Kuehtai. — AP Riemsdyk had a goal and an assist for the Maple Tampa Bay 22 11 4 119 97 48 in the loss column (L). Leafs. — AP TSC holds basketball championship for employees

KUWAIT: Stemmed from its belief to competing in a cheerful ambiance monotonous rhythm of life”. Ahmed hold many more of the kind in the exert all needed efforts in enticing full of a friendly yet supportive envi- concluded: “We are extremely happy future to tighten the bonds between staff to conduct a healthy lifestyle by ronment. In turn providing an oppor- with the great turnout of this event the employees and equip them with embracing sport’s activities, and tunity that helped breaking up the which will definitely encourage us to an extra shot of energy”. driven by the prime objective to cre- ate a work environment filled with enthusiasm, excitement and joy; The Sultan Center Company (TSC) held a basketball championship for its employees. During the championship, 16 teams -gathered from all of TSC’ stores, restaurants and distribution’s department- enjoyed playing their hearts out while surrounded by cheerleaders and supporters to run in the first place as TSC’s Best Basketball Team. The two teams who lasted through this fierce competi- tion were Al Kout Team and Wasabi Team who won the match and achieved the first place. In this regards, Farkhanda Ahmed - Business Development Manager at TSC commented: “ The Sultan Center Company management has always been keen to spread the spirit of per- sistence and dedication amongst its staff which has been reflected in this championship as all of the teams’ members united their powers to win the title”. she added: “we consider each one of our employee as a win- ner. We were delighted to see them TUESDAY, DECEMBER 30, 2014 SPORTS

PORT ELIZABETH: West Indies’ Marlon Samuels makes a shot, on the fourth day of the second Test against South Africa in Port Elizabeth. — AP Brathwaite, Samuels slam tons

PORT ELIZABETH: Kraigg Brathwaite and Durban in 1998/99. pitched bowling from around the wicket by Marlon Samuels hit centuries in a record Rain and a wet outfield delayed the start Morne Morkel, who took both West Indian SCOREBOARD stand for the West Indies on the fourth day of play until after lunch and there was a wickets on Sunday. of the second Test between South Africa stoppage of almost half an hour after 11.3 Samuels ducked into a bouncer and PORT ELIZABETH, South Africa: Tea scores on the fourth day of the second Test between and the West Indies at St George’s Park yes- overs had been bowled after lunch and tea. was struck a glancing blow on the back South Africa and the West Indies at St George’s Park on Monday. terday. A light drizzle started to fall soon after of his helmet but both batsmen looked On another rain-affected day, the West lunch but cricket continued until it intensi- reasonably comfortable. Samuels made South Africa, first innings, 417-8 dec Fall of wickets: 1-55 (Smith), 2-55 (Johnson), Indies reached 245 for four at tea in reply to fied and umpires Billy Bowden and Paul 101 off 160 balls with 14 fours and a six West Indies, first innings (overnight 147-2) 3-231 (Samuels), 4-233 (Brathwaite) South Africa’s first innings total of 417 for Reiffel called a halt. With most of the sec- before he was leg before wicket to K. Brathwaite c Petersen b Morkel 106 Bowling: Steyn 14-3-48-0, Philander 18-4-41- eight declared. Brathwaite made 106 and ond day having been washed out, the Vernon Philander. Brathwaite’s 106 was D. Smith c Amla b Morkel 22 1, Morkel 15-1-55-3, Imran Tahir 21-1-92-0, L. Johnson c Du Plessis b Morkel 0 Elgar 1-0-5-0 Samuels hit 101 before both were out in chances of a result were receding rapidly, made off 186 deliveries with 12 fours. He M. Samuels lbw b Philander 101 To bat: J. Holder, J. Taylor, S. Benn, S. Gabriel, successive overs. They put on 176, a record with the West Indies making a solid reply to fell four balls after Samuels, edging S. Chanderpaul not out 4 K. Peters third wicket partnership for the West Indies South Africa’s first innings total of 417 for Morkel to second slip. Morkel, the pick of D. Ramdin not out 8 Match situation: West Indies trail by 172 runs against South Africa, beating the 160 by eight declared. Brathwaite and Samuels the bowlers, had taken three for 55 at Extras (lb4) 4 with six wickets remaining in the first Shivnarine Chanderpaul and Brian Lara in were subjected to some hostile short- tea. — AFP Total (4 wkts, 69 overs) 245 innings. Pakistan’s Hafeez flies to India for bowling Stade Francais go top action clearance with Toulon thrashing KARACHI: Pakistan’s spinning all-rounder Mohammad Hafeez flies to India yesterday in a bid to have his bowling action cleared in time for next year’s World Cup. PARIS: Stade Francais stunned champions Toulon The European champions were infringing at the home back in May, denying Toulouse a semi-final The 34-year-old’s action was reported as suspect during 30-6 in Paris on Sunday to replace their opponents breakdown in an effort to stem the tide of white place for the first time in 20 years. the first Test against New Zealand in Abu Dhabi last month at the French Top 14 summit. shirts coming at them and referee Pascal Gauzere’s Former New Zealand international Luke McAlister and he was subsequently suspended after a bio-mechani- Tries from captain Sergio Parisse, substitute patience finally wore thin as he sent Argentina prop scored four penalties with Toby Flood, the ex- cal test found it was illegal. Under International Cricket Jeremy Sinzelle and Georgian prop Zurab Zhavania Matias Cortese to the sin bin for a high tackle. England fly-half, adding a fifth for Toulouse, who Council (ICC) rules, bowlers are permitted to straighten their bowling arm by up to 15 degrees, which has been put the French and European champions, for whom Two minutes later another Toulon forward, flanker moved up to sixth in the table and into the final established as the point at which any straightening will Australia international back James O’Connor didn’t Virgile Bruni was also shown a yellow card and with play-off place. “It wasn’t very spectacular but with become visible to the naked eye. come off the bench in what would have been his Plisson kicking his third penalty for a 16-0 lead, the those conditions we couldn’t do any better,” said Hafeez’s suspension was a second blow for Pakistan final appearance before returning home, to the writing seemed to be on the wall for the champions. Flood. after their ace spinner Saeed Ajmal was also sidelined over sword at the Jean Bouin stadium. But playing with a two-man numerical disadvantage Benjamin Dambielle, standing in at fly-half for his illegal action in September. “I’m proud and satisfied, it’s hugely pleasurable to focussed Toulon’s minds and Argentina fly-half injured South African Johan Goosen, scored all of Ajmal last week announced his withdrawal from the find myself with a group that buys into our project,” Nicolas Sanchez knocked over a drop goal before Racing’s points with two penalties and a drop goal. World Cup as his remedial work will not be completed said Stade’s Argentine coach Gonzalo Quesada. Wales full-back Leigh Halfpenny scored a penalty. Racing remained fourth but missed out on the before the January 7 deadline to announce a final 15-man “I’m very happy because we’ve made massive Toulon had several chances to close the gap fur- losing bonus point after opting to kick a penalty to squad for the event in Australia and New Zealand, which progress in defence. We won thanks to the attitude ther in the second half but Sanchez hit the bar with touch late on in an attempt to win the game rather starts on February 14. we showed in going after the bonus point at the a drop goal attempt and put another wide while than going for the three points that would have The Pakistan Cricket Board said Hafeez has worked with end.” Halfpenny was well off target with a long-range secured the bonus. former spinner Saqlain Mushtaq and spin bowling coach It is six years since Stade have reached the Top 14 penalty attempt. And they paid for it late on as Stade “You can see this is a team with a huge amount of Mushtaq Ahmed. “Hafeez’s action should be tested in an play-offs but they will start the New Year in pole bravely attacked from deep and Geoffrey pride and desire but they still need more maturity ICC accredited lab after his remedial work with coaches in position to finally end that sorry record, although Doumayrou put Sinzelle over in the corner before because that kind of point can be important at the Lahore. Therefore Hafeez is being sent to Chennai for an they were top three games further into the season a Zhvania finished off a sweeping move direct from end of the season,” said Racing coach Laurent unofficial testing of his bowling action,” the PCB said. If the year ago and still missed out. Toulon’s restart. “It was a difficult night, yes, but we Travers. New Zealander Kendrick Lynn scored a last unofficial test clears Hafeez then the PCB will apply for an Stade made a blistering start as the hosts won a can’t accept that,” said Toulon backs coach Pierre minute try to give Lyon a stunning 16-13 victory official reassessment with the ICC, possibly by January 3. scrum against the head in the Toulon 22 and Parisse Mignoni. “I’ll keep to myself what we said to the over giants Clermont, who would have gone top Hafeez has 122 wickets in 153 one-days, as well as 4,456 cantered through a gaping hole to score by the players. It’s not acceptable to play like that.” with victory. runs and his dual role is important to the balance of Pakistan’s side in one-day internationals. Captain Misbah- posts after four minutes. Toulouse gained a measure of revenge on Racing- In other matches, 2013 champions Castres ul Haq has said Hafeez’s absence hurt the team and led to The Parisians had their tails up and were in Metro with a turgid and try-less 15-9 victory. remained bottom despite a much-needed 27-9 win Pakistan’s 3-2 Test defeat against New Zealand in the total control of the early proceedings as fly-half Toulouse’s victory crucially helped erase memories over Montpellier while Bordeaux-Begles ran in seven United Arab Emirates earlier this month. — AFP Jules Plisson landed a pair of penalties in quick of the record four-time European champions’ play- tries as they thrashed former European champions succession. off defeat to the Parisians at their Ernest-Wallon Brive 46-10. — AFP TUESDAY, DECEMBER 30, 2014 SPORTS

MELBOURNE: Australia’s Chris Rogers (center) watches his shot fall short of India’s MS Dhoni (right) off the bowling of Mohammed Shami (left) on the fourth day of their cricket Test match. —AP Marsh sets India near record task to win Test

MELBOURNE: An unbeaten half-century by we’ll assess it after we’re all out,” he said. Shami. But replays showed the ball hitting the Shaun Marsh put Australia in a strong position “It’s still a very good batting wicket. The key is ground in Dhoni’s glove and Rogers was given a SCOREBOARD yesterday, setting India a near-record task if they going to be to get that ball going a little bit and reprieve. India celebrated the important pyscho- are to win the third Test in Melbourne. dry up the runs and take 10 wickets.” logical wicket of Smith in one of their rare suc- Marsh produced one of his finest knocks for It was Marsh’s fighting innings which tilted cesses against the prolific Aussie skipper in the MELBOURNE: Scoreboard at the close on the fourth day of the third Test between Australia his country with 62 to steer Australia to 261 for the Test Australia’s way after India reduced the series. Smith was caught at leg-slip by Ajinkya and India at the Melbourne Cricket Ground yesterday: seven, giving the hosts an overall lead of 326 home side to 176 for five, claiming the key wick- Rahane off Umesh Yadav after playing a similar Australia 1st innings 530 (S. Smith 192, R. 70-4 (1w), Hazlewood 25-6-75-0, Watson 16- runs heading into today’s final day. ets of Steve Smith and Chris Rogers in the shot for a boundary a few overs before. Shane Harris 74; M. Shami 4-138) 3-65-1, Lyon 29-3-108-2, Smith 2-0-11-0 The Indians will have to defy history at the process. The tourists kept the clamps on the Watson again failed to nail a big score when he famous Melbourne Cricket Ground, where they Australian batting in a tense final session, before was caught behind off Ishant Sharma for 17. India 1st innings (overnight 462 for 8) Australia 2nd innings have not won for 33 years, to keep the Border- Marsh clawed back the advantage. “Any score on Debutant Joe Burns was out to a poor shot M. Vijay c Marsh b Watson 68 D. Warner lbw b Ashwin 40 Gavaskar Trophy series alive to next week’s the final day is going to be tricky,” Indian spinner and was caught behind off Sharma for nine, S. Dhawan c Smith b Harris 28 C. Rogers b Ashwin 69 fourth and final Test in Sydney. The highest suc- Ravi Ashwin said. “It’s going to be hard work, but while Brad Haddin (13) and Mitchell Johnson C. Pujara c Haddin b Harris 25 S. Watson c Dhoni b I. Sharma 17 cessful run chase in the fourth innings at the we’re up for it. We’re here to win games of crick- (15) were also caught behind. V. Kohli c Haddin b Johnson 169 S. Smith c Rahane b Yadav 14 MCG remains 332 for seven by England against et, so we’ll be positive and try and see where we Australia lost the explosive Warner before A. Rahane lbw b Lyon 147 S. Marsh not out 62 Australia in 1928. Teams have struggled to score can go.” The tourists removed Smith for just 14 lunch after he was looking threatening. He L. Rahul c Hazlewood b Lyon 3 J. Burns c Dhoni b I. Sharma 9 more than 250 in the fourth innings on the drop- after the Aussie skipper scored 192 in the first played forward but was struck on the back pad M. Dhoni c Haddin b Harris 11 B. Haddin c Dhoni b Yadav 13 in pitch in recent years, with India all out for 169 innings in his third century of the series. and was given out leg before wicket for 40 off 42 R. Ashwin c and b Harris 0 M. Johnson c Rahane b Shami 15 (2011) and 161 (2007) in their last two Tests at Veteran opener Rogers reached his fourth balls with six fours. Australia quickly mopped up M. Shami c Smith b Johnson 12 R. Harris not out 8 the ground, both defeats. consecutive half-century of the series but again India’s first innings for 465 to lead by 65 with U. Yadav c Haddin b Johnson 0 Extras (lb8, w1, nb5) 14 Australia has to decide whether to declare failed to go on with it and was bowled by Johnson snaring both wickets of Yadav and I. Sharma not out 0 Total (7 wickets; 75 overs) 261 overnight or bat on with a total of 96 overs to be Ashwin for 69 nearing tea. Shami for the addition of just three runs to the Extras (lb1, w1) 2 Fall of wickets: 1-57 (Warner), 2-98 bowled on the fifth day, but opener David Rogers was dropped on 33 in the slips by overnight score. Warner believes more runs are needed. Shikhar Dhawan on the second ball after a India lost their last seven wickets for 56 after Total (all out; 128.5 overs) 465 (Watson), 3-131 (Smith), 4-164 (Rogers), 5- “I think we need a few more runs than we’ve lengthy rain delay and had another big moment Virat Kohli (169) and Rahane’s (147) ground Fall of wickets: 1-55 (Dhawan), 2-108 176 (Burns), 6-202 (Haddin), 7-234 got at the moment. Shaun Marsh is batting fan- on 56 before his dismissal. record 262-run partnership for the fourth wicket. (Pujara), 3-147 (Vijay), 4-409 (Rahane), 5-415 (Johnson) tastic and we saw what Ryan Harris did in the Umpire Richard Kettleborough called for the It was yet again another lower order collapse to (Rahul), 6-430 (Dhoni), 7-434 (Ashwin), 8- Bowling: Yadav 14-1-73-2 (1w), Shami 20-2- first innings (74), so hopefully he can produce video umpire to check if the ball had carried in a highlight one of the main differences between 462 (Kohli), 9-462 (Yadav), 10-465 (Shami) 75-1, I. Sharma 19-4-49-2 (5nb), Ashwin 22- something similar to that tomorrow and I think claimed catch by MS Dhoni off Mohammed the two sides. —AFP Bowling: Johnson 30.5-6-135-3, Harris 26-7- 2-56-2. SCOREBOARD NZ cruise past Sri Lanka

CHRISTCHURCH, New Zealand: Scoreboard CHRISTCHURCH: New Zealand wrapped up of the session when Dhammika Prasad career-high 45. Hamish Rutherford for 10. New Zealand had at the close on the fourth day of the first Test a win against Sri Lanka by eight wickets yes- nicked to Taylor at first slip. Southee finished with four for 91 and previously won four Tests in a year five between New Zealand and Sri Lanka in terday to cap their most successful year in Southee featured in the remaining two Boult, who removed the top order on times, most recently in 2008. They are in an Christchurch yesterday: Test cricket. Set a meagre 105-run target on dismissals, catching Jayawardene (23) off Sunday, returned figures of four for 100. unbeatable position in the series with the New Zealand 1st innings 441 (B. McCullum the fourth day of the first Test in Craig and Lakmal (16) from the bowling of New Zealand lost both openers in their brief second and final Test starting in Wellington 195, J. Neesham 85, K. Williamson Christchurch, they took 30.4 overs to com- Trent Boult leaving Eranga undefeated on a run chase with Tom Latham out for 17 and on Saturday. — AFP 54; A. Mathews 3-39, S. Lakmal 3-90) Sri Lanka 1st innings 138 (A. Mathews 50; T. plete the victory with Ross Taylor not out 39 Boult 3-25, N. Wagner 3-60) and Kane Williamson on 31. It means New Sri Lanka 2nd innings (overnight 293-5) Zealand have won five Tests in a calendar D. Karunaratne b Boult 152 year for the first time after enjoying 2014 K. Silva c Watling b Southee 33 series wins at home against India (1-0) and K. Sangakkara c Watling b Boult 1 away in the West Indies (2-1). They also L. Thirimanne c Watling b Neesham 25 drew a series with Pakistan (1-1) in the UAE A Mathews c Watling b Southee 66 earlier this month. N. Dickwella c Neesham b Boult 4 Although Williamson and Taylor steered T. Kaushal c Craig b Southee 12 New Zealand home, the victory was built on P. Jayawardene c Southee b Craig 23 Brendon McCullum’s swashbuckling 195 D. Prasad c Taylor b Southee 4 first innings knock and the lethal swing and S. Eranga not out 45 seam bowling of Trent Boult and Tim S. Lakmal c Southee b Boult 16 Southee. After Sri Lanka were forced to fol- Extras (b4, lb20, w1, nb1) 26 low on 303 runs in arrears of New Zealand’s Total (all out, 154 overs) 407 441, they ground out a gritty 407 but the Fall of wickets: 1-85 (Silva), 2-94 (Sangakkara), size of the first innings deficit meant New 3-181 (Thirimanne), 4-277 (Karunaratne), 5- Zealand were never under any serious 287 (Dickwella), 6-307 (Kaushal), 7-320 threat. Sri Lanka resumed their second (Mathews), 8-325 (Prasad), 9-348 innings on Monday at 293 for five and cau- (Jayawardene), 10-407 (Lakmal) tiously picked off the 10 runs they need to Bowling: Boult 39-8-100-4 (1w), Southee 37- make New Zealand bat again before 8-91-4, Wagner 30-6-76-0 (1nb), Craig 38-10- Southee struck in a high-class spell with an 83-1, Neesham 8-2-29-1, McCullum 1-0-3-0, ageing ball that produced three wickets for Williamson 1-0-1-0 19. Sri Lanka slumped to 325 for eight and New Zealand 2nd innings when off-spinner Mark Craig dismissed T. Latham c Mathews b Kaushal 17 Prasanna Jayawardene (23) it became 348 H. Rutherford c Dickwella b Eranga 10 for nine. K. Williamson not out 31 Only lusty hitting by Shaminda Eranga R. Taylor not out 39 and Suranga Lakmal, who added 59 for the Extras (lb6, w2, nb2) 10 last wicket, took New Zealand’s target past Total (2 wickets, 30.4 overs) 107 100. Nightwatchman Tharindu Kaushal was Fall of wickets: 1-23 (Latham), 2-43 Southee’s first victim when he edged a (Rutherford) seaming delivery to Craig at second slip. Bowling: Lakmal 6-2-16-0 (1nb, 1w), Kaushal Angelo Mathews reached 66 before he 13-0-48-1 (1nb), Eranga 7-2-20-1, Prasad 4.4- pulled at a Southee bouncer and was 1-17-0 (1w). caught down the leg side by wicketkeeper CHRISTCHURCH: Sri Lanka’s Tharindu Kaushal dives for the ball in front of New Zealand’s Hamish Rutherford during day four of the first Result: New Zealand won by 8 wickets. BJ Watling. Southee claimed his third wicket International Test cricket match. — AFP TUESDAY, DECEMBER 30, 2014 SPORTS Ghana, South Africa keep squad options open

JOHANNESBURG: Title favorites Algeria have Gourcuff included 18 of the 23 players who went to agreements with then-coach Kwesi Appiah. hence the bloated squad,” he said of a group from named a final squad for the 2015 Africa Cup of the 2014 World Cup in Brazil and took the North Veteran midfielder Michael Essien, who played which he must drop 11 players. Nations in Equatorial Guinea while Group C rivals African country to the knockout stage for the first under Grant at Chelsea, was another former star A surprise omission from the provisional group is Ghana and South Africa are undecided. time. The Desert Foxes bowed out in the second who failed to make the cut. Kaizer Chiefs centre-back Tefu Mashamaite, who New Ghana coach Avram Grant, who guided round after forcing eventual champions Germany There were recalls for DR Congo-based goal- started in a drawn final-round eliminator away to Chelsea in the 2008 Champions League final loss on into extra-time before suffering a 2-1 defeat. keeper Ernest Sowah, defender Samuel Inkoom defending champions Nigeria, who did not qualify. penalties to Manchester United, chose a 31-man Newcomers are goalkeeper Izzeddine Doukha, from American club Houston Dynamo and Italy- Probably the biggest concern for Mashaba is provisional squad. defender Mehdi Zeffane, midfielders Mehdi Abeid based midfielder Alfred Duncan. striker Tokelo Rantie from English second-tier And South Africa counterpart, Ephraim ‘Shakes’ and Foued Kadir, and striker Ishak Belfodil. Grant will rely heavily on striker Asamoah Gyan, league leaders Bournemouth, who hopes to recover Mashaba, called up 34 players for a post-Christmas They replace Cedric Si Mohamed, Liassine who plays for United Arab Emirates club Al Ain and from a shoulder injury. Johannesburg training camp. Cape Verde Islands, Cadamuro, Nabil Ghilas, Mehdi Mostefa and Hassan made the final five of the 2014 African Footballer of Angry ex-Newcastle and Chelsea striker Demba Gabon and Mali have also picked final squads for Yebda for a competition Algeria won in 1990 as the Year race before being eliminated. Ba took to Twitter after being left out of the provi- the biennial 16-nation African football showpiece at hosts. Their good World Cup showing lifted Algeria South Africa are back at the Cup of Nations as sional 28-man Senegal squad picked by coach and Equatoguinean venues Bata, Ebebiyin, Malabo and to No.1 on the African rankings, and a five-match qualifiers for the first time since 2008 and much of former France star Alain Giresse. Mongomo. Other contenders to select provisional winning streak in the 2015 qualifiers has confirmed the credit has been heaped on former Orlando “I cannot wait to hear the excuses of the coach squads of varying numbers include Burkina Faso, the Foxes as favorites. Grant omitted Kevin-Prince Pirates defender Mashaba. and then destroy them one by one,” tweeted the 29- Cameroon, Congo Brazzaville, Senegal, Tunisia and Boateng and Sulley Muntari, who were kicked out He has restored pride to a national team that year-old who has been scoring regularly for Besiktas Zambia. Democratic Republic of Congo, Equatorial of the World Cup squad in Brazil, after initially hint- steadily slumped after conquering Africa in 1996, in Turkey. Giresse has many proven goal poachers Guinea, Guinea and Ivory Coast have yet to reveal ing that he might recall the midfielders. and lifted morale when goalkeeper-captain Senzo to choose from, including Papiss Cisse of Newcastle their hands ahead of a January 7 deadline for final Muntari assaulted a Ghanaian official and Meyiwa was murdered during the qualifying cam- and Sadio Mane of Southampton, who scored in player lists. France-born Algeria coach Christian Boateng was sent home after training-ground dis- paign. “I want to give everyone a chance to impress, weekend English Premier League matches. — AFP Bournemouth stay top after Millwall stroll

LONDON: Bournemouth surged four points up a tense finish. “It was a great game and it clear at the top of the Championship with a could have gone either way. But the thing clinical 2-0 win at Millwall on Sunday. that has improved for us after a very bad With second-placed Ipswich not in action November is our defending and we have until Tuesday, Eddie Howe’s team took been harder to beat and we have built off advantage to cement their position as sec- the confidence of that,” Jackett said. ond tier promotion pace setters heading “The goals against column has improved into the new year. and you could see our heart, spirit and Yann Kermorgant’s penalty broke the organisation. Our defending was very good deadlock at The Den in the 32nd minute and it needed to be.” and Harry Arter doubled Bournemouth’s Birmingham made it six wins from their lead before half-time, while the struggling last nine league matches with a 3-1 success Lions had Shaun Williams sent off late on. “It at Nottingham Forest. Clayton Donaldson was a very hostile atmosphere but we dealt bagged a brace after David Cotterill had well with the challenge that was posed and broken the deadlock, while Britt concentrated on the football which is the Assombalonga netted late on for the lack- most important thing for our perspective,” lustre hosts. Howe said. Bottom of the table Blackpool came from “We always felt if we could keep a clean behind to draw 1-1 with Rotherham at sheet we’d have a good chance to win the Bloomfield Road, with Dominic Telford game. We’ve been 2-0 ahead against equalising late on after Emmanuel Ledesma Millwall before and ended up drawing, so it had broken the deadlock. was a good test for us to learn from the pre- Adlene Guedioura bagged a brace and vious game.” Odion Ighalo and Gabriele Angella also net- LONDON: Burnley’s Ashley Barnes (centre left) celebrates after scoring during the English Premier League soccer match. — AP Middlesbrough moved up to third place, ted as Watford won 4-2 at Cardiff, with five points behind Bournemouth, after a Adam Le Fondre and Kenwyne Jones reply- goalless draw at Blackburn. Wolves contin- ing for the Bluebirds. Pellegrini fumes after ued their recent resurgence with a 2-1 Huddersfield recovered from conceding defeat of Brentford at Molineux. a first-minute Darren Pratley goal to beat Nouha Dicko put Kenny Jackett’s team Bolton 2-1 thanks to strikes from Jacob ahead in the seventh minute and James Butterfield and Nahki Wells. sloppy City blow lead Tarkowski’s 73rd minute own goal gave the Hal Robson-Kanu’s penalty and a Simon hosts breathing space, before Wolves mid- Cox effort helped Steve Clarke’s Reading fielder Kevin McDonald was dismissed and edge out Norwich 2-1, with Bradley Johnson MANCHESTER: Manuel Pellegrini accused his that we couldn’t keep the same intensity as we had in next face Sunderland on New Year’s Day. “It is very diffi- Danny Batth scored at the wrong end to set on target for the Canaries. — AFP Manchester City players of complacency after they the first half. “In the second half, they scored the early cult to know for now. He still has some problems in his allowed a two-goal lead to slip away in a costly 2-2 goal and that was very important for them. They grew a calf.” Pellegrini also blamed the fixture schedule, and draw against lowly Burnley. lot and had a lot of trust in what they could do.” the fact his players had to perform on a heavy, snow- The defending champions wasted the opportunity Pellegrini, who revealed he had left Yaya Toure out of bound pitch at West Brom on Boxing Day, for their poor to pull to within a point of Premier League leaders his squad as a precaution after the Ivory Coast interna- second half showing. Chelsea, who were held by Southampton earlier on tional reported a slight groin problem, remained defi- But opposite number Sean Dyche not only named Sunday, after first half goals from David Silva and ant about City’s title chances despite the setback. “Of the same starting line-up that lost to Liverpool on Fernandinho had put City well in control at Eastlands. course, this was a chance to have two points more, but Boxing Day but also resisted the temptation to make a An early second half effort from Burnley’s George not a chance for anything else,” he said. “We have to substitution during the 90 minutes at the Etihad. “I find Boyd was followed by a dramatic 82nd minute equalis- play the complete second round (of fixtures). We have it incredible people are making that point,” said Dyche. er from Ashley Barnes which ended City’s bid for a club finished the first round with 43 points, which is a good “When I was playing, we would put out the same team record 10th consecutive victory. “The way we’re playing, amount of points. “After leading 2-0, it’s more disap- if we were playing well. “I don’t over-think it. If the team we need to run a lot of metres,” said Pellegrini. “Maybe pointing to lose the two points but we have all the sec- is ready to play, we play and today the players were leading 2-0 we thought that the game was over but ond round to see who is the best team.” ready to deliver. “I keep reading about ‘struggling until the last whistle the game has never finished. We Stevan Jovetic returned as a second half substitute, Burnley,’ But the expectation was we had no chance at couldn’t continue with the same pace. “In football, two meaning City’s run of games without a fit, recognised all. “If you look at the way the team is performing, we’re balls can decide the score. At the beginning of the sec- first team forward is over, but news about the fitness of not struggling, we’re playing really well and I’m delight- ond half, Burnley scored a clear offside goal; after that, club captain Vincent Kompany, laid off with a ham- ed with all the players. “I’m intrigued to see where the with a rebound, they scored the second. string injury, is less positive. “We will see tomorrow if journey is taking us and I’ve been very much enjoying “We played very well in the first half but it’s clear he’s fit for the next game,” said Pellegrini whose side the way the team has been playing.” — AFP Europe the place to

MONACO: Michel Platini, attends the soccer Europa League draw ceremony at the be for Brazil’s Lucas Grimaldi Forum in Monaco. It was announced yesterday that UEFA President Michel Platini is set to serve a third term after no rival candidate emerged before RIO DE JANEIRO: Paris Saint Germain’s Brazilian Brazilian game is slower and that playing in Europe reports in Brazil saying Corinthians are looking to the deadline. — AP international star Lucas Moura said Sunday that had bolstered his all-round development. bring him home from Tottenham Hotspur after just Europe is the place to be for top talent and any Brazil coach Dunga called Lucas into his squads a year in north London. return to the domestic fray would be a step back- for recent friendlies against Austria and Turkey but Several sterling showings during Brazil’s Beckham MLS group wards. “It would be a step back for my career if I injury forced his withdrawal. Confederations Cup success last year earned were to return to Brazil,” said the 22-year-old But he told Globo he hoped to get another Paulinho a 22 million euros move to White Hart winger, whom PSG signed from Sao Paulo for 45 chance to pull on the national shirt for a March 26 Lane but after a strong start the 26-year-old has quietly optimistic million euros ($55m) two seasons ago. Moura, who friendly in Paris.”That would be special-I can say been a peripheral figure this season. MIAMI: David Beckham’s group seek- Miami’s hopes having yet to be final- made his name with Sao Paulo and broke into the France is my second country,” Lucas said. Last month, Paulinho admitted he was open to Brazilian national side in 2011 but failed to make Fellow international Paulinho could be in line to a move back to his old club owing to a lack of play- ing a stadium deal to finalize a Miami ized even as New York and Orlando the cut for the World Cup, told Globo television the return to the Brazilian league, however, with media ing time with Spurs. — AFP football team is optimistic after quiet prepare to welcome new MLS clubs progress, the English star’s top nego- next year, while Atlanta and a new Los tiator said Sunday in a Miami Herald Angeles club to replace defunct Chivas story. The newspaper reported that the USA are set for 2017 starts. Miami Beckham United group trying to Other cities have made expansion bring a Major League Soccer squad to pitches to MLS and some in Miami fear South Florida remains confident they will miss out if they cannot reach despite a year of denials by area offi- a deal soon. cials in bids to locate a tract of land for Juan Zapata, a Dade County com- a new stadium. missioner, told the Herald he wants “We have made very meaningful Beckham’s group to consider playing at strides in the last couple of months,” Florida International University’s stadi- John Alschuler, Beckham’s real estate um while a deal is completed, saying adviser and lead negotiator, told the that an active team will be harder to Miami Herald in an e-mail. refuse even though MLS wants the sta- “While nothing in this complex dium before awarding a team. equation can be taken for granted, I “I think it’s obvious that MLS isn’t am optimistic that there will be several going to get what they want,” Zapata positive announcements in the first told the Herald.”Until we figure out a quarter of the next year.” stadium plan, I think we’ve got to get a The retired English football star took team on the field.” advantage of a clause in the MLS con- MLS has not publically embraced a tract he signed when joining the Los stadium site near the Miami Marlins’ Angeles Galaxy to purchase an MLS new Major League Baseball stadium, team at a bargain rate and identified although the Herald reported that Miami as the market where he wants politicians privately call it the best the team to play, but has been thwart- hope Beckham’s group has for dis- ed in getting permission to build on counted land upon which it could his desired downtown stadium sites. build a stadium. The group has been quiet since a “That’s the only place we have that June rejection of a waterfront bid even they might be able to use,” Miami city as local leaders try to lure interest from manager Daniel Alfonso told the news- Beckham in their locations. paper, adding that they have not heard MLS officials and Beckham have from Beckham’s group since a bayside been unified in saying the team is con- site was rejected by the city six months HONDURAS: In this Monday, Nov. 22, 2014 photo, 11-year-old Maynor Ayala, gets ready to take a shot on goal during their first soccer game tingent upon a new stadium deal, ago. — AFP outside of his neighborhood in Tegucigalpa, Honduras. A small US foundation learned about coach Luis Lopez’s program to show children a way out of the violence through soccer. — AP Spurs defuse Marsh sets Rockets, Mavs India near silence Thunder record task to win Test

TUESDAY, DECEMBER 30, 201415 18 Ghana, South Africa keep squad options open Page 19

PITTSBURGH: Cincinnati Bengals running back Jeremy Hill is hit by Pittsburgh Steelers inside linebacker Lawrence Timmons (94) during the first quarter of an NFL football game. — AP Steelers grind Bengals, Ravens soar

PITTSBURGH : The Pittsburgh Steelers are back on top of the AFC will start the postseason at Dallas next week. record in the NFL for the third consecutive season since his arrival Mike Evans set a Tampa Bay record with his 12th touchdown North. Antonio Brown returned a punt 71 yards for a touchdown Rodgers was carted to the locker room after tossing his first in Denver. That’s something he accomplished just twice in his 13 reception as the Bucs (2-14) flirted with damaging their chances and added a clinching 63-yard scoring grab with 2:50 to go in the score to Cobb late in the second quarter. He hobbled back on to years in Indianapolis before missing all of 2011 because of spinal of winding up with the No. 1 overall selection in the draft. They Steelers’ 27-17 victory over the Cincinnati Bengals on Sunday the field in the third quarter with the game tied at 14. He led fusion surgery. “earned” the top pick anyway. night. Pittsburgh (11-5) earned its first division title since 2010 by Green Bay on a seven-play, 60-yard drive that ended with a 13- Manning, who completed 21 of 37 passes for 273 yards, failed sweeping the season series from the Bengals (10-5-1). The Steelers yard score to Cobb with 3:33 left in the quarter. The Packers didn’t to throw a TD pass for the second time in four weeks after throw- COLTS 27, TITANS 10 are the No. 3 seed in the AFC and will host Baltimore in the wild- look back. ing one for 51 consecutive games, just three shy of Drew Brees’ Andrew Luck threw for 160 yards and two touchdowns before card round Saturday night. The Bengals are the No. 5 seed and will NFL record. sitting out the second half. The Colts (11-5) bounced back from play at AFC South champion Indianapolis on Sunday. Brown had PANTHERS 34, FALCONS 3 their worst performance this season by nearly matching at half- 212 all-purpose yards, including the late dazzling catch and run to Roman Harper and Tre Boston returned interceptions for TEXANS 23, JAGUARS 17 time what they did offensively in the loss at Dallas. They wound the end zone. touchdowns as Carolina’s defense led the Panthers to the NFC JJ Watt had three sacks and a safety and Andre Johnson had up outgaining the Titans 378-192 as the AFC South champs swept The victory came at a potentially high cost. Running back South crown. 134 yards receiving and a touchdown. The Texans (9-7) had a shot their division a second straight season for the first time in fran- Le’Veon Bell left in the third quarter with a hyperextended right Carolina (7-8-1) will host a wild-card playoff game next week at making the playoffs, but Baltimore beat Cleveland to claim the chise history. knee following a collision with Cincinnati safety Reggie Nelson. against Arizona. The Panthers have won four straight, but still are final AFC wild-card spot. Indianapolis will host Cincinnati in a wild-card game on the first team to enter the playoffs with a losing record since 2010, Johnson gave Houston a 21-17 lead with an 8-yard reception Sunday. With their 10th straight loss and Tampa Bay’s loss to New RAVENS 20, BROWNS 10 when Seattle was 7-9. early in the fourth. Watt made it 23-17 when he sacked Blake Orleans, the Titans (2-14) finished their worst season since 1994 Baltimore earned a spot in the postseason Sunday, rallying to Harper scored on a 31-yard return in the second quarter and Bortles in the end zone for a safety a few minutes later. The sack and will pick second overall in the draft. defeat the Browns while getting an assist halfway across the coun- Boston helped clinch the win with his 84-yard interception return gave him 20 1/2 this season, making him the first player in NFL try. Down 10-3 in the fourth quarter, the Ravens kicked a field goal late in the third quarter. A 33-yard fumble return by Thomas Davis history to have two seasons with 20 or more sacks. BILLS 17, PATRIOTS 9 and then took the lead on a 16-yard touchdown pass from Joe set up another touchdown. The Falcons (6-10) were booed as they The Jaguars (3-13) had a chance to take the lead late, but Cecil Kyle Orton threw for one touchdown, Anthony Dixon ran for Flacco to Torrey Smith with 7:33 left. finished their second straight losing season under embattled Shorts III was out of bounds on a catch on fourth down. another and the Bills finished their first winning season in 10 years Flacco’s 2-yard TD throw to Kamar Aiken clinched it. To reach coach Mike Smith. with a win over the going-through-the motions Patriots. the playoffs for the sixth time in seven years, Baltimore (10-6) COWBOYS 44, REDSKINS 17 With the top seed in the AFC playoffs already clinched, the needed to beat the Browns (7-9) and have San Diego lose in 49ERS 20, CARDINALS 17 DeMarco Murray and Dez Bryant broke franchise records as Patriots used quarterback Tom Brady for only the first half and Kansas City. Precisely what happened. Jim Harbaugh is done as coach of the 49ers (8-8). Harbaugh the Cowboys (12-4) prepped for the playoffs. The result was held out tight end Rob Gronkowski and five other starters. The Browns had lost four straight, were starting rookie quarter- said after the win against playoff-bound Arizona (11-5) on Sunday impressive but meaningless for postseason purposes. Murray The victory snapped several streaks: Buffalo’s 0-12 record at back Connor Shaw and had dropped 12 of their past 13 against that he and the 49ers are mutually parting ways. rushed for 100 yards on 20 carries, passing Emmitt Smith for the Gillette Stadium and New England’s 35 straight home wins Baltimore. Colin Kaepernick threw a go-ahead 3-yard touchdown pass to team single-season mark. Murray’s 1,845 yards bettered Smith’s against AFC teams. Bruce Miller late in the third quarter. Anquan Boldin caught a 76- 1,773 from 1995. Bryant caught scoring passes of 65 and 23 yards It was a price the Patriots (12-4) were willing to pay to protect CHIEFS 19, CHARGERS 7 yard TD pass and went over 1,000 yards receiving. Frank Gore ran to give him 16 touchdown receptions on the season, breaking key players, although left tackle Nate Solder didn’t return after Kansas City rolled to a that eliminated San Diego from con- for 144 yards on 25 carries to go over 1,000 yards rushing for the Terrell Owens’ team record of 15 set in 2007. hurting his knee late in the first half. The Bills (9-7) were eliminated tention, but the Chiefs failed to get the help they needed to quali- eighth time in 10 NFL seasons with San Francisco. The Cardinals from the playoffs a week earlier. fy for the playoffs. missed the franchise’s first 12-win season, but will play at Carolina SAINTS 23, BUCCANEERS 20 Baltimore and Houston both needed to lose in games happen- in the wild-card round. Ryan Lindley threw touchdown passes of Drew Brees threw a 36-yard touchdown pass to Marques JETS 37, DOLPHINS 24 ing at the same time, and both rallied in the second half for wins. 20 and 41 yards to Michael Floyd in the first half, but couldn’t Colston with 1:57 remaining to give the Buccaneers the top pick in Geno Smith had his best game in a rocky season, throwing for Justin Houston had four sacks for the Chiefs (9-7) to break deliver late. the NFL draft. Brees shrugged off three interceptions - two of a career-high 358 yards and three touchdowns in what might be Derrick Thomas’ franchise record with 22 in the season. Cairo them stopping promising third-quarter drives - to throw for 281 Rex Ryan’s final game as Jets coach. Santos kicked four field goals, and Chase Daniel played servicea- BRONCOS 47, RAIDERS 14 yards. His only TD pass gave the Saints (7-9) their first lead, and Smith’s performance more than negated a 97-yard run by bly in place of injured quarterback Alex Smith, throwing for 157 CJ Anderson ran for three touchdowns, and the Broncos Junior Galette sacked Josh McCown for a safety that provided the Lamar Miller, the longest play from scrimmage in Dolphins history. yards without an interception. earned a first-round bye and the AFC’s No. 2 seed. Peyton final margin. The Jets rallied from a 10-point third-quarter deficit, and Ryan The Chiefs’ only touchdown came when wide receiver Dwayne Manning guided the Broncos (12-4) to at least a tie for the best Doug Martin rushed for a season-best 108 yards and rookie ordered a fake punt with four minutes left that sealed the victory. Bowe fumbled inches shy of the goal line early in the second The game was entertaining but mostly meaningless because it quarter. Tight end Travis Kelce recovered in the end zone, not only involved two teams out of the playoff chase. And with the Jets sit- giving Kansas City a 10-0 lead but keeping a dubious streak intact: ting out the postseason for the fourth consecutive year, owner No Chiefs wide receiver caught a TD pass all season, the first time NFL results/standings Woody Johnson is widely expected to fire Ryan, and perhaps gen- in at least 50 years that has happened. Baltimore 20, Cleveland 10; Houston 23, Jacksonville 17; NY Jets 37, Miami 24; Kansas City 19, San Diego 7; Minnesota 13, Chicago 9; Buffalo 17, eral manager John Idzik. Philip Rivers had 291 yards passing for the Chargers (9-7), New England 9; Philadelphia 34, NY Giants 26; New Orleans 23, Tampa Bay 20; Indianapolis 27, Tennessee 10; Dallas 44, Washington 17; Denver The Jets (4-12) finished with their worst record since 2007. The going over 4,000 yards in a season for the sixth time in his career. 47, Oakland 14; San Francisco 20, Arizona 17; Seattle 20, St. Louis 6; Carolina 34, Atlanta 3; Green Bay 30, Detroit 20; Pittsburgh 27, Cincinnati 17. Dolphins (8-8) missed a shot at their first winning season since National Football Conference American Football Conference 2008, which is the last time they made the playoffs. Owner SEAHAWKS 20, RAMS 6 East Division East Division Stephen Ross has said coach Joe Philbin will be back for a fourth Marshawn Lynch scored on a 9-yard run, Bruce Irvin returned WL T PCTPFPA z-New England 12 4 0 .750 468 313 season in 2015. Buffalo 9 7 0 .563 343 289 an interception 49 yards for a touchdown and the Seahawks y-Dallas 12 4 0 .750 467 352 Philadelphia 10 6 0 .625 474 400 Miami 8 8 0 .500 388 373 wrapped up home-field advantage through the NFC playoffs. NY Giants 6 10 0 .375 380 400 NY Jets 4 12 0 .250 283 401 EAGLES 34, GIANTS 26 The two fourth-quarter touchdowns by Seattle (12-4) capped North Division Mark Sanchez threw two touchdowns and the Philadelphia Washington 4 12 0 .250 301 438 y-Pittsburgh 11 5 0 .688 436 368 a six-game win streak to end the regular season. That earned the North Division x-Cincinnati 10 5 1 .656 365 344 Eagles’ special teams scored their seventh TD of this otherwise Seahawks a second straight NFC West title and the ninth division z-Green Bay 12 4 0 .750 486 348 x-Baltimore 10 6 0 .625 409 302 frustrating season in what could have been Tom Coughlin’s final title in franchise history. The NFC playoffs will go through Seattle x-Detroit 11 5 0 .688 321 282 Cleveland 7 9 0 .438 299 337 game as New York’s coach. Backup tight end Trey Burton returned Minnesota 7 9 0 .438 325 343 South Division for the second straight season. St. Louis (6-10) couldn’t take Chicago 5 11 0 .313 319 442 y-Indianapolis 11 5 0 .688 458 369 a blocked punt 27 yards for a score in the third quarter, and Nate advantage of two first-half turnovers by the Seahawks and its only South Division Houston 9 7 0 .563 372 307 Allen iced the game with a late interception. The Eagles (10-6) points came on a pair of field goals from Greg Zuerlein. y-Carolina 7 8 1 .469 339 374 Jacksonville 3 13 0 .188 249 412 snapped a three-game losing streak that knocked them out of New Orleans 7 9 0 .438 401 424 Tennessee 2 14 0 .125 254 438 Atlanta 6 10 0 .375 381 417 West Division playoff contention last week. The 10 wins matched their total last PACKERS 30, LIONS 20 Tampa Bay 2 14 0 .125 277 410 z-Denver 12 4 0 .750 482 354 season when they won the NFC East. Limping Aaron Rodgers threw two touchdown passes to West Division Kansas City 9 7 0 .563 353 281 Rookie Odell Beckham Jr. had 12 catches for a career-best 185 z-Seattle 12 4 0 .750 394 254 San Diego 9 7 0 .563 348 348 Randall Cobb, Eddie Lacy gashed Detroit’s defense for 100 yards Oakland 3 13 0 .188 253 452 yards, including a 63-yard fourth-quarter touchdown that got the and the Packers claimed a fourth straight NFC North title. x-Arizona 11 5 0 .688 310 299 z: Clinched first-round bye and division title Giants within 31-26. The loss snapped a three-game winning San Francisco 8 8 0 .500 306 340 y: clinched division title Bothered by a left calf injury, Rodgers will appreciate a week St. Louis 6 10 0 .375 324 354 streak for the Giants (6-10), who have missed the playoffs for the off after the win, as the Packers (12-4) earned a bye. Detroit (11-5) x: clinched playoff berth third straight season. — AP Lithuania adopts euro to cement ties with West

Page 22 Japan’s regional Business banks face stress test for low rates TUESDAY, DECEMBER 30, 2014 Page 25 Exclusive Rolls-Royce bespoke Metropolitan Al-Tijaria signs contract with ‘Sultan Chef’ Restaurants collection arrives Page 26 Page 23

MOSCOW: People walk in front of an exchange office in Moscow yesterday. The Russian currency extended its losses yesterday aftera report showed the economy has started shrinking in annual terms for the first time since 2009 as the country is buffeted by falling oil prices and Western sanctions. — AP Russian economy ‘sliding into recession’ Ruble sinks 6% against greenback

MOSCOW: Russia’s economy shrank in November for the Academy of Sciences, said. against the greenback at the opening but later recovered said last week that the economy could shrink 4.0 percent first time in five years, the government said yesterday, illus- Vladimir Osakovsky, chief economist for Russia at Bank of some of the losses and traded at around 56 rubles to the next year based on oil prices of around $60 a barrel and pre- trating the sharply changing fortunes of President Vladimir America Merrill Lynch in Moscow, struck a similar tone. “We dollar in afternoon trading. Russia’s national currency fluctu- dicted a budget deficit of 3.0 percent. He said the govern- Putin’s rule as he faces falling oil prices and Western sanc- believe that Russia will post negative growth from the fourth ated wildly this month, forcing Russians to snap up import- ment would have to further reduce expenses or tap into its tions. The figures were the latest indication that Russia was quarter of this year until the end of the next year,” he said. ed goods ahead of expected price hikes. On December 16, reserves, noting that a planned 10 percent spending cut was sliding into recession-and potentially a deep one should oil The economy ministry chalked up the negative growth to a swiftly dubbed “Black Tuesday”, the currency crashed to not enough. prices remain low-presenting a major challenge to Putin slowdown in sectors including services, agriculture, extrac- unprecedented lows of 80 rubles to the dollar and 100 amid his current showdown with the West. tion of mineral resources and construction. rubles to the euro. ‘Risks ever more pronounced’ In the latest move to combat the crisis, Prime Minister Households’ real disposable incomes went down by near- To buttress the beleaguered currency, the government But Bank of America’s Osakovsky said the situation was Dmitry Medvedev said yesterday he had signed off on a 1 ly 3 percent in November compared to October when they ordered state-controlled exporters to sell part of their for- “not catastrophic,” adding that a floating ruble would allow trillion ruble ($17.9 billion) capital boost for the banking sec- were up 2.4 percent, the ministry’s figures showed. eign exchange holdings and the central bank raised interest risks stemming from the falling oil prices to be minimized. tor. Medvedev’s announcement came as the economy min- rates to 17 percent from 10.5 percent. Grinberg disparaged Some observers said the fact that Medvedev has managed istry said gross domestic product for the month contracted ‘Band-aid solutions’? the authorities’ response as “band-aid solutions”. to keep his post means that the economy has not reached a by 0.5 percent year-on-year for the first time since October Putin’s pact with voters has for years been based on rela- “There is no systemic anti-crisis program. They are not tipping point, at least in Putin’s eyes. “Despite all their might, 2009. tive prosperity and high oil prices. He has dismissed the ready yet to react to this in a serious manner.” Economy min- the authorities prefer to mobilize resources to crush internal Under pressure from the low oil price and Western financial troubles as temporary, saying the economy would ister Alexei Ulyukayev admitted this month the government domestic threats instead of implementing structural sanctions over the Kremlin’s support for separatists in adjust to the low oil price and rebound in two years at most. lacked an anti-crisis plan, saying Russia had found itself in reforms in the economy,” wrote political analyst Tatyana Ukraine, Russia is heading for a sharp recession complete But many economists said such statements exposed a lack the midst of a “perfect storm.” Stanovaya in an apparent reference to the opposition. with the collapse of the ruble and double-digit inflation. of a firm plan to deal with the crisis, which has also seen the The central bank has warned of a contraction by up to 4.8 “This means that the development of the country is “This is the beginning of a recession,” Ruslan Grinberg, ruble fall some 40 percent against the dollar this year. percent in 2015 based on current oil prices, with a recovery becoming ever less predictable and the risks for each of us director of the Institute of Economics at the Russian Yesterday, the ruble was down by around 6 percent not expected until 2017. Finance Minister Anton Siluanov ever more pronounced.” — AFP Greek bailout Gulf pulls back but stronger talks only after oil boosts Saudi petchems election, says IMF

ATHENS: The International ties on how to proceed with the MIDEAST STOCK MARKETS Monetary Fund says Greece’s review of the country’s bailout, stalled bailout review will resume after lawmakers failed to elect a DUBAI: Most Gulf stock markets pulled back in its heaviest trade since May, Saudi Kayan acquisition that would make the company prof- only after the new government is in new president, triggering a snap yesterday after gaining strongly in the two pre- Petrochemical rose 1.5 percent and Saudi Basic itable on an operating basis in 2015. place, following national elections election. “It’s now for the Greek vious sessions, but Saudi Arabia’s petrochemi- Industries added 0.8 percent. Abu Dhabi’s index slid 1.2 percent with most called for Jan 25. In a statement electorate to decide about the cals sector rose after Brent crude oil climbed Meanwhile, shares in Almarai fell 1.0 percent blue chips in the red. Qatar’s benchmark edged Monday, IMF spokesman Gerry Rice future composition of the parlia- back above $60 per barrel. Oil rebounded in after it said on Sunday its board recommended down 0.5 percent. However, shares in drilling said Greece faces no immediate ment and the government. We will thin holiday trade after a fire at one of Libya’s a cash dividend of 1 riyal per share for 2014. rig provider Gulf International Services surged financing needs. The IMF and euro- not interfere in or comment on this main export terminals destroyed 800,000 bar- Almarai, the largest dairy firm in the Gulf, paid 7.4 percent after the company’s shareholders zone countries have kept Greece democratic process,” the ECB said in rels of crude - more than two days of the coun- the same amount in 2013 and some market approved a series of amendments to its articles afloat since 2010, when the heavily a statement. try’s output - as clashes escalated between fac- players had expected a higher 2014 dividend as of association to streamline corporate gover- tions battling for control of the nation. net profit is forecast to rise 13 percent, accord- nance. The new rules, in particular, include the indebted country nearly went “We will wait for the views and Although confidence in heavy state spend- ing to a Thomson Reuters average of analysts’ mandatory presence of elected directors on the bankrupt. In exchange, govern- suggestions of the Greek authori- ing - underlined by Saudi Arabia’s record 2015 predictions. company’s board. ments in Athens implemented ties on how to best proceed with budget plan, announced last week - has made Egypt’s bourse jumped 2.4 percent as trad- deeply resented spending cuts and the review, and we will discuss this Gulf equities less exposed to moves in oil over UAE, QATAR ing volume nearly doubled. Commercial tax hikes, to restore the public with the European Commission the past week, the oil price remains important Dubai’s index fell 1.2 percent after jumping International Bank and developer Talaat finances. Greece’s talks with its and the IMF,” it added. The ECB said for the petrochemicals sector. This is because 2.6 percent on Sunday. Developer Emaar Moustafa Group were the main supports, gain- bailout creditors have been stalled Greece had made “impressive petrochemical products are often priced in rela- Properties pulled back 1.8 percent and builder ing 4.5 and 6.2 percent respectively. “There has for months amid disagreements progress in stabilizing its public tion to crude. Arabtec, which was the most traded stock, been a lot of stock-specific buying focusing on over required new spending cuts. finances and reforming its econo- Saudi Arabia’s main index closed nearly flat dropped 2.5 percent. Shares in retail start-up stocks in which there had been little trading in Meanwhile, the European my over the last years” and that the in heavy trade yesterday, but most petrochemi- Marka fell 2.9 percent, having surged 12.0 per- the last few sessions,” said Cairo-based Naeem Central Bank said yesterday it was country was expected to return to cal stocks rose. PetroRabigh surged 5.7 percent cent in the previous session on news of an brokerage analyst Harshjit Oza. — Reuters seeking views from Greek authori- growth next year. — Agencies TUESDAY, DECEMBER 30, 2014 BUSINESS Lithuania adopts euro to News in brief

OPEC basket price cement ties with West up to $56.06pb VIENNA: The price of OPEC basket of twelve crudes stood at $56.06 a barrel on Wednesday, compared Many fear currency switch could fuel price rise with $55.59 the previous day, according to OPEC Secretariat calculations. The average price of OPEC VILNIUS: Lithuania hopes joining the euro-zone Fellow Baltic states Estonia and Latvia joined and Political Science in Vilnius. tance as a symbol of statehood amid the spread crude is estimated at $75.57pb in November and on January 1 will boost its security at a time of the euro in 2011 and 2014, respectively. Lithuania of e-money and virtual currencies,” Vidmantas $85.06pb in October, it said. The new OPEC heightened anxiety over Russia, but many in the lagged because politicians were reluctant to com- Symbol of statehood Laurinavicius, head of the Money museum in Reference Basket of Crudes (ORB) is made up of the Baltic state fear the currency switch will also bring mit before the 2012 general elections. Shops and businesses will display prices in Vilnius, told AFP. following: Saharan Blend (Algeria), Girassol price hikes. The stroke of midnight will signal the Now the government says the switch will pro- both currencies until June. The two will circulate The litas helped strengthen Lithuania’s state- (Angola), Oriente (Ecuador), Iran Heavy (Islamic end of a year marked by Russian intervention in vide additional stimulus to the economy-already together as legal tender for two weeks, with the hood when it won back its independence from Ukraine-the biggest threat to the Baltic states in better shape than many others in the sluggish litas converted at a rate of 3.4528. Lithuania Moscow in 1918 and 1990, but the currency’s Republic of Iran), Basra Light (Iraq), Kuwait Export since they broke free from the crumbling Soviet euro-zone. brought in 132 million individual banknotes- role has since diminished. (Kuwait), Es Sider (Libya), Bonny Light (Nigeria), Union around a quarter of a century ago. Qatar Marine (Qatar), Arab Light (Saudi Arabia), NATO has scrambled its fighter jets 150 times Murban (UAE) and Merey (Venez). this year to escort Russian warplanes skirting the three Baltic states, three times more than last year, according to Lithuania’s defence ministry. “A sin- gle currency in Europe also means more security, Main currencies stabilize and it’s very important when we have such neigh- against Kuwaiti dinar bors,” said Vytautas Komka, a 50-something resi- KUWAIT: The exchange rate of the main currencies, dent of the capital Vilnius. Fifty-three percent of the population of three million people backed namely the US dollar, euro, yen, Swiss franc and the ditching the litas currency for the euro, while 39 pound sterling were all stable against the Kuwaiti percent were against, according to a November dinar yesterday, compared to yesterday’s exchange survey released by the central bank. rate. Central Bank of Kuwait said in its daily bulletin “Security concerns, I must admit, were among that the exchange rate for the US dollar was stable at the reasons for the popular support for euro KD 0.292 against the dinar, while the euro was also adoption,” Finance Minister Rimantas Sadzius said. He hailed the move as “the third most important stable at KD 0.356, whereas the Sterling pound stood step in Lithuania’s quest to integrate itself into the at KD 0.455, the Swiss franc was KD 0.296, while the Western European community,” after joining the Japanese yen was unchanged at KD 0.003. EU and NATO in 2004. But public support for the euro has wavered, dropping below 50 percent at times in the face of Oman budget surplus widespread concern over the fallout. “The euro shrinks 62% y/y will not increase pensions or wages, it will only increase prices,” pensioner Danute Petkeviciene MUSCAT: Oman’s government budget surplus said. totalled 233.5 million rials ($607.3 million) in “But they have already decided,” she said, January-November, down from a surplus of 610.2 referring to the central bank’s countdown to million rials a year earlier, provisional finance min- when Lithuania becomes euro-zone member 19. istry data showed yesterday. Oman’s original 2014 budget plan, based on an oil price of $85 per bar- Hopes and fears Unlike neighboring Poland, which has a free- rel, envisions expenditure of 13.5 billion rials and a floating currency, the Lithuanian litas has been deficit of 1.8 billion rials this year. Analysts polled pegged to the euro since 2002, making it by Reuters in September predicted the non-OPEC dependent on the European Central Bank. “We’ve oil exporter would post a fiscal surplus of 0.5 per- actually already had the euro for more than 12 cent of gross domestic product in 2014 and slip years but it was called the litas,” Sadzius said, into a deficit of 0.8 percent of GDP in 2015. adding that prices will go up by no more than 0.2 to 0.3 percent after the switch. Lithuania had hoped to adopt the euro in VILNIUS: A digital clock over the entrance of the Bank of Lithuania in Vilnius displays the countdown until Lithuania Egyptian pound steady 2007 but failed to meet the inflation criteria. It suf- adopts the euro. Lithuania hopes joining the euro-zone on January 1, 2015 will boost its security amid anxiety over on official market fered a deep recession in 2009 during the global Russia, but many in the Baltic state fear the currency switch will also bring price hikes. —AFP financial crisis. A painful austerity drive paved the CAIRO: The Egyptian pound held steady at a central way for the euro and made Lithuania one of the But experts warn politicians may be tempted standard across the bloc-from the German Lithuanians had sought to immortalise the bank dollar sale yesterday and on the black market. fastest-growing economies in the EU, with output to repeat the mistakes of debt-laden Greece, Bundesbank but minted its own euro coins. litas in the Guinness Book of World Records in expanding by around three percent in recent fuelled by cheap borrowing and poor fiscal disci- They will feature the national coat of arms, a November by stacking one million coins into the The bank offered $40 million at the sale and said it years. But social security cuts and other slashed pline. “There is a risk that politicians may decide knight on horseback with sword and shield, largest coin pyramid ever. The country’s bigger had sold $38.4 million at a cut-off price of 7.1401 public spending also encouraged record emigra- euro adoption was the final goal and relax which has graced its currency since the 14th cities will project special videos on New Year’s pounds to the dollar, a rate unchanged from its last tion to richer West European nations such as budget policies,” said Ramunas Vilpisauskas, Century. Eve to ring in the euro and bars will offer a non- sale on Sunday. The rates at which banks are allowed Britain. director of the Institute of International Relations “The national currency has lost its impor- alcoholic euro cocktail. —AFP to trade dollars are determined by the results of cen- tral bank sales, giving the bank effective control over Turkish assets slip in thin trading Libya managing scant oil official exchange rates. In the unofficial market, a ISTANBUL: Turkish assets were weaker keeping policy tight until there is a trader said the pound was trading at 7.80 to the dol- yesterday in thin holiday trade, with clear improvement in the inflation out- output as key ports shut lar yesterday, virtually unchanged from Sunday when pressure on the lira expected to contin- look. traders put it at 7.80/81. ue in the short term as banks look to The lira slipped to 2.3259 against the dispose of their foreign exchange risk. dollar at 1245 GMT, from 2.3178 late on BENGHAZI: Libya is producing 128,000 barrels Forces allied to Libya Dawn launched an offen- of oil a day from fields connected to the far sive aimed at seizing the port two weeks ago, Data from Turkey’s banking regula- Friday. Turkey’s main stock index Sipchem’s new plant to tor showed that the sector’s foreign slipped 0.90 percent to 84,183.8 points, eastern port of Hariga, an oil official said yes- triggering retaliatory air strikes on their west- exchange open position, which meas- underperforming the emerging market terday, while fighting halts work at major ports ern base, Misrata. Es Sider is fed from fields run start operating in Q1 ures its foreign currency risk exposure, index which rose 0.6 percent. The 10- Es Sider and Ras Lanuf. by Waha Oil Co, a joint-venture between DUBAI: Saudi International Petrochemical Co increased to $3.2 billion in the week year benchmark bond yield rose to 8.01 Output from the OPEC member nation Libya’s National Oil Corp with US companies (Sipchem) said the initial start-up of its new poly- ending Dec. 19, having been in bal- percent from 7.89 percent at Friday’s remains at a fraction of the 1.6 million barrels a Hess, Marathon and ConocoPhillips. butylene terephthalate (PBT) plant will begin in the ance on Oct. 31. “Banks would be close, after declining sharply last week day it produced prior to the 2011 ouster of The western ports of Zawiya and Mellitah first quarter of 2015. The company has been testing unlikely to continue with such high to below the two-year benchmark yield leader Muammar Gaddafi. Its two largest have also halted oil exports as the conflict has the plant’s main equipment in preparation for the currency risk and their FX demand due to tight liquidity. At home, analysts ports, Es Sider and Ras Lanuf, have stopped shut down the connecting fields of El Sharara launch, it said in a statement on Monday. The facili- would be a factor to work against the eyed today’s consumer confidence data working due to clashes between forces allied and El Feel. The port of Brega, east of Ras lira in the short-term,” said TEB-BNP and tomorrow’s trade balance data. to Libya’s internationally recognized govern- Lanuf, is still open but its crude mostly sup- ty is located in Saudi Arabia’s Jubail Industrial City. Paribas strategist Erkin Isik. “Bear in Last week, Economy Minister Nihat ment and those loyal to a rival group called plies the Zawiya refinery. Hariga, located in the The plant will manufacture up to 63,000 tonnes per mind that the central bank is currently Zeybekci said Turkey’s ratio of current Libya Dawn which seized control of Tripoli in east near the Egyptian border, has been year of PBT resin. The material is a highly-special- providing all the FX need of public account deficit to gross domestic prod- August. spared the fighting seen in much of the coun- ized thermal polymer used in electrical and elec- institutions in December and may con- uct will continue to shrink and that a Several oil storage tanks at Es Sider have try as brigades of former rebels who battled tronic material production in the automotive tinue to do so, until technical factors deficit of around 4 percent of GDP been on fire for days after clashes there. Fire side by side to oust Gaddafi now compete for effecting lira liquidity normalise.” The would be acceptable. This year the cur- industry, as well as in the production of IT based had destroyed more than two days of the political power and a share of Libya’s oil rev- central bank kept rates on hold last rent account deficit is expected to fall materials. week and reiterated its commitment to to 5.7 percent of GDP. —Reuters country’s production, officials said on Sunday. enues. —Reuters EXCHANGE RATES

Al-Muzaini Exchange Co. UAE Exchange Centre WLL Syrian Pound 2.710 Sierra Leone 0.000065 0.000071 Nepalese Rupees 3.945 Singapore Dollar 0.218764 0.224764 South African Rand 0.019304 0.027804 ASIAN COUNTRIES Malaysian Ringgit 87.645 COUNTRY SELL DRAFT SELL CASH Sri Lankan Rupee 0.001882 0.002462 Japanese Yen 2.442 Chinese Yuan Renminbi 48.035 Indian Rupees 4.622 Australian Dollar 231.71 228.71 Thai Bhat 9.885 Taiwan 0.009150 0.009330 Pakistani Rupees 2.923 Canadian Dollar 256.71 257.71 Turkish Lira 131.225 Thai Baht 0.008608 0.009158 Srilankan Rupees 2.222 Swiss Franc 302.93 300.93 Nepali Rupees 2.888 Euro 362.08 363.08 Arab Singapore Dollar 222.800 US Dollar 293.55 296.55 Bahrain Exchange Company Bahraini Dinar 0.772453 0.780453 Hongkong Dollar 37.842 Sterling Pound 461.65 464.65 Egyptian Pound 0.039542 0.042642 Japanese Yen 2.49 2.51 Iranian Riyal 0.000081 0.000082 Bangladesh Taka 3.755 COUNTRY SELL CASH SELLDRAFT Philippine Peso 6.570 Bangladesh Taka 3.761 4.031 Iraqi Dinar 0.000194 0.000254 Thai Baht 8.927 Indian Rupee 4.636 4.936 Europe Jordanian Dinar 0.409898 0.417398 Irani Riyal transfer 61.555 Sri Lankan Rupee 2.220 2.655 Belgian Franc 0.007648 0.008648 Kuwaiti Dinar 1.000000 1.000000 Irani Riyal cash 121.740 Nepali Rupee 2.893 3.428 British Pound 0.451793 0.460793 Lebanese Pound 0.000145 0.000245 Pakistani Rupee 2.918 2.790 Czech Korune 0.004880 0.016880 Moroccan Dirhams 0.023945 0.047945 UAE Dirhams 79.77 80.23 GCC COUNTRIES Danish Krone 0.044056 0.049056 Nigerian Naira 0.001193 0.001826 Bahraini Dinar 779.11 781.18 Saudi Riyal 78.338 Euro 0.352458 0.360458 Omani Riyal 0.756706 0.762386 Egyptian Pound 40.93 41.53 Qatari Riyal 80.706 Norwegian Krone 0.035227 0.040427 Qatar Riyal 0.079948 0.081161 Omani Riyal 763.320 Jordanian Dinar 417.10 422.75 Romanian Leu 0.084229 0.084229 Omani Riyal 761.26 768.56 Saudi Riyal 0.077670 0.078370 Bahraini Dinar 780.260 Slovakia 0.008600 0.018600 Syrian Pound 0.001741 0.001961 Qatari Riyal 80.83 81.38 Swedish Krona 0.033525 0.038525 UAE Dirham 80.003 Tunisian Dinar 0.154212 0.162212 Saudi Riyal 78.19 78.59 Swiss Franc 0.291079 0.301279 Turkish Lira 0.124870 0.131870 ARAB COUNTRIES Turkish Lira 0.124870 0.131870 UAE Dirhams 0.078969 0.080118 Egyptian Pound - Cash 44.000 Dollarco Exchange Co. Ltd Yemeni Riyal 0.001326 0.001406 Egyptian Pound - Transfer 40.985 Australasia Yemen Riyal/for 1000 1.371 Australian Dollar 0.230520 0.242020 Tunisian Dinar 158.730 Rate for Transfer Selling Rate New Zealand Dollar 0.221944 0.231444 Al Mulla Exchange Jordanian Dinar 414.580 US Dollar 291.750 America Lebanese Lira/for 1000 1.971 Canadian Dollar 260.085 Canadian Dollar 0.247282 0.255782 Syrian Lira 2.094 Sterling Pound 456.630 US Dollars 0.289550 0.294250 Currency Transfer Rate (Per 1000) Morocco Dirham 33.143 Euro 366.500 US Dollars Mint 0.290050 0.294250 US Dollar 293.000 Swiss Frank 303.035 Euro 360.650 EUROPEAN & AMERICAN COUNTRIES Bahrain Dinar 775.760 Asia Pound Sterlng 459.800 US Dollar Transfer 293.650 UAE Dirhams 79.330 Bangladesh Taka 0.003440 0.004040 Canadian Dollar 254.850 Euro 359.430 Qatari Riyals 80.935 Chinese Yuan 0.046134 0.049634 Indian Rupee 4.615 Sterling Pound 458.830 Saudi Riyals 77.975 Hong Kong Dollar 0.035776 0.038526 Egyptian Pound 40.965 Canadian dollar 253.580 Jordanian Dinar 411.660 Indian Rupee 0.004387 0.004788 Turkish lira 126.580 Sri Lankan Rupee 2.220 Egyptian Pound 40.707 Indonesian Rupiah 0.000019 0.000025 Bangladesh Taka 3.740 Swiss Franc 298.730 Sri Lankan Rupees 2.225 Japanese Yen 0.002358 0.002538 Australian Dollar 240.210 Philippines Peso 6.555 Indian Rupees 4.716 Kenyan Shilling 0.003286 0.003286 US Dollar Buying 292.450 Pakistan Rupee 2.914 Pakistani Rupees 2.867 Korean Won 0.000258 0.000273 Bahraini Dinar 780.250 Bangladesh Taka 3.759 Malaysian Ringgit 0.080668 0.086668 GOLD UAE Dirham 79.850 Philippines Pesso 6.481 Nepalese Rupee 0.003001 0.003171 20 gram 238.100 Saudi Riyal 78.300 Pakistan Rupee 0.002765 0.003045 10 gram 121.740 Cyprus pound 715.865 Philippine Peso 0.006487 0.006767 *Rates are subject to change 5 gram 61.560 Japanese Yen 3.480 TUESDAY, DECEMBER 30, 2014 BUSINESS

Exclusive Rolls-Royce bespoke Metropolitan collection arrives Kuwait receives one of just 20 Phantom models produced globally

KUWAIT: Ali Alghanim & Sons Automotive, the through the meticulous application of mar- Royce, which reaffirms its dedication to offer- of hot-sand shading before a final inspection by city skylines finishes the exterior surfaces of sole authorized dealer of Rolls-Royce Motor quetry - the art of inlaying small pieces of ing unmatched levels of personalization to under magnification on a light box to ensure the motor car. The exterior is completed with a Cars, BMW, and MINI, has announced that one wood veneer to form decorative motifs. When customers all over the world,” said Yousef Al perfection. hand-applied coachline that depicts an of only 20 cars from the Rolls-Royce Bespoke open, Phantom’s signature picnictable pres- Qatami, General Manager of Ali Alghanim & The cityscape theme extends beyond abstract silhouette of modern skyscrapers. Phantom Metropolitan Collection, the latest ents occupants with an elevated view of the Sons Automotive. “Being one of only 20 cars in Phantom’s many wood surfaces. A specially This is the latest in a line of remarkable, indi- showcase of the marque’s pinnacle Bespoke city, created through the expert application of the world, the arrival of this piece of automo- developed Aetherius Greyleather colour was vidual Bespoke masterpieces to arrive in the offering, has arrived in Kuwait. 500 individual wood veneer pieces. Indeed, the tive art in Kuwait is a source of pride for us at created to echothe colour palette of the mod- Middle East. These limited Collections serve to Unveiled this October at the Mondial de process of hand-cutting, colouring, shaping Ali Alghanim & Sons Automotive, as it show- ern city whilst 6,800 two-tone stitches to the inspire customers, with record levels of L’Automobile in Paris, the Phantom and applying is so complex that these unique cases once again the importance of the central rear seat flutes depict an abstract Bespoke demand reported in 2013 - last year Metropolitan Collection features exquisite objects d’art take an expert wood craftsperson Kuwaiti market for Rolls-Royce Motor Cars,” he image of a skyscraper. A specially developed almost 95 percent of all Rolls-Royce cars were hand-crafted design inspired by the modern several days to complete. On closing the tables, added. Bespoke clock extends the theme to the front personalised by their owners together with metropolis- the perfect showcase of the level a different perspective of the cityscape is Meticulous care is taken when selecting the of the car. For the first time in the marque’s his- Goodwood, while customers in the Middle East of personalization available through the offered - reflecting the view one gets when individual wood veneers. Minute imperfections tory, a rotating bezel expressing 24 of the great also lived up to their reputation of demanding renowned program. effortlessly travelling in the rear of a Phantom. such as knots and flecks lead to instant rejec- cities of the world and their time zones adorns the most individual cars in the world with 99 The Phantom Metropolitan Collection pays “The Phantom Metropolitan is another tion. Adjustments to the colour of each piece the central console of a Rolls-Royce motor car. percent of both Ghosts and Phantoms featur- homage to the world’s great metropolises extraordinary exclusive collection from Rolls- are made through the traditional hand-process An exterior hue, Darkest Tungsten, inspired ing various levels of Bespoke content.

AirAsia shares fall 7.8%, Ukraine adopts ‘draconian’ biggest drop in 3 years budget backed by IMF KUALA LUMPUR: Shares in AirAsia fell 7.8 index’s 5 percent fall. About 59.5 million percent yesterday, their biggest one-day AirAsia shares had been traded, making it KIEV: Ukraine’s parliament yesterday adopted an minister and current ruling coalition member even greater extent than in years past. drop in more than three years after one of the bourse’s most active stock. That was austerity budget that hikes import prices and Yulia Tymoshenko. The new budget also allows the state to raise its aircraft went missing on its way to about 5.2 times the stock’s average full- shrinks social spending in order to balance the Poroshenko’s advisers hailed the plan as a money by opening up casinos and allowing Singapore from the Indonesian city of day volume over the past 30 days. books under a plan backed by the International long-overdue measure that will cause short- online gambling. But social benefit payments to Surabaya. The Bangkok-listed shares of Asia Monetary Fund. The highly-disputed 2015 plan term pain in order to help Ukraine funnel the poor and elderly will only be raised in line Analysts said the Sunday incident Aviation, the holding company for Thai was pushed through by the government-led resources better into lagging economic sectors with inflation-projected to jump by 13 percent in involving AirAsia’s Indonesia unit may AirAsia in which the AirAsia group holds a coalition after a marathon debate that ended and the army. 2015 — while help with utility and other bills cause some travellers to be wary about 45 percent stake, fell 3.6 percent yester- after 4:00 am. “Two pieces of news. One good and one bad,” will be cut for all. flying with the AirAsia group, affecting its day. Indonesia AirAsia is 49 percent Ukrainian President Petro Poroshenko paid an presidential administration member Valeriy The cumulative effect is designed deflate prospects to improve yields and bolster its owned by Malaysia-based budget carrier unannounced visit to parliament on Sunday Chaly wrote in a Facebook post. “The first is that Ukraine’s budget deficit to 3.7 percent and kick- profit in the year ahead. “I was expecting AirAsia, with local investors holding the evening in order to convince his own disgrun- my salary-along with that of all the other lead- start growth in 2016. Finance Minister Natalie yields to at least maintain on a year-on- rest. The AirAsia group, including affiliates tled faction members to support the bill in the ers-has been rather seriously cut,” Chaly wrote. Jaresko-a US citizen who was plucked from her year basis in 2015, but now I’m expecting in Thailand, the Philippines and India, has face of public discontent. About 1,000 people lit “And the second: the budget was adopted, Kiev-based investment house this month to help them to decline by up to five percent,” not had a crash since its Malaysian opera- flares and held up angry signs outside the parlia- and this means 90 billion hryvnias ($5.7 billion, streamline Ukraine’s relations with global said Daniel Wong, an analyst at Kuala tions began in 2002. Indonesia resumed ment building in protest at the additional pain 4.7 billion euros) for defense.” Poroshenko has lenders-said all the measures had been agreed Lumpur-based Hong Leong Investment its search for the missing jetliner QZ8501 the measures will mete out on the war-scarred vowed to boost spending on the army-its poor with the IMF and that most would be repealed in Bank. at first light yesterday. Hafriz Hezry, an nation in the year ahead. morale and outdated equipment exposed by the 2016. The IMF approved a $17.1 billion two-year “This is going to be a draconian year,” eight-month campaign against pro-Russian loan to the bankruptcy-threatened former The research house downgraded analyst with AmResearch, expected the Samopomich (Self-Reliance) centrist party mem- insurgents in Ukraine’s industrial east-to five per- Soviet republic in the wake of the February AirAsia from a “buy” to a “trading sell” yes- stock to recover within a few days after ber Oleg Berezyuk warned before the 233-27 cent of gross domestic product from less than ouster of a Moscow-backed leader and Kiev’s terday morning. The Kuala Lumpur-traded the market’s initial reaction to news of the vote. The financial blueprint was passed only two percent today. decision to expand its ties with the European shares of AirAsia had fallen 7.8 percent as missing airplane. after Prime Minister Arseniy Yatsenyuk promised Union. of 0320 GMT, their biggest daily drop AirAsia’s reputation at the group level deputies a chance on February 15 to soften Casinos and online gambling But the Fund has delayed the past two pay- since Sept. 22, 2011. The stock had may take a hit, affecting its yield recov- some of its more unpopular points should these The most unpopular changes include a 10 ments due to Poroshenko’s inability to come up dropped as much as 12.9 percent after the ery next year, he said, but the impact on revisions be backed by a visiting IMF team. percentage point hike in the customs duty with a clear restructuring plan that could stem opening, compared with a 0.4 percent AirAsia’s earnings would be minimal But many lawmakers harshly criticized the slapped on alcohol and tobacco-as well as most an economic implosion projected to reach up to decline in Kuala Lumpur’s benchmark because its share of the Indonesia unit’s government for failing to provide them with all food. A five percentage point rise will apply to eight percent this year. The Standard and Poor’s index. profit will not be included in its earnings the details of the budget before the vote. “After almost all other items except for energy and a ratings agency warned that “the government Despite the decline, the stock has until the unit has reversed unrecognized voting for laws that radically changed the rev- few other exceptions. might not be able to meet its obligations” with- gained more than 20 percent since the losses, which could take several quar- enues and expenditures parts, we do not have This year’s 20 percent slowdown in produc- out a further $15 billion from world lenders next beginning of the year, compared with the ters. —Reuters the draft budget in our hands,” said former prime tion has forced Ukraine’s to rely on imports to an year. —AFP India clears order to ease land acquisitions rules

NEW DELHI: India passed an urgent corridors would not need to seek a legislative logjam on Dec. 23, Modi Modi is also considering executive order yesterday to ease the consent of 80 percent of the passed two orders to let foreign changes to the Mines and land-acquisition rules in sectors like affected landowners as mandated. firms raise their stakes in insurance Minerals Development and power, housing and defense to kick- They will also be exempt from hold- ventures and allow commercial Regulation Act to auction miner- start hundreds of billions of dollars ing a social impact study involving mining of coal. als like iron ore and bauxite. But in stalled projects, though invest- public hearings - procedures that Parliament, which reconvenes in the government has yet to take a ments are unlikely to flow in imme- industry executives say can drag out February, did not ratify the November decision on an ordinance for it, diately. the acquisition process for years. ordinance on coal, forcing Modi to Jaitley said. Restrictions on buying land, Compensation to landholders, how- pass another ordinance to let the Analysts reckon reform under a law championed by the last ever, will stay at four times the mar- government auction coal mines and through ordinances has its risks. Congress government, are among ket price. allow private companies to mine and “While ordinances can be reissued barriers holding up projects worth An ordinance is an emergency sell the fuel. “Governments must act once they lapse, they may not be almost $300 billion. Several states measure that has to be passed by with determination. The government perceived as a stable solution by had asked Prime Minister Narendra the next parliamentary session. must have the desire to implement investors wanting secure property Modi to overhaul the law enacted in Modi has already resorted to using its decisions,” said Jaitley, a key lieu- rights,” HSBC Securities analysts RAWALPINDI: Pakistani electricity workers complete a high voltage power January. it three times in his six months in tenant to Modi, responding to oppo- wrote in a note. “We, however, pole in Rawalpindi yesterday. China promised neighboring Pakistan invest- Finance Minister Arun Jaitley said office due to a lack of majority in the sition parties’ criticism that such ordi- believe it is an important step to ment worth $42 billion, an official said, as Islamabad promised to help projects in defense, rural electrifica- upper house of parliament. After nances undermine the parliamentary signal the government is serious Beijing fight what it calls a terrorist threat in its far-west. —AFP tion, rural housing and industrial the last parliament session ended in system in a democracy. on reforms.” —Reuters TUESDAY, DECEMBER 30, 2014 BUSINESS European shares hit by Greek stocks

LONDON: Greek shares slumped yesterday, Syriza party, which wants to wipe out a big Greek result could affect the European Central Greek banks slump out on holiday and there are few trading knocking European stock markets, after law- part of Greece’s debt, and cancel the terms of Bank’s (ECB) plans for new economic stimulus Greek banks bore the brunt of the hit to catalysts. Trading volume is expected to makers rejected the government’s candidate a bailout from the European Union and measures to tackle the economic weakness the Athens market, with Bank of Piraeus remain light, which could leave the market for president, leaving Greece facing a snap International Monetary Fund that Greece still afflicting Europe, such as quantitative easing dropping 9 percent after earlier touching more susceptible to big swings. election that could derail its bailout program. needs to pay its bills. (‘QE’). “Although this is a specific issue for record lows, while National Bank of Greece Biotechnology stocks were among the Sole candidate Stavros Dimas, a former The benchmark ATG Athex General Greece, it will raise fresh fears over the fate of fell 10.3 percent. The Greek result also hit biggest movers in premarket. Gilead European Commissioner, fell short of the 180 Composite Share Price Index fell 6.4 percent, the euro-zone and the timelines for the possi- stock markets in Spain and Italy. Both Sciences Inc rose 2.1 percent to $95.75 vote supermajority needed to become presi- leaving it near levels not seen since 2012. The ble implementation of a European version of southern European nations were hit similar- before the bell after Morgan Stanley dent. He secured 168 votes in parliament, the Athens index had already slumped due to QE. ly hard by the euro zone economic slump upgraded the stock to “overweight” from same score he achieved in the second round. fears that Dimas would fall short, dropping “2015 could see an escalation in the debate and sovereign debt crisis which led to “equal-weight.” Juno Therapeutics Inc was Greek Prime Minister Antonis Samaras 12.8 percent on Dec. 9, and is down 31 per- over austerity, with the same old north-south Greece’s 2010 bailout. up 7.1 percent to $52.20 after the company announced a snap election on Jan 25. Opinion cent in 2014. divide on what is proportional still raging,” Spanish and Italian bond yields rose, disclosed in an 8-K filing that it has author- polls point to a victory by the radical leftist IG market analyst Alastair McCaig said the McCaig said. pushing Madrid’s IBEX down 1.8 percent ized a stock buyback program of 495 mil- while Milan’s FTSE MIB fell 2.2 percent, and lion shares. the euro zone’s blue-chip Euro STOXX 50 Energy shares will continue to be in index fell 0.9 percent. Andy Ash, head of focus as crude oil rose 1 percent to $55.29 sales at Monument Securities, said there on concerns about disruption to exports was a good chance that the ECB could from Libya. Oil has dropped in 12 of the announce QE measures when it meets on past 13 weeks, weighing on the S&P energy Jan. 22, in order to minimise any knock-on index, which is by far the weakest sector of effects to European markets from the Greek the year, down 9 percent. vote later on Jan. 25. US-listed shares of the National Bank of Britain’s FTSE 100 index managed to out- Greece fell 9.6 percent to $1.79 premarket perform the pullback on continental after the country’s parliament failed to elect European markets by rising 0.2 percent, as a new president, throwing the state of the the UK market was helped by a rise in gold country’s international bailout into doubt. miners such as Fresnillo and Randgold, Indexes were on track to close out a which were propped up as the price of gold third straight positive month. Thus far in moved higher. December, the Dow is up 1.3 percent, the S&P has added 1 percent and the Nasdaq is US futures up 0.3 percent. In the fourth quarter, the US stock index futures were slightly low- Dow has gained 5.9 percent, the S&P has er yesterday, as investors found few reasons risen 5.9 percent and the Nasdaq has to keep pushing shares higher following a jumped 7 percent. Both the S&P and sharp rally that has taken major indexes to Nasdaq were on track for their eighth repeated records. The Dow has risen for sev- straight quarterly gain, the longest for the en straight sessions, the longest streak for S&P since 1998 and the longest for the the blue-chip average since March 2013, Nasdaq since 1996. while the S&P 500 is up 5.9 percent over the In 2014, the Dow is up 8.9 percent, on past seven sessions, ending at its 52nd the way to a sixth straight yearly gain, the record close of the year on Friday. S&P is up 13 percent and the Nasdaq is up The speed and scale of the rally could 15 percent. Recent gains this year were make further gains difficult to come by, fueled by strong economic data as well as especially in the final trading week of the accommodative measures from the Federal year, when many market participants are Reserve. —Reuters Brent oil rises to $60, Libya fire supports

LONDON: Brent crude oil rose to $60 cents at $60.29 by 1247 GMT after hit- per barrel yesterday, supported by con- ting $60.40. The benchmark shed 79 cerns about disruption to output from cents in the previous session. Libya, but a global supply glut kept Brent is down around 46 percent prices nearly 50 percent off their peak since a year high above $115 per barrel for the year. Libya is producing a scant hit in June. It has been weighed down by 128,000 barrels of oil a day from fields a decision taken by OPEC in November connected to the far eastern port of not to cut supply to address the slump in Hariga, an oil official said, as fighting prices and comments since from Saudi kept its largest ports, Es Sider and Ras Arabia expressing comfort with lower Lanuf, shut. prices. Oil is on track for its biggest fall Output from the OPEC member since 2008 and the second-biggest nation has struggled with port block- annual fall since futures started trading ades and protests, slashing output from in the 1980s. the 1.6 million barrels a day it produced US crude rose 81 cents to $55.54 prior to the 2011 ousting of leader after closing $1.11 down in thin trade Muammar Gaddafi. A fire sparked by a on Friday. It rose to a peak of $55.74 ear- rocket attack last week on oil storage ly on Monday. Oil prices also drew sup- tanks at the port of Es Sider marked an port from plans by China and Japan escalation in damage to the country’s aimed at supporting their economies, oil infrastructure. which would help lift demand. “There’s tension in Libya, but liquidity The People’s Bank of China plans to is very thin so not much is needed to loosen loan-to-deposit ratios for banks move oil prices,” said Hans van Cleef, from next year. China’s economy is senior energy economist at ABN Amro expected to grow by 7 percent in 2015, in Amsterdam. slower than the forecast 7.3 percent in Trade was sparse, with many 2014, government think-tank State investors away for the holidays. Van Information Centre said. Japan’s govern- Cleef added that the overall picture ment on Saturday approved stimulus remained bearish, with traders looking spending worth $29 billion to help the for reasons to sell. “It’s very supply driv- country’s lagging regions and house- en. On the demand side, the only holds with subsidies, merchandise impact is when you see a negative vouchers and other steps, which it hopes change in data.” Brent crude was up 84 will boost GDP by 0.7 percent. —Reuters Gold slips as markets digest Greek vote

LONDON: Gold eased yesterday, giv- “(The news from Athens) raises the ing up some of the previous session’s risk of Grexit (Greek euro exit) once sharp short-covering gains, but uncer- again-not the best climate for Europe tainty over the prospect of fresh elec- to begin the new year,” he added. “That tions in Greece kept the metal under- could provide some support (to gold), pinned near $1,200 an ounce. Greek although we need traders willing to lawmakers failed to elect a new presi- put on risk and they are currently miss- dent in a final round of voting yester- ing.” day, leaving it facing a snap election US gold futures for December deliv- that could derail the international ery were down $2.80 an ounce at bailout program it needs to keep pay- $1,192.50. Bearish sentiment in the ing its bills. That knocked European bullion market was evident in SPDR stocks lower, while pushing up Greek Gold Trust, the world’s largest gold- government bond yields. backed exchange-traded fund. The Spot gold was down 0.2 percent at fund’s holdings fell 0.08 percent to $1,192.45 an ounce by 1104 GMT, after 712.30 tons on Friday, a six-year low. a gain of 1.8 percent on Friday, when it Demand for the metal was soft had touched $1,199, its highest since overnight in Asia, the primary market Dec 22 and its biggest one-day jump in for physical gold dealing. 2-1/2 weeks. Bullion’s rise came in thin “The premium on the Shanghai market conditions due to the Gold Exchange was rather uninspiring, Christmas and year-end holidays and it trading between par and $1 above was unclear whether the last session’s spot for most of the day,” MKS said in a gains would be maintained when trad- note. However, China’s gold imports ing picked up again. from Hong Kong in November rose to “Friday’s sharp move was a typical their highest level since February, indi- non liquidity move, so naturally cating strong demand in the world’s enough it gives back a bit today,” Saxo top bullion consumer ahead of the Bank’s head of commodity research Lunar New Year. Silver was up 0.6 per- Ole Hansen said. “We are less than 1 cent at $16.11 an ounce, while plat- percent away from where we finished a inum was up 0.1 percent at $1,212 an year ago, and I do not think we will ounce and palladium was down 0.7 sway much away from current prices.” percent at $809 an ounce. —Reuters TUESDAY, DECEMBER 30, 2014 BUSINESS

Premium leasing offer on BMW 6 Series Ali Alghanim & Sons Automotive launches leasing offer with MAKFM

KUWAIT: Car enthusiasts in Kuwait now have BMW 6 Series Coupe. enable them to make a decision whether to this marvellous opportunity for car lovers to uncompromising sportiness and exclusive ele- even better opportunities of driving a BMW 6 Some of the unmatched benefits included lease or purchase any BMW vehicle. be on the driver’s seat of their dream BMW gance. Having reinvented the coupe, BMW has Series as Ali Alghanim & Sons Automotive in in the lease package are warranty, service and “MAKFM is truly delighted to partner with vehicle,” said Mr. Talal Al Ajmi, General created a four-door car with irresistible partnership with MAKFM, brings an amazing insurance throughout the duration of the Ali Alghanim & Sons Automotive and bring Manager of MAKFM. “ dynamics and aesthetics that re-awaken the leasing offer. lease, replacement car and 24-hr roadside ”Both Ali Alghanim & Sons Automotive joy of driving every day. MAKFM, a subsidiary of Ali Alghanim & assistance. In addition, the entire lease pack- Company and MAKFM are committed to pro- With this car, BMW has set a new bench- Sons Group of Companies that specializes in age application process requires minimal doc- viding the finest and hassle-free ownership mark in the luxury class through its artistically flexible and customised leasing programs for umentation such as valid driver’s license, three experience to its customers”, he added. presented design features such as the flat pro- some of the world’s premier automobile months bank statement and Civil ID. As among the finest engineered automo- portions, the low roofline and the set-back brands, offers a leasing package that involves For customers who will come and visit the biles in the world, the BMW 640i Gran Coupe is passenger compartment that accentuate the 24-month lease and mileage of up to 50,000 showroom, Ali Alghanim & Sons’ team of an expression of nothing less than a desire for sporty personality of the Gran Coupe. In kilometers for only KD 395 per month on the highly trained sales representatives will pro- perfection. It is a car that has never been seen essence, it forms a complete work of art that BMW 640i Gran Coupe and KD 413 on the vide them with the information that will in this form, combining pioneering design, exudes pure individuality.

Japan’s regional banks face German minimum wage rings in stress test for ultra-low rates Happy New Year for millions TOKYO: Japan’s financial regulator is run- its assessment of the risk to regional and ning stress tests to see if too much cash in smaller banks, nor how the agency would the system is stifling smaller banks’ ability follow up with lenders that appeared to BERLIN: As the New Year approaches, Berlin Higher prices west, even a quarter of a century after unification, to earn, unlike regulatory tests elsewhere be at particular risk from a period of per- bakery worker Jessica Arendt is not just look- For Moebius, whose bakery chain numbers economists said. that have been designed to see whether sistently low, long-term interest rates. ing forward to the fireworks. In 2015, she says, some 45 stores in the eastern German state of But the minimum wage has many critics lenders had enough capital to cope with Japan’s more than 100 regional banks “I’ll be able to afford a few more things”. A Saxony, more than 300 employees will be affect- around the country, not just in the poorer east of financial shocks. account for around 40 percent of the national minimum wage comes into effect in ed. Moebius acknowledged that it would be good Germany. Two people with direct knowledge of country’s $4.6 trillion in outstanding loans, Germany on January 1, and that means an for his workforce in principle. “It will bring the “The minimum wage jeopardizes thousands of the process said the Financial Services but overall loan demand has shrunk 10 additional one euro ($1.30) an hour for the 23- financial remuneration for working in a person- jobs in Bavaria, increases labor costs and weighs Agency (FSA) had initiated the tests on percent over the last 20 years. year-old. Mathias Moebius, a bakery chain nel-intensive sector like the food industry more on both companies and taxpayers by creating concerns that with 10-year Japanese gov- Such banks, which typically serve owner, isn’t quite so happy. He says he will into line with other sectors,” he told AFP. “It may additional bureaucracy,” complained Bertram ernment bond yields near a record low smaller businesses, have seen lending fall have to put up prices in response. even improve the image of our industry.” Brossardt of the regional employers’ federation in around 0.3 percent, regional lenders in as Japan’s population ages, and many Chancellor Angela Merkel this year signed But for a family-run business like his, it would the wealthy southern state. particular could be at risk as the gap have cut the interest rates they charge to off on the country’s first national minimum also mean a 10-percent rise in costs, which he between what they pay for deposits and win business. For over a year, the FSA has wage, an idea she had long opposed. In the would have to recoup elsewhere, he said. Jobs in danger? what they collect on loans and bond hold- been urging regional banks to consolidate past, Merkel favored separate pay deals by Economists argue that if there are price rises in The DIHK federation of chambers of commerce ings shrinks. or seek customers abroad. Japan’s second- industrial sector and region, arguing that a other sectors, if taxis and hairdressers also put up calculates that 200,000 jobs could face the chop The FSA told Reuters: “As a general largest regional lender, Bank of Yokohama national minimum wage would harm many their prices, then Arendt and the millions of other nationwide. But the labor agency’s president matter it is important for financial institu- , said last month that it was considering a small- and medium-sized businesses and low-wage earners will soon find themselves out of Frank-Juergen Weise was less alarmist. tions to have the ability to respond to merger with Tokyo-based Higashi-Nippon could force them to lay off workers. But her pocket as quickly as before. “I don’t believe there will be massive job cuts,” changes in the operating environment, Bank Ltd in a potential deal that analysts coalition partners, the centre-left Social In Berlin, Ahmet, a 58-year-old taxi driver who he said recently. In Saxony, Moebius said he had including changes in interest rates. That said could spur consolidation. Regional Democrats (SPD), were adamant that they is paid per ride, not by the hour, also expressed no immediate plans to slash jobs or shut stores. applies beyond regional banks. We cannot banks’ lending rates have come under would only enter into a power-sharing deal if concern. “I’ll probably have to pay more taxes and But, he warned, “I can’t rule that out in future,” comment on any specific or individual pressure from the BOJ’s program of quan- Merkel and her conservative Christian welfare charges. So the effect on my pay will be adding that it will probably be unskilled workers matters beyond that.” The action high- titative easing, which began in early 2013. Democrats (CDU) agreed to the fixed basic negative rather than positive,” he said. According who would find it more difficult to find new work. lights one of the unintended risks of Prime Average lending rates from 64 regional wage to help Germany’s growing army of to a poll of 6,300 businesses across all sectors by Many economists agreed, even if the large Minister Shinzo Abe’s program to end banks have fallen over that period from working poor. the Ifo economic think-tank, 26 percent of majority acknowledge that it will take years before decades of deflation with the support of about 1.5 percent to about 1.2 percent, So, after long and tortuous negotiations, employers affected by the new minimum wage the real economic consequences on the minimum the Bank of Japan (BOJ), which by inject- according to BOJ data. the two sides finally agreed to start phasing in plan to raise their prices; 23 percent plan to curb can be fully gauged. Nevertheless, Yen, a 20-year- ing monetary stimulus into the economy At the same time, average loan rates a minimum wage from January 1. Arendt will employee bonuses; and 22 percent to cut jobs. old who is currently paid 7.0 euros per hour for is helping to keep interest rates at rock for the group of smaller institutions now receive 8.50 euros per hour before tax, Others plan to reduce investment or scale back working on a food stall in a Berlin shopping mall, bottom. known as the secondary regional banks one of around 3.7 million people the Federal employees’ working hours. The effects will be felt says it will bring her closer to her dream of one Critics say policymakers in Europe have fallen from about 1.7 percent to Labor Agency predicts will see a fatter pay more sharply in eastern Germany, where wages day travelling to Australia. “I’ll continue to save packet. have never been able to catch up with those in the hard,” she said. —AFP should be considering such risks, too. about 1.5 percent. As a group, profits The European Central Bank completed from core lending by the regional banks a review of the resilience of euro-zone dropped 1.7 percent in the most recent Ontario Teachers raises stake in UK’s Birmingham Airport banks in October and came under fire for quarter from the same period a year ear- not including a deflationary scenario in its lier and by 3.7 percent for the secondary LONDON: Canada’s Ontario The Canadian pension fund Edinburgh and Luton, according to Group and Aer Rianta made a full stress test hypotheses, even though infla- regional banks, according to data from Teachers’ Pension Plan said it had wants to strengthen Birmingham the UK Civil Aviation Authority, exit. tion and bond yields in much of the the BOJ. bought a 19.25 percent stake in Airport’s position as a regional hub while London’s Heathrow and The pension fund gave no finan- region are hovering barely above zero. The FSA has had little response so far Birmingham Airport from Australia’s in the UK by tapping into its capaci- Gatwick are in the top two spots cial details of their latest buyout. ECB Vice President Vitor Constancio to its call for more consolidation among Victorian Funds Management ty of around 9.5 million passengers with more than 110 million com- The Canadian pension fund defended the omission by arguing that a smaller banks, but more have followed Corporation, taking its investment per year. bined passengers, followed by became the sole owner of the UK’s “deflation (scenario) is not there because calls by officials to seek opportunities off- in the British airport to 48.25 per- The airport, which hosts a num- Manchester Airport with more than ninth busiest airport, Bristol, after indeed we don’t consider that deflation is shore. Earlier this month, 10 regional cent. The investment was led by ber of low cost airlines such as 21 million annual passengers. buying out its co-shareholder going to happen”. banks, including Joyo Bank Ltd, joined a Ontario Teachers’ Infrastructure Ryanair, Flybe, Monarch and Ontario Teachers first invested in Macquarie Group in September. syndicate of lenders providing a $375 Group, which manages a global Thomas Cook, offers domestic and Birmingham Airport in 2001. It then Seven West Midlands district coun- LOAN DEMAND SHRINKING million loan to Bunge Ltd, a major trader portfolio of $11.7 billion of invest- international flights to destinations acquired a joint 48.25 percent stake cils have kept a significant owner- It was not immediately clear what sce- of commodities based in the United ments. Its other airport investments in Europe, North America and the with Victorian Funds Management ship of Birmingham Airport and will nario or assumptions the FSA was using in States. —Reuters include UK’s Bristol, Copenhagen Middle East. It ranks as the UK’s sev- (VFM) for 420 million pounds in continue investing alongside and Brussels. enth busiest airport after 2007 when Macquarie Airports Ontario Teachers. —Reuters TUESDAY, DECEMBER 30, 2014 BUSINESS

Al-Tijaria signs contract with ‘Sultan Chef’ Restaurants New branch to open in Symphony Style Mall KUWAIT: Al-Tijaria announced signing Restaurant with a unique concept (yet to There is no doubt that the addition of end service delivery inherited from its Tijaria, one in Symphony Style Mall and of a contract with Kuwaiti Turkish be revealed) on the Mezzanine of two unique restaurants in Symphony Turkish origins and customs. the other in Light Restaurants Complex in Catering Company for opening the most Symphony Style Mall. Style Mall, discerning Residents of And in this context, Mohamed Fawzy Mahboula, And in order to meet with sought after and famous Turkish restau- Mr Mohamed Farouq Al-Abdul Kuwait, will have a chance to enjoy the Al-Qassar- the General Manager of Sultan high expectation of discerning gour- rant “Sultan Chef - Turkish Steak House” Raheem - Deputy Manager Al-Tijaria most delicious Turkish Food. ForMeat Chef restaurants chain has added that the mands and connoisseurs of Fine Dining in the ground floor of Symphony Style Property Management Department has and Steak lovers, The Sultan Chef restau- company after its huge success of open- experiences in Kuwait they are looking to Mall on the Gulf Street. stated that this is in line with our strate- rant offers more than 20 types of atten- ing its first branch in Al-Tijaria Tower and launch early 2015 a second new unique Al-Tijaria further announced signing gy and commitment to constantly strive tively prepared charcoal grilled top qual- its high popularity, is currently expanding concept in Symphony Style Mallowned of a Contract with Kuwaiti Turkish to attract all what’s new and unique in ity specialty meats. The restaurants are to open two more branches by early by Al-Tijariain addition to the new Catering Company for opening a second our properties. characterized by high quality and high- 2015, in Landmark Projects owned by Al- branches of Sultan Chef. Ooredoo customers get free Bumper to Bumper services with Nojoom

KUWAIT: Ooredoo Kuwait continues to wash and detailing services, in addition to offer its customers with the best exclusive offering easy finance solutions like install- deals and offers with its unique Nojoom ments and payment plans. rewards program, which offers customers Bumper-to-Bumper service centres are upgrades, vouchers and discounts from a strategically located through outlets cover- variety of partners. The latest addition to ing various geographical areas in Kuwait, Nojoom’s list of partners is Bumper to such as Sharq, Fahaheel, Shuwaikh and Bumper, a car service centre offering a vari- Jahra, as well as at various Alfa Stations ety of services to car owners looking to located in Shaab, Egaila, Shuwaikh and pamper their cars. South Surra. Bumper-to-Bumper service centers pro- All Ooredoo customers are eligible to be vide services for all car makes models and Nojoom members, and are rewarded for segments, professionally serviced by crew any amount they pay to settle their bill or of specialized technicians and operated by recharge their account. Nojoom boasts a the most-advanced equipment and diag- variety of partners that include: Corniche nostic tools. As a state-of the-art service Health Club, Crowne Plaza Hotel, Holiday center, Bumper-to-Bumper offers quick and Inn Hotel, Sultan Center, ProntoWash, top quality solutions to most vehicle prob- Kuwait Financial House, and Alshaya lems, with services based on offering true Company. Ooredoo’s carefully-selected value and complete customer satisfaction partners offer services that complement like, quick lube and quick service, tires and the lives of members, adding value and lux- alignments, paint and body shop and car ury to their everyday routine.

Tawasul, Travsys, Jazeera Airways

renew network services contract KUWAIT: (Right to left), Yaser Sulaiman, Executive Manager, Consumer Banking at Gulf Bank handing over the car keys to Hekmat Abdulraheem KUWAIT: Tawasul Telecom, the leading clients’ needs and requirements”. Mustafa Tayah, winner of the GMC Yukon. provider of MPLS based telecom services in From his end, Don Hubbard, CFO of GCC and the Middle East, in cooperation Jazeera Airways said: “In light of its growing with Travsys Company, announced the profit ,Jazeera Airways needs to control its Gulf Bank announces Hekmat Mustafa Tayah renewal of its contract with aircraft fuel, human resources Jazeera Airways, through network communications as winner of 4th 2014 KOC quarterly draw which it provides aviation’s costs; and selecting competi- global area managed net- tive and responsive business KUWAIT: Gulf Bank has announced Hekmat tailored banking package specially designed for with gift vouchers ranging between KD 50 to KD work services for the hub partners. And, Travsys- Abdulraheem Mustafa Tayah as the winner of KOC employees. The KOC salary banking pack- 100 to spend at any X-cite by Alghanim store in and international airport Tawasul managed services the fourth 2014 Kuwait Oil Company (KOC) quar- age provides a non-interest bearing current Kuwait. destinations. platform meets their high terly draw for a brand new GMC Yukon. Tayah account combined with several benefits includ- Gulf Bank is conveniently located at the KOC As per the contract, availability communications received a 2014 GMC Yukon delivered off the ing; vouchers from X-cite by Alghanim Head Office, and all KOC employees that transfer Tawasul Telecom & Travsys needs to process internation- floor at the GMC Yukon dealership by Yaser Electronics, free issuance charges for Visa and their salary and hold a valid Gulf Bank credit card cover Jazeera Airways desti- al airport check-in passen- Sulaiman - Executive Manager Consumer MasterCard Credit Card, and special discounts are eligible to enter the quarterly draws making nations in all of: Alexandria, gers.” He added: “Travsys- Banking at Gulf Bank. Gulf Bank’s KOC quarterly when using Gulf Bank cards at 150 outlets in the Bank the premium establishment for KOC Amman, Assuit, Bahrain, Tawasul managed ITC draws are exclusive to KOC employees who have Kuwait. Gulf Bank welcomes new KOC salary cus- employees to receive great prizes and enjoy Beirut, Cairo, Dubai, Istanbul, Platform has proven itself a Gulf Bank salary account and comprises of a tomers, who transfer their salary to the Bank, high quality financial services. Jeddah, Jebel Ali, Najaf, with experienced service Kuwait City, Luxor, Mashhad, Salem Almulaifi support and we are glad to Riyadh and Sohaj. renew our cooperation for On that regard, Salem Almulaifi, Tawasul another three years”. Tawasul Telecom in Customers continue to win big at telecom Chief Marketing & Strategy Officer, collaboration with Travsys, provides Jazeera says: “Renewing our contract with Jazeera Airways with its integrated smart services Airways follows the success of our previous through the ITC platform, in light of the avi- Malabar Gold & Diamonds Festival cooperation experience. Tawasul enjoys a ation industry’s need for service 24 hours a track record of success in the aviation sec- day. Tawasul Telecom’s services in this field KUWAIT: Malabar Gold & Diamonds, the promi- ornaments to the latest collection of Malabar This is in addition to their exclusive branded jew- tor and has been able to deliver state-of- were proven to be reliable throughout the nent jewellery retailer runs the 4th edition of Gold & Diamonds without any loss. Any 22 ct old ellery - Mine- Diamonds Unlimited, Era- Uncut the-art services tailor-made to match past years. Malabar Gold & Diamonds Festival, one of the gold ornaments can be exchanged with the lat- Diamond Jewellery, Ethnix- Handcrafted biggest jewellery events in GCC until 31 January est Malabar Gold & Diamonds designs by paying Designer Jewellery, Divine- Indian Heritage 2015.The festival will display distinctive pieces of only making charges ensuring they don’t lose Jewellery, Precia- Precious Gem Jewellery and jewellery from across the world and offers mas- any value on the rate of gold. the unique jewellery for kids- Starlet. sive gifts and irresistible offers. Furthermore, 8 gm gold coins can be bought Operating 124retail outlets globally, the This much-awaited festival is one of the from their outlets with absolutely no making group is always at the forefront when it comes to biggest jewellery events in GCC and the cus- charge during this period. promotions and celebrations. The last three edi- tomers get unprecedented opportunities to win Keeping up with customer demands, the jew- tions of ‘Malabar Gold & Diamonds up to 100 gold coins and up to 100 percent cash ellery chain offers a fabulous collection of gold, Festival’elicited tremendous response from the refund instantly. Customers have already won diamond and platinum jewellery to suit the jewellery lovers. This time also the customers are over 100,000 gold coins and over 1 Million tastes of both resident and international cus- excited to be a part of this much awaited festival instant cash refund through this promotion. tomers, skillfully crafted by jewellery specialists to witness the rarest collection of jewellery from With the successful completion of the 25 days of from Italy, Singapore, Turkey, Bahrain and India. across the world and to avail fabulous offers. the festival, the customers continue to win big across all the outlets of Malabar Gold & Diamond. OROGOLD, leading 24K gold This great winning has created excitement among customers. Malabar Gold & Diamonds anti-aging cosmetics opens its brand Festival runs in all GCC countries & Singapore displaying distinctive pieces of jewellery from new store in Fanar Mall Kuwait across the world. The festival stands apart from the usual jewellery exhibitions and promotions KUWAIT: OROGOLD, the anti-aging and marveld this location’s grand opening and as the tag line indicates- ‘Everyone Wins’, i.e. skin care cosmetics line that features which was held on December 18th, 2014. every customer gets a chance to be a winner authentic 24K gold as an ingredient has The latest OROGOLD location boasts the through this festival. A true shopper’s delight, announced the opening of a brand new same gleaming white dÈcor accented with Malabar Gold & Diamonds Festival captivates store location in Fanar Mall Salmiya, one of slick black and signature gold. Just like oth- the customers by exhibiting eye catching the most luxurious shopping destinations in er OROGOLD stores, this location exudes designs in gold, platinum, diamonds and pre- Kuwait. opulence and luxury with plush tufted cious stones from different parts of the world to At the start of event ceremony, the brand wingback chairs, beautiful product displays flaunt any occasion or event and is well priced manager of OROGOLD Kuwait Sara Abaza and a dazzling gold chandelier dominating too. For every purchase of gold jewellery above revealed the newest OROGOLD location the center of the ceiling. KWD 150, the customers get a ‘Scratch& Win’ continues in the tradition of the OROGOLD OROGOLD is one of the few cosmetic coupon through which they can win a guaran- teed gold coin or up to 100 gold coins instantly. brand by offering top notch service along- lines that concentrate on the use of gold as With every diamond jewellery purchase, the cus- side goal oriented products. “We are thrilled a phenomenal skin care solution. Each of tomers get a ‘Scratch & Win’ coupon for a guar- with this latest store opening. We heard our OROGOLD products aims to help fight the anteed cash refund and get a chance to win up customers’ demands; they love the products signs of aging. Constant innovation in prod- to 100 percent cash back. The customers who and want more locations where they can ucts and a highly skilled research and devel- buy diamond jewellery worth KWD 150or above experience OROGOLD in person. opment team that aim to offer their cus- BEIJING: A woman walks below leftover Christmas decorations outside a shopping are eligible to get both the coupons. The grand event hosted a large gather- tomers with the very best skin care prod- mall in Beijing yesterday. Asian markets mostly rose yesterday on the first full day of To add customer’s delight, the group also ing of prominent Kuwaiti, British and expat ucts that redefine the phrase “value for your trade after the Christmas break, with confidence boosted by Chinese easing meas- offers ‘Zero Deduction Exchange’ scheme community social and media figures who money”. ures and another Wall Street record. —AFP through which customers can update their old technology TUESDAY, DECEMBER 30, 2014 Reduce vendor-related risk through best practice selection criteria

By Jyoti Lalchandani time to rebuild. For this reason, I encourage customers to develop a deep understanding he partnership between enterprise IT of their vendor’s sales reporting structures departments and their suppliers has and establish multiple relationships. Never Tnever been more important. With line- become reliant on just one point of contact. of-business managers increasingly driving Another key consideration is product com- technology decisions, the need for CIOs and mitment. Every vendor allocates develop- their teams to remain in control of their own ment budgets to its various business units destiny is paramount to IT’s success in deliv- and product lines. Customers should inquire ering business outcomes. about when that budget cycle starts and be aware that budget reductions often hinder the vendor’s ability to execute product capa- bilities in a timely fashion. If executive stake- holders in product management change, be sure to understand why the changes have happened and be more suspect of the ven- dor’s commitment to that product line. It’s important for customers to know what is being prioritized internally, and that is par- ticularly true with vendors that offer both products and SaaS solutions for the same capability set.

Key to this is the way organizations choose strategies their vendors. Trust is a fleeting value in the Too often, vendors’ corporate strategies technology industry, with emerging trends are nonexistent, misunderstood, poorly placing unprecedented pressure on vendor communicated, or not aligned with what profit margins, revenue expectations, R&D the individual business units are executing. budget allocations, product planning strate- Business unit strategies should be the exe- gies, and acquisition/divestiture plans. Indeed, cution machine for any corporate strategy, the only certainty for end-user organizations so customers must ensure that a vendor’s in today’s technology landscape is that sales and product teams can articulate both change is an ever-present obstacle that must the corporate strategy and their role in its be both anticipated and scaled with as little execution. If the business unit in question negative impact as possible. has its own strategy in place, customer BEIJING: A security guard walks past while foreign visitors are seen inside the Google China headquarters in Beijing. Connections It is for this reason that I am increasingly organizations should develop a clear under- to Google Inc.’s popular email service have been blocked in China amid efforts by the government to limit access to the compa- being approached by IT and business execu- standing of how it impacts their product pri- tives looking to reevaluate their vendor oritization, long-term roadmap planning, ny’s services. —AP selection criteria. So in today’s column I will and ability to obtain R&D budgets. run through the key issues that customer Included at some level within these cor- organizations must comprehend if they are porate strategies will be partnerships; but it China blocks access to to not only reduce their exposure to vendor- is important to understand that some of related risk, but also significantly strengthen these tie-ups matter more than others. For their leverage during contract negotiations. example, some partnerships are for product First up are executive and senior man- development, while others are for the pur- Google e-mail service agement changes. Unfortunately, these are poses of driving broader field/sales engage- an unavoidable reality when dealing with ment or facilitating professional services vendors in today’s ultra-competitive market- expansion. As such, I urge customers to gain place. But such events can have a tremen- a concise insight into exactly what each ven- Beijing wants to set up internet sovereignty dous impact on corporate strategies, budget dor partnership means to their relationship allocations, staffing levels, and product and how it may potentially impact their BEIJING: China has blocked the last capabilities, so it is crucial that customer business. remaining way to access Google’s organizations develop a clear picture of a What is abundantly clear is that fast-mov- popular e-mail service, experts said vendor’s future direction when, for example, ing technology and business trends are yesterday, as authorities work to a new CEO is appointed. placing a heavy burden on both sides of the establish “Internet sovereignty” by Acquisitions and divestitures are another market, with vendors increasingly unable to controlling what enters the country inevitable hazard when dealing with tech meet customer requirements and agreed- via the web. Gmail, the world’s vendors, but customers can help strengthen upon demands. And these stormy waters biggest e-mail service, has been their own positions by considering what the only serve to raise the risk profile of cus- largely inaccessible from within China new organizational structure will look like tomer organizations and heighten the since the run-up to the 25th anniver- once the deal is closed. I urge customer potential for IT to fail in its quest to deliver sary in June of the Tiananmen Square organizations to gain as much knowledge as the desired business outcomes. crackdown on pro-democracy possible regarding any integration plans, While there is no way to predict the demonstrators. But users could still technology roadmaps, leadership changes, future, the vendor selection criteria I’ve out- access the service by using third-par- and timelines associated with an acquisition, lined above provide a roadmap for IT and ty mail applications, rather than the and in the case of divestitures, they should business executives to better understand webpage. “But they have blocked look to find out why the vendor is exiting a the inherent risk associated with any given those ways of accessing,” said Jeremy particular product line and consider what vendor. Collecting and using this data can Goldkorn, founder of Danwei, a business unit might be next. enhance the relationship between vendor Beijing-based firm that tracks Chinese Staff reductions are also a common ven- and client, while simultaneously providing IT media and the Internet. “I think this is dor response to mounting business pres- and business executives with a deeper per- pretty confirmed. It is now already sures, and they can increase the level of end- spective of what is really going on behind four, five days, so this is real,” he said. user risk in a number of ways - product the scenes at vendor organizations. “Fail to Analysts say China operates the development can slow, sales relationships prepare, prepare to fail,” goes the old adage; world’s most extensive and sophisti- can be depleted, and customer support can and it couldn’t be more true when it comes cated Internet censorship system and drop. For many vendors, their sales teams to selecting the right technology vendor. routinely blocks foreign websites. serve as the key stakeholders between client The columnist is group vice president “There is an increasingly aggressive and vendor, so any reductions in this area and regional managing director for the attitude towards what they (Beijing) can be particularly troublesome; important Middle East, Africa, and Turkey at global ICT call ‘Internet sovereignty’ and they are customer knowledge and strategic perspec- market intelligence and advisory firm confident about talking about tives are often lost, and both can take a long International Data Corporation (IDC). Internet censorship in positive terms,” Goldkorn added. “The past two years have seen a BEIJING: A surveillance camera is seen in front of the Google China headquarters in Beijing. consistent tightening of all kinds of wrong on our end,” a Singapore-based grim situation facing the political circumvent government restrictions. censorship on the Internet and spokesman for Google told AFP. environment,” one user said. Another Controls include the blocking of for- media.” A graph showing Internet traf- Internet users in China were irate commentator fumed, “Protest the eign websites such as Facebook, fic from China accessing Gmail yesterday, with many spewing vitriol government blocking Gmail! Twitter and YouTube using a system dropped sharply on Friday, according on Sina Weibo, a Twitter-like Demand its restoration!” known as the “Great Firewall”, as well to Google’s Transparency Report, and microblogging service. “The reason China tightly controls the as routinely deleting content the rul- has not returned to normal levels. for blocking of Gmail domestically is Internet, and only a fraction of its ing Communist Party deems offen- “We’ve checked and there’s nothing political problems... it reflects the online population of 632 million can sive. ‘Interview’ rakes in more than $15 million online

LOS ANGELES: Controversial low-brow comedy “The chase. Meanwhile “The Interview” earned an estimated Meryl Streep as a witch who puts a curse on a childless Interview” scored more than $15 million in online $1.8 million in theaters over the weekend, adding to the baker and his wife. rentals and purchases, entertainment giant Sony said, $1 million it raked in on its Christmas Day limited The film, a modern twist on several Brothers Grimm following an embarrassing cyberattack and threats that release, according to box office tracker Exhibitor fairy tales, raked in $31 million over the weekend.In the In this Dec 25, 2014 photo, a shopper walks on the logo of Sony’s led the company to pull the film from theaters. Relations. number four spot was “Night at the Museum: Secret of PlayStation 4 at an electronics store in Tokyo. —AP The madcap R-rated comedy featuring Seth Rogen the Tomb,” the third movie in the Ben Stiller family-com- and James Franco revolves around the fictional assassi- Family fun fills cinemas edy franchise about a museum security guard trying to nation of North Korean leader Kim Jong-Un. Sony can- While “The Interview” did not land a spot in the keep track of exhibits that come to life. Sony: PlayStation back celed the film’s release after many of the biggest US North American box office’s weekend top ten for ticket The flick earned $20.6 million in its second week in movie theater chains got cold feet following threats sales, Tolkien’s fantasy epic “The Hobbit” enjoyed a sec- theaters. “Annie,” about the adventures of an orphan girl online after 3-day outage from hackers who also claimed a cyberattack on Sony ond week at the top. starring Quvenzhane Wallis in the title role and Jamie Studios. The White House has said the attack was The Hobbit: The Battle of the Five Armies,” directed Foxx as the tycoon who takes her under his wing, sat in orchestrated by North Korea, but Pyongyang has by Oscar-winning heavyweight Peter Jackson, is the last fifth place. In its second week out, the movie brought in TOKYO: Sony says its PlayStation Network the holidays with artificially high levels of denied any involvement. In the end the comedy, which of six films adapted from J.R.R Tolkien’s books and the $16.6 million. is back online after three days of disrup- traffic to disrupt connectivity and online received widespread publicity throughout the episode, third and final installment based on the author’s novel “Hunger Games: Mockingjay, Part 1” raked in $10 tions that began on Christmas. But heavy gameplay.” Microsoft’s Xbox Live service, played in some 330 independent movie houses that “The Hobbit.” million, slipping into sixth place. The sequel, one in the traffic might continue to cause problems which also went down Thursday, was back offered to show the film after Sony came under fire for It took in $41.4 million over the weekend, its second hugely popular series starring Jennifer Lawrence, has for customers seeking to play their favorite online Friday, although the company the cancellation. It was also made available beginning week in theaters, for a total of $168.5 million since its earned a whopping $306.7 million in its six weeks in games, the company said Sunday. A group reported continuing problems. Wednesday across Google Play, YouTube Movies, release, according to Exhibitor Relations estimates. In theaters. In seventh was newcomer “The Gambler,” star- of hackers called Lizard Squad - or some- So far, there’s no evidence to link these Microsoft’s Xbox Video and on a dedicated website, second place was “Unbroken,” directed by Angelina ing Mark Wahlberg, which raked in $9.3 million. “The one claiming to speak for it - took credit for episodes with last month’s attack on Sony seetheinterview.com Sony Sunday said the comedy Jolie, which tells the story of US bombardier Louis Imitation Game,” about a code-cracking mathematician the disruptions. In a blog post Saturday Pictures Entertainment. The FBI has blamed was rented or purchased online more than two million Zamperini, who was taken captive during World War II. and logician during World War II, was in eighth with $7.9 night saying service had been restored, that attack on North Korea, which was furi- times over four days through Saturday, for a total of The film, which was snubbed at this month’s Golden million. Rounding out the top 10 were Ridley Scott’s Sony vice president Catherine Jensen ous about Sony’s “The Interview,” a movie more than $15 million. Globe nominations, fetched $31.7 million in its debut biblical blockbuster “Exodus: Gods and Kings,” in ninth added that “PlayStation Network and some comedy about a plot to assassinate North This, it said, made it the studio’s “#1 online film of all weekend. Following closely behind was Disney’s “Into with $6.8 million, and “Wild,” starring Reese other gaming services were attacked over Korean leader Kim Jong Un. —AP time.” It was available for rent for $5.99 or $14.99 for pur- the Woods,” adapted from a Broadway musical, starring Witherspoon, which earned $5.4 million. —AFP Twitter back online after limited blackout

WASHINGTON: Twitter was back online yesterday following a partial iPhone smartphones, while tweets on the computer application come page had said during the blockage. “Thanks for noticing-we’re outage which the company said was due to a bug. “Some users were TweetDeck were showing up as having been posted a year ago. going to fix it up and have things back to normal soon.” Twitter unable to sign in to Twitter. This issue was due to a bug in our front “We apologize for any inconvenience,” Twitter said of the irregulari- claimed 284 million active users at the end of September. The partial end code, which has been patched,” the California-based company ties, which occurred from 4:00 pm to 9:25 pm in the California time outage comes approximately a month after Sony Pictures was hit by a posted from the US West Coast late Sunday. zone (0000 GMT to 0525 GMT Monday). sophisticated hacking attack that stole massive amounts of data from Users reported problems on the Twitter application for Android and “Something is technically wrong,” the microblogging service’s wel- its servers. —AFP TUESDAY, DECEMBER 30, 2014 HEALTH & SCIENCE

WASHINGTON: In this photo taken Aug 21, 2014, health care tax forms PORTLAND: In his Nov 12, 2014 file photo, the HealthCare.gov website, IOWA: In this photo taken Dec 22, 2014, Ryan Moon of Des Moines, Iowa, 8962, 1095-A, and 8965, are seen. where people can buy health insurance, on a laptop screen is shown. stands outside of his apartment in Des Moines.—AP photos Being uninsured in America will cost you more WASHINGTON: Being uninsured in America date and fines. percent of uninsured people know what the work to the Department of Health and 2015, and they can do absolutely nothing to will cost you more in 2015. It’s the first year all “I hate the idea that you have to pay a fine for 2015 will be, according to a recent poll Human Services. Tax preparation companies avoid that.” The insurance requirement and taxpayers have to report to the Internal penalty, but at the same time, it helps other by the nonpartisan Kaiser Family Foundation. say the IRS has told them it’s taking steps to penalties remain the most unpopular part of Revenue Service whether they had health people,” said Moon, who’s in his early 20s. “It Figuring out your potential exposure if you’re make sure taxpayers’ returns don’t languish in the health care law. They were intended to insurance for the previous year, as required really helps society, but society has to be uninsured isn’t simple. bureaucratic limbo while HHS rules on their serve a broader purpose by nudging healthy under President Barack Obama’s law. Those forced to help society.” Going without health For 2014, the fine is the greater of $95 per waivers. TurboTax has created a free online people into the insurance pool, helping to who were uninsured face fines, unless they insurance has always involved financial risks. person or 1 percent of household income tool called “Exemption Check” for people to keep premiums more affordable. qualify for one of about 30 exemptions, most You could have an accident and end up with above the threshold for filing taxes. It will see if they may qualify for a waiver. Charges Sensitive to political backlash, supporters of which involve financial hardships. Dayna thousands of dollars in medical bills. Now, you jump in 2015 to the greater of 2 percent of apply later if the taxpayer files through of the health care law have played down the Dayson of Phoenix estimates that she’ll have may also get fined. In a decision that allowed income or $325. By 2016, the average fine will TurboTax. penalties in their sign-up campaigns. But to pay the taxman $290 when she files her fed- Obama’s law to advance, the Supreme Court be about $1,100, based on government fig- stressing the positive - such as the availability eral return. Dayson, who’s in her early 30s, ruled in 2012 that the coverage requirement ures. People can get a sense of the potential Uninsured people of financial help and the fact that insurers can works in marketing and doesn’t have a lot left and its accompanying fines were a constitu- hit by going online and using the Tax Policy Timing will be critical for uninsured people no longer turn away people with health prob- over each month after housing, transportation tionally valid exercise of Congress’ authority to Center’s Affordable Care Act penalty calcula- who want to avoid the rising penalties for lems - may be contributing to the information and other fixed costs. She’d like health insur- tax. tor. Many taxpayers may be able to get a pass. 2015. That’s because Feb15 is the last day of gap about the penalties. Dayson, the Phoenix ance but she couldn’t afford it in 2014, as In 2015, all taxpayers have to report to the Based on congressional analysis, tax prepara- open enrollment under the health law. After resident, says she’s hoping her employer will required by the law. IRS on their health insurance status the previ- tion giant H&R Block says roughly 4 million that, only people with special circumstances offer a health plan she can fit into her budget, “It’s touted as this amazing thing, but right ous year. Most will check a box. It’s also when uninsured people will pay penalties and 26 can sign up. But just 5 percent of uninsured allowing her to avoid higher fines for 2015. In now, for me, it doesn’t fit into my budget,” she the IRS starts collecting fines from some unin- million will qualify for exemptions from the people know the correct deadline, according Des Moines, recent college graduate Moon said. Ryan Moon of Des Moines, Iowa, graduat- sured people, and deciding if others qualify for list of more than 30 waivers. But it’s unclear to the Kaiser poll. has held a succession of temporary local and ed from college in 2013 with a bachelor’s in exemptions. whether taxpayers are aware of the exemp- “We could be looking at a real train wreck state government jobs that don’t provide political science, and is still hunting for a per- tions. after Feb 15,” said Stan Dorn, a health policy affordable coverage. The penalties are on his manent job with benefits. He expects to pay a Tax preparation Deciding what kind of waiver to seek could expert at the nonpartisan Urban Institute. mind. “When it gets up to $325, I hope I have fine of $95. A supporter of the health care law, What many people don’t realize is that the be crucial. Some can be claimed directly on a “People will file their tax returns and learn a career that actually offers me a good health he feels conflicted about its insurance man- penalties go up significantly in 2015. Only 3 tax return, but others involve mailing paper- they are subject to a much larger penalty for care plan,” he said.—AP

China officials dismissed over diseased meat scandal

BEIJING: China has dismissed eight officials after pork from pigs infected with a “highly contagious virus” was found to have entered the market, state media said yesterday. The country’s latest food scandal was revealed in an investigation by state broadcaster China Central Television which said the annual revenue of the tainted pork was more than 20 million yuan ($3.2 million). The meat had come from slaughterhouses in the city of Gaoan in central Jiangxi province and had entered at least seven provinces in total, said the report, which was MIYAZAKI: These handout pictures taken and released by the Miyazaki prefecture government yesterday shows health officers removing slaughtered chickens at a poultry first broadcast Saturday. farm.—AFP photos “Some of the pigs had a highly contagious virus,” added the report, which contained grisly images inside slaughterhouses of scattered pig carcasses, many with their bellies cut. The state- Japan culls 42,000 chickens run China Radio International (CRI) said Yesterday: “Eight officials... have been dismissed for negli- gence, over sales of pork from pigs that were sick, after second bird flu outbreak or had already died.” Strict health standards are required for dead pigs under Chinese food pro- duction laws. TOKYO: Japan yesterday ordered the slaughter of some 4,000 chickens at anoth- A report by state news agency Xinhua said the slaughter of some 42,000 chickens as offi- er poultry farm in Miyazaki-the first out- dismissed officials work in “animal husbandry and cials announced the country’s second bird break of bird flu at a Japanese poultry farm commerce authorities” in Gaoan. CRI also quoted flu outbreak in less than a month. DNA since April. an official from Gaoan saying 12 suspects had tests confirmed the H5 strain of the virus at Local authorities locked down that farm been detained while an “illegal slaughtering site” a farm in the southwestern prefecture of and others nearby, with the movement of Miyazaki after its owner reported Sunday chickens banned while the area was sani- had been destroyed and another sealed. It did not that several chickens had died suddenly, tized. Officials also set up stations to disin- say whether the eight dismissed officials were the local government said. Officials began fect vehicles travelling on major roads near included in this figure. the slaughter yesterday and asked farms the affected farm to prevent the virus from The city is one of China’s major pork producers within a 10 kilometer (6.2 mile) radius not spreading. It is uncertain whether there is a with more than two million pigs slaughtered every to move their poultry outside of that area. link between the first outbreak and the sec- year, reports say. The meat is a staple in the Later yesterday, a poultry farm in ond, a farm ministry official said yesterday, Chinese diet. Poor food safety is a major concern Yamaguchi prefecture on the southwestern adding that further testing of the strain in China, where standards are lax and scandals tip of Japan’s main Honshu island said it would be conducted. involving tainted products are common. China had seen a higher than usual death rate The second poultry farm is about 100 was rocked by one of its biggest-ever food safety among its chickens. Initial tests showed a kilometers away from the site affected ear- scandals in 2008 when the industrial chemical positive reading for bird flu, but more tests lier this month. Japan’s agriculture ministry melamine was found to have been illegally added were needed for confirmation, the farm regularly warns farmers about the risk of ministry said. The confirmed case infection, citing the continued spread of to dairy products, killing at least six babies and announced yesterday comes about two the disease in Asia, including in South making 300,000 people ill.—AFP weeks after the government ordered the Korea.—AFP Rare Sumatran tiger eats her cubs in Jerusalem zoo

JERUSALEM: A rare Sumatran tiger in the Jerusalem Biblical Zoo has killed and eaten her two five-week-old cubs in a blow to its captive breeding pro- gram, its chief vet said yesterday. The mother tiger, named Hana, had given birth to three cubs after being mated with a tiger from Germany called Avigdor, Nili Avni-Magen told AFP. “One cub died shortly after birth but the other two were in good health. We discovered they had been killed when we went to weigh them,” she said. “We have no explanation for the behavior of the mother, who had taken good care of them at the start.” Listed as critically endangered by the International Union for Conservation of Nature, just 400 Sumatran tigers survive in the wild on the Indonesian island. But captive breeding programs have raised their number in zoos around the world to 261 from 180 in 2008. This year, 32 were born in captivity. The Jerusalem Biblical Zoo, which boasts a collection of wildlife mentioned in the Hebrew Bible, is also known for its success in JERUSALEM: Hana (front) a rare Sumatran tiger and her mate Avigdor, who was brought over from Germany to reproduce with Hana, breeding endangered species.—AFP are seen at the Biblical Zoo in Jerusalem yesterday. —AFP TUESDAY, DECEMBER 30, 2014 HEALTH & SCIENCE

Obesity research confirms long-term weight loss almost impossible

NEW YORK: There’s a disturbing demics tend to tiptoe around the notice that obesity specialists are truth that is emerging from the sci- truth. “You go to these meetings quietly adjusting the message ence of obesity. After years of study, and you talk to researchers, you get through a subtle change in lan- it’s becoming apparent that it’s a sense there is almost a political guage. These days they’re talking nearly impossible to permanently correctness around it, that we don’t about weight maintenance or lose weight. As incredible as it want this message to get out there,” “weight management” rather than sounds, that’s what the evidence is he said. “weight loss.” showing. For psychologist Traci Last fall, the Dubai government Michelle Obama has been on an Mann, who has spent 20 years run- launched a 30-day weight loss chal- eat better campaign ever since her ning an eating lab at the University lenge called “Your Weight in Gold” husband was elected to the White of Minnesota, the evidence is clear. to encourage dieters and combat House. An estimated 2.1 billion peo- “It couldn’t be easier to see,” she growing obesity in the Gulf Arab ple on the planet are now consid- says. “Long-term weight loss hap- emirate. It should probably save its ered overweight or obese. pens to only the smallest minority money if the current science is right. It’s a shift in emphasis that of people.” “You’ll be in a room with very reflects the emerging reality. Just We all think we know someone knowledgeable individuals, and last week the headlines announced in that rare group. They become the everyone in the room will know the world is fatter than it has ever legends - the friend of a friend, the what the data says and still the mes- been, with 2.1 billion people now brother-in-law, the neighbor - the sage doesn’t seem to get out.” overweight or obese, based on an ones who really did it. But if we In part, that’s because it’s such a analysis published in the online check back after five or 10 years, harsh message. “You have to be issue of the British medical journal there’s a good chance they will have careful about the stigmatizing The Lancet. Researchers are divided put the weight back on. Only about nature of that kind of image,” about why weight gain seems to be five per cent of people who try to Caulfield says. “That’s one of the rea- irreversible, probably a combination lose weight ultimately succeed, sons why this myth of weight loss of biological and social forces. “The according to the research. Those lives on.” Health experts are also fundamental reason,” Caulfield says, people are the outliers, but we cling afraid people will abandon all “is that we are very efficient biologi- GUINEA: In this Thursday, Nov 20, 2014 file photo, an MSF Ebola heath worker is sprayed as he leaves the contaminated to their stories as proof that losing efforts to exercise and eat a nutri- cal machines. We evolved not to zone at the Ebola treatment centre in Gueckedou.—AFP weight is possible. tious diet - behavior that is impor- lose weight. We evolved to keep on “Those kinds of stories really tant for health and longevity - even as much weight as we possibly can.” keep the myth alive,” says University if it doesn’t result in much weight Lost in all of the noise about diet- US gives go-ahead to fast Ebola test of Alberta professor Tim Caulfield, loss. Traci Mann says the emphasis ing and obesity is the difficult con- GENEVA: US authorities have given emer- to-use molecular diagnostic test providing ing it conforms with EU regulations. who researches and writes about should be on measuring health, not cept of prevention, of not putting gency authorization to Swiss pharmaceu- a solution for healthcare professionals to Mobile laboratories in the three west health misconceptions. “You have weight. “You should still eat right, weight on in the first place. The tical firm Roche for an Ebola test that can quickly detect the virus and start patient African nations hard hit by Ebola-Guinea, this confirmation bias going on you should still exercise, doing Lancet study warned that more take as little as three hours, the company treatment as early as possible,” said Roland Sierra Leone and Liberia-currently use where people point to these very healthy stuff is still healthy,” she than one in five kids in developed said yesterday. The US Food and Drug Diggelmann, chief operations officer of expensive and time-consuming tests that specific examples as if it’s proof. But said. “It just doesn’t make you thin.” countries are now overweight or Administration authorized the test for Roche’s diagnostics division. can take up to six hours. Ebola has killed in fact those are really exceptions.” obese. Statistics Canada says close emergency use on patients with signs and The test, manufactured by German more than 7,500 people over the past Our biology taunts us, by making We are biological machines to a third of Canadian kids under 17 symptoms of the deadly virus, Roche said. company TIB MOLBIOL GmbH, has also year, almost all of them in Liberia, Guinea short-term weight loss fairly easy. But eating right to improve are overweight or obese. And in a “The LightMix Ebola Zaire test is an easy- been given the European CE mark indicat- and Sierra Leone.—AFP But the weight creeps back, usually health alone isn’t a strong motiva- world flooded with food, with enor- after about a year, and it keeps com- tor. The research shows that most mous economic interest in keeping ing back until the original weight is people are willing to exercise and people eating that food, what is regained or worse. This has been limit caloric intake if it means they required to turn this ship around is Seoul plastic surgery tested in randomized controlled tri- will look better. But if they find out daunting. als where people have been sepa- their weight probably won’t change “An appropriate rebalancing of clinic probed over staff selfies rated into groups and given intense much, they tend to lose motivation. the primal needs of humans with exercise and nutrition counseling. ‘Healthy stuff is still healthy, it just food availability is essential,” SEOUL: South Korean health authori- clinic to see if there was any violation of assistants there. “We are left devastated Even in those highly controlled doesn’t make you thin’. University of Oxford epidemiologist ties said yesterday they are investigat- medical laws,” said a spokeswoman for causing such concerns among our experimental settings, the results That raises another troubling Klim McPherson wrote in a Lancet ing a plastic surgery clinic in Seoul after from a public health department in clients...because of the senseless show only minor sustained weight question. If diets don’t result in commentary following last week’s photographs emerged online showing Seoul’s Gangnam district. “They may behavior,” Jewelry Plastic Surgery loss. When Traci Mann analyzed all weight loss, what does? At this study. But to do that, he suggested, medical staff partying in an operating look into whether such behavior dam- Centre said on its website. “We offer of the randomized control trials on point the grim answer seems to be “would entail curtailing many theatre. In one selfie, posted on photo- aged the reputation of medical practi- our deep apology... and will conduct long-term weight loss, she discov- that there is no known cure for obe- aspects of production and market- sharing app Instagram, staff in scrubs tioners,” she told AFP. Under South thorough safety training for all our staff ered that after two years the aver- sity, except perhaps surgically ing for food industries.” stand around a candlelit birthday cake- Korea’s medical law, behavior deemed members.” The upmarket district in age amount lost was only one kilo- shrinking the stomach. Perhaps, though, the emerging with an apparently unconscious to tarnish the reputation of the industry southern Seoul-made famous by South gram, or about two pounds, from Research suggests bariatric sur- scientific reality should also be patient lying on a bed behind them. can result in suspension. The images, Korean singer Psy’s global hit the original weight. gery can induce weight loss in the made clear, so we can navigate this Another picture showed a staffer, wear- posted by one staffer, drew a storm of “Gangnam Style”-is home to high-end extremely obese, improving health obesogenic world armed with the ing a mask and a surgery gown, joking- online criticism for alleged disregard of stores as well as hundreds of plastic Tiptoeing around the truth and quality of life at the same time. stark truth - that we are held ly placing a gel breast implant over her sanitation rules and patient safety. They surgery clinics. Looks-obsessed South So if most scientists know that But most people will still be obese hostage to our biology, which is chest in an operating room. Another were taken down later. Korea is famed for its vast plastic sur- we can’t eat ourselves thin, that the after the surgery. Plus, there are adapted to gain weight, an old evo- showed staff posing while eating ham- The clinic apologized yesterday for gery industry, with one of the highest lost weight will ultimately bounce risky side effects, and many will end lutionary advantage that has burgers. “careless actions” by some of its staff, per-capita rates of plastic surgery pro- back, why don’t they say so? Tim up gaining some of that weight become a dangerous metabolic lia- “Our officials are investigating the whom it confirmed were doctors or cedures in the world.—AFP Caulfield says his fellow obesity aca- back. If you listen closely you will bility.—Reuters WHAT’S ON TUESDAY, DECEMBER 30, 2014

Resala Bilingual School hosts ‘International Day’

By Faten Omar for kindergarten in the presence of envoys pation “is consistent and harmonious in sup- and entertainment in parallel with academic abilities and develop a sense of appreciation from 20 embassies and consulates and in port of students’ activities to know the cul- education according to the highest interna- and respect for Arab culture and other cul- he Director General of the Private Kuwait, in addition to a number of scientific tures of their countries and habits of their peo- tional standards.” tures. Education Department Abdullah Al-Basri and educational institutions in Kuwait. ple”. She added that the celebration is to instill The Al-Resala Bilingual School celebrations Tconfirmed that the promotion of human- Sumayya Abdulaziz Al-Mutawa, principal of Head of the organizing committee of the patriotism and the concept of community and will be from Dec 28 to 30 and include 20 her- itarian work is a manifestation of the Arab and Al-Resala Bilingual School, thanked the digni- activities of the International Day and director loyalty in students to prepare them to be good itage activities that reflect the nature of the 20 foreign communities residing in Kuwait. Basri taries, adding that they are contributing to of Al-Resala Bilingual School’s kindergarten citizens, emphasizing on the development of Arab and foreign countries through the pres- was speaking on the sidelines of the launch of instill humanitarian features in the hearts of Iman Abdul Aziz, said, “our activities support students’ mental, emotional, social, creative, entation of cultures, customs and traditions of Al-Resala Bilingual School’s ‘International Day’ children. She said their presence and partici- educational programs with cultural education linguistic, cultural, moral, artistic and physical indigenous peoples.

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Please send them to [email protected] WHAT’S ON TUESDAY, DECEMBER 30, 2014

Bangladesh Embassy celebrates Victory Day

ith the patronization of Bangladesh Embassy in Kuwait, Bangladesh Community organized a Wgrand Cultural Program at Abbasiya Touristic Park on 26 December 2014 on the occasion of 43rd Victory Day of Bangladesh. Various cultural groups/orga- nizations participated in the program and people from all walks of profession enthusiastically participated and enjoyed the gala event. The program began with the National Anthem at 4:00 PM. Amidst cheerful huge crowd, Major General Mohammad Ashab Uddin, ndc, psc , Ambassador of Bangladesh in the State of Kuwait inaugurated the program with uncasing the pigeons. In his speech he paid his deep- est respect to the Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, shaheeds and all martyrs of the great war of liberation and the valiant freedom fighters. He thanked and congratulated the organizers, sponsors and artists for their united efforts in holding the magnificent event. The program continued till 9:30pm. Patriotic songs, poem recitation, folk and band music, traditional and contempo- rary dances and many other cultural performances were rendered by the Bangladeshi expatriate artists in Kuwait. Dow Chemical sponsors LOYAC’s ‘Min Hawa Al Andalus’ In line with development initiatives for Kuwaiti youth ow Chemical recently spon- Jamal Attal - managing director for The play was a visual treat with a sored the popular play pro- Dow Kuwait & Iraq commented: “Our colorful combination of art, music and Dduced by LOYAC “Min Hawa Al support of this performance is very history which enthralled the audience. Andalus”, which took place in Dasma much an alignment with Dow’s vision Attal added, “We are very proud of the theatre. The play, which was show- to invest in the enhancement of the youth’s performance on stage which cased for four nights, captivated audi- local community through the encour- left the audience very impressed. ences and immersed them in one of agement of the youth to develop Although they are not professional Arab history’s most prosperous eras. skills and talents for the future”. theatre artists, their hard work and tal- Important figures attended private “Min Hawa Al-Andalus” takes place ent made the play a fantastic experi- screenings on the first two days, at the end of the tenth century A.D in ence for all those who watched it. allowing them to experience the cre- Andalusia at the palace of Al-Zahra in “As the largest foreign investor in ative excellence and collective talents Cordoba. It highlights the most politi- Kuwait and the main strategic sponsor on display. cal and dramatic events that occurred of LOYAC since 2008, we are eager to The play, written by Fareah Al during and after the reign of the support initiatives that are designed Saqqaf and directed by Shirin Haji, Ummayad Caliph Al-Mustansir Billah, to train, develop and educate the was produced by the LOYAC team in the ninth in the Ummaya line in youth to become leaders in their cooperation with the National Council Andalusia. Under his rule, the sciences fields, and allow them to experience of Culture and Arts with the support were said to have flourished and the art and culture which we believe of Dow as the official sponsors of the largest and the largest library in the would contribute towards a promising play. world was built in Cordoba. future.” Phasing out of hand-written passports

ll Indian nationals residing in Kuwait six months, should renew their passports ensure that you have enough blank visa are advised to apply for urgent re- before any upcoming international travel. It pages. There is no provision now of addi- Aissuance of new passports under the is especially important to check the pass- tional booklets/pages and you will be following circumstances- ports needs of any minor who may be required to apply reissuance of passport fol- (i). HANDWRITTEN PASSPORTS accompanying their parents as passports for lowing standard procedures. Frequent trav- (a) The International Civil Aviation minors have a shorter validity period (5 ellers may opt for a Jumbo Indian Passport Organisation (ICAO) has set a deadline of the years) than passports for adults (10 years). containing 64 pages, as against a normal 24 November 2015 for globally phasing out The universal practice in vogue now is: passport with 36 pages. of all non-Machine Readable Passports “Once your passport crosses the nine-year (iv). For more details related to passport (MRPs). From the 25 November 2015 mark, it is time to get a new passport”. services, visit the website - onwards, foreign Governments may deny (iii) EXHAUSTION OF VISA PAGES http://www.indembkwt.org/Pages/Passport. Visa or entry to any person travelling on a Some countries do not accept passports aspx - or call Kalidas Roy, Attache(Cons) at non-Machine Readable Passport. which may have fewer than two pages Mob: 97295728 or J S Dangi, Second (b) The Government of India has been remaining. Please check your passport to Secretary(Cons) at Mob: 97229947. issuing Machine Readable Passports since 2001. The Passports, however, issued before 2001 and particularly those issued during Happy New Year Maesage 2015 mid 1990s with a validity of 20 years will fall in the category of non-MRPs. All handwrit- appy somittee, s part of its social and educational activities, the Commercial Bank of Kuwait (CBK) took part ten passports with pasted photographs are New Kuwait). recently in the ‘Childhood Dream’ festival, organized by Hadiya Bilingual Kindergarten in Jaber Al- also considered non-MRPs. HYear General AAli. In this regard, Amani Al-Wer’a, CBK’s Assistant Manager for Public Relations and Advertising, (c) Indians living in Kuwait holding hand- Message to Secretary: stressed that CBK provides full support to various social activities, namely those related to children. She written passports as explained in Para(b) all of Sylhet also noted that CBK has taken part in many activities in collaboration with the Ministry of Education. above, with validity beyond the 24 Bangladeshi Divitional November 2015 are advised to apply for re- communities Writer Forum, issue of their passports well before the dead- members, Kuwait. Kuwait Carnatic Music Forun concerts line in order to avoid any inconvenience in politician, General obtaining valid visa or international travel. social worker, Secretary: uwait Carnatic Music Forum is con- who is a well known vocalist from Kerala. musical offering to Saint Thyagaraja by (ii) PASSPORTS VALID FOR LESS THAN poet, engineer, businessman and Kulaura Social Welfare ducting 2 days musical program The concert will also feature well known students and devotees from 9.00 am till SIX MONTHS many others peoples. Organaization, Kuwait K“THYAGARAJA VAIBHAVAM” during violinist Manjoor Renjith, a B-High grade evening and the day-long function will Many international travellers may not Md. Jubayer Ahmed Joint Secretary: Jalalabad Social January 1 and 2, 2015 at Indian artist of All India Radio. Mrudangam by be concluded by rendering of the realise that having a passportwith short (Member of Sylhet Bivag somit- Welfare Organization (Jalalalabad Community School Auditorium Salmiya, Perunna G Harikumar, Ragesh V Pancharathna Keerthanams led by the validity remaining is sometimes not good tee, Kuwait). Association), Kuwait. featuring artists from India and Kuwait. Ramakrishnan on ghatom. The program main artists from India along with emi- enough to obtain Visas or to enter certain Md. Abdus Salam Joint Secretary: Probashi The inaugural day will feature a concert will start at 6.00 pm on 1st of Jan 2015. nent musicians from Kuwait. This event is foreign countries. Indian citizens travelling Vic-President : Sylhet Bivag Sahittio porishid, Kuwait. by Ganavidhyapraveena Harirag Nandan The second day will have a day-long open to all music lovers. on Passports which may expire in less than TUESDAY, DECEMBER 30, 2014 TV PROGRAMS

11:35 Grandma’s Secret 07:00 Late Night With Seth Meyers 06:00 Straight Talk-PG15 Cookbook 08:30 Better Off Ted 08:00 Girl In Progress-PG15 12:00 Chopped 09:30 Dads 10:00 Mr. 3000-PG 12:50 Siba’s Table 10:00 Baby Daddy 12:00 Held Up (1999)-PG15 00:30 Trans world Sport 13:15 Jenny Morris Cooks 10:30 My Name Is Earl 14:00 Sweet Home Alabama 01:30 WWE This Week 00:20 Gold Rush Morocco 11:00 The Tonight Show Starring 16:00 Girl In Progress-PG15 02:00 NHL 01:10 Alaskan Bush People 13:40 Mystery Diners Jimmy Fallon 18:00 Wild Hogs-PG15 04:00 Live WWE Raw 02:00 Fast N’ Loud 14:05 Guy’s Grocery Games 13:30 My Name Is Earl 20:00 Gambit-PG15 07:30 PDC World Darts 02:50 Storage Hunters 14:55 Roadtrip With G. Garvin 14:30 Dads 21:30 Knocked Up-18 Championship 03:15 Container Wars 15:20 Diners, Drive-Ins & Dives 15:00 Baby Daddy 11:30 Top 14 Highlights 03:40 Dukes Of Haggle 15:45 Amazing Wedding Cakes 15:30 The Daily Show With Jon 12:00 F1 H20 Powerboat World 04:05 How It’s Made 16:35 Chopped Stewart Champs Highlights 04:30 How It’s Made 17:25 Jenny Morris Cooks 16:00 The Colbert Report 12:30 Afrasia Golf Masters 05:00 Treehouse Masters Morocco 17:00 Late Night With Seth Meyers 13:30 WWE Afterburn 06:00 Wheeler Dealers 17:50 Guy’s Big Bite 18:00 Raising Hope 01:00 Atlas Shrugged-PG15 14:30 WWE This Week 06:50 Robson Green’s Extreme 18:15 Diners, Drive-Ins & Dives 18:30 About A Boy 03:00 All Is Lost-PG15 15:00 WWE Raw Fishing Challenge 18:40 Siba’s Table 19:00 The Simpsons 05:00 Struck By Lightning-PG15 18:00 F1 H20 Powerboat World 07:40 Fast N’ Loud 19:05 Grandma’s Secret 19:30 Baby Daddy 07:00 The Woman In The Fifth Champs Highlights 08:30 Storage Hunters Cookbook 20:00 The Tonight Show Starring 09:00 The Words-PG15 18:30 Trans world Sport 08:55 Container Wars 19:30 Mystery Diners Jimmy Fallon 11:00 Struck By Lightning-PG15 19:30 Futbol Mundial 09:20 Dukes Of Haggle 19:55 Burger Land 21:00 The Daily Show With Jon 13:00 The Chateau Meroux-PG15 20:00 WWE Raw 09:45 How It’s Made 20:20 Guy’s Grocery Games Stewart 15:00 Seven Days In Utopia-PG15 23:00 NHL 10:10 How It’s Made 21:10 Amazing Wedding Cakes 21:30 The Colbert Report 17:00 The Words-PG15 10:35 Gold Rush 22:00 Reza’s African Kitchen 22:00 Eastbound & Down 19:00 Promised Land-PG15 11:25 Gold Rush 22:25 Reza’s African Kitchen 22:30 Ja’mie: Private School Girl 21:00 Stuck In Love-PG15 12:15 Alaskan Bush People 22:50 Ching’s Restaurant 23:00 Mixology 23:00 Broken City-18 13:05 Storage Hunters Redemption 13:30 Container Wars 23:15 Ching’s Restaurant 00:30 ICC Cricket World Cup Tales 13:55 Dukes Of Haggle Redemption 01:00 Australia v South Africa T20I 14:20 Robson Green’s Extreme 23:40 Burger Land Highlights Fishing Challenge 02:00 ICC Cricket 360 00:00 Rake 15:10 Wheeler Dealers 01:00 Consenting Adults-18 02:30 Live Australia v India 03:00 Supernatural 16:00 Fast N’ Loud 03:00 Abandon-PG15 International Test 06:00 Rake 16:50 How It’s Made 05:00 The Great Train Robbery- 10:30 ICC Cricket 360 08:00 Bones 17:15 How It’s Made 07:00 Emperor-PG15 11:00 Live Big Bash League T20 12:00 Emmerdale 17:40 Treehouse Masters 09:00 Pop Star-PG15 14:30 ICC Cricket 360 12:30 Coronation Street 18:30 Deadly Islands 11:00 Son Of Rambow-PG 15:00 ICC Cricket World Cup Tales 13:00 The Ellen DeGeneres Show 19:20 Manhunt 13:00 Beastly-PG15 15:30 ICC Cricket World Cup Tales 00:10 Holiday: Heaven On Earth 14:00 Bones 20:10 Container Wars 15:00 Annapolis-PG15 16:00 Big Bash League T20 00:40 The Hungry Sailors 15:00 Rake 20:35 Dukes Of Haggle 17:00 Pop Star-PG15 Highlights 01:30 Holiday: Heaven On Earth 16:00 Emmerdale 21:00 Get Out Alive With Bear 19:00 Drift-PG15 17:00 Big Bash League T20 02:00 Emmerdale 16:30 Coronation Street Grylls 21:00 Limitless-PG15 20:30 ICC Cricket 360 02:55 Coronation Street 17:00 The Ellen DeGeneres Show 21:50 Hell Road Russia 23:00 Take This Waltz-18 21:00 Big Bash League T20 03:50 Cilla 18:00 Bones 22:40 Manhunt Highlights 04:50 Paul O’grady For The Love 19:00 Switched At Birth 23:30 Get Out Alive With Bear 22:00 ICC Cricket World Cup Tales Of Dogs 20:00 State Of Affairs Grylls 22:30 Big Bash League T20 05:15 Four Weddings UK 23:00 Supernatural 06:10 The Chase 01:00 Runner Runner-PG15 Highlights 07:05 Holiday: Heaven On Earth 03:00 August: Osage County 23:30 Story of the World Cup 1992 07:30 Cilla 05:00 Lincoln-PG15 08:25 Paul O’grady For The Love 07:30 Straight A’s-PG15 Of Dogs 09:00 The Way Way Back-PG15 09:20 Tricked 11:00 Return To Nim’s Island-PG 00:00 Giuliana & Bill 10:15 Four Weddings UK 13:00 Red Tails-PG15 01:30 The Hurricane 00:55 The Soup 00:00 Franklin & Bash 11:10 Emmerdale 15:15 Escape From Planet Earth 04:00 Elvis Has Left The Building- 01:25 Keeping Up With The 01:00 Good Morning America 12:00 Coronation Street 17:00 The Way Way Back-PG15 05:30 Cinderella Man Kardashians 03:00 Grimm 12:30 The Hungry Sailors 19:00 Gravity-PG15 08:00 The Four-U 02:20 Keeping Up With The 04:00 The Knick 13:25 The Chase 21:00 Shiver-PG15 10:00 Roger Dodger-U Kardashians 05:00 Good Morning America 14:20 Holiday: Heaven On Earth 23:00 Django Unchained-18 11:45 Raising Helen 03:15 Escape Club 07:00 Emmerdale 14:45 Four Weddings UK 14:00 Terminator III-PG 04:10 THS 07:30 Coronation Street 15:35 Big Star’s Little Star 15:45 Meet Bill 05:05 E!ES 08:00 The Ellen DeGeneres Show 16:30 Murdoch Mysteries 17:30 Marvel’s The Avengers 06:00 Keeping Up With The 17:25 Murdoch Mysteries 09:00 24 10:00 Emmerdale 20:00 Hollow Man Kardashians 18:20 The Jonathan Ross Show 01:00 The Missing Lynx 10:30 Coronation Street 22:00 Piranha 3D 06:55 Keeping Up With The 19:10 Coronation Street 02:45 Jelly T 11:00 The Ellen DeGeneres Show 23:15 Mission To Mars-PG Kardashians 19:35 Big Star’s Little Star 04:30 Barbie In The Nutcracker 12:00 Burn Notice 07:50 Style Star 20:30 Murdoch Mysteries 06:00 Unstable Fables: 3 Pigs & A 13:00 Franklin & Bash 08:20 Giuliana & Bill 21:25 Murdoch Mysteries Baby 14:00 24 09:15 Giuliana & Bill 22:20 Coronation Street 07:45 Barbie Presents: 15:00 Live Good Morning America 10:15 Giuliana & Bill 22:50 Emmerdale Thumbelina 17:00 Burn Notice 11:10 #RichKids Of Beverly Hills 23:45 Four Weddings UK 09:00 Blue Elephant 2 18:00 Franklin & Bash 11:35 #RichKids Of Beverly Hills 10:45 Speed Racer 00:00 According To Jim 19:00 24 12:05 Pop Innovators 13:00 Jelly T 00:30 Castle 20:00 Burn Notice 13:05 Extreme Close-Up 14:30 Space Dogs 01:30 Grey’s Anatomy 21:00 Franklin & Bash 13:35 THS 16:00 Stuart Little 3: Call Of The 02:30 According To Jim 22:00 Grimm 14:30 Style Star Wild 03:00 The Listener DJANGO UNCHAINED OSN MOVIES HD 23:00 The Knick 15:00 Giuliana & Bill 00:00 Predator CSI 18:00 Blue Elephant 2 04:00 The Listener 16:00 Giuliana & Bill 01:00 Engineering Connections 20:00 Hammer Boy 05:00 According To Jim 20:05 Now, Voyager-PG 14:00 Ice Road Truckers 06:00 Something Borrowed, 17:00 Giuliana & Bill 02:00 Situation Critical 22:00 Space Dogs 05:30 Melissa & Joey 22:00 Straight Time-18 15:00 Pawn Stars UK Something New 18:00 Giuliana & Bill 03:00 Battleground Brothers 23:30 Stuart Little 3: Call Of The 05:55 Melissa & Joey 23:55 The Asphalt Jungle-PG 15:30 Pawn Stars UK 06:25 Ultimate Shopper 06:30 Dirt 19:00 Giuliana & Bill 04:00 Ancient Megastructures 00:00 Bullet To The Head Wild 16:00 Pawn Stars 07:15 Driving Me Crazy 07:30 The Walking Dead 20:00 Giuliana & Bill 05:00 Britain’s Greatest Machines 01:45 White House Down 08:05 Cake Boss 21:00 Giuliana & Bill 08:30 Castle 16:30 Pawn Stars 06:00 Britain’s Underworld 04:00 The Peacemaker 17:00 Pawn Stars 08:30 Cake Boss 22:00 Giuliana & Bill 07:00 The Living Edens (Rev) 06:15 Drop Zone 09:30 According To Jim 17:30 Pawn Stars 08:55 Bakery Boss 23:00 Giuliana & Bill 08:00 Predator CSI 08:00 Pitch Black 10:00 Grey’s Anatomy 09:45 Cake Boss 09:00 Engineering Connections 10:00 Hellboy: Blood & Iron 11:00 According To Jim 00:00 Pawn Stars UK 18:00 Pawn Stars 11:30 The Listener 10:10 17 Kids And Counting 10:00 Situation Critical 12:00 Knockout 00:15 Peeples-PG15 00:30 Pawn Stars UK 18:30 Pawn Stars 02:00 The 7:39-PG15 12:30 The Listener 10:35 Little People, Big World 11:00 Megacities 13:45 White House Down 01:00 Storage Wars 19:00 Storage Wars 12:00 Knights Of Mayhem 16:00 Taken 2 04:00 A Christmas Wish-PG15 13:30 According To Jim 19:30 Storage Wars 11:00 Toddlers & Tiaras 14:00 Melissa & Joey 01:30 Pawn Stars 13:00 Family Guns 18:00 Pitch Black 06:00 One Direction: This Is Us 20:00 Pawn Stars 11:50 Say Yes To The Dress 08:00 The Greatest Movie Ever 14:30 Melissa & Joey 02:00 Pawn Stars 00:05 Chopped 14:00 Wild Untamed Brazil 20:00 Knockout 20:30 Pawn Stars 12:15 Say Yes To The Dress Sold-PG15 15:00 Dirt 02:30 Pawn Stars 00:55 Amazing Wedding Cakes 15:00 The Known Universe 21:45 The Grandmaster 12:40 Ultimate Shopper 10:00 All In Good Time-PG15 16:00 The Walking Dead 03:00 Pawn Stars UK 21:00 Pawn Stars UK 01:45 Guy’s Big Bite 16:00 Chasing UFOs 13:30 Oprah: Where Are They 17:00 Salvage Code Red 12:00 The 7:39-PG15 17:00 Grey’s Anatomy 03:30 Pawn Stars UK 21:30 Pawn Stars UK 02:10 Guy’s Big Bite Now? 02:35 Jenny Morris Cooks The 18:00 Master Of Disaster 14:00 The Sapphires-PG15 18:00 Army Wives 04:00 Storage Wars 22:00 Pawn Stars 19:00 MasterChef Australia 14:20 Oprah’s Next Chapter Riviera 19:00 The Known Universe 16:00 The Greatest Movie Ever 04:30 Storage Wars 22:30 Storage Wars Sold-PG15 20:00 Switched At Birth 15:10 Something Borrowed, 03:00 Jenny Morris Cooks The 20:00 Chasing UFOs 05:00 Pawn Stars 23:00 Storage Wars 18:00 Vamps-PG15 21:00 According To Jim Something New Riviera 21:00 Salvage Code Red 02:00 The Peacemaker-PG15 05:30 Pawn Stars 23:30 Storage Wars 03:25 Charly’s Cake Angels 22:00 Master Of Disaster 04:15 Drop Zone-PG15 20:00 The World’s End-PG15 21:25 According To Jim 15:35 Cake Boss 22:00 Detroit 1-8-7 06:00 Duck Dynasty 03:50 Amazing Wedding Cakes 23:00 Megacities 06:00 Pitch Black-PG15 22:00 Without Men-PG15 16:00 Driving Me Crazy 23:00 The Walking Dead 07:00 Storage Wars: New York 04:40 All You Can Meat 08:00 Hellboy: Blood & Iron-PG15 16:50 17 Kids And Counting 07:30 Counting Cars 05:05 Roadtrip With G. Garvin 10:00 Knockout-PG15 17:15 Little People, Big World 11:45 White House Down-PG15 08:00 Pawn Stars 05:30 Reza, Spice Prince Of India 17:40 Toddlers & Tiaras 05:50 Siba’s Table 14:00 Taken 2-PG15 08:30 Pawn Stars 02:00 Volvo Ocean Race 18:30 Something Borrowed, 06:10 Sweet Genius 16:00 Pitch Black-PG15 Highlights 09:00 American Restoration 18:00 Knockout-PG15 01:40 Somewhere I’ll Find You-PG Something New 07:00 Roadtrip With G. Garvin 00:00 Mystery Girls 02:30 Live Cricket 09:30 Pawn Stars UK 00:45 The Face UK 19:45 The Grandmaster-PG15 03:30 Clash By Night-PG 18:55 Say Yes To The Dress 07:25 Roadtrip With G. Garvin 00:30 The Daily Show With Jon 10:30 Trans world Sport 10:00 Storage Wars: New York 01:35 Return To Amish 22:00 Haywire-PG15 05:20 TCM Presents Under The... 19:20 Say Yes To The Dress 07:50 Diners, Drive-Ins & Dives Stewart 11:30 PDC World Darts 10:30 Counting Cars 07:00 Les Girls-PG 02:25 I Didn’t Know I Was 08:15 Chopped 01:00 The Colbert Report Championship 19:45 Ultimate Shopper 08:55 Meet Me In Las Vegas-FAM 11:00 Pawn Stars Pregnant 09:05 Barefoot Contessa - Back To 01:30 Saturday Night Live 15:30 Live PDC World Darts 20:35 Cake Boss 10:45 Easter Parade-FAM 11:30 Pawn Stars 02:50 Secret Eaters Basics 02:30 Mixology Championship 21:00 Medical Anomalies 12:25 Scaramouche-FAM 12:00 Storage Wars 03:40 Long Island Medium 09:30 Chopped Canada 04:30 The Tonight Show Starring 19:30 NFL 21:50 Too Ugly For Love 10:20 Recipes That Rock 14:20 Hotel Paradiso-PG 12:30 Storage Wars 04:05 Say Yes To The Dress Jimmy Fallon 00:00 Blue Like Jazz-PG15 22:00 Live PDC World Darts 22:40 Long Island Medium 10:45 All You Can Meat 02:00 Stand Off-PG15 Championship 16:00 North By Northwest-PG 13:00 Pawn Stars 04:30 Say Yes To The Dress 05:30 Better Off Ted 23:05 Secret Eaters 11:10 Roadtrip With G. Garvin 04:00 Chalet Girl-PG15 18:15 Passage To Marseille-PG 13:30 Pawn Stars 05:00 Toddlers & Tiaras 06:30 My Name Is Earl 23:55 Hoarding: Buried Alive

WHITE HOUSE DOWN ON OSN ACTION HD Classifieds

TUESDAY, DECEMBER 30, 2014

Kuwait KNCC PROGRAMME FROM THURSDAY TO WEDNESDAY (25/12/2014 TO 31/12/2014)

SHARQIA-1 PADDINGTON 1:45 PM PADDINGTON 7:30 PM INTO THE WOODS 11:45 AM PADDINGTON 3:45 PM NIGHT AT THE MUSEUM: ECRET OF THE TOMB 9:45 PM INTO THE WOODS 2:15 PM THE WATER DIVINER 5:45 PM NIGHT AT THE MUSEUM: ECRET OF THE TOMB ANNIE 4:45 PM PADDINGTON 8:15 PM INTO THE WOODS 7:15 PM THE WATER DIVINER 10:15 PM AVENUES-5 ANNIE 9:45 PM THE WATER DIVINER 12:45 AM INTO THE WOODS 12:15 PM INTO THE WOODS 12:15 AM ANNIE 2:45 PM FANAR-4 INTO THE WOODS 5:30 PM SHARQIA-2 INTO THE WOODS 11:45 AM ANNIE 8:00 PM NIGHT AT THE MUSEUM: SECRET OF THE TOMB 12:00 PM INTO THE WOODS 2:15 PM THE WATER DIVINER 10:30 PM Industrial Road, Bicholim, NIGHT AT THE MUSEUM: SECRET OF THE TOMB 2:00 PM INTO THE WOODS 4:45 PM THE WATER DIVINER 1:00 AM CHANGE OF NAME NIGHT AT THE MUSEUM: SECRET OF THE TOMB 4:00 PM INTO THE WOODS 7:15 PM THE WOMAN IN BLACK 2 NGEL OF DEATH 10:30 PM Goa, hereby changing my NIGHT AT THE MUSEUM: SECRET OF THE TOMB 6:00 PM INTO THE WOODS 9:45 PM 090 (Kuwaiti Film) 12:30 AM name to Shiva Jaiwant NIGHT AT THE MUSEUM: SECRET OF THE TOMB 8:00 PM INTO THE WOODS 12:15 AM I, Esmaiyel Mohammed Rajput, (C 4893) NIGHT AT THE MUSEUM: SECRET OF THE TOMB 10:00 PM THE WOMAN IN BLACK 2 NGEL OF DEATH 9:45 PM AVENUES-6 NIGHT AT THE MUSEUM: SECRET OF THE TOMB 12:05 AM THE WOMAN IN BLACK 2 NGEL OF DEATH 12:05 AM NIGHT AT THE MUSEUM: ECRET OF THE TOMB 11:30 AM Abdul Shakur Kadiri, holder 27-12-2014 THE WOMAN IN BLACK 2 ANGEL OF DEATH 10:00 PM NIGHT AT THE MUSEUM: ECRET OF THE TOMB 1:45 PM of Indian Passport No. THE WOMAN IN BLACK 2 ANGEL OF DEATH 12:05 AM MARINA-1 NIGHT AT THE MUSEUM: ECRET OF THE TOMB 4:00 PM PADDINGTON 12:30 PM NIGHT AT THE MUSEUM: ECRET OF THE TOMB 6:15 PM J2020718, hereby change I, Utukuru Rama Gubbaiah, SHARQIA-3 PADDINGTON 4:19 PM NIGHT AT THE MUSEUM: ECRET OF THE TOMB 8:30 PM my name to Abdul Shakur holder of Indian Passport PADDINGTON 11:30 AM ANNIE 4:45 PM NIGHT AT THE MUSEUM: ECRET OF THE TOMB 10:45 PM PADDINGTON 1:30 PM PADDINGTON 7:15 PM NIGHT AT THE MUSEUM: ECRET OF THE TOMB 1:00 AM Sayed. Address: 10 703 Vali No. J2020031 hereby PADDINGTON 3:30 PM ANNIE 9:15 PM 090 (Kuwaiti Film) 10:45 PM Gab Rd., Kadiri Anantapur, changed changed my name PADDINGTON 5:30 PM ANNIE 11:45 PM 090 (Kuwaiti Film) 12:45 AM AP. (C 4894) PADDINGTON 7:45 PM to Utukuru Rama Subba ESCOBAR: PARADISE LOST 10:15 PM MARINA-2 AVENUES-7 29-12-2014 Reddy. Upparapalli ESCOBAR: PARADISE LOST 12:45 AM NIGHT AT THE MUSEUM: ECRET OF THE TOMB 11:45 AM ESCOBAR: PARADISE LOST 11:45 AM NIGHT AT THE MUSEUM: ECRET OF THE TOMB 2:00 PM ESCOBAR: PARADISE LOST 2:15 PM Konduru Penagalur, MUHALAB-1 NIGHT AT THE MUSEUM: ECRET OF THE TOMB 4:00 PM ESCOBAR: PARADISE LOST 4:45 PM I am Shivaji Jaivant Rajput, Kadapa, A.P. ESCOBAR: PARADISE LOST 11:45 AM NIGHT AT THE MUSEUM: ECRET OF THE TOMB 6:00 PM ESCOBAR: PARADISE LOST 7:15 PM Indian national, Passport ANNIE 1:45 PM NIGHT AT THE MUSEUM: ECRET OF THE TOMB 8:00 PM ESCOBAR: PARADISE LOST 9:45 PM (C 4891) ANNIE 2:15 PM NO WED ESCOBAR: PARADISE LOST 12:15 AM Number G6775517, perma- ANNIE 4:45 PM NIGHT AT THE MUSEUM: ECRET OF THE TOMB 10:00 PM nent address house no. I, Harsh Mehta, holder of MUKUNDA -Telugu 4:15 PM NO WED AVENUES-8 ANNIE 7:15 PM THE WOMAN IN BLACK 2 NGEL OF DEATH 8:00 PM THE HOBBIT: THE BATTLE OF THE FIVE ARMIES 12:30 PM 1126, Muslim Wada, Indian Passport No. ESCOBAR: PARADISE LOST 9:45 PM WED THE HOBBIT: THE BATTLE OF THE FIVE ARMIES 3:30 PM F3832096, resident of ESCOBAR: PARADISE LOST 12:15 AM THE WOMAN IN BLACK 2 NGEL OF DEATH 10:00 PM THE HOBBIT: THE BATTLE OF THE FIVE ARMIES 6:30 PM WED INTO THE WOODS 9:30 PM 2559B, Gali No. 3, Rampura MUHALAB-2 NIGHT AT THE MUSEUM: ECRET OF THE TOMB 12:05 AM THE HOBBIT: THE BATTLE OF THE FIVE ARMIES 12:05 AM Mohalla, Hisar, Haryana, INTO THE WOODS 12:00 PM INTO THE WOODS 2:30 PM MARINA-3 AVENUES-9 India, have changed my INTO THE WOODS 5:00 PM INTO THE WOODS 12:00 PM ANNIE 1:00 PM name from Harsh Mehta to INTO THE WOODS 7:30 PM INTO THE WOODS 2:30 PM ANNIE 3:30 PM MUKUNDA -Telugu 10:00 PM INTO THE WOODS 5:00 PM ANNIE 6:00 PM Harsh Ahuja. In future, I will INTO THE WOODS 10:00 PM THE HOBBIT: THE BATTLE OF THE FIVE ARMIES 7:30 PM ANNIE 8:30 PM be known as Harsh Ahuja. NO THU+FRI INTO THE WOODS 10:15 PM ANNIE 11:00 PM INTO THE WOODS 12:45 AM INTO THE WOODS 12:45 AM (C 4892) AVENUES-10 112 25-11-2014 MUHALAB-3 AVENUES-1 PADDINGTON 1:15 PM PADDINGTON 12:15 PM P.K -HINDI 12:30 PM PADDINGTON 3:30 PM PADDINGTON 2:15 PM P.K -HINDI 3:30 PM PADDINGTON 5:45 PM PADDINGTON 4:15 PM P.K -HINDI 6:30 PM PADDINGTON 8:00 PM THE PUBLIC AUTHORITY FOR PADDINGTON 6:15 PM P.K -HINDI 9:30 PM PADDINGTON 10:15 PM NIGHT AT THE MUSEUM: SECRET OF THE TOMB 8:15 PM P.K -HINDI 12:30 AM PADDINGTON 12:30 AM NIGHT AT THE MUSEUM: SECRET OF THE TOMB 10:15 PM CIVIL INFORMATION NIGHT AT THE MUSEUM: SECRET OF THE TOMB 12:30 AM AVENUES-2 AVENUES-11 THE WOMAN IN BLACK 2 ANGEL OF DEATH 10:15 PM MONTANA 11:45 AM INTO THE WOODS 11:45 AM Automated enquiry about the THE WOMAN IN BLACK 2 ANGEL OF DEATH 12:30 AM MONTANA 2:00 PM INTO THE WOODS 2:15 PM MONTANA 4:15 PM INTO THE WOODS 4:45 PM Civil ID card is FANAR-1 MONTANA 6:45 PM INTO THE WOODS 7:15 PM ANNIE 11:30 AM NO THU+FRI THE HOBBIT: THE BATTLE OF THE FIVE ARMIES ) 9:45 PM ANNIE 2:00 PM MONTANA 9:00 PM INTO THE WOODS 12:45 AM ANNIE 4:30 PM NO THU+FRI+SAT THE WOMAN IN BLACK 2 NGEL OF DEATH 9:45 PM 1889988 ESCOBAR: PARADISE LOST 7:00 PM MONTANA 11:30 PM THE WOMAN IN BLACK 2 NGEL OF DEATH 12:05 AM ANNIE 9:30 PM MONTANA 1:30 PM ESCOBAR: PARADISE LOST 12:05 AM MUKUNDA -Telugu 4:00 PM 360º 1 090 (Kuwaiti Film) 9:30 PM MUKUNDA -Telugu 7:00 PM INTO THE WOODS 12:45 PM Prayer timings 090 (Kuwaiti Film) 11:15 PM MUKUNDA -Telugu 10:00 PM INTO THE WOODS 3:15 PM 090 (Kuwaiti Film) 1:00 AM INTO THE WOODS 5:45 PM AVENUES-3 INTO THE WOODS 8:15 PM Fajr: 05:17 FANAR-2 THE WATER DIVINER 12:00 PM INTO THE WOODS 10:45 PM NIGHT AT THE MUSEUM: ECRET OF THE TOMB 12:15 PM THE WATER DIVINER 2:30 PM MONTANA 1:15 AM Shorook 06:42 NIGHT AT THE MUSEUM: ECRET OF THE TOMB 2:15 PM THE WATER DIVINER 5:00 PM 090 (Kuwaiti Film) 1:15 AM NIGHT AT THE MUSEUM: ECRET OF THE TOMB 4:15 PM THE WATER DIVINER 7:30 PM Duhr: 11:50 NIGHT AT THE MUSEUM: ECRET OF THE TOMB 6:30 PM THE WATER DIVINER 10:00 PM 360º- 2 NIGHT AT THE MUSEUM: ECRET OF THE TOMB 8:30 PM THE WATER DIVINER 12:30 AM PADDINGTON 11:45 AM Asr: 14:40 NIGHT AT THE MUSEUM: ECRET OF THE TOMB 10:30 PM THE HOBBIT: THE BATTLE OF THE FIVE ARMIES 2:15 PM NIGHT AT THE MUSEUM: ECRET OF THE TOMB 12:30 AM AVENUES-4 THE HOBBIT: THE BATTLE OF THE FIVE ARMIES 5:15 PM NIGHT AT THE MUSEUM: ECRET OF THE TOMB 12:45 PM THE HOBBIT: THE BATTLE OF THE FIVE ARMIES 8:15 PM Maghrib: 16:58 FANAR-3 PADDINGTON 3:00 PM THE HOBBIT: THE BATTLE OF THE FIVE ARMIES 11:15 PM THE WATER DIVINER 11:30 AM NIGHT AT THE MUSEUM: ECRET OF THE TOMB 5:15 PM Isha: 18:21

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

Arrival Flights on Tuesday 30/12/2014 SVA 500 Jeddah 14:30 Departure Flights on Tuesday 30/12/2014 UAE 872 Dubai 14:15 Airlines Flt Route Time FDB 057 Dubai 14:30 Airlines Flt Route Time JZR 324 Al Najaf 14:25 BBC 043 Dhaka 00:05 GFA 221 Bahrain 15:00 AIC 976 Goa/Chennai 00:05 KAC 673 Dubai 15:00 JAI 574 Mumbai 00:10 KAC 788 Jeddah 15:10 PIA 206 Lahore 00:40 QTR 1079 Doha 15:05 JZR 239 Amman 00:25 KAC 284 Dhaka 15:15 FDB 072 Dubai 00:45 FDB 058 Dubai 15:10 JZR 267 Beirut 00:30 ABY 127 Sharjah 15:45 JAI 573 Mumbai 01:10 KAC 617 Doha 15:15 KLM 411 Amsterdam/Dammam 00:40 UAE 857 Dubai 15:45 BBC 044 Dhaka 01:35 KNE 473 Jeddah 15:20 JZR 539 Cairo 00:40 FDB 051 Dubai 16:00 KLM 411 Amsterdam 01:55 SVA 501 Jeddah 15:45 THY 772 Istanbul 00:45 NIA 251 Alexandria 16:15 DLH 637 Frankfurt 02:15 GFA 222 Bahrain 15:45 FDB 069 Dubai 00:55 KAC 562 Amman 16:20 KAC 283 Dhaka 02:25 KAC 773 Riyadh 15:50 QTR 1084 Doha 01:00 QTR 1072 Doha 16:40 ETH 621 Addis Ababa 02:45 JZR 552 Alexandria 16:10 DLH 637 Dammam 01:15 RJA 640 Amman 16:55 THY 773 Istanbul 02:55 ABY 128 Sharjah 16:25 PGT 858 Istanbul 01:35 ETD 303 Abu Dhabi 16:55 PGT 859 Istanbul 03:25 KAC 741 Dammam 17:00 ETH 620 Addis Ababa 01:45 SVA 510 Riyadh 17:15 KAC 381 Delhi 03:40 FDB 052 Dubai 17:00 GFA 211 Bahrain 02:30 GFA 215 Bahrain 17:30 UAE 854 Dubai 03:50 JZR 266 Beirut 17:05 UAE 853 Dubai 02:35 JZR 325 Al Najaf 17:50 FDB 068 Dubai 03:55 NIA 252 Alexandria 17:15 JAI 526 Chennai/Abu Dhabi 02:50 UAL 982 IAD 17:55 ETD 306 Abu Dhabi 04:05 QTR 1073 Doha 17:40 FDB 067 Dubai 02:55 JZR 777 Jeddah 17:55 MSR 613 Cairo 04:10 UAE 858 Dubai 17:45 RJA 648 Amman 03:05 UAE 875 Dubai 18:00 KKK 6508 Istanbul 04:10 JZR 538 Cairo 17:45 ETD 305 Abu Dhabi 03:10 TAR 328 Tunis/Dubai 18:05 OMA 644 Muscat 04:15 ETD 304 Abu Dhabi 17:50 MSR 612 Cairo 03:10 JZR 177 Dubai 18:20 QTR 1085 Doha 04:30 RJA 641 Amman 17:55 KKK 6507 Istanbul 03:20 FDB 063 Dubai 18:40 MSC 406 Sohag 05:05 SVA 511 Riyadh 18:15 OMA 643 Muscat 03:25 ABY 121 Sharjah 18:40 QTR 1077 Doha 05:15 GFA 216 Bahrain 18:20 QTR 1076 Doha 03:45 KAC 786 Jeddah 18:45 THY 765 Istanbul 05:40 JZR 184 Dubai 18:40 ICV 673 Luxembourg/MXP 04:00 QTR 1080 Doha 18:50 ICV 673 Hong Kong 05:45 JZR 238 Amman 18:50 MSC 401 Alexandria 04:05 SYR 341 Damascus 18:55 FDB 070 Dubai 06:30 TAR 328 Tunis 18:55 THY 6776 Istanbul 05:05 KAC 618 Doha 19:15 JAI 525 Abu Dhabi/Chennai 06:35 JZR 134 Bahrain 19:10 JZR 503 Luxor 05:25 AXB 393 Kozhikode 19:15 THY 6776 Dubai 06:35 UAL 982 Bahrain 19:15 THY 770 Istanbul 05:35 KAC 774 Riyadh 19:15 JZR 164 Dubai 06:55 ABY 122 Sharjah 19:20 DHX 170 Bahrain 05:40 KAC 542 Cairo 19:25 RJA 649 Amman 07:05 UAE 876 Dubai 19:40 BAW 157 London 06:40 KAC 674 Dubai 19:25 JZR 560 Sohag 07:10 QTR 1081 Doha 19:50 KAC 416 Kuala Lumpur/Jakarta 06:45 KAC 678 Muscat/Abu Dhabi 19:25 GFA 212 Bahrain 07:15 SYR 342 Damascus 19:55 KAC 412 Manila/Bangkok 07:10 GFA 217 Bahrain 19:30 THY 771 Istanbul 07:30 FDB 064 Dubai 19:55 FDB 053 Dubai 07:45 KAC 166 Paris/Rome 19:40 FDB 054 Dubai 08:25 AXB 393 Kozhikode 20:15 QTR 1086 Doha 07:50 KAC 104 London 19:55 BAW 156 London 08:45 GFA 218 Bahrain 20:15 SVA 512 Riyadh 07:55 KAC 742 Dammam 20:00 QTR 1087 Doha 08:50 KAC 361 Colombo 20:50 KAC 352 Kochi 08:10 JAI 572 Mumbai 20:00 KAC 513 Tehran 08:55 KAC 343 Chennai 20:55 KAC 302 Mumbai 08:20 MSR 618 Alexandria 20:05 SVA 513 Riyadh 08:55 JAI 571 Mumbai 21:00 KAC 206 Islamabad 08:25 FDB 061 Dubai 20:20 KAC 787 Jeddah 09:25 MSR 607 Luxor 21:05 KAC 332 Trivandrum 08:30 OMA 647 Muscat 20:20 KAC 671 Dubai 09:25 ABY 124 Sharjah 21:15 UAE 855 Dubai 08:40 ABY 123 Sharjah 20:35 ABY 126 Sharjah 09:40 KAC 351 Kochi 21:15 ABY 125 Sharjah 09:00 ALK 229 Colombo 21:10 KAC 101 London/New York 09:50 OMA 648 Muscat 21:20 ETD 301 Abu Dhabi 09:20 MEA 402 Beirut 21:20 UAE 856 Dubai 09:55 FDB 062 Dubai 21:20 FDB 055 Dubai 09:40 ETD 307 Abu Dhabi 21:30 ETD 302 Abu Dhabi 10:20 DHX 171 Bahrain 21:50 QTR 1070 Doha 10:00 FDB 073 Dubai 21:35 KAC 561 Amman 10:25 ALK 230 Colombo 22:10 IRA 675 Lar 10:40 UAE 859 Dubai 21:40 FDB 056 Dubai 10:35 ETD 308 Abu Dhabi 22:15 GFA 213 Bahrain 10:40 GFA 219 Bahrain 21:45 QTR 1071 Doha 11:00 KAC 301 Mumbai 22:15 UAE 873 Dubai 11:00 QTR 1074 Doha 21:55 KAC 165 Rome/Paris 11:15 MEA 403 Beirut 22:20 MSC 405 Sohag 11:25 JZR 135 Bahrain 22:05 GFA 214 Bahrain 11:25 FDB 074 Dubai 22:30 JZR 165 Dubai 11:30 KLM 415 Amsterdam 22:15 IRA 674 Lar 11:40 MEA 404 Beirut 11:55 ETD 309 Abu Dhabi 22:15 KAC 541 Cairo 12:05 GFA 220 Bahrain 22:30 UAE 871 Dubai 12:50 FDB 059 Dubai 22:30 KAC 677 Abu Dhabi/Muscat 12:20 UAE 860 Dubai 22:50 MSR 610 Cairo 13:00 AIC 981 Chennai/Hyderabad/Ahmedabad 22:30 JZR 776 Jeddah 12:20 KAC 205 Islamabad 22:55 KAC 514 Tehran 13:10 PIA 239 Sialkot 22:35 MSC 402 Alexandria 12:25 ETD 310 Abu Dhabi 23:00 JZR 561 Sohag 13:45 UAL 981 Bahrain 23:10 UAE 874 Dubai 12:30 QTR 1075 Doha 23:05 KAC 382 Delhi 13:45 JZR 185 Dubai 23:15 MEA 405 Beirut 12:55 KLM 415 Dammam/Amsterdam 23:15 KAC 672 Dubai 13:55 JZR 553 Alexandria 23:25 KAC 785 Jeddah 13:00 KAC 411 Bangkok/Manila 23:30 QTR 1078 Doha 14:05 THY 764 Istanbul 23:35 JZR 176 Dubai 13:45 PIA 240 Sialkot 23:35 KNE 472 Jeddah 14:25 FDB 071 Dubai 23:45 MSR 611 Cairo 14:00 FDB 060 Dubai 23:55 DIAL161 FOR AIRPORT INFORMATION stars34 TUESDAY, DECEMBER 30, 2014 CROSSWORD 770 STAR TRACK

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

Someone older than yourself could be engrossed in a conversation with You will rise to the occasion and pull off a magic trick today in order to you today. You may find yourself a bit more talkative. Figuring out some new ways to meet a deadline. Do not, however, push others as hard as you push yourself. Knowing the tackle a work issue takes less time than you expected. You are elated to find that a senior correct action to take could be appreciated or valued by those around you. Someone is can be so articulate and patient with good suggestions that are current. You may find most assuredly going to understand your position. You may shine in your particular job that you learn more than just the technical issue of the day. You learn to copy this senior or find that a promotion or practical insights come with ease. You could represent or when you are instructing or explaining something to the young people that come to you speak for your company or communicate concerning your skills. Personal relationships for help. Since you are interested in things political, you will find the experiences of this with others are vitally important to your spiritual and mental wellbeing. After work you day improve your standing. Music may take on a newfound importance, or you may just may enjoy meeting a friend for dinner. Travel, at least a short trip, could be possible very find yourself enjoying it more. A play or a concert is worth your time. soon. Write a thoughtful letter to a sibling or relative this evening.

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

You will find rewards for your work efforts today. Present your ideas at The folks around you are going to give you some sort of extra recognition work to a person in authority, you will have positive results. Your philosophy and psyche or support-a little boost of some kind. You should be feeling very happy and in harmony are in a flux of change now. A new way of looking at life may have you spending a lot of with others; the lines of communication are open. The support you need is available. time in a meditation mode. You could have difficulty in sleeping for the next few Someone that trusts your judgment could be asking you for help in resolving some very evenings, but this is only an indication that a change is taking place. How exciting . . . New personal and emotional issues. You will have no problem in understanding and you will energies of positive change are on the horizon. Acceptance of those who have conflicting be able to offer assistance in handling any difficulties. You have a talent for cutting attitudes and priorities is a must. Listen to others, but do not waste precious time and through the red tape and getting beneath and behind problems that allows you to be energy on argument. This is a favorable time for either holiday or business travel. Relaxing insightful and helpful. Tonight should be an exceptionally nice time regarding a social or this evening to your favorite pastime could be most enjoyable. some celebration-you enjoy being in touch with your friends.

Gemini (May 21-June 20) Sagittarius (November 22-December 21) You can be most persuasive and this is a good time to speak up for your This may be stacking up as an extremely mundane type of a day in the company. Your cooperation in working with others in a mutual pursuit has workplace-lacking in imagination. You are a natural in your persuasiveness positive results. Other people are dynamic and powerful. Wisdom and benefits gleaned with others. When your heart and determination are in your product, you could sell a ACROSS 5. A vacuum tube in which a hot cathode emits from past experiences help with present decisions. Provided that you do not spend it all phone to the telephone company. The result of today is, essentially, a satisfying day. You 1. Make an etching of. a beam of electrons that pass through a high on the fancy things that catch your eye, this can be a financially favorable period. You have a brilliant intuitive and inventive mind and you can create important ways in which have sound financial judgment when you are calculating risks. Debts can be paid soon. 5. Having hills and crags. voltage anode and are focused or deflected one group of people can help another group of people. There may be an issue concerning You are in a place, mentally, that you can express your thoughts and ideas in the best pos- 12. Counting the number of white and red before hitting a phosphorescent screen. business that would direct your energies. There may be many people looking to you with sible light with clear definition. If you are not involved in a relationship now, you will find blood cells and the number of platelets in 1 6. Hear or try a court case anew. hopes of getting help. It is not likely that you will lose yourself in a great book or movie so that all of your relationships take on a deeper and accepting nature. cubic millimeter of blood. 7. Pertaining to filberts or hazelnuts. you may decide to shop for a few winter items. 15. The capital and chief port of Qatar. 8. Footwear usually with wooden soles. 16. Directed or moving toward the rear. 9. The father of your father or mother. 17. A metal-bearing mineral valuable enough to 10. A radioactive transuranic element produced ) Capricorn (December 22-January 19) be mined. by bombarding plutonium with neutrons. Cancer (June 21-July 22 18. Extremely robust. 11. A hat that is round and black and hard with a Driving into work this morning you may have finally decided that public Personal situations at work are resolved amicably. New inventions and tech- transit or carpooling may not be such a bad idea after all. Conversations are 19. The 8th letter of the Greek alphabet. narrow brim. nologies have your attention, as usual. You may seem a little eccentric to those around 20. A major European river carrying more traffic 12. Of the same period. fast and fun in the break room and you may really need to listen closely to keep up. There you. You value anything that is unique and unusual and want desperately to change some is a good beginning to this day and you stay alert and knowledgeable to the important than any other river in the world. 13. Eurasian rose with prickly stems and fragrant things in your life. Someone will realize just how much your creative and intuitive nature changes of the day. There may be some research ahead of you this morning but you will 21. A game played with playing cards. leaves and bright pink flowers followed by scar- benefits you, and will be quite supportive of your eccentricities. Good things, in the form complete whatever tasks are needed, particularly if you keep your mind as focused as pos- 23. A feeling of strong eagerness (usually in let hips. of new solutions or inventions, come to you today-dare to be different. New ways to better sible, which could be difficult on this special day. If you did come to work on the city’s favor of a person or cause). 14. Perfume esp. with a censer. health are gaining your attention; you may feel there is no time for a concentrated exercise wheels, you may not have to worry about a ride home; you are ready for anything and the routine. However, walking can be invigorating and restores your energy. most positive of surprises is certainly headed your way. 24. A tube in which a body fluid circulates. 22. Dried root of two plants of the genus 25. 100 thebe equal 1 pula. Polygala containing an irritating saponin. 26. A silvery ductile metallic element found pri- 28. Any of numerous ornamental shrubs grown marily in bauxite. for their showy flowers of various colors. Leo (July 23-August 22) Aquarius (January 20- February 18) 27. Childcare during the day while parents work. 29. An independent agency of the United States You may be feeling a kind of spiritual wanderlust tugging at you now, as 30. Frogs, toads, tree toads. government responsible for collecting and You should find others responding to your way of thinking because you are very expressive through your communication skills. Expect to hold a pleasant conversa- you long to expand your horizons and reach for the highest. There could be an assortment 32. The azimuth of a celestial body is the angle coordinating intelligence and counterintelli- tion with someone you love. You just somehow seem to understand what the masses of areas that come into play now such as travel-perhaps internationally as well as domesti- between the vertical plane containing it and the gence activities abroad in the national interest. want at this time and could find yourself making decisions that affect others. People that cally-politics, religion, education or something in law enforcement. As you reach out to the world, you may find yourself loosening the force that binds and allowing more unique and plane of the meridian. 31. North American republic containing 50 learn to know you, value your ability to make such common sense determinations on their unusual qualities to emerge. You may be surprised and encouraged by who chooses to 33. Being nine more than forty. states - 48 conterminous states in North behalf. Your emotions may be very present but very much under control. Stability and understand and support you in your efforts. You may find new solutions or inventions as a 34. In a vessel with two hulls, an enclosed area America plus Alaska in northwest North America dependability take care of a deep emotional need. You may feel the need to cook this result of allowing your creative and intuitive sides to come forth. Emphasize your own between the frames at each side. and the Hawaiian Islands in the Pacific Ocean. evening and perhaps prepare food to can or preserve. needs in a partnership. 37. A Chadic language spoken south of Lake 35. (Old Testament) The second patriarch. Chad. 36. A gonadotropic hormone that is secreted by 41. The residue that remains when something is the anterior pituitary. Virgo (August 23-September 22) burned. 38. A large mass of ice floating at sea. Pisces (February 19-March 20) 44. A chronic inflammatory collagen disease 39. English theoretical physicist who applied rel- You will be chatting with friends today and find that stories about family The energies that surround you now will be working in your favor toward affecting connective tissue (skin or joints). ativity theory to quantum mechanics and pre- gatherings are quite interesting. Some of the stories are so funny you may consider writ- organizing and disciplining your mind toward a new technical invention. Perhaps this is 46. (Akkadian) God of wisdom. dicted the existence of antimatter and the ing a television script. Your feelings are valued, as well as your talents. Contributions to more of a time for a more stress-free time. You don’t seem to be able to stop your brain so 49. A mining town in southern Wales. positron (1902-1984). the conversation can make the laughter so loud you and your co-workers snicker through- you work through the afternoon creating a blueprint of this new invention. Figuring out 52. An informal term for a father. 40. Any of several large deciduous trees with out the day. Whatever ill wind blew along before this month began has now shifted to a ways to make your nest egg grow can be a preoccupation later today. You have a really good heart when it comes to helping your friends. You help your friends often. You listen, 54. 1/1000 gram. rounded spreading crowns and smooth gray most positive direction. Some new dance step is desired and you and your co-workers may get together to learn and practice. You look forward to the big party at year’s end discern what is needed and get to the heart of most any matter. Your intuitiveness and 55. (Norse mythology) God of poetry and music. bark and small sweet edible triangular nuts understanding will be instrumental in helping to solve many a frustrating issue. You could and hope to see lots of friends, as well as a few new ones. Singles need to keep their mind make a wish on a falling star. 56. A radioactive element of the actinide series. enclosed in burs. clear regarding romance. 57. Absence of the pupil in an eye. 42. A republic in central Europe. 60. United States writer (born in Poland) who 43. A small cake leavened with yeast. wrote in Yiddish (1880-1957). 45. An official prosecutor for a judicial district. WORD SEARCH PUZZLE Yesterday’s Solution 62. Profane or obscene expression usually of 47. A percussion instrument consisting of a pair surprise or anger. of hollow pieces of wood or bone (usually held 63. An indehiscent fruit derived from a single between the thumb and fingers) that are made ovary having one or many seeds within a fleshy to click together (as by Spanish dancers) in wall or pericarp. rhythm with the dance. 65. Cause to wither or parch from exposure to 48. A woman hired to suckle a child of someone heat. else. 69. (Roman mythology) God of love. 50. Payment made to a person in a position of 72. Small toothless anteater with prehensile tale trust to corrupt his judgment. and four-clawed forelimbs. 51. One species. 74. Eurasian perennial bulbous herbs. 53. Someone who guards the entrance to a 75. A constellation in the southern hemisphere building. near Telescopium and Norma. 58. People of the same race or nationality who 76. Thin flat unleavened cake of baked oatmeal. share a distinctive culture. 79. The part of a hammerhead opposite the flat 59. Any of numerous hairy-bodied insects striking surface (may have various shapes). including social and solitary species. 80. Adult female chicken. 61. A violent hot sand-laden wind on the deserts 81. Lac purified by heating and filtering. of Arabia and North Africa. 82. Type genus of the Alcidae comprising solely 64. A member of the Nahuatl people who estab- the razorbill. lished an empire in Mexico that was overthrown by Cortes in 1519. DOWN 66. A river in north central Switzerland that runs 1. A legally binding command or decision northeast into the Rhine. entered on the court record (as if issued by a 67. A plant fiber used in making rope or sacks. court or judge). 68. The basic unit of money in Iran. 2. The first of three divisions of the Hebrew 70. An organization of countries formed in 1961 Scriptures comprising the first five books of the to agree on a common policy for the sale of Old Testament considered as a unit. petroleum. 3. A specific piece of work required to be done 71. Type genus of the Ranidae. as a duty or for a specific fee. 73. The longer of the two telegraphic signals 4. A bag used for carrying money and small per- used in Morse code. sonal items or accessories (especially by 77. Being ten more than one hundred forty. women). 78. Unknown god. Yesterday’s Solution

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GOSSIP ‘Saved by the Bell’ d Sheeran insists Taylor Swift won’t perform at Glastonbury. Rumors the ‘Shake It Off’ hitmaker could be set to headline the annual event began to actor due in a Ecirculate last month when she announced a string of UK tour dates which included a gap over the weekend when the festival takes place - June 24 - 28 Wisconsin court 2015 - but her pal Ed Sheeran has revealed the star won’t be performing because she is not a fan of festivals. He said: “Taylor doesn’t like festivals.”So for ustin Diamond, the actor who played any bookies reading... I think Taylor likes doing her own show because she’s in Screech in the 1990s television show control and it’s how she wants it to be.” The 23-year-old ‘Thinking Out Loud’ D“Saved by the Bell,” is expected to appear singer explained the star - who released her fifth studio album, ‘1989’, earlier this in a Wisconsin courtroom. Diamond is accused of year - prefers to play her own concerts because it means she is “in control” of her stabbing a man during a bar fight on Christmas performance and not relying on organizers who are not familiar with her stage Day in Port Washington, where he currently lives. show. He continued: “With Glastonbury or any festival, you’re at the mercy of A criminal complaint charges Diamond with sec- the people who run the festival. “She wants it all to be perfect.” The comments ond-degree recklessly endangering safety, disor- come just two months after the organizer of the festival - which takes place at derly conduct and carrying a concealed weapon.

at Glastonbury Worthy Farm, Somerset in south west England - Michael Eavis, 79, said he would A hearing is scheduled Monday afternoon in love for the 25-year-old singer to perform after country icon Dolly Parton sang Ozaukee (oh-ZAH’-kee) County Circuit Court. The

Ed Sheeran: Ed there in 2014. He said: “Taylor Swift would be great to follow the Dolly Parton criminal complaint says Diamond and his fiancee

Taylor Swift won’t perform slot - especially being a country singer.” However, Ed claims he is certain the got into a tussle with two men and a woman at ‘Blank Space’ performer won’t be appearing alongside headliner Lionel Richie, the Grand Avenue Saloon on Thursday night. going as far to say he would bet his own cash. Speaking to The Sun newspaper, Diamond told police he accidentally stabbed one he added: “I’d bet you a large amount of money she doesn’t - a large amount of of the men while trying to defend his fiancee. The money.” man was not seriously injured. Police say officers recovered a switchblade.

Alicia Keys welcomes second child

licia Keys gave birth to son Genesis Ali Dean early on Saturday morning. It’s baby number two for the to divorce AGrammy-winner and her husband, producer-rapper Swizz Beatz, who are also parents to 4-year-old Egypt Daoud. The 33-year-old singer shared the news on her Instagram account Sunday with a photo of Genesis’s footprints. The image also details that the baby was born at 1:52 am and weighs 6

Rock and wife pounds, 5 ounces. Keys expressed excitement in her social omedian Chris Rock and his wife, Malaak Compton-Rock, will divorce after nearly 20 years of mar- media captions, saying that “the joy of joy is joy” and that she is riage, People magazine reported on Sunday. “After much contemplation and 19 years of marriage, grateful. CChris and I have decided to go our separate ways,” Compton-Rock was quoted as saying in a state- ment, People reported. Rock, best known for his trenchant comedy routines about relations between black people and white people, most recently wrote, directed and starred in the film “Top Five,” released earlier this month. Compton-Rock is the founder of Styleworks, a nonprofit salon for women returning to work after receiving welfare benefits. The couple lives in Alpine, New Jersey, with their two daughters, aged 12 and 10, People said. Neither Rock’s publicist nor his divorce lawyer responded to requests for comment on Sunday.

Starr to release new LP in 2015 ingo Starr will release a new album in 2015. The 74-year-old rocker revealed the news during a video update on his RYouTube channel, admitting he has finished work on his 18th studio LP which will be released through Universal. He said: “So this is why it’s called an update. I’ve finished my record, mixed the record, and next year it will be out on Universal Records, so that’s the good news.” The former The Beatles drummer has been performing solo material since his first album on his own, ‘Sentimental Journey’, which was released in 1970, but this will be his first release in almost three years, since ‘Ringo 2012’. The ‘It Don’t Come Easy’ hitmaker - who has been touring on and off since 1989 - failed to mention when fans can expect the album or what it will be called, but did express his excitement for his forthcoming string of Jessie J says Party In The USA shows which will see him perform in USA, Dominican Republic, Brazil, Puerto Rico, Chile, Colombia and Mexico in February and Lorde praises paid her rent for three years March alongside his All-Starr Band. He added: “And while I’m here, I’d like to thank all of you who supported us when we were touring, iley Cyrus’ ‘Party In The USA’ paid Jessie J’s rent for “three and we may be coming your way in February and March, so look honest fans years”. The 26-year-old Brit wrote the track for Miley’s 2009 out for that.” Mrecord ‘The Time of Our Lives’ and has revealed its success orde loves her fans’ honesty. The ‘Royals’ hitmaker is eager to receive was a huge boost to her finances. Jessie explained: “You’ve got to write honest feedback on her music and so she subscribes to all social songs, that’s where the money is, being an artist. ‘Party In The USA’ Lmedia channels, including Twitter, Tumblr and Facebook, to allow her paid my rent for, like, three years. “Actually it was way longer than that. loyal followers to gauge their reactions. She said: “I have the ‘ask’ feature That’s where I get most of my money. I write songs. I’m a singer. I love on my Tumblr enabled so people with an account can send me a message. endorsements and stuff, but that’s all added on.” The ‘Bang Bang’ hit- To me, that’s a really useful tool because I get to hear what people are maker also bemoaned the content of songs released by female artists, thinking about what I’m doing. “I like Twitter because it’s a good direct link who she accused of “speaking about the same thing” in their hits. She to people. You just reach out to someone you like and say, ‘Follow me, told Glamour magazine: “All women are saying, singing and speaking please, and then we can talk.’ I really like Instagram as well - it’s a good about the same thing, but in their own way - love, heartbreak, reassur- one, very simple. I’m also on Facebook.” The 18-year-old star even saves ance, sexiness, belief, how we look, how we feel. We’re all singing her favorite tweets from fans to help her feel better when she’s having a about it and doing it.” This comes shortly after Jessie revealed her bad day. She added: “I have this folder on my computer of lovely things ambition to write a Christmas album. She told BANG Showbiz: “I would people have said to me and whenever I’m in a super-low, terrible mood, love to do a Christmas album; it’s one of the things on my wish list. But I’m like, ‘Remember these wonderful souls who said incredible things I want to write some new classic Christmas songs, I don’t want to just about you!’ sing ‘Rudolph The Red-Nosed Reindeer’.”—Bang Showbiz

Slash gives up BMX lash has given up BMX biking. The 48-year-old musician hasn’t given away any of his bikes, but no longer rides them as he worried he might fall and suffer Ssuch a serious injury, he would have to postpone performances. He said: “BMX is the kind of thing, it’s not just riding around the block, it’s jumping and stuff, so as soon as I get on a bike you’re invariably going to fall. “I have a couple of bikes at home and I still love it, but it’s one of those things, you’re going to fall, and if I break something before I tour the worst thing I can possibly think of is having to call these guys and be like, ‘Hey, the tour we’ve been looking forward to is going to be post- poned because I’ve broken my wrist’.” As well as giving up biking, Slash has also given up his beloved pet snake Sam as he couldn’t care for him on the road, but he is pleased his reptile is happy in his new home. He said: “Sam is at the zoo in Nashville now, we were touring so much and as he got bigger nobody in my family would take care of him. He’s between 10 and 15 feet. I gotta give them credit, the zoo put him in a way better enclosure than I was going to build, so he’s happy.” LIFESTYLE37 TUESDAY, DECEMBER 30, 2014 Music & Movies

Box Office: ‘The Hobbit’ wins Christmas battle over strong ‘Unbroken,’ ‘Woods’ nbroken,” “Into the Woods” and tion brought in $31 million from 2,440 the final “Hobbit” film gave locations, securing third place on the box “UHollywood something to be office charts. It has made $46.1 million merry about over Christmas weekend. since debuting on Thursday. The success of these films and the staying Its origins as a hit Broadway musical power of “Night at the Museum: Secret of may have helped bring in older theater the Tomb” and “Annie” were surprising lovers for whom Stephen Sondheim is given that this holiday season faced close to godliness, while Walt Disney unprecedented headwinds. Some of Studios was also able to devise a fantasti- these pictures, such as “Unbroken,” with cal marketing campaign highlighting the How do you play a master its brutal depiction of life in Japan’s World picture’s fairy tale elements to entice chil- War II prison camps, and “Into the Woods,” dren. Adults comprised 51% of the open- with a body count to rival “The Sopranos,” ing weekend crowd, while families made fall short of being typical yuletide confec- up 38%. The film’s dark hues were part of painter? First: Learn to paint tions. its appeal, noted Disney distribution chief “There were a lot of debuts that were Dave Hollis. The studio’s testing indicated alk about suffering for your art. Achieving his way bigger than expected, and it speaks that the second half of the film, which acclaimed performance as the masterful to the strength of the market at this time explores what happens after happily ever British landscape painter J.M.W. Turner in “Mr of year and how people go to the movies after, is what resonated most potently T Turner” took so much out of Timothy Spall, the vet- almost as a reflex,” said Phil Contrino, vice with moviegoers. “We went down the eran actor found himself kneeling down at the president and chief analyst at path of owning that,” said Hollis. “It artist’s tomb in St Paul’s Cathedral when it was all BoxOffice.com. The Christmas box office wouldn’t have been as dark without it, over - and crying. “I just knelt down, had a bit of a also unfolded against the chaotic rollout but the complexion of the movie would weep, and wiped it off on my elbow,” the 57-year- of “The Interview,” an R-rated comedy that be different and it wouldn’t be fueling the old actor says. “It was quite a journey, you know.” A suffered a terrorist threat, a cancellation kind of conversation that’s driving busi- journey indeed. Working with the famously exact- and a subsequent revival. Ultimately, the ness.” Oscar buzz ing director Mike Leigh, as he has a number of film about an assassination plot on North Among family film holdovers, Fox’s times, Spall was tasked with what he calls detective Korean dictator Kim Jong-un had a jerry- “Night at the Museum” sequel pulled in work, delving deep into Turner’s art to ferret out rigged release across 331 arthouse and $20.6 million, pushing its total to $55.3 Turner the man. The artist died in 1851 - “pre-psy- independent theaters, where it earned million. Sony’s “Annie” made $16.6 mil- choanalysis,” Spall notes. “And he never really $2.8 million. It debuted simultaneously lion, a 5% jump from its debut. The musi- explained himself. He didn’t want anybody to really on digital platforms such as YouTube and cal remake has earned $45.8 million since know what he was up to.” Google Play and was added to Apple’s premiering on Dec 19. The week’s other This meant that Spall, aside from reading every- iTunes on Sunday, though it’s not playing wide release, “The Gambler,” was dwarfed thing he could get his hands on, had to learn to on cable providers or Amazon. Sony by the competition, earning $9.3 million paint himself. “Mike said, ‘Are you up for it? And I Pictures, the studio behind the film, did for the weekend from 2,478 locations. The said, ‘All right, if this is what it’s gonna take,” Spall not say how much it generated from its Paramount release cost a modest $25 mil- recalls. “And we just went and looked at these on-demand release. lion to produce and has made $14.3 mil- paintings, and I kept saying, ‘What IS that?’ And I The box office results may have been lion since opening on Christmas. Best pic- realized my job was to look at this massive explo- modest, but Sony says getting the film ture contender “The Imitation Game” rode sion of genius and implode it all back in, right back seen was accomplishment enough. “The Oscar buzz to strong box office as it to where it started.” So Spall studied - still life, real fact that we were able to get it done and expanded from 34 to 747 theaters, earn- life, drawing in all its forms, even Greek and Roman released in so many formats, and made it ing $10.6 million over the weekend. The architecture. “I even started reading about Goethe’s happen despite the odds, is something Weinstein Company film about code theory of light,” he says. we feel good about,” said Rory Bruer, Sony breaker Alan Turing has made $14.7 mil- ings, “ the director says, “and once I started to inves- even bother to pretend to tie my shoes,” he says. Pictures president of worldwide distribu- lion in five weeks of release and is outpac- Admired directors tigate Turner the character, I thought, this world is The film made a splash at the Cannes Film Festival tion. Despite those challenges, the overall ing “The King’s Speech” at a similar point Often, films about famous artists have por- absolutely meant to be dramatized.” Turner was a last May, where Spall was named best actor. Then box office will be up 7% over last year’s in its rollout. “The Imitation Game” will trayed them as rarified geniuses. “Mr Turner” is dif- man, for example, who had himself tied to the mast on Dec. 1, Spall was named best actor by the New Christmas period, with ticket sales top- double its theater count by Jan 9. ferent - the movie, which has earned raves for both of a ship during a huge storm, in order to better York Film Critics Circle. ping out at $211 million. Once again it The studio was less successful with its Leigh and Spall, depicts an unassuming son of a understand the force of nature at sea - a scene “I’m ... I’m just flabbergasted,” he said, having was Peter Jackson and his Middle-earth other Christmas release, “Big Eyes.” The barber who simply worked and worked, all the recreated in “Mr Turner.” gotten the news moments before this interview. finale that cast the biggest shadow over story of painter Margaret Keane and her time. Indeed, Turner produced a staggering 20,000 “My gast is absolutely flabbered! I suppose what’s multiplexes, as “The Hobbit: The Battle of huckster husband earned roughly $3 mil- works on paper, and more than 300 oil paintings. Third trip lovely about it is that I’ve been around a bit, and the Five Armies” marched to $41.4 million lion from 1,307 locations. It has made a “How did he do that? Well, he just never stopped,” Spall and Leigh formulated the character over you get plenty of kicks up the arse, you know? So in its second weekend in theaters. The meager $4.4 million since debuting on Leigh says. “He was just at it all the time. I mean it’s two years of study, and six months of rehearsal. Oh, it’s nice to get flowers every now and again.” Spall is New Line and MGM co-production has Christmas. “It’s the kind of film that takes a phenomenal amount of stuff. This is a guy who and three trips by Spall to Turner’s grave. “First, considered a contender - but perhaps an outside picked up $168.5 million domestically. time for everybody to get to it,” said Erik just does it, and what he does is extraordinary. And when Mike asked me (to do the film), I went down shot, in a very crowded field - for an Oscar nomina- Lomis, distribution chief for the studio. HOW he does it remains a mystery.” there and pretended to tie my shoes, knelt by his tion. But he’s just happy that all the recognition “It’s a good film for an older, smart audi- Universal release The film was somewhat of a departure for Leigh, grave and just had a quick word. I said, ‘Look, for means more people are seeing the film - and “Unbroken,” Angelina Jolie’s account of ence, and there’s another holiday week one of Britain’s most admired directors, who is what I’m about to do, please forgive me! And help Turner’s paintings, too, currently on display in an Olympian Louis Zamperini’s harrowing for people to see it.” In limited release, known mostly for gritty contemporary films about me if you can.’” exhibit of the artist’s late work at the Tate Gallery in efforts to survive his bomber plane’s “American Sniper” picked up an impres- working-class characters. But he says that once he A second trip came halfway through filming. “I London. “It seems that Turner’s working his magic ocean crash and later imprisonment by sive $850,000 for the four-day period and made the 1999 “Topsy-Turvy” about Gilbert and went back and said, ‘Look, I don’t know if this is at the moment,” the actor says.—AP the Japanese, picked up $31.7 million a $212,500 per-screen average. The Clint Sullivan, he realized he was “over the idea that I was going the way you’d like!’ Again pretending to tie across 3,131 locations this weekend. The Eastwood film about a heroic US Navy only ever going to make contemporary films.” “I my shoes.” The third trip came when he’d finished Universal release cost $65 million to pro- SEAL ranks as the largest limited-release started to look into Turner having known the paint- the film. This was when he wept. “This time I didn’t duce and has brought in $47.3 million Christmas debut in history. since debuting on Christmas. “This was a “Clint knocked it out of the park,” said labor of love, so it’s so exciting to see Dan Fellman, Warner Bros. president of audiences embrace it the way that they domestic distribution. “It’s very emotion- have,” said Nikki Rocco, distribution chief al, it’s very patriotic, and it’s one of the How Angelina Jolie’s ‘Unbroken’ became a Christmas smash at Universal. “We worked really hard with greatest anti-war movies ever made.” Angie and in the press leading up to this Paramount Pictures’ “Selma” also benefit- to let audiences know this isn’t a World ed from enthusiastic critical notices. The n paper, “Unbroken,” the story of a bombardier Honey,” sank without a trace, “Unbroken” has opened life story. It’s one that begins with a shiftless child- War II film. It’s about the theme of ‘if you Civil Rights era drama made $590,000 who survives a crash in the Pacific Ocean only up fresh career avenues. hood before segueing to the Olympics, daring aerial can take it, you can make it.’” from 19 locations this weekend and has Oto be tortured by his Japanese captors, doesn’t “Hollywood is not kind to actresses as they age,” missions, a punishing ordeal floating in a life raft in “Unbroken” scored the third highest earned $912,000 in its first four days of sound much like a Christmas movie. However, by Phil Contrino, vice president and chief analyst at the middle of the ocean and a lengthy stretch in Christmas weekend opening ever and release. The studio will add a few addi- emphasizing the inspirational elements of the incred- BoxOffice.com. “Establishing herself as a viable direc- Japanese prison camps. attracted an audience that was 71% over tional markets next week such as ible true story and director Angelina Jolie’s work tor commercially and creatively is a huge thing for her “It has a bunch of different story threads, and it the age of 25 and 52% female. It arrived Baltimore and Chicago before expanding behind the camera, the account of Louis Zamperini’s career.” Not everything broke “Unbroken’s” way. manages to catch a lot of different people as a result,” at its impressive box office numbers nationally on Jan 9. “From the moment I travails and ultimate triumph became one of the holi- Reviews were uneven, and the picture was shut out of said Contrino. “It’s like ‘Forest Gump’ in the way that it despite lacking a big-name star among saw this movie, I knew it would be an day’s biggest openers. “At this time of year stories the Golden Globes, but the film proved critic- and hits a lot of different story lines. There’s the World War the cast and after being snubbed by Oscar contender,” said Megan Colligan, about faith and how strong the human spirit is do awards-proof at the multiplexes. II stuff, the prison camp element and the sports stuff. many awards groups. In contrast, Disney’s president of worldwide distribution and huge numbers,” said Jeff Bock, an analyst with It helped, of course, that Laura Hillenbrand’s book It’s like a couple of movies in one.” Knowing the chal- “Into the Woods” got a lift from a star- marketing at Paramount. “January is such Exhibitor Relations. of the same name spent more than 180 weeks on the lenges it faced in marketing a film without a proven heavy crew that includes Meryl Streep, a great play period. We kept our powder Bock compares “Unbroken” to “The Blind Side,” New York Times bestseller hardcover list-a feat that star at the height of awards season, Universal started Johnny Depp, Emily Blunt, Chris Pine and dry. We didn’t overspend to open in 19 which also drew crowds in the big cities and Middle has been surpassed by only three other nonfiction banging the drum early. In a nice bit of corporate syn- Anna Kendrick. The $50 million produc- locations.”—Reuters America by emphasizing uplift. “Unbroken” debuted titles. ergy, the studio highlighted a lengthy promo that to $31.7 million over the weekend and has made was narrated by Tom Brokaw during sister division $47.3 million since opening on Christmas, stunning Major release NBC’s coverage of the Winter Olympics. A month later, box office prognosticators who had expected it to Likewise, “The Interview’s” cancellation in the wake the studio brought Jolie to Cinemacon, the annual make $10 million less than it collected. The oft-repeat- of terrorist threats and subsequent rebirth as an art- gathering of exhibitors, to make an extended pitch ed mantra in trailers and other promotional materials, house release freed up screens for “Unbroken” and for the film to theater owners. “Universal’s unrelenting “If you can take it, you can make it,” gave the film a the holiday’s other major release, “Into the Woods.” It campaign has a lot to do with its success,” said Bock. quasi-religious, redemptive aura that made it seem also left the marketplace without a film geared at “This thing could surpass $100 million. It’s going to seasonally appropriate. adults. That was good news for “Unbroken,” which had have a lot of playability.”—Reuters “It’s an inspirational film that played to all the an opening weekend crowd that was 62% over the quadrants,” said Nikki Rocco, Universal’s distribution age of 30. Then there was the nature of Zamperini’s chief. “The studio did an incredible marketing job telling the story of this hero.” But “The Blind Side” had Sandra Bullock, while “Unbroken” is grounded by newcomer Jack O’Connell. That left Jolie to do the heavy lifting when it came to promoting the picture on “Today” and on the cover of magazines such as Variety. After “Maleficent” became the third biggest film of the year on a global basis, “Unbroken’s” success helps solidify her status as one of the industry’s pre- eminent movie stars-something that had been ques- tioned given her four-year absence from screens.

Media analyst “Angeline Jolie, along with Louis Zamperini, is the biggest star of the movie,” said Paul Dergarabedian, senior media analyst with Rentrak. “Her name on the film raised awareness higher than it otherwise would have been.” For Jolie, whose previous directing effort, Indian Bollywood film actor Salman Khan holds a child at a free medical clinic organ- 2011’s Bosnian War drama “In the Land of Blood and ized to drum up support for President Rajapakse. lifestyle TUESDAY, DECEMBER 30, 2014 TRAVEL

By Eiad A.Al-Ahad

thens is the historical capital of Europe, with a long history, dating from the first Asettlement in the Neolithic age. Athens is recognized as a global city because of its geo-strategic location and its importance in finance, commerce, media, entertainment, arts, international trade, culture, education Panos Livadas, General Secretary of the Greek National Tourism Organization of and tourism. It is one of the biggest economic the Ministry of Tourism centers in southeastern Europe, with a large financial sector and features the largest pas- facilities and hotels or couples? Groups and the problems are minimal as far as tourism senger port in Europe and the third largest in tour operators? You can name the segment is concerned. The biggest challenge is the the world. Kuwait Times discovered a lot from of the market and we have particular things extended tourism season. Right now, espe- this old and magical country in a special inter- for that. We have very specific islands cially after the success of the last three view with Panos Livadas, General Secretary of where certain people want to get married, years, we are very close to the extension of the Greek National Tourism Organization of so it is very interesting and certainly very the tourism season. Today, the actual sea- the Ministry of Tourism where he expounds on attractive that we can combine different son runs from the end of March until the the touristic attractions of Greece, facilities for comparative advantages and offer it to our end of October, and for 2015 we have visitors and the challenges facing the industry. tourists so they can enjoy various authentic announcements from tour operators and When asked about Athens in general experiences. from airlines that they are going to initiate Livadas said, “Both 2013 and 2014 have been their programs from the end of February record years for Greek tourism, both in rev- KT: What about facilities for tourists from until the first weeks of November, and this of July 2014, where we created a very new law and create fan trips to help people learn a GCC countries. Are there exemptions is an indication that we will have approxi- enues and in arrivals. In 2013, we had approxi- that turned the licensing process upside- more. We are working in the future to par- mately 18 million tourist arrivals, and in 2014 from visas? mately three more weeks than the tradi- down. For decades we placed ticipate in exhibitions and Livadas: Greece is part of the great communi- tional peak season. we had approximately 20 million. If we also emphasis for giving a road shows. For this we include tourists from cruise ships, arrivals ty and family of other countries in Europe We have achieved great success in the last two license to a hotel on are in contact with or Schengen, so our capabilities over an years and we are looking if the extension number approximately 22 million people. On investment and pre- embassies of other revenues, we are talking about Ä14 billion, independent policy regarding visas are will be a reality. Making it 12 months a year liminary controls. Before countries and we extremely limited. We cannot divert from is the optimum we strive for and dream of. which means that that the tourism sector the investment took support projects of accounts for 20 percent of GDP”. what other Schengen countries are doing. Because of the cultural and historical foun- place, everybody had to their own. What we have done is that we have dation of tourism, people can do very “Of course the most important thing is that have pre-licenses for every- this success is offering the opportunity for launched visa centers as pilot programs attractive things even in December or thing. This is where the red tape KT: What facilities do you offer from countries that offer perhaps a million January in Greece, go to places that have employment for approximately more than was, and this is where the delays to visitors from Gulf states? 700,000 people- that is one in every seven people or more. The first year of the appli- history of thousands of years and stay in were. In our legislation in July, we Livadas: Greece is a very particu- cation of this has been very promising. In fantastic hotels. jobs in Greece. So the impact of this is particu- said we place our trust in the lar case, because it can offer every- larly important because of the global financial Moscow today, we can offer approximately investor - we say that the law is there, thing vertically and horizontally. 7,000 visas a day, and similar numbers are KT: What are the facilities for family crisis. Greece has been part of this crisis for the everybody knows it. “Preliminary pre- By vertically, I mean upscale last five years. We were in need for a surplus, coming from China. We now have offices in tourism? Like rental apartments? dictions indicate that 2015 will be an tourism, for instance five star Beijing, Shanghai and Guangzhou. We are Livadas: When you have resorts with 1,000 to equally promising year. Most probably hotels, spas and resorts and also working with the ministry of foreign 2,000 people, the children do not have time we are looking for a third back-to-back upscale facilities like restau- affairs that is actually in charge of the visa to experience all things hotels offer. Some year of all-time records, and again rants. Other competing situation to facilitate multiple-entry visas of the hotels today offer such a big variety this means so much for the econo- countries have great within a specific period of time. of experiences that families usually do not my, employment and for our experiences to offer - have the time to finish all the opportunities particular problems because of for instance they have KT: What is the biggest tourism problem for they have. Greece also offers safety. It is crises - in other words surplus,” historical and cultural Greece? very important that a family, whether they he added. sightseeing, and the Livadas: Having three record years shows that choose a 4- or 5-star hotel or an apartment, when they go out, they should feel at Kuwait Times: What is your home. The essence of safety and hospitality plan to market your coun- is embedded in people. try in the Gulf region? May be we do not have a Disneyland, Panos Livadas: First of all we although I can tell you that Disney cruise have to tell you that in the lines started for the first time in 2014, so Gulf, we are connected now we have a Disney experience. If we traditionally by extremely take that example, we do not have the good relations - diplo- park, but if you have seen the ships of matic and business - Disney, they are like the park itself. We are because of our energy talking about 500 people in there, and they projects with refineries, have almost everything except for the with transportation space mountain with itineraries to the because of Greece Greek islands. being number one in the world fleet, so this creates very good and we presented the first primary surplus to chemistry between our economy since 1948, and Greek tourism the Gulf and Greek revenues accounted for approximately half of people. We are in this surplus. The rest came from the rather dif- contact with ficult reforms and austerity measures that the Internet providers Greek people are going through,” he contin- to help us cam- list of offers can go on in ues. paign in this area gastronomy, sailing, med- “The most important thing is the legislation ical tourism, religious tourism, etc, so all our competitors offer very good products. Greece has this all, and we have invested in and culti- vated all these sectors and the experiences including all of the above. So someone can go sightseeing, see 3,000 to 4,000 years of history and monuments. At night they can go to fantastic restau- rants, and further in the night they can go to amazing nightspots and have a fantas- tic time, whether in Athens or on the islands. Horizontally, are we talking about family lifestyle TUESDAY, DECEMBER 30, 2014 TRAVEL Flying is more Luxurious with

‘Gulf Air provide a direct connection from Bahrain to Athens’

ulf Air organized a tour for the the architectural design of the new Kuwait and Bahrain media 1,720 sq. ft. lounge (which can Gmembers, as well as Kuwait accommodate up to 200 people) Travel Agencies to Greece. The tour combines the traditional Arabian included travel aboard Gulf Air A320 theme with modern amenities giving aircrtaft as well as tourist attractions guests a sense of space and free- and historic sites in Athens and sur- dom. The lounge features well laid- rounding areas. out business, dining, lounging facili- Special features for the Gulf Air design and architecture with Arabian and catering facilities for the Gulf Air the “Quiet Lounge” which holds sev- Flying just got more luxurious ties and TV areas in addition to offer- Falcon Gold traveler influences, creating an environment Falcon Gold traveler. en private sleeping rooms with com- with Gulf Air’s recently revamped ing panoramic views of the runway The fully renovated lounge seam- that combines peace and tranquility For the first time, premium pas- fortable beds, dimming lights and Gulf Air Falcon Gold Lounge in through a high glass wall. lessly integrates contemporary with extensive modern-day business sengers have the added facilities of the ‘do not disturb’ option to rest in Bahrain International Airport. complete privacy. The sleeping Officially inaugurated in 2012 under rooms are also equipped with hi def- the patronage of Her Excellency inition TVs with wireless headphones Shaikha Mai bint Mohammed Al- for those who want to watch their Khalifa, Bahrain’s Minister of Culture, favorite programs or listen to their the Gulf Air Falcon Gold Lounge in choice of music in private. Additional Bahrain International Airport saw facilities include a cigar lounge and much anticipation and positive shower rooms with hotel-style tow- response from the public. els and luxury brand toiletries and Importantly, each different amenities. There are also separate facility/service offered in the lounge prayer rooms and secure lockers for has been tested and reviewed by the those who want to use these facili- airline’s passengers who embraced ties. the modern surroundings in which Passengers can stay connected travellers can clear their mindand with free Wi-Fi throughout the really unwind before take-off. lounge, discreet power sockets at Gulf Air has been ranked first every seat and a business center that among major global airlines for on- includes PCs, fax machines and time-punctuality for the month of printers. July 2013 and has maintained its For families the lounge offers a number one on-time-punctuality spacious family room with highly position in 2013 to date among the trained professional SkyNannies in Middle East full service carriers, a attendance as well as a gaming room spot it held consistently throughout equipped with Xbox and PlayStation last year too. units. The modern, self-service buf- fet area offers a wide variety of What sets the Gulf Air Falcon Gold snacks and meals, including an Lounge apart from other lounges A group photo shows Gulf Air officials with Italian coffee corner offering the The Gulf Air Falcon Gold Lounge Media and Travel Agencies representatives world famous LavAzza brand coffee is distinct in many ways - specifically, posing at the Gulf Air Falcon Gold Lounge. varieties. Gulf Air takes care New flat-seat Falcon Gold Seats of your journey

reece has always been an attrac- No trip to Athens would be complete tive destination to international without tasting the local cuisine, famous Gtourists and visitors, with its many for its souvlaki, grilled vegetables and attractions ranging from the country’s meats topped with yogurt-based tzatziki historic and architectural monuments to sauce. For a taste of a traditional and live- its Mediterranean coastline. ly Athens, a visit to Plaka and Monastiraki Athens believed to be the birthplace offers bars and cafes in these classic of Western civilization, has weaved its Athenian neighborhoods. ancient roots across the city’s landscape, Once you have indulged in all the city creating breathtaking views against the has to offer let Gulf Air take care of your backdrop of modern city-life. journey home. On 16th June 2014 Gulf From the Acropolis’ fortified town and Air provided4 weekly direct flights between Bahrain and Athens - and there has never been a better way to travel. With your comfort and needs in mind Gulf Air has, over the past three years, engaged in a comprehensive re-fleeting and product enhancement strategy. Today the airline’s fleet is one of the youngest in the region with an average age of 5.7 years. Additionally, the airline has fully renovated its Falcon Gold lounge at Bahrain International Airport to

the impressive ancient ruins of the Temple of Olympian Zeus to the National Garden of Athens, the city has something for every traveler. Providing a direct con- nection from Bahrain to the heart of Europe’s historical capital this summer, Gulf Air offers four conveniently-sched- uled weekly flights to travelers visiting Greece’s largest city. Renowned for its antiquity and influ- ence, Athens offers a wide selection of offer a wide range of facilities and ameni- small art galleries and museums along- ties for passengers to relax or conduct side major institutions like the National their business. The airline takes pride in Archeological Museum and the National its pioneering and award-winning ulf Air, the national carrier of the Kingdom 15-inch touch screen in every seat and high Art Gallery on Michalakopoulou Street. onboard Sky Nanny and Sky Chef servic- of Bahrain, recently unveiled its new quality noise cancelling headphones. A suite of During the five-year economic downturn, es, making travel with children easier and A320-Extended Range (ER) aircraft. movies, video and audio titles in several lan- Athens spawned a new form of creative ensuring fine-dining in the sky. So don’t G Designed specifically for Gulf Air integrating fea- guages are available, in addition to games. A energy and artistic expression through delay your summer vacation plans, book tures based on feedback from customers, it is USB port is available in every seat to allow pas- graffiti and street art that has transformed your trip to Athens today. For more infor- the only A320-ER aircraft in the world featuring sengers to easily charge electronic devices dur- the city into a contemporary canvas. mation visit us on gulfair.com. fully-flatbed seats. At the press of a button, the ing the flight. new Falcon Gold seat converts into a fully-flat The Economy Class seats offer passengers the bed measuring 1.90 meters in length guarantee- very latest in comfort and technology. Featuring ing a comfortable night’s sleep. The new A320- a 4-inch recline, an 18-inch seat-width and an ER features a total of 110 seats in a two-class adjustable head and foot rest allowing greater configuration of 14 Falcon Gold Class and 96 passenger comfort, the seats are fitted with 9- Economy seats. inch seat back TV monitors that are ideal for The Falcon Gold seats offer more personal enjoying the extensive in-flight entertainment space between seats than the airline’s previous options. business class product, allowing passengers to In the last three years, Gulf Air has embarked sit back and relax in a 22-inch wide armchair that on an aggressive and proactive re-fleeting and converts easily into the passenger’s desired posi- product enhancement strategy. Today Gulf Air’s tion. fleet is one of the youngest in the region with an Arm rests are fully adjustable to different average age of 4.9years. The majority of the air- heights making sleeping, dining or working line’s long-haul aircrafts is fitted with state-of- more comfortable. There is significant storage the-art in flight entertainment, not to mention space such as a shoe packing pocket and a side the unique and award winning Sky Nanny and compartment specifically designed for laptops. Sky Chef Services on-board. In addition, it has A massage at 30,000ft is now a reality with an in- recently opened its fully renovated Falcon Gold seat massage facility- the perfect way to relax on lounge at Bahrain International Airport and a long flight. London Heathrow Terminal 4. Over the next few For optimum onboard entertainment, the years, the airline will continue to deliver on its Falcon Gold seats come with complete Audio- promise of improving all aspects of its product Video on Demand (AVOD) features, an individual and service offering to its passengers. Flying is more Luxurious with Gulf Air

TUESDAY, DECEMBER 30, 2014 39

ThisUS Jan 1, 2014, file photofeeling shows revelers cheering under falling confetti at the strokeoptimistic of midnight during the New Year’s Evecelebrations in Times Square, in New York.for 2015

mericans are closing out 2014 on an optimistic note, worse than 2012. Americans are slightly more likely than they police killings of unarmed black men. Asked separately to rate according to a new Associated Press-Times Square were a year ago to believe that the current year was better the importance of 10 key stories, majorities call the expansion AAlliance poll. Nearly half predict that 2015 will be a bet- than the last for the United States- 30 percent say so this year, of the Islamic State militant group, the Ebola outbreak and the ter year for them than 2014 was, while only 1 in 10 think it will while 25 percent said so in 2013. On the other hand, U.S. midterm elections extremely or very important stories. be worse. There’s room for improvement: Americans give the Americans are more likely than in the 2013 poll to say this year Nearly half rate immigration as that important, while 43 per- year gone by a resounding ‘meh.’ Here’s what Americans was worse than last for the world as a whole, with 38 percent cent say so of the Michael Brown and Eric Garner stories. Only thought of 2014: saying so now after 30 percent said so a year ago. a third think the disappearance of Malaysia Airlines Flight 370, the situation between Russia and Ukraine, or the rising num- Gains at home, slips abroad Three stories share top spot ber of states with legal same-sex marriage were deeply impor- On a personal level, about a third (34 percent) think 2014 Americans are divided on the most important news event tant stories. was better than 2013, while 15 percent say 2014 was worse of 2014, with the rise of the Islamic State group in Iraq and and half see little difference. Slightly fewer feel their year was Syria, protests over the killings of black men including Michael The year in pop culture a step down from the previous one than said so in 2013, when Brown and Eric Garner by police officers, and the Ebola out- Few Americans rate this year’s crop of pop culture events an AP-Times Square poll found 20 percent thought 2013 was break each named by about 1 in 10 Americans. In a separate as memorable, with one big exception: The death of Robin Williams, and the ensuing discussion of mental health issues. About two-thirds call that a memorable event. Slightly more This Dec 31, 2013, file photo shows Veronica Boshen of say it was more memorable (39 percent) than forgettable (34 Allentown, PA, in her 2014 glasses while waiting for the percent) that CVS stopped selling cigarettes, and they’re divid- ball drop celebration to begin in Times Square on New ed equally on whether the ubiquitous ice bucket challenge Year’s Eve, in New York. — AP photos was memorable (37 percent) or forgettable (37 percent). Thirty percent say the pitching performance of Mo’ne Davis, Associated Press survey of news the first female pitcher to win a Little League World Series directors and editors, the game, was memorable, while 41 percent say it was forget- killings of unarmed men by table. Women are more likely than men to see Davis’s perform- police stand out more clearly as ance as memorable, 33 percent of women say so versus 26 the top story, with 22 of 85 percent of men. Another sports first: Michael Sam becoming respondents choosing it as the the first openly gay player drafted into the NFL, is rated forget- top news, about twice as many table by about half. Events rating as forgettable by a majority as the Islamic State or Ebola sto- of Americans include the leak of hacked celebrity photos on ries. Among the public, Reddit, Ellen DeGeneres’s selfie at the Oscars, Taylor Swift Democrats are most likely to going pop, and the marriages of George and Amal Clooney name the unrest over Brown and Kim Kardashian and Kanye West. and Garner’s deaths as most important (14 percent), while Ringing in the New Year Republicans are most likely to About half of Americans plan to celebrate New Year’s Eve Robin Williams in Los list the rise of the Islamic State at home this year, while 2 in 10 say they’ll do so at a friend or Angeles. (16 percent). Non-whites are family member’s home. Fewer than 1 in 10 plan to celebrate at more apt to cite the protests a bar, restaurant or organized event, while about a quarter around Brown and Garner’s deaths than whites (14 percent don’t plan to celebrate at all. among non-whites, 8 percent among whites). The poll was Six in 10 Americans plan to watch the televised New Year’s conducted before the shooting deaths of two New York City Eve events in Times Square, including two-thirds of women In this Dec 1, 2014 file photo, the Capitol is seen at dusk in Washington. police officers by a man who threatened retaliation for the and over half of men. — AP

This Dec 4, 2014, file photo shows protesters rallying against a grand jury’s This Sept 30, 2014 file photo shows Nowa Paye, 9, as she is taken to an This Aug 22, 2014, file photo shows staffers dousing Tennessee Gov Bill decision not to indict the police officer involved in the death of Eric Garner ambulance after showing signs of Ebola infection in the village of Freeman Haslam and his wife, Crissy, with cold water on the steps of the state gather in Foley Square, in New York. Reserve, about 30 miles north of Monrovia, Liberia. Capitol in Nashville, Tenn.