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THURSDAY, MAY 15, 2014 RAJAB 16, 1435 AH www.kuwaittimes.net Filipinos Qat habit Oscar winning Sevilla stun criticize govt drains Yemenís ‘Sugar Man’ Benfica on over MERS precious director commits penalties to ‘clearance’2 groundwater14 suicide39 maintain20 jinx Qatar to end sponsorship Max 35º Min 22º system for expat workers High Tide 00:31 & 11:38 Low Tide Doha unveils labor reforms but no timetable 06:05 & 18:55 40 PAGES NO: 16166 150 FILS DOHA: Qatar, host of the 2022 football World Cup, said yesterday it will abolish its controversial sponsorship sys- Assembly discusses state assets tem for foreign workers, whose treatment in the energy- rich state has stirred mounting international criticism. FIFA chief Sepp Blatter described the move as a “signifi- By Staff Reporter cant step,” but Amnesty International said it lacked sub- stance and amounted to a “missed opportunity”. The KUWAIT: The National Assembly yesterday discussed sponsorship system “will in a marathon four-hour secret session the position of be replaced with a system Kuwaiti foreign investments estimated by some par- based on employment liamentary sources at around KD 146 billion. contracts,” as part of a Following the secret session, speaker Marzouq Al- package of labor reforms, Ghanem said that the finance minister made a presen- said an interior ministry tation about the financial position of the state and statement read out at a Kuwaiti assets invested abroad. The session was press conference in Doha. attended Bader Al-Saad, director of Kuwait Sponsorship systems for Investment Authority (KIA), which manages Kuwaiti foreign workers exist in investments abroad. Neither the finance minister nor most Gulf countries, which Saad issued any statement. employ millions of foreign- But parliamentary sources said that the total size of ers, especially from Asia. Kuwaiti assets stood at KD 146 billion on March 31, of The system has been which KD 82 billion is the value of the fund for future strongly criticized by generations and the rest is the state reserve fund. MP human rights groups as Abdulrahman Al-Jeeran told reporters that MPs were open to abuse and likened Brig Mohammed Al-Atiq very pleased by the presentation of the government. to modern-day slavery. Kuwait has built up massive assets on the back of Bahrain abolished the system in 2009, but Kuwait posting a budget surplus in each of the past 14 fiscal dropped reported plans to follow suit in 2011. The Qatari years. reforms, which need to be submitted to the emirate’s Ghanem said that the Assembly agreed to ask the consultative council and chamber of commerce and Audit Bureau to conduct a comprehensive assessment industry before being adopted, will also end the long- of the management of the Kuwaiti investments. KUWAIT: Finance Minister Anas Al-Saleh confers with Speaker Marzouq Al-Ghanem during a session at standing requirement that foreign workers obtain their Continued on Page15 the National Assembly yesterday. — Photo by Yasser Al-Zayyat employer’s consent before leaving the country. Continued on Page 15 Red Crescent chief Barjas dies aged 83 By A Saleh and Agencies

KUWAIT: Kuwait yesterday lost Barjas Humoud Al-Barjas, a man who dis- tinguished himself in the fields of information and humanitarian relief. He was 83. At the time of his death, he held the position of chairman of Kuwait Red Crescent Society, which he joined in 1994. Before that and since 1950 till 1973, he worked at the ministry of health, rising through the ranks from an employee at the quarantine department to subsequently becoming one of the ministry’s undersecretaries. From 1976 until 1992, he held the position of chairman and director general of Kuwait News Agency (KUNA). He also held the position of chair- man of the Federation of Arab News Agencies (FANA) during the 1980s. Continued on Page15 Barjas Humoud Al-Barjas Turkey mine blast kills 245

SOMA, Turkey: Anger was growing across Turkey yester- day as hopes faded for scores of workers trapped in a col- lapsed mine and the death toll hit 245, edging it closer to Hagel urges becoming the country’s worst-ever industrial disaster. Thousands of protesters took to the streets in Ankara and Gulf to unite Istanbul, accusing the government and mining industry of negligence, as Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan JEDDAH: Saudi Arabia’s crown prince called yesterday rejected claims of government culpability. “We have wit- for stronger military cooperation between the United nessed one of the biggest work accidents in our recent States and the Arab monarchies of the Gulf whose history,” Erdogan told reporters after visiting the mine in security he said was under threat. Crown Prince the western town of Soma in Manisa province. Salman bin Abdulaziz, who also holds the defence Erdogan said figures remained uncertain but mining portfolio, made the remarks at a meeting in the Saudi operators thought 120 workers were still trapped follow- city of Jeddah between US Defence Secretary Chuck ing Tuesday’s explosion, caused by an electrical fault. Hagel and ministers from the six-nation Gulf Continued on Page 15 Cooperation Council. Hagel for his part stressed that Washington remained “committed” to the oil-rich region’s security and stabili- ty. “We meet today amid persistent threats to the region’s security and stabili- ty,” which “necessitate coor- dination in politics and defence strategies of our countries,” said Prince Salman. “The security of our countries and our peo- ple is in danger,” he added. The crown prince sin- gled out concerns over “political crises” in some Chuck Hagel Arab states, as well as “attempts to acquire weapons of mass destruction and meddling of certain states” in the internal affairs of others, in an apparent reference to Iran. He stressed that “historic and strategic relations” between Washington and GCC countries had “contributed to cementing security and stability in the region.” Hagel also called for cooperation in dealing with security threats. “The security challenges facing this region threaten the region as a whole, and no one nation can address them alone,” he said at the end of MANISA, Turkey: Miners carry out the body of one of the meeting. their coworkers yesterday after an explosion and Continued on Page 15 fire in their coalmine in this western Turkish province. — AFP LOCAL THURSDAY, MAY 15, 2014

82 held in security campaign KUWAIT: The security campaign at Qurain markets. By Hanan Al-Saadoun building. Filipinos criticize govt for * North Ports Customs officers foiled an KUWAIT: Immigration detectives launched attempt to smuggle a large quantity of a campaign at Qurain markets in the pres- paan, 50,000 cigarettes and 4,530 packs of ence of Director General of Immigration fruit tobacco. The officers also found med- MERS ‘clearance’ CONDITION Detectives Maj Gen Ghazi Al-Maei, resulting ical creams and cosmetics that do not have in the arrest of 82 men and women who are clearance from the Health Ministry. wanted to serve sentences and in violation * Ahmadi security campaigns resulted in of residence laws. Immigrations detectives the arrest of a wanted Asian with 72 bottles ‘No discrimination against OFWs’ department said such sudden campaigns of liquor. Two Asians were caught with sev- have achieved notable successes and will en bags of locally made liquor and a third By Ben Garcia continue. Asian was caught with 13 bottles. * Firemen rescued a family of three in * Narcotics authorities arrested an Asian KUWAIT: The Philippines Department of Health addition to an infant after a fire broke out with two kilograms of heroin, 16,000 illicit (DOH) wants Pinoys in the Middle East who have in a Farwaniya building, while a second tablets, 500 gm of shabu, and discovered a tested positive for the deadly Middle East team fought the fire and a third team new method of smuggling in meat and fish Respiratory Syndrome (MERS) coronavirus to get worked on inspecting and ventilating the containers. clearance first before returning to the Philippines. Some netizens however criticized the govern- ment’s move, saying Filipinos only have one place to return, regardless whether they have contracted the virus or not. “How come they want us to be checked and be clear of the virus? If we do have the virus, what is the government’s solution? Will they not allow us to enter the Philippines? Where should we go then?” one OFW commented. The Philippines last month confirmed the death of a Filipino in the United Arab Emirates after he contracted the virus from a hospital. He was a nurse in the hospital, while another male Filipino nurse working at the same hospital reportedly returned to Manila after testing positive for MERS without knowing the results of his test. Eventually, official announcement of any medical clearances directed the Overseas Workers Welfare the Philippines health authority tested him nega- necessary for returning OFWs from the Middle Administration to include a module on MERS in the tive. Philippine Health Secretary Enrique Ona said East,” the advisory reads. orientation seminar for departing Filipinos abroad. the DOH would recommend to Philippine The Philippine Embassy advises its nationals to MERS can cause coughing, fever and lung infec- embassies in the Middle East, where the virus is avoid going out unnecessarily in order to minimize tions, which can lead, in some cases to fatal pneu- said to have originated, to require Filipinos to pres- the risk of being infected, the advisory continued. monia and eventually death. ent a clearance showing they are free of the dis- The advisory added that if symptoms of the virus The World Health Organization (WHO) has not ease before they are allowed to depart for the manifest, including persistent coughing, they come out with a special advisory on the matter and Philippines. advise people to visit the doctor. Patient should even screening at points of entry over MERS. It has Ona cited the quarantine law of 2004, in which comply with the local health regulations and post- also not recommended any travel or trade restric- the government can impose necessary restrictions pone any trip abroad until test results are negative. tions. Saudi Arabia has been battling hard to con- to travel when public health is at stake. The health authorities in Kuwait have already tain MERS, and has recorded the largest number of However, the latest advisory posted on the launched a series of campaigns to inform the pub- casualties. MERS was originally detected in Saudi Philippine Embassy website in Kuwait said Filipinos lic on the dangers of MERS, and advised people to Arabia in 2012 - however in March, there was a will not be required to take the health tests, at least take extra precautionary measures to avoid the dis- surge in infections. for now. “The Philippine government does not dis- ease. The Health Ministry has also started a hotline According to reports, the virus has infected over criminate against OFWs or prevent anyone from (Alo Saha 151) to advise people on MERS. 500 people in Saudi Arabia, and has killed 30 per- KUWAIT: The Asian pictured with the drugs. returning to the Philippines. There has been no Philippine Labor Secretary Rosalinda Baldoz has cent of those infected. Private school teacher accused of harassment

By A. Saleh the second student of touching her arm below her shoulder inappropriately and ‘playing’ with her hair. The third student KUWAIT: A private school teacher faces sexual harassment says that the teacher touched her inappropriately and charges according to a case filed yesterday with the public stroked her hair “in an embarrassing way,” Abdulreza said. prosecutor. One of three Kuwaiti high school students who She criticized the school’s administration meanwhile for filed the case says that the teacher asked her to bring alco- failure to take punitive measures against the teacher holic drinks to class, and to help him find women who he “despite admitting his crime” and only transferring him to can have sex with, said lawyer Al-Jowhara Abdulreza, who another school. The lawyer demanded in a statement yes- represents the plaintiffs. terday “swift measures” to interrogate the teacher in ques- The teacher, who is of African nationality, is accused by tion “who is considered a threat to high school students”.

KUWAIT: The Kuwait Journalists Association hosted a press conference yesterday on the Nakba occasion that marks its 66th anniversary today. Dr Salman Abu Sitta, the Head of the Palestine Land Organization in London (right), Dr Ibrahim Muhanna, the Head of the Research and Studies Center at the Organization of Palestinian Scientists Abroad, and Abdulfattah Al-Seyoori, Chairman of the Men for Palestine Alliance spoke during the event. They highlighted the concept of Palestinian right of return, and gave a historical display about the ‘cancerous spreadî of Jewish settlements in Palestine which comprised only 2 percent of the historical land of Palestine in 1917. The speakers also shed light on the Intima’a (belonging) campaign; an activity for Palestinians in the diaspo- ra to reinforce the concept of return to the ancestors’ land. — Photo by Yasser Al-Zayyat Farmers condemn treated water cutoff KUWAIT: Member of the Board of Kuwait Farmers Union the comfort of farmers and preserve national security, “but Oudah Nahar Al-Thafiri condemned the cutoff of treated what is happening today is plants are being killed, and the water from Wafra and Abdaly farms for a week which dam- legislative authority must play its role in sending questions to aged most of the plants under rising temperatures. the minister of public works to stop the negligence which “The only thing for the farmer to save the farms is to buy leads to unpleasant things”. He appealed to the minister to water from the few, crowded stations during the day, and this increase the number of water pumps in agricultural areas to is not enough, while the farmer needs to stay for long hours save what can be saved. Thafiri said that all concerned offi- to get one tanker, and the astonishing thing is that when he cials at MEW must quickly cancel the decision to buy water gets to the station, they tell him to go to the MEW to buy a from stations, adding that increasing problems for farmers card so we can give the water!” Thafiri charged. will negatively affect their output and make it drop to a very Thafiri appealed to Minister of Public Works to hold those low level, and this endangers food security due to increased responsible for the treated water cutoff to account regardless dependence on imports, while exporting Arab countries are of who they are, because the state paid millions of dinars for going through troubles and may stop exports anytime. LOCAL THURSDAY, MAY 15, 2014

KUWAIT: His Highness the Amir Sheikh Sabah Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah received yesterday the credentials of the new ambassadors of Togo, Guatemala, Ireland, Norway and Uruguay to the State of Kuwait. A special ceremony was held at Bayan Palace here on the occasion. It was attended by Acting Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Sheikh Sabah Khaled Al-Hamad Al-Sabah and several other senior officials of the Amiri Diwan and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Ministry mulls co-ops’ Kuwait eyes re-election offer for school meals for ITU Council membership GENEVA: Kuwait has unveiled plans to seek council will be held during the ITU’s re-election for a new four-year term in the Plenipotentiary Conference in to be hosted ‘Urgent need’ for nutrition program International Telecommunication Union by South Korean city of Busan, from Oct 20 (ITU) Council. to Nov 7. The ITU is a specialized agency of “The nomination for a new term in the the United Nations that is responsible for By Abdulqader Ahmed Education Ahmad Al-Mulaifi did not attend follow- sions. The officials then moved to listen to a ITU Council shows Kuwait’s eagerness to be issues that concern information and com- ing reports about his expected resignation in the demonstration by Badr Al-Furaih, the part of the decision-making process in the munication technologies. KUWAIT: Senior officials at the Ministry of aftermath of two workers’ death at a university Undersecretary Assistant for Educational international governing body,“ The ITU coordinates the shared global Education (MoE) discussed an offer from the construction site in Shaddadiya on Tuesday. Development and Activities Sector. He gave an Undersecretary of Kuwait’s Ministry of use of the radio spectrum, promotes inter- Kuwait Union of Consumer Cooperative Societies The council decided to take the KUCCS’ propos- explanation of the sector’s strategic plan, which Communications Hameed Al-Qattan said national cooperation in assigning satellite (KUCCS) to supply highly nutritional meals for pub- al under consideration, in light of the minister’s includes a vision that focuses on distinguished on the sidelines of his participation of the orbits, works to improve telecommunica- lic elementary schools and provide healthy food recent decision to terminate contracts with two educational development as key to improving stu- annual meeting of the ITU Council, held tion infrastructure in the developing world, items to school canteens. KUCCS Chairman Ali food supplying companies after discovering that dents’ personalities and skills, as well as preparing here from May 6 to 15. and assists in the development and coordi- Hassan highlighted the ‘urgent need’ for adopting they supplied some schools with spoilt meals. the younger generation socially and psychologi- He pointed out that Kuwait has been an nation of worldwide technical standards. a nutrition program in public schools in order to cally in accordance with Islamic values to face active member in the ITU Council since The Geneva-based ITU is a member of improve healthy eating habits among students, School fees future challenges. 1982. “Kuwait also contributes about $1 the United Nations Development Group. teachers and parents alike. The undersecretaries also discussed a request Furaih also mentioned improving students’ cre- million to the ITU annual budget to finance Its membership includes 193 Member Hassan spoke during a meeting of the council by the union of private schools in Kuwait to ativity and intellectuality as main objectives that its studies, reports and activities,” he said. States and around 700 Sector Members and of undersecretaries at the MoE which was chaired increase school fees next year. The issue was the Educational Development Sector looks to He noted that the election of the new Associates. —KUNA by Undersecretary Mariam Al-Wutaid. Minister of delayed to the next meeting for further discus- achieve. Cable theft to blame for Taima blackout

KUWAIT: A cable stolen from a sec- cameras will be provided at each loca- resulting from these thefts, the report ondary transformer in the Taima dis- tion to detect any person that further noted. Kuwait improved the trict of Jahra resulted in a blackout approaches the [MEW’s] facilities,” total daily production of electricity to that lasted for an hour and a half in Jassar told Al-Jarida daily. The senior 14,000 megawatts last year. Most elec- the area Monday night. The Ministry official did not specify when the deal tricity generated goes to power air of Electricity and Water confirmed the will be signed, but said that it is conditioning, leading to consumption theft in a statement to the press expected ‘very soon’. overload in parallel with high temper- Tuesday, and explained that power Thieves extract copper from high atures that usually break the 50 C was restored through maintenance voltage cables and export it according degrees point multiple times in July carried out by its emergency teams of to investigations in cases reported last each year. electricians. year. Meanwhile, sources quoted in Al- Annual reinforcement and mainte- Dozens of cable thefts reported Jarida’s report said that coordination nance operations at power plants, last year resulted in blackouts at vari- with the Customs General transformers and distribution net- ous locations around Kuwait. The min- Department has helped reduce theft works helped the MEW cope with the istry had otherwise been able to avoid by monitoring attempts to smuggle yearly increase in demand, but senior power cuts by boosting production copper out of the country. ministry officials have repeatedly indi- capacity before summer to cope with cated that a new power plant is neces- the growing demand in summer. The KD 15 million losses sary to avoid shortages in the future. ministry plans to provide protection An Audit Bureau report released in There are seven fossil-fuel power to transformers, and announced a August last year indicated that 600 plants in Kuwait that produce electric- tender to hire 1,300 security guards in main and secondary transformers in ity and desalinated water for a total order to prevent thieves from access- addition to 150 water wells were sub- population of around 4 million on a ing transformers, Undersecretary jected to theft between 2007 and daily basis, with plans to fully operate Ahmad Al-Jassar said. 2013. It identified ‘organized gangs’ as a new power plant in North Zour by “Protection will take place through the culprits. The MEW loses KD 15 mil- 2015. Energy production costs Kuwait day and night shifts while surveillance lion every year to repair damage KD 3 to 4 billion annually. TEC to sign four projects

KUWAIT: The Touristic Enterprises Company prepares to sign four con- tracts worth over KD 65 million in total before the end of this year, CEO Khalid Al-Ghanim said yesterday. The projects includes building an extreme sports complex at the Green Belt, the Musical Fountain project, the Bnaid Al-Gar Marinas and the Agailah Beach Project, Ghanim said during a press conference at the sidelines of the company’s general assembly meeting. Ghanim also announced that the TEC plans to finish the KD 2.5 million Kuwait Towers renovation project before the end of the year, explaining that the delay was caused by the contractor’s failure to meet the deadlines. Ghanim further indicated that the KUWAIT: The Touristic Enterprises Company CEO Khalid Al-Ghanim Kuwait Investment Authority has no cur- addressing the press conference. rent intentions to sell the TEC and high- lighted the company’s importance in Kuwait highly values role of NDC serving the country’s tourism. ROME: The State of Kuwait fully rec- Kuwait is keen on active participa- Meanwhile, Ghanim blamed the Kuwait ognizes the role and importance of tion in dialogue and cooperation Municipality and Municipal Council for partaking in training opportunities with all major regional and interna- delaying several vital TEC projects by offered at NATO Defense College tional bodies such as NATO to work rejecting ideas. (NDC) and the Middle East Faculty collectively on main issues and joint He also blamed beaurcracy and rou- (MEF), stressed Ambassador to Italy interests, top of which are issues of tine in the public sector “through which Sheikh Ali Al-Khalid Al-Sabah yes- world peace and stability in the face a project needs two to two-and-a-half terday. of current challenge. years as well as 23 administrative proce- The Ambassador was recently It is natural, therefore, for the dures to be finished”. Ghanim among guests celebrating the grad- country to seize the opportunity announced in the meantime that the uation of the eleventh session of and enroll some of its officers and TEC recorded KD 3,047,139 in profits, the NATO Regional Cooperation professionals in such training cours- recording a 297 percent increase com- Course (NRCC 11). He remarked es, he noted. —KUNA pared to last year. THURSDAY, MAY 15, 2014 LOCAL

DUBAI: The opening of entries for the ‘UAE Drones for Good Award’ in Dubai. UAE opens global Sulaibiya robbery suspect ‘Drones for denies murder intent Good’ Award Man detained for domestic violence

DUBAI: The Government of the United Arab demonstration of His Highness Sheikh KUWAIT: The suspect behind an armed robbery first taken to the Psychological Medicine Kuwaiti accomplices, which helped police arrest Emirates (UAE) yesterday announced the open- Mohammed bin Rashid Al-Maktoum’s vision to in which two Indian security guards were killed Hospital where he receives periodic treatment one of them while a search is on for the other. ing of entries for the “UAE Drones for Good raise the government’s role in supporting innova- in Sulaibiya denied a murder intent during for a mental illness he suffers from. His Arab Award”, the largest-ever award for exploring civil- tion in future-related technologies and services questioning Tuesday. Yousuf Suleiman Obaid wife had told Sharq police that her husband, Serviceman dead ian applications of UAV technology for improving that impact positively on people’s lives. It is also in Ali, a 21-year-old bedoon, faces premeditated who is HIV positive and suffers mental disorders, A military man died in an accident Tuesday people’s lives. line with His Highness’s goals to stimulate creativ- murder charges after admitting shooting 55- was beating her inside their house. The man did morning on Salmi Road. Preliminary investiga- The Award was launched under the direction ity and build partnerships with research centres, year-old Sharangdharan and 25-year-old not show resistance when police arrived at his tions indicate that the Saudi national was driv- of Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al-Maktoum, universities and technology specialists in a range Muhammad Thangal outside the area’s veg- house to put him under arrest. ing to work when he lost control of his pickup UAE Vice President, Prime Minister and Ruler of of areas, particularly governmental, humanitarian etable market, then fleeing with KD 13,000 in truck due to soft sand scattered at the side of Dubai, during the second Government Summit, and medical. cash. Car theft gang the road. Paramedics and police had rushed to in February this year. The Award has two parts; an “This is another step in our efforts to achieve He argued however that he did not intend to A woman faces charges after she admitted the scene after receiving an emergency call international prize offering $1 million and a local our goal of utilizing technology to make life easier kill the guards, but fired warning shots from an stealing at least four luxury cars through scams reporting an overturned pickup truck on the prize of 1 million dirhams. The local prize will for people in the UAE and around the world,” said AK-47 rifle to scare them. Following Saturday’s following her arrest Tuesday. The arrest took sand near the road. The Kuwait army recruit was honor the best application for delivering govern- Al-Gergawi. “The world has young innovators arrest, the second suspect, 18-year-old Abdullah place after the suspect was identified through pronounced dead at the scene before criminal ment services in the UAE within the next 12 who need the support to translate their ideas into Saad Al-Enezi, a Syrian, confirmed that he was at investigations in multiple car thefts reported investigators were called to examine the crash months, focusing on priority sectors such as landmark projects of benefit to humanity. The the scene when the killing took place but around Hawally governorate. Police had site and take the body to the forensic depart- health, education, civil defense, transportation, Award is therefore aimed at encouraging innova- denied shooting the victims. The third suspect, received similar testimonies from plaintiffs who ment. tourism, and other services. tion among the global students and in universi- 20-year-old Meshari Falah Al-Hajiri, a bedoon, said that their cars disappeared from outside The international prize will recognize the best ties,” Al-Gergawi added. said that he did not know that the money which their houses a few days after they met a woman Suicide attempt ideas for using UAV’s in the next 1 to 3 years, Al-Gergawi said the government has been the suspects kept in his custody was stolen. He at a coffee shop. The woman, a Kuwaiti in her A domestic worker was charged with focusing on their broader applicationinany area working on developing the strategic framework added that the two said that they will return for late twenties, said during questioning that she attempted suicide after she tried to end her life that may benefit humanity. Examples includede- for effectively utilizing UAV technology in extend- the money later to use it for a commercial picked victims who seemed rich, and started by inhaling cooking gas. The incident took place livering government services in remote areas to ing services beneficial to humanity. “After identify- investment, and indicated that he never asked friendships with them that lasted for a day or in Saad Al-Abdullah where the Asian woman humanitarian applications such as providing relief ing the challenges and evaluating the current about the source of the cash. two. That time was enough for her to steal the locked herself inside the kitchen and turned the during natural disasters. technology, we created a plan for UAV-based victim’s car key, which allowed her to steal his cooking gas cylinder’s valve open, according to Both are part of a larger campaign to encour- services based on four main pillars: Legislative Mentally ill AIDS patient car with the help of two men who would her employers. A family member managed to age talent and innovation in the application of Framework, Priority Services, Creation of A man diagnosed with AIDS was arrested change the vehicle’s exterior paint and license break the door open and then rushed the maid emerging technologies for improving people’s Platforms for Exchange of Knowledge and and later taken to the Infectious Disease plate. The woman collected KD 1,000 to KD to the hospital, where tests revealed that she lives. Mohammed Abdullah Al-Gergawi, UAE Experiences, and Research and Development,” Hospital after his wife pressed domestic vio- 1,500 for every operation, according to her con- did not suffer any health complications. Minister of Cabinet Affairs, said the Award is a said Al-Gergawi. lence charges against him. The Kuwaiti man was fessions. She gave the information of her two Investigations are ongoing. THURSDAY, MAY 15, 2014 LOCAL Zain honors Value Added Services partners

KUWAIT: Zain, the leading telecommuni- Nadia Al Saif, commented by saying: “Our cations company in Kuwait, recently held partners play a very significant role in its quarterly honoring lunch event to a Zain’s success and leadership in the mar- number of its authorized service providers ket. Their consistency and efficiency in for value added services to recognize their providing excellent services for Zain’s cus- outstanding performance during the first tomers is critical to the company’s overall quarter of 2014. focus on enhancing the customer experi- During the event, Zain acknowledged ence to a new level.” The company pro- the outstanding performance of these vides various value added services con- partners based on several key indicators. tent on the users’ mobile and smart ‘Media Phone Plus’, ‘Madia for Value Added phones, from news services and online Services’, ‘Beecell’, ‘ITG’, and ‘Isys’ came first games to email and messaging services. in terms of meeting the target achieve- Zain’s latest and unmatched value added ment of Zain’s value-added services rev- services include the latest Mobile enues, in addition to ‘ITG’ who ranked first Applications, Mobile Health, Mobile in the overall performance and ‘Isys’ who Education, Mobile Advertising, Mobile came first in terms of receiving the least Payment, and Mobile TV streaming. These amount of complaints. VAS partners’ services are presented to all mobile users efforts were reflected in their eagerness to and are available at the company’s exert maximum efforts to ensure the authorized distributors, who are sparing upgrading of value-added services that no efforts in maintaining the highest Zain offers to its customers, which directly quality standards. Zain considers its dis- strengthens Zain’s plans and operations. tributors an integral and crucial part of its KUWAIT: Zain quarterly honoring ceremony in progress. This event takes place every quarter, success and a significant element of the allowing distributors to compete fairly company’s leading position. Zain encour- with one another and drive more efficien- ages distributors to maintain their per- cy when offering the best services and formance and continue offering the best A nostalgic city in Kuwait’s products to Zain customers. services and products to its loyal cus- Zain’s Value Added Services Director, tomers. collective imagination US Geological ‘Building for Oil: Ahmadi Since 1946’

Survey, EPA sign MoU By Nawara Fattahova to know more about the history of were unique to this town such as level of the everyday urban experi- this town. People are nostalgic playing grounds, the cinema and ence by introducing the oil compa- KUWAIT: On May 11, the Kuwait including its e-MISK facilities, Adler KUWAIT: Many Kuwaitis and even about Ahmadi, even those who others, which gave a Western ny town as a modern architectural Environmental Public Authority (EPA) said that it was “an honor to tour a expats have great memories of didn’t live there,” said Alissa during lifestyle form to Ahmadi. Ahmadi is and urban planning prototype that and the US Geological Survey (USGS) world-class facility staffed by world- Ahmadi, especially as it’s different her presentation. from where landscaping started in has been largely neglected. Using concluded a Memorandum of class personnel.” from other Kuwaiti areas with its “Those who first lived or visited Kuwait,” she added. Ahmadi as a case study, Alissa Understanding (MOU) establishing a The USGS was founded in 1879 and British style architecture that was Ahmadi in the past described it as Based on her doctoral research offers a new history of oil, architec- framework for scientific and technical is the US Government’s largest water, originally built for expat employees completely organized like a British on Ahmadi, Alissa highlighted the ture and urbanism in Kuwait since cooperation in the earth science. The earth, and biological science and civil- of Kuwait Oil Company (KOC). This city, and others saw it differently. role of oil as an agent of political, 1946. US Embassy’s Charge d’affaires Michael ian mapping agency. Considered to be town is an inspiration for various They also noticed the activities that social and cultural change at the “Ahmadi’s colonial modernity, J. Adler joined EPA Director General the US Government’s premier science researchers due to its historical val- which initially targeted the expatri- Raja Dawood Al-Beseri in signing the organization, the USGS provides impar- ue for Kuwait’s residents. ate employees of KOC during the agreement, which was attended by tial information on the health of ecosys- The American University of 1950s, was later adopted by KOC’s EPA and US Embassy staff members. tems and environment, natural hazards, Kuwait (AUK) held a presentation Kuwaiti employees after the coun- Commenting on the agreement, natural resources, climate and land-use on Ahmadi titled ‘Building for Oil: try’s independence in 1961, and in Ahmadi Since 1946’ on Tuesday at turn mediated a drastically new Adler highlighted the long history of change, and core science systems. its premises. It was presented by Dr lifestyle during the 1960s and scientific cooperation between Kuwait Under this agreement, specific areas Reem Alissa, an adjunct professor 1970s. The later Kuwaiti residents of and the United States which he noted of cooperation will include: ecosys- at the University of British these houses changed its structure began with the arrival of American tems; climate change and land-use Columbia’s School of Architecture that was originally built for the physicians in Kuwait over a century changes; environmental health; natural and Landscape Architecture. British nuclear family, and expand- ago. He added that agreements such hazards and risk and resiliency assess- The presentation included ed it to larger houses without a as this MOU “strengthen the already ment; water resources; and, informatics archive photos of Ahmadi and license to do so,” she explained. strong bonds between our two and data integration. It is envisioned attracted many people, some of “The memory of this urban, mod- nations” and expressed a desire to see that cooperation under this MOU will whom used to live in this town. ern town coupled with its gradual more Kuwaiti-US scientific cooperation consist of exchanges of technical infor- “When I told people I’m doing a erosion ever since have rendered in the future. In a subsequent tour of mation, visits, training, and coopera- study on Ahmadi, all comments I KUWAIT: Dr Reem Alissa addressing the meeting. Ahmadi a nostalgic city in the EPA’s new headquarters building, tive research. received were positive. Even those nation’s collective imagination,” who didn’t live there were excited —Photo by Joseph Shagra concluded Alissa. THURSDAY, MAY 15, 2014 LOCAL

kuwait digest In my view A novel is a A gateway for living thing Syria solution

By Dr Sajed Al-Abdali few days ago, I released my recent book ‘Accompanied by a Cup of Tea’, which is a series Aof humanitarian articles which contemplate By Labeed Abdal about people’s affairs, life phenomena and inner feel- ings. On releasing the book, many friends and journal- ists repeatedly asked me: When are we going to see National your first novel? I used to be surprised with the repeti- tion of this question, but I think now I know why. unity A novel is becoming like a diwan for both Arabs [email protected] and non-Arabs alike. Most publishing houses releasing novels on a daily basis worldwide belong to this cate- he Homs truce could be the gateway for a solution gory. Novels are becoming the most widespread in Syria, despite some skepticism expressed by books and the ones that attract cultural and literary Al-Anbaa Tsome people as opposition fighters make their journals’ attention the most. Therefore, a novelist is way out of the troubled city following the deal brokered coming closer to the limelight and the glamour of under United Nations sponsorship. Most skepticisms are fame. All those stepping into the world of writing are fueled by questions about what is going to happen after more tempted by writing novels! the opposition and regime reached a ceasefire agree- This prevalence and interest in novels and their ment to halt fighting in Homs? Can similar deals be writers created an impression, at least with the public, reached to end clashes in other cities? And how effec- that novel writing is easy compared to writing other tive would that be regarding efforts to find a way out of forms of literature. For them, it only takes a good sto- the crisis? ry, be it real or fictional, the writer composes at his One argument suggests that the Syrian regime comfort without hard work or preparation, research or agreed to sign a truce with the opposition because it looking up information. It is also enough, for them, realized that prolonged infighting will not be in its favor in the long term. Therefore, the regime feels that negoti- that the writer has the skill of making up events and kuwait digest the eloquence needed to paraphrase them in, maybe, a fanciful style! Well, that is not the truth at all. A true story is Farewell Seif Palace! much deeper and greater than this fragile superficial The two sides need to stop perception. I will not go as far as saying that works By Dr Ghanim Al-Najjar thinking about winning or los- produced in such a naive way are bad novels, but I would say that they have nothing to do with novels. s there a battle ongoing against what is left of histori- air all over downtown Kuwait City, which act as a ing and trading blame. They They are mere narrations or as we colloquially say cal buildings we still have? How can we ever perceive reminder of incurable failure that does not only apply to must remember their national Ithe logic of those who keep parroting about the past, buildings. the heritage and the importance of preserving it who Years back, demolition machines removed Kuwait responsibility to protect their would never think twice whenever they get a chance to University’s symbol - the world clock. And thus, history is A story somebody can nar- demolish this or that old building, obscure it or change it being pulled down by contractors without accountability land and their people. rate entirely, stopping at each into a baqala or restaurant?! as if the whole issue is of no importance to the govern- The most recent of such stories is that of obscuring ment, the parliament or to many people. and every detail at all levels of Seif Palace’s famous frontage by building a dislocated The issue of pulling down the Weapons (Selah) Market ation is the better route to take in order to achieve gains its plot is not a novel. monument, hiding the only angle from which one can and the Municipality Park to build a parking lot was as quickly as possible. read the famous statement written there, ‘If it Lasted for recently raised without any comment from the Cabinet to I believe that talks about making gains is irrelevant Others, it Would not Have Reached You’, which was bru- stress its keenness on maintaining historical sites. It regarding the Syrian civil war, because both the regime and opposition are part of one nation that is going tally disfigured during the Iraqi invasion. Have you run sounds as if these demolitions are taking place in the through a historical crisis in which all human rights were ‘sawalef’ (tales). out of locations or what?! Comoros Islands. What is remarkable about this are the violated, including displacing millions of people and A story somebody can narrate entirely, stopping at The story is not new because saving historical build- statements made by officials. They are either negative or each and every detail at all levels of its plot is not a families and the use of chemical weapons such as sarin ings happens by chance and through individual efforts indifferent like ‘So what’, denying responsibility in the and chlorine gas. novel. A story one can avoid reading by simply watch- just like what happened with the ‘Mubarak kiosk’ form of ‘It’s not my business’, resorting to ‘Wise men’s That is in addition to thousands of people who lost ing a movie based on it, no matter how masterly it because we lack proper keenness on seriously handling silence’ or saying that the buildings were private property. their lives or became stranded in shelters that lack basic was made, is not a novel. A story a reader just skims heritage and historical buildings to preserve them. All countries worldwide, including the advanced, the human needs during over three years of a war with sec- through without it touching his mind or feelings is not The shocking bare truth is that the old buildings we less advanced and those in between, take very good care tarian nature that disregard the basic minimums of jus- a novel. This is how I perceive the matter and there- still possess are very few. Even the skyline overlooking of their old buildings, while somebody is trying to get rid tice, responsibility and human dignity. fore, I believe that most print houses’ productions the Gulf road has been disfigured with high towers that of any of our heritage-related structures. The two sides need to stop thinking about winning described as novels, particularly Arab ones, have noth- lack any substance except for the bad odors clouding the —Translated by Kuwait Times from Al-Jarida or losing and trading blame. They must remember their ing to do with novels. They can be tales, chit chat or national responsibility to protect their land and their may be something else I do not care to know about. people from the effect of a proxy war, which continues Saying this I do not mean that such publications kuwait digest to cause civilian casualties on a daily basis, and lures are not enjoyable or not worth reading. Some of them deceived fighters from outside to enter the road of are amusing, nice and having something to tell. Yet, death. they are not novels as I see them. Accordingly, when- Taking us to the unknown ever someone asks when I would write a new novel, I shiver at the mere thought because I am not keen on producing a ‘tale’- I am more interested in writing a By Qais Al-Usta kuwait digest real novel and this needs a great deal of effort on the part from our opinion of those who resigned We must admit that we have a major confidence crisis writer’s side! from the National Assembly and their real in the country, and this crisis began to creep into the Singaporean A novel primarily starts with, at least, an unprece- motives, the resignation is with merit. Its merits heart of the Kuwaiti citizen to include all services of the dented idea in order to be unique in terms of tackling A come because of the majority of the Assembly along government, and this is logical and not the result of a it, presentation and approach. Secondly, it has to expertise with the government scrapped a grilling presented by conspiracy being prepared in dark rooms. We are not involve a deep intense human experience that adds three MPs, and they are the ones who started the resig- saying that there are no conspiracies, because this is the something to readers and touches their feelings. nations spark. For the majority to scrap a grilling does way of life as long as you are in power - what we say is By Ahmad Al-Sarraf Thirdly, a novel is a selected package of information and knowledge brilliantly and artistically paraphrased not mean that it is right, because we all know how that the citizen’s and expat’s frustration is now justified. he area of Singapore is 710 sq km only - I repeat to avoid being trapped in rhetoric styles. Fourthly, it majorities are formulated to vote on something, and this There is a worry about a rise in supervision level, and 710 square kilometers, and despite this, its gross should have nice literary wording so that readers can is a political matter within the game limit to a certain there is disappointment from the medical and educa- national product is $330 billion. This makes indi- extent, but to make it easy to scrap grillings in this fash- tional services in the country. There is unemployment T enjoy reading through to the end. vidual income in it the highest in the world, and larger A novel is a living thing because it provides readers ion is something that we should pause at. that began to show up among the youth, and there are than the individual’s income in Kuwait which has an with a living segment of life through the dialogues, The prime minister could have asked for sending the complications for the local and foreign investors, and area that is 25 times that of Singapore and has an thoughts and feelings of its heroes, through charac- grilling to the legislative committee or even to the con- there is the catastrophe of the documentation process. income of $270 billion from an easy natural resource ters, locations and time. A novel that fails to present stitutional court, but the scenario that took place shows We affirm the need of the prime minister for a new advi- that it did not discover, did not produce and did not this coherent mixture is a dead, inanimate thing that that the prime minister may be in need of a new political sory team whose first duty is to tell him that things are even know how to benefit from its revenues wisely. has nothing to with novels. For those reasons, I know team that follows with him political events in general. A not right, and the country is need of initiatives at all lev- The population of Singapore is divided into three not when I might be able to produce something of team that realizes that continuing this practice is some- els, and that the current situation is taking us to the minorities, the largest among them are the Chinese - Translated by Kuwait Times this kind, if I ever will! — thing that is taking political crises to a very advanced unknown. Was the message delivered? I hope so. they speak Mandarin and are Buddhists, Malays who from Al-Jarida Translated by Kuwait Times from Al-Qabas stage. — are Muslim and Tamils who are Hindu, while all are unit- ed by the English language in addition to their lan- guages. Singapore does not have any natural resources, and complains rarely of everything, while its land is in my view barely able to accommodate its 3.5 million population. Despite this, it enjoys the highest standard of living, Double Edged sword for Palestinians strong economy, well established industry, comfortable commercial status and is considered the cleanest coun- try in the world and the rarest in administrative corrup- By Abdullah H. Erakat tion. alestinian officials applied to join United Nations treaties the Palestinian official told The Media Line. conventions and treaties,” said Dabed. The secret behind this is the belief of its great and organizations as a way of increasing international Some Palestinian analysts disagreed, saying that signing Foreign Minister Al-Malki said he is aware that the PA will founder Lee Kuan Yew, who I met and read his mem- Ppressure on Israel after the Israeli-Palestinian negotia- these conventions will not make any real difference in moving not be held accountable for upholding the provisions of these oirs to create people who are able to achieve the tions began to fall apart. But a senior Palestinian official says forward a Palestinian state. Emilio Dabed, a Palestinian lawyer international conventions. “Palestine” received observer status impossible, and this is what actually happened. the move also obligates the Palestinian Authority to investigate who also teaches at al-Quds University, called the signing at the UN in November 2012, opening the way for it to adopt a Singapore is considered a pioneer in education today, its own conduct. “In the same way we are looking into ways to “meaningless.” host of international treaties and organizations which the especially in modern science and mathematics. Kuwait, challenge Israel, we do know that there are items that require “When you look at the treaties that were signed, they are Palestinian leadership considers a ‘basic right.’ as many other countries, sought Singaporean expert- from us observation, documentation, revision, correction, and completely useless in terms of ending the occupation,” Dabed During nine months of US sponsored peace talks between ise, and we brought a team of education experts self criticism,” Palestinian Foreign Minister Riad Al-Malki said. told The Media Line. “The treaties that were signed were inof- Israeli and Palestinian negotiators, Israel released three batches sometime ago to study our situation, and this team Recently, the Palestinian Authority became a formal party to fensive and they don’t represent any danger to the Israeli occu- of Palestinian prisoners. But it was Israel’s failure to release a came out with recommendations related to the neces- five international treaties which include banning torture and pation. The treaties that could challenge Israeli occupation and fourth group of Palestinian prisoners that led PA President sity of changing contents of curricula. racial discrimination, as well as protecting the rights of women, make it accountable from an international point of view were Mahmoud Abbas to turn to the UN, a move Israel has long They recommended giving technology a larger role children and the disabled. A senior Palestinian official said that not signed.” He was referring to the International Criminal opposed, and that the Abbas agreed to postpone as long as as a tool in the education system. They said there “some of them require a waiting time before our application Court (ICC) which could charge Israeli military officials with war negotiations continued. “What we have done in selecting the should be concentration on English as a second lan- takes effect, while others are effective immediately.” crimes for killing Palestinians. However, Israel could also choose first 15 conventions was looking into what is more important, guage besides the mother language, and to drop the Al-Malki, who has been the foreign minister for the past sev- to bring Palestinians to this court. urgent and essential to our work,” said Al -Malki. current teacher evaluation system which gives all en years, says the Palestinian leadership has set up a perma- Israeli analyst and former senior military official Mordechai Kedar also says the ‘shaky’ internal arena for Palestinians has teachers an excellent grade at random. Yet, as soon as nent national committee to follow up the implications of join- Kedar shares Dabed’s sentiment, saying that he thinks the lead to vast problems, such as tensions between the two rival the Kuwaiti education minister saw these recommen- ing these UN conventions. “We will study carefully what is Palestinian Authority intentionally refrained from applying to Palestinian groups, Abbas’s Fatah, and Hamas, which controls dations, he refused even to think about studying the required in terms of creating new bodies, develop and improve international organizations which are much more significant the Gaza Strip. The two factions have signed a reconciliation possibility to implement them. He said that studies and existing ones, redraft laws, and prepare for annual reports and meaningful. “The Palestinians did not apply to become agreement, are currently discussing implementation. goals must come out from Kuwaiti specialists because about our adherence to the spirit and letter of such conven- part of the Rome convention which is the basis of the ICC,” “People in the world think that if they (the PA) are accepted they are knowledgeable of the Kuwait society. tions,” he said. “There are items that require attention, modifica- Kedar told The Media Line. “They know they will expose them- to all kinds of organizations, this will contribute to the feelings The minister’s rejection brings up several questions: tions or corrections to existing laws or the development of new selves to Israeli lawsuits based on terrorism which they waged of Palestinians that they are one nation. But it does not work If Kuwait has its own specialists who know it better bodies or departments within the existing official structure of against Israel for more than 20 years.” this way. You cannot build a nation from top to the bottom. You than others, then why were not asked to help? Where ministries.” Palestinian lawyer Dabed says that by signing these treaties have to build it bottom up. So far they failed,” said Kedar. Dabed are they? Why do not we apply the same thing on med- Al-Malki also said the Palestinian Liberation Organization and organizations, the Palestinian leadership is not making says he thinks the PA has not thought the move through. icine for example, on the basis of Kuwait society’s will consult with legal experts “to help us understand what Israel accountable, but the Palestinian Authority itself. “The international community could put pressure on knowledge of its people, and stop the help of non- such accession could mean to us in terms of bringing us closer “Most of the treaties signed, such as women’s rights, are Palestinians to respect these treaties (within its own authority),” Kuwaiti doctors, or use Western, Japanese or even to our national objective,” — an end to the Israeli occupation applicable to Palestinians not to Israel,” Dabed said. He also said he said. “They (the PA) could bring to justice Palestinian viola- Chinese medicines? and the creation of a Palestinian state on the 1967 borders with that when a country signs a convention or a treaty, “it commits tors of human rights. Will they do it? Does Palestine need to If this is what stands in the way of us becoming East Jerusalem as its capital. “We will be asking for help from the signatory country to respect these treaties, in this case, sign these treaties to do so? If they had the will to do that, they Singapore, why do not we throw it in the trash can or friendly countries or friendly individual legal experts who could Palestine,” and that it has ‘no impact on Israeli human rights vio- would have done it by bringing the perpetrators to Palestinian under it as we are used to?! Translated by Kuwait Times from Al-Qabas help us navigate through the signed treaties and conventions,” lations.’ “They (the PA) are forcing themselves to respect these courts,” Dabed said. —The Media Line — Palestinians mark Nakba

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THURSDAY, MAY 15P, 2014 Iran nuclear talks enter tricky phase

VIENNA: Nuclear talks between Iran and the official said. six world powers moved up a gear yester- day as negotiators began in Vienna to Sticking points hammer out what could be a historic The parties aim to build on an interim accord. After three meetings this year that deal from November under which Iran Washington says have enabled both sides froze certain activities for six months and to “understand each other’s positions”, converted some material in return for negotiators aim this time to start drafting minor sanctions relief. This expires on July the actual text of an accord, officials said. 20, by which time negotiators aim to have Success could resolve one of the most nailed down the final accord. One major intractable geopolitical problems of the issue, the Arak reactor, appears resolved, 21st century, but failure might plunge the with Iran indicating the design could be Middle East into conflict and start a modified to ease concerns that it could regional nuclear arms race. “If the odds of produce weapons-grade plutonium. the talks collapsing are high, the stakes of But others, most notably uranium failure are higher,” Ali Vaez, Iran analyst at enrichment and the sequence of sanc- the International Crisis Group, told AFP. tions relief “could be harder to bridge,” “Time is of the essence.” Kelsey Davenport from the Arms Control The five permanent members of the Association told AFP. Iran already has UN Security Council plus Germany want enough of low-enriched material for sev- Iran to take steps to assure the interna- eral bombs if it decided to “break out” and tional community that it is not about to use its 20,000 so-called centrifuges to build a nuclear bomb. In return the Islamic enrich this stockpile to weapons-grade. republic, which says its nuclear activities The powers may therefore want Iran to are purely peaceful, wants the lifting of all slash the number of centrifuges, or to cap UN and Western sanctions, which have hit output per machine, but this may be a its economy hard. hard sell to hardliners in Iran. Other tricky Iranian Foreign Minister Mohammad issues include tougher inspections by the Javad Zarif, installed by bridge-building UN atomic watchdog and Iran’s develop- new President Hassan Rouhani last year, ment of new centrifuges that it claims can said after the last round in early April that enrich many times faster than the current VIENNA: European foreign policy chief Catherine Ashton (left) and Iranian Foreign Minister Mohamad Javad Zarif wait for the start of closed- there was agreement on “50-60 percent” models. Behrouz Kamalvandi, Iran’s atom- door nuclear talks yesterday. — AP of issues. But with both sides sticking to ic agency spokesman, said yesterday that the mantra that “nothing is agreed until these machines could enrich 15 times everything is agreed”-US officials liken the faster and were undergoing “final Sudanese woman may face death for process to a “Rubik’s Cube”-this is not mechanical testing”. enough. “Research and development is the choosing Christianity over Islam Arriving in Vienna Tuesday, representa- country’s absolute right, and as the tives of both Iran and the United States supreme leader and the president have KHARTOUM: A Sudanese court gave a 27- students have mounted a series of protests Sudanese citizens,” Sudan Change Now sought to dampen expectations that a said, this right cannot be hindered,” he year-old woman until today to abandon her near Khartoum University in recent weeks Movement, a youth group, said in a state- deal was within easy reach, with Zarif say- told the IRNA news agency. Also of con- newly adopted Christian faith and return to asking for an end to human rights abuses, ment. ing a “lot of effort” was still required. A cern are Iran’s ballistic missiles, which Islam or face a death sentence, judicial more freedoms and better social and eco- President Omar Hassan Al-Bashir’s gov- senior US official said the talks would be could carry nuclear warheads-it denies sources said on Monday. Mariam Yahya nomic conditions. The authorities decided on ernment is facing a huge economic and “very, very difficult” and that there were wanting atomic weapons-and its answers Ibrahim was charged with apostasy as well Sunday to close the university indefinitely. political challenge after the 2011 secession still “significant gaps”, warning that opti- to questions about past alleged “military as adultery for marrying a Christian man, Western embassies and Sudanese of South Sudan, which was Sudan’s main mism in some media had “gotten way out dimensions” to its nuclear work. “Iran con- something prohibited for Muslim women to activists sharply condemned the accusations source of oil. A decision by Bashir last year of control”. “We do not know if Iran will be tinues to deceive the world and advance do and which makes the marriage void. and called on the Sudanese Islamist-led gov- to cut subsidies and impose austerity meas- able to make the tough decisions they its nuclear program,” Israeli Prime Minister The final ruling will be announced today. ernment to respect freedom of faith. “The ures prompted violent protests in which must to assure the world that they will not Benjamin Netanyahu, whose country is Ibrahim’s case was the first of its kind to be details of this case expose the regime’s bla- dozens were killed and hundreds were obtain a nuclear weapon and that their widely believed to have nuclear weapons heard in Sudan. Young Sudanese university tant interference in the personal life of injured. — Reuters program is for entirely peaceful purposes,” itself, said late Tuesday in Japan. — AFP INTERNATIONAL THURSDAY, MAY 15, 2014

RAFAH: Palestinian protesters hold a large version of their national flag during a rally the day before the 66th GAZA CITY: Palestinians hold their flags and commemorate Nakba. anniversary of the “Nakba” in Rafah, in the southern Gaza Strip yesterday. — AFP/AP photos Palestinians mark Nakba Israel Arabs rekindle Palestinian ties as hate crimes mount

JERUSALEM: Arab Israelis are increasingly voicing a Palestinian identity and national demands, as hate attacks by Jewish extremists and laws perceived as discriminatory have multiplied. Some 10,000 Arab Israelis rallied in north- ern Israel earlier this month for the right of return for Palestinian refugees who fled or were driven from their homes during the war that led to the creation of the Jewish state in 1948. It was a much higher than usual turnout for the annual commemoration of the Nakba (Arabic for catastrophe) and drew an angry response from Israeli Foreign Minister Avigdor Lieberman. He described the protesters as a “fifth column,” and thundered that they should “march directly to Ramallah,” a Palestinian city in the West Bank “and stay there.” A growing number of Arab Israelis are visiting the cities of West Bank, if only to spend the odd weekend, as they search out all things Palestinians. “The Palestinian people are one, wherever they live,” said Shaher Mahameed, from the Arab Israeli town of Umm al-Fahm, on a visit to the northern West Bank city of Nablus. “My ID card says I’m Israeli, but my heart is Arab GAZA CITY: Palestinian children play outside their home. Palestinian, and always will be.” More than 760,000 SIDON: Palestinian children hold national flags. Palestinians-estimated today to number more than 5 million with their descendants-fled or were driven from their homes in 1948 and commemorate Nakba Day today. The 160,000 who stayed behind are now known as Arab Israelis and number about 1.4 million, some 20 percent of Israel’s population. Each weekend, growing numbers of Arab Israelis pack out cafes and hotels in the West Bank and flock to the markets, combining visits to relatives with cheaper shopping and leisure. “The Palestinians who live inside Israel coming here to shop in Nablus has really given a boost to the city’s markets,” said clothes shop owner Abu Hussein.

‘Nationalism and marginalization’ The reassertion of a Palestinian identity by growing num- bers of Arab Israelis comes after a string of attacks on Christian and Muslim properties by suspected Jewish extremists, and after several new Israeli laws they perceive as infringing on their civil rights. “Palestinians inside Israel have never lost their national awareness. But at the moment it’s growing,” said Nadeem Nashef, director of an Arab youth organization based in the northern Israeli city of Haifa. The attacks, and attempts “to give more privileges to Jews, have pushed people into taking firmer (nationalist) RAMALLAH: A Palestinian man walks past a poster on Nakba. positions,” Nashef said. Mordechai Kedar, professor of Arab NABLUS: Palestinians walk past a mural that was recently painted to mark Nakba. studies at Bar Ilan University near Tel Aviv, agreed. “The attacks that have taken place in the last few weeks, such as the burning of cars and scrawling of (racist) graffiti, ignite feelings of nationalism and of marginalization,” he said. The uptick in racist attacks has alarmed Israeli police, who have begun working in tandem with the internal security service Shin Bet to prosecute what some politicians are call- ing “terrorist” acts. But despite the government’s proclama- tion of its determination to root out the racism of the extremists, Arab Israelis feel they are simultaneously margin- alized by the establishment. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu this month defend- ed plans to enshrine in law Israel’s status as the national homeland of the Jewish people. For Palestinians, accepting Israel as a Jewish state would mean accepting the Nakba and potentially precluding the right of return for 1948 refugees and their descendents. In March, Israel raised the threshold of votes parties need to get seats in parliament, in a bill boycotted by all opposition MPs on the basis that it marginalizes minority parties such as the Arab nationalist Balad. But Mordechai argued that Arab Israelis still want to stay put, given the alternatives in the Middle East. “They still prefer to live inside Israel rather than another Arab country,” KHAN YUNIS: Palestinian children hold a cutout symbolizing a key that reads in Kedar said. — AFP NABLUS: An Israeli soldier pulls a Palestinian man during a rally. Arabic, “The return unites us”.

QALANDIA: Palestinian women walk past a freshly painted mural depicting scenes following the Nakba. RAFAH: A Palestinian woman with children walks past a mural showing the city of Jerusalem and the cartoon char- acture known as Handala holding a key. INTERNATIONAL THURSDAY, MAY 15, 2014 Syria war forces a family to flee every minute

GENEVA: The war in Syria is driving one est hours of the 1990s, with the genocides course is a serious problem in relation to in the number of internally displaced, but The IDMC study also showed that Syria family from their home every minute, in Bosnia, elsewhere in the Balkans, and in the capacity to protect the rights of people the last two years have been by far the and four other countries-Colombia, pushing the number of people internally Rwanda and the Congo,” he told reporters. internally displaced,” he added. It can be worst,” said Egeland. “Syria is the epicentre Nigeria, the Democratic Republic of Congo displaced by conflict to a new global high, The figures were revealed in a report by near-impossible for aid workers to reach of violent, forced displacement.” Around and Sudan-accounted for two-thirds of the the UN’s former aid chief said yesterday. A the Geneva-based Internal Displacement IDPs, who may end up being forced to 9,500 people a day-approximately one global total. The Colombia, Congo and total of 8.2 million people were forced to Monitoring Centre (IDMC), run by the move on again just as they rebuild their family every 60 seconds-are being driven Sudan crises have been the most drawn flee their homes by violence last year, near- Norwegian Refugee Council. lives, can find it hard to flee abroad to from their homes in the conflict-ridden out due to long-running insurgencies or ly half of them in Syria, Jan Egeland told Internally displaced people (IDPs) are rebuild their lives and often live in poverty. country. ethnic conflict. Their IDP totals were 5.7 reporters. those who flee their homes but stay in Each one of the globe’s 33.3 million IDPs A total of 6.5 million have been dis- million, 2.9 million and 2.4 million respec- The global total of displaced people their country, as opposed to those who has on average been displaced for 17 placed since war broke out between tively. Egeland said the 3.3 million people reached 33.3 million in 2013, including cross a border and are considered years. “What we are witnessing today in Damascus and rebel forces in March 2011 displaced in Nigeria was particularly shock- people affected by protracted crises last- refugees. While refugees benefit from pro- our world is a multiplication of conflicts, — 3.5 million in 2013 alone-while a further ing. Last year alone, 300,000 Nigerians ing for decades. “These are people in tection under international law, IDPs are and at the same time it looks like old con- 2.7 million are refugees mainly in neigh- were forced to flee by the conflict with absolute crisis. They are unprotected. They the responsibility of their country’s author- flicts never die,” said Guterres. bouring countries. After Syria, the two Islamist militants Boko Haram and a further are often lacking assistance. They are the ities, which are often unable to help them countries with the highest number of peo- 170,000 by communal strife. While the most vulnerable of humankind,” said or outright unwilling. ‘Relentless increase’ ple fleeing their homes in 2013 were the IDMC study focused on 2013, Egeland not- Egeland, who now heads the Norwegian “In many situations, that is not an effec- There are now roughly double the num- Central African Republic and the ed that the South Sudan conflict, which Refugee Council. tive protection,” said United Nations ber of IDPs worldwide as refugees. “Since Democratic Republic of Congo, with nearly erupted in December, has so far displaced “It is worse than the bleakest and black- refugee chief Antonio Guterres. “This of 2000, there has been a relentless increase a million each. a million people. — AFP ‘I hacked Kate’s Syria welcomes UN envoy phone 155 times’ exit as peace hopes dim

LONDON: The former royal editor of Andy Coulson, later Prime Minister David Rupert Murdoch’s News of the World Cameron’s media chief, of authorizing ille- Kerry heads for Syria talks tabloid admitted for the first time at a gal payments to public officials. Coulson London court yesterday that he had and Rebekah Brooks, another former edi- DAMASCUS: Syria welcomed yesterday the that have been hopelessly divided in their hacked the voicemails of Britain’s Prince tor and later chief executive of Murdoch’s resignation of UN envoy Lakhdar Brahimi, approaches to ending the conflict.” William and Prince Harry, and William’s British newspaper arm are also on trial as hopes for a resumption of peace talks wife Kate Middleton. Clive Goodman, accused of phone-hacking offences. All dimmed ahead of a controversial election Accusations of bias who was jailed in 2007 for illegally access- seven defendants on trial deny the expected to return President Bashar Al- But Al-Watan, a newspaper close to the ing the voicemails on the mobiles of royal charges. Assad to office. Damascus accused Brahimi, Assad regime, put the blame on Brahimi aides, told the jury at the Old Bailey court who announced on Tuesday that he will yesterday. “Brahimi is Saudi Arabia’s man,” it he had hacked Queen Elizabeth’s grand- Speaking freely step down on May 31, of bias and interfer- said, in reference to the Sunni kingdom’s sons in search of stories while working at Goodman had been absent from court ence in its internal affairs after he criticized backing for the Sunni-dominated uprising the now-defunct tabloid. since falling ill in March during cross- the planned election as a blow to peace against Assad. “He demonstrated his partiali- Middleton’s phone was hacked 155 examination from Coulson’s lawyer efforts. The opposition however thanked ty for the opposition, particularly during the times, William’s 35 and Harry’s nine times, Timothy Langdale. In earlier testimony, he Brahimi for his efforts, which yielded two Geneva meeting, by expressing his support the court was told. He targeted said Coulson had agreed a project to fund rounds of peace talks but no concrete for the National Coalition and its chief, Middleton, who married William in 2011, a private detective to hack the phones of results, and said they shared his “frustra- Ahmad Jarba.” State news agency SANA said on Christmas Eve, Christmas Day and staff working for William and Harry. tion” over the stalemate in the conflict. there were numerous reasons for Brahimi’s Boxing Day in 2005. Despite her often Asked why he was now admitting Brahimi’s departure comes as Assad failure, highlighting what it said was his changing the PIN number to access her hacking the royals themselves, Goodman campaigns for a new seven-year term in interference in Syria’s internal affairs. “A voicemails, she was repeatedly hacked. said he could speak freely as the Crown the June 3 election which the opposition mediator cannot interfere in the sovereign The last time was on Aug 7, 2006, the day Prosecution Service (CPS) had made it and much of the international community affairs of states,” it said. US Secretary of State have dismissed as a “farce.” The veteran John Kerry, who headed to London yester- before police arrested Goodman. clear he would not be facing any further diplomat coaxed the government and the day to attend a meeting today of the pro- William was hacked for the first time in action over hacking. “I’m happy to give a opposition to attend peace talks in Geneva opposition Friends of Syria group, insisted full account of every single one of these late January 2006, the court heard, the this year, but they broke down after two that Brahimi “did not fail.” first time it had been revealed that his (hackings),” Goodman told the court. rounds, and the war has slipped into a Kerry blamed Assad for the stalemate, voicemails had been accessed. Despite Langdale queried why he had not dis- fourth year. calling him a man “who will not negotiate” numerous hackings of the royals, closed these details in response to ques- Brahimi said Tuesday he was “very sad and was “clinging to power.” The Syrian Goodman said detectives had never tions he had put to him weeks ago when that I leave this position and leave Syria opposition too blamed Assad, saying they before asked him about his tapping of he only recalled hacking five royal aides behind in such a bad state.” To Syrians, he shared Brahimi’s “frustration with the Assad the princes’ phones. Police reopened their and the son of Camilla Parker Bowles, the offered “apologies, once more, that we regime for not engaging constructively in investigation into phone-hacking in 2011. second wife of heir-to-the-throne Prince have not been able to help them as much the political process.” The Friends of Syria The subsequent scandal rocked the Charles. “Had you really forgotten that as they deserve; and, tell them the tragedy meeting is expected to discuss the humani- British establishment and led Murdoch to you had been hacking him (Prince in their country shall be solved.” UN chief tarian situation in the country, as well as closing the 168-year-old News of the William),” Langdale asked. “I didn’t recall ALEPPO: A Syrian woman comforts her children after their Ban Ki-moon blamed the failure to find ways to “raise the prospects that the regime World. Goodman, 56, is now on trial specifics,” Goodman replied. The trial con- house in the Sahour neighborhood of the northern Syrian peace on “a Syrian nation, Middle Eastern will participate in meaningful political dia- accused with the paper’s former editor tinues. — Reuters city of Aleppo was bombed yesterday. — AFP region and wider international community logue,” a UN official said. —AFP

NAJAF: Farid Mahmoud carries the lifeless body of his 18-month-old son Mustafa yesterday who was killed in a bombing on Tuesday, before his burial in the Shiite holy city of Najaf, 100 miles (160 kilometers) south of Baghdad, Iraq yesterday. — AP Iraq parties plot for power

BAGHDAD: Iraq’s political parties are already maneuvering to Maliki’s spokesman Ali Mussawi was bullish the incumbent form a government nearly two weeks before preliminary would stay, pointing to leaked preliminary results based on results from the elections are due, with Nuri Al-Maliki’s bid to partial vote counts reported in Iraqi media. “We have good retain the premiership hanging in the balance. With violence indications from different groups who want to participate in at its worst in years and many voters dissatisfied over rampant the political majority government we want to form,” he told corruption, high unemployment and poor basic services, the AFP. Following previous elections, Iraqi parties have grouped incumbent premier faces strong opposition. together to form national unity governments, though these But Maliki’s bloc is still widely expected to take the largest have seen the various coalition members snipe at each other number of parliament seats from the April 30 vote, even if in public, with little landmark legislation passed. Maliki has they do not win a majority, sparking a race between him and instead pushed for a political majority government and has his rivals to secure the 165 seats necessary to form a govern- courted parties from across the communal spectrum to try to ment. Parties from Iraq’s Shiite, Sunni and Kurdish communi- obtain 165 seats in parliament. ties have already begun to meet to discuss potential alliances, though provisional results are not expected until May 25. Aiming to ‘dismiss Maliki’ “Politics parties ... are maneuvering in the meantime until His critics accuse him of consolidating power, particularly results are announced,” said Ihsan Al-Shammari, professor of over the security forces, and blame him for a marked deterio- politics at Baghdad University. “Opposition groups, if they will ration in security in recent months. The premier, however, con- be able to gather 50 percent plus one (of the 328 parliamen- tends he has been saddled with an unruly national unity coali- tary seats), they would prefer to isolate Maliki.” Several groups tion that publicly undermines him and blocks his legislation in have proactively sought out potential coalition partners in a parliament. bid to speed up a government formation process that took He and other leaders of Iraq’s majority Shiite community more than nine months following 2010 elections and is again met earlier this week, ostensibly as part of efforts to ally expected to require a protracted period of time. together to form the centre of a new government. Iraq’s vari- ous communities have over the years developed a de facto Seeking an alliance agreement whereby the prime minister has been a Shiite Maliki’s State of Law bloc sent a letter to rival parties, Arab, the president a Kurd and the speaker of parliament a including those Maliki has publicly refused to ally with, earlier Sunni Arab. this month outlining a potential program for government. The As a result, any prime minister is likely to require some sup- letter, a copy of which was seen by AFP, contained an 18-point port from Iraq’s minority Sunni Arab and Kurdish communities plan made up largely of calls for coalition partners to support to form a government. women’s rights, back a fair distribution of wealth and reject Several have already held meetings, though in a bid to sectarian policies. shut Maliki out of power. “The alliance that we are trying to But it did also say potential allies should back decentraliza- form is aiming to put together a national unity government, tion, and support the speedy approval of three key laws: one and dismiss Maliki,” said Hamid Al-Zobaie, a member of the governing Iraq’s political parties, another regulating its energy Sunni Arab Mutahidoon party that is strongly opposed to sector, and a third creating an upper chamber of parliament. Maliki and loyal to Iraq’s parliament speaker. — AFP INTERNATIONAL THURSDAY, MAY 15, 2014

Spain mum ‘confesses’ to killing ruling politician

MADRID: A Spanish mother has confessed to gun- police shortly after the shooting. “The mother has Leon City Hall’s chief government spokesman, Jose obtain the optimum evidence so as to resolve from ning down a ruling-party politician in public in a confessed to being the author of the killing and also Maria Lopez Benito, told AFP. “It was handed over at the police point of view a case that has shocked not long-planned act of personal vengeance that confessed that she had been planning to commit the national police station in Leon. The policewoman only Leon but the whole of Spain,” he said. shocked the nation, a source close to the investiga- such an act for two years,” the source, who declined gave a statement there,” he added. Spain’s general A source at Leon City Hall said the daughter’s tion told AFP yesterday. Isabel Carrasco, 59, to be identified because a judge has imposed secre- director of police Ignacio Cosido said the mother, temporary job with the council had expired when renowned as a strong character who was Popular cy over the investigation, told AFP. Maria Montserrat Gonzalez Fernandez, and her someone else was chosen for the position in 2011. Party leader of the Leon provincial council, was shot daughter, Montserrat Triana Martinez Gonzalez, But in addition to laying her off, the council then repeatedly in broad daylight Monday as she crossed Policewoman ‘had murder weapon’ would face a judge later in the day. said it had mistakenly overpaid her 12,000 euros a footbridge near her home in the northern city. In a rapidly developing investigation, police said ($16,500) and wanted its money back. The council Prime Minister Mariano Rajoy and other leading they had finally recovered the suspected murder Shocked whole of Spain recently won a legal dispute, forcing her to return Spanish politicians suspended European election weapon after it was handed in by a policewoman. The policewoman who handed in the weapon the funds, the source said. The key suspects in the campaigning and joined mourning for Carrasco Officers had been searching in vain for the gun, had been released after giving a statement but she, case are the wife and daughter of a local police before her funeral in Leon on Tuesday. A 55-year-old including in the Bernesga river which runs under the too, would have to face the judge as a suspect, he chief inspector, Spain’s police chief said there was mother and her 35-year-old daughter, who had bridge where Carrasco was shot. But a local police- said. “She had the weapon that was supposedly used no suspicion or evidence, however, against the recently lost a bitter employment-related dispute woman delivered a bag containing the suspected to commit the killing,” Cosido told a news conference. chief inspector of the Leon provincial town of with the Leon provincial council, were detained by murder weapon to police on Tuesday afternoon, the “We are undertaking all the police scientific tests to Astorga. — AFP

Nigeria ‘willing to talk’ to Boko over missing girls

ABUJA: Nigeria said it was willing to talk to was also in the capital “discussing US assis- Boko Haram militants, as the United States tance for the search as well as overall coopera- sent its top Africa general for talks on the res- tion”. Rodriguez’s visit came after Washington cue mission of more than 200 kidnapped confirmed it was flying manned aircraft over schoolgirls. The governor of Nigeria’s north- Nigeria and sharing commercial satellite eastern Borno state, Kashim Shettima, con- imagery to help with the hunt for the kid- firmed that all of the girls shown in the latest napped girls. video released by the militant Islamist group Britain said it was sending its Foreign Office had been identified as students in the school minister for Africa, Mark Simmonds, to Abuja attacked in Chibok last month. President yesterday to discuss what further help is Goodluck Jonathan on Tuesday requested a required. One of Britain’s military specialists on six-month extension to the state of emergency the ground, Brigadier Ivan Jones, said there declared in Borno and two neighbouring was close co-operation with the Nigerians but states a year ago because of the “daunting” warned the search was difficult. “No one security situation. should underestimate the scale and complexi- Special duties minister Taminu Turaki ty of this incident and environment,” he said in restated the Nigerian government’s position a statement. that it was open to negotiations on ending Boko Haram’s increasingly bloody five-year Emergency extension insurgency. Turaki, who last year headed a Jonathan’s request for a six-month exten- committee tasked with pursuing an amnesty sion of the state of emergency in the northeast pact with some of the group’s fighters, told requires the approval of both chambers of AFP: “Nigeria has always been willing to dia- Nigeria’s parliament. The request comes logue with the insurgents. almost a year to the day after the state of KRASNOARMEYSK: Relatives of Hyudych Vadim Yurievichq, including his mother (center), mourn his death yesterday at the Krasnoarmeysk cemetery, “We are willing to carry that dialogue on emergency was first imposed and nearly six eastern Ukraine. Hyudych Vadim Yurievichq was a pro-Russian activist shot dead by pro-Kiev militants near Krasnoarmeysk’s city hall. — AFP any issue, including the girls kidnapped in months after an initial extension. Chibok, because certainly we are not going to But with more than 1,500 people killed this say that (the abduction) is not an issue.” year alone and no let-up in the violence, the Nigeria’s interior minister had previously dis- wisdom of an extension was immediately Ukraine holds talks to end missed a suggestion from Boko Haram leader called into question. The government in north- Abubakar Shekau in a video released on ern Yobe State swiftly rejected any extension Monday that the girls could be swapped for of the state of emergency, slamming it as imprisoned militants. But the military later said “apparent failure” over the past year. crisis, rebels not invited it would “explore all options” to end the crisis. Shehu Sani, an expert on Boko Haram and violence in northern Nigeria, said it was a Girls identified “futile” exercise and the government should Kiev wants to push de-centralization plan Boko Haram fighters kidnapped 276 instead seek a negotiated settlement. French schoolgirls from the remote northeastern Foreign Minister Laurent Fabius denounced KIEV: The Ukrainian government reluctantly ance of the round-table format was a step in the conversation, servicemen persuaded the armed town of Chibok in Borno state on April 14 and what he called the “mass rape” of the missing agreed to launch talks on decentralizing power right direction, whether the pro-Russia sepa- men to go, Kushnir said. 223 are still being held. The group’s latest Nigerian schoolgirls. yesterday as part of a European-backed peace ratists were invited or not. The OSCE plan calls on all sides to refrain video purported to show some 130 girls, in an These girls “have been the kidnapped and plan, but did not invite its main foes, the pro- “We are of the opinion that this national dia- from violence, an amnesty for those involved in undisclosed rural location, wearing Muslim then enslaved, and it’s a mass rape that must Russia insurgents who have declared independ- logue will help to de-escalate the situation,” she the unrest, and talks on decentralization and dress and praying, and said they had all con- be prosecuted and punished as such,” Fabius ence in the east. That deliberate oversight left it said. The OSCE itself would not comment yester- the status of the Russian language. It envisages verted to Islam. A special viewing of the said during a visit to Washington. France will unclear what the negotiations might accom- day on the invitee list. Russia has strongly a quick launch of high-level round tables across footage was organized for the missing girls’ host a summit on Saturday focusing on the plish. Ukraine’s prime minister, Arseniy backed the OSCE road map. The United States, the country, bringing together lawmakers and parents. “All the girls in that video were identi- threat posed by Boko Haram and has invited Yatsenyuk, was to chair the first in a series of while saying it’s worth a try, views its prospects representatives of the central government and fied to be students of the Government Girls leaders from at least five African countries, round tables with national lawmakers, govern- for success with skepticism. Ukraine and the the regions. Secondary School, Chibok,” Borno Governor including Nigeria. ment figures and regional officials as part of a West have accused Moscow of fomenting the Shettima said in Abuja. Earlier, the leader of Meanwhile the United Nations’ top expert peace plan drafted by the Organization for unrest in eastern Ukraine, where insurgents Unspecified ‘means and methods’ the Chibok community in the capital, on worldwide human trafficking called for the Security and Cooperation in Europe. The trans- have seized administrative buildings, fought Ukrainian Foreign Ministry spokesman Tsambido Hosea, said the video had stirred up negotiated release of the schoolgirls, amid Atlantic security and rights group also includes government forces and declared independence Yevhen Perebiynis lamented that the OSCE plan conflicting emotions back home. “I called worries they might be sold off. “The elements Russia and the United States. for the Donetsk and Luhansk regions after a does not specifically oblige Russia to do any- Chibok and spoke with some of them (the par- of trafficking are there,” said Joy Ngozi Ezeilo, Even as Yatsenyuk launched the talks he was hastily called vote last weekend that Ukraine thing. In Moscow, Sergei Naryshkin, the speaker ents),” he said at a protest march. “Some are the UN Human Rights Council’s special rappor- dismissive of them, thanking the OSCE for its and the Western powers have called a sham. of the lower house of Russian parliament, said saying they are happy because they have seen teur on the issue, in a conference call with US- efforts but saying Ukraine has its own plan to Dozens have died in the scattershot fighting yesterday that the Ukrainian authorities’ refusal their daughters. Some have their grief based foreign journalists. end the crisis. He gave no details of that plan. across the east. On Tuesday, the Defense to speak to their foes and the continuing mili- increased. So, there is a mixed reaction.” “We cannot do politics with the lives of The road map aims to halt fighting between Ministry said six soldiers were killed and nine tary operation in the east will undermine the these young girls,” Ezeilo, a Nigerian herself, government forces and pro-Russia separatists wounded in a rebel ambushed near the city of legitimacy of the May 25 presidential vote. US general’s visit added. Jonathan, criticised for his slow who have taken over government buildings in Kramatorsk in the Donetsk region - the dead- But in an important change, he added that US, British, French and Israeli specialists response to the kidnappings, has said he the east and de-escalate tensions ahead of liest attack the Ukrainian military has seen since the failure to hold it would be even worse. “It’s have been sent to Abuja to provide specialist believed the students were still in Nigeria and Ukraine’s May 25 presidential vote. It lets the the offensive began last month. Defense hard to imagine that this election could be fully assistance to Nigeria. China has also offered would be freed soon. But there are fears they Ukrainian government decide specifics of the Ministry spokesman Bohdan Senyk said about legitimate,” Naryshkin said on Rossiya 24 televi- help. A US defense official said General David may have been split into groups and taken to talks. Acting Ukrainian President Oleksandr 30 gunmen positioned themselves on both sion. “But it’s obvious that the failure to hold the Rodriguez, the head of US Africa Command, Chad or Cameroon. —AFP Turchynov said the talks would involve “regional sides of the road and used rocket-propelled election would lead to an even sadder situation, elites” -expected to include former Ukrainian grenades to knock out the military vehicles in a so it’s necessary to choose the lesser evil.” presidents, officials and lawmakers. But he said battle that raged for an hour. Moscow had previously called for postponing the government would not stop its offensive to Ukraine’s presidential vote, saying it must be retake eastern cities now under the control of Russia denies involvement preceded by a constitutional reform that would the separatists who declared independence on Yesterday morning, AP journalists saw the turn Ukraine into a federation. It has recently Monday. “The government will act against those charred carcasses of a Ukrainian armored per- taken a more conciliatory stance, reflecting an who are terrorizing the region with arms in sonnel carrier and a truck at the clash site. apparent desire to ease what has become the hand in line with the law, by continuing an anti- Defense Minister Mykhailo Koval claimed that worst crisis in relations with the West since the terrorist operation against them,” Turchynov the insurgents were being aided by Russian ser- Cold War. said. vicemen. “Russia has waged an undeclared new- The insurgents in Luhansk have already said generation war in Ukraine. The neighboring they won’t allow the presidential ballot to be No offers received country has unleashed a war using units of ter- held and Pushilin, the Donetsk rebel leader, said Insurgents in the east shrugged off the rorists and saboteurs,” he said. He added that they will use unspecified “means and methods” round table as meaningless.”We haven’t some of the men who had besieged a Ukrainian to prevent the vote from happening. Former received any offers to join a round table and military base in the east openly introduced Prime Minister Yulia Tymoshenko, who is among dialogue,” Denis Pushilin, an insurgent leader in themselves as officers of Russia’s 45th Airborne those running for president, criticized the Donetsk. “If the authorities in Kiev want a dia- Regiment. authorities for failing to engage their oppo- logue, they must come here. If we go to Kiev, Russia has vehemently denied involvement. nents and urged the government to move the they will arrest us.” Even so, European officials Yesterday morning, about 15 men armed with round tables from Kiev to Donetsk, the main applauded the start of the talks. The EU’s automatic weapons arrived at a military base in city in the rebellious east. But that wouldn’t be enlargement commissioner, Stefan Fule, wel- the city of Donetsk and demanded that the sol- enough for many of the insurgents.”The govern- comed the launch of the round table on his diers pledge allegiance to the self-proclaimed ment in Kiev does not want to listen to the peo- Twitter account, voicing hope the next meeting rebel Donetsk People’s Republic, said Viktoria ple of Donetsk,” said Denis Patkovski, a member would take place in the east. Sawsan Chebli, a Kushnir, a spokeswoman of Ukraine’s National of pro-Russian militia in the eastern city of LAGOS: People carrying placards in support of schoolgirls kidnapped by Boko Haram spokeswoman for German Foreign Minister Guard. The men blocked the gate of the base Slovyansk. “They just come here with their attend a street demonstration yesterday. — AFP Frank-Walter Steinmeier, said Ukraine’s accept- with a truck for half an hour, but after a lengthy guns.” — AP Sept 11 Museum displays heart-wrenching artifacts

NEW YORK: New York’s new Sept 11 museum is a University’s museum studies program. He isn’t 11 and its legacy. Members of the museum’s inter- monument to how the terror attacks that day involved in the Sept 11 museum. faith clergy advisory panel raised concerns that it shaped history, from its heart-wrenching artifacts The museum harbors both personal posses- plans to show a documentary film, about Al-Qaeda, to the underground space that houses them amid sions and artifacts that became public symbols of that they said unfairly links Islam and terrorism. The the remnants of the fallen twin towers’ founda- survival and loss. There is the battered “survivors’ museum has said the documentary is objective tions. It also reflects the complexity of crafting a staircase” that hundreds used to escape the burn- and its scholarship solid. public understanding of the terrorist attacks and ing skyscrapers, the memento-covered last column While some Sept 11 victims’ relatives have re-conceiving ground zero. removed during the ground zero cleanup and the embraced the museum, others have denounced its The National September 11 Memorial Museum cross-shaped steel beams that became an emblem $24 general-public ticket price as unseemly and its is set to be dedicated today and open to the public of remembrance. (An atheists’ group has sued, so underground location as disrespectful, particularly May 21. The museum faced financing squabbles far unsuccessfully, seeking to stop the display of because unidentified remains are being stored in a and construction challenges. Conflicts over its con- the cross). private repository there. Other victims’ families see tent underlined the sensitivity of memorializing Portraits and profiles describe the nearly 3,000 it as a fitting resting place. the dead while honoring survivors and rescuers, of people killed by the Sept 11 attacks and the 1993 The museum and the memorial plaza above it balancing the intimate with the international. trade center bombing. Nearly 2,000 oral histories cost a total of $700 million to build. They will cost Holocaust and war memorials have confronted give voice to the memories of survivors, first $60 million a year to run, more than Arlington some of the same questions. But the 9/11 museum responders, victims’ relatives and others. In one, a National Cemetery and more than 15 times as exemplifies the work it takes to “develop a museum mother remembers a birthday dinner at the trade much as the museum that memorializes the 1995 program amidst this range of powerful feelings center’s Windows on the World restaurant the night Oklahoma City bombing. Sept 11 museum organiz- and differing individuals and issues that get raised,” before her daughter died at work at the towers. ers have noted that security alone costs about $10 NEW YORK: This file photo shows electronic images of victims of the attacks of Sept 11, said Bruce Altshuler, the director of New York The museum also looks at the lead-up to Sept million a year. — AP 2001, destined to be a part of the future 9/11 Memorial Museum. — AP THURSDAY, MAY 15, 2014 INTERNATIONAL In India, a case of rule and divide Some Muslims support Modi’s pro-growth policies

AHMEDABAD: Ali Husain is a prosper- Modi’s government amended the law in ous young Indian Muslim businessman. 2009 to give local officials greater pow- He recently bought a Mercedes and er to decide on property sales. It also lives in a suburban-style gated commu- extended the reach of the law, most nity that itself sits inside a ghetto. In recently in 2013 - 11 years after the last Gujarat, it is so difficult for Muslims to major religious riots. buy property in areas dominated by The state government says the law is Hindus even the community’s fast- meant to protect Muslims, who account growing urban middle class is confined for just under 10 percent of the state’s to cramped and decrepit corners of 60 million people. “It prevents ethnic cities. Husain embodies the paradox of cleansing and people being forced out,” Gujarat: the state’s pro-business leader- a senior government official who ship has created opportunities for requested anonymity told Reuters. entrepreneurs of all creeds; yet religious Critics say the act’s continued enforce- prejudice and segregation are deeply, ment and the addition of new districts and even legally, engrained. If a Muslim covered by it - about 40 percent of enquires about a property in a new Ahmedabad is now governed by the development, often the response is: law - means it is effectively being “Why are you even asking?” said Husain, applied as a tool of social engineering. speaking at his home in the Muslim The Gujarat High Court in a 2012 neighborhood of Juhapura, where filthy case questioned the state government’s slum streets rub against smart new use of the act to block the sale of prop- apartment blocks and enclaves. erties by Hindus to Muslims. The Indian Separation of communities is com- Express newspaper said in a recent edi- mon across India. Nowhere is it as sys- torial: “More Muslims and Hindus have tematized as it has become in Gujarat. moved into separate spaces in Gujarat, That matters because the state’s chief finding trust and assurance only among minister, Narendra Modi, could soon run neighbors of their own community, and the country. Exit polls show that when it has ended up entrenching segrega- results of a general election are tion and shutting Muslims out of the announced tomorrow, Modi’s Bharatiya mainstream.” Janata Party (BJP) and its allies will win a majority in parliament, almost certainly “Spit on him” making him India’s next prime minister. Among those pressing hardest for The 63-year-old Hindu nationalist the law to be maintained and extended has ruled the western state of Gujarat to other parts of Gujarat are Hindu since 2001. He has surrounded himself nationalists, such as Pravin Togadia. One with technocrats - and also ministers evening in April, Togadia sat before a and advisers who promote “Hindutva”, a crowd of neighbors in a tranquil resi- belief in the supremacy of Hinduism. As dential street of Bhavnagar, an other- prime minister, Modi would lead not wise bustling town three hours drive just 975 million Hindus but 175 million from Ahmedabad. To bursts of Muslims, around 15 percent of India’s applause, he railed against a Muslim population and the third-largest Muslim scrap dealer, Ali Asghar Zaveri, who had population in the world. dared to purchase a property there. MUMBAI: A woman customer (left) holds a sari printed with a portrait of Bharatiya Janata Party’s prime ministerial candidate Narendra Modi at a gar- Modi’s record in his home state is His forehead smeared with vermil- ments shop yesterday. — AP clouded by riots in 2002, when 1,000 lion, a mark of piety, Togadia told his people, mostly Muslims, died in a frenzy audience they should break open their than Hindus because they have more Muslims.” Sareshwala estimated that 30 their rickety homes two years ago, forc- vote for Modi, selecting the “none of the of mob violence. Modi still struggles to new neighbor’s padlocked gates and children. percent of Gujarat’s Muslims now back ing them to rebuild away from the above” option on election day. “Our main shake off the perception he did not do take over the two houses behind them Several Hindus who declined to be the BJP thanks to urban development waterfront. fear is he will throw us out of the coun- enough to stop the bloodshed, despite before Zaveri could get a chance to named for this story said if Muslims buy and access to services that Modi has try,” she said. “What if some of his people a Supreme Court investigation that move in. “When he comes out onto the property in their areas, the value of their brought. Opinion polls have not project- People are afraid come and attack us?” found no case against him and his own street, you should spit on him,” he told own homes falls. One said the stigma of ed the Muslim vote in Gujarat. “Modi has done some good work. In Juhapura, businessman Ali Husain insistence he did all he could to keep the gathering. “Get 10-15 children to living alongside Muslims can make it dif- “People call him a dictator, I call him Our children can get scholarships and has made it his mission to break down the peace. stand around and throw tomatoes at ficult for Hindus to marry off their daugh- decisive,” he said. Even much poorer school meals. Women feel protected, and barriers between the state’s communi- Even some Hindus connect Modi to him.” Togadia added that if Zaveri did ters. Muslims back Modi. In a dirt-poor widows get compensation,” said 48-year- ties. Two years ago he persuaded a major the riots. Pradeep Shukla, a prominent not give up the property, which he One consequence of the segregation: Ahmedabad riverside slum of about 150 old Shabnam Banu, sitting on the floor developer to sell homes to Muslims in Hindu businessman and former mem- reportedly bought for $250,000, they land and home prices in Juhapura and families, most of them Muslim, five of with her friends in a simple room where luxury townships on the edge of ber of the BJP in the Gujarati town of should go in their thousands to his other Muslim areas have escalated more eight women who spoke with Reuters a slow-moving ceiling fan did little to Ahmedabad, and he is now working Bhavnagar said Hindus “believe that, scrap shop and surround it. than in Hindu areas as the community said they had voted for the BJP, even alleviate the pre-monsoon heat. Still, with a Hindu company to produce Halal somewhere, indirectly, Modi had a hand “Take stones with you, burn tires,” he finds its ability to expand and build more though Modi’s government bulldozed Banu herself couldn’t bring herself to food. — Reuters in it because he supports Hindus. This is said, according to a video of the meet- properties limited. “Prices have increased why they vote for him.” On the cam- ing, which concluded with women in so much because the expansion of paign trail, Modi has tried to project a the crowd of around 100 people chanti- Juhapura has been contained, not only moderate image with a platform that ng a Hindu hymn. Togadia is president by walls but also by the building of downplays hot-button Hindu issues and of the Vishva Hindu Parishad (VHP), a Hindu colonies... at the periphery of the emphasizes growth and “development pugnacious group in a family of Hindu locality,” Christophe Jaffrelot, a scholar for all”. But in Gujarat’s neighbourhoods nationalist organizations that includes with the Carnegie Endowment for and cities, people tell a different story. Modi’s Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). International Peace, wrote in a recent col- Togadia did not respond to ques- umn in the Indian Express. History scarred by violence tions from Reuters. According to local Husain is one of roughly 400,000 media reports, he said news articles Muslims for Modi people living in Juhapura, a teeming about the incident were “fabricated and At the same time, some Muslims in Muslim township within Ahmedabad, written with malicious intention to Gujarat have been lifted on a tide of ris- Gujarat’s largest city. Many of them malign” both him and his organization. ing prosperity. The state has long been a moved there after the 2002 riots. Local Modi did not comment directly on the model of economic success in India giv- Hindus jokingly refer to it as “Little VHP leader’s outburst. But in a tweet en its coastal location, large ports and Pakistan”. India’s history is scarred by widely interpreted as condemnation, he industrialization. According to National episodes of horrific Hindu-Muslim vio- said he disapproved of “petty state- Survey Sample Office figures, for lence. At least 200,000 people were ments by those claiming to be the BJP’s instance, Gujarat is one of the top Indian killed in the months after the country well-wishers”. Modi was not available to states for Muslim employment. The was divided into India and Pakistan at comment for this story. national unemployment rate among independence from Britain in 1947. The Muslims was almost double that of destruction of an ancient mosque in Escalating property prices Gujarati Muslims in 2009-10. 1992 by Hindu zealots in Ayodhya trig- Bhavnagar is not covered by the But the picture is far from clear. Data gered religious rioting across India. Disturbed Areas Act. But in one district from the same source showed nearly Modi visited the northern town on May of the town, Hindus have effectively one in three Gujarati Hindus had a sec- 5, repeatedly invoking the name of the imposed it, raising a banner at the entry ondary education or higher in 2009-10, Hindu deity Ram. to a narrow lane that reads: “In this area, against one in five for Muslims - roughly Memories of the 2002 rioting have locality or by-lane no property or build- in line with the average for Muslims not faded for the many residents of ing can be sold or rented to people who across the country. Juhapura who lost relatives, homes and are not of this religion.” Reuters inter- Zafar Sareshwala is among those who businesses. And its legacy has been viewed two local VHP leaders who said have prospered. One of Gujarat’s wealthi- increasing segregation. In particular, a they have made repeated requests est Muslims, he owns a chain of BMW property law unique to Gujarat has per- since 2004 for Bhavnagar to be put showrooms. Sareshwala supports Modi petuated segregation, creating ghettos under the Disturbed Areas Act. even though his family was financially such as Juhapura and a sense of One of the two, SD Jani, said Hindus ruined by the 2002 unrest. His view apartheid in some urban areas. object to Muslims living among them changed overnight the following year, he The “Disturbed Areas Act”, a law that because they are not vegetarian and said, after a meeting with Modi. restricts Muslims and Hindus from sell- many have committed acts of terrorism “He was deeply anguished. He was ing property to each other in “sensitive” abroad. His colleague, Kirit Mistry, com- apologetic about the scale of the dam- areas, was introduced in 1991 to avert plained that Muslims slaughter cows, age,” Sareshwala recalled. “Modi prom- an exodus or distress sales in neighbor- which are sacred to Hindus, and that ised justice would be delivered and said hoods hit by inter-religious unrest. the Muslim population is growing faster he would never discriminate against Pakistan arrests teacher for rape MANSEHRA: Pakistani police have arrested a seminary teacher and two of his friends on charges of gang raping a college girl in the country’s northwest, a police official said yesterday. The inci- dent took place on Monday in the city of Mansehra, which is home to several religious schools, said police officer Zulfiqar Jadon. The seminary instructor, who had been teaching the Quran - Islam’s holy book - for several years, and his two companions lured the victim and her friend on the pretext of dropping them off home from college, then raped the girl in a moving car, Jardon said. The teacher first confessed to the crime, then retracted his statement, saying the MANSEHRA: Pakistani suspects of a gang rape (center) leave a court after out- two schoolgirls had joined him and his raged citizens pelted the suspects with ink and tomatoes yesterday. — AP friends on an outing. report. Mansehra’s police chief Khurram The case is unusual since rape cases The suspects were brought before a Rasheed said the protesters pelted the are rarely prosecuted in Pakistan and court yesterday, which allows the police suspects when they came out with bot- women who complain are often stig- to hold them for four more days while tles of black ink, stones and tomatoes. matized. Circumstances are even more they are being investigated. As the Blackening someone is a sign of insult difficult if a perpetrator is a religious hearing was underway, townspeople in the Pakistani culture. The protesters leader or a respected seminary instruc- gathered outside the court and held a also demanded authorities hang the tor whom the victim would be afraid to protest to denounce the crime. three in public, Rasheed said. — AP INTERNATIONAL THURSDAY, MAY 15, 2014

‘Imminent’ N Korea nuke test unlikely: US think-tank

SEOUL: Despite fears to the contrary, North Korea does tor, China. “Based on available evidence... it appears that based, as with all forecasts of North Korea’s future behav- would “completely dissolve” the prospect of returning to not appear to be preparing an imminent nuclear test, a a nuclear test is not imminent,” the analysis said. ior, on limited information about a highly unpredictable six-party talks that China wants to revive, which are US think-tank said yesterday in an analysis of recent “Indeed, given previous North Korean practices, one regime. “Of course, the North Koreans could test tomor- meant to offer North Korea aid in return for dismantling satellite images of Pyongyang’s main test site. While the possible conclusion is that if the North is planning a test, row,” it said. “But after a month of crying wolf, it appears its nuclear drive. The 38 North analysis suggested the latest pictures dated May 9 do show high levels of activi- it may still be weeks away,” it added. The international the odds-on favorite now is that a test is not imminent North may have been planning an imminent test but ty at the Punggye-ri site, most of it seems to be of a community has been on edge for a month after South and in fact, may be some days, weeks or even months cancelled “at the last minute” as the result of Chinese mundane, routine nature that would not be consistent Korea cited intelligence reports that the North was plan- off.” North Korea has conducted three nuclear tests, in pressure to hold off. It offered other scenarios, including with an impending test, the US-Korea Institute at Johns ning to conduct its fourth nuclear test-possibly to coin- 2006, 2009 and 2012. the possibility that an impending test had never been Hopkins University said. cide with US President Barack Obama’s visit to Seoul in In a joint press briefing with Obama during his Seoul on the cards, and the stepped-up activity was just post- In an analysis posted on its website 38 North, the April. Subsequent satellite analysis by several think-tanks visit, South Korean President Park Geun-Hye warned that winter maintenance work. Or Pyongyang may have just institute offered several scenarios, including the possibil- confirmed stepped-up activity at the Punggye-ri site, another test would “fundamentally change the security been simulating test preparations to get attention. “Of ity that Pyongyang had been pushing towards a test but but most stopped short of predicting a detonation time- landscape” in Northeast Asia. In remarks aimed as much course we may never know if any of these explanations was warned off by its main ally and economic benefac- line. And 38 North stressed that its conclusions were at Beijing as Pyongyang, Park said a fourth detonation is correct,” the institute said. — AFP China may be building airstrip at disputed reef: Philippines

MANILA: The Philippines warned yesterday that China may be sea. In September last year, Manila accused Beijing of laying building an airstrip on a reef in the South China Sea, boosting concrete blocks on disputed Scarborough Shoal that it said the superpower’s claim to most of the strategic Asian waters. could be a “prelude to construction”. However, in an embar- Filipino surveillance aircraft have been monitoring large-scale rassing about-face, Manila dropped the allegations weeks lat- reclamation and earthmoving activity on Chinese-held er after concluding that the concrete blocks were previously- Johnson South Reef since January, the defense department existing structures. said. Asked if China was building an airstrip on the reef, also The Philippines said China took effective control of the claimed by the Philippines and Vietnam, Foreign Secretary shoal in 2012, stationing patrol vessels and shooing away Albert del Rosario said: “That’s one possibility”. Chinese foreign Filipino fishermen, after a stand-off with the Philippine Navy. ministry spokeswoman Hua Chunying, would not confirm the Beijing’s claim to nearly all of the South China Sea, which Philippine claim, but asserted the outcrop was Chinese territo- straddles vital sea lanes and is believed to sit on vast oil and ry. “Whatever construction China carries out on the reef is a gas reserves, has strained its ties with neighbors. Earlier this matter entirely within the scope of China’s sovereignty. I don’t month, Vietnam accused China of ramming its ships in an know what particular intentions the Philippines has in caring encounter near another part of the sea where Beijing had so much about this,” she said at a regular press briefing yester- deployed a deep-sea oil rig. BANGKOK: Traffic cones are pictured yesterday. — AP day. Last week, the Chinese press downplayed the activity at Those actions were described as “provocative” by US the reef, saying it was merely to renovate the living facilities Secretary of State John Kerry in a phone call to Chinese for troops stationed there. Foreign Minister Wang Yi. The Philippines in March filed a for- ‘Holy traffic cones’: “We can confirm that there is ongoing reclamation or mal plea to the United Nations challenging Beijing’s alleged earthmoving activities in that portion,” Filipino defence territorial claims to about 70 percent of the South China Sea, department spokesman Peter Galvez told reporters yesterday. in defiance of Chinese warnings that it would seriously dam- “It has been getting bigger and bigger.” Del Rosario told age their already-frayed relations. Symbol of Thai crisis reporters the Philippines had filed a diplomatic protest Manila contends that, under international law, it has exclu- against China’s reclamation works on the reef last month, but sive rights to exploit the resources of waters and outcrops Beijing rejected it on grounds the reef is part of Chinese terri- within its “exclusive economic zone”, defined as those within Orange pylon represents growing sense of hopelessness tory. The Philippines calls the outcrop the Mabini Reef, while 370 kilometers (200 nautical miles) of its coast. Beijing has China calls it Chigua Reef. Internationally, it is recognised as rejected UN arbitration and urged Manila to settle the dispute BANGKOK: Thailand’s political lexicon has a new term: the Holy allegedly by protest guards, on April 25 when he tried to move the Johnson South Reef. It is part of the Spratly chain, and is through bilateral talks instead. The Chinese claims to the sea Traffic Cone. The term went viral this week after a series of a cone blocking his route home. On Friday, cell phone video located about 300 kilometres (186 miles) west of the large also overlap those of Taiwan as well as Brunei and Malaysia. vicious attacks on motorists who moved traffic cones that anti- footage that went viral allegedly showed protest guards repeat- western Philippine island of Palawan. China seized the reef Meanwhile, the Philippines said yesterday two of the 11 government protesters had arbitrarily placed near rally sites. A edly punching a motorist through his car window after he tried and other outcrops from Vietnam in a deadly 1988 skirmish. Chinese fishermen arrested last week by Filipino police in mix of outrage and creativity sparked political cartoons and to move a cone on a Bangkok toll road. another area of the Spratlys were flown to Guangzhou late online postings, including a widely shared Facebook photo- The third and most attention-grabbing attack came Strained ties Tuesday. Manila filed charges against their nine colleagues for graph shows five men kneeling in prayer with heads bowed to Saturday, when an ice delivery man was stabbed repeatedly in It is not the first time the Philippines has made allegations poaching and collecting protected species, but freed the two a cone on the street. The message “Don’t touch the cone!” is cir- his chest and stomach for moving a cone to make a delivery. against China over construction at disputed outcrops in the because they are minors. — AFP culating online. A cartoon listing objects that cannot be moved The man remained under intensive care at a Bangkok hospital in Thailand depicts historical monuments and a traffic cone. Wednesday. No one has been arrested for the attacks. “This is Thai Politictionary, a website of Thai political terms, added the not just ridiculous and absurd, this is lawlessness,” said Pavin term “Holy Cone” to its site Monday. Definition: “a sacred traffic Chachavalpongpun, an associate professor at Kyoto University’s barrier” deployed by security guards for the protest movement. Center for Southeast Asian Studies. “The sacredness of the law Malaysia PM urges “Whoever dares to touch, move or destroy the cone may be has disappeared.” physically assaulted.” changes to prevent The orange pylon has come to symbolize the growing sense Ready to compensate? of hopelessness many Thais feel over the sometimes violent “Eventually the cone parody online will die down, but the another MH370 upheaval that has left the country in political disarray with reality will continue,” he said. “Those opposing the government bleak prospects for a resolution anytime soon. Last week a are creating a situation of lawlessness and simultaneously act- KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysia’s prime minister has court sacked Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra for nepotism, ing as though they are the law enforcers.” Protesters have called for international aviation regulators to imple- though her party remains heavily influenced from abroad by denied involvement in the attack on the delivery man, but ment real-time tracking of airliners to prevent a her brother, former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra. Luang Pu Buddha Issara, a monk who is among the protest recurrence of the baffling disappearance of flight Government opponents vow to keep protesting until a new, leaders, told the Daily News newspaper on Sunday that he did MH370, while admitting missteps in the first days of unelected government takes over to begin political reforms, not deny the other reports. He asked the public to understand the crisis. Writing in the Wall Street Journal yesterday, while Yingluck’s supporters say they will take to the streets if the protesters’ safety concerns. He said cones at the scene of Najib Razak conceded that a chaotic public message that happens. one of the attacks, on an elevated tollway, were intended to and slow start to search and rescue operations in the keep traffic away from a spot where attackers might fire ‘Security guards’ grenades at protesters on the ground level. early days of the plane’s disappearance were a mis- Parliament was dissolved late last year, the results of partial “I’d like to use this channel to apologize the victims and take. But he called for changes that “would make it elections in February were thrown out and it is likely that politi- we’re ready to compensate. And we admit to every wrongdo- harder for an aircraft to simply disappear, and easier cal tensions will scuttle the caretaker government’s plan to hold ing, but please also give us some sympathy,” the monk said. The to find any aircraft that did”. elections in July. Both government supporters and opponents distraught mother of the colonel read out an emotional state- The International Civil Aviation Organization have been blamed for violence that has killed more than 20 ment at a police station earlier this month, asking how such vio- OKUMA: US Ambassador to Japan Caroline Kennedy, (ICAO) held a special meeting earlier this week in people and injured hundreds more since anti-government lence was possible in a Buddhist country that prides itself on wearing a helmet, protective suit and mask, inspects Montreal to discuss growing calls for real-time track- protests began in November, but it is the protest movement’s gentleness. “A Buddhist monk once told me that many animals the central control room for the Unit One and Unit Two ing of aircraft by satellite, cloud storage of “black “security guards” - its hired toughs - who have been accused in have been reincarnated as humans,” said the mother, Bang- reactors of the tsunami-crippled Fukushima Dai-ichi box” data and other innovations. “One of the most the recent attacks over traffic cones. ornat Wattanakul. “I didn’t understand it. But now I do. These nuclear power plant yesterday.— AP astonishing things about this tragedy is the revela- A Thai military colonel was shot in the legs and beaten, men still behave like wild animals.” — AP tion that an airliner the size of a Boeing 777 can van- Kennedy vows US help ish, almost without a trace,” Najib wrote. “In an age of smartphones and mobile Internet, real-time tracking of commercial airplanes is long to Japan for Fukushima overdue.” Najib also said regulators should change crucial communications systems to prevent them nuclear clean-up being manually shut off. Malaysia has said MH370’s transponder, which relays an aircraft’s location, and OKUMA: US Ambassador to Japan Caroline Kennedy pledged US its Aircraft Communications Addressing and support for the clean-up at Japan’s tsunami-wrecked Fukushima Reporting Systems (ACARS), which transmits infor- Daiichi nuclear power plant yesterday after her first visit to the site. mation on a plane’s mechanical health, appear to Kennedy, dressed in a white radiation protective suit with her have been shut off around the time it went missing. name taped on the back and a mask covering her face, went The Malaysian premier also lent support to calls to inside a damaged reactor building where she saw how Tokyo extend the battery life of the location beacons for Electric Power Co (Tepco) is removing fuel rod assemblies from a aircraft flight data recorders and to expand the cooling pool. Tepco has removed 814 out of 1,533 fuel rod assem- capacity of cockpit voice recorders. Black box bea- blies from the No. 4 reactor since November. “We stand ready to cons have a battery life of about 30 days. The help in any way we can,” Kennedy, 56, told reporters after her visit, European Union has proposed increasing that to 90 when she made a stop at a Tepco facility near the nuclear power plant. The power station was wrecked in March 2011, when a 9 days. Cockpit voice recorders can now only record magnitude earthquake triggered tsunami waves that hit the plant the last two hours of pilot conversations. In MH370’s on the coast north of Tokyo causing of one of the world’s worst case, any conversations that took place as the plane nuclear disasters. was diverted early in its mysterious flight would have Shortly after the accident, the United States sent in water been overwritten. pumps, fire trucks, drones and protective suits and masks. GHAZNI: An Afghan man weeps over the body of his child who was killed during a suspected Taleban rocket attack Kennedy, daughter of the late President John F. Kennedy, said in a Air France 447 tragedy during the night yesterday. — AFP statement the United States “will offer our experience and capabil- Some of the changes being considered by the ities, in particular, toward the near-term resolution of ongoing industry were first proposed after Air France flight water contamination issues”. Radioactive water poses a long-term 447 crashed in the Atlantic in 2009, killing 228 peo- Afghan election results risk at the plant and it could take more than three decades to clear ple, but little has been done. “These changes may it up. The plant has been hit by a series of accidents this year not have prevented the MH370 or Air France 447 including a 100-tonne leak of radioactive water from storage tragedies. But they would make it harder for an air- delayed over fraud probe tanks. craft to simply disappear, and easier to find any air- Contracts craft that did,” Najib said. KABUL: Afghanistan’s presidential election result was delayed troops withdraw by the end of the year. Contaminated water accumulates at a rate of 400 tons a day at “The global aviation industry must not only learn yesterday as authorities said they had not completed fraud inves- Abdullah said yesterday that his campaign had evidence of the plant as groundwater flows into the destroyed basements of the lessons of MH370 but implement them. The tigations into the first round of voting to find a successor to fraudulent voting that could have a “significant impact on final the reactor buildings and mixes with highly radioactive water world learned from Air France but didn’t act. The Hamid Karzai. Full results from the April 5 election were released results”. The ECC said it would deliver its report to the IEC yester- used to cool melted fuel. Row upon row of huge blue and grey same mistake must not be made again.” The ICAO late last month, but the final declaration will factor in the outcome day. “We finished our work last night and it is being sent to the IEC tanks that store contaminated water are lined up while pink, meeting this week is expected to lead to a working of weeks of deliberation over fraud allegations. today,” ECC spokesman Nader Mohseni told the Tolo News TV white and purple azalea bushes are in full bloom nearby. group that should present its recommendations “The final result has been delayed for an unknown number of channel. Election officials have pencilled in June 14 for the run-off. Overgrown plants curl onto the streets while pipes snake across within five months. days,” Independent Election Commission (IEC) spokesman Noor the site where numerous cranes still stand. MH370 vanished on March 8 during a flight from Mohammad Noor told AFP. “We still have not received the ECC Taleban could target run-off About 1,200 to 1,300 tanks storing about 450,000 tons of con- Kuala Lumpur to Beijing with 239 people on board. (Election Complaints Commission) decisions and findings. We On Sunday, Abdullah received a major boost with the taminated water are on site and over the next two years Tepco Despite a massive international search in the Indian hope we receive them as soon as possible.” In the preliminary endorsement of third-placed Zalmai Rassoul, a close ally of wants to set up enough tanks to store 800,000 tons of water, said results, none of the eight candidates appeared to have gained President Karzai, who has stayed publicly neutral in the election. Kenichiro Matsui, a spokesman for the utility. Up to 5,000 workers Ocean, no trace has been found. “In the passage of time, I believe Malaysia will be credited for doing its more than 50 percent of the vote, pointing to a second round run- Another costly, and potentially violent, election could be avoided are on site each day, according to the Tepco spokesman, Matsui, off between the two top names as Afghanistan undergoes its first by deal-making in the coming weeks-and Rassoul’s support for best under near-impossible circumstances,” Najib up from about 4,000 a year ago. In future, that number is likely to democratic transfer of power. Abdullah increased pressure on Ghani to concede. increase to about 6,000, he said. Overseas companies including wrote. But he acknowledged “we didn’t get every- The head-to-head contest would pit former foreign minister The United Nations’ mission has welcomed Afghanistan’s con- US ones are eager to get in on the clear-up work and the decom- thing right” and said his government would investi- Abdullah Abdullah, who took 44.9 percent of the first-round vote, duct of the vote but warned officials that they must address all missioning of the six reactors at the wrecked plant but most con- gate why Malaysian air-traffic controllers, after first against ex-World Bank economist Ashraf Ghani, on 31.5 percent. fraud allegations openly. The 2009 election, when Karzai retained tracts have gone to Japanese companies. Kennedy, accompanied noticing MH370 was missing, took four hours to Karzai, who has ruled since the Taleban were ousted in 2001, is power after defeating Abdullah, was marred by ballot-box stuff- by her 21-year-old son, John Schlossberg, drew crowds of workers launch a search and rescue. — AFP constitutionally barred from a third term in office, and the next ing in a chaotic process that shook the multinational effort to when she arrived at the Tepco facility. —Reuters president will lead Afghanistan into a new era as US-led combat develop the country after the Taleban’s 1996-2001 regime.—AFP

THURSDAY, MAY 15, 2014 ANALYSIS

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Issues In Nebraska, a modest tea party victory

By Charles Babington he victory notched by tea party Republicans in the Nebraska Senate race was modest, but Tthey’ll take it in a season that has yielded few bright spots so far. Ben Sasse won the GOP nomina- tion for the seat being vacated by Sen Mike Johanns. Sasse was the closest thing to a tea party candidate in the three-man race, largely because he feuded last fall with Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell, the epitome of establishment Republicanism. But Sasse is hardly the out-of-right-field firebrand that some tea partyers cherish. A college president with degrees from Harvard and Yale, he worked for the Qat drains Yemen’s precious groundwater US departments of Justice and Health and Human Services. Those endorsing him ranged from non-main- By Hammoud Mounassar Janad said that the Sanaa basin aquifer was being drained at a city of some three million people, only 45 percent of house- stream players - including Sarah Palin and the Club for an unsustainable rate. “The only alternative to the depletion of holds have mains water and the taps are switched on just Growth - to well-established Republicans such as five- ountainous Yemen is blessed with more water the water table is to take urgent measures to prohibit the use twice a week, water authority chief Ali Al-Sarimi said. Everyone term Rep Jeff Fortenberry and former Gov Kay Orr. than its Arabian desert neighbours but the nation- of water pumped from the aquifer for irrigation,” he said. Water else relies on privately owned boreholes. “Most people in this Sasse, 42, had “visiting scholar status” at the Brookings Mal passion for the stimulant plant qat threatens to Minister Abdo Razaz Saleh acknowledged that the govern- area depend on the well,” said Bashir Nashwan as he queued at Institution, the venerated left-of-center think tank near exhaust that precious resource. In the mountains around ment had failed to stop unlicensed companies from digging one Sanaa pumping station. “The water is provided by a gener- the White House. Several factors make the Nebraska Sanaa, farmers are drilling so many unlicensed boreholes deep wells. He said 150 such companies operate in Sanaa ous donor. But it is always crowded and we have to queue for results rather weak tea for tea party celebrations. Sasse’s to irrigate the thirsty crop - craved by the capital’s residents alone, among 950 nationwide. hours.” Sarifi said just a third of the three billion cubic metres of conservative credentials don’t differ greatly from his - that the water table is falling by as much as six metres a The upshot is that in a country that enjoys much higher water that Yemen consumes each year comes from renewable opponents’, especially Shane Osborn. Osborn had the year. Engineers now have to drill 1,500 m in some areas rainfall that its mainly desert neighbour Saudi Arabia, mains sources. The rest comes from aquifers that have taken millions conservative group FreedomWorks’ endorsement before before reaching the aquifer. water is heavily rationed, even for those who have it. In Sanaa, of years to form and cannot be replaced. —AFP it was switched to Sasse. Qat is an evergreen shrub native to the Arabian And Nebraska is so strongly Republican that party Peninsula and the Horn of Africa, and chewing its leaves leaders felt confident that any GOP nominee will and shoots as a stimulant dates back centuries. But it is defeat the Democratic candidate, Omaha lawyer Dave only in the past half century that its consumption has Domina, and then vote the party line in Washington. If spread from the elite to become a focal point of Yemeni anti-establishment conservatives hope Sasse will social and business life. For Yemeni men, an afternoon often challenge and annoy McConnell, they may be chewing qat while decked out in traditional robes is an disappointed. He recently called himself a “team play- opportunity to cement social ties, seal business deals, or er” and told MSNBC he would support McConnell as debate the issues of the day. But increasing numbers of Senate party leader. women and teenagers also indulge in the habit. A month ago, Sasse declined to say whether he Sales of qat in Yemen are estimated to run to $800 mil- would support McConnell. And in a video released lion a year, a huge sum in a country ranked by the United last fall, he urged “every Republican in Washington, Nations as 160th in the world for human development, the starting with Minority Leader Mitch McConnell, to lowest in Asia bar war-torn Afghanistan. Only 10,000 show some actual leadership.” That’s the kind of anti- hectares were given over to cultivation of the crop in the establishment rhetoric many tea party activists relish. 1970s. But by 2012 that figure had risen to 167,602 They see Republican leaders - including McConnell, hectares, accounting for 12 percent of Yemen’s arable land. House Speaker John Boehner and George W Bush Its attraction to farmers is not difficult to understand. when he was president - as too willing to continue According to the agriculture ministry, qat can earn $12,500 business as usual in Washington. Many activists say a hectare, three times the revenue of any other crop. It they want wholesale assaults on federal spending, the takes five years to get a harvest from a fruit tree but just a few months for a qat plant, and it can be harvested as many deficit and entitlement programs, even if millions of as four times a year. Americans might fiercely oppose such actions. The GOP feuding in Nebraska centered on the Lucrative but Thirsty Senate Conservatives Fund, a non-mainstream group But each crop comes at a heavy cost in water usage as the that has infuriated McConnell and backed his primary plants are watered heavily for a month before harvesting to challenger in Kentucky. When the group endorsed ensure that the tender leaves and shoots that users chew are Sasse last fall, he and McConnell reportedly as soft and moist as possible. One day’s supply of qat for a sin- exchanged sharp words in Washington. Sasse’s recent gle user requires an estimated 500 litres of water to produce. In praise of McConnell suggests tempers have cooled. Sanaa province alone, there are 4,000 wells drilled without And the National Republican Senatorial Committee, authorisation to irrigate qat, water expert Omar Madhaji said. which McConnell largely controls, stayed neutral in Excessive pumping is lowering the level of the water table by Yemeni men check the quality of “qat” leaves, a popular local mild narcotic plant, for sale at an outdoor market the Nebraska primary. three to six metres a year, he warned. Geologist Ismael Al- in the Yemeni capital Sanaa yesterday. —AFP Bigger tests of tea party clout will come in next Tuesday’s GOP primaries. Matt Bevin is fighting uphill in Kentucky to deny McConnell’s renomination for a sixth six-year term. In Georgia’s Republican Senate pri- Jonathan on back foot over missing girls mary, tea partyers, including Rep. Paul Broun, are among the several candidates seeking the seat Saxby By Joel Olatunde Agoi Domestic Factors are seen as a factor in fuelling the five-year seek to continue... If the ruling PDP loves Chambliss is vacating. In Idaho’s closely watched US Nigeria is almost equally split between Boko Haram insurgency. and cares about Nigeria, it should urge Dr House race, tea party favorite Bryan Smith hopes to igeria’s President Goodluck a Muslim majority north and predomi- Some attribute the government’s lack Jonathan not to seek another term. If he knock off eight-term Rep Mike Simpson. Jonathan faces an uncertain nantly Christian south, with an unwritten of response to the kidnapping as a reflec- refuses, it should reject him decisively.” McConnell and Simpson have strong establishment Npolitical future after attracting a rule that presidential candidates rotate tion of his indifference to the region and backing from groups such as the US Chamber of torrent of criticism over his handling of between the two regions. Jonathan is a the lack of values in Nigerian politics. Rallying Call Commerce. A loss by either would be a tea party victo- the mass abduction of more than 200 southern Christian and stepped up from Olatunji Dare, a popular columnist with Thomas described the latest Boko ry far more impressive than Sasse’s win in Nebraska. schoolgirls by Boko Haram extremists. vice-president in 2010 after his predeces- independent daily The Nation, said Haram video, which showed about 130 of But if McConnell and Simpson win, the Republican Jonathan was already on the back foot the 223 girls still missing, as an indictment establishment will remain on track for a strong cam- even before Boko Haram kidnapped on Jonathan and his acceptance of inter- paign season in which several would-be tea party 276 girls from the remote northeastern national support an embarrassment. The insurgencies died aborning. Threatened challenges to town of Chibok in April, sparking a invitation to US, British, French and Israeli Republican senators in South Carolina, Tennessee and global social media campaign and teams to assist Nigeria’s military in the res- Texas fizzled out. Establishment favorite Thom Tillis international outrage. His People’s cue effort was “a shame on Nigeria, which won a closely watched Senate Republican primary in Democratic Party (PDP) has been hit by claims to be the giant of Africa”, he added. North Carolina. mass defections, eroding his power “Jonathan is a disgrace. He has no reason For at least one night in Nebraska, however, anti- base and parliamentary majority and to remain in office and if he decides to establishment conservatives could crow. All three GOP strengthening the hand of the main seek a second term he will not get 20 per- Senate candidates ran as conservatives, said L Brent opposition All Progressives Congress cent of the votes,” he said. Bozell III of the group ForAmerica. “But Nebraskans weren’t fooled,” he said. They “rejected the choice of (APC). Others have argued that Jonathan was the Washington Republican establishment and nomi- The 56-year-old Jonathan was still right to accept foreign assistance and seek nated the true conservative in the race.” —AP expected to declare his candidacy for talks with Boko Haram. In the complicated, next year’s elections and seek a second internecine world of Nigerian politics, term in office, but with anger growing nothing is guaranteed and observers have over the government’s lack of response cautioned that Jonathan could yet emerge in the first weeks after the kidnapping, from the crisis favourably, taking credit in All articles appearing on these some commentators say his political the event of a rescue and shifting blame if pages are the personal opinion of stock has been irreparably damaged. the girls are not found. Niyi Akinasso, a the writers. Kuwait Times takes no Dapo Thomas, a political commentator columnist with the Punch newspaper, also from Lagos state university, called for criticised Jonathan’s response to the responsibility for views expressed Jonathan to step down. “In a sane soci- Nigerian President Goodluck Jonathan speaks at the opening session at the World abduction but said domestic politics therein. Kuwait Times invites read- ety, Jonathan should have resigned or Economic Forum in Abuja on May 8, 2014. —AFP should be put to one side to concentrate ers to voice their opinions. Please (been) impeached,” he told AFP. “In on the search. send submissions via email to: opin- South Korea, the prime minister had to sor Umaru Yar’Adua, a northern Muslim, Jonathan “had proved unequal to the “It is hoped that participating Nigerian resign because of a ferry accident that fell ill and later died. It has been claimed task”. “No matter how this crisis is resolved, security agents would learn something [email protected] or via snail claimed hundreds of lives. But in that he promised privately to serve only Dr Jonathan is unlikely to emerge as a useful from the experience,” he said. mail to PO Box 1301 Safat, Kuwait. Nigeria, where politicians lack morality one term after winning the last election in president who can be trusted to lead “Whatever the case is, however, we must The editor reserves the right to edit and integrity, more than 200 girls were 2011. Critics claim he has done little to Nigeria through the challenges that lie now rally round our president to comple- any submission as necessary. kidnapped and the president is acting improve life in the north, where poverty, ahead,” he wrote in Tuesday’s edition. “It ment international efforts to find and res- as if nothing has happened.” poor services and mass unemployment would be selfish and unpatriotic of him to cue the girls.” —AFP NEWS THURSDAY, MAY 15, 2014

Qatar to end sponsorship system for expat... Red Crescent chief Barjas dies aged 83

Continued from Page 1 ent law firm DLA Piper to prepare an in-depth report on Continued from Page 1 to the country’s development and participated in estab- the working and living conditions of blue-collar workers. lishing several modern establishments in the state. “The current exit permit system, which requires the It acknowledged receiving the report earlier this month In the course of his long stint at the Kuwait Red Sheikh Salman said the efforts of Barjas when he was employer’s consent for an employee to leave the coun- but did not reveal its findings. The review by DLA Piper Crescent Society, Barjas received numerous accolades president of Kuwait Red Crescent Society contributed to try, will now be replaced with an automated system noted that Qatari law does not provide a right to free- from major international humanitarian aid organizations enhancing Kuwait’s status around the world and project- through the ministry of interior,” the statement said. The dom of association and collective bargaining for migrant including the International Federation of Red Cross and ing its humanitarian role and civilized image. new system will automatically grant an exit permit to an workers. The reforms envisaged do not include the cre- Red Crescent Societies. Meanwhile, Chairman of the Board and Director General of employee “after a 72-hour grace period prior to depar- ation of trade unions or the establishment of a minimum Information Minister and State Minister for Youth KUNA Sheikh Mubarak Duaij Al-Ibrahim Al-Sabah said Kuwait ture,” it said. The government will also raise the fine for wage. Affairs Sheikh Salman Sabah Al-Salem Al-Humoud Al- has lost a highly respected media personality and an out- employers who confiscate the passports of foreign work- Officials at yesterday’s press conference said that Sabah said the death of Barjas is a great loss for Kuwait standing political figure with national achievements. He said ers to 50,000 rials ($13,580) from the current 10,000 rials, wages were dictated by supply and demand in the mar- and the media, whose principles he participated in KUNA remembers with appreciation his sincere efforts to in a bid to stamp out the illegal but still common prac- ket. Under the reforms, workers will have their wages developing. Sheikh Salman said in a statement yesterday instill clear pillars for journalism and promote the principles of tice. paid electronically to avoid late payments. And the that late Barjas is among the Kuwaitis who contributed credibility, objectivity and commitment to responsibility. Foreign workers will be able to change job at the end country would adopt a “unified accommodation stan- of their contract, without the need for the certificate dard”, a measure apparently aimed at improving the they currently require that their previous employer has quality of migrant workers’ housing, which is often spar- Turkey mine blast kills 245 no objection. If the contract is open-ended, a foreign tan or squalid. Brig Mohammed Ahmed Al-Atiq, the worker will be able to change jobs after five years. “This assistant director of the Interior Ministry’s directorate of Continued from Page 1 “If the claims of negligence at the mine prove true, it will announcement is a significant step in the right direction border, passport and expatriate affairs, said all foreign have a political price. Such a development would render cor- for sustainable change in the workers’ welfare standards workers would be covered by the new measures, includ- Reports from rescue workers on the scene suggest the fig- ruption allegations targeting Erdogan’s government more con- in Qatar,” said Blatter, head of world football’s governing ing domestic servants and government employees. ure could be far higher. Erdogan said enquiries would be vincing,” Professor Ilter Turan of Istanbul’s Bilgi University told body FIFA. “We look forward to seeing the implementa- Human Rights Watch said the government’s pro- launched into the causes of the disaster, but insisted that “such AFP. Three days of national mourning have been declared, tion of these concrete actions over the next months,” posed reforms “did not make clear how they intend to accidents happen”. He also appeared to downplay the serious- while at the scene of the accident, fires and toxic gases were said the FIFA president. “We will continue our close deal with the report”. “The DLA Piper report confirms the ness of the accident, comparing it to other mining disasters complicating increasingly desperate efforts by 400 rescue cooperation with Qatari authorities as well as dialogue serious problems Qatar is facing in its preparations to elsewhere, saying “204 people died in the UK in 1862 and 361 workers. A miner from a different site who joined the effort, with all key stakeholders,” he added. host the 2022 World Cup,” the watchdog’s Middle East people in 1864”. “There is something in literature called work Murat Kurkoglu, told AFP: “We will try to save those who are still Amnesty International, however, was less impressed, researcher Nicholas McGeehan said. “The ball is now accidents.” stuck one by one, but you know very well that there is no more saying the proposed reforms “fall far short of the funda- back in Qatar’s court and it is up to them to act on the But hundreds of distraught family and friends gathered near hope. It’s finished for them.” mental changes needed to address systemic abuses report’s findings and recommendations.” the building where Erdogan gave a press conference were out- Earlier reports said 787 workers were underground when against migrant workers in the construction, domestic Officials gave no precise timeline for implementa- raged, with some kicking his vehicle and calling for his resigna- the blast occurred. By late yesterday, “close to 450” workers had and other sectors”. “Based on today’s announcement, the tion of the reforms. Qatar’s treatment of its massive for- tion as he left. Public anger also erupted on the streets over the been rescued, according to the mine operator, Soma Komur proposals appear to be a missed opportunity,” said eign workforce has been under the international spot- accident which had claimed at least 245 lives - most by carbon Inc, but accounts from rescue workers cast doubt over the monoxide poisoning. Police used tear gas and water canon to numbers. “There are pockets of air, but it’s only a glimmer of Amnesty International’s researcher James Lynch. He said light as it launches a massive construction program for disperse between 3,000 and 4,000 protesters in Ankara’s down- hope because so far ... it’s mostly the dead that we are bringing abolishing the sponsorship system, called “kafala” in the world football showcase. Doha has rejected town Kizilay Square yesterday evening. out,” Erdem Bakin, a doctor with the Search and Rescue organi- Arabic, sounds like “a change of name rather than sub- charges that construction workers are being mistreated Riot police also clashed with thousands of protesters in sation, told AFP. “We don’t go more than 100 metres from the stantive reform”. “It remains unclear how proposed while announcing a series of measures to improve Istanbul who were chanting anti-government slogans as they bottom of the mine. It’s impossible to go right to the bottom reforms to the exit permit will work in practice, and workplace safety and workers’ conditions. The 2022 marched along the city’s main shopping street Istiklal. Earlier in because of the risk of asphyxiation from the gas.” whether under the new proposal employers will retain edition of the World Cup has been mired in controversy the day, they also used tear gas against around 800 students Bakin said they found the transformer that exploded, trig- the ability to object to workers leaving the country.” ever since it was awarded to the tiny Arab monarchy in marching on the energy ministry, and 50 protesters who threw gering the collapse. Those between the transformer and the The Qatari government has commissioned independ- the Gulf. — Agencies eggs at the mining research directorate in Istanbul, AFP pho- entrance of the mine - around 70-80 people - survived. “But tographers reported. The disaster risks adding to the political those who were beyond were taken by the fire and they are all pressure on Erdogan, who faced mass protests last summer dead,” he said. Harun Unzar, a miner at the site, said: “We are a and a huge corruption scandal involving his family and key family and today that family is devastated. We have had very lit- Hagel urges Gulf to unite allies in recent months. tle news and when it does come it’s very bad.” —AFP

Continued from Page 1 activities throughout the region”. This includes Iran’s “sponsorship of terrorism, its support for the Assembly discusses state assets “We agreed on the need for more cooperation in (President Bashar Al-) Assad regime in Syria, and its three areas: More integrated air and missile defence efforts to undermine stability in GCC member Continued from Page 1 portation law in the first reading which calls for setting up coordination; closer maritime security integration; nations,” he said. “That is why we are committed to the transportation authority. The authority will have com- and expanded cybersecurity cooperation,” he said. continuing to work together to reinforce GCC The bureau can seek assistance from specialized inter- plete control over all roads in the country, should carry US officials have struggled to reassure Gulf states, defences and capabilities,” he added. national institutions in its mission. The Assembly also out maintenance on existing roads and build new roads. particularly Saudi Arabia, over an interim nuclear deal On Syria, Hagel said the ministerial meeting agreed agreed to form a five-member committee to probe Head of the public utilities panel MP Adel Al-Khorafi said struck with Iran last year that Riyadh worries will that assistance to the rebels “must be complementa- Kuwait investment offices in London and other cities. MP the total length of roads in Kuwait is 57,772 km of which embolden Tehran. The GCC has also been dissatisfied ry,” adding “it must be carefully directed to the moder- Abdulhameed Dashti said that the investment office in 613 km are motorways. He said that the growth in road with Washington’s cautious approach to arming rebel ate opposition”. The Pentagon said last week that London has been subjected to “organized sabotage” and construction in the past 10 years was a meagre 2.1 per- forces in Syria. Hagel said the Jeddah meeting under- Hagel aimed to “underscore US security commitments promised to provide the panel with documents. The panel cent while the population grew by 59 percent and the lined a shared commitment to “preventing Iran from in the Middle East and to reinforce the United States’ was given until the start of the next parliamentary term to number of vehicles jumped 85 percent. Average econom- obtaining a nuclear weapon - and ensuring that its unstinting policy of preventing Iran from acquiring a complete its investigation. During the secret session, the ic growth was 6.6 percent a year, according to Khorafi. programme is exclusively peaceful.” nuclear weapon and further destabilising the region.” assembly also agreed to appoint former MP Adel Al- The Assembly is scheduled today to debate the resig- Despite Tehran’s diplomatic engagement being a After his stop in Saudi Arabia, Hagel was to head to Saraawi as the deputy head of the Audit Bureau with the nation of five MPs and hold a special discussion on the “positive development,” Washington and Gulf states Amman for talks on the three-year-old conflict in approval of 33 MPs out of 40 present. government’s plans to diversify the economy, which is “continue to share “concerns about Iran’s destabilising neighbouring Jordan. — AFP In other Assembly business, MPs approved the trans- heavily dependent on oil income. THURSDAY, MAY 15, 2014 SPORTS

Young talent excites Rooney Zenit penalised Former Olympian Huegill charged SYDNEY: Australian former Olympic swimmer Geoff Huegill and his wife Sara Hills pled guilty to LONDON: Wayne Rooney expects to be in peak condition when he embarks on his third World for violence cocaine possession in a Sydney court yesterday. The pair, who were charged after being arrested Cup finals campaign next month and is excited by the potential of the young talent in the MOSCOW: Zenit St. Petersburg have been penalised with a 3-0 with a small quantity of the drug at a horse racing meeting last month, were given six-month good England squad. The 28-year-old striker was rushed back from a metatarsal injury for the 2006 technical defeat and fined one million roubles ($28,500) after one behaviour bonds but did not have a conviction entered. World Cup and carried an ankle injury into the 2010 tournament in South Africa, failing to pro- of their fans punched Dynamo Moscow captain Vladimir Granat “Both Sara and I take full responsibility for the consequences that we are both in, here today,” duce anything like his best form as England flopped. during their Russian Premier League encounter at the Petrovsky Huegill told reporters after the hearing. “We recognise with our actions there will be consequences Despite missing the last three matches of a disappointing Manchester United season with a Stadium, officials said. and we will have to deal with those. groin injury, Rooney is confident he will be fully fit when the tournament starts in Brazil on June The Russian Football Union also ordered Zenit, who were leading “The last couple of weeks of our lives have been some of the most 12. “Previously I have always been going into the first game looking for fitness the league standings going into Sunday, to play two home games stressful. “Stressful for our families, stressful for our friends and stressful and it’s difficult to get your breathing right and the rest of it,” he told the behind closed doors and another three with a section of the stadium for our business associates. “We have let down a lot of people, Daily Mail. closed where the team’s ultras sit. those who supported us and trusted us. “This time I honestly feel good. I have looked after myself as well as I Dynamo were leading Sunday’s match 4-2 in the 86th minute when “That’s the part that hurts us the most.” Huegill, who won a can to be as fit as I can for this tournament. I will be ready. I’m looking for- a few hundred Zenit fans invaded the pitch and one of them punched medley relay silver and a 100 metres butterfly bronze for ward to it. “I really want to be 100 percent fit this time and, barring an defender Granat in the head, leaving him with a concussion. The match Australia at the 2000 Sydney Olympics, retired from the pool injury in training before we go, I will be totally ready.” By contrast with the was abandoned after the referee consulted with the match delegate. after the 2004 Athens Games. huge expectation that attended England’s last two World Cup cam- “The punishment is harsh... (but) together with the police and the He battled depression, weight and alcohol problems paigns, hopes of success in Brazil are not high after they were judicial organisations in the city, we are working to make sure that such before making a highly publicised comeback in 2008. A former drawn with Italy, Uruguay and Costa Rica in a tricky Group D. incidents involving fans are never repeated in our stadium,” Zenit’s gen- 50m butterfly world record holder, he won golds at the 2010 Manager Roy Hodgson has included a slew of talented young- eral director Maxim Mitrofanov said in a statement. Commonwealth Games and took a world championship sters in his provisional squad and Rooney, a seasoned cam- “In terms of the fine, the hooligan who hit the Dynamo player and bronze in Shanghai the following year before quitting paigner with 89 caps and 38 international goals, believes they those fans who ran onto the pitch will pay part of it, once they have the pool again after failing to qualify for the 2012 could help make a big impression in Brazil. —Reuters been identified.” —Reuters London Games. —Reuters Tigers rally past Orioles BALTIMORE: Miguel Cabrera hit a three-run ASTROS 8, RANGERS 0 homer off Tommy Hunter with two outs in the Dallas Keuchel pitched a seven-hitter for ninth inning and the Detroit Tigers, down to his first major league shutout, leading their last strike, rallied past the Baltimore Houston past Texas. Keuchel (4-2) struck out Orioles 4-1 Tuesday night. seven without a walk. He gave up just one After being held scoreless on three hits extra-base hit, a double by Adrian Beltre in over the first eight innings, the Tigers used a the first inning, and threw his second career reversed call to win. Detroit was 0-12 when complete game. LJ Hoes and Carlos trailing going into the ninth before mounting Corporan each homered and drove in three the improbable comeback. runs. The Astros were shut out 4-0 in the Hunter held a 1-0 lead before giving up a series opener, but jumped on Matt Harrison leadoff single to Alex Avila. Pinch-runner Rajai (1-1) for three runs in the second before he Davis was called out trying to steal, but left with back stiffness. Detroit manager Brad Ausmus challenged the call and it was overtuned on replay. Hunter (1- ATHLETICS 9, WHITE SOX 0 1) got two straight outs before working the Brandon Moss homered twice and Drew count on Torii Hunter to 1-2. The at-bat ended Pomeranz and three relievers combined on a in a walk, and Cabrera hit an 0-1 curveball four-hitter as Oakland shut out Chicago for over the center-field wall for his sixth home its sixth consecutive win. run. Josh Reddick also homered and Yoenis Victor Martinez then hit a shot to right that Cespedes added two hits and scored twice landed on Eutaw Street beyond the score- to anchor a shuffled Athletics lineup that board in right field. Justin Miller (1-1) pitched had catcher John Jaso batting leadoff for the one inning to earn his first big league win and fourth time this season. Jaso had three hits Joe Nathan got three outs for his ninth save. and scored twice. Adam Jones hit a first-inning homer for the Pomeranz (3-1) went five shutout innings Orioles, who have dropped three in a row fol- in his first start on May 7 and matched that CINCINNATI: San Diego Padres relief pitcher Joaquin Benoit throws against the Cincinnati Reds in the eighth inning of a baseball lowing a five-game winning streak. with another stellar five-inning outing against the White Sox. The left-hander struck game. —AP TWINS 8, RED SOX 6 out a career-high eight, walked two and Chris Parmelee hit a game-ending homer gave up just three hits - all singles. in the ninth inning and Minnesota overcame Scott Carroll (1-3) gave up six runs and 11 David Ortiz’s big night to beat Boston. Ortiz hits in five innings for the White Sox, who Padres defeat Reds went 4 for 5 with two homers and four RBIs, lost their fourth straight. Oakland improved but it wasn’t enough. to 25-15, matching its best record after 40 Kurt Suzuki singled with two outs off games since 2003. CINCINNATI: Chase Headley homered in the ninth the third after getting hit by a changeup from Gerrit Cole Jhonny Peralta led off the 12th with a single for his reliever Andrew Miller (1-1) before Parmelee inning off Aroldis Chapman, the first hit the hard-throw- (3-3). It was their first meeting since the teams brawled third hit. Justin Grimm (1-2) retired Matt Holliday on a lined an 0-1 pitch into the right-field seats for INTERLEAGUE ing lefty allowed since his return from being hit in the last month in Pittsburgh after Cole and Gomez popup, but walks to Allen Craig and Yadier Molina his first two RBIs of the season. METS 12, YANKEES 7 head by a line drive, and the San Diego Padres beat the exchanged words. loaded the bases for Garcia. Eduardo Nunez homered and Brian Dozier Curtis Granderson and Daniel Murphy Cincinnati Reds 2-1 on Tuesday night. No confrontations Tuesday, though Gomez did leave Seth Maness (1-2) tossed a scoreless 12th for the win. had two RBIs in a five-run second for the each hit a three-run homer, and the New The Padres got their season-high fourth straight win the game with lower back tightness. Manager Ron Both teams used seven pitchers. Trailing 3-2 going into Twins. Ortiz hit solo homers in the first and York Mets roughed up fill-in starter Vidal despite managing only three hits. Seth Smith had the Roenicke said Gomez woke up Monday with a tight back the ninth, Chicago rallied to tie it off closer Trevor fourth and is tied with Jim Rice on the Red Sox Nuno (1-1) to beat the Yankees for a two- only two hits that Mike Leake allowed in the first eight and tried to play through it. Rosenthal on Emilio Bonifacio’s RBI single with two outs. list with 382. It was the 42nd multihomer game sweep in the Bronx. innings. Braun was activated from the disabled list earlier The blown save was the first for Rosenthal in 11 opportu- game for Big Papi, who began his career with Granderson connected for the second Headley connected on a 99 mph fastball from Tuesday. His departure after the sixth was planned as he nities. the Twins. consecutive game in his old ballpark, help- Chapman (0-1), who was making his second appearance gets acclimated in his return from an oblique injury. Ortiz added an RBI single in the sixth and ing the Mets jump out to a quick lead after since undergoing surgery to repair damage after being Marco Estrada (3-1) struck out eight in six innings. BRAVES 5, GIANTS 0 another one in the seventh that made it 6-5. they used four homers to rally for a 9-7 victo- struck in the left eye and nose during a spring training Francisco Rodriguez tossed a hitless ninth for his 16th Mike Minor pitched three-hit ball into the seventh Glen Perkins (1-0) pitched the ninth, striking ry the night before. game. Joaquin Benoit (1-0) allowed a walk in the eighth. save. inning and Evan Gattis drove in a run with his first career out Ortiz and Mike Napoli to strand Shane David Wright had three hits and two RBIs, Huston Street got the last three outs for his 12th save in triple as the Atlanta Braves beat the San Francisco Giants Victorino at first base. and Daisuke Matsuzaka (1-0) pitched 3 2-3 as many chances. Street hasn’t allowed a run in his last ANGELS 4, PHILLIES 3 for the first time in five tries this season. Freddie innings in relief of a wild Zack Wheeler as the 10 innings. Luis Jimenez hit a tiebreaking two-run double in the Freeman, B.J Upton and Andrelton Simmons added RBI RAYS 2, MARINERS 1 Mets earned their sixth straight win against sixth inning, Matt Shoemaker tossed five effective singles in a three-run sixth against Ryan Vogelsong (1-2) David Price struck out 12 in his second their crosstown rivals, including a 4-0 mark DIAMONDBACKS 3, NATIONALS 1 innings and the Los Angeles Angels beat the to help the Braves win for the fourth time in five games. complete game this season and Tampa Bay last year. Bronson Arroyo scattered seven hits in his 16th Philadelphia Phillies. That was more than enough support for Minor (1-2), rallied in the ninth inning against Seattle clos- Eric Young Jr. scored three runs without a career complete game and also singled twice off Mike Trout went 1 for 5 with more than 4,000 fans winless in his previous eight starts dating to last season. er Fernando Rodney. hit, and the Mets won their third in a row Stephen Strasburg, leading the Arizona Diamondbacks from his hometown of Millville, New Jersey in the crowd. He struck out six and walked two in 6 2-3 innings. Mariners starter Hisashi Iwakuma shut out overall to return to .500 after losing eight of over the Washington Nationals. The two-time All-Star centerfielder grew up in the small the Rays on four hits for eight innings before nine. The banged-up Yankees learned right Paul Goldschmidt doubled twice and drove in two town 45 minutes south of Philadelphia. DODGERS 7, MARLINS 1 giving way to Rodney. David DeJesus led off fielder Carlos Beltran has a bone spur in his runs. Arroyo (4-2), who pitched two complete games for Shoemaker (1-1) allowed two runs and three hits to Josh Beckett earned his first victory since September the ninth with a tying homer, and Rodney (1- right elbow that might require surgery, then Cincinnati last season, struck out seven and walked one. beat Cliff Lee (3-4). Shoemaker made his second career 2012 and the Los Angeles Dodgers kept Jacob Turner 2) gave up a go-ahead RBI single to Matt Joyce lost their fourth in a row to drop to .500 for Over his last three starts, he has allowed one earned run start and first this season. The righty was called up to winless, beating the Miami Marlins. five batters later. the first time since April 12. Both teams are in 23 1-3 innings. He also became the second pitcher to replace Hector Santiago, who was sent to the bullpen Miami lost its fifth in a row after learning ace Jose Price (4-3) gave up six hits and kept the 19-19. get two hits off Strasburg. The other was Tim Hudson. after going 0-6 with a 5.19 ERA in seven starts. Fernandez had a significant elbow tear and that the Mariners off balance most of the night. Eight Strasburg (3-3) went seven innings, allowing three runs Lee allowed four unearned runs and six hits, striking team doctor had recommended Tommy John surgery. of his strikeouts came on called third strikes. ROYALS 5, ROCKIES 1 on eight hits, striking out six with no walks. out seven in seven innings. He was hurt by three errors Beckett (1-1) gave up an unearned run and four hits Robinson Cano had a double, single and an James Shields cooled down hot-hitting by third baseman Cody Asche. Ernesto Frieri pitched the over 6 2-3 innings, striking out six and walking three. The RBI for Seattle. Colorado over seven sharp innings, and BREWERS 5, PIRATES 2 ninth for his fifth save in seven tries. three-time All-Star was 0-6 in his last 14 starts. Beckett Lorenzo Cain and Salvador Perez both Jonathan Lucroy hit a bases-loaded, two-run single, had a rib removed last July in a surgery to alleviate a BLUE JAYS 5, INDIANS 4 homered for Kansas City. and the battered Milwaukee Brewers withstood the early CARDINALS 3, CUBS 3 nerve condition that was affecting his right arm. RA Dickey won for the third time in four The only run Shields allowed came on an exits of star outfielders Carlos Gomez and Ryan Braun to Pinch-hitter Greg Garcia was hit by a pitch with the Dodgers star Yasiel Puig extended his career-best hit- starts and Juan Francisco homered in RBI single by Justin Morneau in the fourth beat the Pittsburgh Pirates. bases loaded and one out in the 12th inning, sending ting streak to 13 games with two hits. Turner (0-1) is win- Toronto’s victory over Cleveland. Blue Jays left inning. Shields (5-3) followed it up by retiring Gomez scored the second run on Lucroy’s single in the St. Louis Cardinals over the Chicago Cubs. less in 16 starts since last July. —AP fielder Melky Cabrera threw out Carlos the final 10 batters he faced, striking out the Santana at the plate to end the eighth inning, side in the sixth inning and fanning Troy preserving a one-run lead. Tulowitzki for the 1,500th strikeout of his Adam Lind hit a two-run double for career. Kane scores in OT as Blackhawks triumph Toronto and scored on Francisco’s double. Alcides Escobar added a pair of RBIs, and Dickey (4-3) allowed two earned runs and four relievers Wade Davis and Aaron Crow MINNESOTA: Star forward Patrick Kane asked and they laid it on the line, and National Hockey League Eastern Rangers to their first Eastern Finals hits in six-plus innings. Casey Janssen, activat- wrapped up the win for the Royals, who pounced in overtime to send the that’s what hurts. That’s what’s hard.” Conference semi-final with a 2-1 Game since they lost to the New Jersey ed from the disabled list Sunday, finished for were opening a nine-game homestand. Chicago Blackhawks to the Western Chicago, winners over the Los Angeles Seven win in Pittsburgh on Tuesday. Devils in 2011-12 season. Brian Boyle’s his first save. Justin Masterson (2-2) matched a Franklin Morales (3-3) gave up four runs Conference finals with a 2-1 road victo- Kings in the Western Conference finals Pittsburgh led the semi-final series 3-1 opening period goal for the Rangers season high by allowing five runs and six hits and eight hits in five innings for the ry over the Minnesota Wild in Game Six last season en route to a fifth Stanley but lost the last three games, the sec- was canceled out by Jussi Jokinen ear- in 5 1-3 innings. Rockies. —AP of their hard-fought series on Tuesday. Cup triumph, will face either a repeat ond time they have done so in the last ly in the second before Richards scored Halfway through the first extra peri- series against the Kings or the Anaheim four seasons, to crash out of the play- the winner. Rangers goaltender Henrik od, a dump-in shot hit the glass behind Ducks in the next round. offs. Brad Richards’ power-play goal in Lundqvist continued his hot form in Wild goaltender Ilya Bryzgalov and Meanwhile, the New York Rangers the second period proved the differ- Game Sevens, winning his fifth MLB results/standings bounced in front of the goal. Kane completed a stunning comeback by ence after Penguins’ Matt Niskanen straight, and making 35 saves on the Detroit 4, Baltimore 1; NY Mets 12, NY Yankees 7; La Angels 4, Philadelphia 3; Toronto reacted the quickest, lifting a backhand eliminating the Penguins from their was penalised for tripping, sending the night. —Reuters 5, Cleveland 4; San Diego 2, Cincinnati 1; Kansas City 5, Colorado 1; Milwaukee 5, shot into the upper reaches of the net Pittsburgh 2; Minnesota 8, Boston 6; Houston 8, Texas 0; St. Louis 4, Chicago Cubs 3 (12 to seal a 4-2 series win. Innings); Arizona 3, Washington 1; Oakland 11, Chicago White Sox 0; Tampa Bay 2, “He’s a special player,” Blackhawks Seattle 1; LA Dodgers 7, Miami 1; Atlanta 5, San Francisco 0. coach Joel Quenneville told reporters of Kane, who famously scored the American League National League overtime winner against Philadelphia Eastern Division Eastern Division to win the Stanley Cup for Chicago in W L PCT GB Atlanta 22 16 .579 - 2010. Baltimore 20 17 .541 - Washington 20 19 .513 2.5 “Guys have that instinct, have that Toronto 20 20 .500 1.5 Miami 20 20 .500 3 knack of finding pucks, wanting to be Boston 19 19 .500 1.5 NY Mets 19 19 .500 3 out there, wanting to score, and he NY Yankees 19 19 .500 1.5 Philadelphia 17 20 .459 4.5 does his thing.” Right winger Kris Tampa Bay 17 23 .425 4.5 Versteeg also scored for Chicago, who Central Division benefited from 34 saves by goaltender Central Division Milwaukee 25 14 .641 - Corey Crawford in handing Minnesota Detroit 23 12 .657 - St. Louis 20 20 .500 5.5 its only home playoff loss of the sea- Kansas City 19 19 .500 5.5 son. Minnesota 18 19 .486 6 Cincinnati 17 20 .459 7 Rookie left winger Eric Haula scored Chicago 19 22 .463 7 Pittsburgh 16 22 .421 8.5 the Wild’s only goal and Bryzgalov Cleveland 18 21 .462 7 Chicago Cubs 13 25 .342 11.5 made 25 saves as Minnesota finished Western Division Western Division the playoffs 5-1 on home ice. Oakland 25 15 .625 - San Francisco 25 15 .625 - “It hurts to lose, and we really LA Angels 20 18 .526 4 Colorado 23 18 .561 2.5 believe that we were capable of doing Seattle 20 19 .513 4.5 LA Dodgers 22 19 .537 3.5 more than just winning this game tonight, so, yeah,” a subdued Wild ST. PAUL: The game-winning shot by Chicago Blackhawks right wing Patrick Kane (88) gets past Texas 20 20 .500 5 San Diego 19 21 .475 6 Minnesota Wild goalie Ilya Bryzgalov (left) of Russia, in front of Wild left wing Matt Cooke (24) Houston 13 27 .325 12 Arizona 16 26 .381 10 coach Mike Yeo said. “Our guys did everything that we during overtime of Game 6 of an NHL hockey second-round playoff series. —AP THURSDAY, MAY 15, 2014 SPORTS Thunder down Clippers Photo of the day Wizards blow out Pacers OKLAHOMA: The Oklahoma City appeared unlikely as each time the call Clippers coach Doc Rivers dis- Thunder staged a remarkable last- Thunder got within range, it seemed agreed with. “It was our ball,” Rivers minute rally to defeat the Los Angeles like Clippers reserve guard Jamal said. “Everybody knows it was our ball. Clippers 105-104 in Game Five of their Crawford had an answer. The bottom line is they (officials) Western Conference semi-final series Whether it was a jump shot or drive thought it was a foul and they made on Tuesday. Trailing by seven points to the basket, the shot maker became up for it. In my opinion, let’s take away with just 49 seconds remaining, a momentum stopper. That included the replay system. Because that’s our Oklahoma City’s two leading players draining a three-pointer to push the ball, we win the game. We got robbed scored the game’s last eight points to lead to 101-88 with less than four min- because of that call.” steal victory in front of a raucous home utes remaining. Westbrook and Durant Los Angeles compounded the crowd and take a 3-2 lead in the best- made back-to-back jumpers to cut lead problem when Paul fouled Westbrook of-seven series. to eight points with 3:19 on the clock. on a three-point attempt. Westbrook Forward Kevin Durant hit a three- Durant then sank a pair of free throws made all three to give Oklahoma City a pointer and a layup, and guard Russell and guard Reggie Jackson got a break- one-point advantage with six seconds Westbrook, who led all scorers with 38 away layup to get Oklahoma City with- left. The Clippers still had a chance to steal the victory and got the ball to Paul. He drove to the basket, but Jackson deflected it and forward Serge Ibaka came up with the steal to seal the win. “Probably the toughest thing I’ve been through basketball wise,” a disconsolate Paul said. “It’s me. Everything that happened there at the end is on me. The turnover with 17 seconds left; assuming they are going to foul is probably the dumbest play I’ve ever made. Then to B-Boy Ronnie, B-Boy Lamine and B-Boy Cico pose for a portrait during a pre-shoot for the Red Bull even put it in the official’s hand to call BC One Kuwait Cypher in Kuwait City. —www.redbullcontentpool.com a foul on a three, is just bad basket- ball.” Griffin led the Clippers with 24 points and 17 rebounds, Paul added South African judge orders 17 points and 14 assists, and Crawford came off the bench to score 19. Game Six is in Los Angeles today, where the psychiatric tests for Pistorius third-seeded Clippers will be hoping to send the series to a decider. PRETORIA: A South African judge yes- As an outpatient, he would not observation benefits the state in Meanwhile, the Washington terday ordered that Oscar Pistorius stay at a hospital and undergo 24- another way. Wizards staved off elimination with a undergo psychiatric tests to establish hour observation, but visit for his “This is something that will drive a dominant 102-79 win over the Indiana if he has “general anxiety disorder,” in interviews and tests. A psychiatric wedge between Pistorius and his Pacers on Tuesday, narrowing the what could be a pivotal development panel will determine if Pistorius has a defence team,” said Hood, “all of a deficit to 3-2 in their NBA Eastern in his murder trial. Judge Thokozile “certifiable” disorder that is legally sudden a curve-ball was thrown that Conference semi-final series. Marcin Masipa said a “proper inquiry” was accepted as a mental illness, said could have resulted in Pistorius being Gortat produced 31 points and 16 needed to test whether the sprinter forensic psychiatrist Sean Kaliski, detained in a mental health care rebounds and John Wall stepped up had a disorder that meant he was not who is not linked to the case. facility, it could lead to him distrust- with 27 points to lead the Wizards to a fully responsible for his actions in “In our law not only must he be ing the judgement of his legal team.” blowout win and at least another shooting his girlfriend Reeva cognitively impaired but lack control Prosecutor Gerrie Nel said he did game this season. Steenkamp last year. The prosecution over himself,” said Kaliski, who con- not believe Pistorius’s mental state “We played desperate,” said Gortat, had asked Masipa to have Pistorius ducts hundreds of medical evalua- was unusual, but warned the ath- who tied a career high in scoring. committed, after defence psychiatrist tions annually at Valkenberg lete’s defence team may try to use “That’s all we can do. We have no other Meryll Vorster claimed deep-seated Hospital, a psychiatric hospital out- that evidence to limit sentencing, choice.” Having blown a 19-point sec- anxiety stemming from the early ond-half lead in the previous game, the amputation of Pistorius’s legs gave Wizards were not about to be run down him a heightened fear of crime. again, turning a seven-point halftime During two months of trial, lead into a 24-point cushion through Pistorius’s lawyers have sought to por- three quarters. From there they cruised tray him as manically obsessed with to victory, holding Roy Hibbert to just safety after a difficult childhood in four points and two rebounds for the which his fearful mother abused alco- top-seeded Pacers. David West top hol and in the face of high crime lev- scored for Indiana with 17. els in South Africa. The Pacers made just 39 percent of Those factors, they argue, help OKLAHOMA: Los Angeles Clippers’ guard Chris Paul drives to the bas- their shots, trailed by 30 points at one explain his reaction on Valentine’s Day ket in front of Oklahoma City Thunder’s center Steven Adams during stage and went down to their most last year when he allegedly believed the first half in Game 5 of the NBA Western Conference semi-finals at lopsided playoff loss since a 26-point his girlfriend to be an intruder and the Chesapeake Arena. —AP defeat to the New York Knicks in last shot her dead through a locked toilet year’s Eastern Conference semi-finals. door. “The accused may not have points, nailed three clutch free throws in four. The Pacers missed 47 shots and had raised the issue that he was not crimi- to guide the second-seeded Thunder The Clippers went to forward Blake only four offensive rebounds. The nally responsible at the time of the to victory. Griffin, who was fouled on a drive. He Wizards totaled 18 offensive rebounds, incident in so many words, but evi- “Faith,” Westbrook told reporters of made the first but missed the second led by Gortat’s seven, and made 50 dence led on his behalf clearly raises a game the Thunder trailed for most of free throw attempts. percent of their shots. the issue and cannot be ignored,” the night. “We just did a good job of However, Los Angeles got the “Clearly, we didn’t match their des- Masipa said giving her ruling. “Mental PRETORIA: Oscar Pistorius in the dock in court yesterday, as the staying together. We kept chipping rebound and guard Chris Paul made peration and physicality throughout illness or mental defect are morbid judge overseeing his murder trial ordered him to undergo psychi- away and playing together.” the Thunder pay with a jumper with 49 the game,” Indiana coach Frank Vogel disorders... not capable of being diag- atric tests. The court adjourned until May 21, 2014. —AP Despite forward Durant’s off night seconds on the clock but Oklahoma said. Washington guard John Wall nosed by a lay court.” by his lofty standards, 27 points on just City refused to concede defeat. scored 17 of his 27 points in the third Masipa said a detailed ruling will side Cape Town. The psychiatrists’ launch an appeal or reset the case. 6-for-22 shooting, the Thunder kept quarter, when the Wizards turned a be issued next Tuesday, when the final report may drastically alter the “My lady, accused persons have in fighting back with chances to take the CONTENTIOUS CALL seven-point halftime lead into a 24- court will reconvene, but indicated direction of the trial. the past replaced their counsel, par- lead in the fourth. Durant scored five straight to get point advantage. Washington are she may be amenable to a proposal “If he has a diminished capacity or ticularly when things go wrong,” said “There was definitely frustration,” the Thunder within two points before attempting to reach the Eastern for Pistorius to be treated as an outpa- no capacity, the trial cannot proceed Nel. After court adjourned, Pistorius’s Durant said. “I just tried to stick with it. Westbrook stole the ball from Paul and Conference finals for the first time tient. or will be taken into account for sen- paternal uncle gave a short state- Russ carried us the whole game. Put passed it to Jackson for a layup since 1979. “We still have an opportu- The tests were not meant as pun- tencing,” said Martin Hood, a criminal ment to the media outside the court- me in position to go out there and hit attempt that was knocked out of nity,” Wizards coach Randy Wittman ishment, she said, adding that she was lawyer also not linked to the case. house. those shots and to win the game.” bounds. said. “If we play our way, we can beat unconcerned by any delay caused as Should Pistorius be found to have “As a family, we are comforted by For a long time a home victory The ball stayed with the Thunder, a these guys.” —Reuters long as it was in the interest of justice. no control, the state will declare him the thoroughness and detail of this After Masipa gave her judgement, a state patient and send him to a judgement and Judge Masipa’s com- 27-year-old Pistorius clenched his jaw hospital for an indefinite period of mitment using every avenue to Ulissi and pressed his lips together, before time. ensure a fair trial,” said Arnold going over to consult with his legal “You don’t want to go through a Pistorius, reading from his iPad. team. trial and convict someone and then Wearing tinted glasses and a grey suit, clinches find out that they did not have the said he would not be taking questions DIMINISHED CAPACITY mental capacity to appreciate their and walked to his wife Lois, clad in a Giro stage The star sprinter, nicknamed the wrongdoing,” said Hood. black dress and black patent leather “Blade Runner” for his j-shaped pros- “If he has full capacity then it elim- pumps. Hand in hand, the two thetic limbs, could face up to 30 days inates an argument for an appeal.” walked past photographers and cam- VIGGIANO: Diego Ulissi gave Italy of observation, featuring one-on-one Along with ruling out the possibility era men along Madiba street away their first stage win of the Giro interviews with psychiatrists. of an appeal, Hood said the medical from the courthouse. —AFP d’Italia and his second career victory in the race yesterday when he won the 203 kilometres fifth stage from Kenyan steeplechase star Taranto to Viggiano. The 24-year-old Lampre rider, who won his previous stage in the Kemboi in new legal row Giro three years ago, beat home veteran Australian Cadel Evans NAIROBI: Kenya’s double Olympic steeplechase champi- while Julian Arredondo of Colombia on Ezekiel Kemboi has been hit by fresh legal trouble India, Pakistan linked to his alleged turbulent private life, a report said was third in stage affected by yesterday. strong winds and heavy down- The Star newspaper said the athlete was being sued ‘to resume play’ pours. Evans’s compatriot Michael for child negligence by a former girlfriend with whom he LAHORE: Pakistan confirmed yesterday had agreed to play Matthews retained the overall allegedly fathered a now two-year-old son, and that the six full series of cricket against India with official backing, the leader’s pink jersey. Matthews’s estranged couple were involved in a fight in a Nairobi first since the 2008 Mumbai terrorist attacks suspended play Orica team had performed impres- hotel on Saturday. between the teams. Pakistan is expected to host four of the sively in running down an 11-man It said the woman had confronted Kemboi over a lack matches over the next eight years, after its cricket board said of child support, and that the star tried to force the it had signed a memorandum of understanding with India breakaway which at one point had woman to again have sex with him, prompting a fight on the issue, and pending a legal agreement. “The Future a lead of six minutes over the pelo- and the intervention of hotel security. Tours Program (FTP) for Pakistan between 2015 and 2023 will ton. Kemboi angrily dismissed the allegations, saying he have six tours with India, four of which will be hosted by A further attack by Italian was a victim of extortion. “That lady is a frustrated per- Pakistan,” Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) chief operating officer Gianluca Brambilla was also son. We were friends some time back but she is now a Subhan Ahmed told AFP. married woman. Reports had been circulating since last month that a full brought to an end 1500 metres series would be played between the two nations as early as from the finish as the Katusha team How can I be involved with somebody else’s wife?” the 31-year-old told AFP by telephone from his hometown of next year after the PCB conditionally agreed to a reorganisa- of experienced Spaniard Joaquim Eldoret. “I did not have a child with her. She should have tion of the game’s administration, the International Cricket Rodriguez reeled him in. gone to court to sue me for the alleged paternity instead Council (ICC), which will give India a bigger say in its gover- Evans launched the sprint for the of tarnishing my name in the media,” he added. Kemboi, nance. India suspended all bilateral series with Pakistan in the wake of the 2008 attacks, which New Delhi blamed on mili- who is also a police officer, beat a similar case in 2012 line but Ulissi went past him and tants based across the border. eased home, for his third stage win when another woman claimed he stabbed her after she The Pakistan team did tour India for a short limited over of the season, while Matthews was refused his sexual advances but later decided to drop the series in December 2012-January 2013 but a full series was sixth. charges. The athlete, who had denied all the charges, not agreed by the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI). was bailed in time to participate in the London Olympics, Ahmad said the six tours would involve “14 Tests, 30 one- Today’s sixth stage is one of the where he won the 3,000m steeplechase gold medal, ITALY: Italy’s Diego Ulissi celebrates his victory as he crosses the fin- days and 12 T20s”. The PCB expected the tours to be written longest of the race at 247km from becoming the first Kenyan to take two Olympic titles in into legally binding agreements “as soon as possible,” he Sassano to Montecassino, with the ish line of the fifth stage of the 97th Giro d’Italia, Tour of Italy, the event, which he also won in Athens in 2004. He is also added. —AFP closing stages a 8.7km climb. —AFP cycling race, 203 km from Taranto to Viggiano. —AFP a three-time world champion. —AFP MANSOORI

THURSDAY, MAY 15, 2014 SPORTS Sky’s the limit for record-breaking Nishikori

TOKYO: You won’t catch Kei Nishikori snarling, topple the giants of tennis. er in 2008, and is a huge celebrity in Japan. and this year propelling his country to the Davis Cup scowling at opponents or yelling at umpires, but the Shuzo Matsuoka, the first Japanese player to win Despite winning five ATP titles to date, Nishikori’s quarter-finals. unassuming 24-year-old has a fire in his belly every an ATP title in 1992, believes Nishikori could even career has been blighted by injuries, most notably in Meanwhile, the decision to hire former French bit as strong as the game’s fiercest gladiators. Having produce a shock Grand Slam triumph this year, 2009 when he needed elbow surgery and feared he Open winner Michael Chang as coach late last year just become the first Japanese to crack the world’s which would give Asian tennis a further boost fol- might not play again. But Matsuoka tipped him to looks an inspired one. “Chang is exactly what Kei top 10 in men’s tennis, the sky could be the limit for lowing the success of China’s Li Na in the women’s join the Grand Slam winners’ club. needed,” said Matsuoka of the 1989 French Open the record-breaking Nishikori-if his fragile body holds game. “You saw in the Nadal match, his creativity and champion. “It’s not just about how much game you up. Where Rafael Nadal stares daggers across the net “There’s a new generation of players coming speed,” said Matsuoka, whose run to the 1995 have, but also tactics and resilience.” at rivals, Nishikori shuffles almost apologetically through to challenge the big four,” he told AFP, refer- Wimbledon quarter-final sparked a tennis boom in Nishikori’s best Grand Slam performance to date along the baseline, a toothy grin belying his swash- ring to Nadal, Roger Federer, Novak Djokovic and Japan. was the quarter-finals in Melbourne two years ago. buckling style. Andy Murray. “I don’t think anyone doubts he can win Grand But if he continues on his upward curve, favorable Nishikori, who has risen to nine in the world rank- “He has the ability. I’ve been watching Kei since he Slams.” Given his first racquet when he was five, draws await at the four majors, and Stanislas ings, came agonisingly close to beating Nadal for the was 11. He has the touch of a genius, great imagina- Nishikori has come a long way since leaving his fami- Wawrinka’s Australian Open victory in January sug- first time in seven meetings in last weekend’s Madrid tion. “He has shots in his locker you just can’t teach,” ly home in mountainous Shimane prefecture, west- gests the field is more open than previous years. Open final before injury struck again. added Matsuoka. “Breaking into the top 10 is just the ern Japan as a bashful 13-year-old and arriving at “Kei has the potential,” said Japan’s former Davis In control at 6-2, 4-3, he felt a twinge in his hip and start.” Nick Bollettieri’s academy in Bradenton, Florida, Cup captain Eiji Takeuchi, who also feels the high-fly- went on to lose the second set 6-4 before retiring at unable to speak a word of English. ing Nishikori has a Grand Slam crown in him. 0-3 in the third. But after wins in Memphis and ‘SO TOUGH’ Earmarked for success at an early age by the “He was always a shy kid but once he stepped on Barcelona already this year, the Florida-based Nishikori burst onto the scene as an 18-year-old Japan Tennis Association, Nishikori has repaid them court, a switch flicked on inside him. He is so tough. Nishikori has demonstrated he has the weapons to by winning in Delray Beach as a 244th-ranked qualifi- in gold, proving a cash cow for the domestic game He could be aiming for the top five already.” —AFP Low downs the giant-killer

LONDON: Low Wee Wern, who so nearly between her and the top five. became a giant-killer before her home crowd “It was a hard loss to take,” she said of her in last month’s World Championships, fol- setback against Massaro. “But everyone is still lowed it by halting a giant-killer in the British there for me. “I didn’t think I was that close to Open. beating a world champion. But I’ve been able The seventh-seeded Malaysian saw four to take the positives and I know that I am match points slip agonisingly away against almost up there with them.” Laura Massaro, the eventual world champion, One of the barriers to Low’s achieving this, in the quarter-finals in Penang, but now she admits, is so often having been the sneaked a narrow win against another underdog. She has played most of her career English player, Emma Beddoes. in the shadow of Nicol David, the fellow Low’s 11-9, 11-9, 6-11, 6-11, 11-9 success Penangite who has been world number one was a courageously completed effort against for almost eight years, and has crept up the an unseeded opponent who overcame world rankings largely uncelebrated. finalist Nour El Sherbini on Tuesday and who But having dug deep to beat the in-form had little to lose 24 hours later. Beddoes she has realistic hopes of doing well Low was 6-8 down in both the first and again on Friday in the quarter-finals against second games, did well to pull the back the Raneem El Weleily, the world number three deficits, and then did even better to halt a from Egypt. El Weleily progressed with an 11- Beddoes surge from 5-9 to 9-9 in the decider. 5, 11-6, 11-3 win against Kasey Brown, the She did that with a nice mix of the short former top five Australian, showing once and the long games, coaxing in a tight little again that when she pegs down her concen- forehand drop shot to reach match point, tration she has the talent to beat anybody. and then converting it with a sharp stride to a Low meanwhile returned to the hotel and short ball and a crisply struck cross court kill. may seek further practice on the all-glass It was a disappointment for Beddoes who show court today. El Weleily by contrast created enough openings to suggest she can remained at the venue, ready to support her climb the top 20 even at the relatively late fiancee Tarek Momen in his second round age of 28, but further encouragement for match against Mohamed El Shorbagy, their Low that she can close the small gap fourth-seeded compatriot. —AFP

ROME: France’s Jeremy Chardy celebrates after defeating Switzerland’s Roger Federer at the Italian open tennis tournament. —AP Federer blown off court

ROME: Jeremy Chardy caught new father Roger in play rather than going for it,” said Federer. it can blow behind or in front of you and, it Federer on the hop at a wind-blown ATP-WTA Federer swept the opening set but began to depends on what side of the court you are on. “But Rome Masters yesterday, winning their second fade in the second as a charged-up Chardy made you have to play the wind, try to use it in your round match 1-6, 6-3, 7-6 (8-6). his move. Federer, whjo salvaged seven of eight advantage if you can. I thought I did a good job of The upset loss, in just over two hours, came break points in the final set, saved a first match that.” barely a week after the 32-year-old Federer point. But he could not touch a freak Chardy cross- Murray will next face resurgent Austrian Jurgen became father to his second set of twins, boys this court return which landed on his shoelaces. Melzer, who beat Marin Cilic 6-2, 6-7 (5/7), 6-3 as a time round as opposed to girls the first occasion. “He’s not going to make that one very often, But return from a shoulder injury starts to pay off posi- “Unfortunately, when I had the lead I couldn’t it happens and credit to him. He fought his way tively. stretch it. That’s how it happened today. We both back into the match and got it,” said Federer. Murray has never been beaten in five previous struggled at time in the wind - at the end it was a Seventh seed Andy Murray took revenge for a meetings with Melzer, with the pair last facing shot here or there that decided the match,” said the defeat a year ago as he beat Marcel Granollers to each other in the 2011 Australian Open. Swiss. open with a 6-2, 7-5 victory into the third round. Murray, playing in Rome for the ninth time, is The fourth-seed, who has never won the Rome The Spaniard had benefitted in 2013 when the trying to kick-start his delayed clay season which title, decided to come and have a go on the clay of Scot had to quit their second-round contest with began only last week with a win and a loss in the Foro Italico after consulting with wife Mirka the back pains which eventually forced him to Madrid. His best showing in Rome was a 2011 and his team. With him in Rome was part-time undergo surgery last autumn. semi-final. coaching consultant Stefan Edberg. The match was also played in the day’s swirling In women’s second-round play, Serena Williams Conditions were brutal for a match played amid dustbowl conditions. “I did a very good job, it was showed no sign of the thigh injury which forced great bursts of red clay blowing regularly through hard conditions: it affects significantly the way you her withdrawal from a Madrid semi-final as the top the air. “The conditions made it difficult to prepare play and the way you would like to play,” said seed beat Andrea Petkovic 6-2, 6-2. However, her a proper game plan or execute the way you want- Murray. “I tried to serve high percentage. sister Venus bowed out beaten 6-4, 6-2 by 13th ed. You can’t take as much risk, you just put the ball “But when you throw the ball up from one hand seeded Spaniard Carla Suarez. —AFP Barcelona’s Valdes thanks coaches in farewell message

BARCELONA: Outgoing Barcelona since his first-team debut, in search World Cup hopes with Spain. Valdes said. “Thank you Frank goalkeeper Victor Valdes has paid of a new challenge with a different In a letter released by the club, Rijkaard, for giving me the confi- tribute to Louis Van Gaal and all club. Valdes stated his gratitude to the dence necessary, and allowing me other coaches he worked under at Valdes was denied the opportu- first team trainers starting with to achieve glory, getting my hands the club in an emotional farewell nity to say goodbye to supporters Dutch coach Van Gaal “for backing on the European Cup in Paris. message to fans. on the pitch as he sustained a cruci- what only he could see in him.” Wherever you are, I will be indebt- Low Wee Wern The 32-year-old said he would ate knee ligament injury in March “He (Van Gaal) began building ed to you for the rest of my life leave the Camp Nou at the end of that brought a premature end to this historic Barca side, which I have Mister.” Valdes also thanked Pep this season, following 12 years his season and also scuppered his been privileged to be part of,” Guardiola, who currently manages Bayern Munich, for guiding and Teams get unfair advantage supporting him. For Tito Vilanova, who passed away last month, he from heavy tackles: Collina added: “Thank you Tito! Wherever you are, I thank you for having TURIN: A player who causes an opponent to Collina also repeated UEFA’s criticism of the so-called taught us not only the way to keep leave the pitch because of a bad tackle triple punishment and said a distinction should be winning as a team, but also the should also go off the field until his victim has made between “saving a goal” and “denying the opposi- strength and character needed to been treated, UEFA’s refereeing chief suggest- tion a clear scoring opportunity.” Under the present face life.” ed on Tuesday. Pierluigi Collina said that it rules, a player who denies an opponent a clear scoring On Monday, Valdes went to the was unfair that a team should play with one chance in the penalty area will concede a penalty, be Barcelona training ground to say man less because of a heavy challenge from sent off and suspended for the next match. UEFA asked goodbye to the players, and also the opposition. The Italian suggested that a earlier this year for the rule to be changed, and for the thanked his past and present team- player who is booked for a challenge which red card to be replaced with a yellow, but IFAB referred mates in his message. leaves an opponent needing treatment the request to its two specialist panels for further discus- “Thanks to all my colleagues with should wait on the touchline until his victim sion. whom I’ve had the pleasure to work is ready to go back on. The issue has been repeatedly discussed over the with, that involves wearing the Barca “Football gives an advantage to the player last few years and IFAB says it has been unable to find a crest on our chests day after day, for who committed the foul,” Collina told satisfactory alternative. Collina said that the scoring making me feel important within the reporters. “It gives an advantage to those who opportunity was restored by the awarding of the group that we developed over all should not be given an advantage. penalty, so there was no need for the red card. “To have these years,” he said. “Because it all “Maybe in the future we could tell the play- the chance restored and the player sent off, it’s too comes down to this, we are who we er (who committed the foul) to leave the field much,” he said. However, Collina said it was different are, here and now. Thank you gentle- as well, and (they both) enter the field togeth- when a player stopped the ball from going in, as Luis men!” Valdes, who also thanked the er, when the other player is ready.” Suarez famously did by punching a goalbound shot supporters for keeping him going, Any such suggestion would have to be pro- off the line in Uruguay’s World Cup quarter-final will be able to add another trophy to posed to the International Football Association against Ghana in 2010. “We are talking about an obvi- his cabinet if Barcelona win the La Board (IFAB), which is responsible for making ous scoring chance and not saving a goal. Suarez was Liga title decider against Atletico changes to the laws of the game. It would also saving a goal, so having a penalty kick (for Ghana) is Madrid at the Nou Camp this week- certainly have to be tested in amateur or youth not restoring the same situation. So when a goal is Victor Valdes end. —Reuters football before a final decision is made. saved, this is another matter.” —Reuters THURSDAY, MAY 15, 2014 SPORTS South Korea’s Park hangs up his boots SEOUL: South Korean Park Ji-sung then Manchester United manager announced his retirement from soccer yes- Ferguson. Park, described by Ferguson as terday, bringing the curtain down on a the “ultimate professional”, spent seven career that took him to the 2002 World Cup seasons at United, winning four Premier semi-finals and saw him become the first League titles and the Champions League in Asian to play in a UEFA Champions League 2008, though he was surprisingly omitted final. from the squad for the final. Park’s industry, energy and work ethic In 2009, he became the first Asian to made him a favourite of Alex Ferguson dur- play in the Champions League final when ing his time at Manchester United and his he started in United’s 2-0 loss to Barcelona. performances in England and with Dutch “The proudest moment for me was of side PSV Eindhoven helped raise the profile course the 2002 World Cup,” said Park, of Korean soccer around the world. flanked by his father and his mother, who The 33-year-old, who called time on his was in tears throughout the news confer- international career after the 2011 Asian ence. Cup, said he could not continue to play at the highest level because of knee issues but added that he was leaving the game without any regrets. “I didn’t cry about it yesterday, and I’m not crying about it today, that means I’m leaving with no regrets,” he told a news conference at the Park Ji-sung Football Centre in Suwon, where he has a street named after him. “I enjoyed playing football. I have achieved more than I have thought I would. I’m truly grateful for all the support I have received and I will live the rest of my life thinking how I can pay it back.” After leaving Manchester United in 2012, Park signed for Queen’s Park Rangers but spent the last season on loan at PSV. Issues with his knee sidelined him for long Park Ji-sung spells over the last two years. “I thought about getting an operation “The most influential figure in my life is but even if I did it wouldn’t mean the injury Guus Hiddink. He took me abroad after the would be gone completely. Naturally, World Cup and that was the turning point retirement was the option,” he added. of my life. Park grabbed the spotlight at the 2002 “Ferguson also helped me play at the World Cup finals, which were co-hosted by world’s top level... the coaches I’ve spent South Korea and Japan. Under the tutelage time with are definitely my great asset.” of Dutch coach Guus Hiddink, the shaggy- Park gave himself a “seven out of 10” for his haired midfielder flourished on the game’s career and said he would pull on the PSV biggest stage, scoring the winning goal uniform for the last time on May 28 when KUWAIT: Kuwait’s Al-Kuwait club player Chadi Hammami (left) vies for the ball against Bahrain’s Al-Riffa club Mohammad Duaij against Portugal to seal Korea’s place in the the Dutch side visit Korea to play in a chari- during their AFC football match yesterday. —Photo by Yasser Al-Zayyat knockout stages for the first time. ty match as a tribute to the victims of the recent ferry disaster. ‘ULTIMATE PROFESSIONAL’ Park said if he had to choose only one After the World Cup, Hiddink was team to play for it would be the national appointed manager of PSV and brought side. “I would choose to wear the national Park with him, where, after a tough start, he team uniform because it was my lifetime Scolari charged with won over the fans and caught the eye of dream to wear it.” —Reuters

tax fraud in Portugal Preview

LISBON: Portuguese authorities have charged Kuwait and Uzbekistan. Dutch newspaper income tax declarations correctly,” Scolari said Demoted Ahly the Brazil’s national coach Luiz Felipe Scolari with Financieele Dagblad said Scolari received mon- in a statement in reaction to the press reports. tax fraud, less than a month before the World ey from two Netherlands-based companies, “I always declared my earnings in all the CAF Cup team to beat Cup starts, a prosecution spokesman told AFP Chaterella Investors Limited and Flamboyants countries I worked in,” he insisted. “I am yesterday. Sports. absolutely convinced of the correctness of my JOHANNESBURG: Egyptians Al-Ahly Abidjan Investigators said they have asked the Portugal has asked US authorities for assis- declarations. began this year seeking a record third Nickname: Black and Yellows United States, Britain, the Netherlands and consecutive CAF Champions League title Coach: Siaka Traore Brazil for assistance in the case. Scolari is only to be forced into an abrupt change Qualifying: CO Bamako (MLI) 3-1 (1-1 accused of hiding about seven million euros of ambition. 2-0), CS Constantine (ALG) 6-1 (6-0 0-1), ($9.6 million) in income when he was Portugal’s A shock qualifying loss to Libyans Al- Kaizer Chiefs (RSA) 3-1 (1-0 2-1) Scorers: coach between 2003 and 2008, according to Ahly Benghazi meant demotion to the Koffi 5, Boua, Fofana 2 each, Kangoute, media reports. second-tier CAF Confederation Cup, and Loua, Zagbayou 1 each Group appear- He has denied any wrongdoing. But the they squeezed past Moroccans El-Jadida ance: 2011 (3). inquiry threatens to taint Brazil’s preparations in a play-off for a pool place . Group record: (home) P3 W2 D1 L0 to host the World Cup, which starts on June 12. Now the Cairo ‘Red Devils’ are F4 A2, (away) P3 W0 D0 L3 F1 A4 Scolari coached Brazil to their World Cup tri- favoured to become the first Egyptian Verdict: Unpredictable! Fired six past umph in 2002 and has returned to the national winners of the African equivalent of the Algerians Constantine only to battle side for the campaign on home territory which Europa League. against Kaizer Chiefs ‘B’ team. they are favourites to win. Another five Champions League Portugal reached the final of Euro 2004 as demotees triumphed in the play-offs as Group B hosts and the World Cup semi-finals in 2006 did Ivorians ASEC and Tunisians Etoile when Scolari was in charge. The Portuguese AL-AHLY (EGY) Sahel, who came through the Founded: 1907 inquiry is being carried out by the Central Confederation Cup qualifiers. Department for Criminal Investigations and Stadium: Cairo (75,000) The six-match day group phase kicks Nickname: Red Devils Penal Action (DCIAP). off this weekend with the top two finish- The department, an arm of the Prosecutor Coach: Fathi Mabrouk ers in each mini-league advancing to the Qualifying: El-Jadida (MAR) 2-2 (1-0 General’s office, confirmed in a statement that semi-finals. “Luiz Felipe Scolari stands accused in an investi- 1-2, won on away goal) AFP sport introduces the eight con- Scorers: Al-Saied, Raouf 1 each gation.” tenders for a trophy lifted last year for a Group appearances: none “This probe is investigating happenings dat- record third time by Tunisians CS Verdict: It would be a shock if the ing back to the period between 2003 and 2008 Sfaxien. and is related to eventual fiscal infractions,” it club that has won a record 18 CAF titles failed to survive group stage added. “In the course of these investigations, Group A international assistance was requested from COTON SPORT (CMR) the Netherlands, Britain, Brazil and the United NKANA (ZAM) Luiz Felipe Scolari Founded: 1986 States. The request to the USA is still to be Stadium: Roumde-Adja (35,000 Founded: 1935 answered.” The statement did not give a figure capacity), Garoua Nickname: Cottoners Stadium: Nkana (10,000), Kitwe for the alleged fraud and said “investigations tance in the inquiry as the money was believed “If there is something wrong it is not of my Coach: Didier Gomes da Rosa (FRA) Nickname: Red Devils are ongoing.” to have been transferred to the United States, doing,” said Scolari, who invited the authorities Qualifying: Petro Atletico (ANG) 4-3 Coach: Masauso Mwale Scolari, 65, has made a personal fortune the Dutch daily added. to look into “all the facts.” The Brazilian Football (2-1 home, 2-2 away) Scorers: Daouda, Qualifying: Bizertin (TUN) 1-1 (0-0 1- from his work with Brazil and Portugal but also Financieele Dagblad said that Scolari trans- Confederation (CBF) have yet to comment on Djeugoue, Mbah, Zimbori 1 goal each 1, won on away goal) as a club manager with teams such as Chelsea. ferred money through companies based in the the case, which has been given widespread Group appearance: 2004 (2nd place) Scorer: Mwanza 1 Scolari has also worked as a coach in Japan, Bahamas and other tax havens. “I made all my attention in Brazil. —AFP Group record: (home) P3 W2 D1 L0 F5 Group appearances: none A0, (away) P3 W1 D1 L1 F4 A3 Verdict: Difficulty in scoring against Ono inspires dramatic Verdict: Never-say-die spirit shown top-class opponents could prove undo- Hamburg face Fuerth with against Petro suggests they can reach ing. Wanderers comeback semi-finals proud record at stake SEWE SAN PEDRO (CIV) SYDNEY: Departing Japanese star Shinji Ono inspired a REAL BAMAKO (MLI) Founded: 1977 dramatic comeback by Western Sydney Wanderers as they Founded: 1960 Stadium: Auguste Denise (10,000), BERLIN: Hamburg host Greuther Fuerth With Leverkusen reported to have offered scrambled into the AFC Champions League quarter-finals Stadium: Modibo Keita (35,000), San Pedro today in the first of a two-legged Bundesliga 12 million euros, both German daily Bild and Bamako Nickname: Seweke on away goals against Sanfrecce Hiroshima yesterday. relegation play-off with their proud record of the Hamburg’s Morgenpost newspaper Nickname: Scorpions Coach: Rigo Gervais never being relegated from Germany’s top quoted his agent Bektas Demirtas as saying: Ono, in his final game before returning to Japan, creat- Coach: Nouhome Diane Qualifying: Bayelsa Utd (NGR) 3-0 (2- flight at stake. “If he should change within Germany, then ed two second-half goals-one five minutes from time-for a Qualifying: Djoliba (MLI) 2-1 (2-1 0-0) 0 1-0) Hamburg are the last remaining side in Leverkusen has the best cards. 2-0 win and 3-3 aggregate score, enough for the Scorers: Doumbia, Kone 1 each Scorers: Assale 2, Kouame 1 Germany’s top tier to have never gone down “This is a club that plays European who Wanderers to scrape through by virtue of their away goal Group appearances: none Group appearances: none and a clock at their Imtech Arena stadium wants him and is willing to pay an appropri- Verdict: Start as outsiders in an Verdict: Deserve respect after proudly displays how long they have spent ate price.” in last week’s 3-1 defeat. In the South Korean capital the 2013 runners-up FC intriguing group comprised of central achieving rare African club feat of win- in the Bundesliga. Calhanoglu, whose contract runs till 2018 and west African clubs ning in Nigeria. But the 1983 European Cup winners have and has no exit clause in his deal should they Seoul also went through on away goals despite losing 2-1 just 180 minutes to maintain their 50-year go down, scored 11 goals from midfield this to Kawasaki Frontale for 4-4 on aggregate, following last AC LEOPARDS (CGO) ETOILE SAHEL (TUN) stay. Having finished their wretched season season and is a bright prospect in a strug- week’s 3-2 win. The Wanderers looked headed for the exit Founded: 1953 Founded: 1925 16th in the table, Hamburg will join gling team. in the round of 16 but the tie turned 10 minutes after half- Stadium: Denis Sassou Nguesso Stadium: Olympique (25,000), Nuremberg and Eintracht Braunschweig in He took to social media network Twitter time, when Shannon Cole smashed in a volley after being (20,000), Dolisie Nickname: Niari Beasts Sousse to say his focus is purely on Fuerth: “I’ll be the second division if they fail to beat Fuerth. Coach: Patrick Aussems (BEL) Nickname: Red Devils Fuerth are bidding to come straight back giving my all for the two most important teed up by Ono. Qualifying: Medeama (GHA) 2-2 (2-0 Coach: Roger Lemerre (FRA) up after a season in Germany’s second tier, matches in the club’s history.” And following waves of attacks, the decisive goal came 0-2, 5-4 penalties) Qualifying: CARA (CGO) 3-1 (3-0 0-1), where they finished third in the table, and But Dutch midfielder Rafael van der on 85 minutes when Brendon Santalab blasted home after Scorer: Kalema 2 SuperSport Utd (RSA) 5-1 (1-0 4-1), they host Sunday’s return leg. Vaart criticised the timing of Demirtas’ com- more deft work from Ono, who will now leave for Group appearance: 2012 (2) Horoya (GUI) 1-0 (1-0 0-0) With reported debts of around 100 mil- ments. “If an adviser says something like Consadole Sapporo. Group record: (home) P3 W2 D1 L0 F5 Scorers: Lahmar, Drama 2 each, lion euros (US$136.9m), Hamburg’s billion- that two days before such an important The Wanderers saw out the five minutes of stoppage aire investor Klaus-Michael Kuehne has had game, then he is a bad adviser,” said the A1, (away) P3 W0 D2 L1 F3 A5 Brigui, Ghezal, Mouihbi, Slama, Troudi 1 to pledge 10 million euros in order for the Dutch playmaker. time to preserve their advantage and go into the draw for Verdict: Surprise winners of the Cup each club to obtain their licence next season. “Everyone here has to understand that he the two-legged quarter-finals in August. two years ago and serious last-four con- Group appearances: 2006 (1), 2008 Relegation would further harm their must save the club.” Such is the interest in “I believe in this team and we believe in ourselves and tenders. (1), 2013 (3) struggling finances. To compound their these two matches that Sunday’s return that’s why we have a good result tonight,” Ono said after- Group record: (home) P9 W7 D1 L1 problems, Turkey international Hakan match in Fuerth will be screened live to a ASEC MIMOSAS (CIV) F18 A6, (away) P9 W3 D3 3L F9 A7 wards. Wanderers coach Tony Popovic, who steered his Founded: 1948 Verdict: The 2006 winners should Calhanoglu, 20, has been linked to rivals public viewing area in the Hanseatic City team to the A-League grand final, is also losing Dutch mid- Bayer Leverkusen, who face a play-off for a with only 2,000 away tickets available for Stadium: Robert Champroux (20,000), prove biggest threat to Ahly. —AFP Champions League place next season. Hamburg fans. —AFP fielder Youssouf Hersi to Perth Glory. —AFP Ulissi clinches Federer blown Giro stage off court

THURSDAY, MAY 15, 2014 17 18

Scolari charged with tax fraud in Portugal Page 19

TURIN: The Sevilla team poses with the Europa League trophy after winning the final football match against Benfica yesterday athe t Juventus stadium in Turin. — AFP Sevilla win Europa League

TURIN: Sevilla beat Benfica 4-2 on penalties after a goalless Benfica’s Oscar Cardozo and Rodrigo had penalties saved by Pereira just failed to lob the ball over goalkeeper Beto who Lima nearly grabbed a late winner with a dipping long- draw to win the Europa League final yesterday, extending the Beto to hand the Spanish side the trophy. blocked another effort by Rodrigo in the following attack. range effort which Beto just managed to turn over the cross- Portuguese side’s extraordinary run of defeats in European “Benfica were a just finalist like we were and it was a game Benfica should have gone ahead in the 48th minute when bar. Then Ezequiel Garay headed over at the far post from a finals. where there were moments they were on top, others when Lima had a shot blocked off the line by Nicolas Pareja after floated cross. Substitute Kevin Gameiro fired home the winning penalty we were,” Sevilla coach Unai Emery told Spanish TV. being cleverly set up by Pereira and Rodrigo’s follow-up was Benfica failed to carry the momentum into extra-time and as Sevilla, twice winners of the old UEFA Cup, lifted the trophy “In the end they were pushing forward more as we were also blocked. Sevilla nearly went ahead when Ivan Rakitic sent Carlos Bacca for the third time and left Benfica to reflect on their eight suc- tired and all the games that we have played this season took At the other end, Luisao saved Benfica with a perfectly clear down the right but the Colombian fired his just over the cessive loss in European finals. their toll. However, we have learnt to fight and cope with the timed tackle on Jose Antonio Reyes. Pereira then set up bar. Gameiro fired into the side-netting in the second half of Benfica had the better of the 90 minutes but the confi- difficult moments and we came out on top.” another chance for Lima when he got in behind the Sevilla extra-time after another break down the right. By that time, dence seemed to drain out of them in extra-time. Sevilla won There was little excitement in an often scrappy and foul-lit- defence and this time the Brazilian forward completely fatigue had crept in, the pace had slowed and the game was the toss, took the penalties in front of their own fans and tered first half until the very end when Benfica fullback Maxi missed his kick. littered with mistakes. — Reuters Arsenal can handle Ardiles: Messi needs World cup pressure: Wenger Cup medal to join greats SWEIMEH: Lionel Messi would trade all important than it once was. LONDON: Arsenal manager Arsene professional is to give your best until the his Barcelona success for a World Cup “It is a fact that no European teams Wenger yesterday expressed confidence last day of your contract. “That’s for me the that the pressure of the club’s nine-year tro- real professional. I don’t doubt his integrity, winners’ medal with Argentina to sit have won the World Cup in South phy drought will not derail his side in his desire to win and his commitment at all.” alongside the game’s greats, according America but after saying that it doesn’t Saturday’s FA Cup final against Hull City. Fabianski has played in the domestic cup to compatriot Ossie Ardiles. mean it is going to stay like that forever. “You don’t play with the history,” he said. competitions for Arsenal this season, with “That is how important the World Cup “Three or four teams from Europe “You play with your quality and your desire countryman Wojciech Szczesny the first- is for him,” said Ardiles, who was in the have a big chance in Brazil, but though to play well. It is an opportunity and we choice goalkeeper for league and Argentina team that won the 1978 World Brazil are playing at home, being at have to take a distance with time. We need Champions League matches. Cup at home in Buenos Aires. home is not a big advantage anymore. to just turn up and play well.” Despite reports that he, too, could leave Ardiles, speaking to delegates at the Players play all over, things have Arsenal last won a trophy in 2005, when the club during the close season, Wenger Soccerex Asian Forum held by the banks changed. It is a lot less than it used to be. they beat Manchester United on penalties again dismissed suggestions that it would of the Dead Sea, said that while Messi “At the beginning of the tournament in the 2005 FA Cup final. They have since affect his focus. “The answer is exactly the might be regarded by some as the best it can be an advantage but if things don’t lost two League Cup finals, in 2007 and same,” said the Frenchman. “Honestly, I have player the world has seen, a World Cup go well for a young team like Brazil’s it 2011, and been beaten by Barcelona in the always acted like that because it would win is vital for his legacy. can be like a boomerang effect. The pres- 2006 Champions League final. basically mean the guys are not profession- Messi, 26, has claimed 21 club prizes sure grows and grows and comes back “No matter what the result will be, this al. with Barca and has also won the World and can hit you hard. There is so much club-and this is always most important-can “I have done that with Samir Nasri, with Youth Cup in 2005 and 2008 Olympics pressure, it is tremendous.” deal with the consequences of any game,” Robin van Persie, with everyone when I Wenger added. “What is important is that knew they left or had a good chance to with Argentina. Next month’s World Cup Ardiles played at the 1978 and 1982 we come out of the game and have the leave. I always played them. If they deserve will be his third after being used sparing- World Cups and gave a fascinating feeling that we gave absolutely our best, to play, they play.” ly as a substitute in 2006 and playing in insight into how he felt about the experi- our total energy to play at our best, and Wenger reiterated his opinion that Jack 2010. ence. “I did not enjoy playing in the then you always accept the consequences. Wilshere will be fully fit to take part in the “Right now Messi might be regarded World Cup. You are always worried about “No matter how much we talk about it, World Cup with England, having been as the greatest player in the whole histo- how you are going to perform, the other you can win and lose, but you want to included in national coach Roy Hodgson’s ry of the game but he would give all the team, I did not enjoy it. come out of the game feeling you have 23-man squad on Monday. medals he has won with Barcelona just “But, of course, when the final whistle done the maximum to win and that is what The 22-year-old midfielder made his to win one World Cup, that is how impor- went in 1978 and we were champions, we want to achieve.” comeback from a fractured foot in Arsenal’s tant it is for him,” said former midfielder you feel happiness, ecstasy, pure joy, and Meanwhile, Wenger says that he is hap- 2-0 season-ending win at Norwich City on Ardiles. its beautiful and a unique moment in py to field Bacary Sagna and Lukasz Sunday, having been on the sidelines since “To be considered alongside the top, your life - and that feeling lasted for a Fabianski in the final despite uncertainty early March. top guys like Pele and Diego Maradona long time. “I enjoyed it after the World over their futures. “How has he been this week? Good, he and so on, he not only needs to be in the Cup but not while I was playing in it.” The contracts of France right back works hard,” said Wenger. “We have a hard World Cup but to win it.” Asked if wives and girlfriends were Sagna and Poland goalkeeper Fabianski are session today (Wednesday) again and he Ardiles also said that he regarded around the Argentine camp when they due to expire shortly and both have reject- progresses. He played 30 minutes at Argentina as favourites to win the tour- won in 1978, Ardiles replied: “It’s a very ed new deals from the club, but Wenger Norwich. That was planned, he came out has no qualms about selecting them. well. “I think if you ask me about the World nament in neighbouring Brazil, but bad idea having wives and girlfriends On Sagna’s situation, Wenger told a Cup, he should just have enough time to be joked he could not say anything else if around. “Some players want to have the press conference: “I told you many times fully fit.” he wanted to remain popular back wife and the girlfriend next door. It’s a that it’s exactly the same as last week. The While Wilshere could start against Hull, home. bad idea. In 1978 we didn’t see our wives ball is in his camp and I cannot influence Arsenal will give late fitness tests to fellow LONDON: Arsenal’s French manager Arsene Wenger (left) and On a more serious note he said that for months, but we survived and won. In that.” Asked if he had any concerns about England midfielder Alex Oxlade- midfielder Jack Wilshere take part in a training session at their while Brazil clearly had a very good 1982 we had the wives and we were ter- playing the 31-year-old, Wenger replied: Chamberlain and Belgian club captain London Colney training ground ahead of the FA Cup Final chance, home advantage was a lot less rible.” — Reuters “Not at all. I told you many times: for me a Thomas Vermaelen. — AFP against Hull on Saturday. — AFP Gold up on lower dollar and stocks

Page 24 Business India’s crude imports from Iran drop by 42% THURSDAY, MAY 15, 2014 Page 23 Sony to remain in red after posting Report highlights child labor on US tobacco farms $1.26 billion loss Page 25 Page 25

BINH DUONG: Smoke and flames billow from a factory window in Binh Duong yesterday, as anti-China protesters set more than a dozen factories on fire in Vietnam. — AFP Mobs on rampage, attack foreign factories Vietnam shaken by worst anti-China unrest in decades HANOI: Thousands of Vietnamese set fire to for- Hong, president of Taiwan’s Formosa Industries that China was seriously concerned about the eign factories and rampaged in industrial zones Corp, one of the companies that was attacked, violence and had summoned Vietnam’s ambas- Claims and counter-claims in the in the south of the country in an angry reaction said about 300 rioters looted televisions, com- sador to protest. China has “demanded the China claims almost the entire South China news to Chinese oil drilling in a part of the South puters and personal belongings of workers. Vietnamese side make efforts to adopt effective Sea, an area rich in energy deposits and an China Sea claimed by Vietnam, officials said yes- “Due to the limited number of police, they measures to resolutely support eliminating ille- important passageway traversed each year by terday. The brunt of Tuesday’s anti-China vio- couldn’t stop the looters. The situation was like gal criminal acts and protect the safety of $5 trillion worth of ship-borne goods. Brunei, UAE’s TAQA Q1 net lence appears to have been borne by Taiwanese in a country where there were no authorities to Chinese citizens and institutions”, Hua told Malaysia, the Philippines, Taiwan and Vietnam profit jumps 158 % companies in the zones in Binh Duong and protect its people,” Hong said. reporters. also have claims on the area. Philippine foreign ABU DHABI: Abu Dhabi National Energy Company Dong Nai provinces, as rioters mistook the firms A police official in Binh Duong province, Hong Kong-listed sports shoe maker Yue affairs department spokesman Charles Jose said (TAQA), the state-owned oil explorer and power suppli- to be Chinese-owned. There were no reports of speaking by telephone, said about 200 people Yuen, which supplies footwear to Adidas, Nike China had been moving earth and materials to er, posted a 158-percent jump in first-quarter net profit casualties and the rioting appeared to have had been arrested. “We are working on other and other international brands, said it had sus- Johnson South Reef, known by the Chinese as yesterday as revenue from its oil and gas business subsided. areas in the province ... We haven’t seen any pended production in Vietnam because of the Chigua and which the Philippines calls Mabini soared. TAQA, 75 percent owned by the government of The row over the South China Sea and anti- injuries.” A Singapore foreign ministry protests, but there was no damage to its facili- Reef, in recent weeks. He said China was Abu Dhabi, made a profit of 274 million dirhams ($74.6 China violence in tightly-controlled Vietnam spokesman said the premises of a number of ties and its workers were safe. A spokesman for reclaiming land in violation of the Declaration million) in the three months to March 31, up from 106 have brought relations between Hanoi and foreign companies were broken into and set on global exporter Li & Fung, which supplies retail- on the Conduct of Parties in the South China million dirhams a year earlier, it said in a statement. Beijing to one of their lowest points since the fire in two Vietnam-Singapore joint venture ers like Kohl’s Corp and Wal-Mart Stores Inc with Sea, an informal code of conduct for the region. TAQA’s quarterly oil and gas revenue was 3.5 billion “I think they’re to construct an airstrip there,” dirhams, up from 2.2 billion dirhams in the prior-year Communist neighbors fought a brief border industrial parks in Binh Duong. He said the clothing, toys and other products, said some of period. This helped push overall revenue to 7.2 billion war in 1979. “I fear a dark chapter in Sino- Singapore government had asked Vietnam to its suppliers in Vietnam had halted production Jose said. dirhams, up 33 percent year-on-year. “Our first quarter Vietnamese relations is now being written,” said restore law and order immediately, but gave no yesterday as a precautionary measure. He gave However, Richard Bitzinger, a military analyst result was helped by the restoration of North Sea oil pro- Ian Storey, a South China Sea expert at other details. “Everyone is terrified,” said Serena no further details. at the S Rajaratnam School of International duction at Cormorant Alpha and higher natural gas Singapore’s Institute of Southeast Asian Studies. Liu, chairwoman of the Taiwan Chamber of Anti-China sentiment was also evident in Studies in Singapore, said the airstrip was prices in North America, but we also demonstrated our “And because China wants to keep that oil rig in Commerce in Vietnam. “Some people tried to Manila, as the Philippine government accused unlikely to be a strategic game-changer in the ability to increase capital efficiency and control costs,” place into August, these protests could just be drive out of Binh Duong, but looters had put up Beijing of reclaiming land on a reef in disputed South China Sea because of the difficulty in Stephen Kersley, chief financial officer of TAQA, said in the first pages.” Tran Van Nam, vice chairman of road blocks.” islands in another part of sea, apparently to building a workable runway on the atoll. “It the statement. “We are well positioned with ample liq- the Binh Duong People’s Committee, said work- build an airstrip. “If these reports are true, this would be a nice tool to have in the box of uidity, and look forward to driving continued improve- ers initially held peaceful protests on Tuesday. Risk of military clash would represent a significant step by the options to project power, but it is probably ment in earnings and coverage ratios.” But disorder broke out when the numbers Storey said the Vietnamese government Chinese, potentially allowing them to extend going to be far too small to have a huge impact,” swelled to about 20,000. would now be under increasing pressure to their airborne reach,” said Storey, the analyst. Bitzinger said. “At this point I would be very sur- UK unemployment Gates were smashed and rioters set 15 facto- respond, which could risk a military clash at sea The spike in tensions over the oil- and gas-rich prised to see this develop into any airbase of drops to 5-year low ries on fire, he said. “This caused billions of dong with China that Vietnam could not win. Dozens South China Sea comes two weeks after US any significant size ... China’s holdings in the LONDON: Britain’s unemployment rate dropped to its (hundreds of thousands of dollars) in damages of ships from both countries are around the oil President Barack Obama visited the region and Spratlys are just too small. “It is probably as lowest rate in five years as the country’s economic recov- and thousands of workers will have lost their rig, and the two sides have accused each other expressed support for long-time allies Japan much a political move as anything else, the lay- ery gathered steam. The Office of National Statistics said jobs,” Nam said by telephone. “We urge every- of intentional collisions, increasing the risk of and the Philippines, both of which are locked in ing down of one more marker to solidify their yesterday that the unemployment rate was 6.8 percent one to stay calm, exercise restraint and have open confrontation. In Beijing, Foreign Ministry territorial disputes with China. Vietnam is also position and continue their campaign of creep- for the first three months of the year, down from 7.2 per- faith in the leadership of the Party and State.” FY spokeswoman Hua Chunying told reporters stepping up ties with the United States. ing assertiveness.” — Reuters cent from the previous three month period. The statis- tics agency says the increases in employment are mostly due to more self-employed people. The country’s coali- Qantas to lay off pilots in bid to revive profits tion government said the figures were proof that its eco- SYDNEY: Struggling Australian airline Qantas yesterday said it will nomic policies were working. Chris Williamson, chief make dozens of pilots redundant for the first time in 40 years as it looks economist at Markit, says ongoing weak pay growth to slash costs to contain massive losses. The national carrier, which suggests policymakers will be relaxed about maintain- announced it would cut 5,000 jobs from its workforce in February, will ing record low interest rates until at least the first quar- call for voluntary redundancies among its Boeing 747 and 767 pilots. ter of next year. A spokesman said the airline was not placing an exact number on the redundancies until the application process was complete but British Land asset reports said up to 100 positions, or just under 20 percent of the 550 value jumps 15% pilots for both fleets, were being targeted. Qantas has around 2,000 LONDON: British Land, developer of London’s pilots on its books. The airline previously said it would retire both its “Cheesegrater” skyscraper, said it was starting to benefit ageing 747 and 767 fleets as part of a plan to save Aus$2 billion (US$1.8 from a long-awaited recovery in Britain’s commercial billion) over the next three years, with chief executive Alan Joyce saying property markets, as it posted a 15 percent jump in full- the airline was facing “some of the toughest conditions” it had ever year net asset value. The firm, Britain’s second-largest seen. listed property company after Land Securities, has been Qantas chief pilot Dick Tobiano said in an internal message that selling off mature assets and raising finance to replenish plans to accelerate the retirement of the planes meant the airline was its development pipeline, particularly in London and no longer able to manage the staff surplus through leave arrange- south-east England, where it has invested 1.3 billion pounds ($2.2 billion). Its moves come as investment and ments. “It is anticipated that exits would be staggered corresponding leasing demand for Britain’s shops, offices and industrial with network and fleet reductions,” he said. The Australian and properties begin to bounce back after years of steady International Pilots Association (AIPA) said the redundancies were decline, with capital values rising 5.4 percent over the six “regrettable” but it would work with the company to “ensure the months to March, according to data from research firm process was managed with as little pain to individual pilots as possible”. Investment Property Databank. “We are well positioned “Obviously from AIPA’s perspective it is far better to see fleet reduc- to take advantage of London’s continuing success and tions managed with older pilots stepping out on their own terms, improving demand for the best retail space,” said Chris rather than younger pilots being made redundant compulsorily,” AIPA Grigg, chief executive of the company, which has a port- president Nathan Safe said. While the cuts could see some of Qantas’s folio mainly made up of retail properties across Britain most experienced pilots leave, Safe told the Australian Broadcasting and London offices. Corporation he did not “have any concerns about a lack of experience ADELAIDE: A Qantas flight lands at the Adelaide airport. Struggling Australian airline Qantas will make dozens resulting from this-not at all”. — AFP of pilots redundant for the first time in 40 years as it looks to slash costs to contain massive losses. — AFP BUSINESS THURSDAY, MAY 15, 2014 Lebanese employees demand big pay raise BEIRUT: Thousands of Lebanese teachers, cuts as well as long-standing electricity sub- civil servants and children rallied outside sidies. In 2012, the primary budget turned parliament yesterday in the biggest of a negative and last year the fiscal deficit was year of pay protests as the assembly debat- 9.3 percent of GDP, with the debt burden at ed a much-delayed bill on public sector 141 percent of GDP. Economic growth salaries. The draft being discussed in parlia- dropped to about 1.5 percent last year from ment fell far short of the demands for a an average of eight percent a year between doubling of pay, as the government strug- 2007 and 2010. The IMF says it could rise to gles with a ballooning deficit and an eco- 4 percent in the medium term with the nomic slowdown. right structural reforms, including cutting The International Monetary Fund last state spending. Members of parliament said week urged Lebanon to implement struc- that a much-amended public sector pay bill tural reforms to balance its budget deficit, could pass, but could also be delayed again. and called for public sector pay restraint. Ali Ammar, a member of parliament for the Protesters’ demands for at least a doubling Islamist Hezbollah party, told reporters that of pay would cost the state hundreds of mil- parliament had been “trying since this lions of dollars a year. The bill under discus- morning to discuss the draft law, article by sion proposes much lower increases, to be article”. offset by an increase in value added tax. The Lebanese government that assumed But feelings among public sector work- office in February took a year to form. ers are running high. “You can’t live on our Another political vacuum looms this month, salaries,” Laurent Chidiac, a primary school as President Michel Suleiman comes to the drama teacher who travelled 13 miles from end of his five-year term with no successor the Christian seaside town of Jounieh to in sight after three rounds of voting in par- Beirut. He said teachers were paid around liament. Still struggling to recover from its $700 a month, and the protesters wanted own 1975-1990 civil war, Lebanon has that to be doubled “at the very minimum”. found its internal rifts aggravated by the Teachers began staging protests a year ago. conflict in Syria, whose sectarian divisions BEIRUT: Thousands of public sector employees and teachers stage a protest, dubbed the “day of rage,” as the Lebanese Their latest strike has kept state schools mirror its own. A million Syrian refugees Parliament debates controversial wage scale policies, in downtown Beirut, Lebanon yesterday. The nation-wide strike aims to pressure lawmakers to adopt a recommendation for wage hikes. —AP closed since last week. have entered Lebanon, equivalent to a “Stop your procrastinating!” read some quarter of the resident population, and of the signs held aloft at the march. rebels have crossed into Lebanese border Government finances have been strained regions to take refuge from forces loyal to Egypt central bank to hold by the effects of labor unrest and power Syrian President Bashar Al-Assad. —Reuters

exceptional forex auction Natixis targets Mideast hiring Political turmoil has led to dollar shortages spree to grow outside France CAIRO: Egypt’s central bank said it would essential to averting social unrest in Egypt, bank effective control over official exchange DUBAI: Natixis plans to increase billion between 2013 and 2018 - and offer $1.1 billion in an exceptional foreign the world’s biggest wheat buyer. Yesterday’s rates. Arab Gulf countries pledged more staffing levels in the Middle East by 50 the growth plans of airlines such as currency auction to allow banks to meet auction is significantly larger than the $40 than $12 billion in aid to Egypt after the percent in 2014, a top executive of the Emirates, Etihad and Qatar Airways has demand for hard currency needed to pay million foreign currency sale Egypt holds army deposed Islamist president Mohamed French investment bank said, as the drawn the attention of other European Morsi last July after mass protests. But even for food imports. Egypt has been suffering three times a week. At its last exceptional lender looks to gain more revenue banks. Areas which Natixis was looking from a sustained dollar shortage as political dollar auction on Jan 27, the central bank the Gulf aid has not prevented Egypt’s cur- from outside its home market. The to beef up were capital markets, trade turmoil following the 2011 uprising against sold $1.5 billion at a cut-off price of 6.9518 rent account recording a deficit of around veteran leader Hosni Mubarak unnerved Egyptian pounds. The Egyptian pound has $1.5 billion between October and bank, whose parent is French retail and Islamic finance and coverage foreign investors and tourists, traditionally been dropping for the last 10 sales as the December. lender BPCE, has targeted further bankers to manage relationships major sources of foreign currency. Egypt’s central bank has been allowing it to weak- “It’s a managed depreciation. It makes diversification from its home market, directly, Simon Eedle, head of the foreign reserves rose to $17.489 billion in en. It has been hitting successive lows. At its sense to have a depreciation of the pound which has suffered from sluggish Middle East for Natixis, said. April from $17.414 billion in March, but are last auction on Monday the cut-off price to bring it to a more realistic level,” said growth and the euro-zone crisis, as Having bankers on the ground in still markedly lower than the $36 billion was 7.0451 pounds. Angus Blair, chairman of business and eco- well as reduced costs in its 2014-2017 the Middle East has always been seen before the 2011 revolt. “This auction is nomic forecasting think-tank Signet. strategic plan. This foresees an increase important in a region where culture intended to cover and clear all pending Pound eases on black market “Depreciation is part of an economic policy in the split of business it generates out- places significance on personal rela- food backlogs to secure availability of staple On the black market, the dollar traded at program that Egypt requires. It could be side France from around half now to tionships and face-to-face meetings. food commodities over the coming period,” around 7.49/52 yesterday, slightly stronger part of getting the house in order ahead of two-thirds by the end of 2017. International banks have found this the central bank said in a statement. than Tuesday’s rates of 7.52/54, a trader presidential elections.” Former army chief Having concentrated in 2013 on balance difficult at times. Having piled Egypt’s tight finances have been hinder- said. The bank introduced regular dollar Abdel Fattah Al-Sisi is expected to easily win ing payments for food commodities. Banks sales in December 2012 to counter a run on a presidential election due on May 26-27. building its business in Latin America resources into the Gulf in the second and traders say some of the funding prob- the pound. The rates banks are allowed to Cairo-based forex traders have raised the and Japan, the bank will invest in the half of the last decade to exploit busi- lems which surfaced early last year have re- trade dollars at are determined by the possibility the pound might appreciate Middle East this year, said Olivier ness stemming from hydrocarbon emerged. Subsidized food is considered results of the central bank sales, giving the again after the elections. —Reuters Perquel, head of financing and global wealth, many later withdrew staff as markets. “We are pushing very hard all problems at home combined with of our core businesses, with the idea weaker returns than had been expect- that we want to have product people ed as the region suffered problems ICD tightens price guidance locally,” Perquel told Reuters in an including property bubbles bursting. interview at the bank’s Dubai office. Perquel noted that Natixis’ strategy Perquel said the growth in the region for the region needed to have continu- ahead of $1 bn debut bond would build steadily on its current ity at its heart. “An element which is business, which contributes around 5 clearly written in marble in this strate- DUBAI: Investment Corporation of Dubai This is inside previous guidance for the $750 million sukuk issue, which received percent of the bank’s total revenue. gic plan is we want to build for consis- (ICD), the state-owned fund which holds Islamic bond, which was given on Tuesday orders from investors worth more than stakes in some of the emirate’s top compa- as in the area of 175 bps over midswaps, three times the amount sold. ICD will use Natixis has around 40 staff in Dubai, as tency and don’t want to get back into nies, has tightened price guidance ahead of and at the tight end of the conventional the money it raises from the bond sale for well as a small representative office in the bad habits of stop-and-go that we its debut bond and sukuk issue later yester- offering’s existing guidance of in the area general business purposes, according to Egypt. and some of our competitors may day, a document from lead arrangers said. between 200 and low-200s over the same the prospectus for the offering seen by “We want to have one or two prod- have had in the past. “We want to Revised guidance earmarks the sukuk with benchmark. Investor orders worth around Reuters last week. The fund has holdings uct specialists in each of the areas that build gradually so that, when the a six year lifespan to price in the range of $2.5 billion have been placed for the com- in some of the emirate’s highest-profile we want to push here,” he said, adding going gets tough, we can still be there 155-165 basis points over midswaps, while bined offering, the latest document said, brands, including Emirates airline, Emaar that infrastructure, aircraft finance and for our clients,” he said, adding the the conventional bond offering of 10 years up from the around $2 billion figure given Properties and Emirates NBD. The deal is energy and commodity sectors were bank’s operations would be run from duration is due to come in the range of by lead arrangers earlier on Wednesday. being arranged by Citigroup, Dubai the focus. Qatar alone is forecast to its Dubai hub for the foreseeable 200-210 bps over the same benchmark, the The transaction comes three weeks Islamic Bank, Emirates NBD, HSBC and announce projects worth over $200 future. —Reuters document said. after the Dubai government completed a Standard Chartered. —Reuters EXCHANGE RATES

Al-Muzaini Exchange Co. UAE Exchange Centre WLL Syrian Pound 2.900 Sierra Leone 0.000069 0.000075 Nepalese Rupees 3.880 Singapore Dollar 0.222210 0.228210 South African Rand 0.021326 0.029826 ASIAN COUNTRIES Malaysian Ringgit 87.040 COUNTRY SELL DRAFT SELL CASH Chinese Yuan Renminbi 45.395 Sri Lankan Rupee 0.001845 0.002425 Japanese Yen 2.765 Australian Dollar 268.31 265.31 Indian Rupees 4.729 Thai Bhat 9.680 Taiwan 0.009252 0.009432 Canadian Dollar 262.86 263.86 Turkish Lira 134.045 Thai Baht 0.008309 0.008859 Pakistani Rupees 2.860 Swiss Franc 322.93 320.93 Srilankan Rupees 2.163 Euro 391.54 392.54 Nepali Rupees 2.962 Arab US Dollar 281.50 284.50 Singapore Dollar 226.750 Bahrain Exchange Company Bahraini Dinar 0.741820 0.749820 Hongkong Dollar 36.421 Sterling Pound 478.70 481.70 Egyptian Pound 0.036413 0.039513 Bangladesh Taka 3.630 Japanese Yen 2.83 2.85 Iranian Riyal 0.000078 0.000079 COUNTRY SELL CASH SELLDRAFT Philippine Peso 6.472 Bangladesh Taka 3.628 3.898 Iraqi Dinar 0.000181 0.000241 Europe Thai Baht 8.706 Indian Rupee 4.708 5.008 Jordanian Dinar 0.393659 0.401159 Belgian Franc 0.007331 0.008331 Irani Riyal transfer 0.271 Sri Lankan Rupee 2.159 2.594 Kuwaiti Dinar 1.0000000 1.0000000 British Pound 0.469031 0.478031 Irani Riyal cash 0.273 Nepali Rupee 2.944 3.479 Lebanese Pound 0.000138 0.000238 Pakistani Rupee 2.863 2.790 Czech Korune 0.006173 0.018173 Danish Krone 0.047917 0.052917 Moroccan Dirhams 0.025272 0.049272 GCC COUNTRIES UAE Dirhams 76.71 77.17 Nigerian Naira 0.001191 0.001826 Saudi Riyal 75.310 Bahraini Dinar 749.24 751.31 Euro 0.382178 0.390178 Norwegian Krone 0.043582 0.048782 Omani Riyal 0.726694 0.732374 Qatari Riyal 77.598 Egyptian Pound 39.41 40.01 Qatar Riyal 0.076776 0.077898 Omani Riyal 733.630 Romanian Leu 0.081398 0.81398 Jordanian Dinar 400.64 406.29 Saudi Riyal 0.074590 0.075290 Bahraini Dinar 750.100 Omani Riyal 732.08 739.38 Slovakia 0.008064 0.018064 Syrian Pound 0.001749 0.001969 UAE Dirham 76.911 Qatari Riyal 77.74 78.29 Swedish Krona 0.038949 0.043949 Tunisian Dinar 0.170875 0.178875 Saudi Riyal 75.20 75.60 Swiss Franc 0.310963 0.321163 ARAB COUNTRIES Turkish Lira 0.138907 0.145907 Turkish Lira 0.138907 0.145907 Egyptian Pound - Cash 39.370 UAE Dirhams 0.075824 0.076973 Egyptian Pound - Transfer 39.596 Dollarco Exchange Co. Ltd Australasia Yemeni Riyal 0.001281 0.001361 Yemen Riyal/for 1000 1.318 Australian Dollar 0.255193 0.266693 New Zealand Dollar 0.236876 0.246376 Tunisian Dinar 175.230 Rate for Transfer Selling Rate Jordanian Dinar 398.810 America Al Mulla Exchange US Dollar 281.500 Lebanese Lira/for 1000 1.895 Canadian Dollar 0.253497 0.261997 Canadian Dollar 259.510 Syrian Lira 2.013 US Dollars 0.278000 0.282350 Sterling Pound 475.750 Currency Transfer Rate (Per 1000) Morocco Dirham 35.288 US Dollars Mint 0.278500 0.282350 Euro 391.810 US Dollar 281.700 Swiss Frank 320.975 Euro 388.400 EUROPEAN & AMERICAN COUNTRIES Asia Pound Sterlng 474.750 US Dollar Transfer 282.300 Bahrain Dinar 749.235 Bangladesh Taka 0.003299 0.003899 Euro 388.730 UAE Dirhams 76.620 Chinese Yuan 0.044034 0.047534 Canadian Dollar 260.150 Sterling Pound 477.650 Qatari Riyals 78.200 Hong Kong Dollar 0.034305 0.037055 Indian Rupee 4.713 Canadian dollar 259.940 Saudi Riyals 75.340 Indian Rupee 0.004385 0.004786 Egyptian Pound 39.585 Turkish lira 136.770 Jordanian Dinar 396.715 Indonesian Rupiah 0.000020 0.000026 Sri Lankan Rupee 2.159 Swiss Franc 319.160 Egyptian Pound 40.115 Japanese Yen 0.002677 0.002857 Bangladesh Taka 3.628 Australian Dollar 266.490 Sri Lankan Rupees 2.154 Kenyan Shilling 0.003315 0.003315 Philippines Peso 6.460 US Dollar Buying 281.100 Indian Rupees 4.679 Korean Won 0.000265 0.000280 Pakistan Rupee 2.859 Pakistani Rupees 2.852 Malaysian Ringgit 0.083256 0.089256 Bahraini Dinar 750.200 GOLD Bangladesh Taka 3.622 Nepalese Rupee 0.003000 0.003170 UAE Dirham 76.650 20 Gram 245.000 Philippines Pesso 6.322 Pakistan Rupee 0.002654 0.002934 Saudi Riyal 75.150 10 Gram 124.000 Cyprus pound 691.420 Philippine Peso 0.006328 0.006608 *Rates are subject to change 5 Gram 64.000 Japanese Yen 3.750 BUSINESS THURSDAY, MAY 15, 2014 Lust for gold fuels conflict in Central African Republic GAGA: Almost everyone in the small miners, who number almost 2,000, a sin- of misrule or conflict, they have barely flee into the bush.” ka fighters, makes frequent trips town of Gaga in the Central African gle hole can provide up to 20 grams (0.7 been developed industrially. Socrate Mostly Christian forces known as between the village and the mine, Republic is a clandestine gold miner, ounces) of gold per day, Socrates added. said that “we’ve never been able to work “anti-balaka”, who emerged as vigilante always accompanied by three “lieu- regardless of age or sex, but this risky “The gold we seek is to improve our well” since mainly Muslim rebels of the groups to seek vengeance for brutal tenants”. Cyriaque told AFP that he is livelihood may get them killed. Swathes quality of life,” said Daniel Aristide Seleka alliance seized power in Bangui in atrocities against civilians by rogue there “to watch over the laborers”. The of the deeply poor, landlocked nation Dedanga, another miner. The CAR has March 2013 and held sway for 10 Seleka forces, today control Gaga and village lies in one of the regions hardest are roamed and sometimes controlled considerable potential gold reserves, as months. “While we’re working, people the mine. The self-styled “Colonel hit by conflict, and those with weapons by armed groups who value gold more well as diamonds and oil, but in decades come to shoot at us and we’re forced to Cyriaque”, who leads the local anti-bala- crave gold to fund their activities and to than they do human life and threaten enrich their leadership. artisanal mining communities, particu- larly if there are ethnic or religious differ- ‘At least 213 bodies’ ences. At present, mainly Christian vigi- When former Seleka rebels raided the lantes trade in the gold and say they are community in a quest for gold in protecting Gaga, but the village still reels September last year, they massacred from attacks late last year when hun- more than 200 villagers and razed hun- dreds of people were massacred first by dreds of homes. “We collected at least Muslims, then by Christians bent on 213 bodies, some of which had been revenge. “We quit school to dig for gold... burned alive,” said Ines Mokotemapa, a because it brings in a lot of money,” 12- volunteer worker for the Central African year-old Dieu Beni Gueret told AFP, look- Red Cross based in Yaloke, 45 kilometers ing up from a sandy pit by the town 200 from Gaga. “More than 400 houses were kilometers northwest of the capital burned down,” Mokotemapa added. Bangui. Gueret opened his bag to reveal Anti-balaka fighters took a terrible nuggets of the precious metal, the envy revenge. The Christian vigilantes of every armed group in the region, and launched an offensive on Gaga in a few CFA franc notes he proudly called December. They not only hunted down “the fruit of what we do every day”. and chased out the ex-Seleka forces, but Other children, as well as grown men also slaughtered dozens of Muslim civil- and women, some with babies strapped ians. The violence has deeply scarred the to their backs, were digging away. When community, including evident physical the holes are deep enough to fill up with traces. Many houses are still in ruins and water from a stream a hundred paces whole families are crammed together in distant, they carefully sift the sand in makeshift tents. “The Seleka came to kill hope of finding the pebbles that shine many people and burn almost all the brighter than most. houses in their search for gold,” Cyriaque said. “When we ran them out, we decid- ‘Quality of life’ ed to protect the sector. You never “We don’t have any machine. We know.” Today, his anti-balaka forces act as work with spades and the younger ones go-betweens in the gold trade, buying dig deep down in the ground for a the coveted mineral from the people of month or two before we can scrape in Gaga and selling it to buyers brave the soil to search,” said Socrate, a man in enough to come from Bangui and run his 40s who runs the artisanal mining GAGA: Women sieve through the mud to find gold dust at the Gam gold mine, in Gaga, in the western part of the Central the gauntlet of former rebels, vigilantes efforts at Gaga. When luck favors the African Republic. — AFP and bandits. — AFP China growth target vulnerable as economy momentum fades Economic growth slows to an 18-month low

BEIJING: China might miss its economic growth supportive monetary and fiscal policy. Keqiang has said the economy has to grow by target for the first time in 15 years as data points “Policymakers have ample ammunition on both around 7.2 percent each year to create enough to a sharper-than-expected loss of momentum fronts though, and we think they are likely to jobs. Another potential concern is the uneven and top leaders are talking about a “new normal” deploy these in a more active manner in the growth patterns in the country as the reforms of slower growth. The government has already coming months if not weeks to prevent a further are pushed through, with data showing growth given itself some room on its growth target, deterioration in the real economy.” slowing markedly in some provinces. People’s refining it to about 7.5 percent and saying a cou- Bank of China (PBOC) Governor Zhou Xiaochuan ple of percentage points either side of that was New normal said at the weekend the central bank would only acceptable. But after annual economic growth If the economy just meets its target for 2014, fine-tune its policy to counter economic cycles slowed to an 18-month low of 7.4 percent in the it will still be the slowest growth since 1990. If it and would not be taking any large-scale steps to first quarter, data for April has raised the possi- comes in below that, it will be the first time the boost activity. bility it could slow further. target has not been met since 1999, when the TOKYO: Pedestrians walk past a branch of Japan’s mega bank Mizuho Financial “We maintain our view that GDP growth is on economy grew 7.6 percent compared with a Small steps Group in Tokyo yesterday. Japan’s top three banks posted bumper annual profits a downtrend and continue to expect it to slow goal of 8.0 percent. China’s leaders have been at This week, the central bank told banks to owing to a surging domestic stock market, but the trio warned that their inflated to 7.1 percent in the second quarter,” Zhang the forefront of lowering expectations, talking of improve the efficiency of mortgage lending, as a bottom lines would shrink this year. — AFP Zhiwei, an economist at Nomura, said in a the need to accept slower but more sustainable flagging property market becomes a major risk report. Financial markets hardly seem con- growth as they try to remake the economy to be factor. Some Chinese cities are relaxing property Japan’s banks warn cerned. The expectation is that despite the rhet- driven more by consumption rather than the tra- controls after near five years of national govern- oric of accepting slower growth, authorities will ditional engines of exports and investment. “We ment efforts to restrain house prices. On the fis- step in to safeguard the target with some sort of must adapt ourselves to a new normal of eco- cal side, measures have been targeted, such as stimulus measures, as they did in 2013. A cut in nomic growth,” President Xi Jinping said at the tax cut for small firms and faster construction of of shrinking profits the official target, which would require parlia- weekend. railway lines. “For the time being, China will continue to TOKYO: Japan’s top three banks yesterday post- Shinzo Abe’s growth drive, dubbed Abenomics, mentary approval, would be unprecedented. To that end, authorities have ruled out major ed bumper annual profits owing to a surging as concerns mount over the strength of Japan’s “To stop growth from sliding out of a “reason- stimulus to accelerate growth. However, they are walk a fine line between growth slipping further domestic stock market, but warned that their recovery. “Banks benefited from rallies in the able range”, Beijing needs to ease policy a little expected to put a floor under activity and head due to negative sentiments or financial risk ver- inflated bottom lines would shrink this year. stock market that helped lift profits to levels more in the coming months, if not weeks,” HSBC off any surge in unemployment that could be sus accelerating from stimulus,” IHS China econ- Mitsubishi UFJ, the country’s biggest lender, led seen before the 2008 financial crisis,” said Naoko economists said in a report, forecasting more seen as a threat to social stability. Premier Li omist Brian Jackson said. — Reuter the pack with net profit in the fiscal year to Nemoto, banking analyst with Standard and March of 984.8 billion yen ($9.6 billion), up 15.5 Poor’s rating agency. “But I’m not sure about the percent. Mitsubishi’s results, mirrored by record sustainability of the growth-their lending in profits at smaller rivals Mizuho Financial Group Japan is not growing that much.” and Sumitomo Mitsui Financial Group, come as Uncertainty about the economy may hold their stock trading businesses benefited from a back borrowing by firms and individuals, after surge in the Japanese market last year. For the Japan raised its sales tax on April 1 for the first year to March, Sumitomo said net income rose time in 17 years. There are fears the levy hike- 5.2 percent year-on-year to 835.36 billion yen, seen as crucial to chopping a massive national while Mizuho booked a net profit of 688.4 billion debt-would weigh on consumer spending and yen, up 23 percent. hold back the wider economy. Japanese lenders Driving the rise was a 57 percent return in have been cutting back on their reliance on the Nikkei 225 stock index last year-its best domestic government bonds-a key profit driver annual run in more than four decades. Overseas in recent years-as the Bank of Japan’s huge investors poured billions of dollars into the bond-buying measures announced in April start long-overlooked market as a government econ- to reshape the country’s debt markets. omy blitz helped pushed down the value of the The BOJ’s program, which is a cornerstone of yen, which lifted profits among Japanese firms Tokyo’s bid to overcome years of deflation, that do business overseas. Government infra- unsettled the domestic debt market, prompting structure plans in the aftermath of the 2011 Japanese banks to further trim their exposure. quake-tsunami disaster as well as building proj- For the year to March 2015, Mitsubishi said it ects for Tokyo’s hosting of the 2020 Olympics expected a net profit of 950 billion yen, down may help stimulate demand for borrowing about four percent from the just-ended fiscal among firms. year. Mizuho said its net income would shrink Also helping boost the so-called megabanks’ about 20 percent for the same period, while it fortunes were falling credit costs, stronger fee would be down about 19 percent at Sumitomo. income from financial product sales and a “Core banking profitability should remain weak reduction in bad loans, analysts said. But the amid narrowing loan margins and limited sus- Nikkei is down 12 percent so far this year and tained growth in private credit,” Fitch ratings some of the shine is coming off Prime Minister agency said in a report. — AFP

NORTH SUMATRA: A worker carries freshly harvested fruit of palm oil trees at a plantation in the district of Langkat on Indonesia’s Sumatra India’s crude imports island. Southeast Asia’s booming palm oil industry is facing a double blow from a recent drought and a possible El Nino weather phenomenon later this year, with analysts warning a production shortfall could spark a jump in consumer goods prices. — AFP from Iran drop by 42% Indonesia’s Jokowi plans NEW DELHI: India cut its monthly Iranian Tehran, nearly doubled from a year ago, the crude imports by 42 percent in April from data showed. The imports in the first four March, in a further sign that Asian oil buyers months of 2014 surged 49 percent versus last are reining in an early-2014 spree that took year, the data also showed, with the biggest market-friendly policies Tehran’s exports well past levels allowed under increases coming in the first quarter. India and an interim deal with the West. other top buyers of Iranian oil - China, Japan The six-month deal, implemented on Jan. and South Korea - let their purchases rise JAKARTA: Indonesian presidential front-runner Joko years of rapid growth have started to slow, threaten- also promised to issue at least four presidential 20, allowed Iran access to $4.2 billion in frozen sharply in the first three months of the year, “Jokowi” Widodo has assured top fund managers that ing to widen a gulf between the rich and the growing decrees on bureaucratic reform within his first 100 oil funds and crude exports of about 1 million after the temporary deal easing some sanc- he would cut fuel subsidies, improve infrastructure ranks of poor. days in office. CLSA said the key beneficiaries of barrels per day (bpd) in exchange for Tehran tions on Tehran went into effect in January. and enact major bureaucratic reforms to attract But the election is not yet won and one recent poll Jokowi’s policies would be highway operator PT Jasa taking steps to curb its nuclear program, In March, Iran’s top four clients - China, investment if elected in July. In a private event on showed Jokowi’s lead had narrowed slightly, although Marga, cement firm PT Indocement Tunggal Prakarsa, which Western nations fear may be aimed at India, Japan and South Korea - imported 1.15 Tuesday attended by representatives of the top 10 he was still 15 points ahead of his closest rival. The and construction firm PT Wijaya Karya. building a bomb. Six world powers and Iran million bpd of Iranian crude and condensate, asset management funds in Indonesia, Jokowi offered only major economic policy that Jokowi has Energy firms PT Perusahaan Gas Negara, PT Elnusa, launch three-day talks in Vienna yesterday, down from February’s 1.37 million bpd, the a rare glimpse of policies that he has yet to make pub- announced has been that he would reduce fuel subsi- and offshore service provider PT Wintermar Offshore aiming to find a permanent resolution to the highest aggregate imports in more than two lic ahead of a July 9 presidential election. dies within a four to five-year period. He provided Marine also stood to benefit. Many have called on decade-old dispute over Tehran’s nuclear work years. That surge in the first quarter brought a “His key election platform is market-friendly with a more details of that policy to the fund managers, say- Jokowi, who is a fresh face on the national scene, to despite skepticism a final deal is possible. private warning from the United States for focus on lifting workforce capability through educa- ing ending wasteful fuel subsidies would save the pick a running mate with business and political expe- India, Iran’s top client after China, shipped India to hold its Iran oil buys to end-2013 lev- tion, bureaucratic reform, infrastructure construction government $30 billion. Those funds would be reallo- rience. Media has tipped former vice president Jusuf in about 225,000 bpd of the republic’s oil in els of about 195,000 bpd, but there have been and encouraging energy investment,” investment firm cated to building roads, ports and airports, CLSA said. Kalla, who is an influential public figure and heads the April, the lowest in four months, according to few signs of pressure on other buyers. US offi- CLSA, the organizers of the Jakarta event, said in a Indonesian Red Cross. The recent opinion poll showed tanker arrival data obtained from trade cials have said they expect Iran’s average daily research note. Beneficiaries a Jokowi-Kalla ticket would win 46 percent of the vote, sources and compiled by Thomson Reuters Oil exports to drop to 1 million bpd for the six CLSA officials declined to identify the other fund Jokowi, who is expected to announce his running far ahead of the rival ticket formed this week by ex- Analytics. India’s oil imports from Iran in April, months of the temporary deal by the time it management companies at the event. Jokowi is gov- mate by May 20, also said he would look to cut energy general Prabowo Subianto and former chief economic the first month of new annual contracts with expires on July 20. —Reuters ernor of Jakarta. His populist style has won him much costs by $7 billion a year by removing up to 90 per- minister Hatta Rajasa. But many voters are undecided, support in the world’s third biggest democracy, where cent of diesel-fired power plants. If elected, Jokowi the survey showed.— Reuters BUSINESS THURSDAY, MAY 15, 2014 Asian shares rise, euro steadier but pressure remains Disappointing US retail sales report barely dents sentiment

TOKYO: Asian shares rose to their highest level in Germany’s DAX was seen up by 13-15 points, or 0.1 highest level since April 10. Hong Kong shares were in the July presidential election by German ZEW survey of investor senti- more than a month yesterday after the S&P 500 percent; while France’s CAC 40 was seen up by 1 up more than 1 percent as investors snapped up securing the support of the country’s ment lent credence to the view that closed at a record high overnight, with the cheer point. “We are calling the major bourses firmer with property and banking stocks after China’s central second-largest political party. Japan’s the ECB has reason to take further expected to carry over into Europe on heightened US markets remaining at record highs,” IG strategist bank urged mainland banks to speed up the granting Nikkei bucked the trend, slipping action next month. speculation of more European Central Bank stimulus Stan Shamu said in a note to clients. of home loans. Indonesian shares rose 0.9 percent to about 0.1 percent and moving away The euro last traded at $1.3717, up next month. Spreadbetters predicted Britain’s FTSE MSCI’s broadest index of Asia-Pacific shares out- their highest levels in nearly a year after Jakarta from the previous session’s 1-1/2-week about 0.1 percent on the day, after it 100 to edge down by 4 points, or 0.1 percent; side Japan added 0.8 percent, after earlier hitting its Governor Joko “Jokowi” Widodo boosted his chances high as investors took profits. dropped as low as $1.3688 on Tuesday. A weaker-than-expected US retail A break below the April 4 trough of sales report on Tuesday did little to $1.3672 would take the single currency change views the economy was poised back to levels not seen since late for faster growth this quarter, and that February. “Euro will remain offered on the Federal Reserve will continue par- rallies into the June meeting,” said ing its stimulus. “The US tapering is still Jeffrey Halley, FX trader for Saxo going on and it looks like the US econ- Capital Markets in Singapore, referring omy is still going strong, meaning peo- to the ECB’s policy meeting next ple in emerging Asia are taking a cau- month. “It has become the carry trade tious view,” said Kyoya Okazawa, head funding currency of choice, which has of global equities and commodity added to the selling pressure,” he derivatives at BNP Paribas in Tokyo. added, describing trades in which Investors were also wary of develop- investors borrow funds in lower-yield- ments in the ongoing crisis in the ing currencies to purchase higher- Ukraine, where pro-Russian separatists yielding assets. The pressure on the ambushed Ukrainian troops on euro helped support the dollar index , Tuesday, killing seven. On Wall Street which was down about 0.1 percent on overnight, US stocks ended flat. The the day at 80.039, but remained not far retail sales figures dented the dollar from Tuesday’s five-week high of only slightly and the S&P 500 managed 80.180. Against its Japanese counter- to eke out its 10th record closing high part, the dollar edged down about 0.1 of the year after the release. percent to 102.13 yen, after rising as high as 102.35 yen on Tuesday, its high- Euro funding carry trades est since May 2. In commodities trad- In contrast with the Fed’s tapering, ing, US crude added about 0.4 percent the likelihood of easing action to $102.04 a barrel, extending increased in the euro zone. The Tuesday’s two-week highs hit on Bundesbank is ready to support ECB expectations that weekly inventory policy steps if they are warranted and reports will show record-low stock- this stance is not new, two Bundesbank piles. Spot gold inched up to $1,294.50 sources said on Tuesday. A weak an ounce. — Reuters

BEIJING: Two pedestrians looks at a solar tricycle on the sidewalk outside a exhibition center in Beijing yesterday. China’s industrial output increased by 8.7 percent year-on-year in April, official data showed yesterday, edging down from 8.8 percent a month earlier as the world’s second-largest econo- my loses steam. — AFP Brent rises near $110

LONDON: Brent futures rose above lowest levels since 2008 in the week to $109.50 a barrel yesterday, reaching a May 2. two-week high, on the deteriorating sit- Global supplies could be set to uation in the Ukraine and expectations increase with the resumption of a major of a fall in US crude oil inventories. Libyan oilfield. “The return of some Seven soldiers were killed and seven Libyan output is relatively important but wounded in an ambush on Tuesday in people are more concerned with the the biggest single loss of life by the Ukraine,” Eugen Weinberg, analyst at Ukrainian army since it was sent to east Commerzbank in Frankfurt said. The El to oppose pro-Russian separatist Feel oilfield, also known as Elephant, has groups. Brent crude for June delivery resumed production, Libya’s state oil was up 39 cents at $109.63 a barrel at company said yesterday, after protesters 0953 GMT after closing up 83 cents. The agreed to end their blockade of the June contract expires today. pipelines connecting western oilfields to US oil was up 37 cents at $102.07 a the export terminals. barrel after finishing $1.11 higher in the previous session at its highest settle- Bearish Iran, China data ment since April 24. US crude also rose A US official said on Tuesday that a to a two-week high yesterday, continu- deal between Iran and the six world ing the momentum of the oil stocks powers over Tehran’s controversial draw in the United States and expecta- nuclear program is possible by the self- tions that crude inventories fell further imposed July 20 deadline even though last week as the summer driving season “there are some very significant gaps”. A nears. The US Energy Information deal could potentially bring about a fur- Administration will release its oil data ther easing of sanctions on Iran and the later. Stocks of US crude oil at Cushing, return of more of its oil to global mar- Oklahoma, already dropped to their kets. —Reuters Gold up on lower dollar and stocks

LONDON: Gold rose yesterday after the impact from stockpiles having been dollar and European equities came reduced will likely start to affect the under pressure as investors awaited con- market going forward.” South Africa is firmation of further stimulus from the the top producer of platinum and sec- European Central Bank. Gold was also ond biggest producer of palladium after lifted by strong gains in platinum and Russia. In wider markets, the dollar was palladium on worries that increasing down 0.1 percent against a basket of labor tensions in major producer South currencies, while European shares Africa could hurt supply. “Platinum and dipped after the Bundesbank is ready to palladium are strongly up on the South support further easing steps from the Africa’s stroke situation and that has pro- European Central Bank next month. vided some support for gold and silver,” Quantitative Commodity Research direc- Ukraine concerns tor Peter Fertig said. Pro-Russian separatists ambushed South Africa increased security in the Ukrainian troops on Tuesday, killing sev- platinum belt after four deaths over the en in the heaviest loss of life for govern- weekend, to protect miners who have ment forces in a single clash since Kiev decided to ditch a 16-week strike that sent soldiers to put down a rebellion in has halted 40 percent of normal global the country’s east. With the uprising and output. Hundreds of miners barricaded Russia’s annexation of Crimea poisoning roads near Lonmin’s South African plat- East-West relations, Moscow retaliated inum mine on Tuesday, in an attempt to against US sanctions by hitting aero- block fellow strikers from breaking rank space projects, including refusing to and going back to work. Spot gold rose extend the life of the International 0.6 percent to $1,300.44 an ounce by Space Station, a showcase of post-Cold 0945 GMT, while US gold futures for War cooperation. June delivery $6.20 to $1,301.10 an “We remain constructive on the (pre- ounce. Platinum rose 1.3 percent to its cious metals) group as a whole as we highest in a month at $1,467.50. think the geopolitical tensions with the Palladium gained 1 percent to $819.60 Ukraine, coupled with the spiraling an ounce. unrest in South Africa, will both com- The violence indicates “the potential bine to provide more upside impetus,” for this strike to linger on as the inflexi- said INTL FCStone analyst Edward Meir. bility of the unions remains deeply Silver rose 1.2 percent to $19.71 an entrenched,” Nomura analysts said in a ounce. The London silver “fix”, a global note. “Although the majority of workers benchmark for spot prices, will cease to appear to want to return to work, the operate after Aug. 14, the company that inability for adequate security to be pro- administers the process said yesterday, vided is likely to erode the restart timeli- amid rising regulatory scrutiny of price- ness further,” the analysts said. “The setting in bullion markets. — Reuters THURSDAY, MAY 15, 2014 BUSINESS

Report highlights child labor on US tobacco farms

RICHMOND: You may have to be at least absorb nicotine through their skin while he said. Republican Kentucky state Sen County, Kentucky, said while he adheres to about trying to protect everybody from 18 to buy cigarettes in the US, but children handling tobacco plants. Paul Hornback, who has worked in tobac- federal regulations to keep his workers everything,” Hornback said. “It’s hard manu- as young as 7 are working long hours in The children also said they worked long co fields since he was 10 and now farms safe, he doesn’t believe further restrictions al labor, but there’s nothing wrong with fields harvesting nicotine- and pesticide- hours - often in extreme heat - without about 100 acres of tobacco in Shelby are needed. “People get pretty extreme hard manual labor.” —AP laced tobacco leaves under sometimes overtime pay or sufficient breaks and wore hazardous and sweltering conditions, no, or inadequate, protective gear. according to a report released yesterday According to the report, US agriculture by an international rights group. The labor laws allow children to work longer Human Rights Watch report details find- hours at younger ages and in more haz- ings from interviews with more than 140 ardous conditions than children in any oth- children working on farms in North er industry. With their parent’s permission, Carolina, Kentucky, Tennessee and Virginia, children as young as 12 can be hired for where a majority of the country’s tobacco unlimited hours outside of school hours on is grown. The group acknowledges that a farm of any size. And there’s no minimum most of what it documented is legal under age for children to work on small farms. In US law but aims to highlight the practice 2011, the Labor Department proposed and urge both governments and tobacco changes that would have prohibited chil- companies to take further steps to protect dren under 16 from working on tobacco children from the hazardous harvesting of farms, but they were withdrawn in 2012. the cash crop that has built businesses, Human Rights Watch met with many of funded cities and influenced cultures. the world’s biggest cigarette makers and “The US has failed America’s families tobacco suppliers to discuss its findings by not meaningfully protecting child and encourage them to adopt or strength- farmworkers from dangers to their health en policies to prevent the practices in their and safety, including on tobacco farms,” supply chains. The companies are con- said Margaret Wurth, children’s rights cerned about child labor in their supply researcher and co-author of the report. chains and have developed standards, “Farming is hard work anyway, but chil- including requiring growers to provide a dren working on tobacco farms get so safe work environment and adhere to child sick that they throw up, get covered by labor laws, the group said. “The conditions pesticides and have no real protective are inhumane and they should improve gear.” Children interviewed by the group them,” said 17-year-old Erick Garcia, of in 2012 and 2013 reported vomiting, nau- Kinston, North Carolina, who has been sea and headaches while working on working in tobacco field since he was 11 to tobacco farms. The symptoms they help his family earn more money. reported are consistent with nicotine poi- Additionally, Garcia said kids should pri- soning often called Green Tobacco marily focus on school and shouldn’t be in KENTUCKY: Farm workers make their way across a field shrouded in fog as they hoe weeds from a burley Sickness, which occurs when workers the fields: “That’s not a place for children,” tobacco crop near Warsaw, Ky. —AP Stubbornly low inflation dangerous for euro-zone Spain says bank debt to ECB falls 29.0%

FRANKFURT: Stubbornly low inflation repre- all-time lows and more easing would take one The euro-zone package took the form of help sents a danger for the euro-zone economy and of the key rates, the deposit rate, into negative totaling more than 40 billion euros ($55.0 bil- the European Central Bank must act to bring it territory for the first time. That would effectively lion) for the weakest banks and for Sareb, a spe- back up to sustainable levels, its chief econo- charges banks to park their money with the cial entity created to offload the most toxic bad mist said yesterday. “We mustn’t allow inflation ECB. But Praet dismissed suggestions that banks property loans and assets, and to dispose of to remain too low for too long,” ECB executive would simply pass on the costs to customers, them. The latest figures show that the commer- board member Peter Praet told the weekly thereby strangling already stifled demand for cial banks are increasingly able to finance them- newspaper Die Zeit. “No central bank targets credit. “With the sort of orders of magnitude selves normally on the open market, just as bor- zero inflation in the medium term. In a currency we’re talking about, I don’t expect it’ll come to rowing rates for the Spanish government have union, a moderate rate of inflation facilitates that,” Praet said. also dropped sharply as the euro-zone crisis TOKYO: Sony Corporation EVP and Chief Financial Officer Kenichiro necessary economic adjustment,” Praet argued fades. The net debt owed by Spanish banks to Yoshida (center) announces the company’s financial results for FY2013 in in comments released ahead of publication on Spanish economy the ECB now stands at 182.4 billion euros down Tokyo yesterday. —AFP newspaper’s new edition today. Signs that the stricken Spanish economy is from 257.2 billion euros at the end OF April last Area-wide inflation currently stands at just on the mend increased yesterday with official year. and from 183.5 billion euros in March. At 0.7 percent, a long way off the ECB’s target of data showing that net debt owed by the bank- the worst point, this bank debt totaled 388.7 bil- just under 2.0 percent, fuelling fears that the ing system to the European Central Bank has lion euros in August 2012. Sony to stay in red after single currency area is on the brink of deflation, plunged by 29.0 percent over 12 months. The Since then it has fallen steadily, but still a general and sustained fall in prices. ECB chief figures, from the Spanish central bank, showed remains extremely high. Spain, which has the posting $1.26 billion loss Mario Draghi gave a strong hint last week that the debt fell again in April. The figures indicate fourth-biggest economy in the euro-zone, the bank is preparing possible further rate cuts that the euro-zone country’s banking system is emerged in the third quarter of last year from its TOKYO: Sony yesterday warned it would remain department at SBI Securities in Tokyo. next month to avert such a scenario. The deci- weaning itself off massive special refinancing second recession in five years, and in the first in the red for another year after it booked a $1.26 sion-making governing council was “dissatis- support provided by the ECB at the height of its quarter of this year the economy grew by 0.4 billion annual loss, blaming costs tied to its exit Still struggling fied” with the current path of inflation and was economic crisis and property market crash percent. But against the improving background from the personal computer business. The strug- Sony was once king of consumer electronics “not prepared to accept it as a fact of nature,” which hit the banks. At one point, euro-zone for some indicators, the unemployment rate gling Japanese electronics giant is undergoing a and a byword for cool. But the company that rev- Draghi said. leaders were worried that Spain might need a remains extremely high at 25.93 percent. The painful restructuring and its woeful bottom-line olutionized the way people listen to music with “We’re preparing a range of measures,” Praet national bailout which would stretch the capaci- population is suffering from the effects of radical results come a day after it said it would not pay its Walkman portable cassette player has lost its told Die Zeit. “We could again lend money to ty of rescue systems to the limit. But Spain man- measures to cut the public budget deficit and to bonuses to senior executives for the third footing since the sure-fire successes of the banks for a prolonged period, possibly with cer- aged to avoid a rescue along the lines obtained make the economy more efficient so as to raise straight year. 1980s, and been overtaken by nimbler foreign tain conditions attached. We could also cut by Greece, Ireland and Portugal, although its exports. The banks have restricted loans to busi- Moody’s downgraded its credit rating on the competitors like Apple and Samsung. interest rates again. A combination of different banking system was propped up in various nesses and to individuals, and many economists firm to junk in January. Sony posted a full-year net The electronics that built the brand are now monetary policy measures is also thinkable,” he ways, by the ECB but also with funding from the and international organization say that this is loss of 128.37 billion yen ($1.26 billion) yesterday an albatross around its neck, weighing on the said. The ECB’s key rates are currently already at euro-zone. weighing on the fragile recovery.—Agencies and expects to lose 50 billion yen in the current profits that other arms of the huge company fiscal year to March 2015, despite seeing losses generate, such as those in music publishing and narrow in its hard-hit television business. Revenue a movie division that includes a Hollywood stu- rose 14.3 percent to 7.76 trillion yen owing to a dio. A little-known insurance business also Strikers march to South weak yen, record sales for the new PlayStation 4 makes money. Sony has seen buoyant sales of its games console and strong smartphone sales, it Xperia smartphone and record demand for the said. But investors were shocked this month as PlayStation 4 console. It has sold more than sev- Sony warned it would lose more than the 110 bil- en million since its late 2013 launch. But even its Africa’s platinum mine lion yen shortfall it had forecast just three months stronger divisions have faced challenges. ago, when it announced 5,000 job cuts to its The PS4 is up against Microsoft’s Xbox One, MARIKANA: Thousands of striking Some marched from an informal More than 80,000 members of manager at Lonmin, denied his struggling computer and television units. and Nintendo’s Wii U for dominance of the digi- miners wielding clubs and pipes settlement next to the hill where the Association of Mineworkers and union was trying to prevent miners Sony President Kazuo Hirai has led a sweeping tal home entertainment market at a time when gathered at a platinum mine in police shot dead 34 strikers in one Construction Union downed tools from returning to work. “It’s not restructuring, including liquidating assets that consoles face stiff competition from cheap-or South Africa under tight security day in 2012, after a week of deadly on January 23 demanding that their true. We are not intimidating peo- saw the $1.0 billion sale of the firm’s Manhattan sometimes free-games for tablets and smart- yesterday as they faced a deadline standoffs between rival unions. basic salary be more than doubled. ple,” he said. headquarters. Last week, Sony said it would shut- phones. The cost of the PS4 launch put its games to return to work after months of Lonmin set yesterday as the dead- Mine bosses and AMCU rival the AMCU muscled its way into the ter its ebook Reader Store in Europe and Australia division into an operating loss, Sony said, and crippling stoppages. Marchers line to return to work after it National Union of Mineworkers platinum belt two years ago with following a similar pullout in North America. It is the movie business has also seen sales drop over chanted as they moved in coordi- bypassed AMCU union bosses to (NUM) say workers are intimidated the rallying cry of 12,500 rand also selling properties at a prestigious Tokyo site the past year. “Sales for Motion Pictures nated groups to a stadium near the persuade workers to return under- into following the strike, and that ($1,200, 885 euros) in basic salary. where Sony had its headquarters for six decades. decreased significantly year-on-year due to low- Lonmin operations in Marikana, ground after nearly four months of many want to return underground. “We are on strike until we get Hirai has repeatedly shrugged off pleas to aban- er theatrical and home entertainment revenues northwest of Johannesburg. Buses strikes. A spokeswoman for Lonmin Police were deployed at Lonmin 12,500 as basic pay,” Sovendle said. don the still ailing television unit, which he insists as the previous fiscal year benefitted from the loaded with more strikers poured said: “Employees are indeed coming after at least three miners were “The company is not speaking our remains central to Sony’s core business. strong performances of Skyfall, The Amazing into the area, while armored police back to work but we shall not be killed since the weekend, some language. Our language is 12,500 Japanese manufacturers have suffered badly Spider-Man and Men in Black 3,” Sony said in a vehicles patrolled the streets providing details of numbers etc-we reportedly workers who defied the on basic pay and the company is in their TV divisions as razor-thin margins and statement. around the mine and a police heli- should have a clearer idea of critical strike and wanted to report for duty. offering us 12,500 as a total cost to fierce overseas competition weigh on profits. Sony has announced the sale of its Vaio- copter circled overhead. mass by next week.” Andile Sovendle, AMCU branch the company which is not what we However, Sony’s earnings have trailed struggling brand PC division as it plans to concentrate on are on strike for.” The world’s top domestic rivals Panasonic and Sharp, both of its line-up of smartphones and tablets. After suf- three producers Anglo American which have reported profits following on from fering four years of losses, Sony crept back into Platinum, Impala Platinum and record losses as they overhaul their vast busi- the black in the previous fiscal year-although Lonmin have offered to up the nesses. “Sony is getting out of its restructuring that was mostly due to asset sales and a weak wage package to that figure by phase, but compared with Panasonic, its operat- yen which inflated repatriated profits from busi- 2017, saying they cannot afford ing profit forecast for the year to March 2015 is ness overseas. Sony shares rose 1.06 percent to more. But AMCU has rejected the not very impressive,” said Hideyuki Suzuki, gen- 1,805 yen in Tokyo, with the earnings announce- offer and talks have collapsed. eral manager of investment market research ment made after markets had closed. —AFP Sovendle said union president Joseph Mathunjwa would address Pfizer pledges to ringfence key the crowd. The three producers said in a new drugs in AstraZeneca deal statement yesterday they would contest a court application by the LONDON: Pfizer said it would ringfence the getting life-saving new drugs to market, as well union to prevent them from extend- development of important drugs if it acquired as undervaluing the business. “What will we tell ing their offer directly to individual AstraZeneca, rejecting a charge from the British the person whose father died from lung cancer members. “The producers are seek- company that a takeover would disrupt impor- because one of our medicines was delayed - and ing an end to the strike. To this end tant research and put lives at risk. “As we put essentially was delayed because in the mean- the companies have tabled a fair, these companies together, we will continue with time our two companies were involved in saving affordable and sustainable wage our pipeline, AZ will continue with theirs,” Pfizer’s tax and saving costs?” the British company’s offer to AMCU,” the statement said. Chief Executive Ian Read told lawmakers on a Chief Executive Pascal Soriot said on Tuesday. “The companies want to ensure that second day of questioning about what could be On a second day in Parliament focused on employees are fully informed of the the biggest ever UK corporate deal. “We would the concerns of the science community, Read offer, and that they are empowered ringfence any important products and they faced calls from a committee of lawmakers and to accept or reject the offer of their would continue to be developed. There is other speakers for Pfizer to extend its commit- own free will.” Lonmin on Monday absolutely no truth to any comment that some ment to UK jobs and research from five years to said the strike slashed production by products of critical nature would be delayed get- 10 or more. “I would like to see a longer period 43 percent, reporting a revenue ting to patients, if anything we would accelerate than that (five years),” science minister David drop of $157 million for six months that to patients.” Willetts told the committee. British Prime ended in March. South Africa holds AstraZeneca said on Tuesday that Pfizer’s pro- Minister David Cameron said he was seeking the MARIKANA: Striking miners march in Marikana, 40 kms from Rustenburg, in the South African around 80 percent of the world’s posal risked disrupting its research and delaying best possible guarantees from Pfizer. —Reuters platinum belt yesterday. —AFP known platinum reserves. —AFP BUSINESS THURSDAY, MAY 15, 2014 Earnings and technicals lift Egypt; MSCI trio pullsx back

MIDEAST STOCK MARKETS

DUBAI: Strong company earnings helped tered. “The technical element played a major detailing which stocks from the UAE and lift Egypt’s stock market yesterday, while role today,” said Chamel Fahmy, vice-presi- Qatar will become part of its emerging mar- bourses in the United Arab Emirates and dent for sales and trading at Egypt’s HC kets index and with what weights. Dubai’s Qatar slipped ahead of an announcement Securities and Investment. “I think the cur- index slipped 0.2 percent to 5,319 points as from index compiler MSCI detailing their rent upturn in stocks might continue. People most stocks declined, although Emaar upgrade to emerging market status. Egypt’s have the conviction that as we are Properties jumped 5.8 percent after it signed benchmark climbed 1.9 percent to 8,467 approaching the presidential elections, this an agreement with Dubai Municipality to points, its highest close since late March. will give a boost to the stock market. The work on a new mixed-use beachfront devel- Talaat Moustafa jumped 5.5 percent after market might still have 200-300 points’ opment. Abu Dhabi’s bourse fell 0.4 percent the property developer posted a 15-percent upside.” Former army chief Abdel Fattah Al- to 5,016 points. Etisalat dropped 0.9 percent rise in first-quarter after-tax profit. Ezz Steel Sisi is expected to easily win the May 26-27 after the telecom operator completed its pur- gained 5.8 percent after the firm said its presidential election and Egyptian investors chase of a 53 percent stake in Maroc Telecom 2013 profit was 134 million Egyptian hope he will bring stability and help revive for 4.14 billion euros ($5.67 billion). Qatar’s pounds ($19 million), up from 8 million the economy. benchmark slipped 0.1 percent to 13,161 Air Arabia net profit pounds in 2012. points, retreating from Tuesday’s all-time The positive sentiment also lifted other UAE, Qatar high. Qatar Insurance Company was the main stocks and the index broke through resist- Bourses in Dubai, Abu Dhabi and Doha drag, dropping 3.3 percent. It had surged 10 soars to AED 75 m ance at 8,400 points, the level at which earli- edged down slightly on the eve of an percent a day earlier after it won a contract to er rallies in April and earlier this month fal- announcement from index compiler MSCI insure Doha’s new airport.— Reuters SHARJAH: Air Arabia (PJSC), the first and largest low- 2013. The airline served 1,630,000 passengers in the first cost carrier (LCC) in the Middle East and North Africa, quarter of 2014, an increase of 12 per cent compared to announced yesterday its financial results for the three the 1,450,000 passengers carried in the same period of months ending March 31, 2014, reflecting the airline’s last year. The airline’s average seat load factor - or pas- Refinery and solid financials, strong business model and broad cus- sengers carried as a percentage of available seats - dur- tomer base. Air Arabia reported a net profit of AED 75 ing the first three months of 2014 stood at an impres- million for the three months ending March 31, 2014, sive 81.5 per cent. petrochemical representing an increase of 27 per cent compared to “Air Arabia has enjoyed a remarkable start to the AED 59 million reported in the corresponding quarter of year, which builds on our long and proud track record of 2013. success and achievement,” said Sheikh Abdullah Bin experts meet In the first quarter of this year, Air Arabia posted a Mohammed Al Thani, Chairman of Air Arabia. “Our turnover of AED 827 million, an increase of 14.5 per cent route, fleet and hub expansion strategy continues to in Kuwait compared to AED 722 million in the same period of deliver profitability while bringing ever greater connec- tivity and flexibility to people across the Middle East KUWAIT: Kuwait National Petroleum Company (KNPC), and North Africa”. Ali added: “We remain confident one of the world’s foremost refineries, is preparing to about the long-term prospects for the industry and fully more than double its refining capacity. After building intend to continue spreading our value-for-money phi- the new refinery in Al Zour area and expanding its cur- losophy to more destinations and more passengers in rent Mina Abdullah and Mina Al Ahmadi refinery, KNPC the future.” The first quarter of 2014 witnessed Air will have a refining capacity of 1.4 million barrels per Arabia announce the formation of a second hub in the day. The refined products will be low sulfur fuels, which UAE and fourth worldwide. The airline has entered into will enhance the competitiveness of Kuwait’s petroleum a strategic partnership with the Ras Al Khaimah Department of Civil Aviation, enabling it to become the products in the global market. Petrochemical Industries emirate’s designated carrier operating services from Ras Company (PIC), on the other hand, plans to integrate its Al Khaimah International Airport. The first flight took off new Oleyfins III plant with KNPC’s new refinery project on May 6 and the carrier is currently offering direct serv- in Al Zour. ices to 7 cities from Ras Al Khaimah. In the first three The need to upgrade, expand and integrate plants, months of 2014, Air Arabia also added three new desti- in order to increase production at reduced costs, has Arabian Motors Group nations from its main base in Sharjah: Cairo in Egypt, compelled leading figures in the region’s downstream Antalya in Turkey, and Shymkent in Kazakhstan. The air- industry to assemble at the 2nd Kuwait Downstream raises the bar in line also added extra frequency to existing routes, Technology Summit scheduled to take place from 1 - 4 including an additional daily service between Sharjah June 2014 at J W Marriott hotel in Kuwait. The summit Customer Service will provide focus on critical topics such as improving Sheikh Abdullah Bin Mohammed Al Thani and Doha, and opened a several new sales office across the region. plant performance and operations, implementing effi- cient plant upgrades, selecting the best catalyst and KUWAIT: Arabian Motors Group process means that our cus- cracking technology, assessing and improving feed (AMG), the Ford and Lincoln tomers will just have to stay in quality, and enhancing HSE in refining and petrochemi- importer-dealer in Kuwait recent- our facility until their vehicles are cal facilities ly opened one of the Middle turned over. With our moderniza- Forbes unveils top Indian “The increase in demand for fuels had led businesses East’s largest and most-advanced tion program, customers will to seek strategies that can help in cost reduction and interactive customer receptions, check-in their vehicle and collect leaders in the Arab World increase stakeholder value. Automating the business bringing the Ford customer serv- from the same facility.” “Ford deal- flows and eliminating non value adding human inter- ice experience in Kuwait to high- ers around the region continue to DUBAI: Lulu Group boss Yusuff Ali M A has topped Forbes Billionaires list with a net worth of $2 Billion. vention is an approach that can help in improved oper- er levels. To Ford and Lincoln cus- invest in world-class dealership the Forbes “100 top Indian leaders in the Arab He heads Abu Dhabi headquartered Lulu Group, ations,” said NaserAldalk, Section Head of Operations at tomers, this means more efficient facilities, bringing outstanding World 2014”. Forbes; world’s top business and more than $ 5 billion in sales retailing powerhouse KNPC’s Mina Abdullah Refinery. During the conference, time spent when coming in for a sales and service experiences to financial source unveiled the list at a function held that runs 110 hypermarkets, supermarkets, depart- Naser will present KNPC’s approach towards business service, in addition to more effi- our customers,” said Chris Noel, at Godolphin Ballroom, Jumeirah Emirates Tower - ment stores and shopping mall in the MENA region process automation and the benefits derived. ciency and transparency. Located Ford Middle East’s Regional Dubai. Landmark Group Chairman Micky Jagtiani & India and plans to open 42 Hypermarkets in the Commenting on the complications caused by in the Shuwaikh dealership facili- Customer Service director. “We came in the second position while Dr BR Shetty of next two years. The group is all set to expand its changes in feedstock infrastructure, FuadMosa, General ty, the new reception is the first in commend Arabian Motors Group NMC group stood in the third position. The other operations in Malaysia with 10 new hypermarkets Manager of Technology KSA & Emerging Economies at the Middle East to adapt the new for their continued commitment prominent persons who appeared in the list are scheduled to open by early next year. Lulu group SABIC, said “The type and quality of feedstock utilised Ford global look and style con- to delivering high customer satis- Sunny Varkey, Tony Jashanmal, Sayed Salahuddin, which has recently been ranked by Deloitte as one by the industry has changed over time and the current cepts. faction levels for Ford and Lincoln development of feedstock can affect petrochemical Rajan Kilachand, PNC Menon, Ravi Pillai etc. The of the fastest growing retailers in the world is also With the new reception setup, customers in Kuwait.” development globally and in our region.” glittering function was attended by TP investing in developing a logistics and sourcing specially trained Ford Service In addition to investing in Fuad, who will chair the four day event, will deliver a Seetharaman, Indian Ambassador to UAE and center Turkey and Brazil, which are expected to be Advisors will be able to complete modern facilities and offering Bollywood Star Sharukh Khan and members of operational very soon. presentation on feedstock development with relation to basic chemicals production technology. Interactive a multi-point inspection sheet world-class Ford and Lincoln business community. with their customers, identifying products, AMG also boats a well- The Bollywood superstar is the first Indian workshops will also take place alongside the confer- the conditions of the various com- trained and fully-certified team celebrity to grace the cover of Forbes Middle East ence. In the pre-conference workshop, entitled special issue. Forbes Middle East’s Top Indian “Selecting an appropriate catalyst technology for your ponents in the customers’ vehicle extending world-class after sales Leaders in the Arab World event celebrates the refining operations,” Dr. Abbas Ezzatwill cover the through a detailed walkaround. services to customers for all their drive and passion of the top Indian business lead- process of selecting the best catalyst for reducing sulfur The new reception also has a lux- vehicle needs. “We not only offer ers in the region. Nearly 170 individuals have made content and identifying techniques to enhance the life- urious dedicated customer our customers superb Ford and it to the list that celebrates the achievements of cycle of the catalyst. lounge area, where customers Lincoln vehicles that are leaders India’s top movers and shakers in the Middle East The post-conference workshop on Lean and Six have the option to wait while in quality, safety and innovation,” business world. With 170 individuals making it onto Sigma will be led by Amitabh Saxena, CEO, Anexas their vehicles are being serviced. added Aherne. “Enjoying these the list, the ranking celebrates the impressive diver- Group who will draw from his 24 years of experience Martin Aherne, Group Aftersales world-class and award-winning sity of the achievements of India’s top movers and related to process excellence and will provide yellow manager at Arabian Motors products must also be paired shakers in the Middle East business world. The Top belt certification for all attendees. This bi-annual sum- Group, said: “At AMG, customer with an excellent customer serv- Indian Leaders list is compiled after extensive and mit is organized by IQPC Dubai and will see strong par- satisfaction is a top priority. We ice from our end. AMG offers our detailed research into Indian businesspeople resid- ticipation from refinery and petrochemical companies are pleased to extend utmost con- customers convenient and worry- ing or operating a business in the region. in the region. Participating companies include, KNPC, venience to our customers when free service as well as unmatched OAPEC, Takreer, EQUATE Petrochemical Company, it comes to aftersales services of a manufacturer and dealer war- About Yusuff Ali Borouge, Saudi Aramco, ENOC and many more. Visit Ford or Lincoln vehicle. ranties to complete their vehicle Lulu boss Yusuff Ali Yusuff Ali has also been featured in the latest www.kuwaitdownstream.com for more information. The entire start to finish ownership experience.” Mercedes-Benz drives interest on Instagram

KUWAIT: Mercedes-Benz Kuwait has recently become the largest Class and E-Class product line-ups, as well as the ML 350, the new and share it with other users that are connected with them not a unique trend has emerged in Kuwait - Instagram businesses, automotive brand on Instagram within the country with an C-Class product line-up and the latest performance-driven AMG only on Instagram but on other social networking services. With which helps start-ups to demonstrate and sell their products. In impressive number of over 25,000 followers. Abdul Rahman vehicles. over 150 million monthly active users, Instagram has gained a addition, #Kuwait is the most popular country hashtag on Albisher & Zaid Alkazemi Co, the exclusive general distributor for Over the past few years there has been a shift in the purpose large fan following not only as a ways to connect with friends but Instagram with around 15.8 million photos while #USA has Mercedes-Benz in Kuwait, is the first company in the automotive of social media from merely being a platform for individuals to as a ways for corporations to connect with fans through this visual around 14.8 million photos. While the population of the United industry in Kuwait to come up with a uniquely innovative tech- connect and stay in touch, to a means for corporations to engage platform. Instagram in Kuwait has received a large number of sub- States is around 330 million and Kuwait’s is around 3.3 million, this nique of engaging their followers through this social platform by with consumers. Debuting in October of 2010, Instagram is a plat- scribers. Not only are account holders and brands active to drive demonstrates the proportionally high number of active users of creating educative, tailor made videos. Over the last two years, the form that now enables users to take photos or 15 second videos engagement through content development on this platform, but this particular social media platform in the country. Mercedes-Benz Instagram page in Kuwait has grown to become the largest automotive brand with the most number of followers in the country. This page also holds the highest ranking amongst all of the Mercedes-Benz Middle Eastern Instagram pages. “Our social media and creative team is committed to providing quality illustrative content to drive engagement and to give our fans a taste of what they’re looking for virtually. People really value the story behind our videos and look forward to the next release which is why the team develops videos highlighting luxury fea- tures of our latest products,” said Michael Ruehle, the CEO of Abdul Rahman Albisher & Zaid Alkazemi Company. Short videos act as a good tool to promote products and services through social media platforms. The limitation of 15 seconds for instagram videos has encouraged the Mercedes-Benz creative team in Kuwait to carefully design videos to deliver the right message within a short time span while being informative and interesting simultaneously. The videos are not part of any specific communications cam- paign. They are meant to educate motoring enthusiasts and cus- tomers on new products and the latest automotive technologies developed by Mercedes-Benz in a fun and engaging way. To date, the first series of videos published on the page were related to the new E-Class & New S-Class and its features & innovations. For the remainder of 2014, the videos will continue to highlight the S- THURSDAY, MAY 15, 2014 TECHNOLOGY Need a hand (or an arm, or a leg)? Bionic hand so advanced it can be controlled using an app

GERMANY: From app-controlled hands to thumb, five individually powered fingers, a strap on exoskeletons that can give mobility rotatable wrist and aluminum chassis. The to those unable to walk, the most hi-tech company claims that this is the most dex- medical innovations in the world went on trous prosthetic hand ever made. The wear- show yesterday. The orthopedic world con- er of the hand can use an app to choose gress ‘OTWorld’ in Leipzig, Germany, kicked one of 24 different grips. Alternatively, the off yesterday with over 5,000 exhibitors. hand can be controlled by muscle signals. Everything from bandages to entire limbs Electrodes in the wrist pick up electrical was on display, with over 20,000 experts impulses created by contracting muscles expected to visit. The event is the biggest of and these are interpreted by a computer in its type in the world. Klaus-J¸rgen Lotz, the back of the hand. The computer then President of the German Federation of moves the hand into any of a series of pre- Orthopaedic Technicians Guilds, said set patterns. OTWorld offers an opportunity to take a It is also the first upper limb prosthesis to look at a unique number of treatments in be created which can be controlled using one place. an app. It comes with an iOS app that allows

GERMANY: A man walks in front of a poster which showing a bionic hand during the opening day of the orthopedic world congress ‘OTWorld’.

GERMANY: Paraplegic Peter Anziano GERMANY: A man demonstrate a lower walks besides his wife Melissa Ford in an limb prosthesis on a skateboard promoted ‘exoskeleton’ manufactured by the US by the Russian company Ortokosmos, company ‘Parker Hannifin Corporation’. Moscow.

This kind of interdisciplinary approach is the user to control the hand’s grip using unparalleled,’ he said. ‘Add to that the inter- their smartphone. The app means that the national atmosphere - and you have indeed wearer can choose from 24 different grips at a unique event.’ 548 exhibitors from 37 the touch of a button. The app can also countries will be showcasing their new offers training on how to best use the products, with 260 of the exhibiting compa- device and can diagnose problems with it. nies coming from outside Germany. They However, it is not only controllable using an include a British prosthetic technology app - it also uses muscle signals to shift into company has created a hand which is so a series of pre-set patterns. It achieves this advanced it can be controlled using a by using electrodes in the wrist to pick up GERMANY: Model Claudia Breidbach uses a smartphone controlled GERMANY: Model Claudia Breidbach presents a smartphone con- smartphone app. electrical impulses created by contracting bionic hand (i-limb) manufactured by the company Touch Bionics of trolled bionic hand (i-limb) manufactured by the company Touch Touch Bionics’ i-limb ultra revolution muscles, which are interpreted by a com- Britain during the opening day at the trade show OT World 2014 in Bionics of Britain. prosthetic hand also features a rotating puter in the back of the hand. — AP Leipzig. — AP photos Samsung’s ‘crown prince’ in focus as Nissan venture aims for 20% father hospitalized of China electric car market SEOUL: Unassuming, media-shy and, as yet, unproven, Jay Y Lee is the unofficial heir-apparent to lead Samsung TOKYO: Nissan’s joint venture firm in China has said it is aim- sounds too high,” he said. “But we already have a very good percent to 21.98 million vehicles, according to an industry Electronics Co Ltd, as the world’s biggest technology group ing to secure a fifth of the fledgling electric vehicle market, share in the global electric car market. “The 20-percent goal group, but sales of “new energy” vehicles-which includes ful- by sales approaches a crossroads after years of explosive which it expects to boom as authorities get to grips with is not too aggressive. We could aim even higher.” ly electric cars and hybrids-were tiny at around 25,000 over growth. The only son of Samsung’s frail 72-year-old chair- choking air pollution. Dongfeng Motor Company has ambi- Environmental concerns are mounting in China, where the past two years according to the China Passenger Car man Lee Kun-hee, Jay has been groomed for years to take tions of claiming a 20 percent segment share with its local decades of unfettered growth have created harmful pollu- Association. Nissan said around 30,000 “green” cars were sold over the sprawling South Korean family-run “chaebol”, a Venucia brand which will be rolled out in September, the tion, and choking smog regularly envelops major cities. The in China in fiscal 2012. conglomerate with interests spanning technology and company’s president said Tuesday. “We will thrive with communist government, wary of growing public anger, is Like other Japanese automakers, Nissan’s Chinese ven- insurance to shipbuilding and construction. Samsung Venucia e30 in China,” said Jun Seki, who heads the joint trying to grapple with air pollution it estimates costs as ture suffered a dent in sales in late 2012 and into last year, Group’s 2012 revenue of 380 trillion won ($371 billion) was venture between Chinese firm Dongfeng and Nissan, Japan’s much as $300 billion a year through health problems and Seki said, after the eruption of a Tokyo-Beijing row over dis- more than a quarter of South Korea’s nominal GDP. second-largest carmaker which is the maker of the Leaf elec- premature deaths. Electric vehicles have been seen as a puted islands sparked a consumer boycott of Japanese The younger Lee, 45, became Samsung’s vice chair- tric vehicle. potential solution to the exhaust gases that blight busy brands. The island dispute forced Dongfeng Motor Company man in 2012 after a spell as chief operating officer in what “We need some preparations in the first fiscal year but cities the world over, with supporters touting their zero- to push back its goal to sell 2.0 million vehicles - both elec- appeared to be a well choreographed long-term succes- will eventually target... a 20 percent segment share.” Seki was tailpipe emissions. tric and combustion engine-by fiscal 2015, Seki said. “Once sion plan. But his father’s ill-health - Lee senior was hospi- upbeat on the future of electric vehicles in China, where he Nissan has been one of the sector’s biggest boosters in we get to sell 2.0 million units, I am confident that we can talized for a heart attack at the weekend - has raised con- said the government was giving generous corporate and the global market. But despite the Chinese government’s gain a 10 percent market share,” he said. “We want to achieve cerns over whether Jay is ready to take control. consumer incentives to increase sales of environmentally efforts to promote ownership of electric vehicles, demand the goal in 2017 or by 2018.” Dongfeng is aiming to sell 1.43 “(Our) vice chairman is a strategic thinker and is very friendly cars. “You may think the 20-percent share goal has disappointed. Last year, China’s auto sales surged 13.9 million units in the current fiscal year, he said. — AFP tenacious,” said a senior Samsung executive, who didn’t want to be named as he’s not authorised to talk to the media. “He’s been doing things that senior executives Google self-driving car coming around the corner can’t easily resolve on their own. For example, he spends a lot of time meeting key clients and then manages to cut UNITED STATES: A white Lexus cruised seat, ready to take over in the unlikely solo drivers going closer to 30 miles (48 than 100,000 miles on public roads, always a deal that would seem almost impossible.” “We’ve actual- along a road near the Google campus, brak- chance a human was needed to make a kilometers) per hour. Google cars navigate with someone ready to take the wheel. ly benefited significantly from his deal brokering and ing for pedestrians and scooting over in its driving decision. A red button could be hit using detailed digital maps showing what There have been two accidents while cars strategic decision making. He’s been doing far more than lane to give bicyclists ample space. The car to grab control from the computer. A tap of streets are supposed to look like, then con- were on auto-pilot. Both times, vehicles what many people outside Samsung might guess. He’s eased into a turn lane, waited for a green the brake would do the same. centrate processing power on assessing were rear-ended while stopped at traffic been learning for years from the chairman and has light and a break in traffic, then continued real-world variables such as traffic. signals, according to Urmson. “We are at the already been deeply involved in daily operations.” on its way in the Silicon Valley city of Real driving a drag The cars can’t drive places where Google point where we are really convinced we Mountain View. It even avoided stopping on Development of the self-driving car hasn’t mapped roadways down to implied have cracked this and can make it work,” Meeting people train tracks. But there was nobody holding began five years ago, part of a special proj- speed limits, elevations of traffic signals, Urmson said of self-driving cars being trust- Fluent in English and Japanese and dubbed the the wheel. What looked like the work of a ect headed by Google co-founder Sergey and curb heights, according to mapping ed on roads. Urmson sidestepped predict- “Crown Prince of Samsung” by local media, Jay Lee has conscientious driver was a Google car mak- Brin. “If you are in a car commercial, that is team lead Andrew Chatham. “It tells the car become the public face of Samsung in recent years, at ing all the moves-with an AFP reporter in driving we enjoy,” said project director Chris what the world looks like empty, then the meetings with corporate leaders, and politicians from the back seat. Google used machine learn- Urmson. “If you are commuting to work, job of the software is to figure out what is China and the United States, building relationships for a ing to teach cars how people drive and, that is not fun.” While most people have cars going on,” Chatham said. group which had been regarded as secretive. from there, to anticipate what motorists in that boast seating for four or more people When South Korea’s president invited Google Inc CEO surrounding traffic are likely to do. and that can achieve racing speeds, statis- Have no fear Larry Page to visit Seoul a year ago, one of the first to tics show that much road time is clocked by Prototype Google cars have driven more meet him was Lee, who flew Page to a display plant south Computer-fast reflexes of the Korean capital to show off the latest technology “Computers have really good reaction Samsung was working on, including flexible screens that times. They don’t get distracted, drowsy, fall could potentially be fitted to Google Glass wearable asleep, and they don’t drive drunk,” Google devices. The two firms haven’t signed a deal on supplying self-driving car software team lead Dmitri bendy screens, but have since agreed global patent cross- Dolgov told reporters getting an intimate UNITED STATES: A Google self-driving licensing in a joint attack against Apple Inc - defying look at prototypes at the Computer History car is seen in Mountain View. speculation of fraying ties as Samsung, the biggest smart- Museum. “They don’t need to stop messing ing when Google self-driving cars might hit phone maker using Google’s Android platform, develops with the radio to see what is happening, or the market, but said he is determined to its own mobile operating system. even take time to move a foot from the gas make it happen by the time his six-year-old Lee has generally shunned the limelight. He has no pedal to the brake.” The bustling street crowd son reaches driving age. official Twitter account and little is known of him outside paid little heed to the self-driving car, which Brin has publicly stated the even more the company - bar a high-profile divorce in early 2009. He sported a whirling gadget on top about the ambitious goal of having the cars ready less has a degree in East Asian History from Seoul National size and shape of a large coffee can. than four years from now. A panel of urban University, an MBA from Japan’s Keio University and com- The roof-top device used radar and development and transportation specialists pleted a business administration doctoral program at lasers to track everything around it. A cam- that took part in the event billed the self-dri- Harvard. He joined Samsung Electronics in 1991. era peeking out from the Lexus front grill ving car as a quantum leap in safety that While some critics say Lee doesn’t have the experience watched what was ahead. Data is processed could prevent many of the approximately for the top job, and lacks his father’s charisma, insiders by onboard computers programmed to 33,000 roadway deaths in the US each year. say his quiet, urbane manner disguises a steely determi- simulate what a careful driver would do, but Instead of owning cars, people could sum- nation and a tenacity to get things done. at super-human speeds. And, naturally, the mon them when needed and be chauf- “He was born with a silver spoon. We don’t know Google autonomous car was connected to feured places while they text, chat on whether he is capable of running (things) yet as he has no the Internet. A “Googler” from the technolo- phones, put on make-up or do other dis- track record,” said a senior official at Samsung Electronics, gy titan’s test driving team had a laptop tracting tasks some motorists attempt while who asked not to be identified. driving. “This is not a science project, this is However, a second Samsung executive who worked computer that showed what the car “saw”- closely with Lee said he was “very insightful,” was on top everything from cyclists and traffic signals reality,” said former General Motors vice pres- of key issues and asked probing questions. —Reuters to orange cones and painted lines in the UNITED STATES: An interior view of a Google self-driving car is seen in Mountain ident Larry Burns. “It is something you need street. Another Googler was in the driver’s View, California. — AFP photos to embrace; there is nothing to fear.” — AFP HEALTH & SCIENCE THURSDAY, MAY 15, 2014 Depression top cause of illness in world’s teens

GENEVA: Depression is the top global cause lescents died in 2012, it said. The top three of illness and disability for adolescents, with causes of death globally were road traffic suicide the third-biggest cause of death, the injuries, HIV/AIDS, and suicide. World Health Organization said yesterday. HIV was the second cause of deaths in The finding is in a new report by the UN adolescents globally, WHO said, with esti- agency, which has pulled together a wealth mates suggesting the number of HIV-related of published evidence with direct consulta- deaths among adolescents was rising. tions with 10 to 19-year-olds around the This was predominantly in Africa, at a world to assess the health issues that affect time when HIV-related deaths were decreas- them. ing in all other population groups. “The world has not paid enough atten- “We must not let up on efforts to pro- tion to the health of adolescents,” says Flavia mote and safeguard the sexual and repro- Bustreo, head of the WHO’s family, women ductive health of adolescents, including HIV,” and children’s health division. Some studies said WHO scientist Jane Ferguson, lead show that half of all people who develop author of the report. mental disorders have their first symptoms For adolescent girls alone, the second- by the age of 14, said the report. “If adoles- biggest killer after suicide was complications cents with mental health problems get the during childbirth. That was despite major care they need, this can prevent deaths and progress on that front, WHO said, with avoid suffering throughout life,” it said. death-rates plummeting since 2000 — by 57 percent in Asia, 50 percent in the Middle East Major progress and 37 percent in Africa. The study looked at a broad range of Other infectious disease also remained issues, including tobacco, alcohol and drug major killers, despite marked successes such use, HIV, injuries, mental health, nutrition, as a 90-percent decline in death and disabili- sexual and reproductive health, and vio- ty from measles in Africa over the past lence. Traffic injuries were the number two decade, thanks to childhood vaccination. cause of illness and disability, behind depres- Common infectious diseases that have been sion, with boys three times more likely to die a focus for action in young children were DZHEZKAZGAN: The Russian Soyuz TMA-011M space capsule lands about 150 km south-east of the Kazakh town of Dzhezkazgan, in than girls. WHO said it was crucial for coun- among the hardest-hitting. Kazakhstan, yesterday. The Soyuz space capsule landed safely in the Kazakh steppes after spending more than half a year aboard the orbiting tries to reduce the risk by increasing access For example, diarrhoea and lower respira- International Space Station. — AFP to reliable and safe public transport, improve tory tract infections ranked second and road safety regulations such as alcohol and fourth among causes of death in 10 to 14- speed limits, establish safe pedestrian areas year-olds. around schools and graduated licensing Combined with meningitis, these condi- Space trio returns to schemes where drivers’ privileges are phased tions accounted for 18 percent of all deaths in over time. in this age group, little changed from 2000, Worldwide, an estimated 1.3 million ado- WHO said. — AFP Earth in Russian capsule ‘Landing was outstanding’

MOSCOW: A Russian and an American returned ment that may one day slip out of Western employs in Atlas V rocket launches from shoot- to Earth yesterday with their Japanese com- hands. “The landing was outstanding,” Tyurin ing up military satellites. NASA responded to mander aboard a Soyuz capsule in the first such said in comments broadcast on Russian state tel- Rogozin’s warning with caution. landing since Moscow’s ties with the West evision. “It was simply ideal. We do have some “We have not received any official notifica- imploded over Ukraine. Koichi Wakata-the first wonderful technology!” tion from the government of Russia on any Japanese leader of an International Space changes in our space cooperation at this point,” Station mission-NASA’s Rick Mastracchio and US ‘hopeful’ the US government agency said in a statement. Russian cosmonaut Mikhail Tyurin completed a Moscow is fiercely proud of its rockets and US State Department spokeswoman Jen 188-day stay that began months before Europe still fetes its ability to beat the United States dur- Psaki added that “we’ve had a long cooperation was thrown into its worst security crisis since the ing the Soviet-era space race by putting the first on our space programme with the Russians and Cold War. man in orbit in 1961. we’re hopeful that will continue.” Ex-Soviet Ukraine has since seen a part of its And a top minister in charge of the military- But Psaki also appeared to suggest that the territory seized by Kremlin forces and the West industrial complex warned that Moscow may United States might not be as reliant on Russia’s retaliate with sanctions that have prompted strike back at new high-technology export space technology as some in Moscow might like Russia-provider of the sole manned link to the restrictions that Washington imposed in retalia- to think. “We do have a number of materials of orbiting laboratory-to question the wisdom of tion at the Kremlin’s Ukrainian land grab by lim- the same kind that we can use in the future,” she future cooperation in space. iting US access to Russian space equipment. said. NASA hopes to keep the ISS spinning 400 A top Russian minister stepped up the rheto- Deputy Prime Minister Dmitry Rogozin said km above Earth a bit longer to help private US ric on Tuesday by warning that Moscow may that Russia was “planning to only need the ISS firms such as SpaceX upgrade rockets it now reject Washington’s request to extend the sta- until 2020” and then spend funding “on other uses to ferry up cargo to also be able to accomo- tion’s lifespan by four years until 2024. promising space projects.” date astronauts. The trio was all smiles yesterday as they clam- NASA had said in January it would like the The United States has relied on the Soyuz for bered out of the conic capsule in their bulky orbiter’s lifespan extended in order to improve all manned missions since retiring its Shuttle space suits after splashing down without its marketability and chances of getting com- Programme in 2011. The current ISS team is mishap in the sand-swept steppe of Kazakhstan. mercial investment in space. Rogozin added that comprised of NASA astronaut Steve Swanson But Tyurin hinted of the overriding tensions Moscow could also prohibit the United States and Russian crewmates Alexander Skvortsov by singing the praises of Russian space equip- from using a Russian engine that the Pentagon and Oleg Artemyev. — AFP

Secrets of super-dense

SYDNEY: This undated handout photo combo shows details of the world’s oldest and magnetic star best-preserved sperm, dating back 17 million years: a. Specimen of the modern Australian ostracod Newnhamia fenestrata with the right valve removed. b. Sketch PARIS: Astronomers said yesterday they may have found of a male ostracod, showing the organization and orientation of the reproductive the answer to a cosmic riddle called the magnetar-a star system. c. Scanning electron microscopic image of Riversleigh fossil ostracod seen so dense that just a teaspoonful of it would have a mass from the left side, with left valve partly missing. d. Virtual reconstruction of fossil of about a billion tonnes. Magnetars are mysterious phe- showing one of two Zenker organs. e. Details of fossil Zenkerorgan, e.g. chitinous nomena whose magnetic fields are millions of times rings (cr) around the central tube and chitinous spines. f. Spiralled giant sperm in greater than that of the Earth. modern Australian ostracod. g. Spiralling of giant sperm in fossil ostracod. — AFP They also erupt with storms of gamma radiation when their crust undergoes sudden modification, a change called a starquake. How these oddities are formed, World’s oldest sperm though, has until now been unclear. They are considered to be a type of neutron star, which is one of two potential outcomes when a massive found in Australia star collapses under its own gravity and rips apart to form a supernova. Of some two dozen known magnetars in the BAGHDAD: An Iraqi doctor gives a polio vaccine to a child at a health clinic in SYDNEY: The world’s oldest and best-pre- Matzke-Karasz from the Ludwig Maximilian Milky Way, a favoured target for astronomers is called Baghdad yesterday. With the help of international health organizations and served sperm, dating back 17 million years, University in Munich and Paul Tafforeau CXOU JI64710.2, located in Westerlund 1, a star cluster Iraqi health officials Iraq aims to vaccinate millions of children across the coun- has been unearthed in Australia, scientists from the European Synchrotron Radiation about 16,000 light years away in the constellation Ara try against the highly contagious polio virus in response to an outbreak of the (The Altar).Previous work determined this magnetar was said yesterday. Facility in Grenoble, France. disease in the country as well as the region. — AFP born from the supernova of a mega-star 40 times as mas- The sperm from an ancient species of sive as the Sun-but that finding posed a headache in tiny shrimp was discovered at the Rain of droppings itself. “We did not understand how it could have become Riversleigh World Heritage Fossil Site, an A microscopic study revealed the fossils a magnetar,” said Simon Clark of the European Southern Scientists, drugmakers, charities area in the far north of the state of contained the preserved internal organs of Observatory (ESO), who led the latest probe into CXOU Queensland where many extraordinary pre- the ostracods, including their sexual organs. J164710.2. sign deal on animal research historic Australian animals have previously Within these were the almost perfectly pre- LONDON: More than 70 medical bodies in the vast majority of them (74 percent) on mice. been found. They include giant, toothed served giant sperm cells, and within them, Ultra-high velocity Britain, including Pfizer, GlaxoSmithKline and The concordat obliges signatories to “be platypuses and flesh-eating kangaroos. the nuclei that once contained the animals’ “Stars this massive are expected to collapse to form AstraZeneca, have signed a pledge to be more clear about when, how and why” animals are Mike Archer, from the University of New chromosomes and DNA. black holes after their deaths, not neutron stars.” Using open about their use of animals in scientific used, and enhance communications with the South Wales School of Biological, Earth and The researchers, whose findings are pub- ESO’s Very Large Telescope, located in the arid highlands experiments. The Concordat on Openness on media and the public about such work. of the Chilean desert, Clark’s team found a clue for the Environmental Sciences, who has been lished in the journal Proceedings of the Animal Research was published yesterday after It also commits them to being “proactive in conundrum in a massive star called Westerlund 1-5 in the excavating at Riversleigh for 35 years, said Royal Society B, estimate the sperm are lengthy negotiations among scientists, univer- providing opportunities for the public to find same star cluster. It is travelling at ultra-high velocity out the sperm was an exciting find. “These are about 1.3 millimetres long, slightly longer sities, medical charities, drug firms, journalists out about research using animals” and report of the cluster, expelled by the force of the supernova. Its the oldest fossilised sperm ever found in than the shrimp. and members of the public. each year on progress and experiences. trajectory and speed provide evidence that it somehow the geological record,” he said. Archer said that about 17 million years It covers activities in the UK only, but was played a part in creating the magnetar CXOU J164710.2, The sperm are thought to have been ago the site where the fossils were found signed by 72 organisations based in Britain and Empty words the astronomers said. longer than the male’s entire body, but was a cave in the middle of a vast, biologi- overseas, such as US-based Pfizer which is seek- Jan Creamer, chief executive of the National According to their simulation, Westerlund 1-5 was were tightly coiled up inside the sexual cally diverse rainforest. “Tiny ostracods ing to buy AstraZeneca. “This widespread sup- Anti-Vivisection Society, which opposes use of once a nearby companion to another massive, though organs of the fossilised freshwater crus- thrived in a pool of water in the cave that port for openness demonstrates the change in animals in scientific research, dismissed the slightly smaller, star. taceans, known as ostracods. was continually enriched by the droppings attitude we have seen from the life science sec- agreement as empty words. tor over the last few years,” said Geoff Watts, “This concordat, penned by big-pharma “We have become used to delightfully of thousands of bats,” he said. Pass-the-parcel who chaired the steering group that drew up lobbyists, is nothing more than a ploy to unexpected surprises in what turns up His UNSW colleague Suzanne Hand, a The bigger of the two started to run out of fuel and the agreement. Britons broadly support the use appear open about animal experiments, whilst there,” he added of Riversleigh. specialist in extinct bats and their ecologi- transferred its outer layers to the other-the future magne- of animals in experiments, under strict condi- withholding details of grisly, failed and dupli- “But the discovery of fossil sperm, com- cal role in Riversleigh’s ancient environ- tar-causing it to rotate fiercely and develop a powerful tions and only when there is no alternative. cate tests,” she said in an emailed statement. plete with sperm nuclei, was totally unex- ments, said the steady rain of droppings magnetic field. The transfer caused the smaller star to An Ipsos MORI poll conducted in 2012 Scientists use animals in medical, veterinary pected. It now makes us wonder what other would have led to high levels of phospho- become so big that it shed a large chunk of its newly found around 80 percent of those asked were and basic research to develop medicines and types of extraordinary preservation await rous in the water. acquired mass, according to the theory. “conditional acceptors” of the use of animals in other treatments for humans and animals, and discovery in these deposits.” This could have aided mineralisation of Gravitational pull transferred this mass back to the scientific research - they approved of it for to understand biological processes. A research team led by Archer collected the soft tissues. “This amazing discovery at original star, which is shining today as Westerlund 1-5. medical purposes, under good conditions. Researchers often refer to “animal models” the fossils in 1988 and sent them to John Riversleigh is echoed by a few examples of The companion star exploded, becoming a magnetar- But around a fifth of Britons are unhappy to describe how animals are used to simulate type neutron star, and Westerlund 1-5 was kicked into the Neil, a specialist ostracod researcher at La soft-tissue preservation in fossil bat-rich about the use of animals in research. Many say the physiology of humans or a medical condi- great beyond, the reconstruction suggests. Trobe University in Melbourne, who deposits in France,” she said. they would like to know more about what goes tion that affects humans. Genetically modified Spanish astrophysicist Francisco Najarro described the realised they contained fossilised soft tis- “So the key to eternal preservation of on in laboratories where animal experiments animals, usually mice, rats and fish, are used to process as “a game of stellar pass-the-parcel with cosmic sues. He drew this to the attention of sever- soft tissues may indeed be some magic are conducted. Some 4.11 million experiments understand the function of certain genes and consequences.”—ÅFP al European specialists, including Renate ingredient in bat droppings.” — AFP were carried out on animals in Britain in 2012, study the genetics of diseases.—Reuters HEALTH & SCIENCE THURSDAY, MAY 15, 2014 WHAT’S ON THURSDAY, MAY 15, 2014

Sheraton Kuwait wins at World Travel Awards 2014

heraton Kuwait, A luxury collection Cooke, presented the award received by ing member of our team who ensured to Hotel received the Kuwait Leading Mazen Mhanna, the Director of Sales & maintain exemplary standards with each SHotel Award for the fourth consecu- Marketing at Sheraton Kuwait Hotel and valued guest. I trust that Sheraton Kuwait tive year at this year’s World Travel Awards the Four Points by Sheraton Kuwait. will maintain its leading role and accom- Middle East Gala Ceremony held in Dubai Fahed Abu Shaar, Area Director and plish many successes resembling it in the on May 4, 2014, where guest of honor, General Manager of Sheraton Kuwait, A future.” Sheikh Juma Bin Maktoum Bin Juma Al- Luxury Collection Hotel stated, “This presti- As an ideal option for all types of travel- Maktoum was in attendance. The event is gious award signifies all the hard work and ers and venues, Sheraton Kuwait, a Luxury considered to be the “Oscars” of the travel dedication provided by the hotels’ col- Collection Hotels’ recent award is a unique and tourism industry, aiming to promote leagues and I would like to thank them for and valued addition to the long list of excellence throughout. President and their diligent work. It would not have been recognition it has received to set the Founder of World Travel Awards, Graham possible without each devoted and untir- benchmark for leading hotels in Kuwait.

Reborn Kids Education Academy (RKEA) KG1 annual performance

t was a spectacular display at the Reborn Kids Education Academy (RKEA) as the KG1 Istudents showcased their talents during their annual performance on Tuesday. Aimed at creating a niche in the education sector in Kuwait, Reborn Kids Education Academy has managed to achieve and maintain a leadership position by laying a solid foundation for the students’ future. The school applies the latest educational methodologies and deploys the latest technologies in assisting the kids in cre- ative learning. Extracurricular activities are an integral part of the school’s curriculum. It organizes regular excursions to destinations that support learning and nurture creativity. RKEA also celebrate special events and activi- ties such as Snow Day, Community Helpers Day, Health & Sports Week, National Day, Reading Week, Animal Habitats Day etc to inculcate special values in the students. WHAT’S ON THURSDAY, MAY 15, 2014 Kuwait Song Festival aims to elevate Kuwaiti songs

he head of the jury in Kuwait Songs Festival, held with the aim of sorting out and discovering composer and music distributor, Ammar Al- gifted singers as well as maintain traditional TBenni recently pointed out that the festival is songs. not profit oriented and stressed it was a patriotic Head of the composers committee, composer act meant to elevate Kuwaiti songs. He also noted Mohammed Al-Buaijan stressed that the jury would that the idea of the festival would act like a torch to be impartial in sorting and selecting new voice tal- illuminate the way of young talents. Al-Benni also ents noting that the committee includes well-expe- said that the festival had so far received scores of rienced composers who had themselves been recordings and participation applications. patronizing gifted singers on their own. Moreover, “Registration is still on up till May 22, 2014”he Al-Buaijan noted that entry applications registry underlined. would be on in the period of May 20-22 and that his is a disclaimer about an error Further, Al-Benni praised the initiative made applicants could record their voices and personal which occurred in the newspapers’ by the head of the organizing committee, data through WhatsApp online or by showing up in Tmedia coverage for dental sympo- Sheikha Intisar Salem Al-Ali for her direct sup- person at Kuwait Public Theatre headquarters at 5-9 sium held by New Mowasat Hospital. port to the festival that is due to be annually pm to register and fill in an application. Symposium Director Dr Danijal Dzafic, DDM, PhD, European Board of Prosthodontics, Consultant Prosthodontist; Clinical Director of KALA Kuwait Dental Department (NMH), led the coor- dination of the event, assisted by Dr Mersiha Avdic, Specialist Periodontist, conducts holder of Board Certified Specialist Periodontist, Diplomate of American Academy of Periodontology, Harvard Balakalamela School of Dental Medicine, Master of Medical Science, Harvard School of Dental Medicine, Dental Degree (DMD). ALA Kuwait conducted Balakalamela 2014, the art compe- titions for Indian school students. The options for compe- Ktitions were open on Bharathanatyam, Mohiniyattam, folk dance, group dance, classical music, light music, Mappilappattu, recitation, fancy dress, elocution and essay were open for stu- Ukraine Embassy dents, categorized into three groups of seniors, juniors and sub- juniors. KALA Kuwait is conducting Balakalamela for the past Announcement seven years with considerable increase in number of partici- pants yearly. he Embassy of Ukraine in the State Balakalmela 2014 was inaugurated by Ambassador of India of Kuwait would like to inform that Sunil Jain at United Indian School, Abbassiya. KALA president Tthe external polling station No Saji presided over the function while TV Jayan welcomed and 900046 of the Presidential elections was program convener Nizar KV rendered vote of thanks. created in the Embassy’s premises at the The competitions were supervised by Sajeev M George, TK following address: Hawalli, Jabriya, bl.10, Noushad, Michael, Johnson George, TK Saiju, Suresh Kumar B, str. 6, build. 5. The working hours of the Kiran PR, Saleem Raj, Anil Kukkiri, Roy Neson, Manikkuttan, Joji polling station: Sunday-Thursday, from Aipe, Dileep Naderi, Sudhakaran, Saji Thomas Mathew, N 15.00 to 17.00 pm. On May 25, 2014 the Ajithkumar, Thomas Mathew Kadavil, Sam Pynummodu, Rahil, working hours of the polling station Sajitha Skariya, Sobha Suresh, Bindu Sajeev, Shyamala from 8.00 am to 20.00 pm. Citizens of Narayanan, Santha Nair, Valsa Stanley, Daisy, Rama Ajith, Reji Ukraine are kindly advised to refer to Thomas, Naveen, C Krishnan, Abhilash, Sugatham Sudarsan, TP the embassy’s website to check their Saleem, Rajesh KM, Sailesh, Jayakumar, Suresh Chavara, Suresh data in the Electoral Register as well as Master, Hikmath, Nagandhan etc. Balakalamela prize distribu- to pick up their personal invitation from tion will be held at mega program of KALA-Kuwait ‘Sangha the polling station if they did not receive Gaadha’ on 23 May 2013 at Khaitan Indian Community School, at Oula Fuel Company organized two training courses for its staff members at the this document by post. 10:30 am. Le Royal Hotel - Kuwait, which focused on improving client service skills.

Fly Kuwait launched

oinciding with the inauguration of the largest travel Hamad Jaber Al-Sabah, Dr. Rasheed Al-Hamad, Humoud and trousim exhibition in Dubai and the upcoming AL-Baloul, the director of Bristol Hotel, Switzerland and Csumer vacations, Sheikh Jaber Faisal Al-Sabah many sister travel agencies. recently opened Fly Kuwait Travel & Tourism Company. A — Photos by Fuad Al-Shaikh special ceremony was held and attended by Sheikh,

Al-Rashed International Shipping holds annual staff party

t was celebration time for employees of Al-Rashed impact on the quality of service as well as their creativity, including the latest smartphones, Television, Music System, 10, 15, 20 and 30 years. There were 39 Employees with more International Shipping Company, Kuwait as they got enthusiasm and commitment. Occasions such as these offer electronic gadgets and other valuable prizes. Apart from than 10 years of Service, 12 Employees with more than 15 Itogether for the Annual Staff Party held at Hilton Resort- the best chance to interact and strengthen the team spirit of the staff, the program had a lot on offer for their families years and 15 employees with more than 20 years of service, Kuwait on May 1, 2014. It was a very special evening where the organization, and the Team spirit and cooperation exhib- and kids with a lot of activities that everyone loved to the we had Bassim Al-Rashed, Ravi Varrier, Pradeep Menon, the Chairman, Saad Al-Rashed himself honored the occasion ited by Al-Rashed employees is certainly worth a mention. greatest extent. Programs included dance performances Prasad, Akram Butt and Mohammad Ali who were also hon- with his presence along with the Director, Bassim Al-Rashed, Likewise, it was a proven point and was way too obvious by and singing by staff members and their children and the ored for their selfless service with the company for more General Manager, Ravi Varrier, Finance Manager, Pradeep the end of the night that Al-Rashed considers its employees participation from family members made the event all the than 30 years- A real benchmark that would be honored at Menon and Shipping Manager Prasad. All of them ensured as their greatest assets. more remarkable. A catchy ‘Lungi Dance’ performed by the any point in time, anywhere. that they addressed the employees with their motivating As part of the evening’s showbiz, employees held com- young staff members saw many people at the venue all Apparently, this year’s Staff Party of Al-Rashed has creat- and inspiring words and made certain to extend all their petitions, lucky draws and programs that showcased the pumped up. ed a lot of delightful moments that most of the employees support to make the event, a successful one. talents of many a staff in various aspects. A wide range of Loyalty Awards were also distributed on the occasion to are sure to cherish for a very long time and the Management The level of happiness of employees has a profound attractive gifts were given away as part of the Raffle Draw employees who have been in service with the company for promised to recreate such moments in the future as well. TV PROGRAMS THURSDAY, MAY 15, 2014

09:20 May The Best House Win 16:00 The Glass Slipper-FAM 20:00 Cajun Pawn Stars Abroad 17:45 The Barretts Of Wimpole 20:30 Cajun Pawn Stars 10:15 Doc Martin Street-PG 21:00 Pawn Stars 11:10 Emmerdale 19:50 The Champ-PG 21:30 Storage Wars 00:45 I’m Alive 12:00 Coronation Street 22:00 The Gypsy Moths 22:00 Storage Wars Texas 01:35 Untamed & Uncut 00:30 Treehouse Masters 12:30 The Jonathan Ross Show 23:50 The Wild Bunch-U 22:30 Storage Wars Texas 02:25 Wild Africa Rescue 01:20 Mind Control Freaks 13:25 May The Best House Win 23:00 Duck Dynasty 02:50 Wild Africa Rescue 01:45 Mind Control Freaks Abroad 23:30 Duck Dynasty 03:15 Natural World 02:10 Mythbusters 14:20 Doc Martin 04:05 Wildest Indochina 03:00 You Have Been Warned 15:10 Paul O’grady: For The Love Of 04:55 Animal Cops South Africa 03:50 Border Security Dogs 05:45 The Wild Life Of Tim Faulkner 04:15 Baggage Battles 15:35 The Chase 00:00 Storage Wars 06:10 The Wild Life Of Tim Faulkner 04:40 Lost And Sold 16:30 56 Up 00:30 Pawn Stars 00:10 Hoarding: Buried Alive 06:35 Steve Irwin’s Wildlife Warriors 05:05 How It’s Made 17:25 The Hungry Sailors 01:00 Pawn Stars 01:00 Iyanla, Fix My Life 07:00 Escape To Chimp Eden 05:30 How Stuff’s Made 18:20 Doc Martin 01:30 Pawn Stars 01:50 Breaking Amish 07:25 Weird Creatures With Nick 06:00 Survive That! 19:10 Coronation Street 02:00 Cajun Pawn Stars 02:40 Sister Wives Special Baker 07:00 You Have Been Warned 19:35 The Chase 02:30 Cajun Pawn Stars 03:30 I Didn’t Know I Was Pregnant 08:15 Galapagos 07:50 Finding Bigfoot 20:30 56 Up 03:00 Storage Wars 03:55 Long Island Medium 09:10 Steve Irwin’s Wildlife Warriors 08:40 Fast N’ Loud 21:25 The Hungry Sailors 03:30 Storage Wars 04:20 Say Yes To The Dress 09:35 Steve Irwin’s Wildlife Warriors 09:30 Border Security 22:20 Coronation Street 04:00 Pawn Stars 04:45 Say Yes To The Dress 10:05 Wild Africa Rescue 09:55 Baggage Battles 22:50 Emmerdale 04:30 Pawn Stars 05:10 Toddlers & Tiaras 10:35 Wild Africa Rescue 10:20 Lost And Sold 23:45 Doc Martin 05:00 Shaun Ryder On UFOs 11:00 Animal Precinct 10:45 How It’s Made 06:00 Storage Wars Texas 06:00 Oprah: Behind The Scenes 11:55 Escape To Chimp Eden 11:10 How Stuff’s Made 06:30 Counting Cars 07:00 What Not To Wear 12:20 Steve Irwin’s Wildlife Warriors 11:35 Treehouse Masters 07:00 Pawn Stars 07:50 Ultimate Shopper 12:50 ER Vets 12:25 Mind Control Freaks 07:30 Pawn Stars 08:40 Craft Wars 13:15 ER Vets 12:50 Mind Control Freaks 08:00 American Restoration 09:30 Toddlers & Tiaras 13:45 Austin Stevens Adventures 13:15 Mythbusters 08:30 Cajun Pawn Stars 10:20 Say Yes To The Dress 00:00 Megacities 14:40 Wild Africa Rescue 14:05 Border Security 09:00 Storage Wars Texas 10:45 Say Yes To The Dress 01:00 Bite Me With Dr. Mike Leahy 15:05 Wild Africa Rescue 14:30 Baggage Battles 09:30 Counting Cars 11:10 Cake Boss 02:00 Hunter Hunted 15:30 Tanked 14:55 Lost And Sold 10:00 Pawn Stars 11:35 Jon & Kate Plus 8 03:00 A Traveler’s Guide To The 16:30 Galapagos 15:20 World’s Biggest Ship 10:30 Pawn Stars 12:00 Little People, Big World Planets 17:25 The Wild Life Of Tim Faulkner 16:10 Fast N’ Loud 11:00 Storage Wars 12:25 Oprah: Behind The Scenes 04:00 Big, Bigger, Biggest 17:50 The Wild Life Of Tim Faulkner 17:00 Flying Wild Alaska 11:30 Storage Wars 13:15 Oprah’s Next Chapter 05:00 Animal Intervention 18:20 Journey Of Life 17:50 Wheeler Dealers 12:00 Pawn Stars 14:05 Oprah’s Next Chapter 06:00 Salvage Code Red 19:15 Call Of The Wildman: Viva 18:40 You Have Been Warned 12:30 Pawn Stars 14:55 Extreme Couponing All-Stars 07:00 Convoy: War For The Atlantic Live Action! 19:30 Survive That! 13:00 Ancient Aliens 15:20 Cake Boss 08:00 Megacities 20:10 Swimming With Monsters: 20:20 How It’s Made 14:00 Cajun Pawn Stars 15:45 What Not To Wear 09:00 Bite Me With Dr. Mike Leahy Steve Backshall 20:45 How Stuff’s Made 14:30 Cajun Pawn Stars 16:35 Toddlers & Tiaras 10:00 Hunter Hunted 21:05 Wild Africa Rescue 21:10 Baggage Battles 15:00 Pawn Stars 17:25 Say Yes To The Dress 11:00 A Traveler’s Guide To The 21:35 Wild Africa Rescue 21:35 Lost And Sold 15:30 Pawn Stars 17:50 Say Yes To The Dress Planets 22:00 Call Of The Wildman: Viva 22:00 Sons Of Guns 16:00 Pawn Stars 18:15 Jon & Kate Plus 8 12:00 Big, Bigger, Biggest Live Action! 22:50 Amish Mafia 16:30 Pawn Stars 18:40 Little People, Big World 13:00 The Pack 22:55 Swimming With Monsters: 23:40 Amish Mafia 17:00 Pawn Stars 19:10 Oprah: Behind The Scenes 14:00 Salvage Code Red Steve Backshall 17:30 Pawn Stars 20:05 Extreme Couponing All-Stars 15:00 Convoy: War For The Atlantic 23:50 Animal Cops South Africa 18:00 Storage Wars 20:30 Cake Boss 16:00 Megacities 18:30 Storage Wars 21:00 Secret Eaters 17:00 Bite Me With Dr. Mike Leahy 19:00 Pawn Stars 21:55 My 600lb Life 18:00 Dogtown 19:30 Pawn Stars 22:50 Long Island Medium 19:00 Nat Geo’s Top 10 Photos 23:15 Sister Wives 00:00 Chelsea Lately 20:00 Mega Breakdown 00:30 The Spin Crowd 21:00 Engineering Connections 00:15 Doctors 00:55 The Dance Scene 00:45 Silk 22:00 Air Crash Investigation 01:25 Style Star 01:40 Alan Carr: Chatty Man 23:00 Lords of War 01:50 Style Star 02:25 Twenty Twelve 23:30 Mystery Files 02:20 THS 02:55 Absolutely Fabulous 03:15 Extreme Close-Up 03:25 The Children 21 ON OSN MOVIES HD ACTION 03:40 Extreme Close-Up 04:15 The Weakest Link 04:10 E!ES 05:00 Nuzzle & Scratch: Frock n Roll 02:30 Weeds 16:00 Superman: Unbound-PG 22:00 Krazzy Planet 05:05 E!ES 05:20 The Green Balloon Club 03:00 Community 17:30 Armageddon-PG15 23:30 Sky Force 06:00 E!ES 05:45 Poetry Pie 03:30 Community 20:00 Bait-PG15 07:50 Style Star 00:20 In The Womb 05:50 Nina And The Neurons: In 04:00 Seinfeld 22:00 Vacancy-18 08:20 E! 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THURSDAY, MAY 15, 2014

Kuwait KNCC PROGRAMME FROM THURSDAY TO WEDNESDAY (15/05/2014 TO 21/05/2014)

SHARQIA-1 NO SUN+TUE+WED THE QUIET ONES (DIG) 12:30 AM THE AMAZING SPIDER-MAN 2 (DIG) 12:45 PM NO SUN+TUE+WED THE AMAZING SPIDER-MAN 2 (DIG) 3:30 PM FANAR-3 THE AMAZING SPIDER-MAN 2 (DIG) 6:15 PM THE FACE OF LOVE (DIG) 1:00 PM AVENUES-3 ELISA KHATAFHA JAMEEL (DIG) (Kuwaiti Film) 9:00 PM TRACKS (DIG) 3:15 PM THE FACE OF LOVE (DIG) 1:45 PM ELISA KHATAFHA JAMEEL (DIG) (Kuwaiti Film) 11:45 PM THE FACE OF LOVE (DIG) 5:30 PM THE FACE OF LOVE (DIG) 3:45 PM NO SUN+TUE+WED TRACKS (DIG) 7:30 PM THE FACE OF LOVE (DIG) 5:45 PM THE FACE OF LOVE (DIG) 9:45 PM THE FACE OF LOVE (DIG) 7:45 PM SHARQIA-2 THE FACE OF LOVE (DIG) 11:45 PM THE FACE OF LOVE (DIG) 9:45 PM TINKER BELL AND THE PIRATE FAIRY (DIG) 12:30 PM NO SUN+TUE+WED THE FACE OF LOVE (DIG) 11:45 PM GODZILLA (DIG-3D) 2:30 PM NO SUN+TUE+WED FOR SALE GODZILLA (DIG) 5:00 PM FANAR-4 GODZILLA (DIG-3D) 7:30 PM THE QUIET ONES (DIG) 12:45 PM AVENUES-4 Chevrolet Captiva, white, GODZILLA (DIG) 10:00 PM GODZILLA (DIG) 2:45 PM THE AMAZING SPIDER-MAN 2 (DIG) 1:00 PM 2009, urgent sale, KD 3,000, GODZILLA (DIG) 12:30 AM GODZILLA (DIG-3D) 5:15 PM THE AMAZING SPIDER-MAN 2 (DIG) 4:00 PM ono. Please call 97855876 NO SUN+TUE+WED GODZILLA (DIG) 7:45 PM THE AMAZING SPIDER-MAN 2 (DIG) 7:00 PM (Eng), 55426224 (Arabic). GODZILLA (DIG) 10:15 PM GRACE OF MONACO (DIG) 10:00 PM (C 4721) SHARQIA-3 GODZILLA (DIG-3D) 12:45 AM THE AMAZING SPIDER-MAN 2 (DIG) 12:15 AM 14-5-2014 GRACE OF MONACO (DIG) 1:00 PM NO SUN+TUE+WED NO SUN+TUE+WED THE FACE OF LOVE (DIG) 3:30 PM 2014 Suzuki 5x4 Sedan, GRACE OF MONACO (DIG) 5:30 PM FANAR-5 360º- 1 THE FACE OF LOVE (DIG) 7:45 PM ELISA KHATAFHA JAMEEL (DIG) (Kuwaiti Film) 1:45 PM THE AMAZING SPIDER-MAN 2 (DIG) 2:30 PM color seashell white, GRACE OF MONACO (DIG) 9:45 PM ELISA KHATAFHA JAMEEL (DIG) (Kuwaiti Film) 4:30 PM THE AMAZING SPIDER-MAN 2 (DIG-3D) 5:30 PM mileage 21,000 km, original THE FACE OF LOVE (DIG) 12:05 AM ELISA KHATAFHA JAMEEL (DIG) (Kuwaiti Film) 7:15 PM THE AMAZING SPIDER-MAN 2 (DIG) 8:30 PM owner, price KD 2,450. Tel: NO SUN+TUE+WED THE QUIET ONES (DIG) 10:00 PM THE AMAZING SPIDER-MAN 2 (DIG-3D) 11:30 PM 99526902. (C 4719) ELISA KHATAFHA JAMEEL (DIG) (Kuwaiti Film) 12:05 AM NO SUN+TUE+WED 12-5-2014 MUHALAB-1 NO SUN+TUE+WED GRACE OF MONACO (DIG) 12:30 PM 360º- 2 THE FACE OF LOVE (DIG) 2:30 PM MARINA-1 THE FACE OF LOVE (DIG) 2:15 PM ACCOMMODATION TINKER BELL AND THE PIRATE FAIRY (DIG) 4:30 PM THE FACE OF LOVE (DIG) 12:30 PM THE FACE OF LOVE (DIG) 4:15 PM THE FACE OF LOVE (DIG) 6:30 PM GRACE OF MONACO (DIG) 2:30 PM THE FACE OF LOVE (DIG) 6:15 PM Sharing accommodation GRACE OF MONACO (DIG) 8:30 PM THE FACE OF LOVE (DIG) 4:30 PM THE FACE OF LOVE (DIG) 8:15 PM available for decent execu- THE FACE OF LOVE (DIG) 10:30 PM GRACE OF MONACO (DIG) 6:30 PM THE FACE OF LOVE (DIG) 10:15 PM tive bachelors at Abbassiya GRACE OF MONACO (DIG) 12:30 AM THE FACE OF LOVE (DIG) 8:30 PM THE FACE OF LOVE (DIG) 12:15 AM near United Indian School NO SUN+TUE+WED THE FACE OF LOVE (DIG) 10:30 PM NO SUN+TUE+WED (Kalabhavan building) sep- GRACE OF MONACO (DIG) 12:30 AM arate bathroom/ balcony, MUHALAB-2 NO SUN+TUE+WED 360º- 3 rent KD 75. Tel: 50903076. SALEM ABO OKHTO (DIG) (Arabic) 12:30 PM THE AMAZING SPIDER-MAN 2 (DIG) 12:30 PM (C 4717) THE AMAZING SPIDER-MAN 2 (DIG) 2:30 PM MARINA-2 TINKER BELL AND THE PIRATE FAIRY (DIG-3D) 3:15 PM SALEM ABO OKHTO (DIG) (Arabic) 5:15 PM THE AMAZING SPIDER-MAN 2 (DIG) 1:45 PM TINKER BELL AND THE PIRATE FAIRY (DIG) 5:00 PM 10-5-2014 THE AMAZING SPIDER-MAN 2 (DIG) 7:15 PM THE AMAZING SPIDER-MAN 2 (DIG) 4:30 PM THE AMAZING SPIDER-MAN 2 (DIG) 6:45 PM ELISA KHATAFHA JAMEEL (DIG) (Kuwaiti Film) 10:00 PM THE AMAZING SPIDER-MAN 2 (DIG) 7:15 PM THE AMAZING SPIDER-MAN 2 (DIG) 9:30 PM CHANGE OF NAME ELISA KHATAFHA JAMEEL (DIG) (Kuwaiti Film) 12:45 AM ELISA KHATAFHA JAMEEL (DIG) (Kuwaiti Film) 10:00 PM THE AMAZING SPIDER-MAN 2 (DIG) 12:15 AM NO SUN+TUE+WED ELISA KHATAFHA JAMEEL (DIG) (Kuwaiti Film) 12:45 AM NO SUN+TUE+WED I, Safia Begum, D/O NO SUN+TUE+WED Murugesan holder of Indian MUHALAB-3 AL-KOUT.1 Passport No. L0038625 has GODZILLA (DIG) 2:15 PM MARINA-3 TINKER BELL AND THE PIRATE FAIRY (DIG) 12:30 PM changed religion GODZILLA (DIG-3D) 4:45 PM GODZILLA (DIG-3D) 2:00 PM GODZILLA (DIG) 2:30 PM (embraced Hindu) shall GODZILLA (DIG) 7:15 PM GODZILLA (DIG) 4:30 PM GODZILLA (DIG) 5:00 PM henceforth be known as GODZILLA (DIG-3D) 9:45 PM GODZILLA (DIG-3D) 7:00 PM GODZILLA (DIG) 7:30 PM Murugesan Uma GODZILLA (DIG) 12:15 AM GODZILLA (DIG) 9:30 PM GODZILLA (DIG) 10:00 PM NO SUN+TUE+WED GODZILLA (DIG) 12:05 AM GODZILLA (DIG) 12:30 AM Mageswari. (C 4722) NO SUN+TUE+WED NO SUN+TUE+WED 15-5-2014 FANAR-1 GRACE OF MONACO (DIG) 2:00 PM AVENUES-1 AL-KOUT.2 I, Varughese Shaji Mathew, GRACE OF MONACO (DIG) 4:15 PM THE AMAZING SPIDER-MAN 2 (DIG) 2:15 PM ELISA KHATAFHA JAMEEL (DIG) (Kuwaiti Film) 12:45 PM holder of Indian Passport SALEM ABO OKHTO (DIG) (Arabic) 6:30 PM SALEM ABO OKHTO (DIG) (Arabic) 5:00 PM ELISA KHATAFHA JAMEEL (DIG) (Kuwaiti Film) 3:30 PM No: H0590417 hereby Prayer timings SALEM ABO OKHTO (DIG) (Arabic) 8:30 PM SALEM ABO OKHTO (DIG) (Arabic) 7:15 PM ELISA KHATAFHA JAMEEL (DIG) (Kuwaiti Film) 6:15 PM change my name to Shaji GRACE OF MONACO (DIG) 10:30 PM SALEM ABO OKHTO (DIG) (Arabic) 9:45 PM SALEM ABO OKHTO (DIG) (Arabic) 9:00 PM Mathew Varughese. Fajr: 03:27 GRACE OF MONACO (DIG) 12:45 AM SALEM ABO OKHTO (DIG) (Arabic) 12:05 AM ELISA KHATAFHA JAMEEL (DIG) (Kuwaiti Film) 11:00 PM (C 4720) NO SUN+TUE+WED NO SUN+TUE+WED NO SUN+TUE+WED 14-5-2014 Shorook 04:56 Duhr: 11:44 FANAR-2 AVENUES-2 AL-KOUT.3 I, Sarfraz Hussain, holder of THE AMAZING SPIDER-MAN 2 (DIG) 1:15 PM THE LOVE PUNCH (DIG) 1:15 PM THE FACE OF LOVE (DIG) 1:45 PM Indian Passport No. F Asr: 15:20 THE AMAZING SPIDER-MAN 2 (DIG) 4:00 PM THE QUIET ONES (DIG) 3:30 PM TRACKS (DIG) 3:45 PM 8709331 hereby change my THE AMAZING SPIDER-MAN 2 (DIG) 6:45 PM THE LOVE PUNCH (DIG) 5:45 PM THE FACE OF LOVE (DIG) 6:00 PM name to Sarfraz Hussain Maghrib: 18:33 THE AMAZING SPIDER-MAN 2 (DIG) 9:30 PM THE QUIET ONES (DIG) 8:00 PM GRACE OF MONACO (DIG) 8:00 PM Diwan as per Gazette of THE AMAZING SPIDER-MAN 2 (DIG) 12:15 AM THE QUIET ONES (DIG) 10:15 PM THE FACE OF LOVE (DIG) 10:15 PM Gujarat State, India. Isha: 20:00 (C 4718)

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

Arrival Flights on Thursday 15/5/2014 JZR 779 Jeddah 14:20 Departure Flights on Thursday 15/5/2014 UAE 872 Dubai 14:15 Airlines Flt Route Time GFA 221 Bahrain 14:20 Airlines Flt Route Time KAC 741 Dammam 14:35 QTR 1084 Doha 00:05 SVA 500 Jeddah 14:30 AIC 976 Goa/Chennai 00:05 QTR 1079 Doha 14:55 JZR 239 Amman 00:20 KNE 472 Jeddah 14:40 JAI 573 Mumbai 00:20 FDB 058 Dubai 15:00 JZR 267 Beirut 00:25 KAC 788 Jeddah 15:00 BBC 044 Dhaka 00:35 GFA 222 Bahrain 15:05 JZR 539 Cairo 00:30 KNE 460 Riyadh 15:05 KLM 411 Amsterdam 00:55 KAC 673 Dubai 15:05 DLH 637 Dammam 00:35 KNE 470 Jeddah 15:35 JZR 502 Luxor 01:30 KAC 617 Doha 15:30 JZR 555 Alexandria 01:25 ABY 127 Sharjah 15:35 DLH 637 Frankfurt 01:35 KNE 473 Jeddah 15:35 PGT 858 Istanbul 01:25 MPH 093 Amsterdam 15:40 THY 773 Istanbul 02:20 KNE 481 Taif 15:50 MSC 403 Asyut 01:30 OMA 645 Muscat 15:50 MSC 404 Asyut 02:30 KAC 773 Riyadh 15:50 SAI 441 Lahore 01:35 KAC 672 Dubai 16:00 SAI 442 Lahore 02:35 JZR 188 Dubai 15:50 THY 764 Istanbul 01:40 KAC 118 New York 16:00 PGT 859 Istanbul 02:55 SVA 505 Jeddah 16:00 RJA 642 Amman 01:45 JZR 535 Cairo 16:05 UAE 854 Dubai 03:45 ABY 128 Sharjah 16:15 GFA 211 Bahrain 01:55 QTR 1072 Doha 16:15 FDB 068 Dubai 03:45 KNE 471 Jeddah 16:30 UAE 853 Dubai 02:25 RJA 640 Amman 16:20 MSR 613 Cairo 04:15 KAC 613 Bahrain 16:35 ETD 305 Abu Dhabi 02:30 JZR 125 Bahrain 16:25 ETD 306 Abu Dhabi 04:20 OMA 646 Muscat 16:50 JAI 576 Kochi/Abu Dhabi 02:35 ETD 303 Abu Dhabi 16:45 QTR 1077 Doha 04:25 JZR 266 Beirut 17:05 FDB 067 Dubai 03:05 NIA 251 Alexandria 16:50 JZR 560 Sohag 04:50 MPH 093 Dubai/SIN 17:10 MSR 612 Cairo 03:15 KAC 562 Amman 16:50 MSC 406 Sohag 05:00 QTR 1073 Doha 17:20 UAE 857 Dubai 16:55 RJA 641 Amman 17:20 QTR 1076 Doha 03:25 QTR 1085 Doha 05:20 JZR 538 Cairo 17:40 MSC 401 Alexandria 04:00 JZR 175 Dubai 17:10 THY 765 Istanbul 06:00 ETD 304 Abu Dhabi 17:45 THY 770 Istanbul 04:35 SVA 510 Riyadh 17:15 JAI 575 Abu Dhabi/Kochi 06:30 NIA 252 Alexandria 17:50 DHX 170 Bahrain 05:10 UAL 982 IAD 17:25 RJA 643 Amman 06:35 UAE 858 Dubai 18:15 KAC 412 Manila/Bangkok 06:15 GFA 215 Bahrain 17:30 THY 771 Istanbul 06:50 SVA 511 Riyadh 18:15 IRA 673 Ahwaz 06:20 KAC 742 Dammam 17:35 GFA 212 Bahrain 07:00 GFA 216 Bahrain 18:20 BAW 157 London 06:35 JZR 177 Dubai 17:45 JZR 240 Amman 07:05 JZR 156 Dubai 18:20 GEC 8367 Sharjah 06:55 KAC 176 Geneva/Frankfurt 17:45 IRA 672 Ahwaz 07:20 UAL 982 Bahrain 18:40 KAC 382 Delhi 07:30 JZR 777 Jeddah 17:50 KAC 537 Sohag 08:00 JZR 238 Amman 18:45 JZR 503 Luxor 07:40 TAR 328 Tunis/Dubai 18:05 BAW 156 London 08:25 TAR 328 Tunis 18:55 KAC 302 Mumbai 07:50 KAC 542 Cairo 18:15 GEC 8367 Frankfurt 08:35 FDB 064 Dubai 19:10 KAC 206 Islamabad 07:50 QTR 1080 Doha 18:25 JZR 778 Jeddah 08:45 QTR 1081 Doha 19:25 QTR 1086 Doha 07:55 KAC 786 Jeddah 18:30 SVA 513 Riyadh 08:55 ABY 120 Sharjah 19:40 SVA 512 Riyadh 07:55 FDB 063 Dubai 18:30 QTR 1087 Doha 08:55 GFA 218 Bahrain 19:50 KAC 332 Trivandrum 08:00 KAC 104 London 18:45 KAC 789 Jeddah 09:00 AXB 394 Kozhikode 19:55 KAC 382 Delhi 08:00 AXB 393 Kozhikode 18:55 JZR 534 Cairo 09:15 FDB 052 Dubai 20:10 KAC 352 Kochi 08:05 ABY 129 Sharjah 19:00 ABY 126 Sharjah 09:30 KAC 283 Dhaka 20:30 UAE 855 Dubai 08:25 KAC 618 Doha 19:00 KAC 787 Jeddah 09:35 JAI 571 Mumbai 20:35 KAC 362 Colombo 08:45 GFA 217 Bahrain 19:05 UAE 856 Dubai 09:50 FDB 5062 Dubai 20:50 KAC 284 Dhaka 08:50 FDB 051 Dubai 19:10 IRA 668 Mashhad 10:00 KAC 331 Trivandrum 20:50 ABY 125 Sharjah 08:50 KAC 774 Riyadh 19:15 ETD 302 Abu Dhabi 10:15 KAC 361 Colombo 20:50 KAC 284 Dhaka 08:55 KAC 502 Beirut 19:20 FDB 056 Dubai 10:15 OMA 648 Muscat 20:55 IRA 667 Esfahan 09:00 KAC 674 Dubai 19:25 KAC 101 London/New York 10:25 KAC 343 Chennai 20:55 JAI 572 Mumbai 19:35 KAC 351 Kochi 21:05 ETD 301 Abu Dhabi 09:30 KAC 614 Bahrain 19:35 IZG 4162 Mashhad 10:40 FDB 055 Dubai 09:35 QTR 1071 Doha 11:00 MEA 403 Beirut 21:15 OMA 647 Muscat 19:55 JZR 552 Alexandria 21:15 IZG 4161 Mashhad 09:40 FDB 5061 Dubai 20:05 KAC 671 Dubai 11:20 MSR 619 Alexandria 21:30 MSR 5510 Beirut 09:45 MEA 402 Beirut 20:15 KAC 561 Amman 11:25 KAC 543 Cairo 21:30 QTR 1070 Doha 10:00 DLH 634 Frankfurt 20:15 KAC 541 Cairo 11:30 DHX 171 Bahrain 21:50 QTR 8646 Doha 10:30 JZR 189 Dubai 20:25 GFA 214 Bahrain 11:35 KLM 417 Dammam/Amsterdam 21:55 GFA 213 Bahrain 10:40 MSR 618 Alexandria 20:30 KAC 501 Beirut 11:40 KNE 461 Riyadh 21:55 MEA 404 Beirut 10:55 KLM 417 Amsterdam 20:55 KAC 165 Rome/Paris 11:45 ETD 308 Abu Dhabi 22:15 JZR 561 Sohag 11:15 KNE 480 Taif 21:00 MEA 405 Beirut 11:55 ALK 230 Colombo 22:20 MSC 405 Sohag 11:20 ALK 229 Colombo 21:10 QTR 8646 Beirut 12:00 UAE 860 Dubai 22:25 FDB 8059 Dubai 11:55 UAE 859 Dubai 21:15 JZR 174 Dubai 12:05 KAC 381 Delhi 22:30 SYR 341 Damascus 12:05 QTR 1074 Doha 21:30 JZR 776 Jeddah 12:15 QTR 1075 Doha 22:40 TBZ 5483 Mashhad 12:30 ETD 307 Abu Dhabi 21:30 MSC 402 Alexandria 12:20 KAC 301 Mumbai 22:40 JZR 241 Amman 12:40 GFA 219 Bahrain 21:45 FDB 8060 Dubai 12:45 GFA 220 Bahrain 22:45 UAE 871 Dubai 12:45 THY 6512 Istanbul 22:10 KAC 785 Jeddah 13:00 MSR 5511 Cairo 22:45 MSR 610 Cairo 13:00 FDB 059 Dubai 22:10 SYR 342 Damascus 13:05 FDB 060 Dubai 22:55 MSR 579 Sohag 13:05 AIC 981 Chennai/Hyderabad/Ahmedabad 22:25 JZR 176 Dubai 13:10 KAC 203 Lahore 23:10 THY 766 Istanbul 13:10 UAL 981 Bahrain 22:40 JZR 124 Bahrain 13:30 KAC 205 Islamabad 23:35 KAC 538 Sohag 13:40 JZR 157 Dubai 22:55 TBZ 5484 Mashhad 13:45 THY 6512 Istanbul 23:40 QTR 1078 Doha 13:45 BBC 043 Dhaka 23:10 MSR 580 Sohag 13:50 KAC 411 Bangkok/Manila 23:40 FDB 057 Dubai 13:50 JAI 574 Mumbai 23:20 MSR 611 Cairo 14:00 KAC 415 Kuala Lumpur/Jakarta 23:50 KAC 790 Jeddah 14:15 THY 772 Istanbul 23:45 THY 767 Istanbul 14:10 JZR 528 Asyut 23:50 DIAL161 FOR AIRPORT INFORMATION stars34 THURSDAY, MAY 15, 2014

CROSSWORD 548 STAR TRACK

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

You are apt to spend a great deal of time communicating with co-workers You should take advantage of furthering your professional aims now. You today. This is a good time to take stock of your work in order to find and are at your most appealing and can have the greatest impact on the ones at work who make any changes that are necessary to create and ensure more productive outcomes. pass out the raises and promotions. If you have been out of work, try particularly hard dur- You have lots of energy to maintain or complete a successful end to a difficult day. It may ing this time to find the kind of job you really want. You have fluency in communication be that certain people are in town that had not been easy to locate before now. You will and your intellect is sharp. You will be curious, talkative and adept at problem-solving con- find an improvement in finances through work that is completed now. A loved one is will- versations most days. You could come up with new solutions or inventions. You may not, ing to help you make some changes that will deepen your relationship with him or her. however, value something extraordinary or unusual. Instead, you find yourself appreciat- Everything works together to bring out your unique qualities. You may find that someone ing what is quite normal or ordinary. There is much passion that manifests itself in art and close to you understands and is supportive of your eccentricities. a physical desire for the opposite sex this evening.

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

This morning is for planning and this afternoon is for carry-through regard- You have a natural sense of what the public wants and can easily sell items ing those plans. Later, this afternoon, you will reap the rewards for your hard work. This that most people find hard to sell. The business world is lucky to have you. may also mean a raise or promotion for some past, long-term accomplishment that you Sales, lectures, presentations of all sorts can be successfully experienced. Clear decisions may think was forgotten. The people with whom you work are congenial and fun to be affecting others could be made now. This afternoon calms a bit as there are opportunities with away from work, as well as working as teammates-you are very appreciative. Love to relax and enjoy some quiet time. Perhaps this is a good time to think and study-you and friendships grow closer than ever. Although it is your birthday, you may have to revise have a real appreciation for ideas and thoughts. You may find yourself enjoying a long tele- a few of your own plans to accommodate old friends that want to stay the night. Laughter phone conversation, writing a letter or reading a book. You are especially witty this and talking over old times can be heard way into the night. Be sure to take pictures for the evening as you dine out with loved ones. Others value you for your independence and memory book. Happy birthday! unique qualities. This is a time when you can expect a little boost and support.

Gemini (May 21-June 20) Sagittarius (November 22-December 21)

Careful; you may be very forceful in what you say today. With all of this emo- Good eye-hand coordination and sustained effort makes almost any task tional energy, you could speak or communicate very well but perhaps a lit- run well. By midafternoon you will be pleased at your progress. A problem tle abruptly. Proud, you have an inner need to express feelings and emotions to others. at work that has gone on for a long time is finally nearing its end. It will soon be time for You are driven to leadership positions by a sense of your own inner worth. You have new conquests. Now, understandably, you may feel more like ignoring responsibilities and ACROSS DOWN learned to listen carefully when you see someone needs a listening ear; this makes you doing some social visiting. Practice common sense and seek a balance. This is the time you 1. An article deposited as security. 1. Large burrowing rodent of South and popular and loved. You have the mental drive to get much accomplished. Heed a warning and your co-workers will be given recognition for this hard work. You may be encouraged Central America. you may hear today from an older person-do not take roads that go nowhere just for the by an older member of the family to move forward with some special plan-research would 5. The snail-shaped tube (in the inner ear be beneficial. You will enjoy waiting on your loved ones this evening. Heal the thought coiled around the modiolus) where sound 2. An Arabic speaking person who lives in ride. Pay attention to your dreams and enjoy sharing them. If there is not a lesson to learn, there will be some fun just-suppose types of conversations. that you are separate from others. vibrations are converted into nerve impulses Arabia or North Africa. by the Organ of Corti. 3. Marked by skill in deception. 4. A port and tourist center in southwestern 12. An adult male person (as opposed to a Italy. Capricorn (December 22-January 19) woman). 5. A fluorocarbon with chlorine. Cancer (June 21-July 22) 15. An elaborate song for solo voice. 6. A state in northwestern United States on You are at your most practical today. Your own common sense will tell you 16. Tending to set free. the Pacific. This is the perfect time to take risks and dare to be a little eccentric. You will everything you need to know when it comes to dealing and working with 17. A flat wing-shaped process or winglike 7. Large edible mackerel of temperate United prosper through new insights, inventions and an independent point of view. You have others. You can act without haste. You are called on to make decisions pertaining to mon- part of an organism. States coastal Atlantic waters. good ideas and co-workers and higher-ups will often stop what they are doing to hear ey matters this morning. You make good use of your common sense. A need to be your input. You will be wise to know your subject matter before approaching higher-ups. 18. A high-crowned black cap (usually made 8. A healthy state of wellbeing free from dis- respected is important to you and you look for ways to help others and to step in when Challenging authority and striving for success are on your agenda; you tread softly. your company may need help. You will soon be asked to communicate with powerful peo- of felt or sheepskin) worn by men in Turkey ease. Ambition is a powerful motivation and can lead you into conflict if you let it get out of 9. Genus of herbs and subshrubs having ple in order to have better working situations. You develop a sense of ambition and practi- and Iran and the Caucasus. control. Properly channeled, it results in great achievements and brings recognition. cality and strive for high achievement. A bookstore is an enjoyable place this evening. 20. An area in which something acts or oper- showy flowers. Events may make it easy for you to be original, have breakthroughs and find new solutions Special prices for beautiful books bring facts, figures and fantasy your way. ates or has power or control. 10. A division of the United Kingdom. to old problems. This evening is good for friendships. 21. An alliance made up of states that had 11. How long something has existed. 12. A Portuguese province on the south been Soviet Socialist Republics in the Soviet coast of China and two islands in the South Aquarius (January 20- February 18) Union prior to its dissolution in Dec 1991. China Sea. Leo (July 23-August 22) 22. A promontory in northern Morocco 13. (law) A defense by an accused person Pleasant attitudes are created this wednesday in the home and in the work- Keep up your pace in the business world-attention to detail may keep you opposite the Rock of Gibraltar. place. A need for emotional security is accented; you should not pressure a purporting to show that he or she could not in demand. Competition is high and your energies match any challenges you come across partner or co-worker into doing things just to please you. You have an increased tendency 25. Bulky grayish-brown eagle with a short have committed the crime in question. now. Put your visions and dreams to work. You can be intense, passionate and very per- to partake in working partnerships or group activities today. Mental stimulation is the key wedge-shaped white tail. 14. Of or in or relating to the nose. sonal. You may rush past superficialities and right to the heart of any matter. Your imagina- for you right now and it is a good idea to make every effort to join in and work with others. 27. Characterized by absence of emotional 19. American professional baseball player tion drives you to make your inner vision a reality. Careful-there is aggressiveness in your Any project begun today should be successful. This evening is a time where you might agitation. who hit more home runs than Babe Ruth emotions that may cause you to be prone to emotional outburst. Do not misapply your find a deepening of a love relationship. If you have no love relationship, this could be a (born in 1934). aggression. This, again, is a period of hard work, both in salvaging some endeavors that 29. A seasonal wind in S Asia. time in which you will meet that special person. If you have a special love in your life, now 23. The force of workers available. appear to be failing and in branching out in new directions. A relaxed atmosphere this 32. Of or relating to or supporting Hinduism. is the time to find ways to nurture and deepen the relationship. 33. (Irish) Mother of the ancient Irish gods. 24. Short and fat. evening will put you in the mood for romance. 26. A person of no influence. 34. A soft gray ductile metallic element used 28. A yellow trivalent metallic element of the in alloys. rare earth group. Virgo (August 23-September 22) 36. A public promotion of some product or 30. Medieval artillery used during sieges. Pisces (February 19-March 20) service. 31. The basic unit of money in Nigeria. Career choices, decisions that should be made, may appear to go against You are happiest when the goals for each day are understood. Honest, 37. A French abbot. 35. A small ball with a hole through the mid- or challenge your current sense of security and home environment. The straightforward people have a special place in your heart. It is easiest to 41. The habitation of wild animals. dle. easy way out may not be beneficial to your health and general well-being. Weigh alterna- work under a boss that has clear expectations. Revising or reassessing your work responsi- 43. An organization of countries formed in 38. An indehiscent fruit derived from a single tives with care. Your career and path to success seems to be running counter to your need bilities and scheduling may take up most of this day. You could be helping to change sev- 1961 to agree on a common policy for the ovary having one or many seeds within a for change and self-growth. Job requirements may stifle your sensitivity-hold you back eral methods of operation. In-depth discussions and probing conversations find you at sale of petroleum. fleshy wall or pericarp. from growing. Tread this one with care-stay focused. Look for work in science, medicine or your mental best. You have a chance to show of your analytical abilities now. Social gather- 39. One of several parallel sloping beams a nursery group-plants or children. Being a tour guide may be another consideration. You ings are fun and much more interesting than you expected. Take an opportunity to net- 45. Any of numerous local fertility and nature are thankful for the passion and depth of your nature as it takes you into some of the most deities worshipped by ancient Semitic peo- that support a roof. work at this social event . . . You will be pleased with the outcome. You are able to keep interesting places and with the most interesting people. ideas and stories in focus that all could learn or enjoy. ples. 40. English essayist (1775-1834). 42. Feel bitter or indignant about. 46. United by being of the same opinion. 44. A large number of things or people con- 48. (of persons) Highest in rank or authority sidered together. Word Search or office. 47. An inactive volcano in Sicily. Yesterday Solution 50. A user interface in which you type com- 49. A deformity of the foot characterized by mands instead of choosing them from a an abnormally high arch and hyperextension menu or selecting an icon. of the toes which gives the foot the appear- 51. Marked by spirited enjoyment. ance of a claw. 52. A unit of pain intensity. 53. The peers of a kingdom considered as a 55. A colorless and odorless inert gas. group. 56. Half the width of an em. 54. A member of a Turkic people of 58. Polish labor leader and statesman (born Uzbekistan and neighboring areas. 57. Biennial weed in Europe and America in 1943). having large pinnate leaves and yellow flow- 62. A person of unquestioning obedience. ers and a bitter and somewhat poisonous 65. The state of owing money. root. 67. A lipoprotein that transports cholesterol 59. A zodiacal constellation in northern in the blood. hemisphere between Cancer and Virgo. 69. The front limb of a quadruped. 60. Lower in esteem. 71. Title for a civil or military leader (especial- 61. The act of removing hair with a razor. ly in Turkey). 63. Cubes of meat marinated and cooked on 74. Jordan's port. a skewer usually with vegetables. 75. System of measurement based on cen- 64. Small terrestrial lizard of warm regions of timeters and grams and seconds. the Old World. 76. The sixth of the seven canonical hours of 66. Oval reproductive body of a fowl (espe- cially a hen) used as food. the divine office. 68. The goddess of the moon. 78. A member of a Mayan people of south- 70. A Tibetan or Mongolian priest of western Guatemala. Lamaism. 79. The compass point midway between east 72. (Irish) The sea personified. and southeast. 73. A change in the electrical properties of 80. Adroitness and cleverness in reply. the skin in response to stress or anxiety. 81. A loose sleeveless outer garment made 77. A colorless odorless gaseous element from aba cloth. that give a red glow in a vacuum tube. Yesterday’s Solution

Daily SuDoku Yesterday’s Solution THURSDAY, MAY 15, 2014 information

For labor-related inquiries and complaints: Call MSAL hotline 128 Al-Madeena 22418714 Al-Shuhada 22545171 GOVERNORATE PHARMACY ADDRESS PHONE Al-Shuwaikh 24810598 Ahmadi Sama Safwan Fahaeel Makka St 23915883 Sabah Hospital 24812000 Abu Halaifa Abu Halaifa-Coastal Rd 23715414 Al-Nuzha 22545171 Danat Al-Sultan Mahboula Block 1, Coastal Rd 23726558 Amiri Hospital 22450005 Sabhan 24742838 Maternity Hospital 24843100 Jahra Modern Jahra Jahra-Block 3 Lot 1 24575518 Madina Munawara Jahra-Block 92 24566622 Al-Helaly 22434853 Mubarak Al-Kabir Hospital 25312700 Capital Ahlam Fahad Al-Salem St 22436184 Al-Faiha 22545051 Chest Hospital 24849400 Khaldiya Coop Khaldiya Coop 24833967

Farwaniya Hospital 24892010 Farwaniya New Shifa Farwaniya Block 40 24734000 Al-Farwaniya 24711433 Ferdous Coop Ferdous Coop 24881201 Adan Hospital 23940620 Modern Safwan Old Kheitan Block 11 24726638 Al-Sulaibikhat 24316983 Ibn Sina Hospital 24840300 Hawally Tariq Salmiya-Hamad Mubarak St 25726265 Al-Fahaheel 23927002 Al-Razi Hospital 24846000 Hana Salmiya-Amman St 25647075 Ikhlas Hawally-Beirut St 22625999 Jleeb Al-Shuyoukh 24316983 Physiotherapy Hospital 24874330/9 Hawally & Rawdha Hawally & Rawdha Coop 22564549 Ghadeer Jabriya-Block 1A 25340559 Kindy Jabriya-Block 3B 25326554 Ahmadi 23980088 Ibn Al-Nafis Salmiya-Hamad Mubarak St 25721264 Mishrif Coop Mishrif Coop 25380581 Al-Mangaf 23711183 Kaizen center 25716707 Salwa Coop Salwa Coop 25628241 Al-Shuaiba 23262845 Rawda 22517733

Adaliya 22517144 Al-Jahra 25610011 Khaldiya 24848075 Al-Salmiya 25616368 Kaifan 24849807 Shamiya 24848913 INTERNATIONAL Shuwaikh 24814507 CALLS Abdullah Salem 22549134

Nuzha 22526804 Afghanistan 0093 Iran 0098 Albania 00355 Iraq 00964 Industrial Shuwaikh 24814764 Algeria 00213 Ireland 00353 Qadsiya 22515088 Andorra 00376 Italy 0039 Angola 00244 Ivory Coast 00225 Dasmah 22532265 Anguilla 001264 Jamaica 001876 Antiga 001268 Japan 0081 Bneid Al-Gar 22531908 Argentina 0054 Jordan 00962 Shaab 22518752 Armenia 00374 Kazakhstan 007 Australia 0061 Kenya 00254 Qibla 22459381 Austria 0043 Kiribati 00686 Bahamas 001242 Kuwait 00965 Ayoun Al-Qibla 22451082 Bahrain 00973 Kyrgyzstan 00996 Mirqab 22456536 Bangladesh 00880 Laos 00856 Barbados 001246 Latvia 00371 Sharq 22465401 Belarus 00375 Lebanon 00961 Belgium 0032 Liberia 00231 Salmiya 25746401 Belize 00501 Libya 00218 Jabriya 25316254 Benin 00229 Lithuania 00370 Bermuda 001441 Luxembourg 00352 Maidan Hawally 25623444 Bhutan 00975 Macau 00853 Bolivia 00591 Macedonia 00389 Bayan 25388462 Bosnia 00387 Madagascar 00261 Mishref 25381200 Botswana 00267 Majorca 0034 Brazil 0055 Malawi 00265 W Hawally 22630786 Brunei 00673 Malaysia 0060 Bulgaria 00359 Maldives 00960 Sabah 24810221 Burkina 00226 Mali 00223 Jahra 24770319 Burundi 00257 Malta 00356 Cambodia 00855 Marshall Islands 00692 New Jahra 24575755 Cameroon 00237 Martinique 00596 Canada 001 Mauritania 00222 West Jahra 24772608 Cape Verde 00238 Mauritius 00230 South Jahra 24775066 Cayman Islands 001345 Mayotte 00269 Central African 00236 Mexico 0052 North Jahra 24775992 Chad 00235 Micronesia 00691 Chile 0056 Moldova 00373 North Jleeb 24311795 China 0086 Monaco 00377 Ardhiya 24884079 Colombia 0057 Mongolia 00976 Comoros 00269 Montserrat 001664 Firdous 24892674 Congo 00242 Morocco 00212 Cook Islands 00682 Mozambique 00258 Omariya 24719048 Costa Rica 00506 Myanmar (Burma) 0095 N Khaitan 24710044 Croatia 00385 Namibia 00264 Cuba 0053 Nepal 00977 Fintas 23900322 Cyprus 00357 Netherlands (Holland) Cyprus (Northern) 0090392 0031 Czech Republic 00420 Netherlands Antilles 00599 Denmark 0045 New Caledonia 00687 Diego Garcia 00246 New Zealand 0064 PRIVATE CLINICS Djibouti 00253 Nicaragua 00505 Dominica 001767 Nigar 00227 Dominican Republic 001809 Nigeria 00234 Ecuador 00593 Niue 00683 Egypt 0020 Norfolk Island 00672 El Salvador 00503 Northern Ireland (UK) Plastic Surgeons Paediatricians Ophthalmologists Endocrinologist England (UK) 0044 0044 Dr. Abidallah Al-Mansoor 25622444 Dr. Mohammad Al-Khalaf 22547272 Dr. Khaled Hamadi 25665898 Equatorial Guinea 00240 North Korea 00850 Dr. Abd Al-Naser Al-Othman 25339330 Dr. Samy Al-Rabeea 25752222 Dr. Abdal-Redha Lari 22617700 Dr. Abd Al-Aziz Al-Rashed 25340300 Eritrea 00291 Norway 0047 Dr. Masoma Habeeb 25321171 Dr. Abdel Quttainah 25625030/60 Dr. Zahra Qabazard 25710444 Dr. Ahmad Al-Ansari 25658888 Estonia 00372 Oman 00968 Dr. Mubarak Al-Ajmy 25739999 Ethiopia 00251 Pakistan 0092 Family Doctor Dr. Sohail Qamar 22621099 Dr. Mohsen Abel 25757700 Dr. Kamal Al-Shomr 25329924 Falkland Islands 00500 Palau 00680 Dr Divya Damodar 23729596/23729581 Dr. Snaa Maaroof 25713514 Faroe Islands 00298 Panama 00507 Dr Adnan Hasan Alwayl 25732223 Physiotherapists & VD Psychiatrists Dr. Pradip Gujare 23713100 Dr. Abdallah Al-Baghly 25732223 Fiji 00679 Papua New Guinea 00675 Dr. Zacharias Mathew 24334282 Dr. Deyaa Shehab 25722291 Ear, Nose & Throat (ENT) Dr. Esam Al-Ansari 22635047 Finland 00358 Paraguay 00595 Dr. Ahmed Fouad Mouner 24555050 Ext 510 Dr Eisa M. Al-Balhan 22613623/0 (1) Ear, Nose and Throat (2) Plastic Surgeon Dr. Musaed Faraj Khamees 22666288 France 0033 Peru 0051 French Guiana 00594 Philippines 0063 Dr. Abdallah Al-Ali 25644660 Gynaecologists & Obstetricians Dr. Abdul Mohsin Jafar, Rheumatologists: French Polynesia 00689 Poland 0048 Dr. Abd Al-Hameed Al-Taweel 25646478 DrAdrian arbe 23729596/23729581 FRCS (Canada) 25655535 Gabon 00241 Portugal 00351 Dr. Sanad Al-Fathalah 25311996 Dentists Dr. Verginia s.Marin 2572-6666 ext 8321 Dr. Adel Al-Awadi 25330060 Gambia 00220 Puerto Rico 001787 Dr. Mohammad Al-Daaory 25731988 Dr. Fozeya Ali Al-Qatan 22655539 Dr Anil Thomas 3729596/3729581 Georgia 00995 Qatar 00974 Dr. Ismail Al-Fodary 22620166 Dr. Khaled Al-Jarallah 25722290 Dr. Majeda Khalefa Aliytami 25343406 Dr. Shamah Al-Matar 22641071/2 Germany 0049 Romania 0040 Dr. Mahmoud Al-Booz 25651426 Ghana 00233 Russian Federation 007 Dr. Ahmad Al-Khooly 25739272 Dr. Anesah Al-Rasheed 22562226 Internist, Chest & Heart General Practitioners Gibraltar 00350 Rwanda 00250 Dr. Salem soso 22618787 Dr. Abidallah Al-Amer 22561444 Dr. Mohamme Y Majidi 24555050 Ext 123 DR.Mohammes Akkad 24555050 Ext 210 Greece 0030 Saint Helena 00290 Dr. Faysal Al-Fozan 22619557 General Surgeons Dr. Yousef Al-Omar 24719312 Dr. Mohammad Zubaid Greenland 00299 Saint Kitts 001869 Dr. Abdallateef Al-Katrash 22525888 Dr. Tarek Al-Mikhazeem 23926920 Dr. Amer Zawaz Al-Amer 22610044 MB, ChB, FRCPC, PACC Grenada 001473 Saint Lucia 001758 Dr. Abidallah Al-Duweisan 25653755 Dr. Kathem Maarafi 25730465 Dr. Mohammad Yousef Basher 25327148 Assistant Professor Of Medicine Guadeloupe 00590 Saint Pierre 00508 Dr. Bader Al-Ansari 25620111 Guam 001671 Saint Vincent 001784 Dr. Abdallah Ahmad Eyadah 25655528 Internists, Chest & Heart Head, Division of Cardiology Dr. Nabeel Al-Ayoobi 24577781 Neurologists Mubarak Al-Kabeer Hospital Guatemala 00502 Samoa US 00684 Dr. Adnan Ebil 22639939 Guinea 00224 Samoa West 00685 Dr. Dina Abidallah Al-Refae 25333501 Dr. Sohal Najem Al-Shemeri 25633324 Consultant Cardiologist Dr. Mousa Khadada 22666300 Guyana 00592 San Marino 00378 Urologists Dr. Jasem Mola Hassan 25345875 Dr. Latefa Al-Duweisan 25728004 Dr. Farida Al-Habib 2611555-2622555 Haiti 00509 Sao Tone 00239 Dr. Ali Naser Al-Serfy 22641534 Gastrologists MD, PH.D, FACC Holland (Netherlands) 0031 Saudi Arabia 00966 Dr. Fawzi Taher Abul 22639955 Dr. Nadem Al-Ghabra 25355515 Dr. Sami Aman 22636464 Inaya German Medical Center Honduras 00504 Scotland (UK) 0044 Dr. Khaleel Abidallah Al-Awadi 22616660 Dr. Mobarak Aldoub 24726446 Dr. Mohammad Al-Shamaly 25322030 Te: 2575077 Hong Kong 00852 Senegal 00221 Dr. Adel Al-Hunayan FRCS (C) 25313120 Dr Nasser Behbehani 25654300/3 Dr. Foad Abidallah Al-Ali 22633135 Fax: 25723123 Hungary 0036 Seychelles 00284 Dr. Leons Joseph 66703427 Ibiza (Spain) 0034 Sierra Leone 00232 Soor Center Iceland 00354 Singapore 0065 Psychologists [email protected] Tel: 2290-1677 Kaizen center William Schuilenberg, RPC 2290-1677 India 0091 Slovakia 00421 /Psychotherapists www.soorcenter.com Zaina Al Zabin, M.Sc. 2290-1677 Fax: 2290 1688 25716707 Indian Ocean 00873 Slovenia 00386 Indonesia 0062 Solomon Islands 00677 lifestyle THURSDAY, MAY 15, 2014

Gossip Alec Baldwin arrested in NYC after bike flap

olice in New York City say actor Alec Baldwin has been arrested for identification. That’s when they say he acted belligerently toward the offi- riding a bike the wrong way on the street and acting belligerently cers and was arrested. He’s since been released. A representative for Ptoward the arresting officers. Police say the “30 Rock” star was taken Baldwin didn’t immediately return a request for comment. Police say the into custody at about 10:15 am Tuesday. They say two officers noticed him 56-year-old actor was issued a summons for riding a bike the wrong way riding his bike the wrong way on 16th Street near Fifth Avenue near Union and for disorderly conduct. Square Park. They say the notoriously hot-headed actor was asked to show

he ‘Can’t Remember To Forget You’ singer, who has been inspired by stars of the past, including Billie Holiday and Ella Fitzgerald, Pharrell Williams’ Talso loves listening to Coldplay, in particular their hit ‘In My Place’. Talking about the band’s frontman, she said: “Chris Martin has one of my favorite male voices of all time - so emotive and incredibly honest.” Discussing her love of Billie, she also said: “Billie Holiday has ‘weird’ musical techniques one of the most timeless voices out there and is always something that puts me in a tranquil mood. “I think although the lyrics are proba- bly meant in a romantic context, for me there are some that make harrell Williams has a “weird” way of making sense coming from a mother to her child as well - the idea of surren- music. The ‘Happy’ hitmaker, who wrote and dering all of oneself to a love bigger than the individual. “Ella Pproduced his entire second album ‘G I R L’, Fitzgerald is another classic voice that has a soothing quality. Perfect admits he used to “overthink” elements of his work. to listen to at the end of a long day.” Meanwhile, when she’s not down- He told Notion magazine: “I used to always overthink loading music old and new, she is on her mobile phone recording it because I’m trying to produce myself. “I’m having voice memos and playing around with ideas for future records. She to draw from myself, which is so weird, so I’d always said: “This is one [app] I use in the studio a lot, to help me capture overshoot.” He insists he feels “comfortable” singing melodies, create references for arrangements, and work remotely with and performing ‘Girl’ because it’s not about him. producers or musicians so they can hear the same thing I’m hearing.” The 41-year-old singer added: “What’s made me To download Shakira’s music visit itunes.com/shakira. feel comfortable about making an album is because it’s not about me. It’s about girl. I feel comfortable singing it and making it and performing it.” ‘G I R L’ was released on March 3, 2014 and Pharrell previously said the capi- talization and double-spacing of the record’s title reflects society. Quizzed about the title, he explained: “Because when you look at it, it looks a lit- tle weird [...] because society is a little unbalanced.” Jenkins The lead single from the album is Academy Award- nominated ‘Happy’, from the ‘Despicable Me 2’ soundtrack, and it ‘heartbroken’ over was commercially successful, peak- ing at number one on the US best friend’s death Billboard Hot 100.

atherine Jenkins has been left “heartbroken” by the death of her best friend. The 33-year-old singer is Kmourning the loss of Polly Noble after she lost a sev- is a fan of Coldplay en-year battle against cervical cancer. She posted a picture on twitter yesterday of herself and her friend and wrote: “Heartbroken. Rest in Peace my darling friend.” And in thrills fans at secret show another photo on her Instagram page, she added: Ora “Heartbroken - Sleep now with the angels.” The pair became friends when they were both struggling singers in 2001, and Katherine was on tour when her pal called in 2005 to break the news she had cancer. The classical star previously recalled: “She didn’t look or sound ill - it was just unbelievable. “And of course the word cancer frightens the life out of me because I had watched my father die of lung cancer when I was 15. “But he had been nearly 70, and Polly was just 24. She was too young; she had too much to live for.” Polly underwent surgery, chemotherapy and radio- therapy and was eventually given the all clear for three

years, but in 2010, she found a lump in her neck that Shakira turned out to be a secondary tumor. Katherine previously said: “This time her oncologist told her that although she could have more treatment, the cancer was ultimately incurable. “She called me from the hospital with the news. Neither of us cried. We were too stunned.”

Harry Potter spin-off tipped ita Ora wowed an intimate crowd at a thanked fans for their support and told the secret gig in London on Tuesday noisy crowd they all had “loud mouths” like Rnight. The 23-year-old pop star per- her. As the concert came to an end purple for November 2016 release formed a short set of hits from her first ticker tape exploded from the ceiling cov- album ‘Ora’ for competition winners at ering the crowd. Before leaving the stage . K. Rowling’s Harry Potter spin-off about seven decades before the arrival of Mode in west London and latest single ‘I Rita - who is dating Calvin Harris - posed for ‘Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Mr Potter and his pals.” Rowling has Will Never Let You Down’. During her rendi- several selfies with her fans and was show- JThem’ will be released on November praised Tsujihara - who succeeded Barry tion of ‘How We Do (Party)’ Rita’s band ered with various gifts including a T-shirt. 18, 2016. The book which was published in Meyer as CEO in March 2013 - and recalled played Nirvana’s ‘Smells Like Teen Spirit’ as She later took to Twitter to praise the fans 2001, billed as one of Potter’s Hogwarts agreeing to pen the first of the spin-off the singer jumped up and down on stage who came to watch her, writing: “Thank textbooks, will be adapted by Warner Bros movies. She said: “When I say he made prompting her fans to do the same. Rita you for winning tickets to my secret gig and set years before the arrival of the ‘Fantastic Beasts’ happen, it isn’t PR-speak joking told off her fans for not telling her BOTS! #back2westlondon #iwillneverlety- famous boy wizard - who was portrayed on but the literal truth.”We had one dinner, a she had bright rouge lipstick on her teeth oudown (sic)” Later in the evening, the screen by Daniel Radcliffe. However, cast- follow-up telephone call, and then I got out and face. Before fetching a tissue to clear singer - who had changed from her stage ing and a director is yet to be determined. the rough draft that I’d thought was going up her make-up mishap, she said: “Oh guys, outfit into a red floral print dress - headed CEO of Warner Bros Entertainment Kevin to be an interesting bit of memorabilia for has it been on my face the whole time? to the Chiltern Firehouse hotel, bar and Tsujihara previously revealed the book will my kids and started rewriting!” Why didn’t you tell me!” Before playing her restaurant for drinks. be turned into a movie trilogy. He said: last song ‘I Will Never Let You Down’, Rita “Three megamovies are planned. The main character will be a ‘magizoologist’ named Newt Scamander. The stories, neither pre- quels or sequels, will start in New York Viggo Mortensen: Superhero Gerard Butler role would be ‘fun’ to star in Den of Thieves iggo Mortensen wants to star in a ger movies but I’m not worried about it.” superhero movie. The 55-year-old ‘The Two Faces of January’ will be released erard Butler has been cast in the ‘Den Vactor - who is set to star alongside in cinemas across the United Kingdom on of Thieves’. The 44-year-old actor will ‘Spider-Man’ actress Kirsten Dunst in the May 16. — Bang Showbiz Gstar in the film which follows a “leg- film adaptation of Patricia Highsmith’s nov- endary bank heist crew decides to rob the el ‘The Two Faces of January’ - admits that Federal Reserve in Los Angeles right under although he had to turn down a role in the nose of a rogue sheriff’s deputy”, reports 2013’s Superman film ‘Man of Steel’, he Variety.com. The film will be helmed by would love to get involved in as superhero Christian Gudegast, who also co-wrote the movie in the future. Speaking at a press script alongside Paul Scheuring. Mark Canton, conference for ‘The Two Faces of January’ at Ryan Kavanaugh, Tucker Tooley and Alan London’s Corinthia Hotel, he told BANG Siegel are producing, with Chris Bender, JC Showbiz: “I was offered two parts in that Spink and Butler executive producing. Butler but I couldn’t do it. It would be fun to do recently pulled out of the ‘Point Break’ remake something like that.” Mortensen - who is is where he was due to step into the late Patrick best known for playing heroic Aragorn in Swayze’s shoes in a reboot of the classic 1991 the blockbuster ‘Lord of the Rings’ films - surfer heist film. It is believed he opted out of admits he’s more interested in good stories playing central character Bodhi due to a than being cast in box office hits. Quizzed scheduling conflict and unnamed “creative on whether he avoided accepting roles in differences”. The Hollywood hunk, who last bigger films, he said: “I don’t care whether hit the big screen in 2013’s action thriller it’s a blockbuster or not. I know there’s a ‘Olympus Has Fallen’, is next set to star in ‘How risk to going off and doing films where to Train Your Dragon 2’ where he lent his voice you’re speaking Arabic, or movies that may to the character of Stoick the Vast. not even be released in North America. “If you do too many of those then maybe you’re not going to be asked to do the big- lifestyle THURSDAY, MAY 15, 2014

Gossip

Blondie’s Harry speaks up for arrested musician

jazz musician arrested on drug charges amid an investigation into Philip ing it or playing any role in Hoffman’s death. According to a police report, Seymour Hoffman’s death is getting support from Blondie singer Vineberg said he was friendly with Hoffman and had occasionally sold him ADeborah Harry. She and bandmate Chris Stein praise sideman Robert heroin but hadn’t seen him since October. Hoffman’s publicist didn’t immedi- Vineberg in a letter filed with court papers Tuesday as “an asset to New York’s ately respond to an email. culture.” Vineberg was arrested as police followed leads after Hoffman’s Feb 2 death from a mix of heroin, cocaine and other drugs. Vineberg has pleaded not guilty to possessing heroin with the intent to sell. He wasn’t charged with sell-

Kelly Osbourne Rihanna donates proud of ozzy $25,000 to the LAPD

elly Osbourne is proud of her father for my father’s friends and colleagues who came ihanna has donated $25,000 to the Los overcoming his addiction issues. The to celebrate such an incredible milestone in Angeles Police Foundation. The K29-year-old star struggled to fight back his life.” The ‘Fashion Police’ co-host went on R‘Diamonds’ hitmaker made the kind tears when Ozzy Osbourne - who briefly to thank heavy metal rockers Metallica for gesture after accidentally breaking LA Police relapsed in 2012 after seven years sober - was paying tribute to her legendary dad with a Commission President Steve Soboroff’s presented with the Stevie Ray Vaughan award rendition of his own track, ‘Diary of a Mad mobile phone when he asked her for a selfie during the MusiCares MAP Fund benefit con- Man’. She enthused: “I want to thank Metallica at the Los Angeles Clippers basketball game cert on Monday night. The Black Sabbath for not only taking the time out of their against Oklahoma City Thunder on Friday. The frontman and reformed drug addict was ridiculously busy lives to be there to support pop star dropped his phone as she tried to being honoured for his contribution to the my father but seeing them play an acoustic take the photo, cracking the screen, prompt- charity and his efforts helping others fight set of some of my father’s favorite songs ing her to later tweet: “Sorry I broke your substance abuse, something Kelly has also including their own rendition of ‘Diary of a phone @SteveSoboroff :) (sic)” And Steve later dealt with in the past. She wrote in a moving Mad Man’ was one of the most amazing trib- revealed the guilty star had made a donation tribute on her website: “Whoever would have utes to my father I have ever seen. “Thank to help police cadets from underprivileged guessed that my father would win an award you to all who were involved for such a suc- backgrounds and bereaved families of officers for sobriety? As his daughter who has faced cessful night and great cause.” killed in the line of duty. He tweeted: “BIG similar struggles, I could not be more proud @rihanna news: she’s donating $25,000 to of the man that my father is today. “My father @LAPoliceFdtn for cadets & families of fallen was honored with the Stevie Ray Vaughan officers.(sic)” The pair have since met again at award (in all honestly I was so proud I had to another basketball game, and Steve asked fight back the tears). I am so grateful to all of Rihanna to sign his damaged phone. The phone is now up for sale on eBay to raise money for the police foundation, and bidding has reached a staggering $10,000. The auc- tion ends tomorrow. Beyonce’s cryptic Solange photos eyonce has hinted she is standing by her sister follow- ing her attack on Jay Z. The ‘Drunk in Love’ hitmaker Bshared no less than four snaps of herself and Solange Knowles, 29, in happier times in the space of half an hour on her Instagram account today. This comes just 24 hours after it was reported her younger sister - who was caught on video attacking Beyonce’s husband in an elevator at the Met Gala afterparty - had deleted all pictures of herself and Beyonce, bar one, from her own space on the social media website. Among the reflective snaps, the singers are seen hugging Jay Z onstage just last month at Coachella festival, when Beyonce extortion case dropped surprised the crowd by joining Solange on stage during her performance. The other pictures include the sisters smiling for ay Z is no longer seeking extortion producer also insisted he repeatedly told Roc the camera in a shot that appears to be from several years charges over his old recordings. Producer Nation he had the masters - which include ‘I ago, and in another, Beyonce grins as she rests her head on Chauncey Magan was detained last Just Wanna Love U (Give It 2 Me)’ and ‘Holla’ - her sibling’s shoulder. Footage emerged earlier this week of J Solange throwing kicks and punches at Jay, 44, in an elevator month after the ‘99 Problems’ hitmaker’s label over the last decade and only requested the Roc Nation accused him of stealing master money when he could no longer afford to pay at the Standard Hotel in New York after attending a Met Gala tapes in 2002 and demanding $110,000 for the storage fee. He claims he only asked for after party on May 5. Beyonce, 32, is also present but remains Jessica Simpson sets wedding day their return, but as the rapper doesn’t want to the cash as compensation for keeping the passive throughout the altercation. While all parties have pursue charges, Los Angeles police are no recordings for 12 years in Northridge, remained silent on the incident, the singer’s spree of pictures longer investigating the case. However, California. Roc Nation sent an employee to suggests she is eager to put the drama behind her and sup- ports her sister. The ‘XO’ crooner didn’t caption her pictures essica Simpson is getting married around Independence Day. The 33-year-old according to TMZ, LAPD officers will hold on meet Chauncey at the storage locker, paying but they have certainly sent tongues wagging, with fans offer- singer-and-actress and footballer fiance Eric Johnson - who have children to the recordings until a civil judge tells them him $2,500 to open it, and were able to verify ing their own opinions about her intentions for posting them. Maxwell, two, and Ace, 10 months, together - will tie the knot over the July 4 otherwise. Mahan - who was interning at Roc that the never-before-heard tunes were J One commented: “Families have problems but you’re family so weekend in Santa Barbara, California. And the blonde beauty - who was previously Nation when the recordings were made - pre- indeed Jay Z’s. The so-called culprit also you keep it moving...love the fact that they don’t need to say married to Nick Lachey for three years until 2005 - is not planning viously claimed he had been asked by the added that some of the masters sound anything lol (sic)” Another person wrote: “Her sister delete all to walk down the aisle in a traditional white gown. A record label to keep track of the music “awful”. her photos with B and now B put the pictures back ! Only one source told Us Weekly magazine: “Jessica is having because the 44-year-old star was just “a stu- reason: B wants to make up! (sic)” On Sunday, Beyonce also something unique made. It will be very different pid kid smoking blunts” at the time, and was posted pictures of her and her husband - with whom she has from the Vera Wang she wore to wed Nick reckless with his intellectual property. The two-year-old daughter Blue Ivy - smiling and enjoying them- Lachey.” Jessica - who got engaged to Eric, 34, in selves at a basketball game. November 2010 after five months of dating - recently admitted her plans have been pro- gressing and she is “very close” to issuing invita- tions for her nuptials. She said: “We are very close to sending out our invites. I’ve been very picky on how I want everything to look and feel. Eric’s family alone is almost 90 people, so it’ll definitely be a big event.” Jessica hasn’t released new material since her ‘Happy Christmas’ album in 2010, so she wants to start focusing on her career again after the wedding. She recently explained: “We’re building a studio in our house. I bought a house from Ozzy Osbourne, so a lot of the stu- dio was already set up. I want to see what comes out. It’s time for me to find that out, and I can’t wait for my kids to experience that with me. Even Eric. He’s nev- er seen me perform onstage.” Carey and Cannon Ashton Kutcher selling bachelor pad shton Kutcher has put his Los Angeles man- ‘re-enacted’ wedding sion up for sale. The plush Lake Hollywood AEstates abode has been listed for $12 million, an increase from the $8.455 million he bought it for ariah Carey and Nick Cannon “re- were so “over the top”, the couple deliber- in 2012, TMZ reports. Boasting five bedrooms and a enacted” their wedding at home ately opted for a more muted anniversary whopping eight bathrooms, the 9,385 sq. ft home Mfor their anniversary. The couple this time around. He added: “So it was low comes with an infinity pool offering stunning views traditionally threw a lavish vow renewal cer- key. I mean the year before, we kind of went of the Hollywood Hills. Ashton, who snapped the emony on 30 April - the same day as their over the top with Disneyland, so we kind of place up before Justin Bieber could make an offer twins Moroccan and Monroe celebrated wanted to reel it in this year so everybody two years ago, hasn’t has much luck with the home, their birthdays - but this year began the day doesn’t think that we try to do that every however, since it was targeted by several ‘swatting’ with a small party for their three-year-old single year.” The 33-year-old star admitted hoaxes. A prank burglary in October 2012 memo- children, followed by an intimate evening he and the ‘Hero’ hitmaker always try to see rably cost the taxpayers of Los Angeles more than together. Nick told Parade magazine: “We the funny side in constant speculation their $10,000 in wasted police manpower and other definitely had a good time. The first part of marriage is in trouble. He said: “You kind of resources. The LAPD received a distress call from a the day, we threw a birthday for them and have to ignore it because every week it’s person who claimed they were the victim of a vio- their friends at their school, and then after something different, and if you paid atten- lent home invasion robbery, but a 12-year-old that, once we tired all the kids out, we had a tion to it, it actually probably would start prankster turned out to be behind the joke. nice romantic rooftop evening and kind of really affecting you...There’s no merit or Meanwhile, Ashton and his bride-to-be Mila have re-enacted some of our wedding and truth to it. It’s kind of humorous, really. It bought a more modest $10.215 million family home engagement rituals that we do every year.” couldn’t be further off from the truth, and it in the Beverly Hills Post Office area, which features The ‘America’s Got Talent’ host - who mar- really affects the credibility of the so-called three bedrooms and four bathrooms. — Bang ried Mariah in a surprise ceremony at her newspapers.” Showbiz Bahamas home in 2008 - admitted last year’s celebrations in Disneyland, Florida, lifestyle THURSDAY, MAY 15, 2014 FEATURES

Photographers take photos of the cast of the film ‘Grace of Monaco’ during a photocall at the 67th (From left) Actress Jeanne Balibar, actor Tim Roth, director Olivier Dahan, actress Nicole Kidman and edition of the Cannes Film Festival in Cannes, southern France, yesterday. — AP/AFP photos actress Paz Vega pose during a photo call for the film Grace of Monaco at the 67th international film Cannes kicks off with Kidman,festival, Cannes, southern France, ‘Grace yesterday. of Monaco’

he Grace Kelly melodrama “Grace of Festival Director Thierry Fremaux, Campion Monaco” kicked off the 67th annual said only 7 percent were directed by TCannes Film Festival yesterday with women, though 20 percent are represent- classic French Riviera glamour, behind-the- ed in the program. “But nevertheless, it scenes controversy and emphatic boos does feel very undemocratic,” said from critics. The film, starring Nicole Campion, who added that movies are los- Kidman as Kelly during her marriage to ing out on a feminine perspective. Prince Rainier III of Monaco (Tim Roth), Last year, the Palme went to the erotic gave Cannes some local Cote d’Azur color French coming-of-age tale “Blue Is the and star wattage for a flashy opening. But it Warmest Color.” In a first, Steven Spielberg’s also started the 11-day festival on an jury awarded the Palme not just to the unusually tumultuous note. “Grace of director, Abdellatif Kechiche, but also to its Monaco” has for months been embroiled in Australian two stars, Adele Exarchopoulos and Lea a feud over the final edit with North actress Nicole Seydoux. American distributor the Weinstein Co. It Kidman This year brings a selection of 18 films Quentin Tarantino has also been criticized by the Monaco roy- attends a press somewhat light on Hollywood, but heavy al family as inaccurate. (The film, which conference for on world-class auteurs, including Jean-Luc Cannes to pay tribute chronicles Kelly’s retirement from the film “Grace Godard, Ken Loach, the Dardenne brothers, Hollywood and adjustment to life as a of Monaco”. Mike Leigh and Michel Hazanavicius, to 50th anniversary European princess, is a labeled as a “fiction- returning to where his “The Artist” became al account inspired by real events.”) a sensation. Two films come from of ‘spaghetti western’ But director Olivier Dahan (“La Vie en earnest affair which has generated far more said Kidman. “You take dramatic license at Americans: the Olympic wrestler drama Rose”) and Weinstein Co co-chairman drama off screen than on.” Reports had times, but I understand also because it’s “Foxcatcher,” by Bennett Miller (“Capote”), restored print of the pioneering 1964 Italian- Harvey Weinstein swept their differences questioned whether Weinstein would their mother and father.” starring Channing Tatum and Steve Carell; made spaghetti western “A Fistful of Dollars” will under the red carpet yesterday. After twice spurn the premiere, causing him to issue a and the western “The Homesman,” the sec- Abe screened on the closing day of the Cannes postponing its US release, the Weinstein Co statement yesterday saying he was travel- Very undemocratic ond directing effort from Tommy Lee Film Festival with director Quentin Tarantino as host, will distribute Dahan’s version, albeit for a ing on a long-planned trip. He wished The festival jury, which decides the pres- Jones. Canadian filmmakers outnumber the festival announced on its website. “To celebrate lesser fee. “There is only one version of the Dahan and the cast “all the best” for the tigious Palme d’Or award, led by Jane their North American neighbors: David the 50th anniversary of the birth of the Spaghetti film,” Dahan said, adding that any changes screening. Campion, was also introduced yesterday. Cronenberg’s “Maps to the Stars,” Atom Western in 1964, the Festival de Cannes will be show- would be made mutually. “There is no Kidman was clearly excited by the part - As the only female filmmaker to win the Egoyan’s “The Captives” and Xavier Dolan’s ing ‘A Fistful of Dollars’ directed by Sergio Leone that longer any dispute. We work well together.” playing a great actress she admires and is Palme (for “The Piano” in 1993), Campion “Mommy.” Though “Grace of Monaco” isn’t same year and starring Clint Eastwood and Gian Maria Yet “Grace of Monaco” was met with arguably her equal in stature. But Kidman faced questions that have often surround- eligible for the Palme, Kidman (a jury mem- Volonte,” the posting said. some of the worst reviews for a Cannes said the refusal by Princess Stephanie of ed Cannes about the inclusion of women ber last year) said she would have picked it. “The event will be hosted by Quentin Tarantino, a opener after screening for the press early Monaco to see the film about her parents directors. “I think you’d have to say there’s “What would I give this movie?” said great admirer of Sergio Leone, who has always been yesterday. The Hollywood Reporter called was “awkward.” “I feel sad because I think inherent sexism in the industry,” Campion Kidman, smiling. “Come on. The Palme open about how much his own film making owes to the film “a stiff, stagey, thunderingly the film has no malice toward the family,” said. Of the some 1,800 films submitted to d’Or!” — AP the influence of the Western’s great Italian masters,” the statement posted late on Tuesday said. The print to be screened after the prizes are awarded on May 24 has been restored by making a digital version of the Razing the Cannes original Techniscope color negative with an original Technicolor print used as a reference, the posting said. The sound also has been restored, the statement said. The Cannes Film Festival, which opens its 67th festival ‘Bunker’? edition yesterday, has a history of presenting restored versions of classic films. he eyes of Italian film icon Marcello orous film festival, and suggested that the One of the other restorations to be shown during Mastroianni stare out cooly behind “bunker” be razed. the 12-day long festival is the classic cult horror film Tsunglasses on the huge poster across He proposed a more modern building “The Texas Chainsaw Massacre”. — Reuters the Cannes Film Festival’s sprawling 1970s- to secure the prestige of the festival, which style building. But if the event’s outgoing has witnessed over 67 years of cinema’s president had his wish, it would be plas- most famous stars. tered on a different structure. Gilles Jacob “We’re therefore asking for a Grand has stirred controversy by calling the red- Palace to be built ... that’s befitting of the carpeted, white retro complex - which has world’s No. 1 cultural event,” said Jacob. been hosting the festival for four dazzling Not everyone agrees with his assessment. decades - anything but “cool.” Speaking to Cannes’ mayor, David Lisnard, has defend- local media this week, Jacob called the ed the festival hall, saying it’s fit for its pur- 1979 behemoth “ill-adapted” and too dat- pose and will stay put. The city has the Workers prepare the red carpet on the stairs of the Palais des Festivals prior to the ed for the needs of the world’s most glam- final say on its fate. —AP start of the 67th international film festival, Cannes, southern France yesterday. — AP Hip-hop businessmen on the rise in US

t Howard University’s graduation gone from inner city streets to the pages with the vodka brand Ciroc and launched a built our own buzz and the record compa- ceremony, students got advice from of the Wall Street Journal. The king of West music channel, Revolt TV. nies got back to us.” Aa guest speaker unlike most given Coast rap, Dr Dre, could soon become hip- Following the success of his album “Get Faced with plummeting revenues, the that honor: Sean Combs, or “P Diddy”, a hop’s first billionaire, if a proposed sale of Rich or Die Tryin’” rapper 50 Cent made a recording industry was no longer in a leading symbol of hip-hop artists turned his headphone and music streaming com- bundle by investing in Vitaminwater, which position to snub a commercial tidal wave. businessmen. Facing a sea of young peo- pany Beats to Apple goes through. “It’s a was bought out by Coca-Cola in 2007 for “I think that the best thing that happened ple wearing blue gowns, the magnate of great landmark. After all, it’s a deal with, by 4.1 billion dollars. The seasoned business- to hip hop was teenagers having posters rap spoke Saturday of the secret of his suc- some measures, the greatest company in man Jay-Z has also built an empire, includ- of these artists on their wall. They wanted the world,” said Dan Charnas, author of the ing a clothing line and a stake in an NBA to dress like these guys, singing the song book “The Big Payback. The History of the basketball team. But he says having an in the house. It forced everybody to pay Business of Hip-Hop”. entrepreneurial spirit was more a necessity attention,” said Stoute, who produced an “But that would also make sense in the than a choice for hip-hop performers. album for Eminem. As a big money heavy context of the rise of the hip-hop entrepre- “We went to every single label and weight, the business of hip hop has set neurs,” Charnas added, referring to the every label shut their door on us. The aside the angry social claims of pioneers long years hip hop has spent knocking on genius thing that we did was that we like Public Enemy. “Hip hop long ago the doors of US capitalism. A deal reached didn’t give up,” he said in March 2013 at an made peace with commercialism. In nearly 30 years ago between the now leg- event with investment guru Warren America, political hip hop is nowhere,” said endary record label Def Jam and music Buffett. “We started selling our own CD, we Charnas. — AFP In this photo a woman walking her dog looks at a giant Columbia paved the way. But it did Bugatti car and a poster for the ‘Hunger Games, not immediately erase the wariness of the Mockingjay: Part 1’ at a hotel in Cannes, France. — AP establishment toward this African- American urban culture. It took until the mid 2000s to see the kings of hip-hop sign lucrative deals turn- ‘The Hunger Games’ ing their personal brands into very big money. “Why would the mainstream understand rock’n’roll so easily but then lays down stakes hip hop has to wait to have billion dollar he “Hunger Games” is back in Cannes with a fiery bill- deals” asked Steve Stoute, a former record label executive who founded the market- board to promote the upcoming “Mockingjay: Part 1.” This Nov 18, 2012 file photo shows ing company “Translation”. TJust as the Lionsgate franchise did last year, it has Ludacris, born Chris Bridges, at the 40th blazed the front of the Majestic Barriere Hotel with a large Anniversary American Music Awards, in Changing times video promotion. Even among the many advertisements Los Angeles. — AP erected at the Cannes Film Festival, the “Mockingjay” pres- In a sign of the changing times the ence is eye-catching. cess. “I decided to embrace the entrepre- magazine Forbes now publishes a wealth Lionsgate will also host a lavish party to promote the neur spirit of my dad but in an honest way, ranking specifically for the fortunes of hip- film, the first of a two-part final installment, on Saturday. in a legal way,” said Combs, whose father hop artists, which do not stem only from The movie, starring Jennifer Lawrence as Katniss Everdeen, died in a drug deal gone wrong. music. The richest of all of them is P Diddy, isn’t due out until November, but Cannes offers a rare Sitting atop a personal fortune of 700 who founded his own record label, Bad chance to capture the attention of the world’s entertain- million dollars, “P Diddy” is among a Boy Records, but also established a line of US singer Marc Anthony performs during a concert in Merida, Yucatan State, on May ment media. — AP coterie of rapper businessmen who have clothing (Sean John), signed a partnership 13, 2014. Marc Anthony is in Mexico for a series of concerts. — AFP lifestyle THURSDAY, MAY 15, 2014 MUSIC & MOVIES ‘Searching for Sugar Man’ director dies at 36

(From left) Musicians Joe Trohman, Patrick Stump, Andy Hurley and Pete Wentz of Fall Out Boy accept the 2014 BMI Pop Award onstage at the 62nd annual BMI Pop Awards at the This Jan 28, 2012 file photo shows Swedish director Malik Bendjelloul, left, and documentary Regent Beverly film subject Rodriguez, center, accepting the World Cinema Audience Award: Documentary Wilshire Hotel for the film ‘Searching for Sugar Man’ as presenter Edward James Olmos, right, looks on dur- on May 13, 2014 ing the 2012 Sundance Film Festival Awards Ceremony in Park City, Utah. in Beverly Hills, California. —AFP alik Bendjelloul, the cash-strapped tor Hacene Bendjelloul and acted in the film maker who shot to Hollywood Swedish TV series “Ebba and Didrik” as a child Mstardom overnight with the Oscar- during the 1990s. He studied journalism and winning music documentary “Searching for media production at the Linnaeus University of Sugar Man” about an obscure Mexican- Kalmar in southern Sweden before joining SVT A Minute with American folk-rocker who became a cult hero where he worked as a reporter on the culture in apartheid-era South Africa, has died. He was program “Kobra.” 36. Swedish police spokeswoman Pia Glenvik Bendjelloul’s death came as a shock to many told The Associated Press that Bendjelloul died in the close-knit Swedish film community. “This in Stockholm late Tuesday, but wouldn’t speci- Actress Lake Bell on going fy where his body was found or the cause of death. She said no crime is suspected in rela- tion to the filmmaker’s death. “Searching for Sugar Man,” which tells the story of how singer-songwriterr Sixto Rodriguez became a from indie to Disney superstar in South Africa without knowing about it, won the Oscar for best documentary ake Bell, one of the few actresses in emotional journey as well.’ what disheveled, messy women. in 2013. It was the first time a Swedish film had Hollywood who can also add the titles of A: I really enjoy playing characters who are won an Oscar since Ingmar Bergman’s “Fanny Lwriter and director to her name, Q: What did you like about the character of realistically put together, from “In a and Alexander” in 1984. swapped the world of quirky independent Brenda? World...,” playing Carol, the character I “Oh boy!” Bendjelloul exclaimed when he film for an international Disney movie in her A: I enjoy Brenda’s utter steadfast truth and wrote for myself to depict, to Brenda who accepted the Oscar for best documentary fea- latest on-screen role. The 35-year-old Bell her ability to express herself via tough love, lives her life in scrubs and sweatpants. I ture from Ben Affleck last year and proceeded wrote, directed and starred in her own inde- which is something I relate to deeply in my don’t walk around in stilettos and fancy to thank “one of the best singers ever, pendent movie “In a World...” in 2013, winning own life. dress all the time. Rodriguez.” The film also won several other critical praise for her comic look into the rar- That’s just not my life and I don’t feel comfort- prizes, including a British BAFTA for best docu- efied world of voiceover artists. “It changed Q: It is such a cliche question, but millions able that way. I enjoy playing characters I mentary and the Swedish Guldbagge award. my life,” she says of the experience. of women would probably want to know can relate to personally who aren’t ‘glam This photo shows Swedish Academy Bendjelloul came across details about Award-winning documentary filmmaker Now Bell stars opposite “Mad Men” star Jon what it’s like playing opposite Jon squad’ all the time. ‘Glam squad’ is fun Rodriguez during a trip to Cape Town and Hamm in the Walt Disney Co feel-good sports Hamm. sometimes, but I feel like I can breath a bit Malik Bendjelloul, who died on May 13, decided to tell his story. The Detroit construc- 2014, in Stockholm. — AP/AFP photos drama “Million Dollar Arm” opening in US the- A: How do I answer that in a new way? Jon better in a character that speaks truth in tion worker’s albums had flopped in the United aters on Friday. She plays Brenda the neighbor and I are good friends. We have known her visual representation. States in the 1970s and he disappeared from and doctor who helps sports agent J.B. public life. But unbeknownst to him, his records Bernstein in his improbable quest to train two had developed a cult following in South Africa baseball pitchers from India. Much to her dis- during the apartheid era, when boycotts cut the appointment, Bell didn’t get to go to India to country off from the rest of the world. film. But she did get to talk to Reuters about His music gained a massive following among what it’s like to work in her first Disney film, white liberals who were inspired by his songs how it is thankfully lacking in a “weird boob protesting the Vietnam War, racial inequality, scene,” and what it’s like working with Hamm abuse of women and social mores. His South (a question she clearly gets a lot these days). African fans came to believe that Rodriguez had died a bitter death, but it wasn’t until after the Q: Is directing and starring in your own end of the apartheid regime and the advent of independent film and then going to a the Internet that the truth was revealed. The Disney movie quite a unique transition? film follows the quest of two South African fans A: It is. But I had a great experience. If any- to determine Rodriguez’s fate. They found him thing it was refreshing to be in the hands living in obscurity and working on construction of the very capable director Craig sites in Detroit, and brought him to South Africa (Gillespie). And Disney, I have never for a triumphant concert tour. worked for Disney before but it was a “I had never heard anything close to this in tremendous experience. And Jon is a really terms of the emotional content and the spec- good friend of mine. As a writer-director, I tacular way things evolved. My jaw just like being on other people’s sets. I am an dropped,” Bendjelloul told The Hollywood actor first and foremost and I think being Reporter after winning the Oscar. The documen- an actor for hire is how I learn, seeing other tary’s Oscar win led to yet another career rebirth File photo shows director Malik people’s sets ... Especially with this movie for Rodriguez who has been touring major ven- Bendjelloul accepting the award for best having sports elements, I’ve never seen ues in the US and introducing American audi- documentary feature for ‘Searching for anything like that. Unfortunately, I didn’t ences to the songs he wrote four decades ago. Sugar Man’ during the Oscars in Los get to go to India. This image released by Disney shows Lake Bell, left, and Jon Hamm in a scene from Rodriguez was performing Tuesday night in Angeles. ‘Million Dollar Arm.’ — AP Detroit, but his manager said he wouldn’t be Q: You get to play the bridge between the making a comment on Bendjelloul’s death. terrible news has put us all in a state of shock,” young Indian men and the prototype- each other for a long time. He comes on Q: This might be your most high-profile Efforts to reach the singer’s daughter were Swedish Film Institute spokesman Jan American sports agent. (satirical TV series) ‘Children’s Hospital’ role and a lot of people may get to know unsuccessful. Goransson told the AP. “Malik Bendjelloul was A: I play the literal girl next door who is occasionally as a recurring, so he is very you with this role, right? one of our most exciting film makers, which the somewhat irrelevant initially and then playful and fun. He is really goofy and hilar- A: It’s interesting to think about it that way. Determined man Oscar award last year was a clear proof of,” becomes incredibly relevant in suturing ious and people probably know that some- Because it’s Disney, it’s a very universally The soft-spoken, unassuming Bendjelloul Goransson said. He said Bendjelloul had been that relationship between J.B. and Rinku what from his SNL career... But he really is a acceptable film for a lot of different demo- worked as a reporter for Sweden’s public broad- working on a new movie before his death but and Dinesh. J.B. is kind of going down comedy fan and great comedy player. In graphics. caster SVT before resigning to backpack around wouldn’t give any details. this straightaway of trying to find mone- this film, he plays the straight man to a lot This is the first time I am in a film I can say to the world. He got the idea for “Searching for The film director has previously said he tary gain from these investments he has of fish-out-of-water elements, which I think any family member to go and check it out Sugar Man” - his first feature film - during one of escaped the Hollywood hype around him after brought back and he, with the help of my is incredibly difficult and takes a comedic and I am not embarrassed by some weird his trips, but it would take him more than four the Oscar award to go on a safari and has been character, gets punched in the proverbial brain to know how to play the straight man boob scene or something. It’s safe. It is years to complete the film. Bendjelloul later working on a film about a man who could com- gut...’Hey check it out. This is so much with perfection. incredibly sweet and it’s relatable for recalled that when the film was 90 percent fin- municate with elephants. Swedish film critic more than monetary gain and the only young relatives, older relatives and every- ished, after he had been editing it for three Hynek Pallas, who traveled with Bendjelloul to way these boys will find success is if you Q: Some might say you are a knockout, but thing in between. That, for me, is a big years, the main sponsor said it was lousy and Hollywood when he received the Oscar, respect that they are going through an in your film and this film you play some- deal. — Reuters withdrew support. described him as a modest, but very deter- At this stage he had already used up all his mined man. “He was an incredibly talented sto- savings and borrowed money from friends, so ryteller,” Pallas wrote. “He had the strength of a he stopped working on the movie and took oth- marathon runner; to work on his film for so Jackman backtracks on Wolverine; er jobs to make ends meet. In the end, he com- many years and sometimes without money, pleted the film by shooting the final parts with then you have a goal.” Bendjelloul is survived by his smartphone and making his own anima- his parents and brother Johar Bendjelloul. tions. Bendjelloul was born in 1977 to Swedish Funeral arrangements weren’t immediately expects more skin cancer treatment translator Veronica Schildt Bendjelloul and doc- known. — AP

-Men’ fans can take a big breath of relief, because Hugh Jackman may have spoke too soon about giving ‘Xup his claws after the next “Wolverine” movie. “I think I might have overplayed my hand a little bit by saying I’m almost Justin Bieber accused sure that the next one will be my last,” the 45-year-old actor told the Associated Press on Tuesday. Jackman was in Beijing of attempted robbery promoting the seventh installment of the superhero franchise, “X-Men: Days of Future Past,” and also had another bandage on op singer Justin Bieber has been his nose from a recent skin cancer treatment. accused of attempted robbery, a Los “I’m realistic about the future and it’s more than likely that I’ll PAngeles Police Department official said have at least one more but probably many more, which is not on Tuesday, following media reports that he uncommon for an Aussie particularly from English stock grow- had tried to snatch a young woman’s mobile ing up in Australia where I don’t remember ever being told to telephone. Bieber, 20, has not been arrested put sunscreen on,” Jackman said. “But the beauty of this is it’s all or questioned, said LAPD spokeswoman preventable, it’s just about getting proper check-ups. I can be Rosario Herrera. A spokeswoman for Bieber typical man, a little lazy, I couldn’t be bothered and now I’m not did not immediately respond to a request for lazy at all.” Jackman, who has portrayed Wolverine in every “X- comment. Men” movie yet, revealed last November that he had been diag- Detectives have interviewed the victim, nosed with basal cell carcinoma, which is the most common who reported the alleged crime, Herrera said. form of cancer in the country. Just last month, Jackman told The incident occurred at about 10:30 pm on SFX Magazine that he’s “99.9 percent sure” that the sequel to Monday in the Van Nuys area of Los Angeles. Singer Justin Bieber, left, greets boxer Floyd “The Wolverine” will be his last portrayal of the Marvel mutant. Media reported Bieber allegedly tried to take Mayweather Jr as they attend the Los Angeles “I still am very ambitious for the character. And tonally I feel a young woman’s mobile phone, according to Clippers against the Oklahoma City Thunder like we corrected the ship with the last one. But I feel we can Sgt Paul McLaughlin with LAPD’s Devonshire in the first half of Game 4 of the Western still go further, in a way,” Jackman said. “If I did another one I’m Division, which includes Northridge and other Australian actor Hugh Jackman gives a thumbs up as he signs auto- Conference semifinal NBA basketball playoff 99.9 percent sure it would be the last, so that will inform what areas of the San Fernando Valley. It was graphs for fans during the red carpet for his latest movie ‘X-Men:Days reported to police on Tuesday. —Reuters series on Sunday in Los Angeles. — AP of Future Past’ in Beijing, China, Tuesday. — AP it is for me.” — Reuters ‘Searching for Sugar Man’ director dies at 36

THURSDAY, MAY 15, 2014 39

Visitors are seen next to an artwork entitled “rem(a)inder” (center) by Michelangelo Psitoletto at Art Basel in Hong Kong yesterday. — AFP photos Global art world arrives in Hong Kong for Art Basel

mass ping-pong match on a giant card and a national flag. “It’s an ideology. He’s Asia-Pacific region and works by emerging doughnut-shaped table and the chance just creating a utopian country, so in this international stars. Ato become a citizen of an imaginary country you can tell lies, nobody knows what German artist Carsten Nicolai was commis- country were among the more offbeat interac- is truth and what is false,” said Edmund Chan sioned by Art Basel to turn the 118-storey tive works on display as Hong Kong’s Art Basel of the Singapore Tyler Print Institute gallery. International Commerce Centre on the fair opened yesterday. With its knack for attracting a global mix of Kowloon peninsula into a glowing installation The “Ping Pong Go-round” was a literal hit wealthy buyers, artists, gallery owners, VIPs called “(alpha) Pulse”, one of many events with dozens of guests attending a VIP preview and celebrities, the five-day show is the cata- scheduled around the fair’s opening. The before the event-which showcases the rapid lyst for a drinks-soaked itinerary of art fairs, event also highlights the city’s own artists, growth of the Asian art scene-opens to the exhibitions and happenings around the city as directing its VIPS to more than 150 art events public today. its gallery scene goes into overdrive. The fair around the city. “It’s vital for the Hong Kong The artist, Lee Wen from Singapore, chal- involves more than 240 galleries from 39 local art scene,” said Bonhams Asia chairman lenged all-comers at his unorthodox table. “It’s countries and territories showcasing paintings, Colin Sheaf, adding that the city’s thirst for like a conference table with no borders,” Lee sculptures, drawings, photographs and videos. contemporary art is growing. said. “Looking at the world now with globalism Internationally renowned artists including Gagosian, White Cube, Acquavella, and as well as between men and women, the Japan’s Takashi Murakami and Britain’s Damien Lehmann Maupin and Pearl Lam are just some game is quite fair.” Hirst and Tracey Emin had a strong showing at of the big-name galleries to have arrived in A work by Chinese artist Sun Xun offered the fair. “Nowhere else on Earth will you find the city in the past three years, despite its buyers the opportunity to spend up to such a rich mix of high-quality work from the crushing property prices. Art Basel last year US$13,000 on “citizenship” of his imaginary leading galleries and artists from both East replaced Art HK, Hong Kong’s former art fair country, the Republic of Jing Bang-entitling and West,” Art Basel director Marc Spiegler told that was set up in 2008 before being taken them to one of an unknown number of alu- reporters. A man checks his mobile phone next to an artwork entitled ‘Chair of Dialogue’ by Kesang over by the high-profile Swiss Art Basel fran- minum suitcases complete with a passport, ID The show also curates selections from the Lamdark. chise. — AFP Looming large: Handwoven Bulgaria carpets for noble feet n a tiny Bulgarian factory, nimble fin- business partner, David Bamford. The 28 one piece to prevent deformations. One It took years of hard work, court bat- gers tie and cut, assembling knots of women working at the Hemus factory carpet-an 18-metre-wide one for tles and bank negotiations to get the Idyed wool into lavish floral patterns: take several months to complete a sin- Britain’s Osborne House, the former resi- company back on its feet. In the end he in a few months, the carpet will be fit for gle giant-size carpet-their largest cre- dence of Queen Victoria-was made in and Bamford were able to buy it. “But royalty. Hand-knotted and flat-weave ations have reached over 120 square three parts. with three or four weavers going into rugs made in Kostandovo, a small vil- meters (1,300 square feet). They usually pension every year, I realized last year lage in Bulgaria’s southern Rhodope make just about 10 such tapestries a Where my feet will never go that in five years’ time I will be left with mountains, have graced the floors of 10 year, at a sale price of approximately “It is nice to know that what you’re five or six of the 18 workers I had,” Downing Street and Chequers, the $200 per square meter. The factory also making will go where you will never go Parpulov said. He made it his “top priori- British prime minister’s country retreat, dyes the wool for the rugs, exactly and that royal feet will tread on it,” said ty” to recruit and train more women, as well as the Bank of England, royal matching the colors and design of the Svetla Lambova, 39, taking a break from and succeeded with the help of a palaces and Vienna’s Albertina museum. ceiling, wallpaper and furniture of their her carpet work. Lambova is one of 16 74,000-leva (38,000 euro, $52,000) grant Other top clients have included Prince clients’ stately homes. local women who swapped the green- by the US-funded Trust for Social Charles and the Rolling Stones’ Mick Almost any shape and design is pos- houses and potato and onion fields in Achievement. —AFP Jagger, manager Nino Parpulov said. sible, and the weavers can also make one of Bulgaria’s poorest regions to “No one can match us at the exact replicas of ancient rugs. The undergo a training course at the factory moment. We are the only ones who women sit at the large wooden looms last year. Ten of them stayed. offer such large sizes, complicated pat- for hours, surrounded by boxes full of “I thought it would be very hard to terns and multiple colors,” he told AFP skeins of wool of every color. learn and I would not get used to the on a recent visit to the factory. “Carpets The major challenge on large rugs is work... I am still much slower than the of 60, 70, 80 square meters (600 to 800 to make sure the knotting is uniform other weavers,” she said. “Half of the square feet) are a piece of cake for us,” throughout as “every hand knots differ- women in the course gave up,” said the 57-year-old ex-forestry engineer ently,” Parpulov said. The largest loom at Svetla Mundova, 40, another of the added. “We are probably the last hand the factory is eight meters (26 feet) wide newly employed weavers, while tying makers in Europe,” said Parpulov’s British and the carpets are customarily made in and combing the threads of a large beige and brown carpet. When Parpulov came to the former state-owned factory as manager in the 1990s, 1,100 women worked there. A lack of orders and the disappearance of communist-era state subsidies had put the factory on the brink of bankruptcy and led to a stark fall in employees, many of whom retired, he said.

Pictures show carpets in a tiny factory in Kostandovo, a small village in Bulgaria’s southern Rhodope mountains.— AFP photos Photos show women working on carpets in a tiny factory in Kostandovo.