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THURSDAY, MAY 21, 2015 SHAABAN 3, 1436 AH www.kuwaittimes.net 1,700 weapons, Islamic State The Real FIFA chief’s five tons of seizes ancient Fouz: Taking Mideast ammunition Syrian town care of peace handed3 over of Palmyra7 your37 hair bid19 fails Laden fixated on US Min 25º Max 46º High Tide attack until the end 02:05 & 13:30 Low Tide 07:45 & 20:40

40 PAGES NO: 16527 150 FILS Qaeda job forms, loving notes found • Apparent links with Pak intel

WASHINGTON: Hunkered down in his Pakistani com- pound, Osama bin Laden pleaded with his followers to MPs criticize stay focused on attacking the United States instead of being dragged into Muslim infighting and wrote bitter- ‘useless’ KISR sweet letters to one of his wives and his children. Documents that were declassified yesterday shed new By B Izzak light on the mindset of Al-Qaeda’s founder, his debates over tactics, his anxiety over Western spying and his fix- KUWAIT: In a lackluster session, unlike the previous ation with the group’s media image. “The focus should day, the National Assembly yesterday approved the 2015/2016 budgets of several state agencies and departments but rejected the final accounts of SEE PAGE 14 three agencies for alleged irregularities. Many MPs strongly lashed out at some of the agencies, espe- be on killing and fighting the American people and cially Kuwait Institute for Scientific Research (KISR), their representatives,” the late Al-Qaeda figurehead with some describing it as useless. Others criticized wrote. the Audit Bureau for not applying the same moni- The letter was among thousands of files found by US toring on all. Navy SEALs on May 2, 2011 when they descended on The Assembly approved the final accounts and bin Laden’s hideout in the Pakistani garrison town of budgets of the Kuwait Authority for Compensation Abbottabad and shot him dead. US intelligence agen- Claims, Kuwait News Agency (KUNA) and Public cies have now declassified more than 100 of these doc- Authority for Minors’ Affairs. It also approved the uments taken from bin Laden’s archive, after lawmakers budgets for KISR, Zakat House and Kuwait Fund for ordered the move and critics accused the CIA of with- Arab Economic Development (KFAED) after initially holding material. AFP was given exclusive access to the rejecting them after the concerned ministers prom- documents ahead of their release, and they have since been posted online by the Office of the Director of ised to rectify the irregularities. But the Assembly National Intelligence. still rejected the final accounts of these agencies for Jeff Anchukaitis, spokesman for the office, said the the year 2013/2014. WASHINGTON: An AFP journalist looks at a page displayed on the website of the Office of the Director of release of “a sizeable tranche of documents” was in line Continued on Page 13 National Intelligence yesterday.— AFP Continued on Page 13

Malaysia, Indonesia to Public pressure accept migrant boats grows on SWFs

US ‘ready to share burden’ DUBAI: Running sovereign wealth funds in the Gulf has become an awkward business in the era of PUTRAJAYA, Malaysia: Malaysia and Aman, in a joint press appearance with cheap oil, as their managers face growing pressure Indonesia said yesterday they would no his Indonesian counterpart Retno from politicians and the public to prove they’re longer turn away migrants, a break- Marsudi, announced that “the towing investing national reserves wisely. When oil prices through in the region’s crisis that came and the shooing (away of boats) is not were high, the Gulf funds - which include some of just hours after hundreds more starving going to happen” any more. “We also the largest in the world - came under little public people were rescued at sea. Earlier, agreed to offer them temporary shelter scrutiny. Government coffers were awash with ener- Myanmar, whose policies toward its eth- provided that the resettlement and repa- gy revenues and the financial futures of the Gulf nic Rohingya minority are widely blamed triation process will be done in one year Arab states seemed secure. for fuelling the human flow, also soft- by the international community,” Anifah But with Brent crude now at little more than half ened its line by offering to provide said. The pair spoke after talks with Thai last June’s level, the countries may be entering their humanitarian aid to stricken migrants. Foreign Minister Tanasak Patimapragorn. toughest fiscal times since the 1990s, and this has Malaysia, Indonesia and Thailand had Thailand did not sign on to the offer, changed the political climate. Governments want to sparked growing international outrage however. A Thai foreign ministry state- make sure they’re getting maximum returns from by driving off boats overloaded with ment later said officials would not “push their funds. The public, facing the prospect of slower exhausted and dying Rohingya as well as back migrants stranded in Thai waters”. It growth in social welfare spending, is more sensitive Bangladeshis. called on southeast Asian nations and Migrants sit in their boat as they wait to be rescued by Acehnese fishermen in Continued on Page 13 the sea off East Aceh, Indonesia yesterday. — AP But Malaysian Foreign Minister Anifah Continued on Page 13 News in brief

MERS cases in South Korea, Abu Dhabi SEOUL/ABU DHABI: South Korean health officials yes- terday confirmed the country’s first case of Middle East Respiratory Syndrome (MERS) in a patient who recently returned from Bahrain and is in stable condition after being treated for a high fever and cough. The 68-year- old man was in Bahrain from April 18 through to May 3 and was engaged in farming-related business, South Korea’s health ministry said in a statement. He returned to South Korea on May 4 through Qatar, it said. The patient’s wife who nursed him also has a minor respira- tory symptom and the results of tests on her would be available today. Meanwhile, Abu Dhabi health authori- ties confirmed that a second person has tested positive for MERS. A 29-year-old lorry driver, who transported camels from Oman, was found to be carrying the virus but not showing any symptoms, as reported on Tuesday by The National.

Texas hunter shoots rhino for $350,000 WINDHOEK: A US hunter who paid $350,000 to kill a black rhinoceros in Namibia successfully shot the animal on Monday, saying that his actions would help protect the critically-endangered species. Corey Knowlton, from Texas, downed the rhino with a high-powered rifle after a three-day hunt through the bush with government officials on hand to ensure he killed the correct animal. Knowlton, 36, won the right to shoot the rhino at an auction in Dallas in early 2014 - attracting fierce criticism from many conservationists and even some death threats. He took a CNN camera crew on the hunt to try to show why he believed the killing was justified. Since 2012, Namibia has sold five licences each year to kill individual rhinos, say- ing the money is essential to fund conservation projects and anti-poaching protection. THURSDAY, MAY 21, 2015 LOCAL

His Highness the Amir Sheikh Sabah Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah is pictured with Chairman of Qatar’s Audit Bureau KUWAIT: His Highness the Amir Sheikh Sabah Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah meets Sheikh Bandar Bin Mohammad Al-Thani and his accompanying delegation. Chairman of the Municipality Council Muhalhal Al-Khalid. Amir merited with CISM’s Sash of Honor New investigations department chief sworn in

KUWAIT: His Highness the Amir Sheikh Sabah HH the Crown Prince Sheikh Nawaf Al-Ahmad Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah was honored by the Al-Jaber Al-Sabah and HH the Prime Minister International Military Sports Council (CISM) yes- Sheikh Jaber Al-Mubarak Al-Hamad Al-Sabah terday in tribute to his endeavors for world have also separately received the visiting Qatari peace. official yesterday. HH the Amir had welcomed in his office at In other news, HH the Amir received Deputy Bayan Palace yesterday Deputy Prime Minister Prime Minister and Interior Minister Sheikh and Minister of Defense Sheikh Khaled Al-Jarrah Mohammad Khaled Al-Hamad Al-Sabah, who Al-Sabah along with a CISM delegation led by escorted Major General Dr Fahad Ibrahim Al- Chairman Lieutenant Colonel Abdul Hakim Al- Doussari. Doussari was sworn in as new chief of Shenou; who presented CISM’s Sash of Honor to the general department of investigations. HH the Amir. HH the Amir thanked CISM for their Sheikh Mohammad Al-Khaled and Maj Gen valued accolade. Doussari also met HH the Crown Prince and HH Meanwhile, HH the Amir received Chairman the Prime Minister. of Qatar’s Audit Bureau Sheikh Bandar Bin Earlier, HH the Amir received HH the Crown Mohammad Al-Thani at Bayan Palace yesterday. Prince, HH the Prime Minister, and First Deputy Deputy Minister of Amiri Diwan Affairs Sheikh Ali Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Sheikh Sabah Jarrah Al-Sabah and Acting Audit Bureau chair- Al-Khaled Al-Hamad Al-Sabah. Meanwhile, HH the KUWAIT: His Highness the Amir Sheikh Sabah Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah Major General Dr Fahad Ibrahim Al- man Adel Al-Sarawi attended the meeting. His Crown Prince received HH Sheikh Jaber Al- Doussari swears in as the general depart- Highness also received Chairman of the Mubarak, Sheikh Sabah Al-Khaled, and Sheikh receives a Sash of Honor from the International Military Sports Council. ment of investigations’ new chief. Municipality Council Muhalhal Al-Khalid. Khalid Al-Jarrah Al-Sabah. —KUNA —Amiri Diwan photos

KUWAIT: Kuwait’s Army Chief of Staff Lieutenant General Mohammad Khaled Al-Khoder meets the US Marine Corps Forces Central Command Chief Major General Kenneth F McKenzie. —KUNA Kuwait, US eye closer military ties

KUWAIT: Kuwait’s Army Chief of Staff Lieutenant General the deep-rooted relations between the two countries and their Mohammad Khaled Al-Khoder held talks yesterday with visit- keenness on promoting them in all fields, said a statement by ing US Marine Corps Forces Central Command Chief Major Defense Ministry’s Directorate of Moral Guidance and Public General Kenneth F McKenzie on several topics of common con- Relations. Kuwait’s Deputy Army Chief of Staff for Operations cern, particularly military ties. While receiving McKenzie and his and Plans Authority Major General Ahmad Abdulwahab A- accompanying delegation, Lieutenant General Khoder lauded Omairi attended the meeting. —KUNA ‘Fighting extremism a must for Arab media’ KUWAIT: It is imperative to form a pan-Arab front to com- bat extremist terrorist thinking currently pervasive in the region, a Kuwaiti minister said yesterday. Minister of Information and State Minister for Youth Affairs Sheikh Salman Sabah Al-Salem Al-Humoud Al-Sabah made that statement prior to leav- ing for Egypt to attend the 46th ses- sion of the Council of Arab Information Ministers, which starts today. He said the ministers in their meeting will discuss the role the media can play in facing up to the dangers of propaganda spewed Minister Sheikh forth by terrorist organizations in Salman Al-Sabah the region. The ministers will also review cooperation among Arab states’ media organs to enhance the work of journalism in KUWAIT: Sultan of Brunei Haji Hassanal Bolkiah the region, he said. and the official delegation accompanying him Moreover, the ministers of information will consider concluded a two-day visit to Kuwait Tuesday. allocating a special day to celebrate Arab media every year, During his stay in the country, Sultan Bolkiah he said, adding that they will also discuss electronic media held summit talks with His Highness the Amir and its effect on society, especially the role of the social media in disseminating information. Fundamentally, Sheikh Sabah Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah. The today’s ministerial meeting will focus on the role of Arab Sultan was seen off at the airport by head of the media in propagating values of tolerance and amity mission of honor, Minister of State for Cabinet among all peoples of the earth and means of effectively Affairs Sheikh Mohammad Abdullah Al-Mubarak fighting extremism in creed and deed. —KUNA Al-Sabah. —KUNA FM receives message from French counterpart

KUWAIT: First Deputy Prime terpart Laurent Fabius. The message Minister and Foreign Minister focuses on issues of common con- Sheikh Sabah Al-Khaled Al-Hamad cern and the latest developments Al-Sabah received yesterday a writ- on both regional and international Sheikh Sabah ten message from his French coun- arenas. —KUNA Al-Khaled Al-Sabah THURSDAY, MAY 21, 2015 LOCAL Parliament storming case Ummah Party ‘dissolves’ postponed till June 17 By A Saleh as disagreements mount KUWAIT: The Court of Appeals yesterday suspended hearing a case in which 70 people, including former MPs, are accused of Govt ‘doesn’t mind’ Kuwait Airways as national carrier storming the parliament’s building. The case was adjourned to June 17, 2015. The judge hearing the case asked to be excused after the By Meshaal Al-Enezi Musallam Al-Barrak, after a ruling sentencing him to two IDs for bachelors living in private residential areas to defendants filed an official request asking him to remove himself years in prison was upheld by the court of cassation. The force them out. KUWAIT: Four of the seven founding members of Al- statement stressed that during his 17-year-long parlia- from the case. The defendants’ request was based on the allega- Ummah Party yesterday issued a statement declaring mentary career, Barrak had not violated public funds nor National carrier tion that the judge’s father was one of those who signed a state- willingly dissolving the party following accelerating dis- abused his authorities. It added that liberties have drasti- Minister of Communications and Municipal Affairs Essa ment condemning the break in. agreements amongst the founders. The statement cally deteriorated in Kuwait and that authorities were Al-Kandari announced that the government does not mind signed by founding members Dr Awwad Al-Thefeiri, Dr now targeting politicians, suppressing and silencing Kuwait Airways resuming to become Kuwait’s national carri- GCC foreign ministers meet Faisal Al-Hamad, Mohammed Al-Khenain and them. Considering itself the “true representatives” of the er. Speaking after a parliamentary session, Kandari stressed GCC foreign ministers are due to meet Saturday to prepare for Mohammed Al-Matar stressed that since its foundation Kuwaiti people after the Feb 2, 2012 parliamentary elec- that in response to an inquiry from the chairman of the par- their 24th meeting with their EU counterparts due to be held in 10 years ago, party members had been going through tions, the bloc also promised to continue pursuing cor- liamentary financial and economic committee about its atti- Qatar on May 23 to 24, said informed sources. The meeting’s hard times that made many of them quit, leaving only ruption and fighting public fund violations as well as tude to KAC, the government expressed approval to recon- agenda will prioritize regional situations in relation to the latest seven of the founding members, including in addition to what it described as ‘draining the state’ by some corrupt sider KAC as the national airline. He added that 15 MPs have developments in Yemen, as well as improving EU-GCC relations, the signees, Dr Hakem Al-Mutairi, Said Al-Hajri and influential people. The statement urged all opposition already made a proposal to amend the KAC law. they added. Ayedh Al-Qahtani. members to unite and join efforts so that the ‘sacrifices’ The statement added that some of the founding made Barrak and his colleagues behind bars do not go in Minister’s accounts Classroom fire members refused authorizing Mutairi to appoint mem- vain. The Interior Ministry’s Relations and Security Information A Jahra classroom air conditioner unit caught fire at dawn yes- bers and called for respecting the party’s founding char- Bachelors’ residence Department strongly denied that Deputy Prime Minister terday. Ministry of Education’s Undersecretary Dr Haitham Al- ter and elections. In addition, the statement justified its During a meeting at the Ahmadi governor’s office, and Interior Minister Sheikh Mohammad Al-Khaled Al- Athari explained that a small fire broke out in a Jahra high school decision to dissolve the party by unaccepted decisions the municipality team entrusted with evicting ‘bache- Sabah had any Twitter or Instagram accounts. The ministry is for girls’ classroom and that it had not affected the final exams made and steps taken in the party’s name with regards lors’ residing in private residential areas stressed the currently taking proper legal measures against any fake that commenced yesterday. Athari said that the students were to some foreign issues such as the Syrian revolution, the need to take all needed measures to stop this phenom- accounts allegedly attributed to the interior minister, the redirected to other classrooms until the problem was fixed. Iraqi revolution, connections with suspicious people and enon. The team was headed by assistant municipality department added. Meanwhile, the finals exams for high school students started yes- conferring with people with connections with the ‘US director for urban planning and infrastructure Ahmed occupation’. Al-Manfouhi. The meeting was also attended by MoI’s Malfunction terday. Minister of Education and Higher Education Dr Bader Al- assistant undersecretary for public security Maj Gen The electronic grading system at Kuwait University’s reg- Essa toured Fatima Al-Sar’awi School for girls and Ahmed Al- Opposition condemn Barrak ruling Abdulfattah Al-Ali. The meeting discussed the measures istration and acceptance deanship malfunctioned, giving all Rub’ee School for boys to ensure the exams were going smoothly. Meanwhile, the ‘Majority Bloc’ yesterday issued a so far taken against violating landlords who had not students ‘FA’ grades, well-informed sources said. The prob- statement expressing solidarity with former MP evicted bachelors. It recommended to stop issuing civil lem is being resolved. No injuries in mall fire

By Hanan Al-Saadoun

KUWAIT: A major fire broke out in a Farwaniya mall, prompting Farwaniya, Jleeb Al-Shuyoukh and technical rescue and backup centers to respond. The fire was in a restaurant on the third floor of the mall, which was put out and no injuries were reported.

Abandoned house fire Fire broke out in the trees of an abandoned house in Ahmadi. Firemen put out the blaze quickly and prevented it from spreading. Meanwhile, Manqaf and Fahaheel fire- men put out a fire in the bedroom of an 8th floor apart- ment. No injuries were reported. Separately, fire broke out in the kitchen at an Arab style home in Subahiya prompt- ing Mangaf fire center to respond. Faulty wirings in the exhaust fan caused the fire, according to preliminary inves- tigations. No injuries were reported. Also, the Capital fire center responded to a fire in a popular restaurant in Mubarakiya Market. The fire was in the chimney and was put out in 5 minutes.

Accident A vehicle rammed into a tree between Oyoun and Taima with three women and a child inside. The women Gulf license plate was suspected, so the driver was asked to and found shabu, drug paraphernalia and rolling paper. He sustained fractures and bruises and were taken out of the stop, but he refused and hit a traffic sign. He then started also had a quantity of marijuana. vehicle by Jahra Occupational Fire Center men. running carrying a bag. Liquor, drug possession Car thieves caught Search for suspect An Indian man was sent to the Drugs Control General Ahmadi police stopped a car that was reported stolen Ahmadi detectives are investigating why a 21-year-old Department after police found 144 bottles of moonshine with two persons who were with a fugitive thought to pos- Kuwaiti escaped on foot after he collided with a police with him. Meanwhile, a Filipino man was arrested with four sess drugs. A security source said the vehicle that had a patrol car. Meanwhile Ahmadi police arrested a pedestrian joints of shabu on him. First relief aid shipment delivered to Yemen Kuwait to repair 2 schools in Jordan

RIYADH/AMMAN: The first Kuwaiti shipment Kuwait for the support of the Yemeni people Syrian ones, said Zaid, noting that the mainte- of relief aid has been delivered to the Yemeni who currently lack food and medicine, among nance work would expand the capacity of the people, a Kuwait Red Crescent Society (KRCS) other things. schools and upgrade their facilities. There are official said yesterday. The shipment consists plans to refurbish seven more schools to of 40 tons of medical supplies, Khaled Al- School maintenance accommodate more Syrian refugee students, Mutairi, in charge of emergency and disaster In other news, the KRCS announced yester- he said, underscoring Kuwait’s continuous relief aid at KRCS, said in a phone call from the day that it had donated 20,000 Jordanian help to Jordan to absorb the influx of Syrian town of Shurora in south of Saudi Arabia. Dinars ($28,000) for maintenance work on two refugees. This aid to the Yemeni people comes in schools here where Syrian refugee children Thanking Kuwait, both government and KUWAIT: Director General of Kuwait Fire General Services Directorate Lt Gen Yousuf Al- response to the UN appeal from the start of receive their education. The maintenance will people for their generosity in helping alleviate Ansari received a delegation from the Social Development Office headed by Director Dr the crisis in Yemen to extend help to the be done by both KRCS and its Jordanian coun- the burden of Syrian refugees in Jordan, chair- Abdullah Sahar to discuss cooperation between the two sides. They agreed to prepare a Yemeni people who are suffering from the lack terpart, chief of KRCS’ mission to Jordan man of the Jordanian Red Crescent Society Dr cooperation protocol to exchange experiences over shared topics such as dealing with the of medicine and medical equipment, among Khaled Al-Zaid said. The two schools suffered Mohammad Al-Hadeed said the maintenance public, psychological health and other topics of mutual concern. — By Hanan Al-Saadoun other things, Mutairi said. More Kuwaiti ship- from over-crowdedness due to increasing of the two schools could not have come at a ments of relief aid are in the pipeline for the numbers of incoming Syrian refugee children, more opportune time as they were lacking in a Yemeni people, he said as he thanked Saudi he added. number of amenities including usable rest relief aid authorities for facilitating the delivery The two schools have already been receiv- rooms. He applauded Kuwait for its humani- of KRCS aid to Yemen. The KRCS began as early ing students in two shifts, the morning shift tarian support of Syrian refugees from the very as last April to collect donations locally in for Jordanian students and the evening for first spark of the Syrian crisis. — KUNA 1,700 weapons, five tons of ammunition handed over Remember KUWAIT: The Ministry of Interior (MoI) has received 1,700 pieces of unlicensed weapons and five tons of ammunition Trafficking in unlicensed over past three months, a ministry official said. weapons is punishable by 10 Arms collecting squad received 1,700 machineguns, pistols years in jail and KD 50,000 fine. and hunting rifles in addition to five tons of live ammunition, said Major-General Farraj Al-Zubi, Director General of the General Directorate of Arms Intelligence. Speaking Tuesday night on the sidelines of a seminar days left for handing over organized by Kuwait Economic Society in support of the arms unlicensed weapons, collection campaign, Subi said that the objective of this cam- ammunition and explosives. paign was to protect citizens and expatriates. The campaign, 1888830 to expire on June 22, has set up 38 centers to receive unli- Hotline: censed arms nationwide, he said. People can also call (1-888- 830) to facilitate the handover of weapons. Zubi said people who handed over their unlicensed arms before expiry of campaign would not face any legal charges. The National Assembly had approved the arms collection bill on January 27, which would impose a prison sentence of up to five years or a fine not exceeding KD 10,000 on any person possessing unlicensed arms beyond June 22. — KUNA THURSDAY, MAY 21, 2015 LOCAL Author Nakib organizes book-signing at Q8 Books ‘Looking back in time - through everyday objects’

By Ben Garcia objects I mentioned in the book are objects to Marble which we were connected in the past. An object Why Marble on the Book Cover? Nakib KUWAIT: Author Mai Al-Nakib held a book read- that reminds us of everything during that period. explains that one of the stories in the book is ing and signing session on Tuesday at Q8 Books It reminds you of not only who you were, but the about marble. “Marble is an object which we all at Bayt Lothan in Salmiya of her latest collection sense of what the world was when you are at that like and for some it’s quite an interesting thing. of stories, ‘The Hidden Lights of Objects’. She read age - it’s nostalgic. Twenty years down the lane, Marble had a strange sentimental value one way or the other when we were young. There is some- thing in marble,” she noted. But she admitted that she was not the designer of the cover though. “I liked the cover when it was presented to me. I didn’t design it, but I like it very much. I remembered discussing with the designer what I would not want to see on the book cover. Specifically, I mentioned that didn’t want to see the niqab, mosque or palm trees - no way! I don’t want camels too. I didn’t want a woman’s back, since I am a female author. I didn’t want Arabic calligraphy. I was glad that the person who designed my book cover actually read the stories in the book and come up with the marble idea. I was satisfied, besides I like the combination of colors because I have mentioned colors in several stories,” Nakib mentioned.

English Nakib was asked why she wrote the book in English and not for a wider Arab audience. “I am not very comfortable writing Arabic. English is Third Arab Woman Awards my first language. I was eight months old when my parents left for the UK, then we went to Kuwait winners announced KUWAIT: Author Mai Al-Nakib speaks dur- Missouri in the US. I learned English first even ing a session held at Q8 Books last before learning Arabic. My parents had enrolled Tuesday. —Photos by Joseph Shagra KUWAIT: Twenty winners of the Arab Deputy Managing Director, Sue Holt. ITP me in an American school. I teach English lan- Woman Awards Kuwait 2Ol5 were will publish a commemorative book for the guage at the university, so I am very comfortable announced recently at press conference Arab Woman Awards Kuwait 2015 which the book in front of an enthusiastic audience and Copies of Mai Al-Nakib’s book ‘The writing in English,” she said. that was attended by the Board of Judges, will detail all the winners and their achieve- answered queries from attendees. ‘Hidden Lights’ Hidden Lights of Objects’ on display at Nakib holds a PhD in English literature from including Honorary Chairperson Sheikh ments together with photographs from the won the Edinburgh International Book Festival’s the session. Brown University and teaches postcolonial stud- Mubarak Fahad Al-Salem A1-Sabah; event. This official publication will be dis- First Book Award in 2014, the first collection of ies and comparative literature at Kuwait Undersecretary of Department of Protocol tributed with Marie Claire Magazine in short stories to ever win the award. usually we forget things. I was particularly inter- University. ‘The Hidden Light of Objects’ is avail- Affairs at the Amiri Diwan. Kuwait, provided to all winners, judges and Nakib said her book was perhaps influenced ested in the impact a particular object triggers in able in various bookstores in Kuwait and The Arab Woman Awards Kuwait pres- sponsors plus available in Trafalgar by small objects that have a relationship with us. our lives. The process of remembering it really throughout the MENA region. The book is avail- entation ceremony took place that evening Company boutiques across Kuwait City. An object kept for years under the bed, in a closet makes us different and it’s like looking back in able in paperback and hardback and as an e- at an exclusive by-invitation only red carpet The Arab Woman Awards was presented or a box can create a sensation and make a great time - how can it be reconnected to us today,” she book from Bloomsbury Qatar Foundation event which was held at the Sheraton by the luxury retailer Trafalgar and impact in life when found 20 years later. “The explained. Publishing. Kuwait Hotel and Towers and was present- Chopard. Other partners of this year’s ed by leading Kuwaiti retailer - the Trafalgar awards included Tanagra, Sheraton Kuwait Company in collaboration with Chopard. Hotel and Towers, Five Levels Production, The glamorous high-profile event was Marie Claire Magazine, Rotana Khalijiahand attended by the winners and their families, VIP members of society as well as personal- ities. The awards ceremony was hosted by famous Kuwaiti actor lbrahim Al Harbi

The full lists of recipients of the 2015 Kuwait awards are: Business woman of the Year: Reem M Alghanim Finance: Wafa Alqatami Education: Nuqat - Hussa Al-Humaidhi, Sara Al Nafisi, Dana Al Hilal Art: May Al Saad Entrepreneur: Fadwa Al Homaizi Literature: Dr Laila M Saleh Sport: Balsam Al-Ayoub and Lulwa Al- Ayoub Fashion Designer: Ghain Ghada Young Designer: Najeeba Hayat Medical: Prof Dia Shehab Media: Iqbal Al Ahmed New Media: Nora Al Suwaiti Humanitarian: Maali Al Asousi Legal: Shaikha Al-Julaibi Young Talent: Sarah Abushaar Energy: Hosnia Hashim Woman in Government: Suad Alsayed Ragab Alrifai Inspirational Woman of the Year: Sheikha Al-Zain Al-Sabah Honor killing law under attack Lifetime Achievement Award: Anissa M Hayatt Breast Cancer Foundation. Amer Al- AK Jaffar Ansari - Managing Partner of Trafalgar Special Recognition: Asrar Al-Qabandi Company said: “It is an honor for Trafalgar By Faten Omar work to raise awareness about this unfair law diverse set of practices by local and regional “The overarching aim of the Arab and Chopard to be in a position where we and bring a spotlight to the issue. artists, reflecting not necessarily what it means Woman Awards is to highlight and recog- can support such a valuable cause and KUWAIT: Article 153 of Kuwait’s Penal Law states Organizers for the Abolish Article 153 cam- to be a woman in the turbulent times of global- nize the outstanding contribution by organization in the Arab Women’s Award. that if someone finds his wife, daughter, mother paign hope to petition lawmakers to annul this ization, but how women see themselves and are women,” Sheikh Mubarak Al-Fahad said. Long may it continue in its recognition of or sister with a man in an adulterous relation- law. Once abolished in Kuwait, they plan to seen by others in a context where there is a clear “We have had such a fantastic range of Women’s exceptional contributions and ship, and if he kills her or her partner right away, establish coalitions across the GCC and Arab mismatch between the technological imaginary entries this year, with so many women achievements in the demanding world of he will face no more than three years in jail countries where similar laws exist and transform of modernity, with its foundational aspect of involved in wonderful projects across a business, science and education.” and/or a fine of KD 225. the local campaign into a regional one. constitutional rights, and the historical imagi- wide variety of fields. The awards identify The Arab Woman Awards were estab- Essentially a law that protects ‘honor killing’ nary of tradition, with its reverence for the past excellence and celebrate achievements. We lished in Dubai in 2009 by ITP, the region’s of female kin, Article 153 has increasingly come Political rights and concern with the permanence of institu- thank our supporters especially Trafalgar largest publishers of women’s magazine in under opposition from a broad network of Abolish Article 153 also marks the 10 year tions. Company and Chopard for making this the region. The awards were launched in activists, individuals and artists in Kuwait. In a anniversary since women were granted voting event happen.” order to provide a culturally acceptable plat- recent exhibition, ‘Abolish Article 153’ held at the rights in Kuwait. Concerned primarily with the List of artists The Arab Woman Awards Kuwait was form for Arab women to celebrate their Contemporary Art Platform, a group of 17 female form and the representation thereof, the The exhibition includes works by Kuwaiti launched back in 2013 by ITP and was co- achievements. To-date over two hundred prominent local and regional artists contributed exhibition brings under the umbrella of ‘form,’ a artists Alaa Al-Haddad, Amani Althuwaini, Amira founded by Dr Labiba Temmim; Executive and seventy women have been recognized Behbehani, Ibrahim Alatiya, Khadija Al- Director and Medical Affairs at the Hayatt with the awards now running annually in the Bahaweed, Mohammed Ramadan, Majeda Ruqayah Abdul Wahhab Alqatami Breast United Arab Emirates (UAE), Qatar, Kuwait AlSabah, Mohammed Sarkouh, Shaimaa Cancer Foundation, working alongside ITP’s and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA). Ashkanani, Suhaila Al-Najdi and Thuraya Al- Baqsami. It will also feature photography by Maryam Mesri and Nasser Al-Ghanim. Iranian Bangladeshi Naval Ship artists Salar Ahmadian and Behnaz Ghasemi have contributed to this exhibition, along with Lebanese artist Katya Traboulsi. Their works ‘Somudra Joy’ in Kuwait highlight women and their role in society. Some works celebrate the family and womanhood. on goodwill visit Some emphasize the importance of men women being equal members in society. Others focus on direct and indirect forms of gender vio- Bangladesh Navy Ship Somudra Joy is Ocean and the adjoining seas, the ship is lence, raising awareness to the legislation that coming to Kuwait between 23-27 May always ready to face challenges in mar- encourages it. 2015 for a goodwill visit after participat- itime domain. Abolish Article 153 opened its group exhibi- ing in multinational ‘Exercise Ferocious Since inclusion, this ship is contribut- tion at the Contemporary Art Platform CAP) in Falcon’ 2015 in Qatar. Somudra Joy (F-28) ing in safeguarding the maritime interest Life Center in Shuwaikh Industrial Area this past is the largest Frigate of Bangladesh Navy of Bangladesh. The operational commit- Saturday and will remain on view until June 4, with a length of 115.2 meter and displace- ment of this ship is noteworthy and has 2015, every day from 7pm to 9pm. ment of 3399 tons. This Ship was obtained taken part in number of national and from US Coast Guard in 2013 and com- multinational exercises, humanitarian missioned in Bangladesh Navy on 23rd assistance in Philippines and Maldives. Students sent to Canada to GCC environment December 2013. Apart from the regular operational com- Somudra Joy is deployed to maintain mitment, Somudra Joy is training a good study business, economics officials meet in Qatar dominant presence in territorial waters number of local and foreign officers. and EEZ of Bangladesh with high capabili- To materialize the exercise Bangladesh DOHA: The 35th meeting of the undersecretaries of environ- ties and modern combat system. This ship Navy Ship Somudra Joy will cross around WASHINGTON: Chairman of Kuwait’s it an excellent place for study. mental affairs in the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) member is one of the prominent fighting platforms 8000 nautical miles. While coming to Doha Cultural Office in Canada Dr Fahad Al- Brock University, which enrolls over states started in Doha yesterday. In an opening statement, Nasser has discussed with officials of the 18,000 students, offers a wide range of pro- Qatar’s Ministry of Environment Assistant Undersecretary for in Bangladesh Navy fleet. The ship is capa- this ship visited Colombo port and while Canadian Brock University enrolling grams at the undergraduate and graduate Environmental Affairs Ahmed Mohammed Al Sada highlight- ble of performing anti-surface and anti-air returning she will visit Kuwait, Bahrain and Kuwaiti students at its business, economics, levels, including professional degrees. It ed support by the GCC leaders to joint action in the field. He role during wartime. Generally in peace- India. After 55 days of voyage SOMUDRA and scientific faculties. Nasser also mulled was ranked 3rd among Canadian universi- noted that the meeting coincided with the GCC’s 34th time operations, it is deployed in protec- JOY will return to Bangladesh on 16 June with the officials the facilities offered by the ties in the “undergraduate” category for anniversary. Despite achievements, GCC joint environment tion of offshore installations, anti-smug- 2015. Participation in ‘Exercise Ferocious university to would-be Kuwaiti students, research publication output and impact march still faces several challenges that require continuous gling, fishery protection, disaster and Falcon 2015’ and friendly visit in Middle Kuwait’s Cultural Office said in a statement. indicators in 2008. Hundreds of Kuwaiti stu- and harder work to overcome, Sada added. He also welcomed relief operations, search and rescue oper- East and neighboring countries, Nasser noted that Brock University is the dents are studying in the Canadian univer- representatives of the Gulf Petrochemicals and Chemicals ation etc. The ship also trains officer and Bangladesh aims to improve bilateral rela- only university in Canada that is located in sities, most of enrolled in the medical facul- Association attending the meeting upon recommendation by sailors for grooming future leaders of tion and strengthen maritime cooperation a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve which makes ties. —KUNA the undersecretaries’ 34th meeting. —KUNA Bangladesh Navy. Traversing the Indian with friendly nations.

THURSDAY, MAY 21, 2015 From the Arabic press

Crime Al-Watan Report Votes Evaluating the Shabu dealer ‘the parliament’s Masked’ caught Votes Votes performance KUWAIT: Jahra police arrested a dangerous shabu (methamphetamine) dealer known locally as ‘masked’. By Dr Shamlan Al-Essa The man was found in possession of 20 shabu envelopes as well as an ax. A security source said the ewspapers and social media published the 39 most important achievements by the arrested man is considered among the most dangerous NNational Assembly until May 5, 2015. persons in Jahra governorate because he always wears Among those laws and achievements, there are a mask to avoid being recognized. Meanwhile Jahra more than 12 laws of financial nature and are police arrested a Kuwaiti and a bedoon man found in costly to the state coffers, like indemnity, health possession of drugs and paraphernalia. Both were sent insurance for retirees, subsidizing construction to Drugs Control General Department. material by KD 30,000, the KD 70,000 increase, completing the rented residence for every person who sold his home and paid back the KD 70,000 within three years, and those are nearly 800, Dog removed from mall allowing those registered in the delinquents fund Al-Jarida Capital Security Director Major General Ibrahim Al- to borrow again, allowing sports clubs to finance their activities, restoring use of the agricultural Tarrah called in a special unit to help control and portfolio at the bank, amending the securities capture a dog at a local mall. The dog’s owner, a law and having the employer bear salaries for Gulf national, was charged with cruelty to a domes- forced retirement after a court ruling restores tic animal. The man who rented the office at the him to his job. mall kept the dog there for security but patrons It is noted that these laws will cost the country complained and he was asked to remove it. financially, while the assembly’s secretariat gen- However, he refused and so police were called. Al-Qabas eral did not explain the financial cost of all these proposals. We do not oppose granting incentives and spending money on state employees, but the Prostitute caught Is it an oil crisis? problem is in the fact that the country has entered the era of financial deficits after the drop A Ukrainian woman who entered Kuwait on a tourist in oil prices from $110 to $60. visa was arrested for prostitution. She was caught by By Ahmad Al-Sarraf It used to be that MPs used to put forth expen- residency affairs detectives. A security source said infor- sive popular projects to appease voters, but it seems that MPs are aware that we have a finan- mation received indicated that the woman was practic- n the coming days, the crisis that Minister of Oil maybe his wishes to settle differences with those Ali Al-Omair started, will reveal the fragility of the who stood against his electoral aspirations. We cial crisis and did not demand more popular pro- ing prostitution in exchange for money. The woman government system. Omair’s threat to resign if his hope that what was said about him receiving the posals to appease state employees. The question promoted her activities over the internet and used a I demand to change the oil leaders is not met is a clear prime minister’s support is not true, and if it is true, is, are the proposals that were passed by MPs and hotel as her base. She charged KD 100 for 30 minutes. indication of that. If the government bows to him, then it will be a bigger catastrophe. government up to the challenges confronting the She was arrested at the hotel. country these days? Be it as far as the drop in oil then that will expose our principal and only source of Problems and losses took place in the oil sector prices and the importance of taking political and income - oil - to danger, and will encourage other lately. In the course of Omari’s time in power, economic austerity decisions to which govern- Drunk arrested at home ministers in the future to behave in the same way Kuwait lost a large percentage of its oil production. ment officials, Assembly and people contribute and this may not be for the public’s interest. Because of negotiations’ mistakes, oil production towards any bailout from any expected economic A woman told police that her husband drinks at Omair, who represents the Salafist faction in the companies working in the divided area between crises as a result of the drop in oil prices. home and beat her and her children. Patrol officers government, may find the same competencies in Kuwait and Saudi Arabia stopped working. The fail- Observers of the government and Assembly’s went to the location and arrested the husband, who the current oil leaders, but he is definitely not ure to continue negotiations and to reach an performance notice that the two authorities did was drunk at the time. The man was taken to the thinking of changing the good with the better. agreement with our partners and with the oil com- not submit any proposals or serious ideas to proper authorities for further action. Rather, he is perhaps concerned with the appoint- panies operating in the divided areas is a failure diversify sources of income and find alternatives ment of those electorally-linked to him. This is what attributed to the oil minister, and it is a political, for oil as a source of national income. the media reports, and those people are not neces- not a technical mistake. Omari is directly connected We expected the government, the Assembly and people to take the initiative to announce sarily better than the current board. They could be to that loss, but instead of asking him to resign for Students arrested after scuffle new economic and political policies that put an less competent. It remains unclear since the oil refusing to shoulder the responsibility of the high A student at Saad Al-Abdallah Police Academy along end to the principle of a welfare state that has minister refused to provide the Supreme Petroleum profit losses; we bowed to his political pressures. with two other citizens were arrested and charged with created a disfigured society and state. Is it realis- Council with their resumes. Because of this, the We join those who have already demanded to attacking policemen and resisting arrest. Security also tic that most citizens are working in the public stop this weakness and let the minister resign if he charged an additional unknown person of an attempt four million people in Kuwait, its citizens and sector (government), a percentage that reached expats will pay the price as a result of the minister’s wishes to do so, and let Kuwait be for us all. 93 percent, while only 6 percent work in the pri- to enable a suspect to escape. Translated by Kuwait Times —Al-Anbaa, Al-Rai political ambitions, his random decisions and — vate sector? Our people depend, almost entirely, on the government’s subsidy policies for commodities, gasoline and food, and everything, including milk, eggs, chicken and even the falafel sandwich Offices blame suspended recruitment and Iranian bread are subsidized by the govern- ment. The World Bank and International Monetary for maids’ hiring fees increase Fund and all foreign, Arab and local advisory bodies should ask the government to stop public fund squandering and the importance of diversi- Union accuses former official of ‘monopolizing’ market fying income sources and encouraging the pri- vate sector to take initiatives to rescue the KUWAIT: The stoppage of bringing domestic help from 12 with the stoppage of bringing domestic help from these from these countries. He said this made the rest of the national economy. We expected the Assembly countries is the main reason behind the increase in costs of labor-exporting countries,” Askhkanani clarified, adding offices in Kuwait to raise the commission to keep their cus- and government to part with the policy of pam- hiring domestic workers in Kuwait, an official said in a that the case was worsened by the suspension of domestic tomers, which led to the rise of fees at a spiraling rate. He pering the citizen and the attempt to buy his loy- statement. workers’ recruitment from Indonesia. added that the former official paid commissions of nearly alty by stopping the policies of subsidies that has Head of Kuwait Domestic Help Offices Union Fadhel He added that the person who caused this particular more than a million dollars in each state to foreign offices cost the country more than KD 10 billion. Ashkanani said the union will continue revealing the rea- problem is a former official at the interior ministry. “This to deal with him, so he can execute his plans to monopo- Lively people and nations have governments sons behind the rise in costs of hiring domestic labor and official stopped bringing domestic help from these labor- lize the domestic labor market in Kuwait. that take austerity measures such as reducing identify who is behind it. exporting countries, and instead of bringing them from Meanwhile, Ashkanani criticized people who hold salaries, freezing employment policies and mak- Ashkanani noted among the most important reasons Indonesia, he shifted to Africa,” he said, indicating that this domestic help offices completely responsible for the fee ing people give, produce and sacrifice, but we, for the rise in hiring fees is the deliberate stoppage of situation caused many problems to citizens. increases. He blamed ‘Asian and African workers,’ who he the backwards of the Third World, look at the bringing domestic helpers from India, Indonesia, Nepal, said control 60 percent of the domestic labor offices in government as a milch cow, and we try to dry its Uganda, Ethiopia, Mali, Tanzania, Guinea, Nigeria, Sierra Rented offices Kuwait,’ for distorting the reputation of domestic help udder of milk without giving it fodder to feed Leone, Madagascar and Congo. He noted that domestic Ashkanani further accused the former official of having offices. “Many of (the workers) are operating under bogus and maintain its health. With fodder we mean labor is now only limited to the Philippines, Sri Lanka and four rented offices that bring in domestic helpers. He office names and are not licensed,” he elaborated. He laud- work, production and contribution. Cameron. Bringing domestic workers from India was added that the official sent his representative to some ed the Interior Ministry’s current efforts to get rid of this —Translated by Kuwait Times banned temporarily earlier this year before an agreement Asian countries that export labor, and gave them financial problem, which already led to the arrest of many African between governments of the two countries ended the ban. incentives to carry out an illegal mission to negotiate the nationals who work in fake offices. He hoped that the min- Ashkanani clarified that the problem started in 2008 increase of commissions that foreign offices are receiving istry continues these efforts. —Al-Qabas Al-Anbaa Justice Minister Ministry backs out visits Riggae of proposed cuts Food that’s homegrown KUWAIT: Following a sit-in that a number of employees By Nirmin Al-Hooti Court Complex staged at the Ministry of Electricity and Water (MEW) protest- ing a study to cut year-end bonuses, ministry officials KUWAIT: Minister of Justice and Minister of Awqaf and announced that they have reconsidered the issue and uring a night out with my best friend Islamic Affairs Yaqoub Al-Sane made a surprise visit to retracted the decision. Earlier reports had suggested that the Sheikha Basma Ibrahim Al-Duaij Al-Sabah, Reggae Court Complex, where he ministry was mulling a proposal to cut five percent from the Dwe came across warnings on social media inspected the work procedures outstanding work allowances given to staff with ‘excellent’ about spoiled food products, be it in Kuwait or the and litigation process being done year-end evaluation. Meanwhile, the ministry added that the Gulf. This started our conversation about the food there. The minister inquired MEW budget can cover to pay those with ‘very good’ evalua- security situation in Kuwait and how to provide about how case requirements are tion this year. Tens of ministry employees, mostly female, basic food products to the society. I told Basma that being provided to ensure quick began the first hours of work Tuesday with a sit-in at the lob- we should secure the food situation, but how? processing and resolution of citi- by of the ministry’s diwan to express their rejection to the Basma answered, “We should plant the food staples zens’ cases. planned deductions. The protestors signed official letters in Kuwait. We have lands that can be reclaimed and He said removing obstacles for addressed to the ministry’s undersecretary and labor union rehabilitated, where we can plant basic vegetation. lawyers and litigants is a basic president, stating that they will ‘not allow, under any circum- We have Kuwaitis who can turn Kuwait’s land into goal to reach justice, and that stances, any encroachment on their rights that were guaran- an agricultural one, and the best example is farmer making procedures simpler is one teed by the civil service commission.’ Instead, they asked the Nasser Al-Azmi. Azmi carried out farming experi- of the pillars of this justice sys- ministry to request additional financial allotment to give to ments, changed some areas into agricultural areas, tem. Sane met several citizens their colleagues who got a lesser grade. —Al-Qabas Minister Yaqoub and thus proved that Kuwait and its people can Al-Sane and lawyers and listened to their complaints, noting as well their change Kuwait for everything.” proposals to advance citizens’ trust in the judicial system. Some US, Jordan I interrupted her to check his name, so she Sane visited the sharia documentation department, hospitals blacklisted showed me his account on Instagram. I saw the documentation office, experts department, judicial infor- farms, and realized that indeed, Kuwait can become mation department, schedule department, archives KUWAIT: The Ministry of Health (MOH) plans to stop send- an agricultural and productive country in the department and family consultations department. He also ing Kuwaiti patients to some hospitals in the United States future. One may never believe that the land in visited the lawyers’ resting area and urged the lawyers to and Jordan for treatment, high ranking health sources said. Kuwait can produce such products, but seeing the submit their cases through the internet to ease pressure to The planned move came after reports from Kuwait vegetation, some of which are rare, which Azmi the administrative systems at the courts. —Al-Qabas health offices in Washington and Amman of violations by planted, showed that Kuwait can produce many these hospitals, including unacceptable price increases good things and attested that the impossible can and bad treatment of Kuwaiti patients, the sources said. be made possible by Kuwaiti people. 60% of nurses One hospital has been treating patients in an unacceptable And so, I asked Basma, Why doesn’t the state manner, in addition to imposing ‘very high prices’ which is give lands to the youths, idle at their homes, wait- from India: MoH an infringement of their contract with Kuwait’s health ing for jobs? Through training, they can rehabilitate office, the sources explained. There are other reasons the lands and make the state self-sufficient in the KUWAIT: Sixty percent of the total number of nurses hired prompting many Gulf countries to stop dealing with this future, instead of importing products that may be by the Ministry of Health (MOH) are from Indian, a senior hospital, the sources said. As for some hospitals in Jordan, spoiled or poisoned. I asked her, how long are we ministry official said. The ministry currently hires nearly the sources said that one of the hospitals increased the going to continue to import doubtful foods? Why 18,500 nurses who work in public hospitals and clinics cost of treating non-Jordanian patients by 40 percent start- don’t we buy lands outside Kuwait, turn them into around the country. The ministry is working on improving ing last month. Health offices in Washington and Amman farming areas, and become secure food forts for our nurses’ conditions “in recognition of the significant role have directions from the health ministry to sign contracts society? they play,” said Dr Jamal Al-Harbi, Assistant Undersecretary Ministry of Electricity and Water employees are with other hospitals ensuring better service and treatment, —Translated by Kuwait Times for Allied Medical Services. —Al-Jarida seen during their sit-in. the sources said. —Al-Anbaa THURSDAY, MAY 21, 2015 Egypt judges - new Australian livestock killed with sledgehammers in Vietnam frontline in battle against militancy Page 11 Page 8 Islamic State seizes part of Palmyra

BEIRUT: Islamic State militants seized parts of province. On Tuesday, Anbar local officials said the ancient town of Palmyra in central Syria five of the displaced residents had died from yesterday after fierce clashes with government exhaustion in Bzebiz area, where the displaced troops, renewing fears the extremist group had been forced to stay while they were kept would destroy the priceless archaeological site away from Baghdad. if it reaches the ruins. The Britain-based Syrian Observatory for Human Rights said the mili- 40,000 displaced tants gained control of as much as a third of According to the International the town in heavy clashes during the day. Organization for Migration, more than 40,000 Palmyra is home to a UNESCO World Heritage people have been displaced from Anbar since Site and is famous for its 2,000-year-old majes- Friday, when IS conquered Ramadi. In the tic Roman colonnades. past, people fleeing the Sunni province have The majority of the ruins are located in been prevented from entering Baghdad due Palmyra’s south, and the militants entered yes- to fears that militants might mingle in with terday from the north after seizing the state the crowds and sneak into the Iraqi capital. security building from government forces. But Residents still left in Ramadi said over the their presence has sparked concerns they phone yesterday that Islamic State militants would destroy the ruins as they have done were urging them over loudspeakers not to with major archaeological sites in neighboring be afraid and to stay in the city. However, Iraq. Following setbacks in both Syria and Iraq, they were not preventing those wanting to Islamic State fighters appear to have gotten a leave the city to go, the residents said, speak- second wind in recent days, capturing Ramadi, ing on condition of anonymity for fear for the capital of Iraq’s largest Sunni province, and their own safety. advancing in central Syria to the outskirts of It is still unknown when the expected Palmyra. wide-scale operation to recapture Ramadi and other cities will start. Baghdad officials Thousands fleeing and leaders of the so-called Popular In Iraq, thousands of displaced people flee- Mobilization Units, which consists of a num- ing from Ramadi and the violence in the west- ber of Shiite militias who are fighting on the ern Anbar province poured into Baghdad yes- side of the Iraqi military and security forces, terday after the central government waived have repeatedly said they need time for a mil- restrictions and granted them conditional itary buildup and reconnaissance. When the entry, a provincial official said. The exodus is Islamic State launched its blitz last year and the latest in the aftermath of the fall of Ramadi entire cities and towns fell into the hands of - Anbar’s provincial capital - to IS over the the militants, the Iraqi government at first weekend. The Shiite-led government in took only defensive measures and in many PALMYRA: Photo shows the general view of the ancient Roman city of Palmyra, northeast of Damascus, Syria. Islamic State militants Baghdad is struggling to come up with a plan cases, soldiers and Iraqi forces abandoned seized parts of the ancient town of Palmyra in central Syria yesterday after fierce clashes with government troops, renewing fears the to reverse the stunning loss of the city, pledg- their posts and fled in the face of the IS extremist group would destroy the priceless archaeological site if it reaches the ruins. — AP ing a counter-offensive and relying on Iranian- assault. Military operations to retake entire backed Shiite militiamen to join the battle. swaths of Iraq that had fallen to IS began only bomb hit a minibus in Baghdad’s northern because they were not authorized to talk to found yesterday in different parts of the city. Athal Al-Fahdawi, an Anbar councilman, months later. The US launched its airstrikes Shiite suburbs of Husseiniyah, killing two pas- the media. Nobody immediately claimed The police said there were no IDs with the said that thousands of civilians from Ramadi campaign in August. sengers and wounding seven. Also, a bomb responsibility for the attacks, but Islamic mili- bodies. Dead bodies left in the street were a who were stranded on open land for days, are near a wholesale market in southern Baghdad tants frequently claim such bombings. common occurrence during the widespread now being allowed to cross a bridge spanning Bomb hit minibus killed two people and wounded five, the offi- Elsewhere in Baghdad, three bodies with gun- sectarian violence that engulfed Iraq several the Euphrates River and enter Baghdad Meanwhile, police officials said a roadside cials said, speaking on condition of anonymity shot wounds to their head and chest were years ago. — AP INTERNATIONAL THURSDAY, MAY 21, 2015 News Egypt’s judges - new frontline in brief 10 ‘arrested in Canada’ in the battle against militancy over attempt to join IS MONTREAL: Canadian police arrested 10 young people as they allegedly tried to leave the country to join the Islamic Judges face bombs, take protection into own hands State group, the Royal Canadian Mounted Police said yester- day. The federal police arrested the group last weekend at CAIRO: Egyptian security forces have grown accustomed Montreal’s international airport and their passports have been to being targeted by Islamist militants. Now some judges withdrawn. Charges have not been filed and the families and are buying guns for protection after a spate of attacks relatives of the 10 people are being interviewed, police said. which suggest that they too are on the hit list. Militants are The arrests come months after five boys and two girls from the estimated to have killed more than 600 soldiers and police Montreal area left the country and apparently joined IS. since the army toppled President Mohamed Morsi of the Another teen was arrested in March for aiming to join the IS Muslim Brotherhood in 2013. A new front against judges group. IS known for its brutality in the swathes of territory it could spell trouble for President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi, who controls in Syria and Iraq. The group’s radical ideology has has only just managed to deliver a degree of stability fol- inspired thousands of people to join IS or try to send it support. lowing years of upheaval in Egypt. On Saturday, three judges were shot dead in the north- Tunisian museum attack ern Sinai city of al-Arish-the same day that a court in Cairo suspect arrested in Italy sought the death sentence against Morsi and 106 support- ROME: Italian police said yesterday they had arrested a ers of his now outlawed Muslim Brotherhood. “The threat Moroccan suspected of taking part in the March attack on to judges is real. It is a message of intimidation to the judi- the Bardo National Museum in Tunis in which 21 foreign ciary, just as they shoot at any member of the army or tourists were killed. Abdel Majid Touil, 22, was arrested on police,” said Adly Hussein, the former head of the Cairo an international warrant by Italy’s anti-terrorism DIGOS criminal court. Although the judiciary says it is independ- police in the northern town of Gaggiano, officers told a ent of the government and military, some of Egypt’s judges press conference. Touil, who is wanted for premeditated have drawn accusations of blatant bias by handing down murder, kidnapping and terrorism, was detained on lengthy jail terms and mass death sentences against Monday evening. He was living with his mother, a carer, Islamists. and two older brothers in the town near Milan. The Bardo While supportive of Sisi, Western governments have attack on March 18 killed 22 people, including a Tunisian been critical of some court decisions over the past two policeman and tourists from Italy, Japan, France, Spain, years, and were swift to condemn the death sentence Colombia, Australia, Britain, Belgium, Poland and Russia. against Morsi over his alleged role in a mass jail break Tourists getting off buses outside the museum were before he took office. “(It is) unjust and undermines confi- gunned down by two black-clad gunmen with automatic dence in the rule of law,” the US State Department said on weapons, who then took hostages inside the building. Monday. Islamist foes of Sisi reacted with considerably Many people were shot in the back as they tried to escape. more fury. “Getting rid of the military judges and killing After rampaging through the museum for several hours, them is a Shariah duty and a human necessity and a revo- CAIRO: Egyptian President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi (right) shakes hands with Egypt’ s new justice minister Ahmed Al-Zind the two gunmen were killed in an assault by security lutionary desire,” Akram Kassab, a member of the well- during his swearing in ceremony in Cairo yesterday. Zind, known for his anti-Islamist views, was sworn in nine days after forces. known Egyptian preacher Youssef Al-Qaradawi’s his predecessor resigned over controversial comments about cleaners’ sons being unsuitable as judges. - AFP International Union of Muslim Scholars, wrote on his Facebook page after the Morsi verdict. Neither Qaradawi death sentence and four life terms in a string of other cas- backing the Muslim Brotherhood, judicial sources said. The nor Kassab live in Egypt and such open dissent within the es. These “terrorist attacks”, Khafagy told Reuters, “won’t courts have also handed down lengthy jail sentences to country would be a one-way ticket to many years in prison. scare us for a second and no judge will budge an inch from liberal and secular activists, while gradually absolving offi- relaying his message or step down from presiding over a cials close to the deposed Mubarak. Hamdi Abdel Tawab, a Sacred duty case”. board member of the Judges Club, an influential body rep- Mass verdicts after sometimes only brief hearings have Khalid Al-Mahgoub, the judge who ordered a re-investi- resenting judges across Egypt, called on the Interior made it harder for Egypt to show it is committed to gation into accusations that Morsi organized a jail breakout Ministry to offer the judiciary better protection. “There are democracy four years after an uprising toppled autocrat during the 2011 uprising that toppled Mubarak, has called some courts that only have two policemen guarding it,” he Hosni Mubarak. Reuters spoke to several judges who say for heavier protection for judges, prosecutors, court staff said. they are following their “sacred duty” and will not be and witnesses. “I was not scared the day I delivered my sen- While security is usually heavier at hearings that deterred by the attacks. Still, some are taking extra precau- tence in the case of the Wadi Natroun prison escape. I include senior Brotherhood figures, in general, it is not tions, such as buying weapons or having bodyguards delivered this verdict after I studied the case files well and difficult for anyone to attend a court session. “We are assigned to them. Motaz Mostafa Khafagy, head of the Giza heard several witnesses in secret sessions for their safety, there on the podium and we will fight terrorism with law Criminal Court on the outskirts of Cairo, survived an appar- and realized there was a conspiracy in the country,” said because we are men of law,” said Tawab. Hussein, the for- ent assassination attempt this month when three bombs Mahgoub, who now works in public prosecutor’s office. A mer head of the Cairo Criminal Court, said the state planted near his home were remotely detonated. GUIZHOU: Rescuers look for survivors in the ruins of a bomb exploded outside his home in January. Another could not feasibly provide special protection for “the The Interior Ministry said on Monday that security judge had his car burnt by unknown assailants in the roughly 17,000 judges and prosecutors, their homes, collapsed nine storey residential apartment in Guiyang, forces had shot dead in a gunfight two men in their early southwest China’s Guizhou province yesterday. — AFP province of Minya, south of Cairo, security officials said. movements, children and wives”. But some of his col- 30s who were blamed for planting the bombs. Khafagy has leagues have started acquiring weapons from Egypt’s ruled in several prominent security related cases, including Building collapses Call for protection military production ministry, he said. Egyptian media cir- sentencing 12 suspected Islamists to death for anti-state in China; 15 missing Egyptian law prohibits judges from engaging in politics, culated a Facebook picture of one criminal court judge, violence in Kerdasa district near Cairo that left a police BEIJING: At least 15 people were believed to be missing yes- but critics and human rights groups say the judicial disci- Mohammed Yosri, posing with a gun. Al Watan newspa- general dead in the summer of 2013. He has also sen- terday after a residential building in China collapsed due to plinary court has turned a blind eye to those who openly per quoted him as saying on his Facebook page: “My tenced Mohamed Badie, the leader of the Muslim landslides, officials said as rescuers searched through the support Sisi. By contrast, the disciplinary court ordered 41 weapon is ready, I swear whoever comes close ... I will Brotherhood, to 25 years in jail. Badie has received the wreckage. An apartment block which housed 114 people in judges into compulsory retirement earlier this year for erase his name from the notebook.” — Reuters Guiyang, capital of the southern province of Guizhou, col- lapsed after landslides caused by heavy rains, the city’s govern- ment said on its website. It added that 98 residents had been confirmed safe but 16 could not be contacted-with 15 of their mobile phone signals coming from the site of the collapse. Israel PM halts ban Pictures showed workers in orange suits combing the mangled concrete wreckage of the building for survivors. The govern- ment said sniffer dogs had been deployed. Landslides are com- on Palestinians mon in southern China, often triggered by heavy rains or earthquakes. China has also seen several building collapses in recent years, with some blamed on low quality construction. using settler buses

JERUSALEM: Israeli Prime Minister shame,” said Yesh Din’s legal counsel Malawi arrests four Benjamin Netanyahu yesterday Michael Sfard. “Yesh Din will continue over albino murder ordered the suspension of a controver- to stand guard and fight until this plan BLANTYRE: Malawi police yesterday said they had arrested sial ban on Palestinians riding the is rejected in full.” four people suspected of murdering an albino man five same buses as Jewish settlers when months ago to sell his bones for witchcraft. Symon Mukota returning from Israel to the West Bank. ‘Not apartheid’ was abducted from his village at night in December, with The announcement came hours after Official figures provided by COGAT, police accusing his suspects of killing him, removing his the three-month pilot project the defense ministry unit which man- bones and burying his remains in a riverbed. The four men approved by Defense Minister Moshe ages civilian affairs in the West Bank, were arrested on murder charges following a tip-off after Yaalon began. The ban was immediate- show there are 52,000 Palestinians “they failed to find a market for the bones,” police spokes- SANAA: A Yemeni man, who was stranded in Egypt after conflict broke out in Yemen, ly attacked by rights groups and the from the West Bank with a permit to woman Patricia Sipiliyano told state television MBC. “The prays and kisses the ground after arriving at Sanaa airport, Yemen yesterday. The air- opposition, who denounced it as an work in Israel. And recently published four suspects were found with bones believed to be those port was opened temporarily as two planes, one from India and one from Egypt, “unprecedented” move that heaped World Bank figures indicate there are of an albino who went missing in December,” Sipiliyano arrived carrying more than 300 Yemeni. — AP unnecessary humiliation on the an additional 40,000 who work illegally said. Six albinos have been killed since December, accord- Palestinians and would ultimately inside Israel. Public radio said Yaalon ing to the Association of Persons with Albinism in Malawi. damage Israel. had agreed to the ban as it would Albinos, who are very pale due to a hereditary genetic con- Air raids on Yemen capital Adding to tensions, a Palestinian allow for “better control over the dition that causes an absence of pigmentation in the skin, driver rammed his car into two border Palestinians leaving Israel and a reduc- hair and eyes, are sometimes killed for their body parts in mount as scores displaced policemen in annexed east Jerusalem, tion in security threats.” parts of Africa. Malawi police have been ordered to target moderately injuring them, before he Mordechai Yogev, an MP with the criminals who kill albinos to sell their bones for witchcraft. was shot dead by another officer, the far-right Jewish Home party, which SANAA: Saudi-led warplanes intensified their strikes, mostly targeting a pro-rebel army Israeli authorities said. A defense min- fights for settler rights and has a senior air strikes against Yemeni rebels in the capital camp. Other strikes targeted the rebel strong- istry official said earlier that the bus role in Netanyahu’s coalition, told the Gunfight in blood-soaked yesterday, fuelling panic as political efforts to hold of Amran province in north Yemen and ban would require Palestinians who radio he had campaigned for three Mexican state kills eight end a war that has displaced half a million Abyan province in the south. work in Israel to return home by the years to ban Palestinians from Israeli MEXICO CITY: At least eight people died in a shootout people foundered. The Arab coalition has Hopes faded for a speedy political break- same crossing without taking buses buses. “On their way back from work, between Mexican federal police and suspected gang members waged an air campaign against the Iran- through in the two-month conflict with a UN- used by Israeli residents of the occu- the Palestinians used to fill up the bus- in the troubled western state of Jalisco, a government official backed Shiite rebels since March 26 in an sponsored peace conference originally set for pied West Bank. Tens of thousands of es so there was no place for Israelis,” said yesterday. The gunfight took place on Monday in the effort to restore the authority of exiled next week put on hold because of the Palestinians travel each day to work in said Yogev, himself a settler who advo- municipality of Villa Purificacion, where members of the Jalisco President Abedrabbo Mansour Hadi, who fled resumption in fighting. A conference of Israel, mainly in the construction busi- cates an Israeli annexation of most of New Generation (JNG) cartel shot down an army helicopter on to Riyadh. After a five-day humanitarian Yemeni political factions held in Riyadh, ness, using travel permits each time the West Bank. “Israeli woman, particu- May 1, killing six military personnel on a day of clashes that ceasefire expired at the weekend, the Saudi- meanwhile, vowed support for “resistance” they cross. larly soldiers, were often victims of sex- claimed 15 lives. “At the moment, we’ve got eight civilians led coalition resumed bombing several cities forces battling rebels. The Houthi rebels have Such a ban, which has been ual harassment,” he alleged. “This is by killed,” said the federal official, speaking on condition of including the capital, accusing the rebels of allied with troops loyal to former president Ali demanded by settler groups for years no means apartheid. The situation was anonymity. The JNG, a major methamphetamine smuggler, has having violated the truce. Abdullah Saleh and have been locked in on security grounds, would have sig- simply unacceptable,” he said. Army grown in stature as capos from rival cartels have been arrested Witnesses in rebel-held Sanaa described deadly clashes with pro-Hadi fighters across nificantly extended the Palestinians’ radio said the ban had been opposed and their henchmen pursued by security forces. Mexico’s gov- yesterday’s bombing as the most violent so Yemen. Iran, a key ally of the Houthis, has commute time. But the move was by military officials, who said the fact ernment has now declared the powerful gang public enemy far, prompting residents to flee. Loud explo- demanded an end to the Saudi-led bombing, quickly stopped by Netanyahu, an offi- that many Palestinians travelled on No 1. The cartel has exposed Jalisco - one of Mexico’s most eco- sions ripped through Sanaa until the early and said Riyadh was not a suitable location for cial in his bureau said. “The proposal is board those buses was likely to reduce nomically important states, and a historic cradle of drug-run- hours as warplanes targeted rebel-held arms peace talks. The conflict has caused humani- unacceptable to the prime minister. He the risk of them being targeted in an ning - to some of the worst violence in recent years. Over the depots for a second straight night, residents tarian chaos, with the United Nations saying spoke with the defense minister this attack. past two months at least 20 federal and state police killed have said. “Sanaa witnessed during the night the more than half a million people have been morning and it was decided that the been in separate clashes with the gang. most violent raids since the start of the bomb- displaced. proposal will be frozen,” he said. Under ‘Unnecessary humiliation’ ing” by coalition warplanes, said Saleh the measure, Palestinian commuters’ Opposition leader Isaac Herzog 14 people missing Moqbel, one resident of the capital’s Old City. Iran aid ship outward journey would remain lashed out at the government, describ- as barge capsizes Strikes since Tuesday have hit arms depots in An Iranian aid ship bound for Yemen in unchanged but for their return trip ing the measure as a move which SINGAPORE: Fourteen people - 13 Chinese nationals and a hills overlooking Sanaa as well as the rebel- defiance of US warnings has entered the Gulf they would have to board special would backfire. “Separating Malaysian-were missing yesterday after their sand-carrier held presidential complex, with explosions of Aden and is expected to reach port yester- Palestinian-only buses, which would Palestinians and Jews on public trans- barge capsized in Singapore waters, officials said, as author- lighting up the skies, residents said. The raids day. Its mission has been overshadowed by drop them off at the same checkpoint port is an unnecessary humiliation and ities dispatched naval and coast guard vessels to search for prompted many families to flee residential US calls for it to head to a UN emergency relief where they crossed. a stain on the face of the state and its them. Singapore’s Maritime and Port Authority (MPA) said it areas surrounding the hills and seek refuge hub in Djibouti instead of docking in the They would cross the checkpoint on citizens. It adds oil to the bonfire of had received reports that one Chinese crew member was elsewhere in the city, witnesses said. Yemeni port of Hodeida. Iran says that it had foot, then make their own way home. hatred against Israel in the world,” he rescued by the Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency. made all the appropriate arrangements with Before, they were able to catch any wrote on his Facebook page. The Peace The MPA said it received a report Wednesday morning that Political hopes dashed the relevant UN authorities for the aid ship- buses returning to the West Bank, serv- Now watchdog said the application of a Bolivian registered sand-carrier, Oceanline SC208, had “Some of these families were hosted by rel- ment. The coalition has imposed an air and ing both Palestinian commuters and such a measure was “unprecedented” capsized off Pedra Branca, a Singaporean-owned islet near atives, while others were forced to rent shel- sea blockade of Yemen. But Khaled Al-Shayef, settlers. Netanyahu’s order was wel- since Israel seized the West Bank from the maritime border with Malaysia. “According to the ves- ters, including garages, to spend the night,” director of the rebel-held Sanaa airport, said it comed by Israeli rights group Yesh Din. Jordan in the 1967 Six Day War. “This sel’s agent, there were 15 crew members onboard at the said Hasan Al-Amudi who lives in central “has not been hit by any raids since the start “The fact that numerous political lead- decision and the continuation of set- time of the incident,” the MPA said in a statement. It said Sanaa. Hotel employee Ahmed Melhi told AFP of the truce” that ended late on Sunday. A pas- ers, high-ranking legal advisors and tlement activity proves that the settlers one crew member had been “reportedly rescued” by the that “since the start of the crisis the hotel had senger plane from national carrier Yemenia officers even considered such a despi- are leading us toward the right into an Malaysians. “Fourteen crew members are still unaccounted been completely empty. But today it is flood- landed at Sanaa at midday yesterday, carrying cable practice of ethnic separation on apartheid regime and to moral bank- for: one is a Malaysian and the rest are Chinese nationals,” ed with people from the Noqum and Fajj some 200 Yemenis from Cairo, Shayef said. public transportation is worrying and ruptcy,” spokeswoman Hagit Ofran the MPA said. Attan neighborhoods.” In the central province Two more such flights were expected later in should cause every Israeli to feel said.— AFP of Ibb, witnesses reported seven coalition air the day. — AFP INTERNATIONAL THURSDAY, MAY 21, 2015 US to send arms, train Iraq tribes Iraqi forces defeat Islamist attack near Ramadi

WASHINGTON: US President Barack Obama is poised to jihadists on Sunday. The audacious military victory was a tance to Sunni tribes was in question. A more detailed for a counterattack to retake the city, where Sunni Islamic quicken the pace of weapons supplies and training to Iraqi major blow in the battle to degrade and ultimately defeat the announcement could come soon. Obama has repeatedly State forces have taken over tanks and artillery and large tribes, while eyeing a rapid offensive to recapture Ramadi Islamic State, calling into question Obama’s strategy and the ruled out sending vast numbers of US troops back to the amounts of ammunition abandoned by fleeing Iraqi forces. from the Islamic State group. Obama huddled Tuesday with authority of his ally, Prime Minister Haider Al-Abadi. The theater of a bloody and unpopular nine-year war that he There are fears in Washington and elsewhere that the fight- his national security team at the White House to plot a way White House had earlier described the loss of Ramadi, despite vowed to end. Instead, he has promised to support Iraq’s ing in Iraq will become a polarizing clash between Shiites forward after the loss of a strategically vital town on the steps a sustained US air campaign, as a “setback,” but played down struggling army and hit IS from the air. and Sunnis as Iraqi Prime Minister Haider Al-Abadi, a Shiite, of the capital Baghdad. suggestions that the war is being lost. “Are we going to light becomes increasingly dependent on the Iranian-backed Following the meeting-which included the heads of the our hair on fire every time that there is a setback in the cam- Attack near Ramadi Shiite militias to step in where the Iraqi military has failed. CIA and Pentagon, National Security Council staff and paign?” asked White House spokesman Josh Earnest. Meanwhile, Iraqi forces said they fought off an overnight Islamic State fighters attacked government forces in the Secretary of State John Kerry via secure phone link-officials attack by Islamic State militants near the city of Ramadi, town of Husaiba Al-Sharqiya, about halfway between Ramadi indicated Obama was ready to ramp up assistance to Sunni ‘No formal strategy review’ which the insurgents overran at the weekend in the most sig- and the Habbaniya military base where militia fighters have tribes that dominate the province around Ramadi. “We are The United States has already agreed to send military nificant setback for the government in a year. Islamic State is assembled, police and pro-government forces said. “Daesh looking at how best to support local ground forces in Anbar” advisors to train around 6,000 vetted Sunni tribesmen, who seeking to consolidate its gains in the vast desert province of (Islamic State) attacked us around midnight after a wave of National Security Council spokesman Alistair Baskey said, will be armed with assault rifles and other weapons. It was Anbar, of which Ramadi is capital, where only isolated pockets mortar shelling on our positions,” Amir Al-Fahdawi, a leader of “including accelerating the training and equipping of local not immediately clear if the increased pace of training of territory remain under government control. The IS advance the pro-government Sunni tribal force in the area said yester- tribes and supporting an Iraqi-led operation to retake would spell an increase in the number of US military advi- has exposed the shortcomings of Iraq’s army and the limita- day. “This time they came from another direction in an Ramadi.” sors. But the White House insisted that there was no major tions of US air strikes. attempt to launch a surprise attack, but we were vigilant and, Ramadi-just a 90-minute drive from Baghdad and a gate- shift in policy. “There is no formal strategy review,” said Government forces backed by Shiite militias have mean- after around four hours of fighting, we aborted their offen- way to Syria, Jordan and Saudi Arabia-was overrun by militant Baskey, indicating that the pace rather than type of assis- while been building up at a base near Ramadi in preparation sive,” he added. — Agencies Motorcycle gang shootout triggered by parking dispute

WACO: A deadly weekend shootout involving rival About 50 weapons were confiscated, mostly knives their motorcycles, they were detained by police. “They motorcycle gangs apparently began with a parking and firearms, and Swanton said more than 100 were told they were being held for questioning and dispute and someone running over a gang member’s weapons may be found once authorities are done ana- released, and they sat in the parking lot for three, four, foot, police said Tuesday. Waco police Sgt W Patrick lyzing the crime scene at the Twin Peaks restaurant, five hours.” Then, she said, police “changed their mind Swanton said an uninvited group appeared for which is part of a national chain that features waitress- and arrested everybody on the scene.” Officers took Sunday’s meeting of a loose confederation of biker es in revealing uniforms. Preliminary autopsy results into custody all sorts of “nonviolent, noncriminal peo- gangs at a restaurant. One man was injured when a showed all nine of the dead were killed by gunshots. ple. I mean, they got the Bikers for Christ guys in there.” vehicle rolled over his foot. That caused a dispute that Many were hit in the head, neck, chest or torso. Most of In a memo dated May 1, the Texas Department of continued inside the restaurant, where fighting and the men were in their 40s, but they ranged in age from Public Safety cautioned about increasing violence then shooting began, before the melee spilled back 27 to 65, according to reports released by a McLennan between the Bandidos and the Cossacks, Dallas TV sta- outside, Swanton said. County justice of the peace. Police have acknowledged tion WFAA reported Monday. The department’s Joint Authorities offered few details. It was not clear firing on armed bikers, but it was unclear how many of Information Center bulletin said the tension could which gang was responsible for running over the bik- the dead were shot by gang members and how many stem from Cossacks refusing to pay Bandidos dues for er’s foot or which gang the aggrieved biker belonged were shot by officers. operating in Texas and for wearing a patch on their to. When the shootout was over, nine people were vest that claimed Texas as their turf without the dead and 18 wounded. Police have said five biker Retaliation, more violence Bandidos’ approval. “Traditionally, the Bandidos have gangs from across Texas had gathered in part to settle Of the injured, seven remain hospitalized. Swanton, been the dominant motorcycle club in Texas, and no differences over turf. Jimmy Graves, who described who has been virtually the sole source of law enforce- other club is allowed to wear the Texas bar without himself as an ambassador for the gang known as the ment information on the fight, described their condi- their consent,” the bulletin said, according to WFAA. Bandidos, disputed that claim, saying the groups had tions as stable. He said the investigation is being ham- planned to discuss laws protecting motorcycle riders pered by witnesses who “are not being honest with us.” War with Cossacks and other topics such as trademarks for club logos. Police are concerned that the brawl will invite retalia- The bulletin said the FBI had received information tion and more violence, Swanton said. “We would that the Bandidos had discussed “going to war with Simmering and brewing encourage them to try to be a little peaceful and let Cossacks.” It also outlined several recent incidents But he acknowledged that differences with other the bloodshed stop,” he said. About 170 bikers have between the two groups, including one instance in groups, such as the Cossacks, have been “simmering been charged with engaging in organized crime. March when about 10 Cossacks forced a Bandido to and brewing.” Another biker named Johnny Snyder Swanton said more arrests are likely. Katie Rhoten, pull over along Interstate 35 near Waco and attacked said he was at the restaurant for a quarterly meeting to whose husband, Theron Rhoten, was taken into cus- him with “chains, batons and metal pipes before steal- talk about legislative issues. Snyder, a long-haul trucker, tody, said he told her by phone from jail that he and ing his motorcycle,” WFAA reported. That same day, a declined to describe what he saw inside the restaurant, two other members of a motorcycle club called Vice group of Bandidos confronted a Cossack member saying he was only concerned with “not getting shot.” Grip had just pulled up to the restaurant. fueling up at a truck stop in Palo Pinto County, west of He is vice president of the Boozefighters Motorcycle “They got off their bikes, and bullets were ricochet- Fort Worth, the bulletin said. When the Cossack mem- Club in Waco, a group that Snyder says hosts charity ing all around them, so they ducked and ran for cover,” ber refused to remove the Texas patch from his vest, events and family gatherings and is not a criminal she said in an interview. When her husband, a mechan- the Bandidos hit him in the head with a hammer and This combination of booking photos provided shows people arrested during the gang. ic from Austin, and the others went back to retrieve stole it. — AP motorcycle gang related shooting at the Twin Peaks restaurant in Waco, Texas. — AP INTERNATIONAL THURSDAY, MAY 21, 2015 Spain’s ‘Indignados’ out to conquer Barcelona city hall

BARCELONA: Four years ago Spain’s “Indignados” pro- tants. But it is also stricken by inequality, with 30 per- inequality is at risk of breaking apart, with conflict and wage of 600 euros ($671) and make utility companies testers were pounding the streets of Barcelona, one of cent of the population classed as being at risk of insecurity.” lower the price of water, gas and electricity. More con- Spain’s top tourist destinations. Soon they could be poverty. “Barcelona is a rich city. Lots of money Colau herself rose to prominence as leader of a troversially, she also wants to ease the pressure relat- pacing the corridors of power. In a municipal election changes hands here. But in the past four years the gap group campaigning against the evictions of poor fam- ed to the 27 million tourists the city gets each year- on Sunday, the movement that made front pages between the richest 10 percent and the poorest has ilies ruined in the economic crisis. She proposes to many of them drunk and rowdy and lodged in unreg- worldwide is aiming to elect the first “Indignada” may- grown by 40 percent,” said Colau. “A city with such turn empty homes into social housing, set a minimum ulated rented apartments that activists say make life or in a big Spanish city: Ada Colau, 41. She is one of hell for locals. And she wants a better deal for local numerous activists who joined in protests that swept people from major events staged in Barcelona such as Spain from 2011 - credited with inspiring the Occupy the Formula 1 Grand Prix and the Mobile World movement in New York and elsewhere-and who are Congress telecom fair. now running for office themselves on May 24. Polls show she may win the vote in Spain’s second- ‘Indignado’ wake-up call biggest city as leader of protest party Barcelona En The party presented its political program in a rally Comu (Barcelona in Common). She wants to make the in April in Nou Barris, Barcelona’s poorest district. northeastern city a beacon of change in a country fed “People are really fed up here,” said Federico Soriguer, up with corruption after three decades of two-party a 38-year-old technician, at the rally. “We have more rule. “We can win in Barcelona,” Colau said. “It is the evictions than anyone. Unemployment is through the spearhead of democratic change in Spain and south- roof. People are struggling to make ends meet and ern Europe.” have to go to soup kitchens,” he said. “That is why The latest poll by the Catalan regional government people are daring to make radical proposals.” placed Colau’s party in first place with nearly 26 per- Like Podemos, Barcelona in Common have been cent of the vote, though she would need to make an branded as mere populists. Their rival in the race for alliance with other groups to govern the city. Her par- mayor, the incumbent Xavier Trias of the conserva- ty is a blend of left-wing alternative groups in a city tive Catalan nationalist party CiU, says their policies with a history of progressive politics and protest dat- will damage Barcelona economically. But their mes- ing at least to the early 20th century. It includes mem- sage resonated in Nou Barris, where per-capita bers of Podemos, the left-wing party that has shot to income is 57 percent the city average. “We used to prominence nationwide, campaigning against the rul- be indignant citizens. Now we are citizens with ing elite. Barcelona in Common “sums up that whole awareness, and we will take power at the polls,” said tradition of social activism in the city”, said Jordi another supporter at the rally, Manuel Garcia, a Munoz, a political scientist at Barcelona University. retired train driver of 74. He says he has not voted since the 1990s because the candidates “were all cor- Rich-poor gap BARCELONA: Catalonia’s regional president Artur Mas (right) and Catalan TV sensation Dominican rupt”. But on Sunday he plans to turn out to vote for Barcelona is one of Spain’s economic motors and nun sister Lucia Caram chat in Barcelona during a campaign meeting ahead of the May 24, regional Barcelona in Common. “The Indignados have woken its second most populous city, with 1.6 million inhabi- and municipal elections. — AFP me up,” he said. — AFP An apartheid legacy, S Africa’s hostels breed anger, violence Hostels a source of xenophobic unrest

JOHANNESBURG: Musa Nkabinde knew no- mining industry throughout the 20th century said hostel resident Sifiso Mlambo, a 41-year- one in Johannesburg when he came looking as workers flooded in, extracting the gold and old chemical worker. “They don’t get what for work five years ago, but the 22-year-old diamonds that built Africa’s most advanced they came for. Your dream doesn’t come true knew exactly where to stay - the same place as economy but leaving the social structures in because you don’t have money.” his grandfather and thousands of other their villages in tatters. The system had the migrant workers before him: the hostel. Grim, blessing of apartheid’s white rulers as it pro- Violence mainly single-sex dormitory blocks dotted vided the mines and industry with cheap itin- The hostels also have a history of violence. round South Africa’s main cities, the hostels erant labor, and left the workers’ families in In the early 1990s as apartheid caved in, are one of the lesser-known legacies of remote rural areas. Twenty years after the end brigades of Zulu men armed with spears and SIMFEROPOL: Russian army new conscripts stand in formation as they wait for the dis- apartheid and the migrant labor system of apartheid, the government has not resolved traditional shields were mobilized in them and patch at the military registration and enlistment office in Simferopol yesterday. — AFP enforced on blacks by the white minority rule the problem of rural decline and the hostels unleashed on neighboring townships, the that ended two decades ago. remain a source of despair, anger and frustra- footsoldiers of a power struggle between the Associated with Dickensian poverty, crime tion. Zulu Inkhatha Freedom Party and Nelson EU, former Soviet states and, in many cases, Zulu tribalism - they “Because of the poor living conditions, you Mandela’s African National Congress (ANC). played a major role in the wave of anti-for- have this sense of desperation - unemployed, Thousands of people were killed and the vio- meet in Putin’s shadow eigner violence last month in which at least mainly young men who for various reasons lence almost derailed South Africa’s transition seven people were killed. “I know where he feel excluded from the system,” said Noor to democracy, taking it to the brink of a civil WARSAW: European Union leaders and six ex- The two sides are now due to sign a docu- slept. So when I came here I slept where he Nieftagodien, a historian at Johannesburg’s war. Soviet states hold a summit today that will focus ment confirming new economic aid worth 1.8 used to sleep,” Nkabinde said, gesturing to a University of Witwatersrand. Nkabinde’s hostel Now the anger in the hostels is directed on the bloc’s Eastern Partnership project, which billion euros ($2 billion) for Ukraine on the side- bed in the small room he shares with 14 other is typical - a three-story brick building in the at the hundreds of thousands of African was designed to bolster mutual ties but has lines of the summit. Prospects of EU member- men where he says his grandfather laid down south of Johannesburg that serves as a home migrants coming to South Africa, either flee- been undermined by Russia’s intervention in ship for the six Eastern Partnership countries are his head almost 20 years ago. After the spate to more than 3,000 men. Only five of the 14 ing persecution elsewhere on the continent Ukraine. The number one question at the two- nonexistent for now, and will remain so for the of attacks on foreigners, police and army units men in his room have jobs. Some sleep on the or seeking work. They do not have the con- day meeting in the Latvian capital Riga will be next five years, according to European launched two highly publicized raids on hos- metal frames of beds with no mattresses. tacts to enter the hostels, but find meagre how the 28-member EU should reconcile the Commission President Jean-Claude Juncker. His tels in run-down districts of South Africa’s Beneath them, others sleep with only blankets accommodation in the townships where program-involving Armenia, Azerbaijan, Belarus, diplomatic chief Federica Mogherini is looking commercial capital. Housing Minister Lindiwe protecting them from the cold concrete floor. they are based. “In my grandfather’s days Georgia, Moldova and Ukraine-with its relations first and foremost to improve relations with Sisulu recently told parliament she wanted to The walls of the wash-room are stained there were a few foreigners but now foreign- to Russia. Russia, according to Eastern Partnership expert do away with hostels, calling them “a very with decades of grime, few of the toilets work ers are more than us,” said Nkabinde, who Russia’s 2014 annexation of the Crimean Elzbieta Kaca from the Polish Institute of painful relic of our past”. But with no better and none of the showers. To wash, men heat pays just 27 rand ($2.50) a month for his tiny peninsula from Ukraine, and alleged backing of International Affairs. alternative for the millions coming to the water in metal buckets on a kitchen stove. share of floor space. The government is con- separatists in eastern Ukraine showed that it is So the collective effort will be to balance EU cities in search of work in a country saddled Nkabinde gets occasional work as a laborer, sidering asking hostel dwellers to leave for determined to block its former satellites from interests and objectives, while also showing with 25 percent unemployment, closing them moving scrap metal onto trucks. But some temporary shelters while unspecified “per- shifting towards the West, and thereby maintain respect for those of Moscow. “Many think we risks prompting more unrest. weeks the trucks don’t come, leaving him with manent units” are built, a prospect that does its sphere of influence. Given that, the Eastern should build a monument to (Russian President nothing - either for himself or to send home to not appeal. “This place is not good for us,” Partnership project-which was set up in 2009 to Vladimir) Putin because he has mobilized many Desperation support his mother, girlfriend and child. Many Nkabinde said. “But we don’t have anywhere ensure an area of stability and security-can only countries, many identities,” Spruds said, adopt- Hostels grew up alongside South Africa’s never find work. “They are very disappointed,” else to go.”— Reuters move forward slowly, according to Latvian politi- ing a slightly joking tone. “He has mobilized cal scientist Andris Spruds. NATO, the EU, reinforced Ukraine’s identity. However, there have been signs of desire to Russia is in a positive way the bull in a china calm the storm in Ukraine by Berlin, Paris and shop,” he added. But “for many countries within Ireland gay marriage vote even Moscow, which dropped its opposition to a the EU (Russia) is not just a business partner, but landmark EU-Ukraine trade deal starting next also a political and diplomatic partner whose year. On Tuesday, Russian Foreign Minister interests will be indirectly taken into account.” reflects Church in decline Sergei Lavrov adopted a relatively conciliatory tone in Brussels regarding the Eastern Visa-free EU access Partnership project. “We only want one thing... Even the summit organizers, the EU and Rural Ireland wary of same-sex marriage vote for these ties to not be built at the expense of Latvia-currently at the helm of the six-month the Russian federation’s legitimate interests,” he rotating EU presidency-recognize that no major told reporters. decision is in the cards this time. “We want to get DUBLIN: Tomorrow’s vote on legalizing same-sex a reconfirmation from the European Union of marriage in Ireland is a further sign of the waning ‘Bull in a china shop’ the strategic importance of this region and of influence of the once-dominant Catholic Church, The last Eastern Partnership summit, in the this policy,” said Juris Poikans, Latvia’s ambassa- experts said. Bishops have come out strongly Lithuanian capital Vilnius in November 2013, dor to the Eastern Partnership. “The summit will against changing the constitution, but polls indicate went up in flames after then-Ukrainian president not break new ground but will show that the their attempt to swing the vote for the “No” side will Viktor Yanukovych pulled out of an association policy works,” added an EU official. Those coun- fall through. “The Catholic Church in Ireland is a accord with the EU in favor of closer ties with tries that have already concluded association much weakened institution,” Diarmaid Ferriter, histo- Russia. The last-minute decision provoked agreements with the EU-Georgia, Moldova and rian and lecturer in modern Irish history at weeks of protests, Yanukovych’s flight from the Ukraine-will be encouraged to continue to University College Dublin said. country, Russia’s annexation of Crimea and the reform their laws and regulations to move “There are still a lot of people who take their reli- ongoing conflict in eastern Ukraine between towards better cooperation with the bloc. A gion seriously but I think the idea of the Church as pro-Kremlin rebels and government forces. It potential incentive for them is visa-free access to arbiters of morality, sexuality and issues around was only in June 2014 that Ukraine’s current pro- the 28-member EU, which Moldova already marriage is not what it was,” he added. Sociologist EU President Petro Poroshenko inked the associ- cinched last year, but which Georgia or Ukraine Tom Inglis, author of “Moral Monopoly: The Rise and ation agreement. have yet to obtain.— AFP Fall of the Catholic Church in Modern Ireland”, agreed. “It’s an indication of how the Church no longer acts as a moral conscience of Irish society,” he After Mediterranean, UK-bound said of the referendum. “There’s an element of secu- larization taking place and at the same time for migrants risk Channel crossing those people that are religious, religion is becoming more personal and private,” he said. LONDON: After braving the leaky boats of the ‘My mother would cry’ Mediterranean, many migrants to Europe There were 30,000 recorded attempts to Scandals and decline DUBLIN: In this photo, a gay rights mural decorates the side of a building in central Dublin, Ireland. make another dangerous crossing, risking cross the Channel in the 10 months to An avalanche of child sex abuse scandals has Barely a generation ago, Ireland listed homosexual acts as a crime and made gays live secret lives or their lives hidden inside or under the wheels January-around 100 a day and almost double emigrate to more liberal lands. But tomorrow, in the world’s first national referendum on the matter, rocked the Catholic Church in Ireland in recent years, of lorries to try to reach Britain. Meron, an the number for the previous year, official data the Irish could vote to legalize same-sex marriage. — AP with religious leaders accused of having protected Eritrean refugee, was just 15 when he spent a shows. The Guardian newspaper reported that predator priests and disrupted inquiries. Attendance fortnight last September in the French port of 15 migrants died attempting to make the at masses has dropped sharply in recent decades, elitism” of the culture at the Vatican, he said. has since repeated his opposition to same-sex mar- Calais waiting to cross over to Dover. He and journey last year. Calais Migrant Solidarity, a though 84.2 percent of the population still identi- riages, however. There are still plenty of enduring two friends tried up to 10 times a day to get campaign group, listed 17 deaths including a ‘Struggling to find relevancy’ signs of Ireland’s strong Catholic tradition. Over 70 fied as Catholic in the last census in 2011. Father on a lorry. Finally, they found one with just Sudanese man reportedly crushed under the Father Michael Mernagh, one of the fiercest crit- percent of weddings still take place in churches, wheels of a truck he was clinging to on the Brendan Hoban, a parish priest in the west of enough space for one person to squeeze Ireland, and a founder of the Association of Catholic ics of the leadership failings during the abuse scan- and the angelus bells chime twice a day on TV and M25 motorway around London in December. inside. As the youngest, Meron’s friends made Priests, said the drop in attendance can be attrib- dals, said the Church was “struggling to find a rele- radio stations of the national broadcaster, RTE. It is unclear how many migrants do make it him go in-they would follow later. uted to the abuse scandals, a growth in prosperity vancy in the middle of all the social changes”. “The Meanwhile, over 90 percent of primary schools across illegally but Britain in 2013 deported and the secularization of society. Church needs to look at the core of its original mes- are still under the patronage of the Catholic Church. He lay motionless for hours in a gap 935 migrants to other European Union coun- “The Church in Ireland has failed dismally to face sage, which is one of love, and try to express it and But even among believers, there are widely differ- between the boxes and the lorry roof, holding tries where they first made their asylum the reality of the situation. Our numbers in terms of drop things that are not important,” he said. “If it ing positions on hot-button social topics like gay his breath in the end-of-summer heat when requests. Many of those who attempt the jour- priests are declining and will decline significantly doesn’t, the Church will just become totally irrele- marriage. The Association of Catholic Priests decid- guards checked the vehicle. “My heart was ney are refugees seeking asylum in Britain, over the next number of years. “Parishes are going vant,” he added. Despite their opposition to the ref- ed not to take a public stand on the referendum breaking,” he told AFP in a cafe in south which has the fifth largest number of applica- to close. These are parishes that have been there for erendum, bishops have tried to frame their lan- after a survey of members revealed contrasting London, near where he is now living with a tions in the EU, with a recent surge in new over a 1,000 years and they will not survive.” Ireland guage in a conciliatory manner, admitting gay and views. Hoban said the Church was in denial about foster family after being granted asylum. “I arrivals from Eritrea and Syria. has followed a more secular narrative in recent lesbian people were treated in a harsh way by the the decline. “It’s not coming to terms with making was feeling so hot, there wasn’t any room to Lorry drivers have complained about con- years, highlighted by Prime Minister Enda Kenny’s Church in the past. the decisions that need to be made to face the move, I was lying down. I wasn’t sure that I frontations with would-be stowaways. The 2011 attack on the Vatican’s handling of clerical child It follows similar placatory comments from Pope future,” he said. “It’s being very much pushed to the would get to UK.” When the lorry stopped and Freight Transport Association complains that abuse. Its inability to properly deal with the issue Francis, who posed the question, “Who am I to periphery of Irish life and it’s on a downward he looked out to find himself in London, he drivers face regular and sometimes serious showed “the dysfunction, the disconnection, the judge?” when asked his views on homosexuality. He trend.”— AFP said: “I felt like I was born for a second time.” confrontations.— AFP THURSDAY, MAY 21, 2015 INTERNATIONAL Pakistani imam jailed Cleric found guilty of inciting hatred against Shiite LAHORE: A court in Pakistan has jailed an Imam dels,” he said. The official said that under the past decade. In the latest bloodshed, 44 or prayer leader for five years for inciting hate Pakistan’s National Action Plan against terror- Shiites were massacred in the southern city against a rival sect, officials said yesterday. ism, authorities have arrested many prayer lead- Karachi last week, in the first attack claimed by Maulana Abubakar a prayer leader was arrested ers and courts have sent them to prison over the Islamic State jihadist group in the country. in February in Kasur district, Punjab, some 50 hate speech charges. The official said he could The National Action Plan against terrorism, kilometers south of Lahore, for making a speech not give the number of convictions as data was which involved the outlawing of militant against the rival minority Shiite sect, a prosecu- still being compiled about the cases. Shaikh groups, registration of seminaries and crack- tor said. “The judge of an anti-terrorism court on Saeed Ahmed, a Lahore district prosecutor, con- down on hate speech, was announced in the Tuesday sentenced the Imam to serve five years firmed the conviction and sentence awarded to wake of a Taleban massacre that killed 154 peo- in prison for [giving a] hate speech,” the prose- the Imam. ple, mostly schoolchildren, in December. cutor said on condition of anonymity. Sectarian violence-in particular by Sunni Pakistan also lifted a six-year moratorium on the “The Imam was found guilty of inciting hardliners against Shiites, who make up roughly death penalty and announced the establish- hatred against Shiite [people] and raised slo- 20 percent of Pakistan’s 200 million people-has ment of military courts in the case of terrorist gans during his sermon that Shiites were infi- claimed thousands of lives in the country over offences. — AFP

VIETNAM: In this undated handout frame grab from a video shows livestock Top advisor has ‘2 Ideological mountain to shipped to Vietnam from Australia allegedly about to be killed by a sledge- hammer in an abattoir in Vietnam. — AFP guns, 100s of bullets’ climb for China-India ties to defend Erdogan In Vietnam, livestock killed with SHANGHAI: India’s democratically elected Prime his election last year raised enthusiastic hopes ANKARA: A senior advisor to Turkish President Recep Minister Narendra Modi viewed Shanghai’s among foreign investors. sledgehammers; Australia fumes Tayyip Erdogan has said he would personally defend gleaming skyscrapers at the weekend in search of the head of state with his own weapons and ammuni- pointers for his economy, but China believes its Democracy ‘not suitable’ SYDNEY: Australian officials yesterday condone it,” he told national radio. He tion, as political tensions intensify ahead of June 7 one-party state is a key reason for its growth mira- But, for their part, Chinese officials and ana- said images of livestock shipped to added that an investigation had been elections. “I have two licensed guns and hundreds of cle. China began moving away from its closed-off, lysts hold up their country’s one-party state Vietnam being killed with sledgeham- launched to identify the exporters sup- bullets which I’ve had for years because of my rights,” Maoist command economy in 1978, recruiting among the reasons for its success. Under “social- mers was “disgusting” but insisted plying the abattoirs and “if people need Yigit Bulut, chief economic advisor to Erdogan, told a market forces under Deng Xiaoping’s “reform and ism with Chinese characteristics”, the authoritari- there will be no knee-jerk reaction to to be kicked out of the system they live show broadcast on state-run TRT Haber late opening up” banner to power its rise to the an government is able to ram through projects it ban the lucrative trade. Activist group will”. But he ruled out suspending trade Tuesday. “Nobody can put their hands on the elected world’s number two economy. State infrastruc- considers a priority. “It’s worth India learning from Animals Australia has lodged a com- to Vietnam, which has become one of president of this country before I die, am shot or ture investment and favorable treatment for for- China’s ways of governing the country, the way plaint with the Australian agriculture Australia’s biggest live cattle export hanged. “I don’t say it as Yigit Bulut. There are millions eign companies have made Shanghai the planet’s the Chinese government does things... and pay- department about the brutal slaughter markets worth more than Aus$100 mil- of citizens like me,” he said. Bulut is a former journalist largest port, a gateway to the world for Chinese ing attention to people’s livelihoods,” said Lin after obtaining footage it said showed lion annually. “We all live in Southeast who first became a advisor to Erdogan in 2013 during goods. Minwang, a professor at China Foreign Affairs cattle having their skulls repeatedly Asia. If we want to keep our relation- his premiership and then moved to the presidency “Shanghai is indeed among the Chinese cities University. smashed at a Vietnamese abattoir ships on an even keel then we can’t with him after the August 2014 election. with the most advanced economies,” Shanghai In a compact with its people, the Communist which was “too distressing to release have knee-jerk reactions,” he said. “We Known for his provocative remarks, speculation Vice Mayor Zhou Bo proudly told Modi. In 1980, as Party has delivered decades of rapid economic China was embarking on change, the Asian giants’ growth and improved living standards in return publicly”. have to deal with the issue, fix the issue, that Bulut could be give a top job managing the econ- omy have rattled financial markets in the last weeks. GDPs were almost identical, according to the World for acceptance of its rule, crushing what it views “Formal complaints have been work with the Vietnamese government, His comments come in response to a controversy over Bank-with India a fraction ahead on $189.6 billion as dissent. Lin believes that India’s labor unions lodged with authorities,” the group said, work with the system.” the portrayal in Turkish mainstream media of the at current prices, compared to $189.4 billion for its have too much power, while its government has claiming that thousands of Australian The RSPCA said there had been death sentence handed down on Saturday by an northern neighbor. Since then different paths have undue difficulties expropriating land. “India cattle had been slaughtered at abat- problems in Vietnam for some time. Egyptian court to ousted president Mohamed Morsi. been followed either side of the Himalayas and by enjoys democracy, but maybe at this stage it’s not toirs in Vietnam not approved by “This is a serious problem, we should Turkey’s mass circulation Hurriyet newspaper head- 2013, China’s GDP was almost five times higher, too suitable,” he said, echoing a common belief of Canberra, as required by export con- not be allowing more cattle to be lined its report on verdict “Death sentence with 52 $9.24 trillion compared with $1.88 trillion. Chinese officials about their country. China’s trols. “However, having assessed condi- exported until these issues have been percent”, which was severely criticized by pro-govern- Wen Fude, director of Sichuan University’s Communist party fears an independent labor tions on the ground we have grave sorted out,” RSPCA chief scientist Bidda ment media and Erdogan himself for allegedly sug- Institute of South Asian Studies, said Beijing has movement could threaten its grip on power, so it fears about the ongoing situation for Jones told reporters. Australia’s live gesting that the Turkish leader could share the same moved more decisively on economic reform than allows only one, government-linked trade union. cattle in Vietnam and will be meeting cattle export trade has been under the fate as Morsi. New Delhi. “China first threw open the door (to Local authorities often drive people off their face to face with industry representa- spotlight before, notably in 2013 when Erdogan was elected president with 52 percent of foreign investment), then dealt with the legal property with little compensation, helping free tives next week.” Agriculture Minister shipments to Egypt were suspended the vote in the August 2014 election. The president basis,” he said. “Every time India opens the door, up land for development. Barnaby Joyce said he first became for months after abattoir footage shot accused the Dogan Media Group, which owns it’s just a small crack.” Now India is seeking Modi pointed out the areas in which his coun- aware of the complaints in March and by animal rights activists showed “hor- Hurriyet, of threatening him with the death penalty Chinese help in the areas in which it is strong: try excels. “You are the ‘factory of the world’, the abuse was limited to three family- rific” mistreatment of cows. Australia’s against the deposed Egyptian leader. In an editorial building high-speed rail lines and power plants, whereas we are the ‘back office of the world’,” he as well as setting up the manufacturing bases said. “You give thrust on production of hardware, run abattoirs in northern Vietnam, not live cattle trade to Indonesia was also published Tuesday, Hurriyet called Erdogan’s attack “unfounded” and wrote that the president had distort- that made China the workshop of the world. “We while India focuses on software and services.” large commercial operations. temporary halted in 2011 on cruelty ed the headline. “Mr President, what do you want from have to learn from you,” Modi told a Shanghai Most of the more than 20 business deals “Obviously it’s blunt instrument concerns. Overall, the live export trade us?” it asked. But Bulut said he challenged whoever business forum, citing China’s foreign investment announced during Modi’s visit involved Chinese trauma, it’s disgusting, it’s something is worth about US$1 billion a year to dared to attack Erdogan. “You cannot even lay a hand environment, infrastructure creation and export- financing for Indian companies in infrastructure that happens in a range of parts of the Australia and employs thousands of on the seat of this country’s elected president before led development model. Economically, national- projects, but nimble private Chinese firms such as world but we don’t abide by it, we don’t people. — AFP we die,” he said. — AFP ist Modi is seen as a liberalizing reformer whose smartphone maker Xiaomi also see India as a home state Gujarat boomed under his rule, and potential consumer market. — AFP INTERNATIONAL THURSDAY, MAY 21, 2015

Shunned by much of Asia, migrants welcomed in Aceh

LANGSA: From rescuing migrants at sea to donating all taste of Acehnese hospitality even before making it to they can, residents of Indonesia’s Islamic Aceh province shore-many of the arrivals have been rescued by local are warmly welcoming hundreds of desperate fellow fishermen. The latest batch came ashore yesterday, with Muslims who have fled their homelands-a contrast to fishermen saving more than 400 from two boats off the the rejection they face elsewhere in Southeast Asia. coast. “We are giving first aid to these people, we are Around 1,800 Rohingya and Bangladeshi boatpeople feeding them, giving them water and providing a com- have landed in Aceh in recent days, abandoned by peo- fortable place for them,” said search-and-rescue official ple-smugglers after their boat journeys to Malaysia Sadikin, who goes by one name. were disrupted by a Thai crackdown on long-estab- lished routes. Migrants have also arrived in Malaysia Attention shifting and Thailand after being dumped by smugglers. But while the migrants wait indefinitely for refugee Thousands more are still believed to be stranded at sea claims to be assessed a process the International with little food and water. Organization for Migration (IOM) says could take The governments of Indonesia, Malaysia and months-attention is shifting to the others who could Thailand have insisted on turning back seaworthy ves- still be floating at sea. A rally Tuesday attended by 100 sels, sparking outrage. Many in Aceh, the only part of people in the provincial capital Banda Aceh saw com- Indonesia that implements Islamic sharia law, are dis- munity groups demand more be done to save those still mayed by the national government’s policy and have on the water, instead of turning them away. “Back when opened their arms to those who have made it to shore. the tsunami hit Aceh, people from all over the world “They need our help. We saw that they are in a terrible came here to help us, regardless of race, ethnicity and condition, thirsty, hungry and neglected,” 18-year-old religion,” activist Muhammad Hamza told the rally. “Now student Cut Haya said in Langsa, where hundreds of it is time we show humanity by helping the Rohingya.” migrants are being housed in temporary shelters. “As The country’s biggest Muslim organization, human beings, we have to help them, especially Nahdlatul Ulama, condemned the government’s deci- because they are our Muslim brothers and sisters.” LANGSA: An Indonesian volunteer (center) hands out food to rescued migrants from Bangladesh at a sion to bar migrant boats from coming to Indonesia, Along with compassion for their religious brethren, warehouse facility converted into quarters in the fishing port of Langsa in Aceh province. — AFP urging it to immediately rescue those in dire need. Acehnese are also showing empathy following their “Where is our sense of humanity if we let them die at own troubled recent past, including a long-running sep- secution in their native Myanmar. The Bangladeshis are has been a constant stream of Langsa residents bring- sea?” said Teungku Faisal Ali, chairman of the group’s aratist conflict. The insurgency ran for three decades for the most part seeking to escape grinding poverty. ing donations to the shelters in the small fishing town, Aceh branch. Steve Hamilton, the IOM’s deputy chief of and only ended after a monster earthquake and tsuna- with volunteers helping gather everything from eggs mission in Indonesia, said the response from the mi struck Aceh in 2004, killing almost 170,000 in the ‘Time for humanity’ and noodles to basic toiletries and clothing. Acehnese people had been “fantastic”, but not surpris- western province and tens of thousands more in coun- Caught off guard when the boats arrived, authorities In nearby fields, impromptu games of soccer and tug ing given their history of war and suffering. “They’ve tries round the Indian Ocean. There has been an out- scrambled to find food and shelter for hundreds of of war between locals and children from the camps seen great tragedy in their own province,” he said. “Aceh pouring of public sympathy for the migrants, particular- exhausted people-but where they have been stretched, have provided a brief escape for the young migrants really understands what it means to have lost every- ly the Rohingya, who are fleeing state-sanctioned per- ordinary Acehnese are lending a helping hand. There from the misery of their situation. Many get their first thing, because they went through it already.” — AFP

Bay of Bengal migrant crisis: The boats and the numbers

BANGKOK: In the past 10 days, nearly navy also towed away one migrant vessel 3,000 boatpeople from Myanmar and carrying 400 migrants last week, and said Bangladesh have been rescued or swam it had turned back another. to shore in Malaysia, Indonesia and Thailand. Several thousand more are Thailand believed to be trapped on boats at sea The boat that was found off the with little food or water in a crisis sparked Indonesian coast yesterday was the same by smugglers abandoning their human one spotted adrift last week several kilo- cargo after a Thai crackdown on long- meters off the Thai tourist resort of Koh established human-trafficking routes. Lipe. Authorities dropped food and water Indonesia, Malaysia and Thailand had into the sea from a helicopter, prompting sparked outrage for driving off some a desperate scramble to retrieve the pack- overloaded boats. But there was a break- ages. Some of the visibly-weak migrants through in the crisis yesterday when said they wanted to go to Malaysia and Malaysia and Indonesia said they would the Thais fixed their broken engine and not longer turn away migrants. The fol- pointed them south. lowing is a regional summary of the cur- Contact was lost with the boat late rent crisis: Saturday, raising fears for the welfare of those on board as the vessel was bounced Malaysia between Thailand and Malaysia. It was More than 1,100 migrants have eventually spotted late Tuesday by Aceh washed ashore in Malaysia over the past fishermen, who rescued the migrants the week after people-smuggling gangs following day. Chris Lewa, from the dumped migrants in shallow waters off Arakan Project, which monitors migrant the coast of the resort island of Langkawi. journeys across the Bay of Bengal, said Some migrants swam to shore after har- the migrants had been repeatedly towed rowing month-long journeys at sea, out of Thai waters and forced at gunpoint BANGKOK: A Thai activist wearing a face mask carrying a message reading ‘Free Somyot’ as she joins a protest outside the criminal court in crammed in with hundreds of other peo- to leave Malaysian waters. “They said the Bangkok. Several anti-coup activists, two theatre performers, a bookseller and even a mentally ill 65-year-old have been jailed under the dra- ple and few supplies. But after key region- worst were the Malaysians who pushed conian ‘112’ royal defamation law since the May 22 power grab by the Thai junta. — AFP al talks yesterday, Malaysian Foreign them out twice. They said the second Minister Anifah Aman, in a joint press time the Malaysians came with guns and appearance with his Indonesian counter- said they’d shoot at the boat if they came Stigma haunts relatives of Thais part Retno Marsudi, announced that “the back again,” she said. towing and the shooing (away of boats) is not going to happen” any more. “We also Bay of Bengal jailed under the royal insult law agreed to offer them temporary shelter Coastal towns along Bangladesh’s provided that the resettlement and repa- Cox’s Bazaar district and Myanmar’s Mentally ill 65-year-old jailed under draconian law triation process will be done in one year Rakhine State are the starting point for by the international community,” Anifah most migrant journeys. A trawler with BANGKOK: When Natnicha’s husband was jailed for pressure was so bad she said she felt compelled to King Bhumibol’s reign ends. said. Malaysia is also pressing Myanmar to 116 Malaysia-bound migrants was found insulting Thailand’s monarchy under the country’s move house. “Even those who I know feel sympathy Critics accuse the junta of using the law to address the mounting crisis. adrift off a small island, near the lese majeste laws, she didn’t just lose a partner. She for me never discuss my husband’s fate.” pursue its enemies. “There is a crystallization of Myanmar border. Seven Bangladeshi lost her friends and place in Thai society-joining the the lese-majeste crime as a kind of high treason, Indonesia nationals were rescued this week off the growing ranks of outcasts since royalist generals ‘High treason’ the crime against the state par excellence,” Almost 1,800 migrants have been Myanmar coast after they were thrown seized power a year ago. Several anti-coup activists, Thailand’s coup leaders have made no secret Thailand analyst David Streckfuss said. It intercepted by Indonesian authorities or from a fishing trawler packed with two theatre performers, a bookseller and even a of their determination to ramp up lese majeste amounts to “a rather desperate attempt by the plucked from the sea by fishermen in migrants heading to Malaysia. Small ves- mentally ill 65-year-old have been jailed under the cases. “The most important thing is to maintain old elite” to protect the status quo... which in western Aceh province-many in a desper- sels carry migrants out to larger “cargo” draconian ‘112’ royal defamation law since the May the monarchy. We have the law for it,” former their minds is under attack from all directions,” ate condition. Yesterday, more than 400 boats moored in international waters, 22 power grab by the Thai junta. Rights groups army chief and now Deputy Prime Minister he added. Many recent lese majeste convictions Rohingya were rescued by fishermen which head towards Southeast Asia describe it as an “unprecedented” surge in cases Prawit Wongsuwan said last month. Decades have been made in military courts, often in from a green wooden boat, whose fate when full. from a military that tacks its legitimacy to a self- spent crafting the role of guardian of the monar- secret. Sentences have also been harsh. In early had captured worldwide attention after Lewa of Arakan Project said her con- appointed role as protector of the monarchy. chy has embedded the military’s influence over April a 58-year-old man was jailed for 25-years harrowing scenes emerged of desperate tacts had told her that five cargo vessels Several weeks after her husband was jailed Thai politics, analysts say-a valuable position as for five Facebook posts, sparking international migrants pleading for help when the left in early May headed east. “These Natnicha-not her real name-said she was still fears abound over the future of the country once condemnation. — AFP trawler was found by media floating off boats usually carry between 250-800 afraid of the consequences of speaking openly Thailand. Fishermen rescued around 800 people. So there could be at least anoth- about the sentence in a kingdom where insulting boatpeople from at least one vessel on er 1,000 on their way,” she said. Two the king, queen, heir or regent carries up to 15 North Korea abruptly Friday, with survivors recounting grim remain moored in the Bay of Bengal but years in jail, on each count. Even being linked to tales of deadly fighting between rival are not thought to be taking on any those accused of the offence can bring opprobri- cancels UN chief’s visit groups of migrants that left at least 100 more people at the moment, she added. um in a sharply hierarchical society where rever- dead. The first boat to arrive off Aceh was Bangladeshi police have killed several ence to the monarchy-led by 87-year old King on Sunday, May 10, when around 560 key players in the trade, while dozens of SEOUL: North Korea yesterday cancelled an invita- Bhumibol Adulyadej-is a given. “My family has tion to UN chief Ban Ki-moon to visit an industrial migrants were dumped in shallow waters lower level people smugglers have been been cut off from everyone,” she said. “Most peo- and told to swim to shore. The Indonesian rounded up.— AFP zone inside the isolated state, in an abrupt move ple don’t want to hear about what happened that Ban deplored as “deeply regrettable”. The deci- because they are themselves afraid.” sion comes after Ban this week urged North Korea On Friday Thailand’s ultra-royalist military marks to avoid any actions that might escalate military a year since it toppled the democratically elected tensions, after it successfully test-fired a subma- government of Yingluck Shinawatra. Martial law, rine-launched ballistic missile (SLBM). Ban said that which was eventually replaced by a draconian via “diplomatic channels”, North Korea had rescind- series of security measures, has virtually wiped out ed its invitation to the Kaesong zone, which is a public debate with political gatherings of more key earner for the cash-strapped state but a peren- than five people banned and criticism of the junta nial source of tension with South Korea. outlawed. But few things illustrate this stark new “No explanation was given for this last-minute reality under Thailand’s junta better than the surge change,” the UN chief, a former foreign minister of in royal defamation cases and convictions. South Korea, told a forum in Seoul. “This decision by Pyongyang is deeply regrettable,” Ban said. SEOUL: UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon deliv- Cases stacking up “However, I as the secretary-general of the United ers a speech during a ceremony to commemorate Prior to last year’s coup the International Nations, will not spare any efforts to encourage the the 70th anniversary of United Nations at the Federation of Human Rights (FIDH) counted just DPRK (North Korea) to work with the international Foreign Ministry in Seoul yesterday. — AFP five Thais behind bars on lese majeste charges. That community for peace and stability on the Korean number has since risen to 18, the FIDH said peninsula and beyond.” South Korea’s Unification ambitions, Ban was not expected to have any Wednesday, with sentences ranging from one to 50 Ministry also expressed “regret” at the reversal. high-level talks during his brief visit to Kaesong. years, although most defendants saw their sen- “The government again urges North Korea to turn tences halved on guilty pleas. Prosecutions “are like- away from the path for isolation and to grasp the Wages and weaponry ly to continue at a steady pace in the coming hands reached out by the United Nations and Born out of a “sunshine” reconciliation policy initi- months,” the FIDH said in statement, citing Thai international community for dialogue and recon- ated in the late 1990s by South Korea’s then presi- police figures of 204 active cases, with 128 under ciliation,” ministry spokesman Lim Byeong-Cheol dent, Kaesong was established in 2004 as a rare sym- investigation including those of 30 Thais living over- told reporters. bol of inter-Korean cooperation. Ban, who has been seas. Ban had planned to travel today to the industri- visiting South Korea this week, said Tuesday that the Yet debate on the scope and legitimacy of the al estate, a joint enterprise between Pyongyang Kaesong project was a “win-win model for both law is smothered. Both domestic and international and Seoul which lies 10 kilometers over the border Koreas”. he went to Kaesong with a delegation of for- media must heavily self-censor when reporting lese inside North Korea. It hosts around 120 South eign diplomats in 2006 when he was South Korea’s majeste cases. Even repeating details of the charges Korean firms employing some 53,000 North foreign minister. The cancellation comes at a time could mean breaking the law. And while the mili- Korean workers. Had the visit gone ahead, Ban when the two Koreas are again mired in a dispute tary parades its successes in prosecuting 112 would have become the first UN secretary-general over wages at Kaesong, with Pyongyang insisting on alleged infringements, the families of those jailed to set foot in the communist state for more than 20 unilaterally imposing a pay rise for its workers. find themselves ostracized. “My friends never got in Impoverished North Korea keeps the hard-currency JULOK: Rescued Rohingya women and children from Myanmar rest in the compound years, since Boutros Boutros-Ghali in 1993. Unlike touch with me afterwards,” said the wife of another wages and passes on a small fraction-in local curren- of a mosque in Julok district, Aceh province yesterday after they were rescued by Boutros-Ghali, who met the North’s then-leader man jailed recently, also requesting anonymity. The cy-to its workers. — AFP Indonesian fishermen off the waters of the eastern coast of Aceh. — AFP Kim Il-Sung to discuss tensions over its nuclear NEWS THURSDAY, MAY 21, 2015

Public pressure grows on SWFs MPs criticize ‘useless’ KISR Continued from Page 1 ated in great secrecy and Gulf governments, concerned about poor publicity, may ultimately act to protect this. Continued from Page 1 objected to the amount being invested. He said the amount to the idea that some national resources might be Maduell questioned how much the inquiries would has been deposited in local banks to be used for restoring wasted. With most of the funds publicly disclosing little unearth. “Some of it is political theatre, as ultimate MP Abdullah Al-Mayouf charged that KISR, established to the marine environment and infrastructure damaged during information about their accounts, lawmakers in some power lies with the ruling families,” he said. Late last carry out research, is using just one percent of its budget for the 1990-91 Iraqi invasion. states are looking out for poor performance or even year Saudi Arabian billionaire Prince Alwaleed bin Talal, research and is seeking the help of outside companies to do Ashour warned the oil minister regarding reported wrongdoing. Kuwait’s parliament, the most independ- one of the kingdom’s top international investors, com- the research for it. He also charged KISR management of appointments in the oil companies, saying that the sector ent in the Gulf, is investigating activity at the London plained the central bank wasn’t earning high enough committing financial irregularities in appointments. MP appears to be headed for a catastrophe because of the ques- office of Kuwait Investment Authority. KIA manages returns on its reserves to compensate for sliding oil Saleh Ashour claimed that KISR’s research output is almost tionable management performance. The lawmaker said the nil and is appointing employees in violation of the rules and oil minister holds complete political responsibility for what is $548 billion, according to US-based Sovereign Wealth prices. without advertising. MP Khalil Al-Saleh said KISR is being going to happen in the oil sector in the coming few days if Fund Institute (SWFI), which tracks the sector. “There He urged the creation of a new fund to manage the used for selfish interests, claiming that its director made 30 he does not go ahead with the appointments. It was report- was an investigation committee formed several months reserves, which now total about $690 billion, more foreign trips in a year. ed in the local media that the oil minister was planning to ago to look at cases of wrongdoing at KIA, such as sell- actively. Officials of the Shura Council, an advisory body But MP Majed Mousa came to the defense of KISR and its reshuffle the top executives at Kuwait Petroleum Corp and ing property not at the right price or making bad invest- to the government, also discussed such a proposal. But management, saying the institute has been making impres- its subsidiaries. But nothing happened during the past two ments,” MP Faisal Al-Shaya, head of parliament’s finan- in December, Finance Minister Ibrahim Al-Assaf sive research for the country. MP Ahmad Lari said the KISR weeks as the minister came under fire for the appointments. cial committee, told Reuters. The committee will travel declared there was no need for such a change, and director is a highly respected and qualified official and Omair however told the Assembly that it was not a suitable to London to check how investments are being made since then there has been little if any public discussion advised lawmakers to sit with him and inquire about his time or place to speak about the appointments. and whether there is enough official oversight of them, of the idea. travels. MP Khalil Abul said the Audit Bureau does not have Separately, Shiite MP Faisal Al-Duwaisan complained that Shaya said. KIA didn’t respond to a request for com- Nevertheless, governments in the region do not the qualified people to assess a highly distinguished scientif- some people utilize official media to raise sectarian issues ment. ignore public opinion. So if oil prices stay low for years, ic establishment like KISR. and called for the information minister to stop this. Earlier this year Bahrain’s parliament launched an pressure for changes at the funds - such as more trans- Meanwhile, Oil Minister Ali Al-Omair told the Assembly Information Minister Sheikh Salman Al-Humoud Al-Sabah investigation of state fund Mumtalakat, estimated to parency - may rise. The issue strikes a chord in Kuwait that Kuwait has received $3 billion in environmental com- said that he will not allow anyone to use the media to affect have about $11 billion under management.The inquiry because of an uproar in the early 1990s over invest- pensation from Iraq, adding that the United Nations has national unity. The session was then adjourned until June 2. is looking at allegations of “administrative” violations at ments in Spanish conglomerate Grupo Torras. From the fund after an audit report revealed a series of irregu- 1986 to 1992, KIA’s London office poured about $5 bil- larities at Bahraini state companies, said MP Isa Al- lion into Torras, which then went into receivership. The Laden fixated on US attack until the end Kooheji. Mumtalakat didn’t respond to a request for scandal led to legal action in several countries, the con- comment. viction by a Kuwait court of two people for embezzle- Continued from Page 1 writes. It isn’t clear whether the investigations will unearth ment, and passage of a law imposing parliamentary A July 2010 letter showed that bin Laden pressed Al- any serious wrongdoing, but at the very least they scrutiny of investment decisions. with President Barack Obama’s call for “increased Qaeda in Yemen, one of the group’s more active affili- could encourage funds around the Gulf to operate Even in countries where there is no visible public transparency”. It was also in accordance with a law ates, to make peace with the government and focus on more cautiously and conservatively for a while. Some pressure on sovereign wealth funds, a more circum- obliging the spy agencies to review all the bin Laden America. Bin Laden’s view was that Al Qaeda in the potentially controversial moves, such as large acquisi- spect mood appears to have taken hold. A banker who material for possible release, he said. The documents Arabian Peninsula (AQAP) ought to sign a truce with tions, could be put on the back burner; there may be works closely with Qatar Investment Authority, which released are English translations of the originals, and Yemeni authorities or arrange an accommodation in more focus on improving returns in the short term, and manages an estimated $256 billion, said the fund had AFP had no way to independently verify the materials which Yemeni authorities would leave the group alone an increased emphasis on cost-cutting. “One can become more conservative in recent months. It was or the accuracy of the translation. The release came “in exchange for focusing on America”. assume Gulf parliaments are putting pressure on the now focusing on developed assets that could generate shortly after US journalist Seymour Hersh alleged that “The purpose is to focus on striking inside America performance of such sovereign vehicles as the gravy revenue right away, rather than projects which would Washington’s official account of the hunt for Bin Laden and its interest abroad, especially oil producing coun- train slows,” said Michael Maduell, president of SWFI. “If take a long time to come to fruition. Abu Dhabi’s and the raid that led to his death was a lie. But CIA tries, to agitate public opinion and to force US to with- oil prices remain low and investment performance is Mubadala, with an estimated $66 billion, has not spokesman Ryan Trapani said the declassification had draw from Afghanistan and Iraq,” according to a sum- tepid/negative, I would suspect more MP investiga- announced a major new investment for about eight been planned for at least a year and had not been mary of the letter by a bin Laden associate identified as tions.” While pressure may be most intense in Kuwait months. Several staff at the fund said they had been intended as a response to Hersh’s report. “Atiyyah”. It says the associate recommended “extra and Bahrain, it could also increase in Saudi Arabia and told in recent months to focus on keeping down costs. From strategic and theological discussions to the security measures” for Anwar Al-Awlaki, a US-born radi- other Gulf states, he added. QIA and Mubadala did not respond to requests for com- mundane details of domestic funding and security cal preacher who became one of AQAP’s principal Most of the sovereign funds have traditionally oper- ment. — Reuters measures, the documents show the man behind 9/11 strategists and spokesman, and also that Awlaki should preoccupied with once again attacking the West in be required to “change his way of life”. Awlaki had spectacular fashion. Mindful of drone strikes taking out served as an imam at a mosque in a Virginia suburb of Malaysia, Indonesia to accept migrant... senior jihadist figures, bin Laden frequently refers to Washington, which was attended by two militants who security headaches and advises against communicating participated in the Sept 11, 2001 attacks. He fled to Continued from Page 1 Thailand and Malaysia in recent days as images of its by email. He scolds his followers for gathering in large Yemen after the attacks and was killed in 2011 by a CIA emaciated Rohingya passengers - shot by AFP and oth- groups and frets about a microscopic bug being insert- drone strike. the international community to “work collectively to er media - shocked observers worldwide. ed in his wife’s clothes. He lays out plans to groom a solve this problem, which should not be left to any Indonesian fisherman Muchtar Ali said he broke new cadre of leaders, and his associates discuss Pakistani Intelligence Links country alone”. down in tears when he saw the passengers. “I was arrangements for smuggling Bin Laden’s favorite son One document dated July 2010 addressed to “Abu The United States said it was ready to help the region speechless. Looking at these people, me and my friends and likely heir, Hamza, to Pakistan. In a video letter to Abdullah”, which is one of bin Laden’s noms de guerre, “bear the burden” of the refugees. State Department cried because they looked so hungry, so skinny,” he told one of his wives, also described as bin Laden’s “last will”, from an operative named Mahmud indicated links spokeswoman Marie Harf welcomed the agreement AFP. A local official said 70 children were among those he says, “Know that you do fill my heart with love, beau- between Al-Qaeda and Pakistan’s intelligence services, and said the United States would help the UN set up saved - including some babies - and 70 women. tiful memories, and your longsuffering of tense situa- which Pakistan has repeatedly denied. It said that after protection centres, and would consider requests to Myanmar state media yesterday quoted a foreign tions in order to appease me and be kind to me.” Al-Qaeda leaked information that it was planning resettle some refugees. “The US stands ready to help the ministry statement as saying the government “shares “large-scale destructive operations in Pakistan”, but had countries of the region bear the burden and save lives concerns” expressed by the international community Laden’s Bookshelf then “halted the operations in an attempt to calm the today. We have a common obligation to answer the call and is “ready to provide humanitarian assistance to any- The spy agencies also released a list of English lan- situation and absorb the pressure from the Americans,” of these migrants who have risked their lives at sea,” she one who suffered in the sea”. That marked the most con- guage books found in bin Laden’s compound, including Pakistani intelligence “began sending people to us”. told reporters. More than 1,000 Rohingya have been re- ciliatory statement yet from Myanmar’s Buddhist-domi- “A Brief Guide to Understanding Islam”, “The Best “They sent messages to us via some of the Pakistani settled in the US since October, and Harf said nated government, which considers the Muslim Democracy Money Can Buy”, “Black Box Voting, Ballot Jihadist groups that they are comfortable with. ... One Washington would take “a leading role” in helping to Rohingya to be illegal immigrants from neighboring Tampering in the 21st Century”, “The Rise and Fall of the of their messengers came to us conveying a message take in some of the most vulnerable refugees. But she Bangladesh and had earlier hit back at calls for it to help Great Powers” and “Military Intelligence Blunders”. There for us from the intelligence leadership ... saying that cautioned it had to be an international effort, and not address the situation. Rohingya flee western Myanmar were also copies of many American media articles, they wanted to talk to us as Al-Qaeda.” Mahmud asks just led by the US alone. by the thousands annually to escape years of violence including “Is Al-Qaeda Just Bush’s Boogeyman?” from bin Laden whether the “Pakistanis are serious or are Nearly 3,000 migrants have swum to shore or been and discrimination at the hands of the Buddhist majori- the Los Angeles Times in Jan 2005, and a piece in they just playing with us?” rescued off the three countries over the past 10 days ty. Most head for Muslim-majority Malaysia. Newsweek magazine “on hawks and doves on Iraq with- Al-Qaeda’s branch in Iraq, which would later morph after a Thai crackdown on human-trafficking threw the US Deputy Secretary of State Antony Blinken, during in the Bush Administration”. into the Islamic State group - and which now increas- illicit trade into chaos, with some of the syndicates a stop in Jakarta, said he would push Myanmar to The “bookshelf” of PDF files showed the Al-Qaeda ingly overshadows Al-Qaeda - also comes up in the involved abandoning their helpless human cargo at sea. improve conditions for Rohingya when he visits the leader was particularly interested in France’s economy documents. Bin Laden and his then deputy, Ayman Al- Anifah said Malaysian intelligence estimates that about country today. “The only sustainable solution to the and conspiracy theories - including those questioning Zawahiri, receive a scathing rebuke in a letter from 7,000 people are still stranded at sea. The office of the problem is changing the conditions that led (Rohingya) accounts of the 9/11 attacks. Intelligence officials said some Iraqi supporters, who demand they denounce UN refugee agency said yesterday’s announcement was to put their lives at risk in the first place, and that is one the texts suggested bin Laden was possibly planning to the bloodletting in Iraq. In a letter dated May 22, 2007, “an important initial step in the search for solutions to of the things that we will be talking about tomorrow strike at the French economy in hopes of triggering a the Jihad and Reform Front warns bin Laden that God this issue, and vital for the purpose of saving lives”. with the government of Myanmar,” he said. The wider collapse in the West. Before he was killed, bin will hold him to account “for blessing the work done by The United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees Bangladeshi migrants are largely seeking to escape Laden wrote of plans for an elaborate propaganda blitz the Al-Qaeda in Iraq organization without disavowing called for migrants to be brought ashore “without poverty at home. to mark the tenth anniversary of the 9/11 attacks. And the scandals that are committed in your name”. delay” and for countries in the region to address the The UNHCR believes at least 2,000 migrants may be among the material posted by US spy agencies was an Among the documents is an Al-Qaeda job applica- root causes of the large-scale migration. Joe Lowry, a stranded on boats off the Myanmar-Bangladesh coasts, unreleased video in which bin Laden appears to stum- tion that begins with the mundane, asking applicants Bangkok-based spokesman for the International held in horrific conditions for weeks by traffickers who ble delivering a speech. to “please write clearly and legibly”. It asks convention- Organization for Migration, an intergovernmental body, are demanding that passengers pay to be released, a But the documents also highlight deep divisions al questions, such as has the applicant ever been con- called the move “brave and timely”. spokeswoman said. Anifah and Marsudi said the reasons among the militants over how to wage their terror cam- victed of a crime, before veering into more chilling ter- In the latest drama involving incoming migrants, 433 behind the migrant exodus must be addressed but did paign. Bin Laden warns that conflict with regimes in the ritory, including: “What objectives would you like to starving people were rescued from their rickety boat off not single out any country. They recommended conven- Middle East would distract the extremists from hitting accomplish on your jihad path?” It then asks whether Indonesia by local fishing vessels earlier yesterday, offi- ing an emergency meeting of the 10-country Association hard at what as far as he is concerned is the real enemy - the applicant wishes to execute a suicide mission. It cials and fisherman said. AFP journalists confirmed it of Southeast Asian Nations, which Malaysia currently America. “We should stop operations against the army ends: “Who should we contact in case you become a was the same boat that had earlier bounced between chairs. Myanmar is also a member. — Agencies and the police in all regions, especially Yemen,” he martyr?” — Agencies THURSDAY, MAY 21, 2015 ANALYSIS

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Focus Bin Laden was grooming son as heir to empire

By Michael Mathes

he 22-year-old would-be-jihadist wrote to his reclusive father to say he was itching to Tjoin the fight. Hamza trained with explosives and embraced the terror network that killed 3,000 Americans in the Sept 11, 2001 attacks. But young Hamza was no run-of-the-mill jihadist recruit. He was the favorite son of 9/11 mastermind Osama bin Laden, who was grooming him to take over as Al-Qaeda’s leader, according to US intelligence officials. More than 100 newly declassified documents were provided to AFP by the Central Intelligence Agency, including two letters to bin Laden from Osama bin Laden, director of human resources his son and one from Hamza’s mother imploring that he follow in his “father’s footsteps”. They included Al-Qaeda correspondence noting the By Dave Clark eagerness of Hamza, believed to have engaged in Laden planned 9/11 terror raids when he was a teen and propaganda lease enter the required information accurately videos at a younger age, to return to his father’s and truthfully. Write clearly and legibly. Name, ’versary media push inner circle. “Page, marital status. Do you wish to execute a sui- The documents are part of a trove of thousands cide operation?” Al-Qaeda’s application form starts like that hen he was killed by US Navy commandos, Al- seized during the deadly 2011 US Navy SEAL raid of any large enterprise, but leads recruits quickly to a dark- Qaeda chief Osama bin Laden was plotting a on bin Laden’s hideout. They shed light on inner er place: “Who should we contact in case you become a Wcoordinated media push to celebrate the workings of the terror network and the debate martyr?” Recruiting a global jihadist network is a tricky job, tenth anniversary of the Sept 11 attacks. According to over its future in light of the security noose tight- especially if - like the late Osama bin Laden - you are holed documents seized in the May 2011 raid that ended the ening around bin Laden and the compound in up in a Pakistani compound sheltering from US drones. militant leader’s decade on the run, he was planning a Abbottabad, Pakistan where he met his fate. But that is no reason not to be methodical, as the video address and jihadist propaganda blitz. US intelli- Speculation still swirls about where Hamza, detailed militant recruitment form bearing the watermark gence agencies declassified around 100 of the docu- dubbed the “crown prince of terror” by a British of “The Security Committee, Al-Qaeda Organization” ments yesterday and provided translations to AFP, which was not able to independently verify their MP, was on the night his father died, and no proof shows. The document was among intelligence materials authenticity. has emerged that he was at the compound. He seized by US commandos on May 2, 2011 after they stormed bin Laden’s hideout in the Pakistani town of “We are awaiting the tenth anniversary of the has not appeared publicly or made any public blessed attacks on New York and Washington which video statements in years, and his whereabouts Abbottabad and shot him dead. US intelligence agencies declassified the Al-Qaeda recruitment form and around will be in nine months,” bin Laden wrote in letter to his remain a mystery, senior US intelligence officials allies found in the raid. “You are well aware of its impor- 100 other documents from bin Laden’s archive yesterday, said. But the documents depict a son describing tance and the importance of taking advantage of the himself as “forged in steel,” ready to join his father allowing an insight into his thinking in his final years. anniversary in the media to embody the victories of on a journey to “victory or martyrdom,” and a con- Muslims and communicate what we want to communi- certed effort by Al-Qaeda to smuggle the young ‘External Work’ cate to people.” man to his father’s hideout. Much of the material translated by the Central When US intelligence caught up with him in 2011, “What truly makes me sad is the mujahidin Intelligence Agency and provided to AFP, such as letters to Bin Laden was living secretly in the Pakistani garrison legions have marched and I have not joined them,” family members and drafts of speeches never delivered, is town of Abbottabad, communicating with his network Hamza wrote bin Laden in an eloquent letter in poetic or personal. But Al-Qaeda’s internal planning mem- by courier. The documents revealed yesterday show July 2009, when the son was under house arrest in os paint a picture of the jihadist leader operating almost as Image taken yesterday in Washington, DC shows that he was having difficulty organizing large-scale Iran, according to an English translation provided the director of human resources at a struggling multina- a printed-out version of Al-Qaeda’s recruitment attacks against the West, but was determined to take by the CIA. “I dread spending the rest of my young tional. “One of the specialties we need that we should not form translated by the CIA. —AFP full credit for past successes. “I have been in correspon- adulthood behind iron bars,” he added. “My overlook is the science of administration,” reads one dence with the brothers to provide Al Jazeera with sev- beloved father, I announce to you that I and every- lengthy memo, calling for a professional training program. Laden or a senior Al-Qaeda operational leader, the group eral statements when the channel starts covering the one, God be praised, are following on the same The document calls for motivated young volunteers warns that some recruits are deploying too soon. “The oth- attacks on the first of September,” he said, referring to path, the path of jihad.” with deep religious convictions, but also with qualifica- er brothers are new and we rushed to send them very the Qatar-based news network. “I have sent you a video tions in science, engineering and office management. Bin quickly, before their security was exposed or their residen- statement about two months ago but it has not been Laden called for select individuals to be trained at Al- cy documents expired,” it says. broadcast in the media yet. I plan to redo it before Groomed as Successor broadcasting it,” he added. —AFP It was not possible to independently verify the Qaeda safe houses in Pakistan over a period of months It cites the example of a volunteer who was only able to origin of the documents or the accuracy of the CIA before being sent to launch attacks in the West. “A person stay for two months because he needed to return to the translation. Officials said the seized documents has to be pious and patient,” a planning memo insists, pay- West. “We gave him an academic explosives course and he showed the “enormous toll” counterterrorism ing tribute to the discretion of the operatives who carried travelled back before his residency expired and we have not gerial language: “We need a development and planning operations had on Al-Qaeda, including its inability out the 1998 bombing of the US embassy in Nairobi. “Any heard from him since he left,” it says. “We hope that we hear department.” to replace leaders it had lost. “Bin Laden at the person we notice who displays boredom, does not finish from him very soon.” The undated memo holds out hope Al-Qaeda planned to deputize a key lieutenant to pool time of his death had recognized this peril and the tasks assigned to him and gets mad quickly, we have to that groups sent to Britain and Russia might yet be able to jihadist research and best practices at a center of excellence, planned to bring his son Hamza to his Abbottabad remove him from external work. In Kenya the brothers mount attacks, but worries that a three-man squad sent to to ensure that the new wave of attackers are effective. “We compound to groom him as a successor,” a senior stayed inside the house for nine months.” Denmark had been arrested. will send some of the brothers who are bright ... to study at intelligence analyst told AFP. Bin Laden says he does not need to know the details of universities,” the memo says, promising to create a genera- Hamza had not seen his fugitive father in eight the “external work” - Al-Qaeda’s term for attacks on Development Department tion of mujahideen computer engineers, business adminis- years, and described the “pain of separation” he Western targets outside the battlefield - for security rea- The bind Al-Qaeda found itself in was that its experi- trators and political scientists. Chemists, of course, are in felt at age 13 and his hopes of a reunion as a sons. “But when the external work was delayed, I found enced jihadists, battle-hardened in Afghanistan, were often demand, “for manufacturing explosives, which is something young man of 22. “You bid us farewell and we left, myself forced to contribute to the matter,” he complains, in known to enemy intelligence agencies and lacked travel we have a dire need for”. But media and communications and it was as if we pulled out our livers and left one of several mentions of his own secrecy concerns. But papers. Young recruits with the skills and documents to infil- specialists are also important as bin Laden planned a public them there,” he wrote. After Hamza’s release from things don’t always go according to plan. In another docu- trate the West lacked the patience and training for the war relations campaign to mark the 10th anniversary of the Sept house arrest, top Al-Qaeda lieutenant Atiyah Abd ment that CIA analysts believe was written either by bin ahead. Bin Laden’s answer is couched in surprisingly mana- 11, 2001 attacks - a date he did not live to see. —AFP al Rahman wrote to bin Laden on April 5, 2011, one month before his death, detailing three possi- ble ways to shepherd Hamza to his father. Fear of surveillance haunted bin Laden The “least dangerous option” was sending him through Pakistan’s Baluchistan province, which By Christophe Vogt In other letters, bin Laden tries to explain to his sometimes reluc- placed confidence “the facts show that American technology and borders Iran, to the teeming port city of Karachi, tant lieutenants why security is paramount, even when it makes run- advanced systems cannot capture a mujahid if Abd al Rahman said, writing under the pseudonym ow-hanging clouds over the Pakistani mountains might protect ning a global jihadist operation harder. “Concerning using the he does not make a security violation.” As a Mahmud. Meanwhile, Abd al Rahman arranged for you from a prying US drone, but what if a spy has injected a Internet for correspondence, it is OK for general messages, reminder, one of the declassified docu- Hamza “to attend a course on explosives,” he wrote. Lmicroscopic bug in your wife’s clothes? Osama Bin Laden’s last but the secrecy of the mujahideen does not allow its ments is a list of Al-Qaeda cadres who As the plan emerged, Hamza’s brother Khalid wrote years at his final hideout were haunted by his accurate hunch that he usage, and couriers are the only way,” he wrote. were killed or captured in the wake to say Hamza should use a fake ID and driver’s was hunted by a remorseless and technologically advanced foe. As This did not go down well with his right hand man, of the 2001 collapse of license to safely navigate Baluchistan. Abd al he tried to gather his family around him in his Abbottabad com- Atiyah Abd al Rahman, a commander known in Al- Afghanistan’s Taleban regime. Rahman wrote Bin Laden promising to train Hamza pound, he issued ever more detailed instructions as to how they Qaeda as Mahmud. “The issue is highly complicated. Next to each name is the error in firing various weapons, adding that the young were to avoid leading US agents to him. How can we correspond with brothers in Algeria, that spelled their doom: One man was “very sweet and good.” —AFP According to a letter that was declassified yesterday and provid- Iraq, Yemen and Somalia?” he demanded in one let- group was bombed after using ed by the CIA to AFP - which cannot independently confirm its ter, pushing to use online communication. a satellite phone, another had authenticity - bin Laden warned one of his wives travelling from Iran “Sometimes there is no other means after taking pre- associated with known Pakistani to rejoin him to take special care. “Before Um Hamza arrives here, it is cautions. As for Iraq, we will try, but it is too difficult.” agents, others gathered too many necessary for her to leave everything behind, including clothes, But bin Laden was implacable on the subject. vehicles in one place even when a books, everything that she had in Iran... Everything that a needle Reportedly, it was by tracking one of Bin Laden’s couri- US AC-130 Spectre gunship was All articles appearing on these might possibly penetrate,” bin Laden wrote, in a letter dated Sept 26, ers to Abbottabad that the CIA was eventually able to overhead. pages are the personal opinion of 2010. “Some chips have been lately developed for eavesdropping, so pinpoint his location - there was no electronic communi- As surviving Al-Qaeda members small they could easily be hidden inside a syringe,” he said, according cation from the house. regrouped in Pakistan, the US the writers. Kuwait Times takes no to the CIA’s own translation. “Since the Iranians are not to be trusted, weapon of choice against them responsibility for views expressed it is possible to implant a chip in some of the belongings that you Keep your Prescriptions was the drone. The only defense therein. Kuwait Times invites read- might have brought along with you.” But Al-Qaeda’s security policies went further than that. the militants could think of was a ers to voice their opinions. Please The letter was one of scores seized along with other intelligence “Our security situation here does not allow us to go to cloudy sky. Thus, in a letter dated materials when US commandos stormed the Abbottabad com- doctors, so please take care of all your medical needs, par- Nov 24, 2010, Mahmud reassures send submissions via email to: opin- pound on May 2, 2011 and shot bin Laden dead, the end of a long ticularly your teeth, and keep the prescriptions from every bin Laden that his wife won’t set off [email protected] or via snail hunt for an elusive foe. Bin Laden’s Saudi wife Khairiah Sabar - known doctor you go to so we can get the medication when you on the road until a “convenient cloudy mail to PO Box 1301 Safat, Kuwait. by the honorific Um Hamza as the mother of the Al-Qaeda’s leader’s come to us,” he wrote. And he also warned his mainly day”. Ironically, all his precautions favorite son - was eagerly awaited, but security was total. Arab allies: “It is also of extreme importance, security- would come to naught: Mahmud him- The editor reserves the right to edit Nevertheless, she was one of three bin Laden wives present when US wise, to learn Urdu.” self died in a drone strike in Aug 2011, any submission as necessary. Navy SEALs stormed the house. She was left behind and later arrest- Bin Laden also recommended telephone SIM cards be three months after his cautious leader’s ed by the Pakistani authorities. regularly destroyed and replaced, declaring with mis- demise. —AFP THURSDAY, MAY 21, 2015 SPORTS

Bangladesh court rejects Van Bronckhorst steps Casillas turns 34 with rape case against Rubel into managerial spotlight Real future uncertain DHAKA: A Bangladesh court yesterday rejected a rape case against World Cup hero AMSTERDAM: Former Netherlands international Giovanni van Bronckhorst MADRID: Real Madrid goalkeeper and captain Iker Casillas turned 34 yesterday with Rubel Hossain, after police said there was no evidence against the star cricketer, described his promotion to manager of his old club Feyenoord as “a dream” yesterday as he prepared for a tough debut in the post-season playoffs. The uncertainty still clouding his future with the European champions and Real reportedly lawyers said. lining up David De Gea as his replacement. Casillas has been blamed by Film actress Naznin Akter Happy made the rape allegation in former Arsenal and Barcelona fullback, who won 106 caps and played in the 2010 World Cup final, was fast-tracked into the post on Sunday after some fans for Real’s woes this season, when they failed to win any of December last year, having also said the 25-year-old Rubel had the three major trophies, while arch rivals Barcelona are on the verge reneged on a promise of marriage that he made while they Feyenoord failed to finish third in the Dutch league. They were forced into the playoffs for a place in next season’s Europa League, for which the clubs of a treble of Champions League and Spanish league and Cup titles. were having an “intimate affair”. Happy had told media in finishing fourth to seventh in the regular season standings compete. The Spain international has suggested he wants to see out his March that she was withdrawing the claims, one day after Fred Rutten was always going to stand down as coach at the end of the contract, which runs until the end of the 2016-17 season, but he has Rubel starred in a dramatic victory over England at the World season and hand over to his assistant Van Bronckhorst but letting slip a been visibly irritated by his treatment at the Bernabeu in recent Cup held in Australia and New Zealand. But she later pursued strong position to end fourth saw him removed early. weeks. While some sections of fans clearly back him, others have the case. “The question was asked whether I could take over straight away and I roundly whistled him, along with coach Carlo Ancelotti and Wales The 20-year-old filed a legal petition on Sunday against a said yes. Naturally, it is a dream,” the new manager told a news conference winger Gareth Bale.Madrid-based sports dailies Marca and As both police conclusion of no evidence of rape, prompting the on Wednesday. “I am a child of the club. I started here in the youth section reported on Wednesday that Real had let Casillas know the court’s ruling on Wednesday, the latest twist in a saga that and I always wanted to be the coach one day,” he added ahead of the first club wants him to stay on next season. has gripped the conservative country. leg of the playoff semi-final at Heerenveen on Thursday. That did not mean, however, that Real would Rubel’s lawyer Moniruzzaman Bhuiyan said the Feyenoord had been third for most of the campaign and would have abandon their efforts to lure the 24-year-old De court ruling was based on the fact police found no qualified automatically for the Europa League had they stayed there. Gea, second choice for Spain behind evidence of semen on items in the cricketer’s Instead, they face a possible four more matches in their bid for a place in Casillas, from Manchester United in the close sea- apartment following the complaint.—AFP European competition next season.—Reuters son, they added.—Reuters Nationals win, Giants blank Dodgers

WASHINGTON: Ryan Zimmerman’s two-run shot with two outs in the 10th inning off Yankees closer Andrew Miller, who hadn’t allowed a run this season, lifted the Washington Nationals to an 8- MLB results/standings 6 comeback victory over AL East-leading New York on Tuesday night. Zimmerman’s fifth homer this season - and 10th game-end- Baltimore 9, Seattle 4; Washington 8, NY Yankees 6 (10 ing homer of his career - made a winner of Matt Grace (2-0), who innings); Minnesota 8, Pittsburgh 5; LA Angels 3, Toronto 2; threw the 10th. Miller (0-1) had converted his first 13 save chances Milwaukee 8, Detroit 1; Boston 4, Texas 3; Tampa Bay 5, of 2015. Bryce Harper hit one of Washington’s three solo shots, Atlanta 3; St. Louis 10, NY Mets 2; Arizona 4, Miami 2; giving him an NL-high 15 homers this season. Cleveland 3, Chicago White Sox 1; Kansas City 3, Cincinnati The Nationals have won three games in a row and improved to 0; Houston 6, Oakland 4; Colorado 6, Philadelphia 5; San 13-4 in May. The Yankees, meanwhile, have lost six of their last sev- Diego 4, Chicago Cubs 3; San Francisco 2, LA Dodgers 0. en games.

GIANTS 2, DODGERS 0 American League Buster Posey drove in a run, Tim Hudson allowed five hits over Eastern Division 6 1-3 innings and San Francisco won its fourth straight. Joe Panik W L PCT GB and Angel Pagan had two hits each for the Giants, who have won NY Yankees 22 18 .550 - 11 of their past 14 home games. Alex Guerrero had two hits for Tampa Bay 22 18 .550 - the Dodgers, who have lost four of six overall and five of seven to Boston 19 20 .487 2.5 the Giants. Hudson (2-3) did not allow a run for the first time since Baltimore 17 19 .472 3 his first start of the season on April 9. He walked two and struck Toronto 18 23 .439 4.5 out two. Carlos Frias (3-1) retired the first two batters of the third Central Division inning before consecutive singles from Panik, Pagan and Posey, who has an 11-game hitting streak, produced a run. Sergio Romo, Kansas City 25 14 .641 - the Giants’ fourth pitcher of the seventh inning, retired Howie Detroit 23 17 .575 2.5 Kendrick on a comebacker with the bases loaded to keep the Minnesota 22 17 .564 3 shutout intact. Chicago White Sox 18 18 .500 5.5 Cleveland 15 23 .395 9.5 CARDINALS 10, METS 2 WASHINGTON: Washington Nationals’ Bryce Harper (right) is out at second base as New York Yankees shortstop Jose Western Division Randal Grichuk had three extra base hits and drove in three Pirela (38) throws out Wilson Ramos at first base to complete the double play during the fourth inning of an interleague Houston 26 14 .650 - runs a night after striking out five times, Mark Reynolds homered baseball game. — AP LA Angels 20 19 .513 5.5 among his three hits and St. Louis teed off on New York starter Seattle 17 21 .447 8 Jonathon Niese a victory. Michael Wacha (6-0) gave up a two-run two runs in seven innings, scattering eight hits and four walks. a free agent with Seattle in December, Cruz hit his major-league Texas 16 23 .410 9.5 homer to Daniel Murphy in seven innings of four-hit ball to join leading 16th homer with two on in the third to give the Mariners a Oakland 14 27 .341 12.5 the Mets’ Bartolo Colon and Seattle’s Felix Hernandez for most RAYS 5, BRAVES 3 4-1 lead. Cruz led the majors with 40 home runs in 2014, his only wins in the majors. The six wins are a career-high for the 23-year- National League Erasmo Ramirez won his second straight start, Asdrubal season with the Orioles. He received a warm reception and chants Eastern Division old right-hander. Cardinals manager Matheny loaded his lineup Cabrera homered and Tampa Bay beat Atlanta. Evan Longoria and of “Cruuuze!” from the crowd of 19,494 before his first at-bat. NY Mets 23 17 .575 - with right-handers to face the lefty Niese, leaving Jason Heyward, Logan Forsythe both drove in a run for Tampa Bay, which has won Matt Carpenter and Matt Adams on the bench. two straight and five of seven. Ramirez (2-1) gave up two hits, BREWERS 8, TIGERS 1 Washington 23 17 .575 - three runs and two walks and struck out five in five innings. The Ryan Braun, Adam Lind and Aramis Ramirez hit consecutive Atlanta 18 20 .474 4 ROYALS 3, REDS 0 right-hander has a 2.25 ERA over his last nine appearances, includ- home runs in a six run-third inning, Jimmy Nelson pitched eight Philadelphia 17 24 .415 6.5 Yordano Ventura, Kelvin Herrera and Wade Davis combined on ing three starts. Brad Boxberger pitched the ninth, earning his strong innings, and Milwaukee beat Detroit. Braun drove in four Miami 16 24 .400 7 a four-hitter for Kansas City. The Royals, who beat the New York 11th save in as many chances. All of the Rays’ runs came off Braves runs and Carlos Gomez had three hits and two RBIs for Milwaukee, Central Division Yankees 6-0 on Sunday, logged consecutive shutouts for the first starter Mike Foltzynewicz (2-1). which has won the first two games of the three-game series. St. Louis 26 13 .667 - time since Sept. 29-30, 1992, when Dennis Rasmussen and Rick Nelson (2-4) gave up a run and three hits, walked four and struck Chicago Cubs 21 17 .553 4.5 Reed blanked the California Angels. Ventura (3-3), who was 0-3 in ASTROS 6, ATHLETICS 4 out five. Tigers starter and loser Anibal Sanchez (3-5) gave up sev- his five previous starts since a victory on April 12, allowed four sin- Cincinnati 18 21 .462 8 Chris Carter and Colby Rasmus each hit two-run homers, en runs on seven hits in 3 2-3 innings. Pittsburgh 18 21 .462 8 gles, struck out six and walked none. He reached a three-ball Roberto Hernandez pitched six strong innings to help Houston Milwaukee 15 25 .375 11.5 count on only four hitters and retired all of them, lowering his ERA beat Oakland. Carter hit his homer off the facade in left in the sec- ANGELS 3, BLUE JAYS 2 to 4.56. Herrera gave up a walk in the eighth, but nothing else. ond to give Houston a 2-0 lead, and Rasmus launched his homer David Freese drove in the go-ahead run with a sacrifice fly in Western Division Davis worked a spotless ninth, claiming his seventh save in as to right in the eighth to extend the Astros’ advantage to 5-2. Two the eighth inning, and Los Angeles beat Toronto for its sixth victo- LA Dodgers 24 14 .632 - many opportunities. Mike Moustakas went 3 for 4 with two dou- batters after Rasmus, Jason Castro added a solo home run to right. ry in eight games. Hector Santiago (3-2) pitched seven innings to San Francisco 21 18 .538 3.5 bles and drove in two runs. Roberto Hernandez (2-3) gave up two runs and seven hits with win for the first time since April 21. He allowed two runs, one San Diego 20 20 .500 5 three strikeouts for his first win in four starts. He has gone at least earned, and four hits. Joe Smith pitched the eighth and Huston Arizona 17 21 .447 7 PADRES 4, CUBS 3 six innings in each of his last seven starts. Pat Neshek got the final Street finished for his 13th save. Josh Donaldson hit a solo home Colorado 14 22 .389 9 Derek Norris hit a two-run double with one out in the eighth out for his first save. Houston (26-14) has the best record in the run for Toronto, which has lost eight of 10. Blue Jays right-hander and James Shields struck out 11 in seven innings to lead San American League and is off to its best start in franchise history Aaron Sanchez (3-4) allowed three runs and six hits in a career- Diego to a victory against Chicago. The Padres snapped a three- through 40 games. high 7 1-3 innings. game losing streak in which they scored only six runs. Although trip, the Red Sox got off to a strong start on their six-game homes- he got a no-decision, Shields reached double digits in strikeouts TWINS 8, PIRATES 5 DIAMONDBACKS 4, MARLINS 2 tand with one run and four hits in the first inning while Miley (3-4) for the second time in five games. He held Chicago to two runs on Brian Dozier got things started with a home run in the first AJ Pollock had a pinch-hit, tiebreaking two-run homer in the held the Rangers scoreless through the fifth. six hits, including homers by Chris Coghlan and Dexter Fowler. inning and Trevor Plouffe hit a two-run shot in a six-run second as eighth inning to lift Arizona to a win over struggling Miami. Daniel Boston took a 1-0 lead in the first against Yovani Gallardo (3-6) Coghlan also homered off closer Craig Kimbrel with two outs Minnesota built an early 7-0 lead then held on to beat Pittsburgh. Hudson (1-1) pitched two innings to earn the victory and Enrique when Dustin Pedroia doubled with one out and scored on a single in the ninth, his sixth. It was his fourth career multi-homer game. The highlight for the Pirates came in the bottom of the Twins’ big Burgos got his second save one day after picking up his first. by Ortiz. Singles by Hanley Ramirez and Pablo Sandoval loaded With runners on the corners in the eighth, Norris doubled to left second inning. Pedro Alvarez hit a 461-foot home run that landed Marlins slugger Giancarlo Stanton hit his 12th home run of the the bases, but all three runners were stranded. off Pedro Strop, who had just replaced James Russell (0-1). in a boat docked along the Allegheny River beyond the right-field season and fourth in the last five games. Miami lost its fifth stands. Alvarez became just the third player to reach the water on straight and second in two days under new manager Dan ROCKIES 6, PHILLIES 5 INDIANS 3, WHITE SOX 1 the fly since PNC Park opened in 2001 Ricky Nolasco (4-1) made it Jennings. Mike Dunn (0-3) issued the pivotal homer to Pollock, Nick Hundley hit a go-ahead homer in the eighth inning and Trevor Bauer pitched four-hit ball into the eighth inning for his through 5 1-3 shaky innings to win his fourth straight start. who hit the first pitch he saw just over the left-field wall down the Colorado snapped Philadelphia’s six-game winning streak. third solid outing against the White Sox this season, helping Francisco Liriano (1-4) gave up both home runs and was tagged line. Hundley lined a 1-2 pitch from reliever Justin De Fratus (0-1) into Cleveland snap Chicago’s season-high six-game winning streak. for seven runs in just two innings. the seats in left-center. Hundley also had an RBI single in the first. Brandon Moss homered for Cleveland. Michael Brantley and RED SOX 4, RANGERS 3 Scott Oberg (2-1) earned the win by getting the Rockies out of Jose Ramirez each drove in a run. Bauer (3-1) continued his mas- ORIOLES 9, MARINERS 4 David Ortiz and Mike Napoli each homered and drove in two a jam in the eighth. John Axford pitched a perfect ninth for his tery of the White Sox, retiring his first 11 batters. He allowed one Jimmy Paredes homered and had a career-high four RBIs, and runs, Wade Miley pitched seven strong innings and Boston beat fifth save as a steady mist began to fall. run and struck out seven in 7 1-3 innings. The right-hander Baltimore overcame a home run by former teammate Nelson Cruz Texas. Boston got a scare when Leonys Martin led off the ninth The first pitch was delayed 17 minutes by rain that was sup- improved to 2-0 against the White Sox this season. He has permit- in a victory over Seattle. Paredes singled in two runs in the fourth with a pinch-hit homer off Koji Uehara, ending the closer’s streak posed to hit the area, only to miss. The Rockies have now been ted just three runs and 12 hits while striking out 22 in 20 1-3 inning and added a two-run drive off Danny Farquhar (0-2) in the of eight straight hitless appearances. Uehara, however, held on for interrupted by weather at Coors Field six times in the last three innings against them. Chicago starter Jose Quintana (2-4) gave up sixth. Returning to Camden Yards for the first time since signing as his 10th save in 11 opportunities. After going 5-5 on their road weeks, including four postponements. — AP Meeke seeking repeat as The Sultan Center organizes Ogier goes after record football tourney for employees

GUIMARAES: Britain’s Kris Meeke heads not going to set myself any new goals. I KUWAIT: As part of “TSC Together program” and “Employee to this week’s Rally of Portugal full of con- just need to be very consistent and Engagement Committee”, The Sultan Center planned a football fidence after his maiden win in Argentina avoid making any mistakes.” tournament for employees from various TSC departments. The put the brakes on world champion Ogier heads to today’s first special friendly matches took place in Hassan Abdul Field and Abraj field Sebastien Ogier’s run of success. stage with his sights set on consolidat- on May 2nd. A total of 16 teams were distributed into 4 groups, “After winning my first WRC rally, ing his healthy lead in the WRC stand- with 4 teams on each group. Ultimately, 8 teams qualified to com- perhaps the pressure is off me a little ings and also match Markku Alen’s pete in the quarter final. bit. In Argentina, everything worked record five victories on the gravel For the finals, an audience of 150 watched the heated match out perfectly,” said the 35-year-old event. The Finnish rally master became in suspense as the “Finance & STSG” team and TSC Restaurant Citroen driver from Dungannon in a legend among Portuguese fans with “Pharaohs” team competed for victory, finally ending the match Northern Ireland. Frenchman Ogier, victories in 1975, 1977, 1978, 1981 and with a draw of 1-1. Additionally, an exciting match followed with who won the first three races of the 1987. “I have nothing but fond memo- Head Office managers joining in for the fun and competing season, was never in the hunt for a ries of the Rally Portugal. I have won against Stores Operation Managers resulting in penalties to HO fourth straight win of 2015 as his there four times already, including the managers. Volkswagen Polo broke down on the last two years with Volkswagen,” Ogier The recently established TSC Employee Sports and Social second day, only to see him return with said. Committee aims to foster team spirit along with the opportunity a 35-minute penalty. “I have heard that victory this time to share common activities. TSC Together members worked dili- But Meeke insists his approach to would see me draw level with Markku gently to deliver a top-class event, for all TSC employees to enjoy the remaining nine rallies will remain Alen, who holds the record for the in an environment that embraces teamwork through fun and the same as he looks to build on his most wins in Portugal. That is obvi- engaging activities. current run of form. ously my goal. I am very pleased to Commenting on the event, Antoinette Sullivan - Director of “I know we still have a lot to do in say that Markku will be a guest in hos- HR- said: “We are very pleased that so many teams took part in order to be competitive at all of the ral- pitality. We know each other already - this competition.” she continued, “As a company, we realize the lies, but we’ll have to keep going and he is a great guy and I really respect importance of maintaining an active and healthy lifestyle. Equally stick to our strategy”, he explained. “I’m him.” — AFP important, however, is that these team events foster a sense of team spirit and friendly rivalry, whilst strengthening relationships with colleagues, all in the spirit of fun. “ THURSDAY, MAY 21, 2015 SPORTS

Cook agrees with decision to bar Pietersen from team

LONDON: Alastair Cook denied yesterday he leading the team out tomorrow at Lord’s. All that gave an ultimatum to England management to external stuff over the last 10 or so days isn’t relieve him of the captaincy if Kevin Pietersen important.” was recalled, but agreed with Pietersen’s extend- Pressed about whether he could play with ed exile from the team. Cook’s comments at Pietersen, Cook said it was irrelevant. “That’s not Lord’s, on the eve of the first test against New a decision I’ve got to make, or have to make,” he Zealand, were his first in public on the recent said. “That’s not a decision I have to worry turmoil in English cricket. Former captain about.” Andrew Strauss was appointed director of crick- But the prospect of the two of them in the et and immediately sacked coach Peter Moores, same dressing room beyond the summer has and told Pietersen, discarded since the 2013-14 been widely speculated in English newspapers. Ashes series, that he would not be considered Most believe Cook, not willing to forgive until after the summer campaign. Pietersen for criticisms in his autobiography, “I do agree with the decision,” Cook said of barred the batsman’s recall by threatening to barring Pietersen. He declined to say why, with resign as captain. some despair. “This has been going on for 15 or The English and Wales Cricket Board, so the so months. We’ve got to start really looking for- media say, went with the least worst PR prob- ward, we have to really, really focus on what’s lem. But Cook holds sway only as long as he’s important to us (as players). For me, it’s about captain, and if results don’t come against New Zealand, then especially Australia, he will likely be replaced by new vice-captain Joe Root. “There was no ultimatum,” Cook said. “I can deny that, I don’t quite know where that came from.” He said he and the players weren’t con- sulted by Strauss and new chief executive Tom Harrison regarding the moves against Moores and Pietersen. LAHORE: Pakistani cricket players take part in a net practice to play against Zimbabwe at the Gaddafi stadium. — AP “I want it to be that way,” said Cook, in defin- ing the trust between the team and manage- ment to do their jobs without interfering with the other. Troops, checkpoints for Cook appreciated Strauss spelling out his rea- sons and vision to the team on Tuesday, and said he was sorry for Moores, who was a players’ Pakistan, Zimbabwe T20 coach and helped him improve. Cook noted that, as captain, he’s working with a fourth LAHORE: Bemused players said they hoped to take the national coach, caretaker Paul Fabrace, the for- focus of security and put it back on cricket after authori- mer assistant. ties mounted an unprecedented operation to guard Strauss was searching for Moore’s replace- insurgency-hit Pakistan’s first home international in six ment, and Fabrace, who coached Sri Lanka to years. victories in the World Twenty20 and Asia Cup Thousands of police and paramilitaries have been last year, confirmed he was willing to become deployed and helicopters will be buzzing over Lahore’s head coach, or continue as assistant. Cook con- Gaddafi Stadium, which has been turned into a fortress firmed he will open the batting with Adam Lyth, for tomorrow’s Twenty20 game against lowly who will make his debut as the replacement for Zimbabwe. the retired Jonathan Trott, but wouldn’t reveal The fixture is Pakistan’s first on home soil since 2009, the fate of the squad’s other uncapped player, when militants launched a gun attack on Sri Lanka’s fast bowler Mark Wood. team bus in Lahore, killing eight police and civilians and As for New Zealand, captain Brendon leaving seven players wounded. McCullum said the late arrival of himself, Kane Roads around the stadium will be closed and shops Williamson, and new-ball bowlers Tim Southee and restaurants have been shuttered for the duration of and Trent Boult from IPL duty, would not be the series, consisting of two Twenty20s and three ODIs, offered as an excuse if they don’t hit the ground all in Lahore. running. Jammers are in use to cut out radio signals, hamper- “Last year, a few of us went from the IPL to ing wifi at the stadium, and fans will have to go through the West Indies and we scored 500 in the first metal detectors at three security checkpoints, raising innings, so it can be a positive,” McCullum said. the prospect of hours of queuing. Harbhajan Singh “We’ve still been playing cricket, still been Zimbabwe have been under tight wraps since their playing in pressure environments. The guys arrival early on Tuesday, when they were whisked from LONDON: New Zealand’s BJ Watling during a have got simple games which we’ll try to roll the airport to their hotel watched by thousands of secu- training session at Lord’s cricket ground yester- out, and they’re very professional about how rity personnel. Harbhajan back in day. England will play New Zealand in the first they go about things, so that won’t be an They are far from the usual arrangements for a crick- Test Match starting today. — AP excuse for us.” — AP et match, and Zimbabwe captain Elton Chigumbura said it was a new experience for him and his team. India Test squad “Yes, it’s obviously something new for us,” said Chigumbura. “But we know why it is like this and players NEW DELHI: India has recalled offspinner Harbhajan Singh for Pakistan umpire wants are not worried because Pakistan have done this for us, a one-off test against Bangladesh next month, on a tour which to be secure and safe. “For us the main thing is to play will also feature three one-day internationals. good cricket and I don’t think it will affect us.” The 34-year-old Harbhajan, who last played in a home test Pakistan captain Shahid Afridi hoped the first ball on to forget 2009 attack Friday will refocus attention on cricket as he attempts to series against Australia in March 2013, was picked yesterday in lift his team after a poor World Cup and series in the Virat Kohli-led side despite limited success in first-class LAHORE: Ahsan Raza is looking forward to was back on the field as umpire in 2010. He has Bangladesh. cricket this past season. umpiring Pakistan’s match against Zimbabwe, officiated in a number of Pakistan’s international “These (security) arrangements are necessary,” said Harbhajan, who has 413 wickets from 101 tests, finds him- putting behind him the morning when he was matches in the United Arab Emirates over the Afridi. “I am sure with the first ball on Friday all attention self in the team along with regular test offspinner shot twice in an attack that slammed the door last five years after the Gulf country became will be on cricket and fans will enjoy the game without Ravichandran Ashwin. any bother and I hope they come in big number.” closed on international cricket in Pakistan. Pakistan’s ‘home’ venue. “Bangladesh has quite a few left-handers, so we thought a Despite the tight security and the late confirmation of The 2009 ambush by gunmen on Sri Lanka’s But Zimbabwe will revive international cricket second offspinner was needed,” chief selector Sandeep Patil the series, following a massacre in an attack on a bus in said in Mumbai. “We discussed it with captain Virat Kohli, and a team and match officials on their way to Lahore’s in Pakistan on Friday when the limited-overs Karachi, organisers say the 27,000-capacity venue is a Gaddafi Stadium killed six people and one of the series begin with the first Twenty20 game. decision was taken after considering other options.” sell-out for Friday’s game. Bangladesh openers Tamim Iqbal and Imrul Kayes, Shakib Al bullets left Raza with a damaged lung. The ICC has declined to send its match offi- Local umpires including Ahsan Raza, who was Hasan, Mominul Haque and Soumya Sarkar, all left-handers, “I don’t want to look back and recall what cials for the series in Pakistan on the security wounded in the 2009 attack, will take charge of the plundered runs during a recent home series against Pakistan. happened six years ago, it was dreadful,” Raza advice of its own experts, although the games series after the International Cricket Council refused to India frontline pace bowler Mohammad Shami was not told The Associated Press yesterday. “It was not will have formal international status. send its officials. available for the tour because of a knee injury, while left-arm easy (to recover) with so many stitches all Raza has been chosen by the Pakistan Cricket Zimbabwe have not won any of their five Twenty20 spinner Ravindra Jadeja missed out. around my stomach and one of the bullets even Board to officiate as an onfield umpire in two internationals against Pakistan, but Chigumbura prom- Mahendra Singh Dhoni, who has retired from test cricket, damaged my right lung.” The attack in this east- Twenty20s and in one of the three one-day ised his team will do its best despite the unusual cir- cumstances. will lead the ODI squad. The test will be at Fatullah from June ern Pakistani city killed six police officers and internationals. “I think the good thing about cricket is the team 10-14, with the ODIs scheduled at Mirpur on June 18, 21 and brought a sudden stop to international cricket in “It’s never easy to convince people (to come which plays well on the day wins. Come the first match 24. There are reserve days for the ODIs since the series will be the country, one of the world’s leading cricket- to Pakistan), but I am happy to live with my fami- and we will just go out and play our best,” said during the monsoon season. ing nations. ly in my own country,” Raza said. “I’m really feel- Chigumbura. India test squad: Murali Vijay, Shikhar Dhawan, Virat Kohli Raza was traveling in a small bus behind the ing proud to be part of the series and the credit Teams (from): (captain), Lokesh Rahul, Cheteshwar Pujara, Ajinkya Rahane, bus carrying Sri Lanka’s team. That bus was goes to the PCB, which worked hard to convince Pakistan: Shahid Afridi (captain), Sarfaraz Ahmed, Rohit Sharma, Wriddhiman Saha, Ravichandran Ashwin, bravely driven through intense gunfire to the Zimbabwe.” Ahmed Shehzad, Mohammad Hafeez, Mukhtar Ahmed, Harbhajan Singh, Karn Sharma, Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Umesh protection of the Gaddafi Stadium. The smaller Raza hopes Pakistan will succeed in showing Noman Anwar, Shoaib Malik, Umar Akmal, Mohammad Yadav, Varun Aaron, Ishant Sharma. bus also came under intense fire. It was carry- the world that his country is once again safe to Rizwan, Anwar Ali, Hammad Azam, Immad Wasim, India ODI squad: Rohit Sharma, Shikhar Dhawan, Ajinkya ing international umpires Simon Taufel, Steve organize international matches, despite fears Bilawal Bhatti, Wahab Riaz, Mohammad Sami. Zimbabwe: Elton Chigumbura (captain), Sikandar Rahane, Virat Kohli, Suresh Raina, Ambati Rayudu, Mahendra Davis and match referee Chris Broad, as well as that terrorists will seek to take advantage of Raza, Chamu Chibhabha, Charles Coventry, Graeme Singh Dhoni (captain), Ravichandran Ashwin, Ravindra Jadeja, Raza. attacking a foreign sports team again. “We have Cremer, Craig Ervine, Roy Kaia, Hamilton Masakadza, Axar Patel, Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Umesh Yadav, Mohit Sharma, Six years on and 40-year-old Raza wants to waited for this event for six years and I hope Christopher Mpofu, Tawanda Mupariwa, Richmond Stuart Binny, Dhawal Kulkarni. —AP forget that dreadful morning of March 3. It took many more teams will come after this series,” he Mutumbami, Tinashe Panyangara, Vusi Sibanda, Prosper Raza nearly a year to recover completely but he said. — AP Utseya, Brian Vitori, Sean Williams. —AFP Blackhawks edge out Ducks

CHICAGO: The Chicago Blackhawks overcame a blown dominant first period as Chicago raced to a 2-0 lead that lead, fatigue and a disallowed headed goal to edge the had evaporated by the end of the second. Anaheim Ducks 3-2 in an exhausting triple overtime Andrew Cogliano and Corey Perry scored for the encounter to tie up their Western Conference Final series Ducks, who entered the contest having won nine of their on Tuesday. first 10 post-season games. Swedish center Marcus Kruger tipped in the winner at Still, the Blackhawks thought they had won the game 16:12 of the third overtime period as the Blackhawks lev- on a bizarre play in the second overtime period when eled the best-of-seven series at 1-1 in the longest game in Shaw completed a soccer-style header to nod an airborne franchise history. puck into the goal, which Chicago celebrated before offi- The extended showdown surpassed Chicago’s previ- cials conferred and overturned. ous longest triple-overtime affair played way back in 1931. Blackhawks goaltender Corey Crawford made 60 saves “I think we almost played two games,” Kruger told reporters on a marathon night that saw Anaheim netminder Frederik following his first career overtime goal. “You don’t really Andersen also make 53 stops. think about (the time played). We had guys stepping up “(Crawford) kept us in that one,” Chicago winger big and we stayed with it.” Patrick Sharp added. “They had some good scoring Kruger’s decisive blow was set up when Brent chances. He was our best player tonight.” Both teams had Seabrook fired a long-range shot in front of the net that hit plenty of opportunities to win the contest, including dur- ANAHEIM: Chicago Blackhawks center Marcus Kruger scores the game winning goal past Anaheim Ducks goalie the center and dropped kindly in front of him after passing ing a fast-paced third period that saw 17 shots shared Frederik Andersen during the third overtime period in Game 2 of the Western Conference final during the NHL through a crowd of players. between the rivals and the three open overtime sessions. hockey Stanley Cup playoffs. — AP Earlier, Andrew Shaw and Marian Hossa netted in a Game Three is in Chicago today. — Reuters SPORTS THURSDAY, MAY 21, 2015 Hamilton aims to deny Rosberg F1 milestone

MONACO: Lewis Hamilton hopes to be third time lucky in Monaco this weekend and take revenge on Nico Rosberg by denying his Mercedes team mate a hat-trick of wins in Formula One’s most glamorous race. Last year, the pair were barely on speaking terms after a qualifying controversy threw their relationship into the deep freeze. The frostiness between the title rivals has since thawed but neither will be giving an inch in what consti- tutes a home race for both and looks set to give Mercedes a third win in a row regardless. Rosberg is back on form, setting up his triple bid by winning in Spain two weeks ago and checking world champion Hamilton’s dominant start to the season. While the German will want to continue the momen- tum, Hamilton is just as hungry to reassert himself and add to his 20 point lead in the standings with a long- overdue triumph in a favourite race. “The last two years I have had the car to win,” said the Briton, in his third year with Mercedes and with a lucra- tive contract extension imminent. “The first year I struggled with it. Last year, I had the pace but other things were up against me and this year, hopefully will be different... third time lucky.” Pole position will be as crucial as ever on a tight and twisty circuit where overtaking is almost impossible and Hamilton, second a year ago, will be warier this time. Last year’s drama saw Rosberg take pole after he set the fastest lap and then made a mistake on the entry to Mirabeau, going down the escape road and bringing out yellow warning flags just as Hamilton was about to go faster. “I should have known that was going to happen,” an angry Hamilton said afterwards, suggesting deliberate intent. This year, he will simply make sure he gets his fastest lap in first. “I will have the choice to go ahead of him so I will make sure I do that,” said Hamilton, whose only Monaco win to date was with McLaren in 2008 on the way to his MONACO: Ferrari driver Kimi Raikkonen of Finland (front left), Mercedes driver Lewis Hamilton of Britain (front center), McLaren driver Jenson Button of Britain (front right) Sauber first title. driver Marcus Ericsson of Sweden (top left), Lotus driver Romain Grosjean of France (top center) and Williams driver Valtteri Bottas of Finland attend a press conference prior to the If Rosberg were to win again, he will become only the Formula One Grand Prix at the Monaco racetrack. — AP fourth driver after Graham Hill, Ayrton Senna and Alain Prost to take three successive victories in the showcase race and the irony will not be lost on Hamilton. Senna, Formula One drivers to launch global fan survey who won five times in a row, was the Briton’s boyhood idol whose three championship titles Hamilton can MONACO: Formula One drivers are to ask fans worldwide for change when unfavourable comparisons are being made with to the paddock and drivers during race weekends. equal this year. their opinions in what they are billing as the most thorough other series. “To make sure this sport remains at the pinnacle The sport has also been through major change, with the Ferrari, who have not won in Monaco since Michael survey ever carried out by any sport. and gets ever more popular, we would like to engage more introduction of V6 turbo hybrid engines last season, and more Schumacher in 2001, should be Mercedes’s closest rivals A statement by the Grand Prix Drivers Association (GPDA) with the fans,” said the Austrian, a former Formula One driver upheaval to come. with Sebastian Vettel a winner with Red Bull in 2011 and said the initiative will be formally presented today in the who now competes in the world endurance championship The sport’s key Strategy Group announced after a meeting Kimi Raikkonen with McLaren in 2005. At the back, Monaco paddock by directors Jenson Button, Sebastian Vettel and is a two-times Le Mans winner. last week that a proposal to reintroduce refuelling during Manor Marussia return with sadness to the scene of and Alex Wurz. “I hope it’s cool. The fans will tell us if they like it or not and races had been put forward for 2017, as well as moves to their greatest success. “With the GPDA Global Fan Survey, the grand prix drivers that’s what we want...we want to give a little bit back and make cars quicker, louder and more aggressive looking. French driver Jules Bianchi, who finished ninth in the aim to create the most extensive, in-depth survey of fan opin- communicate with the people who love the sport equally to The changes have yet to be approved by the governing principality last year, remains in a coma in hospital in ion ever undertaken by any sport in the world,” it added. us,” he added. Formula One has a reputation for being exclu- body’s Formula One commission and World Motor Sport nearby Nice following his horrific accident in Japan last GPDA chairman Wurz told Reuters earlier this month that sive and inaccessible compared to series like the world Council, with mixed views already about refuelling which was October. — Reuters the drivers wanted to give more back to their fans, at a time of endurance championship, where fans have much more access banned in 2010 for reasons of cost and safety. — Reuters

Virginia bags NCAA Oliver stars, men’s crown Gatlin row WACO: Virginia’s Mitchell Frank has played you to zone in. I didn’t feel that up and the deciding match for a national champi- down emotionally.” clouds Beijing onship before, and with much more The Sooners lost in the title match for urgency than the Cavaliers faced in pursuit the second straight year under John BEIJING: America’s David Oliver ran the sea- of their second NCAA men’s team tennis Roddick, the older brother of 2003 US son’s quickest 110m hurdles of 13.15sec yester- title. The senior came through again, finish- Open champion Andy Roddick. ing off a 4-1 victory Tuesday that wrapped The younger Roddick was in the stands day as the Beijing World Challenge was over- up a second crown in three years and as Oklahoma never led after losing the shadowed by a row involving controversial denied top-seeded Oklahoma its first doubles point and dropping two of the first sprinter Justin Gatlin. Oliver, three months championship. three singles matches. before he intends to return to the Bird’s Nest “I can’t tell you how much I’m going to “It’s probably more disappointing this stadium to defend his world title, lowered his miss this guy,” Virginia coach Brian Boland year maybe than last year,” said Roddick, 13.17 set at the Shanghai Diamond League on said after Frank beat Oklahoma’s Andrew whose team lost to 21-time champion Sunday as he again beat Cuba’s Orlando Ortega Harris 7-5, 7-5. “I said the last time we won Southern California in 2014. “I think last into second. the national championship. If there’s one year we were still trying to figure out if Jamaica’s former Olympic champion player that I’d love to have on the court at we were a team capable of doing this. I Veronica Campbell-Brown won the women’s the end clinching the match, it’s Mitchell think it hurts more because we know we 200m in 22.68 and American Marvin Bracy won Frank.” are.” the men’s 100m in 9.95, in the absence of Two years ago, Frank was in the final The Sooners pulled even with the first Gatlin. match with the team score against UCLA point of the singles session on Spencer OKLAHOMA: Vanderbilt poses with the trophy after their team won the NCAA’s The drug-tainted American, who ran the women’s team tennis championships against Oklahoma.— AP tied 3-3 and faced a match point before Papa’s 6-3, 6-2 victory over Alexander year’s fastest 100m of 9.74 on Friday in Doha, coming back to win. This time, he needed Ritschard, but Virginia freshman Collin claimed he had been expelled by organisers four match points to finish off Harris, falling Altamirano had a straight-sets win over Vandy tops champ UCLA who believed he was carrying an injury. to his knees after the sophomore from Oklahoma senior Dane Webb to help turn But Beijing meet officials said they were “per- Australia hit a shot into the net to give the momentum back to the Cavaliers. plexed” by Gatlin after he said he had been Virginia the crown. There was a big differ- Virginia won the school’s first title by for women’s tennis title treated disrespectfully. “(Gatlin’s manager ence, though. The Cavaliers, who beat host beating UCLA in 2013 after several top- Renaldo) Nehemiah did not communicate with Baylor in the semifinals Monday, still had seeded teams lost in previous years. And WACO: Vanderbilt was two points from Frances Altick lost on the court next to two other chances to clinch playing on oth- now Oklahoma is waiting for the break- its first NCAA women’s team tennis title her when she had her third call over- us before he announced Gatlin’s withdrawal at er courts. through. on one court when a UCLA rally shifted turned by the chair umpire. The resulting yesterday’s news conference,” said organising “I was actually pretty relaxed given I was “The first one is always the toughest,” the focus to Astra Sharma three courts point penalty gave UCLA’s Jennifer Brady committee deputy director Liu Jie, according to in that situation in a more intense situation Boland said. “And it’s true in tournaments away. the tiebreaker for a straight-set win. Xinhua news agency. a couple of years ago,” said Frank, who end- and everything else, just kind of getting No big deal for the redshirt freshman “There were times when I’m like, He added: “And we never got to speak with ed up at the bottom of a dog pile with cel- over the hump. I think we were a little bit from Perth, Australia. She just finished off ‘Wow, it’s not looking good,’” said UCLA Gatlin in person.” Gatlin, who served a four-year ebrating teammates. “It definitely forces more free this time.” — AP her third straight three-set victory of the coach Stella Sampras Webster, whose doping ban until 2010, tried to play down the tournament to unseat the defending team was seeded seventh and making its incident, blaming high emotions for his strong national champion. ninth trip to the finals. “And then, ‘Wow, comments to media. The fourth-seeded Commodores we’re coming back.’ It felt like we were in “Emotional day. All is fine with Beijing org & clinched a 4-2 victory Tuesday night with it the entire time. Felt like we were going me,” he tweeted. “We have a great relationship Sharma’s 3-6, 6-2, 6-4 victory over up a hill. Never could get on top.” and I look forward to being there in Aug for Chanelle Van Nguyen at No. 2 singles. After making sure Altick didn’t lose Vanderbilt won the title 14 years after her composure on the court, Vanderbilt worlds & next year for the meet.” the school’s only other trip to the finals, a coach Geoff Macdonald kept his focus on Gatlin had told reporters he wanted to run loss to Stanford. the Casares match, knowing the out- despite suffering cramps after arriving from “It was very nerve-racking, that feeling come could be decided by Sharma Doha, where he ran his world-leading 9.74 — a of the entire championship on my shoul- behind him. And he did sneak a few personal best at the age of 33. ders,” said Sharma, who also had three- peeks that way. The time threw down the gauntlet to set victories against top-seeded “I just kept trying to take deep breaths Jamaican star Usain Bolt before both men are Southern California in the semifinals and and try to keep really calm and positive expected to face each other in Beijing at the Florida in the quarterfinals. “I just really in my body language,” said Macdonald, in world championships in August. had to regroup and just reframe the his 21st season at Vanderbilt. “I wanted to But drug-tainted Gatlin’s performances are pressure and just feel like, she’s as nerv- make sure I didn’t get wrapped up too deeply contentious, especially after research ous as I am and it’s no big deal.” much in Astra’s match. Marie was in such last year found doping benefits users years Marie Casares had a chance to win the a battle.” after they are declared clean. title in No. 5 singles, with a 6-5 lead in the The Commodores, who took the dou- Elsewhere in Beijing, Kenya’s Alfred Kipketer second set against Kyle McPhillips, who bles point earlier when Casares and won the men’s 800m in 1:45.45, and his fellow played the clinching match when UCLA Altick beat Van Nguyen and Maia Magill countryman Jonathan Muia Ndiku took out the won its second championship, 4-3 over in the deciding match, went up 3-1 with steeplechase. North Carolina last year. straight-set victories by Courtney Colton America’s Mike Hartfield leapt 8.27m to win McPhillips rallied and won in a at No. 4 and Ashleigh Antal at No. 6. long jump gold, ahead of compatriot Jeff tiebreaker, and they were still playing UCLA’s first point came from Robin Henderson and Russian world champion when Van Nguyen sent a forehand wide Anderson, the tournament’s top seed, in Aleksandr Menkov. against Sharma to set off a raucous cele- a 6-4, 6-1 win over Sydney Campbell. bration. “I did have a moment of, ‘We “We’ve been through so many close And there was success for hosts China when could have had it now,’” Casares said. “But matches this year,” Macdonald said. “I just Wu Shujiao won the women’s 100m hurdles, I knew that we were still in it. And Astra kept saying to myself, ‘I love these kids. I Xue Changrui claimed the men’s pole vault and was fighting and that I was going to love the way they’re competing.’ And Zhang Guowei was the men’s high jump win- WACO: Virginia tennis players celebrate with the trophy after defeating Oklahoma to win fight.” focused on that and not winning and los- ner. — AFP the NCAA men’s team tennis championships. — AP After Casares was forced to a third set, ing.” —AP THURSDAY, MAY 21, 2015 SPORTS Italian prisoners take rugby road to rehabilitation Wildcats look to strike back

LEEDS: Wakefield Wildcats’ nightmare However, one thing he does know is start to the 2015 season hit a new low that Todd Carney is ready to re-discover point last weekend and Australian head his best form in the coming weeks. “I like coach James Webster has paid for it with to know who I’m up against but I’m not his job. religiously following Super League,” After just two wins in 14 left them revealed Oldfield. “It’s not in our papers seven points adrift at the bottom of the and it’s a different country, but I know Super League table, the Wildcats were they are doing really well. “They are a dumped out of the Challenge Cup on tough team and we know if we show Sunday by Championship side Leigh any sign of how we played against Centurions. Featherstone, we are in with a good They host Widnes Vikings this week- chance of getting flogged. end but it will be without Webster, who “We just didn’t turn up - our attitude took over the reins at Wakefield just 11 was off and whether that was boys not months ago, after he parted company taking it seriously, I don’t know. It was with the club on Tuesday. just a lapse. “I felt now was the right time to allow “We are not happy with where we are someone else the opportunity to take sitting in the table but our performances the team forward,” said the former haven’t justified us being anywhere Parramatta Eels scrum-half. higher up. “In taking this decision my hope is it “We have taken Toddy in pretty well will allow the club to fulfil its goal and and it didn’t take him long to adjust. I remain in Super League.” Wakefield think he has enjoyed himself - he has chairman Michael Carter added: “James had a bad run with injuries but he is in a rescued us last season from the threat of good head space. “We have got an excit- relegation and for that I am truly thank- ing squad, I believe, and if we can consis- ful. I wish James and his family every tently get our best team on the field, we success and happiness in the future.” can start to fully gel.” Elsewhere this weekend, Catalans Former Canterbury Bulldogs prop ITALY: Wissen, captain of the rugby union team ‘La Drola Rugby’, a team exclusively composed of inmates. La Drola takes part in a Dragons host Wigan Warriors following Mickey Paea is eager to leave Hull FC on regular season playing real matches against real teams made by free players. —AFP their Challenge Cup scare - a nerve-rack- a high after announcing he will return to ing 37-34 victory over Featherstone the NRL next season - starting with vic- Rovers. tory over St Helens on Friday night. TURIN: It is, according to former Italy interna- under the gaze of guards in the watchtower and match of this season, a 24-19 win over Biella in They had beaten Super League cham- “I will be making sure I give my all to tional Walter Rista, a sport with respect for the surrounded by barbed wire. Any advantage is which he scored the opening try. pions St Helens the previous weekend the team and the club for the rest of the rules written into its DNA. offset by the league imposing an eight point “When I touch down it is a fabulous moment, but, sitting seventh in the table, winger season and bust my backside off to try So what could be better than rugby as a penalty on La Drola at the start of every season I always allow myself a dive,” he said with a smile. Michael Oldfield is adamant last year’s and make it a special end to the season means of helping prisoners involved in a ground- because the club does not comply with a There are no post-match beers but rugby tra- Super League semi-finalists are nowhere for us,” said the 29-year-old. breaking Italian rehabilitation programme pre- requirement to run a youth team. This bizarre dition is observed with the opposition invited near their best. The 24-year-old, who “I always had dreams of winning pare for their return to the outside world. example of Italian bureaucratic rigidity is, says for pizza and mineral water. Visiting stand-off arrived in France last season and something when I came to Super “The very fact that they are in prison means Rista with commendable understatement, a “lit- Andrea Fizzotti admits his first experience of amassed 20 Super League tries, revealed League and I would love to do that with they have lost a sense of the rules, somewhere tle silly”. Robert, a 38-year-old Albanian, says playing in a prison was a little strange. “It was a he hasn’t necessarily done his home- Hull FC, it is a special club with a bright along the way,” says Rista, the founding father of playing rugby gives him a feeling of being truly bit oppressive feeling at first, but you get used work on the Warriors. future.” —AFP La Drola, an inmate XV that performs a “jailbird alive. to it very quickly. Haka” before matches in the fifth tier of Italian “When you play all the years of being locked “They are just guys like us who want to play rugby. up are cast off and you feel a bit free, spiritually.” rugby.” Despite the points penalty, La Drola fin- “Rugby channels the aggression that we all Wissen, a 27-year-old Tunisian says he wishes ished the season in third place, thanks in part to Truth ‘too shocking’ for IOC, have inside us,” the 70-year-old adds, as he explains why the prison system teamed up with but pressure must stop —Vizer the national rugby federation to create a club whose name means “strange” in the local Piemontese dialect. BERLIN: SportAccord president Marius promotion through them is critical. “In prison everyone only thinks of them- Vizer has urged the International Olympic But for smaller federations and especial- selves,” Rista adds. “Here, on the pitch, in con- Committee (IOC) to end pressure on feder- ly those who are not part of the Olympics, trast, everyone thinks about others, about sup- ations to withdraw their membership of his SportAccord is key to generating new rev- port, which is the essence of sport, and of life.” organisation after he criticised the Olympic enue streams, showcasing the sport and Most of the players had never laid hands on body last month. increasing participation. an oval ball before finding themselves locked Vizer, who heads the international judo up. But according to Rista, something about federation and the umbrella body IOC PRESSURE incarceration produces quick learners. SportAccord, which has about 100 sports The sudden exodus of federations in Normally with a new group of players a full federations as members, had accused the recent weeks, however, was not because of season is required “to form something resem- IOC of being dated, blocking new events what he said but because of IOC pressure, bling a team,” he says. “Here, after two months and lacking transparency among other Vizer added. they are acting, mentally at least, like a real things. “That is my opinion and I am really con- team.” Since Vizer’s scathing attack at the vinced of that,” he said, adding it was only SportAccord convention, which he said was following a coffee break long after his EVERY MATCH AT HOME probably “too shocking” for the IOC, more speech that federations started to oppose Gheorghita, a hulking, tattooed 35-year-old than a dozen Olympic federations, includ- his comments once they had discussions from Romania, was one of the uninitiated. “I’d ing athletics, boxing, archery, taekwondo, with the IOC. heard of it but didn’t understand a thing about triathlon, hockey and wrestling, have left, “What I expressed with my voice was it,” he said. “I thought ‘who are these idiots saying his comments did not represent the long-time opinion of my colleagues. It brawling with each other?’ “But soon it gets them. was never clearly expressed at an impor- under your skin and you understand that it is a ITALY: Players of the rugby union team ‘La Drola Rugby’ (in red) a team exclusively “I had expected more solidarity from tant occasion. I did it and probably it was great sport and, despite the blows, it is very composed of inmates, play against the Rugby Club Biella for the Italian champi- international federations, specifically from too shocking for them (IOC),” he said. summer Olympics federations, because I “I was straight and direct and I feel that clean and honest. onship (regional C series) in this file photo. —AFP “Rugby has given me something I hadn’t spoke out in the favor of the sport,” Vizer president Bach has stayed just behind all found in prison - a way of letting off steam with- he had discovered rugby much younger. “Things the time the prisoners can spend building mus- told Reuters in an interview. the story, in the shadows.” Vizer has written out any consequences.” Members of the squad would have turned out better for me, I swear,” he cle in the gym, but also to an admirable team “I did not attack (IOC president Thomas) to the IOC chief, asking for a meeting to are selected on the basis of their physical and said. “I made mistakes and I’m paying for them spirit and a handful of players with high skill lev- Bach or the IOC. But it is up to the federa- clear the air. psychological potential from prisons all over now. I understand that and that’s thanks to rug- els. Since the project was started, a total of 65 tions to decide what they consider the best “I am open to meeting with president Italy. They share a common living space and 12 by.” players have worn La Drola’s jersey. Half of them for their situation and their sports commu- Bach to discuss (things) with him. cells at the Lorusso and Cutugno detention cen- Vincenzo, a Neapolitan nicknamed “Midnight” have now left prison and around 15 are playing nity,” said Vizer. Everything I want is for the benefit of tre, located just a mile from football club after a TV mafia character, is one of only five regularly on the outside. “That fills me with satis- SportAccord, which also hosts smaller sports. Just because the IOC is the most Juventus’s stadium. Italian nationals in the team. He says he feels like faction,” says Rista. “The litmus test for this proj- multi-sports events like the World Combat important sports organisation does not Their unique status means they required a a different person when he plays. ect is what happens when they get out. If they Games, is not hugely important for major mean it is perfect.” “Things can be changed special exemption from the league they play in “Matchday is the best day of the week, the have understand that they can live a life without sports such as athletics, whose financial and values can be increased, transparency to be allowed to play every fixture at home, training as well,” he said after La Drola’s final crime we will have done our job.” —AFP dependence on the Olympics and their can be adapted,” he said. —Reuters Colombia mine victims take stand by sitting

BELLO: Fabio Caviedes had never played vol- 2008 and now has several teams of former leyball before he stepped on a landmine in con- soldiers and police, for whom it is a vital part flict-torn Colombia and lost his left leg. Now the of their recovery. 32-year-old former soldier is a national champi- “Bello wanted to hold a tournament that on in sitting volleyball, and dreams of playing at would support these athletes and the victims the Paralympics in Brazil next year. of the conflict in a spirit of inclusiveness,” said Sitting volleyball is a fast-paced version of Helder Acevedo of the town’s sports office, the sport in which participants slide across the which organized the event. “This sport helps floor on their bottoms, and hit the ball across a them overcome the emotional scar of being lower net than standard volleyball. the victim of these explosive devices.” It has been a Paralympic sport since 1980. That was evident on Sunday at the But it is more than just a game in Colombia, moment the Army team won the final, when where a five-decade guerrilla war has left more the seated players leapt to their feet in cele- landmine victims than any country in the world bration, hopping on one leg and exchanging outside Afghanistan — 11,000 killed or wound- high-fives, hugs and elated smiles. ed in the past 25 years, 10 percent of whom are More than 12,900 people have been vic- children. tims of anti-personnel mines, improvised Caviedes fell victim in 2009, when he explosive devices and unexploded munitions stepped on an anti-personnel mine that had in Colombia, according to the government’s been placed in an abandoned schoolhouse in Victims’ Unit, which was set up in 2011 to deal southern Colombia. with the fallout. Like other landmine victims who have taken Colombia’s complex conflict has drawn in up sitting volleyball, he has found a kind of leftist guerrilla groups, right-wing paramili- rebirth in the sport. “After all that’s happened to taries and drug traffickers since the FARC was me, this sport gives me the motivation to carry launched in 1964. on,” he told AFP in Bello, a suburb of Medellin Two years ago, President Juan Manuel that hosted 100 Paralympic athletes last week- Santos’s government launched peace talks end for the third edition of the national sitting with the Revolutionary Armed Forces of volleyball championships. Colombia (FARC), the main guerrilla group, Caviedes is not bitter about what happened to seek an end to the conflict. As part of to him. “We know the risks we face,” he said. He that process, the two sides announced on and his fellow players, many of them former sol- COLOMBIA: Colombian victims of landmines take part in the sitting volleyball national championship in Bello March 7 that they would work together to diers, won audience members’ hearts in Bello, Municipality, Antioquia department. Soldiers and civilians victims of landmines participate in the third sitting volley- clear the country’s landmines. They adopted where 2,500 people turned out to watch the ball national championship, the winner will represent the country in the next Paralympic Games in Canada. —AFP a “roadmap” to that effect on May 8, which championships. the government’s chief negotiator Caviedes, who plays for the Armed Forces Paralympics in Rio de Janeiro. “I’m the best of Sitting volleyball emerged in 1956 in the is set at 1.15 meters (3.77 feet) high for men’s Humberto de la Calle called the “first and A team, is hoping to make the Colombian the group at the national level, so I have faith Netherlands, inspired by sitzball, a German play and 1.05 meters for women’s. Colombia most important joint measure” toward end- national team and play in the 2016 in God that I’ll be selected,” he said. sport for people with limited mobility. The net began holding national championships in ing the conflict. —AFP THURSDAY, MAY 21, 2015 SPORTS Atletico primed for Barca and Real slips

MADRID: Last season’s Spanish champions Argentine added. Atletico Madrid will be ready to pounce “To become champions again we have again if wealthy heavyweights Barcelona to work to finish second, third and when and Real Madrid show any more signs of they (Real and Barca) get distracted win the weakness, according to coach Diego title again.” Simeone. Barca clinched the La Liga title on Once Barca’s prolific Argentina forward Sunday with a 1-0 win at Atletico, exactly a Lionel Messi, who scored the winner on year after Simeone’s side pipped them to Sunday, retired, Atletico would have an the Spanish league trophy, their first in 18 even better chance, he joked. years, with a 1-1 draw at the Nou Camp. Simeone has long maintained that Atletico were able to capitalise on Barca Atletico had little chance of defending their and Real’s inconsistency in 2013-14 but title given the gulf in resources compared with one game remaining this term, are left to Real and Barca, insisting third place was fighting for third place and a berth in the a more realistic target. Champions League group stage. Atletico Despite losing top scorer Diego Costa to have 77 points in third, three ahead of Chelsea, Atletico have still put together an fourth-placed Valencia, with Sevilla a point impressive season, twice beating Real in La further adrift in fifth. Liga, including a 4-0 drubbing of their Simeone’s men face a tricky final match neighbours at the Calderon in February. on Saturday at Granada, who are 16th and However, they lost both La Liga matches fighting for the top-flight survival. “We have against Barca, were eliminated by the to prepare as a team for when Real Madrid Catalan giants from the King’s Cup and and Barcelona are not so attentive,” knocked out of the Champions League by Simeone told Spanish radio station Onda Real in the quarter-finals. Cero in a late-night interview on Tuesday. “When we said that our rivals were “Last year, they were not so focused Sevilla and Valencia we were right,” and we were able to get in the mix but Simeone said. “Until we know whether we Valencia and Sevilla are also aware of this have finished third we cannot give our- and that strengthens the league,” the selves a mark for the season.” —Reuters

WEST BANK: FIFA president Joseph Blatter plays football with Palestinian children during his visit to the village of Dura Al-Qaraa, near the West Bank city of Ramallah. —AFP FIFA chief’s Mideast peace bid fails

RAMALLAH: FIFA president Sepp Blatter saw his an attempt to mix politics and sport, saying such would mean a national association is playing on Mideast peace-making mission crumble yester- matters had not place within FIFA. the territory of another national association day after the Palestinians vowed to press efforts Rajoub’s remarks were a clear indication that without having received permission to do so,” he to have Israel suspended at the upcoming world Blatter’s peace efforts had failed, although the said. football congress. After months of rising ten- world football chief vowed he would not give “I had a meeting today with president Abbas sions over plans by the Palestinian Football up. and we discussed this matter and this is a big Association (PFA) to have its Israeli counterpart Blatter has spoken out against suspending question mark.” Explaining the decision to press expelled from FIFA, Blatter himself flew into the the Israeli FA, saying such a move would damage ahead with the resolution, Rajoub said that all region on Tuesday on a mission to resolve the the organisation as a whole and could set a“dan- other avenues for resolving the matters had not dispute. gerous precedent”. borne fruit and that it was up to FIFA member At issue is a Palestinian complaint over Israeli associations to decide. restrictions on the freedom of movement of its ‘NOT FOOTBALL’ Emmanuel Adebayor players and footballing officials. “If one association is not happy with the oth- NO MATCH FOR PEACE The Palestinians are also protesting the exis- er and claiming whatever they claim, and it is a “We are convinced that most FIFA members tence of five Israeli teams in settlements which political matter that cannot be solved by FIFA share our views on the situation and will support are built on land they want for a future state. The statutes... then (a suspension) would be a dan- our proposal... because racism is one of the Adebayor reveals clubs play in the third and fourth divisions. gerous precedent,” Blatter said, citing concerns greatest dangers that football faces at the pres- Blatter first met in Jerusalem with Prime that other federations in conflict zones could fol- ent time,” he said. Blatter also proposed the idea Minister Benjamin Netanyahu who pledged to low suit. of the two national teams playing a “match for suicidal thoughts take a number of steps to ease the situation. But “This is not football. That’s why I’m on a peace peace” - with Netanyahu welcoming the idea but after talks with Palestinian president Mahmud mission.” Blatter, 79, is seeking reelection at the Rajoub saying the conditions were not yet ready Abbas in Ramallah on Wednesday, it quickly upcoming FIFA Congress which begins on May for such a game. LONDON: Tottenham Hotspur’s Togolese In the latest 1,649-word offering-posted became clear it was not enough, with PFA chief 28 in the hope of winning a fifth term in office. “It’s a creative idea, I like it,” he told Blatter. striker Emmanuel Adebayor revealed in a in English and French-he alleged that he Jibril Rajoub saying they would not take the pro- During his talks with Abbas, Blatter told him “But we have to pave the road for that, we have candid Facebook post yesterday that he was threatened with a knife after refusing posal off the agenda for the upcoming FIFA Israel had agreed to station people at check- to prepare the environment. But this should be considered suicide over a feud with his to give Kola money to set up a car business Congress. points “to facilitate the movement of football an endgame, this should be a purpose for you family. during his time at Monaco. “We will keep the proposal on the agenda (of people” and to establish a VIP service to allow and I urge you not to give up,” he said. The 31-year-old, who has barely fea- “I was very tired and decided to go take the upcoming FIFA Congress) for sincere and players to move between the West Bank and The Palestinians say they are confident of tured for Spurs this season, also claimed a nap. I woke and a knife was held to my open discussions by the FIFA member associa- Gaza. winning support from many federations within that he had had a knife held to his throat throat,” Adebayor wrote. “As I opened my tions,” Rajoub said at a joint press conference They also agreed to create a special ID card the congress, notably those based in Africa and by his brothers, Peter-who died in July 2012 eyes, both of my brothers (Kola and Peter) with Blatter. for Palestinian players, and to set up a third-par- Asia, recalling how the Asian Football — and Kola. were there. They were shouting and they “There will be no compromising on free ty working group comprising Israeli, Palestinian Conference banned Israel in the mid-1970s. “Many times I wanted to give up,” claimed that I was wasting their time. “Peter movement of our athletes and officials.” The and FIFA representatives which would “meet Israel’s Football Association, which was recog- Adebayor wrote. “Ask my sister Iyabo was going mad and Kola was supporting Palestinians want the matter to be put to a vote monthly to analyse and monitor the situation”. nised by FIFA in 1929 during the British Adebayor how many times I have called (him). I asked them, ‘Is this the only way to at the annual FIFA Congress where it will only But he said that the question of the five set- Mandate, was admitted to the Asian Football and was ready to commit suicide. I kept solve this issue? If yes, then kill me and take pass if it gets the support three-quarters of the tlement teams had not been resolved, describ- Conference in 1954, but expelled 20 years later these stories for years. the money.’ It’s only at that moment that he 209 member federations. ing it as “a delicate problem”. “This has nothing following pressure from Arab and Muslim mem- “But if I die, no-one would know my sto- put the knife down.” Adebayor explained Israel has denounced the Palestinian move as to do with FIFA statutes but it could (do) if this bers. It was admitted to UEFA in 1994. —AFP ry, no-one would learn from it. Some peo- that he had taken to Facebook after his sib- ple say I should keep these stories private, lings spoke out about “family issues” on but someone has to sacrifice himself, some- social media. one has to talk about it.” Adebayor has been at Spurs since 2011, Injury-time penalty It is the third time this month that following previous spells with Arsenal, Adebayor has published a lengthy post on Manchester City and Real Madrid, but has Facebook about his disagreements with made only 10 appearances this season, rocks Guangzhou members of his family. scoring two goals. —AFP SINGAPORE: An injury-time penalty Jorginho on 23 minutes, but the Brazilian’s rocked the AFC Champions League hopes effort was cancelled out just before half- Italy’s PM calls for of 10-man Guangzhou Evergrande yester- time by Huang Bowen’s stunning equaliser day as the favorites went down 2-1 to from 25 metres. Seongnam FC in the last 16 first leg. Fabio Guangzhou were reduced to 10 men in match-fixing clean-up Cannavaro’s 2013 winners recovered from the 65th minute when Li caught Bueno in going an early goal down and despite a red the chest with a high boot. And the ROME: Prime Minister Matteo Renzi said Match-fixing allegations have blight- card to Li Xuepeng, the wealthy Chinese Brazilian drew another pivotal foul when he John Carver yesterday he was embarrassed and dis- ed the lower leagues of Italian soccer in club looked set to escape with a 1-1 draw. won the penalty deep into stoppage time. gusted by the latest match-fixing scandal recent years as criminal groups increas- In Seoul, Takashi Usam’s second-half Carver in bid to save to hit Italian soccer and called for sweep- ingly use the sport as a focus of the coun- brace gave Gamba Osaka a 3-1 away win ing changes to clean up the game and try’s legal gambling industry, Europe’s over FC Seoul as the Japanese treble-win- Magpies from drop attract families to stadiums. largest, as a way to earn and launder ners took a giant stride towards the quar- Renzi had already promised to make money. ter-finals. LONDON: Newcastle United manager John Carver is radical changes to professional soccer a “The episodes in our third division are Seoul had not conceded in their previ- attempting to wrap his players in a low-tech blanket in a bid year ago after a supporter was shot dead embarrassing,” said Renzi, who is an ous six home games in the competition, to save them from relegation. Having lost nine of their last 10 by a rival fan at the Italian Cup final, but ardent supporter of Serie A team but Gamba ended that defensive record Premier League matches, the Magpies need a win against these reforms never materialised. Fiorentina, which represents Florence with a superb counter-attacking display at West Ham in the final game of the season on Sunday to guar- Police on Tuesday detained around 50 where he used to be mayor. Seoul World Cup Stadium. antee safety. people including team managers, players Investigators suspect 28 matches The deadlock was broken in the 62nd A loss to the Hammers and a Hull City win over and a suspected Calabrian mobster from the third division Lega Pro and minute when the ball was worked down Manchester United would see Newcastle relegated and accused of fixing dozens of soccer semi-professional Serie D from the 2014- the left flank to full-back Hiroki Fujiharu, Carver is doing all he can to tip the odds in his favour; start- matches in the country’s third division 15 season were rigged. Among those whose cross was met by Usami with a firm ing with a ban on players using social media. “People are say- and its top semi-professional league. sought by police for bribing players and volley that left goalkeeper Yoo Sang-Hoon ing this is the biggest game in six years at this club, and let’s “I am disgusted by what is happening coaches were Serbs, Albanians and helpless. The visitors extended their lead 11 be honest, it is,” Carver told reporters. “We have got to deal in our soccer. In the last few years there Maltese nationals. minutes later after more good work by with that. “There is going to be a lot of media hype which we have been repeated scandals that leave Without naming names, Renzi said Kim Do-Heon Fujiharu, who sent a chip from the left expect. I have had a chat with the guys and said... try and stay you speechless,” Renzi said in a radio Italian soccer had to get rid of “characters byline to the far post where Koki Yonekura off social media, stay off Twitter, keep off the internet.” interview ahead of this year’s Italian Cup with a questionable approach that gov- But there was late drama when Brazilian was on hand to slam the ball home. Carver does not even want his players watching football final late yesterday. ern our soccer at all levels.” forward Ricardo Bueno took a tumble in Usami netted his second of the night on TV in case it tires them out. “Don’t watch football because He said Italy should follow the exam- Despite the scandals, after years in the the box and captain Kim Do-Heon held his with a superb individual effort with four sometimes mentally that can fatigue you and put a bit of ple of Britain, Germany and Spain, which doldrums Italy’s top teams have fared nerve to bury his spot-kick in the 96th minutes left, holding off two defenders pressure on you,” he said. “It’s come to this and we have to have largely rooted out fan violence and better in international competitions this minute. before sending a low, left-footed shot past deal with it. But I’m looking forward to the challenge that this invested in high quality stadiums to season. Juventus faces Barcelona in the It sparked celebrations for Seongnam Yoo. week will bring. “I have enough players in that room who make them more attractive to families. In final of the showcase Champions League but they still have much work to do away Yun Ju-Tae pulled a goal back for Seoul realise what this game means. I’m expecting the big players Italy, violence is rife and its stadiums are next month, and Fiorentina and Napoli next week, especially if Guangzhou wel- in stoppage time but the Korean side will to step up and perform. We have to win the game. If we win, often half empty, even in the top tier both reached the semi-final of the less come back injured Brazilian trio Elkeson, need to score at least three goals next we take care of our own business. Winning is our only Serie A. prestigious Europa League. —Reuters Alan and Rene Junior. week in Japan to have any chance of pro- thought. Seongnam went ahead through gressing. —AFP “We need the supporters this weekend. Put all your differ- ences to one side and get behind the team. We will have an inquest after.” Sunday’s clash, however, will be played out against a backdrop of fan unrest, with supporters planning a Kevin-Prince is Schalke’s scapegoat, says brother protest against owner Mike Ashley. The AshleyOut.com group plan to “continue to occupy the BERLIN: Germany defender Jerome Boateng has threatened to see Schalke drop out of the top six Schalke has told both Sam and Berlin-born weeks in the starting side. ground” after the final whistle regardless of the result and are jumped to the defence of half-brother Kevin- in Germany’s Bundesliga after the Royal Blues had Kevin-Prince, who played for the Black Stars at the “Just because he started one game in the team, calling on fellow supporters to join the protest. Prince Boateng by insisting the Ghana internation- already missed out on a Champions League berth 2014 World Cup, that they have no future with the which has been playing without success for weeks, “Together we will make it clear that enough is enough al is being used as a scapegoat by Schalke follow- for next season for the first time since the 2010/11 club, but Bayern Munich defender Jerome he is supposed to have suddenly pulled the whole and demand-on the worldwide platform that is Sky Sports- ing a poor season. The Royal Blues kicked both season. Boateng says his half-brother has been treated team down? that the man ultimately responsible for the club’s demise into Kevin-Prince Boateng and Germany winger Sidney Boateng, 28, remains under contract with unfairly. “He doesn’t have an explanation for the sud- mediocrity, Mike Ashley himself, puts the club up for sale Sam out of the squad, and suspended mid- Schalke, but is allowed to talk to other clubs to “They were clearly looking for a scapegoat,” den turn of events, he is naturally very disappoint- with immediate effect to ‘a worthy custodian of such a fine fielder Marco Hoeger, 10 days ago following their negotiate a transfer and has already been linked to the Bayern defender told German magazine ed with those responsible at Schalke, which I can football club’,” the AshleyOut campaigners said in a statement shock 2-0 league defeat at Cologne. The result had former club AC Milan. Sport Bild. “My brother hadn’t played for completely understand. —AFP on their website. —Reuters Troops, checkpoints Colombia mine for Pakistan, victims take Zimbabwe T20 stand by sitting

THURSDAY, MAY 21, 2015 16 18

FIFA chief’s Mideast peace bid fails Page 19

OAKLAND: Houston Rockets center Dwight Howard dunks against Golden State Warriors forward Draymond Green during the first half fo Game 1 of the NBA basketball Western Conference finals. — AP Warriors’ Curry too hot for Rockets

OAKLAND: Stephen Curry won his personal 16-2 run to seize control by halftime. game. “We have to look at the film and cor- For the first time since 2004, the team in best One surprise shook up the selection order duel with James Harden as the Golden State Harden, who finished runner-up to Curry rect things and be better in Game Two.” position actually claimed the top pick, giving as the Los Angeles Lakers leapfrogged from Warriors overcame an early deficit and sur- for the regular season MVP award, nearly Houston center Dwight Howard suffered a Minnesota reason to rejoice after their lowly the presumed fourth pick to the second spot, vived a late scare to edge the Houston delivered a triple-double with 28 points 11 knee injury in the first quarter, returned for a 16-66 mark in the regular season. changing places with the New York Knicks. “I Rockets 110-106 in Game One of the Western rebounds and nine assists, and caught fire in while but left for good in the fourth and they “We just want a young man with a great just know right now there’s a lot of happy Conference Finals on Tuesday. the second half to rally the Rockets. Houston will need his inside presence as the series heart and a great mind,” said Timberwolves people in Los Angeles,” said Lakers coach Curry poured in 34 points, six rebounds have already proven capable of comebacks progresses. owner Glen Taylor, who attended the lottery Byron Scott. and five assists and added key buckets in the in overcoming a 3-1 deficit to oust the Los “He’s our top rebounder and protects the at a midtown Manhattan hotel ballroom. “This is a big step for us in the process of closing stages to give the top-seeded Angeles Clippers in the last round and used a paint,” Houston coach Kevin McHale said of Centers Karl-Anthony Towns from the rebuilding our team and getting back to ... Warriors a 1-0 lead in the best-of-seven series late 7-0 run to pull within 108-106 with 14 Howard. “Hopefully he’ll be better.” University of Kentucky and Jahlil Okafor from playoff championship basketball.” The in front of a raucous home crowd. “It’s enter- seconds remaining. Curry, however, settled Meanwhile, the Minnesota Timberwolves Duke are widely considered the prizes of the Philadelphia 76ers will select third and the taining basketball. We’re both supposed to the nerves by making two free throws to seal won the National Basketball Association’s draft to be held on June 25 at Barclays Center Orlando Magic fifth. help our team win and impact the game,” things for Golden State, who got 18 points draft lottery on Tuesday, giving them the first in Brooklyn. The Timberwolves’ draft choice will join Curry told reporters. “There’s going to be off the bench from Shaun Livingston. selection in the NBA draft for the first time. Other highly touted candidates include last year’s top pick Andrew Wiggins on stretches where (we both play well). He “Game One slipped away from us,” Harden The Timberwolves had a 25 percent point guards D’Angelo Russell (Ohio State) Minnesota’s roster as he was obtained from made some crazy plays.” The Golden State said after Trevor Ariza scored 20 points and chance-the best odds among the 14 non- and Emmanuel Mudiay, who played profes- the Cavaliers before the 2014-15 season as fans were nervous early, however, when their Josh Smith added 17 and seven rebounds for playoff teams in the draw-at winning the sionally this year in China, and Latvian power part of a deal that sent Kevin Love to team fell 16 points behind in the second the Rockets. weighted lottery after finishing with the forward Kristaps Porzingis, who played in Cleveland. Wolves President Flip Saunders quarter but the Warriors responded with a “We had several opportunities to win the worst record in the 2014-15 regular season. Spain’s professional league. was thrilled.—Reuters

Contador retains lead, Qatar World Cup ‘on schedule’ DOHA: The controversies surrounding timetable for the 2022 tournament. Zakarin wins Giro stage Qatar’s hosting of the football 2022 World Thawadi, a fervent Liverpool fan who talks Cup may continue unabated but so too do dreamily of his idol “King Kenny” Dalglish, MOLA: Spain’s Alberto Contador retained the lead of the Giro d’Italia the country’s preparations for the tourna- bullishly dismisses criticism and says: “We after yesterday’s 11th stage won by the Katusha team’s Russian rider ment itself. “I can say we are on schedule,” have always said we have been confident in Ilnur Zakarin. Zakarin biked in to victory alone after a long, solo break- tournament chief Hassan Al-Thawadi told the integrity of our bid.” away on the 153km ride from Forli to Imola. AFP earlier this month. On the ground, Qatar’s preparations Tinkoff’s Contador, whose goal is to become the first rider since Marco This week, the man who oversaw Brazil’s already mean that work has begun on Pantani in 1998 to win the Giro and the Tour de France in the same sea- preparations for the 2014 World Cup, potentially more than half of the stadiums Ricardo Trade, visited Qatar and announced that will be used by the world’s best foot- son, held on to the leader’s pink jersey, with a slender three seconds himself “impressed with the amount of ballers in seven years’ time. advantage over chief rival Astana’s Fabio Aru. detailed planning and stadium progress,” Qatar has unveiled the designs for or Contador, who launched an unsuccessful attack, admitted it had been achieved by the Qataris seven years away already begun reconstruction on five of the a tough day in the saddle. from the start of the tournament. grounds to be used. As few as eight stadi- “The terrain wasn’t ideal for an attack, but sometimes you just go on Confidence in the progress of Qatar’s ums-or as many as 12 — might be used for instinct: it depends on whether you feel good or not,” Contador said. preparation comes at the same time as the the first World Cup ever to be held in the “Today was very hard, much harder than yesterday, with 50km less. “I’m howls of protest at the country’s proposed Middle East, which is uniquely taking place feeling better each day, and the bruising on my legs (after last week’s hosting of the World Cup grow ever louder. in the months of November and December. fall) is getting better.” Just in the past few weeks alone, Qatar’s Last month, Thawadi was on hand to The experienced rider added: “A thousand things can still happen. It poor image in the eyes of many abroad has oversee the launch of the latest stadium may look easy, but there is still a very long way to go.” Stage winner been further battered by events. design for the 40,000-seater Al Rayyan sta- Anger over the arrests of two foreign dium, Doha, which will be used to host Zakarin, the shock Tour de Romandie winner last month, broke away journalist crews trying to expose the matches up until the quarter-final stage. from an escape group 23km from home. squalid living conditions faced by many Renovations have begun on the Khalifa With three laps of the Imola motor track to finish off the stage, the 25- labourers, the Council of Europe (CoE) call- International Stadium, which will also host year-old Zakarin held off the advances of the chasing pack led by ing for a re-run of the vote which awarded the 2019 World Athletics Championship. Australian Simon Gerrans, eventually finishing 53sec clear of a sextet led the tournament to the Gulf emirate, trades In the north of Qatar, the main construc- by Colombian Carlos Betancur. unions urging World Cup sponsors to lob- tion on the 60,000 Al-Bayt Stadium, which “I started the stage in good heart, and the breakaway riders worked by for reform, and the imminent publica- will be the site for one of the World Cup well together,” the Russian said.”I made one attempt to get away, and at tion of another unfavorable Amnesty semi-finals, will start later this summer. the second try, I made it. I learned a lesson in the stage that (Benat) International report, have all added to the In addition, preliminary building work Intxausti won (on Saturday) because that day I made the mistake of feeling that Qatar’s World Cup is under has begun on the Qatar Foundation permanent seige. Stadium and the Al Wakrah Stadium, attacking too early. Meanwhile a FIFA meeting later this shaped to look like a traditional dhow boat. “This time, I waited until the last moment. I still can’t believe that I month could see a resolution tabled to Each of these has a capacity of 40,000. won the Tour de Romandie, and now I’ve won a stage of the Giro. I feel remove the World Cup from Qatar because It has also been announced that many emotions, and I’m very happy.” of the slow pace of labour reforms. renowned British architects Foster and Today’s 12th stage from Imola to Vicenza is a gruelling 190km ride, IMOLA: Russian rider Ilnur Zakarin celebrates as he crosses Yet inside Qatar all this appears to be Partners will design the stadium that will host with the final 60km over very hilly terrain, with some very demanding the finish line to win the 11th stage of the Giro D’Italia, Tour making little difference to the Gulf country’s the final of the tournament in 2022. — AFP climbs and an uphill finish on the final ramp —AFP of Italy cycling race. — AP Gulf banks increase lending footprints in Asia, Africa

Page 22 Business Dollar up for third day, eyes on Fed THURSDAY, MAY 21, 2015 Page 24 Full recovery still flydubai announces fourth destination in Pakistan far for Europe Page 26 Page 25

HAMBURG: Train passengers crowd in front of a commuter train that arrives at the central railway station in Hamburg, northern Germany, yesterday. German rail operator Deutsche Bahn cancelled two thirds of long-distance passen- ger services as train drivers began an open-ended walkout that will last at least one week. — AFP Saudi, partners reject China requests for extra oil Mideast crude flows to China down over 10% since Jan BEIJING/SINGAPORE: Saudi Arabia and its ing the first four months of the year, but not for comment, had already reduced contractual export petroleum coke, diesel and gasoline. Asian customers have as well been wary of main Middle East OPEC partners are turning May and June,” said a trader with one of China’s supplies to some Japanese and South Korean Saudi Aramco started up its Jubail refinery of the quality of Iraq’s new Basra Heavy grade and down Chinese requests for extra oil as they biggest oil importers on condition of anonymi- customers in April. the same size last year and also plans to build a trying to switch to other crudes, according to hold back fuel for their own refineries just as ty as he had no permission to talk to media. The trader with one of China’s big importers third 400,000 bpd facility by 2018. Other Middle industry sources. Despite turning down some demand from the world’s biggest crude Another source with a Chinese refinery that said requests for more crude to Kuwait and the Eastern producers such as the UAE’s Abu Dhabi Asian requests, Saudi Arabia and its Middle East importer hits new records. takes Saudi oil said Saudi heavy crude was “a bit United Arab Emirates - Saudi Arabia’s closest National Oil Co are also ramping up refineries, allies are still keen to meet as much Asian While the Saudi and other refusals for addi- tight” in May and June. Reuters pricing and partners in the Organization of the Petroleum and the region is entering its peak burning sea- demand as possible. tional crude supplies may not be part of a new trade flow data show a 40 percent rise in Brent Exporting Countries (OPEC) - were similarly son in which it uses more crude to generate The refusals come weeks after veteran Saudi pricing strategy, the rejections to their biggest crude since January has coincided with a more turned down. PetroChina and Sinopec officials power for air-conditioning. oil minister Ali Al-Naimi visited Asia and said client help explain a 40 percent rise in oil prices than 10 percent fall in overall Middle East sup- were not available and seldom comment on “Over the summer, Middle East producers, demand for its oil was strong, but that Saudi this year as Chinese importers have had to seek plies to China, although in historical terms they trading activity. With imports of 7.4 million bar- particularly Saudi Arabia and Abu Dhabi, will Arabia’s record oil output of over 10 million bpd more oil from other suppliers in what analysts remain high. rels per day (bpd), China overtook the United have limited additional barrels for sale as new was ready to meet the needs of its clients. Naimi say is still an oversupplied market. “Our analysis shows that Saudi flows to States as the world’s top crude oil buyer in April. refineries continue their ramp up and increased was the driving force behind the OPEC decision Senior Chinese oil traders told Reuters the China have fallen quite a bit in May and their summer burn absorbs supply,” said US-based last November to keep output unchanged, Saudis have turned down requests from overall market share in China has also fallen,” NEEDS OF THEIR OWN research and analysis provider Pira Energy. refusing calls to cut production so as not to lose Chinaoil and Unipec - the respective trading said Yan Chong Yaw, Director of Thomson Behind the stingier responses to requests for Supplies of heavy grades have also been vital market share in Asia to rival producers, but arms of PetroChina and Sinopec - for extra car- Reuters Oil Research and Forecasts in Asia. The more oil lie mostly domestic factors. Saudi tightened by the shutdown of two fields jointly triggering price falls of over 50 percent to under goes of crude for May and June loadings, forc- research group’s latest China crude report Arabia has traditionally been an exporter of operated by Saudi Arabia and Kuwait - the $50 a barrel by January. While Saudi Arabia’s cur- ing them to seek supplies from producers in shows Saudi Arabia’s share of Chinese imports crude oil but an importer of refined products. Khafji in October for “environmental issues” and rency reserves mean that it can live with lower West Africa, Oman and Russia. dropped to just over 30 percent in May from That’s changing. Its new 400,000 bpd Yasref the Wafra last week for maintenance amid a prices for years, Deutsche Bank estimates that Saudi Arabia “used to provide as and if we 36.5 percent in April. refinery became fully operational in April, tak- land dispute - taking nearly 500,000 bpd of oil the government needs a price of over $100 to asked for extra cargoes on top of contract dur- Saudi Aramco, which was not available for ing in Saudi heavy crude oil to produce and out of production. balance its budget. — Reuters Oil weighs on Saudi stocks, US, UK fine 6 top banks Egypt pulls back after rally $6bn over rate rigging MIDEAST STOCK MARKETS DUBAI: Gulf stock markets were mixed its 200-day average, now at 9,558 from the second quarter. Abu Dhabi’s NEW YORK: US and British regulators fined six major glob- effort to push the exchange rate in directions favorable to yesterday as oil prices failed to recover points. bourse also pared early gains and al banks nearly $6 billion yesterday for rigging the foreign their banks but detrimental to many others,” she said. the previous day’s losses, while Egypt’s inched down 0.1 percent. National exchange market and Libor interest rates. The far-flung set- “And their actions inflated the banks’ profits while harm- bourse pulled back following a broad UAE Bank of Ras Al-Khaimah fell 1.7 percent tlement included guilty pleas from Barclays Bank, ing countless consumers, investors and institutions around rally prompted by a decision to delay Dubai’s index rose as much as 1.1 after making a public offer on Tuesday JPMorgan Chase, Citicorp and the Royal Bank of Scotland the globe.” Yesterday’s settlement follows earlier agree- the unpopular capital gains tax. percent early in the session as Emaar to buy shares in Ras Al-Khaimah for conspiring to manipulate the massive currency market, ments between large banks and global regulators in a mas- Brent oil fell over 3 percent on Properties, the emirate’s biggest devel- National Insurance Co at a price of 3.64 as well as a guilty plea from Switzerland’s UBS, for violating sive global probe into rigging foreign exchange trading Tuesday to a one-month low of $63.95 oper, climbed 1.5 percent after saying it dirhams per share. a prior settlement of Libor charges. that has ensnared most large banks and resulted in numer- per barrel on a US dollar rally and con- would float a 13 percent stake in its These five banks agreed to a record $2.5 billion in crimi- ous firings and suspensions of individual traders. Banks cern about a building glut, which Egyptian subsidiary on the Cairo bourse. QATAR, EGYPT nal penalties, the largest set of antitrust fines ever obtained have now agreed to nearly $9 billion in fines for manipulat- Goldman Sachs said would lead to a But Emaar, which provided no time- Ezdan Holding continued to domi- by the Department of Justice. All five, plus the Bank of ing forex rates, Justice said. return to 2015 lows. line for the move, then gave up all of nate Qatar’s bourse, jumping 3.2 per- America, will also pay more than $1.8 billion in fines to the It rose 1.5 percent yesterday after its gains and closed 0.3 percent lower, cent and lifting the Doha index 0.5 per- US Federal Reserve over “unsafe and unsound practices” in Barclays fined $2.4 billion strong Japanese economic growth sur- while the Dubai benchmark ended 0.5 cent. Index compiler MSCI included the force markets. The size of penalties on individual banks ranged from prised markets, but remained below percent lower. Logistics firm Aramex, stock in its emerging markets index The massive settlement addresses what regulators the hundreds of millions of dollars to $2.4 billion for British $65. The main Saudi stock index fell 0.8 however, edged up 0.3 percent to 3.46 this month, which is likely to lead to described as a brazen scheme by financial heavyweights to bank Barclays, depending on a bank’s involvement in the orchestrate trades in the $5.3-trillion-per-day global for- scheme and whether it had joined an earlier settlement percent to 9,731 points as most blue dirhams after NBK Capital increased its significant one-off inflows from global eign exchange market in ways that cheated clients and with some regulators late last year. chips declined and leading petrochem- fair value estimate for the stock by 15 funds at the end of May when the bolstered their own profits. The Barclays sum was high because it had not partici- icals firm Saudi Basic Industries (SABIC) percent to 4.50 dirhams, citing positive changes take effect. Traders from the banks, communicating in a chat room pated in the earlier deal. “Put simply, Barclays employees fell 1.9 percent to 105.00 riyals. its business outlook, attractive valua- VTB Capital has estimated likely pas- referred to as “the Cartel”, agreed to withhold bids or offers helped rig the foreign exchange market,” said Benjamin Brokerage Renaissance Capital on tion and generous dividends. sive fund inflows into Ezdan at $59 mil- for euros or dollars at distinct times to protect each other’s Lawsky, the head of the Department of Financial Services Wednesday downgraded SABIC to “sell” According to NBK Capital, the lion. As a proportion of its market capital- trading positions, the Justice Department said. The bank’s for New York State. “They engaged in a brazen ‘heads I win, from “hold” with a target price of 88.00 slump in oil prices has allowed Aramex ization that may not be enough to justify chat room nickname “aptly describes the brazenly illegal tails you lose’ scheme to rip off their clients.’ Barclays chief riyals. Most other stocks in the petro- to negotiate lower airline fares for the stock’s 25 percent leap since the behavior they were engaged in on a near-daily basis,” said executive Antony Jenkins said he regretted that “some indi- chemicals sector also fell. Saudi flights originating from New York and MSCI news, but the stock’s free float is US Attorney General Loretta Lynch. viduals” within the bank “have once more brought our Arabia’s index has technical support at London, whose effect will seen starting very small, magnifying its moves. — AFP “They acted as partners-rather than competitors-in an company and industry into disrepute.” — AFP THURSDAY, MAY 21, 2015 BUSINESS Renault seeks to conquer India with new budget car

CHENNAI: Renault launched its first budg- However, it faces strong competition in et car developed specially for India yester- the small car sector from the Indian- day, seeking to expand its foothold in the Japanese manufacturer Suzuki-Maruti huge but highly competitive market. which holds 45 percent of the market and Renault chief executive Carlos Ghosn from Korea’s Hyundai. Renault went to described the Kwid as “a car for conquest” great lengths to develop the Kwid in India designed to deliver high-volume sales as to keep costs down. the French auto giant tries to grow its It will go on sale in India first before share of the Indian market. being rolled out across South Asia. If it is a The Kwid, the first Renault car to have success it could be launched in other its global launch in India, will go on sale in emerging markets. Foreign automakers the second half of the year priced at have made a beeline for India in the last 300,000 rupees ($4,700). “India is not an two decades, seeking to tap a vast market easy market but we ... decided to play a in the country of 1.25 billion people and role on this market,” he said at the launch leverage its low workforce costs. India’s car in the southern city of Chennai-India’s car- market grew by almost five percent in the making hub. last financial year with 2.6 million cars sold. “This vehicle is a global car, if we make Renault sold almost 45,000 vehicles in the it in India, we will surely make it in all the financial year ending March 2015, most of world,” he continued, adding the country them the Duster SUV. could be the world’s fourth-biggest car Ghosn said India was the only country market within five years. Renault cars cur- outside China capable of growth rates of rently account for around 1.5 percent of more than six percent a year. “(The Kwid) sales in India but the company aims to was developed close to its market. Supplier swiftly increase that to five percent with sourcing in India has been raised to 98 per- the Kwid and a new family car called the cent. We can’t be competitive if we don’t Lodgy. use the resources in India,” he added. —AFP

Tunisian towns call strike CHENNAI: Indian Renault Chairman and CEO Carlos Ghosn (left) talks during the launch of the compact hatchback ‘Kwid’ car in over economy and jobs Chennai yesterday. Renault launched its first budget car developed specially for India yesterday, seeking to expand its foothold in the huge but highly competitive market. —AFP TUNIS: Four towns in Tunisia’s main Ammar Amroussia, a local leader phosphate-producing region began a from the opposition Popular Front par- general strike yesterday to protest ty, said the measures were important, Gulf banks increase lending against unemployment, as figures but not enough to reassure youths in showed industrial activity fell sharply the region who were seeking work. in early 2015. Hundreds of people took Nearly one in three workers are to the streets of Metlaoui, Om Lrayes, unemployed in some parts of southern footprints in Asia, Africa Mdhila and Redayef in the North and central Tunisia, twice the national African country’s southern “mining average of 15 percent, according to basin”, while public institutions and government figures. Economic hard- GCC’s expanding trade and investment behind trend most shops there were closed, resi- ships were a trigger for the 2011 upris- dents and officials said. ing, while protests in the southern DUBAI: An $85 million loan taken out by a Ugandan bank FirstRand raised $235 million in a two-year loan last week; oil export revenues have plunged since last year, govern- The southern protests are a major mining region in 2008 marked a rare this year points to an emerging trend in international cap- the entire deal was syndicated to nine Gulf lenders, with ments have managed their assets to ensure that total challenge to government efforts to public demonstration against Ben Ali’s ital markets: the rise of the Gulf as a syndicated loan mar- Emirates NBD the sole arranger. deposits in the banking system have continued to grow, revive the economy after Tunisia com- rule. ket for Africa and Asia. Stanbic Bank Uganda originally Other Asian companies to have tapped the Gulf loan so liquidity has not tightened. At the same time, most pleted its transition to democracy fol- Tunisia’s shift to democracy has intended to raise $75 million through the 18-month deal market since last year include Indonesian auto financing Gulf banks have built up comfortable capital cushions, so lowing the 2011 uprising that ousted been hailed as a model for the region they have scope to lend. This contrasts with many in January, but expanded that because of strong interest firm Astra Sedaya Finance and airline Garuda Indonesia. autocrat Zine El-Abidine Ben Ali. but many of its citizens remain con- from banks wanting a slice of the business. The list of par- Chinese equipment leasing company Far East Horizon is Western banks, which face cost-cutting and regulatory Tunisia’s state-run Gafsa Phosphate cerned about jobs and living costs. ticipating banks eventually included Dubai’s Emirates currently arranging a Gulf loan. pressures to improve capital adequacy in their home NBD, which was sole coordinator and bookrunner, man- “Recently the leading banks in the GCC (Gulf markets. had already suspended production Figures yesterday from the state sta- dated lead arranger Al Ahli Bank Kuwait , and Qatar’s Al Cooperation Council) have started to expand their foot- Other factors are also at work. Corporate borrowers after sit-in protests by unemployed tistics institute showed economic Khalij Commercial Bank and Commercial Bank of Qatar as print into Asia and Africa, and this development is provid- in Asia have traditionally relied heavily on Taiwanese youths demanding work halted deliv- growth slowed to 1.7 percent year-on- lead arrangers, as well as Western heavyweight Standard ing a new source of bank liquidity in those markets,” said banks for retail syndication of loans; those banks have eries at the start of the month. year in the first quarter as industrial Chartered. “The Gulf banks have not faced the same regu- Jonathan Macdonald, global head of syndicated finance pulled in their horns somewhat as their cost of funding Phosphate exports are one of Tunisia’s activity tumbled by 3.7 percent. latory and capital constraints that European banks have at National Bank of Abu Dhabi. has risen, so some Asian firms are now looking to diversi- main hard currency earners. Quarterly growth picked up slightly, to faced, so they are able to provide liquidity to African fy their loan sources. The total volume of Gulf syndicated “The strike in Redayef and other 2.4 percent from 2.3 percent in the banks,” said Patrick Mweheire, chief executive of Stanbic LIQUIDITY loans to Asian and African firms is still small by global towns is to draw attention to the bad final three months of 2014. Bank Uganda. Several years ago, Gulf banks largely partici- The rise of the Gulf banks as syndicated lenders is part- standards. NBAD’s Macdonald said he expected the conditions in the region, the unem- Tunisia is under pressure from inter- pated as junior partners in international syndicated loans; ly a natural result of their growth over the last several appetite for such deals among GCC banks to remain ployment, despite the phosphate rich- national lenders to reduce public they rarely took most of the key management roles in syn- years. They have opened opened branches and offices in selective and limited to the larger lenders. “Whilst the es there,” said union leader Ali Jdidi. spending, including subsidies on basic dications or dominated them by volume of money pro- Asia and Africa to take advantage of rapidly expanding impact of oil prices has yet to have a material impact on “People want jobs more than any- foods and fuel, and cut the deficit to vided. Over the last six months, several deals have sug- trade and investment ties between those areas and the GCC lenders, there are signs that this could change in thing.” help economic growth. But social ten- gested that picture is changing, for a wide variety of rea- Gulf. “We have seen more trade flows with the region and the second half of 2015,” he said. “As history has shown, Prime Minister Habib Essid, who sions make cost-cutting sensitive. The sons - not all of them under the control of the Gulf banks. want to further strengthen our exposure and footprint,” when banks face challenges with capital or funding, they leads a coalition government between government expects the budget deficit When ICBC Financial Leasing, a wholly owned unit of said Sam Moss, head of investor relations at FirstRand. tend to retreat to local markets where long-term cus- secular and Islamist parties, announced to narrow to 5 percent of gross domes- Industrial and Commercial Bank of China, raised a $500 She said she hoped it would eventually become possible tomers provide the most reliable returns.” But as long as a package of development projects for tic product in 2015 from 5.8 percent million, three-year loan last November, eight of the 10 for African banks to take out loans with longer maturities bank deposits in the Gulf continue to grow faster than the region on Friday, including roads last year. It expects growth of 3 percent banks involved were from the Gulf. There were three man- than two years in the Gulf, as deals became more fre- the banks can lend them on within the region, Asian and and a hospital. But protesters said it was this year compared to 2.3 percent for dated lead arrangers and bookrunners: Emirates NBD, quent. The Gulf is potentially attractive as a loan market African companies may continue to benefit from a new not enough. the full-year 2014. —Reuters Qatar National Bank and ICBC itself. South African bank because many banks are awash in spare funds. Although source of funding. —Reuters Dubai house prices to fall further this year: Cluttons

DUBAI: Dubai house prices are likely to fall further “weighed heavily on the emirate’s residential mar- changed hands in 2014, down 52 percent from a lar, making a Dubai-based investment significantly this year as tougher mortgage lending rules, high- ket”, the report states, noting average house prices year earlier, while the number of transactions in more expensive than this time last year,” Faisal er transaction fees and rising living costs dampen rose 3.4 percent in 2014 versus 51 percent in 2013. the first quarter was down 36 percent year-on- Durrani, Cluttons’ international research and busi- demand, a report from consultants Cluttons pre- The report describes the sector’s 2015 outlook as year. “Sustained growth in rents over the past 18 ness development manager, said in the report. — dicted yesterday. “somewhat mute”, predicting houses would bear months has exacerbated the challenges of amass- Reuters The emirate’s property sector, which went from the brunt of price decline although demand was ing a deposit, while the cost of living has contin- After Emiratis, Indians and Britons were the boom to bust to boom again, has steadied since expected to remain “very stable in the medium to ued to rise,” Steve Morgan, Cluttons Middle East biggest buyers of Dubai property last year, the government introduced measures last year to long term”. chief executive said in the report. “There may be accounting for 22 and 11 percent respectively of cool the market. Home values slipped 0.8 percent In 2014, Dubai doubled property registration some respite as the dirham continues to strength- the total transaction value, official data shows. in the first quarter, leaving average prices 0.5 per- fees and raised minimum mortgage deposits. en, driving down inflation.” Cluttons forecasts 12,600 units will be handed cent lower than a year earlier and 19.4 percent Buying a house for 5.5 million dirhams ($1.5 mil- The UAE dirham is pegged to the dollar. The US over by the end of 2016 and a further 15,800 com- below the 2008 peak, Cluttons estimated. lion) now requires upfront equity of 42 percent currency is up 19 percent against the euro over the pletions are scheduled for 2017-2018, predicting Increased supply, the slow motion impact of the versus 20 percent previously, Cluttons estimates. past 12 months. “Sterling, the Indian/Pakistani oversupply was unlikely because Dubai’s popula- new regulations and ebbing sentiment have The impact has been marked: about 1,300 houses rupee and euro continue to lose ground to the dol- tion is expected to grow. —Reuters

EXCHANGE RATES

Al-Muzaini Exchange Co. GOLD Jordanian Dinar 426.125 US Dollars Mint 0.299300 0.303500 20 gram 246.730 Egyptian Pound 39.491 10 gram 126.060 Asia ASIAN COUNTRIES Sri Lankan Rupees 2.242 Bangladesh Taka 0.003549 0.004149 Japanese Yen 2.521 5 gram 63.710 Indian Rupees 4.751 Chinese Yuan 0.047400 0.050900 Indian Rupees 4.754 Pakistani Rupees 2.961 Hong Kong Dollar 0.036981 0.039731 Pakistani Rupees 2.965 UAE Exchange Centre WLL Bangladesh Taka 3.876 Srilankan Rupees 2.242 Philippines Pesso 6.777 Indian Rupee 0.004535 0.004936 Nepali Rupees 2.980 Cyprus pound 741.050 Indonesian Rupiah 0.000019 0.000025 Singapore Dollar 228.150 COUNTRY SELL DRAFT SELL CASH Japanese Yen 3.525 Japanese Yen 0.002427 0.002607 Hongkong Dollar 39.001 Australian Dollar 226.64 Syrian Pound 2.595 Kenyan Shilling 0.003341 0.003341 Canadian Dollar 251.58 Bangladesh Taka 3.884 Nepalese Rupees 3.025 Korean Won 0.000266 0.000281 Swiss Franc 327.42 Philippine Peso 6.794 Malaysian Ringgit 85.500 Malaysian Ringgit 0.080650 0.086650 Euro 339.45 Thai Baht 9.072 Chinese Yuan Renminbi 49.040 Nepalese Rupee 0.003038 0.003208 US Dollar 303.10 Thai Bhat 9.970 Pakistan Rupee 0.002777 0.003057 Sterling Pound 472.81 Turkish Lira 116.910 Philippine Peso 0.006698 0.006978 GCC COUNTRIES Japanese Yen 2.54 Saudi Riyal 80.656 Sierra Leone 0.000067 0.000073 Bangladesh Taka 3.891 Singapore Dollar 0.223639 0.229639 Qatari Riyal 83.084 Indian Rupee 4.750 South African Rand 0.019414 0.027914 Omani Riyal 785.710 Sri Lankan Rupee 2.248 Bahrain Exchange Company Sri Lankan Rupee 0.001843 0.002423 Bahraini Dinar 803.240 Nepali Rupee 2.975 UAE Dirham 82.348 Pakistani Rupee 2.973 Taiwan 0.009808 0.009988 COUNTRY SELL CASH SELLDRAFT Thai Baht 0.008726 0.0009276 UAE Dirhams 82.40 Europe ARAB COUNTRIES Bahraini Dinar 804.50 Belgian Franc 0.007902 0.008902 Egyptian Pound 39.61 Arab Egyptian Pound - Cash 42.600 British Pound 0.462531 0.471531 Jordanian Dinar 430.59 Bahraini Dinar 0.796985 0.804985 Egyptian Pound - Transfer 39.545 Czech Korune 0.004323 0.016323 Omani Riyal 786.08 Egyptian Pound 0.039913 0.043013 Yemen Riyal/for 1000 1.411 Danish Krone 0.041193 0.046193 Qatari Riyal 83.47 Iranian Riyal 0.000084 0.000085 Tunisian Dinar 157.940 Euro 0.331409 0.339409 Saudi Riyal 80.74 Iraqi Dinar 0.000186 0.000246 Jordanian Dinar 426.710 Norwegian Krone 0.036194 0.041394 Jordanian Dinar 0.422915 0.430415 Lebanese Lira/for 1000 2.155 Romanian Leu 0.086889 0.086889 Kuwaiti Dinar 1.000000 1.000000 Syrian Lira 2.155 Dollarco Exchange Co. Ltd Slovakia 0.009030 0.019030 Morocco Dirham 31.754 Swedish Krona 0.032279 0.037279 Lebanese Pound 0.000152 0.000252 Swiss Franc 0.316381 0.326581 Moroccan Dirhams 0.021765 0.045765 Rate for Transfer Selling Rate EUROPEAN & AMERICAN COUNTRIES Turkish Lira 0.115778 0.122778 Nigerian Naira 0.001249 0.001884 US Dollar Transfer 302.300 US Dollar 302.900 Omani Riyal 0.780741 0.786421 Euro 343.110 Canadian Dollar 255.880 Qatar Riyal 0.082488 0.083703 Sterling Pound 475.240 Australasia Sterling Pound 474.610 Saudi Riyal 0.080137 0.080837 Euro 345.788 Australian Dollar 0.231403 0.242903 Canadian dollar 249.830 Syrian Pound 0.001284 0.001504 Swiss Frank 276.932 New Zealand Dollar 0.216389 0.225889 Tunisian Dinar 0.154053 0.162053 Turkish lira 117.170 Bahrain Dinar 799.730 Swiss Franc 327.520 UAE Dirhams 82.500 America Turkish Lira 0.115778 0.122778 Australian Dollar 243.050 Qatari Riyals 83.740 Canadian Dollar 0.242158 0.250658 UAE Dirhams 0.081487 0.082636 US Dollar Buying 301.100 Saudi Riyals 81.310 US Dollars 0.298800 0.303500 Yemeni Riyal 0.001369 0.001449 BUSINESS THURSDAY, MAY 21, 2015 BUSINESS THURSDAY, MAY 21, 2015 Dollar up for third day, eyes on Fed

LONDON: The dollar touched a three-week high $1.1062 in early European deals and was trading to headlines over Greece as weakening the euro, percent weaker to 120.95 yen per dollar. The dol- Australia and in most Southeast Asian countries against the euro before halting yesterday, a third at $1.1117 by mid-morning, still up a third of a but most said the biggest element was the sense lar was half a percent higher against the also were higher. But Hong Kong’s Hang Seng day of gains adding to a growing sense the US percent on the day. Sterling resisted the charge, that the past month’s 8 percent pullback has Norwegian crown and more than 1 percent high- closed 0.4 percent lower at 27,585.05. currency may be ready for another run higher gaining 0.3 percent to $1.5558 on the back of cleaned out many long-term bets on the dollar, er against the ruble. The US Commerce Department said housing after its weakest period in four years. some new signs of unease over ultra-low rates leaving room for new action. A raft of major banks have forecast the dollar starts last month increased 20.2 percent to a sea- Another push below $1.10 per euro in the and the housing market from the Bank of “Positions are a lot cleaner and that may well to push past parity with the euro over the next sonally adjusted annual rate of 1.14 million short term should depend largely on upcoming England. “Things have shifted in the last few days have opened the way to another push higher,” year and had cast the past month’s weakness as a homes. That pace ranked as the fastest clip since economic data, and Federal Reserve minutes lat- and I would be short euros even from here,” said said Josh O’Byrne, a strategist with Citi in correction after the greenback topped out at November 2007. The report that the US home- er yesterday will provide more fodder for the a senior currency dealer with one international London. “If this is the beginning of a dollar resur- almost $1.04 per euro in March. builders ramped up construction in April to the argument over whether the US central bank can bank in London. “The ECB clearly does not want gence, then the Canadian dollar, Norwegian Any encouragement from the Fed minutes for fastest pace in nearly seven-and-a-half years raise interest rates this year. the euro to go to $1.15 and the dynamic is mov- crown and ruble are interesting bets on the the view the bank could still tighten this year gave newfound momentum for an economy that The dollar topped out at a three-week high of ing back onto the dollar.” Some analysts pointed downside.” The yen fell by around a quarter of a might give the dollar another push. A discussion has struggled in recent months. at the European Central Bank yesterday of whether to trim the life-support it is providing GOLD RISES cash-strapped Greek banks also holds risks for Gold edged higher yesterday, recovering some the euro. “Our economists think today’s minutes lost ground after the previous session’s slide, but will ... be consistent with their view that the Fed gains were muted as the dollar strengthened seems poised to begin tightening in September,” ahead of minutes from the Federal Reserve’s latest said Adam Cole, Head of G10 FX Strategy at RBC policy meeting. The metal slid sharply on Tuesday, in London. “Despite the small back-up in US posting its biggest one-day loss since April 30, as yields this week, markets still only discount the the dollar rebounded from its weakest run against first Fed hike around January 2016, so such a the euro in four years. Spot gold was up 0.2 per- message should add to dollar gains.” cent at $1,209.58 an ounce at 1141 GMT, while US gold futures for June delivery were $2.60 higher at ASIA SCOREBOARD $1,209.30. Prices fell 1.5 percent on Tuesday after Asian markets closed mostly higher after hitting a three-month high of $1,232.20 the previ- robust US housing data boosted the dollar and ous day. “The up move last week was driven partly gave a lift to exporter stocks in Japan and else- by speculation, the CFTC data show, so maybe where. Japan’s Nikkei 225 rose 0.9 percent to these short-term-oriented market players are tak- 20,196.56 and South Korea’s Kospi gained 0.9 ing the higher prices as an excuse for profit tak- percent to 2,139.54. China’s Shanghai Composite ing,” Commerzbank analyst Daniel Briesemann Index advanced 0.7 percent to 4,446.29. Stocks in said.— Agencies THURSDAY, MAY 21, 2015 BUSINESS German banks seek way to turn around weak profits

FRANKFURT: Germany’s nearly 1,800 Private-sector banks make up 36 per- banks are being forced to rethink their cent of total German banking assets. The business models in the face of persistently rest is divided up between the regional low level of interest rates and weak prof- public-sector lenders, which were hit hard itability. “It’s an incontrovertible fact that by the financial crisis, municipal savings the German banking sector is not prof- banks and a vast archipelago of small, local itable enough by international standards,” cooperative banks. Michael Kemmer, head of the BdB federa- “The German banking sector, very tion for private sector banks, told AFP. closed and isolated, has no equivalent in In an economic analysis by the Europe. In the German vision, its vocation is Organization for Economic Cooperation not to be competitive, but to be at the serv- and Development (OECD) and the ice of the economy, which explains the very European Commission, Germany tends to strong links between finance and politi- come out with flying colors-except for its cians,” said Nicolas Veron, a researcher at financial sector. the Brussels-based think tank Bruegel and At the end of 2013, despite massive at the Peterson Institute in Washington. recapitalization efforts, banks’ return-on- Various elected politicians sit on the equity stood at just 1.3 percent in Germany, supervisory boards of the public-sector a long way behind 2.2 percent in Britain, regional banks or “Landesbanken”, or play 5.8 percent in Spain and 6.0 percent in leading roles in savings banks, which enjoy France, according to data compiled by the a number of special regulatory advantages. European Banking Federation (EBF). Consolidation ‘inevitable’ With one bank for every 45,000 inhabi- In the debate over tougher financial reg- tants, “there is a phenomenon of over- ulation in Europe, Berlin is keen to point up banking in Germany,” said Kemmer. And the peculiarities of the German banking like their European counterparts, German sector and argues that its smaller banks banks are feeling the pinch from very low should enjoy special exemptions. interest rates, increased regulation and “You can bet that tensions will increase competition from new Internet banking between a sector that is very feudal and rivals. As if this were not enough, a wave of Brussels’ standardized approach,” said scandals and litigation has not only hurt Veron. Since last November, 21 major the banks’ finances but also severely tar- German banks have come under the direct nished their image. Germany’s biggest supervision of the new Single Supervisory lender, Deutsche Bank, is stuck in a verita- Mechanism (SSM) which forms the back- ble quagmire of different legal battles. And bone of the European banking union. And it has embarked on a number of different that could prove a severe test for the more KREFELD: The ThyssenKrupp stainless steel factory is seen in Krefeld, Germany. Europe’s economy has been down so long, even a restructuring drives to try to catch up with fragile economic models of some of them. bit of growth looks like recovery. —AP its Anglo-Saxon rivals. The German central bank or Bundesbank insists that banks need to One bank for life diversify their revenue sources, board Despite growth uptick, full Wary of the image of unscrupulous member Andreas Dombret said. bankers earning breathtakingly large “The frequently high dependence on bonuses, Germans are traditionally very interest income is a drag on banks’ prof- recovery still far for Europe conservative when it comes to their choice itability, particularly during a long period of of bank. They prefer to entrust their savings low interest rates. For this reason alone, and the finances of their family-run busi- banks must take a look at their business FRANKFURT: Europe’s economy has been down financial aid from the other countries led by The US Federal Reserve launched such stimu- nesses to their local bank, and it’s usually a models,” Dombret said. so long, even a bit of growth looks like recovery. Germany. Just one thing: the condition for lus immediately in 2008 and finished it last year. choice that they stick with for life. The Interest income accounts for two thirds Markets were cheered, to be sure, by last week’s bailout loans was austerity, or spending cut- German model “proved its value during the of German banks’ operating profit, a factor figure showing an improvement in the euro- backs and tax increases to avoid further borrow- THE ITALIAN JOB crisis. Unlike in other countries, credit did which makes them very vulnerable during zone’s growth to 0.4 percent in the first three ing. Tiny Greece has the recent headlines as it not dry up in Germany,” said Gunter Dunkel, the current period of historically low inter- months of the year. Cheap oil helped, as has the Austerity weighed heavily on growth, as gov- tries to avoid defaulting on debt. But the real president of the federation of public-sector est rates. Martin Hellmich of the Frankfurt launch of a 1.1 trillion monetary stimulus by the ernment workers lost salary and retirees saw ball and chain on growth is much bigger Italy. banks. The German banking sector is built School of Finance said a new wave of con- European Central Bank. smaller pension payments. Some governments The economy there remains 10 percent smaller on three pillars-private, public and cooper- solidation in the sector was “inevitable”, But that can’t mask the currency union’s long- have eased up, realizing they may have over- than before the crisis. In fact, Italy has not ative. With around 1,780 lenders, it noting that the number of banks in term sluggishness. done it. Zandi predicts fiscal policy will trim 0.4 shown sustained, robust growth since it joined accounts for a third of all banks in the euro- Germany has already been halved since the percentage points off growth this year and 0.2 the euro in 1999. One reason: it can no longer zone and a quarter in the European Union. 1990s. —AFP THE FACT REMAINS: points next year. devalue its own currency. In past times, a falling The 19-country euro-zone economy is still national currency, the lira, would give industrial smaller than it was before the global financial DON’T BANK ON IT firms an export boost. crisis that started in 2007-2008. The euro-zone While government money was tight, the Worse, successive governments have made lags almost four years behind the United States, European Central Bank loosened up, slashing only halting attempts to reduce legal protec- which recovered the output lost during the interest rates and handing cheap loans to banks. tions that let workers challenge layoffs and, if global financial crisis in late 2011. Problem was, the troubled banks in several successful, force their rehiring. Cumbersome It could take another year before Europe countries were not up to lending. So they were bureaucracy and corruption also remain issues. regains pre-crisis levels. That’s a good eight years not passing on the ECB’s stimulus cash, especial- Italy is the third largest of the euro-zone after the crisis. Gross domestic output - all the ly in troubled Spain and Italy. Profitable compa- economies, behind France and Germany. spending on goods and services in the economy nies couldn’t get credit to expand. Germany’s doing well. But when an economy as - came in at 2.434 trillion euros ($2.72 trillion) in Marco Valli, chief euro-zone economist at big as Italy’s is that bad, it drags down the over- the first three months of the year. That’s below UniCredit, said this combined with austerity to all growth figure quite a bit. the 2.472 trillion euros from the first quarter of hurt the economy even more. 2008, by about 1.5 percent, once adjusted for “You had first of all the policy response, OFF THE JOB inflation. which basically consisted of strong fiscal consoli- Valli and Zandi said the current levels of Mark Zandi, chief economist at Moody’s dation in crisis countries, which obviously exac- growth will help start bring down unemploy- Analytics, thinks it will be the first quarter of erbated the pace of output decline,” he said. ment. A little. 2016 before the 2008 level is breached. “Then you had the poor function for the Some people have been out of work so long Reducing the current unemployment rate of transmission mechanism of monetary policy their skills have eroded or become dated. 11.3 percent will take even longer and reaching until very recently, which harmed growth Many jobless young people never managed to full employment could take another four or five prospects in the most vulnerable part of the get a foot on the ladder and build skills. Youth years. euro-zone.” unemployment is 50 percent in Greece and “By that measure, it will truly be more than a That’s easing, thanks in part to an ECB cam- Spain. Stronger growth for years will be need- lost decade - a decade and some,” said Zandi. paign to purge or reform troubled banks, and to ed to wring out such ingrained unemploy- “Very disappointing.” Here are the reasons why. the ECB’s latest stimulus plan, which consists of ment. “The unemployment rate is going to pumping newly created money into the econo- come down rather slowly,” Valli said. “That TIGHT MONEY my by buying bonds. Yet even that key measure reflects that we have a lot of workers who, due BERLIN: German Chancellor Angela Merkel (right) and President of the BDI Some government policies helped prolong was late. The ECB’s restrictive mandate to focus to skill mismatch problems, will not be put (Federation of German Industries) Ulrich Grillo (left) arrive for a press con- the agony. As euro-zone countries such as on inflation rather than growth, and political back to work, some of these workers. ference at the chancellery in Berlin yesterday after meeting with representa- Ireland, Greece, Portugal, Spain and Cyprus got resistance in Germany, meant the stimulus start- Especially for the low skilled, it is not easy for tives of the economy ministries of the G7 nations. —AFP into trouble with too much debt, they received ed only this year. them to recover. “ —AP German passengers face more chaos from drivers’ strike Burberry shares fall after it cuts FRANKFURT: German rail travel was paralyzed as many services as possible could run to help yesterday by an open-ended strike, the ninth holiday-makers at the upcoming long weekend profit guidance stoppage in less than a year, as the government marking the Christian Pentecost holiday. prepares a law to stop small unions from bring- LONDON: Shares in British luxury goods maker Burberry ing entire sectors to a standstill. Railways opera- ‘Pointless escalation’ tumbled yesterday after it cut its annual profit guidance, hit tor Deutsche Bahn (DB) said it cancelled two “We appealed to GdL yesterday to call off the by foreign exchange volatility and subdued demand in thirds of long-distance passenger services yester- strike,” DB spokesman Achim Stauss told a news Hong Kong and the United States. day as train drivers staged a new walk-out that briefing in Berlin. “We hope reason will prevail. It The 159 year-old firm said 2015/16 profit for retail and was expected to last more than a week. just can’t be that millions of people are affected wholesale - which makes up the vast majority of its business The strike, the latest flare-up in a protracted by this pointless escalation. Following Christmas - would be 40 million pounds ($62 million) lower than and increasingly bitter dispute, had begun and Easter, Pentecost is one of the busiest times expected. Tuesday, initially affecting freight services, but for holiday travel and millions of people will be It came after Burberry reported a rise in group profit for was extended to passenger services from 0000 grounded,” Stauss said. Deutsche Bahn transports the year to the end of March - but adverse currency move- GMT yesterday. The drivers’ union GdL has not around 5.5 million passengers and over 600,000 ments due to a strong pound took a big bite out of the earn- said how long the strike would last, only that it tons of cargo in Germany every day. The employ- ings, which were also pressured by a fall in spending from would be longer than a six-day industrial action ers’ federation BDA said the latest walkout would Chinese customers in Hong Kong. The company said trading at the start of May. It has said it would give 48 poison the traditionally consensual atmosphere in Hong Kong - which accounts for a tenth of group sales - TOKYO: Shoppers taste free sample food at a food market in Tokyo yester- hours’ notice when the strike will end. The indus- between management and unions in the remained challenging, while the United States was also proving “a little softer” compared to last year. The Americas day. Japan’s economy grew more than expected in the first three months of trial dispute centres on wages, work hours and German system of wage negotiation in future. the year as it crawls back from a brief recession, but observers cautioned negotiating rights between the small GdL union “GdL’s behavior is an attack on wage autono- contribute a quarter of revenue. and the national rail operator. In early May the my in Germany,” raged BDA president Ingo “At this early stage of the year, we are seeing increased that a strong recovery may still be some way off. —AFP union staged a nearly week-long walkout, the Kramer, accusing the union of taking passengers uncertainty in some markets,” said Christopher Bailey, longest in DB’s history, which industry groups “hostage out of purely egotistical organizational Burberry’s chief creative officer who was made chief execu- Japan economy gathers pace estimated cost Europe’s top economy almost half interests”. BDA said that the economic costs of tive last year and now holds both roles. Shares in the compa- a billion euros ($550 million). the strike were “immense,” estimating them at as ny, known for its raincoats with camel, red and black-check as housing investment rises much as 100 million euros per day, with the auto- patterned linings, were down around 5 percent making it Turf war mobile, steel, chemicals and raw materials sec- the biggest faller on the FTSE index. TOKYO: Japan’s economy beat forecasts to pled private demand. Public investment plunged The GdL, which represents some 20,000 train tors particularly hard hit. “Today’s news provides little if any reassurance,” said expand an annualized 2.4 percent in the January- 5.5 percent, though real incomes rose 0.6 percent, drivers, is demanding a wage rise and shorter Keith Bowman, analyst at Hargreaves Lansdown. “The out- March quarter, its fastest pace in a year, helped by helping to underpin demand. The news pushed work hours as well as the right to represent other One union, one deal look for the group’s important Chinese consumer appears to tax changes that boosted investment in new hous- share prices higher, lifting the Nikkei 225 index by rail workers such as conductors and restaurant Germany has faced a series of industrial dis- remain finely balanced, whilst currency movements contin- ing. The upbeat data released yesterday contrast- 0.7 percent to 20,164.60. The index recently carriage staff. That demand is effectively a turf putes in recent months. Its biggest airline, ue to offer significant headwinds,” he added. ed with a slew of less positive signals for March breached the 20,000 level for the first time in 15 war with the larger railway union EVG, which has Lufthansa, has been hit by a series of pilots strikes and April that suggest the pace of growth will like- years, buoyed by strong corporate profits as well more than 200,000 members, and which is now in a dispute over early retirement provisions. CURRENCY HIT ly slow in the second quarter. as pension funds and other institutional investors involved in separate, less heated, wage negotia- Stoppages have also hit the postal and logistics Stripping out currency fluctuations, Burberry reported an “Looking ahead, a range of indicators point to rotating cash into shares from other asset classes. tions with DB. giant Deutsche Post and, most recently, kinder- 11 percent rise in underlying revenue to 2.5 billion pounds a slowdown in the second quarter,” Marcel The data reduce the likelihood the Bank of Japan Deutsche Bahn confirmed yesterday that two gartens. The current left-right “grand coalition” and a 7 percent rise in underlying pretax profit to 456 million Thieliant of Capital Economics said in a commen- will opt to expand its lavish monetary stimulus at a thirds of long-distance services would be can- government under Angela Merkel is working to pounds for the year to the end of March. However currency tary. He pointed to a slowdown in industrial pro- policy meeting later this week. Economists are celled and an average one third of regional serv- limit the powers of very small unions with a law fluctuations wiped 72 million pounds from the revenue fig- duction and weakening sentiment among manu- divided over whether the recovery is finally on ices, varying from region to region. In freight that would oblige employers and the largest ure and 38 million pounds from profit. Sterling hit a seven- facturers as reasons for his forecast for near-zero track after years of tepid growth and lingering set- services, around two thirds of trains would run, unions among their workforces to negotiate in year high against a trade-weighted basket of currencies ear- growth in 2015. backs from the global financial crisis. the company said. Eastern Germany was particu- industrial disputes. Under the draft legislation- lier this month. “With about 40 percent of our revenues in US Economists had mostly forecast growth for the More than two years after Prime Minister larly hard hit. And fewer than half of regional which is scheduled to be approved in parliament dollar related currencies, we are exposed to movements in quarter at about 1.5 percent. The 0.6 percent rise in Shinzo Abe launched his economic program trains in the capital Berlin and Germany’s second tomorrow-the largest union within a company exchange rates from a translation impact,” Chief Financial GDP from the previous quarter was the second heavy of monetary stimulus, the government and biggest city Hamburg were running. DB said it should negotiate with management in wage Officer Carol Fairweather told reporters. —Reuters straight quarter of growth following a recession in central bank have yet to see much progress would “do everything in its power” to ensure that talks. —AFP mid-2014 brought on by a sales tax hike that crip- toward their 2 percent goal for inflation. —AP BUSINESS THURSDAY, MAY 21, 2015 Ford’s Vehicle Harmony Group creates chimes that communicate intuitively Your vehicle’s unspoken language

DUBAI: Your vehicle is speaking to you. Are you listening? The group at Ford Motor Company charged with ensuring vehicle harmony is work- ing to make sure the messages are getting through to you- even if you don’t realize it. As recently as last summer, the group was a four-person division known as Interior Harmony, part of Ford’s Electrical Division. The group used flydubai announces fourth a components-based approach to adding sound chimes to various parts of a vehicle. Since then, the group has moved to Ford’s destination in Pakistan larger Vehicle Engineering Division, changed its name to Vehicle Harmony, and now considers a KUWAIT: Dubai-based flydubai yesterday and Multan were launched. As part of its com- vehicle in its entirety when working on such announced direct flights to Quetta in mitment to its operations to Pakistan, fly- aspects as illumination, haptic feel and sound. Pakistan. Flights to the airline’s fourth destina- dubai will increase its 3 times weekly service With its changing role, the Dearborn-based team tion in the country will commence on 11 June to Multan to daily flights with effect from 26 continues to grow, and works with global coun- 2015 with three flights a week. May. flydubai will then operate 27 flights a terparts in facilities in Germany, Asia-Pacific and Commenting on the latest route week to Pakistan. South America. announcement, Ghaith Al Ghaith, Chief “With the launch of our flights to Quetta, The group’s work on vehicle sounds is an Executive Officer of flydubai, said: “We have we look forward to providing more passen- ever-evolving world of pings and chimes, influ- been flying to Pakistan since 2010, and we gers in Pakistan the opportunity to enjoy fly- enced by the constant addition of new tech- have seen a consistent demand for our servic- dubai’s comfortable onboard services, its nologies, such as lane-keep assist and collision es. We are pleased to make Quetta our fourth award-winning In-Flight Entertainment and alerts, as well as by a surrounding world in which destination in Pakistan and it becomes the the ability to connect to our growing network audio alerts are more and more common. 14th destination we have announced this or beyond through our hub in Dubai,” said The science behind vehicle chimes creates an Prescott says they are, which is why it’s intuitive - instantly recognized by drivers.” year. We see continued opportunity to grow Sudhir Sreedharan, Senior Vice President, unspoken language between driver and vehicle. important that every sound a Ford vehicle The right balance of frequency, volume, our network across our geographic focus and Commercial (GCC, Subcontinent, Africa) at fly- Jennifer Prescott, an engineer with the group, is makes is designed to break through the clutter cadence and tone helps differentiate between connect previously underserved markets to dubai. on the team that creates the sounds that enable and get noticed. This is a mandate for the group, high-importance alerts, such as a collision warn- Dubai.” flydubai serves a wide network of destina- Ford vehicles to let the customer know when a even as it’s pressed to create more chimes to ing, and gentle reminders, such as the tick-tock flydubai first began flights to Pakistan in tions in the Subcontinent. This network cov- door is ajar, lights are left on, or a safety belt isn’t keep pace with an expanding portfolio of fea- of a turn-signal indicator. Ford vehicle sounds - 2010 with a daily service to Karachi, which ers eight points in India, two points in both fastened. tures that warrant an audio alert. “Our inclination there are about 30 that make up the pallet of has since grown to a double daily service due Afghanistan and Bangladesh, as well as the But in a world that bombards motorists with has been to add more sounds for more alerts, audible chimes - are designed to have their own to demand. Karachi was flydubai’s 20th desti- capital cities of the Maldives, Nepal and Sri text message pings, email alerts and alarm clock but people are getting chimed out,” Prescott characteristics, each created based on the nation on its network which has now grown Lanka, Male’, Kathmandu and Colombo buzzers, are the chimes drowning themselves said. “Because of that, our audio alerts must be urgency of the message being conveyed. to over 90 points. In 2013, flights to Sialkot respectively. out? Victoria Beckham hosts exclusive British Airways cocktail party in Singapore

KUWAIT: British style icon Victoria Beckham have some very fond travel memories asso- hosted an exclusive British Airways cocktail ciated with the airline and it was great to party to celebrate Singapore Fashion Week, relive them this evening. while also taking the opportunity to share “David and I love visiting Asia and I feel her travel tips with the audience and dis- at home every time I return to Singapore. I cuss how she balances her busy schedule as always find the fashion here incredibly a mother and businesswoman. exciting and inspiring, and it was an honour The singer-turned-fashion designer to show my collection over the weekend.” attended the event for a selection of VIP Victoria Beckham also shared insights British Airways guests at the renowned into how she prepares for long-haul flights: Flutes restaurant, which is housed at the “I travel a lot with my job and charity work National Museum of Singapore. Victoria for UNAIDs so I have my on board routine was wearing a dress from her autumn/win- perfected. Flying is my opportunity to dis- ter 2015 ready-to-wear collection. connect and catch up on work and sleep. Victoria spoke of juggling her time as a Once I’ve boarded the plane, I kick off my mum of four with the demands of life as an heels and change into something comfort- international businesswoman and global able and sit back to unwind.” brand. She discussed travelling the world Robert Williams, British Airways regional with her family and shared that as soon as general manager, South East Asia, said: she gets on board she changes into some- “Victoria Beckham is the epitome of British thing comfortable so she can relax and sophistication and it has been wonderful to enjoy catching up on films. Dark sunglasses have her here with us this evening. We and a lot of water are her travel essentials. always look forward to welcoming her on The renowned designer revealed that our flights.” the White Cube gallery and the V&A are British Airways flies to 188 destinations among her favourite spots in London, the worldwide and flies daily between Kuwait city she chose as the location of her flag- and London. The airline also operates a ship Mayfair boutique. twice-daily service between Singapore and Victoria Beckham said: “I’ve been flying London and a daily service to Sydney. with British Airways since I was a child. I Oil prices rise on Burgan Bank, the first in Kuwait to US stock draw create an App for Malabar Gold & Diamonds LONDON: Crude oil prices bounced back yesterday from steep falls in the pre- vious session as industry data showed that US crude stocks fell more than new Apple Watch launches ‘Hi’ casual jewelry expected last week. Brent futures rose 85 cents to $64.87 a barrel by 1037 GMT, after touching $65.02 earlier in the session. US crude prices rose 58 cents to KUWAIT: Burgan Bank has announced that it will KUWAIT: Malabar Gold & Diamonds, the leading jew- tag. Hi Casual jewelry includes daily wear ornaments $58.57 a barrel, easing back from an intraday high $58.90. On Tuesday oil fell shortly release an Apple Watch Application to bring ellery retailer launched ‘Hi’ Casual Jewelry; an exclusive such as necklaces, studs, pendants, rings, bracelets and over 3 percent on a dollar rally and concerns of a building glut, which convenience to clients. The bank is committed to range of casual jewellery across GCC and Far East. bangles. This collection is available at all their outlets in Goldman Sachs said would lead to a return towards 2015 lows. bringing the latest in technology innovation to its Bollywood Actress Kareena Kapoor Khan unveiled the GCC, Far East and India. “The market came under a lot of pressure yesterday and it’s not unusual to clients. The watch app will complement the smart- latest jewellery collection - ‘Hi’ Casual Jewelry, a light A trendsetter in the jewellery industry, Malabar Gold see a bit of a correction the day after,” said Hans van Cleef, senior energy econ- phone apps which are already being widely used by weight contemporary collection in gold, diamonds and & Diamonds operates 134 stores across 9 countries. The omist with Netherlands-based ABN Amro. clients. precious gemstones. jewellery chain offers a significantly large collection of US crude inventories fell by 5.2 million barrels last week, said industry Burgan is first bank in Kuwait to announce a bank- A tribute to today’s modern woman, to address her traditional as well as contemporary jewellery in gold, dia- group the American Petroleum Institute (API) said late on Tuesday. A Reuters ing app for the cutting edge Apple watch wearable aspirations, the group has launched the collection by the mond, platinum and precious stones that can hold you survey of analysts had forecast a fall of 1 million barrels. device. In addition to account balances, currency con- name ‘Hi’, the ultimate expression of casualness and fun. spell-bound with their awe-inspiring beauty. Their brand- “The key for me is not so much that there are declines in inventories, it’s verter, branch and ATM locator, the new app will also The ornaments in Hi Casual Jewelry intend to enhance ed jewellery segment, Ethnix - Handcrafted Designer that those declines are accelerating,” said Michael Hewson, chief markets ana- enable the user to receive real-time notifications of the feminine charm in the prime target group of 17 - 30; Jewellery; Era - Uncut Diamond Jewellery; Mine - lyst at CMC Markets. Prices also drew support from strong economic data from card transactions with a simple glance at their wrist. students, homemakers, working women and those who Diamonds Unlimited; Divine- Indian Heritage Jewellery; Asia. Japan’s economy, the world’s third largest, expanded at an annualised The watch APP will be offered free of charge to clients. epitomize the youth and vigor of modernity. This graceful Precia - Precious Gem Jewellery and Starlet - Kids rate of 2.4 percent in the first three months of this year. Users will soon be able to receive alerts on smart- collection is rendered in a combination of gold, dia- Jewellery is very popular in the Middle East, Far East and “Japan is one of the major importers of crude oil and growth in this region phones and watches which have a data or WiFi con- monds and precious stones and arrives with a cool price Indian markets. would definitely be favorable for crude demand,” Singapore-based brokerage nection. Phillip Futures said. — Reuters Venkat Menon, Burgan Bank’s Chief Retail Banking Officer said, “We at Burgan Bank are confident that China’s impact looms large as wearable solutions will see growing use in the Kuwaiti Brighter outlook for market, and we are driven in making the information US debates its own trade deals and content that our clients want easily accessible. M&S chief after profit Our customers, especially the youth, are increasingly WASHINGTON: If the US doesn’t write the rules of inter- the Association of Southeast Asian Nations as well as choosing their financial institution based on the rich- national trade, President Barack Obama warns, China will. Australia, India, Japan, South Korea and New Zealand. rises in four years ness and features available on their most personal and In fact, China is already helping write those rules, and in There is significant overlap. Countries involved in both accessible devices. The Apple Watch App will lead the some ways has jumped ahead of the game. negotiations include Brunei, Malaysia, Singapore, way for Burgan Bank to meet and exceed the expecta- There’s intense competition between the US and Vietnam, Australia, New Zealand and Japan. LONDON: British retailer Marks & Spencer raised hopes that it has finally rediscov- tion of such clients.” China for economic influence in the world. As Obama China, under President Xi Jinping, is also starting an ered a winning formula as it reported a rise in annual profit for the first time in four Burgan Bank is a pioneer in introducing cutting seeks to persuade lawmakers to back his trade agenda, Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank and has enlisted 57 years and its intention to return excess cash to shareholders. edge technology solutions as part of its customer-cen- he has cast that competition as an economic threat. countries to sign up. Such a venture is designed to broad- After a poor Christmas, the results also ease the pressure on Marc Bolland, chief tric strategy. The bank will continuously enhance and “They’ll write those rules in a way that gives Chinese en China’s practice of using its state-owned companies executive since 2010. Some observers have suggested that recent improvement in develop solutions that drive convenience and value to workers and Chinese businesses the upper hand, and and its workers on foreign capital projects. the M&S share price offer an opportunity for him to leave on a relative high, but clients. locks American-made goods out,” the president said in The US and Japan, leading shareholders of the World Bolland said he had no plans to depart any time soon, telling reporters he Oregon this month. Bank and Asian Development Bank, have expressed con- “absolutely” expected to present results this time next year. As a result, China’s impact, both current and poten- cern over the new bank’s governance standards and the Britain’s biggest clothing retailer, which also sells homeware and upmarket food, tial, is partly shaping the U.S. debate over whether types of projects it might finance. “They may be very posted a profit before tax and one-off items of 661.2 million pounds ($1 billion) in Congress should grant Obama greater trade-negotiation good for the leaders of some countries and contractors the year to March 28, up 6 percent year on year and above a consensus analysts’ authority. Under such authority, lawmakers could still set but may not be good for the actual people who live forecast of 648 million pounds. M&S raised its dividend 5.9 percent to 18 pence and parameters for trade deals, but once an agreement was there,” Obama said last month. announced the start of a program of enhanced shareholder returns with a 150 mil- negotiated they could only approve or reject it, not Still, Britain, France and Germany have broken with lion pound share buyback for 2015/16. For the second year running, however, the change it. Washington and are seeking membership. outcome was less than the annual profit at clothing rival Next and well short of the Obama is seeking the “fast-track” authority to com- As a result, the Trans-Pacific trade deal Obama seeks 1 billion pounds made by M&S in its 2007/08 financial year. plete a Trans-Pacific trade deal with 11 other countries would do less to thwart China than to help the US “rebal- Shares in M&S, one of Britain’s best-known shopping chains, have risen by more along the Pacific rim, many of whom are also negotiating ance” toward Asia and gain a foothold in a major world than a third over the past nine months and hit an eight-year high on Tuesday. They separate trade pacts with China. market. were up 0.3 percent at 587 pence by 0854 GMT, against a 0.4 percent fall for the Some US concerns: “The US has to be in the game itself,” Evan A FTSE 100 index. The rises reflect hopes that the billions of pounds spent by Bolland Feigenbaum, a former deputy assistant secretary of state on the redesign of products, stores, supply chain logistics and its website is paying CHINA’S AMPLE REACH for South Asia, said at a recent conference on US-China off and addressing decades of underinvestment in the 131-year-old business. The US is the largest economy seeking to conclude economic relations. “In the full sweep and scope of Asia “We’ve always said this is a step by step approach,” Bolland said yesterday, adding the Trans-Pacific trade deal. China is the largest economy institutions, agreements, functional areas, clearly the that the measures taken leave the company well placed to strengthen its turn- negotiating the Regional Comprehensive Economic United States, if it’s going to adapt and compete, has to around.—Reuters Partnership, 16 countries that include the 10 members of compete with something.”—AP THURSDAY, MAY 21, 2015 technology

Can mobility put the ‘fun’ back in enterprise fundamentals?

DUBAI: With work habits continually evolving and End-user motivations used more if the experience is effortless or fun. sensor technologies, and the ability to detect and the proliferation of mobile devices enabling more This quest to drive enterprise value must never Interfaces that reinforce end-user motivation predict intentions. employees to escape the physical constraints of the lose sight of the fact that end-user motivations must and enable enterprises to continuously modify Functions and applications that exploit contex- office, the concept of enterprise mobility is a hot be a key consideration when determining how sys- and experiment with service offerings will create tual awareness are proliferating. The availability of topic of conversation among IT and business leaders tems and services should be architected. That’s new ways to meet the needs of the consumer of open source tools that can be used to facilitate across the Middle East. But true enterprise mobility because these motivations drive their expectations those services. And as this takes place, the end context acquisition, dissemination, modeling, and isn’t simply about equipping employees with the and influence their tolerance of system underperfor- user will use more services, additional scale will reasoning is making the creation of contextual latest iPhone and sending them on their way; these mance. They are also instrumental in getting drive down costs, and enterprise value will awareness easier. The steady drumbeat of technol- mobile employees must also have the necessary employees to initially engage enterprise services increase. Such interfaces rely on the idea of ‘ubiq- ogy will drive it forward, and the enterprise’s abili- tools at their disposal to do their jobs properly at and, more importantly, use those uitous computing’, a phrase first ty to determine an end user’s intent, sentiment, any time and in any place. Indeed, if they can’t services more once they have coined by Mark Weiser way back and desires will grow. The combination of ubiqui- access the critical data and applications needed to become acquainted with them. in 1988. Weiser’s vision was for ty, networking, and context awareness will have a perform the tasks required of them, then those End-user motivations can be the presence of computing to dramatic effect on determining the “why” of the expensively purchased iPhones are nothing but glo- categorized as intrinsic or recede to a point of near imper- interaction between the user and the enterprise at rified email readers. extrinsic. Intrinsic motivation ceptibility, whereby it helps the the point of transaction, and sometimes this is Fortunately, the emergence of technologies such comes from the perceived user almost without the user more useful than knowing the “how”. as Big Data/analytics, social business, and cloud pleasure or joy that comes from knowing it; and advances in sen- We see every day how new technologies are means it is now easier than ever before for enter- performing a task. It allows for sor, location, semantic, and pre- changing the way that we deal with mobility, with prises to provide effective services and solutions to cognitive spontaneity and a dictive technologies are rapidly standard product offerings like watches and glass- employees who are constantly on the go, benefit- sense of playfulness. Extrinsic helping to turn this fantasy into es being turned into mobile user interfaces. tingboth the user and the enterprise itself. And with motivation comes from per- reality. Meanwhile, the growth in ubiquitous (or transpar- the delivery of increasing enterprise value viewed as ceived usefulness. In the case of ent) computing is also feeding the expansion of a fundamental indicator of the health and wellbeing enterprise mobility, it is the Computing power the use of contextual processing. Gesture and of any growing business, the significance of that lat- user’s subjective belief that The vision of ubiquitous com- voice recognition are often cited as inputs that ter point cannot possibly be overstated. using a specific application or puting is to have computing can be used to determine user sentiment, and off- Increasing cash flow requires more sales, lower system will increase his or her power assist us in our normal shoots of the popular Kinect game console tech- costs, or a mixture of both, and it stands to reason job performance. tasks, not to take over specific nology are being leveraged for this very purpose. that by driving increased usage of enterprise mobili- The two may be thought of as Jyoti Lalchandani tasks in our lives. This is impor- It is clear that the point of transaction between ty services, sales will be enhanced. Doing so with competitors for an end user’s tant to enterprise users as they enterprise and end user is being transformed, and flexible and efficient service architectures may not motivational drive. Certainly, one’s job expecta- want to remain in control; they welcome help by it is the job of both business heads and IT leaders help the top line, but it will certainly help the bot- tions and hopes for career advancement, both unimposing computing resources. The system to integrate all the available technology to ensure tom line. Ultimately, it is the business’s responsibility important extrinsic motivators, will lead to the knows the employee needs help by ‘automatically’ that enterprise mobility services are not only use- to drive top-line growth by finding those services usage of tools and systems to perform responsibil- understandinghis/her motivation, intention, and ful, but also effortless and enjoyable. that meet the wants and needs of the relevant ities better. It is hard to trump that. But would sentiment. Much of this is built around contextual The columnist is group vice president and stakeholders, and it is the CIO’s responsibility to more get done if it was fun as well? It is hard to awareness, or the ability to sense and react to regional managing director for the Middle East, implement those services in smart ways by increas- disagree with that hypothesis, and there is plenty external environmental stimulants. Indeed, the Africa and Turkey at global ICT market intelli- ing individual usage of the services and leaving of evidence to suggest that a system that exists to idea of contextual awareness sits at the very heart gence and advisory firm International Data users wanting more. satisfy the want or need of an employee will be of semantic technologies, location technologies, Corporation (IDC). Use of video visits for inmates grows

Inmates and their visitors are not in the same room

RICHMOND: Four-year-old William Cole saw his father’s face and reached out to touch it during a jail visit. But he could only feel a video screen. The facility in Fort Bend County, southwest of Houston, is among a growing number of jails and prison systems across the US in which video visitation has replaced the more familiar in-person visits, where people are in the same room but separated by thick glass. WASHINGTON: A computer-based practice ACT English test is displayed on a com- William’s mother found it jarring to have to com- puter monitor on May 6, 2015. — AP municate with her husband through pixels rather than face to face. In video visitation, inmates and their visitors are not in the same room but see each other on computer or television screens. ACT tests out “This was a very big shock for me,” said Edna Cole, 24, as her son talked with his dad from one of 34 screens in the jail’s visitation area. “I’m used to actually being able to see them in person, and here I can’t do online exams that.” Officials who run the facilities say video visits have improved security and increased visitation hours. CEDAR RAPIDS: ACT, Inc permitted some But eventually, Weeks said, online test- However, prisoners’ rights advocates worry the trend students this spring to take its college ing could allow students to take one sec- is to eliminate free in-person visits for a system they preparatory test online as part of an effort tion of the test at a time, rather than the say is full of technical glitches and could eventually that could allow students flexibility with entire test at once. RICHMOND: In this photo taken on Tuesday, May 5, 2015, inmate Jesse Cole is shown on a tele- require families to pay a fee. Because of the backlash, vision screen as his son William, 4, center, reaches to touch the screen while his mother, Edna, the exam, an ACT official said this week. Doing so would allow more students the Texas House recently approved a bill guarantee- Between 6,500 and 7,000 students access to the test, Weeks said. And it could holds 8-month-old Jesse James, during a video visitation at the Fort Bend County Jail, in ing a minimum of two in-person visits per week at Richmond, Texas. Prisoners’ rights advocates are worried that the growing use in the US of nationwide took the test online this spring, save time for students who want to retake county jails, but it’s unclear if the measure will pass said Paul Weeks, a senior vice president for just one section to improve their scores. video technology to facilitate visits between inmates and their family and friends at county the Senate. jails and prisons is part of a trend to eliminate the more traditional in-person visit. — AP client relations. Most of those students “The promise of online testing is According to the Prison Policy Initiative, a were in states or school districts that increased access,” he said. “We don’t have to Massachusetts-based nonprofit group, about 545 cor- require all students to take the ACT, Weeks limit ourselves to Saturday mornings any large revenue source as people are pushed to use it Corrections recommended using both in-person and rectional facilities (mostly county jails) in 43 states and from home. While video visitation is usually free at a video visitation. said, but about 2,000 took the ACT online longer.” the District of Columbia use video visitation. While on a Saturday-morning national test date, Weeks said ACT does not release the jail, fees to use it from home can be up to $1.50 per Sue Gregory, 50, who used video visitation last video visitation was first used in the 1990s, much of its minute. year when her husband was held at a detention cen- as most students do. names of any districts where students have growth has taken place the last two to three years. About 4,000 students took the ACT taken the test online “for data privacy rea- In Fort Bend County, video visitation - in use since ter in Camp Verde, Arizona, said video visits eliminate online in April 2014, Weeks said. sons.” Representatives of several testing 2009- improved efficiency and security as inmates no human interaction that’s beneficial for inmates. In-person visits banned longer had to be moved to visiting areas and it ended “If the only way you have to visit is through a TV Weeks said ACT is starting with small sites in Cedar Rapids and Iowa City said A report in January by the nonprofit found that 74 groups of online tests to ensure scores they did not know if students had taken the passing of contraband between visitors and monitor, that is not a real visit,” she said. percent of county jails banned in-person visits when inmates, said Sheriff’s Office Lt. Daniel Quam. The remain representative of students’ abilities the ACT online there or that no students they started using video visitation. In Texas, of the 23 and to address questions about security had. change also freed up personnel and extended visita- Community feedback counties using video visitation, 13 have eliminated in- tion hours, he said. Travis County, which includes the state capital of and technological readiness. The content The number of students taking the ACT person visits. and multiple-choice format of the test is online likely will be around 50,000, Weeks Quam said his agency has focused on providing Austin, eliminated in-person visits in 2013 but is dis- The group also found that at least one of the the best service possible, including building a room cussing whether to bring them back. Two lawsuits the same online as in the paper-and-pencil said. “Online testing is here to stay,” he major companies in video visitation, Dallas-based version, he said. said. —AP for use by families and offering 30 minute visits when were filed this year in Denton County, Texas, after in- Securus Technologies, has included language in its state law only requires 20 minutes. person visits were eliminated. Sheriff Dan Staton con- contracts requiring the elimination of in-person visits. The Arkansas Department of Correction, which in sidered ending in-person visits in the Oregon county Bernadette Rabuy, with Prison Policy Initiative, said April approved a video visitation contract, will not that includes Portland after signing a contract with Milking it: Israel leads video visitation can be beneficial as it allows inmates eliminate in-person visits, said spokeswoman Cathy Securus Technologies that called for doing so. But in facilities far from loved ones to have contact. While Frye. In the U.S., nearly 30 state prison systems use after listening to community feedback, Staton decid- it is currently not a big money maker for companies, video visitation. ed to have both video visitation and in-person visits in the way in dairy tech Rabuy is concerned video visitation will become a A December report by the National Institute of Multnomah County. — AP TEL AVIV: Decades ago Israeli dairy farmers confronted a quandary - how could they provide milk to a fast-growing population in a country that is two-thirds desert, with little grazing land? They turned to technology, developing equipment that boosted output - from cooling systems to milk meters and biometrics - and have made Israeli Apple, Android app makers cows the most productive in the world. Science rules today, with cows’ health, output, genetics and fertility closely moni- tored by management systems. In kibbutzes, or communal farms, across the country, cool to Microsoft overtures they line up by the dozens to enter climate-controlled sheds, awaiting the latest inno- vations in robotic milking that drive up efficiency. SEATTLE: Microsoft’s plan to make its new version Orelli, a director at app development firm Fuzz have Windows apps said they would continue to This has put the country’s agricultural tech, and the companies that provide it, in of Windows a mobile hit by letting it accept Productions in New York, which makes apps relat- do so. demand around the world as - with populations and dairy consumption on the rise - tweaked Apple and Android apps has met an ed to Citibank, the New York Post, and Conde Nast, Because Microsoft hasn’t actually unveiled its traditional farming methods are no longer cutting it. obstacle: some of the software developers the among others. new set of tools to turn apps into a Windows for- Smallholder and grazing farms are, for the most part, not competitive. Large, company needs to woo just aren’t interested. For Microsoft, the world’s biggest software mat, developers did not rule out any move, and a mechanised farms that intensely monitor production and maximise yields are the Windows phones accounted for just 3 percent company, there’s a lot at stake this summer as it Microsoft spokesman said that “it is still early” and order of the day. of global smartphone sales last year, compared rolls out Windows 10, the first operating system many software companies want to explore the In the United States, for example, milk production has risen by almost half since with about 81 percent for devices with Google’s designed to run on PCs, tablets and phones. If tools over the coming months. 1970, even though the number of cows has declined by about a quarter. Android system and 15 percent for Apple and its developers don’t embrace the new platform, it will More and better apps might attract more peo- Developing countries, particularly in Asia, want to upgrade their outdated dairy iOS system, according to research firm IDC. One seriously damage the prospects of the new operat- ple to buy a Windows phone or tablet, Microsoft industries and are looking to Israel for products and expertise. So are foreign investors hoping to stay ahead of the curve. reason is that Windows doesn’t run as many or as ing system, which Microsoft hopes will power one reasons. Only six of the top 10 free apps on iPhone India is the biggest milk producer in the world, but most of it comes from farmers attractive apps as its rivals. billion devices in two or three years. are available for Windows phone, and of those, two with few resources. Average production levels per cow are low, to the frustration of To boost sales of its phones and new operating are made by Microsoft itself. In the past Microsoft policymakers. system, Microsoft said last month that it would CANDY CRUSH has paid developers to create Windows apps. “We’re missing a huge export opportunity to Europe and other countries,” said provide tools to software developers to make it Interviews with more than a dozen developers Failure to attract the apps would not be fatal for Devendra Fadnavis, chief minister of Maharashtra state, who came to Israel to find a easier to design apps for Windows based on apps found just one planning to move an app from Microsoft, which is growing more reliant on its solution. “I think with Israeli technology we can take our farms to the next level.” that run on Android or Apple. But because so few Apple or Android to Microsoft . That’s King.com, Office, server software and cloud computing serv- In Vietnam, a group of Israeli companies led by systems developer Afimilk is build- people use a Windows phone, most developers which ported its popular Candy Crush Saga game ices, but it would be a sign that Microsoft is losing ing a $200 million dairy farm, one of the largest projects of its kind in the world. It will remain focused on the more popular systems and from iOS to Windows 10 “with very few code modi- its hold on personal computing, in a world where eventually supply half the milk in Vietnam. don’t see a need to develop apps for Windows. fications” and will be installed automatically with phones are expected to outsell PCs by more than Israeli agriculture has benefited from a boom in the country’s wider hi-tech indus- They also said they doubt how easy the new tools upgrades to Windows 10, according to Microsoft. six to one by 2017. Because of that trend, “it’s going try, which has become a major growth engine and investment magnet. The country will be to use. King.com confirmed the move but declined to to be hard for developers to prioritize building for leads the OECD when it comes to R&D, spending 4.3 percent of GDP on it, nearly “Windows phone will have to gain a significant comment further. Microsoft,” said John Milinovich, Chief Executive of twice the OECD average, according to Ernst & Young. — Reuters share of the market before this becomes some- Eight developers said they aren’t planning to URX, a mobile ad service that creates links between thing that saves us time and/or money,” said Sean develop for Windows 10 at all. Four who already apps. — Reuters THURSDAY, MAY 21, 2015 HEALTH & SCIENCE Expert panel criticizes medical care at Illinois prisons

CHICAGO: A scathing new report by court- Within minutes of the filing, the agency es, including that of a 48-year-old prisoner ‘Deliberate indifference’ erate indifference” about inmates’ medical approved researchers paints a bleak picture issued a brief statement saying the report who pleaded for medical help after he In addition to the prison visits, the care violates Eighth Amendment prohibi- of medical care in Illinois prisons, describing “uses a broad brush to paint an incomplete began feeling chest pain and coughing up researchers also examined thousands of tions against cruel and unusual punish- treatment delays, haphazard follow-up care, picture of the comprehensive medical sys- blood. But the report said it took six months records the corrections department made ment. Prison officials have denied that alle- chaotic record keeping and a litany of other tem in place” at prisons statewide. It added for doctors at the Hill Correctional Center in available to them. Inmates, even those gation. problems that may have cut short the lives that the authors should not have drawn the Galesburg to locate a softball-size cancerous imprisoned for murder, are entitled to better Plaintiffs argued that part of the blame of some inmates. sweeping conclusions it did after visiting just tumor clinging to his neck area and lung. But care, said Benjamin Wolf, a plaintiffs’ attorney lies with Wexford Health Services, Inc., one The 405-page report, which the Illinois eight of 25 Illinois prison facilities. it was too late, and he died four months later who is also chief legal counsel of the ACLU of of the named defendants. The state of Department of Corrections immediately dis- The panel of experts, who the depart- on Jan 30, 2013, according to the report. Illinois, which joined the lawsuit in 2013. Illinois in 2011 awarded a ten-year contract puted, was filed late Tuesday night in US ment of corrections agreed in filings were “The blatant disregard for this patient’s “The measure of justice of a society is worth more than $1.3 billion to provide District Court in Chicago in a class-action qualified, also scrutinized a sample of 63 obvious symptoms ... is stunning,” the report how it treats its most vulnerable, including health care to Illinois’ adult inmates, accord- suit against the agency, which oversees Illinois prisoner deaths from illness in recent said. “Despite the patient’s repeated earnest prisoners,” Wolf said. “No one sentenced ing to Wexford’s website. 49,000 inmates statewide. The report con- years and found “significant lapses” in care in cries for help, including several instances these guys to suffer and die of inadequate The plaintiffs’ complaint says Illinois pays cludes that “Illinois has been unable to meet 60 percent of those cases. It called that per- wherein he was essentially stating, ‘I think I health care.” Wexford a per-prisoner fee and “thus has an minimal constitutional standards with centage of prisoners who received shoddy have cancer,’ his symptoms were brushed off Inmate Don Lippert, a diabetic, brought economic incentive to provide minimal regards to the adequacy of its health care care “unacceptably high.” ... until ... this dying man could no longer be the civil suit in 2010 that led to the new care.” Wexford has denied the lawsuit allega- program.” The report cited multiple individual cas- ignored.” report. His complaint contends that “delib- tions in earlier filings. —AP Japan’s whaling science under the microscope

TOKYO: When Japanese researchers said examine their stomach contents, the con- earlier this year that eating whale meat dition of their organs and the thickness of could help prevent dementia and memory their blubber. loss, the news provoked snorts of derision- Responding to the UN court decision, it couldn’t be real science, went the retort. Japan has now submitted a new research Despite protestations of academic proposal to the IWC, setting a Southern rigour from the men and women who do Ocean catch target of 333 minke whales — the work, anything involving the words a two-thirds cut of the previous target-and “Japan”, “whaling” and “research” suffers limiting the programme to 12 years, from a credibility gap in the court of global instead of being open-ended. public opinion. Anti-whaling campaigners insist most Tokyo was told last year by the United of what needs to be learned about whales Nations’ top legal body that the pro- can be gleaned by observing them, taking gramme of “lethal research whaling” it has biopsies or examining faecal discharge. carried out in the Southern Ocean for near- Japanese whaling research “is not con- ly two decades was a fig leaf for a commer- sidered genuine science,” Greenpeace cial hunt. Japan activist Junichi Sato told AFP. Now Japan is going back to the scientif- Scientists who argue for it are “speaking in ic panel of the International Whaling order to help realise the political intention Commission (IWC) at a meeting in San of resuming commercial whaling, rather Diego that began Tuesday, to try to con- than on grounds of scientific, objective vince them there is a genuine need for the judgement”. research that they say is being carried out when they slaughter marine mammals Suspicion whose meat ends up on the dinner table. Away from the thorny issue of stock Japan’s research whaling programme counting, research on possible health ben- “doesn’t appear to fulfil basic criteria that efits of consuming whale meat is tarred all scientists naturally strive towards”, said with the same brush. Atsushi Ishii, associate professor of envi- In March this year tests on mice ronmental politics at Tohoku University in revealed consuming balenine-a substance northeastern Japan. found in whale meat-mitigated the effects “For example, there was no reasonable of Alzheimer’s Disease. explanation as to how catch ceilings were Greenpeace’s Sato said there had to be worked out and... there have been few automatic suspicion about research like peer-reviewed articles. this, which was carried out in association “Scientific research on this scale usually with the ICR and could be a foil to help TOKYO: This file photo taken on June 9, 2014 shows Japanese Agriculture Minister Yoshimasa Hayashi (C), accompanied by involves cooperation with other projects” stimulate flagging demand for whale for efficiency and to avoid duplication, but meat. Japanese lawmakers, eating whale meat for the promotion of eating whale meat at his ministry in Tokyo. When Japanese Japan has steadfastly gone it alone, he Professor Seiji Shioda of Hoshi researchers said earlier this year that eating whale meat could help prevent dementia and memory loss, the news provoked snorts added. University in Tokyo, who did the work, of derision — it couldn’t be real science, went the retort. Japan is going back to the scientific panel of the International Whaling refuted any suggestion it could be tainted Commission (IWC) at a meeting in San Diego that began yesterday, to try to convince them there is a genuine need for the research Loophole by politics. “I don’t understand why the that they say is being carried out when they slaughter marine mammals whose meat ends up on the dinner table. — AFP Japan has hunted whales for a few hun- study should be labelled as unscientific,” he dred years, but the industry really took off told AFP. after World War II to help feed a hungry “Based on scientific data, I believe there country. surely is a meaningful substance” in While other leading industrial nations- whales’ bodies, he said, noting they live Suicides rare in including the United States and Britain- long lives and continue to carry out com- once hunted whales, the practice fell out plex navigation in old age. of favour, and by the 1980s, commercial “Whales are wonderful creatures but whaling was banned. not much is known about their functionary Norway and Iceland ignore the ban, but mechanism... We need to proceed with sci- young US children Japan uses a loophole that allows for so- entific analysis.” called “lethal research”. Tohoku University’s Ishii says ironically, “The purpose of Japan’s research is sci- the moratorium on commercial hunting is ence-science that will ensure that when one of the few things that has kept whal- commercial whaling is resumed, it will be ing alive in Japan. Rate edged up in black boys sustainable,” the Institute of Cetacean By around the turn of this century, the Research (ICR), the body charged with industry was no longer commercially CHICAGO: Suicides by young children are rare Historically, suicide rates among blacks have from the US Centers for Disease Control and overseeing the whaling programme, insists viable. Japan “could not have extended the and the low rate has held mostly stable except for been lower than among whites and reasons for Prevention. Hanging and suffocation were the on its website. life of whaling without the moratorium”. a troubling increase among black boys, two the trend in young boys are uncertain, said lead main methods for young children. The ICR says this means it needs to keep Given every Antarctic mission results in decades of US data show. author Jeffrey Bridge, a suicide researcher at the While the risk is low, Bridge said parents careful tabs on the whale population, by a loss, the fisheries agency actually wants From 1993 through 2012, there were 657 sui- Research Institute of Nationwide Children’s should be aware of suicide warning signs in their determining, amongst other things, the to pull out, he said, but a group of pro- cides among children aged 5 through 11. Most Hospital in Columbus, Ohio. The study authors children, including withdrawing from friends and average life expectancy of the creatures, whaling lawmakers will not allow it. were 10 or 11. In the last decade, there was only said black kids may experience more violence, favored activities, prolonged unhappiness and their exposure to pollutants and their diet. “They think it would look like Japan’s one suicide in a 5-year-old. stress or school discipline than whites, and are talking about suicide. Those are indications that The only accurate way to measure these succumbing to (environmentalists’) or The rate during the years studied was just over less likely to seek help for depression and other children may need help from a mental health spe- criteria, they say, is to kill the animals to Australian demands,” he said. —AFP 1 per million children. But for black boys, it edged difficulties, but whether those factors explain the cialist. up from less than 2 per million to almost 3.5 per results is not known. “If parents are concerned about their child, million. There was a slight decline among white The study was published online Monday in they should ask them directly if they’re having boys, to 1.3 per million. JAMA Pediatrics. The researchers analyzed data thoughts about killing themselves,” he said. —AP Egg prices jump as impact of bird flu begins pinching supply

DES MOINES: Egg prices have surged higher as says it’s because 10 percent of chickens that lay brings the total of affected birds to 35 million in the death of millions of hens from bird flu is eggs for food are dead or dying from bird flu. 15 states, with Minnesota and Iowa poultry flocks beginning to tighten supplies. The Midwest price Eggs used principally as an ingredient in ice hit the hardest. The chickens will be destroyed in of a dozen large eggs rose to $1.88. That’s 58 per- cream, mayonnaise and other products are up the next four weeks at Rembrandt Enterprises cent higher than they were a month ago when even more, about 162 percent to $1.65 a dozen farm in Renville, the Star Tribune reported the bird flu first hit Iowa chicken farms. since April 22. Saturday (http://strib.mn/1RY7AGg). Prices have been climbing at a rate of about 5 One of the largest US egg producers says it will The company’s vice president of marketing, percent a day for the past week as supplies destroy 2 million egg laying hens in the central Jonathan Spurway, said one barn holding become tighter. Rick Brown, an egg industry ana- state of Minnesota due to a deadly bird flu virus. around 200,000 birds was infected, but the lyst with commodity market firm Urner Barry, The development at the Minnesota chicken farm entire flock will be killed as a precaution. KIBERA: People walk past a kiosk where a poster giving information on how Chickens at the farm have tested “presump- to prevent Cholera is displayed in the Kibera area of Nairobi yesterday. At tive positive” for the disease “despite the her- culean efforts of Rembrandt’s employees to least 65 people are confirmed to have died in a nearly five-month-old keep our facilities virus-fee,” Spurway said. cholera outbreak in Kenya, with infections also continuing to rise in the cap- Rembrandt Enterprises suffered an outbreak ital Nairobi, health officials said yesterday. —AFP in its Rembrandt, Iowa, facility May 1, contami- nating one barn housing about 250,000 hens. A third plant in Thompson, Iowa hasn’t been Bullied kids have higher affected. “We’re doing everything we possibly can (to risk of adult obesity protect flocks), and we don’t know of anyone LONDON: Victims of childhood bullying are more research, said its findings should remind teachers, who’s doing anything we’re not already doing,” likely to be overweight or obese as adults and parents and carers to think about the victims, not Spurway said. “The industry is lost for words.” have a higher risk of developing heart disease, dia- just worry about how to stop the bullies. Before Saturday’s announcement, 88 betes and other illnesses, according to a study by Bullying is characterised by repeated hurtful Minnesota turkey and chicken farms had been British psychiatrists. Researchers found that just actions by other children, against which the vic- affected by confirmed or presumed outbreaks over a quarter of women who were occasionally or tims find it difficult to defend themselves, she told of the H5N2 avian influenza virus, which had frequently bullied as children were obese at age reporters. Unfortunately, bullying was “part of cost the state’s producers around 5.8 million 45, compared to 19 percent of those who had nev- growing up for many children”, she said. birds. er been bullied. And both men and women who “We tend to neglect the victims and their suf- The Minnesota Board of Animal Health were bullied as children had higher levels of fat fering,” she added. “(Yet) for some children, they announced Friday the cancellation of all around their middle-a known risk factor for heart will be marked for the rest of their lives.” exhibits featuring birds at the Minnesota State disease. “Bullying is bad for your physical health, Arseneault’s findings, published on Wednesday in DELTA: A bionic lens and an injector containing a cartridge developed by Dr Garth Fair this year to stem the spread of the H5N2 Webb are seen at Manterra Technologies where the lens would be mass produced in whether you’re a man or a woman,” said Andrea the journal Psychological Medicine, come from the virus. The directive also prohibits exhibitions at Danese, who worked on the study at the Institute British National Child Development Study which Delta, British Columbia, on May 12, 2015. Dr Webb says it would replace the need for fairs, petting zoos and sales. Other states have of Psychiatry, Psychology & Neuroscience at King’s has data on all children born in England, Scotland eyeglasses and contact lenses. —AP already taken similar actions. —AP College London. Louise Arseneault, who led the and Wales during one week in 1958. —Reuters THURSDAY, MAY 21, 2015 HEALTH & SCIENCE China illegally fishing in Africa, Greenpeace study finds

BEIJING: Chinese companies have been Mauritania, Senegal and Sierra Leone. Surveillance Operations Coordination The CNFC under-reported gross ton- “Unless the government reins in this illegally fishing off the coast of West The boats were mainly operating with- Unit of the Dakar-based Sub-Regional nage for 44 of its 59 vessels operating in element of rogue companies, they will Africa, environmental campaign group out licences or in prohibited areas. Fisheries Commission, various national West Africa, the report alleged, a prac- seriously jeopardise what the Chinese Greenpeace said in a study yesterday, at Among them, 60 cases involved ves- lists of infractions, and by Greenpeace tice that enables companies to evade government calls its mutually beneficial times sending incorrect location data sels of the China National Fisheries itself, it said. licensing fees and could potentially partnership with West Africa,” he added. suggesting they are as far away as Corporation (CNFC), a state-owned com- A Greenpeace ship found 16 cases of mean they were fishing in prohibited Chinese companies are increasingly Mexico. pany charged with developing fishing in illegal fishing by 12 Chinese-flagged or - areas. looking abroad for resources, with fish The number of Chinese-flagged or distant seas. owned vessels in one month last year, A CNFC official hung up when asked stocks no exception. Chinese-owned fishing boats operating “While the Chinese government is the group said. to comment on the report by AFP yes- Fishing resources are also an element in Africa has soared in recent decades, starting to eliminate some of the most Some of the ships Greenpeace terday. The Chinese ships were “taking of the competing territorial claims in the from just 13 in 1985 to 462 in 2013, the destructive fishing practices in its own observed were reporting incorrect advantage of weak enforcement and South China Sea, which Beijing claims international advocacy group said. waters, the loopholes in existing policies Automatic Identification System (AIS) supervision from local and Chinese almost in its entirety. China has clashed It said it found 114 cases of illegal lead to a double standard in Africa,” information, the campaign group authorities to the detriment of local fish- with Vietnamese and Philippine fishing fishing by such vessels in periods Ahmed Diame, a Greenpeace Africa added, including data that suggested ermen and the environment”, said ships in the region, sometimes boarding totalling eight years in the waters off ocean campaigner, said in a statement. they were in Mexican waters-or even on Rashid Kang, head of Greenpeace East vessels or chasing them off with a water Gambia, Guinea, Guinea-Bissau, The cases were reported by the land. Asia’s China ocean campaign. cannon. —AFP

Rubber plantation brings both work and worries to Gabon BITAM: When one of the world’s biggest tion develops in time, it will generate oth- traders of agricultural commodities went er economic activity and revenue. to Gabon’s government with a multi-mil- Ndjimbi, however, said the new planta- lion-dollar plan to produce rubber, the tion has just 5,000 rubber trees that will authorities jumped at the chance to diver- only mature in eight years, and that “Olam sify an oil-dependent economy. has had to deforest to revive the industry”. The Batouri rubber plantation and pro- cessing plant taking shape in the north ‘Social contracts’ not only will bring $400 million (357 mil- “We respect the norms,” said Olam’s lion euros) in investments but also up to Gupta. 5,000 new jobs to a nation with an unem- He also said his company signed “social ployment rate topping 20 percent. contracts” requiring it to buy produce Crucially, it was also viewed as the first from small farmers, while also bringing step for the equatorial African country to them electricity and water supplies and diversify its economy, which draws about mending bad roads. 70 percent of its revenues from energy Indeed, new wooden houses with exports. sheet metal roofs have been built in the But critics are alarmed at the environ- surrounding villages. Water pumps and mental and social costs of the project by solar panels carrying the Olam logo are the Singapore-based company Olam, also legion. warning that it could wipe out biodiversi- However, some inhabitants are scepti- ty in the tropical forest and threaten farm- cal. “There’s no lack of problems. They ing livelihoods. built pumps but with more people com- “This project will enable Gabon to ing, there is no water anymore. We have develop,” said Gagan Gupta, the chief to dig wells,” one of them explained on executive of Olam Gabon, which has also condition of anonymity. started palm oil plantations in the former “Olam has spoilt the forest. Sacred French colony of some 1.7 million people. wood, totems... I work for Olam, but it was “Our plans will bring development in better before,” he added, hinting at the rural circles. We have given work to 3,000 almost mystical communion that forest ATHENS: Pensioners march towards the Ministry of Health in Athens during a 24-hour strike by health workers and doctors yesterday. people (...) 5,000 counting the related jobs dwellers have shared with their environ- Health sector workers staged a 24-hours strike to demand funds and the hiring of additional staff. —AFP that have arisen. And they don’t just work ment for generations. for four or five years, but for at least 45 to “There are many Cameroonian, 50 years. This is a sustainable develop- Chadian, Nigerian foreigners, bringing ment project,” he said. problems of cohabitation,” the resident S Korea reports first But critics like Franck Ndjimbi, an said. activist with environmental group Gupta said that Olam gives priority to Brainforest, said “the social and economic hiring locals, who make up 97 percent of benefits have been overestimated”. the workforce, but dozens of immigrants “People run the risk of being turned have come to work at Batouri, some from case of MERS virus into agricultural labourers,” he said, adding as far away as Mali. that the rubber and palm oil trees are Some workers say they are glad to grown on land that is home to thousands have jobs in a country where one in five Court orders to compensate lepers for abuse of small farmers. are unemployed, but others have com- “There’s bound to be a spread of plaints. manure, the use of fertiliser, pesticides (...) “Working for Olam is hard. I earn SEOUL: South Korean health officials yesterday lated,” Kim said. nises the government’s responsibility to protect That leads us to wonder about the envi- 150,000 CFA francs (230 euros or $260) confirmed the country’s first case of Middle East First identified in humans in 2012, MERS is lepers who were one of the most vulnerable ronmental impacts, especially as studies each month. Six days a week. We start at Respiratory Syndrome (MERS) in a patient who caused by a coronavirus, from the same family as minorities in our society,” said Park Young-Lip, were carried out hastily.” 6:30 am to finish at 2:30 pm. I leave my recently returned from Bahrain and is in stable the one that caused a deadly outbreak of Severe the lawyer for the victims. In the forest around the plantation, vil- home at 2:00 am. The pay is not good for condition after being treated for a high fever Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS) in China in The latest ruling is the third in favour of lep- lagers grow cassava, root plants, cocoa the amount of work,” a Malian immigrant and cough. 2003. There is no cure or vaccine. ers seeking redress from the government for and bananas. They also “bleed” the scarred said. The 68-year-old man was in Bahrain from The World Health Organization has had abuses including being forced to live on a dis- bark of wild hevea trees to produce the Gabonese Aurelien Mengue also April 18 through to May 3 and was engaged in reports of 1,118 cases, including 423 deaths. tant southern island, until the law was removed flow of white latex sap needed for rubber. believes that “the pay is not right”. “That’s farming-related business, South Korea’s health There is usually a surge of cases in the northern in 1963. The first local plantation dates from why there are strikes,” said Mengue. Gupta ministry said in a statement. He returned to spring and most cases have come from hospital And up until the 1990s, hundreds of lepers World War I, when French bosses wanted said however that Olam “isn’t a company South Korea on May 4 through Qatar, it said. transmission. underwent forced sterilisation before being rubber to support the war effort, said that earns money by shaving 10,000 CFA The patient’s wife who nursed him also has a Meanwhile, a South Korean court ruled yes- allowed to marry, while those women who did Dieudonne Minlama, who heads an francs off somebody’s pay,” pointing out minor respiratory symptom and the results of terday in favour of a group of leprosy patients become pregnant were forced to abort. umbrella organisation grouping some 50 that the multinational has a turnover in tests on her would be available on Thursday, Kim seeking compensation from the government for Leprosy is a contagious bacterial disease NGOs, unions and other groups that fight the billions of dollars. Young-taek, a director at the Korea Centers for forced abortions and sterilsation, in the latest which can be cured with a sustained course of poverty. “We pay everyone who is reliable prop- Disease Control and Prevention, told Reuters by ruling that sheds light on decades-long abuses. antibiotics, but can cause deformations if “The plantations were abandoned and erly, but if they’re not, it’s normal that we telephone. Seoul Central District Court said each of he untreated. the hevea spread in the forest,” he said. make cuts. The problem here is one of “There is no possibility of the disease 135 lepers who filed the suit against the govern- A court in April 2014 ruled in favour of a Minlama favours Olam’s arrival, saying it is understanding and not of the wages,” he spreading to ordinary people although it is ment in 2012 should receive 30 million ($27,394) group of plaintiffs in a landmark ruling, and in not only creating jobs but, as the planta- added. —AFP possible to have additional cases among those to 40 million won. February ordered the government to pay com- who contacted the patient and have been iso- “This is another landmark ruling that recog- pensation to another 183 victims. —Agencies WHAT’S ON THURSDAY, MAY 21, 2015

Yosri Fouda, investiga- Investigative Journalism Training Workshop conducted by Yosri Fouda, investigative Winners of Sheikh Mubarak Al-Hamad Al-Sabah Award for Journalistic Excellence with tive journalist and pro- journalist and professional trainer Yosri Fouda (center) and Ayman Al Ali (third left) fessional trainer

From left Amal Al Binali, AUK Vice President; YosriFouda, investiga- VP Amal Al Binali and Dr. Ali Charara receiving an award from Yosri Fouda speaking to AUK students tive journalist and professional trainer; Dr. Ali Charara, Associate Ayman Al Ali Dean of the College of Arts & Sciences; Ayman Al Ali, Head of the contest’s Higher Committee AUK supports Sheikh Mubarak Al-Hamad Al-Sabah award for journalistic excellence

he American University of Kuwait (AUK) is eager to sponsor such initiatives that help in AUK campus. It’s not every day that one feels sponsored the Sheikh Mubarak Al- the development of professional integrity. “At that young and cheerful coming across stu- THamad Al-Sabah Award for Journalistic AUK, we pride ourselves in the quality of edu- dents, faculty and staff who take education Excellence in 2015. This marked the third con- cation we offer our students and we are com- seriously but not forget to have fun in the secutive year for AUK to sponsor this initiative, mitted to initiatives that give us opportunities process. With my best wishes to all, I’ll be which is organized annually by the Kuwait to share our knowledge and skills with our looking forward to visiting AUK once more, News Agency (KUNA) with the aim of encour- community,” she said. hopefully in the near future”, Fouda said of his aging journalists in Kuwait to observe best The 5-day workshop, themed “Investigative experience. practices in delivering news to the public. AUK Journalism”, was delivered by the renowned Yosri Fouda is an award winning pioneer supported the initiative by offering a venue for investigative journalist Yosri Fouda, and it cov- of Arab TV investigative journalism and a media workshop held by the Thomson ered a wide range of topics including the use author of a number of books, including Top Foundation; the worlds longest established of research methods in investigative reporting, Secret and In Harm’s Way. Previously, Fouda international media development organiza- verifying credibility of sources, tools and tech- held the positions of Editor/Presenter at the tion. AUK’s contribution comes as part of the niques in conducting interviews, and risk cal- Egyptian TV network, ONTV; Senior institution’s commitment to Corporate Social culation among others. The workshop includ- Investigative Correspondent and London Responsibility initiatives that supports main- ed interactive exercises where participants Bureau Chief of Al Jazeera; Middle East taining professional standards in journalism had the opportunity to practice some of the Deputy Editor at APTV; and Senior Roving across the Arab world and encouraging young techniques they learned and receive feedback Reporter at BBC. He is also a visiting profes- journalists to achieve their career objectives. on their performance. sor at The American University in Cairo (AUC). “AUK has consistently been supportive of The workshop, which was specifically Yosri Fouda with RISE and REACH teams The Sheikh Mubarak Al-Hamad Al-Sabah this competition, which aims to promote best designed for professional journalists, took a societal well-being, Fouda explained. Following the workshop, a ceremony was Award for Journalistic Excellence was found- practices within the different fields in journal- holistic approach to journalism by displaying In addition to the workshop, Fouda con- held for participants to receive their ed 2008 and was named after the late Sheikh ism and to develop the skills of young Kuwaiti how different components of a news item ducted a lecture to AUK students entitled Certificates of Completion from the Thomson Mubarak Al-Hamad Al-Sabah, under the journalists,” explained Ayman Al-Ali, Chairman could come together to create a comprehen- “Arab Media in a Changing Arab World”. AUK Foundation. The closing ceremony was patronage of His Highness Sheikh Jaber Al- of KUNA Labor Syndicate and the Award sive story. According to Fouda, investigative students took the opportunity to attend and attended by Yosri Fouda on behalf of Mubarak, Prime Minister, who has spared no Organizing Committee. “After a third success- journalists must possess not only a high level express their views about the political cli- Thomson Foundation, along with Ms. Amal effort in developing this award. Last year, ful year of AUK’s sponsorship of our winners, of inquisitiveness, but also a passion for the mate in the Arab world and how it influences Al Binali, AUK Vice President of Public Affairs, AUK offered a 3-day workshop to contest we look forward to further collaboration story they are investigating, and the vigi- current media practices. This talk was co- Dr. Ali Charara, Associate Dean of the College winners conducted by AUK professors of opportunities with AUK this year and in the lance to deliver it with integrity. Although it organized by the AUK Center for Research in of Arts & Sciences, and Ayman Al Ali, communications, Dr. Mohamed Satti and Dr. years to come,” he added. may involve time, effort, and risk, investiga- Informatics, Sciences, and Engineering (RISE), Chairman of the Journalistic Awards Mohammad Akbar. The workshop covered The Dean of the College of Arts & Sciences, tive reporting offers journalists a rewarding along with the PR & Marketing Department Committee. Broadcast Journalism and Integrated Dr. Rawda Awwad, expressed that AUK always sense of accomplishment as it contributes to and REACH Club. “I’ve had a most pleasant experience on Marketing Communications.

WhatsApp Mappila Song competition concludes he first-ever WhatsApp Mappila song competition organized by Mappila Kala Vedi Kuwait concluded Twith a grand finale conducted at Indian Community School, Khaitan on May 1. Sixteen talents qualified from the preliminary rounds participated at the grand finale in six separate categories. Famous Mappila song critic and lyricist Faizal Elate, Playback singer Sindhu Ramesh, and Famous musician Thajjudin formed jury for the grand finale. The show was well organized keeping the quality of top rated musical reality shows. Category A winners are: 1st Rohit Nair, 2nd Hanna SACGC gets gold, bronze medals at Geneva Inventors Exhibition Fathima and 3rd Bashayer Azziz. Category B winners are: 1st Vinayak Varma, 2nd Yumna abah Al-Ahmed Center for game named Cinco. In a statement workshops. On her part, Al-Hazza’ Naufal and 3rd Fathima Abdulsalam. Giftedness and Creativity he made after winning the medal, stressed that she was currently in Islamic Inheritance Law Category C winners are: 1st Aysha Fathima, 2nd Abdul S(SACGC) recently added a new engineer Al-Hassan expressed grati- the process of locally manufacturing Bayiz and 3rd Iman Firoz. achievement to the long list made by tude to HH the Amir for his endless her cards game and offering it for sale nheritance laws comprise one area of Islamic Category D winners are: 1st Vishnu M, 2nd Afra Rafi and the center’s inventors at the 43rd support to the center and encourage- in toy stores, some coops and online. jurisprudence. Join this in-depth lecture to build 3rd Shiha Rahman Geneva Inventions Exhibition where ment to all inventors. Al-Hassan SACGC’s PR manager, Shaima’ Al- Iyour understanding of the divine wisdom pertain- Category E winners are: 1st Anshida Rani, 2nd Afra engineer Khaled Al-Hassan won a added that his invention was used to Sherieda expressed happiness with ing to the automatic division of inheritance among Ashraf and 3rd Malavika Menon. gold medal for inventing a ‘Magnetic pick up nails, screws and all metal this recent achievement, especially Muslims. Tuesday, May 26 @ 7pm. Category F winners are: 1st Kishan Raja, 2nd Fahmida Broom’ and Heba Al-Hazza’ got a objects from the ground and that it since over 700 inventions were com- Faizal and 3rd Shafeeq Ummer. Bronze medal for inventing a card would be fit for use in garages and peting at the exhibition. WHAT’S ON THURSDAY, MAY 21, 2015

MMC Catering welcomes new director of marketing Sebti

amya Sebti, newly appointed Director of Marketing of where the lunch was held. Present at the event were Kostas Grand Regency & Ramda Encore Doha, Marketing & Events Sebti holds a Master’s Degree in International Business, renowned culinary and catering specialist MMC Silignakis, Director of Operations, and Ahmed Abdallah, Senior Consultant of The Ritz Carlton Marrakech: The Ritz majoring in Marketing, from the Euromed Marseille School LCatering, was introduced for the first time to distin- Brand Manager. Carlton Residences, Jnan Amar Polo Club & Jnan Amar Polo of Management, Marseille, France. She also has guished members of the media in Kuwait during an infor- The year 2015 marks a period of positive changes and of Academy, and Group Director of Marketing & Corporate Baccalaureate in Economics, equivalent to the A-level, from mal media lunch on Wednesday, May 13th 2015. reaching new horizons for MMC Catering as Sebti bring Communication for Palmeraie Hotels & Resorts. She was the Victor Hugo High School, Marrakech, Morocco. During the event, guests were treated to authentic culi- with her years of experience in Marketing & also the Director of Marketing & Corporate Communication Her other trainings in Marketing include certificates in nary traditions of France through the exquisite cuisines of Communications. of the Moevenpick Tower & Suites in Doha, where she cre- Hospitality Marketing, Hospitality Management, and Le Notre Restaurant and Cafe in Kuwait, the high-end Prior to joining MMC catering, Sebti was the Cluster ated the hotel’s overall marketing communications strate- Marketing Strategy for business leaders from the Cornell, E- French and international restaurant of MMC Catering, Director of Marketing & Communication of Wyndham gy. course, Doha, Qatar. OSN strengthens partnership with CNBC with distribution renewal deal

SN, the leading pay-TV net- world on-the-go and anytime, any- work in the Middle East and where.” ONorth Africa (MENA) region, Jacqueline Lam, Vice President has strengthened its partnership of International Distribution at with CNBC, the leading internation- CNBC, commented: “Our agree- al business and financial news and ment with OSN enables viewers information network, with the across the MENA to watch the lat- renewal of its channel distribution est global business news and deal. The long term deal also means analysis, and access CNBC’s real- OSN viewers will get anytime time data. This cements CNBC’s access to CNBC’s sought-after news position as the premier provider of content on OSN’s award-winning English language business pro- online viewing platform, OSN Play. gramming in the region.” Offering the best in world news CNBC is the recognised world including cutting edge financial leader in business news and finan- and business content, OSN has an cial information, providing the lat- extensive breadth of news chan- est real-time market information, Musaed Al Hawli from Agility receiving the ASSE HSE Gold Award. (Inset) Nita nels including Bloomberg, Sky unrivalled coverage of breaking Bhatkar from Agility receiving the Special Award for Corporate Social News, CNN, Fox News, BBC World news, in-depth analysis and inter- Responsibility. and OSN News, in addition to to provide the largest breadth of folio in which CNBC has a central views with business leaders and CNBC, which is available on premium content that meets all position. By adding CNBC content political figures from around the Channel 413 on OSN DTH. requirements from our subscribers. to OSN Play in the near future, our world. The channel continues to Agility Kuwait wins Emad Marcos, Senior Vice Having built our credentials as the subscribers will soon also have the expand its coverage of financial President, Media Partners and home of premium entertainment, opportunity to stay connected and business stories emanating ASSE awards Digital, of OSN, said: “Our priority is we have built a strong news port- with the international business from within the MENA region.

gility, a leading global logistics provider, Ali Mikail, Agility Senior Vice President, Area recently received a gold award from the Kuwait and Levant, said: “These prestigious awards AAmerican Society of Safety Engineers are a tribute to Agility’s long-standing commit- (ASSE) in recognition of its outstanding Health, ment to raising the standards of health and safety Safety & Environment (HSE) performance and a management and to being a good citizen in the special award for its corporate social responsibility communities where we work. They reflect the program. combined efforts of our employees who have also At the 2015 ASSE Gulf Cooperation Council made a personal commitment to ensure that we HSE Excellence Awards, Agility won the gold HSE maintain the highest safety standards, give back to award in the logistics sector category for the the community and protect the environment.” fourth consecutive year and came away with the The American Society of Safety Engineers-Gulf inaugural corporate social responsibility award. Cooperation Council HSE Excellence Award is pre- Agility was selected by a panel of judges for its sented by the American Society of Safety HSE management program in warehousing which Engineers - Kuwait chapter, a non-profit voluntary contributed to an exceptional safety track record organization, to recognize leadership and excel- at the company’s Kuwait facilities. Agility was also lence, and to encourage exceptional performance recognized for its comprehensive corporate social in the field of Health, Safety and Environment in responsibility strategy. private sector companies in the Gulf Region. Bhavanites express solidarity with the people of Nepal

early a month after the massive earth- the Supreme Council who worked tirelessly, vol- Ambassador of Nepal to Kuwait addressed the quake that struck Nepal, the situation untarily and altruistically for the noble cause. The gathering. In his most moving speech, he men- Nremains severe. More than 8,000 people students also collected a load of new and used tioned the miseries that had befallen Nepal and are confirmed dead, more than 14,000 are injured clothes and blankets for the victims of the quake. its people. He also mentioned the congenial and another 8 million are affected across Nepal. The tagline of Bharatiya Vidya Bhavan - ‘Let noble ties that India and Nepal has shared for The quake-torn country needs not only thoughts come to us from every side’ was lived decades. He profusely thanked the students for prayers but also help in cash and kind. Having out by the students in their mission to help the their kind gesture. He extolled the Bhavan’s cul- been driven by unalloyed compassion for the misfortunate in the scenic valley of the ture and admired the students for their initia- neighboring country, the students, staff and par- Himalayas. tive and blessed them abundantly. He also ents of Indian Educational School (Bhavans A member of Bhavan’s parent community, thanked the school management for their Bishop Moore College Alumni Kuwait) raised an amount of KD 6000. The relief Radha Ramaswamy, Dar SSH International thoughtful initiative, and for creating an atmos- fund was formally handed over to Yagya Bahadur Engineering Consultants, added KD 1100 to the phere conducive for instilling noble human conducts family get-together Hamal, Honb’l Ambassador of Nepal to Kuwait at children’s contribution. The amount was con- virtues. The chairman, Bhavans Middle East pre- a simple yet a formal function held in the school tributed by her along with her charitable col- sented the ambassador a memento as a token ishop Moore College Alumni Kuwait tated on the occasion. The get-together auditorium on May 17, 2015. leagues. The Bhavans Kuwait management gen- of Bhavan’s reverence. Chapter conducted family get- was attended by Bishop Moore College It is indeed a great matter of pride for the erously contributed the remainder. The check for Mridula Vijaya Kumar of grade 11 expressed Btogether at Bavans Auditorium members and their families. Variety of school as the lion’s share of the relief fund was KD 6000 was formally presented to the ambassa- the feelings of the Indians in general and the Abbassiya. The meeting started with the entertainment programs were conducted raised when volition of the young minds was dor of Nepal to Kuwait by the members of the Bhavan’s family in particular. Miss Keerthiga prayer song by Lekha Shyam. Public for the members which added color to the accompanied by selfless action and philanthropy. Supreme Council in the presence of N. K. Nagarajan, the head girl delivered the welcome Meeting was inaugurated by Sam event. The get together ended with a grand An amount of KD 4563 was raised within no time Ramachandran Menon, chairman, Bhavans address. Sam Ebey Samuel proposed the vote Pynummood by lighting the traditional dinner. Parimanam Manoj (General by the Bhavanites. The most generous and the Middle East, and T. Premkumar, principal, of thanks. The emcees for the day were Master lamp. Francis Cherukol presided over the Secretary) welcomed all & Jobin Babu most humane parent community of Bhavan Bhavans Kuwait. Anirudha Ramesh, the deputy head boy and function. Babuji Bethery & A.I. Kurien felici- (Convener) proposed vote of thanks. extended all possible support to the Members of Yagya Bahadur Hamal, the Hon’bl Arpitha Susan Sherry, the deputy head girl. THURSDAY, MAY 21, 2015 TV PROGRAMS

21:00 Rev Run’s Sunday Suppers 21:30 Siba’s Table 22:00 Farm Kings 23:00 Diners, Drive-Ins & Dives 23:30 Chopped 00:00 Crush (2013)-PG15 00:20 Fast N’ Loud 00:30 The Daily Show With Jon 02:00 Ninja: Shadow Of A Tear 01:10 Mind Control Freaks Stewart 04:00 Mission To Mars-PG15 01:35 Mind Control Freaks 01:00 The Nightly Show With Larry 06:00 R.I.P.D.-PG15 02:00 The Pop Illusionist Wilmore 08:00 Breakout-PG15 02:50 The Pop Illusionist 01:30 Web Therapy 10:00 Fatal Instinct-PG15 00:10 The Jonathan Ross Show 03:40 Storage Hunters 02:00 Web Therapy 12:00 Red Dawn-PG15 01:05 Please Marry My Boy 04:05 Backroad Bounty 02:30 Curb Your Enthusiasm 14:00 Mission To Mars-PG15 Australia 05:00 How It’s Made 03:00 Hot In Cleveland 16:00 Breakout-PG15 02:00 Emmerdale 05:30 How Do They Do It? 03:30 The Goldbergs 18:00 R.I.P.D.-PG15 02:25 Paul O’Grady: For The Love 06:00 Alaska: The Last Frontier 04:30 The Tonight Show Starring 20:00 Police Story-PG15 Of Dogs 06:50 Idris Elba: King Of Speed Jimmy Fallon 22:00 Shooter-PG15 07:40 Fast N’ Loud 02:55 Coronation Street 07:00 Late Night With Seth Meyers 08:30 Storage Hunters 03:25 Foyle’s War 09:00 Hot In Cleveland 08:55 Backroad Bounty 05:15 The Chase: Celebrity 11:00 The Tonight Show Starring 09:45 How It’s Made Specials Jimmy Fallon 10:10 How Do They Do It? 06:10 Please Marry My Boy 14:00 The Goldbergs Australia 15:30 The Daily Show With Jon 00:00 The Adventures Of Rocky 10:35 Mind Control Freaks And Bullwinkle 11:00 Mind Control Freaks 07:05 Coronation Street Stewart 07:30 Foyle’s War 02:00 She Wants Me 11:25 The Pop Illusionist 16:00 The Nightly Show With Larry 09:15 Eggheads 03:45 Schuks! Your Country Needs 12:15 The Pop Illusionist Wilmore 09:45 Eggheads 17:00 Late Night With Seth Meyers You 13:05 Storage Hunters 10:15 Paul O’Grady: For The Love 18:00 Hot In Cleveland 05:45 The Best Man Holiday 13:30 Backroad Bounty Of Dogs 18:30 The Goldbergs 08:00 Vamps 14:20 Alaska: The Last Frontier 10:40 The Jonathan Ross Show 19:00 Black-Ish 10:00 Cloudy With A Chance Of 15:10 Idris Elba: King Of Speed 11:35 Please Marry My Boy 19:30 Community Meatballs 2 16:00 Fast N’ Loud Australia 20:00 The Tonight Show Starring 12:00 Raising Helen 16:50 How It’s Made 12:30 The Chase: Celebrity Jimmy Fallon 14:00 Life 17:15 How Do They Do It? Specials 21:00 The Daily Show With Jon 16:00 Vamps 17:40 American Muscle 13:25 Emmerdale Stewart 18:00 Syrup 18:30 Treehouse Masters 13:50 Paul O’Grady: For The Love 21:30 The Nightly Show With Larry 20:00 The Big Wedding 19:20 Tanked Of Dogs Wilmore 22:00 John Dies At The End 20:10 Backroad Bounty 14:15 Coronation Street 22:00 Family Guy 21:00 Treehouse Masters 14:40 The Jonathan Ross Show 22:30 Brickleberry 21:50 The Pool Master 15:35 Big Star’s Little Star 23:00 Curb Your Enthusiasm 22:40 Tanked 16:30 Murdoch Mysteries 23:30 Late Night With Seth Meyers 23:30 Fast N’ Loud: Demolition 17:25 Murdoch Mysteries Theater 18:20 The Chase: Celebrity 01:00 Temptation: Confessions Of Specials A Marriage Counselor-PG15 19:05 Coronation Street 03:00 Seeking A Friend For The End Of The World-PG15 19:35 Big Star’s Little Star 00:00 The Strain 20:30 Murdoch Mysteries 05:00 There Be Dragons-PG15 01:00 The Voice 07:00 Return To Nim’s Island-PG 21:25 Murdoch Mysteries 03:00 The Strain 00:00 House Of DVF 09:00 Step Up Revolution-PG15 22:20 Coronation Street 04:00 Top Gear (UK) 00:55 Extreme Close-Up 11:00 There Be Dragons-PG15 22:50 Emmerdale 05:00 Franklin & Bash 01:25 Keeping Up With The 13:00 The Good Witch’s Wedding 23:15 The Chase: Celebrity 06:00 Parenthood Kardashians 15:00 Heaven’s Door-PG Specials 07:00 The Assets 02:20 E! News 17:00 Step Up Revolution-PG15 08:00 Graceland 03:15 #RichKids Of Beverly Hills 19:00 Five Thirteen-PG15 09:00 Franklin & Bash 03:40 Richkids Of Beverly Hills 21:00 White Bird In A Blizzard 10:00 The Voice 04:10 E!ES 23:00 Oldboy-18 12:00 Emmerdale 05:05 THS 12:30 Coronation Street 06:00 Keeping Up With The 00:00 Doomsday Preppers 13:00 The Ellen DeGeneres Show Kardashians 01:00 Zambezi 14:00 Graceland 06:55 Keeping Up With The 02:00 Britain’s Greatest Machines 15:00 Parenthood Kardashians 03:00 Shark Men 16:00 Emmerdale 07:50 Style Star 01:00 Saturday Night Fever 04:00 Caught In The Act 16:30 Coronation Street 08:20 E! News 03:15 Stuck In Love 05:00 Brain Games Compilation 17:00 The Ellen DeGeneres Show 09:15 Giuliana & Bill 05:00 Hateship Loveship 06:00 Naked Science 2.5 18:00 Graceland 10:15 Giuliana & Bill 06:45 The Prestige 07:00 Star Talk 19:00 White Collar 11:10 House Of DVF 09:00 Hope And Glory 08:00 Doomsday Preppers 20:00 The Flash 12:05 E! News 11:00 Scents And Sensibility 09:00 Zambezi 22:00 Empire 13:05 Fashion Police 13:00 Yellow Rock 10:00 Britain’s Greatest Machines 22:50 Empire 13:35 E!ES 15:00 Buried 11:00 Great Migrations 23:40 Empire 14:30 Style Star 12:00 Helicopter Wars 17:00 Hope And Glory 15:00 Kourtney And Khloe Take 13:00 Situation Critical 19:00 Promised Land The Hamptons 14:00 Is It Real? 21:00 The Departed 16:00 Kourtney And Khloe Take 15:00 Lords Of War 23:30 Killer Joe The Hamptons 15:30 Lords Of War 17:00 Christina Milian Turned Up 16:00 The Border 18:00 E! News 17:00 80s Greatest 19:00 Ryan Seacrest With The 00:00 The Ellen DeGeneres Show 18:00 Traveler’s Guide To The 01:00 Good Morning America 01:00 Zulu-PG15 Kardashians: An E!... Planets 03:00 Legends 03:00 Enough Said-PG15 20:00 House Of DVF 19:00 Lords Of War 21:00 House Of DVF 04:00 Defiance 05:00 Moms’ Night Out-PG 19:30 Lords Of War 07:00 Seven Days In Utopia-PG15 22:00 E! News 20:00 The Border 05:00 Good Morning America 23:00 The Soup 07:00 Emmerdale 09:00 Playing For Keeps-PG15 21:00 80s Greatest 11:00 47 Ronin-PG15 23:30 The Grace Helbig Show 07:30 Coronation Street 22:00 Traveler’s Guide To The 13:00 The Trouble With Bliss-PG15 Planets 08:00 The Ellen DeGeneres Show 15:00 Cuban Fury-PG15 NINJA- SHADOW OF A TEAR ON OSN MOVIES ACTION HD 23:00 Great Migrations 09:00 Switched At Birth 17:00 Playing For Keeps-PG15 10:00 Emmerdale 19:00 Ride Along-PG15 16:00 Lost Class 11:10 Jake And The Neverland 10:30 Coronation Street 23:00 I, Frankenstein-PG15 17:00 Masterchef: The 20:10 The Next Great Baker Pirates Professionals 21:00 Say Yes To The Dress: 11:35 Limon And Oli 00:30 Guy’s Big Bite 11:00 The Ellen DeGeneres Show 12:00 How To Get Away With 05:00 AFL Premiership Highlights 18:00 Private Practice Randy Knows Best 11:45 Loopdidoo 01:00 Chopped 07:00 Golfing World 19:00 The Block 21:25 Say Yes To The Dress: 12:00 Handy Manny Murder 02:00 The Next Iron Chef 10:00 Inside The PGA Tour 20:00 Da Vinci’s Demons Randy Knows Best 12:15 Sofia The First 03:00 Guy’s Big Bite 00:20 Ultimate Predator 13:00 Crisis 10:30 European Tour Weekly 21:00 Happy Endings 21:50 Say Yes To The Dress 12:45 Mickey Mouse Clubhouse 03:30 Guy’s Big Bite 01:10 Built For The Kill 14:00 Live Good Morning America 11:00 Golfing World 21:30 Happy Endings 22:15 Say Yes To The Dress 13:10 Sheriff Callie’s Wild West 04:00 Diners, Drive-Ins & Dives 02:00 I, Predator 16:00 Switched At Birth 01:00 Los Campeones De LA 12:00 Live PGA European Tour 22:00 The Simpsons 22:40 Long Island Medium 13:35 Zou 04:30 Diners, Drive-Ins & Dives 02:50 Anaconda: Silent Killer 17:00 How To Get Away With Lucha Libre 20:00 Sevens World Series 22:30 Wayward Pines 23:05 Last Chance Salon 13:50 Jake And The Never Land 02:45 Ghatothkach - Master Of 05:00 Chopped 03:45 Animals Gone Wild Murder Highlights 23:30 The Simpsons 23:55 Oprah: Where Are They Pirates 06:00 Guy’s Grocery Games 04:40 Ultimate Predators GPU Magic 21:00 Live Premier League Darts Now? 14:15 Doc McStuffins 07:00 Roadtrip With G. Garvin 18:00 Crisis 04:30 Cinderella 05:35 I, Predator 19:00 Switched At Birth 14:45 Henry Hugglemonster 07:30 Roadtrip With G. Garvin 06:30 Anaconda: Silent Killer 06:00 Quest For A Heart 15:10 Sofia The First 20:00 Marvel’s Agent Carter 08:00 Chopped 07:25 Animals Gone Wild 08:00 Krazzy Planet 15:35 Mickey Mouse Clubhouse 21:00 Crisis 10:00 The Swan Princess: A Royal 09:00 Barefoot Contessa 08:20 Unlikely Animal Friends 16:00 Cars Toons Family Tale 00:00 AFL Premiership Highlights 09:30 Amazing Wedding Cakes 09:15 Snake Underworld 22:00 Legends 00:00 Pawn Stars 16:05 Lilo & Stitch 10:30 The Pioneer Woman 11:30 Los Campeones De LA 03:00 PGA Tour Highlights 10:10 Catching Giants 23:00 Defiance 00:30 Pawn Stars 03:00 Disappeared 16:30 Adventures Of The 11:00 The Pioneer Woman Lucha Libre 04:00 PGA European Tour 01:00 Swamp People 03:45 Couples Who Kill Gummi Bears 11:30 Roadtrip With G. Garvin 11:05 Caught In The Act 13:00 Ghatothkach - Master Of Highlights 12:00 Monster Fish 02:00 Search For The Lost Giants 04:30 Deadly Devotion 17:00 Chip n Dale Rescue 12:00 Chopped Magic 05:00 Champions Tour Highlights 03:00 American Pickers 05:20 Nightmare Next Door Rangers 13:00 Guy’s Big Bite 12:55 Big Cat Wars 14:30 Ploddy Police Car 06:00 Web.Com Tour Highlights 13:50 Fatal Attraction 04:00 Ice Road Truckers 06:10 True Crime With 17:25 Ducktales 13:30 Guy’s Big Bite 16:00 Eleanor’s Secret 09:00 Golfing World 05:00 Counting Cars Aphrodite Jones 18:00 Art Attack 14:45 Animals Gone Wild 00:00 In The Blood 14:00 Diners, Drive-Ins & Dives 18:00 The Swan Princess: A Royal 10:00 HSBC Sevens World Series 05:30 Counting Cars 07:00 Nightmare Next Door 18:30 Sofia The First 15:40 Unlikely Animal Friends 02:00 Crush (2013) 14:30 Diners, Drive-Ins & Dives Family Tale 13:00 Super Rugby Highlights 06:00 American Restoration 07:50 Fatal Encounters 18:55 Cars Toons 16:35 Secrets Of The King Cobra 04:00 Ninja: Shadow Of A Tear 15:00 Roadtrip With G. Garvin 20:00 The Ugly Duckling And Me 16:00 Top 14 Highlights 06:30 American Restoration 08:40 I Almost Got Away With It 19:00 The Adventures Of Disney 06:00 Mission To Mars 15:30 Roadtrip With G. Garvin 17:30 Shark Eden 22:00 Ploddy Police Car 18:00 ITU World Triathlon 07:00 Counting Cars 09:30 I Was Murdered Fairies 08:00 R.I.P.D. 16:00 Chopped 18:25 Speed Kills 23:30 Eleanor’s Secret Highlights 07:30 Counting Cars 09:55 Stalked: Someone’s 19:30 Jake And The Neverland 10:00 Breakout 17:00 The Pioneer Woman 19:20 Animals Gone Wild 19:00 WWE NXT 08:00 Search For The Lost Giants Watching Pirates 12:00 Fatal Instinct 17:30 The Pioneer Woman 20:10 Unlikely Animal Friends 20:00 WWE SmackDown 09:00 Swamp People 10:20 Forensic Detectives 19:45 Doc McStuffins 14:00 Red Dawn 18:00 Barefoot Contessa 21:00 Secrets Of The King Cobra 23:00 Live PGA Tour 10:00 American Pickers 11:10 On The Case With Paula 20:00 Adventures Of The 16:00 Mission To Mars 18:30 Diners, Drive-Ins & Dives 21:50 Shark Eden 11:00 Pawn Stars Zahn Gummi Bears 19:00 Chopped 22:40 Speed Kills 18:00 Breakout 11:30 Pawn Stars 20:30 Sofia The First 02:00 Knife Fight-PG15 12:00 Blood Relatives 20:00 Guy’s Grocery Games 23:30 Monster Fish 20:00 R.I.P.D. 12:00 Storage Wars 20:55 Cars Toons 04:00 Last Passenger-PG15 12:50 True Crime With 22:00 Police Story 12:30 Storage Wars 21:00 Chip n Dale Rescue 06:00 Marvel’s Ultimate Avengers I Aphrodite Jones 00:00 Indian Premier League H/L : 13:00 Counting Cars Rangers 08:00 The Sapphires-PG15 13:40 Who On Earth... Eliminator 13:30 Counting Cars 21:30 Ducktales 10:00 Marvel’s Ultimate Avengers 14:05 Who On Earth Did I 01:00 ICC Cricket 360 14:00 Shipping Wars 22:00 Lilo & Stitch II-PG Marry? 12:00 Indian Premier League H/L : 14:30 Shipping Wars 22:25 Art Attack 12:00 Last Passenger-PG15 14:30 On The Case With Paula Eliminator 15:00 American Pickers 22:55 Limon And Oli 14:00 The Pretty One-PG15 Zahn 13:00 Live International Test Series 16:00 American Restoration 23:05 Zou 16:00 The Sapphires-PG15 15:20 I Was Murdered : ENG v NZ 16:30 American Restoration 23:20 Mouk 18:00 Getaway-PG15 15:45 Stalked: Someone’s 21:00 ICC Cricket 360 17:00 Storage Wars 23:35 Jungle Junction 20:00 Snowpiercer-PG15 Watching 21:30 Indian Premier League H/L : 17:30 Storage Wars 23:50 Art Attack 22:00 Anna Nicole-PG15 16:10 Fatal Encounters Qualifier 1 18:00 Pawn Stars 17:00 Blood Relatives 00:15 Julius Jr. 22:30 Indian Premier League H/L : 18:30 Pawn Stars 17:50 I Almost Got Away With It 00:30 Calimero Eliminator 19:00 Swamp People 18:40 Forensic Detectives 00:45 Henry Hugglemonster 20:00 Search For The Lost Giants 19:30 True Crime With 01:00 Zou 21:00 Storage Wars Aphrodite Jones 01:15 Jungle Junction 21:30 Storage Wars 20:20 The Will 01:25 Art Attack 00:00 Live MSNBC The Ed Show 22:00 Ultimate Wheels 21:10 Who On Earth Did I 01:50 Julius Jr. 01:00 Live MSNBC Politicsnation 23:00 American Restoration Marry? 02:00 Calimero 02:00 Live NBC Nightly News 00:30 Saw 4 23:30 American Restoration 21:35 Who On Earth Did I 02:15 Henry Hugglemonster 02:30 ABC World News With David 02:30 Chimpanzee Marry? 02:25 Zou Muir 03:30 Welcome To The Sticks 22:00 Desperate Measures 02:40 Mouk 03:00 Live MSNBC All In With Chris 05:15 Chimpanzee 22:50 Blood Relatives 02:50 Jungle Junction Hayes 06:45 The Last Legion 23:40 Couples Who Kill 04:00 Live MSNBC The Rachel 08:30 Struck By Lightning 00:30 Extreme Forensics Maddow Show 10:00 Saw 4 01:20 True Crime With 05:00 Live MSNBC The Last Word 11:30 Piranha 3D Aphrodite Jones 00:45 Outrageous Births W/ Lawrence O’Donnell 12:45 Love And Honor 02:10 Desperate Measures 01:35 Long Island Medium 06:00 NBC Nightly News 14:30 The Longshots 02:00 Last Chance Salon 06:30 ABC World News With David 16:15 Thorne: Sleepyhead 06:00 Kid vs Kat 02:50 Say Yes To The Dress Muir 18:30 Saw 4 06:10 Zeke & Luther 03:15 Something Borrowed, 06:57 NBC Nightly News 20:00 From Paris With Love 06:35 Kickin’ It Something New 07:18 ABC World News With David 21:30 Inferno 07:00 Phineas And Ferb 03:40 Soul Food Family Muir 23:15 John Rabe: Part 1 07:25 Lab Rats 04:30 Cake Boss 07:39 Live ABC Nightline 07:50 Supa Strikas 05:00 Little People, Big World 03:00 Art Attack 08:06 MSNBC The Rachel 03:25 Julius Jr. 08:15 The 7D 05:30 Extreme Couponing 08:40 Kirby Buckets Maddow Show 06:00 17 Kids And Counting 03:35 Calimero 09:00 MSNBC The Last Word W/ 03:50 Henry Hugglemonster 09:05 Ultimate Spider-Man: Web 06:25 The Next Great Baker Warriors Lawrence O’Donnell 07:15 Say Yes To The Dress 04:00 Zou 10:00 Live ABC World News Now 04:15 Mouk 09:30 Kickin’ It 00:00 Lost 07:40 Something Borrowed, 09:55 Phineas And Ferb 10:30 Live ABC World News Now 04:25 Jungle Junction 01:00 Masterchef: The Something New 10:20 Boyster 11:00 Live NBC Early Today 04:35 Art Attack Professionals 08:05 The Next Great Baker 10:45 Zeke & Luther 11:30 Live ABC America This 02:00 Private Practice 08:55 Shopping Is My Life 05:00 Julius Jr. 05:10 Calimero 11:10 Lab Rats Morning 03:00 The Block 09:45 Cake Boss 11:35 Phineas And Ferb 12:00 Live ABC America This 04:00 The Secret Life Of The 10:10 Little People, Big World 05:25 Henry Hugglemonster 05:35 Zou 12:00 Pair Of Kings Morning American Teenager 10:35 Extreme Couponing 12:30 Supa Strikas 12:30 Live ABC America This 05:00 The Simpsons 11:00 Toddlers & Tiaras 05:50 Mouk 06:00 Jungle Junction 12:55 Kickin’ It Morning 05:30 The Simpsons 11:50 Oprah: Where Are They 13:20 Phineas And Ferb 13:00 Live ABC America This 06:00 Dirt Now? 06:10 Art Attack 06:35 Julius Jr. 13:40 Mighty Med Morning 07:00 Melissa & Joey 12:40 The Next Great Baker 14:05 Zeke & Luther 13:30 MSNBC First Look 07:30 Melissa & Joey 13:30 Shopping Is My Life 06:45 Calimero 07:00 Jungle Junction 14:30 Kickin’ It 14:00 Live NBC Today Show 08:00 Lost 14:20 My Big Fat Fabulous Life 14:55 Ultimate Spider-Man: Web 17:57 MSNBC Hardball W/ Chris 09:00 Masterchef: The 14:45 My Big Fat Fabulous Life 07:15 Zou 07:30 Calimero Warriors Matthews Professionals 15:10 Cake Boss 15:20 Supa Strikas 18:38 MSNBC The Rachel 10:00 The Simpsons 15:35 Little People, Big World 07:45 Loopdidoo 08:00 Limon And Oli 15:45 Phineas And Ferb Maddow Show 10:30 The Simpsons 16:00 Toddlers & Tiaras 16:10 Pair Of Kings 19:19 MSNBC The Last Word W/ 11:00 Private Practice 16:50 Say Yes To The Dress 08:10 Jake And The Never Land Pirates 16:35 Supa Strikas Lawrence O’Donnell 12:00 The Block 17:15 Something Borrowed, 08:35 Doc McStuffins 17:00 Kirby Buckets 20:00 Live MSNBC Live With 13:00 The Secret Life Of The Something New 09:05 Art Attack 17:30 Mighty Med Thomas Roberts American Teenager 17:40 17 Kids And Counting 18:00 Kickin’ It 14:00 Melissa & Joey 18:05 Extreme Couponing 09:30 Mickey Mouse Clubhouse 22:00 Live MSNBC The Cycle 10:00 Sofia The First 18:25 Lab Rats 23:00 Live MSNBC Now With Alex 14:30 Melissa & Joey 18:30 Soul Food Family 18:50 Supa Strikas 15:00 Dirt 19:20 Oprah Presents: Master 10:25 Henry Hugglemonster I, Frankenstein OSN MOVIES HD Wagner 10:55 Calimero 19:15 Phineas And Ferb Classifieds

THURSDAY, MAY 21, 2015

Kuwait KNCC PROGRAMME FROM THURSDAY TO WEDNESDAY (21/05/2015 TO 27/05/2015)

SHARQIA-1 SPOOKS: THE GREATER GOOD 10:30 PM ZANKET AL SITAT-Arabic 7:45 PM TOMORROWLAND 9:30 PM POLTERGEIST 11:30 AM SPOOKS: THE GREATER GOOD 12:45 AM ZANKET AL SITAT-Arabic 10:00 PM TOMORROWLAND 12:05 AM MAD MAX: FURY ROAD 1:30 PM POLTERGEIST 12:15 AM ZANKET AL SITAT-Arabic 3:45 PM FANAR-4 AL-KOUT.2 ZANKET AL SITAT-Arabic 6:00 PM TOMORROWLAND 11:30 AM AVENUES-5 SPOOKS: THE GREATER GOOD 12:15 PM ZANKET AL SITAT-Arabic 8:15 PM TOMORROWLAND 2:00 PM TOMORROWLAND 11:30 AM POLTERGEIST 2:30 PM MAD MAX: FURY ROAD 10:30 PM TOMORROWLAND 4:30 PM TOMORROWLAND 2:15 PM POLTERGEIST 4:30 PM MAD MAX: FURY ROAD 12:45 AM TOMORROWLAND 7:15 PM Special Show “TOMORROWLAND” 2:15 PM SPOOKS: THE GREATER GOOD 6:30 PM TOMORROWLAND 9:45 PM TOMORROWLAND 5:00 PM POLTERGEIST 8:45 PM SHARQIA-2 TOMORROWLAND 12:30 AM TOMORROWLAND 7:45 PM SPOOKS: THE GREATER GOOD 10:45 PM TOMORROWLAND 11:30 AM Special Show “MAD MAX: FURY ROAD”7:45 PM POLTERGEIST 1:00 AM TOMORROWLAND 2:00 PM FANAR-5 TOMORROWLAND 10:30 PM TOMORROWLAND 4:30 PM MAD MAX: FURY ROAD 12:30 PM OUT OF THE DARK 1:15 AM AL-KOUT.3 TOMORROWLAND 7:00 PM POLTERGEIST 3:00 PM OUT OF THE DARK 12:00 PM TOMORROWLAND 9:30 PM POLTERGEIST 5:00 PM AVENUES-6 SPOOKS: THE GREATER GOOD 2:00 PM TOMORROWLAND 12:05 AM MAD MAX: FURY ROAD 7:00 PM OUT OF THE DARK 11:30 AM OUT OF THE DARK 4:15 PM MAD MAX: FURY ROAD 9:30 PM MAD MAX: FURY ROAD - 3D 1:30 PM OUT OF THE DARK 6:15 PM SHARQIA-3 TOMORROWLAND 12:05 AM MAD MAX: FURY ROAD 4:00 PM OUT OF THE DARK 8:30 PM OUT OF THE DARK 1:00 PM MAD MAX: FURY ROAD - 3D 6:30 PM OUT OF THE DARK 10:30 PM POLTERGEIST 3:00 PM MARINA-1 MAD MAX: FURY ROAD 9:00 PM SPOOKS: THE GREATER GOOD 12:30 AM OUT OF THE DARK 5:00 PM OUT OF THE DARK 12:30 PM MAD MAX: FURY ROAD 11:30 PM POLTERGEIST 7:00 PM OUT OF THE DARK 2:30 PM AL-KOUT.4 OUT OF THE DARK 9:00 PM ZANKET AL SITAT-Arabic 4:30 PM AVENUES-7 MAD MAX: FURY ROAD 1:00 PM POLTERGEIST 11:00 PM OUT OF THE DARK 6:45 PM SPOOKS: THE GREATER GOOD 11:45 AM ZANKET AL SITAT-Arabic 3:30 PM OUT OF THE DARK 1:00 AM ZANKET AL SITAT-Arabic 8:45 PM TOMORROWLAND 2:00 PM MAD MAX: FURY ROAD 5:45 PM OUT OF THE DARK 11:00 PM TOMORROWLAND 4:45 PM ZANKET AL SITAT-Arabic 8:00 PM MUHALAB-1 OUT OF THE DARK 1:00 AM ZANKET AL SITAT-Arabic 7:30 PM ZANKET AL SITAT-Arabic 10:15 PM department of reputed MAD MAX: FURY ROAD 1:00 PM TOMORROWLAND 9:45 PM MAD MAX: FURY ROAD 12:30 AM FOR SALE companies having middle ZANKET AL SITAT-Arabic 3:15 PM MARINA-2 TOMORROWLAND 12:30 AM to senior level vacancy may Galant 2004, grey, 140K MAD MAX: FURY ROAD 5:30 PM TOMORROWLAND 12:15 PM BAIRAQ-1 please contact mobile: AVENUES-8 TOMORROWLAND 12:00 PM lady driven, KD 650, one ZANKET AL SITAT-Arabic 7:45 PM TOMORROWLAND 2:45 PM 50519450 or email: ZANKET AL SITAT-Arabic 10:00 PM TOMORROWLAND 5:15 PM AVENGERS: AGE OF ULTRON 12:30 PM TOMORROWLAND 2:30 PM year passing, call 67014100. MAD MAX: FURY ROAD 12:15 AM TOMORROWLAND 7:45 PM AVENGERS: AGE OF ULTRON 3:30 PM TOMORROWLAND 5:00 PM (C 4987) [email protected] TOMORROWLAND 10:15 PM AVENGERS: AGE OF ULTRON 6:30 PM TOMORROWLAND 7:30 PM (C 4984) MUHALAB-2 TOMORROWLAND 12:45 AM AVENGERS: AGE OF ULTRON 9:30 PM TOMORROWLAND 10:00 PM Galant 1999, white 340K, 17-5-2015 OUT OF THE DARK 12:45 PM AVENGERS: AGE OF ULTRON 12:15 AM TOMORROWLAND 12:30 AM POLTERGEIST 2:45 PM MARINA-3 excellent engine, one year OUT OF THE DARK 4:45 PM POLTERGEIST -3D 11:30 AM AVENUES-9 BAIRAQ-2 passing, KD 450, call LOST OUT OF THE DARK 6:45 PM POLTERGEIST -3D 1:30 PM OUT OF THE DARK 12:45 PM TOMORROWLAND 11:30 AM 67014100. (C 4988) POLTERGEIST 8:45 PM POLTERGEIST -3D 3:30 PM OUT OF THE DARK 3:00 PM A MOUSE TALE 3:00 PM 21-5-2015 OUT OF THE DARK 10:45 PM MAD MAX: FURY ROAD - 3D 5:30 PM OUT OF THE DARK 5:15 PM A MOUSE TALE 5:00 PM Lost original Senior POLTERGEIST 12:45 AM POLTERGEIST -3D 8:00 PM OUT OF THE DARK 7:30 PM ZANKET AL SITAT-Arabic 7:00 PM 2010 Mitsubishi Galant Secondary Examination ZANKET AL SITAT-Arabic 9:15 PM MAD MAX: FURY ROAD - 3D 10:00 PM OUT OF THE DARK 9:45 PM Super Saloon, white, 88,000 Certificates. This is to notify MUHALAB-3 POLTERGEIST -3D 12:30 AM OUT OF THE DARK 12:05 AM TOMORROWLAND 11:30 PM that my original qualifying TOMORROWLAND 12:00 PM km, bought new, excellent TOMORROWLAND 2:30 PM AVENUES-1 360º- 1 BAIRAQ-3 condition, asking KD 2,300. examination certificate of TOMORROWLAND 5:00 PM TOMORROWLAND 1:00 PM TOMORROWLAND 11:30 AM POLTERGEIST 12:15 PM Contact: 66559205. senior secondary examina- TOMORROWLAND 7:30 PM A MOUSE TALE 3:45 PM TOMORROWLAND 2:15 PM OUT OF THE DARK 2:15 PM (C 4986) tion of year 2012 (Roll No. TOMORROWLAND 10:00 PM A MOUSE TALE 6:00 PM TOMORROWLAND 5:00 PM POLTERGEIST 4:15 PM 19-5-2015 9103137) issued by CBSE TOMORROWLAND 12:30 AM PIKU - HINDI 8:15 PM TOMORROWLAND 7:45 PM OUT OF THE DARK 6:15 PM has been lost in Kuwait. If THE BLOOD LANDS 10:45 PM TOMORROWLAND 10:30 PM POLTERGEIST 8:15 PM anybody found it, please FANAR-1 THE BLOOD LANDS 12:45 AM POLTERGEIST 1:15 AM OUT OF THE DARK 10:15 PM SITUATION WANTED inform in the below men- POLTERGEIST 12:00 PM POLTERGEIST 12:15 AM tioned mob no. Ann POLTERGEIST 2:00 PM AVENUES-2 360º- 2 Professionally qualified ZANKET AL SITAT-Arabic 4:00 PM SPOOKS: THE GREATER GOOD 12:15 PM SPOOKS: THE GREATER GOOD 1:15 PM PLAZA Alexander Philip Mob. ZANKET AL SITAT-Arabic 6:30 PM SPOOKS: THE GREATER GOOD 2:30 PM SPOOKS: THE GREATER GOOD 3:30 PM POLTERGEIST 3:30 PM and well experienced sen- 97549916. (C 4989) POLTERGEIST 8:45 PM SPOOKS: THE GREATER GOOD 4:45 PM SPOOKS: THE GREATER GOOD 5:45 PM TOMORROWLAND 6:00 PM ior finance executive, seek- 20-5-2015 ZANKET AL SITAT-Arabic 10:45 PM SPOOKS: THE GREATER GOOD 7:00 PM SPOOKS: THE GREATER GOOD 8:00 PM NO FRI+SAT ing job for senior position POLTERGEIST 1:00 AM SPOOKS: THE GREATER GOOD 9:15 PM SPOOKS: THE GREATER GOOD 10:15 PM BHASKAR THE RASKAL -Malayalam 5:30 PM in finance and accounts SPOOKS: THE GREATER GOOD 11:45 PM SPOOKS: THE GREATER GOOD 12:30 AM FRI+SAT FANAR-2 ZANKET AL SITAT-Arabic 8:30 PM OUT OF THE DARK 12:15 PM AVENUES-3 360º- 3 POLTERGEIST 10:45 PM Prayer timings OUT OF THE DARK 2:15 PM POLTERGEIST 11:45 AM ZANKET AL SITAT-Arabic 1:00 PM OUT OF THE DARK 4:15 PM POLTERGEIST -3D 2:00 PM ZANKET AL SITAT-Arabic 3:15 PM LAILA Fajr: 03:23 OUT OF THE DARK 6:15 PM POLTERGEIST 4:15 PM ZANKET AL SITAT-Arabic 5:30 PM MAD MAX: FURY ROAD 4:00 PM OUT OF THE DARK 8:15 PM POLTERGEIST -3D 6:30 PM ZANKET AL SITAT-Arabic 7:45 PM ZANKET AL SITAT-Arabic 6:15 PM Shorook 04:52 OUT OF THE DARK 10:15 PM POLTERGEIST 8:45 PM ZANKET AL SITAT-Arabic 10:00 PM OUT OF THE DARK 8:30 PM OUT OF THE DARK 12:15 AM POLTERGEIST -3D 11:00 PM ZANKET AL SITAT-Arabic 12:15 AM TOMORROWLAND 10:30 PM Duhr: 11:45 POLTERGEIST 1:15 AM FANAR-3 AL-KOUT.1 AJIAL.1 Asr: 15:20 SPOOKS: THE GREATER GOOD 1:00 PM AVENUES-4 TOMORROWLAND 11:30 AM BHASKAR THE RASKAL -Malayalam 3:30 PM SPOOKS: THE GREATER GOOD 3:15 PM POLTERGEIST 1:00 PM TOMORROWLAND 2:00 PM BHASKAR THE RASKAL -Malayalam 6:30 PM Maghrib: 18:37 SPOOKS: THE GREATER GOOD 5:30 PM POLTERGEIST 3:15 PM TOMORROWLAND 4:30 PM BHASKAR THE RASKAL -Malayalam 9:30 PM AVENGERS: AGE OF ULTRON 7:45 PM ZANKET AL SITAT-Arabic 5:30 PM TOMORROWLAND 7:00 PM Isha: 20:03

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

Arrival Flights on Thursday 21/5/2015 KNE 460 Riyadh 14:10 Departure Flights on Thursday 21/5/2015 MSR 611 Cairo 14:00 Airlines Flt Route Time GFA 221 Bahrain 14:20 Airlines Flt Route Time THY 767 Istanbul 14:10 KAC 564 Amman 00:05 FDB 057 Dubai 14:20 AIC 976 Goa/Chennai 00:05 UAE 872 Dubai 14:15 QTR 1084 Doha 00:05 SVA 500 Jeddah 14:30 BBC 044 Dhaka 00:10 KAC 741 Dammam 14:40 THY 772 Istanbul 00:15 KAC 538 Sohag 14:55 JZR 562 Sohag 00:20 QTR 1079 Doha 15:05 JZR 239 Amman 00:20 KAC 788 Jeddah 15:00 JAI 573 Mumbai 00:25 FDB 058 Dubai 15:05 JZR 267 Beirut 00:30 RJD 135 Abu Dhabi 15:00 FDB 072 Dubai 00:30 GFA 222 Bahrain 15:05 DLH 637 Dammam 00:35 OMA 645 Muscat 15:05 KLM 411 Amsterdam 00:55 KNE 481 Taif 15:10 FDB 068 Dubai 00:55 ABY 127 Sharjah 15:35 JZR 502 Luxor 01:10 KAC 617 Doha 15:15 JZR 539 Cairo 01:30 UAE 857 Dubai 15:45 DLH 637 Frankfurt 01:35 KAC 673 Dubai 15:20 JAI 574 Mumbai 01:30 NIA 251 Alexandria 15:50 THY 773 Istanbul 02:05 JZR 188 Dubai 15:50 SAI 441 Lahore 01:35 JZR 257 Beirut 15:55 SAI 442 Lahore 02:35 KAC 773 Riyadh 15:55 PGT 858 Istanbul 01:40 RJA 640 Amman 15:55 JAI 525 Abu Dhabi/Chennai 02:55 SVA 505 Jeddah 16:00 RJA 642 Amman 01:45 JZR 535 Cairo 16:05 PGT 859 Istanbul 02:55 KAC 613 Bahrain 16:00 KKK 6507 Istanbul 02:15 FDB 051 Dubai 16:10 KKK 6508 Istanbul 03:10 OMA 645 Muscat 16:05 GFA 211 Bahrain 02:15 QTR 1072 Doha 16:20 MSC 404 Sohag 03:30 RJD 136 Abu Dhabi 16:10 UAE 853 Dubai 02:25 JZR 125 Bahrain 16:25 OMA 644 Muscat 03:35 ABY 128 Sharjah 16:15 MSC 403 Sohag 02:30 KAC 118 New York 16:30 UAE 854 Dubai 03:45 NIA 252 Alexandria 16:50 OMA 643 Muscat 02:35 KNE 476 Jeddah 16:40 FDB 068 Dubai 04:00 RJA 641 Amman 16:55 QTR 1076 Doha 03:05 ETD 303 Abu Dhabi 16:50 ETD 306 Abu Dhabi 04:05 JZR 266 Beirut 17:05 ETD 305 Abu Dhabi 03:05 KAC 562 Amman 17:00 QTR 1077 Doha 04:05 FDB 052 Dubai 17:10 FDB 067 Dubai 03:15 SVA 510 Riyadh 17:15 MSR 613 Cairo 04:15 JZR 512 Sharm el-Sheikh 17:15 MSR 612 Cairo 03:15 UAL 982 IAD 17:25 THY 765 Istanbul 04:55 QTR 1073 Doha 17:25 KAC 1544 Cairo 03:35 GFA 215 Bahrain 17:30 MSC 406 Sohag 05:00 KNE 477 Jeddah 17:30 MSC 401 Alexandria 04:00 KAC 742 Dammam 17:45 JZR 560 Sohag 05:00 UAE 858 Dubai 17:40 JZR 555 Alexandria 04:15 JZR 177 Dubai 17:45 QTR 1085 Doha 05:20 ETD 304 Abu Dhabi 17:40 THY 770 Istanbul 04:40 JZR 777 Jeddah 17:50 QTR 8646 Doha 06:20 SVA 511 Riyadh 18:15 QTR 8646 Doha 04:50 KAC 678 Muscat/Abu Dhabi 17:55 RJA 643 Amman 06:35 JZR 184 Dubai 18:20 DHX 170 Bahrain 05:10 FDB 065 Dubai 18:05 GFA 212 Bahrain 06:50 GFA 216 Bahrain 18:20 KAC 412 Manila/Bangkok 06:15 JZR 483 Istanbul 18:20 THY 771 Istanbul 06:50 KAC 563 Amman 18:30 BAW 157 London 06:35 KAC 176 Geneva/Frankfurt 18:20 FDB 070 Dubai 07:05 KAC 287 Dhaka 18:35 JZR 563 Sohag 06:45 KAC 502 Beirut 18:35 JZR 240 Amman 07:05 JZR 156 Dubai 18:35 JZR 503 Luxor 07:20 KAC 786 Jeddah 18:35 JZR 164 Dubai 07:15 JZR 538 Cairo 18:40 KAC 382 Delhi 07:30 KAC 542 Cairo 18:55 KAC 537 Sohag 08:20 UAL 982 Bahrain 18:40 IRA 673 Ahwaz 07:30 AXB 393 Kozhikode 18:55 BAW 156 London 08:30 FDB 066 Dubai 18:55 KAC 206 Islamabad 07:45 QTR 1080 Doha 18:55 IRA 672 Ahwaz 08:30 JZR 238 Amman 19:15 KAC 204 Lahore 07:50 KAC 618 Doha 18:55 FDB 054 Dubai 08:30 GFA 218 Bahrain 19:50 FDB 053 Dubai 07:50 KAC 104 London 19:00 JZR 256 Beirut 08:30 FDB 064 Dubai 19:50 SVA 512 Riyadh 07:50 GFA 217 Bahrain 19:05 JZR 778 Jeddah 08:30 QTR 1081 Doha 19:55 KAC 302 Mumbai 07:55 UAE 875 Dubai 19:05 SVA 513 Riyadh 08:50 AXB 394 Kozhikode 19:55 QTR 1086 Doha 07:55 FDB 063 Dubai 19:10 TAR 327 Dubai/Tunis 08:50 ABY 124 Sharjah 20:00 TAR 327 Tunis 08:05 KAC 614 Bahrain 19:10 QTR 1087 Doha 08:55 KAC 361 Colombo 20:00 KAC 352 Kochi 08:15 ABY 123 Sharjah 19:20 JZR 534 Cairo 09:15 UAE 876 Dubai 20:35 UAE 855 Dubai 08:25 JAI 572 Mumbai 19:35 KAC 671 Dubai 09:25 JAI 571 Mumbai 20:35 KAC 362 Colombo 08:30 KAC 774 Riyadh 19:40 KAC 787 Jeddah 09:30 FDB 062 Dubai 20:35 KAC 332 Trivandrum 08:30 FDB 061 Dubai 19:50 ABY 126 Sharjah 09:45 KAC 351 Kochi 20:45 IRA 667 Esfahan 09:00 AGY 684 Sohag 19:50 JZR 482 Istanbul 09:45 AGY 681 Alexandria 20:50 ABY 125 Sharjah 09:05 OMA 647 Muscat 20:00 UAE 856 Dubai 09:50 KAC 1543 Cairo 20:55 ETD 301 Abu Dhabi 09:10 KAC 674 Dubai 20:00 IRA 668 Mashhad 10:00 KAC 333 Trivandrum 20:55 KAC 284 Dhaka 09:25 KNE 480 Taif 20:10 ETD 302 Abu Dhabi 10:00 KAC 343 Chennai 20:55 RJA 648 Amman 09:30 MEA 402 Beirut 20:15 KAC 101 London/New York 10:00 OMA 648 Muscat 21:00 IZG 4161 Mashhad 09:30 ABY 121 Sharjah 20:20 RJA 649 Amman 10:15 ABY 122 Sharjah 21:00 KAC 350 Kochi 09:40 DLH 634 Frankfurt 20:20 IZG 4162 Mashhad 10:30 KNE 461 Riyadh 21:10 FDB 055 Dubai 09:40 JZR 189 Dubai 20:25 FDB 056 Dubai 10:40 JZR 554 Alexandria 21:15 QTR 1070 Doha 10:00 MSR 618 Alexandria 20:30 KAC 677 Abu Dhabi/Muscat 10:50 MEA 403 Beirut 21:15 SYR 341 Damascus 10:05 JAD 301 Amman 20:55 QTR 1071 Doha 11:00 MSR 619 Alexandria 21:30 KNE 470 Jeddah 10:30 KLM 417 Amsterdam 21:05 KAC 501 Beirut 11:00 JAD 302 Amman 21:35 GFA 213 Bahrain 10:40 ALK 229 Colombo 21:10 SYR 342 Damascus 11:05 DHX 171 Bahrain 21:50 UAE 873 Dubai 10:40 UAE 859 Dubai 21:15 KNE 471 Jeddah 11:20 KLM 417 Dammam/Amsterdam 22:05 MEA 404 Beirut 10:55 ETD 307 Abu Dhabi 21:15 KAC 561 Amman 11:25 ETD 308 Abu Dhabi 22:05 MSC 405 Sohag 11:20 FDB 073 Dubai 21:30 KAC 165 Rome/Paris 11:25 FDB 074 Dubai 22:10 JZR 561 Sohag 11:25 QTR 1074 Doha 21:30 GFA 214 Bahrain 11:35 KAC 381 Delhi 22:20 RBG 553 Alexandria 11:30 GFA 219 Bahrain 21:45 MEA 405 Beirut 11:55 ALK 230 Colombo 22:20 AGY 680 Alexandria 11:40 THY 764 Istanbul 22:10 KAC 541 Cairo 12:05 UAE 860 Dubai 22:25 JZR 165 Dubai 11:50 ETD 309 Abu Dhabi 22:10 UAE 874 Dubai 12:10 KAC 301 Mumbai 22:30 FDB 075 Dubai 12:25 AIC 981 Chennai/Ahmedabad 22:25 RBG 554 Alexandria 12:10 KAC 349 Kochi 22:30 JZR 241 Amman 12:40 UAL 981 Bahrain 22:40 JZR 776 Jeddah 12:15 QTR 1075 Doha 22:40 UAE 871 Dubai 12:45 FDB 059 Dubai 22:50 MSC 402 Alexandria 12:20 GFA 220 Bahrain 22:45 MSR 610 Cairo 13:00 JZR 157 Dubai 22:55 AGY 685 Sohag 12:40 KAC 303 Mumbai 22:50 THY 766 Istanbul 13:10 JZR 185 Dubai 22:55 KAC 785 Jeddah 13:00 ETD 310 Abu Dhabi 23:00 JZR 779 Jeddah 13:50 JAI 526 Chennai/Abu Dhabi 23:00 FDB 076 Dubai 13:10 KAC 205 Islamabad 23:05 KAC 672 Dubai 13:55 JZR 513 Sharm el-Sheikh 23:30 JZR 176 Dubai 13:10 KAC 411 Bangkok/Manila 23:25 QTR 1078 Doha 14:05 FDB 071 Dubai 23:35 JZR 124 Bahrain 13:30 KAC 415 Kuala Lumpur/Jakarta 23:50 DIAL161 FOR AIRPORT INFORMATION stars34 THURSDAY, MAY 21, 2015 CROSSWORD 909 STAR TRACK

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

Are you prepared? That might be a difficult question for you to If you start this day in the wrong frame of mind, it could turn into answer right now, with so many things up in the air in your life. If you've one of those days when it feels like everyone is purposefully trying to get in your been waiting for things to slow down a bit, today it happens. You get the way or slow you down. To avoid this frustration, you need to start the day as breathing room you need to get a grip on what's going on around you. socially as possible... get yourself used to the energy of strangers. Visit a busy cof- This organizational phase is your chance to rid yourself of things you don't fee shop, run some morning errands or take public transportation. Being alone need anymore, so don't be afraid to be ruthless. It's time for some serious too long in the morning will make you too sensitive to stay peaceful. cleaning.

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

Your social energy is unpredictable today, and connecting with oth- No matter what needs to be done today, remember one thing -- you ers might be difficult. In conversations, you may feel as if you're waist-deep in can take all the time you need to get it done. Don't assume that you're being mud, and moving forward could be exhausting. But if you adjust your expecta- held to a certain calendar or time expectation when you aren't. Travel the path tions, you might be surprised at how far you can go. Instead of taking a big step, you're on one step at a time -- at the pace that suits you best. You know what take a little step. Inch by inch, you'll make real headway. Remember that in any needs to be done, and you know how to do it. No one is going to rush you right relationship you have right now, your smallest efforts can move the biggest now, so don't rush yourself. obstacles.

Gemini (May 21-June 20) Sagittarius (November 22-December 21) As you continue on a more passive path right now, you'll Muster some hope right now -- after all, there are so many good rea- begin to notice things you never had the time to notice sons to think positively. If you just stop and let life happen around you, you ACROSS another. before. These revelations will teach you something new about someone should be able to sense a new beginning coming. That will give you the confi- you've known for a while. The change in this person's behavior has a rea- 1. A doctor's degree in dental surgery. 81. (prefix) Within. dence to move in a new direction and take a few more chances. Risk is not some- 4. An adherent of Satan or Satanism. sonable explanation, so resist the urge to make any assumptions. Avoid thing you should be afraid of. In fact, if you add a bit more insecurity to your life, any confrontations at all right now; just keep experiencing everything 12. Title for a civil or military leader (especially DOWN you'll get some inspiration that could lead you down a very exciting path. around you in a new way. in Turkey). 1. Lacking or deprive of the sense of hearing 15. Take in solid food. wholly or in part. 16. Resoluteness by virtue of being unyielding 2. A Chadic language spoken south of Lake and inflexible. Chad. 17. A depression in an otherwise level surface. 3. A thrusting blow with a knife. Cancer (June 21-July 22) Capricorn (December 22-January 19) 18. A loose sleeveless outer garment made 4. Egyptian statesman who (as President of from aba cloth. Egypt) negotiated a peace treaty with Give your attention to the things that really matter -- like the people Communication with others will bring you an exceptional 19. Dislike intensely. Menachem Begin of Israel (1918-1981). you love in your life. Today would be a great day to organize a family reunion, plan amount of joy right now, so it's in your best interest to initiate discussions whenever -- and wherever -- you can. Strangers are only friends you 20. Affect with wonder. 5. African antelopes. a group trip or think up a fun excuse for a night out on the town. Financial matters, business challenges and work issues can all wait a little while longer. You know haven't met yet, and although new friendships might not be what you're 22. Of or relating to Fabianism. 6. Tastelessness by virtue of being cheap and what they say -- no one on their deathbed ever says, 'I wish I spent more time at looking for right now, you should try to break the ice in a public situation. It vulgar. 24. The Tibeto-Burman language spoken in the the office.' Cherish the people in your life! will add a pleasantness to your day and remind you that everyone is essen- Dali region of Yunnan. 7. Naked freshwater or marine or parasitic pro- tially the same inside. 26. South American armadillo with three bands tozoa that form temporary pseudopods for of bony plates. feeding and locomotion. 8. An independent agency of the United States 27. A minute epidermal pore in a leaf or stem. Aquarius (January 20- February 18) 28. A sheet or band of fibrous connective tissue government responsible for aviation and Leo (July 23-August 22) spaceflight. separating or binding together muscles and You're blessed with an unbeatable combination of energy and The most solid-looking brick wall is not a real obstacle today -- step organs etc. 9. The Palestinian uprising (beginning in 1987) insight today -- so don't hesitate to act when you see something you think might closer and give it a little poke. Chances are, it will instantly crumble at your feet. 30. Large burrowing rodent of South and against the Israeli occupation of the West Bank need your attention. If a friend is acting out of character, ask them about it. You Any person who is causing stress or putting pressure on you right now is similar to Central America. and Gaza Strip. won't come off as nosy -- you'll come off as concerned. If your boss is in a mood, that brick wall... so stand up straight and don't be intimidated. You should match 36. A capacitance unit equal to one billion 10. A white trivalent metallic element. step out of your professional guise and reach out as one human to another. Use them word for word and call their bluff. In an instant, you can turn everything farads. 11. A beverage made by steeping tea leaves in your compassion to make stronger connections. around and find yourself in a very powerful position. 39. A public promotion of some product or water. service. 12. (Babylonian) A demigod or first man. 40. Flat-topped or rounded inflorescence char- 13. An ancient Egyptian city on the west bank acteristic of the family Umbelliferae in which of the Nile opposite Cairo. Virgo (August 23-September 22) Pisces (February 19-March 20) the individual flower stalks arise from about the 14. Someone who copies the words or behavior of another. same point. No one will be able to get the better of you today, so have no If you really want to make a difference in your community, you have 42. A rare silvery (usually trivalent) metallic ele- 21. A man who delivers the mail. fear about going into any type of negotiations! The biggest button push- a great opportunity to do just that today. All you need to do is make sure you're in ment. 23. (Old Testament) The second patriarch. er on the planet could try every single trick in their arsenal, but you won't the middle of the action as much as possible. So accept any invitations that come 43. A white metallic element that burns with a 25. A compartment in front of a motor vehicle fall for any of them. This ironclad conviction you have right now will your way, and if you hear about something that you want to get involved in -- do brilliant light. where driver sits. serve you well and give you a position of power. You might want to take it! This isn't a time for you to lead; right now you'll do better following. Good stuff is 44. A former copper coin of Pakistan. 29. Any taillike structure. out some of that insider knowledge you have... today might be the per- happening, so why don't you join in? 46. Indigo bush. 31. Lower in esteem. fect time to use it. 47. Standard time in the 5th time zone west of 32. A radioactive transuranic element. Greenwich, reckoned at the 75th meridian. 33. The basic unit of luminous intensity adopt- ed under the System International d'Unites. 49. A holy war by Muslims against unbelievers. WORD SEARCH PUZZLE Yesterday’s Solution 51. A long noosed rope used to catch animals. 34. United States industrialist who manufac- tured plows suitable for working the prairie soil 53. The basic unit of money in Uruguay. (1804-1886). 55. Any of numerous hairy-bodied insects 35. Especially a leaf of grass or the broad por- including social and solitary species. tion of a leaf as distinct from the petiole. 56. Cubes of meat marinated and cooked on a 37. The seventh month of the Moslem calendar. skewer usually with vegetables. 38. The longer of the two telegraphic signals 58. A mistake resulting from inattention. used in Morse code. 60. Widely cultivated in tropical and subtropical 41. Divulge information or secrets. regions for its fragrant flowers and colorful 45. A period of time spent sleeping. fruits. 48. (amateur wrestling) Being brought to the 62. A telephone connection. mat from a standing position. 63. Open pastry filled with fruit or custard. 50. Lying in the same plane. 67. That which is below standard or expecta- 52. Being of the age 13 through 19. tions as of ethics or decency. 54. A cross with diagonal bars of equal length. 70. A crisp smooth lustrous fabric. 57. Accumulate on the surface. 71. A rapid bustling commotion. 59. Remove completely from recognition or 72. Large slender food and game fish widely memory. distributed in warm seas (especially around 61. A family of Sino-Tibetan languages spoken Hawaii). in southeastern Asia. 75. An independent ruler or chieftain (especial- 64. Yellow oval fruit with juicy acidic flesh. ly in Africa or Arabia). 65. Departing or being caused to depart from 76. A condensed but memorable saying the true vertical or horizontal. embodying some important fact of experience 66. Australian clover fern. that is taken as true by many people. 68. Tropical starchy tuberous root. 77. The type genus of Droseraceae including 69. Wild plum of northeastern United States many low bog-inhabiting insectivorous plants. having dark purple fruits with yellow flesh. 78. Used of physical coldness. 73. Standard time in the 8th time zone west of 79. Ancient Hebrew unit of liquid measure = 1.5 Greenwich, reckoned at the 120th meridian gallons. west. 80. One who helps or encourages or incites 74. Made warm or hot.

Yesterday’s Solution

Daily SuDoku Yesterday’s Solution THURSDAY, MAY 21, 2015 information

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Afghanistan 0093 Luxembourg 00352 GOVERNORATE PHARMACY ADDRESS PHONE Albania 00355 Macau 00853 Algeria 00213 Macedonia 00389 Ahmadi Sama Safwan Fahaeel Makka St 23915883 Andorra 00376 Madagascar 00261 Sabah Hospital 24812000 Abu Halaifa Abu Halaifa-Coastal Rd 23715414 Angola 00244 Majorca 0034 Amiri Hospital 22450005 Danat Al-Sultan Mahboula Block 1, Coastal Rd 23726558 Anguilla 001264 Malawi 00265 Maternity Hospital 24843100 Jahra Modern Jahra Jahra-Block 3 Lot 1 24575518 Antiga 001268 Malaysia 0060 Madina Munawara Jahra-Block 92 24566622 Argentina 0054 Maldives 00960 Mubarak Al-Kabir Hospital 25312700 Capital Ahlam Fahad Al-Salem St 22436184 Armenia 00374 Mali 00223 Chest Hospital 24849400 Khaldiya Coop Khaldiya Coop 24833967 Australia 0061 Malta 00356 Austria 0043 Marshall Islands 00692 Farwaniya Hospital 24892010 Farwaniya New Shifa Farwaniya Block 40 24734000 Ferdous Coop Ferdous Coop 24881201 Bahamas 001242 Martinique 00596 Adan Hospital 23940620 Modern Safwan Old Kheitan Block 11 24726638 Bahrain 00973 Mauritania 00222 Ibn Sina Hospital 24840300 Bangladesh 00880 Mauritius 00230 Hawally Tariq Salmiya-Hamad Mubarak St 25726265 Barbados 001246 Mayotte 00269 Al-Razi Hospital 24846000 Hana Salmiya-Amman St 25647075 Ikhlas Hawally-Beirut St 22625999 Belarus 00375 Mexico 0052 Physiotherapy Hospital 24874330/9 Hawally & Rawdha Hawally & Rawdha Coop 22564549 Belgium 0032 Micronesia 00691 Ghadeer Jabriya-Block 1A 25340559 Belize 00501 Moldova 00373 Kindy Jabriya-Block 3B 25326554 Benin 00229 Monaco 00377 Ibn Al-Nafis Salmiya-Hamad Mubarak St 25721264 Mishrif Coop Mishrif Coop 25380581 Bermuda 001441 Mongolia 00976 Kaizen center 25716707 Salwa Coop Salwa Coop 25628241 Bhutan 00975 Montserrat 001664 Rawda 22517733 Bolivia 00591 Morocco 00212 Bosnia 00387 Mozambique 00258 Adaliya 22517144 Botswana 00267 Myanmar (Burma) 0095 Khaldiya 24848075 Brazil 0055 Namibia 00264 Brunei 00673 Nepal 00977 Kaifan 24849807 Bulgaria 00359 Netherlands 0031 Shamiya 24848913 Burkina 00226 Netherlands Antilles 00599 Burundi 00257 New Caledonia 00687 Shuwaikh 24814507 Cambodia 00855 New Zealand 0064 Abdullah Salem 22549134 Cameroon 00237 Nicaragua 00505 Canada 001 Nigar 00227 Nuzha 22526804 Cape Verde 00238 Nigeria 00234 Industrial Shuwaikh 24814764 Cayman Islands 001345 Niue 00683 Central African 00236 Norfolk Island 00672 Qadsiya 22515088 Chad 00235 N. Ireland (UK) 0044 Dasmah 22532265 Chile 0056 North Korea 00850 Bneid Al-Gar 22531908 China 0086 Norway 0047 Colombia 0057 Oman 00968 Shaab 22518752 Comoros 00269 Pakistan 0092 Qibla 22459381 Congo 00242 Palau 00680 Cook Islands 00682 Panama 00507 Ayoun Al-Qibla 22451082 Costa Rica 00506 Papua New Guinea 00675 Mirqab 22456536 Croatia 00385 Paraguay 00595 Cuba 0053 Peru 0051 Sharq 22465401 Cyprus 00357 Philippines 0063 Salmiya 25746401 Cyprus (Northern) 0090392 Poland 0048 Czech Republic 00420 Portugal 00351 Jabriya 25316254 Denmark 0045 Puerto Rico 001787 Maidan Hawally 25623444 Diego Garcia 00246 Qatar 00974 Djibouti 00253 Romania 0040 Bayan 25388462 Dominica 001767 Russian Federation 007 Mishref 25381200 Dominican Republic 001809 Rwanda 00250 W Hawally 22630786 Ecuador 00593 Saint Helena 00290 Egypt 0020 Saint Kitts 001869 Sabah 24810221 El Salvador 00503 Saint Lucia 001758 Jahra 24770319 England (UK) 0044 Saint Pierre 00508 Equatorial Guinea 00240 Saint Vincent 001784 New Jahra 24575755 Eritrea 00291 Samoa US 00684 West Jahra 24772608 Estonia 00372 Samoa West 00685 Ethiopia 00251 San Marino 00378 South Jahra 24775066 Falkland Islands 00500 Sao Tone 00239 North Jahra 24775992 Faroe Islands 00298 Saudi Arabia 00966 Fiji 00679 Scotland (UK) 0044 North Jleeb 24311795 Finland 00358 Senegal 00221 Ardhiya 24884079 France 0033 Seychelles 00284 Firdous 24892674 French Guiana 00594 Sierra Leone 00232 French Polynesia 00689 Singapore 0065 Omariya 24719048 Gabon 00241 Slovakia 00421 N Khaitan 24710044 Gambia 00220 Slovenia 00386 Georgia 00995 Solomon Islands 00677 Fintas 23900322 Germany 0049 Somalia 00252 Ghana 00233 South Africa 0027 Gibraltar 00350 South Korea 0082 Greece 0030 Spain 0034 Greenland 00299 Sri Lanka 0094 PRIVATE CLINICS Grenada 001473 Sudan 00249 Guadeloupe 00590 Suriname 00597 Guam 001671 Swaziland 00268 Guatemala 00502 Sweden 0046 Ophthalmologists Plastic Surgeons Paediatricians Endocrinologist Guinea 00224 Switzerland 0041 Dr. Abidallah Al-Mansoor 25622444 Dr. Mohammad Al-Khalaf 22547272 Dr. Khaled Hamadi 25665898 Guyana 00592 Syria 00963 Dr. Abd Al-Naser Al-Othman 25339330 Dr. Samy Al-Rabeea 25752222 Dr. Abdal-Redha Lari 22617700 Dr. Abd Al-Aziz Al-Rashed 25340300 Haiti 00509 Serbia 00381 Dr. Masoma Habeeb 25321171 Dr. Abdel Quttainah 25625030/60 Dr. Zahra Qabazard 25710444 Dr. Ahmad Al-Ansari 25658888 Holland (Netherlands) 0031 Taiwan 00886 Dr. Mubarak Al-Ajmy 25739999 Family Doctor Dr. Sohail Qamar 22621099 Honduras 00504 Tanzania 00255 Dr. Mohsen Abel 25757700 Dr. Kamal Al-Shomr 25329924 Dr Divya Damodar 23729596/23729581 Dr. Snaa Maaroof 25713514 Hong Kong 00852 Thailand 0066 Dr Adnan Hasan Alwayl 25732223 Physiotherapists & VD Hungary 0036 Toga 00228 Psychiatrists Dr. Pradip Gujare 23713100 Dr. Abdallah Al-Baghly 25732223 Dr. Zacharias Mathew 24334282 Dr. Deyaa Shehab 25722291 Ibiza (Spain) 0034 Tonga 00676 Ear, Nose & Throat (ENT) Dr. Esam Al-Ansari 22635047 Iceland 00354 Tokelau 00690 Dr. Ahmed Fouad Mouner 24555050 Ext 510 Dr Eisa M. Al-Balhan 22613623/0 Dermatology Dr. Musaed Faraj Khamees 22666288 India 0091 Trinidad 001868 Dr. Abdallah Al-Ali 25644660 Gynaecologists & Obstetricians Dr. Mohammed Salam Rheumatologists: Indian Ocean 00873 Tunisia 00216 Dr. Abd Al-Hameed Al-Taweel 25646478 DrAdrian arbe 23729596/23729581 Bern University 23845955 Indonesia 0062 Turkey 0090 Dr. Sanad Al-Fathalah 25311996 Dr. Verginia s.Marin 2572-6666 ext 8321 Dentists Dr. Adel Al-Awadi 25330060 Dr. Mohammad Al-Daaory 25731988 Iran 0098 Tuvalu 00688 Dr. Fozeya Ali Al-Qatan 22655539 Dr Anil Thomas 3729596/3729581 Dr. Ismail Al-Fodary 22620166 Dr. Khaled Al-Jarallah 25722290 Iraq 00964 Uganda 00256 Dr. Majeda Khalefa Aliytami 25343406 Dr. Shamah Al-Matar 22641071/2 Dr. Mahmoud Al-Booz 25651426 Ireland 00353 Ukraine 00380 Dr. Ahmad Al-Khooly 25739272 Dr. Anesah Al-Rasheed 22562226 Internist, Chest & Heart General Practitioners Italy 0039 United Arab Emirates 00976 Dr. Abidallah Al-Amer 22561444 Dr. Mohamme Y Majidi 24555050 Ext 123 Dr. Salem soso 22618787 DR.Mohammes Akkad 24555050 Ext 210 Ivory Coast 00225 United Kingdom 0044 Dr. Faysal Al-Fozan 22619557 General Surgeons Dr. Yousef Al-Omar 24719312 Dr. Mohammad Zubaid Jamaica 001876 Uruguay 00598 Dr. Abdallateef Al-Katrash 22525888 Dr. Tarek Al-Mikhazeem 23926920 Dr. Amer Zawaz Al-Amer 22610044 MB, ChB, FRCPC, PACC Japan 0081 USA 001 Dr. Abidallah Al-Duweisan 25653755 Dr. Kathem Maarafi 25730465 Dr. Mohammad Yousef Basher 25327148 Assistant Professor Of Medicine Jordan 00962 Uzbekistan 00998 Dr. Abdallah Ahmad Eyadah 25655528 Dr. Bader Al-Ansari 25620111 Internists, Chest & Heart Head, Division of Cardiology Kazakhstan 007 Vanuatu 00678 Dr. Nabeel Al-Ayoobi 24577781 Neurologists Mubarak Al-Kabeer Hospital 25339667 Dr. Adnan Ebil 22639939 Kenya 00254 Venezuela 00582 Dr. Dina Abidallah Al-Refae 25333501 Dr. Sohal Najem Al-Shemeri 25633324 Dr. Mousa Khadada 22666300 Consultant Cardiologist Kiribati 00686 Vietnam 0084 Urologists Dr. Jasem Mola Hassan 25345875 Dr. Latefa Al-Duweisan 25728004 Dr. Farida Al-Habib 2611555-2622555 Kuwait 00965 Virgin Islands UK 001284 Dr. Ali Naser Al-Serfy 22641534 Gastrologists MD, PH.D, FACC Dr. Fawzi Taher Abul 22639955 Dr. Nadem Al-Ghabra 25355515 Kyrgyzstan 00996 Virgin Islands US 001340 Dr. Sami Aman 22636464 Inaya German Medical Center Dr. Khaleel Abidallah Al-Awadi 22616660 Dr. Mobarak Aldoub 24726446 Laos 00856 Wales (UK) 0044 Dr. Mohammad Al-Shamaly 25322030 Te: 2575077 Dr. Adel Al-Hunayan FRCS (C) 25313120 Dr Nasser Behbehani 25654300/3 Latvia 00371 Yemen 00967 Dr. Foad Abidallah Al-Ali 22633135 Fax: 25723123 Dr. Leons Joseph 66703427 Lebanon 00961 Yugoslavia 00381 Soor Center Liberia 00231 Zambia 00260 Psychologists [email protected] Tel: 2290-1677 Kaizen center Noor Clinic William Schuilenberg, RPC 2290-1677 Libya 00218 Zimbabwe 00263 /Psychotherapists www.soorcenter.com Zaina Al Zabin, M.Sc. 2290-1677 Fax: 2290 1688 25716707 23845955 Lithuania 00370 lifestyle THURSDAY, MAY 21, 2015

GOSSIP Dwayne ‘The Rock’ Johnson thanks Spielberg

ctor Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson gave a shout-out to director and-rescue helicopter pilot who must save his daughter after an earth- Steven Spielberg on Tuesday as he imprinted his hands and feet quake devastates the California coast. The film opens in US theaters on Ainto the concrete outside the historic TCL Chinese Theatre in May 29. Johnson, 43, has become one of Hollywood’s most bankable stars, Hollywood. The wrestling champion-turned-actor called Spielberg one of thanks in part to his recurring role in the “Fast and Furious” franchise. The his idols and thanked the Oscar-winning director for sending him a con- most recent film, “Furious 7,” has earned more than $1.4 billion at the gratulatory note “out of the blue.” “This man who has inspired me over the worldwide box office. years, inspired movie-making and created characters that I loved this man told me: ‘you’re going for it, and just keep going for it,’” he said. Johnson is set to star in the disaster movie “San Andreas,” in which he plays a search-

Arnold Schwarzenegger: My kids being on set was like Christmas

rnold Schwarzenegger says his children being on set whose children Patrick, Christina and Christopher from his with him was like “Christmas”. The ‘Terminator: marriage to estranged wife Maria Shriver are now grown up AGenisys’ actor admits that although being known as - is also adapting to the different ways in which you have to an action star can get frustrating when he’s trying to take on promote a movie now. Speaking about his new film ‘Maggie’, different roles, he likes that his children were always enthu- he told TheWrap: “We had a Reddit screening, that was really siastic about seeing him at work. He said: “People know me a huge success. It’s funny, when I told the studio about it, as kind of the action star, and how many actors or people they said, ‘I don’t know if this will work, let us get back to have their own M47 tank? I used to drive an American tank you.’ I said, ‘There is no getting back to me. This is what we’re when I was in the Austrian army and they handed it over doing. I already told the Reddit people.’ “With ‘Terminator’, Girl who got call when it was outdated. They wanted to destroy the tanks we’ve already been out there with posters and trailers. I feel completely but they shipped this one over and I drive it very strongly about going directly to our audience and not around. It works 100 per cent! “My kids’ friends, every time having to worry about holding a press conference.” from Swift dies after we did an action scene, they said, ‘Make sure you’re gonna be on the set when your Daddy blows things up’. It was king of Christmas for them, so I think people would enjoy driving around and crushing things in a tank.” The 67-year-old star - cancer battle 12-year-old Chicago girl who talked to singer Taylor Swift about music, touring and disease and served as an honorary police officer, Ahas died after a battle with cancer, her family said Tuesday. The mother of Emily Beazley posted a message about the girl’s passing late Monday on her Facebook page. “My beautiful Emily got to use her angel wings,” Nadia Beazley wrote. “She fought hard to the end. Her last gift to me was passing peacefully.” Emily was diagnosed with non-Hodgkin’s lym- Tupac film seeks crowdfunding phoma when she was 8. She went into remission, but the aggressive form of cancer returned. The family decided earlier this year to stop chemothera- upac Shakur’s friend Gobi Rahimi is crowdfunding a 7Dayz is the story of my experience at the hospital amidst py once doctors said the treatments wouldn’t help. Beazley’s supporters, film about the late rapper’s final days. The producer - death threats, undercover FBI informants and an uncoop- known affectionately as “Emily’s Entourage,” won an effort to have the street Twho directed two of the star’s music videos - is hop- erative Police Department.” Continuing to speak about her family lives on named in Emily Beazley’s honor. The city honored Emily ing to raise $300,000 in seed money through an Indiegogo what has spurred him on with the production, the film- with a Chicago skyline lit up in purple and green. Friends and family crowdfunding campaign to make the film, titled ‘7Dayz’, maker added he felt he owes it to the ‘Ghetto Gospel’ rap- appealed for a call from Swift via social media to call Emily, including a which will tell the story of the week the musician spent in per, who died at the age of 25, to make the movie. He video with about 200 children singing and dancing to Swift songs. Emily’s hospital before his death, after being wounded in a drive- wrote: “I was inspired to tell this story because I believe mother, Nadia Beazley, says her daughter had “the biggest smile” and by shooting in Las Vegas in 1996. Speaking about the story that ‘history is written by great people’s contemporaries’. I “jumped up and down” after the Grammy Award winner’s call. She says behind the movie, he wrote on the crowdfunding page: “I was witness to Tupac’s final days and I owe it to him and to Swift’s manager offered the family tickets and a chance to meet the singer was waiting for Tupac at club 662 in Las Vegas after the the world to tell this story.” However, Gobi’s production at her Detroit concert on May 30. Swift announced in April that her mother Mike Tyson fight on September 7, 1996. Soon after, I was isn’t the only film being made about the musician, as Carl has cancer. Throughout Beazley’s ordeal, the girl who had ambitions of informed by rapper Nate Dogg that Tupac and Suge Knight Franklin was recently announced as the replacement direc- being a pediatric oncology nurse, was hopeful. “You’ve got to stay strong had been shot and taken to University Hospital. I immedi- tor for Morgan Creek’s biopic of the rapper, for which film- and you’ve got to stay positive, no matter what happens,” she recently told ately rushed there to be by Tupac’s side. This was the first ing is expected to begin in September. a crowd outside Chicago police headquarters. The family is asking for priva- of an emotional 7 days that I sat guard over Tupac who was cy, though a public memorial is being planned, the mother said in the in an induced coma, riding the line between life and death. Facebook post. Duffy Gyllenhaal had to duck wants to Southpaw at Cannes

‘reclaim her place’ ake Gyllenhaal’s new movie ‘Southpaw’ had to be pulled from the screening schedule at the Cannes Film JFestival because the actor is part of the judging jury. next to Adele on charts The 34-year-old star’s boxing drama has been creating quite a buzz and was due to be entered at the festival in uffy is planning a “major comeback” for next year. the South of France. However, as Gyllenhaal is part of the The 30-year-old ‘Mercy’ singer is working on new jury the Weinstein Company decided to desist with their material and wants to “reclaim her place” on the D plans as they decided it would be too much pressure on charts next to Adele, who she was compared to when the the actor to act as a judge and appear as a promoting tal- two emerged and released their debut albums ‘Rockferry’ ent, according to the New York Post newspaper. Instead, a and ‘19’ at the same time in 2008. A source told The Sun special private screening was arranged to take place on newspaper: “Duffy is working on new material with her Tuesday but it had to be cancelled as Gyllenhaal was too sights set on a major comeback in 2016. She wants to busy with his official duties. Gyllenhaal is sitting on the reclaim her place among the likes of Adele in the music judging panel at the film festival alongside Sienna Miller, industry.” Duffy is starring in a new film ‘Secret Love’ and directors Ethan and Joel Coen, Guillermo del Toro, Spanish has been writing and singing on the soundtrack too, and is actresses Rossy de Palma and Sophie Marceau, composer hoping to use the film as a springboard back into the Rokia Traore and filmmaker Xavier Dolan. The jury’s job is music industry. Duffy’s first album ‘Rockferry’ was the to decide which film receives the coveted Palme D’Or fourth biggest selling album of 2008 worldwide and award on 24 May. In ‘Southpaw’ Gyllenhaal plays pugilist earned her a Grammy for Best Pop Vocal Album and three Billy Hope and he stars alongside Rachel McAdams, Brits in 2009, but her second album ‘Endlessly’ flopped by Naomie Harris, Forest Whitaker, Rita Ora and Tyrese Gibson. comparison in 2010, only charting at number nine in the It is directed by Antoine Fuqua and is scheduled for a July UK, and the Welsh singer hasn’t released anything since. 2015 release. Meanwhile, Adele’s second album ‘21’ went on to become the biggest selling musical release for both 2011 and 2012, and had sold 30 million copies worldwide by July 2014. It also won the 2012 Grammy Award for Album of the Year and the BRIT Award for British Album of the Year.

West says he was ‘over-censored’ at Billboard Awards

anye West is apologizing to TV viewers who saw his Skinhead” at Sunday’s ceremony, which was broadcast on performance on the Billboard Music Awards. The ABC. West’s statement apologizes to the television audi- Krapper released a statement Tuesday saying he was ence, who he says was “unable to enjoy the performance “grossly over-censored” during his performance on the the way he envisioned.” ABC did not immediately respond show. He says some of his lyrics were muted for 30 sec- to a request for comment on Tuesday. onds, which misrepresented his voice and performance. The audience at Las Vegas’ MGM Grand Garden Arena booed as West performed his songs “All Day” and “Black lifestyle THURSDAY, MAY 21, 2015

Features Taking care of your hair e all suffer from dry hair due to over styling our hair hair doesn’t only involve two steps - shampooing then condi- and using many products that contain various harmful tioning. It’s actually three steps which includes an oil replace- Wchemicals. Believe it or not, certain masks and treat- ment. I usually use Pantene Oil Replacement. I used to do it all ments can also harm our hair if we use them often. Of course wrong till I learnt that I wasn’t supposed to use it all over my taking care of your hair and making sure it is healthy is the hair but only on the tips during the shower or after drying it. A number one and most important step to having beautiful, shiny little goes a long way, but this oil replacement works wonders hair. and is all about having healthy hair before worrying about how Due to what I do and my work, I tend to style my hair a it’s supposed to look beautiful. lot. A LOT. So, it is essential to take care of my hair to keep its shine and volume. If I didn’t, I wouldn’t be able to keep it This mask restores the moisture in your hair and as well in Good Hair is Beautiful looking healthy. My hair regimen does include a lot of treat- your scalp, as no one likes a dry, flaky scalp! Keep it on for As everyone knows, I love big, voluminous hair. It represents ments, masks and home recipes that I’ve found online and about 30 minutes. me and has become a part of my personality. I always say, good tried out. hair makes a girl look beautiful and it is always difficult to keep I figured why not share with you guys what I usually use Hair Care it healthy and looking good due to the weather, tanning or or do at least once a week. I think what has worked the best If you suffer from split ends and extremely dry hair (mid-way being out in the sun, coloring and styling. Sometimes your hair for me is coconut oil - so far has been the best moisture all the way down to the ends) I would suggest using this mask, can be too exhausted and damaged that it is almost impossible restorer I’ve used, especially since I color my hair, so my hair which is a bit stronger because it includes more ingredients. to repair and that when we tend to go for chemical treatments, tends to turn dry if I don’t take care of it. What I do is I either Mix honey, almond oil and apple cider vinegar (not the normal which can give us the results we want, in terms of putting less work coconut oil into my hair masks during the shower or I vinegar) together and focus on the split ends and work yourself effort to make it look good for a short period of time, but after a rub it on my scalp and over my hair for about 15-20 minutes. a little higher to where you feel your hair is damaged and dry while and after the period of the treatment is over, your hair will It doesn’t smell weird and will really leave you with that (not to the scalp). This is a temporary solution to not get rid of not only go back to its original state but worse. shine after you wash it off. your split ends but to make them look better. The ultimate solu- Looking after your hair should be as important as taking Another mask I love using is mixing olive oil with honey. tion is to cut them off and repair your hair to have your hair look care of your skin and nails, because it’s a part of your beauty Honey is known to do wonders to not only your hair, but to healthier. and health regimen. Your hair might be a bit trickier but defi- your skin as well. Many facials and skin masks include honey. Another thing not a lot of girls realize is that washing our nitely worth it. Cannes stars reject patronizing ‘Year of Women’ tag

his year’s Cannes Film Festival has been dubbed the Complete imbalance realization that women can bring in the bucks. “The only “Year of the Women” for its focus on female issues and To make matters worse, the festival’s supposed embrac- thing we can do is show them we are an economic force,” Tfilmmakers, but many of the women in question seem ing of females was undermined by claims on Tuesday that said the Mexican actress and producer. “Nothing else will keen to fight back against the label. The festival on France’s women were being turned away from the red carpet for not move them. The minute they see money, things will be south coast-like the wider film industry that feeds it-has a wearing high heels. Blunt said the reports were “very disap- instantaneously different.” That shift is already happening. reputation for male domination, so there was some relief pointing... everyone should wear flats to be honest.” She In the industry marketplace that runs alongside the festival, that this year’s official selection opened things up a bit. went on to criticize the obsession of reporters with her sales have been increasingly focused on women viewers A female director, Emmanuelle Bercot, opened the festi- “tough” characters. “I get asked a lot about playing tough this year. “It used to be all about action-driven things with a val for only the second time in its history and Agnes Varda female roles, but I don’t really see them as tough,” said the male demographic, the Stallone-Schwarzenegger type will be the first female recipient of the honorary lifetime British actress. “There are plenty of strong women out there movie,” said Scott Roxborough, a journalist with The achievement award. The competition includes two women and I don’t think they can be compartmentalized as one Hollywood Reporter. “Everyone now is trying to get women directors where often there are none, and the most critically thing-oh, you’re tough. Why? Because I have a gun?” on board to try to appeal to a female audience and not just lauded entry so far-”Carol” starring a lavishly praised Cate Oscar-winner Natalie Portman, who has been all over the grab teenage boys. Teenage boys don’t go to movies-they Blanchett-focuses on repressed lesbian love. Even the seaside Croisette promoting her directorial debut “A Tale of either watch them on the Internet or play video games,” he action films-”Mad Max: Fury Road” and drug war thriller Love and Darkness” this week, said women-led productions said. Blanchett said she was exasperated that this discus- “Sicario”-have female leads in the form of Charlize Theron were still being written off as “vanity projects”. “I remember sion was still happening in 2015. “I want it to not be dis- and Emily Blunt. as a kid when Barbra Streisand would make movies that she cussed anymore,” she told Variety. “But it needs to be dis- Despite all this, the women in question have pushed was in and people would say, ‘oh it’s vanity, it’s a vanity cussed.”— AFP back against the idea they should feel grateful for the sup- thing’,” said Portman, criticizing the “completely imbalanced” posed largesse. “They say it’s the ‘year of the women’”, said industry that means women direct only a tiny fraction of Blanchett at a press conference. “You hope it’s not just a Hollywood pictures. year-not just some fashionable moment.” Bercot outright A talk about gender on the sidelines of the festival rejected the idea that the choice of her film as festival open- opened with the statistic that only 4.6 percent of US studio er was some sort of victory for female empowerment. “It’s films were directed by women last year, and not one Oscar the selection of the film that’s an honour,” she said. “I don’t best picture nominee featured a female protagonist. feel I’ve been a given a gift because such a prestigious slot Speaking at the talk, Salma Hayek argued real change went to a woman.” would come not from token gestures at festivals but from a

Spanish model Eugenia Silva Russian model Natasha Poly US actress Michelle Rodriguez US actress Natalie Portman Italian actress Alessia Tedeschi Musicians, from opera to blues, seek to play New York subways t may not be the lights of Broadway but subway stations band Yotoco. “It’s a way to share our music with people in a very new people and finding new places to perform,” said Judy year-old said. Musicians said they could not estimate how aren’t a bad gig either, according to scores of musicians who casual environment and kind of surprise them as they’re going Minkoff, 36, the leader of an all-female a cappella group called much they might make. Participating in Music Under New York Iauditioned on Tuesday to play in New York City’s bustling about their daily lives,” he said. A panel of artists, transit officials Stiletta. New Yorkers get the benefit of good music, said is free. “In my experience with busking, the less you think underground terminals. The auditions, attracting players of clas- and others judge the music for quality, variety and appropriate- Gregory Morgan, a 35-year-old drummer with the Sunnyside about the money, the better you do,” Morgan said. “You just sical music, cabaret, opera, blues, reggae and even cartoon ness, the MTA said. About 70 musicians or groups tried out and Social Club jazz band. Average weekday ridership on the sub- put your heart and soul into it and hopefully people will tunes, are hosted by the city’s Metropolitan Transportation a third of them will get picked, it said. way system is 5.6 million, according to the MTA. respond.”— Reuters Authority to select performers allowed to play, or busk, in sub- “The world needs more good food and good music. When way stations from Times Square to Yankee Stadium. The condi- Spread positivity you have those two, everyone’s happy,” Morgan said. Jazz tions may be raw and the acoustics tricky, but the underground While musicians are allowed to play in the city subways if vocalist Frank Senior, a blind musician waiting to audition with venue is like no other, the striving musicians said. they follow MTA rules, these winners get choice spots and sup- his guide dog at his side, said performing in the subways is “It’s a direct link into people’s everyday lives,” said Sebastian port from the MTA’s Music Under New York program. “I’m excit- something he has always wanted to do. “It’s a good way to Lopez, 27, an accordion player auditioning with his pan-Latin ed about the exposure that it would allow us to have, meeting spread love, spread some positivity around the city,” the 62-

Potential subway musician Jacinta Clusellas, “El Pajaro Azul, “ or Bluebird, warms up before auditioning for judges. Potential subway performer and mariachi musician Cesar Cabrera, of Mariachi Para Siempre, auditions for judges in Grand Central Terminal’s Vanderbilt Hall in New York, Tuesday. — AP photos lifestyle THURSDAY, MAY 21, 2015

Music & Movies Bollywood star Aishwarya Rai returns to cinema with ‘Jazbaa’ fter a five-year hiatus to embrace mother- features on “most beautiful” lists and is one half of a of women’s role in cinema has been a hot topic. Rai hood, Bollywood actress Aishwarya Rai Bollywood supercouple with actor husband Bachchan herself co-chaired a UN 0backed panel to ABachchan marked her return to the big Abhishek Bachchan, son of Bollywood star Amitabh discuss the issue on the sidelines of the festival, screen by taking on one of her most demanding Bachchan. Her prolific Bollywood career includes where she has previously served as a jury member. roles, playing a mother whose child is kidnapped in hits such as “Hum Dil De Chuke Sanam” and She said “Jazbaa” was a strong female drama, but thriller “Jazbaa.” A former Miss World and one of the “Devdas,” and she has also starred in Hollywood didn’t want that to distract from the main content of most successful actresses in Bollywood, Rai movies such as “The Pink Panther 2.” the film. “We don’t want necessarily things being Bachchan said the film stretched her as an actress, bracketed as female-centric - by doing that you are with each day posing new challenges to overcome. Strong female dra marginalizing the female protagonist, so don’t label “Every day when I come to work I kept saying, how “Jazbaa” (Passion), directed by Sanjay Gupta, is it, don’t marginalize it, don’t define it as being differ- am I supposed to wrap my head around the situa- the first acting project for Rai Bachchan after she ent,” the actress said. “Recognize it as being part of tion like this, on any human level?” the actress told welcomed her first child in 2011. Gupta said the the broader cinematic experience. We all belong, all Reuters at the Cannes Film Festival on Tuesday actress tapped into a “very raw” performance that our subjects and stories too.” — Reuters where “Jazbaa” made its debut. drove the film, in which a lawyer and single mother “That to me just seemed tough, demanding, gru- (Rai Bachchan) “has to do the impossible” to get her eling, challenging and, thereby, so interesting.” Rai kidnapped daughter back. “Life of Pi” actor Irrfan Bachchan, 41, was named Miss World in 1994, often Khan also co-stars. At Cannes this year, the subject

Aishwarya Rai Bachchan poses for photographs for the film Jazbaa. — AP

Cannes Film Review ‘Mountains May Depart’ he cinema’s consummate chronicler of a China evolving so rap- idly that its own citizens can scarcely keep apace, Jia Zhangke Tstrikes a particularly melancholic chord in “Mountains May Depart,” a polymorphous snapshot of 21st-century capitalism and its discontents that also finds the filmmaker, like several of his characters, venturing for the first time outside of his home turf and mother tongue. Following a single family as it is tossed about by time, tide and the onward march of progress over the span of a quarter-centu- ry, Jia’s latest feature addresses a host of pet themes through a less quirky, stylized lens than 2013’s gruesomely violent “A Touch of Sin” or 2006’s “Still Life” (with its condemned buildings blasting off like rocket (From left) Actors Paul Dano, Jane Fonda, Harvey Keitel, Rachel Weisz, director Paolo Sorrentino, actors British actress Rachel Weisz poses during a photocall for the ships). Michael Caine and Madalina Ghenea pose for photographers during a photo call for the film ’ Youth’. film ‘Youth’. But if “Mountains” feels a touch schematic at times, and awkward in its third-act English-language scenes, the cumulative impact is still enormously touching, highlighted by Jia’s rapturous image-making Caine, Fonda Keitel and a luminous central performance by the director’s regular muse and show their ‘Youth’ at Cannes (and wife), Zhao Tao. International exposure should run high, while ichael Caine, Jane Fonda and Harvey Jane Fonda rarely been awarded for his work, garnering only the film will encounter less opposition than “Sin” from the local Keitel are combining their legendary Oscar-winning actress Jane Fonda remains at one Oscar nomination-for best supporting actor Chinese censors. Like Jia’s first two features, “Xiao Wu” and the similar- Macting heft to one of the Cannes Film the top of her evergreen game at the age of 77. in 1991’s “Bugsy”-though he did pick up an ly time-spanning “Platform,” “Mountains” unfolds predominately in Festival’s most-anticipated movies this year, Born in 1937 in New York to Hollywood star Australian acting gong for his part in the 1993 the director’s own hometown of Fenyang (in China’s northern Shanxi “Youth”, which gets its premiere yesterday. The Henry Fonda, Jane would follow in her father’s Cannes winner “The Piano”. province), beginning in 1999, continuing in 2014, and ending in the film, directed by Italian Paolo Sorrentino, who footsteps to be a dominating presence on the sil- near-future year of 2025. Taking a page from “The Grand Budapest won an Oscar last year for his story of Italian ver screen. She won her first Oscar for the 1971 Hotel,” Jia and longtime cinematographer Yu Lik-wai adopt a different decay, “The Great Beauty”, is an ensemble film “Klute” and her second in 1979’s “Coming aspect ratio for each period, beginning in the square Academy ratio piece filmed in English and set in the Alps. Home”. She also became known for her leftist and gradually expanding to anamorphic widescreen. Rachel Weisz and Paul Dano round out the political views, becoming a vocal anti-war oppo- casting. But it’s the three veteran actors that nent to the US military adventure in Vietnam. The New horizons ring have critics and journalists most eager to 1980s were a heady time for Fonda. Not only was Navigating these changing times (and format shifts) is Shen Tao watch a picture that could have a shot at win- she at the top of her acting career but in 1982, (Zhao), a singer and dance instructor first seen leading an group ning Cannes’s big prize, the Palme d’Or. Here’s she launched a line of workout videos that dance performance to the Pet Shop Boys cover of “Go West” — a what the three big names are bringing to the became a smash hit. song whose lyrical promises of togetherness and new horizons ring movie: She underwent another dramatic transforma- ever more ironic as Jia revisits them throughout the film. But at least tion in the late 1980s when she decided to stop initially, it suits the jubilant millennial mood, and the classic romantic Michael Caine acting and marry media mogul Ted Turner. After triangle that forms between the twentysomething Tao and two rival Possessing one of Hollywood’s most recog- Fonda’s marriage to Turner, she dropped out of suitors: Zhang (the excellent Zhang Yi), a flashy young capitalist nisable voices and a 60-year career, Caine enjoys public view for the next decade. Following a whose gleaming Volkswagen sedan serves as a symbol of his “new” iconic status. The 82-year-old has long said he is divorce with Turner in 2001, Fonda charged back wealth; and Liangzi (Liang Jin Dong), a humble laborer who works at semi-retired, but continues to add to his vast into the acting spotlight, appearing in “Monster- a coal mine that Zhang will soon add to his assets. When Tao agrees body of work, having recently appeared in sci-fi in-Law” alongside Jennifer Lopez, and with to marry Zhang, they take their wedding portrait in front of a photo epic “Interstellar”, the box-office hit “Kingsman: Lindsay Lohan in 2007’s “Georgia Rule”. In recent enlargement of the Sydney Opera House-a portent of things to come, The Secret Service”, and the blockbuster Batman years, she played a network mogul in the TV but, for the moment, as out of reach for these characters as Mars. trilogy. Born Maurice Micklewhite to a fish-porter series “The Newsroom” and stars in the new When they welcome their first child, Zhang christens him, unironical- father and cleaner mother in working-class Netflix original series “Grace and Frankie”. His collaborations with Quentin Tarantino (From left) Henri Behar, ly, Dollar. southern London, he chose his stage name in have been perhaps his most iconic, playing mob- actors Paul Dano, Rachel The longest of the film’s three acts (50 minutes), the opening tribute to his favourite movie “The Caine Mutiny”. Harvey Keitel sters in “Reservoir Dogs” and “Pulp Fiction”. But Weisz, Harvey Keitel, director stretch of “Mountains” is also the most familiar, devoted to the vicissi- He has appeared in over 115 films and been From “Mean Streets” to “Bad Lieutenant” to film buffs will always associate him most with the Paolo Sorrentino, actors tudes of provincial life that have flowed through most of Jia’s films Oscar nominated six times. He won the golden “Reservoir Dogs”, Harvey Keitel has been one of evil and deranged addict in Abel Ferrara’s bleak Michael Caine, Jane Fonda, (save for his Beijing-set “The World” in 2004), though the three actors statuette twice, for Woody Allen’s “Hannah and America’s favorite hard-boiled tough guys in 1992 film “Bad Lieutenant”, a film that demon- producers Nicola Giuliano, make it a consistent pleasure to watch. But Jia pulls the dramatic her Sisters” in 1986 and “Cider House Rules” in some of its most revered cult classics. Born in strated Keitel’s willingness to take on the most and Fabio Conversi attend a strings a bit tighter once we make the leap to 2014, where Liangzi 1999. New York in 1939, Keitel was a marine and a challenging and unlikeable roles. In recent years, press conference for the film now has a wife and infant daughter, as well as a debilitating respirato- His movie career started out with hits such as reporter before trying his hand at acting. It was Keitel has found a new outlet through arthouse Youth at the 68th interna- ry problem earned from a life in the mines. Returning to Fenyang “Zulu” (1964) and “The Italian Job” (1969). His por- Martin Scorsese that first nurtured his talent, favorite Wes Anderson, who has cast him in radi- tional film festival, Cannes. after a long absence, he discovers that Tao is now divorced and run- trayal as a charming gangster in 1971’s “Get casting him in his first film, “Who’s That Knocking cally different roles for “Moonrise Kingdom” and — AP/AFP photos ning a gas station, while Zhang is a big-wheeling industrialist living a Carter” and womaniser in “Alfie” established him at My Door” before giving him the starring role in “The Grand Budapest Hotel”. — AFP life of one-percent luxury in Shanghai (along with a new wife, and as the acting face of Swinging Britain. Caine was his breakout film “Mean Streets”. Dollar in tow). Bullet trains now streak across the rural Fenyang land- honoured with a knighthood in 2000. He has Keitel would also appear as a sleazy pimp in scape, though Tao still prefers to take the slow train-an example, Jia also turned his talents to food, becoming a cele- Scorsese’s “Taxi Driver” and Judas in “The Last implies, we would all be well advised to follow. brated restaurateur with eateries in London and Temptation of Christ”. Despite four decades of As he did in “Still Life,” which set a fictional missing-person narra- Miami. work with many acclaimed directors, Keitel has tive against the real-life demolition and relocation caused by China’s massive Three Gorges Dam project, Jia here once again marvels at the pace of his country’s great leap forward into the realm of mod- ern global superpowers, while pausing to consider the collateral impact on individuals, families and the fabric of society. The conclu- ‘Mon Roi’ sions he draws are sometimes sardonic but more often somber, Studiocanal sells to most of world especially as Tao feels herself losing what little influence she still nderscoring market appetite for high-profile art- holds over her badly spoiled son (seen, in one photo montage, rid- house movies, Euro film-TV group Studiocanal has ing horses and speedboats and hanging out court side at pro bas- Usold most all of the world - save for US and Japan - on ketball games). —Reuters “Mon Roi,” with Vincent Cassel and Emmanuelle Bercot. Sales confirm “Mon Roi” as, with Nick Park’s Aardman production “Early Man,” revealed on the cusp of Cannes, as one of Studiocanal’s two best sellers at 2015’s Cannes Festival. They come as Studiocanal’s intl. sales head Anna Marsh confirmed momentum off Cannes on a US sale for Stephen Frears’ “The Program,” starring Ben Foster who, from the evidence of a promo, bears an uncanny resemblance to Lance Armstrong. Variety reported last week that several distributors expressing interest in the project. A US deal should go down in the next two weeks, Marsh said. Studiocanal with directly distribute “Mon Roi” in France, Germany and the UK Helmed by Maiwenn, who broke out with Cannes 2011 Grand Jury Prize “Polisse,” a tale of amour fou, “Mon Roi” will be distrib- uted in France, Germany and the U.K. by Studiocanal itself. It has also closed a plethora of major territories. Flagship deals (From left) Actors Zhang Yi, Zhao Tao, director Jia Zhangke, include Medialog for Korea, Videa in Italy, Spain’s Golem and East), Prior Ent. (Baltic States), Spentzos Films (Greece), (From left) Actors Chrystele Saint Louis actors Chang Sylvia, Liang Jingdong and Dong Zijang pose Nashkino for Russia. Lusomundo (Portugal), Best (Poland), Film Europe Media Co. Augustin, Nabil Kechouhen, Abdel Addala, for photographers during a photo call for the film Shan He “The sales show that we do have a diverse slate and that (Czech Republic/Slovakia), Megacom Film (former Yugoslavia director Maiwenn, actors Vincent Cassel, and Gu Ren (Mountains May Depart), at the 68th international we can work with blue-chip arthouse buyers as well as the and Colombia (Cine Colombia). Studiocanal is working on Emmanuelle Bercot arrive for the screening of film festival, Cannes, southern France yesterday. — AP big commercial distributors,” Marsh commented. “Mon Roi” closing the rest of Scandinavia and Eastern Europe. Offers are the film Mon Roi (My King) at the 68th inter- has also been licensed to Sweden (Folkets Bio) and Hungary out for much of Latin America. —Reuters national film festival, Cannes. — AP (Vertigo Media) and with Selim Ramia & Co (Middle lifestyle THURSDAY, MAY 21, 2015

Music & Movies

Last year winner Conchita Wurst from Austria poses with contestants during first semi-final of the Eurovision Song Contest (ESC)in Vienna. — AFP photos Aussie idol set to rock Eurovision kitsch fest

Eurovision acts to watch Douze or nul points?

ho can follow Austrian drag queen Conchita Wurst and wow 200 million viewers worldwide to win the Eurovision Song WContest at its 60th edition in Vienna on Saturday? As the Austrian capital dolls itself up for the grand finale of this annual shindig of the kitsch, the catchy and the corny, here are a few of the 27 acts to watch out for:

Take a chance on Mans With five Eurovision victories including ABBA in 1974, Sweden is always a good bet and according to the bookies, Mans Zelmerlow is the man to watch, as long as he remembers his flies. “There are a lot of people supporting me back home in Sweden and they probably think I will win. I am not so sure,” a modest Zelmerlow said. His lucky routine is to “check my zipper, like 50 times.” Nina Sublatti from Georgia performs on stage. Plucky Pole Monika Kuszynska is a combative contestant, refusing to let any- he world’s most famous kitsch pop com- Mans the man thing as trifling as her wheelchair-she was in a car crash in 2006 — get petition-the Eurovision Song Contest-will Bookies’ favorites include Swedish singer in the way of lifting Poland’s first ever Eurovision title. “I consider my Tbe held in Vienna on Saturday and for the Mans Zelmerlow-who tried to enter twice performance to be proof that it’s possible to not get discouraged and first time include wildcard Australia. Of the 40 before-and Italy’s pop opera powerhouse Il Volo, to live life to the fullest even when it deals you a severe blow,” the 35- nations competing in the Eurovision’s 60th edi- three young men who performed with Barbra year-old says. tion under the motto “Building Bridges”, only 27 Streisand amongst others. Meanwhile, Portugal will make it into the grand final at the glittering and San Marino languish at the bottom of the Elhaida Dani from Albania performs on stage. Australian idol Stadthalle arena on Saturday night. Australia’s table, with odds of 969 to one. Austria has high Eurovision has long stretched the geographical definition of Guy Sebastian is among those tipped to win the hopes that its pop rock outfit Makemakers, Europe, but organizers this year have surpassed themselves by granti- outlandish annual extravaganza, which attracts ranked around 26th by betting agencies, will ng Australia special dispensation to take part. “I’ve been fortunate some 200 million viewers, along with perennial match Wurst’s grandiose victory in Copenhagen enough to perform on various different stages but when you get on favorites Sweden as well as Italy and Russia. last year with her anthem “Rise Like a Phoenix”. that Eurovision stage it’s like nothing else I’ve ever done in my life,” Among the acts eliminated in Tuesday’s first Wurst, who has become an active campaigner said Australia’s contestant, heartthrob and former “Australian Idol” semi-final was highly anticipated Finnish punk for gay rights, returns to the Eurovision on winner Guy Sebastian. band PKN, four middle-aged rockers with Saturday, interviewing artists after they perform Down’s syndrome and autism, who performed and singing a number off her new album. No politics please, we’re Armenian Eurovision’s shortest-ever song at just 84 sec- There is of course no scientific formula to The Eurovision is no stranger to politics, and although Armenia onds. Russia, Serbia and Estonia, on the other winning the competition, but research shows denies its entry is about the 100th anniversary of the mass killing of hand, are amid the 10 countries that made it that being female helps: of the 59 past winners, Armenians by Ottoman forces-which Turkey refuses to recognize as through. Generally the nation that wins the 35 were women. The total cost of the contest is genocide-many perceive it that way. The original title of the entry competition gets to host it the following year. currently estimated at 36.7 million euros ($41.7 from Genealogy, six of whose members are from the Armenian dias- Austria currently holds this honor as home of the million), considerably less than the whopping pora, was “Don’t Deny”. Armenia changed it to “Face the Shadow”, say- 2014 victor, bearded drag queen sensation 60 million euros forked out by Azerbaijan in ing this was to remove any suggestion of political intent. Conchita Wurst. 2012. “We will organize the whole event with a However, this will not be the case if former pinch of humor,” said Eurovision executive pro- A ‘good girl’ from Russia “Australian Idol” winner Sebastian comes first, ducer Edgar Boehm. “We don’t want to take The Ukraine crisis and Russia’s stance on gay rights upstaged the with organizers saying the 2016 show will never- ourselves too seriously, but present ourselves semi-final of the 2014 Eurovision, where Russia’s entry was booed. This theless be held in Europe. The competition is, as a friendly country. I hope there will be a lot The band Anti Social Media from Denmark performs on stage. year bookie favorite Polina Gagarina is hoping to woo Moscow’s critics after all, a European affair. Countries don’t need of laughter.”— AFP with her peace song “A Million Voices”. So far things are going well, to be in the geographical confines of the conti- with Gagarina making it through to the final. “I am obviously a singer, nent, but they do have to be members of the an actress, a mother and probably a good girl,” said Gagarina. “My European Broadcasting Union (EBU), an alliance song is about a million voices that speak the same language, the lan- of national broadcasters from Europe and the guage of love”. Mediterranean region. Since its launch in 1955, Eurovision has become the ultimate pop plat- 19th nervous performance form, catapulting Swedish icons ABBA to world- Brits generally don’t take Eurovision that seriously, but 18 years wide fame, as well as boosting the likes of Celine after Katrina and the Waves won Eurovision gold Electro Velvet might Dion, Cliff Richard and Olivia Newton-John. be in with a chance with the catchy electro-swing song “Still in Love But it is mostly meant as a bit of fun, with with You”. “It’s the 60th year, so it’s a party year, and I think that we are many of the songs offering an avenue for the bringing quite a party song and a party vibe,” said Bianca Nicholas, camp, the over-the-top and the downright silly, one half of the duo with Mick Jagger impersonator and teacher Alex as evidenced by song titles such as “Diggi-Loo Larke. Diggi-Ley”, “Boom-Bang-A-Bang” and “Lalala”. Memorable contestants down the years have Italian crooners included Irish puppet Dustin the Turkey in 2008, Bookies also include Il Volo, the successful “pop opera” trio who transgender Israeli diva Dana International in have collaborated with Barbra Streisand and others, among the 1998, German pop band Dschinghis Khan in favorites to win Italy’s first Eurovision crown in 25 years with “Grande 1979 and six Russian grannies in 2012. Under the Amore”. “Being here is like a dream come true. We will do our best to current rules, songs may be performed in any represent Italy. We hope you like our song, and we are going to bring language but must not exceed three minutes. our ‘Grand Amore’, our big love,” said one of the cheeky trio, Piero The eventual winner will be chosen by a 50- Barone. — AFP 50 ballot split between viewers at home and professional juries. Neither group is allowed to vote for their own country. The EBUs’ five biggest financial backers-Germany, France, Spain, Italy and Britain-automatically qualify for the final along with the previous year’s winner, in this case Austria. Australia, as honorary guest, was also able to skip the semi-finals, the second of which will be held on Thursday. Polina Gagarina from Russia performs on stage. Last year winner Conchita Wurst from Austria performs ahead of the first semi-final of the Eurovision Song Contest. Aussie idol set to rock Eurovision kitsch fest

THURSDAY, MAY 21, 2015 39

Greek billboard-artist Vassilis Dimitriou poses in his small workshop in Athens. Greece’s last film poster painter soldiers on

Pianist looks to Syria’s musical past to spread peace

alek Jandali may only have been (tour) title: ‘Voice of the Free Syrian Children’ in alive for four decades but the award- some countries,” he said. The tour itself was Mwinning composer insists he feels inspired by children Jandali met after he ancient, having revived some of the oldest crossed illegally into his country in 2012 — his melodies from his war-torn Syrian homeland. last time in Syria. “I’m 8,000 years old,” said the pianist, in the middle of a world tour he hopes will spread ‘Real’ message of Islam “peace and freedom” three years after leaving Before the war, Jandali’s career often drew Syria just as war was tearing it apart. A winner on historical compositions of his homeland. of the 2014 Global Music Awards gold medal, His 2008 album “Echoes from Ugarit” includes People stand outside the Athinaion cinema, where artworks by Vassilis Dimitriou Greek billboard artist Vassilis Dimitriou.— AFP photos Jandali has for years sought to uncover melodies based on “the oldest musical nota- ancient melodies for modern audiences but tion in the world,” discovered on a clay tablet says he is now focused on the future, both in in that ancient Syrian city. “We wouldn’t have ar from the limelight of Cannes, Greece’s last painter of film opposite happened-Dimitriou was summoned to “undress” Sophia terms of composition and for the land of his had Lady Gaga or Michael Jackson or even posters toils away in a little garden studio to deliver his latest Loren, whose chest was deemed to have been excessively covered. upbringing. Beethoven without the musical notations of commission. Vassilis Dimitriou is 80 years old, works alone and “When I descended from my ladder, several men had gathered to F Born in Germany, Jandali grew up in the Ugarit,” he said. His award-winning work knows his days on the job are numbered-his left hand trembles from applaud,” he says. central Syrian city of Homs, once dubbed the Emessa was played at the funeral of American the early onset of Parkinson’s disease. But Dimitriou, a survivor of A child of Athens’ traumatic occupation by Nazi German forces dur- “capital of the revolution” by activists, before war reporter Marie Colvin, who was killed in Greece’s wartime occupation by the Nazis, remains determined to ing World War II, during which thousands died of starvation; Dimitriou winning a scholarship to study in the US. Soon Syrian army shelling on Homs in 2012. “I went fight his lonely battle against digital printing for as long as he can. For still remembers going hungry most of the time. “My mother kept on after Syria’s uprising started in March 2011, to the church and I heard my music, the music him, it’s an art that truly comes from the heart. For more than 65 years, saying, ‘our children are going to die,’” he says. Like most children his the 42-year-old pianist and composer per- the diminutive, beret-sporting artist has depicted all the big names, age, he would climb a tree adjoining his neighborhood’s open-air cin- formed at a demonstration in front of the but some he pays extra attention to. ema to steal looks at the films being shown. One night, cinema White House. His initiative prompted pro- employees dragged him down and he fell inside the cinema courtyard, regime armed groups to attack his elderly par- Painting from the heart a story that would play out similarly to the plot of Italian classic ents in their home in Homs. They later fled to “Those I love, I draw well. Those I don’t love, I don’t draw well,” “Cinema Paradiso”. the United States. Jandali said it was this Dimitriou he said. “For instance I have drawn Clint Eastwood 50 times. “It was my opportunity. The projectionist offered to let me watch attack that helped him discover “the soft pow- If I close my eyes now I can start drawing Clint Eastwood,” he adds. the films for free if I helped him with the booth,” he says. “Later on, the er of music”. “The Syrian people are paying a During the 1960s when cinema was at its peak in Greece, Dimitriou manager saw some of my sketches and told me to seek an apprentice- very heavy price,” he told AFP in Dubai during would be commissioned to paint up to 10 posters a week. Nowadays, ship.” The painter says he is determined to stick to his art for years to a tour stopover. only one cinema in Athens, the Athinaion near the centre, has held come. “I feel I can always do better,” he says. But Dimitriou no longer Jandali is aware that music alone can do onto the tradition. “Painting is a medium that makes it more intimate goes to the movies. He says he misses the era “when one would dress little to alter the situation on the ground, but when everything is becoming more plastic,” says the hall’s co-owner up to go to the cinema, and later meet in the foyer for a drink at the “it’s raising much-needed humanitarian aid Virginia Axioti. “The laminated billboards are something you use one intermission”. — AFP and much-needed awareness”. His latest day and throw away the next. We are not of this mentality, we like tra- album “Syrian Symphony”, released in January, dition, we like keeping this connection between the arts,” she adds. Syrian-American pianist and composer, contains melodies “inspired by the chants of “Music, painting, dance, cinema for me are one,” Axioti says. Born in Malek Jandali gestures on stage in the Syrian people” during their protests the working-class district of Kypseli in 1935, Dimitriou apprenticed Dubai. — AFP against President Bashar al-Assad’s regime. “I beside a Czech poster-painter and later developed his own style. In his was always trying to... involve my own Syrian of Homs” played at the funeral. “I still get heydey he had two assistants as well as his wife to lend a hand, and identity which is now being targeted... goosebumps.” could turn out a poster a day for a dozen cinemas in Athens. Today, a destroyed,” he said. “My duty as an artist is to When asked about extremist organiza- commission takes three days. His most recent work includes preserve and present it in the most elegant tions that have emerged from Syria’s war, such “Cymbeline”, starring Ethan Hawke and Milla Jovovich, followed by the way. “I don’t comprehend politics or religion,” as the Islamic State jihadist group, Jandali remake of “Fantastic Four” that will hit cinemas in the summer. On the said the pianist, a twinkle in his intense brown insisted that “the Syrian people have through- busy highway in front of the cinema, thousands of commuters pass eyes. “My message is of peace, unity, humani- out history, and even today, embraced all reli- every day with only a cursory glance at the Athinaion’s marquee. ty and justice.” gions and all cultures. “We have synagogues, Although he is accompanied by Syrian we have the oldest churches on Earth where Poster passions oud player Abdulrahim Alsiadi and US cellist you can still hear the prayer in Aramaic (the But it was not the case a few decades ago, when film posters could Laura Metcalf, Jandali still complains about language thought to have been spoken by inflame passions. “Early in the sixties, I had produced a rather risque restrictions imposed due to the political cli- Jesus Christ).” —AFP poster for the times that had the main actress wearing a bikini,” mate at some venues. “During my world tour, I Dimitriou recalls. “The owner had to call me in because a group of faced many disturbing incidents of censor- angry harpies had gathered in front of the cinema. I had to bring out ship, such as deleting the word ‘free’ from my my brushes to cover the lady up a little,” he says. A few years later, the Vassilis Dimitriou paints in his small workshop in Athens.