RABIA ALTHANI 11, 1441 AH SUNDAY, DECEMBER 8, 2019

28 Pages Max 19º Min 12º 150 Fils Established 1961

ISSUE NO: 18004 The First Daily in the Arabian Gulf www.kuwaittimes.net

Indian police probed over Al Mulla Group partners ‘Laugh at what’s hurting you’: Filipina sprinter takes 200m 6 killings of rape suspects 13 with XCMG Group 24 Lebanon cartoonists stir debate 28 crown from ‘Queen of Speed’

Qatari minister talks of ‘some progress’ in mending Gulf rift

FM lauds Kuwait Amir’s efforts, commitment to resolve differences

DOHA: Qatar’s foreign minister has spoken of “some place under Kuwaiti mediation and thanked HH the Amir progress” in talks with Saudi Arabia on ending a bitter Sheikh Sabah Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah for his “con- two-year-old rift between Doha and the kingdom and its tinuous efforts and commitment”. allies. A Saudi-led bloc including the United Arab The disclosure of talks come shortly after Saudi King Emirates, Bahrain and Egypt cut all diplomatic and trans- Salman invited Qatar’s amir to a summit of the Gulf port ties with Qatar in June 2017. They broke with Doha regional bloc in Riyadh on Tuesday. Observers are eagerly over allegations it backs radical Islamists and seeks closer awaiting Qatar’s response, which could pave the way for a ties with Saudi arch rival Iran. Qatar vehemently denies “reconciliation conference” despite the many hurdles that the charges. obstruct the path to detente. “Signs that a reconciliation is In the latest sign of a thaw, Qatari Foreign Minister impending are multiplying,” Kristian Ulrichsen, a fellow at Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al-Thani said Friday there Rice University’s Baker Institute in the United States, said had been “some progress” in talks with Saudi Arabia. “We after Riyadh’s invitation to the Qatari ruler. believe the blockade of Qatar and the sequences of events Some Saudi observers have downplayed the move, after that has been affecting and undermining the security saying the king was following protocol and had invited the in our region,” the minister said in Rome at the Qatari leader to last year’s summit too. The Amir, Sheikh Mediterranean Dialogue Forum. “In recent weeks we have Tamim bin Hamad Al-Thani, spurned that invitation, send- moved from a stalemate to some progress. There are some ing a representative instead, as he had to other summits talks that have taken place between us and, specifically, since the economic embargo was imposed in June 2017. Saudi,” he said. “We hope these talks will lead to a Signs of a thaw have multiplied despite Doha’s refusal progress where we can see an end to the crisis.” to heed the boycotting countries’ demands that it close The regional schism has seen families divided and Al-Jazeera television, downgrade ties with Iran and close a increased costs for businesses but despite the apparent Turkish military base in Qatar. In a last-minute move last thaw, a face-saving formula still needs to be devised to month, the three countries sent teams to a regional repair relations. The Qatari minister said the talks took Continued on Page 24

BAGHDAD: Iraqi protesters mourn and pray yesterday at the site where 17 people were killed and dozens more wounded overnight in Khilani Square in the capital. — AFP

Iraq since October, the largest and deadliest grass- Iraqis protest to defy roots movement in decades. Late Friday, at least 17 people were killed and dozens wounded when unidentified gunmen attacked ‘slaughter’ as drone a large building where protesters had camped out for weeks, medics said. “Government forces were hits Sadr’s home one kilometer away and didn’t interfere,” said a young volunteer medic who had treated wounded BAGHDAD: Iraq’s anti-regime protesters gathered people overnight. The violence pushed the protest in the capital and south yesterday, grieving but defi- toll past 440 dead and nearly 20,000 wounded, ant after 17 were killed in an attack demonstrators according to an AFP tally compiled from medics, described as “slaughter”. The protest movement police and a national rights commission. faced another worrying turn yesterday after an Under stormy skies yesterday, young men in cen- armed drone targeted the home of Iraqi cleric tral Baghdad prayed over an Iraqi flag to mourn Moqtada Sadr, an attack his office said could lead to those who died the previous night. They sobbed “civil war”. The dramatic developments have threat- heavily, their shoulders shaking. ened to derail the anti-government rallies rocking Continued on Page 24

investigate the incident. Saudis distance Trump said King Salman “called to express his sin- cere condolences and give his sympathies to the fami- lies and friends of the warriors who were killed and themselves from wounded in the attack that took place in Pensacola, Florida”. The king added in the phone call on Friday US base shooter that the shooter, who was gunned down by police, “does not represent the Saudi people”. The family of RIYADH: Saudi Arabia sought to distance itself yester- the shooter, identified as Mohammed Al-Shamrani, day from a student who carried out a fatal shooting at echoed the same sentiment. The pro-government Okaz an American naval base, as it seeks to repair its image newspaper quoted one of his uncles, Saad Al-Shamrani, of being an exporter of Islamic extremism. The Saudi as saying that his actions do not reflect the “humanity military trainee reportedly condemned the US as a and loyalty of his family” to the kingdom’s leadership. “nation of evil” before going on a rampage Friday at HH the Amir of Kuwait Sheikh Sabah Al-Ahmad Al- Naval Air Station Pensacola in Florida, killing three Jaber Al-Sabah sent a cable of condolences yesterday people and wounding eight. to Trump, expressing sorrow over the shooting. In his The shooting marks a setback in the kingdom’s cable, the Amir expressed condemnation of such crimi- efforts to shrug off its longstanding reputation for pro- nal action, which targeted innocent people, stressing on moting religious extremism after the Sept 11, 2001 Kuwait’s stance toward the United States. HH the Amir attacks in which 15 of the 19 hijackers were Saudis. The also expressed hope for a speedy recovery of those hashtag “Saudis stand with America” gained traction on injured. HH the Crown Prince Sheikh Nawaf Al-Ahmad social media after King Salman telephoned President Al-Jaber Al-Sabah and HH the Prime Minister Sheikh Donald Trump to denounce the shooting as “heinous” Sabah Al-Khaled Al-Sabah sent similar cables. and pledge cooperation with American officials to Continued on Page 24

in the absence of diplomatic ties, Zarif said. In a state- Iranian, American ment issued in Washington, US President Donald Trump said that “after more than three years of being held pris- oner in Iran, Xiyue Wang is returning to the United freed in apparent States”. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo said the US was “pleased that Tehran has been constructive in this prisoner swap matter” while also thanking Switzerland for its role. A statement on the Iranian judiciary’s Mizan Online TEHRAN: An Iranian held in the US and an American website said Wang had been “freed on Islamic clemen- held in Iran have been freed, the two sides said yester- cy” and handed over to Swiss officials in order to be day, in an apparent prisoner swap at a time of height- returned to America. Wang, a Chinese-born American, ened tensions. Tehran announced the release of Iranian was serving 10 years on espionage charges in Iran. A scientist Massoud Soleimani from the United States doctoral candidate in history at Princeton University, he shortly before Washington declared American had been researching Iran’s Qajar dynasty when he was researcher Xiyue Wang was returning home. “Glad that imprisoned in August 2016. Professor Massoud Soleimani and Mr Xiyue Wang will Iran’s state news agency IRNA said Soleimani had be joining their families shortly,” Iran’s Foreign Minister been “freed moments ago after one year of illegal Mohammad Javad Zarif tweeted. detention and was handed over to Iranian officials in “Many thanks to all engaged, particularly the Swiss Switzerland”. government,” which has looked after US interests in Iran Continued on Page 24 2 Established 1961 Local Sunday, December 8, 2019 Crown Prince returns to Kuwait from private visit

KUWAIT: His Highness the Crown Prince Sheikh Nawaf Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Speaker Marzouk Al-Ghanem, Deputy Chairman of Kuwait National Guards Al-Hamad Al-Sabah, Minister of Amiri Diwan Affairs Sheikh Ali Al-Jarrah Al- Al-Sabah returned home on Thursday after taking a private vacation. Upon Sheikh Meshaal Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah, His Highness Sheikh Nasser Sabah, His Highness the Prime Minster Sheikh Sabah Al-Khaled Al-Hamad arrival at the airport, the Crown Prince was welcomed by National Assembly Al-Mohammad Al-Ahmad Al-Sabah, His Highness Sheikh Jaber Al-Mubarak Al-Sabah and senior state officials. — KUNA

administration, Burgan Bank healthcare, econo- my and living envi- diamond sponsor ronment. Speaking on the occasion, of New Kuwait Masoud Hayat, Burgan Bank summit 2019 Vice-Chairman and Group CEO, said: “Burgan Masoud Hayat KUWAIT: Burgan bank has announced Bank is delighted that it will be the diamond sponsor of the to be supporting New Kuwait Summit 2019. The event, held this nation’s vision, New Kuwait 2035, under the auspices of His Highness the through this sponsorship. In order to Prime Minister Sheikh Sabah Al-Khaled realize this vision, it is vital to bring Al-Sabah, will take place on December together all stakeholders so that they 10-11. Burgan Bank, under the umbrella of may engage and create partnerships KIPCO, will be participating in the sum- that will serve to propel Kuwait forward mit, titled ‘Steering Kuwait towards a bet- and realize its potential. The panels will ter tomorrow’ alongside other subsidiaries be an opportunity to shed light on the Gulf Insurance Group and Qurain efforts of the government and the pub- DOHA: Representing His Highness the Amir Sheikh Sabah Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah, Amiri Diwan’s Advisor Sheikh Mohammad Petrochemical Industries Company. lic sector and outline the instrumental Khaled Al-Hamad Al-Sabah on Friday offered condolence over the death of Sheikha Maryam bint Abdullah Al-Attiya, the mother of The summit seeks to present a plat- role that the private sector will play in form from which the world can view Qatari Prime Minister and Interior Minister Sheikh Abdullah bin Nasser bin Khalifa Al-Thani. — KUNA the National Development Plan, which Kuwait, as it will attract insightful debate holds the keys to a prosperous future and information around the seven pillars for our future generations” in conjunc- identified in the National Development tion with His Highness the Amir’s aim to Plan, namely Kuwait’s global position, transform Kuwait into a ‘financial and infrastructure, human capital, public commercial’ hub.” ABK sponsors palliative care center event economy, accord- Warba Bank silver ing to its clear preserved infra- sponsor of Shura structure through- out the years. Participating at Fiqh conference this event, reflects Warba Bank’s vision for the sec- KUWAIT: Warba Bank announced its tor as being a cru- sponsorship of the 8th edition of the cial asset in its Shura Fiqh Conference to be organized Issa Jassem business model Al-Qassar by the Shura Sharia Consulting company and play a key in Kuwait at the Four Seasons Hotel. The role in deploying conference session will discuss the developmental operations for the Bank ‘Forensic Audit on Sukuk’ from different leading it towards more successes.” angels including how to evaluate the Qassar added that the topics dis- sukuk as a stable income tool in capital cussed this year fall in line with the markets, principles and Sharia regula- vision and interests of Warba Bank in tions for sukuk issuance (structure, leas- particular those related to sukuk topic in ing or wakalah), in addition to discussing which the Banks has proven a great suc- the process of sukuk issuance and its cess through several issuance deals it different phases. presided and found impressive respons- The second session will elaborate on es such as the Dubai Islamic Bank sukuk ‘Innovative Formulas in Waqf’ whether issuance which witnessed a tremendous it is related to systems, regulations or demand exceeding expectations. managerial organization while provid- Qassar ended pointing out to the ing examples around Waqf starting commitment of Warba Bank to be pres- from the beginning of the Islamic cul- ent at this type of conferences as ture and up to date. advised by its strategy, to support and Speaking about the Bank’s sponsor- reinforce activities on local, regional and KUWAIT: Al-Ahli Bank of Kuwait (ABK) their families and the Center’s staff to interact ing services, offering a holistic approach of ship and participation at the conference, international levels, those that would sponsored a fun day event organized by the and enjoy a number of activities including care for persons at the advanced stages of Issa Jassem Al-Qassar, Acting Executive effectively participate in developing the Palliative Care Center in Shuwaikh recently. games, face painting, henna art, mascots and a their illness. The psychological and social Manager of Internal Sharia Audit at Islamic financial industry. It is notewor- The event welcomed Dr Hasan Al-Dousari, magician. Gift items were also distributed to approach of both the patient and family is an Warba Bank said: “This conference is an thy that the conference is one of the the center’s director and Dr Mohammed Al- attendees. A group of ABK staff volunteers integral part of the care provided. ABK is important event on regional level in light most important conferences related to Saqer, Deputy Director of Infectious were present on the day to lend a helping hand. committed to supporting organizations and of the important topics it flags for the Islamic economy, gathering under one Diseases Hospital. The Palliative Care Center does not focus initiatives that contribute to the overall well- benefit of the Islamic finance industry to roof an array of elite executives of spe- The event was an opportunity for patients, on medical care alone. It specializes in nurs- being of the society. boost its position in the international cialists in this sector.

Sukuk and innovative forms in Waqf AUB sponsors Commenting on this participation, Ahli United Bank said in a press release: “Based on the bank’s strategy aiming to enrich the Islamic banking Shura Fiqh experience and to develop the Islamic financial industry, we are always keen to participate in conference such events that discuss various issues of interest to sharia compliant institutions. Moreover, it is KUWAIT: Ahli United Bank (AUB) announced considered an essential addition to the Islamic its sponsorship and participation in the 8th Shura banking industry, which is witnessing remarkable Fiqh Conference, which is held under the patron- growth through the increasing demand for age and presence of the Governor of the Central Islamic financial products and services in Kuwait, Bank of Kuwait Dr Mohammad Yousef Al-Hashel. the region and the world. The conference organized by the Shura The bank pointed out that it is keen to partici- Sharia Consultancy Company on 8-9 December pate in this conference in view of the issues it 2019 at the Four Seasons Hotel, Kuwait, with covers, which relate to the Islamic banks core international participation of leading sharia business, being an extension and continuation of scholars, Islamic financial industry experts, Fiqh the topics put forward in the previous confer- academies and sharia boards. ences. The bank extended its thanks and appre- KUWAIT: The charge d’affaires of the Kingdom of The conference will discuss many important ciation to the organizers of the conference for Thailand Pissot Suwanrasami hosted a reception on the topics, including the diminishing Musharakah their keenness to select major topics that are occasion of his country’s national day at Crowne Plaza for financing of fixed assets, the rule of entering consistent and keep abreast with the global eco- Hotel over the weekend. Higher officials, diplomats, into sale or Ijarah contracts in which a delay nomic developments, wishing them all success members of the Thai community and media persons penalty is imposed, and the party for whom and progress in their persistent endeavors to attended the event. — Photos by Yasser Al-Zayyat such penalty is ruled refuses to revoke it. Two develop the Islamic financial industry for the workshops will be held on sharia audit on good and prosperity of the Islamic nation. 3 Local Sunday, December 8, 2019 Kuwait, Saudi Arabia, UAE led effort to cut oil output: Kuwaiti Minister UAE Minister hails GCC major oil producers’ commitment

VIENNA: Kuwait’s Minister of Oil Dr Khaled Al-Fadhel producers in the Gulf region contributes to the fruitful said Friday his country, Saudi Arabia and the United results that came out of the OPEC meetings regarding the Arab Emirates lobbied successfully for the OPEC Plus agreement to further reduce oil production. In a state- pledge to cut the glut in oil production. In statements to ment to KUNA, Mazroui praised the role of the Kuwaiti KUNA, the minster commended the decision made ear- Oil Minister Fadhel and Saudi Energy Minister Prince lier by the oil ministers of OPEC and non-OPEC pro- Abdulaziz bin Salman for their support of the agreement ducers to curtail the output by 500,000 barrels per to reduce production by 500,000 barrels per day. He day until next March. The decision, unanimously pointed out that the UAE, Saudi Arabia and Kuwait were approved by the seventh ministerial meeting of OPEC the leaders and supporters of this alliance that con- and non-OPEC partners, takes effect as of January, he tributed to this new result, which is a special achievement. pointed out. Fadhel reaffirmed Kuwait’s commitment to Mazroui stressed that the Arab Gulf countries are its production quota with a view to ensuring equilibri- keen on OPEC cooperation with OPEC Plus countries um of the global oil market and protecting the interests (outside OPEC) with the aim of enhancing the balance of producers and consumers alike. He took part in three of the petroleum market. OPEC members and partners, minister-level meetings held as part of the 177th OPEC including Russia, agreed Friday to further reduce their conference in addition to several bilateral meetings held oil production by 500,000 barrels a day to support on the fringes of the conference. crude oil prices, as the ceiling will reduce production to Meanwhile, UAE Minister of Energy and Industry 1.7 million barrels per day for the group, which includes Suhail Al-Mazroui said that the commitment of the major 24 countries, starting January 1. —KUNA VIENNA: Kuwait’s Minister of Oil Dr Khaled Al-Fadhel attends the meeting. —KUNA

occasion of the US taking over the rotating Envoy hails presidency of the UNSC for December. He lauded the US Permanent Representative at the UNSC Kelly Craft and her cooperation Kuwaiti-US with other fellow diplomats. “She came only three months ago and she’s now presiding relations over the Council for the month of December. We wish her all the best,” he said. WASHINGTON: Kuwait’s Permanent Otaibi noted that he has conveyed to Representative to the UN Ambassador President Trump the greetings of His Highness Mansour Al-Otaibi has extolled the strong the Amir Sheikh Sabah Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Kuwaiti-US relations, wishing it more flour- Al-Sabah. He acclaimed the US effective role ishing in the future. Ambassador Otiabi also in defeating the terrorist so-called Islamic described bilateral relations as excellent in State group. The Kuwaiti diplomat pointed statements to the press on the sidelines of out that the attendants have asked president his participation in a luncheon held by US Trump about the US plan for Middle East President Donald Trump for permanent rep- peace and the time of launching it. Otaibi stressed that the US plan should comply with resentatives of the UN Security Council WASHINGTON: UN Security Council member states at the White House. —KUNA member states at the White House on the relevant UN resolutions. —KUNA Turkey participates in Gulf Arms exhibition in Kuwait ANKARA: Turkish Defense companies of these companies. It is one of the most announced yesterday their participation important exhibitions in the region, in the fifth Gulf Arms and Aerospace where the arms manufacturers will com- exhibition, which will take place in pete in showing their military equip- Kuwait on December 10. More than 20 ment. According to the organizing com- specialized companies in the defense mittee, more than 200 leading interna- and industry field are set to partake in tional defense and armament compa- the expo, Anadulo news agency report- nies from around 31 countries and ed. The expo will display introductory regions will participate in the three- shows, which will highlight the products day exhibition. —KUNA

this period, the number of foreign 297,000 tourists visiting the city increased by 11.91 percent from the corresponding period last year to hit 12.6 million, Kuwaiti Yerlikaya told Turkey’s Anadolu Agency. On the nationalities of the visitors, he tourists in said the number of German tourists was the biggest amounting to 965,000, fol- lowed by the Iranians - 774,000, the Istanbul Iraqis - 595,000, the Russians - ANKARA: Istanbul city received more 586,000 and the French - 436,000. The than 297,000 Kuwaiti tourists between Turkish Ministry of Culture and Tourism January and October 2019, governor of said recently that the number of tourists the city Ali Yerlikaya said Thursday. In topped 40.7 million. —KUNA

Kuwaiti exports to both Arab and foreign Kuwait’s non-oil countries reached 1,118, at a collective cost of KD 12.1 million ($39.9 million), compared to 903 certificates worth KD exports drop 13.4 million ($44 million) in the same peri- od last year. Export certificates to Arab 0.9 percent countries, excluding Gulf nations, were valued at KD 3.7 million ($12 million), KUWAIT: Kuwait’s non-oil exports fell compared to KD 1.8 million ($5.9 million) 0.9 percent in November from a year ear- to foreign countries. In other statistics, lier, said the Ministry of Commerce and Jordan is the biggest importer of Kuwaiti Industry yesterday, citing an increase in goods in the Arab region, while Qatar tops the number of certificates of origin for the the list of importers in the Gulf and country’s exports. Last month, the total Belgium takes the lion’s share of Kuwaiti number of certificates of origin for exports to the rest of the world. —KUNA

Discussions also include international Kuwait keen contributions to be made by the world by 2025 related to projects of greenhouse gas limitation and programs of climate change, to implement he clarified. He also pointed out that all countries will be obliged to submit reports environmental to ensure transparency of the information provided on the implementation of the provisions of the Paris Agreement, which is justice updated every five years. Regarding the Kuwaiti participation, MADRID: The Director of Air quality Khayyat said that his country’s delegation management at the Environment Public is seeking to change some negotiating texts Authority (EPA) Sharif Al-Khayyat said to reduce the international commitments that the current sessions of The UN due to be implemented in 2020. “This will Climate Change Conference (COP 25) be done through coordination and joint held in Madrid discuss ways to implement work with regional and Arab countries in the terms of the Paris Climate Agreement. addition to China with Group 77,” he said, Khayyat said discussions include the deci- noting that a high-level meetings will be sion of the developed countries to impose held in the last week of the conference to equal financial obligations on all countries of the world, which caused a dispute approve the directions and mechanisms for between the participating countries. The the Paris Agreement work program. Madrid conference is a continuation of The head of the Kuwaiti delegation is what was agreed upon at the COP24 con- scheduled to address the closing session ference held in the Netherlands last year, scheduled for December 13. The UN Khayyat added. “By the end of the first Climate Change Conference (COP 25) week of the conference, disputes still kicks off tomorrow in the Spanish capital remain regarding Article six of the Paris Madrid under the Presidency of the Agreement, which relates to flexibility and Government of Chile, with participation of justice principles,” he noted. 196 countries including Kuwait. —KUNA 4 Established 1961 Local Sunday, December 8, 2019 Photo of the Day

KUWAIT: Sunset at the Marina Crescent. —Photo by Islam Al-Sharaa Belgium, Kuwait share strong relations between ports authorities

ANTWERP: The cooperation between the Port seminar is a “major step in our collaboration with Authority of Antwerp in Belgium and the Kuwait KPA where we launched two years ago our coop- Port Authority (KPA) is strong, growing and eration with the participation of Sheikh Yousef expanding, according to officials from Belgium and Abdullah Al- Sabah in a seminar here in Antwerp.” Kuwait. This position was expressed at the closing “We have a very good exchange and collaboration ceremony of a two-week international training between the KPA and our training centre,” he said. course on Port Business Development and “We had 15 participants this time and earlier this Marketing held in Antwerp Friday evening. year another ten participants from Kuwait,” he Around 15 delegates from KPA took part in the noted. “There are lot of possibilities for the growth seminar held from 25 November until 6 December. and cooperation between each other,” he said and Present at the event Ambassador of Kuwait to noted there are a lot of possibilities for further Belgium, the EU and NATO, Jassem Al-Budaiwi flows in trade between the two countries. said that “our participation today is to give sup- Tayyaba Majid Al-Shatti, director of media and port to the participants from the KPA who are tak- public relations in the KPA said 15 employees from ing part in a high quality and intensive and pro- different areas and sections of the KPA attended ductive seminar for two weeks in Antwerp which this seminar. “It was a very useful seminar and we has one of the best ports in the world.” He said the learnt a lot from it and we shall profit from it in our participants came from various KPA departments work,” she said. She noted that the cooperation like communications, legal, radar and captains. This between the two ports is not new but that it began training course comes as part of a series of training several years ago by the dispatch of KPA employ- courses that the KPA has established with the ees to learn from the expertise of the port of Antwerp port, he noted. Antwerp. She thanked the port of Antwerp for Budaiwi took the opportunity to commend the hosting this course. “Our stay here was very pleas- Director General of Kuwait Ports Authority Sheikh ant and useful. We also thank the ambassador Yousef Abdullah Al-Sabah for initiating this training Jassem Al-Budaiwi for attending the closing cere- programmed and for the “wonderful relationship” mony,” added Shatti. between the ports of the two countries. “I would like In the meantime, Captain Ahmad Al-Otaibi said to commend him and tell him thank you very much the training course was “very useful and we learnt for this,” said Budaiwi. The embassy of Kuwait in many good things.” “The cooperation between the Belgium remains committed to support all sorts of port of Antwerp and the port of Kuwait is strong activities and visits of delegations from Kuwait to and we hope it would be even stronger,” he added. boost the relationship with Belgium, he added. The port of Antwerp, about 50 kilometers north of Meanwhile, Kristoff Watershoot, managing Brussels, is the second-largest seaport in Europe director of Antwerp port training center said the after Rotterdam in the Netherlands. —KUNA

BRUSSELS: Kuwait Port Authority participants with officials from the Port Authority of Antwerp. —KUNA

KPA participants receive certificates from the Port Authority of Antwerp. Established 1961 5 Local Sunday, December 8, 2019 New bill allows govt to utilize public property directly ‘for greater good’ Health ministry probes patients’ bills in German hospitals

By A Saleh Treatment overseas added that the delegation will cooperate with the Abdullah Al-Bader said medicines withdrawn from A special medical and legal team formed by the Kuwaiti embassy in Germany and double-check the Singapore are not available in Kuwait and have nothing KUWAIT: The fatwa and legislation department com- Ministry of Health MoH will this month start reviewing bills sent to the medical office as it is thought that the to do with those in circulation in local markets. Bader pleted studying a bill on public property that the values mentioned in them have been exaggerated. added that MoH is conducting a survey covering all Cabinet had referred to it pending referral to the par- “In case of detecting any exaggeration, a report medicines to make sure they are safe according to the liament. The bill includes 20 articles divided into three will be made to MoH recommending charging the specifications set by USFDA, EMA and other related chapters, including the finance ministry’s right to utilize medical office staff with violation of public funds,” the international organizations. public property by direct orders for greater good or Diabetes sources added, noting that MoH wants to investigate Notably, the Singapore health authority (HAS) had offering it to others for bidding. The bill also limited the such charges and avoid them, especially since they stated that three out of 46 diabetes medicines used in contract term to renewable 30-year periods and medicines in had been previously made and referred to public Singapore included carcinogenic impurities and that authorized the finance ministry to evict the site on con- prosecution with the result of dismissing the previous they had been withdrawn from the market there. “None cluding or annulling the contract. Kuwait safe office officials. Notably, MoH has not yet paid the of those medicines are used in Kuwait,” Bader stressed, In addition, the bill set a KD 1,000 fine and three- sums stated in the bills demanded by German medical noting that all local and international pharmaceutical month prison term for violating public property and centers and dispatching of Kuwaiti patients to companies had been contacted to accordingly survey multiplication of the above penalty in case of recurring Germany remains suspended. all medicines registered in Kuwait. Further, Bader reas- violations. “If passed during this term, the new law will sured diabetic patients using metformin drugs in take effect before the end of next year,” said informed bills issued by German hospitals and medical centers Diabetes medicines Kuwait and advised them to continue using them sources at the finance ministry, predicting that the law for providing medical care to Kuwaiti citizens receiving In another health concern, MoH assistant undersec- because an abrupt halt will increase blood sugar levels will be passed by April or May at most. treatment overseas, said informed sources. The sources retary for food and medicine control affairs Dr suddenly, leading to dangerous side effects.

Power cut off to local spotlight 18 buildings for The corrupt housing ‘bachelors’

By Meshaal Al-Enezi and Hanan Al-Saadoun

KUWAIT: Ministry of Electricity and Water workers cut power off of 18 buildings in Jleeb Al-Shuyoukh for housing bachelors in violation of the law, a Kuwait KUWAIT: Interior Ministry Undersecretary Lt Gen Essam Al-Nahham leads an inspection team during a tour By Muna Al-Fuzai Municipality official said yesterday. The process took in Jleeb Al-Shuyoukh. place following due process and as part of government [email protected] efforts to evict single men from areas allocated for fam- ilies’ residence, said Mohammad Sarkhouh, Farwaniya arrested and sent for deportation, Sarkhouh said. its support of the committee until the “civilized image” Governorate Branch Director at Kuwait Municipality. Interior Ministry Undersecretary Lt Gen Essam Al- of the area is restored. Meanwhile, a campaign carried out in the area by a Nahham had inspected the work of the committee fol- Separately, Head of the spring camps committee at n a meeting with editors of local newspapers, team consisting of members from various state depart- lowing up the situation in Jleeb Al-Shuyoukh on Kuwait Municipality, Deputy Director General for HH the Prime Minister Sheikh Sabah Al- ments resulted in removing 36 truckloads of garbage Thursday. He was accompanied by Deputy Director Hawally and Ahmadi Governorates Affairs Fahad Al- IKhaled Al-Hamad Al-Sabah urged all citizens and 15 truckloads of used tires, in addition to six truck- General for Farwaniya and Mubarak Al-Kabeer Affairs Shitaili demanded impounding all-terrain vehicles who have information and proof about corrup- loads of scrap metal and four truckloads of fruits and Ammar Al-Ammar, Director General of Farwaniya (ATVs) in open areas that lack the necessary safety tion to contact the Public Anti-Corruption vegetables. Furthermore, municipality officers closed Governorate Security Maj Gen Abdullah Al-Ali, requirements, and that in order to avoid human injuries. Authority (Nazaha). He also said every informant down 12 stores including a supermarket covering an Director of Farwaniya Municipality Mohammad In other news, the Ministry of Social Affairs assistant will be protected. I think this includes the per- area of 700 square meters, and issued 13 warnings to Sarkhouh and Director of the Cleanliness Department undersecretary for social development Hana Al-Hajery sonal info of people who give the tips. building owners for construction-related violations. In Saad, in addition to representatives of participating said the ministry is still suspending any application to The statement had wide reflections on the meantime, Public Authority for Manpower workers departments. Naham commended the efforts of the pay diya (blood money) until special regulations are set Kuwaitis, who seem to have different sentiments issued seven citations to violating laborers who were committee and said the interior ministry will continue to organize diya fundraising for cases inside Kuwait only. about the issue of corruption, especially on social media. Some have cautious optimism, while oth- ers have disbelief in the government’s seriousness No injuries were reported. The operation was led by Lt in fighting corruption. There is frustration too, as Nine hurt in Khaitan Cols Khalid Karam and Mohammad Mubarak. no one knows about the guarantees for ordinary citizens who report such cases. Fugitive arrested I recalled the issue of protected information building blaze A prisoner who escaped from Farwaniya Hospital and personal data guarantees due to a car acci- was arrested. The fugitive was sentenced for 15 years in dent I was involved in personally about 10 By Hanan Al-Saadoun jail for causing a permanent disability and possession years ago, when someone ran the red signal of a weapon. while I was passing from the other side and hit KUWAIT: A fire broke out in an eight-storey build- my car. This incident happened in the morning ing in Khaitan. Farwaniya fire station men responded Impersonation and the street was crowded with people. So, and asked for backup from Subhan and technical res- The interior ministry’s relations and security infor- there were many witnesses including a girl in cue stations. The building was evacuated and power mation department said detectives in Farwaniya arrest- her twenties, who came to the police station to was cut off. Nine injured people were treated on site ed an Asian man for posing as a court mandoub. The give her testimony. by paramedics. suspect went to the police station and claimed to be a The case ended in court, but I was amazed court mandoub in an attempt to hand Farwaniya police when looking at the case reports that the girl’s Teens rescued case papers. When asked for his ID, he attempted to KUWAIT: Firemen battle a blaze reported in Khaitan name and personal data were mentioned to be Firemen from the Doha and technical rescue fire sta- escape by claiming to get the ID from the car. Officers building. seen by everyone, and I thought that this brave tions rescued five juveniles stuck in the mud off Doha. were able to arrest and detain him. girl is at risk from the other person who hit me! This is a car accident, let alone more serious crimes such as money laundering, murder or stealing millions! I believe that providing secu- Kuwait continues humanitarian rity to persons who report any crime is an important issue, and in case their identity is revealed, the employee should be referred for work throughout the week investigation so the victim can sue them for putting their life in danger. KUWAIT: The State of Kuwait, through statement, that the implementation of Also, I don’t think we should blame people its humanitarian organizations and this project is a lifeline for thousands of who mistrust the government’s ability to fight diplomatic representation, continues to citizens and would reduce the drought corruption. We in an Arab country adopt a priva- provide humanitarian aid throughout the and water scarcity in the city. This proj- cy code. It means that we always say that every- globe, helping those who are in need, in ect will provide about 150,000 liters of thing is fine, there is no need for fuss or anxiety, cooperation with local partners in the clean drinking water daily for more than and we should be thankful because we are sur- region. Kuwait’s humanitarian stance 100,000 people. In Yemen also, a free rounded by countries that are burned by the stemmed from the directives of His medical camp for ophthalmology, funded flames of strife and destruction. But, why do we Highness the Amir Sheikh Sabah Al- by Kuwaiti donors and supervised by always look at the worst model and why do we Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah, a figure rec- Kuwait’s Rahma International charity, not look at neighboring Gulf countries that are ognized as a world humanitarian leader benefited about 1,500 patients Al- similar to us in circumstances and what they by the UN. Khokha district of Yemen’s Hodeidah achieve for all citizens! Why don’t we adopt good In the Gaza Strip, a Kuwait-funded province Dr Ali Al-Ahdal, Director models and choose the worst? wastewater treatment station in Khan General of the Health Bureau in KUWAIT: KRCS workers distribute goods to cleaners as part of its ‘warm winter’ For those who ask where is corruption; well, Yunis City in the southern Gaza Strip Hodeidah, said that the demand for the campaign. one round on the roads of Kuwait will tell you at has commenced trial operation, the camp was very high, 1,500 cases of eye once that there is a general defect. Just following Palestinian Water Authority (PWA) said. problems benefited from this project up the statements of the former minister of hous- a relief project for Syrian refugees strengthening mediation efforts and The first phase of the project was including 250 successful surgeries. ing who resigned a while ago shows the extent of through the distribution of more than resolving disputes through peaceful launched in early 2017 with a capacity In Irbil, Kuwait continued to provide corruption. Another example is the routine of 1,000 tons of food provided by (IICO) in means as adopted at the World of roughly 27,000 cubic meters of humanitarian assistance to Syrian government departments, which are still adopting nine camps for Syrian refugees across Humanitarian Summit in 2016, he added. water per day, the PWA’s Chairman refugees and displaced Iraqis in the a large cycle of paperwork in all their dealings, the Kurdistan region of Iraq. He pointed out that the importance of Mazen Ghuneim said in a press state- Kurdistan Region of Iraq, as the with a large number of workers, whether nation- At the international level, Kuwait holding this special meeting comes ment carried by the Palestinian News Consulate General of Kuwait in Irbil, als or expatriates. This is a form of corruption! called for strategic partnership and sup- under the harsh and exceptional circum- and Information Agency (WAFA). held a celebration presenting gifts to The truth is that corruption is felt and suffered porting specialized programs to solve stances witnessed by the world, which Funded by the Kuwait Fund for Arab many children with special needs who by simple citizens and expats, but they remain the root causes of the increasing number requires supporting the efforts of Economic Development (KFAED), the are receiving treatment in one of the unable to combat it because corruption is manu- of refugees and displaced people in the UNHCR to ensure the protection and plant costs a total $55 million, he said, centers funded by Kuwait. Also in Irbil, factured and practiced by officials and influ- world. This came in a speech by Kuwait’s safety of the most vulnerable people. adding that the facility would be offi- two health centers providing health encers. Unfortunately, the corrupt people are permanent representative to the United In Kuwait, the Kuwait Red Crescent cially launched in the first quarter of services to Iraqi refugees funded by corrupting everyone, and the simple citizen can Nations (UN) and other international Society (KRCS) launched a ‘warm winter’ next year. The plant will contribute to (IICO) were opened in two camps near no longer manage their needs without wasta. The organizations in Geneva, Ambassador campaign for the cleaners, as they dis- providing treated wastewater to more Irbil. The official of the Barzani worst part here is that we taught the expatriates Jamal Al-Ghunaim before the meeting of tributed 3,750 winter bags that will pro- than 200,000 people in Khan Yunis Charitable Foundation, Musa Ahmad, this method, and they are forced to deal with it in the special committee of the United vide warmth to these workers in various City, which has suffered so much due to said that the two centers were renewed, order to live here and make some money for their Nations High Commissioner for industrial and commercial sectors. The poor basic services. during which health support is provided future and families. Refugees (UNHCR). bags containing various needs of cloth- In Yemen, the International Islamic to the Iraqi displaced people residing in It is sad to see that we were not the best In his speech, Ghunaim said, “The ing, blankets and winter necessities, as Charity Organization (IICO) has the two camps, who are displaced from ambassadors, neither for our country nor for the world is going through a critical period number of volunteers and children took launched a solar-powered artesian water Mosul who were unable to return to expatriates. What saddens me most is that when I of human history in which conflicts, wars the process of distributing on workers, in well project in Al-Bayda governorate in their homes due to conditions. In camp, meet foreign journalists, they usually have one and struggles have increased, resulting recognition of their work nature, which central Yemen at a total cost of north-east of Irbil, food baskets were question - why is Kuwait retreating? A question in waves of displacement and migration.” obliges them to stay in the streets in a $179,000. The communication founda- distributed to 473 Syrian refugees resid- that is hard to answer. tion for human development said in a ing in the camp, as Kuwait had launched Dealing with these challenges requires cold and harsh climate. — KUNA InternationalSUNDAY, DECEMBER 8, 2019 Uber reveals thousands of US Marine life under threat from falling oxygen levels Page 9 sexual assaults Page 8

SHADNAGAR, India: A forensic official holds a gun as police officers gather around the body of man at the site where police officers shot dead four detained gang-rape and murder suspects on Friday. —AFP Police probed over killings of rape suspects Indian rape victim dies in hospital after being set ablaze SHADNAGAR, India: A top Indian rights where the incident happened ordered that the process?” But the murdered woman’s father rapist was released last week after securing bail, group launched an investigation yesterday into bodies be preserved until Monday evening and said “justice was done”. police officer S K Bhagat said in Lucknow, the US resumes Doha a police shooting of four rape-murder suspects, that their autopsies be filmed. capital of Uttar Pradesh state. On Thursday, the after accusations they were gunned down to A team from the National Human Rights Set on fire rape victim was seized by five men, including assuage public anger. News of the investigation Commission was expected at the scene later Separately on Friday, a woman who had the two people she had named in her complaint, talks with Taleban came as the country reeled after the death on yesterday. The Commission said that it was con- been set on fire on Thursday by men she had and beaten, stabbed and set on fire, local media DOHA: Washington resumed talks with the Taleban in Qatar Friday of a woman who had been set on fire on cerned that the killings would “send a wrong accused of raping her succumbed to her injuries reported citing her statement to police. Still yesterday, both sides said, three months after President her way to a sexual assault hearing. Police said message to society”. “If, the arrested persons in the northern state of Uttar Pradesh. The vic- ablaze, she walked nearly a kilometre, seeking Donald Trump abruptly halted diplomatic efforts that could that they shot the four suspects, who had been were actually guilty, they were to be punished tim, who suffered 90-percent burns, had told help before finally calling the police herself, end America’s longest war. In September, the United States in custody for a week, early Friday after they as per law pursuant to the directions of the police that she was attacked by two men who according to Aaj Taj TV news channel. and the Taleban had appeared on the verge of signing a deal snatched officers’ guns during a re-enactment competent court,” a statement said. had raped her and three others on her way to a All five of the accused have been arrested that would have seen Washington begin withdrawing thou- at the crime scene organized by detectives. court hearing. “Despite our best efforts, she did and are in 14-day judicial custody, Vikrant Vir, sands of troops in return for security guarantees. It was also Their deaths prompted celebrations, with ‘Lynch them’ not survive,” said Shalab Kumar, head of burn superintendent of police, Unnao, told Reuters. A expected to pave the way towards direct talks between the hundreds heading to the scene and showering The four men had, according to police, con- and plastic surgery at the Safdarjung Hospital in fast-track court would hear the case and the Taleban and the government in Kabul and, ultimately, a pos- officers with flower petals, as politicians, fessed during interrogation to gang-raping and New Delhi, according to the PTI newswire. guilty would not be spared, Uttar Pradesh Chief sible peace agreement after more than 18 years of war. celebrities and sports stars congratulated police murdering on November 27 the 27-year-old All five suspects have been arrested and are Minister Yogi Adityanath said. In an earlier inci- But that same month, Trump abruptly called the year- on social media. Yesterday morning, police vet before setting fire to her body under a being questioned, senior policeman Suvendra dent in Unnao, a young woman had accused long effort “dead” and withdrew an invitation to the insur- were still at the scene outside Hyderabad in bridge. The case prompted nationwide Kumar Bhagat told AFP. The victim’s brother BJP Uttar Pradesh lawmaker Kuldeep Singh gents to join secret talks at his US retreat at Camp David southern India as motorists stopped their cars protests and calls for swift - and tough - told local media that said she would get justice Sengar of raping her in 2017. In July last year, after the killing of an American soldier. “The US rejoined on the busy highway to look and take photos justice from a slow and overburdened legal when all those who killed her go to the place the victim and her lawyer were critically injured talks today in Doha. The focus of discussion will be reduc- with their phones. Others have expressed horror system that campaigners say all too often “where she has gone”. in a highway collision, when a truck hit the car in tion of violence that leads to intra-Afghan negotiations and however, with one Supreme Court lawyer call- fails to convict rapists. India’s last execution The woman was on her way to board a train which they were travelling. The woman’s two a ceasefire,” said the US source briefed on efforts to end ing it “murder in cold blood” and Amnesty was in 2015. in Unnao district of northern Uttar Pradesh state aunts, who were also in the car, were killed in almost two decades of war in Afghanistan. International saying the “alleged extrajudicial After the men were arrested last Friday, to attend a court hearing over her rape when she the accident. Sengar denies the rape and any The Taleban spokesman in Qatar, Suhail Shaheen, con- execution” should be investigated. hundreds of people laid siege to the police sta- was doused with kerosene and set on fire on involvement in the car crash. firmed the talks on his Twitter account, saying they had Veteran politician Kapil Sibal warned that tion where they were being held. One lawmak- Thursday, according to police. She was airlifted In another incident, police in southern India’s resumed “from where they were broken off”. “Talks “savage Taleban-style justice... will make courts er called in parliament for the suspects to be to New Delhi for treatment later that day. The Kerala state yesterday said that one of four men revolved around the signing of an agreement and related irrelevant.” The operation was overseen by a “lynched”. After they were killed on Friday, the woman had filed a complaint with Unnao police accused, but later acquitted, over the deaths of issues,” he wrote. “Negotiations will resume tomorrow.” police officer involved in two similar incidents pregnant 17-year-old wife of one of them told in March alleging she had been raped at gun- two girls in 2017 was beaten by an angry mob. Anas Haqqani, brother to the Taleban’s deputy leader, par- including when three acid attack suspects were Indian media: “Take me to the same place and point on Dec 12, 2018, police documents showed. Following an outcry over the acquittals in the ticipated in the talks, Shaheen confirmed. Haqqani was killed in a forest in 2008, the Indian Express kill me too.” The father of another called the The woman named two local men - one of them case, which saw two girls aged 13 and nine hang released from Afghan government custody last month as daily reported yesterday. Late on Friday the deaths a “cold-blooded killing... Why did they was arrested by police, the other absconded. themselves after being sexually abused, the local part of a prisoner swap that saw an American academic and High Court in the southern state of Telangana punish them even before completing the legal Having been subsequently jailed, the alleged government has filed an appeal. —Agencies his Australian colleague freed. During a surprise visit to a US military base in Afghanistan last week, Trump said the resolution did not impose any conditions on the more than $3 Taleban “wants to make a deal”. Even during the stall in In warning to Bibi, billion in US military aid that goes to Israel each year. But he talks, US negotiator Zalmay Khalilzad has in recent weeks said, in a choice turn of phrase, US security was being made a whistle-stop tour of nations with a stake in Afghan “trumped by decisions about our own political interests”. peace, including Pakistan. US House endorses “Those of us that are strong supporters of Israel understand He recently arranged a captive swap in which the that Israel is best served by a two-state solution, that a two- Taleban released an American and an Australian academic two-state solution state solution is good not only for Palestinians but also good for whom they had held hostage for three years. The Taleban Jews,” Engel said on the House floor. have until now refused to negotiate with the Afghan govern- WASHINGTON: The US House of Representatives on ment, which they consider an illegitimate regime. In a nod to concerns raised by Afghan President Ashraf Ghani, the US Friday threw its weight behind a two-state solution between Breakdown of bipartisan consensus State Department voiced support for a ceasefire - a key pri- The two-state solution had enjoyed support from succes- Israelis and Palestinians, in a warning to Prime Minister ority for Kabul before it enters negotiations with the Islamist Benjamin Netanyahu as he mulls annexing the West Bank. sive US presidents and, until recently, House resolutions on insurgents. “Ambassador Khalilzad will rejoin talks with the Passed largely along party lines, the House resolution also Israel saw little dissent. Republicans accused the Democrats of Taleban to discuss steps that could lead to intra-Afghan marked a shot across the bow to President Donald Trump, improperly intervening in Israeli decision-making and ignoring negotiations and a peaceful settlement of the war, specifical- who has stood squarely behind Netanyahu. what they call incitement by the Palestinians. “The resolution JERUSALEM: Tourists look at the Old City of Jerusalem and its Dome of the Rock Mosque from the Mount of Olives on Friday. —AFP ly a reduction in violence that leads to a ceasefire,” the State In its first-ever resolution on a West Bank annexation, the completely ignores the reason why the two-state solution has Department said on Wednesday as it announced the House said that a two-state solution “can both ensure the never gotten off the ground: Venomous voices among the resumption of efforts to end the conflict. state of Israel’s survival as a Jewish and democratic state Palestinians don’t want two states, they want one - a Palestinian no longer shared the widely held international position that Washington had sought to seal a political deal with the and fulfill the legitimate aspirations of the Palestinian people state,” said Republican Representative Steve Chabot. The reso- Israeli settlements in the West Bank are illegal. Five Taleban ahead of September’s elections in Afghanistan. An for a state of their own”. The United States should “discour- lution “gives the Palestinians a vote over Israel’s future. We Republicans voted for the resolution and four Democrats agreement with the Taleban is expected to have two main age steps by either side that would put a peaceful end to the shouldn’t let that happen,” he said. opposed it. The Democrats were the four leftwing congress- pillars - a US withdrawal from Afghanistan and a commit- conflict further out of reach,” the resolution said. Such steps Netanyahu, who is clinging to power after two inconclu- women dubbed “The Squad”. ment by the militants not to offer sanctuary to jihadists. The include “unilateral annexation of territory or efforts to sive elections and a criminal indictment, has vowed to annex They objected that the resolution’s authors, in a bid to gain Taleban’s relationship with Al-Qaeda was the main reason achieve Palestinian statehood status outside the framework much of the West Bank - a move that would doom prospects broad support, removed a call to end Israel’s “occupation” of for the US invasion nearly 18 years ago. But the thorny issues of power-sharing with the Taleban, the role of region- of negotiations with Israel,” it said. for a Palestinian state. The Trump administration, whose evan- Palestinian land. “This resolution not only endorses an unreal- Representative Eliot Engel, the Democrat who heads the gelical Christian base staunchly backs Israel, has not con- al powers including Pakistan and India, and the fate of istic, unattainable solution - one that Israel has made impossi- Ghani’s administration remain unresolved. The Taleban, House Foreign Affairs Committee, recalled his longtime support demned annexation and rallied behind Netanyahu. ble - but also one that legitimizes inequality, ethnic discrimi- of Israel and how he backed Trump’s shift of the US embassy to believing they have the upper hand in the war, kept up In a step that could ease the way for annexation, Secretary nation and inhumane conditions,” said Representative Rashida attacks even while talking to the United States. —AFP the disputed holy city of Jerusalem. He also made clear that the of State Mike Pompeo said last month that the United States Tlaib, a Squad member who is of Palestinian descent. —AFP 7 International Sunday, December 8, 2019 Greece expels Libyan envoy over Turkey maritime deal US says drone shot down by Russian air defenses near Tripoli ATHENS: Greece’s foreign ministry on Friday said it was On a visit to Rome on Friday, Turkish Foreign Minister The US assessment, which has not been previously dis- felt on the battlefield, boosting the morale of Haftar’s expelling the Libyan ambassador for failing to disclose the Mevlut Cavusoglu accused Athens of needlessly trying to closed, concludes that either Russian private military con- forces. “It’s giving Haftar a real technological edge,” said contents of a disputed maritime jurisdiction deal with intimidate Tripoli. “What they have done is really wrong. tractors or Haftar’s so-called Libyan National Army were Wehrey, who recently returned from Libya. Turkey that has raised hackles in the region. “I regret to It does not fit diplomatic courtesy. Is it correct to threaten operating the air defenses at the time the drone was US Defense Secretary Mark Esper, in an interview announce that the Libyan ambassador was summoned to a country?” Cavusoglu said. “Libya is a proud country reported lost on Nov 21, said Africa Command spokesman with Reuters earlier this week, declined to comment the ministry this morning and was informed of his expul- and nation and will not bow to such a threat,” he said. Air Force Colonel Christopher Karns. Karns said the directly on the drone but said he believed Russia was try- sion,” Foreign Minister Nikos Dendias told reporters, Dendias earlier this week had called on the Libyan United States believed the air defense operators fired on ing to “put their finger on the scale” in Libya’s civil war to adding that the envoy had been given 72 hours to leave ambassador Mohamed Younis Menfi to provide details on the US aircraft after “mistaking it for an opposition” drone. create a situation that was advantageous to Moscow. Greece. the deal, which Athens said he had failed to do. Dendias An official in Libya’s internationally recognized Townsend voiced deep concern about Russia’s growing Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan last week insisted that the move does not constitute a break of rela- Government of National Accord (GNA) told Reuters that role in the country, including how it would affect Libya’s met with the head of the Tripoli-based Government of tions with Libya. Russian mercenaries appeared to be responsible. Russian “territorial sovereignty and AFRICOM’s counter-terror- National Accord (GNA), Prime Minister Fayez Al-Sarraj, Meanwhile, the US military believes that an unarmed authorities deny using military contractors in any foreign ism mission”. to sign agreements on security and military cooperation, American drone reported lost near Libya’s capital last military theater and say any Russian civilians who may be “This highlights the malign influence of Russian merce- as well as maritime jurisdictions. Part of the deal sets a month was in fact shot down by Russian air defenses and fighting abroad are volunteers. The LNA denies it has for- naries acting to influence the outcome of the civil war in maritime boundary between the two countries, which it is demanding the return of the aircraft’s wreckage, US eign backing. One current and one former Russian con- Libya, and who are directly responsible for the recent and Greece says fails to take into account the island of Crete. Africa Command says. Such a shootdown would under- tractor told Reuters that since September the LNA had sharp increase in fighting, casualties and destruction “Greece’s decision to expel our ambassador is unaccept- score Moscow’s increasingly muscular role in the energy- received ground support from several hundred private around Tripoli,” Townsend said. able,” said Libyan Foreign Minister Mohamed Ali Siala rich nation, where Russian mercenaries are reportedly military contractors from a Russian group. Military offi- Mohammed Ali Abdallah, advisor for US affairs in told Libya al-Ahrar television. “Greece does not have any intervening on behalf of east Libya-based commander cials linked to the GNA and Western diplomats have also Libya’s GNA, said the US drone had come down near the diplomatic representation in Libya otherwise we would Khalifa Haftar in Libya’s civil war. confirmed the presence of Russian contractors in Libya. pro-LNA stronghold of Tarhuna, 65 km south-east of have expelled their ambassador,” he said. Haftar has sought to take the capital Tripoli, now held Tripoli. More than 1,400 Russian mercenaries were In a speech to parliament, Greek Prime Minister by Libya’s internationally recognized Government of Tipping the balance deployed with the LNA, he said. “Only the Russians have Kyriakos Mitsotakis said the agreement was “ignorant of National Accord (GNA). US Army General Stephen Haftar, who claims to be fighting to rid Tripoli of that ability - and they were operating where it happened,” geography and history” and had already been condemned Townsend, who leads Africa command, said he believed Islamist-leaning armed groups, has received support from Abdallah said, in written comments sent to Reuters. “It’s by the US, the EU, Egypt and Israel. The Libya-Turkey the operators of the air defenses at the time “didn’t know the United Arab Emirates and Egypt, and, most recently, our understanding that Haftar was asked by his Russian deal “violates international maritime law... (including) the it was a US remotely piloted aircraft when they fired on from Russian mercenaries, according to diplomats and partners to claim responsibility, despite not having the right of Greek islands to maritime boundaries,” foreign it”. “But they certainly know who it belongs to now and Tripoli officials. Frederic Wehrey, a senior fellow at the capability or equipment to shoot down a US drone”. ministry spokesman Alexandros Gennimatas had earlier they are refusing to return it. They say they don’t know US-based Carnegie Endowment for International Peace, More than 200 civilians have been killed and more than told reporters. “There are no borders between Turkey and where it is but I am not buying it,” Townsend told Reuters said the Russians’ contributions of advanced capabilities - 128,000 displaced in the fighting since April, according to Libya. Illegality does not produce law,” Gennimatas said. in a statement, without elaborating. everything from snipers to precision weaponry - could be UN figures. — Agencies

mentioned, when you are a young prime minister you are EU chief vows also more ambitious and you want to deliver more,” said Abiy, who will receive his Nobel in Oslo on Tuesday. US Supreme Court to back Africa The EU and Ethiopia also signed agreements worth €170 million ($188 million) yesterday, a European source could lift stay on told AFP on condition of anonymity. Of that sum, 100 mil- on Ethiopia trip lion euros will go towards transport and infrastructure in the East African country, 50 million for the health sector, federal executions ADDIS ABABA: European Commission president Ursula 10 million for job creation and 10 million for elections von der Leyen assured Africa of the EU’s strong support WASHINGTON: There have been just three federal ahead of landmark polls next year. The EU is Africa’s executions since the death penalty was reinstated by after arriving in Ethiopia yesterday, in her first trip outside largest trading partner and biggest source of foreign Europe since assuming her post. The former German the US government in 1988, the last one 16 years ago. investment and development aid. defense minister, who took office on December 1, landed in The Justice Department under President Donald But the two blocs have struggled in recent years to find the capital Addis Ababa in the morning and headed to the Trump is seeking to resume the use of the death ways to curb the number of African migrants heading African Union headquarters for talks with AU chief penalty for federal crimes and the next execution north to Europe using perilous sea routes. Just this week Moussa Faki Mahamat. could take place as soon as tomorrow. Daniel Lewis “I hope my presence at the African Union can send a at least 62 migrants died when a boat capsized off the Lee, an avowed white supremacist, is scheduled to be strong political message because the African continent and coast of Mauritania. Both African and European officials put to death for the 1996 murder of a family of three, the African Union matter to the European Union and to the are keen to address root causes of migration like poverty. including an eight-year-old girl. European Commission,” she said after the meeting. “For us, The EU has also been a strong supporter of the AU’s The Supreme Court, however, will have to act first for the European Union, you are more than just a neigh- peace and security efforts. and lift a stay on federal executions imposed by lower bor.” Von der Leyen, who has prioritized the fight against Its African Peace Facility, a mechanism established in courts. Attorney General Bill Barr announced in July climate change in her brief time as commission president, 2004, has allocated more than €2.7 billion for peace and that the Federal Bureau of Prisons would adopt a new said the EU and AU could collaborate on the issue. “You ADDIS ABABA: President of the European Commission security operations, targeting 14 African-led operations in lethal injection protocol, paving the way for the exe- here on the African continent understand climate change Ursula von der Leyen talks with Chairperson of the African 18 countries. Yet European officials have signalled they cutions of five convicted murderers held at the federal better than anyone else,” she said. She and Faki also dis- Union Moussa Faki Mahamat during her visit to the African want to shift away from providing stipends for troops in penitentiary in Terre Haute, Indiana. The executions cussed migration and security issues. “Honestly I don’t Union yesterday. — AFP places such as Somalia, where the EU is a main backer of were set for between Dec 9 and Jan 15, 2020 using a have all the answers to these challenges but I am con- the regional peacekeeping force known as AMISOM. lethal dose of the drug pentobarbital. vinced that together we can find answers,” she said. Faki The AU has struggled to get member states to impose a Four of the condemned men sued, challenging the for his part called for greater international mobilization to Nobel Peace Prize. “I think that Ethiopia has given hope to 0.2 percent levy on eligible imports so the body can pro- legality of the protocol and lower courts stayed the counter security threats, including terrorism. the whole continent,” she said, adding that “I want you to vide more of its own financing - an initiative the EU sup- executions. “The courts have made clear that the gov- know that we are at your side”. Abiy thanked her for the ports. Following meetings with Faki and Abiy, von der ernment cannot rush executions in order to avoid ‘We are at your side’ EU’s support but said he hoped for more funding to spur Leyen, the commission’s first woman president, plans to judicial review of the legality and constitutionality of Von der Leyen also met with Ethiopian Prime Minister economic reforms. “We’re still demanding more financial meet Ethiopian President Sahle-Work Zewde, the first its new execution procedure,” said Shawn Nolan, a Abiy Ahmed, congratulating him on winning this year’s support because we are ambitious. As Madam President woman to hold that title. — AFP lawyer for one of the inmates. Citing the “staggering brutality” of the crimes, the Justice Department asked the nine-member Supreme Court to lift the stays and allow the executions to go Sudan PM sees progress ahead. The fifth planned execution - that of a Native American man from the Navajo tribe - was suspended on US terror list removal by another court. Since taking office, Trump has appointed two judges to the Supreme Court and con- WASHINGTON: Sudan’s new civilian gressing very well”. “We’re making servative justices outnumber liberals by five to four. prime minister said Thursday he saw progress on this, and we hope we’ll be able Trump is a fervent advocate of the death penalty progress on removing his nation from a US to reach a conclusion,” he said. and has even said it should be applied against drug blacklist of state sponsors of terrorism as US officials, while voicing support for dealers. Lee, who is scheduled to be executed on he paid a landmark visit to Washington. Hamdok, say that removal from the list is a Monday, was condemned to death by a federal jury in Prime Minister Abdalla Hamdok, who has legal process that requires a formal review 1999 for the murders of Bill Mueller, his wife Nancy, embarked on ambitious over a six-month period. US and Nancy’s daughter, Sarah Powell. Lee’s accom- reforms and peace initiatives lawmakers who met Hamdok plice, Chevie Kehoe, the man seen by many as the since his transitional govern- said that Sudan must reach a actual mastermind of the crime, was meanwhile sen- ment took over in August settlement with families of the tenced to life in prison. Because of the disparity in the after decades of military rule, victims of the 1998 bombings sentences and her religious convictions, Nancy is the first leader of Sudan to of the US embassies in Kenya Mueller’s mother, Earlene Peterson, is opposed to his visit Washington since 1985. and Tanzania as well as of the execution. — AFP The United States agreed USS Cole in 2000. Wednesday to restore full US investigators have linked diplomatic relations after all three attacks to Sudan, more than two decades but whose former military ruler still classifies Sudan as a Omar al-Bashir welcomed Al- News in brief state sponsor of terrorism, a Qaeda chief Osama bin Laden WASHINGTON: US President Donald Trump takes part in a roundtable discussion on major impediment to in the 1990s. “When it comes business and red tape reduction in the Roosevelt Room of the White House on would-be investors who Abdalla Hamdok to the claims, we are also, as a Friday. — AFP 8 killed in Kenya bus attack fear repercussions in the nation, victims of terrorism world’s largest economy. inflicted on us by the former NAIROBI: Several police officers were among at least “Over the last two to three days here in regime. But we accepted this,” Hamdok said eight people killed in an attack on a bus in northeast Washington, the elephant in the room is the of the lawmakers’ demands. Trump takes aim at problem Kenya claimed yesterday by the Somali Islamist Al- issue of the delisting of Sudan from the The United States retaliated for the Shabaab group. Kenyan President Uhuru Kenyatta had state sponsors of terrorism,” Hamdok said embassy attacks by destroying a major of toilets flushed ‘15 times’ been briefed on the “brutal” murders of eight people, at the Atlantic Council, a think tank. pharmaceutical factory in Sudan over alle- including police, during the attack in Wajir county, a Hamdok, a British-educated former gations, fiercely disputed since, that it pro- WASHINGTON: US President Donald federal environmental authority, known as presidential spokesperson said yesterday. However a diplomat and UN official, said the blacklist duced a nerve agent. Bashir was toppled in Trump told a White House gathering Friday the EPA, to loosen regulations on water senior police source told AFP that the toll was 10 dead, had an impact not only on investment but April by the military, which itself gave way that he’s taking aim at the problem of US use. “We’re looking very strongly at sinks seven of them police. “We lost seven police officers in on efforts to relieve Sudan’s debt and to in the face of mass protests led by young toilets that require flushing “10 times, 15 and showers and other elements of bath- the bus attack,” the source said. “The total number of the usher in a broader “opening” of the coun- people concerned about poor economic times”. Speaking in a voice and with a level rooms where you turn the faucet,” he said. people killed are 10. One was identified as a local doc- try. He said the discussions were “pro- opportunities. — AFP of detail that suggested the importance he While desert areas may need water con- tor.” The Shabaab released a statement taking responsi- was giving the issue, Trump told the high- servation, he said, “for the most part you bility for killing “10 crusaders among them secret securi- ty agents and government employees”. — AFP Bardon had been sentenced to 30 years level meeting, that the government is have many states where they have so much French suspect jail for kidnapping and holding a person “looking very strongly” at water pressure water that comes down - it’s called rain - against their will followed by death. He was troubles in the nation’s bathrooms. that they don’t know what to do with it.” Fears for trapped miners however acquitted of murder. “The condi- The president, who has spent most of Still on the subject of regulations swallows poison his life in real estate deals and construc- intruding on daily life, Trump renewed his tion of Willy Bardon was stabilized by the JOHANNESBURG: Four miners trapped underground doctors during the night,” Amiens prosecu- tion, used a major portion of his remarks to frequent criticism of a drive to replace tra- senior officials and invited entrepreneurs ditional light bulbs with energy saving after a tremor caused a rockfall at a mine in northeast after verdict tor Alexandre de Bosschere told AFP. He South Africa are feared to have been cut off from oxy- said indications given by his family and about the plumbing issues. “You turn on variants. “The light bulb, they got rid of the AMIENS, France: The suspect for the rape the faucet and you don’t get any water. light bulb that people got used to,” he said. gen, their union said yesterday. A fifth miner was res- also an analysis showed that Bardon had cued with serious injuries after the accident at the Tau and murder of a young woman in northern swallowed a pesticide in the seconds after They take a shower and the water comes “It doesn’t make you look as good. Of France almost two decades ago was under dripping out. It’s dripping out, very quietly course, being a vain person that’s very Lekoa Mine in the town of Orkney on Friday, the the verdict was announced at court in National Union of Mineworkers (NUM) said in a state- guard in hospital yesterday after he swal- Amiens at the climax of a 13-day trial. dripping out,” Trump said. Painting an even important to me. It’s like it gives you an lowed pesticide in an apparent suicide bid more unusual picture for his audience, orange look. I don’t want an orange look, ment. But the rescue team said they lost contact with the “We do not know how he managed to four underground miners at around 5:00 am (0300 following his conviction. Willy Bardon, on hide that,” said de Bosschere, adding that Trump then declared that “people are has anyone noticed that?” Trump said. trial over the murder of Elodie Kulik in flushing toilets 10 times, 15 times, as Unlike when talking about the toilets, GMT) yesterday, sparking fears “they might not be in the defendant would have been searched good health”, said NUM president Joseph Montisetse. 2002 in a case that has attracted strong before entering the court. Bardon, 45, was opposed to once”. “You can’t wash your Trump was clearly joking as he said: “So interest in France for years, ingested the hands practically, there’s so little water we’ll have to change those bulbs in at least “The last person we talked to said: ‘We are suffocating placed under police guard at a hospital and please, bring us some oxygen’,” he added. — AFP substance at the courthouse in the north- an update on his condition was expected coming out of the faucet,” Trump said. a couple rooms where I am in the White ern city of Amiens late on Friday. later in the day. — AFP The president said he had instructed the House.” — AFP 8 International Sunday, December 8, 2019 White House rejects participation in ‘baseless’ impeachment probe Nadler accuses Trump of continuing to block ‘key evidence’

WASHINGTON: The White House blasted the impeach- abused his office by pressuring Ukraine to find dirt on and a high-profile summit - which Democrats say consti- dence before us,” Nadler said. “If the President has no ment inquiry into Donald Trump as “completely baseless” former vice president Biden, his potential challenger in tutes bribery. good response to the allegations, then he would not want Friday, signalling it would not seek to defend the president the 2020 election. Democrats also say Trump’s actions amount to solicit- to appear before the committee. Having declined this in Democratic-led hearings to draw up formal charges ing foreign interference in American elections - which is opportunity, he cannot claim that the process is unfair.” against him. But Republicans demanded that Joe Biden’s Impeachment review starts barred by US laws. Trump denies any wrongdoing but has Meanwhile the senior Republican on the Judiciary son Hunter, the lawmaker leading the impeachment probe Nadler’s committee is to meet starting tomorrow to refused to cooperate with the inquiry, citing his privilege Committee, Doug Collins, announced a list of witnesses his Adam Schiff, and the whistleblower at the origin of the review the evidence from investigators and decide whether as president to prevent top aides from testifying. Cipollone camp wishes to subpoena “to provide context and trans- inquiry all testify next week before the House Judiciary to charge Trump with abuse of power, bribery and obstruc- told Nadler in the letter that adopting articles of impeach- parency about the underlying facts at issue”. Besides Committee. tion. Those charges could become articles of impeachment ment “would be a reckless abuse of power” and constitute Schiff, the list includes Hunter Biden and his business part- “As you know, your impeachment inquiry is completely sent to the full House to vote on within weeks. If they pass “the most unjust, highly partisan, and unconstitutional ner Devon Archer, who both sat on the board of a Ukraine baseless and has violated basic principles of due process the Democratic-led House as expected, it would make attempt at impeachment in our nation’s history.” energy company Burisma, which Trump allegedly pres- and fundamental fairness,” White House chief lawyer Pat Trump only the third president in US history to be sured Zelensky to investigate. Cipollone wrote in a letter to the committee chair, Jerry impeached. That would set up a trial next month in the Trump: ‘Do it now’ Also included were the whistleblower, believed to be a Nadler. “House Democrats have wasted enough of Republican-controlled Senate, seen as likely to acquit him. He repeated Trump’s tweet of Thursday: “If you are CIA analyst who reported his concerns about Trump’s America’s time with this charade. You should end this Trump is accused of pressuring Ukrainian President going to impeach me, do it now, fast, so we can have a fair demands of Zelensky; possible government contacts of the inquiry now and not waste even more time with additional Volodymyr Zelensky to open investigations into Biden and trial in the Senate, and so that our country can get back to whistleblower; White House national security official hearings,” he wrote. his son, and also into a widely-dismissed theory that business.” In a statement Nadler accused Trump of contin- Alexander Vindman, whose earlier testimony strongly sup- Cipollone issued the letter minutes before a deadline Ukraine helped Democrats in the 2016 election. The US uing to block “key evidence” from Congress. “We gave ported the allegations against Trump. With the exception to declare whether the White House would deploy rep- leader is accused of demanding Zelensky announce the President Trump a fair opportunity to question witnesses of Vindman, there was little likelihood Nadler would resentatives to defend Trump against accusations he investigations in exchange for the release of military aid and present his own to address the overwhelming evi- accept the witness list. — AFP

dent and dealing with Ukraine issues. Trump is facing Biden lashes out impeachment in the Democratic-controlled House of Representatives after asking Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky to investigate the Bidens. The 77- at questioner after year-old Biden also responded forcefully to a suggestion Uber reveals by the questioner that he was “too old” to be running for query about son president. “I’m not sedentary,” Biden said. “The reason I’m thousands of US running is because I’ve been around a long time and I know more than most people know and I can get things WASHINGTON: Democratic presidential candidate Joe done. You want to check my shape on it, let’s do pushups sexual assaults Biden snapped at a questioner during a campaign event in together, man,” he said. “Let’s run. Let’s do whatever you Iowa on Thursday after the man asked about his son’s want to do. Let’s take an IQ test.” business dealings in Ukraine. “You’re a damn liar, man,” the At another point, he appeared to say “Look, fat, look, SAN FRANCISCO: Ridesharing leader Uber, former vice president said in a rare flash of anger at the here’s the deal” - but this was strongly disputed by Biden under fire around the worldfor its safety record, town hall in New Hampton, Iowa. After first saying that aide Symone Sanders, who tweeted that he had said: said it had tallied nearly 6,000 sexual assaults in President Donald Trump is “messing around in Ukraine,” “Look, facts.” Biden is the current frontrunner in the race the United States over the past couple of years. the man told Biden “you on the other hand sent your son CEDAR RAPIDS, Iowa: Democratic presidential candidate for the 2020 Democratic presidential nomination, accord- That included more than 450 cases of rape, over there, to get him a job and work for a gas company. and former US Vice president Joe Biden (left) campaigns ing to an average of national polls by according to Uber’s first public report into the “He had no experience,” the man said. “You’re selling with former Democratic presidential candidate John RealClearPolitics.com. Massachusetts Senator Elizabeth issue Thursday, which counts attacks by both pas- access to the president.” Kerry on Friday. — AFP Warren, Vermont Senator Bernie Sanders and South Bend, sengers and drivers over 2017-18. It also revealed “That’s not true and no one has ever said that,” Biden Indiana, mayor Pete Buttigieg are the only other candi- 19 fatal assaults related to the company over the responded after calling the man a liar. Biden’s son Hunter month. Hunter Biden has not been accused of any wrong- dates in the crowded field with double-digit support. The two-year period, when it averaged more than 3.1 served on the board of Ukrainian gas company Burisma doing but questions have been raised about the propriety first vote of the Democratic primary season is to be held in million trips each day in the United States. Sexual from 2014 to 2019 and was reportedly paid $50,000 a of him taking the position while his father was vice presi- Iowa in February. — AFP assaults were reported on 0.00002 percent of trips, Uber calculated. “While these reports are rare, every report rep- Friday since protests began on October 18, thousands resents an individual who came forward to share Clashes as gathered at Plaza Italia in the center of Santiago to wave an intensely painful experience,” it said. “Even one Locals cheer his flags, sing and dance in a show of opposition President report is one too many.” Uber stressed that the Sebastian Pinera’s conservative government. figures also showed its drivers were attacked at Chile unrest Protesters held up a huge Chilean flag with a closed exit in Morales’ eye, a symbol of the 300 people who have suffered optical about the same rate as passengers reporting sexu- enters 50th day injuries during confrontations with police. Some demon- al assault. “Drivers are victims, too,” it said. former fiefdom strators armed with stones and Molotov cocktails clashed While the report is confined to Uber’s biggest SANTIAGO: Protesters clashed with police as thousands with police, who scattered them with tear gas and water market, the company faces complaints worldwide ACHACACHI, Bolivia: In the high Andes two hours’ took to the streets of Chile’s capital Friday for a demon- cannon. Officers erected barricades around the square lat- that it is doing too little to protect passengers. In drive from La Paz, the people of Achacachi -long a stration that marked 50 days since the outbreak of the er in the evening. London, Uber has lost its license after transport bastion of ex-president Evo Morales - say they don’t country’s worst civil unrest in decades. Furious Chileans Chile’s unrest began with a demonstration against a authorities said the company had failed to fix a want him back. The local government headquarters in have for weeks been protesting social and economic price hike on metro tickets in Santiago, which spiraled into litany of safety issues - including at least 14,000 the main square - with its shattered windows - have inequality, and against an entrenched political elite that violent protests across the country. Lawmakers in Chile’s cases of drivers handing their permits to unli- been abandoned since 2017. That’s when mayor Edgar comes from a small number of the wealthiest families in the National Congress last month agreed to hold a referendum censed friends or relatives. Uber continues to Ramos, a member of Morales’ Movement For country, among other issues. on updating the country’s constitution, in force since 1980 operate in the British capital pending an appeal. Socialism (MAS) party, was hounded out of office, The crisis is the worst in three decades of Chilean and enacted by the former military junta of Augusto In France, the firm is under pressure from a viral accused of corruption. democracy and has led to 26 deaths and more than 12,000 Pinochet. Protesters have demanded the charter be campaign detailing sexual assault involving its driv- The local police force and public prosecutors left injuries, according to the Organization of American States, changed to establish the state’s responsibility to provide ers, under the hashtag #UberCestOver (Uber it’s soon afterwards, and the town of 46,000 situated on with another 20,600 people detained. As with every education and healthcare. — AFP the harsh Bolivian Altiplano has been governed by local over). The US report classified 5,981 sexual assaults district committees since. The mostly indigenous popu- ranging from “non-consensual sexual penetration” lation remember all too well the violence that broke out to unwanted kissing or touching. It showed that the in the town when the indigenous Aymara militia loyal to total number of reported assaults rose in 2018 in Morales, known as the Ponchos Rojos (Red Ponchos) three of the five categories covered. But the firm flew to the defense of the embattled mayor. said the frequency of attacks dropped 16 percent Vehicles and homes were torched and businesses due to a rise in overall passengers. looted during the clashes that lasted several days, before 400 police were deployed to quell the distur- Lawsuits bances. “We don’t want Evo to return. He’s been very In 2017, a woman raped by an Uber driver in bad, he’s done a lot of damage to the people,” said a India filed a US lawsuit accusing the service of young indigenous woman who did not want to be invading her privacy and defaming her character. identified. “Now everyone’s afraid to talk, so many In September, Chinese authorities launched a things have happened. There was violence and looted security audit of ride-hailing giant Didi Chuxing stores and nobody wanted to listen to us.” following a public outcry over the rape and mur- The clashes long predate the violence that followed der of a passenger the month before. Uber’s rival the October 20 elections, but show that in pockets Lyft - which has sought to position itself as more around the country, and even in his own fiefdom, socially responsible - is meanwhile facing a series Morales’s grip on power was slipping. Post-election of lawsuits over sexual assault or rape that violence around the country left 33 people dead and allegedly occurred in vehicles affiliated with the hundreds wounded. Morales was forced to resign after California company. losing the support of the army and fled to exile in Twenty women filed lawsuits against Lyft in San Mexico, saying he had been overthrown in a coup. Francisco on Wednesday, following another 14 According to first results, Achacachi voted in favor of Morales. But locals like Marta Vega bluntly deny it. complaints filed in September. “The bottom line is “That’s not true,” said Vega. “It was fraud, we didn’t that Lyft does not take safety of their passengers vote for Evo.” Morales and his MAS party could seriously, and never has,” Mike Bomberger, who is always count on votes in Achacachi, but the party had representing the 34 women, told a news confer- lost ground here before the election. When he first ence. He recounted the story of Caroline Miller, came to power in 2006, Morales - a member of the who he said was raped by her Lyft driver after Aymara indigenous community - was enthroned going out to celebrate her birthday. “As a conse- “supreme leader of the Andean indigenous peoples” quence of her assault, they offered her a refund of SANTIAGO: A demonstrator falls as he and others run away from a riot police water cannon during a during a religious ceremony in the pre-Colombian her ride,” Bomberger said. protest against the government on Friday. — AFP ruins of Tiwanaku, near Lake Titicaca. “The first time The total number of such lawsuits is not known, we thought that because he was indigenous he was but they have led Uber and Lyft to enact various going to do good things for us, but it wasn’t like that,” measures aimed at better ensuring the safety of said one woman as she sold fruit and vegetables at a States to criminal gangs in Mexico. Foreign Minister passengers. A Lyft spokeswoman said the compa- market in the city center. — AFP Trump pulls back on Marcelo Ebrard had reacted more forcefully, saying: ny understood that women faced “disproportion- “Mexico will never allow any action that means a violation ate risks” when they traveled. “We recognize of its national sovereignty.” these risks, which is why we are relentless in our designating cartels While Trump said in a tweet Friday evening that “all work to build safety into every aspect of our necessary work has been completed to declare Mexican work,” she added. as ‘terror’ groups Cartels terrorist organizations”, he said he was putting a Both ridesharing firms have made it more diffi- hold on the move out of respect for Lopez Obrador. “We cult for people to impersonate drivers, tightened will temporarily hold off this designation and step up our controls to detect convicted criminals and added a WASHINGTON: US President Donald Trump said Friday joint efforts to deal decisively with these vicious and ever- panic button to their apps. Bomberger said the he would not proceed with his stated plans to designate growing organizations!” the president tweeted. Trump said panic button was a “joke”. “Who can operate a Mexican drug cartels as terror groups following a request Lopez Obrador was a “man who I like and respect, and has smartphone when they are being sexually assault- from his counterpart Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador. worked so well with us.” ed?” he told AFP. Bomberger advocates the sys- Trump called for a “war” on the cartels last month after the The Mexican president hailed the change of heart, tematic recording of rides so drivers know they killings of nine women and children from a US-Mexican telling reporters that joint action with Washington on car- are being watched, better cooperation with Mormon community. The case brought fresh attention to tels needed to be done “with respect for our sovereignty”. authorities and better driver background checks. cartel violence in Mexico and leftist president Lopez “I think the decision made today was very good,” he Rideshare companies “know what features can be ACHACACHI, Bolivia: A man walks by a graffiti Obrador’s struggles to rein in bloodshed, but south of the added. The victims in last month’s attack, including twin added that work,” the lawyer said. “They have depicting former president Evo Morales in this rural border the US plans were seen as unwanted meddling. eight-month-old babies, were killed as they drove on a municipality in the Bolivian department of La Paz Mexican officials asked for clarification on Trump’s refused to make any changes until we started filing remote road between the states of Sonora and Chihuahua, lawsuits.” —AFP on Nov 30, 2019. — AFP plans, and said they wanted to make progress on efforts to in northern Mexico, a lawless region disputed by warring stem the flow of weapons and money from the United drug cartels. — AFP 9 International Sunday, December 8, 2019 Thousands in Myanmar rally behind Suu Kyi ahead of Hague court date Rohingya ‘waiting and praying’ for good outcome

NAYPYIDAW, Myanmar: Thousands rallied in support of operations were justified to flush out Rohingya militants. Aung San Suu Kyi in Myanmar yesterday, on the eve of her Win Swe, a Naypyidaw resident at the rally who was departure for the UN’s top court to defend Myanmar sporting a T-shirt with Suu Kyi’s face on it, told AFP he will against charges of genocide against Rohingya Muslims. support his leader in “whatever she does”. “They aren’t The raucous rally in the capital Naypyidaw came as just accusing one person in Myanmar, they are accusing China’s foreign minister arrived for a visit at Suu Kyi’s invi- the whole country,” he said. tation. Analysts say Beijing’s permanent seat on the UN Gambia’s request for a provisional injunction is the legal Security Council - and its veto vote - makes it a valuable equivalent of seeking a restraining order against a coun- ally as Myanmar faces intensifying scrutiny over its treat- try.”If the court feels there is sufficient threat and it needs ment of the Rohingya. to step in, it can ... order Myanmar to cease and desist in Once-lauded democracy champion Suu Kyi’s shock terms of military operations and violence so that civilians decision to face the International Court of Justice (ICJ) are protected,” said Priya Pillai, an international lawyer next week to defend Myanmar against charges it commit- with the Asia Justice Coalition, an NGO. ted genocide against the Muslim minority risks further In an overcrowded refugee camp in Bangladesh, 22- damaging her already tattered overseas reputation. But year-old Mohammed Nowkhim said he and fellow domestically “The Lady” remains revered, and the resolve Rohingya were “waiting and praying” for a good outcome of her supporters has only hardened in the lead-up to the in The Hague, although most will be unable to watch the ICJ hearing scheduled for Dec 10-12. hearings due to poor Internet access. Nowkhim said he “We are proud of her taking accountability... by going escaped Buthidaung town, an urban center of northern to The Hague to protect the nation’s image,” shouted Rakhine state, with his neighbors in August 2017. prominent writer Htin Lin Oo into a microphone in front of “Our remaining villagers decided that we can’t stay any a banner emblazoned with the words “We stand with our more. If we stay they will kill us. So we gathered in one leader”. “Our blood shall come together and unite us when place and started our journey to Bangladesh,” he told it is important,” he shouted to a cheering crowd, who Reuters. “Our Rohingya communities are waiting for the hoisted colorful artwork of Suu Kyi in the air. resolution of ICJ. We hope that something will change after The ICJ lawsuit was brought by Gambia, a tiny, mainly ICJ,” he said. A decision on provisional measures is expect- Muslim West African state that alleges Myanmar breached ed within weeks. Hearings dealing with the core allegation NAYPYIDAW, Myanmar: People participate in a rally in support of Myanmar State Counsellor Aung San Suu Kyi the UN’s Genocide Convention with its bloody 2017 of genocide could begin in 2020, but cases at the ICJ, the yesterday ahead of her appearance at the International Court of Justice to defend the country against charges crackdown on the Rohingya. Some 740,000 Rohingya fled leading UN court for disputes between states, often take it committed genocide against Rohingya Muslims. — AFP into neighboring Bangladesh, bringing with them accounts years. The legal threshold for a finding of genocide is high. of widespread murder, rape and arson - violence that UN Just three cases have been recognized under international investigators have branded as genocide. But the Rohingya law since World War Two: Cambodia in the late 1970s; nicity,” said Richard Dicker, head of the international jus- a senior member of Suu Kyi’s cabinet, said in a tweet on garner little sympathy within Myanmar, with many believ- Rwanda in 1994; and Srebrenica, Bosnia, in 1995. tice program at New York-based Human Rights Watch. Dec1. “But in law genocidal intent has to be established ing that they are illegal immigrants from Bangladesh. “Proving genocide has been difficult because of the Buddhist majority Myanmar rejects accusations of beyond reasonable doubt. It shouldn’t be confused with Myanmar insists abuse allegations are under investiga- high bar set by its ‘intent requirement’ - that is showing the genocide against the Muslim population, but the govern- personal motive prompting actions of a perpetrator. There tion by its own committees - panels which rights groups genocidal acts, say killings, were carried out with the spe- ment declined to provide details about its defence case must be sufficient evidence to prove, beyond a reasonable say have whitewashed the atrocities. The military says the cific intent to eliminate a people on the basis of their eth- ahead of the hearings. “Allegations are easy,” Thaung Tun, doubt, a policy to destroy the group.” — Agencies

after crashing about 200 km north of the Australia braces city Saturday. Easing conditions overnight provided for heatwave as brief respite in New South Wales state and allowed for controlled burning to prevent Trump and Moon future damage during the anticipated heat- more than 100 wave. But firefighters remained on high alert as blustery winds threatened to fan unpre- discuss talks as fires burn dictable flames. Authorities yesterday were bracing for more dire conditions next week Pyongyang raises SYDNEY: Out of control bushfires forced when temperatures in parts of the state are residents in eastern Australia to flee their expected to tip over 40 degrees Celsius. homes yesterday, as other parts of the “So a lot of work ahead over the coming ‘dotard’ specter country braced for a heatwave due next days, particularly in anticipation of what is expected to be another heatwave coming week. Bushfires are common in the country SEOUL: South Korea’s President Moon Jae-in and into Tuesday,” state fire service commis- but scientists say this year’s season has US President Donald Trump agreed during a phone sioner Shane Fitzsimmons told national come earlier and with more intensity due to conversation to maintain dialogue with the nuclear- a prolonged drought and climatic conditions broadcaster ABC. A drought has left much of eastern Australia tinder-dry and spot armed North, Seoul said yesterday, with the two fuelled by global warming. Scorching tem- CENTRAL COAST, Australia: Firefighters conduct back burning measures to secure fires have raged every day for the past three allies noting the situation had become “grave”. peratures have tipped above 40 degrees residential areas from encroaching bushfires in a mangrove area some 90-110 km Denuclearization negotiations have been at a stand- Celsius close to where a fire was burning on months. More than 600 homes have been north of Sydney yesterday. — AFP still since a summit in Hanoi broke up in February the outskirts of Brisbane in Queensland destroyed and six people have died since and pressure is rising as an end-of-year deadline to state, with residents in three suburbs told to the crisis began in September. That is many offer concessions, set by Pyongyang for “leave immediately”. the fire raged, authorities said. There were but continued to burn across 250,000 fewer than Australia’s deadliest recent fire Washington, approaches. “Conditions are now very dangerous and no immediate reports of injuries from the hectares within an hour’s drive of Australia’s season in 2009 when almost 200 people The 30-minute talk was the first conversation firefighters may soon be unable to prevent explosion. More than 100 fires were burn- largest city. Sydney has been engulfed in died, but 2019’s toll so far belies the scale of the fire advancing,” the Queensland Fire ing across Australia’s east yesterday, includ- toxic smoke for weeks and occasionally devastation. An estimated two million between the US President and the South Korean Authorities warned. “The fire may pose a ing a “mega fire” burning north of Sydney. sprinkled with snow-like embers. The pilot hectares have burned - the size of some leader since they met at the UN General Assembly in threat to all lives directly in its path.” A ship- After combining with other bushfires of a helicopter supporting the fire efforts small countries - across a region spanning New York in September. “The two leaders shared an ping container full of fireworks exploded as Friday the huge blaze is now under control was lucky to escape with just minor injuries hundreds of kilometres. — AFP assessment that the current situation on the Korean peninsula is grave,” said Ko Min-jung, the spokes- woman of the South’s presidential office. “They agreed momentum for dialogue to achieve prompt results from denuclearization negotiations should be Indian border continued,” she went on to say, adding that Trump had requested the call. The discussion came after a week in which officials on lookout exchanges between Trump and North Korea raised the prospect of a return to a war of words, culminat- for cosmic guru ing in Pyongyang’s threats to resume referring to the US president as a “dotard” and to take military action if the US military moves against it. The South NEW DELHI: Indian border officials and embassies Korean leader was instrumental in brokering the have issued an alert for a fugitive guru accused of landmark summit between Trump and Kim in rape, the government said, days after the holy man Singapore last year which produced only a vaguely announced the creation of his own “cosmic” country. worded pledge about denuclearization. Swami Nithyananda - one of many self-styled Indian Trump and North Korean leader Kim Jong Un - “godmen” with thousands of followers and a che- whose countries and their allies fought each other to quered past - is wanted by police for alleged rape, a standstill in the 1950-53 Korean War - engaged in sexual abuse, and abduction of children. Earlier this mutual insults and threats of devastation in 2017, week, he announced online that he has created his sending tensions soaring before a diplomatic rap- own new country - reportedly off Ecuador’s coast - complete with cabinet, golden passports, and even a prochement the following year. Trump on Tuesday department of homeland security. indicated military action was still possible when he Asked about the guru’s whereabouts on Friday, the was asked about Pyongyang on the sidelines of a foreign ministry said Nithyananda’s passport had MADRID: Demonstrators hold a banner during a mass climate march to demand urgent action on the climate NATO summit in Britain. been cancelled and that India had issued an alert for crisis from world leaders attending the COP25 summit on Friday. — AFP “He definitely likes sending rockets up, doesn’t “all our missions and posts”. Local governments had he? That’s why I call him ‘Rocket Man’,” Trump said, also been put on alert, spokesman Raveesh Kumar reprising one of his previously favored nicknames marine life to the detriment of species that need more of for Kim. Pyongyang reacted stiffly late Thursday, told reporters in New Delhi, adding: “We have never Marine life under the life-giving gas. Species such as tuna, marlin and said he’s in Ecuador.” Confusion reigns about the with vice foreign minister Choe Son Hui saying the sharks - many of which are already endangered - are comments were made with “no courtesy when refer- location of the new country, known as Kailaasa, which particularly sensitive to low oxygen levels due to their ring to the supreme leadership... of the DPRK”. “If the 41-year-old claimed was the “biggest Hindu threat from falling large size and energy demands. But loss of oxygen is this is meant to make expressions, reminiscent of nation without boundaries”. affecting species across the food chain. The biomes that those days just two years ago when a war of words Indian media reports initially said it was off the oxygen levels support around a fifth of the world’s current fish catch was fought across the ocean... it will be a very dan- Ecuadorean coast, but in a rambling YouTube video are formed by ocean currents that bring oxygen-poor gerous challenge,” she said in a statement carried by the holy man said it exists “in the cosmos”. The water in to coastlines. These areas are especially vul- Kailaasa website details different government depart- MADRID: The loss of oxygen from the ocean due to cli- nerable to even tiny variations in oxygen levels. the North’s state news agency KCNA. ments and agencies in his make-believe state, offering mate change risks “dire effects” on sea life, fisheries and “Impacts here will ultimately ripple out and affect hun- Referring to Trump by name and reprising Kim’s “free food” and promising a “strong diplomatic net- coastal communities, a global conservation body said yes- dreds of millions of people,” the IUCN said. own previously preferred insult, she said that any work” to work with other countries. Previously, terday. The International Union for the Conservation of The group this year issued a landmark assessment of repetition “must really be diagnosed as the relapse Nithyananda has claimed he would make cows speak Nature (IUCN) said that around 700 sites had been iden- the world’s natural habitats, concluding starkly that human of the dotage of a dotard”. North Korea’s comments Sanskrit and Tamil and that he succeeded in delaying tified globally with low oxygen levels - up from only 45 in activity was threatening up to one million species with came a day after it warned that if the US used mili- sunset by 40 minutes. The website says he is “regard- the 1960s. In the same period, the group warned, the vol- extinction. Ocean life is already battling warmer tempera- tary force against the North it would take “prompt ed & worshipped as the Living Avatar (incarnation) of ume of anoxic waters - areas totally devoid of oxygen - tures, rampant overfishing and plastic pollution. The World corresponding actions at any level” in the event of super-consciousness by millions”. have quadrupled. Meterological Organization this week said that due to military action by Washington. Though not convicted, he first made headlines in The ocean absorbs around a quarter of all fossil fuel man-made emissions growth, the ocean is now 26 percent At the NATO summit, Trump said: “We have the 2010 after he was arrested and jailed for 53 days over emissions, but as global energy demand continues to grow more acidic than before the Industrial Revolution. most powerful military we’ve ever had, and we’re by a sex scandal involving an actress. Last month, a case there are fears that the world’s seas will eventually reach “Ocean oxygen depletion is menacing marine ecosys- far the most powerful country in the world. was registered against him in the western Indian state saturation point. Oceans are expected on current trends to tems already under stress from ocean warming and acidifi- Hopefully, we don’t have to use it, but if we do, we’ll of Gujarat on charges of wrongful confinement of lose 3.0-4.0 percent of their oxygen globally by 2100. cation,” said Dan Laffoley, a senior marine science adviser use it. If we have to, we’ll do it.” The North has children. Nithyananda is one of several Indian gurus However, most of that loss is predicted to be in the upper at the IUCN. “To stop the worrying expansion of oxygen- issued a series of increasingly assertive comments to face charges ranging from murders, sexual assaults, 1,000 m, that is the richest part of the ocean for biodiversity. poor areas, we need to decisively curb greenhouse gas in recent weeks as its negotiating time limit rapes and financial fraud in recent years. In 2017, “With this report, the scale of damage climate change emissions as well as nutrient pollution from agriculture and approaches. Kim’s New Year speech, a key political Gurmeet Ram Rahim Singh, another self-styled god- is wreaking upon the ocean comes into stark focus,” other sources.” The IUCN report also found that pollution set-piece in the isolated country, is also due on Jan man, was arrested and charged over raping two of his said IUCN acting director Grethel Aguilar. “As the around coastlines was having a significant effect on oxygen 1. On Wednesday another Pyongyang official said, female disciples. His arrest led to widespread rioting warming ocean loses oxygen, the delicate balance of levels, with fertiliser and agricultural run off promoting more in response to Trump’s comments made Tuesday, and clashes in northern Haryana state that killed at marine life is thrown into disarray.” The largest peer- algae growth, which in turn depletes oxygen as it decom- the use of armed forces is “not the privilege of the least three dozen people. — AFP reviewed study to date on ocean oxygen loss concluded poses. World leaders will gather in Marseille in June for the US only”. — Agencies that deoxygenation is already altering the balance of IUCN’s World Conservation Congress. — AFP 10 Analysis Sunday, December 8, 2019

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Washington Watch A second Nakba in the making

By Dr James J Zogby

wo years ago Friday, President Donald Trump formally recognized Jerusalem as Israel’s capital. TWe knew then that this was an irresponsible and cruelly insensitive act that would do grave harm to the rights and well-being of Palestinians and put an end to Food bank manager Sue Sibany-King is seen in the stock room of the Slough Baptist Church food bank in Slough, west of London, on Nov 28, 2019. — AFP any pretense that the United States could help negoti- ate an end to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. What we didn’t know was that this dangerous move was only the beginning of the damage Trump would do to Palestinian rights and the prospects for peace. Austerity the backdrop to ‘Brexit election’ During the past two years, the Trump Administration has: closed the US Consulate in East s record numbers of Britons are forced to use food to give his real name. “This place is full of poverty and heating and clothing.” Meanwhile, homelessness is soar- Jerusalem; closed the Palestinian consular office in banks and homelessness soars, for many people ram- where there’s poverty there’s drugs, and where there’s ing and accounts for one fifth of food bank usage. Washington, DC; suspended aid to the Palestinians Apant poverty, not Brexit, is the main issue in next drugs there’s going to be addicts, and where there’s Increasingly, many homeless people are in work yet and to American non-governmental organizations week’s general election. In Slough, west of London and just addicts there’s going to be burglaries...What I find ridicu- unable to afford housing. “Homelessness is the most working in the West Bank and Gaza; denied funding to 6.5 km from Queen Elizabeth II’s opulent Windsor Castle lous is no (politician) is speaking about the main issues extreme expression of poverty,” said Jasmine Basran, pol- UNWRA, the United Nations agency that provides residence, ex-drug addict John unwraps Christmas choco- which (are) mental health and poverty and drugs addiction icy and public affairs manager at charity Crisis UK. “We essential services to Palestinian refugees; removed the lates. “Without these people, we wouldn’t be able to eat so...... within communities that are receiving less money.” know people are pushed into homelessness when they designation “occupied” from all official publications people like us couldn’t really exist,” he told AFP at a food Austerity-driven changes to the welfare system have hit cannot afford to cover the cost of basic essentials - their and statements referring to the Occupied Territories; bank operating out of a Baptist church near a sex shop. the poorest the hardest over the last decade, campaigners rent, their food, their bills.” There were 171,000 homeless declared that in its view Israeli settlements in the West Anti-hunger campaigners the Trussell Trust, which runs argue. Those concerns were amplified a year ago when the families and individuals sleeping on streets, in cars, buses Bank are not “illegal;” and even gone so far as to deny the facility and more than 1,200 food banks like it, handed United Nations accused the British government of being in or emergency accommodation, a 2017 study from Crisis that Palestinians should qualify as refugees. While out a record 823,145 emergency parcels - which each a “state of denial” about a growing rich-poor divide. Since UK indicated. each of these acts presents problems on their own, comprise food for three days - in the six months to the financial crisis, the government implemented across- added together the toll they may take on the September. That was the busiest half-year since the the-board cuts and spending freezes. Homelessness crisis Palestinian people can ultimately be as devastating as organization was created in 1997 and marked a 23-percent There were also attempts to restructure the Universal Britain faces a “homelessness crisis” requiring immedi- a second Nakba. surge from the same period of 2018. Credit welfare payments system to encourage people to ate action, said Basran, whose charity wants the next gov- In the short span of only two years, President In Slough, a large industrial town of 162,000 people work. The program is deeply unpopular because claimants ernment to unfreeze benefits, build social housing and Trump and his administration have attempted to undo best known in recent years as the drab setting for comedi- must wait five weeks for their first payment, which can invest in services. Similarly it wants an end to food banks, all of the gains Palestinians have won during the past an Ricky Gervais’ cult comedy “The Office”, the increase push the poorest into more debt and poverty, food bank which, while currently playing a “critical role”, should not seven decades. Because the US has shuttered the PLO was 29 percent. The jump in demand was partly from the volunteers say. The independent Social Metrics be necessary. “People should be receiving the support office and denied that Palestinian refugees are, in fact, working poor struggling to make ends meet. As polls Commission estimates there are 14.3 million Britons in they need to be able to live and thrive,” said Basran. refugees and therefore part of the Palestinian commu- approach next Thursday, Conservative Prime Minister poverty or just over one in five of the population. About Access to food banks is granted via referrals from care nity, the US is saying that it no longer sees Palestinians Boris Johnson and the main opposition Labour leader 4.6 million of those are children. The SMC adds however professionals like doctors and social workers, who issue as a national community deserving of recognition and Jeremy Corbyn have both vowed to address glaring that the poverty rate held between 21 and 25 percent since vouchers. Back in Slough, John, who lives in temporary the right to self-determination. inequality. But more than a decade after the global finan- early 2000, under governments of all political colors. accommodation after being homeless, remains uncon- Because the US has repeatedly given carte blanche cial crisis that sparked a vicious worldwide recession, “Household income has been affected by welfare vinced the election will change anything for the poor. “I to every Israeli whim, regarding Jerusalem, refugees, many cities, towns and villages across Britain have yet to changes, rises in the cost of living and in particular, rents,” think all politics is bullshit and they need to have someone and settlements, they have left Palestinians particularly recover from harsh austerity. added Judith Cavanagh, coordinator at charity coalition who is a bit more realistic and lived on the streets of vulnerable to more extreme Israeli measures - annexa- End Child Poverty. “This is why two-thirds of children in London, on the poverty side,” he said. “They need some- tion, massive land seizures, and even expulsion. And ‘Full of poverty’ poverty now come from a working household. Families are one like that in charge. Only someone that has come because the US has flaunted its contempt for the rule “Slough is in such a bad state,” said John, who declined finding that they have to cut back on essentials like food, through the gutter would know what it’s like.” — AFP of law and international norms of behavior, they have created a far more dangerous and precarious world in which any regional power backed by the US can act with impunity and suffer little or no repercussions for but in other cases backed what it said were calls for self- Winning hearts and minds their behavior. Is Moscow using determination. In Georgia, Moscow supported two Moscow has a varied arsenal for exerting its influence in I sometimes wonder if this is what the “the Deal of breakaway regions: Abkhazia on the Black Sea and South separatist regions. Economic support is crucial. In Abkhazia, the Century” is supposed to look like. Maybe, all along, Ossetia on the edge of the Caucasus mountains. more than a million Russian tourists descend on the coast it was intended to be nothing more than what they its frozen conflict Ethnically and linguistically distinct from Georgians, every year to relive its days as the “Soviet Riviera”. South have been doing for the last two years - creating a the Abkhaz and South Ossetians declared their inde- Ossetia’s economy has been closely integrated with the nihilistic order in which the Israelis are free to act out playbook in Ukraine? pendence in the early 1990s and fought with Georgian economy of North Ossetia across the mountains in Russia. their most extreme fantasies while vulnerable forces. When Mikheil Saakashvili became Georgia’s And in Transnistria, steel and electricity plants are fuelled by Palestinians are forced to inhabit a dystopian world in president in 2003 and vowed to bring his country into supplies of cheap Russian gas. Abkhaz, South Ossetians and which they have no rights and no recourse open to s Russian President Vladimir Putin and Ukraine’s NATO and the European Union, Moscow’s support for Transnistrians can also receive Russian passports and them. It is for this reason I suggest that the cumulative leader Volodymyr Zelensky meet for the first time the separatists intensified. And when Georgia launched a Moscow provides them with social assistance and even impact of what Trump has done has created the condi- Atomorrow, many are asking what is Moscow’s military attempt to retake South Ossetia in 2008, Russia pensions. Eastern Ukraine has followed much the same pat- tions for a second Nakba. long-term goal in eastern Ukraine. The talks, mediated by sent in its troops, defeating Georgian forces in five days tern. Russia has sent nearly 100 convoys of humanitarian aid There are, of course, avenues open before us that France and Germany, will focus on implementing the and a few weeks later recognizing South Ossetia and across the border, including medicine and food. And it fast- provide ways to avoid such a disaster. While the US Minsk accords - agreements drawn up in 2015 to end Abkhazia as independent. tracked Russian passports for eastern Ukrainians earlier this has created this mess on its own, each and every one fighting and find a political solution for Ukraine’s sepa- In Moldova, Moscow has backed Russian-speaking year, with the governor of a neighboring Russian region of its moves have been rejected by the Arab States and ratist regions of Donetsk and Lugansk. separatists living in an industrial area east of the Dniester saying last month that more than 170,000 had been issued. the overwhelming majority of the nations of the world. In providing moral, economic and allegedly military river. They proclaimed an independent republic - The conflicts in Abkhazia, South Ossetia and For example, only a smattering of minor US dependen- support to the separatists, Moscow has been following a Transnistria - shortly before the Soviet collapse and bat- Transnistria have settled into uneasy stalemates. Initially cies have considered joining the US in moving their playbook it has used elsewhere in the ex-Soviet world. tled Moldovan forces in 1991-92. Units of the Russian army deployed as peacekeepers or monitors, Russian forces have embassies to Jerusalem; last month, by a vote of 170 to Its tactics in other frozen conflicts in the region - in fought with the separatists until a ceasefire agreement was established a permanent presence in the regions. In 2016 2, the United Nations reaffirmed its support for Abkhazia, South Ossetia, and Transnistria - could provide signed in 1992. The separatists in Ukraine emerged much Abkhazia and Russia agreed to a joint military force. The UNWRA; and then there were the denunciations issue a glimpse of the future for eastern Ukraine. later. After a pro-Russian president was ousted in public territorial disputes have meanwhile held Georgia and by the Arab States and the Europeans to the new US protests in 2014, Russia moved quickly to annex Crimea in Moldova back, especially in efforts at closer integration position on Israeli settlements. Supporting separatists Ukraine’s south and clashes broke out in Donetsk and with the West, as interminable negotiation processes make The problem is that while the Trump Administration The 1991 collapse of the USSR sparked a series of Lugansk in the east - all largely Russian-speaking regions. little headway. There are however differences that make has become increasingly politically isolated by its separatist movements, as borders drawn up by the The self-proclaimed Donetsk and Lugansk People’s eastern Ukraine distinct - its vast size and population and reckless behavior, they have not been effectively chal- Soviets left behind a patchwork of ethnic and linguistic Republics declared their independence in May 2014 and proximity to the European Union, the West’s stronger lenged. To change the current downward spiral tensions. Russia fiercely opposed separatists on its own heavy fighting erupted. Large-scale battles have subsided support for Kiev and sanctions against Moscow, and the dynamic that is unfolding in the Israel-Palestinian arena territory - with the war in Chechnya the prime example - but there are still deadly clashes on the frontline. drain it could represent on Russia’s resources. — AFP is a bold confrontation of both the US and Israel. Statements or resolutions will not suffice - since they are routinely dismissed and ignored. What is required is that other nations say “enough is enough” and tell bered across Iowa. As the frantic pre-Iowa caucus days disadvantage to Biden and Buttigieg, who like her are the US that its days of hegemonic control over the Trump trial to play out, “these guys are stuck here,” he said. running in the centrist lane, by leaving the campaign trail “peace process” have come to an end. Israel too must Senators Amy Klobuchar, Cory Booker and Michael for the impeachment trial. “I meet whatever obstacle is be confronted and made to pay a price for its lawless sideline senators in Bennet are also in the race. Senator Kamala Harris put in front of me,” she told CNN Sunday, adding she has behavior and gross systematic violations of Palestinian dropped out earlier this week. All back the impeachment strong surrogates including her daughter, to step in while human rights. inquiry against Trump, but they stand to reap the conse- she is anchored to Washington. Of course, a unified Palestinian response utilizing a presidential race quences if they are locked in a prolonged Senate prosecu- The collision between campaigning and impeachment campaign of non-violent resistance would also be tion. Bill Clinton’s impeachment trial in 1999 - not an elec- may well prove devastating for the candidate senators. important, but I hesitate to place emphasis on this fac- tion year - lasted five weeks, from Jan 7 to Feb 12. “They could lose a lot of valuable face time with Iowa onald Trump’s impeachment would not only trigger tor for two reasons. First, the burden of doing the heavy If the same timing were used in 2020, Trump’s trial voters who have come to expect one-on-one interaction an extraordinary US Senate trial, it would ensnare - lifting shouldn’t rest on the most vulnerable party to the would run through both the Iowa caucuses on February 3 with those running for president,” said Jim Manley, a with potentially ruinous results - several of the can- conflict. And even if the Palestinians were to rise up, as D and the New Hampshire primary eight days later. political strategist and longtime aide to Senate didates aiming to defeat the president at a critical time in they have before, unless the nations of the world were According to Mitch McConnell, the Senate’s Republican Democrats. There are workarounds, such as holding the 2020 election process. Of the 15 candidates seeking ready to challenge both the US and Israel, their resist- leader, the trial would occur Monday through Saturday, press conferences on the trial sidelines but still in the the Democratic presidential nomination, five are sitting ance would come to a bloody end. We are running out dramatically curtailing campaign time. And crucially, “sen- national spotlight, and dialing in by video link to rallies senators whose constitutional duty to serve as jurors dur- of time. If action isn’t taken soon, we may well see a ators will not be allowed to speak” during the proceed- and other campaign events. ing an impeachment trial will likely tether them to second, and potentially more devastating, Nakba. ings, McConnell said. House managers and lawyers con- Candidates no doubt will also seek to dash out after Washington for most of January, when rivals will be barn- NOTE: Dr James J Zogby is the President of the duct the proceedings, presided over by the Supreme Court Saturday trial sessions to show their face on the cam- storming early-voting states Iowa and New Hampshire. Arab American Institute chief justice, depriving the chamber’s presidential candi- paign trail on Sundays. But skipping parts of the trial is a That timing could prove calamitous for the senator can- dates of the chance to shine before a national television no-no. “There’s nothing more important, short of a decla- didates in the run-up to the all-important Iowa caucuses, audience while grilling the president. ration of war, than this upcoming trial,” Manley said. “It is the first vote in the White House nomination battle. Senate not politically viable to skip.” On one hand, Biden and Republican John Cornyn this week had a word to describe ‘Obstacle’ Buttigieg will relish the chance to press the flesh in Iowa All articles appearing on this page are the his colleagues’ unprecedented quandary: “Awkward.” Like The candidates have put a brave face on their and New Hampshire, two states in particular that cherish personal opinion of the writers. Kuwait many observers, Cornyn believes juggling campaigning for predicament. “We all have to fulfill our constitutional retail politics, without five rivals breathing down their president and sitting in judgment of Trump will leave can- responsibility,” Bennet, currently polling at about one necks, Manley added. On the other, Biden and Buttigieg Times takes no responsibility for views didates such as senators Bernie Sanders and Elizabeth percent, told AFP in Washington recently as his rivals “will be the outsiders looking in on one of the most sig- expressed therein. Warren “at a disadvantage while Joe Biden and Mayor were on the campaign trail. “We’ll figure it out.” nificant political stories of this year - or any other year in Pete (Buttigieg) are out there” campaigning unencum- Klobuchar dismissed the suggestion that she will be at a recent memory”. — AFP Established 1961

SUNDAY, DECEMBER 8, 2019 US, global cities slowing US job growth showcasesBusiness Trade war goes digital: Countries 12amid ‘worldwide slump’ 12 resilience as earnings rise 14 eye tariffs on Internet economy

Strikes could spoil Christmas season As French unions turn the screws, PM says reform unavoidable

CASTETS: Trucks block the A63 highway during a national strike called by the motor carrier union OTRE (Organization des Transporteurs Routiers Europeens) yesterday. Members of the motor carrier union OTRE are blocking some highways across France, to protest against planned rise of fuel taxes for haulage companies, which have been proposed by the French government. — AFP

PARIS: French retailers and hoteliers warned their cru- close to 30%, he said. The GNI trade federation of pension systems to continue next week. ment age of 62. One alternative is to curb benefits for cial Christmas season could be spoiled if a strike, which independent hotels said bookings were down 30- The government wants to replace a byzantine sys- those who stop working before 64 and give a boost to was causing travel chaos for a second day on Friday, 40% in Paris hotels while restaurants saw revenue fall tem comprised of more than 40 separate pension plans, those who leave later. Room for concessions may lie in drags on for much longer. The strike, aimed at forcing 50%. Bigger stores in the retail sector said they each with varying benefits, with a single, points-based the pace at which the changes are phased in. Philippe President Emmanuel Macron to ditch a planned reform could ride out the disruption. At upmarket depart- system under which for each euro contributed, every on Friday left open the possibility of including a of state pensions, led to a drastically reduced service ment store chain Galeries Lafayette, a spokeswoman pensioner has equal rights. “Citizens know that the “grandfathering” clause for workers at the SNCF and on trains, buses and the metro. said that the group’s stores were open and that hugely diverse nature of the current 42 pension plans Paris public transport firm RATP, some of whom enjoy The transport disruption is expected to continue “everything was normal”. cannot continue,” Philippe said in a televised statement. special benefits including retirement at 52, a decade over this weekend and into early next week. “I had one French supermarket retailer Casino, owner of city “They also know we’re going to have to work longer.” earlier than the average worker. client since this morning,” said Karine Barbe, 47, an center Monoprix stores, said that because the strike’s On Friday, commuters faced severe disruption get- “To all RATP and SNCF staff I say that it would not employee in an embroidery shop in central Paris. “If the date had been known ahead of time, Casino had beefed ting to and from work for a second day and the state- be reasonable or fair to change the rules of the game strike continues, clients are not going to come as there up its stocks. Yellow vests anti-government protests run SNCF railways said train services would remain after the game has started,” Philippe said. The govern- are no trains. The strikes, coming on the heels of the have already taken a heavy toll on French retailers. impacted through the weekend and on Monday. ment applied a similar approach last year when it ‘yellow vest’ protests that started in November 2018, Casino reported those protests, by blocking access to Schools and hospitals were also left understaffed. A day changed decades-old terms of employment for SNCF deal a new blow to retailers, said Francis Palombi, head some stores, cost it 50 million euros in the fourth quar- earlier, tear gas and smoke hung over parts of Paris and workers, maintaining job-for-life guarantees for exist- of the French Federation of small retailers. ter of 2018 alone. Losses for the same period came in at Nantes as protests turned violent. ing staff, but ending that benefit for new recruits. For “2019 was a very difficult year for retailers with rev- 45 million euros for electronics good retailer Darty and The strike pits trade unions determined to safeguard now, public opinion is relatively evenly divided, surveys enue losses. Some had to shut down because of this 140 million euros for hypermarket group Auchan. worker protections against President Emmanuel show. “We’re all in the same situation,” said commuter dramatic situation that may continue and even amplify. Macron, a 41-year-old former investment banker who Micheline Rossi, sympathetic to the strikers’ cause. It’s very serious,” he said. Hotels in big cities received Reform unavoidable took office in 2017 on a promise of opening up France’s “With the points-based pension system, we’ll lose out, numerous cancellations ahead of the strike, Laurent Meanwhile, French Prime Minister Edouard Philippe highly regulated economy. The outcome will hinge on too, just like them.” Duc, the head of the French UMIH hotel federation told said the nationwide strikes in the public sector would who blinks first - the unions who risk losing public sup- Another said: “We need to reform pensions. It’s Reuters. “Its a disaster for retailers and hoteliers. As not weaken his resolve to reform the pension system port if the disruption goes on for too long, or the presi- going to be painful, painful for everyone. But if we want soon as tourists hear about strikes, they say: ‘We are not but promised workers would be spared a brutal transi- dent whose two-and-a-half years in office have been to have a pension in the future, this has to pass.” going to France, it’s going to be chaos in Paris’,” he said. tion to the new regime. Philippe said he was not seek- rocked by waves of social unrest. Macron’s pension tsar Jean-Paul Delevoye is due to He predicted the strikes could cost hotels, on aver- ing confrontation with trade unions, which on Friday hold talks with the unions on Monday before the prime age, 10-15% of their revenue in December. In the called for mass protests and strikes over plans to ‘Painful’ reform minister presents the broad outlines of the reform to eastern city of Lyon hotel cancellation rates were streamline one of the developed world’s most generous Macron appears reluctant to simply raise the retire- the public mid-week. — Agencies

by the previous government (of president Abdulla rising two percent in an initial reaction before settling Yameen) were unreasonable and put us in difficulty,” Maldives seeks to down at levels around 1.3 percent higher on the day in Shahid said. “But, we can solve this mess through diplo- OPEC agrees oil the late European afternoon. On Thursday, a meeting matic means.” of OPEC ministers had run late into the evening with- restructure China The pro-Beijing Yameen was jailed last month for output cuts after out a deal. five years and fined $5 million for corruption during Saudi Oil Minister Prince Abdelaziz Ben Salman, who his term that ended late last year. “We could have a debt after years of was at his first meeting in the post, said first-day talks debt restructuring in the future. I am in contact with ‘brain squeezing’ lasting six hours saw delegations “laboring... until 11 the Chinese government and I am confident that we VIENNA: The powerful OPEC group of oil producers o’clock in the evening, squashing their heads, squeezing heavy borrowing can reach a diplomatic understanding.” Shahid is visit- and its allies reached a deal Friday to cut production by their brains” in search of an agreement. Iraqi Oil ing Sri Lanka for talks with Sri Lanka’s new leaders - 500,000 barrels per day in a bid to stem prices which Minister Thamer Ghadban told reporters Friday that COLOMBO: President Gotabaya Rajapaksa and his Prime Minister The Maldives is seeking a “diplomatic” have been under pressure from abundant reserves and “what will happen during the first quarter (of 2020) will brother Mahinda - who had also borrowed heavily solution to restructure its Chinese debt as the small but weak global economic growth. Friday’s so-called be assessed during an extraordinary meeting” of OPEC from China during their previous term in office strategically located atoll nation struggles with repay- OPEC+ meeting included Russia, the world’s second- and its partners in early March. He held out the between 2005 and 2015. ments, the foreign ministry has said. Former strongman largest oil producer and not a member of the cartel. It prospect that the cuts could even be extended until the The former Sri Lankan government handed over con- president Abdulla Yameen relied heavily on Beijing to ended with a deal for a cut effective as of January 1 end of 2020 but that it was “too early to say now”. trol of the Hambantota port in the south of the island to provide financial support during his five year term and which sets an output target 1.7 million barrels per day Earlier, Prince Abdulaziz hinted at Saudi irritation a Chinese company on a 99-year lease in December his successor’s party has accused China of a land grab lower than October 2018 levels, with Saudi Arabia and that not all countries have been sticking to the produc- 2017. It said it was unable to service a $1.4 billion debt in the country. Foreign minister Abdulla Shahid told Russia making almost half the additional reductions tion quotas agreed under the current deal. While Saudi from Beijing to build the loss-making harbor. The port reporters on Thursday that China was a generous donor, between them. Arabia has voluntarily pumped below its quota other was one of a string of infrastructure projects in Asia, but the previous Maldivian government borrowed heav- In a surprise move, the bloc also announced that producers-including Russia, Iraq and Nigeria-had Africa and Europe being funded under China’s Belt and ily without adequate provisioning for repayments. several participating countries, “mainly Saudi Arabia”, been exceeding theirs. “Like religion, if you are a Road Initiative, which critics say is saddling nations with Speaking in Sri Lanka’s capital Colombo he said the would make additional voluntary cuts bringing the believer you have to practise, without practice you are debt. The new president has publicly declared that he direct loans as well as government guarantees to state- overall cut to more than 2.1 million barrels per day. a non-believer,” Prince Abdulaziz said, stressing the opposed handing over control over a strategic asset to owned enterprises on their loans from China amount to World oil prices surged in response, with US bench- importance of “further conformity” if OPEC were to China and said he wanted the deal renegotiated. He has a debt of some $1.4 billion. This is a large burden he said mark WTI and its European counterpart Brent both achieve its goals. —AFP for the nation of 340,000 Sunni Muslims. “Borrowings not given details. — AFP 12 Established 1961 Business Sunday, December 8, 2019 Strong US job growth showcases economy’s resilience; earnings rise Unemployment rate falls to 3.5% from 3.6%

WASHINGTON: US job growth increased by the 266,000 jobs last month, lifted by the gain of 60,200 Treasury prices fell. Stocks on Wall Street rallied after a A broader measure of unemployment, which most in 10 months in November as the healthcare healthcare workers, the most since March, and roller-coaster week. includes people who want to work but have given up industry boosted hiring and production workers at increased hiring at restaurants and bars, the govern- searching and those working part-time because they General Motors returned to work after a strike, the ment’s survey of establishments showed. Manufacturing Steady wage gains cannot find full-time employment, fell to 6.9% from strongest sign yet the economy is in no danger of recouped all the 43,000 positions lost in October. The US-China trade spat has bruised business confi- 7.0% in October. The labor force participation rate, or stalling. The unemployment rate ticked back down to But colder-than-normal temperatures in November dence and undercut capital expenditure, tipping manu- the proportion of working-age Americans who have a its lowest level in nearly half a century and wage gains curbed hiring at construction sites and helped to sink facturing into recession. The magnitude of last month’s job or are looking for one, dipped to 63.2% in remained near their strongest in a decade, the Labor mining payrolls. The largest increase in payrolls since increase in payrolls is at odds with other labor market November from more than a six-year high of 63.3% in Department’s closely watched monthly employment January pushed job growth well above its monthly aver- data. Job openings are near a 1-1/2-year low, small October. report showed on Friday. The numbers suggest con- age of 180,000 this year. Economists polled by Reuters business hiring intentions have softened relative to Average hourly earnings rose seven cents, or 0.2%, sumers will keep the longest economic expansion in had forecast payrolls rising by 180,000 jobs in 2018 and the Institute for Supply Management survey’s after increasing 0.4% in October. In the 12 months history, now in its 11th year, chugging along into next November. The economy created 41,000 more jobs in measure of factory employment has contracted for four through November, wages rose 3.1% after advancing year when Americans will decide whether to re-elect September and October than previously estimated. straight months. 3.2% in October. Wages were held back by the concen- President Donald Trump. Even discounting the roughly 46,000 GM returnees, “While this morning’s reading is a definite improve- tration of hiring in low-paying industries. Average The report added to other fairly upbeat data on the employment growth exceeded 200,000 jobs last ment, it does little to explain waning momentum over the hourly earnings for production and non-supervisory trade deficit, housing and orders for big-ticket goods. month. The robust payroll gains suggest the Trump past ten months,” said Lindsey Piegza, chief economist workers, considered a more reliable wage measure, Together, the improving data appear to validate the administration’s 17-month trade war with China, which at Stifel in Chicago. “It remains to be seen if such increased 0.3% and were up 3.7% on a year-on-year Federal Reserve’s decision in October to signal no fur- has plunged manufacturing into recession, has not yet strength signals a turning point to more robust hiring basis in November. “That should keep consumer ther interest rate cuts are needed for now. The US cen- spilled over to the broader economy. Some economists patterns.” Though the labor market remains resilient spending in good shape in the coming months,” said tral bank cut rates three times this year, starting in July said this could buy the Trump administration more time despite the business investment downturn, hiring has Sarah House, a senior economist at Wells Fargo when it reduced borrowing costs for the first time since as it negotiates a “phase one” trade deal with China. slowed from last year’s average monthly gain of 223,000 Securities in Charlotte, North Carolina. 2008. US central bank policymakers are expected to Top White House economic adviser Larry Kudlow because of ebbing demand and a shortage of workers. Manufacturing employment rebounded by 54,000 highlight the economy’s resilience when they meet on said on Friday the Dec 15 deadline remained in place The government has said it could cut job growth for jobs in November. Construction hiring rose by only Dec 10-11, though trade tensions continue to reverber- for a new round of US tariffs on Chinese goods set to the 12 months through March 2019 by at least 500,000 1,000 jobs, while mining shed 7,000 jobs. The leisure ate in the background. kick in, adding “there’s no arbitrary deadline,” on trade jobs when it publishes its annual revision next February. and hospitality industry hired 45,000 workers. It has “This was a strong report, with a solid rise in pay- talks. “The report alleviates pressure on the Trump Still, job creation is well over the roughly 100,000 jobs added 219,000 jobs over the last four months, with rolls, another drop in the unemployment rate, and administration to make a trade deal with China, giving per month needed to keep up with growth in the work- about two-thirds of the gains at restaurants and bars. decent growth in hourly earnings,” said Chris Low, negotiators more leverage to push for a harder line,” ing-age population. The unemployment rate fell one- There were also increases in professional and business chief economist at FHN Financial in New York. “The said Daniel Zhao, a senior economist at Glassdoor in tenth of a percentage point to 3.5% percent, matching services, financial activities, and transportation and Fed will see this as clear vindication of their decision to San Francisco. The dollar strengthened against a basket September’s reading, which was the lowest level since warehousing jobs last month. Government employment stop cutting rates.” Nonfarm payrolls increased by of currencies, snapping a five-day losing streak. US December 1969. increased by 12,000 jobs. —Reuters

clients multiple valuable features, and the monthly tomers the opportunity to Gulf Bank to announce draws are only a part of the package. receive either a KD 100 Not only are customers automatically enrolled cash gift upon transfer- the winner of eleventh into the monthly and annual draws, but they can ring their salaries to Gulf also avail interest-free loans, cash gifts, fee Bank or an interest-free Major US, global waivers, and many more rewards throughout loan of up to KD 10,000. monthly salary draw the year. Customers must have a cities slowing amid Next month’s draw will result in the winner of minimum salary of KD KUWAIT: Gulf Bank will be announcing the winner the largest prize yet: a cash prize of up to 100 500 and will be eligible of its eleventh monthly Salary Account draw at Gulf times the winner’s salary! We encourage everyone for the offer following worldwide slump Bank’s Jabriya branch. The draw will be held in the to transfer their salaries to Gulf Bank, and wish their first salary transfer presence of a representative from the Ministry of everyone the best of luck in winning next month’s to Gulf Bank. WASHINGTON: The blockbuster growth in the Commerce and will announce the winner of a cash world’s major cities in recent years will slow grand prize.” The 2019 Kuwaiti Salary Offer auto- Customers can also prize of up to 12 times the winner’s salary. matically enrolls both existing and new customers enjoy additional benefits sharply in 2020 and 2021 as the global trade slow- Ahmad Al Amir down takes its toll, according to new research. “Tomorrow we’re going to be announcing the who transfer their salaries to Gulf Bank in the like a Visa or MasterCard Nine of the top 10 biggest global cities will slow penultimate winner of our monthly Salary Account monthly and annual draws. credit card free of charge next year, with the stars of the US Silicon Valley draws. This winner will be taking home a cash prize The monthly draws allow customers the chance for a year, as well as a chance to apply for a loan of showing the most dramatic signs of slamming on of up to 12 times their salary!” said Ahmad Al Amir, to win cash prizes of up to 12 times their salary, up to KD 70,000 or a consumer loan of up to KD the brakes, Oxford Economics researchers found in Assistant General Manager for External while the yearly draw gives them the opportunity to 25,000. To learn more about Gulf Bank’s Salary a report provided to AFP. Looking further ahead, Communications at Gulf Bank. win Kuwait’s largest salary prize of up to 100 times Account, customers can visit one of Gulf Bank’s 58 while China’s metropolitan areas have borne the “The Gulf Bank Salary Account offers all its their salary. The Salary Account also gives new cus- branches or log on to www.e-gulfbank.com. brunt of the trade conflict, they will bump US cities out of the top 10, the latest annual Global Cities Outlook said. streams for Ooredoo Kuwait by leveraging our security “The current slowdown in the global economy is Ooredoo selects operations center, clean pipe, secure WiFi, email security, impacting on the world’s major cities,” the report end-point security and advance threat protection.” said. “Of the top 900, we expect that just under The following Fortinet products underpin Ooredoo two-thirds, 586, will experience slower growth in Fortinet for the region’s Kuwait’s Secure SD-WAN managed service: 2020-21 than in the past five years.” And Richard FortiPortal provides turnkey, easy-to-deploy customer Holt, head of Oxford’s Global Cities Research team, first secure SD-WAN portals for self-service without having to worry about said the trade war’s impact and slowing commerce complex development or maintenance costs; overall goes beyond manufacturing. Many cities are FortiSandbox delivers real-time actionable intelli- hit indirectly because “anytime anyone does a trade managed service gence through the automation of zero-day, advanced deal... there’s a good chance an insurance deal will malware detection and response; FortiMail is a top- be done related to that in either New York or KUWAIT: Ooredoo Kuwait, The first to launch innovated rated secure email gateway that stops volume-based London,” Holt told AFP. digital services in Kuwait announced that it has selected and targeted cyber threats to help secure the dynamic “It’s a combination of China slowing down for its Fortinet, a global leader in broad, integrated and automat- own reasons and the trade war, and in the short- enterprise attack surface, prevent the loss of sensitive ed cybersecurity solutions to deliver the region’s first term the problem in European manufacturing, and data and help maintain compliance with regulations. in particular the German car industry, are all com- secure SD-WAN managed service. Fortinet Secure SD- A range of FortiGateNext-Generation Firewalls ing together simultaneously,” Holt said. Some cities, WAN will allow Ooredoo’s existing and new enterprise deliver both advanced security and SD-WAN servic- such as Munich and Beijing, are cooling due to customers achieve accelerated connectivity, transport es; FortiManager delivers single-pane-of-glass man- domestic economic factors. London is the lone top- mode independence, and increased application perform- agement for both SD-WAN and security, end-to-end 10 city expected to post a modest improvement, ance while benefiting from tightly knit SD-WAN and visibility, and multi-tenancy to support many enter- as an integral part of the solution,” said Joe Sarno, VP after falling sharply due to Brexit concerns. advanced security features. prise customers at scale; FortiAnalyzer delivers cen- International Emerging at Fortinet: “Without an inte- The report projects it will recover slightly to 2.1 Ooredoo Kuwait itself is deploying Fortinet’s Secure tralized reporting, advance analytics and open-pro- grated security solution, organizations are forced to percent a year in 2020-21 “from its sub-standard SD-WAN across its retail branches and will serve as a grammable interface to integrate with customers’ overlay security, creating significant overhead and growth of 1.5 percent a year in 2018-19.” Most of reference for customers wishing to follow suit. “Ooredoo existing investments and solutions; FortiClient leaving gaps in protection as security and manage- the cities are tracking growth rates of their national Kuwait’s broad managed security services rely on several ensures that all fabric components - FortiGate, ment systems remain isolated. economies, and Oxford economists use country-lev- Fortinet solutions, including the Fortinet Secure SD-WAN FortiAnalyzer, EMS, Managed AP, Managed Switches, We’re pleased to work with Ooredoo Kuwait to el GDP to calculate city growth rates, while factor- solution, which significantly reduces onboarding efforts Sandbox - have a unified view of endpoints in order deliver the region’s first secure SD-WAN managed ing in demographics and other issues particular to and speeds time to market for the service,” said Abdulaziz to provide tracking & awareness, compliance service and continue our focus of delivering integrated each municipality. Oxford projects the US economic Al-Babtain, Chief Business Officer at Ooredoo Kuwait. enforcement and reporting. SD-WAN and advanced security to enterprise cus- growth to slow to 1.6 percent next year, and 1.8 per- “Our secure SD-WAN managed service is much “SD-WAN offers accelerated connectivity, cost tomers around the world.” For more information, please cent in 2021, while China dips to 5.7 percent and 5.6 more than just a new connectivity service for the enter- savings, and increased performance for Software-as- contact 131, our team will answer all inquiries around percent, and the UK to 1.0 and 1.9 percent. —AFP prise WAN edge. It is paving the way for significant ben- a-Service (SaaS) applications. However, the benefits the clock 7 days a week. Or visit our website efits for our customers and significant new revenue of SD-WAN cannot be truly realized without security www.ooredoo.com.kw/business for updates and more. EXCHANGE RATES

Egyptian Pound - Transfer 18.916 Chinese Yuan Renminbi 43.550 Chinese Yuan 0.041802 0.045302 Al-Muzaini Exchange Co. Yemen Riyal/for 1000 1.222 Thai Bhat 11.005 Hong Kong Dollar 0.036917 0.039667 Tunisian Dinar 110.640 Turkish Lira 53.285 Indian Rupee 0.003612 0.004384 EUROPEAN & AMERICAN COUNTRIES Jordanian Dinar 429.580 Singapore dollars 223.154 Indonesian Rupiah 0.000017 0.000023 US Dollar Transfer 304.250 Lebanese Lira/for 1000 0.203 Japanese Yen 0.002717 0.002897 Euro 340.460 Syrian Lira 0.000 Korean Won 0.000246 0.000261 Sterling Pound 403.740 Morocco Dirham 32.162 BAHRAIN EXCHANGE COMPANY WLL Malaysian Ringgit 0.069410 0.075410 Canadian dollar 231.900 Nepalese Rupee 0.002623 0.002963 Turkish lira 54.820 CURRENCY BUY SELL Pakistan Rupee 0.001286 0.002056 Swiss Franc 311.250 Dollarco Exchange Co. Ltd Europe Philippine Peso 0.005985 0.006285 US Dollar Buying 296.800 British Pound 0.383275 0.407175 Singapore Dollar 0.218396 0.228396 Czech Korune 0.005213 0.014513 Sri Lankan Rupee 0.001318 0.001898 ASIAN COUNTRIES Rate for Transfer Selling Rate US Dollar 303.890 Danish Krone 0.041142 0.046142 Taiwan 0.010018 0.010198 Japanese Yen 2.802 Euro 0.329485 0.343185 Thai Baht 0.009701 0.010251 Indian Rupees 4.268 Canadian Dollar 231.215 Sterling Pound 399.975 Georgian Lari 0.121420 0.121420 Vietnamese Dong 0.000013 0.000013 Pakistani Rupees 1.971 Hungarian 0.001147 0.001337 Srilankan Rupees 1.675 Euro 338.350 Swiss Frank 302.755 Norwegian Krone 0.029305 0.034505 Arab Nepali Rupees 2.663 Romanian Leu 0.065191 0.082041 Bahrain Dinar 808.155 Bahraini Dinar 0.800882 0.808932 Singapore Dollar 225.540 Russian ruble 0.004788 0.004788 UAE Dirhams 83.140 Egyptian Pound 0.018930 0.021670 Hongkong Dollar 38.864 Slovakia 0.009092 0.019092 Qatari Riyals 84.380 Iranian Riyal 0.000084 0.000086 Bangladesh Taka 3.545 Swedish Krona 0.028074 0.033074 Iraqi Dinar 0.000211 0.000271 Philippine Peso 6.000 Saudi Riyals 81.935 Swiss Franc 0.301237 0.312237 Jordanian Dinar 429.905 Jordanian Dinar 0.423139 0.432139 Thai Baht 10.103 Kuwaiti Dinar 1.000000 1.000000 Malaysian ringgit 77.813 Egyptian Pound 18.894 Australasia Sri Lankan Rupees 1.676 Australian Dollar 0.200235 0.212235 Lebanese Pound 0.000103 0.000253 Moroccan Dirhams 0.021175 0.045175 GCC COUNTRIES Indian Rupees 4.248 New Zealand Dollar 0.193888 0.203388 Omani Riyal 0.785133 0.793024 Saudi Riyal 81.187 Pakistani Rupees 1.959 Qatar Riyal 0.082914 0.083748 Qatari Riyal 83.620 Bangladesh Taka 3.534 America Omani Riyal 790.773 Philippines Pesso 5.970 Canadian Dollar 0.224354 0.233354 Saudi Riyal 0.080047 0.081347 Bahraini Dinar 808.420 Cyprus pound 18.080 US Dollars 0.300150 0.305450 Syrian Pound 0.001290 0.001510 UAE Dirham 82.891 Japanese Yen 3.790 US Dollars Mint 0.300650 0.305450 Tunisian Dinar 0.102737 0.110737 Syrian Pound 1.590 Turkish Lira 0.045976 0.055821 Asia ARAB COUNTRIES Nepalese Rupees 2.663 UAE Dirhams 0.082203 0.083029 Bangladesh Taka 0.002990 0.003791 Egyptian Pound - Cash 21.350 Malaysian Ringgit 73.780 Yemeni Riyal 0.000989 0.001069 Established 1961 13 Business Sunday, December 8, 2019 Al Mulla Group Partners with XCMG: The Largest Manufacturer of Construction Machinery in China

Cheng Yongru, Economic & Commercial Counselor, the embassy of the P.R. of China in Kuwait Talal Anwar Al Mulla, CEO Al Mulla Group LIU Jiansen, Vice President of XCMG

KUWAIT: Al Mulla Group announced that it has from XCMG, in addition to guests from various common goals and shared values. We are both driven ed solutions for all construction projects, including signed an agreement with the Xuzhou Construction Chinese businesses in Kuwait. by innovation and we both give utmost importance to civil and commercial buildings, infrastructure, mining, Machinery Group Co, Ltd (XCMG), the largest manu- During the ceremony, Talal Al Mulla, CEO of Al excellence in product quality, customer experience, and roads. Its products fall in three traditional cate- facturer of construction machinery in China, to make Mulla Group, welcomed the attendance and and sales services,” added Al Mulla. gories: hoisting machinery, earth-moving machinery, Gulf Trading Group, a subsidiary of Al Mulla Group, explained how this partnership, built on common Dr Jiansen LIU, Vice-President of XCMG, said: and road construction machinery; in addition to seven the sole distributor for all XCMG products and serv- values and mutual interests, would contribute to “We are pleased to witness the beginning of this newly launched categories: excavation, heavy trucks, ices in the State of Kuwait. economic growth in Kuwait. “We are delighted to partnership with Al Mulla Group, which is a leading sanitation, concrete, piling, mining equipment, and The announcement came later last week in a spe- have achieved this partnership with such a world company with a long history and a great reputation aerial fire-fighting machinery. cial event hosted by Talal Anwar Al Mulla, Chief leader in the construction machinery industry as in Kuwait. We are confident that this alliance will XCMG is the largest manufacturer of construction Executive Officer of Al Mulla Group, in the presence XCMG,” said Al Mulla. help us expand the presence of XCMG products in machinery in China and the sixth largest construction of Dr Jiansen LIU, Vice-President of XCMG, and “It will enable us to support the ambitious develop- the Kuwaiti market and boost customers’ trust in the machinery company in the world. It is ranked 65th in Counselor Yongru Cheng, Economic and Commercial ment plans in Kuwait. It will also extend our capability superior quality of our advanced machinery and the list of China’s Top 500 Companies, 44th in the list Counselor at the Embassy of the People’s Republic of to provide advanced, high-quality machinery and services.” of China’s Top 100 Manufacturing Enterprises, and China in Kuwait. The event was also attended by services to civil construction, infrastructure, and mega XCMG offers a full range of portfolios in the con- forth in the list of China’s Top 100 Machinery Board Members of Al Mulla Group, senior officials projects.” “Our partnership with XCMG is built upon struction machinery industry, with complete integrat- Manufacturers. 14 Established 1961 Business Sunday, December 8, 2019 Trade war goes digital: Countries eye tariffs on Internet economy Demise of WTO top body could spur tariff retaliation

GENEVA: A 20-year global moratorium on imposing tial of 3D printing to manufacture products. It will be when it expires at year end. Deal-broker Switzerland Lost revenues? tariffs on digital trade could end next week if India or decided on next week and renewal requires full con- said “a large part of the WTO has signaled its support Should the moratorium end, it does not mean that tariffs South Africa makes good on threats, according to trade sensus. Asked about its position, South Africa’s WTO for the Moratorium”. will immediately follow, and Mlumbi-Peter stressed that. But officials and documents, potentially forcing people to Ambassador Xolelwa Mlumbi- Such duties could be diffi- this is seen as more likely in a new culture of permissiveness pay duties on software and movie downloads. Since Peter said in an emailed cult to apply and it is not following the expected paralysis of the WTO’s top ruling 1998, World Trade Organization (WTO) members have response this week that it was clear how it would be deter- body after Dec 10. “If someone tries to experiment putting renewed a ban on import duties on so-called “electron- “still consulting on this impor- Ban on tariffs mined where the digital customs duties on even a limited set of products or services, ic transmissions”, worth up to $255 billion a year by tant decision.” product originated from and then there is a risk of immediate retaliation absent of the dis- one estimate. India did not respond to a on digital music whether it is an import. “How pute settlement function,” said the ICC’s Andrew Wilson. Some think this favors rich countries, given it request for comment. “At the do you put a tariff on a byte? Estimates of the ban’s effect vary. At the top of the scale, a received strong backing from Washington at the outset moment there are a number of and software How would you capture mil- recent U.N. report said potential annual tariff revenue losses and most of the lost customs revenues are thought to countries that feel confident to expire lions of data flows from mul- could be up to $10.4 billion a year, with more than $10 billion be born by developing countries. Pressure is now they can stand aside from the tiple sources flowing across lost by WTO developing countries. “More and more produc- growing to lift the ban as more books and movies global consensus,” said the countries’ borders every tion is going to be digitized in future so developing countries become digital, potentially reducing revenues further. International Chamber of minute of every day,” asked will lose tariff revenues,” Rashmi Banga, the report’s author, India and South Africa circulated an internal WTO Commerce’s (ICC) Secretary Denton. However, the first said. However, an OECD study questioned these assump- document, reviewed by Reuters this week, saying that General John Denton. “It could break the Internet.” A possible answers are emerging. Indonesia created tariff tions, arguing that the revenue gains from lifting the ban rising digitalization compelled “a rethink of the role of proposal backed by 21 countries including China and codes for digital goods in 2018, fixing the level at 0 would be relatively small and tariffs would lead to higher the temporary moratorium” last year, citing the poten- Canada seeks to extend the ban for at least six months percent for now. prices for consumers among other costs. —Reuters

VIVA wins ‘Telecommunication Service Deal of the Year’ award NBK, Murex ink contract KUWAIT: National Bank of Kuwait (NBK) has signed a contract with Murex, an industry leader in trading, risk manage- ment and processing solutions for money, FX and capital markets, to implement a full replace- ment of its legacy IT sys- tems at Group Treasury and Investments with the MX.3 platform. Founded KUWAIT: VIVA, a world-class digital leader providing sen from over 500 participating companies to receive with the best local and international consultancy firms. I more than 30 years ago, innovative services and platforms to customers and this honorable award which represents the best of the would like to thank our advisors who contributed to Paris-based Murex is a enabling the digital transformation in Kuwait, and a M&A industry in 2019. this success, especially NBK Capital (Financial Advisor) global provider of cross- Jad Jalal Zakhour subsidiary of STC Group, has been announced as a VIVA’s positioning in this major event, where it was and Meysan lawyers and legal consultants (Legal asset financial technology winner of “Telecommunication Service Deal of the the only company from the Middle East, was the result Advisor) for their professionalism in completing this solutions to players in the money markets, FX markets and year” at the 18th Annual M&A Advisor Awards in New of the company’s first success in the field of acquisi- transaction.” capital markets. In addition to having more than 50,000 York on Tuesday, November 19th. The award was pre- tions, which translated into the acquisition of Qualitynet He continued: “VIVA is always eager through its daily users in 60 countries, Murex has a presence in 17 sented to VIVA representative Wassim El-Hayek the leading internet service provider in Kuwait.” He robust strategy to play a leading role in applying best financial hubs around the world including New York, General Manager of Investor Relations and M&A. added: “VIVA has adopted the highest professional practices and professional standards across all VIVA Singapore, London and Dubai. This year, over 200 nominees, representing over standards for the completion of this transaction through sectors and departments that support its plans and MX.3 will become NBK’s fully integrated solution for 500 companies, became finalists for the awards. An its M&A Department within the Finance Sector. activities. The acquisition of Qualitynet allows VIVA to trading, book keeping, risk management, operations, collat- independent judging committee of 28 top M&A indus- In addition, this transaction went through several capture the growth potential in the business market and eral management, treasury and investments for the front, try experts determined the ultimate recipients of the stages and challenges in order to reach the best results enable the great talented people of VIVA and middle and back offices across the bank’s operations in awards. On this occasion, Mohammed Bin Abdulmohsen and achieve the desired objectives through the process Qualitynet for the journey towards fully integrated Kuwait and its international branches and subsidiaries, Al-Assaf, CFO at VIVA said, “This prestigious award of the evaluation and due diligence covering all aspects products and services and innovative solutions in line including Paris, London, New York, Singapore, Dubai and Beirut. The replacement process has already started in reinforces VIVA’s stance in the market since it was cho- including financial, technical and legal in cooperation with the digital transformation.” NBK’s branches in Kuwait and Bahrain; and the first go-live is anticipated in 2020. “The deal marks NBK’s keenness to implement top- notch, high-tech and most efficient solutions, in line with the NBKE inks bank’s digital transformation strategy,” said Jad Jalal Zakhour, Deputy General Manager - Group Treasury, com- agreement with menting on implementing the MX.3 platform. “NBK adopts full-fledged and innovative solutions to enhance its product offering and improve its risk-management capabilities. The ILO, Bioenergy MX.3 platform will help implement NBK’s prudent policies and will further allow the bank to manage existing and KUWAIT: National Bank of Kuwait - future regulations across all markets, and extend its product Egypt (NBK - Egypt) has signed a cooper- offering, primarily across investment products and hedging ation agreement with the International solutions,” he added. “Integrating our business portfolio Labor Organization (ILO) and Bioenergy with Murex MX.3 platform will help provide cutting-edge for Sustainable Rural Development to build technology and unique product innovation for the whole 60 new biogas and organic fertilizers units Group,” he noted. Philippe Helou, Co-founder and in Minya governorate. The cooperation Managing Partner at Murex added, “We are truly excited to agreement is a part of the bank’s last year be working with NBK to deliver the technology they need to extend their product offering throughout Kuwait and initiative, which comes in line with its social beyond. We seek long-term partnership with NBK amid a and national responsibility, together with its trend in the region towards high-tech, fully integrated solu- key role in developing rural societies and “Our strategy underlines NBK’s social partnerships with the international com- contribution to the government’s sustain- tions to replace legacy platforms, fueling demand for promoting green jobs. and national responsibility, as it strives to munity entities, in line with Egypt Vision able development initiatives via entering sophisticated modern banking systems in the region.” The signing ceremony was held in the continuously play a key role in achieving 2030. The Minister of Environment hailed into partnerships with more active players. Global Finance Magazine awarded National Bank of headquarters of the Ministry of sustainable social and economic develop- the cooperation agreement which signaled NBK’s sustainable development strategy Kuwait (NBK) three new awards for the year 2019, the first Environment and was attended by Yasser El ment,” said El Tayeb, adding that NBK also a business framework that comprised hinges on six pillars, namely; Serving is the “Best Bank for Liquidity Management Middle East Tayeb, Vice Chairman and Managing taps into the business segments that pro- international entities, banks, private sector Customers, Leading in Business & and North Africa”, the second is “Best Treasury and Cash Director at National Bank of Kuwait - vide more job opportunities and help boost firms and the civil society. It represents an Governance, Caring for the Environment, Management in Kuwait” and the third is “Best Foreign Egypt, Eric Oechslin, ILO Cairo Director, sustainable development. The project economically- efficient partnership which Giving Back to the Community, Respecting Exchange Provider in the Region”. Global Finance Talaat Abdel Kawi, Secretary General of agreement depends on the public-private will provide job opportunities especially & Developing People, and Contributing to Magazine chooses its best-bank awards based on a variety Bioenergy for Sustainable Rural partnership, the civil society, as well as for women, who are mainly responsible for Sustainable Economic Development. of criteria that comprise profitability, market share, cus- Development, Yasmine Fouad, Minister of farmers, which will likely guarantee its sus- resource-efficiency strategies, in addition Based on FTSE4Good’s June 2019 index tomer service, competitive pricing, innovative products and Environment, Jesse Dutton, Canadian tainability and potential expansions. to the universities’ role in supporting the review, NBK was selected to be a con- the level to which these institutions exceed their competi- tors in terms of providing treasury services. Ambassador to Cairo and Major General NBK- Egypt seeks to boost the environment initiatives. stituent of the FTSE Russell’s FTSE4Good Essam Al-Badawi, Governor of Minya. Egyptian government’s plans for more NBK - Egypt is seeking to enrich its Index Series.

Lexus Art Series: Art and Innovation talks play it amid such talented designers.” Lexus returns to with Whitewall, now in its fourth year. From the rake of the windshield to the For the brand’s onsite installation, Lexus smooth contours of the rear decklid that has responded to the fair’s theme of houses the convertible top, every line on the Design Miami/ as “Elements: Water” by commissioning LC Convertible Concept was drawn to designer Nao Tamura to create an immer- evoke an emotional response. A stunning official partner; sive, multimedia installation that evokes the design from every angle, the LC Convertible wondrousness of this natural, outdoor phe- Concept stands as an aspirational halo vehi- design exhibitor nomenon. SUNSHOWER was curated by cle for the Lexus brand. Design Miami/ Curatorial Director Aric “Design Miami/ is pleased that Lexushas Chen and prominent Milan-based curator returned as our official automotive partner KUWAIT: Lexus has joined the 2019 Design and author Maria Cristina Didero. and is celebrating the brand’s commitment to Miami/ fair as the official automotive part- The ethereal exhibition features the LC innovation, beauty, and sustainability,” says served at the London Marathon. For the first Simmons, automotive designer Tadao Mori, ner for the second year, underlining the Convertible Concept, reinforcing the brand’s Jennifer Roberts, Chief Executive Officer of time they are available in the US, and Design curator Aric Chen, DJ Eduardo Castillo, and marque’s passion for design at the global commitment to omotenashi (hospitality), Design Miami/. “Lexus’ dedication to design Miami/ guests are able to sample the sus- advisor Claudia Paetzoldwill discuss topics forum for the most influential collectors, takumi (artisanship) and the indoor-outdoor excellence is unparalleled.With the SUN- tainable water solution at the Lexus booth at such as the design of future cities, the artist designers, curators and critics from around philosophy of engawa. Guests are being SHOWER exhibition and the all-hybrid vehi- various times throughout the week. as disrupter, sustainability in luxury mar- the world. Lexus, as the brand that created invited to experience SUNSHOWER, relax cle fleet, the Lexus presence is felt through- Lexus and Whitewall Magazine have kets, as well as the transformative power of the world’s first luxury hybrid in 2005, in the space, use its charging stations, and out the fair in a way that feels organic to our teamed up for the fourth year in a row bring- design. “We are honored to have partnered extended its support to the show’s sustain- sample Ooho, innovative water capsules mission as a global design forum.” ing their ongoing discussion series to the with Lexus for the fourth iteration of the able theme with an all-hybrid fleet that made of edible seaweed extract. Furthering its commitment to innovation official programming of Design Miami/. The Lexus Art Series: Art and Innovation talks chauffeured the fair’s VIP guests. “With Lexus design, nothing is acciden- and sustainability, Lexus has partnered with series are taking place on site at Design with Whitewall. We are excited to again Also new for 2019,Lexus brought the tal, and we believe that sense of thoughtful Notpla to serve Ooho,the edible water Miami/, as part of the fair’s official program- hold this year’s panels-focusing on the stunning LC Convertible Concept as part of designis felt throughout the installation,” droplets. Notpla is a company dedicated to ming. The unique series of four conversations future of design, sustainability, and creative the brand’s first commissioned installation says Brian Bolain, General Manager of creating advanced packaging solutions that feature an international group of global art practices-at the esteemed location of for Design Miami/ with an exhibition titled Lexus International. “The design goal of the disappear, naturally. The Ooho edible water and design leaders whowill discuss key top- Design Miami/,” said Michael Klug, SUNSHOWER. Rounding out its presence LC Convertible Concept is the expression of droplets were previously a finalist in the ics relevant to the creative space. Whitewall’s Founder, Publisher, and Editor at the fair, Lexus continued the successful ultimate beauty, and we are proud to dis- 2014 Lexus Design Awardand have been Participants including artist Troy at Large. Established 1961 15 Sunday, December 8, 2019 What’s On ENTERTAINER 2020 launches more products with unbeatable offers

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LAPA concludes art and dance festival

OYAC’s Academy for Performance Arts (LAPA) recently concluded its 3rd Festival of Art & LDance (FAD) which was held this year under the motto of ‘Unity Diversity’ in the period of December 1-5, 2019. EU ambassador to Kuwait, Cristian Tudor, EU plenipotentiary minister, Alar Olljum, dignitaries, LOY- AC board members and diplomats designated in Kuwait attended the conclusion ceremony. Floure from Belgium Speaking on the ceremony, LOYAC’s chairperson, Fare’a Al-Saqqaf thanked the audience and LOYAC teams for the efforts they exerted to achieve FAD suc- IKEA’s executive director Alica Bandia honors a cess. She also thanked EU for its support and trust for participant. Farea Al-Saqqaf honors the ambassador of the all the art activities LAPA organizes. She also thanked European Union. LOYAC’s strategic partner, IKEA. On his part, EU ambassador, Tudor expressed his motto is the same of the EU which includes 28 coun- pride in sponsoring FAD for the second year and tries speaking 24 different languages but working all who had been trained through LOYAC talent classes, described it as a unique event in Kuwait gathering all towards achieving a shared goal. such as Fahad Al-Sehali, Hussein Khalfan, Abdullah Al- art lovers and amateurs from various age categories This year’s FAD festival included a camp on film Henayyan and Zainab Al-Baqshi. and nationalities to develop and exchange skills and industry held in collaboration with LOYAC Lebanon to The films taking part in the festival discussed various talents. produce feature films and documentaries that were social concerns, black sarcastic comedy, horror, folk- Tudor added that by coincidence, this year’s FAD screened on the opening day made by Kuwaiti artists lore, modernity and its conflict with the ancient.

Helly from the United States

Notice

he Embassy of the People’s Republic of Bangladesh in Kuwait will remain closed Ton Monday, 16 December 2019 on the occasion of Victory Day of Bangladesh. The Embassy will arrange the following program on Monday, 16 December 2019 at the Chancery to observe the Victory Day of Bangladesh. Abbas and Florance from Kenya Volunteered students at FAD festival. 16 Health & Science Sunday, December 8, 2019 Young people take to the streets for climate: Who are they? MADRID: Last year a 15-year old girl in pigtails decided to Friday for Future activists from around the world.” “We have a lot of bushfires, it’s a huge thing in Australia neatly parted on the side, speaks with a clarity and confi- walk out of her classroom and sit on the steps of Sweden’s right now. When I was younger, we were very unlucky and dence that belies his age. “I have come to Madrid to let my parliament every Friday with a homemade sign: “School Strike ‘I had to fight’ lost our home. This is still a trigger for me-I look back and voice as a climate striker be heard at the highest level, and to For Climate.” Since then, the Fridays for Future movement When she realized that global warming is not just an envi- think ‘You know what, climate change makes fires worse’.” make sure that the parties to the COP are doing enough to sparked by Greta Thunberg, now 16, has gone global. ronmental issue but a social one too, 18-year-old Nicole “Of course we have to make changes at a personal level- combat climate change.” “Yes, I have adapted my lifestyle: I In September, millions of young people on every continent Becker, a first-year university student in Buenos Aires, taking public transport, avoiding plastic, consuming less. If don’t eat meat, I do not fly any more. poured into the street to demand action. Today they march in switched from psychology to international law. Today, climate everyone does a little bit, if can make a big difference. But a But I don’t think we should judge someone on the basis of Madrid, where negotiators from nearly 200 nations at UN cli- change is her top priority. “I saw a video of Greta and asked lot of people feel they have to do everything, and then wind their carbon footprint.” “Greta Thunberg is setting an exam- mate talks are feeling the heat of an increasingly angry and myself: why are young people in Europe striking, while no up doing nothing-that’s the worst.” ple for lots of people around the world. She is one of the rea- anxious world. Some of these young activists spoke with AFP. one in Argentina is even talking about the problem?” sons I started doing climate strikes.” “If this process fails, I “I am in Madrid to represent Latin-American youth, and ‘Is humanity so blind?’ will continue to do actions in my country to pressure my gov- ‘Now I’m not alone’ because it’s where world leaders are deciding my future. I Lea Ilardo, 21, of France has been living for the last year- ernment. I will attend the COP next year to ensure that-if it is Arshak Makichyian, 25, graduated from the Moscow want them to hear me, I want to have a voice.” “There is a lot and-a-half in Quebec, where she studies political science and not done here in Madrid-it will be done next year.” “Who’s at Conservatory in June a virtuoso violinist, but his career is on of poverty in Argentina, and it has a connection with climate environmental policy. “Sadly, I don’t expect much to come out fault? Of the companies responsible for the most CO2 emis- hold. When he returns to Moscow by train in mid-December, change. When I understood that, and that my future is at risk, of this process,” she says. “Personally, I live a privileged life. I sions, the top 100 produce 70 percent. Oil and gas companies he will come before a judge to face charges, and likely pun- I knew I had to fight, and influence the decisions that my gov- feel that my role is to fight on behalf of people whose voices such as Saudi Aramco, BP and Shell are very high on the list. ishment, for “organizing an unauthorized strike” for climate. ernment makes. I dedicate my time to climate change now, have been muted, and who are focused on surviving. We live We should also hold accountable the governments that can “There is very little information in the Russian media about also because I’m afraid.” “Those of us living in rich cities are in a world fractured by inequality at every level-between stop this but are not doing so.” climate change, so I started reading about it in English and not the ones most affected, so we have to care for those who generations, within and between countries.” “Greenhouse gas discovered how serious the problem is. That is also how I are-this is a moral challenge. In Argentina lots of people say, emissions just keep climbing-they will hit record levels again ‘My friends don’t care’ learned about Greta Thunberg.” “After the global student ‘First we have to improve the economy, then we can worry in 2019. In the end, we have the impressions that our efforts Shiina Tsuyuki, 18, attended a ‘green’ high school in Bali, school strike in March, I began protesting alone in Pushkin about the environment’. They don’t understand climate don’t really make a difference.” “It is terrifying to think that Indonesia, and now she has gone back to Japan, where most Square-in Moscow it is the only way to protest legally with- change is making their economic problems worse.” we don’t know what world we will be living in a decade from people, she says, are barely aware that climate change is a out a permit, which was never granted in any case.” now. This completely undermines our capacity to project our- problem. “I’m gathering information at the climate COP to “Now I am not alone, there are students in seven or eight ‘I know climate anxiety’ selves into the future. How bad do things have to get before inform other Japanese youth. Japan is so organized that peo- Russian cities striking every week. In Moscow, we do it in a For Chloe McCann, an 18-year-old high school student in things really change? Is humanity really so blind?” ple don’t really notice when the temperature goes up a little.” queue-one person stands with a sign, and then steps aside to Tasmania, Australia, global warming is not an abstract concept. “The world built a multilateral regime to fight climate change. “But they noticed when the biggest typhoon in years let the next person in line do the same. If two people do it Several years ago, her family home was consumed by wildfires But it has been so ineffective that we have to ask the question: is hit my city of Yokohama. People have to realize that the together, they can be arrested.” “For years I practiced my that have become more widespread and intense as global tem- it better to keep trying to change things from the inside, or do we size of the typhoon was not natural, that it was enhanced instrument every day, but I have taken a break. It felt really peratures rise. “Lots of people suffer from climate anxiety, become part of the problem just be being here?” by climate change.” “All my friends in my university don’t strange to play the violin while the Titanic is sinking. Also, it’s and maybe I’m one of them. We hear all these negative things, really care about the environment. They are not afraid at complicated getting a job with an orchestra if you have and it gets you down. Sometimes it’s hard to have hope. That’s ‘Something must be done’ all. They have no information. Knowledge has to come decided not to fly.” “I came to Madrid mainly to meet other one reason I’m here-to learn about what I can do.” Fifteen-year-old Erik Christiansson from Utrecht, hair before action.” — AFP 17

Sunday, December 8, 2019

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Call: 24833199 ext:101,102 or Direct line: 24835616 / 24835617 or email: [email protected] 18 Established 1961 Stars Sunday, December 8, 2019

CROSSWORD 2379 STAR TRACK

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

You might be more energetic than you've felt in a long time. It's the per- You're off to an excellent start. If you've felt a little weary lately, this fect day to get busy with tasks, projects, and housework. You'll breeze will change. Added mental and physical strength is available to you. through most things in no time and enjoy them. Resist any temptation to Things that seemed difficult yesterday will come easily today. Take procrastinate! If you put things off, you'll miss the current cosmic support. out any projects or to-do lists and go for it. Things will be finished Make a list of things to do and start. You'll be done before you know it! before you know it, and you'll still have a smile on your face. Know when to quit, though. You don't want to overdo it.

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

If only more days could be this easy. The energy from the aspects is You might feel like you have more energy today than you usually do. revitalizing, allowing you to get a lot accomplished. If there's some- Whether the tasks ahead require physical strength or mental acuity, thing you've hesitated to do, seize some of the day's added confidence approach them with confidence. Things come easily and readily, and and go for it. You'll succeed at anything you take on. Don't get caught you can accomplish a great deal. Take a little of this energized time up in doing another's work because you have energy in abundance. for socializing with a friend or engaging in your favorite hobbies. There's no need to direct it all into serious matters.

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

Today will start off with an energy boost for you. Seize the opportunity to Expect to start your day with renewed strength and energy. Almost make the most of this by getting those major projects and chores han- everything on your to-do list will fall into place. You can approach your projects with confidence and vigor because you can do what needs to ACROSS 82. An ester of adenosine that is converted to ATP dled. It isn't every day that you feel this good. If you get to work right off be done. If there's something you've wanted to take on or start, you'll 1. (Scotland) A small loaf or roll of soft bread. for energy storage. the bat, you'll have plenty of time to do something recreational after- ward. If you're into sports, the extra energy will give you quite an edge. be hard-pressed to find a better day. Make the most of the confidence 4. Temporary cessation or suspension. DOWN surge. There's nothing you can't handle. 12. A unit of force equal to the force exerted by 1. A small cake leavened with yeast. gravity. 2. The sixth month of the civil year. 15. Hormone secreted by the posterior pituitary 3. Type genus of the Phocidae. gland (trade name Pitressin) and also by nerve 4. A loose sleeveless outer garment made from endings in the hypothalamus. aba cloth. Cancer (June 21-July 22) Capricorn (December 22-January 19) 16. Of low birth or station (`base' is archaic in this 5. An imaginary elephant that appears in a series of French books for children. Today the cosmic conditions are great for peak physical sense). This will be one of those days when you're glad to get up. The energy 6. A radioactive transuranic element produced by and mental energy. You'll be able to take on almost anything. With an 17. (Norse mythology) One of the Aesir known for added increase to your confidence level, now is the time to take steps is exceptionally positive. You'll probably feel energetic, confident, and bombarding plutonium with neutrons. his beauty and skill with bow and skis. toward your biggest goals. Rather than worry about rejection, think, ready to get down to work on your projects. This in combination with 7. A period of time containing 365 (or 366) days. 18. African tree having an exceedingly thick trunk "Nothing ventured, nothing gained." Even though you aren't big on your tendency to work hard can have you going strong. Don't overdo 8. (psychology) Characterized by avoidance or and fruit that resembles a gourd and has an edible taking risks, the ones you take today will be worth it. it. Take some time to smell the roses and take a little rest. withdrawal. pulp called monkey bread. 9. A sign of assent or salutation or command. 20. Having help. 10. Of or relating to a language that arises from 21. The act of slowing down or falling behind. contact between two other languages and has 22. Type genus of the family Arcidae. features of both. 23. A river in north central Switzerland that runs Aquarius (January 20- February 18) 11. Either extremity of something that has length. Leo (July 23-August 22) northeast into the Rhine. 12. A Russian prison camp for political prisoners. 26. Sour or bitter in taste. 13. Fill with high spirits. Expect to enjoy today. You're in great shape and operating at peak It's going to be a great day to get things done. Cosmic conditions will 27. (South African) A camp defended by a circular 14. British composer (1857-1934). performance. These are excellent conditions for working or creating. have you feeling energetic and raring to go. If there's a list of things formation of wagons. 19. An excavator whose shovel bucket is Given the chance, your mind will teem with innovative ideas. Put to do waiting for you, grab it and get going. You might need to resist 29. A white trivalent metallic element. attached to a hinged boom and is drawn back- effort into everything you do today. If the opportunity comes up to the temptation to spend time socializing. If you focus on your priori- 31. Inject with libidinal energy. ward to move earth. participate in a new venture, give it serious thought. It could be a ties, you'll be finished before you know it and there will still be plenty 33. A midwestern state in north central United 24. The elementary stages of any subject (usually smart move. of time left for play. States in the Great Lakes region. plural). 34. Hormone produced early in pregnancy by the 25. All the loaves of bread baked at the same time.` placenta. 28. Harsh or corrosive in tone. Virgo (August 23-September 22) 36. (Greek mythology) The rarified fluid said to flow 30. Uncomfortably cool. Pisces (February 19-March 20) in the veins of the Gods. 32. A Scottish word. The energy today means you'll feel on top of the world. 40. (trademark) A type of inflatable air mattress. 35. Fleshy spore-bearing inner mass of e.g. a puff- Given your usual hardworking nature, you may need to keep an eye This will be an excellent day to start some of the projects you've held 42. A jaunty rhythm in music. ball or stinkhorn. out for exhaustion. While the extra strength, health, and mental back for some time. You'll likely feel more physical and mental energy 45. The wool of a sheep or similar animal. 37. Goddess of the dead and queen of the sharpness give you tremendous support to get a lot done, you have than you've experienced lately. Whether your day is filled with work 47. Tropical woody herb with showy yellow flowers underworld. to know when to quit for the day, too. Save some of that energy for or play, things are going to go great. You can tackle tasks with confi- social or recreational activities. and flat pods. 38. Toward the mouth or oral region. dence. Be productive by giving your energy a place to go. 49. A broad flat muscle on either side of the back. 39. A network of intersecting blood vessels or 50. A flat wing-shaped process or winglike part of intersecting nerves or intersecting lymph vessels. 41. An accidental hole that allows something (fluid an organism. Wordsearch Puzzle Friday’s Solution 51. The blood group whose red cells carry both the or light etc.) to enter or escape. 43. The 8th letter of the Greek alphabet. A and B antigens. 44. Verse in the meter used in Greek and Latin 52. An act of scaling by the use of ladders (especial- poetry consisting of strophes of 4 tetrametric lines. ly the walls of a fortification). 46. An esoteric or occult matter that is tradition- 55. Cubes of meat marinated and cooked on a ally secret. skewer usually with vegetables. 48. Robber flies. 57. A crown-like jewelled headdress worn by wom- 53. A colorless and odorless inert gas. en on formal occasions. 54. Designated paved area beside a main road 58. A small pellet fired from an air rifle or BB gun. where cars can stop temporarily. 60. An informal term for a father. 56. A short speech (often in verse) addressed 61. Surrealist Spanish painter (1904-1989). directly to the audience by an actor at the end 62. A member of an extinct North American Indian of a play. people who lived in the Pit river valley in northern 59. Italian lawn bowling (played on a long narrow California. dirt court). 66. A sneezeweed of southwestern United States 63. The large trunk artery that carries blood from especially southern California. the left ventricle of the heart to branch arteries. 70. A ship with a reinforced bow to break up ice 64. Submerged aquatic plant having narrow leaves and keep channels open for navigation. and small flowers. 72. Enthusiastic approval. 65. (nautical) Of an anchor. 74. 100 aurar equal 1 krona. 67. The act of scanning. 75. The United Nations agency concerned with civ- 68. The act of giving temporary assistance. il aviation. 69. An Asian river between China and Russia. 76. A commercially operated park with stalls and 71. Suggestive of the supernatural. shows for amusement. 73. (nautical, aeronautical) Situated at or toward 79. Of or relating to or characteristic of Thailand of the stern or tail. its people. 77. A hard malleable ductile silvery metallic ele- 80. Go "ding dong", like a bell. ment that is resistant to corrosion. 81. In a trite manner. 78. Being nine more than forty.

Friday’s Solution

Daily SuDoku Friday’s Solution Established 1961

Lifestyle SUNDAY, DECEMBER 8, 2019

Photo shows polar bears outside the village of Ryrkaypiy in the Chukotka region. More than 50 polar bears have gathered on the edge of a village in Russia’s far north, environmentalists and residents said, as weak coastal ice leaves them unable to roam. — AFP Photos 56 polar bears descend on Russian village

ore than 50 polar bears have ice cover, animals are forced to go ashore gathered on the edge of a vil- in search of food.” Residents had gath- Mlage in Russia’s far north, envi- ered walrus carcasses in the area to try ronmentalists and residents said, as weak to keep the bears from wandering into Arctic ice leaves them unable to roam. the village. “We have created a feeding The Russian branch of the World Wildlife point with walrus carcasses that we gath- Fund said climate change was to blame, ered along the coast,” Tatyana Minenko as unusually warm temperatures prevent- of the local “Bear Patrol” told news ed coastal ice from forming. The WWF agency RIA Novosti. said 56 polar bears had gathered in a “As long as there is no big freeze, the one-square-kilometer area near the vil- sea ice will not form and the bears will lage of Ryrkaipy in Chukotka on the stay on the coast,” she said. Russia’s northeastern tip of Russia. There were weather service said temperatures in the concerns they could enter the village, region should fall from Saturday and that home to fewer than 1,000 people, and coastal ice should freeze by December 11. patrols had been set up to monitor their Polar bears regularly visit areas inhabited movements. by humans in Arctic Russia to search for Polar bears are seen “The number of human and predator food, often in rubbish tips. But the number outside the village of encounters in the Arctic is increasing,” of visits has been growing as the melting the WWF said in statement. “The main of Arctic ice from climate change forces Ryrkaypiy in the reason is the decline of sea ice area due the bears to spend more time on land Chukotka region. to the changing climate. In the absence of where they compete for food. — AFP A stray polar bear walks on a road on the outskirts of the Russian industrial city of Norilsk.

Following an earlier week-long stay in In Kosovo, a Serb village 2008, just after Kosovo declared inde- pendence, Handke penned a portrait of the town titled “Die Kuckucke von Velika with a friend in Handke Hoca” (The Cuckoos of Velika Hoca). The slim volume, which every family received in n the small wine-growing village of Nobel committee awarded Handke litera- Serbian, is “part literature, part journalism”, Velika Hoca in southern Kosovo, every ture’s highest honour, they ignited moral according to the publisher. The village, Ihousehold has a copy of a Peter outrage around the globe. shrunk down from its pre-war population Handke book. The farmers also know the But in the centre of Velika Hoca, a large of about 1,700, is one of several small Serb controversial Nobel prize winner person- banner hangs with the image of the communities scattered around Kosovo, ally: Handke has visited more than five bespectacled author reading a book. with Serbian flags announcing its loyalties times and donated nearly 100,000 euros Written beneath it are the words to Belgrade. to the Serb enclave of around 500 people, “Congratulations to our Nobel!” in Serbian, The bucolic vineyards edge up against who live apart from Kosovo’s ethnic- English and Italian. Locals say they feel those of their Albanian neighbors in Hoca e Albanian majority. gratitude to a man who understood their Vogel - a place Handke never visited. While “He’s a good man. Only he has remem- plight as a tiny minority in Kosovo, which the two communities are no more than bered to help us,” says local Vesna was a Serbian province until it broke away three kilometers apart, their lives rarely Manitasevic, explaining how each resident in the 1998-99 war. “We are proud he is a intersect, with the wooded path between A picture shows the cemetery of Albanian civilians killed during the war in the village of Hoca received around 38 euros from the first of friend of Velika Hoca,” said Marko Spasic, them abandoned and overgrown. “He his donations. The tight-knit community is the director of the elementary school. “He should have come here, where there are Vogel in Kosovo. — AFP Photos delighted by their Austrian benefactors’ saw that we were a surrounded enclave, victims,” says Abdurrahim Berisha, a 60- latest and most prestigious award - the and I believe he felt compassion for us”. year-old farmer in Hoca e Vogel, pointing Nobel Prize in Literature that he will offi- with a trembling hand to the cemetery cially receive on December 10. But their ‘I can be alone here’ where his family are among 40 civilians neighbors are not. Across much of Kosovo Over the course of several visits, Handke killed during the war. and the Balkans, Handke’s special affection developed a romantic fascination with Three of his children and 10 other close for Velika Hoca is another reminder of the Velika Hoca, which is one of the oldest Serb relatives were among those slain by Serb writer’s steadfast support for Serbs, even settlements in Kosovo and boasts more than fire while they were trying to find shelter in as their troops committed atrocities during a dozen stone Orthodox church buildings, the mountains, he said. A minaret rising the 1990s wars that shattered Yugoslavia. some of which date from the Middle Ages. from the local mosque still bears a large A lifelong provocateur, Handke down- According to the village chief Miroslav hole blasted open during the war, which played war crimes and argued that Serbs Lukic, the writer gave the town two dona- claimed more than 13,000 lives, mostly were unfairly portrayed as the only tions of 50,000 and 48,000 euros each. Albanians. Serbs in Kosovo also suffered, aggressors by the Western press. He even “Even if there are big problems, I think life with around 2,000 killed and tens of thou- spoke at the funeral of late Serbian has a good rhythm here”, Handke said dur- sands forced to flee their homes. In Velika strongman Slobodan Milosevic, who died ing a 2014 visit, explaining that he “came to Hoca there was a spate of kidnappings, in a prison cell in the Hague in 2006 while inform myself what the village needs”. including two visiting Serb journalists who A Serbian national flag flies on a pipe in the village of Velika Hoca. In the small wine-growing he was on trial for genocide, war crimes “I can be alone here. I can hide. I can were never found. — AFP and crimes against humanity. When the walk very hidden behind the hills,” he said. village of Velika Hoca in southern Kosovo, every household has a copy of a Peter Handke book. 20 Established 1961 Lifestyle Gossip Sunday, December 8, 2019 Eddie Murphy says women think it’s ‘sexy’ to 10 kids

he 58-year-old comedian - who has kids one of the most sought-after stars in Hollywood, Bria, 30, Eric, 30, Christian, 29, Miles, 27, previously: “I still am in the semi-retired state. For TShayne, 25, Zola, 19, Bella, 17, Angel, 12, Izzy, maybe five or six years, I was on the couch, just three, and 23-month-old son Max from previous doing nothing, and not planning and not trying to relationships - is convinced that ladies are get anything. I had things in development, but I just impressed by how many times he’s become a father, was doing nothing.” Despite not working, Eddie whereas men tend to question his sanity. Speaking didn’t feel a strong urge to return to a movie set. on ‘The Ellen DeGeneres Show’ on Thursday The stand-up star is instead happy to focus on his (05.12.19), he said of how many kids he’s had: “Men family life. Eddie explained: “That means I’m never kind of look at me like, ‘He’s crazy. How much did ever, ever - even if that means people love these that sh*t cost?’ And women, it’s kind of like, some- pictures I’m doing - I’m never going to be on it like thing sexy about it, I think. [They think] ‘Eddie I was in my 20s. “What I like to do more than any- Murphy must be doing his thing. Eddie Murphy be thing is to not have a schedule and just be within getting it in.” Eddie was, at the height of his career, earshot of my children. That’s my favourite dish.”

he 42-year-old rapper popped the question to his Jennifer Lopez is behind 2 Chainz wanted his now-wife Kesha Ward on the steps of last year’s TMet Gala, which was held at the Metropolitan proposal to be historic Museum of Modern Art in New York City, and, although daughter’s dream to many people were surprised by the sweet gesture, he decided to do it there because he wanted it to be memo- rable. Speaking to PEOPLE.com, he said: “I just knew it’d become a singer be historic. It would be in somebody’s Google search on he 50-year-old superstar has 11-year-old down the line. It might be even in the history book and twins Emme and Max with her ex-husband, I’m just a debonair lil’ fella so I figured I - why not? “I singer-and-actor Marc Anthony, and she could have done it a thousand places, but we were look- T ing our best and so was everybody else in the world. So I introduced her child’s musical talents to the world when she shared a video of Emme perfectly belting did what I had to do, did what I wanted.” The couple - out Alicia Keys’ hit ‘If I Ain’t Got You’ on her social who have daughters Heaven, 11, and Harmony, seven, and media. In June, J.Lo was joined on stage by her four-year-old son Halo together - tied the knot last daughter for a duet of ‘Limitless’ when she brought August in front of a white tiger, which the rapper had her ‘It’s My Party’ tour to Los Angeles and she is rented out for the occasion, at the Versace Mansion in totally supportive of Emme’s dream to follow in the Miami. Footage of the ceremony was shared on footsteps of her famous parents. In an interview in Instagram and showed Kesha walking down the aisle in a New! magazine, J Lo said: “I want her to know she’s mermaid-style wedding gown while John Legend’s ‘All of limitless. Performing a duet with her on tour this Me’ played. She then changed into a red dress for the took summer was such a proud moment for me and I reception, while the ‘Birthday Song’ hitmaker - whose Jordyn Woods know she can accomplish anything if there’s a pas- real name is Tauheed Epps - swapped his tuxedo for a sion behind it.” J Lo’s career is going from strength- gold blazer. In an Instagram Story clip, they were intro- a lie detector test to-strength and she is being tipped for an Oscar for duced to their guests at the villa, which was previously her performance in the crime movie ‘Hustlers’ this owned by the late Gianni Versace, as “the handsome, for ‘Red Table Talk’ year, but she is adamant her kids are always her first debonair Tauheed and his gorgeous diva of a wife”. priority. She added: “My children always come first. he 22-year-old model went on family friend That might mean I’m on an airplane more than I oth- Jada Pinkett-Smith’s Facebook Watch show to erwise would be, or flying through the night, but it’s Texplain her actions after kissing Khloe so important to be there and watch them grow.” Kardashian’s then-partner Tristan Thompson is Emme’s dad Marc has also publicly stated he is com- February and Jada has now revealed that Jordyn took pletely behind her singing ambitions as long she a lie detector test. In a preview for an upcoming spe- wants to launch a music career “because she likes it” cial, which will show Jada talking about the biggest and not because she wants to be famous. interviews from ‘Red Table Talk’, a viewer asks if Jordyn actually did agree to take a polygraph after saying she would during their interview. She is then shown wearing wires as an administrator asks, “So are you ready to do your polygraph?” and Jada can be heard saying, “Oh, so there it is!” Meanwhile, Khloe, 35, recently revealed that she has forgiven both Tristan, 28, who is the father of her daughter True, and Jordyn, who was her sister Kylie Jenner’s best friend. She wrote on Instagram Stories: “I’m seeing a lot of commentary about last week’s episode of ‘Keeping Up with the Kardashians’. As much as I hate speaking on all of this because I’m sure every- body is over it, as am I, but I’m frustrated that people try to create something that’s not really there. “I don’t hold any negative or hateful feelings towards ANY- ONE! I mean that. Life is short! We are all humans Kylie Jenner’s daughter Stormi can snowboard trying to figure out this thing called life. Who am I to condemn anyone else? Yes, I’m allowed to feel hurt he ‘Keeping Up With the Kardashians’ star took insider said at the time: “The couple has always been on and pain. It would be unnatural for me to pretend as 22-month-old Stormi on a winter vacation this good terms and Stormi is their main priority. Although if I don’t. Personally, I don’t want to be carrying week and was blown away by the little one’s skills the duo is spending time together and have been flirty, around a hateful heart. I crave peace in my life. Me T holding onto hate is only going to hurt me in the end. on the slopes. Taking to her Instagram account on Friday they’re not back together officially.” However, the people (06.12.19), the 22-year-old beauty uploaded a short video around Kylie and Travis are seemingly hopeful that the of the toddler balancing on her snowboard while kitted celebrity duo with reignite their much-discussed out in her white snowsuit, matching helmet and reflective romance in the near future. The insider explained: glasses. She captioned the clip: “I can’t handle this (sic).” “Everyone around them is hopeful they will work it out.” It’s not known if Kylie’s ex-boyfriend Travis Scott - the Kylie and Travis, 28, came together for the annual holiday, father of Stormi - has joined the brunette star and their with the rapper being invited by the make-up mogul’s little girl on the slopes but it’s believed they’ve been get- family on a trip to Palm Springs. A source recently said: ting closer again following their shock split at the begin- “They all stuck together at one table before Khloe ning of October. The former couple even spent [Kardashian] went over to join her friends for a game. Thanksgiving together and were spotted “flirting.” An

Nicole ‘Snooki’ Polizzi quitting ‘Jersey Shore’ he 32-year-old reality star - who has Giovanna Marie, five, and sons Lorenzo Dominic, seven and Angelo James, six months, with husband TJionni LaValle - has decided to bow out of the MTV show after a decade because she can’t bare to be away from her kids any longer. Announcing the news on her ‘It’s Happening with Snooki & Joey’ podcast, the brunette beauty explained that whilst she “can’t believe [she’s] saying this”, it’s “what is best for Lauren Conrad finds [her] at the moment.” Snooki says she will not be taking part in the next series of ‘Jersey Shore: Family Vacation’ “if there is one”. She continued: “I love you so much, and don’t hate me for my decision ... I am retiring from ‘Jersey Shore’. “I motherhood ‘easier’ am not coming back to ‘Jersey Shore’ for season four if there is one. “The main reason is really ... I just can’t do it anymore. Literally, leaving my kids to film it is he former ‘Hills’ star welcomed her second child really, really hard on me.” Retiring from the show is something she has contem- Charlie into the world with her husband William Tell, plated “every single day”. She confessed:”I try and quit every single day. “I quit with whom she also has Liam, two, back in October Lea Michele loves spending every time we film because I just hate beingaway from the kids. “I don’t like T and, although both of her kids are still really young, she’s partying three days in a row. “It’s just not my life anymore. I want to be home found parenthood less stressful this time because she knows Christmas in the kitchen. with the kids. “I don’t mind here and there going to a dinner or whatever, but it’s what she’s doing now. Speaking to PEOPLE.com, she said: just really hard for me to leave the kids and film the show.” “[It’s easier]. You know what you’re in for. You’re not as he 33-year-old actress really enjoys the festive season because it means she gets stressed. You can enjoy it a little bit more. You also know down time from work and is able to spend time whipping up “yummy” soup. that it gets easier, so there’s sort of this light at the end of the TSpeaking to E! News, the former ‘Glee’ star said: “I love making a hearty vegetable tunnel whereas with the first you’ve never done it before soup with potatoes and tons of veggies. “Something yummy to have on a cold winter day. and you have no idea.” The 33-year-old fashion designer Everyone always loves it!” The brunette beauty is no doubt looking forward to seeing recently said she thinks the key to juggling her career with what gift she has under the tree from her husband Zandy Reich this year after he gave her her mommy duties is keeping things “separate”. She said: “It a “wedding survival guide” last year ahead of their big day in March 2019. She said is important to separate things so that you can really focus. recently: “I just told my husband what I want for Christmas, which I’ve never done before You don’t want to be spending time with your kids while and he is such a great gift giver. “Last year, he gave me a wedding survival guide, which having one eye on your phone. You want to be able to have was the cutest thing ever. He made this beautiful box [with] labels and photos and it was undivided attention with them. ?”It’s all about prioritizing all of my favorite things to help me get through wedding planning - a gift certificate to a what’s important to you and what you really need to be massage, a membership to this yoga place I love, a Sugarfish [restaurant] certificate. How there for. I think when you’re running a business, it’s easy to cute is that?” The ‘Same Time, Next Christmas’ star admitted she and her spouse haven’t be like, ‘I need to do everything.’ But you can’t do everything yet established many holiday traditions but are looking forward to spending the festive really well, so we’re fortunate because we’ve been able to season with her family. She said: “Right now, we haven’t got a lot of new traditions but build an amazing team of people who share our passion. this will be our third or fourth year where we’re all together with my mom and dad. We They work really hard.” But Lauren doesn’t mind bringing do Christmas on the East Coast, we cook, we watch movies, my mom makes us wear ugly her children to work when she needs to, as she hopes her sweaters, we’re in pyjamas all day, we sit outside by the fire ... it’s just cozy.” sons will grow up to be inspired by her business ethic. Established 1961 21 Lifestyle Feature Sunday, December 8, 2019

Items made with feathers are pictured at the workshop of Italian feather artisan Gianni Bracciani in Santo Stefano Ticino, near Milan. Feathers have adorned the most glamorous of fashionistas throughout history, from Marie Antoinette to Lady Gaga, and one Italian octogenarian continues to fuel the fantasy. — AFP Photos Gianni Bracciani shows different feather treatments at his workshop in Santo Stefano Ticino. Fashionable feathers: Italian designer’s life in plumes

eathers have adorned the most glamorous of ‘Like family’ fashionistas throughout history, from Marie With rolls of billowing fabric and multi-colored FAntoinette to Lady Gaga, and one Italian feathers at every turn, Bracciani’s workshop is a octogenarian continues to fuel the fantasy. veritable Ali Baba’s cave. In one area, a machine “Feathers, for me, are my passion,” said 89-year- blows feathers into sheets of fabric that will end up old Gianni Bracciani, who comes every day to his as luxury down jackets sold in Russia, Japan and workshop in Santo Stefano Ticino, about 30 km China. The atelier creates the impressive red and (19 miles) west of Milan, to dream up new uses for blue plumes that top the formal hats of the Italian the colorful, wispy plumes. carabinieri police. It also receives extravagant Bracciani has no intention of retiring after a requests, such as that from a dancer who wanted a lifetime in the fashion industry where feathers bed made entirely of feathers. have played a starring role. A-listers and rene- As well as being an artisan, Bracciani is an gades have embraced his creations, designed in inventor, having designed a dozen or so machines collaboration with the world’s top fashion houses specifically for feathers, and developed over 2,000 and donned by the likes of Angelina Jolie, Celine ways of dying them, because not every feather Dion, Naomi Campbell and Jennifer Lopez. takes to color the same way. The problem today, he Feathers are a family affair for the artisan, who said, is finding good quality feathers as factory works today with his daughter Emanuela, 51, and farming means birds are slaughtered before their nine employees at “Bracciani Piume,” a business feathers have fully matured, a process that takes that generates 2 million euros ($2.2 million) in for example two years for roosters. Ostrich feath- sales each year. ers are cut from the birds when still alive. The business dates back to 1883, when Besides being an encyclopedia on feathers, Bracciani’s grandfather began importing from Bracciani is also full of ideas, his daughter Emanuela Paris haute couture items, and then feathers which says. “Working with my dad is incredibly fun but he sold throughout Italy to milliners, shoemakers also very tiring. He’s creative, he starts lots of proj- and tailors. His father then took up the business, ects but rarely sees them through,” she winked, enlisting 15-year-old Bracciani to help with pack- adding that it was her role, like that of her late ing, and later to look for new clients in Europe, mother before her, to finish them. She is hoping her especially France. When he took over the business 17-year-old son will take over the business one day. with his wife Lucia, Bracciani made the strategic In the meantime, one of the workers, Dani, 62, glues decision to focus on feathers for clothing. The top black ostrich feathers onto an elegant miniskirt, couture houses of Italy, France, Britain and the US explaining that she has spent four decades with the Italian feather artisan Gianni Bracciani and his daughter Emanuela pose with some of his creations made with feathers at his work- then quickly came calling. company. “It’s like family here.” — AFP shop in Santo Stefano Ticino.

Items made with feathers are pictured at the workshop of Italian feather artisan Gianni Bracciani in Santo Stefano Ticino. Italian feather artisan Gianni Bracciani feeds ducks outside his workshop in Santo Stefano Ticino, near Milan. 22 Established 1961 Lifestyle Features Sunday, December 8, 2019 ‘Parasite singles’: Why young Japanese aren’t getting married

sharply dressed crowd of Japanese singletons shuf- life-but that pattern is changing rapidly and job security is fle awkwardly around conference-room tables, declining. Since the early 1990s, the ratio of non-perma- Aexchanging small-talk and CVs in an attempt to find nent and contract employees has risen from around 15 a marriage partner-all of them accompanied by their par- percent to just below 40 percent, according to labor min- ents. One 38-year-old woman, who declined to give her istry statistics. name, said she “didn’t have the courage” to find a spouse and move away from her mother, who had come with her to Focus on love the match-making party. “I didn’t have many good oppor- “Lower levels of income and an increase in the number tunities to meet someone,” she explained, adding: “My of extremely unstable jobs-with the fear of getting sacked workplace has lots of women but not many men.” Roughly at any time-are not helping people to think about getting a quarter of Japanese people between 20 and 49 are single, married and having a family,” said Shuchiro Sekine, head according to government data. of a trade union representing contract workers. Even if And while people of this age routinely express a wish to these workers hope to find a partner, with less job security get married, outdated social attitudes and increasing eco- and lower income comes less chance of finding a spouse. nomic pressure is making tying the knot more and more Six out of 10 men aged between 30-34 with a classic difficult, experts say. Sociology professor Masahiro “salaryman” job were married as of 2017, according to a Yamada from Tokyo’s Chuo University told AFP that the government study issued this year, whereas only 22 per- norm of single people living with their parents until mar- cent of male contract workers the same age had a wife. riage means there is less immediate pressure to find a part- Those at the Tokyo match-making party are the lucky ner. “They think it’s a waste of time to have a relationship ones, Sekine told AFP. “Those on lower incomes wouldn’t with someone who does not meet their conditions” and can even think about attending.” afford to wait for a better catch, he said, dubbing these Despite these barriers, do such events help? Shoji Photo shows a general view of parents and participants looking over information as they take part in a match- people “parasite singles.” Wakisaka, head of the association hosting the party, said Although long-term financial security with a husband or making party in Tokyo. — AFP there was no firm data but there had been some success- wife is seen as important, the difficulty of finding affordable es-if limited. “About two percent of participants on aver- housing adds to the incentive to stay with mum and dad, he but his youngest, a doctor living in the US, is single at the exchange contact details with one of the men who, it age find a spouse.” One single woman at the party said it said. One 74-year-old man at the party, on the hunt for a age of 34. He said he is worried for her, “as I’ve heard it is emerged, had the highest income of the group. “The high was an “efficient” place to meet others who want to get suitable bride for his 46-year-old son, pointed to another hard for female doctors to find partners”. Shigeki Matsuda, ratio of unmarried men and women won’t change unless married. “You can’t exactly ask passers-by if they are mar- problem: overcoming shyness. “My son is a salesman. He’s a sociology professor at Chukyo University in central more women accept the idea of marrying a man with an ried,” her mother added. A marriage counselor at the par- good at dealing with customers but he is very hesitant Japan, blames the country’s falling marriage rate on a phe- income lower than herself,” said Yamada. ty, Noriko Miyagoshi, implored would-be lovebirds to for- when it comes to women,” said the father. Why was his son nomenon known as “hypergamy”. In addition, many people meet future spouses in the get the finances and focus on Cupid’s arrow. “You not looking for himself? He was too busy with work. “Japanese women tend to seek men with stable employ- office in workaholic Japan, and there are fewer opportuni- shouldn’t be making a lot of conditions,” she told partici- ment and education levels” higher than them, he explained. ties as jobs become more precarious. In the decades after pants. “I hope you choose the one you genuinely feel you’ll Workaholic Japan Anecdotal evidence from the match-making party seemed World War II, Japan rebuilt its economy largely via huge be able to get along with.” — AFP The same father said his eldest daughter was married to bear this out, a small queue of women forming to corporations offering ultra-dedicated workers a job for Virtual boyfriends a match for China’s single women

hinese teen Robin spends hours online chatting to her man, who always has a sympathetic ear for her Cproblems - as long as she’s willing to pay him. The 19-year-old pre-medical student has spent more than 1,000 yuan ($150) speaking to “virtual boyfriends”. These aren’t seedy sex-chat lines but men who charge for friendly and flirty online communication, from wake-up calls to lengthy text exchanges and video conversations. “If someone is willing to keep me company and chat, I’m pretty willing to spend money,” said Robin, who didn’t want to give her real name. The option for intimacy on- demand has gained popularity among China’s middle- income young women, who are often focused on careers with no immediate plans to marry and start a family. Shops selling virtual friends and partners can be found on Chinese messaging app WeChat or on an e-commerce Alan Zhuang, a 28-year-old reproductive rights activist, poses on her couch at her home in Beijing. Zhang has written more site like Taobao. than 60 letters to delegates of China’s parliamentary body asking them to overturn the restrictions to access sperm banks Several virtual boyfriends said that most of their cus- by single women as part of her work with Diversity Family, the NGO she co-founded to advocate for non-traditional family tomers are single women in their twenties with disposable ‘Virtual boyfriend’ Zhuansun Xu, 22, talks to a girlfriend structures. — AFP photos income. By day, 22-year-old Zhuansun Xu is a foreign on his phone while playing a mobile game in his room exchange trader in Beijing. By night, he chats with female in Beijing. gap report, China ranks 103 out of 149 countries on the clients who pay him to be their “boyfriend”, something he overall disparity between men and women. However, that has done for the past year. Girls come to Zhuansun with most families — has created “a generation of self-confi- climbs to 86 when ranked solely for economic participa- different needs - some want friendly advice, while others dent and resourceful women.” A preference for boys tion and opportunity. As their economic situation have more romantic requests. “While we’re interacting, I meant a generation of sex-selective abortions and aban- improves, fewer women are choosing to get married. tell myself: I really am her boyfriend, so how can I treat doned baby girls, and in 2018, China still had the world’s China’s marriage rate - the number of marriages per her well?” he said. “But after we’re done, I’ll stop thinking most skewed gender ratio at 114 boys born for every 100 year - has been in decline over the last five years. Last this way.” girls. For many women, the policy changed their family year it reached 7.2 per 1,000 people, according to the dynamics. National Bureau of Statistics. Once their basic needs are ‘Feelings of love’ Parents of the female children “raised them as sons”, guaranteed, more women are looking to satisfy their need Prices start from a few yuan for half an hour of texting, says Roseann Lake, author of a book on China’s unmar- for “emotional and self-fulfilment,” says Lake. Although to a few thousand yuan to keep a companion on retainer ried women. “All of those things that traditionally you they are materially better off, the lives of many young for phone calls throughout a month. “People have figured needed to find in a man — a house, financial security — urban women are “isolating”, says Tan. out how to commodify affection,” said Chris KK Tan, an they were raised with it,” she says. Lisa, a 28-year-old Most have spent their teenage years studying for the associate professor at Nanjing University who has executive in Shanghai, has hired virtual boyfriends to act country’s rigorous university entrance exams, at the cost researched the phenomenon. “This is a new mode of out romantic scenarios through text messaging. “Of of developing relationships outside of school. Buying vir- womanhood that is unprecedented in China,” Tan said. course, there were feelings of love, in letting myself feel tual boyfriends “is their chance to experiment with love Pursuing romance had not been available to many like I was being loved,” she said, preferring not to use her and relationships,” he says. For Robin and Lisa, virtual Chinese women in the past. real name. “Because I was just buying a service, I don’t companions are appealing because the relationship was Xiaogunzhu displays pictures of her nine-month-old baby Sandy To, a sociologist at the University of Hong Kong, feel any guilt towards real people.” convenient. “If I have serious psychological stress, this at an apartment hotel in Beijing. The 39-year-old is one of said marriage had traditionally been a “must” in patriar- could make some people think I’m being fussy,” said an increasing number of affluent single women in China chal Chinese society. But Tan says that the one-child poli- Emotional fulfillment Robin. “But because I’m giving (the virtual companions) that are seeking a child, but not a husband. cy - which came into force in 1979 and limited the size of In the World Economic Forum’s 2018 global gender money, they have to reassure me.” — AFP

not you are capable of caring for your husband and in- anger over South Korea’s spycam porn epidemic, laws,” she adds. whose victims are mostly women, and cases of sexual Till death do I stay She has witnessed well educated friends hitting bar- misconduct uncovered in the global #MeToo move- riers at work and experiencing problems at home after ment. The final straw for Lee came last year when a South Korea’s having children. Such difficulties are the subject of a progressive male politician who used to proclaim him- single: recent hit film, “Kim Ji-young, Born 1982”. Based on a self a feminist was convicted and jailed for raping a controversial feminist novel, it centres on a married female aide. Lee says: “I realized this society is a sys- #NoMarriage women South Korean woman who has quit her job and strug- tem that I cannot accept as a woman, and from then any gles to raise her child with limited support. Women encounter with men - be it marriage or dating - became viewers rated the film an average 9.5 out of 10 stars on meaningless to me.” ’m a straight woman who is no longer interested in the South’s top search engine. Men gave it 2.8. having relationships with men.” Bonnie Lee doesn’t ‘Childlike and bubbly’ Icare about finding a boyfriend or a fairytale wed- Escape the Corset Yoon Ji-hye, a 24-year-old YouTuber, feels South ding, and will decide her own happily-ever-after. And A growing number of women are turning their backs Korean women are often expected to be “passive, child- she is not alone. A growing number of South Korean on the traditional expectations of South Korea’s male- like and bubbly”, as well as attractive, to be desirable. women are banding together to reject rigid patriarchal dominated society, where working wives spend four She has fully embraced Escape the Corset, cropping her norms and vowing never to wed, have children or even times longer on domestic chores than their husbands. A hair short and going bare-faced, shunning the country’s date and have sex. “I’ve always felt that as a woman decade ago almost 47 percent of single and never-mar- booming beauty industry. “I used to spend hours master- there are more disadvantages than advantages to being ried Korean women said they thought marriage was ing make-up techniques watching YouTube videos, and married,” says Lee, a 40-something professional who necessary. spent about $200 on beauty products every month,” lives with her dog near Seoul. Now she has gone even Last year, that fell to 22.4 percent, while the number recalls Yoon, who lives with her parents. Her ex “pre- further embracing the nation’s radical feminist move- of couples getting hitched slumped to 257,600 - down ferred” her with long hair and did not support her femi- ment “4B” or the “Four Nos”: no dating, no sex, no mar- from 434,900 in 1996. There is no official data on the nist inclinations, she says. Now also a 4B member, she riage, and no child-rearing. size of the 4B movement, but its members say it has at does not miss dating or sex, explaining: “There are other Marriage rates are plummeting in South Korea least 4,000 followers. Meanwhile a separate feminist options and ways to please yourself”. Yoon is convinced where wives are often expected to work, raise children, YouTube channel that features boycotting marriage and most Korean men in their 20s and 30s have watched and care for ageing in-laws with little state or commu- childrearing has more than 100,000 subscribers. Lee spycam videos or revenge porn - footage released by nity help. “In the marriage market, your previous life has also adopted some tenets of “Escape the Corset”, a male ex-partners - one reason she no longer wants to A glass of drink is seen during an auction in Hong Kong. A and work experience don’t matter,” explains Lee, who movement against South Korea’s strict beauty stan- engage with any of them. 4B and Escape the Corset are growing number of South Korean women are banding has two masters degrees. “For some ridiculous reason, dards - some adherents have shared viral videos of the most radical forms of feminism the South has ever together to reject rigid patriarchal norms and vowing nev- being highly educated also becomes a minus point. themselves smashing up their make-up collections. seen, according to Shin Gi-wook, a sociologist at er to wed, have children or even date and have sex. — AFP What matters the most as a potential wife is whether or The groups are emerging against a backdrop of Stanford University in the US. — AFP ClassifiedsSunday, December 8, 2019

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Arrival Flights on Sunday 8/12/2019 QTR 1078 Doha 13:35 Departure Flights on Sunday 8/12/2019 JZR 305 Istanbul 11:10 Airlines Flt Route Time QTR 8322 Doha 13:45 Airlines Flt Route Time GFA 214 Bahrain 11:25 IGO 1757 Kochi 00:10 KAC 614 Bahrain 13:50 AIC 988 Hyderabad/Chennai 00:05 JZR 213 Jeddah 12:00 AIC 989 Mumbai 00:10 RBG 211 Luxor 14:10 JZR 215 Jeddah 00:05 JZR 221 Riyadh 12:00 FEG 241 Alexandria 00:30 FDB 059 Dubai 14:20 QTR 1093 Doha 00:25 MEA 405 Beirut 12:55 JZR 254 Amman 00:45 GFA 221 Bahrain 14:40 FDB 072 Dubai 00:35 QTR 1075 Doha 13:00 NIA 561 Asyut 00:45 KAC 774 Riyadh 14:40 BBC 044 Dhaka 00:45 JZR 115 Doha 13:00 JZR 734 Cairo 00:50 KAC 672 Dubai 14:40 AIC 990 Mumbai 01:10 GFA 210 Bahrain 13:05 THY 772 Istanbul 00:50 KAC 742 Dammam 14:45 IGO 1758 Kochi 01:10 MSR 611 Cairo 13:25 KAC 102 London 00:55 SVA 500 Jeddah 14:45 FEG 342 Sohag 01:30 SAW 702 Damascus 13:30 KAC 504 Beirut 00:55 KAC 364 Colombo 14:50 NIA 364 Alexandria 01:40 KAC 781 Jeddah 13:30 PGT 858 Istanbul 00:55 KAC 118 New York 14:50 JZR 119 Dubai 01:55 UAE 872 Dubai 14:15 ETH 3424 Addis Ababa/Bahrain 01:30 KAC 692 Muscat 15:00 KAC 677 Dubai 01:55 AXB 394 Kozhikode 14:15 DLH 625 Dammam 01:30 KAC 618 Doha 15:00 JZR 111 Doha 01:55 RBG 218 Asyut 14:50 THY 764 Istanbul 01:50 KNE 529 Jeddah 15:10 PGT 859 Istanbul 02:00 QTR 1079 Doha 15:00 PGT 840 Istanbul 01:50 KAC 792 Madinah 15:10 KAC 363 Colombo 02:00 FDB 060 Dubai 15:10 JZR 722 Alexandria 01:55 ETD 303 Abu Dhabi 15:15 THY 773 Istanbul 02:20 QTR 8323 Doha 15:15 JZR 002 LGW 01:55 KAC 788 Jeddah 15:25 DLH 625 Frankfurt 02:30 GFA 222 Bahrain 15:25 IGO 1759 Delhi 01:55 JZR 222 Riyadh 15:30 KAC 417 Manila 02:30 KAC 775 Riyadh 15:45 UAE 853 Dubai 02:15 OMA 645 Muscat 15:35 PGT 841 Istanbul 02:50 KAC 673 Dubai 15:50 ETH 620 Addis Ababa 02:15 KAC 562 Amman 15:40 ETH 3425 Addis Ababa 02:55 SVA 501 Jeddah 16:00 KNE 530 Jeddah 16:00 RBG 551 Alexandria 02:25 UAE 857 Dubai 15:45 IGO 1765 Delhi 02:55 KAC 563 Amman 16:00 KLM 446 Bahrain 02:30 JZR 732 Cairo 15:50 ETH 621 Addis Ababa 03:05 KAC 743 Dammam 16:05 GFA 211 Bahrain 02:30 ABY 127 Sharjah 15:55 RBG 552 Alexandria 03:05 KAC 615 Bahrain 16:05 QTR 1086 Doha 02:40 KAC 546 Cairo 16:05 UAE 854 Dubai 03:40 ETD 304 Abu Dhabi 16:20 OMA 643 Muscat 02:55 JZR 212 Jeddah 16:25 KAC 621 Doha 03:50 KAC 785 Jeddah 16:30 RJA 648 Amman 03:05 QTR 1072 Doha 16:35 KLM 446 Amsterdam 03:55 OMA 646 Muscat 16:35 PGT 860 Istanbul 03:05 JZR 612 Tbilisi 16:40 THY 765 Istanbul 04:00 ABY 128 Sharjah 16:35 KKK 1268 Istanbul 03:05 JZR 116 Doha 16:40 QTR 1087 Doha 04:00 JZR 103 Bahrain 16:50 ETD 305 Abu Dhabi 03:10 FDB 051 Dubai 16:45 OMA 644 Muscat 04:00 KAC 283 Dhaka 17:00 MSR 612 Cairo 03:15 SVA 510 Riyadh 17:25 ETD 306 Abu Dhabi 04:00 KAC 503 Beirut 17:05 KAC 414 Bangkok 04:00 GFA 215 Bahrain 17:30 MSR 613 Cairo 04:15 KAC 357 Kochi 17:35 LMU 510 Cairo 04:00 JZR 214 Jeddah 17:45 PGT 861 Istanbul 04:25 KAC 619 Doha 17:35 QTR 1076 Doha 04:00 UAE 875 Dubai 18:00 JZR 713 Sohag 04:30 UAE 858 Dubai 17:45 IGO 1751 Chennai 04:10 FDB 063 Dubai 18:15 KKK 1269 Istanbul 04:35 FDB 052 Dubai 17:45 KAC 418 Manila 04:25 JZR 302 Istanbul 18:15 JZR 707 Luxor 04:40 QTR 1073 Doha 18:00 OHY 352 Istanbul 04:30 MSR 620 Cairo 18:30 LMU 511 Cairo 05:00 KAC 343 Chennai 18:00 KAC 302 Mumbai 04:40 QTR 1080 Doha 18:30 KAC 103 London 05:00 JZR 733 Cairo 18:10 JZR 406 Kochi 04:45 IRA 665 Shiraz 18:35 IGO 1752 Chennai 05:10 SVA 511 Riyadh 18:20 FDB 069 Dubai 05:00 JZR 306 Istanbul 18:55 QTR 1077 Doha 05:30 GFA 216 Bahrain 18:20 KAC 358 Kochi 05:10 RJA 640 Amman 19:10 OHY 351 Istanbul 05:30 KAC 301 Mumbai 18:35 JZR 404 Hyderabad 05:10 KAC 156 Istanbul 19:20 THY 771 Istanbul 06:25 JZR 127 Dubai 18:35 DHX 170 Bahrain 05:10 RBG 555 Alexandria 19:25 JZR 121 Dubai 06:35 JZR 403 Hyderabad 18:40 KAC 382 Delhi 05:20 ABY 123 Sharjah 19:25 JZR 113 Doha 06:40 KAC 381 Delhi 18:45 KAC 784 Jeddah 05:20 GFA 217 Bahrain 19:30 JZR 001D LGW 06:45 JZR 721 Alexandria 18:55 THY 770 Istanbul 05:25 QTR 1090 Doha 19:35 RJA 649 Amman 06:55 FDB 064 Dubai 19:20 JZR 112 Doha 05:35 KAC 744 Dammam 19:45 FDB 070 Dubai 07:05 JZR 253 Amman 19:20 QTR 8511 Doha 05:45 KAC 782 Jeddah 19:50 GFA 212 Bahrain 07:15 UAE 876 Dubai 19:30 JZR 216 Jeddah 05:50 KAC 616 Bahrain 19:50 KAC 167 Paris 07:35 MSR 621 Cairo 19:30 KAC 284 Dhaka 05:55 JZR 104 Bahrain 19:55 QTR 8512 Doha 07:45 IRA 664 Shiraz 19:35 JZR 402 Mumbai 06:05 JZR 540 KTM 20:00 KAC 171 Frankfurt 08:00 QTR 1081 Doha 19:55 KAC 344 Chennai 06:10 FDB 057 Dubai 20:00 IGO 1767 Mumbai 08:10 JZR 653 OSS 20:05 JZR 120 Dubai 06:50 OMS 225 Muscat 20:05 KAC 165 Rome 08:15 ABY 124 Sharjah 20:05 KAC 544 Cairo 07:00 KAC 104 London 20:05 KAC 161 Geneva 08:20 RBG 556 Alexandria 20:05 KAC 678 Dubai 07:05 KAC 776 Riyadh 20:05 FDB 054 Dubai 08:35 RJA 641 Amman 20:10 BAW 157 London 07:10 OMA 647 Muscat 20:20 KAC 545 Cairo 08:50 GFA 218 Bahrain 20:15 IGO 1766 Mumbai 07:10 QTR 1088 Doha 20:30 BAW 156 London 09:00 KAC 345 Ahmedabad 20:25 KAC 204 Lahore 07:15 KAC 166 Rome 20:40 KAC 787 Jeddah 09:00 JZR 501 Lahore 20:40 FDB 053 Dubai 07:50 KLM 445 Amsterdam 20:50 KAC 163 MXP 09:00 FDB 058 Dubai 20:45 KAC 622 Doha 08:00 DLH 624 Frankfurt 20:55 JZR 539 KTM 09:05 OMS 266 Muscat 20:45 QTR 1084 Doha 08:00 KAC 674 Dubai 20:55 JZR 731 Cairo 09:10 KAC 333 Trivandrum 20:50 KAC 353 Bengaluru 20:50 UAE 855 Dubai 08:35 MEA 402 Beirut 21:20 KAC 691 Muscat 09:20 JZR 401 Mumbai 20:55 ETD 301 Abu Dhabi 08:55 ETD 307 Abu Dhabi 21:20 KAC 671 Dubai 09:35 QTR 1091 Doha 21:00 KAC 334 Trivandrum 09:00 ALK 229 Colombo 21:20 QTR 1085 Doha 09:40 OMA 648 Muscat 21:20 ABY 125 Sharjah 09:05 UAE 859 Dubai 21:30 ABY 126 Sharjah 09:45 DLH 624 Dammam 21:45 KAC 304 Mumbai 09:30 KAC 172 Frankfurt 21:30 KAC 101 London 09:45 DHX 171 Bahrain 21:50 KAC 384 Delhi 09:30 RBG 217 Asyut 21:35 KAC 561 Amman 09:45 KLM 445 Bahrain 21:50 FDB 055 Dubai 09:40 KAC 162 Geneva 21:40 ETD 302 Abu Dhabi 09:55 QTR 1089 Doha 21:55 IGO 1753 Ahmedabad 09:40 GFA 219 Bahrain 21:45 UAE 856 Dubai 10:00 RBG 214 Sohag 22:15 QTR 1070 Doha 09:45 JZR 002D LGW 21:55 KAC 117 New York 10:00 KAC 203 Lahore 22:15 SVA 512 Riyadh 10:00 KAC 164 MXP 21:55 KAC 791 Madinah 10:00 JZR 701 Asyut 22:15 JZR 114 Doha 10:20 KAC 168 Paris 22:00 KAC 613 Bahrain 10:05 MEA 403 Beirut 22:20 GFA 213 Bahrain 10:40 KAC 564 Amman 22:00 JZR 301 Istanbul 10:05 ALK 230 Colombo 22:25 JZR 714 Sohag 10:50 KAC 620 Doha 22:00 KAC 773 Riyadh 10:15 ETD 308 Abu Dhabi 22:25 JZR 708 Luxor 10:55 QTR 1082 Doha 22:05 KAC 155 Istanbul 10:20 GFA 220 Bahrain 22:30 JZR 122 Dubai 11:15 ETD 309 Abu Dhabi 22:15 FDB 056 Dubai 10:35 UAE 860 Dubai 22:55 QTR 1074 Doha 11:35 AIC 981 Chennai/Ahmedabad 22:25 KAC 617 Doha 10:35 ETD 310 Abu Dhabi 23:05 MEA 404 Beirut 11:55 KAC 786 Jeddah 22:50 IGO 1754 Ahmedabad 10:40 KAC 383 Delhi 23:20 GFA 209 Bahrain 12:05 GOW 061 CNN 23:00 JZR 211 Jeddah 10:40 QTR 1083 Doha 23:25 MSR 610 Cairo 12:25 QTR 1092 Doha 23:10 JZR 611 Tbilisi 10:45 KAC 411 Bangkok 23:25 SAW 701 Damascus 12:30 MSC 405 Sohag 23:15 QTR 1071 Doha 11:00 KAC 543 Cairo 23:30 UAE 871 Dubai 12:50 JZR 128 Dubai 23:15 SVA 513 Riyadh 11:00 KAC 303 Mumbai 23:40 AXB 393 Kozhikode 13:15 FDB 071 Dubai 23:40 KAC 741 Dammam 11:05 GOW 062 CNN 23:55 24 Established 1961 News Sunday, December 8, 2019 ‘Laugh at what’s hurting you’: Lebanon cartoonists stir debate

BEIRUT: On the edges of a protest in figure” after the 1975-1990 conflict, he country 10 years from now, featuring “things Lebanon’s capital, 24-year-old cartoonist says. “We see how he deals with people, we’d like to hear in the near future”. On a Mohamad Nohad Alameddine bites what he does under the table, what he says page spread in French-language newspaper through sticky tape and plasters one of his in public, how he manages corruption rings L’Orient-Le Jour, he imagined a world with political sketches to a side wall. “I haven’t - but in a funny way,” he says. “In the end smooth public transport and no daily elec- been able to work with newspapers, so you want to laugh at what’s hurting you.” tricity cuts. “Daddy, what’s a dijoncteur?” instead I come down and stick them up in On the other side of Beirut, 31-year-old one girl asks, using the French word for the the street,” says the unemployed artist, who Bernard Hage pens away at his digital circuit breaker that trips before power out- graduated this year with a master’s degree drawing board, trying out his latest idea for ages. A stick figure clings to a pole in a sub- in press cartoons. Until this autumn, a cartoon. He says he gladly swapped a way, as a voice overhead calls out the next Alameddine had been poking fun at his career in advertising for the arts several stop in central Beirut. “Change here for line country’s political and economic ills in years ago, including drawing a stream of 1&4. Mind the gap,” it says. sketches he posted online. jokes under the name The Art of Boo. In To avoid offending anyone, Hage says he But from October 17, anti-government May, months before the anti-graft street rarely names political leaders, and depicts protests swept across the country, giving movement, he drew a group of men in suits them all across the board as besuited fig- him a broader audience as protesters sitting in the lotus position in yoga class. ures with little bellies poking out. “I discov- denounced the very same issues he had “Very good. Now exhale, keep ignoring the ered there’s a big gap between my genera- been drawing all along. In public spaces, he crisis,” their leotard-clad instructor says. tion and my parents’ generation,” he says. and friends stuck up gags about failing Hage says inspiration is everywhere in “They lived through the war, saw death and electricity and trash management plans, as Lebanon, “whether you’re in a taxi, at the were terrified by it - and it’s not easy for well as sketches mocking a political class vegetable shop or at the barber”. But the them to leave that behind,” or call out their perceived as corrupt. In one cartoon, a BEIRUT: Lebanese cartoonist Bernard Hage works in his studio in Jal el-Dib on the northern recent outburst of popular anger has traditional leaders, he says. skinny man stripped down to his under- outskirts of the capital on Dec 4, 2019. — AFP amplified debate. “I found my place in the But he says it is time to put the younger pants stands in front of a leader carried in revolution,” says the satirical artist, who generation in charge to fix the country’s on a gilded throne. “We want your under- his drawings as Nougature. “A lot of people his throne. “Don’t worry my love, I’d never regularly posts on social media and draws mounting woes - a polluted environment, wear to pay back the debt,” says the mous- encouraged me.” In late October, the gov- leave you,” says the character he has called once a week for a local newspaper. “My a crashing economy, and high youth tachioed politician, clutching a lit cigar. ernment stepped down, but a deeply divid- President Nazeeh, dressed in a rabbit- role is to keep the conversation going, shed unemployment. Otherwise, the cartoonist Now in the grips of a dollar liquidity ed political class has yet to form a new one. themed pyjama onesie. Alameddine says the light on issues.” - also a musician and occasional writer - crunch, Lebanon is staggering under a pub- fictional leader is his way of criticizing the says he will follow his peers and emigrate. lic debt of $86 billion. Wherever there was Inspiration everywhere traditional ruling class without naming Emigrate? “I’m learning German because, if this a protest, “I’d go down and stick up a relat- Last month, Alameddine drew his same names. “President Nazeeh headed a militia To celebrate one month since the doesn’t work out, I will leave and not ed cartoon,” says Alameddine, who signs long-nosed politician clutching the leg of in the civil war and then became a political protests began, he drew a vision for the come back.” —AFP

gestions that it is “not a real state with a real history” in UAE mines history comparison with Arab nations like Egypt, Syria and Iraq whose ancient pasts are well known, he said. “The history of the UAE is a really fascinating one to assert legitimacy because people don’t know it that well, what they know possibly... are the amazing cities of Dubai and Abu in documentary Dhabi,” said London-based director Anthony Geffen. The country’s oil wealth, its taste for flashy projects and DUBAI: The United Arab Emirates is renowned for its appetite for new technology have won it global skyscrapers and mega-projects, but as the emerging renown in recent decades, but “people do not know the regional power seeks to build legitimacy, it is cam- history of the early days”, he told AFP. paigning to glorify its past as well. “Every nation has a Scenic landscapes seen from above, archaeologists story, this is our story,” is the slogan of a slick new doc- exploring ancient sites, religious tolerance and umentary series that combines archive footage with women’s emancipation - the narratives in the film recall computer-generated imagery and 360-degree aerial UAE promotional clips played at airports and on bill- photography. The program traces “the ancient founda- boards. Mohamed Khalifa Al-Mubarak, president of tions of a modern country” in a story it says dates back Abu Dhabi-based Image Nation which produced the Iranian Foreign Minister Javad Zarif and freed Iranian US Special Representative for Iran Brian Hook welcomes 125,000 years and culminates in the 1970s union of the documentary, is also head of the UAE’s Tourism and scientist Massoud Soleimani stand by a plane in an Princeton graduate student Xiyue Wang on arrival in seven emirates that make up the country. Culture Authority and a member of its Executive undisclosed location. — AFP Switzerland after his release from Iran yesterday. — AFP From remnants of prehistory to the transformational Council. But Geffen said the intention was not to make discovery of oil, the three episodes of the international a tourist film. “It’s based on scientific, archaeological version of “The History of the Emirates” is being broad- and historical rigor... but it can’t be dry, it needs to be brink of a military confrontation in June this year when cast on National Geographic, after screening across accessible,” he said. Iranian, American Iran downed a US drone and Trump ordered retaliatory national media. The profile-building exercise comes at a The documentary begins with knapped flintstones strikes before cancelling them at the last minute. time when Gulf nations are concerned over slumping oil that point to a human presence as far back as 125,000 freed in apparent... Iran has over the years arrested several foreign prices and the potential impact on their economies. years ago in Jebel Faya, a site in the country’s northeast nationals most often on accusations of spying. They “It’s very important that the government and the rul- which served as a transit point on the first migrations include former US soldier Michael R White, British- Continued from Page 1 ing family constantly remind (people) that this is a out of Africa. It also visits the earliest settlements dis- Iranian mother Nazanin Zaghari-Ratcliffe, French aca- nation with an identity that goes back far beyond oil demic Roland Marchal and Australian university lectur- covered in the Emirates, 8,000-year-old structures on Soleimani, a professor and senior stem cell and the government’s ability to distribute wealth to er Kylie Moore-Gilbert. Two other Australians, travel Marawah Island off Abu Dhabi, where the collapsed researcher at Tehran’s Tarbiat Modares University, was people,” said British academic Christopher Davidson. In bloggers Jolie King and Mark Firkin, were released in Neolithic structures also yielded the discovery of the arrested on arrival at Chicago airport in Oct 2018 for the international arena, the UAE is also challenging sug- world’s oldest known pearl. — AFP October by Iran, in another apparent prisoner swap for allegedly attempting to ship growth hormones, accord- Iranian student Reza Dehbashi, who had been wanted ing to Iranian media. “Going home,” Zarif said in anoth- in the United States. er tweet. The Twitter post featured photos of the for- In September, an Iranian woman sentenced in the long been wary of any partisan support, fearing it could eign minister alongside Soleimani outside and inside a United States for violating Washington’s sanctions Iraqis protest to defy delegitimize their movement or push it towards chaos. plane bearing an Iranian flag. It was unclear when the against Tehran was released and returned home. The tensions continued into yesterday, when truck- picture was taken. Negar Ghodskani was arrested in Australia in 2017 loads of armed men briefly blocked a main road near The United States and Iran have not had diplomatic and later extradited to the United States, which said ‘slaughter’ as drone... Tahrir, firing their weapons and shouting, witnesses ties since 1980. Relations between the two foes wors- she confessed to participation in a conspiracy to ille- said. Army units then deployed on the street. Further ened in May 2018 when Trump withdrew the US from an gally export technology to Iran in breach of sanc- Continued from Page 1 south in Nasiriyah, the usual rallies swelled with crowds international accord that gave Iran relief from sanctions tions. Pregnant at the time of her arrest, she was sen- also upset over the previous night’s developments, an in return for curbs on its nuclear program. Iran retaliated tenced to 27 months but released after already serv- Small clusters of protesters stood near the AFP correspondent said. “We are coming in solidarity one year later by suspending some of its commitments ing time in custody. An unknown number of Iranians charred parking complex that was attacked, as larger with Baghdad,” one said. In Diwaniyah, another protest under the nuclear pact. The archenemies came to the are detained abroad. — AFP crowds flocked to nearby Tahrir Square. “They fired hotspot, thousands turned out early yesterday but intensely, mercilessly on the protesters,” one witness security forces, too, deployed in larger numbers. And told AFP. “They wouldn’t let us evacuate the wound- preparations were under way in Najaf, where most of ed. It was slaughter.” the country’s Shiite Muslims are buried, for the funerals reported, citing a person briefed on the initial investiga- After the attack, panicked demonstrators sent out of those killed late Friday. Saudis distance tion. The gunman was armed with a Glock 9mm hand- calls through social media for people to join the rallies In the first comment on the incident from a senior gun that had been purchased locally, the Times report- in Tahrir, hoping to gain strength in numbers. “I came official, President Barham Saleh called on authorities to ed. It had an extended magazine and the shooter had after the incident and there were tons of people in “identify the criminals and bring them to justice”. themselves from... four to six other magazines in his possession. Tahrir and by Al-Sinek,” one demonstrator told AFP. Diplomats in Baghdad said they were “outraged and The incident is unlikely to affect Washington’s close Many of the new arrivals appeared to be members of deeply saddened at last night’s killings” and urged the Continued from Page 1 relations with Riyadh, with both governments seeking Saraya al-Salam (Peace Brigades), which is headed by government hold the perpetrators accountable. The military and diplomatic cooperation to counter Shiite Sadr. The notoriously versatile cleric was one of the country has a complex security apparatus including the Prince Khalid bin Salman, the king’s younger son and power Iran. Seeking to emphasize the close ties, many main sponsors of the current government but then military, various police forces and the Hashed al- the deputy defense minister, offered his “sincerest con- Saudis on social media highlighted American media backed the protests. Shaabi, a mostly Shiite network including factions dolences” to the families of the victims. “Like many oth- reports about two exchange students from Saudi The cleric sent his followers into the streets after backed by Iran. The Hashed initially backed Iraq’s gov- er Saudi military personnel, I was trained in a US mili- Arabia who drowned last year in Massachusetts after Friday’s attack “to protect protesters”, a Saraya source ernment against the protests, but switched sides after tary base, and we used that valuable training to fight rushing into a river to rescue two small children. told AFP. They are nicknamed “blue helmets” after their an intervention by the country’s top Shiite cleric, Grand side by side with our American allies against terrorism But Florida Governor Ron DeSantis suggested standard headgear, and witnesses said they were visi- Ayatollah Ali Sistani. and other threats,” Prince Khalid said on Twitter. “A Riyadh should offer compensation to the victims. “The ble in large numbers in Tahrir before dawn yesterday. The youth-dominated rallies have brought down large number of Saudi graduates of the Naval Air government of Saudi Arabia needs to make things bet- But just a few hours later, Sadr’s home in the shrine city the prime minister, Adel Abdel Mahdi, and political Station in Pensacola moved on to serve with their US ter for these victims, and I think they’re going to owe a of Najaf was hit by an apparent mortar round dropped blocs have been holding talks this week to agree on a counterparts in battlefronts around the world, helping debt here given that this is one of their individuals,” by a drone, sources from his party told AFP. “Only the replacement. Sistani insisted on Friday he was not part to safeguard the regional and global security. (The) DeSantis told US media. Saudi citizens strongly reject- external wall was damaged,” one of them said, adding of those talks but urged they remain free of “foreign tragic event is strongly condemned by everyone in ed the view on social media, with one Twitter user say- that Sadr was currently in Iran. interference,” an apparent warning to Iran, Iraq’s Saudi Arabia.” ing: “The government of Saudi Arabia is not responsible Dozens of his supporters flocked to his home yester- influential neighbor. The US on Friday slammed the The SITE Intelligence Group, which monitors for every single individual with a Saudi passport.” day to show support, waving Iraqi flags and the cleric’s presence of Tehran’s pointman on Iraq, Major General jihadist media, said Shamrani had posted a short mani- Relatives of the victims of the 2001 attacks are also picture while chanting, “We are all your soldiers!” “This Qasem Soleimani, as “a huge violation of Iraqi sover- festo on Twitter that read: “I’m against evil, and suing Saudi Arabia for compensation even though is a clear attack that could kindle a war - maybe a civil eignty”. It also slapped sanctions on three Iraqi America as a whole has turned into a nation of evil. I’m Riyadh has strongly denied complicity in the attacks. war - in Iraq. Self-restraint is essential,” Sadr’s Hashed leaders it accused of involvement in the dead- not against you for just being American, I don’t hate Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman has sought spokesman Salah Al-Obeidi told AFP. Protesters have ly crackdown. — AFP you because your freedoms, I hate you because every to project a moderate image of his austere kingdom, day you supporting, funding and committing crimes not often associated in the West with jihadist ideology. only against Muslims but also humanity.” Prince Mohammed has promoted what observers call a flew two planeloads of supporters to see their semi-final ABC News reported that investigators were working de-emphasis on religion as he pursues a sweeping Qatari minister talks win against Iraq on Thursday. The Saudi team flew straight to determine if it was in fact written by the shooter. The modernization drive that has allowed mixed-gender to Doha despite the ban on direct flights, although the Twitter account that posted the manifesto - which also music concerts and ended decades-long bans on cine- UAE team still made the obligatory stop in a third country. condemned US support for Israel and included a quote mas and women drivers. of ‘some progress’... Bahrain will face Saudi Arabia in the final today. from Al-Qaeda’s deceased leader, the Saudi Osama bin Saudi Arabia, which is home to Islam’s holiest sites in Off the pitch, the Qatari foreign minister held talks with Laden - has been suspended. Makkah and Madinah and where the practice of other Continued from Page 1 Saudi officials last month, an Arab diplomatic source said. Commanding officer Captain Timothy Kinsella said religions is banned, has hosted a flurry of representa- Recent attacks on the kingdom’s oil facilities and the the shooter was an aviation trainee, one of “a couple tives of various Christian traditions in recent months. football tournament hosted by Qatar, leading to spec- blowback from Washington’s combative stance towards hundred” foreign students at the base. Six Saudis were But he has also faced global criticism for the kingdom’s ulation of an imminent diplomatic breakthrough. Iran appear to have prompted Saudi Arabia and its allies detained following the shooting, including three who poor human rights record, including the jailing of multi- In a symbolic gesture, Bahrain’s football association to moderate their policies. — AFP were seen filming the entire attack, The New York Times ple women activists, clerics and journalists. — Agencies 25 Sports Sunday, December 8, 2019 Capitals edge Ducks after squandering lead, extend winning streak to six Rookie lifts Blackhawks past Devils in shootout

ANAHEIM: Jakub Vrana scored the game-winning goal Coyotes for the first time in his career, picked up his fourth and also had an assist, and Braden Holtby made 27 saves career shutout and second not only this season but in a to lead the visiting Washington Capitals to their sixth row. He was coming off a 28-save performance on straight victory, a 3-2 decision over the Anaheim Ducks on Wednesday in a 3-0 win over the St. Louis Blues, and he Friday night. Evgeny Kuznetsov and Travis Boyd also has a personal scoreless streak of 144:51. Antti Raanta scored goals and John Carlson added his 32nd assist for made 24 saves for Arizona, which had won two straight. Washington, which swept the three California teams on a Coyotes winger Phil Kessel had three shots in his return to road trip for the first time in franchise history. The Capitals PPG Paints Arena. Kessel spent the previous four seasons also improved their NHL best road record to 14-2-1. Ryan with the Penguins, winning two Stanley Cups. Getzlaf had a goal and an assist, and Adam Henrique also scored for Anaheim. Ryan Miller finished with 33 saves. OILERS 2, KINGS 1 Leon Draisaitl and Alex Chiasson both collected one BLACKHAWKS 2, DEVILS 1 (SO) goal and one assist to pace Edmonton to a home victory Rookie Kirby Dach, appearing in an NHL shootout for over slumping Los Angeles. Goaltender Mikko Koskinen the first time, scored the decisive goal in the fifth round as stopped 35 shots for the Oilers, who vaulted the Coyotes visiting Chicago edged New Jersey. Dach’s goal capped an to reclaim the top spot in the Pacific Division. A pair of entertaining shootout in which both teams scored in the first-period power-play goals by Draisaitl and Chiasson first two rounds. Jonathan Toews and Patrick Kane tallied provided more than enough offense for the Oilers. Michael for the Blackhawks while Nikita Gusev and Jesper Boqvist Amadio gave the Kings a comeback chance when he put were successful for the Devils before Chicago goalie them on the board with 6:28 left in the third period. Corey Crawford and New Jersey goalie Mackenzie Jonathan Quick stopped 18 shots for the Kings, who have Blackwood turned back the next two shots apiece. Alex lost three straight games. DeBrincat scored in the second period for the Blackhawks. Taylor Hall scored in the first period for the Devils, who CANADIENS 2, RANGERS 1 lost their fourth straight and fell to 0-1-1 under interim Nate Thompson scored the winning goal with 67 sec- head coach Alain Nasreddine. Crawford made 29 saves, onds left in the third period as visiting Montreal edged and Blackwood turned aside 28 shots. New York. Thompson gave the Canadiens their second win in the past 11 games (2-6-3) by scoring his eighth PENGUINS 2, COYOTES 0 career game-winning goal and first since the 2014-15 Evgeni Malkin snapped a goaltending duel with a third- season with Anaheim. Montreal’s Brendan Gallagher period goal, and Brandon Tanev added an empty-netter scored for the third straight game, and Brendan Smith Friday to back the 33-save performance of Tristan Jarry in got the tying goal for New York, which fell to 5-2-1 in its EDMONTON: Oscar Klefbom #77 of the Edmonton Oilers clears the puck under pressure from Alex Iafallo #19 Pittsburgh’s win over visiting Arizona. Jarry, facing the past eight games. — Reuters of the Los Angeles Kings at Rogers Place in Edmonton, Canada. — AFP

Rugby Championship winner, Kolbe was recently voted lades go to his head, said teammate and 2011 and 2015 South African pocket Top 14 Player of the Year after helping Toulouse to the World Cup winner Jerome Kaino. “We exchanged a few domestic title last season. thoughts on our respective experiences as world champi- “We feel much stronger with him,” said French interna- ons,” said All Blacks back-row forward Kaino. Reed penalized rocket Kolbe returns tional prop Cyril Baille. Fly-half star Romain Ntamack “We chatted about all the plaudits which will come his added: “With the autumn that he has had, with all these way now. “But he’s a guy with a level head on his shoulders to fire up Toulouse titles, he has a real dynamism, a joy of life. — I don’t have any worries about him.” Coach Ugo Mola for improving “Are we stronger with him? Well, it’s certain that we also believes that Kolbe can step out of the limelight and prefer to have him with us rather than against us.” Kolbe, star again for Toulouse. lie at Hero TOULOUSE: South Africa’s Cheslin Kolbe returns to who stands at just 1.70m (5ft 7ins) and weighs in at 80kgs “From him, I expect the same as we do from our other Toulouse for the first time since his World Cup winning (12st 8lbs), is a huge crowd favourite at the Stade Ernest- internationals — a total investment in the club and the heroics today with teammates relieved “to have him with Wallon. When taking his seat in the stands alongside his team,” said Mola. “Kolbe is only one member of our fabu- World Challenge us rather than against us”. The 26-year-old is lined up to wife and daughter at recent home games against Connacht lous team. However, if Cheslin repeats the performances he face Montpellier in the European Champions Cup, a little and Bayonne, fans screamed his name every time his image has achieved at the highest level, we also know that things MIAMI: Former Masters champion Patrick Reed was more than a month after scoring a try in the Springboks’ flashed on the TV screens. will be less complicated for him.” Toulouse top Pool 5 in penalized two strokes Friday for improper swings in a World Cup final victory over England in Japan. “Kolbe, Kolbe,” they shouted as memories flooded back the European Cup after a 25-20 win over Gloucester and waste bunker in the third round of the Hero World Kolbe only resumed training tomorrow but his impor- of similar vociferous adoration reserved for former expat 32-17 victory against Connacht. However, their domestic Challenge in the Bahamas. tance to four-time European champions Toulouse cannot favourite Byron Kelleher in the 2007-2008 title season. form has been patchy — they currently sit at a modest Reed, who is due to tee it up on playing captain be under-estimated. As well as being a World Cup and Despite his success in Japan, Kolbe will not let the acco- ninth place in the Top 14 table. — AFP Tiger Woods’ US team in the Presidents Cup next week, insisted he didn’t think he improved his lie. But he acknowledged that he moved sand with both prac- tice swings and therefore violated the rules. tough to get to today but some local “It’s unfortunate,” said Reed, whose bogey at the Jones leads knowledge helped me,” said Jones, who 11th was changed to a triple-bogey eight. “I didn’t feel mixed five birdies with two bogeys. it drag, but then when they brought it up to me it defi- Australian Open “The course was playing difficult, the nitely did drag some of the sand and because of that wind was tough. But I very calm out it’s considered a two-stroke penalty,” he said. there. I was comfortable and excited to “I think with a different camera angle they would as Oosthuizen, play. “I’ll draw on my experience from have realized that if it was from the side you would winning it here in 2015 tomorrow, most have seen that with the backswing it was not improv- Casey chase definitely,” he added. ing the lie because it was far enough away from the Four years ago, Jones won by a shot golf ball. from Adam Scott, who missed the cut “But after seeing that camera angle, because it SYDNEY: Local knowledge paid divi- this year, and American Jordan Spieth, brushed the sand it was a penalty.” Slugger White, dends for 2015 champion Matt Jones who who at the time was one of the best play- PGA Tour vice president of rules and competitions, held a three shot buffer from American ers in the world. Oosthuizen, part of the said the matter was clear cut. “You cannot remove or Cameron Tringale after the third round of Presidents Cup International team that press down loose soil or sand, that’s the bottom line,” the Australian Open yesterday. Playing in will face the Tiger Woods-led Americans White said, noting that Reed’s intent was irrelevant. far less smoke haze from bushfires sur- in Melbourne next week, made birdies at Reed, who bogeyed the 12th, had recovered with rounding Sydney than in the opening two the third and the fifth to jump into the birdies on 14 and 15 and after a bogey at 16 birdied days — where players complained of early lead, but bogeys on eight and 12 the last. But the penalty meant he lost his share of sec- stinging eyes — overnight leader Jones derailed his momentum. ond as he finished with a 74 that left him alone in sixth, held his nerve to hit a 68 to be 13-under Casey, who is chasing a third win of three strokes behind US Open champion Woodland. for the tournament. the year, also briefly topped the leader- Woodland finished with back-to-back birdies in a It left the Australian, who has won board but a painful double bogey on the 68 at Albany Golf Club for a 13-under par total of 203 twice on the PGA Tour, but not since ninth saw him fall back into the chasing and a one-shot lead over Sweden’s Henrik Stenson. 2015, three clear of Tringale, who birdied pack. A birdie on the last ensured he Stenson also carded a 68 to finish the day on 12 under. the last for a 69 to ensure outright sec- stayed in touch. He could have taken sole possession of the lead or at ond place. English world number 14 Paul Kanaya, the world’s top amateur, also least tied but bogeyed the par-four 18th. Casey, exciting Japanese amateur Takumi remained in contention and like Jones Tournament host Woods, meanwhile, was lurking Kanaya and South African Presidents noted that the pin placements were just two off the lead on 11-under with Justin Thomas Lewis Hamilton Cup player Louis Oosthuizen were all tricky. “I wanted to be aggressive today and Spain’s Jon Rahm. Former world number one lurking dangerously four off the pace. but it was difficult with the pin place- Woods, who is also plotting the United States’ Australian Jamie Arnold had the round ments, so I played a little bit safer,” he Presidents Cup campaign in Australia next week, fired of the day at the Australian Golf Club in said. “Matt Jones is a great player I a five-under-par 67. — AFP Hamilton gets trophy, Lauda Sydney, stroking a seven-under-par 64 know, but I have little bit of a chance to be five behind Jones. “The pins were (today).” — AFP named FIA personality of the year Britain’s Whyte PARIS: Six times world champion Lewis events. “I could happily be on holiday Hamilton laid hands on the Formula One right now and it could be shipped to cleared of doping winners’ trophy on Friday as his late me. I’m not working my year for the team boss Niki Lauda was voted person- actual trophy as such,” he said. ality of the year at the governing FIA’s Hamilton said that nonetheless he LONDON: British heavyweight Dillian Whyte has been prizegiving gala. enjoyed seeing others celebrate their cleared of any wrongdoing by the UK Anti-Doping agency Austrian Lauda, a triple world cham- successes and was inspired by the clips (UKAD), which on Friday withdrew a charge against the pion and one of the all-time greats as of their achievements. boxer for a doping violation. Whyte, 31, won the WBC well as the Mercedes team’s non-execu- Hamilton can equal Michael interim heavyweight title on July 20 this year by beating tive chairman, died in May aged 70 after Schumacher’s record seven champi- Colombian Oscar Rivas on points but his interim champion a lung transplant the previous August. onships next year, and looks set to sur- status was provisionally suspended later that month over The award was the result of a vote by pass the great German’s milestone 91 an irregular urine sample given prior to the fight. permanently accredited media from the wins, but said he had never been focused Whyte, who always denied any wrongdoing, was also International Automobile Federation’s on such statistics. removed from the WBC rankings pending an investigation various championships. “Every year is a blank slate, every by the WBC. UKAD had charged Whyte as his sample There was also recognition of late season,” said Hamilton. “I use 44 on my before the Rivas fight “indicated the presence of two race director Charlie Whiting, who died car, I never use number one. I feel like metabolites of a steroid”. But on Friday the agency said before the season-opening race in every season number one is there up there was nothing in Whyte’s “longitudinal urinary profile” Australia, and French F2 driver Anthoine for grabs for everyone.” Hamilton’s to suggest he had used steroids. Hubert who died at the Belgian Grand Finnish team mate Valtteri Bottas, who “UK Anti-Doping and the professional boxer, Dillian Prix weekend in July. drove his Mercedes on stage before Whyte, can today jointly confirm that Mr Whyte was Hamilton was last to receive his prize stepping out to collect the second charged with an anti-doping rule violation (ADRV) earlier but the trophy has become a familiar place driver’s trophy, might feel encour- this year, but that this charge has now been withdrawn,” object, handed to another driver only aged by those words. said a UKAD statement. once in the past six years — now Red Bull’s British-born Thai driver “UKAD is satisfied that the presence of the very low retired team mate Nico Rosberg win- Alexander Albon was named rookie of amounts of metabolites in his 20 June 2019 sample was not ning in 2016. the year, while Dutch team mate Max caused by any fault, negligence or wrongdoing on Mr Appearing on stage in a zip-fronted Verstappen, third in the championship Whyteís part and, given the circumstances, could not have sky blue suit at the black tie event in the with three race wins, took the action of affected the fight between Mr Whyte and Mr Rivas on 20 Carrousel du Louvre, the 34-year-old the year for an overtake on Ferrari’s July 2019,” added the statement Whyte, who is fighting said it had been the best season of his Charles Leclerc. Poland’s Mariusz Wach on Saturday on the undercard of the life but hoped for even better in 2020. The best promoter’s award went to world heavyweight title rematch between Mexico’s champion SYDNEY: Australian golfer Matt Jones hits a tee shot on day three of the Australian The Briton had earlier told reporters, the Mexican Grand Prix for the fifth year Andy Ruiz Jr and Britain’s Anthony Joshua in Saudi Arabia, Open golf tournament at the Australian Golf Club in Sydney yesterday. — AFP however, that he was no fan of such in a row. — Reuters posted the UKAD statement on Twitter. — Reuters 26 Sports Sunday, December 8, 2019 Icon’ Chen beats Hanyu to claim third Grand Prix Final gold Hanyu thwarted in his bid for a record fifth Grand Prix Final title TURIN: US figure skating sensation Nathan Chen set new Yevgeny Plushenko skated to 2006 Winter Olympics gold world record scores on his way to a third consecutive at the Turin rink. The only glitch in the Japanese skater’s men’s gold at the ISU Grand Prix Final in Turin yesterday, programme was his under-rotation of a triple flip and sin- leaving vanquished Yuzuru Hanyu feeling “a little jealous”. gling his final triple axel jump. Two-time world champion Chen blew away his great Hundreds of stuffed toys rained down on the ice as Japanese rival with a total overall score of 335.30 points Hanyu collapsed in exhaustion. “I decided to do five after his free skate to Elton John’s ‘Rocket Man’. Double quadruples after the short programme yesterday,” said Olympic champion Hanyu was thwarted in his bid for a Hanyu. “Even though I knew I couldn’t win I wanted to record fifth Grand Prix Final title, taking silver with 291.43. achieve something at this competition. “I’m very happy France’s Kevin Aymoz won bronze with 275.63. with what I accomplished, this helps my confidence to Taking to the ice last, Chen had a long wait for the rink grow.” to be cleared of the hundreds of Winnie The Pooh soft toys and gifts thrown onto the ice by Hanyu’s adoring fans on ‘SKATING GOD’ the Japanese skater’s 25th birthday. Hanyu was returning to the elite six-skater event after a The American nailed five quadruple jumps, earning two-year absence looking to topple Chen and lay the extra points including two in the second half of his pro- groundwork to reclaim the world title in Montreal next gramme, culminating with a triple lutz-triple toeloop com- March. Hanyu, who trains under Canadian coach Brian bination. The 20-year-old bettered his own record scores Orser in Toronto, won four consecutive Grand Prix Final from last year’s world championships in the free skate by titles between 2013 and 2016, and a fifth would see him 8.9 points and the overall record by nearly 12 points. overtake Russians Plushenko and Irina Slutskaya. “It felt amazing, I’m really thrilled with the score,” said On his big rival, Chen added: “It’s an amazing honour to Chen. “I got pretty gassed out at the end so I need to work be able to compete against Yuzuru. I’ve idolised him for on my stamina a little bit.” It left an emotional Hanyu feel- years. “Even now, he’s still truly like a skating god to me. ing old and envious. Of course, now Kevin, I’ve competed with him for a couple “I’m a little jealous of him,” said Hanyu. “But I really of years now and continue to see his improvement.” respect him. “Nathan is making it harder and harder in fig- French champion Aymoz claimed his first podium place, ure skating, and I’m much older than him! “Nathan is push- surviving a fall on his second quadruple jump, in a solid ing the sport, he’s an icon for my practice.” performance to Patrick Watson’s ‘Lighthouse’. “I never Hanyu added: “I can say I have two gold medals for the imagined to be next to these two guys one day so I’m real- TURIN: (From L) Runner-up Japan’s Yuzuru Hanyu, winner USA’s Nathan Chen and third-placed France’s Kevin Olympics, but that’s the past, I want to live in the now, I ly happy,” said the 23-year-old. Aymoz pose on the podium after the Men Free Skating program yesterday at the ISU Grand Prix of figure skating want to compete more and more with Nathan.” Chen, from Two-time world champions Sui Wenjing and Han Cong Final 2019 in Turin. — AFP Salt Lake City, had taken a 13-point lead on Hanyu into the led a Chinese 1-2 to claim their first pairs gold on Friday free skating final at the Palavela. night ahead of Peng Cheng and Jin Yang. In the women’s But Hanyu hit back with five quadruple jumps in a bril- competition, Alena Kostornaia is leading a Russian 1-2-3 champion Rika Kihira last in the six-skater field. Four- and Guillaume Cizeron are leading going into the free liant performance to Edvin Marton’s ‘Origin’, a composer going into the free skating final later with defending time world ice dancing champions Gabriella Papadakis dance final. —AFP

“I’m not someone who comes to the stadium wanting to “It’s about contributing to your team and making the Kohli would rather entertain people hitting the ball in the air. I want to get the team win.” job done,” Kohli told broadcaster Star Sports after India Kohli’s knock was an innings of two halves with the finish than entertain won the series opener in Hyderabad by six wickets. right-hander trying to hit too hard initially before redis- India’s NBA trailblazer “Within that, if I get an opportunity to hit sixes, I will. covering the sublime timing which makes him the top But the aim is not to play slam-bang cricket. ranked batsman both in tests and one-dayers. NEW DELHI: India’s captain Virat Kohli says his priority “I think my role in this team is to bat long. Myself or “I thought I’m not a guy who slogs the ball. I’m more Satnam fails dope test is to help India win matches than just play ‘slam-bang Rohit (Sharma), one of the guys has to play till the end of a timer, so I’m going to rely on my timing. And then cricket’ for the sake of entertaining the crowd in the because our strength is usually striking in the later half the pitch was good enough for me to go through the Twenty20 game. of the innings, and our strike rate goes up.” line of the ball and just play my shots.” NEW DELHI: Satnam Singh, the first Indian to be draft- Kohli relies more on his timing than muscle power to Despite his assertions, Kohli’s knock was not totally ed into the NBA, has been provisionally suspended by Kohli produced a batting masterclass in Friday’s Twenty20 match against West Indies, smashing a career- hit those sixes and the 31-year-old sees no reason to try devoid of entertainment, and at one point he mimicked India’s anti-doping agency after failing a drugs test last and overhaul his technique. Kesrick Williams’ box-ticking celebration after hitting month. best 94 not out to help India chase a 200-plus target with eight balls to spare. “The basic funda is that I don’t want to change my the bowler for a six. Singh, who joined the Dallas Mavericks in 2015, game too much because I play all three formats and I “It happened to me in Jamaica when he got me out, failed an out-of-competition test last month and was The elegant right-hander, who clobbered six sixes, went run-a-ball in his first 20 deliveries before exploding want to contribute in all three formats. I don’t want to so I thought I’ll tick a few in the notebook as well,” handed a temporary ban on November 19, according to be a format specialist. Kohli said. —Reuters the National Anti-Doping Agency (NADA) newsletter. to plunder 74 off the last 30. The banned substance that was been detected in Singh’s sample was not confirmed. The 23-year-old Singh, standing 7 feet 2 inches (2.18 meters) tall, has denied the charge through a statement Davis, James power yesterday, asserting he is “clean”. “Mr. (Satnam Singh) Bhamara is disputing the said Lakers in rout charge and has requested a hearing before the NADA Anti-Doping Disciplinary Panel (ADDP) in order to put of host Blazers forth his case,” the statement said. “Mr. Bhamara would like to state that he was and remains a clean competitor and has always played bas- PORTLAND: Anthony Davis delivered 39 points, nine ketball fairly.” rebounds and three blocked shots as the Los Angeles Singh, who did not play an NBA game, went on to Lakers rolled to a 136-113 victory over the host Portland play in the National Basketball League of Canada after Trail Blazers on Friday night. LeBron James made four 3- signing a deal with St John’s Edge in September 2018. pointers while recording 31 points, eight assists and seven He has represented India at the Asian rebounds as the Lakers improved their record to 20-3, tied Championships, 2018 Commonwealth Games and the with the Milwaukee Bucks for best in the NBA. Kyle 2019 World Cup Qualifiers. Kuzma scored 15 off the bench, and JaVale McGee added There is also a Netflix documentary ‘One in a Billion’ 13 points on 6-of-7 shooting as Los Angeles completed a which charts Singh’s remarkable journey from a remote 3-0 road trip that began with games against the Denver Punjab village to the Mavericks. — AFP Nuggets and Utah Jazz. Damian Lillard registered 29 points, eight assists and seven rebounds for the Trail Blazers. Hassan Whiteside added 17 points, 10 rebounds and three steals, and Carmelo Anthony, CJ McCollum and Anfernee Simons added 15 points apiece. Portland’s Ex-skipper Smith Rodney Hood sustained a torn left Achilles tendon during the first quarter. Hood collected a rebound and fell to the set to become SA floor after landing, then immediately grabbed for the lower portion of his left leg with 3:27 left in the period. He was scoreless in the contest. PORTLAND: Hassan Whiteside #21 of the Portland Trail Blazers is knocked to the floor as Anthony Davis #3 and director of cricket LeBron James #23 of the Los Angeles Lakers go after the ball during the first half of the game at Moda Center in MILWAUKEE BUCKS 119 - Portland, Oregon. — AFP LOS ANGELES CLIPPERS 91 JOHANNESBURG: Former Test captain Graeme Smith is Giannis Antetokounmpo scored 27 points and grabbed assists for the Timberwolves. Karl-Anthony Towns added bing 14 rebounds for the Kings, who lost their third set to become Cricket South Africa’s (CSA) director of 11 rebounds on his 25th birthday as Milwaukee extended 30 points and eight assists. straight game. cricket, the governing body’s president Chris Nenzani its NBA-best winning streak to 14 games with a rout of announced yesterday. Nenzani added at a press conference DETROIT PISTONS 108 - INDIANA PACERS 101 ORLANDO MAGIC 93 - he had spoken to 38-year-old Smith earlier in the day. visiting Los Angeles. Khris Middleton scored 17 points Andre Drummond had 25 points and 22 rebounds and CLEVELAND CAVALIERS 87 “I am happy to announce that we have engaged while Pat Connaughton and Ersan Ilyasova added 13 each Blake Griffin added 25 points as host Detroit downed Terrence Ross made four 3-pointers to highlight his 21- Graeme Smith and I am confirming that by next week as the Bucks improved to 10-1 at home. Kawhi Leonard Indiana. Luke Kennard added 15 points and Rose scored point performance as visiting Orlando recorded a victory Wednesday all of the negotiations around the contract scored 17 points for the Clippers in his first game at terms that need to take place would have been conclud- Milwaukee since the Toronto Raptors earned a victory 10 of his 14 points in the third quarter for the Pistons. T.J. over Cleveland. Evan Fournier scored 18 points and Aaron ed,” said Nenzani, speaking after a special board meeting there in Game 5 of last season’s Eastern Conference finals Warren scored 26 points and Malcolm Brogdon added 21 Gordon added 14 for the Magic, who extended their win- of CSA, following a week of crisis for the organisation. to take a 3-2 series lead. Leonard’s Raptors went on to win points in a losing cause for the Pacers. The Pistons ning streak to a season-high four games by defeating the If Smith agrees to take the job he will have just over the series in six games on the way to the NBA title. wrapped the game up with a defensive stop and subse- Cavaliers for the third time this season. Collin Sexton fin- two weeks to put a selection panel and coaching staff in quent breakaway layup by Langston Galloway with 9.3 ished with 19 points and Cedi Osman added 14 for the place before the first of four Tests against England, start- MIAMI HEAT 112 - WASHINGTON WIZARDS 103 seconds remaining. reeling Cavaliers, who have lost five in a row and 11 of their ing in Centurion on December 26. Jimmy Butler had his second triple-double in the past past 12 games. Despite calls for the resignation of Nenzani and the three games and the sixth of his career, posting 28 points, BROOKLYN NETS 111 - CHARLOTTE HORNETS 104 entire board, Nenzani said the board had been mandated 11 rebounds and 11 assists and leading host Miami over Joe Harris pumped in 22 points, and Brooklyn produced BOSTON CELTICS 108 - DENVER NUGGETS 95 by the organisation’s members’ council - made up of presi- Washington as the Heat set a franchise record by starting a couple of significant second-half scoring surges to win Jayson Tatum scored 26 points, Jaylen Brown added 21, dents of the 14 provincial affiliates - “to continue to guide the season 9-0 at home. Miami also got impressive per- at Charlotte. Taurean Prince tacked on 16 points, while and Boston blew out visiting Denver. Kemba Walker had us through this period and turn it around.” formances from center Bam Adebayo and rookie guard centers Deandre Jordan and Jarrett Allen posted 16 and 14 19 points, and Marcus Smart chipped in nine in his return The press conference came after a tumultuous week Tyler Herro. Adebayo had a career-high 24 points and points, respectively, for the Nets. David Nwaba and from an abdomen injury as the Celtics won for the fifth during which five leading journalists had their accredita- grabbed 14 rebounds while Herro finished with 22 points. Spencer Dinwiddie provided 13 points apiece for time in their last six games. Boston improved to 9-0 at tion withdrawn, a major sponsor announced it would not Wizards shooting guard Bradley Beal, who entered the Brooklyn, which has won five of its past six road games. home. Nikola Jokic had a season-high 30 points and 10 renew its agreement with CSA and chief executive game fifth in the league in scoring, had 23 points, eight Hornets guard Devonte’ Graham scored 29 points, hitting rebounds for the Nuggets, who lost for the third time in Thabang Moroe was suspended on charges of misconduct. assists and four rebounds. Davis Bertans added 19 points six 3-pointers one game after he tied a franchise record their last four games. Denver was playing the second night Nenzani said a lack of trust in Moroe by Smith was a fac- and 10 rebounds off the Washington bench, making 5 of 13 with 10 treys. of a back-to-back, having beaten the New York Knicks by tor in negotiations which have been conducted sporadical- attempts from 3-point range. Wizards center Moritz a 37-point margin Thursday. ly over a period of three months. Wagner had 19 points and nine rebounds. SAN ANTONIO SPURS 105 - Several prominent individuals, as well as the Gauteng SACRAMENTO KINGS 104 (OT) GOLDEN STATE WARRIORS 100 - cricket board and the SA Cricketers’ Association, called OKLAHOMA CITY THUNDER 139 - Dejounte Murray’s jumper with 29.6 seconds to play CHICAGO BULLS 98 for the board to stand down but Nenzani said the issue MINNESOTA TIMBERWOLVES 127 (OT) proved to be the difference as host San Antonio outlasted Glenn Robinson III scored a team-high 20 points, had not been raised at a meeting of the members’ council Dennis Schroder forced overtime with a last-second Sacramento, winning back-to-back games for the first time including a go-ahead basket with 1:03 left in the fourth which started late on Friday and continued until the early basket, and Chris Paul scored 30 points to lead Oklahoma since the opening week of the season. The Spurs were quarter, and Golden State held on for a win at Chicago. Alec yesterday. City win over visiting Minnesota. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander down by nine points with 1:50 to play in regulation but Burks scored 14 points on 6-for-10 shooting off the bench He brushed off the resignations of three of the board’s scored a career-high 29, including 11 of the Thunder’s 17 made a final push. Aldridge scored 19 points and grabbed for Golden State, which won only its fifth game of the sea- five independent directors. “We thank them for their serv- points in the extra period. Oklahoma City had five players 13 rebounds for the Spurs. DeMar DeRozan, who had son but improved to 2-0 against Chicago. Eric Paschall fin- ice and will engage in a process to fill the vacancies,” he finish with 20-plus points for the first time in franchise his- three 3-pointers in the game after having only four all sea- ished with 13 points and Willie Cauley-Stein added 10. Zach said. Nenzani said the respected Jacques Faul, the chief tory. Schroder scored 25 off the bench while Steven son, added 15 points for San Antonio. Buddy Hield led LaVine scored 22 points to lead the Bulls, who had won executive of the Northerns cricket union and a former act- Adams (22 points, 11 rebounds) and Danilo Gallinari (21) Sacramento with 23 points, and Harrison Barnes scored 21 their previous two games in a row. Lauri Markkanen tallied ing chief executive of SA, had agreed to again become the also contributed. Jeff Teague put up 32 points, his best points and secured 10 rebounds. Yogi Ferrell added 17 20 points, and rookie Coby White finished with 14 points in acting chief executive with immediate effect. — AFP scoring performance in nearly four years, and had nine points and Richaun Holmes scored 13 points while grab- 19 minutes off the bench. — Reuters Established 1961 27 Sports Sunday, December 8, 2019 Bayern down to sixth after defeat at Bundesliga leaders ’Gladbach Dortmund ease pressure on coach to go third with a 5-0 home romp

BERLIN: Bayern Munich dropped to sixth after Ramy Javi Martinez gave a penalty away and was sent off for Bensebaini’s injury time penalty fired Bundesliga lead- a clumsy tackle on Marcus Thuram in the area. ers Borussia Moenchengladbach to a 2-1 win over the The Spain international trudged off after being reigning champions yesterday. A second straight league shown second a yellow card as Bensebaini showed loss puts pressure on Hansi Flick, who has been put in nerves of steel to convert the penalty. charge until January and was tipped to see out the sea- son as interim boss after winning his first five games. DORTMUND RUN RIOT Bayern, now seven points adrift in the title race, went Elsewhere, RB Leipzig stay second after their 3-1 ahead at Borussia Park when Ivan Perisic fired home home win against Hoffeneheim as Timo Werner just after the break, but defender Bensebaini headed grabbed the opener, then netted a second-half penalty Gladbach level with an hour gone. to leave the Germany striker with 15 league goals this The Algerian then struck his decisive soppage-time season. Midfielder Marcel Sabitzer scored Leipzig’s penalty after Bayern’s Javi Martinez was sent off for a late third goal before defender Erim Bicakcic pulled second yellow card. There were wild scenes of celebra- back a consolation goal for Hoffeheim just before the tions from home fans at the final whistle of a game whistle. Borussia Dortmund eased the pressure on Bayern dominated for long stretches. coach Lucien Favre to go third with a 5-0 home romp But like last week’s 2-1 home loss to Bayer against Fortuna Duesseldorf, who drop into the bottom Leverkusen they only had themselves to blame as they three, as England winger Jadon Sancho and club cap- squandered a string of chances. Bayern had six clear tain Marco Reus both scored twice. first-half chances, two of which saw striker Robert Having ground out a 2-1 win with 10 men at Jurgen Lewandowski fire wide. They were denied the lead by Klinsmann’s relegation-threatened Hertha Berlin last goal-line technology on 29 minutes when Joshua weekend, Dortmund ran riot after the break at home Kimmich’s shot slid under Yann Sommer’s block, but the with four second-half goals. Gladbach goalkeeper scrambled and just managed to Reus put the hosts ahead at Signal Iduna Park, then stop the ball fully crossing the line. Bayern finally broke combined with Sancho and Thorgan Hazard after the through when Perisic, a first-half replacement for break to shred Duesseldorf’s defence. Sancho had a injured Coretin Tolisso, hammered his shot on the turn goal ruled out for offside on 52 minutes, but set up to beat Sommer four minutes after half-time. Surviving Hazard four minutes later, before scoring Dortmund’s on less than 40 percent possession, Gladbach drew lev- third goal with an hour gone after combining with Reus. el on the hour mark against the run of play as they Reus, then Sancho both claimed their second goals scored off their first clear chance. inside a devastating four-minute spell just before the Midfielder Jonas Hofmann whipped in a corner and whistle. Freiburg moved up to fifth, a point above Bayern, MOENCHENGLABACH: Bayern Munich’s Polish forward Robert Lewandowski (C) and Bensebaini powered his header past Bayern goalkeeper with a 1-0 win at home to Wolfsburg thanks to a second- Moenchengladbach’s Brazilian forward Raffael (R) vie for the ball during the German first division Bundesliga football match Borussia Moenchengladbach vs Bayern Munich in Moenchengladbach, west- Manuel Neuer. Gladbach gained in confidence, but the half winner from Jonathan Schmid while mid-table ern Germany, yesterday. —AFP game turned in the 90th minute when Bayern defender Augsburg enjoyed a 2-1 win at home to Mainz. —AFP

Ricky Villa’s 1981 FA Cup final gem and Son scores Gareth Bale’s Champions League classic against Inter Milan in 2010. It was the culmination of a swagger- stunner ing Tottenham display that featured fur- Benzema delivers ther goals from Kane and Moussa as Spurs Sissoko, putting them back on track after their 100 per cent start under new boss again as Real Jose Mourinho was ended by crush Burnley Wednesday’s defeat at his former club cruise past Manchester United. LONDON: Son Heung-min scored a sub- As if Son’s masterclass wasn’t enough lime contender for the Premier League’s to lift Mourinho’s spirits, Tottenham also Espanyol goal of the season as the South Korean’s kept the first clean-sheet of his reign MADRID: Real Madrid were without Eden Hazard moment of genius inspired Tottenham’s 5- after conceding twice in each of his first and Gareth Bale yesterday but Karim Benzema 0 rout of Burnley yesterday. four matches. stepped up again to ensure they beat struggling On the day he was presented with the Tottenham are up to fifth place, six Espanyol in La Liga. Benzema scored one and set up AFC Asian International Player of the points behind fourth placed Chelsea, another in a 2-0 win at the Santiago Bernabeu, where Year award by compatriot Park Ji-sung, after their fourth win in five games in all Real wore an all-green kit to show support for this Son underlined his place among the competitions under Mourinho. week’s Climate Summit in the city. game’s elite with arguably the greatest Aware that his players were feeling Victory means Zinedine Zidane’s side move to the effort of his glittering career. sorry for themselves in the Old Trafford LONDON: Tottenham Hotspur’s English midfielder Dele Alli evades the chal- top of the table, for a few hours at least, before With Spurs already rampant after dressing room on Wednesday, Mourinho lenge from Burnley’s English defender Matthew Lowton (R) during the English Barcelona play later at home to Real Mallorca. early goals from Harry Kane and Lucas urged them to respond to the first set- Premier League football match between Tottenham Hotspur and Burnley at Espanyol, who have not won in six league games, stay Moura, Son stole the show before half- back of his reign by showing “rage and Tottenham Hotspur Stadium in London, yesterday. —AFP 19th. An ankle injury is likely to rule Hazard out of the time when he ran from deep inside his anger”. It took just five minutes to see season’s first Clasico on December 18 while Bale has own half past a host of Burnley defend- Mourinho’s impassioned plea had the Dele Alli flicked a back header McNeil’s challenge and through a a thigh problem and is also a concern ahead of that ers and capped the astonishing burst desired effect. towards the net and Lucas was on hand Burnley defence still regrouping from crunch game at Camp Nou. But another excellent with an ice-cool finish. Son laid a cushioned pass into Kane’s to tap in his fourth goal of the season their own attack. Benzema display will at least be of some consolation, Since christening the Tottenham path and, with the Burnley defence from virtually on the goal-line. After evading Eric Pieters’ despairing after he teed up Raphael Varane before scoring his Hotspur Stadium with its first senior goal backing off too far, he advanced Mourinho slept at Tottenham’s train- lunge, Son was face to face with Pope 15th goal this term to put Espanyol out of sight. last season, Son has now been directly unchecked before blasting a thunderous ing ground immediately after flying back and his clinical low strike was the perfect “We’re talking about Karim a lot recently, in a involved in 15 goals in 15 appearances at 25-yard strike past Nick Pope. from Manchester, allowing him extra finish to a jaw-dropping goal. good way,” said Zidane. “He’s getting older and that’s the plush north London arena. Tottenham were pouring forward with time to work on the Burnley game-plan, Tottenham weren’t finished yet and made a difference, his maturity. “None of us are per- Son’s 77 goals in Spurs colours since such pace and poise that Burnley were but even he couldn’t have drawn up Kane got his second in the 54th minute, fect. But he’s asked to chase and he does it. He’s his 2015 move from Bayer Leverkusen powerless to stem the tide as Mourinho’s Son’s 32nd minute stunner. cleverly gliding away from two Burnley asked to score and he does it. I can’t ask for more, have featured some memorable moments men struck again four minutes later. Taking possession on the edge of his defenders before firing into the roof of only that he keeps doing it.” but none have been quite as dazzling as Son was involved again with a scintil- own penalty area, Son looked for a pass the net from 18 yards for his 15th club Increasingly it looks like the winner of the Clasico this one. lating run and low shot that Pope before deciding the best option was to goal of another prolific season. will spend the Christmas break first in the table, with The 27 year-old winger’s 10th goal of blocked into the path of Burnley defend- go it alone. Sissoko’s emphatic drive rounded off the top two pulling away from the likes of Atletico the season ranks among the best ever er Ben Mee, who deflected it high into He accelerated with such speed that Tottenham’s biggest league win of the Madrid, who drew away at Villarreal on Friday. scored by a Tottenham player, alongside the air. in the blink of an eye he was past season in the 74th minute. —AFP Sevilla, in third, are four points behind Zidane’s side before they travel to Osasuna on Sunday. The absence of Hazard and Bale meant Rodrygo came in Education City will now be opened in 2020 although on the right of the front three while Vinicius Junior Matches on TV the world football governing body did not give an exact Qatar postpones was given a rare chance to stake a claim on the left. date. “Construction at Education City stadium is com- (Local Timings) Vinicius’ last start came in the defeat to Mallorca plete and the venue is now operational,” FIFA said in a on October 19 and the 19-year-old, who has been out launch of new statement. ENGLISH PREMIER LEAGUE of favour under Zidane, impressed with a daring and “However, the necessary certification process took Aston Villa v Leicester City 17:00 dynamic performance. beIN Sports HD 2 longer than expected and therefore the stadium was 2022 WCup venue “He always wants to score goals, that is his job, Newcastle United v Southampton 17:00 unable to host the required test events prior to the but we have to highlight everything else he did beIN Sports HD 7 DOHA: Qatar has postponed to next year the opening semi-final and final of the FIFA Club World Cup at full Norwich City v Sheffield United 17:00 today,” said Zidane. “He had chances, played well capacity. beIN Sports HD 8 of Education City stadium, its second newly built venue offensively and defensively. And also after playing “The priority is to ensure an enjoyable experience Brighton&Hove Albion v Wolverhampton 19:30 for the 2022 football World Cup, FIFA said yesterday. less recently. He has done well.” beIN Sports HD 2 for all fans so it was decided to open the stadium at a The venue was due to be inaugurated when it hosted Vinicius may now be given another outing against later date.” Three years ahead of the start of the 2022 the semi-final of the Club World Cup between Club Brugge in the Champions League on SPANISH LEAGUE Liverpool and an as yet undetermined side on tournament, Qatar has already launched the brand new SD Eibar v Getafe CF 14:00 Wednesday, when Madrid are likely to rest key play- 40,000-capacity Al-Janoub stadium and the refur- beIN Sports HD 3 December 18. ers given their qualification as runners-up is already bished Khalifa International ground. Real Betis v Athletic de Bilbao 16:00 But delays to the certification of the stadium by the guaranteed. beIN Sports HD 3 Five new stadia remain under construction. On authorities will mean that the fixture will instead be Vinicius looked eager to make an impact as he Real Valladolid v Real Sociedad 18:00 played at Khalifa International Stadium which was Tuesday, Qatar will open the remaining line and sta- beIN Sports HD 3 fired off an early shot from an acute angle and was tions on its new three-line metro system. —AFP CD Leganes v Celta de Vigo 20:30 already due to host several Club World Cup fixtures. then booked for a lunge at Espanyol goalkeeper beIN Sports HD 3 Diego Lopez. Espanyol had openings on the count- Osasuna v Sevilla FC 23:00 beIN Sports HD 3 them to the relative comfort of 14th spot in the table. Frank er-attack, the best of them presented to Wu Lei, who Everton bounce Lampard’s men remain in fourth place but fifth-placed was making history as the first ever Chinese player to ITALIAN CALCIO LEAGUE Wolves could close the gap to just three points if they play at the Bernabeu. His header was saved by US Lecce v Genoa CFC 14:30 beat Brighton today. Ferguson, who celebrated the goals Thibaut Courtois. beIN Sports HD 4 back from derby wildly, refused to talk up his chances of getting the job Madrid’s goal came in the 37th minute and from Torino FC v ACF Fiorentina 17:00 beIN Sports HD 4 full-time despite the win, telling BT Sport: “I’m here for an unlikely source as Varane stayed up following a Sassuolo Calcio v Cagliari Calcio 17:00 pain to beat Chelsea Everton. I’m here for as long as they want me here. corner and Benzema found him in space after beIN Sports HD 10 “I’m sure they’re out there looking for other candi- bundling through on the edge of the box. With his left spal v Brescia 17:00 LIVERPOOL: Chelsea slipped to their third Premier dates, and rightly so. We want the best guys in the world foot, Varane stabbed into the far corner. beIN Sports HD 13 EN League defeat in four matches yesterday as Everton managing our football club. “This was just an incredible Vinicius might have made it two after tearing clear UC Sampdoria v Parma Calcio 1913 20:00 beIN Sports HD 4 bounced back from their Merseyside derby humiliation to experience for me, one no one can take away from me. on the break but failed to beat Lopez at his near post Bologna FC v AC Milan 22:45 win 3-1 and escape from the relegation zone. You saw on the touchline how enthusiastic I was. It’s while shortly after half-time Lopez denied Benzema, beIN Sports HD 4 Former fans’ favourite Duncan Ferguson is in interim one game, it’s one result.” Ferguson’s reign got off to the who had also broken in behind. control at Goodison Park after Marco Silva was sacked on perfect start with Brazil forward Richarlison heading Benzema missed another chance from a Vinicius GERMAN BUNDESLIGA 1ST DIV Thursday and the former forward had an instant impact. home Djibril Sidibe’s cross from the right to give the cross but finally got his goal with 11 minutes left. He FC Union Berlin v FC Koln 17:30 hosts a fifth-minute lead. Chelsea pushed for an equalis- threaded in Fede Valverde with a smart reverse pass beIN Sports HD 5 Goals early in each half from Richarlison and Dominic Werder Bremen v Paderborn 07 20:00 Calvert-Lewin put the home side 2-0 up and although er, with in-form England forward Tammy Abraham going and then continued his run, before meeting the pull- beIN Sports HD 5 Mateo Kovacic pulled one back, Calvert-Lewin struck close a couple of times, but the Toffees went in at half- back and finding the corner. —AFP again late to seal the win. The three points for Everton lifts time 1-0 up. —AFP Established 1961 Sport

SUNDAY, DECEMBER 8, 2019

Jones leads Australian Open Chen beats Hanyu to claim Bayern down to sixth after defeat 25as Casey, Oosthuizen chase 26 third Grand Prix Final gold 27 at Bundesliga leaders ’Gladbach

CLARK: Kristina Marie Knott from the Philippines celebrates after winning in the women’s 200m athletics event at the SEA Games (Southeast Asian Games) at the athletics stadium in Clark, Capas, Tarlac province north of Manila yesterday. —AFP Filipina sprinter defeats ‘Queen of Speed’ Teen star Yulo ‘distracted’ at home SEA Games: Gymnastics chief CLARK: Filipina sprinter Kristina Marie Knott defeated It was a golden evening for Thailand’s men, with a About 8,750 athletes and officials are taking part in vault, parallel bars, and horizontal bar in front of a rau- Vietnam’s “Queen of Speed” Le Tu Chinh yesterday to 10,000m gold for Kieran Tuntivate, a one-two for the regional Olympics spread across dozens of venues cous crowd at the Rizal Memorial Coliseum in Manila. take her Southeast Asian Games 200m track title in the Chayut Khongprasit and Siripol Punpa in the 200m and in the northern Philippines, which was hit by a deadly “There are so many things happening,” Gymnastics first night of track and field action at the stadium in a win for Kittipong Boonmawan in the men’s hammer. typhoon earlier this week. Association of the Philippines president Cynthia New Clark City. The 11-country Games, featuring a record 56 sports, Carrion told Rappler. “When he’s abroad, he is more Pole vaulter Ernest Obiena added to the SINGAPORE SWIMS were rocked by Typhoon Kammuri which forced about focused.” Philippines’ medal tally with a Games record jump of At the nearby aquatics centre, Malaysia’s Ooi Tze half of Tuesday’s events to be rescheduled. Despite Yulo is one of the nation’s biggest stars and has had 5.45 metres — enough to qualify him for the Tokyo Liang and Mohd Syafiq Puteh won gold and silver in more than a dozen deaths in the storm, none of the ath- celebrity-status since becoming the first-ever Filipino Olympics next year. the men’s 3m springboard individual final, and Ng Yan letes, officials or 12,000 volunteers was reported hurt to win a world championship gold — in the floor exer- The host nation are in complete control of the medal Yee and Nur Dhabitah Sabri sealed a diving clean and a full programme resumed on Wednesday. cise — in October in Stuttgart, Germany. Many had table after a week of competition at the biggest-ever sweep for the nation with a win in the women’s syn- Seven of the last 11 host nations have finished top of tipped Yulo to win a clean sweep of the seven golds on SEA Games, with 85 golds — streets ahead of chronised 3 metre springboard. the medals table at the SEA Games, where the flexible offer at the SEA Games, including Carrion. Indonesia’s 50 and Vietnam’s 43. Knott also broke a In a successful night for Singapore in the pool, Quah sporting programme is traditionally heavily weighted “I’m not happy because he should be winning Games record in her heat yesterday morning with a Ting Wen won the women’s 50m butterfly, Darren Chua towards the home team. golds,” she said. “He’s very distracted.” Yulo yesterday time of 23.07 seconds and the 24-year-old bettered took the men’s 200m freestyle title and the women’s 4 x Earlier, the Philippines gymnastic chief believes the tweeted that he was heading “back to Japan” where he that in the evening final, striding to victory in 23.01 100m relay cruised to gold in the freestyle relay. country’s teenage world champion was “distracted” at trains under a scholarship programme. “See you all ahead of Chinh on 23.45. Elsewhere, one of the region’s only gold medallists this year’s home Southeast Asian Games and could have again soon,” he wrote. “Thank you so much Chinh, 22, had been aiming to retain all three of the at Rio 2016 — Vietnamese pistol shooter Hoang Xuan improved on his haul of two golds and five silvers, local Philippines.” sprint titles she won in 2017 — the 100m, 200m and 4 Vinh — had to settle for silver, losing out to media reported yesterday. He also retweeted a selfie posted by gold medallist x 100m relay — over the coming days at the 20,000 Thailand’s Kulchairattana Pongpol in the 10m air pis- Carlos Yulo, 19, won the all-round and floor exercise weightlifter Hidilyn Diaz — another athlete hailed by capacity stadium at the Games’ main hub. tol contest in Subic. events but came second in the pommel horse, rings, Filipinos as a national hero. —AFP

Victory moved Klopp’s Premier League Everton clash. League appearance of the season, and with Keita played the ball into the Egypt inter- Liverpool leaders 11 points clear of Leicester City, 24 The forward provided an assist for Keita the Cherries yet to settle after being forced to national and continued his run forward to col- hours before Brendan Rodgers’ team face — impressive on his first Premier League reorganise, Liverpool forced the lead. lect Salah’s backheeled return and finish easi- Aston Villa, and added more pressure on start of the season — and tormented Jordan Henderson delivered a long ball ly past Ramsdale. After an unconvincing start cruise against Manchester City immediately before the Bournemouth throughout. The only flaw from from deep inside his own half into the path of to the game, Klopp could be satisfied his side Manchester derby. Klopp’s point of view was that his side took Oxlade-Chamberlain, who had surged for- were perfectly placed to close out the game. It was the ideal preparation for the visit to time to get into their stride. ward into the space between centre-back And their position was further strength- Bournemouth Austria, where Liverpool need a point to That all changed 10 minutes before the Chris Mepham and right-back Simon Francis, ened when Keita repaid Salah’s earlier favour guarantee their progress into the Champions interval when the balance of the game shifted and the England international directed the by setting up his team-mate for the 54th- BOURNEMOUTH: Jurgen Klopp could hard- League knockout stages. Klopp made seven over the course of a minute, and ensured ball past Aaron Ramsdale with a controlled minute third after collecting Simpson’s mis- ly have asked for more as his Liverpool side changes to the side that beat Everton 5-2 on Liverpool could sign off their domestic duties volley. placed clearance. eased their way to a comfortable 3-0 win at Wednesday and the controlled manner of this in style. Up until that point Bournemouth had Salah had threatened in the first half and Bournemouth ahead of Tuesday’s decisive victory meant his players were spared any appeared just as capable of taking the lead as this time he made no mistake, slipping the ball Champions League visit to RB Salzburg. unnecessary exertion before their European BOURNEMOUTH BLOW Klopp’s league leaders. But the double blow past Ramsdale. There was little in the way of First-half goals from Alex Oxlade- challenge. Nathan Ake, Bournemouth’s best defender of losing Ake and falling behind sapped belief a response from the home side and Chamberlain and Naby Keita put the Reds in And the manager could also draw satisfac- up to that point, pulled up clutching his ham- from Eddie Howe’s side who remain without a Liverpool’s margin of victory would have control before Mohamed Salah wrapped up tion from the performance of Salah, who string and it was clear the centre-back was league win since the start of November. been even greater but for the efforts of the win early in the second half while a first delivered the desired response after being unable to carry on. And Liverpool took full advantage, adding Ramsdale, who capped his afternoon with a clean sheet since September ensured there withdrawn in the previous weekend’s uncon- The Dutch international was replaced by the second a minute before the break after a fine save to deny Henderson’s free-kick in the was no chance of a late scare. vincing defeat of Brighton and rested for the Jack Simpson, making his first Premier clever exchange between Salah and Keita. final seconds. —AFP