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THURSDAY, JANUARY 29, 2015 RABI ALTHANI 9, 1436 AH www.kuwaittimes.net Sheikha Rima Snails slither The Real Fouz: Djokovic, named UNHCR into spa scene Plastic surgery Serena on goodwill in Thailand can’t fix low fire to make ambassador2 and28 beyond self-esteem36 Aussie20 semis Kuwait marks ninth Min 12º Max 26º High Tide year of Amir’s reign 07:35 & 18:29 Low Tide Sheikh Sabah attends flag-raising ceremony 01:01 & 12:37 40 PAGES NO: 16417 150 FILS KUWAIT: Kuwait marks today the ninth anniversary of conspiracy theories the accession of HH the Amir Sheikh Sabah Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah as the ruler of Kuwait. On Jan 26, 2006, the National Assembly held a special session Better late where he was constitutionally sworn in to his new post. To mark the occasion, Sheikh Sabah sponsored and attended a flag-raising ceremony yesterday at Bayan than never Palace. The ceremony was attended by HH the Crown Prince Sheikh Nawaf Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah, National Assembly Speaker Marzouq Al-Ghanem, HH the Prime Minister Sheikh Jaber Al-Mubarak Al-Hamad Al-Sabah and other senior sheikhs and officials. Later, Sheikh Ali Jaber Al-Ahmad Al-Sabah held a lunch ban- quet at his farm in Abdaly in honor of HH the Amir. By Badrya Darwish Sheikh Sabah began his political career on July 19, 1954, when he was appointed a member of the execu- tive committee tasked with overhauling and streamlin- ing all government departments and agencies at the time. A few years later, in Feb 1959, he became head of [email protected] the government’s department for publications and social services, following which in 1962, he was appoint- ed a member in the council in charge of drafting a con- t’s nice that someone in the parliament, at last, stitution for the newly-independent state of Kuwait. thought about the issue of unlicensed firearms in By 1962, all government departments had been Ithe hands of the public. The reality is that there changed to ministries and Sheikh Sabah was given the are thousands of unlicensed firearms in Kuwait and post of minister of news and guidance, and in 1963 he some of them are incredibly dangerous and high became minister of foreign affairs. In Dec 1965, besides tech, not just a simple rifles or pistols. Because many his post at the foreign ministry, he was also made acting people after the invasion of Kuwait unfortunately minister of oil and finance and on Feb 2, 1971, he was collected serious weapons left by the fleeing Iraqi named acting minister of information, and on Feb 16, army and kept them for their personal use or what- 1978, he was named the acting minister of interior. On ever. It was the government’s chance at that time to July 13, 2003 he was entrusted with the post of prime be serious about collecting all those arms. I recall minister in a Cabinet he formed. that the Ministry of Interior issued warnings and HH Sheikh Sabah held the post of foreign minister asked the public to hand over these illicit weapons, longer than anyone in the history of Kuwait, gaining but I think it was mostly forgotten and many KUWAIT: HH the Amir Sheikh Sabah Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah attends a flag-raising ceremony at Bayan through it extensive experiences, which became useful weapons remained. Palace yesterday. — KUNA (See Page 3) in dealing with other nations’ policies and relations. Now the parliament has legalized search and Continued on Page 13 seizure for the police to tackle this issue and also increased the jail terms and fines for those caught with unlicensed arms. I know it’s a little late, but as Diesel, kerosene prices cut to 110 fils they say, better late than never. Actually, the gov- ernment already had the right to search and seize KUWAIT: Kuwait has cut selling prices of Feb 1, KUNA reported. illegal weapons with a warrant signed by the public diesel and kerosene at filling stations after It quoted KNPC spokesman Khalid Al- prosecutor, who works under the umbrella of the political opposition to price hikes under- Asousi as saying that from now on, domestic Justice Ministry. So I’m not sure what’s new in the lined the difficulty of reforming the coun- prices of the fuels would be reviewed bill. try’s welfare system, even as the loss of oil monthly according to developments in the While I support the initiative, I don’t think anoth- revenues makes reform more urgent. On Jan global markets. KNPC will continue to sup- er bill is the solution. The problem in Kuwait is not a 1, the government raised the price of diesel ply certain parties, including those with very lack of laws and regulations. Our beautiful constitu- at wholesalers and filling stations to 170 fils large demand for the fuels, at the old, subsi- tion covers most issues and is fair and just. But the per litre from 55 fils. Kerosene prices also dized price of 55 fils, he said. question is of implementation. This is where the increased. The changes aimed to reduce the Cutting subsidies has become more problem in Kuwait is, in every department, in every burden of lavish subsidies on state finances. important for the government with the ministry, in every sector and in every aspect. There State news agency KUNA estimated that plunge in global oil prices, which has is not equitable and fair implantation of the rules. diesel price reform would save the govern- slashed state export revenues. Earlier this So what the parliament should discuss - instead of ment around $1 billion a year. week, the finance ministry projected a issuing new laws - is finding ways to implement the Although the new prices of diesel and budget deficit of KD 8.23 billion for the next existing ones. kerosene were still among the lowest in the fiscal year starting in April. After the contro- First of all abolish what’s called wasta in Kuwait. world, the politically sensitive decision versy over the diesel subsidy reform, Oil All should be treated the same under the law. prompted heavy criticism of government Minister Ali Al-Omair said early this month Secondly, discipline is needed in every corner of policy by some members of parliament, that the government had decided to post- Kuwait. Then, if we reach that point, the parliament who argued it was unfair to consumers. pone any removal of subsidies from petrol, SHEBAA FARMS: Israeli military vehicles are seen burning in this occupied Yesterday, state refiner Kuwait National electricity and water. He did not say when can start thinking of issues to enhance quality of life area along the Israeli-Lebanese border near Ghajar village yesterday follow- Petroleum Co (KNPC) cut diesel and authorities might resume considering the rather than digging for old ones. ing a Hezbollah missile attack. — AFP kerosene prices to 110 fils, effective from reforms. — Reuters Wefaq leader Hezb attack kills rejects charges 2 Israeli soldiers as trial opens Spanish peacekeeper killed DUBAI: Bahraini Shiite opposition chief Sheikh Ali Salman rejected charges that he tried to overthrow the country’s MAJIDIYA, Lebanon: Two Israeli soldiers killed as Israel responded with air strikes Sunni regime, as his trial opened yesterday, a judicial source and a Spanish UN peacekeeper were and artillery fire, a UN spokesman and said. Hours later, hundreds of supporters gathered outside killed yesterday as Lebanon’s Hezbollah Spanish officials said. The 10,000-strong Salman’s home in a Manama suburb and clashed with riot and Israel exchanged fire in their most UNIFIL mission said it had observed six police, who used tear gas to disperse them, witnesses said. serious clashes in years. The violence rockets fired towards Israel from southern The judge decided to keep Salman behind bars and set the raised fears of another full-blown conflict Lebanon and that Israeli forces “returned next hearing for Feb 25, his influential Al-Wefaq bloc said. erupting between the bitter enemies, artillery fire in the same general area”. It who fought a month-long war in 2006. said the precise cause of the peacekeep- Salman, 49, was arrested Dec 28, sparking near-daily The two soldiers were killed when er’s death was “as yet undetermined” and protests across the Shiite-majority but Sunni-ruled king- Hezbollah fired an anti-tank missile at a urged all sides to show “maximum dom. The Al-Wefaq head has been accused of “promoting military convoy in an Israel-occupied bor- restraint to prevent an escalation”. the overthrow and change of the political regime by force” der area, the army said. Seven other sol- Hezbollah said it had targeted an and of inciting disobedience and hatred in public state- diers were wounded but local media said Israeli military convoy “transporting sever- ments. He was present at yesterday’s hearing before the AMMAN: Safi Al-Kassasbeh, the father of captured Jordanian pilot Maaz Al- none had suffered life-threatening al Zionist soldiers and officers”. “There Higher Criminal Court, which was held under tight security Kassasbeh (portrait), protests outside the royal court yesterday. — AFP injuries. were several casualties in the enemy’s and attended by representatives of several Western Israel responded with “combined aerial ranks,” Hezbollah said in a statement embassies. Jordan offers to release and ground strikes” on southern Lebanon broadcast on the Shiite militant group’s Salman’s defence team called for his release on bail as after the attack - an apparent retaliation Al-Manar television channel. It described the opposition chief pleaded not guilty, judicial sources jihadist woman for pilot for a recent Israeli strike on the Golan yesterday’s operation as “statement num- said. Lawyer Jalila Al-Sayed, a defence counsel, denounced Heights that killed senior Hezbollah ber one”, indicating that a further what she called irregularities, saying authorities had manip- AMMAN: Jordan offered yesterday to free ready to release the prisoner Sajida Al- members. Lebanese security sources told response was possible. Israel said that ulated Salman’s speeches to build their case by removing a female jihadist in exchange for a Rishawi if the Jordanian pilot is freed AFP that Israeli forces had hit several vil- mortar fire was also aimed across the bor- peaceful comments. “The conditions are not there for a fair Jordanian pilot held by the Islamic State unharmed,” state television quoted a gov- lages along the border. Clouds of smoke der at several military facilities but that no trial,” she told a press conference after the hearing. Salman’s group, which is threatening to execute ernment spokesman as saying. “From the could be seen rising from Majidiya village, one was hurt. Israeli military leaders con- arrest has also sparked condemnation from the United the airman and a Japanese journalist. It start, the position of Jordan was to ensure one of the hardest hit. There was no vened to discuss their response as Prime States, Iran and international human rights groups. In a came after the parents of the hostages the safety of our son, the pilot Maaz Al- immediate information on casualties. Minister Benjamin Netanyahu warned joint statement yesterday, 109 parliamentarians from 43 made last-ditch pleas for their lives ahead Kassasbeh,” it added. It made no mention The peacekeeper, a 36-year-old that the army was “ready to act with force countries called for Salman’s “immediate release”. of a deadline set by IS for the release of of Japanese hostage Kenji Goto. Spanish corporal serving with a UN moni- on any front”. Continued on Page 13 the would-be suicide bomber. “Jordan is Continued on Page 13 toring force in southern Lebanon, was Continued on Page 13 THURSDAY, JANUARY 29, 2015 LOCAL French FM applauds ‘excellent ties’ with Kuwait Tourist visas for Kuwaitis would be issued within 48 hours KUWAIT: French Foreign Minister action between his country and the 48 hours. Speaking at a joint press Hollande to His Highness the Amir ing Kuwaiti students in the elemen- strongly to any act that poses threat Laurent Fabius praised as “excellent” State of Kuwait, saying tourist visas conference with First Deputy Prime Sheikh Sabah Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al- tary stages learn French which will to Muslims based on their faith; this the level of friendly ties and joint for Kuwaitis would be issued within Minister and Foreign Minister Sabah. Fabius also met Kuwait’s have positive impact on the friend- is a crime under the French law, he Sheikh Sabah Khaled Al-Hamad Al- National Assembly Speaker ship in the long run, he went on. said, noting that the rule applies to Sabah, Fabius said both countries Marzouq Al-Ghanim and a number Commending Kuwait’s five-year all faiths. Dealing with the menace of share the aspiration for taking the of cabinet members, and attended development plan, Fabius the Islamic State in Iraq and the close cooperation to an even higher the inauguration of what he called expressed the desire of French Levant (ISIL), Fabius said this global level. “very advanced” seawater desalina- investors in the implementation of a threat required collective global He noted that his first visit to tion plant to which a French number of vital projects. He added response. “ISIL militants have dishon- Kuwait atop a senior-level delega- investor contributed. his delegation was encouraged by estly presented themselves as repre- tion is meant to boost the mutually- He has also met business leaders what they heard from His Highness sentatives of Islam. When we fight beneficial partnership between the from both countries at Kuwait the Amir in this regard. those liars and killers, we protect two countries which proved to be Chamber of Commerce and Asked on the growing sense of Muslims in the first place because all-weather friends. The French min- Industry (KCCI), and is scheduled to alienation and apprehensions Muslim are the first victims of terror- ister thanked the State of Kuwait for meet Minister of Finance Anas Al- among Muslims in France in the ism,” he explained. The French minis- the warm welcome he received and Saleh. The two sides have inked a wake of the recent Paris attacks, he ter urged drying out the sources of commended as great the role of the range of agreements and MoUs on said all French nationals are treated financing for ISIL to deny the group Kuwaiti leaders in promoting peace, cooperation in such fields as econo- on equal footing regardless of their the access to weapons, noting that stability and humanitarian action in my, investment, sciences, education faith and whether they were believ- he discussed this matter at the the Middle East and beyond. and culture. They also made “deci- ers or non-believers. Any anti- Kuwaiti National Assembly. On the On his meeting with His sion with immediate effect” on, inter Muslim sentiments are totally unac- occasion of the golden jubilee of the Highness the Prime Minister Sheikh alia, shortening the visa procedures ceptable. Islamophobia is not a diplomatic ties between the two Jaber Mubarak Al-Hamad Al-Sabah, for Kuwait nationals to just 48 hours, viewpoint; it is a crime punishable countries, Fabius presented Sheikh Fabius said he handed His Highness Fabius revealed, noting that this is by law, he said, affirming his convic- Sabah Al-Khaled an exact copy of the Prime Minister an invitation to the minimum period for granting tion that the Islam is the faith of the diplomatic accreditation of KUWAIT: French Foreign Minister Laurent Fabius (left), presents a painting visit France, adding that the con- French visas for visitors from around moderation. Kuwait’s first ambassador to France to his Kuwaiti counterpart Sheikh Sabah Al-Khaled Al-Sabah at Kuwait’s veyed a message of warm friend- the globe. France, as a secular country since signed by the then president Charles foreign ministry in Kuwait City. —Photo Yasser Al-Zayyat ship from French President Francois The decisions also include help- early the 20th century, reacts de Gaulle. — KUNA UNHCR names Sheikha Rima as its Goodwill Ambassador

WASHINGTON: Philanthropist Sheikha Speaking to KUNA, Sheikha Rima said Representative to the US and the announcement of her official role comes Rima Al-Sabah, wife of Kuwaiti that she plans to raise awareness and Caribbean.Pitterman said that Sheikha as the international humanitarian com- Ambassador to the United States Sheikh mobilize support for refugees namely Rima had shown “unwavering commit- munity faces the highest level of forced Salem Al-Sabah, has been appointed as the Syrians. “UNHCR and its partners ment to humanitarian issues and a gen- displacement since the end of World the UN refugee agency’s (UNHCR) provide life-saving assistance on the uine commitment to help those in War II. War and conflict have forced newest National Goodwill Ambassador. ground to the most vulnerable of the need” through her philanthropic and more than 51 million people to flee their vulnerable and it is my passion to help,” fundraising work in Washington, DC, homes, including almost four million said Sheikha Rima, adding that “as the that has helped raise millions of dollars Syrians who have become refugees. war in Syria enters its’ fourth year, there to fight malaria, build schools and fund are now more than 3.8 million Syrians hospitals for children. “I am confident Sheikh Sabah Al-Ahmad Award who have fled their country because of that, as UNHCR Goodwill Ambassador, In another development, Minister of the terrible war. your dedication and passion for philan- Health Dr Ali Al-Obaidi said yesterday Kuwait is playing a key and leading thropy will help mobilize further life- the Executive Board of the World Health Minister of Health Dr Ali Al-Obaidi with Kuwait’s permanent delegate at the role among Arab nations in providing saving support and resources for our Organization (WHO) is contemplating UN and international organizations in Geneva Ambassador Jamal Al- support to UN Agencies especially the work globally and particularly the enlisting the Award of Sheikh Sabah Al- Ghuneim. UNHCR and the broader humanitarian mega-crisis in the Middle East,” said Ahmad on the agenda of the annual appreciated efforts by His Highness the has many files that should be discussed community’s life-saving emergency Pitterman. Sheikha Rima is the founder conference. In a statement to KUNA, Al- Amir as he was a first donor and sup- to be presented to the WHO General operations. “I am honored to be a and chairman of the Kuwait-America Obaidi said that tabulating the Award porter to the WHO’s efforts in combat- Assembly next May, he said, noting Goodwill Ambassador for UNHCR, an Foundation’s annual gala dinner that on the agenda of General Assembly of ing the outbreak of Ebola virus. The there is great interest in promoting organization that has long been close to has raised more than USD 16 million for WHO coincides with the support by His Amir donated five million dollars,” the international efforts to combat Ebola. my heart and one that assists millions various causes and organizations. In Highness the Amir Sheikh Sabah Al- minister said. “We also reviewed Kuwait’s efforts to worldwide who are fleeing war and con- 2005, Sheikha Rima raised funds for USA Jaber Al-Ahmad Al-Sabah as a humani- The WHO also evaluated support by prevent the spread of Ebola in the coun- flict,” said Sheikha Rima, who was for- for UNHCR, the independent fundrais- tarian leader for his generous donations His Highness the Amir for the scientific try due to efforts by the supreme com- mally welcomed into the UN family by ing charity for UNHCR, to assist Iraqi to the medical field. “Members of the and medical researches, he noted. The mittee for combating epidemic dis- Sheikha Rima Al-Sabah Shelly Pitterman, UNHCR’s Regional women and children refugees. The Executive Board of the WHO greatly 136th session of WHO Executive Board eases,” he added. — Agencies THURSDAY, JANUARY 29, 2015 LOCAL Kuwait celebrates Amir’s reign

Information Minister lauds Amir’s achievements

KUWAIT: The UN honoring of His Highness the Amir Sheikh Sabah Al-Ahmad Al- Jaber Al-Sabah as a humanitarian leader reflects Kuwait’s distinguished position in the world, stressed Minister of Information Sheikh Salman Sabah Al-Salem Al- Hamoud Al-Sabah. In a statement to KUNA yesterday on the occasion of the ninth anniversary of the accession of His Highness the Amir to the reins of power in Kuwait, Sheikh Salman said the UN honoring emphasizes appreciation by the inter- national community of the Amir and his efforts aimed at ensuring a dignified life to peoples of the world. Sheikh Salman, also Minister of State for Youth Affairs, noted that Kuwaitis are very proud of major successes and achievements by His Highness the Amir inside and outside of Kuwait since the time he participated in public service in order to contribute to setting up a modern state. The minister noted that the vision of His Highness the Amir to turn the State of Kuwait into a financial and commercial hub across the globe would be a quantum leap in Kuwait’s economic growth. He recalled the march of His Highness the Amir in serving Kuwait and its people. Sheikh Salman pointed to the role of His Highness the Amir in setting up the con- stituent council and participating in drafting the constitution for the newly-inde- pendent state of Kuwait. —KUNA

His Highness the Amir Sheikh Sabah Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah received Qatari child Mohammad Al-Muftah.

His Highness the Amir Sheikh Sabah Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah during the open- ing ceremony of the Global Conference for activating the role of women in charity work. Palestinians congratulate Amir

KUWAIT: The Palestinian embassy to just cause, stressing that the Palestinian Kuwait yesterday issued a special state- cause has always been a top priority on ment congratulating Kuwait on the ninth Kuwait’s foreign policy agenda and that HH anniversary of HH the Amir Sheikh Sabah the Amir has always supported and UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon gives His Highness the Amir Sheikh Sabah Al- Al-Ahmed accession’s anniversary. The respected the Palestinian leader president His Highness the Amir Sheikh Sabah Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah a certificate honoring him as a Humanitarian Leader in Embassy thanked the Amir for his role in Mahmoud Abbas both officially and per- Al-Sabah during the opening of the third ordinary ses- recognition of his efforts and his contributions. supporting the Palestinian people and their sonally. sion. Amir - a ‘prominent leader’

KUWAIT: Throughout Kuwait’s histo- being one of the world’s leading naming him as a humanitarian leader ry, His Highness the Amir Sheikh international figures. Amir draws from by the UN and also choosing Kuwait a Sabah Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah the well of vast experience that he global humanitarian center. His proved himself to be one of the most accumulated throughout his career Highness Sheikh Sabah also played outstanding and prominent leaders and his interaction with previous an important role along with late of the country, Deputy Chief of Kuwaiti leaderships, as well as region- Amir His Highness Sheikh Jaber Al- Kuwait National Guards Sheikh al and international figures, said Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah and His Mishaal Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah Sheikh Mishaal. Highness the late father Amir Sheikh said yesterday. Speaking to KUNA on His long career serving as foreign Saad Al-Abdullah Al-Salem Al-Sabah the ninth anniversary of His Highness minister have helped in gathering in rallying the international commu- the Amir’s ascension to power, Sheikh support for humanitarian efforts led nity towards the goal of liberating Mishaal said that Sheikh Sabah’s by Kuwait, said the official, adding Kuwait from the Iraqi invasion in vision and experience qualifies him as that Sheikh Sabah efforts resulted in 1991.—KUNA

His Highness the Amir Sheikh Sabah Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah during his visit to the Ramadan Kuwait Sports Club for the Deaf and the Kuwait Sports Club for the Disabled Association and Kuwait Blind.

His Highness the Amir Sheikh Sabah Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah seen during the flag-raising ceremony. History will remember Amir’s achievements

KUWAIT: History will always remem- ninth anniversary of His Highness the naming of Kuwait as a global human- ber achievements set by His Amir accession to rule, to be cele- itarian center by UN, said the KUNA Highness the Amir Sheikh Sabah Al- brated tomorrow. Amir is no stranger Director, noting that His Highness Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah, said to responsibility and have helped in the Amir also deserved the title of Chairman of the Board and Director the progression and development of humanitarian leader. Sheikh Mubarak General of Kuwait News Agency Kuwait since the 1950s, said Sheikh Al-Duaij also noted that Kuwait was (KUNA) Sheikh Mubarak Al-Duaij Al- Mubarak Al-Duaij who commended on the vanguard when it came to Ibrahim Al-Sabah yesterday. Since Sheikh Sabah’s experience as the supporting international humanitari- January 29, 2006, His Highness the longest serving foreign minister in an efforts. He said that like the previ- Amir Sheikh Sabah has made it his the history of Kuwait. ous donors’ conference for the Syrian mission to carry out the develop- His diplomatic career helped in refugees, Kuwait against, under the ment of his nation through his vast shaping Kuwait’s foreign policy long orders of His Highness the Amir, is experience and wisdom, Sheikh before he became Amir and the pin- willing to organize a third conference Mubarak Al-Duaij said ahead of the nacle of his efforts materialized in to help the Syrians. —KUNA LOCAL THURSDAY, JANUARY 29, 2015

Work permits to reopen

KUWAIT: Official sources at the bringing expatriate labor, MPA’s board Manpower Public Authority (MPA) said would be ready to deal with any deci- that issue of work permits will be dis- sions concerning the mechanism of issu- cussed during the Authority’s board ing work permits. “Companies will be meeting due to be held on the return of allowed to bring a maximum of 20 per- Minister of Social Affairs and Labor and cent of their estimated needed labor,” the Planning Hind Al-Subaih and MPA sources said, pointing out that 100,000- Chairman Jamal Al-Doussary from an 200,000 laborers would be annually official mission abroad. brought to Kuwait according to certain The sources added that since the quotas to be determined by MPA once assessment department has been linked work permits are resumed before the to all other departments concerned with national holidays. — Al-Anbaa Swiss-Kuwaiti group launches activities

By Nawara Fattahova issues,” Behbehani said. He also announced that the group will KUWAIT: The Swiss-Kuwaiti SME Group soon sign agreements with local and inter- held a reception on Tuesday at the Fahd Al- national universities and European training Miejel Hall in Faiha to celebrate the launch academies specialized in small and medi- 73 vehicles impounded of the group’s activities. The event was um enterprises to transfer their expertise. attended by members of the group, the “During our events, Kuwaiti businessmen Swiss ambassador to Kuwait, businessmen will be role models for small entrepreneurs By Hanan Al-Saadoun and many entrepreneurs. The group’s presi- who will also have the opportunity to meet dent, Dr Mustafa Behbehani welcomed the various banks and get training there,” con- KUWAIT: Hawally governorate was the site of guests and announced the group’s activi- cluded Behbehani. a traffic campaign during which 300 traffic ties will start with the ‘Effective Leader Guest of honor Sheikha Fareeha Al- citations were issued and 73 vehicles Workshop’ that was held yesterday, pre- Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah, President of the impounded. sented by senior practitioner and coach- Kuwait Association for the Ideal Family, said mentor Jan Bowen-Nielsen. that she always encourages young people Shot fired in Andalus “We founded this group to help small to work and start their own businesses, The security information department said and medium enterprises in reaching their “and we all have to support them”. Kuwaiti policemen arrested the citizen who fired at goals and achieving success in their proj- columnist and author of ‘Amir Sheikh Sabah random with a machinegun in Andalus. The ects. During the year, the group will hold Al-Ahmad: The Humanitarian Leader’, weapon was confiscated, and investigations meetings and various activities, including Abdullah Bowair, is one of the founding are underway. Detailed clips of the incident workshops. In order to ensure the success members of the group. He distributed his were broadcast on social media, which made of projects, we should all support these book during the reception. “I believe the his arrest quicker. entrepreneurs. The activities of the group activities of this group will provide help are part of our social responsibility. During and support to young entrepreneurs, and I Drug dealer nabbed these activities, we will help entrepreneurs hope that these activities will be useful for Drugs Control General Department offi- cers arrested a citizen with nearly 300 gm of conduct feasibility studies for their projects them and help them achieve success in Local liquor factory in in addition to educating them on business their businesses,” he told Kuwait Times. hashish and 3 gm of meth. The arrest was made following tips about him trading in Sabah Al-Ahmad City drugs, and he agreed to sell 250 gm of Ahmadi police uncovered a local liquor facto- hashish to an agent. The arrest was made ry in Sabah Al-Ahmad City run by an Asian. Four during the exchange, and 50 g more were barrels, 450 liquor bottles and one box of yeast, found when he was searched. He was sent in addition to two gas cylinders, 13 cartons and to concerned authorities. 10 bags full of bottles were found. Pakistan’s Naval Ship ‘TARIQ’ on goodwill visit to Kuwait

KUWAIT: Pakistan Naval Ship “TARIQ” will be visit- ing Kuwait on a goodwill visit from February 01 to February 05, 2015. The ship is named after a gallant Muslim conqueror TARIQ BIN ZIYAD. His conquest of Gibralter led to the extension of the Muslim rule in Europe. The life of Tariq Bin Ziyad is full of achievements, which are a source of great inspira- tion to Muslims all over the world; sailors of Pakistan Navy are no exception. They take great pride in serving onboard their ship that has been named after one of the greatest leaders in Islamic history. PNS TARIQ (D-181), the Ex-HMS AMBUSCADE is South Korea hails a general purpose Frigate. She was the first of the Type 21 Frigates built by Yarrows Ltd of Glasgow and launched on 17 January 1973. It was commis- ties with Kuwait sioned as Ex HMS AMBUSCADE into the Royal Navy on 5 September 1975 and was the seventh ship in SEOUL: South Korea’s Ministry of Foreign as well as its third-largest overseas con- the Royal Navy to hold this name. Her career has Affairs yesterday lauded close cooperation struction market, the ministry said. encompassed all aspects of a warship’s life from with Kuwait, especially in the fields of The two countries have solidified their exercises to guard ship duties and from peacetime PNS Tariq Captain Vaqar Muhammad TI(M) PNwas First Lieutenant PNS NASR. He was promoted to energy and construction. This came in a friendly and cooperative ties since the visits to the full heat war in Falkland Islands. commissioned in Pakistan Navy on 01 July 1992. He the rank of Captain on 1st October 2012. He statement by the ministry on the meeting establishment of diplomatic relations in This ship was commissioned as a PNS TARIQ on is a Communication specialist, qualified Air War assumed the duties of Commanding Officer PNS between Foreign Minister Yun Byung-se 1979, it added. South Korea and Kuwait 28 July 1993 at DAVEN PORT, play mouth (UK). This Course from Air War College PAF and Master of BABUR in September 2013 and presently serving as and former Kuwaiti Deputy Prime Minister have been further stepping up their close is third ship in Pakistan Navy to hold this name. The Science in System Engineering from Naval Post- Commanding Officer PNS TARIQ since May 2014. and Foreign Minister Sheikh Dr cooperation in the fields of energy and first was HMPS TARIQ, which was inherited from Graduates School, Monterey, USA. He has been During the stay in Kuwait, the Captain of the Mohammad Sabah Al-Salem Al-Sabah construction, while working to diversify Royal Indian Navy soon after independence in assigned on numerous operational, field and staff ship will pay courtesy calls on the dignitaries of who is on a visit to Korea to attend, as a the fields of cooperation to include 1947. The second was a gearing class Destroyer, appointments during his 22 year of commissioned Kuwait Navy. A reception onboard will also be keynote Speaker of the Korean-GCC healthcare and medical service, ICT, which was commissioned on 9 September 1978, service. Prominent field assignments include arranged which would be attended by the high civ- Business Partnership Day to take place transportation and education, it added. after rendering 12 years of glorious service, the Divisional Officer PNA, O I/C PN HFDF Setup and il and military officials of the State of Kuwait, diplo- today. The meeting was attended by The State-run Kuwait Petroleum ship was decommissioned and handed over to Instructor PN Communication School/Electronic mats, notables and representatives of the Pakistani Kuwaiti Ambassador to South Korea Corporation (KPC) had recently signed a Maritime Security Agency in 1990. Warfare Training Center. His important staff community. Pakistan Naval ships periodically Jassem Al-Bedaiwi. South Korea is the long term crude oil supply contract with PNS Tariq has undergone a major modification appointments include Director of Signals at Naval undertake goodwill visits to the State of Kuwait largest importer of Kuwaiti crude oil, while SK Group, a deal that would extend its in regard to her weapons and sensors. Major mod- Headquarters, Fleet Operations Officer and LNO to which provide a good opportunity to Pakistan Kuwait is South Korea’s second-largest strategic alliance with the South Korea- ernization of the ship was carried out indigenously CCTF-151 at Bahrain. He has also served as an Navy officials to interact with their Kuwaiti counter- supplier of oil and liquefied petroleum gas based conglomerate. — KUNA by replacing the obsolete Command Systems, Executive Officer PNS TARIQ & PNS RAHBER, parts. Such visits also help in further cementing the weapon and sensors. The Commanding Officer of Communication Officer PNS TIPPU SULTAN and historical relations. Gulf Business Machines celebrates 25th ’versary

KUWAIT: Gulf Business Machines (GBM), the leading provider Corsini. “As we see the IT industry evolve at a but it was in 1990 that the GBM Company speak now, the latest IBM Mainframe is still were among the many resources that Kuwait of customized IT solutions in the Gulf, recently celebrated its rapid pace here in Kuwait and across the Gulf started and I have to remember and give running at the Central Agency for Information lost. However, many KBMers were there to try 25th anniversary in the region and in Kuwait. The company is region, GBM has developed ambitious plans credit to who was the prominent Kuwaiti fig- Technology (CAIT) that inherited the IT opera- to preserve vital Kuwaiti information databas- celebrating its success over quarter of a century by looking to to stay head of the trend and provide our cus- ure, the late Abdul Mohsen Bader Al-Khorafi , tions of Ministry of Planning back in 2006. es. I would like to welcome one of those brave further strengthen its growth in the region. The anniversary tomers with access to the latest solutions that who actually make the all thing happened. The January 1990 was a milestone period persons, Faisal Abdul Rahman, who is among was commemorated at an event at the Regency Hotel with help them to grow their own businesses with His vision and leadership continued by his for IBM’s operations in the Gulf Region. We us today, who played a key role in securing more 150 staff, customers and supporters of GBM invited to the added value and expertise of our on-the- son, Rafed is still the base of the continuing wanted to empower our local partners to bet- and preserving those databases. I am glad join in the celebrations. Both country manager, Piero Corsini ground GBM teams.” IBM’s successful journey in Kuwait. The suc- ter respond to their local needs. GBM was that Faisal is still an IBM business partner and I and CEO, Philippe Jarre were in attendance to greet the crowd. The Kuwait office has seen consistent suc- cessful IBM Mainframe Model 360 was the first launched back then with the courage and wish him all success. “This is a significant milestone for a company that has cess in its work over the quarter century, with machine to start operations in Kuwait back in vision of Abdul Mohsen Bader AL-Khorafi who After liberation, IBM and GBM worked close- grown locally, remained local but brought international expe- key, long-standing customers and ending 1964. The Civil Service Commission, at that invested in IBM technology to become the ly with the Kuwaiti government to restore gov- rience and partnerships to the region’s IT industry,” said 2014 on a high with the delivery of a unique time, developed their first Government per- sole provider of IBM products, solutions, and ernment operations as soon as possible. It was mobile application to bring government serv- sonnel application using assembly language. services in Kuwait. He, then, led and con- an unprecedented operation that signified ices to the public in an easily accessible way. That system’s ownership was transferred later vinced other family owners of IBM businesses IBM’s commitment to Kuwait and the region. “We look forward to another 25 years of suc- to the Government Computer Center (GCC as in the Gulf region to form GBM, which contin- GBM and its Kuwaiti arm, KBM, restored their cess, and beyond,” continued Corsini. “And it was called at that time) and that was part of ues IBM’s success story in the region ensuring normal operations as early as May 1991 and thank those who have supported us through- the Ministry of Planning. Since then, IBM has our commitment to this region. Al-Khorafi helped the Kuwaiti government to resume out this time and those who will continue to witnessed a lot of successes in public and pri- headed back then the first GBM Board of theirs quickly. Since then up to these days it is in the future.” We cannot talk about IBM and vate sectors in Kuwait. And since then, that Directors. our commitment to stay close to you, our Kuwait without being emotional and passion- first IBM mainframe was updated upgraded, In August 1990, unfortunately, Kuwait had clients, and continue our contribution to the ate. It is a long history that started in 1964, and replaced with newer generations. AS we a dramatic event. Many IBM technology assets success and prosperity of this region. THURSDAY, JANUARY 29, 2015 LOCAL In Brief International Tourism Minister encourages ‘Bon Appetit Exhibition’ Festival starts in Spain Kuwaiti youths on healthy food begins MADRID: The 35th session of the International Tourism Festival kicked off yesterday with the KUWAIT: Minister of Information and Minister of KUWAIT: Under the auspices of Minister of Health Dr Ali participation of 165 countries, including Kuwait. State for Youth Affairs Sheikh Salman Sabah Salem Saad Al-Obaidi, the Scientific Center, affiliated with Kuwait The festival, which runs until February 1st and Al-Humoud Al-Sabah said yesterday it is necessary Foundation for the Advancement of Sciences, inaugurated was inaugurated by King of Spain Felipe VI and to take care of young people and to spur their own the ìBon Appetit Exhibitionî on healthy food. In a statement his wife Queen Letizia, is considered one of the initiatives in line with the directives of His Highness to KUNA yesterday, the centerís Board Chairman and most significant international events in the field the Amir Sheikh Sabah Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al- Managing Director Mijbil Al-Mutawa said that the exhibi- of tourism. In a statement to KUNA on the side- Sabah. He stressed the significant role played by tion is the tenth mobile one held at the centerís Exploration lines of the opening ceremony of the festival, the Ministry of State for Youth Affairs, in paying Hall. The number of visitors of different mobile exhibitions Kuwaiti Ambassador to Spain Dr Sulaiman Al- much heed to Kuwaiti young people and to give exceeded 500,000 since 2009, he said, noting the exhibition them a helping hand whenever necessary. “This Harbi stressed that Kuwait’s Tourism Sector in contains about 28 interactive devices that target all stu- reflects the concept of caring for youth and capital- the Ministry of Trade and Industry is keen on dents and segments in the society. The exhibition includes izing on their physical energies in the sports realm, interesting and enjoyable topics on healthy food that are promoting the country’s tourism and showing its particularly football which is the most popular presented to visitors in a simple scientific way, he said, cultural and tourist landmarks. sport in the world,” the minister said. adding the exhibition also has five departments on foods. Crime The Bamboo Stalk - the winner of Report Liquor factories busted International Prize for Arab Fiction

KUWAIT: General security men stormed two local liquor factories and large quantities of liquor were found. Five ‘Alsanousi is a voice of conscience’ Asians including a woman were arrested. Four gas cylin- ders, 36 full bottles and raw material were confiscated. The other factory was in Sabah Al-Ahmad, were four barrels of KUWAIT: Daring and bold, The Bamboo Stalk country when he turns eighteen. But will Kuwait work has appeared in a number of Kuwaiti publi- liquor were found along with narcotic pills. takes an unflinching look at the universal strug- be any more welcoming to him? Will his Kuwaiti cations, including Al-Watan newspaper and Al- gles of identity, race, and class as they intersect family live up to his expectations and alleviate his Arabi, and he currently writes for Al-Qabas news- between two disparate societies: Kuwait and the sense of alienation? Jose’s coming of age tale paper. His debut novel The Prisoner of Mirror Policeman attacked Philippines. Josephine comes to Kuwait from the draws in readers as he explores his own questions (2010) won the Laila Al-Othman Prize. Philippines to work as a maid, where she meets about identity and estrangement. Jonathan Wright studied Arabic at Oxford A policeman told Reqqa police that unidentified per- Rashid, a spoiled but kind-hearted only son. Masterfully written, The Bamboo Stalk is the University and was a journalist for 30 years. He sons in a car with a Gulf license plate stopped and beat Josephine, with all the wide-eyed naivety of winner of the 2013 International Prize for Arab later moved into literary translation, starting with him, then stole KD 100 from him. He submitted a med- youth, believes she has found true love. Fiction, chosen both for its literary qualities and Khaled Al-Khamissi’s popular work Taxi. He has ical report stating his injuries. But when she becomes pregnant, and with for “its social and humanitarian content.” Through since translated other works from across the the rumble of the Gulf War growing ever louder, his complex characters, Alsanousi crafts a capti- region. In 2014 he was joint winner of the Banipal Kuwaiti ‘robbed’ Rashid abandons her and sends her back home vating saga that boldly deals with issues of identi- Prize for Arabic Literary Translation for Youssef with their baby son Jose. Brought up struggling ty, alienation, and the phenomenon of foreign Ziedan’s Azazeel and winner of the Independent An Egyptian denied accusations by a citizen that he robbed with his dual identity in the Philippines, Jose workers in Arab countries. Saud Alsanousi is a Foreign Fiction Prize for Hassan Blasim’s short sto- him of KD 2,000 by force. The citizen told Salmiya police clings to the hope of returning to his father’s Kuwaiti novelist and journalist, born in 1981. His ry collection The Iraqi Christ. that he had a fight with the Egyptian, who then robbed his money and phone. Investigations are underway. In another development, a citizen went to Ahmadi police with his Indian driver to complain against unidentified persons who forced one of the company workers to stop on King Fahd Protesters slam closure Expressway, beat him and drove off with the car.

Woman arrested with drugs of Al-Watan at KJA vigil Police patrols arrested a woman with drugs. The patrol stopped the girl on Fahaheel Road for not complying with By Faten Omar road signs. When police asked for her license, she opened the glove compartment, and policemen noticed a white KUWAIT: Kuwait Journalists Association held a vigil of soli- substance. When they seized it, the girl started crying, darity at its headquarters in Shuwaikh yesterday to protest and was sent to the DCGD. Meanwhile, DCGD men arrest- against the closure of Al-Watan newspaper by the com- ed two persons with 750 gm of shabu and hashish. merce ministry. The vigil was attended by former MPs, media representatives and citizens, who declared their Half-naked citizen rejection of the suppression of freedoms and restriction of Police arrested a half-naked citizen in Sharq, who had 19 the press, slamming the closure of Al-Watan as a political suspected narcotic pills. The arrest was made when police- decision. “What is the message that the government wants men noticed the man changing his clothes next to his car. to send? Do you want one-sided journalism?” asked the — Al-Anbaa protesters, alleging the law is selectively applied. They said the closure affects not only the local situation, but directly affects the external situation too. Driver fires at police Former speaker and MP Ali Al-Rashed expressed sad- ness over the violation of press freedom, stressing the clo- By Hanan Al-Saadoun sure of Al-Watan newspaper is a political decision and not part of the trade act. KUWAIT: Policemen chased and stopped a stolen car, “Why did you close Al-Watan and Al-Alam Al-Youm? This as the driver fired his weapon. The chase began in question is in the hearts of all the people of Kuwait, and Sulaibiya all the way to Naeem area where he hit a car. why did you withdraw the Kuwaiti nationality of Ahmed Al- When he left the car he pulled a 9mm pistol and fired, Jabr,” Rashed asked. but his pistol malfunctioned. A substance suspected of “Thank God we are not revolutionary people. We do not being a drug was found with him. In another develop- think about regime change because it’s a means of stabili- ment, a National Guard officer accused another of beating him when he went to his house and stabbed ty, security and safety for us, but we are not satisfied with him with knife. The victim sustained a deep cut in the the government,” he said. He asked HH the Amir Sheikh Sabah Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah to protect the constitu- right eye brow, a broken rib and a fractured vertebrae. KUWAIT: KJA representative Faisal Al-Qinai addresses the crowd during a vigil of solidarity held by Kuwait He said the accused also damaged his car. tion of Kuwait from government decisions.KJA representa- tive Faisal Al-Qinai lamented the closure of Al-Watan, but Journalists Association at its headquarters in Shuwaikh to protest the closure of Al-Watan newspaper. — Photos by Yasser Al-Zayyat was happy at the same time at the presence of people who attend the vigil of solidarity. “It is sad what happened to Al- Watan and Al-Alam Al-Youm,” Qinai said, criticizing the way Fish prices soar they were shut “while journalists still had their computers on and their mobiles still in their desks”. KUWAIT: Following the municipality’s condition of mandat- “The defense of the freedom of the press is an integral ing fish importers to provide a health certificate and a part of our principles because a free press is responsible to certificate or origin with all fish imports, fish prices in expose corruption, abuses, tricks and conspiracies,” former local markets have rapidly increased. According to some minister and MP Ahmed Al-Mulaifi said, pointing out that fishmongers at the Sharq fish market, prices will soon the Lebanese civil war was ignited due to the revelation of ‘explode’, especially after some fish outlets were closed at Mubarakiya and Sharq fish markets, which will decrease corruption and schemes that were hatched against the the amounts offered for sale. nation by the Zionist enemy. In addition, starting the daily fish auction (limited to “Democracy is always based on opposing parties and a Pakistani, Indian and fish imported by air) at very high free press,” he added. “I have nothing in Kuwait except free- bidding prices made many small mongers incapable of dom of expression given to us by the constitution, but the purchasing any fish to sell, as most of the ‘catch’ was sold closure of Al-Watan newspaper took this right away in a to large companies, department stores and co-ops. shameful way,” former MP Safa Al-Hashem said. “Where are Speaking to some of the affected fishmongers, they the current MPs? They should represent the people of related the problem to the fact that many of them mainly Kuwait and differing opinions. Where are the MPs that Al- sold fish Iranian fishermen have been supplying for years Watan stood with? It is such a shame their voices are silent. without having to provide certificates of origin, which usu- Is this how things are managed in Kuwait now?” she asked. ally saved time and helped provide fresh fish instead of Former MP and representative of the Islamic collecting it from the Iranian side and officially shipping it Constitutional Movement Mohammed Al-Dalal said “the over at the expense of freshness. “In view of the fishing case is greater than the closure of Al-Watan”. “I call for the ban imposed in many parts of Kuwait Bay, this ban will need to form a working group to respond to such actions make prices ‘explode’,” warned a fishmonger, noting that to ensure they are not repeated and rights are safeguard- consumers will suffer from such increases for a while. “All parties will suffer because of this decision,” said another ed. Such acts suppress Kuwaiti voices that express opin- fishmonger, noting that everyone - fishermen, merchants, ions freely without restriction or suppression,” he said. mongers and consumers - had been benefiting from sell- “Where are the editors-in-chief of Kuwaiti newspapers? ing fresh imported fish in view of the scarcity of fresh local Why are they not in the front seats in this place?” former fish. “Indian pomfret prices jumped from KD 6 to KD 12 per MP Maasouma Al-Mubarak asked, warning this will affect KUWAIT: Former MPs, media representatives and citizens seen during a vigil of solidarity held by Kuwait kilo, so imagine paying KD 500 a month in rent in addition everyone “if we do not stand united against this unaccept- Journalists Association. to labor!” he said, noting that the great gap between sup- able behavior”, expressing deep sorrow that “we are gath- feels the need to stand up and defend this,” she added. self-censorship. But it this era of openness and communi- ply and demand will make prices skyrocket. Notably, the ering in 2015 to defend what we believe had become a “During my 43 years in journalism, I went through vari- cation tools, we find that our mouths are silenced, pens are monthly Kuwaiti fish catch is only 30 tons, while Iranian fact in Kuwaitis’ lives”. “We are proud to always raise the ous circumstances, but the most important thing is that we broken and freedoms are missing,” cartoonist Abdul Salam fishermen bring in 500 tons of fish every month. — Al-Rai ceiling of freedom in Kuwait, and it is regretful the media were enjoying freedom and responsibility, and practiced Maqboul said. Judge rules to reopen Al-Watan daily, but govt objects Assembly pays tributes to King Abdullah

By B Izzak revoked the commercial license of the daily under the pretext that it has accu- and did not follow the normal procedures of taking the company to court. mulated losses of more than 75 percent of its capital. As a result, the information In another court case, the appeals court postponed until Feb 5 the case of KUWAIT: A judge presiding over emergency matters yesterday ruled that Al- ministry immediately revoked the media license of the newspaper on the storming the National Assembly after former MP Musallam Al-Barrak and Watan newspaper should be reopened and all procedures withdrawing its com- grounds that the company has ceased to exist legally after the commerce min- defense lawyers called on the judge to retire from the case because he is sus- mercial and media licences should be suspended until the administrative court istry withdrew its commercial license. Meanwhile, the National Assembly yester- pected of having a political view on the case. Barrak told judge Nasr Al-Wahaid has ruled on the dispute. But the government immediately challenged the rul- day overwhelmingly rejected a request to debate the closure of Al-Watan in its that his father was one of the signatories of a statement by several diwaniyas in ing, and the department executing court rulings refused to implement the ver- session, with only six MP supporting the move. MP Nabeel Al-Fadhl, who was a Kuwait condemning the storming of the Assembly in 2011. Eleven former MPs dict based on the government’s challenge, which is expected to be reviewed lat- regular columnist in the daily for many years, criticized the information ministry are among 70 activists being accused of storming the Assembly and assaulting er. As a result, the legal battle for Al-Watan newspaper has become very intense for revoking the daily’s license. He asked the minister in a written question about police. The lower court had acquitted all of them. and complex. The administrative court which is handling the main dispute over the legal justification for revoking the media license of the newspaper even The Assembly meanwhile paid warm tributes to the late Saudi King Abdullah, the newspaper yesterday decided to delay a ruling on the matter until Feb 18, before the ministry of commerce’s decision had been verified by the court. He who died on Friday. The government and all MPs present recalled the great but refused to allow the newspaper to reopen. The government had already asked if the ministry decision was based on a legal opinion within the ministry or achievements of King Abdullah, and in particular praised the Saudi role in the lib- challenged a ruling last week allowing the newspaper’s building to reopen. from the government’s legal department. Fadhl also asked the commerce and eration of Kuwait from the Iraqi invasion in 1991. The Assembly also approved a The case began last week when the ministry of commerce and industry industry minister on why the ministry revoked the license of Al-Watan directly law to extend the retirement age of military servicemen from 60 to 65 years. THURSDAY, JANUARY 29, 2015 LOCAL

kuwait digest Bayt.com survey

HOME OF Assaulting LIBERHES 85% of Kuwait doctors respondents

By Zain Hamad Al-Bathal feel positive ssaulting and insulting doctors has recently about this year increased in local hospitals and clinics, where Amany of them beaten or insulted by the most he Bayt.com Career Aspirations in the Middle abusive words. Such incidents never happen in other East and North Africa survey, recently conducted countries and we do not know why some people act Tby Bayt.com, the region’s number one job site, in such an uncivilized manner in a state like Kuwait and YouGov, a research and consulting organization, that fully respects humanity and human rights. has revealed that the most preferred industry to work I am sure that if they only knew they would be in, according to MENA respondents, is oil, gas and assaulted or insulted in such a manner, many doctors petrochemicals - a sentiment that is echoed by Kuwait would have chosen different careers instead of spe- respondents. cializing in such an onerous one. I believe that it only takes a doctor to judge whether one of his col- Personal and Career Aspirations leagues did not do his job duties properly, because The survey showed that around seven in 10 respon- their job is purely technical. However, even if a patent dents in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) have feels he did not receive proper medical care, this set professional goals for themselves, with 26% having does not justify such assaults or insults. Instead, they AL-ANBAA long-term ambitions to achieve in the next 5 years. The can file complaints to the doctor’s superiors or at most common goals are to get a higher salary (54%), MoI’s investigations office at each hospital, who are to get a new job (53%), and to learn new skills (52%). In Kuwait, 68% of respondents have set professional goals they want to achieve, the top three of which They are humans after all kuwait digest echo those of the region. In terms of personal goals for 2015, 75% of Kuwait and to err is human. Some respondents want to save more money, 37% want to A complicated scene buy property, and 39% want to spend more time with doctors have even commit- family. Nine in 10 (85%) Kuwait respondents feel posi- tive about the year 2015. In the MENA, the top person- ted fatal mistakes inside By Mubarak F Al-Duwailah al goal for 2015 was reported to be saving more mon- ey, with nearly three-quarters of respondents (72%) operation theatres. e spoke in previous columns about the Iranian ambi- cies of the Gulf countries, which were proven a failure as time reporting so. Other goals included travel (37%), buying tions in the Gulf, and we showed many indicators of went by. The people of the region are getting more depressed property (33%) and spending more time with family Wthis, and maybe the latest warning by President towards the march of the GCC. Yemen and Syria stand witness (30%). Respondents in the MENA were very positive Rouhani against Kuwait and Saudi Arabia is fresh evidence of the on the failure of our foreign policy, to a point where we became about what 2015 has to bring, with four in five respon- both available round-the-clock all week long. ill-intentions the Iranians have against some GCC governments. hated by most Arab people because of our flagrant interference dents (82%) reporting a positive outlook towards the Doing so, those officials would, in turn, summon What took place in Yemen is an indicator on what the Iranians in their affairs and demolished the achievements of their revolu- upcoming year. the concerned doctor to investigate the matter and can do. Whoever thinks that what happened is a Yemeni-Yemeni tions and spring! Slightly more respondents in the GCC (84%) were give due rights in a way that would spare patients or struggle, does not read the situation correctly, because how can The Gulf countries stand in front of two choices today - either positive about 2015, compared to Levant (72%) and hospital visitors legal accountability if they charge at a sectarian militia and a minority control a country with its army to continue with the same method and vision which it followed North Africa (77%). Financial issues are the top worry and equipment? Rather it is the unlimited support from Iran to and is still following, which is to determine one enemy for all - doctors themselves. for 51% of MENA respondents, as well as for 63% of this sect to be able to grab a part of the Arabian peninsula, then the Muslim Brotherhood - and fight it and try to uproot it, not Well, this does not mean doctors do not make Kuwait respondents. In Kuwait, this is followed by use political blackmail! This is apart from some of their media only from the region, but from the world. Yemen, because of this mistakes. They are humans after all and to err is career path uncertainty (37%), and worry about losing human. Some doctors have even committed fatal personalities who are infiltrating the Gulf media body. vision, was lost, Bashar remains in place and Libya is in chaos, One of those “trumpets” said what happened in Yemen will bearing in mind that the Muslim Brotherhood did not fire one their job (28%). The ideal retirement age for Kuwait mistakes inside operation theatres. However, people be repeated in some countries in the region, and another bullet on the territories of Gulf countries since its foundation respondents is considered to be after 60 (36%), which should respect laws, despite the psychological suffer- claimed that Iran will not remain idle towards the oppression of until now. They could have been the winning card through is in line with the thinking of 43% of MENA respon- ings they undergo when a dear one is sick and in this sect in the Gulf. Also, the solidarity conference with Sheikh which the Iranian expansion could be faced politically and dents. “The sentiments for the year ahead are very need of medical care, because if they do not, we Ali Al-Salman which was held in Lebanon is by itself a strongly through the media. The second choice is for those countries to positive,” said Suhail Masri, VP of Sales, Bayt.com. would be living in a jungle. worded message to Bahrain, Kuwait and Saudi Arabia, and some realize the real enemy, whose all indicators point to, and start “Different projects around the Middle East region are The state has made all kinds of laws giving all citi- of the Gulf rulers were insulted by name, while the true sponsor practicing a new role of wise dealing with it. This will not be generating more opportunities, especially in the GCC. zens and expatriates the right to complain and pur- of this conference exposed its expansionist and aggressive achieved without strengthening the domestic front and seeking These projects are however, driving up costs, making sue litigations to the highest levels in courts. We have intentions. popular unity through mending fences with the people and respondents more anxious about savings and salaries. all heard about doctors sentenced to imprisonment I realize that the GCC countries try through their policy with respecting their choices. Some of the small countries proved Employers must take this into consideration going for- for mistakes that led to the death of patients. Yet, Iran to find a secure and stable Gulf, and this is what we hope for that it is possible to become large if it followed a wise policy ward, both with current employees and future hires. At everybody must respect the law so as not to lose and seek. We also realize that Iran is a major country compared domestically and externally, and we in the Gulf own facilities Bayt.com, our mission is to empower people to lead one’s rights. On the other hand, the health ministry to some of our small countries, but the policy of aggression that that Iran, Israel, Switzerland and other countries do not have, better lives, and this information is vital for employers should protect its staff and doctors working in vari- Iran is practicing in the region makes us cautious against what is which superpowers respect. All what we have to do is to agree and job seekers in the region alike; it helps them plan ous hospitals and clinics by setting a proper law to coming and what it may do, especially that relying on our rela- over the interests of our people! If our concern was the people’s for their personal and career goals and make informed enable them do their indispensablejobs in a more tions with the Americans became a boring joke after the interest and put it ahead of any other interest, the situation and empowered work and life decisions.” peaceful and relaxing atmosphere. American-Iranian rapprochement in the region, of which Yemen would be different today, and the enemy would think twice, and — Translated by Kuwait Times from Al-Anbaa was the first of its victims! the neighbor would be keen on respecting neighbors. Career Overview So it is necessary to reconsider the domestic and foreign poli- — Translated by Kuwait Times from Al-Qabas Four in 10 (42%) respondents across the MENA region would rather be an employee than an entrepre- neur - though 39% would like to have their own busi- ness. In Kuwait, those percentagesare44% who would prefer to be an employee vs 36% who would rather have their own business. The preferred industry to work in, according to Kuwait respondents, is oil, gas and petrochemicals, a sentiment that is echoed by MENA respondents. The top three factors that are most important to Kuwait respondents when selecting their ideal job are salary and benefits (88%), opportunities for career growth (63%), and job security (36%). 65% of Kuwait respondents feel they deserve to work in a high level position, while 49% are prepared to move to another area of expertise or department to further their career, and 49% are prepared to move to another industry as a next step in their career. Almost half of Kuwait respondents (45%) consider that their current job is the perfect one for them, and 51% are satisfied with their professional growth over the past year. 22% of Kuwait respondents claim to have a men- tor, while 33% have a role model - yet 47% claim to have neither. The majority of respondents (56%) in the MENA rate their current job highly as a reputable organization (56% rated their job ‘good’ or ‘excellent’). Over two- fifths rate their current job positively in terms of their manageable workload (45%), and the set number of working hours (45%). They are least satisfied with salary and benefits (32% rated their current job as either ‘good’ or ‘excellent’), fair evaluation (27%), and opportunities for career growth (25%). The majority (64%) feel they deserve to work in a higher level posi- tion, while almost half (48%) are prepared to move to another area of expertise or department, and four in 10 (43%) are prepared to move to another industry.

Work Environment in Kuwait Most Kuwait respondents (58%) claim to be moti- vated at work. Higher salary and more perks and bene- fits (63%) is the top factor that would make Kuwait respondents feel more motivated at work. Other fac- tors like the opportunity to express their creativity and showcase their skills (52%) and promotion to the next level (44%) are also among the best ways to increase the motivation of Kuwait employees. The biggest barriers to professional growth in Kuwait are considered to be the lack of growth oppor- tunities (42%), poor management within the company (43%), and favoritism within the workplace (30%). Top reasons for seeking employment among Kuwait respondents include to consistently learn and gain experience (70%), to make money and/or be gainfully employed (56%), and to be financially independent (52%). And yet in Kuwait, 48% of people claim to be able to save less than 10% of their salary - 26% are not able to save anything. Silviu Matei, Director, YouGov, said: “An interesting point to note is that for many respondents in Kuwait, expressing creativity and show- casing skills is important, as well as learning and gain- ing experience. Employers can benefit from focusing on these two things with their employees to increase work motivation.” Overall, 39% of Kuwait respondents are happy with their current work environment, though 60% would be happy to relocate to another country for employment purposes. The UAE is the most popular destination for Kuwait respondents who would consider relocating for employment purposes - it is also a top choice for 28% of MENA respondents. Data for the Bayt.com Career Aspirations in the Middle East and North Africa survey was collected online from December 3-10 2014, with 8,963 respondents from the UAE, KSA, Kuwait, Qatar, Oman, Bahrain, Lebanon, Syria, Jordan, Algeria, Egypt, Morocco and Tunisia. THURSDAY, JANUARY 29, 2015

Aquino urges legislators to Greece wants fair deal, will not submit to EU persevere on peace plan

Page 10 Page 12 Libyan Islamic State group claims hotel attack One American and four Europeans among dead

TRIPOLI: A Libyan affiliate of the extremist Islamic State group claimed responsibility yes- terday for an attack on a Tripoli luxury hotel that killed 10 people, including an American and four Europeans. The group, calling itself “Islamic State in Tripoli Province,” said it launched the attack Tuesday to avenge the death of Abu Anas Al-Libi, who was snatched off a Tripoli street by US special forces in 2013 and died in US custody earlier this month due to complications from liver surgery. Al-Libi had been indicted in US federal court over his alleged role in the 1998 Al-Qaeda bombings of US embassies in Kenya and Tanzania. The group identified the attackers as Abu Ibrahim Al-Tunsi and Abu Suleiman Al-Sudani, noms de guerre that suggest the attackers were Tunisian and Sudanese. The claim of responsibility was dated Tuesday but first appeared on jihadi forums Wednesday. “The operation is not the last one on the lands of Tripoli... Let the enemies of God, the crusaders and their allies await what would harm them,” the message read.

Affiliate experienced attackers The affiliate previously claimed responsibil- ity for an attack on the Algerian Embassy that wounded three guards. It also previously post- ed pictures of fighters touring markets and distributing pamphlets. Wednesday’s posting matched previous messages posted on Twitter and social media, but it was not immediately possible to confirm the claim. Since the 2011 uprising that ousted long- time dictator Moammar Gadhafi the country has been awash in armed militias, including TRIPOLI: In this image made from a video posted by a Libyan blogger, the Cortinthia Hotel is seen under attack. — AP several Islamic extremist groups. A group of Islamist militias control Tripoli, and the inter- killed in the attack Tuesday on the seaside A senior US State Department official con- slain American as David Berry, a contractor spokesman for a Tripoli security agency, said nationally recognized government convenes Corinthia Hotel. Two attackers were killed fol- firmed that an American citizen was among with his company. The online message said the dead included an American, a French citi- in the far east of the vast, oil-rich country. In lowing a hours long standoff that included a those killed. Cliff Taylor, the CEO of a Virginia that those killed were American, French, South zen and three others from the former Soviet addition to the foreigners, five guards were car bombing. security company, Crucible LLC, identified the Korean and Filipino. Earlier, Essam Al-Naasa, a Union — AP p8_Layout 1 1/28/15 9:28 PM Page 1

THURSDAY, JANUARY 29, 2015 INTERNATIONAL US in contact with Houthis in Yemen

WASHINGTON: US officials are holding dis- of formal agreements in order to be able to cussions with representatives of the Shiite do that.” Washington has vowed to keep up militia in Yemen who have forced the resig- its fight against AQAP despite the turmoil nation of the country’s president, a gripping Yemen, where Western-backed Pentagon spokesman said Tuesday. But the President Abdrabuh Mansur Hadi has discussions with the Houthi militiamen do stepped down after the militia seized the not amount to an agreement to share intel- presidential palace. The United States con- ligence on Al-Qaeda in Yemen, Rear ducted a drone strike on Monday, killing Admiral John Kirby told reporters. three suspected Al-Qaeda militants, a tribal “Given the political uncertainty, it’s fair source told AFP. to say that US government officials are in Washington has long relied on Yemen’s communication with various parties in government to help it target Al-Qaeda Yemen about what is a very fluid and com- extremists and a small contingent of US plex political situation,” Kirby said.”It is also special forces is deployed to the country to accurate to say that the Huthis, as partici- help its army battle AQAP, which US intelli- pants in ... these events, will certainly have gence officials view as the most dangerous reason to want to speak to international branch of the jihadist network. partners and the international community But US officials are worried that the about their intentions and about how this counter-terrorism and intelligence opera- process is going to unfold,” he said. tions in Yemen will be jeopardized by the “The US government is participating in upheaval unfolding in Sanaa. Michael those discussions.” But asked if the Vickers, undersecretary of defense for intel- Americans and Huthis were sharing intelli- ligence, said last week at an Atlantic gence on the movements of Al-Qaeda in Council event that it was unclear if the aim the Arabian Peninsula (AQAP), Kirby said: of the Houthi militia “is to take over the “There’s no intelligence sharing regimen state as much as it is to exercise influence with the Huthis. There’s no formal agree- and refashion it in a way that they think is ment to do that, and you need those kinds more aligned with their interests.” — AFP

Palestinian girl in Israel KOBANE: A Kurdish man stands in a destroyed building in the center of the Syrian border town. —AFP prison for rock throwing

BETIN: The fate of a 14-year-old Palestinian three Israeli teens. Up to 1,000 protesters Kobane in ruins after girl, tried before an Israeli military court for were arrested, many of them for stone- hurling rocks at passing cars in the West throwing. Israeli police said many of those Bank and sentenced to two months in arrested were minors. Some of them, prison, has gripped Palestinians who say schoolbags strapped to their backs, hurled Kurds drive out IS her treatment demonstrates Israel’s exces- stones at security forces on their way to or sive measures against stone-throwing from school. youth. Malak Al-Khatib, arrested last Protests in the West Bank since then month, is one of only a rare few female have been more subdued, but still occur Ferocious battles have left nothing but debris Palestinian minors who have ever faced frequently, with Palestinian protesters arrest and sentencing by Israeli authorities. clashing with Israeli troops - incidents that KOBANE: Pulverized buildings, heavily armed close to 200,000 people since 2011. ed weaponry captured from Iraqi and Syrian “A 14-year-old girl won’t pose any threat often end in arrests. Stones and small rocks fighters roaming otherwise deserted rubble- The rise of IS-which was threatening yester- military bases. to soldiers’ lives,” said her father, Ali Al- have become an iconic weapon in the West strewn streets: the ferocious battle for Kobane day to execute a Japanese hostage and a cap- Khatib. “They are well equipped and well Bank. In the past six years, more than half has left the Syrian border town in ruins, accord- tured Jordanian airforce pilot-has changed the Border still closed trained so what kind of threat could she of all arrests of Palestinian youth have been ing to a team of AFP journalists who arrived West’s approach to Syria and spurred hope that The combat also sparked a mass exodus, have posed to them?” The Israeli military over stone-throwing. there yesterday. Kurdish forces recaptured the the warring sides might find common ground in with some 200,000 people fleeing across the said al-Khatib was charged with stone- On Dec 31, al-Khatib walked to a West town on the Turkish frontier from the Islamic the face of a mutual foe. But expectations are border into Turkey. But Turkish security forces throwing, attempted stone-throwing and Bank road used by both Israelis and State group on Monday in a symbolic blow to low for the Moscow talks as the main opposi- on Tuesday fired tear gas and water cannon to possession of a knife and that under a plea Palestinians, and began throwing stones at the jihadists who have seized swathes of territo- tion group, the exiled National Coalition, has push back people approaching the barbed wire bargain, she was sentenced to two months passing cars, Palestinian officials told her ry in their brutal onslaught across Syria and Iraq. refused to attend. fence. The border remained closed yesterday. in prison and a $1,500 fine. Having spent parents. Israeli security forces later arrested After more than four months of fighting, the “We won’t let any refugees cross until further four weeks in detention, al-Khatib has her and said they found a knife in her pos- streets of Kobane-now patrolled by Kurdish Half the town destroyed notice,” an official from Turkey’s disaster man- another four left weeks left at a central session. “These kids grow up with news militiamen with barely a civilian in sight-were a Analysts said air strikes by the US-led coali- agement agency AFAD told AFP. Turkish authori- Israeli prison for women. Out of a total of about clashes, about oppression of mass of debris and buildings that had in some tion had been key to the success of the Kurdish ties were working to move hundreds of more than 5,500 Palestinians held by Israel, Palestinian people in the West Bank and case been turned to dust. People’s Protection Units (YPG) in Kobane refugees from Kobane to a new camp in the about 150 are minors, the vast majority of the Gaza Strip and they go to express Kurdish fighters armed with Kalashnikov because the bombing had taken out some of southeastern border town of Suruc which is them male, according to official figures themselves,” Ali Al-Khatib said. assault rifles greeted the journalists with a hail the jihadists’ heavier weaponry and hitting their able to accommodate up to 35,000 people. It is from November, provided by Israeli human The girl’s parents, who appeared with of celebratory gunshots into the air and made supply routes. “Our forces fulfilled the promise the biggest-ever refugee camp opened by rights group B’Tselem. her in court, said her feet were shackled the “V” for victory sign. In one street, an injured of victory,” the militia said, but cautioned that Turkey, which has taken in 1.7 million Syrian Malak Al-Khatib is among a handful of and she was handcuffed. Since her arrest, fighter sat on the roadside next to an unexplod- fighting was not over yet. refugees since the Syrian conflict erupted in female minors ever held by Israel. the case has received constant media ed mortar shell, his leg bandaged and crutches A minister in the regional Kobane govern- 2011 as a popular uprising against Assad. Palestinian officials say she is the youngest attention in the West Bank and spawned by his side. In another, a bright yellow car was ment said Tuesday that at least half of the town Idris Nassan, an official with the Kobane girl ever detained and sentenced by Israel - countless memes and caricatures, some left abandoned, riddled with bullet holes, as had been destroyed. The United States had said regional government, said Tuesday the authori- a claim Israeli officials and rights groups showing Al-Khatib, full-cheeked and pouty- two men walked by to inspect the damage. on Tuesday that Kurdish fighters were in control ties were urging people not to return to their said they were not able to confirm. lipped, behind bars and holding a teddy On Tuesday, Kurdish forces battled IS mili- of about 90 percent of the town. But a State homes as at least 50 percent of the city was Palestinians and rights groups criticize bear. One drawing shows a cherubic Al- tants in villages around Kobane, with warnings Department official warned that the militants, destroyed. “There is no food, no medicine. We Israel for its response to rock-throwing, Khatib - whose first name means angel in that the fight was far from over. Still, the recap- also known as ISIL, were “adaptive and resilient” don’t have electricity or water.” The US official either directed at its forces or civilians. Arabic - tied to shackles held by an Israeli ture of Kobane appeared to be a major step in and no-one was declaring “mission accom- said many foreign fighters-including Israel views rock-throwing as a dangerous soldier. the campaign against the IS militants who had plished” yet. Australians, Belgians, Canadians and Chechens- tactic and at times a life-threatening attack, seemed poised in September to seize the town, “IS control over its most important strong- were among the dead jihadists. With the eyes and claims it can be the first step toward Three week detention whose symbolic importance had far outgrown holds in Syria and Iraq remains intact and there of the international media watching, the militancy. Palestinians see it as a legitimate At her home, Al-Khatib’s bedroom its military value. The victory in Kobane comes is a lack of a local military force to challenge IS jihadists “wanted to raise the largest flag they way to resist Israel’s occupation. shows the interests of a 14-year-old girl as Syrian opposition figures and representatives in places like Mosul,” said Aymenn Jawad Al- ever made over Kobane,” the official said. steeped in the realities of day-to-day life in of the regime of President Bashar Al-Assad Tamimi from the Philadelphia-based Middle “Kobane shows that you’re not going to be part Revenge killing the West Bank. Bracelets and necklaces began talks in Moscow yesterday. But there was East Forum. Observers say IS lost nearly 1,200 of something great... so the whole narrative Israel was hit by a wave of riots by bearing the colors of the Palestinian flag little hope that they would make a break- fighters in the battle, of a total of 1,800 killed, that ISIL is trying to put out, Kobane really puts Palestinians in east Jerusalem last year, fol- and a poster of a Palestinian man from her through in ending the brutal war that has killed despite outgunning YPG forces with sophisticat- a dent in it.” — AFP lowing the killing of a 16-year-old village killed in clashes with Israeli forces lie Palestinian boy by Jewish extremists in near a picture of Real Madrid forward revenge for the abduction and murder of Cristiano Ronaldo.—AP Rights group raps Israel ‘policy’ of bombing civilian homes

JERUSALEM: An Israeli rights group yesterday tary targets and blamed Gaza’s Islamist rulers target or not.” She said more residential build- criticized the government for what it called a Hamas for civilian casualties. “The IDF (Israel ings had been bombed during this campaign deliberate policy of launching air strikes on Defense Forces) does not attack residential than during the next-deadliest Gaza war in homes that killed hundreds of civilians during buildings,” it said in a statement. “Attacks during 2008-9, and in that conflict most cases were last year’s Gaza war. In a report examining 70 the operation were only directed at residential explained by the military. raids on residential buildings in the besieged buildings where they became legitimate mili- The report criticized what it said were Palestinian territory, B’Tselem said Israeli officials tary targets, or when a person constituting a attempts to shirk responsibility for civilian were responsible for civilian casualties during legitimate military target was in the structure. deaths by solely blaming Hamas. “It is true that the 50-day conflict that killed nearly 2,200 “The high number of ostensibly residential Hamas and other organizations operating in the Palestinians. structures attacked point not to an illegal puni- Gaza Strip do not abide by international “A hallmark of the fighting in Gaza this sum- tive policy of the IDF but rather to the wide- humanitarian law,” it said, referring to rocket fire mer was the numerous strikes on residential spread and systematic unlawful use made of at Israeli cities from densely populated civilian buildings, destroying them while their occu- such structures by the terror organizations in areas inside Gaza. But insistence that Hamas pants were still inside,” the 49-page report said. Gaza.” was to blame for all civilian deaths in Gaza was “This aspect of the fighting was particularly Stein said that “even if there was somebody an attempt to place “no restrictions whatsoever WEST BANK: Palestinian Khawla Al-Khatib, holds a poster of her 14-year-old daughter appalling” and was “the result of a policy formu- from Hamas in the house... the numbers of civil- on Israeli action... no matter how horrifying the Malak Al-Khatib, detained in Israel, in the village of Beitin. — AP lated by government officials and the senior mil- ians killed in each incident is so high that it’s not consequences,” it said. “This policy is unlawful itary command.” In the cases B’Tselem investigat- a matter of whether it was a legitimate military through and through.” — AFP ed, 606 people were killed, 70 percent of whom Egyptian police criticized over were under 18 or over 60. The United Nations says the conflict’s death of female protester Palestinian death toll was almost 70 percent civilian. The July-August conflict also killed 67 CAIRO: Egypt’s police are coming under charge to explain their plan, witnesses and soldiers and six civilians on the Israeli side. withering criticism as signs mount that offi- lawyers said. Within minutes, without warn- B’Tselem said Tuesday that it had not yet received a response from Prime Minister cers not only fired birdshot at a young moth- ing, the birdshot and tear gas came. “The Benjamin Netanyahu’s office regarding the er during a peaceful protest last weekend commander made a telephone call, then report, but the army rejected its allegations. The but then also hampered efforts to save her arrested Talaat Fahmy and gave the order to group questioned Israel’s claims that it went out life by ignoring pleas to let an ambulance fire tear gas and birdshot,” said Zohdy El- of its way during the conflict to respect interna- take her away. Shamy, a senior party official who was also tional humanitarian law. According to witnesses and rights at the rally. “We did not chant against the lawyers who spoke to The Associated Press police or the regime and we showed no Army blamed Hamas on Tuesday, police prevented anyone from intention or capability to use violence.” “You cannot say that the army didn’t know or trying to help 32-year-old Shaimaa El- couldn’t know how many civilians would get Sabbagh after she was shot. El-Sabbagh, a Investigation ordered killed during those attacks,” B’Tselem’s head of mother of a small boy, died Saturday after Egypt’s top prosecutor has ordered an research Yael Stein said. “You can’t maybe (know) birdshot fired by police hit her in the head investigation into El-Sabbagh’s death but on the first day or the second day. But on the during a rally she took part in - a small gath- activists say a statement by his office may 10th day or the 20th day, when you see how ering of some 40 protesters from a leftist have pre-determined the probe’s findings by many civilians are getting killed... these attacks political party at a downtown Cairo square, accusing the protesters of resisting and shouldn’t have happened,” she said. B’Tselem witnesses said. attacking the police. Interior Minister demanded explanations for possible Israeli vio- The protesters intended to lay wreaths at Mohammed Ibrahim has vowed to personal- lations of international law-specifically in decid- the nearby Tahrir Square, the epicenter of ly hand over for trial any police officer found ing whether a home constituted a legitimate Egypt’s 2011 uprising that ousted autocrat to be behind the killing, but insisted in a tel- military target, and whether its destruction gave GAZA STRIP: Palestinians sit outside a tent they erected next to homes destroyed during last Hosni Mubarak. As the gathering got under- evised news conference Monday that his a distinct military advantage outweighing collat- year’s 50-day war between Israel and Hamas-led militants, in the Abasan neighborhood east way, Talaat Fahmy of the leftist Popular force uses only tear gas when faced with eral damage. of Khan Yunis. — AFP Alliance party approached the officer in unarmed protesters.—AP The army insisted it only hit legitimate mili- THURSDAY, JANUARY 29, 2015 INTERNATIONAL Mexico ‘certain’ that missing students dead MEXICO CITY: Authorities in Mexico Unidos drug gang, who told investiga- be missing. Relatives of the victims, who want the probe to be closed because so can now say with “legal certainty” that tors they took them in two trucks to a marched on Monday with several thou- far only one set of remains corresponds 43 students who went missing in landfill, killed them, burned their bodies sand people in Mexico City to mark the to those of the missing students. The September were murdered by hitmen and dumped them in a river. The investi- four-month mark since their disappear- investigation has determined that a man working for a drug gang, the justice gation “gives us the legal certainty that ance, have refused to accept the official named Felipe Rodriguez, arrested minister said Tuesday. But parents of the the student teachers were killed in the explanation of events. January 15, gave key testimony to the students in a case that convulsed the circumstances that have been For now, only one of the students effect that the students were identified nation and countries abroad insisted described,” Justice Minister Jesus Murillo has been positively identified from as members of Los Rojos, rivals of the the case not be closed. Karam told a press conference. Witness charred remains, which leaves little Guerreros Unidos. Detainees in the crime The disappearance of the men-all and expert testimony “have allowed us hope of finding the 42 others. “We the said there were at least three from Los aspiring teachers attending classes at a to... come to the conclusion beyond a parents repudiate the way in which Rojos infiltrated among the students. But training college in the southern state of doubt that the students were abducted today the attorney general has sought prosecutors have no proof of this. Guerrero-sparked nationwide protests and killed, before being incinerated and to close the investigation,” said Felipe de Prosecutors say Rodriquez was the and a crisis for the government of thrown into the San Juan river, in that la Cruz, a spokesman for the relatives. head of the Guerreros Unidos hitmen President Enrique Pena Nieto. Officials order,” he said. “We are not going to allow them to con- squad and gave the order to kill the said the students vanished after gang- clude or close the investigation,” he students. He and other suspects will linked police attacked their buses in the Historic truth added, surrounded by activists and des- be charged with murder. The city of Iguala, allegedly under orders “It is the historic truth,” said Murillo perate parents. The latter are clinging to detained mayor of Iguala, Jose Luis from the mayor and his wife in a night Karam. He played a video with testimo- the belief that the students remain alive Abarca, accused of giving the initial MEXICO CITY: A relative of one of the of terror that left six other people dead. ny from detainees and footage from the and are in the custody of Mexican secu- order to attack the students, is 43 missing students listens during a The police then delivered the young investigation. Until now, authorities had rity forces. allegedly one of the leaders of the press conference. —AP men to members of the Guerreros still officially considered the students to De la Cruz said his people do not Guerreros Unidos. —AFP Minnesota terror suspect released to halfway house MINNEAPOLIS: A Minnesota man accused leaders to help monitor his actions. of trying to travel to Syria to join the Islamic State group will be released to a halfway Small steps house while his case is pending, a federal Defense attorney Jean Brandl said in judge ruled Tuesday. Abdullahi Yusuf, 18, court Tuesday that she believes the pro- will have limited hours outside the halfway gram could be effectively tailored to Yusuf, house and will be monitored, and could be broadened for other young Chief US District Judge Michael Davis Somalis who may be inclined to leave the said. Davis also directed probation officials US Mary McKinley, executive director of to work with a group that promotes civic Heartland Democracy, met with probation involvement to see if they could fashion a officials and Davis after Yusuf’s hearing. She plan to integrate Yusuf back into the com- told reporters that Yusuf’s case would be an munity - perhaps leading to more freedom experiment. as time progresses. “I have to see how he “We’re taking very, very small steps,” she does,” Davis said of Yusuf. said, later adding, “I completely understand Yusuf is charged with conspiracy to pro- this is a risk.” McKinley has said that the pro- vide material support to a foreign terrorist gram’s curriculum, Empowering U, has organization, which carries a maximum been used in other settings with young sentence of 15 years in prison. He was people who feel disconnected from society. arrested in November, six months after FBI Typically, teachers called “coaches” get agents stopped him at the Minneapolis air- young people to identify values and then port as he was attempting to leave the try to connect those values with communi- United States for Turkey. Authorities say a ty issues and government. In papers filed in handful of Minnesota residents have trav- court, McKinley said Yusuf’s plan would eled to Syria, which borders Turkey, to fight include eventual enrollment in a communi- with militants within the last year. Since ty college, courses with his peers to explore 2007, at least 22 young Somali men have issues they face, and possible opportunities also traveled from Minnesota to Somalia to coaching youth basketball - if Davis join the terrorist group Al-Shabab. approves. Prosecutors opposed Yusuf’s pre-trial Brandl told Davis that her client and oth- release, saying they are concerned that er young Somalis feel caught between two NEW YORK: Picture shows a child playing in the snow. Snow levels from winter storm Juno in New York have ranged from 7.8 inches in Central he is a flight risk and could pose a dan- worlds: They speak English, use cell phones, Park to more than 28 inches in Eastern Long Island. — AFP ger. Yusuf’s attorneys asked that he be and are part of the American culture by day, freed and allowed to participate in but then go home to a different culture, courses promoting civic involvement where parents are worried about what is through a nonprofit organization called happening in Somalia. Brandl said the pro- New England facing snowy Heartland Democracy. The idea hasn’t gram would help bridge that gap. McKinley been used before in Minnesota. The wrote in a memo to defense attorneys that defense came up with the proposal her program could help re-integrate Yusuf ‘dig’ after massive blizzard after Davis said in December that he’d into society, “and at the very least, a gradual consider releasing Yusuf if there was a rejection of whatever violent ideology he plan for Somali elders and community allegedly was seeking.” —AP ‘We’ve come out of this in relatively good shape’

BOSTON: New Englanders savaged by a bliz- glancing blow, dozens of flights were canceled to the storm by police: a 17-year-old who Prosecutors promise probe zard packing knee-high snowfall and hurricane- and delayed yesterday at the three major air- crashed into a light pole while snow-tubing force winds began digging out yesterday, ports. down a street and an 83-year-old man with of teen girl killed by police grudgingly praising forecasters who got grief In Massachusetts, bitter cold threatened to dementia who was found dead in his backyard. from New Yorkers and others spared its full fury. complicate efforts to clear clogged streets and The Philadelphia-to-Boston corridor of more DENVER: A passenger who was in a car Tuesday, citing the department’s open The storm buried the Boston area in more than restore power to more than 15,000 customers than 35 million people had braced for a paralyz- when a 17-year-old girl was shot and killed investigation. The shooting happened 2 feet of snow and lashed it with howling winds shivering in the dark, including the entire island ing blast Monday evening and into Tuesday by Denver police has disputed authorities’ after an officer was called to check on a that exceeded 70 mph. It punched a gaping of Nantucket. A 78 mph wind gust was reported after forecasters warned of a storm of potential- account of her death, saying officers suspicious vehicle, Chief Robert White has hole in a seawall and swamped a vacant home there, and a 72 mph one on neighboring ly historic proportions. opened fire before one of them was struck said. A colleague arrived after the officer in Marshfield, Massachusetts, and flipped a 110- Martha’s Vineyard. The low in Boston yesterday The weather lived up to its billing in New by the vehicle. determined the car had been reported foot replica of a Revolutionary War ship in was expected to be 10 degrees, with a wind chill England and on New York’s Long Island, which The passenger, speaking late Tuesday to stolen. Police have said the two officers Newport, Rhode Island, snapping its mast and of minus 5. Forecasters warned that it won’t get also got clobbered. Boston’s meteorologists The Associated Press on the condition of approached the car on foot when puncturing its hull. Boston is accustomed to big above freezing for a week, and more snow - were spot on: Forecasts warned the city would anonymity because of safety concerns, said Hernandez drove into one of them, and snowstorms, and with ample warning that a though nothing major - was expected later in get more than 2 feet, and the National Weather her friend, Jessica Hernandez, lost control they both then opened fire. blizzard was coming, officials mobilized thou- the week. Around New England, snowplows Service said it got 24.4 inches. “They actually of the vehicle because she was uncon- The car’s passenger said police had sur- sands of snowplows and called up the National struggled to keep up, and Boston police drove got it right,” James Hansen said as he cleared a scious after being shot. Police have said the rounded the car in the alley, and Guard to ensure a speedy recovery. “We’ve several dozen doctors and nurses to work at hos- Boston sidewalk. But while Philadelphia, New Monday morning shooting in a residential Hernandez was trying to flee, attempting come out of this in relatively good shape,” Gov pitals. Snow blanketed Boston Common, where York and New Jersey had been warned they alley came after Hernandez drove a stolen to dive around one of the squad cars. The Charlie Baker acknowledged yesterday. the Redcoats drilled during the Revolution, and could get 1 to 2 feet of snow, New York City vehicle into one of them. officers came up to the car from behind drifts piled up against Faneuil Hall, where received just under 10 inches and Philadelphia a Prosecutors on Tuesday promised a and fired four times into the driver’s side Towering snow banks Samuel Adams agitated for rebellion against the mere inch or so. New Jersey got up to 10 inches. thorough probe of the shooting as a small window, narrowly missing others inside, Morning commuters high-stepped their way British. The glancing blow left forecasters apologiz- group of angry protesters demanded swift the passenger said. Hernandez wrecked the through a warren of snowy paths and towering More than 24 inches of snow coated Boston’s ing and politicians defending their near-total answers and called for a special prosecutor car into a fence after she was shot, accord- snow banks that gave much of Massachusetts airport, the sixth-highest in recorded history. shutdown on travel. Some commuters grum- to investigate the death. The shooting ing to the witness. Police said the officer an almost alpine feel. “I had to jump out the The record is 27.6 inches in 2003. Worcester got bled, but others sounded a better-safe-than- occurred amid a national debate about suffered a leg injury for which he was treat- window because the door only opens one way,” 33.5 inches - the highest amount recorded since sorry note and even expressed sympathy for police use of force fueled by racially ed at a hospital and released. Officers with Chuck Beliveau said in the hard-hit central town 1905 - and Auburn and Lunenburg each report- the weathermen. National Weather Service charged episodes in Ferguson, Missouri, their guns drawn then pulled people out of of Westborough. “I felt like a kid again. When I ed 36 inches. Parts of the New Hampshire coast- forecaster Gary Szatkowski, of Mount Holly, and New York City. It was also the fourth the car, including Hernandez, who they was a kid, we’d burrow through snow drifts like line got 31 inches. Burrillville, Rhode Island, got New Jersey, tweeted an apology: “You made a time in seven months that a Denver police handcuffed and searched. moles.” But signs of normalcy emerged: Boston’s 26.5 inches. More than 20 inches piled up in lot of tough decisions expecting us to get it officer fired into a moving vehicle after per- The passenger was unaware the vehicle public transit was running and Amtrak trains to Portland, Maine, and 33.5 inches in Thompson, right, and we didn’t.” New York Mayor Bill de ceiving it as a threat, and the city’s inde- was stolen and provided only vague New York and Washington were rolling on a lim- Connecticut. Orient, on the eastern end of Long Blasio defended his administration’s decision pendent police monitor now says he will details about what the group of teenagers ited schedule. Flights began arriving at Logan Island, got about 30 inches. to prepare for the storm by closing roads amid investigate the department’s policies and was doing earlier in the night. By law, International Airport, among the nation’s forecasts of more than 2 feet of snow. “You practices related to shooting at moving police are allowed to use force to stop and busiest air hubs, just after 8 am. Although the Two deaths reported can’t put a price on safety,” he said yesterday vehicles, which he said poses unique safety overcome the resistance of another per- Washington-Baltimore area was dealt only a Two deaths, both on Long Island, were tied on NBC’s “Today” show. —AP risks. son. They can use it to match the force and overcome it. Both officers involved in the Suspicious vehicle shooting have been placed on routine Utah parents showed ‘signs’ before killing own family Police spokesman Sonny Jackson administrative leave pending the investi- offered no new details about the case on gation.—AP SPRINGVILLE: Benjamin and Kristi Strack often Police said Benson wrote a goodbye letter, leav- recording of the 911 call was released by police talked about the apocalypse and wanting to ing some of his belongings to his best friend. The Tuesday. “Oh my God,” says friend Maureen leave the evil they saw in the world, but friends only other recent writing the family left behind Ledbetter, as grandmother Valerie Sudweeks is and family thought that meant they would one was a notebook containing handwritten to-do heard screaming in the background. “Is this 911? day move somewhere remote and live off the lists written as if the parents were preparing to go Oh my god. The whole family killed themselves.” grid. on a long vacation, like feeding the pets and find- During their investigation, police found years-old Instead, they overdosed on a lethal combina- ing someone to watch the house. letters between Kristi Strack and Dan Lafferty, tion of methadone, cold medicine and other The five bodies were found Sept. 27 by Kristi who is serving a life sentence after being convict- drugs along with their three children, ages 11, 12 Strack’s older son from a previous marriage, along ed of committing a double-murder with his and 14, according to police. There were troubling with the children’s grandmother and a friend. The brother Ron.—AP signs before the five bodies were found in a locked bedroom of their Springville home in September. The couple had struggled with drugs, as well as legal and financial problems. They also had been close friends with a Utah prison inmate serving a life sentence for killing family members in the name of God, slayings chronicled in the 2003 Jon Krakauer book “Under the Banner of Heaven.”

No signs of struggle Investigators determined the parents commit- ted suicide, Springville Police Chief J Scott Finlayson said at a news conference called Tuesday at the conclusion of the investigation. The younger two children’s deaths were ruled DENVER: Candles burn in front of participants at a vigil near the scene of the early homicides, although Finlayson said there were no morning fatal shooting of a young woman who hit and injured a Denver Police signs of a struggle. The manner of death for the Department officer while driving a stolen vehicle. —AP 14-year-old, Benson Strack, was undetermined. SPRINGVILLE: This photo shows the home where five Utah family members were found dead. —AP p10 2_Layout 1 1/28/15 8:34 PM Page 1

THURSDAY, JANUARY 29, 2015 INTERNATIONAL Dozen killed in attack against Mali rebels

BAMAKO: An attack overnight in north- the pro-government Imghad and Allies ing the rebels. Three people were killed placed Tabankort under exclusive con- of the north in 2012 on the back of an ern Mali by a pro-government armed Tuareg Self-Defense Group. Tuesday on a second day of demonstra- trol of UN troops. MINUSMA helicopters uprising by Tuareg separatists and group including suicide bombers killed Tabankort is part of a large swathe of tions against the UN military mission. destroyed a rebel vehicle near Tabankort imposed strict Sharia law and punish- a dozen people, security sources said desert which is the cradle of a Tuareg Witnesses described a huge crowd of in “self-defense” on January 20 following ments, before being ousted 10 months yesterday. “GATIA fighters, accompanied separatist movement that wants inde- angry youths throwing stones and what it described as “direct fire with later by a French military intervention. by suicide bombers, attacked a rebel pendence for the homeland it calls attempting to storm the MINUSMA heavy weapons” on its peacekeepers. MINUSMA took over security duties from Tuareg and anti-government Arab posi- “Azawad”, and from which several rebel- headquarters in Gao to protest the UN Rebel groups said the action violated African troops in July 2013, with a mis- tion in the night from Tuesday to yester- lions have been launched since the taking control of a troubled area north UN neutrality, adding that seven mili- sion to ensure stability in the battle- day near the town of Tabankort. There 1960s. The town, northwest of the rebel of the city. MINUSMA initially denied it tants had been killed and 20 wounded. scarred nation. A 12,600-strong force, were a dozen deaths in total,” a Western stronghold of Kidal, is controlled by pro- was behind the deaths but later said it The strikes sparked demonstrations hos- made up largely of Africans, replaced military source said. government militias however which would investigate to establish its role in tile to MINUSMA in Kidal. Algeria and the the AFISMA military mission, which has “The situation is very volatile, and it is have clashed over the last month with the violence. UN, which are leading mediation talks been supporting the French interven- essential to calm the situation,” added armed rebels, leading to the deaths of between the government and rebels, tion. The mission played a key role in the source. A security source in MINUS- fighters and civilians. Peace process threatened said the violence in Tabankort threat- presidential polls which saw Ibrahim MA-the United Nations peacekeeping The UN was forced to withdraw a The agreement between MINUSMA ened to jeopardize the peace process. Boubacar Keita rise to power in August mission in Mali-confirmed the deaths, plan to create a “temporary security and three rebel groups-the High Council Mali gained independence from 2013. On top of the conflict between adding that two fighters blew them- zone” in Tabankort after a huge protest for the Unity of Azawad, the National France in 1960 but ethnic divisions run pro-and anti-government armed selves up while a third was killed before in the northern city of Gao by pro-gov- Movement for the Liberation of Azawad deep and the west African nation has groups, Islamist extremists continue to he was able to detonate his explosives. ernment youths who said it would and an anti-government wing of the been riven by conflict for much of the carry out raids and attacks and French GATIA is the commonly-used name for undermine loyalist armed groups fight- Arab Movement of Azawad-would have last half-century. Islamists seized control troops are still on patrol. —AFP France warns jihadists ‘You will die alone’

PARIS: “You will discover hell on earth, and izens to leave for Syria and Iraq in recent will die alone”-that is the stark message years. It also features sections such as from the French government in a new “Understanding the terrorist threat” and social media campaign aimed at discour- “Decrypting jihadist propaganda”, featur- aging would-be jihadists. The first video to ing expert interviews, historic explainers appear on www.stop-djihadisme.gouv.fr and links to more detailed information. features a series of typical promises made Among the advice to young people are by jihadist recruiters, followed by an ways of spotting early signs of an opposing view from the government-all unhealthy interest in jihadism: “Watch out against a graphic backdrop of crucifixions, for friends who become more distant and headless corpses and bodies being thrown stop listening to music.” It remains to be into pits. seen whether a government-sponsored “They tell you, ‘Join us and come help message will carry much weight with radi- the children of Syria,’” the text reads over cals who consider the French state to be images from wars in the Middle East. “In apostate, but those behind the campaign reality you will be complicit in the massacre remain confident. “We will broadcast this of civilians.” Others are directed towards video widely on social networks in order to women. “They tell you: ‘Come start a family reach the maximum number of young with one of our heroes.’ In reality you will people vulnerable to these calls. We hope raise your children in war and terror.” it will shock them,” said Christian Gravel, The website is an attempt by the French head of the government’s communications government to counter the sophisticated department. “And the site offers solutions recruiting efforts of jihadist groups, that and help for young people, their families have helped encourage hundreds of its cit- and their friends.” —AFP Military warned before ATHENS: Greece’s Prime Minister Alexis Tsipras (center) accompanied by other members of their government pose for a group picture outside Boko Haram massacre the Parliament. —AP

LAGOS: Amnesty International yesterday rebels also warned civilians about an claimed that Nigeria’s military top brass impending strike and several hundred resi- Greece wants fair deal, were warned of brutal Boko Haram attacks dents fled, the group added, citing military on the northeast towns of Baga and and local sources. A Monguno resident was Monguno but failed take action. The quoted as saying that residents were also January 3 onslaught against Baga is feared warned about a looming Boko Haram will not ‘submit’ to EU to have killed hundreds, if not more, and offensive and that this information was destroyed thousands of homes, while the passed on to the military but no action was takeover of Monguno last weekend was taken. seen as a major setback for the security Defense spokesman Chris Olukolade did PM claims Greece in a ‘humanitarian disaster’ forces. not answer calls seeking comment on the Amnesty said it received information allegations, but the military has repeatedly ATHENS: Greece’s radical new Prime Minister EU ‘flexible’ ‘Fatal consequences’ from senior military officers and other described Amnesty as an unreliable organi- Alexis Tsipras warned yesterday that it would no A fierce critic of the conditions imposed by The head of the eurozone finance ministers, sources indicating that defense officials zation with a political agenda. Amnesty longer blindly submit to the EU and demanded a creditors, Varoufakis argues the country’s shat- Jeroen Dijsselbloem, will visit Athens on Friday were told about Boko Haram’s plans to made similar accusations concerning the “fair” deal with its creditors. Tsipras said he want- tered economy will never recover until they are “to get to know” Greece’s new leaders, his attack both towns but did not act on April 14 attack in Chibok, also in Borno, ed a “viable, mutually beneficial solution” to relaxed. The new ruling coalition-who together spokeswoman said. But in a newspaper inter- requests to send reinforcements. “It is clear which saw Boko Haram kidnap more than “humanitarian disaster” he claimed his country have 162 seats in the 300-member parliament- view yesterday, a member of Germany’s from this evidence that Nigeria’s military 200 schoolgirls, sparking global outrage. has suffered as a result of the austerity imposed must address an end-of-February deadline set Bundesbank central bank warned Athens of leadership woefully and repeatedly failed Rights groups, Western diplomats and by it creditors. by the EU for Greece to carry out more reforms “fatal consequences” if it rejected the bailout in their duty to protect civilians of Baga and prominent leaders across Nigeria have In a speech to the cabinet-his first since tak- in return for a seven-billion-euro tranche of terms. “If the continuation of the programme of Monguno despite repeated warnings widely criticized the security services for ing office-the 40-year-old premier insisted financial aid from the bloc and the IMF. Tsipras, aid for Greece is called into question... Greek about an impending threat posed by Boko their handling of the six-year Boko Haram Greece’s new leaders were no longer willing to who has vowed to reverse many of the severe banks would lose access to central bank funds,” Haram,” said Amnesty’s Africa director uprising. Civilians have repeatedly been left bow to the “politics of submission”, in a clear spending cuts and other measures that Greece’s Joachim Nagel told the German business daily Netsanet Belay. defenseless in the face of attacks and swipe at Brussels and the International creditors insist on, must soon decide whether to Handelsblatt. “It would have fatal consequences On Baga, Amnesty said troops in the President Goodluck Jonathan, who is Monetary Fund. “Our people are suffering and delay the deadline. for the Greek financial system.” town in extreme north of Borno state standing for re-election in less than three demand respect...we must bleed to defend their Greece’s European partners have been quick Tsipras’ Syriza party claims the stringent con- reported a build-up of insurgent fighters in weeks, has so far not delivered on promises dignity,” Tsipras said. to stymie the prospect of debt forgiveness, with ditions attached to the bailout-including wage But the new government’s radical anti-auster- German Chancellor Angela Merkel’s spokesman the area before the attack. The Islamist to contain the violence. — AFP and pension cuts and widespread privatizations- ity agenda has alarmed financial markets, reviv- saying that Greek membership of the eurozone have caused a “humanitarian disaster” in Greece. ing fears that Greece could crash out of the “means... sticking to its previous commitments.” It wants to spend 1.2 billion euros to immediate- eurozone. Greek stocks fell 6 percent in midday However the EU’s governing body indicated trade-after losing 3 percent the previous day- yestersday that it was willing to show flexibility ly increase the minimum wage and pensions for and yields on 10-year bonds also rose above the with the new Greek leaders to keep the debt- the poorest. However, the IMF extended an olive symbolic barrier of 10 percent. And in another stricken nation in the eurozone. branch to the new government, saying it was move that spooked markets, the government The European Commissioner for Economic prepared to continue its support to the country. halted the privatisation of Greece’s main port, and Financial Affairs, France’s Pierre Moscovici, Greece’s economy is set to emerge from Piraeus, which Chinese shipping giant Cosco had said he ruled out any “break” between the recession after shrinking by a quarter in five planned to turn into its new European hub. European Commission and the new Greek years, a slump that has left one in four out of After his Syriza party stormed to power on administration, the French daily Le Parisien work. Many Greeks say that even if Tsipras can Sunday, Tsipras forged a coalition with the reported yesterday. The Commission and the deliver on a fraction of what he has promised, nationalist Independent Greeks (ANEL), who are European Union are willing to seek “less intru- their lives will improve. Tsipras stands alone as equally opposed to the fiscal cuts imposed over sive, more flexible forms of cooperation” with Europe’s first anti-austerity leader for the the past five years in return for bailout loans. In a Athens, the paper quoted him as saying. “What moment, but Syriza’s victory could inspire other sign that the new government will take a hard we all want is that Greece recovers, creating movements born out of the crisis, including line in haggling over the 240-billion-euro ($269 growth and jobs, that it reduces inequality, that Spain’s Podemos, which is aiming for an billion) EU-IMF package, Tsipras named leftwing it can deal with the problem of its debt and absolute majority in the Spanish election in economist Yanis Varoufakis as finance minister. remains in the euro area,” he said. November. —AFP

MAIDUGURI: In this photo, villagers sit on the back of a small truck as they and oth- ers flee the recent violence near the city. Islamic extremists are rampaging through US threatens tougher action against Russia villages in northeast Nigeria’s Adamawa state, killing, burning and looting with no troops deployed to protect civilians. —AP KIEV: US Treasury Secretary Jack Lew said yes- He said $1 billion more could be added to a its reform agenda and continues to require sup- terday that Washington was ready to increase past loan of the same amount in the first half of port,” he said. Ukraine’s economy shrank by near- sanctions on Russia over its actions in war-torn the year. “We are also proposing to our Congress ly eight percent last year and Kiev is currently Russian court rejects bid to Ukraine. Lew’s comments during a visit to Kiev that we provide an additional $1 billion for a facing a massive foreign debt burden that came one day after EU heads of state threatened total of $3 billion of loan guarantees as long as threatens to put it into default within the next shut human rights group to impose further financial measures against Ukraine continues to make concrete progress on few months. —AFP Moscow in response to the latest upsurge in vio- lence in Ukraine’s nine-month war. “Our first MOSCOW: Russia’s Supreme Court yester- across Russia, including the volatile choice is a diplomatic resolution that allows us day dismissed the government’s bid to shut Caucasus region, welcomed the decision to lessen sanctions. But we are prepared to do down a leading human rights group, a rare but warned that authorities were still trying more if necessary. To that end, we’ll continue to victory for harried civil society in the coun- to curb the work of NGOs. “It is good that work with our allies to increase the pressure on try. Judge Alla Nazarova rejected a lawsuit common sense won out,” senior Memorial Russia,” Lew told reporters. from Russia’s justice ministry to dissolve the member Yan Rachinsky said in court. “But it Russia denies backing the eastern insurgents Memorial group-which rose to prominence is difficult to accept it as full victory for our and claims that past measures against it are exposing Soviet-era repression-that organization.” Another board member Oleg meant at undermining President Vladimir Putin’s claimed the group had violated its charter. Orlov put the decision down to a strong 15-year rule. “At the same time, we’ve been clear Memorial, which has a vast network of public campaign of support for the organi- from the beginning: if Moscow fully implements offices in the country, said that the move zation but cautioned that “the overall situa- its obligations pursuant to the Minsk agreement, was part of an official clampdown. The jus- tion with Russian civil society is awful.” sanctions against Russia could be eased,” Lew tice ministry had argued that Memorial’s Memorial began work during the final added. charter did not correspond to the work it years of the Soviet Union chronicling He also told his Ukrainian counterpart Natalie does and that it had committed a range of Stalin’s purges and commemorating vic- Jaresko-a US national confirmed to her post last other infractions, such as misreporting tims, including those of mass executions in month-that Washington was ready to provide up financing from abroad. the 1930s. The targeting of Memorial fol- to $3 billion in support should Kiev press ahead The ministry said in a statement after lows a raft of measures phased in since with overdue economic restructuring measures. the ruling that Memorial has rectified all President Vladimir Putin’s election in 2012 “Ukraine’s government continues to forge ahead the violations and so the case against it was to a third historic term that made life prac- with the implementation of its ambitious reform closed. Representatives from Memorial- tically unbearable for many non-govern- agenda and it needs the support of the interna- KIEV: Prime Minister Arseniy Yatsenyuk (right) speaking with US Treasury Secretary Jack Lew which also works on human rights issues mental groups.—AFP tional community to make progress,” Lew said. during their talks. — AP THURSDAY, JANUARY 29, 2015 INTERNATIONAL Sri Lankan govt reinstates impeached chief justice

COLOMBO: The new Sri Lankan govern- mer President Mahinda Rajapaksa’s gov- independence and it has also damaged ment has temporarily reinstated the ernment, which accused her of misusing his reputation as a judge.” Police have chief justice whose impeachment two power and amassing wealth. The questioned Peiris over his presence at years ago was condemned international- impeachment was condemned as an act Rajapaksa’s official residence when ly as an arbitrary political move, the of revenge because she refused to give results of the Jan 8 election were being country’s bar association leader said yes- consent to a government bill. announced. terday. The government recognized Rajapaksa appointed his aide Peiris as A complaint from the new govern- Shirani Bandaranayke as the legitimate her successor. The demonstrators ment alleges Rajapaksa discussed with chief justice because her sacking by the demanding his resignation say he under- his guests ways he could illegally stay in previous government was deemed ille- mined the judiciary’s independence and power when early voting results indicat- gal but she will resign after being given integrity by being partial to Rajapaksa ed he was losing. Rajapaksa was widely an honorable farewell, bar association and cite an investigation into his credited for leaving office peacefully President Upul Jayasuriya said. involvement in an alleged coup plot after he lost, but the subsequent coup Bandaranayake will retire after soon after this month’s presidential elec- allegation has raised doubts about what attending a farewell ceremony today. tion. Gunaratna Wanninayake, the con- really happened. Rajapaksa has denied Neither Bandaranayake nor the govern- vener of the activist group Lawyers’ the allegation. Sri Lanka’s new Foreign ment explained why she is quitting in a Collective, said Peiris “is not fit to be the Minister Mangala Samaraweera com- day, which allows the government to chief justice as he has been involved in plained last week that Rajapaksa and the appoint a new chief justice. Earlier, politics and took part in foreign trips others conspired to impose a state of lawyers and activists demonstrated near with politicians and visited their homes.” emergency to stay in office illegally, but the Supreme Court demanding the sit- Besides, his presence at Rajapaksa’s offi- that the attorney general and the mili- COLOMBO: Sri Lanka’s former chief justice Shirani Bandaranayake (center) is ting Chief Justice Mohan Peiris resign. cial residence on the day of election “has tary and police chiefs opposed the greeted by lawyers at the Supreme Court complex. — AFP Bandaranayake was impeached by for- also raised serious doubts about his move. -—AP 15 Communist officials found supporting Tibet

BEIJING: Investigators have found that 15 bers. They are recruited to fill posts at vari- Communist Party officials in Tibet joined ous levels as a key component of the par- underground Tibetan independence ty’s united front policy, although the top organizations, provided intelligence to the party official in provinces and regions such Dalai Lama and his supporters or partici- as Tibet is always a member of China’s over- pated in activities deemed harmful to whelming majority Han ethnic group. China’s security, a party agency said yester- day. The publicizing of party officials sup- Support growing for exiled leader porting Tibetan separatism was highly A discipline investigator, Ye Dongsong, unusual and suggested continuing unrest was quoted in the party-run Global Times in the Himalayan region, which has had a newspaper as saying that the Tibetan heavy security presence since a wave of regional government should focus on neu- riots and protests against Chinese rule in tralizing separatists, maintaining social sta- 2008. bility and more strictly monitoring projects The involvement was uncovered last in the region. The announcement follows year during an investigation of a small warnings of stiff punishments for those group of party officials, according to a who offer support to the Dalai Lama or statement from the Communist Party Tibetan separatism, and shows that the Disciplinary Commission of Tibet posted on government has failed to eradicate support its website. Fifteen officials received for the spiritual leader, even among party unspecified punishment for violating party officials, said Kate Saunders, communica- and political discipline, the commission tions director for the Washington, DC- said. It was not immediately clear why the based International Campaign for Tibet. cases were announced this week. The com- She said that failure has come despite mission’s statement gave no details of the efforts to guide people in the region into groups that the party members joined, the being more “patriotic and progressive.” “The intelligence they provided or other activi- Chinese government is literally seeking to ties that would have harmed national secu- replace loyalty to the Dalai Lama in Tibetan SRINAGAR: Kashmiri Muslim villagers offer prayers during the funeral procession of Abid Ahmed Khan, a suspected local militant ommanderc rity. Calls to party representatives in Tibet hearts and minds with allegiance to the yesterday. A brief gun battle between Indian government forces and suspected rebels on Tuesday killed two rebels and two troops in the dis- were not answered, and the discipline com- Chinese Party-state,” she said. puted Kashmir region, police said. —AP mission’s phone number was not publicly Beijing accuses the Dalai Lama, who fled available. to India after a failed 1959 uprising, of Journalists’ access to Tibet is tightly being intent on splitting Tibet from China, restricted and all information from the a charge he denies. Many Tibetans say India sends foreign region is extremely difficult to confirm. Beijing’s economic policies in the While details such as the name of the offi- Himalayan region have mainly benefited cials punished were not provided, it is likely Chinese migrants, and resent the govern- they were ethnic Tibetans who traditionally ment’s strict limits on Buddhism and practice a form of Tantric Buddhism of Tibetan culture. More than 100 Tibetans minister to China which the Dalai Lama is the spiritual leader. have self-immolated since 2009 to protest Ethnic minorities, including Tibetans and Beijing’s rule. Beijing says it treats minori- Muslim Uighurs from the neighboring ties in China fairly, and that it has poured Xinjiang region, make up about 6 percent billions of dollars into raising living stan- Meeting aimed at enhancing ‘political trust’ of the Communist Party’s 86 million mem- dards in Tibetan areas. — AP NEW DELHI: India’s foreign minister will travel news agency Xinhua said it was a “superficial which the environmental campaign group to China this weekend, New Delhi said yester- rapprochement”, pointing to persistent differ- described as “bullying” by the government. day, a day after Barack Obama ended a visit ences on issues such as climate change. Pillai’s lawyer Indira Jaising said the court Afghan istan arrest aimed at renewing US ties with the South Asian asked three government departments to country. Sushma Swaraj will hold three-way Greenpeace withheld at airport explain the January 11 “offloading” by next commander of militant talks with her Chinese and Russian counterparts Meanwhile, an Indian court asked the gov- month. “The Delhi High Court today issued during the trip, her first official visit since she ernment to explain why it had barred a notices to the home ministry, intelligence took office last year, the Indian foreign ministry Greenpeace staff member who held a valid visa bureau and immigration department asking group ‘Suicide Front’ said. them to reply before February 6,” she said. The talks follow a high-profile visit to New Officials told Pillai at the time that she was KABUL: Afghanistan’s main intelligence Hassib Sediqi, a spokesman for the agency, Delhi by the US president aimed at cementing barred from leaving the country and they were agency said yesterday it had arrested a referring to the group. The militants, who ties between the two countries, which share an “just following orders from the Indian govern- commander of a militant group known as described themselves as a Taleban splinter interest in curbing China’s growing regional ment”. the “Suicide Front”, that claimed responsi- faction, said the radio journalist was a spy influence. Chinese foreign ministry spokes- “We are satisfied that the court has taken bility last year for the execution-style killing for Britain’s intelligence agency. Britain’s woman Hua Chunying said they were aimed at cognizance of the plea,” Greenpeace senior cam- of a Swedish journalist. mission in Afghanistan said it did not com- enhancing “political trust”. “China and India are paigner Karuna Raina said outside court. Prime Nils Horner, 51, who worked for Swedish ment on such allegations. At the time, a two largest developing countries and major Minister Narendra Modi’s right-wing govern- Radio and held dual British-Swedish Western diplomat dismissed the militants’ emerging economies,” she said. “We are enhanc- ment tightened controls over foreign fund nationality, was shot dead in the capital’s accusation as “complete nonsense”. ing our mutual political trust and practical transfers to Greenpeace India in June, following diplomatic quarter in last March. The killing The Taleban denied any link to the mili- cooperation in various fields.” accusations that foreign-funded campaign compounded fears of deteriorating security tants who claimed Hormer’s killing. The Although neither side mentioned China by groups were hurting India’s economy. But the ahead of the withdrawal of most foreign Swedish mission in Afghanistan said details of name during Obama’s three-day visit, the US Delhi High Court last week reaffirmed an earlier troops. The militant group had separately the arrest would be passed on to investigators president welcomed what he called a “greater court order to unblock the thousands of dollars claimed responsibility for the killing of the in Sweden, but that it was too early to reach role for India in the Asia Pacific” and said free- of Greenpeace funds. governor of the province of Logar the pre- any conclusions. “The investigation in Sweden dom of navigation in the region must be India has clamped down on activist groups vious year. is still ongoing,” said deputy mission chief upheld. Beijing claims sovereignty over large over the past two years and has restricted direct “The National Directorate of Security Anders Skiˆldebrand, adding that Swedish swathes of the South China Sea, home to mar- transfers of foreign donations, following cam- detained a militant commander for the ter- investigators working closely with the Afghan itime lanes that are vital to global trade. India’s paigns that delayed important industrial proj- rorist group Mahaz-e-Fedaiyan with two spy agency had been to Afghanistan last year new Prime Minister Narendra Modi is widely Foreign minister Sushma Swaraj ects. The country’s biggest corporate groups pistols, two time bombs and a silencer,” said and could return. —Reuters seen as taking a more assertive line on China have flocked behind business-friendly Modi, than the previous government. But experts say from flying out of New Delhi. Priya Pillai, a sen- whose party swept to power in May on a pledge he will be careful not to alienate China, whose ior campaigner in India, was on her way to to revive the ailing economy. But activists have investment he desperately needs as he tries to London earlier this month when immigration expressed concern that the government’s dash boost India’s economy. Obama and Modi took officials stopped her and stamped “offload” on for growth will mean a watering down of envi- pains to demonstrate their personal rapport her passport. Pillai took legal action on breach ronmental standards and of land acquisition during the US president’s visit. China’s state of personal liberty grounds against the move, laws to favor business. —AFP Ghani’s cabinet deemed ineligible by parliament

KABUL: Afghan lawmakers yesterday rejected seen as saving Afghanistan from the risk of civil for approving the eight ministers and the NDS most of President Ashraf Ghani’s nominees for war, after both men claimed victory in last chief. “The president wishes the new ministers the new cabinet, in a fresh setback for the new- year’s fraud-tainted election. success in serving the people, saying he will ly formed “national unity government”. The low- But last week parliament told Ghani that soon introduce to lower house of parliament er house of parliament voted on 18 of Ghani’s seven of his nominees were ineligible because new nominees for the remaining cabinet posts,” 25 selections for ministerial jobs and rejected they held dual nationalities. Rabbani and Ulumi a statement from his office said. No timeframe 10 of them including the proposed defense renounced their foreign citizenships to qualify, was given for the new nominations and parlia- minister. and MPs also approved Rahmatullah Nabil as ment has now gone into recess for more than a Those who won approval included the director of the NDS intelligence agency. month. This leaves only a third of the cabinet Salahuddin Rabbani, the former head of the Those rejected included Sher Mohammad approved as Afghanistan begins the tough task Peace Council and nominee for foreign affairs Karim, the current army chief of staff and nomi- of fighting the resilient Taleban insurgency minister, and Noorul Haq Ulumi, the nominee nee for defense minister, and Khatera Afghan, without the help of NATO combat troops. for interior minister. The proposed new cabinet Ghani’s choice for minister of higher education. The US-led NATO mission which began in was unveiled on January 12, after three months 2001 was downgraded in late December to of wrangling following last year’s bitterly dis- Female nominees rejected support and training for the Afghan army and KARACHI: Pakistani traders hold a protest against the printing of satirical sketches of puted presidential election. It was meant to Afghan was the only woman up for approval police. About 17,000 foreign soldiers, most of the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) by French magazine Charlie Hebdo. The magazine create a “unity government” agreed in a power- yesterday after two other female nominees them American, will still be deployed in published a “survivors” issue with an image of the Prophet Mohammed (PBUH) sharing deal between Ghani and his presiden- were excluded from the vote, one because of Afghanistan this year, but US troop numbers weeping on the cover, triggering a wave of angry condemnation and protest in tial poll rival Abdullah Abdullah. That deal, dual nationality and one for having “insufficient are set to halve within 12 months and fall to Muslim-majority countries across the world including Pakistan. — AFP hammered out after tortuous negotiations, was educational documents”. Ghani thanked MPs almost nothing in two years. — AFP THURSDAY, JANUARY 29, 2015 INTERNATIONAL

Sydney cafe investigations to reveal how hostages died

SYDNEY: An inquest into the deadly air television interview about the 16- tried to wrestle his weapon from him ma, Prime Minister Tony Abbott ordered to date. The aim of the inquest will be siege in which an extremist gunman and-a-half hour ordeal. “I said: ‘Please but that Dawson was struck by police an urgent enquiry into why the to determine how the deaths occurred, held a cafe full of people captive in don’t shoot me, please please don’t bullets, possibly a ricochet when police deranged Islamic gunman was not the factors that contributed to them Sydney today, amid expectation it will shoot me,” the woman sobs. The siege stormed the cafe. under surveillance and how he had and whether they could have been pre- officially lift the lid on how two ended with heavily armed police storm- obtained citizenship. vented. hostages died. Details of what hap- ing the high-end cafe in the early hours Deranged Islamic gunman The month before the siege Monis New South Wales Police Minister pened when Iranian-born Man Monis of the following morning, after about The siege triggered a wave of emo- had posted a message in Arabic on his Stuart Ayres has previously said the took customers and staff hostage at the 10 of the 17 hostages had managed to tion in Sydney, with thousands flocking website pledging allegiance to “the inquest will help shed light on exactly Lindt chocolate cafe in Martin Place on escape. to Martin Place to leave flowers at an Caliph of the Muslims”, which some what happened. “Something as serious December 15 have not been released, Two hostages died in the shoot-out impromptu memorial and sign condo- interpreted as the Islamic State group. as the Sydney siege at the Lindt cafe with survivors advised by the authori- as cafe manager Tori Johnson, 34, and lence books. It also raised questions The inquest will not hear from witness- requires this coronial inquest,” he said. ties against telling their stories before barrister and mother-of-three Katrina about how Monis, who had a long crim- es on the opening day, but Jeremy “But make no mistake about this, I am enquiries have ended. Dawson, 38 and several more sustained inal history, was let out on bail given Gormly, the counsel assisting the coro- completely proud and very, very sup- “We had to beg for our lives, he was gunshot wounds. Reports have sug- that charges against him included sexu- ner, will outline a provisional list of portive of all the work that police have going to shoot someone,” one woman gested that Monis, a 50-year-old self- al offences and abetting the murder of issues the investigation and inquest will done throughout one of the most test- says in a promotional clip for a yet-to- styled Islamic cleric, shot Johnson as he his ex-wife. In the hours after the dra- look at and some details from enquiries ing times for Sydney.” — AFP Thailand warns US to Aquino urges legislators mind its own business BANGKOK: Thailand warned the United ‘US misunderstanding our politics’ to persevere on peace plan States against meddling in its political Russel met with representatives of the affairs yesterday, saying many Thais had military government, but did not meet been hurt by the remarks of a visiting US Prime Minister Prayuth Chan-ocha, who ‘If we do not pass the law, peace process will fail’ envoy who took a swipe at the ruling mil- took power after leading the coup. itary junta’s undemocratic practices. Prayuth said he hoped that the latest MANILA: Philippine President Benigno Aquino Thailand, a long-time US ally, remains flare-up would not affect bilateral trade, urged legislators yesterday not to abandon a under martial law following a coup last adding that economic ties were continu- plan for autonomy for Muslims to end a May, and the junta says a general elec- ing as normal. “It saddens me that the decades-old insurgency after a clash in which tion is at least a year away. United States does not understand the dozens of people were killed, saying doing so Relations between the two sides have reason why I had to intervene and does would dash hopes for peace. A top official deteriorated sharply since the coup, with not understand the way we work, even described the clash on Sunday, which shattered Washington freezing aid and cancelling though we have been close allies for a three-year ceasefire, as a “mis-encounter” dur- some security engagements. In an years,” Prayuth told reporters. ing a bid to arrest two militants who had taken address to students at a Bangkok univer- In the diplomatic tit-for-tat, the Thai refuge with Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) fighters. sity on Monday, Assistant US Secretary of deputy foreign minister said Washington Forty-four police commandos were killed State for East Asia and the Pacific Daniel did not understand the complexities of and 12 wounded, along with 11 rebels, officials Russel called for more inclusive politics the local political scene. “The US does have said. The rebels, fighting government and the end of martial law. not understand Thai politics,” Don said. forces for 45 years in the south of the largely The comments from Russel, the high- “Yingluck’s impeachment was not a polit- Roman Catholic country, have agreed to disarm est-level US official to visit Thailand since ical matter.” Washington downgraded in exchange for an autonomous government. the coup, came a few days after ousted diplomatic ties after the coup, blocking But the Senate suspended work on a Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra was $4.7 million of security-related aid as well Bangsamoro Basic Law (BBL) to set up the banned from politics for five years and as suspending high-level engagements autonomous region after the clash and some indicted on criminal charges over a state and some military exercises and police legislators fear it may be abandoned altogether. rice buying scheme. “We don’t agree with training programs. “This shouldn’t happen,” Aquino said in an the Assistant Secretary of State talking Thailand’s military government has address to the nation aired on television and about politics at Chulalongkorn promised reforms and an eventual return radio. “The entire peace process is at stake with this law. If we fail to pass the law at the soonest University. It hurt many Thais,” Thai to democratic rule, but critics say the MANILA: Philippine President Benigno Aquino gestures during his message at the Malacanang possible time, the peace process will fail and the deputy foreign minister Don army has stifled free speech. Yingluck, palace.— AFP status quo will remain.” Pramudwinai told reporters after sum- the country’s first female premier, was The Muslim insurgency has killed 120,000 Zulkifli Bin Hir, a wanted Malaysian bomb with efforts “to ensure true and lasting peace”. moning the US charge d’affaires, Patrick removed from office for abuse of power people, displaced 2 million and stunted growth expert, was hiding, Aquino said. Bin Hir, a mem- “The peace process cannot proceed under Murphy. last May, days before the coup which in the poor but resource-rich south. The Senate ber of the Al-Qaeda linked Jemaah Islamiah mil- the threat of violence, under the threat of war,” “If we comply with (Washington’s ended months of political unrest. Nearly had hoped to pass the legislation creating the itant group who has a $5 million US bounty on he said. Two senators who co-authored the bill wish) and lift martial law and it leads to 30 people died in street protests. zone with economic and political powers before his head, was believed to have been killed in the have withdrawn their support, dimming its problems, how will those people who are The ban and the legal case against the end of March. Aquino wants arrangements clash, Aquino said. prospects even further. The rebels justified their asking for the lifting of martial law take here are the latest twist in 10 years of tur- completed before his term ends next year. Filipino militant Abdul Basit Usman, who has action against the police as self-defense and responsibility?” he said. “In reality, Thais bulent politics that have pitted Yingluck Earlier, Senate President Franklin Drilon said a $1 million bounty on his head, fought with the said they were committed to peace. “I hope the don’t even know there is martial law.” and her brother Thaksin, himself a former prospects for the legislation had been hurt by police in the encounter, Aquino said. Aquino peace process will not be the first and biggest Russel had said while Washington did prime minister, against the royalist-mili- the violence. “This incident may be used as a said his approval had not been needed for the casualty,” Ebrahim Murad, chairman of the MILF, not take sides in Thai politics, it was for tary establishment that sees the reason not to pass or really delay this BBL,” police to go after the militants as they had war- told reporters at a well-guarded rebel camp in the Thai people to determine the legiti- Shinawatras as a threat and reviles their Drilon said in a radio interview. rants out for them. Several attempts to arrest the south. Murad, dressed in a long-sleeved macy of the political and legal processes. populist policies. Yingluck will face crimi- them in the past had failed, he said. Earlier, shirt and slacks and looking more like a busi- He expressed concerns that the political nal charges in the Supreme Court next ‘Threat of war’ Senator Ferdinand Marcos Jr, head of the com- nessman than an insurgent chief, said his group The policemen were killed while they were mittee holding hearings on the bill, who sus- was investigating the clash. “We will impose process did not seem to represent all ele- month, and if found guilty faces up to 10 pulling out of a village in Maguindanao pended proceedings this week, said the Senate sanctions on our own troops if they are found to ments in Thai society. years in jail. — Reuters province where intelligence reports indicated needed to know the facts before pressing on have violated any rules,” he said. — Reuters

Americans’ murder trial Oppn leader gets 2-year jail to proceed in Indonesia term for insulting former PM BALI: Indonesian prosecutors said yes- asked the judges to annul the indict- terday the trial of an American couple ment. But in their response Wednesday, BANGKOK: A Thai court yesterday handed a charged with murdering the woman’s state prosecutors told the court that two-year jail term to a leader of the “red shirt” mother should proceed, defending their their indictment is fully qualified both opposition movement for defaming a former indictment against defense arguments formally and materially according to the prime minister, a move the group says is proof that it has inaccuracies and should be law. “Our indictment as well as charges of the junta’s ambition to crush its opponents. Thailand’s Criminal Court found Jatuporn annulled. are very clear,” said chief prosecutor Prompan, chairman of the United Front for The badly beaten body of Sheila von Eddy Arta Wijaya. “Let’s prove it through Democracy Against Dictatorship (UDD), or red Wiese-Mack, 62, was found in a suitcase witnesses’ testimonies and evidences in shirt group, guilty of insulting former Prime in the trunk of a taxi outside an upscale the next hearings.” In their indictment, Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva in two speeches in hotel in Bali last year. Heather Mack, 19, prosecutors said the couple plotted the October 2009. and her boyfriend Tommy Schaefer, 21, murder because von Wiese-Mack did The ruling comes just days after ousted both from Chicago, are being tried sep- not endorse their relationship, and that Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra, whose arately with the same judges and prose- Mack once suggested that Schaefer hire government was backed by the red shirts cutors teams at the Denpasar District someone to kill her mother for $50,000 before a May coup by the military, was banned Court on Bali. Prosecutors charged before their visit to Bali. from politics for five years. Yingluck was them with premeditated murder, which It said that an argument over the removed from office for abuse of power in May, carries a possible death penalty. hotel bill made Mack’s mother angry days before the coup, which the army said was The couple’s lawyers said last week and she scolded Schaefer, using a racial necessary to end months of unrest. The ban is that the prosecutors’ indictment con- slur, and Schaefer then battered her the latest twist in 10 years of turbulent politics tained inaccuracies that could lead to with the fruit bowl handle. Mack, who is that have pitted Yingluck and her brother Thaksin, himself a former prime minister, seven months’ pregnant, helped stuff multiple interpretations of the suspects’ against the royalist-military establishment that activities and the crime scene, raising her mother’s body in the suitcase by sit- sees the Shinawatras as a threat and reviles questions of whether other people had ting on it to enable Schaefer to close it, their populist policies. entered the victim’s room and killed her. the indictment said. They then hired a Red shirt leader Jatuporn has been in legal They also objected to the citing of com- taxi and placed the suitcase in the trunk hot water before and has faced a number of munications between the defendants and told the driver they were going to court cases, including for slander. “On October BANGKOK: Jatuporn Prompan, the leader of the Thai opposition “Red Shirt” movement, on cell phones as evidence of premedi- check out of the hotel and would return, 11 the accused went on stage at Democracy speaks with his supporters at the Criminal Court. — AFP tated murder, arguing that cell phone but never did. Presiding Judge Made Monument and spoke about Abhisit, and on red shirt member, who asked not to be identi- as a threat. Abhisit, head of the conservative, communications are prone to manipula- Suweda postponed the trial until October 17, he spoke again outside fied for fear of repercussions. “The junta’s sup- pro-establishment Democrat Party, faced popu- tion. Monday where the judge panel would Government House,” a court official told porters want it to eradicate the Shinawatra clan lar opposition in 2010, after tens of thousands Based on these arguments, they decide whether or not to proceed. — AP Reuters. “After reviewing the evidence the court from politics and that is exactly what they are of red shirt activists demanding fresh elections found his words against Mr Abhisit to be doing.” took to the streets of the Thai capital, accusing untrue.” Jatuporn was granted bail of 200,000 Thailand has been bitterly split between his government of being elitist and army- baht ($6,000). His lawyer, Wiyat Chatmontree, supporters of the Shinawatras in the agricultur- backed. His former deputy, Suthep said he would appeal the ruling. al north and northeast and the Bangkok-based Thaugsuban, led street protests in 2013 and The sentence was emblematic of the junta’s royalist-military establishment, which sees 2014, backed by Bangkok’s middle classes, that ambition to root out Thaksin’s influence, said a Thaksin, a telecoms billionaire turned politician, helped lead to Yingluck’s ouster. — Reuters Detention of asylum seekers ruled legal

SYDNEY: Australia’s detention of 157 asylum- the other Tamils in a detention camp on the for refugee status in Nauru. “At least one of the seekers at sea for weeks in June was legal, the Pacific island of Nauru, said the outcome was dis- 157 on board has had his refugee claim deter- nation’s High Court found yesterday in a win for appointing. mined and has been found to be a refugee and the government’s hard line immigration stance. In But they said the case helped to shed light on has been released into the community,” he said. a tight 4-3 decision, the court ruled the govern- the government’s treatment of the asylum-seek- “My understanding is the others are waiting on ment was entitled to hold the group of Tamils ers at sea. “What’s been important through the their decisions to be processed.” Lawyers had from Sri Lanka on a customs ship with a view to case is that it brought this vital scrutiny, breaking claimed their clients were falsely imprisoned on return them to India-where they had set out from. the secrecy around our client’s detention,” the the ship. Their case centered around whether The ruling means they are unable to seek com- executive director of the Human Rights Law Canberra had the power to remove asylum-seek- pensation for their month-long detention. “I am Centre, Hugh de Kretser, told reporters. “It was ers from its contiguous zone, just outside territori- pleased with the result,” Immigration Minister important that these serious and untested ques- al waters, and send them to other countries. Peter Dutton told reporters in Canberra. “It has tions under Australian law were brought to the Since July 2013, the Australian government vindicated the government’s position and we High Court.” has sent asylum-seekers arriving on boats to welcome the result.” The case was mounted by an The High Court decision cannot be appealed. Papua New Guinea’s Manus Island and Nauru. BALI: Heather Mack and her boyfriend Tommy Schaefer, both from Chicago, talk with asylum-seeker, only named as CPCF. Lawyers for De Kretser said his client was “sad and disappoint- They are denied resettlement in Australia even if their friends before their trial at the Denpasar District Court. —AP the man, who is being kept with his family and ed by the decision” but his focus was on his claim they are genuine refugees. —AFP NEWS THURSDAY, JANUARY 29, 2015

MADRID: A craftsman sands a piece of wood at the stand of Kuwait during the inauguration of the FITUR International Tourism Trade Fair yesterday. — AFP Women joining IS ‘cheerleaders, not victims’

LONDON: Western women who join Islamic hopes it does, that more and more of these the suffering of Muslims. “My best friend is have overlooked and underrated female ter- for the Study of Radicalisation (ICSR) at State militants are driven by the same ideo- women will transfer from the domestic my grenade... It’s an American one too. May rorism both in terms of motivations for King’s College London. logical passion as many male recruits and world they’re in now to a more violent one,” Allah allow me to kill their khanzeer (pig) going and the roles that are played there.” Smith, who maintains a database of should be seen as potentially dangerous he told AFP. soldiers with their own weapons,” one said. She said many women were driven to leave about 70 female IS members, said British cheerleaders, not victims, experts said yes- Much has been written about young Crucially, the women also provide advice Western countries because of alienation women are inciting attacks by suggesting terday. A new study from the London-based women going to become “jihadist brides”, and encouragement to other women think- and restrictions on their freedom to practice them to people who could not travel to Iraq Institute for Strategic Dialogue (ISD) said the but the prevailing narrative of wide-eyed ing of joining. “They’re actively recruiting their faith, and drawn to the IS group by a and Syria. “You can see women online being estimated 550 women who have travelled recruits drawn by a sense of excitement women and providing them with assistance sense of adventure and enthusiasm for a frustrated about the fact they can’t fight to Iraq and Syria are expected to marry, belies the importance of their own faith and advice and referrals to go to ISIS-held terri- new Islamic utopia. and they suggest to each other that they keep house and bear children. But despite passions. The ISD researchers have been tory,” said Frenett. “And they are acting as Their key role, aside from being wives could do something else,” she told The being banned from fighting, many are monitoring hundreds of women on social cheerleaders for terrorist attacks back and mothers, is to paint a picture to the out- Observer newspaper. Despite their passion, active propagandists for the cause on social media, but focused for the study on 12 home.” side world of daily life under the militants, many of the women appear to find it diffi- media, celebrating the brutal violence of IS women from Austria, Britain, Canada, France through postings on social media that inter- cult to leave their families behind, a factor militants, acting as recruiting sergeants and and the Netherlands who are living with the Social Media ‘Rebranding’ sperse violent videos with photos of their which could be key to keeping them at even encouraging attacks abroad. IS group in Iraq and Syria. “There has been this gender blind spot cooking. “They’re very important in terms of home. Frenett said the authorities should “The violent language and dedication to Some of the women endorsed the where we see women as victims rather than re-branding ISIS as less of a terror group and better support relatives, and also provide a the cause is as strong as we find in some of bloody beheadings carried out by the mili- as potential terrorists,” said Jayne Huckerby, more of a state building exercise,” Huckerby way out for the women if they become disil- the men,” said co-author Ross Frenett, an tants - “I wish I did” it, one said after US jour- associate professor at Duke University told AFP. She noted that many were also lusioned. “There needs to be a path avail- extremism expert. “The worry is that as ISIS nalist Steven Sotloff was killed - as well as School of Law who specialises in women willing to fight, a point also made by able to them when they come home,” he (the IS group) loses ground, as everyone railing against Western governments and and counter-extremism. “Policy makers Melanie Smith, of the International Centre said. — AFP

Jordan offers to release jihadist woman... Wefaq leader rejects charges as trial opens Continued from Page 1 cooperation towards the early release of Mr Goto, and Continued from Page 1 democratic regime” in Bahrain. He urged the interna- this policy remains unchanged,” he told ministers. tional community to “support the Bahraini people in IS, in a video released Tuesday, threatened to kill Goto’s mother, Junko Ishido, was at Japan’s parlia- Salman himself, in a letter from prison published on democratically choosing their government... and pro- Kassasbeh and Goto unless Rishawi is freed within 24 ment yesterday in a failed bid to meet with Abe. After Al-Wefaq’s website, likened himself to Nelson Mandela, tect their peaceful gatherings from (state) brutality.” Al- hours. The Japanese government said earlier it believed the being refused an appointment with the premier, she who spent 27 years in South African prisons during his Wefaq said that Salman’s “continued detention will only IS deadline would expire at around 1400 GMT yesterday. issued a plea for her son’s life through assembled media. fight against apartheid. “I am in prison for the same rea- deepen the gap between the regime and the people”. Jordanian Foreign Minister Nasser Judeh wrote on Twitter “Prime Minister Shinzo Abe,” Ishido said. “Please continue sons that led to the imprisonment of Nelson Mandela - Tiny but strategic Bahrain, which is home to the US shortly before 1500 GMT that his country was still awaiting your utmost efforts in negotiating with the Jordanian (the call for) equality, freedom and democracy,” he said. Navy’s Fifth Fleet, has been rocked by unrest since a confirmation that the pilot was safe. About an hour earlier government until the last minute. There is not much “Do not feel sad for my imprisonment. I am ready to 2011 Shiite-led uprising demanding a constitutional he denied that Rishawi had already been freed. time left.” Her anguish was mirrored in Jordan where spend my whole life as a prisoner for you and for your monarchy and more representative government. At Tokyo has been urgently seeking Jordan’s help since Kassasbeh’s father and several dozen members of the children’s happiness.” least 89 people have been killed in clashes with security an IS video released at the weekend said another family’s Karak tribe held a demonstration outside gov- Salman said he had been questioned over his calls forces since 2011, while hundreds have been arrested Japanese hostage, Haruna Yukawa, had been beheaded. ernment headquarters in Amman late Tuesday. They for an end to “discrimination” against Shiites and for “a and put on trial, rights groups say. — AFP Japan has sent Deputy Foreign Minister Yasuhide held his picture and a slogan reading: “We are all Maaz.” Nakayama to Amman to head an emergency response “We have only one request, Maaz’s return at any price,” team. Rishawi has been on death row since 2006 for her Safi Kassasbeh was quoted by local media as saying. part in triple hotel bombings in Amman that killed 60 After initially setting a $200 million ransom for Hezb attack kills 2 Israeli soldiers people. Kassasbeh was captured on Dec 24 after his F-16 Yukawa and Goto’s release, IS, which rules swathes of jet crashed while on a mission against the jihadists over Syria and Iraq with an extreme form of Islam, changed Continued from Page 1 Iranian general on Jan 18. The day before the raid, northern Syria. Jordanian officials have noted that while tack and demanded Jordan free Rishawi. In the latest Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah threatened to retali- the IS video threatened Kassasbeh’s life, it only men- video, respected war reporter Goto is seen holding a On a visit to China, hardline Foreign Minister Avigdor ate against Israel for its repeated strikes on targets in tioned freeing Goto in exchange for Rishawi. photograph of Kassasbeh, while a voiceover, purported- Lieberman said on Twitter that Israel should respond to Syria and boasted the Shiite militant movement was Jordan is among a number of Arab and Western ly spoken by the Japanese hostage, warns that Jordan is the attack “in a very harsh and disproportionate man- stronger than ever. Israeli warplanes also struck Syrian countries that have joined US-led air raids against IS, blocking his release. However, any suggestion of a swap ner, as China or the US would respond to similar inci- army targets in the Golan Heights early yesterday, hours which has seized large areas in Syria and neighbouring will likely face resistance from the United States. dents”. Army spokesman Brigadier General Moti Almoz after rockets hit the Israeli-held sector. Iraq. The pilot’s father Safi Kassasbeh begged the Asked about recent developments, US State warned that Israel was considering further action. “This Defence Minister Moshe Yaalon said Israel would not Jordanian government to save his son “at any price”, Department spokeswoman Jen Psaki said earlier this while Goto’s mother urged Tokyo to “please save Kenji’s week a prisoner exchange was “in the same category” as is not necessarily the last response,” he wrote on Twitter. tolerate any attacks. “We will not put up with any fire at life”. An angry Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe had paying a ransom. The IS group has previously beheaded Hezbollah’s attack was hailed by the Palestinian Islamist Israeli territory or any breach of our sovereignty, and we earlier blasted the militants’ 24-hour deadline. “This was two US reporters, an American aid worker and two groups Hamas and Islamic Jihad. “We affirm Hezbollah’s will respond with force and determination,” he said in a an utterly despicable act, and I am appalled,” Abe told British aid workers, and committed numerous atrocities right to respond to the Israeli occupation,” Hamas statement. In 2006, Israel fought a war against reporters. “The government, in this extremely serious sit- including mass executions, but the killing of Yukawa was spokesman Sami Abu Zuhri said, while Jihad’s Quds Hezbollah that killed more than 1,200 people in uation, has been asking for the Jordanian government’s the first time a Japanese has been targeted. — AFP Brigade praised the attack as “heroic”. Lebanon, mostly civilians, and some 160 Israelis, mostly Israeli security sources said at least one house in the soldiers. Israel occupied parts of Lebanon for 22 years divided village of Ghajar - which lies partly in Israel and until 2000 and the two countries are still technically at Kuwait marks ninth year of Amir’s reign partly in Lebanon - had been hit. All roads to the village war. Yesterday’s missile attack was on Israeli forces in the Continued from Page 1 during the Gulf Summit in Riyadh on Nov 16, 2014. Also, were blocked off by Israeli police, with a crowd of vil- Shebaa Farms area, a mountainous, narrow sliver of Sheikh Sabah made a historical visit to Iran on June 1 in lagers anxiously waiting to get home to check on their land occupied by Israel since 1967. He nurtured a well-deserved reputation for the abili- the same year; the first since becoming Amir of Kuwait. families. “Three houses were hit by rockets,” said With an Israeli election looming and Hezbollah ty to mediate and solve problems affecting other The highlight of HH the Amir’s career came on Sept Hussein, 31, relaying what he had heard by telephone deeply involved in support of Bashar Al-Assad in Syria, nations. In his long stint in the diplomatic corps, the 9, 2014, when he was chosen by the UN as a humanitar- from relatives in the village of 2,000 inhabitants. He said there would appear to be little interest in a wider con- Amir was able to develop long-lasting relationships ian leader. His honor also led the UN to name Kuwait as a number of villagers had been wounded but did not flict for either side. Regional analysts said they did not with numerous foreign dignitaries with beneficial a global humanitarian center. The honor came as a know how badly. Other frantic family members argued expect events to spiral. “Netanyahu most likely realises reflections on Kuwaiti interests as evidenced in his wide result of Kuwait’s ongoing supportive stance towards with police to be allowed in to collect their children, that a prolonged military engagement in Lebanon contacts with world leaders during the 1990 invasion of Syrian refugees, which led to the organization of two who had been locked inside the village school for their could cost him the election,” said Ayham Kamel and Kuwait. international donors’ conferences for Syrian refugees in own safety. Riccardo Fabiani of the Eurasia Group. “Instead, Israel Through his nine years of reign, HH the Amir Sheikh Kuwait. Kuwait donated around $800 million in both Tension in the area had been building, especially will pursue limited actions targeting Hezbollah in Sabah has played an integral role in regional and inter- events. The Amir also ordered the donation of $5 million after an Israeli air strike on the Syrian sector of the Lebanon, but the low-scale, tit-for-tat exchanges will national politics. On the regional level, the Amir man- on Jan 5 to construct a township for Syrian refugees in aged to ease tension amongst several GCC countries Jordan. — KUNA Golan Heights killed six Hezbollah fighters and an not broaden into a wider war.” — Agencies THURSDAY, JANUARY 29, 2015 ANALYSIS

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Focus IS suffers blows but fights ahead

By Jean Marc Mojon

he Islamic State group has suffered “devastating” blows in Syria’s Kobane and on several Iraqi fronts, Tbut analysts warn such victories in the fight against the jihadists cannot be replicated everywhere. Kurdish fighters backed by US-led airstrikes this week ousted IS from most of Kobane, after a four-month bat- tle whose symbolic importance had far outgrown the small Syrian town’s military value. Simultaneously, Iraqi forces flushed the jihadists out of their last urban bas- tion in the eastern province of Diyala, further shrinking the borders of their self-proclaimed “caliphate”. “Kobane shows that intense air strikes concentrated in a small space can succeed in containing IS,” said Aymenn Jawad Al-Tamimi, a Shillman-Ginsburg fellow at the Philadelphia-based Middle East Forum. “The air strikes were devastating. IS lost a lot of people in Kobane and they’re not even trying to spin it,” said Lunel’s oversized jihadist recruitment Patrick Skinner, an analyst with the Soufan Group intel- ligence consultancy. In a rare audio message released By Caroline Rossignol and Murielle Kasprzak on Monday, IS spokesman and top leader Abu Mohamed Al-Adnani made no reference to Kobane, or insight into why France is increasingly worried about large which both sides had made the nexus of their military sections of its society becoming fertile turf for jihadist efforts. According to observers, the jihadists lost around Frecruiters, the southern town of Lunel offers a singular exam- 1,200 fighters in the battle of Kobane and some US offi- ple. On Tuesday, five people were arrested around Lunel by author- cials have said that American-led airstrikes killed 6,000 ities investigating the departure of about 20 residents from the jihadists since the air war started in August. Over the suburban Montpellier town to join Islamist fighters in Syria. Since past month, Iraqi Kurdish forces have also scored signif- October, six have been killed in Syria or neighbouring Iraq, French icant victories, cutting the group’s main supply lines authorities said. The relatively large number of jihadist recruits between their hub of Mosul and the Syrian border. from the small southern town of just 26,000 people has made While the noose is tightening on Iraq’s second city - Lunel an outsized example of the security IS’ largest urban stronghold - the capital Baghdad is threat that the entire nation faces - one France became acutely breathing more comfortably following the “liberation” aware of following the January 7-9 attacks in Paris that left 17 peo- of Diyala province. “The group has definitely lost ple dead. “When you have 20 young people who leave, six of whom who have been killed and young women (among them) we momentum. That goes against (the) notion of continual will never see again, there’s a problem,” warns Lunel municipal expansion” it is trying to project, Tamimi said. councillor Philippe Moissonnier, who speaks of a local “generation “Generally, IS is either losing territory, not making that has become radicalised because it’s (full of) bitterness.” advances at all, or having to recover territory,” as is the Others note the profiles of Lunel extremists fit those of most case in the strategic Iraqi town of Baiji, which the other young people who left France to wage jihad. “These youths jihadists lost in November. are completely adrift,” says Pascal Gomez, head of a local cultural and social association working with Lunel’s youth. “They are born ‘Strongholds Still Intact’ in France with North African roots. We never managed to tell them Compounding IS’ woes is the resurgence of its ‘This blue, white and red flag is yours,’ (so) they leave to find a jihadist rival in Syria, the Al-Qaeda affiliate Jabhat al- fatherland that will accept them.” Nusra. “IS has been under such concentrated pressure - Founded by Jews from Jericho in the first century, Lunel was they’re really having some bad times - while Jabhat al- classified in 2013 as one of the towns where enforcement of law Nusra has been under the radar,” Skinner said. He said and order has become a priority. A video grab taken on Jan 27, 2015 in Lunel, southern France, shows French GIPN and police officers arresting a Lunel’s 20 percent unemployment rate, meanwhile, is nearly Al-Qaeda had been successfully coopting other rebel person during an anti-jihadist operation. — AFP outfits and positioning itself to become the most influ- double the national average. Despite that, the town doesn’t ential group whenever the “moderate” forces being compare particularly badly to most disaffected suburbs sur- ‘They were Scammed’ were given a Kalashnikov.” trained by the West are launched into the fray. rounding major French cities. Joblessness in Lunel is below the But if many of the people who left Lunel to wage jihad in the last Tuesday’s arrest of five people in the area on suspicion they abet- However, while Western aerial might played a cru- 25 percent average in most blighted “banlieues”: France’s grim, two years fit the alienated and excluded profile of their nearly 1,400 ted or organised recruitment may provide clues as to why Lunel has cial part, recent victories for anti-IS forces were high-rise suburbs where low-income families - often of immi- French peers who have taken the same path, others proved that not been particularly affected by the jihadist problem. Interior Minister all aspiring jihadist recruits are fleeing hopeless situations. One Bernard Cazeneuve noted that while the level of extremist activity in achieved in areas where the ground offensive was grant origin - languish amid joblessness, discrimination and sim- Lunel recruit was a computer science student, another a mason, and Lunel may be disproportionately high, it was in no way different to spearheaded by homegrown troops. In Kobane, the mering social tensions at the margins of mainstream society. yet another a cafe manager. Several left for Syria with their wives the threat the rest of France was facing. “If the implication of these Kurdish People’s Protection Units (YPG) did the grunt Youth unemployment in many “banlieues”, which have been hotbeds of recruitment for Syria, is close to 50 percent. Prime and children in tow. “They were scammed,” says Lunel sports coach suspects is confirmed by justice officials, then we will have disman- work, in northern Iraq the Kurdish peshmerga are lead- Tahar Akermi, who knew several locals who left for Syria. “They were tled a particularly dangerous and organised network this morning,” ing the way and in Diyala Iran-backed Shiite groups Minister Manuel Valls recently likened the conditions suffered by minorities to “apartheid”. promised a better world... Most of them were surprised when they Cazeneuve said. “Another one of them,” he quickly added. — AFP were omnipresent. “IS control over its most important strongholds in Syria and Iraq remains intact and there is a lack of a local military force to challenge IS in places like Mosul,” Tamimi said. The United States and other Fears in Nigeria over repeat of election violence powers are training the Iraqi army, and Sunni groups opposed to IS are preparing for battle, but analysts said By Chris Stein the process required more time. ll that’s left of the Muslim neighbourhood in Madakiya, in ‘Air Strikes not Enough’ Nigeria’s northwestern Kaduna state, are decomposing Washington and Baghdad have repeatedly voiced Abricks and graffiti-covered walls standing in fields of confidence that the current strategy was bearing fruit charred grass. Muslims and Christians once lived together in the and would eventually defeat the jihadists. But some village but Madakiya’s entire Muslim population fled to a nearby Sunni Arab forces say foreign troops on the ground are town in rioting after the 2011 presidential election. With Nigerians necessary to crack IS’ biggest strongholds. “We don’t set to vote again next month, people in the religiously mixed think there is much progress because air strikes are not state are wary of a repeat after houses were looted, markets enough,” a senior Middle Eastern official told AFP on burned, and people killed in the streets. condition of anonymity. Speaking after last week’s anti- “I don’t think something of that nature will happen but you IS coalition conference in London, the official said his cannot trust the politicians,” said Luka Awage, a representative of country, which is involved in the air campaign, had the district head in Madakiya, which lies in the southeast of the offered troops but was turned down by Baghdad. state. “What happened in 2011 was very, very unfortunate. And “We stress that the worst thing that could happen is we don’t pray for that.” This year’s election on February 14 is on for Mosul... to be retaken thanks to US raids and a paper a rematch between President Goodluck Jonathan and ground offensive led by Shiite militia and Iran with no Muhammadu Buhari, Nigeria’s former military ruler. But this year, Sunni involvement.” Skinner pointed out that “it took Buhari is running under the banner of the All Progressives 10,000 US marines to clear Fallujah (10 years ago), Congress (APC) coalition, which is believed to pose the biggest challenge to Jonathan’s Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in years. which is a fraction of the size of Mosul.” The PDP has won every election in Nigeria since the country Figures tell a similar story in Syria. “It took the YPG returned to democracy in 1999. on the ground and US-led coalition from the air 112 Political clout in Nigeria often breaks down along religious or days to expel IS from Kobane, which covers just six ethnic lines. Jonathan is expected to do well in the mainly square kilometres,” said Rami Abdel Rahman, director of Christian south while Buhari is likely to win most of the states in the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights, a UK-based the Muslim-majority north and the commercial capital Lagos, an monitoring group. “The IS controls some 35 percent of opposition stronghold. Syrian territory... How long will it take to expel IS from A car passes with chickens tied on the roof and hanging from the windows with a full load of people inside, some Raqa, Deir Ezzor, and so on?” — AFP A ‘Misunderstanding’? sitting outside the boot, as they travel away from violence in Maiduguri, Nigeria on Tuesday. — AP The southern half of Kaduna State is dominated by churches whose house abuts the ruined Muslim quarter, said people start- between different religions and ethnic groups in the state. The and the north with mosques, with the religious mix a potential ed attacking Muslim homes at night after Jonathan was declared centre has been working since then to put mechanisms in place All articles appearing on these powder keg for violence. In 2011, it exploded. Claims of rigging the winner. But he said the violence started in Kafanchan. The to monitor hotspots like the state’s southeast for threats of vio- sparked rioting across the north, leaving some 800 people dead, fighting only stopped the following morning when the military lence to allow government and community leaders to prevent pages are the personal opinion of according to Human Rights Watch. In the state capital Kaduna arrived, he said. fighting. the writers. Kuwait Times takes no city, mobs bludgeoned to death Muslims and Christians found on Ayuba Bartholomew, from Madakiya, described the dispute as One side effect of the Muslim flight from Madakiya, Wuye said, the wrong side of the tracks; mosques and churches were “a misunderstanding with our neighbours”. “They interfered by is that the village is likely to remain calm in the coming weeks. responsibility for views expressed torched; motorists were dragged out of cars and killed. In trying to take the revenge on us. So we just decide to send them “Most of the non-Christians that are there have moved to other therein. Kuwait Times invites read- Zonkwa, a town near Madakiya, HRW reported that 311 Muslims packing without touching any of their properties,” he said. Awage places, they have relocated. So, who are you going to fight with?” ers to voice their opinions. Please were buried in a mass grave. Fighting in Kafanchan, across a said the murder of a traditional leader started the fighting, and he asked. The Muslim homes and mosques in Madakiya, left intact bridge from Madakiya, erupted shortly after Jonathan’s win was was exacerbated by reports of churches being burned. “They were after the rioting, have slowly deteriorated over time, leaving noth- send submissions via email to: opin- announced. People from both communities lay dead and the not forced to leave, they fled by themselves. And up till now, we ing but foundations. [email protected] or via snail main market was razed. Christians who still live in Madakiya and still want them to come back,” he added. Jagaba burns the grass that has grown up around the ruins to mail to PO Box 1301 Safat, Kuwait. Muslims from the village who now live in Kafanchan dispute the prevent marauding herdsmen from attacking his home. He does- events of 2011. Rumours, Tensions n’t expect the Muslims to come back. “People are still with tension The editor reserves the right to edit Isa Musa still carries a bullet in his chest from the night he was James Wuye, a pastor with the Interfaith Mediation Centre in their minds,” he said. “When these things happen that involves any submission as necessary. forced to flee to Kafanchan. Before the attack, Muslims and based in Kaduna city, said the 2011 violence was caused by lives, it take long time before agreement comes in between, so Christians lived peacefully, he said. Philip Jagaba, a Christian rumours, political incitement and a build-up of long-held tensions that they are fearing us (and) we are fearing them.” — AFP THURSDAY, JANUARY 29, 2015 SPORTS

Vettel considered quitting Iran to let foreign women Force India to miss test SPAIN: Four times Formula One world champion Sebastian Vettel considered quit- watch men’s volleyball LONDON: Force India will not take part in Formula One’s opening pre-season ting as he struggled with the sport’s new direction last year, according to the test in Jerez starting this weekend, the team said yesterday. German’s former Red Bull boss Christian Horner. “Seb didn’t enjoy the regulation DUBAI: Iran will allow foreign women watch men play volleyball A spokesman dismissed speculation that the Silverstone-based team, run changes,” Horner told British reporters ahead of this weekend’s first pre-season test in when it hosts an international championship this year, but Iranian and co-owned by Indian tycoon Vijay Mallya, had made the decision for finan- Jerez, Spain. women will still be banned, the state news agency said yesterday. cial reasons and said they would be present at the following test in Barcelona. “He didn’t enjoy the new engine, the feel from the new system, the power unit, The team had planned to run their 2014 car in Jerez, having already said the brake by wire, the lack of downforce. You could tell he wasn’t happy. Iran’s Islamic law bars women from watching men playing sports “He was preoccupied and to compound that his team mate (Australian Daniel such as volleyball and football and an Iranian-British woman was the new VJM08 would not be ready, but the spokesman said they had since Ricciardo) won three races. There was that feeling ‘Am I enjoying this as much as I sentenced to a year in jail last year for protesting outside a volleyball decided the learning opportunities were limited. He added that the decision thought I was?’” While Ricciardo won three races, Vettel, who had been champion for venue. Ghoncheh Ghavami was released on bail in November after was made last week. Jerez has a particularly abrasive surface and does not four years in a row and won 13 grands prix in 2013 including nine consecutively, end- spending five months in detention awaiting trial in a case that raised feature in the championship while Barcelona hosts the Spanish Grand Prix in ed the campaign empty handed. international awareness of the issue. May and is regarded as a good benchmark for testing. Barcelona hosts two The German has since left Red Bull and joined Ferrari, who also failed tests, with the first scheduled for Feb 19-22. Mercedes-powered to win a race last year for the first time since 1993. “It was like someone As Iran prepares to host the 2015 Asian Men’s Volleyball Championship, it said some women would be let in to a specially Force India, who unveiled a new look at a team presentation in had taken his toy away. It took him a while to get to grips with that. It Mexico City last Wednesday, have Mexican driver Sergio created women’s section at Tehran’s 12,000-person arena. was not something he was used to. He went through a period of disil- Perez and Germany’s Nico Hulkenberg in an unchanged lusionment about the direction Formula One was going in,” added “Foreign women as employees of embassies, the families of foreign lineup. The team finished sixth last year but spent much of Horner. “There was a stage last year when he thought whether he teams or other foreign women living in Tehran are permitted to wanted to stop or not, whether he was getting the same level of last season calling for cost cuts and a more level playing attend the men’s volleyball competitions,” the head of Iran’s field for the smaller outfits. enjoyment or not and whether or not he wanted to contin- Volleyball Federation, Mahmoud Afshardoust, told the IRNA news ue.” Horner, whose team finished runners-up to Mercedes Formula One started 2015 with two teams-Marussia and in 2014, said Vettel had been so successful in previous agency. Foreign women visiting Iran must, by law, comply with the Caterham-in their death throes and the prospect of only years that he struggled to come to terms with a car that Islamic dress code in public, wearing loose-fitting clothes and cover- nine on the starting grid when the season starts in was not to his liking. —Reuters ing the hair. — Reuters Melbourne on March 15. —Reuters

Zain wraps up main sponsorship of GulfRun 10

KUWAIT: Zain, the leading telecommuni- the opportunity to gain valuable insights cations company in Kuwait, concluded with the help of qualified trainers and its main sponsorship of the 10th edition experienced professional instructors. of GulfRun, the region’s most popular The latest GulfRun event in the motorsport activity. The conclusion of Kingdom of Bahrain was considered to this year’s GulfRun activities was marked be a true test of participants’ motorsport by a final race that was held at Bahrain skills, where they had the chance to take UNIONDALE: A shot by Ryan Strome No. 18 of the New York Islanders goes past Henrik Lundqvist No. 30 of the New York Rangers during the International Circuit, which saw an part in several training procedures in third period at the Nassau Veterans Memorial Coliseum. — AFP impressive participation of motorsport preparation for the final race that was enthusiasts from across the region. extremely popular with professional and Zain’s sponsorship of the latest edition amateur racers alike. Islanders, Ducks advance of this unique motorsport event is in line To promote GulfRun in Kuwait before with the company’s belief in supporting the event, several activities were held UNIONDALE: Jaroslav Halak stopped 40 shots, Crosby and Evgeni Malkin. Thomas Greiss PREDATORS 4, AVALANCHE 3 the youth and sports sectors, and including an exciting Sport Cars Show falling 8.1 seconds short of his second consecu- stopped 19 shots. Craig Smith scored on a breakaway at 2:46 of encouraging the various sporting initia- that took place at 360 Mall, where partic- tive shutout of the New York Rangers, and the Adam Lowry, Jacob Trouba and Chris overtime and the Predators beat the Avalanche. tives that cater to young people in ipants showcased their exquisite high- Islanders beat their biggest rival 4-1 on Tuesday Thorburn scored for the Jets, who saw their five- Roman Josi, Filip Forsberg and Colin Wilson also Kuwait. speed cars and thrilled visitors. night in their return from the NHL All-Star break. game winning streak. Ondrej Pavelec made 25 scored for the Predators, who pushed the NHL’s GulfRun is considered an ideal and Additionally a Karting Endurance race New York has won all three meetings this sea- saves but was sloppy in the third period. best home record to 19-2-1 and tied the fran- safe alternative to street racing, which was held at Kuwait’s SIRBB Circuit over a son with the Rangers, taking the first two at chise record with their eighth straight home win. threatens the lives of many people, many straight 24-hour period as part of the Madison Square Garden and outscoring them HURRICANES 4, LIGHTNING 2 Mike Ribeiro had three assists and Shea of them young drivers, every year. program that attracted a large, thrill- 13-4 overall. Halak beat them 3-0 on Jan. 13. Eric Staal and Justin Faulk each had a goal Weber two as Nashville improved to 9-1-3 in its Motorsport enthusiasts were able to seeking crowd. By sponsoring this event Henrik Lundqvist was also sharp for the and an assist to lift the Hurricanes to a victory last 13 games. showcase their talents within profession- Zain also looks to highlight its dedication Rangers in making 34 saves. Mikhail Grabovski over the Lightning. Nathan Gerbe and Jiri Tlusty Carter Hutton made 21 saves in earning his al and certified grounds during the final to applying safety measures while driv- returned from injury and scored in the first peri- also scored and Jordan Staal had two assists to second straight home win in place of injured All- race at the Bahrain International Circuit, ing on the roads of Kuwait, especially for od, Matt Martin doubled the lead in the second, help Carolina win its third straight. The Star goalie Pekka Rinne. Cody McLeod, Jarome in addition to having taken advantage of the country’s youth. and Ryan Strome and All-Star John Tavares had Hurricanes, 7-2-1 in their last 10, snapped the Iginla and Nick Holden scored for Colorado. goals in the third. Carl Hagelin spoiled Halak’s Lightning’s three-game winning streak. Carolina shutout bid in the closing seconds. goalie Anton Khudobin finished with 28 saves FLAMES 4, SABRES 1 for his sixth straight win. Cedric Paquette and Flames rookie Johnny Gaudreau scored twice DUCKS 4, CANUCKS 0 Brian Boyle scored for Tampa Bay. to lead Calgary past Buffalo, extending the Frederick Andersen made 17 saves in his third Sabres’ team-record losing streak to 12 games. career shutout as Anaheim defeated Vancouver. CANADIENS 3, STARS 2 Joe Colborne and Josh Jooris also scored to Matt Beleskey, Kyle Palmieri, Rickard Rakell and Carey Price stopped 40 saves for his 25th vic- help Calgary win for the fifth time in six games. Patrick Maroon scored for the Ducks (32-10-6), tory of the season as the Canadiens held off the Chris Stewart had the lone goal for Buffalo (14- who sit atop the NHL’s overall standings. They Stars. Alexei Emelin, Alex Galchenyuk and 31-3). Jooris gave Calgary a 2-1 lead at 9:05 of have won six straight and eight of nine. Brendan Gallagher scored for Montreal. the third period. After Colborne jammed in a The Ducks are 3-0-1 against the Canucks this Jamie Benn and Patrick Eaves had the goals rebound at 14:06, Gaudreau scored his 15th of season and 9-0-1 over the last 10 versus their for Dallas, which is four points out of the final the season at 17:28. The Flames outshot Buffalo Pacific Division rivals. All three of Andersen’s wild-card spot in the Western Conference. Kari 15-2 in the third. shutouts have come this season. Ryan Miller Lehtonen finished with 23 saves. The Sabres have lost 12 consecutive games, stopped 20 shots for Vancouver. all in regulation. That’s the longest streak in the RED WINGS 5, PANTHERS 4 NHL since Pittsburgh lost 13 in a row in regula- BLUE JACKETS 4, CAPITALS 3 Luke Glendening scored twice and Stephen tion in 2003-04. Cam Atkinson and Fedor Tyutin each had a Weiss had a goal and two assists against his for- goal and an assist, and Curtis McElhinney made mer team to lift the Red Wings over the Panthers WILD 2, OILERS 1 25 saves to lead the Blue Jackets to a win over for their sixth straight victory. Charlie Coyle scored the tiebreaking goal on the Capitals. Henrik Zetterberg and Drew Miller also a breakaway with 4:23 remaining to lift Mark Letestu and Ryan Johansen also scored, scored for Detroit, and Petr Mrazek made 37 Minnesota over Edmonton. Nino Niederreiter and Nick Foligno, captain of one of the teams in saves in his eighth consecutive start. The Red also scored for the Wild, who snapped a two- Armstrong made ‘scapegoat’ Sunday’s NHL All-Star game played on the Blue Wings have won eight of nine. They beat the game skid and have three wins in their last 11 Jackets’ home ice, had two assists. Johansen was Panthers for the first time in three games this games. Devan Dubnyk stopped 23 shots. by USADA, says McQuaid the All-Star MVP. McElhinney, starting in place of season. Boyd Gordon scored for the Oilers, who were top goalie Sergei Bobrovsky, who will miss four Florida has lost five straight games, including coming off a rare two-game winning streak. NEW YORK: Banned cyclist Lance by a further 1,000 pages of evidence- to six weeks with a groin injury, made several big four in a row at home. Brad Boyes, Nick Bjugstad, They dropped to 3-20-8 this season against fel- Armstrong was the victim of “a witch finally led to Armstrong’s confession in saves down the stretch. Brandon Pirri and Aleksander Barkov scored for low Western Conference opponents. Viktor Fasth hunt” and made a scapegoat by the an interview with Oprah Winfrey in Evgeny Kuznetsov had a goal and an assist, the Panthers. Barkov also had a pair of assists. finished with 27 saves. — AP United States Anti-Doping Agency (USA- January 2013. and Andre Burakovsky and Troy Brouwer also DA), says former International Cycling “That’s the way it was,” said McQuaid. scored for the Capitals, who have lost four in a Union (UCI) president Pat McQuaid. “USADA wanted a big name. They row (0-3-1). NHL results/standings A cancer survivor and once a hero to weren’t really interested in the smaller millions, Armstrong was stripped of his riders and also they made deals with the FLYERS 4, COYOTES 3 NY Islanders 4, NY Rangers 1; Philadelphia 4, Arizona 3 (So); Pittsburgh 5, Winnipeg 3; Columbus seven Tour de France victories and smaller riders in order to get the informa- Wayne Simmonds scored in regulation and 4, Washington 3; Montreal 3, Dallas 2; Detroit 5, Florida 4; Carolina 4, Tampa Bay 2; Nashville 4, banned for life from racing in 2012 by tion they needed on the big guys. got the winning goal in a shootout to lift the Colorado 3 (OT); Calgary 4, Buffalo 1; Minnesota 2, Edmonton 1; Anaheim 4, Vancouver 0. USADA after it accused him in a report of “I can have a certain sympathy Flyers to a victory over the Coyotes. After the Flyers missed on their first two engineering one of the most sophisticat- because I don’t think in sport, people in Western Conference Eastern Conference ed doping schemes in sports. those situations, I think they should be shootout attempts, Simmonds beat Mike Smith for the winner. Connor Murphy, Martin Erat and Pacific Division Atlantic Division “He was very much made a scapegoat, treated equally.” WL OTLGFGAPTS Detroit 28 11 9 144 123 65 there was a witch hunt after Armstrong,” On Monday, Armstrong said he regret- Tobias Rieder scored for the Coyotes. Tampa Bay 30 15 4 158 131 64 RJ Umberger and Michael Del Zotto also Anaheim 32 10 6 143 124 70 McQuaid told BBC Radio 5 live on ted the “unacceptable and inexcusable” Montreal 30 13 3 126 108 63 scored for the Flyers. Steve Mason was sensa- San Jose 25 17 6 131 132 56 Boston 25 16 7 126 121 57 Tuesday, before adding that he had “a behaviour with which he subjected other tional in relief for the Flyers and had 22 saves Vancouver 26 17 3 124 118 55 Florida 20 15 10 111 127 50 certain sympathy” with the American. riders and figures within the sport during over the final 2 1/2 periods to help them rally Calgary 26 19 3 140 126 55 Ottawa 19 18 9 126 128 47 Irishman McQuaid, UCI president from numerous attempts to rubbish their alle- from a 2-0 deficit. Los Angeles 20 15 12 129 126 52 Toronto 22 23 3 142 150 47 2006 to 2013 before being replaced by gations of doping. Buffalo 14 31 3 90 171 31 Arizona 16 25 6 108 160 38 Metropolitan Division Brian Cookson, made his comments a “I would want to change the man that PENGUINS 5, JETS 3 Edmonton 12 27 9 110 160 33 NY Islanders 32 14 1 155 130 65 day after Armstrong had told the BBC he did those things, maybe not the decision, David Perron and Brandon Sutter scored Central Division Pittsburgh 27 12 8 143 120 62 would not have needed to resort to dop- but the way he acted,” he continued. “The power-play goals less than 4 minutes apart in Nashville 31 10 5 141 107 67 NY Rangers 27 14 4 135 110 58 Washington 24 14 9 140 124 57 ing in the sport’s current era. way he treated people, the way he could- the third period and the Penguins rallied for a St. Louis 29 13 4 148 111 62 Following his return from cancer in n’t stop fighting. It was unacceptable, win over the Jets. Philadelphia 20 22 7 134 149 47 Chicago 30 15 2 148 108 62 Columbus 21 22 3 117 145 45 the late 1990s, Armstrong was regularly inexcusable.” Armstrong’s seven Tour vic- Nick Spaling, Steve Downie and Patric Winnipeg 26 15 8 138 122 60 New Jersey 17 22 8 107 134 42 subjected to claims of doping, which he tories between 1999 and 2005 have been Hornqvist also scored for the Penguins. Kris Colorado 20 18 11 128 141 51 Carolina 17 25 5 102 122 39 Letang had a career-high five assists as stoutly refuted until the release of rescinded but not assigned to anyone Dallas 21 19 7 146 154 49 Note: Overtime losses (OTL) are worth one Pittsburgh ended a four-game losing streak point in the standings and are not included in USADA’s “reasoned decision.” else because of the prevalence of doping Minnesota 21 20 6 130 138 48 The 200-page document-supported at the time. — Reuters despite playing without injured stars Sidney the loss column (L). THURSDAY, JANUARY 29, 2015 SPORTS Scotland desperate to end losing streak

LONDON: Scotland arrive at what will be Machan and Yorkshire seamer Iain their third World Cup desperate for a Wardlaw to be included in the 15-man maiden tournament victory after eight party. The backroom staff is even more defeats combined at the 1999 and 2007 cosmopolitan with head coach Grant editions. For a non-Test nation, the Scots’ Bradburn, a former New Zealand Test World Cup record may not seem that sur- cricketer, assisted by ex-England all- prising but the fact they bowed out of rounder Paul Collingwood. the 2007 World Cup in the Caribbean Both Bradburn and Collingwood will with a crushing eight-wicket defeat by be looking to defeat their native coun- fellow associate country the Netherlands tries, with New Zealand, the tournament tells its own story. co-hosts, and England the Scots’ opening For many years Scotland were regard- two pool opponents. ed as one of the premier non-Test Collingwood, still playing county nations, supplying an England captain in cricket for Durham, has forged a reputa- the late Mike Denness during the 1970s tion as a tough, competitive professional and county stalwarts such as Essex’s and has been helping Scotland with the Brian Hardie. However, recently they’ve mental side of their game in particular. “I had to look on enviously as Ireland, the always felt in the past that if you got on Netherlands and Afghanistan have all top of Scotland, then there was no fight,” shone on the world stage, with said Collingwood. “I was just being hon- Bangladesh making the transition from est and allowing them to come up with a associate to Test status. brand of cricket that they wanted to play. “We’ve underachieved over the last Grasping that has been an important five to ten years,” Scotland all-rounder step forward for them.” Calum MacLeod told the CricInfo web- Collingwood, renowned for his field- site. “We need to beat some Full ing skills, added: “Scotland’s fielding is KABUL: An Afghan singer performs during a farewell ceremony at Kabul cricket academy, in Kabul. The team is scheduled to leave for Australia Members (Test nations). If we manage to world-class and it’s an area where we tomorrow and will start their World Cup campaign with a warm-up match against India on Feb 10th. — AP do that then the exposure of the game should shine in Australia and New will increase,” he added, conscious of Zealand.” But there is only so much how such victories have been a catalyst coaches can do and the way Scotland Afghanistan look to repeat for the growth of Irish cricket. suffered an eight-wicket defeat by Scotland’s squad for the World Cup Afghanistan in the opening match of the features seasoned Northamptonshire recent associate warm-up series in the the Ireland shock factor batsman Kyle Coetzer while a change in UAE would have been a concern. qualification regulations, which allows Scotland though later beat their fellow KARACHI: Afghanistan hope to follow the World about results in the World Cup in Australia and last year. It was their first win in 10 one-day inter- British passport holders with Scottish minnows by 150 runs in Abu Dhabi, a Cup giant-killing blueprint drawn up by fellow New Zealand where they will face both co-hosts nationals against a Test-playing nation. parentage to play for them, has paved heartening result for skipper Preston outsiders Ireland when they make their debut at as well as Sri Lanka, England, Bangladesh and But like most of the Asian and Associates the way for the likes of Leicestershire all- Mommsen’s side ahead of the countries’ the game’s showpiece tournament. Scotland in the group stages. teams, batting on bouncy Australian pitches and rounder Rob Taylor, Sussex batsman Matt World Cup pool clash in Dunedin. — AFP Ireland defeated mighty Pakistan to reach the “I have faith in them. The way they are invest- coping with swing in New Zealand will be the Super Eights stage at the 2007 World Cup in the ing money, the Afghanistan team will beat top main challenge. Caribbean before defeating England in a high- teams in the next five years,” said Latif. Afghanistan’s batsmen know one way of bat- Ireland target more scoring match in the 2011 tournament in India. But he also cautioned: “I don’t want them to ting-to attack. “The biggest challenge is going to “My wish would be to emulate what Ireland go down like Kenya.” The African nation reached be how the batsmen handle the quicker have done in the last couple of World Cups. They the semi-finals of the 2003 World Cup but their bowlers. Playing in Australia is going to be quite shocks, Test status have caused shocks by playing positive, enter- fall from grace led them to losing their one-day brutal for some of these guys who aren’t used to taining cricket,” said Andy Moles, who replaced international credentials.”For me they should those conditions,” said Moles. LONDON: It is a measure of Ireland’s suc- doubt, saying the ICC “should be making former Pakistan paceman Kabir Khan as gain more and more experience and with that “I will work hard to get them as much confi- learn to play better after the World Cup. dence as possible, to play without fear of failure cess at the last two World Cups that it will it a priority”. Afghanistan coach in September last year. It was Kabir who lifted the nascent cricket “I want them to play in a manner that if the and, if they see an opportunity at any stage in a no longer count as a stunning shock if Unfortunately for Ireland, they lack nation from division five in 2008 to narrowly kids are watching on television back home they game, to take it. they defeat a Test nation in Australia and the political clout that saw Bangladesh missing out on a berth in the 2011 World Cup. will feel proud of them.” With two channels “I’d like them to enjoy the challenge that lies New Zealand. become a Test country and the rest of Another former Pakistani international, pledging live coverage, Afghanistan will begin ahead of them.” With experienced players like Whether it was knocking Pakistan out the world game, having seen how the Rashid Latif, then helped Afghanistan reach the their maiden World Cup campaign against Nowroz Mangal, Mohammad Nabi, Samiullah of the 2007 edition in the Caribbean or Tigers have struggled since, are in no the 2010 World Twenty20 and take the silver Bangladesh in Canberra on February 18. Shinwari, Najibullah Zadran, Shapoor Zadran seeing Kevin O’Brien produce the fastest- hurry to make the Irish a permanent medal at the 2010 Asian Games in China. Afghanistan will take heart from their shock and Hamid Hasan, Afghanistan will hope they ever World Cup century in a memorable member of the elite. Latif believes Afghanistan should not worry win over Bangladesh in the Asia Cup in Dhaka can show their talent in the big league. — -AFP victory over England in Bangalore four Meanwhile the Irish players soldier on years ago, the game’s elite have learnt to in the hope another World Cup scalp will respect the men in green. aid their quest for Test status, with the “The Irish have got a good structure West Indies, South Africa, Zimbabwe, Zimbabwe pack up their and good facilities,” former England all- India, Pakistan and the United Arab rounder Paul Collingwood, now a mem- Emirates in their sights. ber of Scotland’s backroom staff, told the Experienced campaigners William ICC website. Porterfield and brothers Kevin and Niall problems at World Cup “They’re always a well-drilled unit and O’Brien are at the heart of an experi- a lot of their players have got county enced squad coached by former West experience so you know they’re going to Indies batsman Phil Simmons. JOHANNESBURG: If they are to reach the World Cup cause teams problems. The trio, along with Ed Joyce and John quarter-finals, Zimbabwe will need to beat Ireland and “The win against England in 2011 was Mooney, will be playing at their third the UAE, the non-Test nations in Pool B, and find a way huge. It will be their goal to have an Irish World Cup while the 15-man squad also to defeat at least one of India, South Africa, Pakistan Test team to keep hold of the players includes several tournament debutants and the West Indies. that have come over to England to do in Andrew Balbirnie, Peter Chase, It shapes as a tough but not impossible task and the Zimbabweans will have been encouraged by the that,” he added. Andrew McBrine, Stuart Thompson, and dismal form of the West Indies during their series in And therein lies the problem for Craig Young, although Middlesex pace- South Africa. Ireland. Their plight is summed-up by the man Tim Murtagh has been ruled out For a small cricketing country, Zimbabwe have fact the best Irish batsman of his genera- through injury occasionally punched above their weight at World tion, Eoin Morgan, won’t be playing for “We’ve produced some wonderful Cups, most notably when they defeated Australia in his native country at the World Cup but performances over the years in World their first appearance in the tournament in 1983 when will, in fact, be captaining England Cups, and there’s no reason why we can’t they were still an associate nation. They reached the instead. claim further successes in Australia and Super Six stage in both 1999 and 2003 before an So long as Ireland don’t have Test sta- New Zealand,” said captain Porterfield, administrative upheaval which resulted in many lead- ing players quitting the game, eventually resulting in tus, there is always the chance the very one of several players in the squad who Zimbabwe withdrawing from Test cricket for six years. best Irish players will follow in Morgan’s earns his living in the English county Without again reaching the heights that were footsteps. championship. achieved when the likes of Andy Flower and Heath Ireland have done everything that “While we may have lost the sur- Streak were playing, Zimbabwe have shown they are could reasonably be asked of them in prise factor over the years, we’ve cer- capable of causing the occasional upset against lead- making a case to become a Test nation tainly gained a lot of respect for our ing teams, such as when they beat Australia in Harare and former Australia fast bowler turned brand of cricket which has been pretty last August. Yorkshire coach Jason Gillespie was in no pleasing.”— AFP Realistically they will rely on a handful of proven players such as Hamilton Masakadza, Brendan Taylor, Sean Williams and captain Elton Chigumbura, while Solomon Mire is regarded as a promising all-rounder. Provided Masakadza and Taylor are in form, Zimbabwe are capable of posting reasonable totals. The bowling lacks major penetrative power but Tinashe Panyangara and Tendai Chatara lead a steady bowling attack in which left-arm spinner Williams could play an important role. Zimbabwe are usually a good fielding team. Recent form is not encouraging. Although Zimbabwe beat Australia in one of two matches and performed respectably against South Africa in a triangular tournament in Harare, they then underwent a disastrous tour of Bangladesh, losing all three Test matches and five one-day internationals. In the aftermath of the Bangladesh debacle, coach Stephen Mangongo was replaced by Dav Whatmore, the much-travelled Australian, and six players who did not go to Bangladesh were brought into the World Cup squad. Whatmore was coach of Sri Lanka when they won the World Cup in 1996 and was at the helm when Bangladesh had their most successful World Cup campaign in 2007, eliminating India at the group stage and defeating South Africa in the Super Eights. Unlike most of the other teams, Zimbabwe have not played any one-day internationals during the build-up period to the World Cup-they were last in action in Bangladesh on December 1. Their prepara- camp in Dubai. The lack of international game time interview, Whatmore said he was impressed with the tion consisted of domestic cricket, an A series against means that Zimbabwe’s warm-up games against New determination of the players to “turn things around”. It Kevin O’Brien Canada involving five of the players, and a training Zealand and Sri Lanka will be important. In a recent will be a tall order. — AFP Brady heard it all before at Super Bowl Media Day

PHOENIX: Taking part in his sixth Super Bowl Media beard on the team?’ Answer: ‘Rob Ninkovich, Julian of media crowded around his podium treated the but he has not hoisted the Vince Lombardi since Day, New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady Edelman.’ ‘What hurts when you get sacked?’ three-time Super Bowl champion with gentle 2005, coming out on the losing side in his last two has probably heard the questions all before during Answer: ‘Depends where you land.’ Brady answered respect, allowing him to reflect on what is certain to chances with both defeats at the hands of the New the ‘anything-goes’ get-together with reporters. all with a smile and good humor, clearly happy that be a Hall of Fame career. York Giants. While his legacy is secure a Super Bowl Ahead of the 2008 Super Bowl, which was also the questioning, for the most part, steered clear of “I never imagined this in my wildest dreams,” victory on Sunday would cement Brady’s place played in Glendale where the Patriots will take on the deflated football controversy that has hung beamed Brady, looking out at a wall of cameras and among the all-time greats, joining his childhood the Seattle Seahawks on Sunday, Brady was asked over the team since their blowout victory over the microphones. “I loved having a chance as a kid to go hero Joe Montana and Terry Bradshaw as the only by a female presenter from a Mexican television sta- Indianapolis Colts that clinched a Super Bowl berth. out there and play with my friends, so to play foot- quarterbacks with four rings. “It’s hard to think tion if he would marry her. The Patriots, and in particular Brady and coach ball in the street with the older boys was fun. about those things,” said Brady. “Those guys are On Tuesday, no wedding proposals were put to Bill Belichick, arrived in Phoenix under pressure to “To get a chance to play in the Super Bowl, I nev- unbelievable players. “I was the biggest 49er fan the Patriots quarterback, who is married to super- provide answers as to how 11 of 12 footballs used er thought I’d play in one. So it’s pretty unbelievable growing up and to watch Joe and Steve Young-who model Gisele Bundchen, but Brady fielded a few in the AFC championship game did not meet NFL to be able to play in six.” were my two idols-who were just great for the questions out of left field, like, ‘Who has the best standards. Instead of hounding Brady, the hundreds Brady has three Super Bowl titles on his resume game and great for the sport.” — Reuters THURSDAY, JANUARY 29, 2015 SPORTS Bulls end Warriors run

OAKLAND: Derrick Rose hit a step-back as many meetings this season, moving jumper with 7 seconds remaining in over- three games clear of the Heat in the race time, and the Chicago Bulls ended Golden for No. 6 in the Eastern Conference. The State’s franchise-record 19-game home Bucks’ bench outscored Miami’s 44-13. winning streak with a thrilling 113-111 vic- Chris Bosh had 26 points for Miami. The tory over the Warriors on Tuesday night. Heat lost Dwyane Wade in the third quarter Rose dribbled to his left and created with what the team said was a strained space to get the shot off over Klay right hamstring. Thompson, skipping around the court after the Warriors called timeout. Rose finished GRIZZLIES 109, MAVERICKS 90 with 30 points, and his final basket over- Zach Randolph had 22 points and 10 shadowed a night when he committed a rebounds, and the Memphis Grizzlies hand- career-high 11 turnovers and made just 13 ed the Dallas Mavericks their first three- of 33 shots. Thompson misfired on a run- game losing streak of the season. ning bank shot as time expired to finish off Marc Gasol added 15 points and a Golden State’s first loss at rowdy Oracle game-high six assists for the Grizzlies, who Arena in more than two months. The won their fourth straight and eighth in Warriors forced overtime on Draymond their past nine games a night after finishing Green’s tying tip-in with 1.4 seconds left. a season-long five-game homestand. The only loss in that stretch was to Dallas last CAVALIERS 103, PISTONS 95 week at home. Kyrie Irving matched his season high Chandler Parsons and Monta Ellis scored with 38 points and LeBron James added 32 19 apiece to lead the Mavericks, who failed to lift the Cleveland Cavaliers to their sev- for the third time to get coach Rick Carlisle enth straight victory. his 600th career victory. The Cavs avenged a 23-point home loss to Detroit late last month. That game was WIZARDS 98, LAKERS 92 part of a seven-game winning streak for John Wall had 21 points, 13 assists and the Pistons, but now Detroit is struggling to nine rebounds, and the Washington overcome the loss of Brandon Jennings, Wizards rallied from a 19-point deficit to who ruptured his left Achilles tendon last send the Los Angeles Lakers to their ninth weekend and will miss the rest of the sea- straight loss. son. James fell to the floor near the basket Bradley Beal scored 19 points for the during the final seconds of the third quar- Wizards, who won their fifth straight over ter and got up grimacing, apparently con- the Lakers. Wayne Ellington scored a QATAR: Qatar’s Zarko Markovic (right) attempts a shot on goal during the 24th Men’s Handball World Championships quarterfinals match cerned about at least one of his wrists. He career-high 28 points and rookie Jordan against Germany. — AFP went to the bench, but only briefly. His Clarkson had a career-high 18 for the two-handed breakaway dunk early in the Lakers, who are on their longest skid since fourth put Cleveland up 80-68. April 1994. Qatar make history BUCKS 109, HEAT 102 RAPTORS 104, PACERS 91 Brandon Knight had 17 points and six DeMar DeRozan scored 24 points and assists and the Milwaukee Bucks put seven Kyle Lowry added 19 to lead Toronto to the players in double figures on the way to win. The Atlantic Division-leading Raptors beating the Miami Heat. Khris Middleton (30-15) overcame a sluggish first quarter to with semi-final spot also scored 17 for the Bucks, who got 15 pick up their third straight win. The victory from Jerryd Bayless, 14 from O.J. Mayo, 13 also gave Toronto a franchise record for from Giannis Antetokounmpo, 12 from most wins before the All-Star break. DOHA: Qatar’s handball team created history quick penalties for Qatar, both converted by as the Germans struck back through John Henson and 11 from Chris Dudley. Rodney Stuckey scored 22 points and yesterday when they qualified for their first Markovic, gave the home side a 6-3 lead. Gensheimer again. But things were about to With fighters Floyd Mayweather and Solomon Hill finished with 15 to lead ever world championships semi-final after Germany struck back immediately through get even tighter; Germany closed that deficit Manny Pacquiao watching courtside, Indiana (16-31), which has lost eight of beating Germany. Uwe Gensheimer but this served only to show to just two within eight minutes of the second Milwaukee beat Miami for the third time in nine. — AP In a high quality, dramatic and bad-tem- the tension on the court as he clashed with half when Patrick Groetzki finished off a fine pered match, with several controversial Qatar’s Roine immediately after scoring and move, to make it 20-18. And that gap closed moments, the hosts were able to cling on to the two had to be separated by teammates. to just one a minute later when Groetski win 26-24 to make it to the last four. The win Both players were sin-binned. beautifully lobbed Saric for the finish of the sparked wild celebrations among players and And in an echo of other famous German match. Tempers became even more frayed crowd, which included the country’s emir, World Cup incidents elsewhere, tensions rose with Germany’s Patrick Wiencek feeling he Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad al Thani. The result is again immediately after when a shot from was harshly sin-binned for an apparent push proof that the tiny Gulf state’s sporting ambi- Qatar’s Rafael Capote was initially adjudged and German players accusing Markovic of div- tions extend not only to hosting major tourna- not to have crossed the line after being half- ing. A second incident when Germany ques- ments but also gaining on-the-pitch success. stopped by Lichtlein. But the off-the-court ref- tioned whether a Qatar goal had crossed the They may have achieved this by drafting in eree ruled-probably correctly-that the shot line at the halfway mark of the second half, to several foreign players-and fans-but for a had gone in, to the disapproval of German make it 24-22 in the hosts’ favour, prompted nation that had previously never got any fur- players and fans in the packed 15,300-seater further protests from the Europeans. Tensions ther than the last 16, progression to the semi- stadium, to give Qatar a 10-6 lead. spilled over yet again in the final 10 minutes, finals is still a notable achievement. The victo- It was not the only time during the evening with the hosts leading by three, when Qatar’s ry also secured qualification for Qatar at the that Germany felt they came off second best Hassan Mabrouk and Germany’s Michael handball event at next year’s Rio Olympics. when it came to decisions by the officials, Muller argued after a collision during an Once again it was Qatar’s big game players- adding to their sense of resentment at the unsuccessful attack by the Europeans. Zarko Markovic, Rafael Capote, Danijel Saric end of the game. Qatar’s dominance of the Into the final minute Qatar retained their and Borja Vidal, all of them foreign-born - who rest of the first half was neatly summed up in two goal lead, thanks to two superb stops dominated and helped the hosts into the last a fine one minute passage of play when sub- by Saric, and were eventually able to close four. Markovic is now the tournament’s top stitute keeper Goran Stojanovic saved a the game out. Qatar will now play Poland in scorer with 55 goals. Goalkeeper Saric won penalty and the team swept downfield to the semi-final, who beat Croatia 24-22. the man-of-the match award. With so much at score through a superb shot from Capote to World champions Spain and tournament stake, a tight start to the game was expected extend their advantage to 16-9. favourites France play late yesterday. The and that is exactly what occurred. It was not Given the seven-goal cushion, the Qataris Spanish take on Denmark-with both sides until the 13th minute that either team was were probably unhappy to go into the break going into the game unbeaten-and France able to establish any sort of lead when two with just a four goal advantage, leading 18-14, play Slovenia. — AFP OAKLAND: Chicago Bulls’ Derrick Rose dribbles around Golden State Warriors’ Klay Thompson during the second half of an NBA basketball game. — AP Top names teeing off NBA results/standings at Dubai Desert Classic Toronto 104, Indiana 91; Cleveland 103, Detroit 95; Milwaukee 109, Miami 102; Memphis 109, Dallas 90; Chicago 113, Golden State 111 (OT); Washington 98, LA Lakers 92. DUBAI: Three of the top-five ranked players in win on Sunday will not only tie him with Ernie “I just want to give it my best shot.” Kaymer Eastern Conference Western Conference the world will head a stellar field assembled Els as the most successful player in the 26- was surprisingly candid in talking about his Atlantic Division Northwest Division for this week’s Dubai Desert Classic, which year-old history of the tournament, but also Abu Dhabi experience and insisted it has W L PCT GB Portland 32 13 .711 - tees off today. make him only the sixth player on the been one of the greatest learning experiences Toronto 30 15 .667 - Oklahoma City 23 22 .511 9 World number one Rory McIlroy (2009) and European Tour to win the same tournament in of his life. Brooklyn 18 26 .409 11.5 Denver 18 27 .400 14 number two Henrik Stenson (2007) have three consecutive years. “What happened on Sunday has never Boston 16 27 .372 13 Utah 16 29 .356 16 already won the tournament once before, Gallacher, runner-up in 2012 and winner happened in my career before - leading by six, NY Knicks 8 37 .178 22 Minnesota 7 37 .159 24.5 while number five Sergio Garcia will be the last two years, would join the select club seven, ten shots at one stage, and then los- Philadelphia 8 37 .178 22 Pacific Division searching for his first triumph at the Emirates of Ian Woosnam, Nick Faldo, Colin ing,” said the German world number 12. Central Division Golden State 36 7 .837 - Golf Club. Montgomerie, Tiger Woods and Els with a “It was a new situation, and something I’m Chicago 30 17 .638 - LA Clippers 31 14 .689 6 European Ryder Cup regulars Graeme third consecutive win. actually very glad that it happened, because it Cleveland 26 20 .565 3.5 Phoenix 26 20 .565 11.5 McDowell and Lee Westwood would be play- The Scotsman, who is 55-under at the ven- is bound to happen at some stage in your Milwaukee 23 22 .511 6 ing their first event of the new year, while ue in his last three visits, said: “It’s great to be career. Detroit 17 29 .370 12.5 Sacramento 16 27 .372 20 LA Lakers 12 34 .261 25.5 Germany’s world number 12 Martin Kaymer is associated with them, isn’t it? I’ve earned my “They are not nice when they happen, but Indiana 16 31 .340 14 attempting to make a comeback from his place to be associated with them, so I cannot afterwards, you are even more motivated Southeast Division Southwest Division Memphis 33 12 .733 - unexpected final-round meltdown in Abu change it now. It’s there. “The only thing I can because you grow not only as a golfer, but Atlanta 37 8 .822 - Dhabi a couple of weeks ago, when he lost do is add to it and I would love to. also as a person. “You became more mature. It Washington 31 15 .674 6.5 Houston 31 14 .689 2 despite leading the tournament by 10 shots at “It is hard to do, but I’ve got a chance to do was almost like a life lesson, and I’m very glad Miami 20 25 .444 17 Dallas 30 16 .652 3.5 Charlotte 19 26 .422 18 San Antonio 29 17 .630 4.5 one stage. it. I’ve got expectations of what I want this that happened.” The $2.5 million tournament, Orlando 15 33 .313 23.5 New Orleans 24 21 .533 9 Scotland’s world number 34 Stephen week but I’m not going to put myself under the oldest tournament in the region, will be Gallacher is the twice defending champion. A any more pressure. If it happens, brilliant. played tomorrow to Sunday. —AFP McIlroy backs Clarke for Ryder Cup captaincy

DUBAI: Rory McIlroy wants fellow reporters it would likely be a mer skippers McGinley, Jose Maria Northern Irishman Darren Clarke to straight fight between Clarke and Olazabal and Colin Montgomerie. captain Europe’s Ryder Cup team in Jimenez over who will replace 2014 World number one McIlroy will 2016 in what is shaping up to be a skipper Paul McGinley. play in Thursday’s Classic, having battle between the former British “I always thought Darren would finished second at the Abu Dhabi Open champion and Spaniard be a perfect fit for captaincy in the HSBC Golf Championship two Miguel Angel Jimenez. States,” said McIlroy. “People love weeks ago, a stroke ahead of Martin Europe will seek a fourth succes- him over there and he’ll do well, but Kaymer who blamed overconfi- sive win against the United States in people love Miguel anywhere he dence after he blew a 10-stroke final Minnesota and speculation is goes and the more he plays on the round lead. already rife as to who will lead the Champions Tour he’s going to McIlroy has suffered in similar cir- defending champions. become more popular as well. cumstances, squandering a four- “I’m going to be a little biased- “They are both quality candi- shot final day lead at the 2011 US Darren is a good friend of mine and dates and great players. As long as Masters. from Northern Ireland, so it would I’m on the team and they decide to “It was the most important day of be great to see him get the captain- play me I’m happy enough.” my career, bar none, because if I had cy, but if it was to be Miguel then I’d Spain’s Jimenez, 51, is ranked 42 not had that happen to me who have no problems with that either,” and played 25 events on the knows where I would have been,” McIlroy told a news conference. European Tour last year. Clarke, 46, added four-time major winner “They are going to have a tough is a less regular figure on the circuit. McIlroy. decision,” he added ahead of this McIlroy said he expected to be “You learn way more from those week’s Dubai Desert Classic. On consulted by the five-man panel days than from victories. “Martin Tuesday, world number two Henrik that will choose the captain, a deci- had such a big lead that I can see Stenson and sixth-ranked Sergio sion that used to be made by the where you could get a little bit com- Rory McIlroy Garcia, both team stalwarts, told players. The committee includes for- placent.” — Reuters THURSDAY, JANUARY 29, 2015 SPORTS

UAE on target for first gold for Arabs

By Abdellatif Sharaa for exchanging expertise between the two countries as well as holding joint KUWAIT: UAE’s Waleed Al-Aryani proved events in both Kuwait and Lebanon. himself a star during the second day of Jalakh said shooting in Lebanon is con- competition at the 4th HH the Amir tinually developing, but “our ambition is Sheikh Sabah Al-Ahmad International to take the game’s level as in Kuwait, as Grand Prix when he won the gold medal Kuwait is full of expertise and world in the men’s trap event, and this is the champions who achieved many results first medal to be won by an Arab shooter at regional and international levels”. in the GP. Aryani won his medal after Meanwhile, Aryani dedicated his gold fierce competition with Italians Valerio medal in the trap event to UAE President Grazini, who won the World Cup in 2013 Khalifa bin Zayed and the UAE people, and was the junior world champion in expressing his joy on the win. He said 2009 and Daliele Resca, who won silver that he did not expect to win the gold at the 2010 World Cup. medal as competition was fierce, which In the junior category, Ruslan Berdov “added to my enthusiasm and pushed won the gold medal followed by James me to give the best I have”. He said that Galea from Malta and Hafid El-Mahdi he participated three times in HH the from Morocco. In the 10m women’s air Amir Grand Prix and will always seek to rifle, Serbia’s Andrea Arsovic scored participate in it. 207.1 points to win the gold medal fol- lowed by Mongolia’s Narantuya Chuluunbadrakh with a score of 206.5. The third place was claimed by Singapore’s Xiang Wei Jasmine Ser with a score of 182.2. In the 10m junior women’s air rifle, Uzbekistan’s Margarita Orlova claimed the gold medal when she scored 411.5 points, but the results of the second and third place were very close as Bosnia’s Tatjana Dekanovic scored by 408.9 and Armenia’s Mariam Mikayelyan scored 408.7. In the men’s 50m rifle prone event, Mirosavljev Nemanja of Serbia won gold after he scored 209.2, followed by Kazakhstan’s Alexander Yermakov with a score of 208.2 and Hungary’s Peter Sidi with 185.6. In the 50m juniors men’s rifle prone event, Lutfi Mohammad Othman claimed gold with a score of 613.9, Qatar’s Mohammad Saad Al-Mubarak was second by scoring 606.3 and Kirill Kuzmich from Kazakhstan scored 605.1 to claim third place. Serbia now heads the medal list with three golds and a bronze, followed by Malaysia with two golds and a bronze, Qatar’s shooter Mubarak, who won a Uzbekistan with two golds, Kazakhstan silver medal, said it was possible for him one gold, four silver and one bronze, to get the gold, for which “I will work UAE one gold, Qatar one bronze and one hard next time”, adding that he is happy silver, Latvia, Mongolia, and Malta one with the silver. Mubarak lauded the silver each and Slovenia, Singapore, organization of the championship and Albania, Armenia and Morocco with one cooperation between the organizing bronze each. committee and participating delega- Head of the Lebanese Shooting tions, as well as between the shooters Federation Butrus Jalakh expressed themselves. Mubarak thanked Qatar’s great pleasure for signing a cooperation federation for its unlimited support to protocol with Kuwait Shooting shooters in order to emerge as winners. Federation, which will add to the game Morocco’s Mahdi was very happy in his country. He said that there has with his bronze medal in the junior trap been cooperation between shooting event, adding that this is his first in 2015, officials in both countries, and now this and presents a big motivation for him to cooperation has become official through get more medals as he plans to get an the signing of the protocol which calls Olympic medal. THURSDAY, JANUARY 29, 2015 SPORTS

LONDON: Chelsea’s Branislav Ivanovic (top) scores during the English League Cup semifinal second leg soccer match between Chelsea and Liverpool at Stamford Bridge stadium. — AP Ivanovic heads Chelsea into League Cup final

LONDON: Chelsea reached the League Cup the scores level in a blood-and-thunder So I’m even happier because we beat a very Philippe Coutinho. While Chelsea struggled to shot and then when the striker was through final after Branislav Ivanovic’s towering extra- encounter with plenty of controversy. Chelsea good team over two legs,” Chelsea manager create opportunities, they did have loud on goal. Ivanovic ensured Chelsea would not time header secured a 1-0 victory over striker Diego Costa was typically in the thick Jose Mourinho told Sky Sports. This was a very appeals for a penalty waved away when have to rely on the away goals rule, which Liverpool in a rip-roaring semi-final second of the action and twice appeared to stamp on different Chelsea side to the one that was Costa, who was lucky to be on the pitch after would only have come into play after extra leg at an electric Stamford Bridge on Tuesday. Liverpool players, but should also have been beaten 4-2 by Bradford in the FA Cup at stamping on Emre Can’s ankle earlier in the time, to progress while Liverpool’s best The Serbian defender powered a header awarded a penalty when he was felled by Stamford Bridge on Saturday, with manager match, was felled by a clumsy tackle from chance in extra time fell to Jordan Henderson, past Liverpool keeper Simon Mignolet four Slovak defender Martin Skrtel in the first half. Jose Mourinho making nine changes. Skrtel. who headed wide. minutes into the extra period to secure a 2-1 Chelsea will face Tottenham Hotspur or Tempers began to flare after the break with For Liverpool boss Brendan Rodgers, the aggregate win for the four-times winners days Sheffield United, who play the second leg of FULL THROTTLE Brazilian-born Spain striker Costa involved in difference between the teams was Chelsea after their humiliating FA Cup exit to third-tier their last-four clash on Wednesday with the The first half was played at full throttle another stamping incident, but as the match keeper Courtois. “We were better in every Bradford City. London side leading 1-0, in the final at with both teams looking to seize the early ini- wore Chelsea began to craft the better open- aspect of our game but we just couldn’t get Both sides had good chances in normal Wembley on March 1. tiative, but the visitors had the better chances ings. Eden Hazard beat four men and drove a the big goals. Sometimes you have a barrier in time and were grateful to their keepers- “This is a new Liverpool team (from earlier with Chelsea keeper Courtois producing shot just wide, and Mignolet superbly denied your way and tonight and last week it was Thibaut Courtois and Mignolet-for keeping in the season) and a very difficult opponent. excellent saves to deny Alberto Moreno and Costa twice with his feet, first from a deflected Courtois,” he said. —Reuters Milan’s troubles mount after defeat by Lazio

MILAN: Crisis-torn AC Milan’s problems mount- ed when they were knocked out of the Coppa Italia quarter-finals 1-0 by visiting Lazio who played the entire second half of the with 10 men on Tuesday. The result at a freezing, almost empty and hostile San Siro increased the pressure on coach Filippo Inzaghi, with Italian media having specu- lated before the match that defeat could lead to his downfall after six months in the hot seat. Inzaghi, in his first senior coaching role, would become the third Milan coach to leave in a year if he loses his job. Lazio beat Milan 3-1 in Serie A on Saturday and the home side’s nerves were clearly on display as they gifted their oppo- nents two chances early on. A dreadful back pass by Ignazio Abete was intercepted by Lazio’s Miroslav Klose but the for- mer Germany forward shot into the side-netting after rounding goalkeeper Christian Abbiati. Jeremy Menez then produced another shock- ing pass which gave Lazio’s Keita Balde a clear run on goal but Abbiati rushed out of his area to block the danger with a risky sliding tackle. Milan’s luck ran out, however, when Michelangelo Albertazzi handled the ball in the ITALY: Lazio’s Etrit Berisha saves on AC Milan’s Alex Dias da Costa during an Italian Cup, quar- SPAIN: Real Madrid’s Welsh forward Gareth Bale jumps during the Spanish League area and Lazio’s Argentina midfielder Lucas terfinal match at the San Siro stadium. — AP football match in this file photo. — AFP Biglia fired home from the penalty spot after 38 second period but it was harshly disallowed for er looked like turning the match around. minutes. offside and Alessio Cerci had a goal chalked off Although Inzaghi is the obvious scapegoat, Lazio then had defender Lorik Cana sent off for the same reason, though replays suggested Milan’s Ultras issued a statement on Monday ‘Happy’ Bale rules for a second booking just before halftime but he was also onside when he received the ball. blaming the club’s problems on their transfer even that failed to revive the hosts. Milan’s Apart from that, however, Milan, who have strategy and called for chief executive Adriano out United move Giampaolo Pazzini put the ball in the net in the not won a game since the Christmas break, nev- Galliani to be sacked. — Reuters

BARCELONA: Real Madrid winger Gareth not passing to Karim Benzema who was English clubs dominate Barca president slams Bale says he is happy at the Bernabeu well positioned to score, and he also transfer deals — FIFA and has no intention of moving to whistled at the Bernabeu when Real Manchester United. played Espanyol. FIFA over transfer ban Despite playing a significant role in “(Against Valencia) I only remember LONDON: English clubs are spending more money in the international transfer market than any other country in the BARCELONA: Barcelona president Josep “Leo Messi couldn’t have come to Barca Real winning their celebrated 10th running towards the goal, I wanted to world according to a FIFA report published yesterday. European Cup and the King’s Cup last score but it didn’t go in,” said Bale. “If I Maria Bartomeu believes FIFA regulations according to FIFA. FIFA have a problem and The findings of the 2015 FIFA/TMS Global Transfer Market concerning under-age player transfers they can’t have a rule which so many kids are season there has been talk of a move had scored against Valencia and Systems Report, covering the last 12 months, shows English back to the Premier League for the Espanyol then nobody would have said clubs spent more than $770 million on foreign players-about needs to be revised and that current rules not complying with. At the moment, it is Welshman. anything. I didn’t see the pass and I don’t $308 million (67 percent) more than their nearest rivals would have prevented Lionel Messi from Barca who are paying for five kids. “Barca He has been criticised by a section of think it was so easy but these things hap- Spain. joining the club. The Catalan side have been have suffered injustices in the past and this is the Real fans and the media for being pen in football. They are part of the play. In total, clubs around the world spent $4.06 billion sign- banned from signing players during this another example. “Clearly there are going to transfer window and the next one for break- be other clubs involved, (Spanish federation greedy on the ball and failing to link up “I feel the support of the Bernabeu. I am ing players from outside their own borders. The report does not include domestic transfers. ing the rules over the signing of foreign president Angel Maria) Villar already told us with his team mates. going to continue working to show what Brazil is the most active country in terms of international under-18 players. that other Spanish teams were being investi- I am capable of doing on the pitch and It has led to rumours that he could be transfers with 1,335 deals-incoming and outgoing-followed Now Real Madrid are also being investi- gated.“I don’t want other clubs to be investi- part of a deal where United goalkeeper so as to win more trophies.” by England with 1,263 and Portugal with 823. One area high- gated by FIFA over the transfer of 51 players gated. I want FIFA to change the rules and David de Gea would move to Real. “I can’t Bale claimed he had a good relation- lighted in the report for the first time concerns the transfers and there are rumours that the activities of (FIFA President Sepp) Blatter to consider this.” see myself at Manchester United,” Bale ship with Cristiano Ronaldo and that the of young players under the age of 18. other La Liga clubs could be examined. A failed appeal against the transfer ban Spanish clubs sign more overseas youngsters under 18 — told Spanish radio. “In an interview criticism he had received would not The ban is a major blow for Barca, who last December plunged the Barca board into recently I was asked if I was happy in affect his style of play. a fact highlighted last week when Real Madrid unveiled 16- year-old Norwegian “wonderkid” Martin Odegaard who they have been held up as an example for their crisis, playing a part in the firing of sports Madrid and I said that I was very happy “There is no rivalry between us. We development of youth players through their director Andoni Zubizarreta and Bartomeu’s here. have meetings to talk about tactics. bought from Stromsgodset earlier this month. Real’s arch rivals Barcelona have been hit by a FIFA transfer ban for celebrated Masia academy, where they nur- decision to bring forward presidential elec- “I have a long contract still to go, I am Normally if there is a free-kick from the breaching the strict rules regarding the signing of young tured the talent of Argentine-born Messi tions. “If there wasn’t so much tension, then enjoying myself and we are winning tro- left then Cristiano takes it and on the players, while Real Madrid are also being investigated by FIFA after he arrived at the club aged 13. I wouldn’t have called the elections,” phies. I want to continue doing this at right it would be me. We get on well,” for alleged similar offences. The report states: “In 2014, Spain Bartomeu is angry at the way they have Bartomeu said of the vote taking place at Real Madrid.” said Bale. “I don’t think I’m greedy. On the was the country that engaged the highest number of minors. been treated. “The problem is with FIFA and the end of this season. “I wanted to com- Bale was singled out after Real’s pitch I make assists and score goals. I 400 minor applications were submitted, and 352 were they need to change this article 19 (over the plete our mandate and the club is function- defeat against Valencia in their first game play the game how I like to play and the accepted. This is a much higher number than any other asso- transfer of youth players) as it doesn’t make ing reasonably well but I think it was the back following the Christmas break for press can say what they want.” — Reuters ciation worldwide.” —Reuters any sense,” the president told Spanish radio. right thing to do.” — Reuters Qatar make history UAE on target for with semi-final spot first gold for Arabs

THURSDAY, JANUARY 29, 201517 18

Afghanistan look to repeat the Ireland shock factor Page 16 Djokovic, Wawrinka in epic showdown

MELBOURNE: Top seed Novak Djokovic and champion fering from a thigh injury that hampered her movement. 6(5) 6-4 6-2 in the late match on Rod Laver Arena, hours the Australian Open, with the man winning those epic Stan Wawrinka set up ‘The Djoker v The Man 3.0’ at With many suggesting prior to the tournament it could after Wawrinka had easily dispatched fifth seed Kei clashes ultimately going on to clinch the title. Melbourne Park after impressive quarter-final victories yes- signify an epochal shift in both games, the teenager repre- Nishikori 6-3 6-4 7-6(6). As defending champion in 2013, Djokovic prevailed 12- terday, while an ill Serena Williams moved a step closer to sents the up and comers in the semi-finals after Djokovic “Definitely expecting a marathon like the last couple of 10 in the fifth set in their fourth round clash. Last year, her 19th grand slam title. and Wawrinka crushed the last hopes of ‘Generation Next’ years. I’m sure that both of us will give our best to perform Wawrinka won the fifth set 9-7 in their quarter-final, indi- The American, however, will first have to overcome the in the men’s draw. our best tennis,” Djokovic said in a courtside interview. cating fans on Friday should be set for another epic pure hitting of Madison Keys after the 19-year-old ended Djokovic, seeking to become the second man to win a “We always ask for the best of each other.” It will be the encounter. the fairytale run of Serena’s older sister Venus, despite suf- fifth Australian Open title, beat Canada’s Milos Raonic 7- third successive year Djokovic and Wawrinka have met at “You know when you play Novak, especially in semi- final in a grand slam, you have to play your best game,” Wawrinka said. “You have to play your best tennis if you want to push him. So far I’m playing great. I’m confident with my game.”

PARTY POOPER American teenager Keys proved to be the ultimate par- ty pooper with her victory over Venus while at the same time indicating the mantle of American women’s tennis should be in safe hands when it is moved on from the two sisters. Serena and Venus had been hoping to provide fans with the first all-Williams sisters clash at a grand slam since the 2009 Wimbledon final in the semi-finals. Keys, who was inspired at four years old to take up the game after seeing Venus play at Wimbledon, refused to succumb to sentimentality and demonstrated the ball striking and power hitting, which had destroyed players of the calibre of double Wimbledon champion Petra Kvitova, in a 29-minute first set. An adductor injury that forced her out of the Wimbledon third round last year, just days after she had stormed to the Eastbourne title, however, flared up again in the second set, which brought back some desperate memories. “It was definitely a flashback to Wimbledon for me,” Keys said of the injury that forced her to take an injury break while trailing 4-1 in the second set. “It was quite an overwhelming moment and scary ... and I had the nightmare of ‘I don’t want this to happen again’.” Keys, now coached by former number one Lindsay Davenport, however, showed her maturity and mental toughness once she settled to overpower Venus and battle through the injury to advance to her first grand slam semi- final. “It’s definitely an amazing moment,” she added. “I’m enjoying those moments for little bits of time and then refocusing and thinking about the next round.” Keys’ chances of making the final have improved with the world number one battling the effects of a cold after a virus hit several players at the tournament. “I’ve been sick the past few days,” a hoarse-sounding Serena told reporters after her 6-2 6-2 destruction of last year’s finalist Dominika Cibulkova. “It’s just getting worse and worse. I heard it’s a virus going around with a lot of the players. “I think I caught it.” — Reuters

MELBOURNE: Stan Wawrinka of Switzerland serves to Kei Nishikori of Japan during their quarterfinal match at the Australian Open tennis championship. — AP Sharapova, Serena hot favorites in Open semis MELBOURNE: Top seed Serena Williams remains on a colli- sion course with arch-rival Maria Sharapova after rampag- ing into the Australian Open semi-finals yesterday. The 18-time Grand Slam champion was at her brutal best, crushing last year’s finalist Dominka Cibulkova in straight sets to set up an all-American last four showdown with unseeded teenager Madison Keys. The other semi- final clash today is an all-Russian affair between second seed Sharapova, who owns five Grand Slam titles, and Ekaterina Makarova, seeded tenth. Both star players have hit top form as the tournament progresses and are hot favourites to advance to Saturday’s final. Williams, 33, is contesting her 26th Slam semi-final after pummelling Cibulkova 6-2, 6-2, while it is 19-year-old Keys’ first experience of the final four in a major. The world number 35 showed her talent with a 6-3, 4-6, 6-4 quarter-final win to end Venus Williams’ stirring return to the Grand Slam big time but aggravated a long-stand- ing thigh injury during the bruising encounter. Williams tipped Keys as a future Slam champion, but will be conceding nothing on court to an opponent who stopped her and Venus from facing each other at a major for the first time since 2009. “Obviously, this is her first semi-finals. I’m sure there’s going to be many more, includ- ing Grand Slam wins, for Madison,” she said of the big-serv- ing baseliner, who is coached by former great Lindsay Davenport. — AFP Russia unveils ‘anti-crisis’ plan to cut spending, boost banks Page 22

Business NYC economy lost $200m from snow storm, transit shutdown THURSDAY, JANUARY 29, 2015 Page 25 German minister warns Petrobras reports Q3 unaudited profit Greece against breaking agreements Page 26 Page 23

EAST LONDON: In this file picture taken on November 14, 2014, late afternoon sunshine falls on Canary Wharf and buildings in the financial district in East London. Qatar looked to have won a drawn-out bid to buy London’s Canary Wharf yesterday after the owner of the landmark office quarter said its main shareholders favoured a sale. — AFP Qatar wins $4bn battle for Canary Wharf Songbird believes 350p/shr offer undervalues estate

LONDON: A Qatari-led consortium looked set home to banks such as HSBC, Citi and JP to accept the offer. The complicated structure New York-based investor Simon Glick, China sion when its flagship One Canada Square sky- to win its long-running battle to buy Songbird Morgan, embody the change in London’s featuring a layer of shareholders in Songbird Investment Corp and Morgan Stanley scraper opened in 1991, resulting in the bank- Estates Plc yesterday after the owner of economy in the second half of the 20th centu- and another in Canary Wharf tended to leave Investment Management, were to accept, the ruptcy of developer Olympia & York (O&Y). London’s Canary Wharf business district ry as industry dwindled and financial services Songbird trading at a discount to the value of offer would become unconditional. Combined George Iacobescu, a 69-year Romanian- dropped its opposition to the $4 billion offer. grew. The redevelopment of the former West its property and helped make it a takeover tar- they own just over 50 percent. born engineer, oversaw the original develop- Songbird said it still thought the price India Docks, which traded in everything from get, analysts said. Since the offer looked like a foregone con- ment for O&Y and continues to lead Canary undervalued its properties but with no rival tobacco to bananas, was championed in the clusion after all three major investors indicat- Wharf Group. He is in line for a 3.5 million bid forthcoming and holders of 86 percent of 1980s by then Prime Minister Margaret Growth potential ed they would approve, minority shareholders pound windfall from the takeover. the shares backing the deal, it said minority Thatcher, who saw the need for more space for Songbird said earlier this month the offer could be left holding stock in a group no The company is preparing to start work on investors should accept. a financial sector booming after her “big bang” was an 8 percent discount to its net asset val- longer listed and therefore difficult to value, two major developments: a 60-storey tower The Qatar Investment Authority (QIA) and reforms. ue of 381p at the end of November and put no Songbird said. with the first residential property on the estate its bid partner launched a 350 pence-per- The QIA already owned 29 percent of value on its growth potential. Songbird, backed by investment bank and a 20-acre waterside site with 3,100 homes share offer direct to Songbird shareholders in Songbird, which in turn owns 70 percent of Shares in the group, which had been trad- Morgan Stanley, had won control of Canary and office buildings. December, hoping to add a financial district Canary Wharf Group. Its partner in the deal, US ing about 10 percent below the offer price due Wharf in 2004 with a 1.7 billion pound cash QIA was advised by Barclays, Citigroup and rivaling the City of London to landmarks investor Brookfield Property Partners, has 22 to scepticism it would go through, were up 7.5 offer. It saw commercial property values in HSBC, while Rothschild, Morgan Stanley and already in its portfolio such as the Shard sky- percent of Canary Wharf Group. percent at 345.5p by 1300 GMT. London rise for three years until the global JP Morgan Cazenove worked for Songbird. scraper and Harrods department store. QIA and Brookfield welcomed Songbird’s Songbird had already said that if one or financial crisis. Canary Wharf had already been Shareholders have until today to accept the Canary Wharf’s steel and glass towers, announcement and urged other shareholders more of the other three large shareholders, through boom and bust; Britain was in reces- offer. — Reuters India makes push Boeing reports 4Q profit of $1.47 bn

to boost revenue CHICAGO: Demand for commercial jets airliners er - helping boost cash flow. Revenue in the commer- by a 29 percent decline in money from military air- boosted Boeing Co.’s fourth-quarter profit by 19 per- cial-plane segment grew by 15 percent. craft. Boeing shares were up $4.22, or 3.2 percent, to NEW DELHI/MUMBAI: India’s government made a push yester- cent, topping Wall Street expectations by a wide mar- About one-third of Boeing’s revenue comes from $136.70 in premarket trading about 45 minutes day to bolster its strained finances, offering to sell a stake in min- gin and offsetting weakness in the defense business. defense-related products, and that part of the com- ahead of the market open. At Tuesday’s closing price, er Coal India and more mobile phone airwaves as it aimed to Boeing offered a muted outlook for 2015, howev- pany is not doing as well, as defense budgets come the shares were up 1.9 percent in 2015 but down 3.6 deliver on a promise to trim its fiscal deficit. er. Falling oil prices, which make jet fuel much cheap- under pressure. Defense revenue fell 14 percent, led percent in the last 12 months. — AP Prime Minister Narendra Modi is racing to honour a commit- er, might hurt airlines’ demand for new, more fuel- ment to narrow the deficit to a seven-year low of 4.1 percent of efficient planes. The shares rose in premarket trading gross domestic product in the year ending in March. A revenue before yesterday’s opening bell. shortfall has driven up the deficit to 99 percent of the full-year Boeing said that it earned $1.47 billion, or $2.02 target in the first eight months of the year, casting doubts on per share, compared with $1.23 billion, or $1.61 per that pledge. Modi’s eight-month-old administration said it would share, a year ago. Excluding special items, Boeing said sell a stake of up to 10 percent in Coal India, of which the gov- that so-called core earnings rose to $2.31 per share. ernment currently owns close to 90 percent. Analysts expected $2.11 per share, according to The stake to be sold, worth about $3.9 billion at current mar- FactSet. Revenue rose 3 percent to $24.47 billion, also ket prices, will be unloaded through an auction on Friday, it added. Separately, the government will sell 2,100 MHz mobile beating FactSet’s Street forecast of $23.93 billion. phone airwaves at 37.05 billion rupees per MHz, Telecoms However, Boeing said that adjusted earnings this Minister Ravi Shankar Prasad told reporters after a cabinet meet- year will be between $8.20 and $8.40 per share. That ing. The sale is expected to fetch about an extra $3 billion from a is below analysts’ forecast of $8.66 per share, accord- telecoms spectrum band auction scheduled for early March. ing to the FactSet survey. New Delhi is aiming to raise $13 billion from the auction, a quar- The company forecast 2015 revenue of $94.5 bil- ter of which is expected to flow into the exchequer by March 31. lion to $96.5 billion, which would easily beat analysts’ Modi’s deficit promise relies heavily on the asset sale pro- consensus expectation of $93.25 billion. Chicago- gramme. He has budgeted to raise $10 billion selling small based Boeing and European rival Airbus are benefit- stakes in state-run firms. But to date he has managed to raise a ing as airlines around the world go on a shopping little more than $300 million. spree, helped by rising demand for travel and cheap The Coal India disposal would cover more than a third of the financing. asset sales target. The government is also banking on the sale of Boeing posted 432 net orders for new planes in a 5 percent stake in energy explorer Oil and Natural Gas Corp, the fourth quarter and 1,432 for all of 2014, pushing worth $2.5 billion. The sale is scheduled before the end of the its backlog of commercial planes to nearly 5,800 with financial year, the oil minister said on Wednesday. Friday’s sale a record value of $440 billion. will include at least 315.8 million shares in Coal India, with an The company is also delivering more planes - 195 RENTON: In this Dec. 16, 2014 photo, workers walk near an engine of a Boeing 737-800 airplane being assem- option to sell 315.8 million more, the statement said. A floor in the fourth quarter, compared with 172 a year earli- bled at Boeing’s 737 facility in Renton, Wash. Boeing reports quarterly financial results yesterday. — AP price for the auction will be set today. — Reuters BUSINESS THURSDAY, JANUARY 29, 2015

UAE lender NBAD beats forecasts with 28% profit rise

ABU DHABI: National Bank of Abu Dhabi (NBAD), the conditions. NBAD, almost 70-percent owned by Abu non-interest income to 862 million dirhams. bad loans down 29.6 percent year on year in the fourth largest lender by assets in the United Arab Emirates, Dhabi’s government, made a net profit of 1.372 billion Banks in the Gulf, given the high levels of competi- quarter to 200 million dirhams. beat analyst forecasts as it reported a 27.6 percent rise in dirhams ($373 million) in the three months to Dec. 31, tion in traditional activities such as lending, have been For 2014, the bank said net profit was 5.579 billion fourth-quarter net profit yesterday on higher fee income up from 1.075 billion dirhams in the corresponding peri- shifting their focus to earning income from other means, dirhams, up 17.6 percent from 2013. The bank said its and lower impairments. od of 2013, the bank said in a statement. such as advising on bonds and mergers. board proposed a cash dividend of 0.4 dirhams per share Banks in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) have Four analysts polled by Reuters earlier this month Lending by NBAD grew 6 percent in 2014 to 194.3 and a stock dividend of 1 share for every 10-held for 2014. enjoyed a strong reporting period, with lenders record- forecast an average net profit of 1.29 billion dirhams billion dirhams. Lower impairments also contributed to This is in line with what NBAD paid out in 2013, according ing higher profits on the back of robust local economic Aiding the profit increase was a 28.8 percent jump in the profit increase, with the amount of cash set aside for to previous disclosures from the bank. — Reuters Emaar Economic City says cheap oil may boost growth

RIYADH: Saudi Arabia’s Emaar the Economic City (EEC) expects demand for its industrial and residential prop- erty to grow this year as companies increase investment despite the plunge of oil prices, a top executive said. Established in 2006, EEC’s operations are an example of the public-private partnerships which Saudi Arabia is using in a drive to expand its industrial base, create jobs for local citizens and diversify its economy beyond oil. The company, a consortium headed by top Dubai real estate developer Emaar Properties and Saudi investors, is building King Abdullah Economic City, a special economic zone on Saudi Arabia’s Red Sea coast near Jeddah. The zone, focused on light industry and shipping, is projected to be the size of Washington DC when com- pleted, hosting up to 2 million people. The tumble of global oil prices since last June is prompting Saudi Arabia to postpone some energy- related projects, state oil giant Saudi Aramco said this week. But Fahd Al Rasheed, EEC’s group chief executive, said he expected no slowdown in his business. “We actually expect in 2015 that the market for our product, for manufacturers is going to increase. As you know, a lower (oil) price means global growth, as com- panies have growth markets in the U.S. and elsewhere,” he said in an interview. “So we expect more liquidity, hence more invest- ments in the kingdom,” Rasheed added, noting that Saudi government spending related to his and other projects was continuing. The government has projected a slight increase in nominal state spending in its 2015 budget, saying it will use its huge fiscal reserves to fund a deficit while oil prices are low. EEC reported a 39 percent jump in net profit to 379.7 million riyals ($101.2 million) for 2014 as gross profit NEW YORK: A trader works on the floor of the New York Stock Exchange yesterday in New York City. The Dow Jones Industrial Average plunged over 350 points before clos- climbed 3.3 percent. Rasheed said the company did not ing out approximately 290 points down due to a poor earnings report. — AFP forecast earnings “but we certainly expect growth over the future.” First-time investors Russia unveils plans to The company will focus this year on expanding its port and industrial area, attracting more retail and com- mercial investors to the city, and developing an area around a high-speed rail line, now under construction, cut spending, boost banks that will link King Abdullah Economic City with Mecca, Medina and Jeddah. The port’s annual capacity, now at 1.3 million twenty- foot equivalent units, is expected to rise to 4 million ‘All new construction projects delayed’ TEUs by the end of 2016 and ultimately 20 million TEUs in subsequent years. MOSCOW: Russia yesterday unveiled an anti-crisis plan for the total required sum. Last week authorities presented a The agriculture sector will also get an additional 50 bil- Ninety-three companies have agreed to invest in the an economy battered by low oil prices and sanctions, draft plan worth 1.375 trillion rubles ($20 billion, 18 billion lion rubles ($740 million in a bid to boost local production city, many of them first-time investors in Saudi Arabia, promising some spending cuts but also boosts for retirees euros), which comes on top of a 1 trillion ruble ($15 bil- to make up for shortages caused by Moscow’s embargoes and EEC is signing about one per week, focusing on and billions of dollars worth of support for top banks. lion, 13 billion euros) bailout package for struggling banks of Western products over the Ukraine crisis. attracting industries such as pharmaceuticals, logistics, The plan, published on the government’s website on announced in December. But Siluanov underlined that Russia’s oil reserves are building materials, plastics and automotive compo- Wednesday morning, foresees 10 percent reduction in not limitless so many investment projects would have to nents, Rasheed said. “most categories of budget spending” but, increases on Pensions be cut, particularly in construction. EEC says King Abdullah Economic City has attracted welfare, which was the cornerstone of Putin’s election The government is prepared to funnel the trillion ruble “All new construction projects will have to be delayed,” about $10 billion of investments from all sources includ- campaign in 2012. fund to Russia’s top 27 banks, requiring them to expand he said, noting the exception of particularly important ing the government; billions more are expected. The measures will help the economy “adapt to new their crediting of the real economy by one percent every ones in Crimea, the Black Sea peninsula Russia annexed Rasheed said EEC had raised 3 billion riyals from conditions” in a situation when Western sanctions over month, Siluanov said. last March which is struggling without a bridge linking it banks in 2014. “We expect this to be sufficient for our Ukraine and tumbling oil prices have already cost it $200 Under the crisis plan, pensions will be increased by to mainland Russia. plans going forward - we won’t be having a further debt billion, Finance Minister Anton Siluanov told Russian sena- 11.4 percent next month at the cost of 188 billion rubles High energy prices let Russia amass a sizeable pile of raise.” tors while presenting the plan. ($2.8 billion) — more than expected-to help out the poor- cash divided between two oil funds. Siluanov said 5.6 tril- But he added, “We are investigating all alternatives, “The effect of external shocks on the credit balance is est Russians. lion rubles ($83.5 billion) are in Russia’s reserve fund and especially investment with third parties - joint invest- about $200 billion,” he said, adding that most analysts Defence spending is also not subject to any austerity another 4.9 trillion rubles ($73 billion) in its national wel- ments with third parties to increase investment from “believe that this situation will continue long-term.” measures, according to the plan, and defence industries fare fund. “The most important thing is not to squander other parties into the city.” — Reuters The plan lists various measures without spelling out will get extra money to replace sanctioned imports, it said. the reserves in one year,” he said. — AFP

EXCHANGE RATES

Al-Muzaini Exchange Co. UAE Exchange Centre WLL Syrian Pound 2.565 Philippine Peso 0.006565 0.006845 Nepalese Rupees 4.005 Sierra Leone 0.000065 0.000071 Malaysian Ringgit 82.705 Singapore Dollar 0.217537 0.223537 ASIAN COUNTRIES COUNTRY SELL DRAFT SELL CASH South African Rand 0.019508 0.028008 Japanese Yen 2.501 Chinese Yuan Renminbi 47.740 Australian Dollar 224.86 221.86 Sri Lankan Rupee 0.001880 0.002460 Indian Rupees 4.790 Thai Bhat 10.045 Canadian Dollar 241.76 242.76 Taiwan 0.009358 0.009538 Pakistani Rupees 2.927 Turkish Lira 125.220 Swiss Franc 330.96 328.96 Thai Baht 0.008741 0.009291 Srilankan Rupees 2.225 Euro 338.42 339.42 Nepali Rupees 2.989 US Dollar 296.00 299.00 Arab Singapore Dollar 221.650 Sterling Pound 451.21 454.21 Bahrain Exchange Company Hongkong Dollar 38.024 Bahraini Dinar 0.778155 0.786155 Japanese Yen 2.54 2.56 Bangladesh Taka 3.782 Egyptian Pound 0.036603 0.039703 Bangladesh Taka 3.797 4.067 CURRENCY BUY SELL Philippine Peso 6.598 Iranian Riyal 0.000082 0.000083 Indian Rupee 4.808 5.108 Thai Baht 9.029 Europe Iraqi Dinar 0.000196 0.000256 Sri Lankan Rupee 2.226 2.661 Irani Riyal transfer 61.555 Belgian Franc 0.007707 0.008707 Jordanian Dinar 0.413157 0.420657 Irani Riyal cash 121.740 Nepali Rupee 3.007 3.542 British Pound 0.441667 0.450667 Kuwaiti Dinar 1.000000 1.000000 Pakistani Rupee 2.932 2.790 Czech Korune 0.004059 0.016059 Lebanese Pound 0.000147 0.000247 GCC COUNTRIES UAE Dirhams 80.43 80.90 Danish Krone 0.041138 0.046138 Moroccan Dirhams 0.022718 0.046718 Saudi Riyal 78.331 Bahraini Dinar 785.62 787.69 Euro 0.329643 0.337643 Nigerian Naira 0.001206 0.001841 Qatari Riyal 81.022 Egyptian Pound 39.71 40.31 Norwegian Krone 0.034219 0.039419 Omani Riyal 0.762292 0.767972 Omani Riyal 766.310 Jordanian Dinar 420.58 426.23 Romanian Leu 0.084848 0.084848 Qatar Riyal 0.080538 0.081751 Bahraini Dinar 766.310 Omani Riyal 767.63 774.93 Slovakia 0.008700 0.018700 Saudi Riyal 0.078243 0.078943 UAE Dirham 81.022 Qatari Riyal 81.51 82.06 Swedish Krona 0.032124 0.037124 Syrian Pound 0.001754 0.001974 Saudi Riyal 78.85 79.25 Swiss Franc 0.322254 0.332454 Tunisian Dinar 0.149503 0.157503 ARAB COUNTRIES Turkish Lira 0.126084 0.133084 Turkish Lira 0.126084 0.133084 Egyptian Pound - Cash 40.874 UAE Dirhams 0.079554 0.080703 Egyptian Pound - Transfer 40.572 Dollarco Exchange Co. Ltd Australasia Yemeni Riyal 0.001336 0.001416 Yemen Riyal/for 1000 1.376 Australian Dollar 0.227903 0.239403 New Zealand Dollar 0.213790 0.223290 Tunisian Dinar 154.550 Rate for Transfer Selling Rate Jordanian Dinar 415.970 Al Mulla Exchange US Dollar 295.750 Lebanese Lira/for 1000 1.979 America Canadian Dollar 240.200 Syrian Lira 2.102 Canadian Dollar 0.233311 0.241811 Sterling Pound 341.785 Morocco Dirham 31.733 US Dollars 0.291700 0.296400 Currency Transfer Rate (Per 1000) Euro 336.530 US Dollars Mint 0.292200 0.296400 US Dollar 294.250 EUROPEAN & AMERICAN COUNTRIES Swiss Frank 267.980 Euro 348.000 Bahrain Dinar 786.690 US Dollar Transfer 294.800 Asia Pound Sterlng 448.650 UAE Dirhams 80.895 Euro 342.850 Bangladesh Taka 0.003499 0.004099 Canadian Dollar 247.700 Qatari Riyals 82.060 Sterling Pound 448.540 Chinese Yuan 0.046174 0.049674 Saudi Riyals 79.060 Indian Rupee 4.738 Canadian dollar 245.260 Hong Kong Dollar 0.036053 0.038803 Jordanian Dinar 417.445 Egyptian Pound 41.135 Turkish lira 125.770 Indian Rupee 0.004466 0.004867 Egyptian Pound 39.672 Sri Lankan Rupee 2.222 Swiss Franc 340.420 Indonesian Rupiah 0.000019 0.000025 Sri Lankan Rupees 2.222 Bangladesh Taka 3.770 Australian Dollar 244.090 Japanese Yen 0.002427 0.002607 Indian Rupees 4.811 Philippines Peso 6.590 US Dollar Buying 293.600 Kenyan Shilling 0.003276 0.003276 Pakistani Rupees 2.934 Pakistan Rupee 2.928 Korean Won 0.000263 0.000278 Bangladesh Taka 3.795 Bahraini Dinar 783.450 GOLD Malaysian Ringgit 0.078893 0.084893 Philippines Pesso 6.692 UAE Dirham 80.150 20 gram 238.100 Nepalese Rupee 0.003024 0.003194 Cyprus pound 725.940 10 gram 121.740 Pakistan Rupee 0.002721 0.003001 Saudi Riyal 78.600 5 gram 61.560 Japanese Yen 3.500 *Rates are subject to change BUSINESS THURSDAY, JANUARY 29, 2015

Sweden’s unconventional monetary policy would be no bazooka

STOCKHOLM: Sweden’s central bank may be the next small handgun,” Nordea said in a note. Limited firepower chases could affect the smooth functioning of the to adopt unconventional policies to fight falling prices, The Riksbank’s first move is expected to adopt nega- The Riksbank, however, faces several complications. small bond market. Danske Market’s Josefsson said a but it is unlikely to match the impact of others as the tive interest rates, possibly at its next meeting in It cannot influence the price of oil and commodity bond purchase programme of 5-10 billion crowns a bond market is small, yields are low and banks are February, following in the footsteps of Switzerland and imports or affect increased competition at home - one month would be “pretty big”. already flush with cash. Denmark. reason it believes price pressures are low. Better Sweden only has around 766 billion crowns ($92.9 The European Central Bank said last week it would But economists say there may be little room to cut demand for Swedish exports depends on recovery in billion) outstanding in nominal and inflation-linked pump billions of new money into the financial system without the risk of negative effects - such as dislocation Europe more than monetary policy at home. bonds. The UK Gilt market, for example, tops $2 trillion. through sovereign bond purchases, part of a plan to in financial markets and the risk that depositors will pull Also, the relatively strong growth is driven by con- Yields on Swedish debt are already near record lows. launch a “big bazooka” to revive the economy. The US money from banks. sumer spending and too much extra stimulus could “If they are going to make big purchases, they Federal Reserve and Bank of England have taken similar “The Riksbank can cut again ... by 10-15 basis points, increase imbalances, such has high levels of household would have to buy in the mortgage bond market, and steps. but not more than that,” said Roger Josefsson, Danske debt, in the economy. the Riksbank may not be so keen on doing that,” Jesper While growth in Sweden looks relatively solid at an Markets chief economist. “It is a nightmare scenario for the Riksbank,” said Hansson, head of forecasting at National Institute of expected 2.6 percent this year it may be knocked off Citibank said in a note last week it expected the Robert Bergqvist, chief economist at SEB. “Their tools Economic Research, said. track by European weakness. Even with that expansion, Riksbank to cut its key repo rate to as low as -0.25 in are not powerful enough to hit the inflation target.” Sweden’s mortgage market has outstanding debt inflation is way under the central bank’s 2 percent tar- February. If this fails to send inflation - headline prices Nevertheless, the Riksbank needs to show it is commit- worth 1.2 trillion crowns, but the Riksbank has been get and cheap oil is adding to downwards pressure. fell 0.3 percent in December on a year-on-year basis - ted to meeting its inflation goal. Inflation expectations worried about an overheated housing market and cut- Some economists say Sweden risks a deflationary spiral. back up towards the central bank’s target analysts - key for wage setting and corporate investment - have ting mortgage costs further would hardly help. Having held its key rate at zero since October, the expect a dose of quantitative easing (QE) will follow already started to drift away from the 2 percent target. Targeted loans to banks would avoid stoking high Riksbank has said it could take new steps as early as its shortly after, maybe as early as March. Citibank expects the Riksbank to announce bond levels of household debt. But banking system liquidity next meeting on Feb 12. These could include adopting The crown has strengthened around 2 percent since purchases of 15-20 billion Swedish crowns ($1.8-2.4 bil- is already good. Former Finance Minister Anders Borg negative rates, offering cheap loans to banks and buy- the ECB’s announcement and any further gains would lion) per month as early as March or April, with the goal told Reuters last week the central bank should think ing bonds but economists are not optimistic about support the argument for extra steps as a stronger of pushing yields and the currency lower and encour- about currency intervention. But central bank their success. crown would mean cheaper imports, making it even aging banks to lend more money. Governor Stefan Ingves has said that would be last of “If any unconventional measure is launched, it will harder for the Riksbank to hit its inflation target. “QE is But Swedish central bank First Deputy Governor the options. Such a move could lead to accusations of most likely not be a big bazooka but rather a quite now our main scenario,” Citibank said. Kerstin af Jochnick warned last week that large pur- competitive devaluation. — Reuters Greek banks extend slide to peg back Euro shares LONDON/PARIS: European shares dipped percent respectively after the new govern- yesterday, with Greek stocks extending the ment said it would stop the planned sale of a sell-off sparked by anti-bailout party Syriza’s 67 percent stake in Piraeus Port Authority. victory in Sunday’s election. Energy Minister Panagiotis Lafazanis told The Greek banking index was down over Greek television earlier that PPC’s planned 20 percent yesterday, hitting a record low. It privatisation would also be halted. has plummeted 98.6 percent since late 2009, Athens’s ATG index was down 7.9 percent, before Europe’s sovereign debt crisis started. having lost 14.1 percent since the start of the Traders said local investors feared the new week. At 1230 GMT, the FTSEurofirst 300 government’s anti-austerity stance would index of top European shares was down 0.2 make negotiations with the euro zone on a percent at 1,472.58 points. new aid deal difficult and jeopardise liquidity. Shares in European technology firms ral- The combined value of the top four Greek lied, with ARM Holdings up 1.6 percent, lifted listed banks, Alpha Bank, Piraeus Bank, by forecast-beating results from Apple. The National Bank of Greece , Eurobank Ergasias group posted quarterly results that smashed fell to about 12 billion euros ($13.6 billion). Wall Street expectations with record sales of “Should their collateral be disqualified by big-screen iPhones in the holiday shopping the ECB, they will have no money, and a bank season and a 70 percent rise in China sales. with no money is not a bank ... The price is Shares in Electrolux were among the top just building in the expectation that things gainers, rising 12.3 percent after the global could go pretty badly,” said Simon Maughan, home appliances maker forecast decent mar- head of research at OTAS Technologies. ket growth on both sides of the north Atlantic “A lot of local and retail punters ... will be this year. Nordea, the Nordic region’s biggest looking at the price action and wanting to get bank by market value, also rallied, up 6.7 per- out, at any price.” cent after it reported fourth-quarter operating Shares in Greek utility PPC and Piraeus profit in line with expectations on Wednesday Port Authority fell by 14.5 percent and 10.4 and raised its dividend. — Reuters BERLIN: German Vice Chancellor and Minister for Economy and Energy, Sigmar Gabriel , shows the annual German economic report with the govern- ment’s economy projection prior to a news conference in Berlin, yestertday. — AP German minister warns Greece against breaking agreements Gabriel says aim is to keep Greece in euro zone

BERLIN: German Economy Minister Sigmar ing union and structural reforms in countries like reforms, it was not right to expect those who do Gabriel told Greece yesterday that it needed to Spain, Portugal and Ireland show that we no not work and live in that country to pick up the stick to its agreements with international lenders longer have to worry like we did back then.” tab, the minister said. and suggested the euro zone could cope if Athens Gabriel said he could not imagine a haircut on Greece’s new Prime Minister Alexis Tsipras now decided to leave the single currency bloc. Greek debt, and the citizens of other euro zone had a chance to tackle the country’s many differ- Gabriel said the aim was to keep Greece in the states had the right to see agreements made in ent problems with a “different perspective”. “We’re euro zone for political, economic and cultural rea- connection with Greece’s bailouts upheld. “It is hoping for fair dialogue with the new govern- sons but added that this would require the new clear that we must aim to keep Greece in the euro ment,” he said. anti-bailout government to implement measures zone. But it is also clear that we need to be fair to Greece’s partners in the eurozone have loaned agreed with international lenders. He warned that our own population and other euro states,” he it a total of nearly 200 billion euros ($227 billion) at Athens would have to pick up the tab if it did not said. various stages, via the European Financial Stability ATHENS: Greece’s new Finance Minister Yanis Varoufakis arrives for a handover ceremony deliver. Gabriel urged the Greek government to talk Facility (EFSF) and bilateral loans. And Germany, as as an employee of the Finance Ministry looks him in Athens, yesteday. Greece’s new left- “If Greece wants to deviate from some of these with its partners before making decisions con- Europe’s biggest economy and effective paymas- ist prime minister Alexis Tsipras says his government’s top priorities are to negotiate with measures, it must bear the cost itself rather than nected to its bailout programme such as the sale ter, has lent it the most. Greece’s partners to resolve the country’s financial predicament and to deal with what he exporting this to other European countries via a of a majority stake in the port of Piraeus, which Greece’s premier Tsipras is looking to rene- describes as Greece’s humanitarian crisis. — AP haircut or other such ideas,” Gabriel, who is also Athens said on Tuesday it would halt. gotiate the terms of the bailout and in his first deputy chancellor and leader of the centre-left He said Greece had minimal room for manoeu- speech to the new Greek cabinet today, he Social Democrats (SPD), told a news conference. vre. “Things that Greece itself won’t do cannot be said he wanted a “viable, mutually beneficial Asked about the possibility of a ‘Grexit’, Gabriel shunted onto the taxpayers and employers in solution” to “humanitarian disaster” he Singapore eases monetary said that would be the “wrong solution” but that it neighbouring states,” he said. “There must be fair- claimed his country has suffered as a result of was ultimately up to Athens. He said that unlike ness towards our own population. Greece cannot the austerity imposed by its creditors. The 40- policy in surprise move two years ago, there was no longer any risk of con- simply pick and choose what it does and does not year-old premier insisted Greece’s new leaders tagion in the euro zone due to concerns about want to do and expect its neighbours to step into were no longer willing to bow to the “politics SINGAPORE: Singapore yesterday showed the economy expanded at a Greece’s new government. the breach,” Gabriel insisted. of submission”, in a clear swipe at Brussels and became the latest country to ease slower-than-expected 2.8 percent last “All the decisions in recent years about a bank- If a country did not want to push through the International Monetary Fund. — Agencies monetary policy in a surprise move as year. plunging oil prices hit inflation and the The MAS predicted prices could fall central bank looks to boost the tepid as much as 0.5 percent this year or Oil slips to $49 economy. grow 0.5 percent, compared with pre- The Monetary Authority of vious an October forecast of 0.5-1.5 Singapore (MAS), the city-state’s central percent growth. on firm dollar bank, said it would slow the apprecia- Inflation rates around the world tion of the local dollar against a basket have been falling as the price of oil has LONDON: Oil slipped to $49 a barrel yesterday as the dollar of other currencies by reducing the sunk more than 50 percent since June strengthened, while an industry report showing a larger-than- slope of its policy band. The MAS also to sit at almost six-year lows. expected rise in US crude inventories also pressured prices. lowered its inflation outlook “largely Wednesday’s decision by the central Crude futures settled up more than 2 percent on Tuesday, due to the decline in global oil prices”. bank follows similar moves in South when the dollar index posted its biggest one-day fall since early The news sent the local dollar Korea, China and India where govern- October. A weak US unit makes dollar-priced commodities plunging. The greenback bought ments are fighting to ward of deflation cheaper for buyers holding other currencies. Sg$1.3569 at one stage, its highest and kickstart their economies. Canada, Brent crude has fallen almost 60 percent since June, but since since August 2010 and well up from Turkey and Denmark have also lowered hitting a near six-year low of $45.19 two weeks ago, it has sta- Sg$1.3441 on Tuesday. their rates recently. bilised in a narrow range just below $50 a barrel. Singapore uses the exchange rate as And last week the European Central “The key driver for oil prices in the last few days has been cur- a key monetary policy tool, guiding the Bank, which already has rates at record rency fluctuations ... we had seen some weakness in the US dol- local dollar against a basket of curren- lows, unveiled an unprecedented lar which helped support prices overnight,” Ric Spooner, chief analyst at CMC Markets in Sydney, said. “Oil eased a little bit in cies of its main trading partners within bond-buying scheme in response to the Asian time zone, possibly reflecting the fact that the dollar is an undisclosed band. data showing prices fell in December a little bit stronger.” Brent hit a low of $48.79 yesterday and was “This measured adjustment to the for the first time in five years. down 45 cents at $49.15 by 0920 GMT. US crude was at $45.50 a policy stance is consistent with the Howie Lee, an investment analyst barrel, down 73 cents, after hitting an intraday low of $45.33. more benign inflation outlook in 2015 with Phillip Futures in Singapore, said a The dollar was up 0.2 percent against a basket of currencies. and appropriate for ensuring medium- weaker local dollar will be good for the Investors are now looking to official US inventory data due later term price stability in the economy,” trade-reliant island’s exports, making yesterday for trading cues. The American Petroleum Institute the MAS said in an unscheduled policy them more competitive in the interna- said late on Tuesday that US crude inventories surged by 12.7 statement. tional market. million barrels last week, triple the volume expected. It normally issues policy statements “Singapore’s exports have been car- “The overall expectation is that global supply is outstripping twice a year in April and October. “The rying the weight of a strong Singapore demand at the moment and so unless we see some really sub- reason the MAS decided to reduce the dollar and high pass-through labour stantial changes to inventory numbers, oil prices are probably slope of the band is the sharp recent costs,” he said in a market commentary. not going to move too much,” Spooner said. drop in inflation,” research house “With the reduction in band slope, Growing global supplies, led by the US shale boom, have Capital Economics said in a commen- one load is at least taken off dragged down oil prices from an average of around $110 a barrel tary. Singapore’s shoulder. Singapore stocks BASEL: (L to R) Switzerland’s pharmaceutical giant Roche CEO Severin Schwan, between 2011 and 2013, with the Organization of the Petroleum Consumer prices shrank 0.2 percent could be boosted as goods and servic- Diagnostics Division COO, Roland Diggelmann and Pharmaceuticals Division Exporting Countries declining to cut output as it battles to retain year on year in December and 0.3 per- es become more competitive regional- COO Daniel O’Day take part in a press conference yesterday in Basel. The group market share. That has led many forecasters to slash their projec- cent in November, while official figures ly.” — AFP announced yesterday its net profit had dropped 16 percent in 2014 due to debt tions for oil. Barclays and Credit Suisse lowered their estimates for restructuring in spite of higher sales. — AFP Brent in 2015 to $44 and $58 a barrel respectively.—Reuters BUSINESS THURSDAY, JANUARY 29, 2015 Swiss bank on safe haven label to become world’s data vault

GENEVA: Switzerland, facing an erosion of the reputation for security and privacy. But amid than one billion francs (one billion euros, $1.1 over to governments or authorities with- for its base. “The culture of respecting pri- banking secrecy laws that helped make it the international pressure, the country is being billion) have been invested in data centres in out authorisation from a judge. vacy is very important,” said ProtonMail world’s banker, is now touting its reputation as forced to shed the protective shield that has the country over the past five years. This has been a magnet for companies chief Andy Yen, pointing out that recent a safe and stable haven to become a global made its banks so attractive, and has agreed With its 61 data centres, tiny Switzerland is such as Multiven, an IT services firm that proposals from Washington and London data vault. within the next two years to automatically currently Europe’s fifth largest data hub, accord- quit California’s Silicon Valley in 2009 for to ban encryption “would be unthinkable More and more companies are flocking to exchange account details with other countries. ing to the Data Center Map website. Zurich. in Switzerland”. the wealthy Alpine country to stock data in an While Swiss banks are suffering, the coun- Jean-Philippe Walter, the federal official in “We relocated to Switzerland in antici- But experts say that in today’s rapidly era of increasing espionage and hacking, and try’s data storage companies are booming. In charge of data protection and transparency, pation of this future and to lay the ground changing electronic world, nothing is 100 the Swiss are reaping the benefits of the para- the wake of revelations from former US intelli- said it was in Switzerland’s interest to offer work for it,” Multiven’s chief Deka Yussuf percent foolproof or safe. “We have to noia. gence contractor Edward Snowden of wide- clients a higher degree of protection than in told AFP. admit that in our present societies, total “Data storage is the new Eldorado for spread snooping by the National Security other European countries. “We foresee a future whereby individu- and absolute protection is impossible,” Switzerland. It’s a real boom,” said Franz Grueter, Agency, they are touting Switzerland’s cher- als, businesses and organisations world- said Jean-Henry Morin, a professor of the managing director of Green.ch, a leading ished reputation to draw clients from around Tight data laws wide will seek to store their digital assets information systems at Geneva University, data storage firm that has posted 30 percent the globe. Swiss laws on the issue are one of the most (intellectual property, inventions, trade referring to the recent cyber attack on annual growth since it was set up in 1995. “Clients need confidence, discretion, reliabili- restrictive in the world: secrets, etc.) in Switzerland,” she said. Sony, the biggest in US corporate history. Thanks to Switzerland’s long-held banking ty and stability. These have been the country’s Personal data is defined as a “precious good” Deka said this would transform Some Swiss data vaults are located in secrecy tradition, the country enjoys a global hallmarks forever,” said Grueter, who says more that can under no circumstances be handed Switzerland from a haven for storing phys- exotic locales like a massive high-tech ical assets such as works of art, gold and underground bunker used by Deltalis, liquid cash to a hub of data storage. which brands itself as “the most secure “Within the next 25 years, a majority of data centre”. the of assets that will be saved in Housed in one of the country’s numer- Switzerland will be digital rather than ous Cold War era army barracks, it is physical,” Deka said. tucked away from view behind four-tonne ProtonMail, a free web-based mail serv- steel doors built to withstand a nuclear ice offering client-based encryption to attack. The tight security includes biomet- protect emails and data and which counts ric scanners and an armed guard while its more than 300,000 users around the exact GPS location remains a jealously world, says that is why it chose Switzerland guarded secret. — AFP

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NBK economic report

KUWAIT: Growth ticked up to 5.9% y/y on a KD 222 KD 907 million, split between gains in KD and FX deposits were unchanged. The average rates on the million gain in lending during the month, but deposits. KD sight deposits received a large boost 1-month, 3-month, 6-month and 12-month time remained weaker than expectations. We expect (KD 752 million) while time deposits declined (KD deposits stood at 0.62%, 0.81%, 1.01% and 1.23%, growth to have finished the year closer to 7% on a 297 million). M1 growth rose to 14.7% y/y on the respectively. KD interbank rates eased for a second stronger December. Family Fund write-offs and a movement from time to sight deposits. consecutive month, with the 1-month KIBOR offer slew of corporate debt rescheduling deals have put Average customer deposit rates on dinar time rate shaving off 2 bps to 1.09%. a damper on growth in recent months. Gains in November were seen in household debt, as well as the oil & gas and real estate sectors. Meanwhile, strong gains in deposits drove up money supply growth to healthy levels, while deposit rates remained stable. Interbank rates, on the other hand, edged lower for the second consecutive month.

Household debt remains strong Growth was stable at 13.1% y/y. Actual house- hold debt growth is expected to have maintained a more rapid pace once adjusted for the Family Fund settlements. Installment loans still remain the sec- tor’s main driver, consistently maintaining a healthy double digit pace, which edged higher to 15.6% in November. As a result, installment loans have accounted for 60% of the net gain in total credit this year. Credit to non-bank financials saw a small increase of KD 9 million. The sector continues to deleverage with credit shrinking by 12.4% y/y. The sector’s ongoing contraction has eroded most of its share of total credit, bringing it down to 4.6% from a pre-crisis high of 13%. All remaining credit rose by KD 124 million, though the gain was smaller than last month’s decline. Growth rose to 4.3% y/y, but remained well below the 7-8% pace seen earlier in 2014. Growth in credit to “productive sectors” (i.e. excluding real estate and securities) rose to a healthier 6.8% y/y, continuing to reflect the improvement in activity in Kuwait’s non-oil economy.

Oil and gas The oil & gas sector saw the largest gain (KD 100 million) followed by the real estate sector (KD 48 million). Loans for the purchase of securities were also up (KD 21 million) on the heels of a large decline in October. Meanwhile, trade, industry and construction saw declines, with all three sector see- ing growth come off from earlier in 2014. Money supply (M2) growth rose in November to 4.5% y/y on strong gains in deposits, following sev- eral months of decline. Private deposits were up by Asian markets mostly higher despite weak US earnings

HONG KONG: Asian stock markets ended most- International Monetary Fund. The party won ly higher yesterday after reversing earlier losses, weekend elections after campaigning to rene- although dealers remained nervous following a gotiate the country’s vast bailout that came with heavy sell-off in New York sparked by poor earn- painful terms including spending cuts and high ings reports. Traders are also keeping an eye on taxes. Europe as Greece’s new anti-austerity govern- Both sides appear ready to fight, with EU offi- ment prepares to face off with its international cials warning Prime Minister Alexis Tsipras not to creditors over its bailout. seek any debt write-off or other radical change Tokyo gained 0.15 percent, or 27.43 points, to to the rescue programme. 17,795.73, Sydney added 0.10 percent, or 5.56 “If the continuation of the programme of aid points, to close at 5,552.78 and Seoul rose 0.47 for Greece is called into question... Greek banks percent, or 9.18 points, to 1,961.58. would lose access to central bank funds,” Hong Kong shares ended up 0.22 percent or Joachim Nagel, a member of the Bundesbank’s 54.53 points at 24,861.81. But Shanghai closed executive board, warned in a Handelsblatt inter- 1.41 percent, or 47.22 points, lower at 3,305.74 view. on liquidity fears after some banks tightened On oil markets the two main contracts borrowing requirements for investors. Investors- resumed their downtrend after rising on already nervous due to political uncertainty in Tuesday in reaction to the weaker dollar. Greece, plunging oil prices and weak world eco- US benchmark West Texas Intermediate for nomic growth-ran for cover in US trade Tuesday March delivery slipped 66 cents to $45.57. The in response to negative reports from some of contract rose $1.08 Tuesday. Brent North Sea the world’s biggest firms. Caterpillar, Microsoft, crude-which jumped $1.44 in the previous ses- Procter & Gamble and mining giant Freeport- sion-shed 57 cents to $49.03. Gold fetched McMoRan all announced weak earnings or neg- $1,287.20 an ounce, against $1,280.38 late ative outlooks, sending their share prices plung- Tuesday. ing. That sent Wall Street’s three main indices In other markets NEW YORK: Taxis that belong to Arthur Cab Leasing Corp., stand idle outside the company’s lot before being put it back into service fol- tumbling, with the Dow losing 1.65 percent, the Bangkok closed up 0.19 percent, or 3.00 lowing a winter storm, Tuesday, in the Queens borough of New York. Manager Shaon Chowdhury estimates that the winter storm has S&P 500 off 1.34 percent and the Nasdaq shed- points, to 1,592.81. Bank of Ayudhya added 4.84 cost his company approximately $60,000 in lost revenue and added expenses. — AP ding 1.89 percent. Adding to the negative senti- percent to 75.75 baht, while Siam Cement rose ment was news that US durable goods orders 1.69 percent to 480.00 baht. unexpectedly tumbled 3.4 percent in December, Jakarta ended down 0.16 percent, or 8.30 reminding investors that the US economy still points, at 5,268.85. Bank Rakyat Indonesia NYC economy lost $200m from has weak spots, especially its exposure to the slipped 1.89 percent to 11,700 rupiah, while global economic slowdown. mobile phone provider Indosat gained 0.61 per- A Conference Board report, showing that US cent to 4,100 rupiah. snow storm, transit shutdown consumer confidence jumped in January to its Kuala Lumpur shed 0.40 percent, or 7.29 highest level in more than seven years, was points, to close at 1,795.88. AMMB Holdings NEW YORK: New York City lost about $200 mil- workers who rely on tips, such as taxi drivers and tions helped the city get back online faster. unable to lift the mood. After US markets closed, went down 0.45 percent to 6.57 ringgit, Malayan lion in economic activity in the fizzled snow restaurant workers. Moody’s economist Kamins said that for the Apple announced its quarterly profit rocketed to Banking fell 2.58 percent to 8.69 while Public storm and decision to shut down the transit sys- For them, the lost work time stung. Lenice Northeast overall, the storm would have done a corporate record of $18 billion at the end of Bank added 0.11 percent to 18.14 ringgit. tem, but it wasn’t a crippling loss, according to a Ferguson, a baker at Insomnia Cookies said the about $16 billion in damage had it hit full force. last year on booming sales of big-screen iPhone Manila closed 0.40 percent higher, adding preliminary estimate from Moody’s Analytics. shop is usually open until about 3 a.m. making Instead, the impact will likely reach just $1.25 models, especially in China. 30.61 points to 7,661.18. Philippine Long Consumers who would have otherwise deliveries. The bakery closed at about 10 p.m. billion. Asian shares staged a rebound as Distance Telephone rose 0.74 percent to bought cars or made other major purchases will Monday. “It’s a big deal, because I only work “I will always err on the side of safety and Wednesday wound on, while the dollar picked 2,992.00 pesos and First Gen Corp. jumped 6.10 likely do so a day or two later, Moody’s econo- three nights out of the week,” the 26-year-old caution,” de Blasio said Tuesday. “We had consis- up after taking a hit in New York. The troubled percent to 31.30 pesos. SM Investments rose mist Adam Kamins said. And he noted that many said. “My check is going to be short, and I have tently been getting reports talking about two euro-which hit a more than 11-year low below 2.69 percent to 896.00 pesos. employees forced to stay home Tuesday were bills that I have to pay.” feet or more of snow. To me it was a no-brainer, $1.10 Monday-jumped above $1.14 at one point Mumbai declined 0.04 percent, or 11.86 able to telecommute. Subways, rail lines, bridges and tunnels were we had to take precautions to keep people safe.” in US trade Tuesday before easing slightly to points, to end the day at 29,559.18 points. “For example, a holiday where people aren’t all closed Monday night. Residents were told to Shaon Chowdhury, a manager of Arthur Cab $1.1380 by the end of the day. Telecom major Bharati Airtel fell 4.99 percent to working would have a greater impact on the stay off the streets after 11 pm or face fines. Leasing Corp., in Queens, said he didn’t have a In afternoon trade Wednesday the single cur- 373.75 rupees, while Housing Development economic output than this storm,” Kamins said. Transportation reopened Tuesday morning after problem with the city’s actions even though he rency retreated to $1.1345. The dollar was at Finance Corporation rose 2.21 percent to 118.05 yen yesterday in Tokyo, up from 117.90 1,344.70 rupees. Evan Gold, senior vice president for it was clear the storm was a bust in New York lost about $60,000 in revenue and expenses. “If yen in New York, where at one point it sank to Singapore closed up 0.20 percent, or 6.95 Planalytics, a firm that advises companies on City, with most areas getting about 8 inches they did get 28 inches it would be a problem, so 117.40 yen. points, to 3,419.15. United Overseas Bank (UOB) weather issues, estimated the economic losses instead of the predicted 2 feet. shutting down is a good idea,” he said. The Singapore dollar sank after the city- gained 0.56 percent to Sg$23.40 while oil rig for the total Northeast, including New York, “What happens if we did get 28 inches? It state’s central bank eased monetary policy in the maker Keppel Corp rose 1.45 percent to Sg$8.38. Philadelphia and Boston, at $500 million. Precautions would have been hell.” New York City’s 24,000 face of falling consumer prices and weak eco- Taipei fell 0.11 percent, or 10.67 points, to “Now that does sound like a lot of money, but Fausto Cabrera opened his Upper West Side restaurants probably lost millions in revenue in nomic growth. The US dollar surged to 9,510.92. Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing when you think about last year, where we had a barber shot Tuesday morning but wasn’t expect- total, said Chris Hickey, regional director of New Sg$1.3569 at one stage, its highest since August Co. slipped 0.34 percent to Tw$146.5 while polar vortex, several weeks of that, more popu- ing many customers. York City for the New York State Restaurant 2010 and well up from Sg$1.3441 on Tuesday. smartphone maker HTC rose 0.32 percent to lation centers impacted as well as above-normal “There was nobody here yesterday and today, Association. For the first time in the decade Tw$158.5. snowfall, last year’s overall economic impact is just look,” he said, pointing to six empty barber since it first opened a block north of Times Oil resumes slide Wellington added 0.99 percent, or 57.09 pegged at anywhere from $15 billion to $50 bil- chairs. “All I can do is wait.” Square, the TSQ brasserie deserted at mid-after- The euro remains in focus as the Greece’s points, to 5,794.82. Contact Energy rose 4.72 per- lion,” he said. “So in comparison, this is actually a Mayor Bill de Blasio said economic loss was noon Monday. Business was down about 70 per- new leftist Syriza leadership prepares for a cent to NZ$7.10 and Spark was up 3.10 percent relatively small event.” In New York, the biggest much less than it would have been had the cent. “Never in my life was it like this - empty,” standoff with the European Union and at NZ$3.495. — AFP impact was on small businesses and hourly storm hit in full force, and that taking precau- said manager Mohi Hassan. — AP China’s yuan joins top five currencies

BEIJING: China’s yuan has become of the five most widely tions and companies. It said the yuan now ranks behind the encouraging its use abroad in an effort to reduce costs for its ing yuan transactions. The yuan, also known as the renminbi, used currencies in global payments, an international financial dollar, the euro, the British pound and Japanese yen. traders and increase Chinese companies’ role in the global accounted for 2.17 percent of global payments in December, transactions agency announced yesterday. The change is an “important milestone,” and confirms the economy. behind the yen’s share of 2.69, according to Swift. The US dol- The yuan passed the Canadian and Australian dollars in yuan’s transition from an emerging to a “business as usual” The yuan’s exchange rate is set by China’s central bank and lar’s share is about 45 percent. popularity in December, according to the Society for currency, said Wim Raymaekers, Swift’s head of banking mar- the currency doesn’t trade freely on global markets. But Global payments in yuan increased by 20.3 percent in Worldwide Interbank Financial Telecommunication, which kets, in a statement. Beijing has signed agreements with a number of foreign December, outpacing overall payments growth of 14.9 per- provides financial communications between financial institu- Beijing is gradually easing controls on the yuan and financial centers including London to become hubs for clear- cent, according to Swift. — AP BUSINESS THURSDAY, JANUARY 29, 2015 Rukhsana Abdul Hamid Motlekar wins KD 125,000 in NBK’s draw

KUWAIT: National Bank of Kuwait (NBK) announces money in an account means more chances in each the winner for January’s KD 125,000 Al Jawhara draw. The new feature introduced to al Jawhara monthly prize, Rukhsana Abdul Hamid Motlekar. The Account enables customers to double their chances draw was held under the supervision of the Ministry when maintaining their balance without withdrawing. of Trade and Industry. The winner’s name was Al Jawhara is the most popular prize-giving announced Live on Marina FM. account in Kuwait. Al Jawhara account entitles NBK has re-launched Al Jawhara account recently account holders to enter the weekly, monthly and by doubling customers’ chances to win in the weekly, quarterly Al Jawhara draws. All prizes are automatical- monthly and quarterly draws when they do not with- ly credited to the winners’ accounts the day after the draw or transfer from their accounts. draw. NBK customers have chances to win KD 5,000 Al Jawhara accounts are available to both Kuwaitis weekly, KD 125,000 monthly and a grand prize of KD and expats and can be opened at any one of NBK’s 250,000 quarterly. Each KD 50 in a customer’s account branches around Kuwait, or through NBK website for entitles them to one entry in the draw, thus more existing customers. Ghadeer al Awadi, NBK Executive Manager Consumer Banking Group giving the prize to the winner. Romania bets on gambling to balance budget despite odds New law aims to increase public revenue

BUCHAREST: Under pressure to reduce its ($910 million) and generated 150 million euros euros per year ($6,500-$22,760). public deficit, Romania’s government is betting ($170 million) of tax revenues last year, or 0.1 The decree also imposes a new “sin tax” from on gambling to help fill its coffers, but critics percent of total output in the economy, accord- 1,000 to 5,000 euros ($1,140-$5,690) to fund a warn it may lose that wager because of high ing to ONJN figures. new foundation that will help fight against gam- tax rates. Gaming operators welcomed the legalisation bling addiction. Romania, one of the poorest of the 28 EU of online gambling. They “are finally opening the “These measures will lead to a contraction in member states, reached an agreement last tap”, said Cristian Pascu, head of one of the trade the market and won’t bring in any extra rev- month with the International Monetary Fund to associations for gaming operators. He estimated enue” for the state budget, said Alexandru reduce its deficit by four-tenths of a point to several hundred thousand Romanians are cur- Debrezeni, director of the Romanian 1.83 percent of gross domestic product. rently braving jail terms of up to two years to Bookmakers association. The centre-left government of Prime Minister connect to foreign online gambling sites, partic- “Since the crisis the appetite of Romanians Victor Ponta is scrambling to find the funds ularly poker websites. for gambling has dropped sharply,” said needed to reduce the budget gap, and just Gaming operators are also happy that the Constantinescu. before the New Year issued a decree that both decree opens up the possibility of holding poker Romania’s economy contracted by 7.1 per- expanded the scope of gambling and also hiked tournaments. Sorin Constantinescu, head of the cent in 2009. It only returned to strong growth taxes on the sector. casino operators group AOCR, said “such tourna- in 2013, and is expected to have expanded by In particular, it will legalise online gambling, ments could attract thousands of foreign around 2.5 percent last year. which the government believes will create a tourists ready to spend significant sums.” The poor economy has led to the number of massive new revenue stream. “We estimate that casinos dropping from 22 in 2009 to just five online gaming will bring in 100 million euros in ‘Sin tax’ today. direct taxes in 2015,” said Cristinela Nistor, who But gaming operators fear that the second The number of daily visitors, which used to A car protected by V-Kool. heads up the country’s gambling regulator part of the decree that raises taxes would end average 400, barely reaches 50 now. And the ONJN. up killing the goose that lays the golden egg. gamblers that still turn out are wagering less at Auto1 brings V-Kool’s The new law “aims to increase public revenue Pascu said taxes were already “at the limit of casinos, said Constantinescu. and stimulate the market, and at the same time what we can bear”. In order to retain their gam- On the other hand, the number of slot harmonise Romanian legislation with European bling licenses companies will need to pay an machines, popular with Romanians, grew to premium brand norms,” she told AFP. annual fee of up to 180,000 euros ($205,000) 72,000 from 60,000 in 2009. Slot machine halls Romania’s gaming market, excluding online depending on their revenue. Slot machine oper- dot major cities, their neon lights luring in at Auto Moto 2015 gambling, is estimated at 800 million euros ators will see their fees rise from 5,700 to 20,000 youths. — AFP

KUWAIT: Auto1, the automotive division Kool difference first hand; visitors were of KAPICO Group, embarked on an expe- encouraged to sit inside a demo vehicle, riential approach at the recently conclud- and once inside they could immediately ed Auto Moto 2015 fair that let visitors affirm the unparalleled heat-rejection, experience the V-KOOL brand and solar which happens to be a proud testimony shielding at a whole new level. of its XIR Technology, a product of V- As an ultra-premium window film Kool’s proprietary sputtering process brand, V-Kool is synonymous with high developed in Silicon Valley, USA. visible light transmission that delivers Additionally, the demo vehicle was a the best heat rejection performance. “At lustrous example of V-Kool’s total car the booth, the Auto1 team unveiled a care solutions - the Ultramaster series. heat demo unit that demonstratedhow Developed to protect the exterior of the the unique proposition of V-Kool spec- car with smart solutions on paint preser- trally selective film reflected infra-red vation, shine durability, rain repellent heat, while allowing high levels of visible and dirt prevention, while strengthening sunlight, and the immense benefits such the vulnerability of the car interior with as UV and infra-red rejection. All of which engine guard, fiber guard and cavity helps in protecting the fabric and interi- guard. ors of the vehicle. Not to mention the And during this exhibition period, added benefit of protecting one’s skin Edwin Joseph, General Manager V-Kool from harmful sun rays”, stated K. T. Kuwait, had announced a special combo Govind, President - Window Films package (paint protection + window film Division, Auto1. Another experiential tinting)for all visitors who booked their approach was to let visitors witnessthe V- appointments at the Auto1 booth.

Australian core inflation eases rate cut pressure

SYDNEY: A pick-up in core consumer August 2013 when it lowered its offi- prices in Australia has reduced the cial cash rate to the historic low of 2.5 likelihood of a near-term interest rate percent. cut, even as official statistics showed Economists said the latest data Nissan Leaf — best-selling yesterday that plunging oil prices suggested a rate cut at the RBA’s electric car in Europe Petrobras reports slowed inflation in the last three board meeting next Tuesday to spur months of 2014. the economy was unlikely. “There’s not for fourth year in a row The Consumer Price Index (CPI) any evidence from CPI that would add Q3 unaudited profit rose 0.2 percent from the previous to the case for a near-term change in DUBAI: The all-electric Nissan the massive running cost savings quarter and 1.7 percent through the policy,” National Australia Bank senior LEAF has smashed its own sales electric car drivers experience, is RIO DE JANEIRO: Brazil’s Petrobras reported a third-quarter unau- year to December, the Australian economist David de Garis said. record with a 33 percent increase why our Nissan LEAF sales contin- dited net profit yesterday of 3.09 billion reais ($1.20 billion) after its Bureau of Statistics said. That com- And CommSec chief economist in sales in 2014 over the previous ue to grow.” board said it was impractical to estimate the value of expected pares with 0.5 percent and 2.3 percent Craig James said there was no “smok- year, taking more than a quarter Cartier continued: “Data from charges against earnings related to a corruption scandal. in the previous three months. ing gun” in the figures to demand a of the burgeoning electric car our CarWings telematics sys- Petroleo Brasileiro SA, as the state-run oil company is formally However core inflation, which rate cut. market with 14,658* sales. tem** shows us that Nissan LEAF known, said it was exploring ways to revise the results to account for eventual corruption-related charges in a manner that was in line strips out volatile items and is more “The RBA has got to be looking This year the Nissan LEAF has drivers drive 40% more kilome- with securities regulations in Brazil and the United States. The closely watched by the Reserve Bank, much more in terms of internal price been joined by an unprecedent- tres than the European average ed number of new entrants into for petrol or diesel cars, covering much-anticipated results may disappoint markets because they came in at 0.7 for the quarter and 2.2 pressures, pressures that the economy don’t include what investors most want to know: a rough estimate the EV market and has emerged over 16,500 km per year. This data percent through the year-inside the is generating, and the major reason of how badly alleged corruption over-valued the company’s assets. as the leader on a global, US and demonstrates that this car is the central bank’s preferred range of 2.0- why inflation was on the low side was Determining the value of those losses was the main reason why 3.0 percent. external influences that may not European basis. Last year was the primary car for many households Petrobras delayed the release of its quarterly results for almost The core inflation figure, which was always be there,” James said. fourth year in a row that the elec- and that is changing the con- three months. stronger-than-expected, sent the “There’s no smoking gun in the tric family car has topped the sumer perception of electric cars.” Third-quarter net profit was down about 9 percent from the Australian dollar rallying to 79.79 US inflation figures to suggest the RBA zero-emission sales charts in The Nissan LEAF was launched same period a year earlier. Adjusted earnings before interest, taxes, cents from around 79 cents before the can cut interest rates.” James said the Europe. in early 2011 in the European depreciation and amortization, a gauge of operating profit known announcement. bank could change its bias from neu- Nissan Europe senior vice market, followed by a revised ver- as EBITDA, came in at 11.735 billion reais, down about 10 percent from a year earlier. The results, which were supposed to have been The bureau said price rises in areas tral to easing “because we do still have president of sales and marketing, sion introduced in mid-2013 with Guillaume Cartier explains the over 100 improvements led by released in November, were first delayed after auditor such as domestic holiday travel, which underlying inflation at the low end of PricewaterhouseCooopers declined to certify Petrobras’ accounts in rose 5.8 percent, and tobacco (up 4.8 the RBA’s target band”. increase in sales, commenting: customer feedback. The Nissan “We can now see the impact that LEAF is built in Sunderland, UK, the face of allegations of contract-fixing, bribery and political kick- percent) were partially offset by a fall ANZ bank said the figures would backs. According to police, prosecutors and the testimony of indi- word of mouth is having on our with batteries constructed in a in petrol prices (down 6.8 percent). disappoint market expectations of a viduals indicted in the case, Petrobras executives appointed by Global crude costs have plunged February rate cut. But it added: “At first sales, with 95 percent of our cus- new purpose-built facility on the politicians conspired with Brazil’s largest construction and engi- more than 50 percent to near six-year glance today’s results shouldn’t mate- tomers happy to recommend same site. In June 2014 the 100 neering companies to overcharge for refineries, ships and other lows since June owing to weak rially change our soft inflation out- their car to a friend and 50 per- percent electric Nissan e-NV200 goods and services. Some of the excess revenue was then kicked demand and a supply glut. look, and we still believe disinflation- cent saying they would never go light commercial vehicle was back to executives, politicians and political parties as bribes and The Reserve Bank of Australia has ary pressures leave the door open for back to diesel or petrol. This kind launched, built at Nissan’s campaign contributions. Police say that graft may have skimmed 3 kept interest rates on hold since cuts.” — AFP of powerful advocacy, combined Barcelona factory, with batteries percent or more off the value of Petrobras projects. — Reuters with an increasing awareness of from Sunderland. technology THURSDAY, JANUARY 29, 2015 Creating an old-girls network in Silicon Valley

NEW YORK: Thanks to Facebook COO Sheryl help,” said Lambert, who holds an MBA from Harvard cussions around topics like negotiation and team UPWARD PARTY Sandberg and her mega-bestselling book, Lean In, University and invests chiefly in software companies. dynamics. The recommended size of its circles, 8-12, At her most recent Bay Area Upward event, more the gender-disparity debate has been front and cen- In venture capital, just 4 percent of senior investing lends itself to bonding more than developing new than 600 women filled the banquet rooms of a hotel ter for years now in Silicon Valley. partners are women, according to Pitchbook, a con- contacts. Upward holds larger events, sometimes in San Jose. They started with schmoozing over slid- But another executive believes she is taking that sulting firm. Just 3 percent of companies receiving with hundreds of women, and focuses on network- ers and chicken satay, moved on to dinner, and then concept one step further with her own organization, venture cash have female CEOs, according to a report ing. listened while Lambert interviewed former Yahoo Upward. Her take: focus a little less on working hard- from Babson College. Upward also takes a low key approach. At Lean In chief executive Carol Bartz. Among Bartz’s advice: er, and a little more on old-fashioned meeting and Those numbers help explain why gender issues gatherings, some women Reuters talked with were gain confidence by faking it, assert yourself, and net- greeting. “Work your relationships,” says Lisa Lambert, have become such a hot topic, especially in Silicon turned off by what they perceived as a high-pressure work, something she said she should have done a VP with Intel Corp.’s venture-capital unit. “Build your Valley, at the center of controversies surrounding dis- atmosphere. “It was like the worst kind of graduate more of in her own career. own network and work it.” crimination faced by women in sectors such as game seminar,” said Debra Hotaling, a communications “What I like about Lisa’s group is the variety she Upward, in less than two years, has brought in development. Most big area technology companies manager at Ford Motor Co. in Irvine, Calif., about the has there, all kinds of people from every walk of tech- more than 1,500 members, says Lambert, 47. That’s report low numbers of female employees, particular- Lean In meeting she attended in southern California. nology,” said entrepreneur Deborah Dennis, who just a fraction of the 21,000 Lean In “circles” or ly at management levels. “You could just see there was that jostling for posi- added she has attended every Upward event since groups, which have been powered by Sandberg’s 72- Facebook said last year that just 31 percent of its tion, the alpha female.” its launch. Daniels typically exchanges at least a week ride on the New York Times hardcover best sell- workforce was female; at senior levels, it was just 23 In an interview, Sandberg said she is happy with dozen business cards, and relishes the convivial envi- er list. percent. At Intel, which recently announced it would Lean In’s growth, and that she counts networking as ronment. While both Upward and Lean In have But Lambert, with no book in the works, is largely spend $300 million to boost diversity at the compa- an important goal. “People love to write that things something to offer women executives, critics say building her organization on word of mouth. She has ny, it was 24 percent overall and 15 percent at senior are in opposition, and they’re not,” she said, referring groups like these shouldn’t let corporations off the launched a new chapter in Israel, and plans four levels. to the two groups. hook. “We don’t think the solution for promoting more this year, in Bangalore; London; Austin, Texas; Lambert also said she viewed Upward as comple- women is getting them to do more of anything and Portland, Oregon. HOW THEY STACK UP mentary to Lean In. She has even written a blog post much,” said Avivah Wittenberg-Cox, a London-based “I see the disparity between professional men and The two organizations work in different ways. for Lean In’s web site about her own career as an diversity consultant. “It’s getting leaders to be better women all the time in my business, and wanted to Lean In emphasizes hard work, with structured dis- African American executive. at managing at women’s careers.” — Reuters China slam Alibaba in report withheld until after the IPO

BEIJING: Chinese regulators accused e-com- and failed to take measures to stop it,” the and generated revenue of $2.7 billion. It said merce giant Alibaba of permitting sales of government report said. “This not only is the the total amount of goods sold rose 49 per- fake goods and hurting consumers in a report biggest crisis of integrity faced by the compa- cent and the number of active buyers rose 52 that was withheld until now to avoid disrupt- ny since its founding, but also has hurt other percent to 307 million. ing the company’s US stock market debut. Internet companies that try to operate legal- The US Commerce Department added Alibaba, one of China’s biggest private com- ly.” Taobao in 2011 to a blacklist of “notorious panies, responded yesterday with a statement It said Alibaba allowed “illegal advertising” markets” linked to sales of pirated and fake accusing the regulator of bias and miscon- that misled consumers with false claims about goods. The company was removed the follow- duct in a rare break with the obedient public low prices and other details. It said some ing year. tone of Chinese businesses in dealings with authorities. The sternly worded report by the State Administration of Industry and Commerce said Alibaba allowed unlicensed merchants to use its Taobao and Tmall platforms and failed to protect consumers’ rights. The report was the result of a meeting in July between regulators and Alibaba Group Ltd. management but the regulator said its release was postponed to avoid affecting progress toward the company’s New York stock market listing. Alibaba went public in September after raising a record $25 billion in an initial public offering. Alibaba accused the SAIC official in charge of Internet monitoring, Liu Hongliang, of unspecified “procedural misconduct.” It said TOKYO: In this Sept. 19, 2014 file photo, a customer shows off the new Apple the company will file a formal complaint with iPhone 6 and 6 Plus at a store in Tokyo. Apple Inc. said that its App Store cus- the agency. tomers set a record for billings by spending nearly half a billion dollars on apps Such public defiance is almost unheard of and in-app purchases during January’s first week. — AP in a Chinese system in which companies near- ly always respond to official criticism by prom- ising to reform. “We welcome fair and just supervision, and After setting iPhone oppose selective omissions and malicious actions,” said the statement. “Obtaining a record, what does biased conclusion using the wrong methodol- NEW YORK: In this Sept. 19, 2014 file photo, the Alibaba logo is displayed during the com- ogy has inflicted irreparable and serious dam- pany’s IPO at the New York Stock Exchange. — AP age to Taobao and Chinese online businesses.” Apple do next? Alibaba did not immediately respond to a Alibaba employees took bribes and the com- In December, the company said it had request for details of what it believed to be pany failed to deal effectively with fraud. removed 90 million listings for goods that SAN FRANCISCO: Apple CEO Tim Cook Pay, it doesn’t specifically disclose rev- misconduct. The report said regulators and Alibaba might have violated intellectual property says consumer demand for new iPhones enue from the service. BGC Partners ana- The US government and others have would work together to improve manage- rights. The company said it spent $161 million has been “staggering” and “hard to com- lyst Colin Gillis says he doesn’t expect the accused Alibaba of allowing sales of counter- ment but gave no details of planned changes. from the start of 2013 through late 2014 on prehend.” That helped the company program will make a “material” contribu- feit goods but yesterday’s report was the first Alibaba, founded in 1999 by Jack Ma, a for- blocking counterfeit goods and improving consumer protection. report record-smashing earnings for its tion to Apple’s revenue in the near time the Chinese government has criticized a mer English teacher, was one of China’s earli- company that is a leading star in an Internet est Internet companies. Its IPO made Ma In January, Alibaba and the US Consumer latest quarter and primed its stock for a future. industry communist leaders are eager to China’s richest entrepreneur with a net worth Product Safety Commission announced an ini- rally yesterday. develop. of $25 billion. tiative under which the Chinese company will But after selling a record 74.5 million Other devices “Illegal business exists on Alibaba Group’s Alibaba earned $485 million in the three prevent vendors from exporting to the United iPhones in three months that ended in Apple said sales of Macintosh com- trading platforms, and for a long time the months ended in September, which was its States goods that are the target of recall December, what can Apple do next? puters were up 9 percent in the last quar- company has failed to pay adequate attention first quarter as a publicly traded company, orders. — AP Some analysts worry that Apple depends ter. The company increased its share of too much on the iPhone, which con- the personal computer market at a time tributes two-thirds of its sizable revenue when overall PC sales were declining. Apple supplier Foxconn seeks to slim workforce - leaving the company vulnerable if some Apple no longer reports separate num- other gadget comes along to replace the bers for its iPod music players. SHENZHEN:Taiwan’s Foxconn Technology iPhone in popularity. Cook and Chief But iPad sales fell 22 percent. Even so, Group, the world’s largest contract electronics Eyes robotics Financial Officer Luca Maestri, however, Maestri said surveys show consumers manufacturer, would like to slim its massive say they’re optimistic about other prod- love iPads for web-browsing and shop- workforce with the help of automation, and for ucts in Apple’s portfolio. ping, and he said new apps produced in now will work on stabilising its headcount, the it is feeling the effects of falling growth and still come down,” Woo said. “We’ve come to Here’s some of what they talked about partnership with IBM will increase busi- company told Reuters. prices in the gadget markets it supplies, a trend accept that, our customers have come to accept that is expected to continue. that.” on Tuesday. ness uses for the devices. The iPad has “a Under its flagship unit Hon Hai Precision Industry Co Ltd , the group currently employs Growth in smartphone sales will halve this Automation will be key to keeping labor costs very bright future,” Cook added, although about 1.3 million people during peak produc- year from 26 percent in 2014, according to under control in the long-term, Woo said, as the Apple Watch he cautioned he doesn’t expect sales tion times, making it one of the largest private researcher IDC, while PC sales will contract by 3 company pushes to have robotic arms complete Apple plans to start selling its highly trends to change in the next couple of employers in the world. As a key Apple Inc sup- percent. mundane tasks currently done by workers. But Woo anticipated smartwatch in April, Cook quarters. plier, the company has had a solid run in recent Similarly, the average smartphone will sell for noted that company chairman Terry Gou’s previ- told analysts on a conference call after years, but faces declining revenue growth and 19 percent less in 2018 than last year’s $297. ously stated goal of 1 million robots was “a generic the company’s earnings report Tuesday. New markets rising wages in China. “Even if technology is improving, the price will concept” rather than a firm target. — Reuters He added that developers are working Apple says iPhone sales doubled in Special assistant to the chairman and group spokesman Louis Woo did not specify a time- on new apps called “Glances” - apparent- China, Brazil and Singapore in the last frame or target for any reduction in headcount, ly in reference to the way people will quarter, despite aggressive competition but noted that labour costs had more than dou- view those apps on their wrists. Cook from South Korea’s Samsung and the bled since 2010, when the company faced boasted he’s already wearing and enjoy- Chinese companies Huawei and Xiaomi. intense media scrutiny following a spate of ing an early model. “I’m using it every day Cook also boasted the company saw worker suicides. and love it and can’t live without it,” he record rates of first-time iPhone buyers “We’ve basically stabilised (our workforce) in said. and former owners of Android phones the last three years,” Woo said. “We would like to stabilise our employee headcount no matter Still, some analysts say it’s difficult to who are switching to Apple devices, how fast we are growing in the future.” predict demand for the Apple Watch. although he didn’t provide specifics. When asked if the company seeks to reduce “We continue to believe interest from Overall, Apple reported $74.6 billion overall headcount, Woo said it would be done consumers is tepid,” said Piper Jaffray’s in sales and $18 billion in profit for the over time as a goal and that the company had Gene Munster in a recent note to December quarter, which represents a internal targets, but he could not disclose fig- investors. year-over-year increase of 30 percent ures. and 38 percent respectively. Based on “It depends how successful we are in terms of introducing the process automation and also the Apple Pay those numbers, analyst Bill Kreher of the robotics,” Woo said. Hon Hai said later it would Apple introduced its digital payments Edward Jones investment firm said he’ll maintain its employee count at more than a mil- service last fall, but Cook vowed Tuesday be raising his forecasts for the company’s lion worldwide but would “decrease the magni- that “2015 will be the year of Apple Pay.” performance this year. tude of our hiring in the coming years”. There are He said 750 banks have signed up for the Even so, he added, as Apple keeps set- no immediate plans for reducing staff, it said. program, which now accounts for two ting records, “it’s certainly going to be Revenue growth at the conglomerate tum- out of every three dollars spent through more difficult for them to continue to bled to 1.3 percent in 2013 and only partially HAVANA: In this Jan. 19, 2015 photo, Alien Garcia, a systems engineer who publishes a maga- so-called “contactless” payment systems, beat expectations.” recovered to 6.5 percent last year after a long string of double-digit increases from 2003 to zine on information technology that’s distributed by email and flash drive, poses during a as opposed to credit cards that are Signaling a rally yesterday, Apple’s 2012. interview with The Associated Press. Cut off from the Internet, Cuban youth have quietly swiped at the point of sale. stock rose almost 6 percent in after-mar- That decade saw the firm ride an explosion of linked thousands of computers into a hidden network that stretches miles across Havana, let- While Apple is believed to collect fees ket trading following the earnings report popularity in PCs, smartphones and tablets, ting them chat with friends, play games and download hit movies in a mini-replica of the from banks when shoppers use Apple late Tuesday. — AP largely driven by its main client Apple, but now online world that most can’t access. — AP THURSDAY, JANUARY 29, 2015 HEALTH & SCIENCE

THAILAND: A customer receives a beauty treatment with snails at a snail farm in Chiang Mai province.—AP photos Snails slither into spa scene in Thailand and around world THAILAND: The last time I encountered escar- aspera muller glycoconjugates, snail mucus for it’s a bargain compared to the $200 cus- dermatologists say that there has been no research I decided it might be preferable to gots they were served up by a French waiter, short. tomers must shell out at Tokyo’s Ci:z.Labo, a significant scientific research on how these another natural therapy - “uguisu no fun,” or sizzling in garlic and herb butter. Now, one is And when I returned home, my wife beauty salon where snail massage made its actually work when applied to the skin. nightingale feces facial, which has been slithering up the bridge of my nose while five described my face as “different,” but declined debut in 2013. Spas have also opened in around in Japan for centuries. others are being stuck onto other parts of my to go into detail. Appropriately, given the China and London, and the French duo are Natural therapy So after being slathered with one of face by a Thai beautician, all secreting snail French passion for these gastropods, the spa expanding to Bangkok next month. Champeyroux, a manager in France’s Champeyroux’s creams, the beautician slime to hopefully smooth out some wrinkles was started last year by two Frenchmen who Given its novelty, Chiang Mai public nuclear power sector before falling in love plopped down the first of half a dozen mol- and otherwise give me a younger-than-my- had imported 100 of them from home. The health inspectors last month descended on with Chiang Mai some years ago, says his all- lusks on my face. A balmy coolness I sensed age look. colony now boasts more than 30,000, munch- the spa to determine whether the treatment natural line of snail products, Coquille, acts as they proceeded to slide over my cheeks, That this latest addition to the global beau- ing on chemically free carrots, cabbage and was safe and if imported snails - officially against burns, acne, stretch marks, scars and furrow through my eyebrows and tickle my ty and wellness craze - snail facials - should aloe on a certified organic farm. classified as “alien creatures” - might prove aging. The two women next to me con- lips, taking particular liking to my nose since surface in the hills of northern Thailand is only harmful to local species. Results of the inves- curred. Taksaphan na Pohn, a 22-year-old snails are fond of climbing. natural. This Southeast Asian country ranks Expanding to Bangkok tigation have not yet been released. recent university graduate, said she had ear- Opening my eyes, I got a macro lens view among the world’s top spa destinations, with “We take care of the snails as if they were While the facials are new, concoctions lier tried laser and other techno-treatments of one critter perched on my nose tip. Its massage treatments of every description our family, our babies. You can see they look made from snail mucus are said to date back but after some research decided that “natur- twin, antennae-like feelers were weaving offered around just about every corner. Other very good,” says Luc Champeyroux, one of the to ancient Greece, when the great physician al therapy” was better. She said snails helped about, possibly seeking an escape route members of the animal kingdom are also partners, gently applying one to his forearm. Hippocrates reportedly crushed snails and clear her acne when she was stressed during with its tiny eyes. The snail’s 14,000 micro- enlisted, including fish at some 4,000 pedicure He does confess to eating escargots (“but not sour milk as a cure for skin inflammations. In her studies. scopic teeth produced a slight, not unpleas- spas. mine”), plans to breed some for the table and recent times, the French have turned this “My face is firmer and softer,” she said. ant, scratching when it slid toward my nos- Merely another marketing ploy or an effec- is currently experimenting to produce “the essence of escargot into assorted creams “But you don’t get immediate results. It trils. So if truth be told, I sort of missed my tive way to plump up skin in need of repair or perfect snail caviar.” and lotions. The fluid, exuded by snails when shows gradually.” Like for many, the prospect harmless, sensuous sextet when they were rejuvenation? Expert opinions differ. The two A chosen few get plucked from the farm under stress, is known to contain beneficial of having my face crawling with slimy her- dislodged, clinging to my skin with a gentle young Thai women reclining next to me at for duty at the spa, where I opted for the 45- nutrients and antioxidants, but Bangkok- maphrodites (snails are unisex) did not suction. Maybe I won’t eat another escargot Chiang Mai’s Snail Spa sang the praises of helix minute Snail Spa Celebrity Course. For $30, based Dr Dissapong Panithaporn and other immediately appeal. Although from my own again.—AP

THAILAND: French Luc Champeyroux, co-owner of snail farm, talks on mobile phone THAILAND: Snails crawl on vegetable at a snail farm. at their farm in Chiang Mai province. Probe links sugary drinks Experts in crisis talks to save with earlier menstruation rare rhino from extinction PARIS: Girls who consume lots of sugary puberty in young girls, which remains drinks start menstruating at a younger age, unexplained. The latest study was based on a study said yesterday. The findings are statistics, and was not powered to explore KENYA: Conservationists and scientists met in The remaining northern white rhinos are all The last population of wild northern white important because early onset of menstru- the causes. The authors point to previous Kenya this week to come up with a last ditch elderly or incapable of natural reproduction, so rhinos lived in DR Congo’s Garamba National ation is linked to a higher risk of breast can- research that says high, swift doses of sugar plan to save the northern white rhinoceros from artificial methods are now the only hope. The Park in the 1990s but was wiped out nearly a cer in later life, the paper said, although cause a rapid increase in levels of the hor- extinction. There are only five northern whites best chance is the creation of a “test tube rhino” decade ago. In 1975 six animals were captured other experts saw flaws in the probe. mone insulin, which in turn has a knock-on left on the planet-three live in a 700-acre enclo- by in-vitro fertilization. The embryo could then in southern Sudan and taken to the Dvur Kralove Writing in the journal Human effect on concentrations of sex hormones. sure on the Ol Pejeta Conservancy in central be implanted in the womb of a surrogate south- Zoo where four calves were successfully bred- Reproduction, researchers said they had Kenya, while the other two are kept in zoos in ern white rhino, a closely related rhinoceros sub- but the last birth was 15 years ago. monitored the health of more than 5,500 ‘Overly alarmist’ the Czech Republic and the United States. “The species that is less endangered. In 2009 four northern white rhinos were American girls between 1996 and 2001. The group of girls in the study was 93 battle is to work out what is feasible scientifically Past attempts at artificial insemination of brought to Kenya in the hope that a more natu- They had been part of a wider study involv- percent white, and the amount of sweet- in the short time still available to us,” Richard northern white rhinos, carried out at the Dvur ral environment and the freedom to roam would ing nearly 17,000 children. ened drinks they consumed “is likely low” Vigne, the chief executive of Ol Pejeta-where Kralove Zoo in the Czech Republic, failed, and encourage natural reproduction, but it was not The girls were aged between nine and compared with that of other groups, the Tuesday’s meeting was held-told AFP. surrogacy is untested. Stores of frozen sperm to be. Last year was a torrid one for the rhinos, 14 when they joined the project and had researchers said. Sweetened beverages Northern white rhinos have suffered from the and eggs could be used to revive the animal arti- and for the conservationists who have sought to not yet started their periods. During the comprised non-diet sodas, non-carbonated loss of their traditional rangelands in Central ficially, but neither method will provide an stop what now looks like their inevitable extinc- five-year study, those who drank between fruit-based drinks and sweetened ice tea. A African Republic, Chad, northeastern Democratic immediate solution, meaning the northern tion. Two of the last remaining males died, one in one-and-a-half servings of sweetened serving was classified as one can or glass. Republic of Congo and South Sudan, nations white rhino will likely disappear, at least for a Ol Pejeta in October and one at San Diego Zoo in drinks per day had their first period 2.7 Independent commentators were cautious that have been hit by decades of chronic con- while. “The science is just not there yet,” Vigne December. At the same time vets determined months earlier than those who had two or of the findings, pointing in particular at the flict, lawlessness and misrule. “These areas are said. that none of the four remaining females could fewer sweet drinks a week, the investiga- source of the data. out any real control,” said Rob Brett, Africa direc- Poor sperm reproduce naturally and that the last remaining tors found. The earlier menstruation It was the girls themselves, or their par- tor at conservation group Fauna and Flora “They have been in a long-term decline for a male’s sperm is of poor quality. Two of the five occurred regardless of the girls’ height-to- ents, who reported on body size and drink International. “Sometimes it’s just not possible to number of years,” said Brett. In contrast southern remaining rhinos-including the sole male, Sudan- weight ratio-their body mass index (BMI) — consumption-a method famously prone to do conservation.” white rhinos which live in southern Africa have are elderly and have already exceeded the ani- their calorie intake and exercise. “Our study error. “It’s fair to ask whether the self- Poachers have also taken their toll, killing the rebounded from a population of just a couple of mal’s life expectancy of 40 years. “This is the most adds to increasing concern about the wide- reporting on height is a bit over-estimated animals for their horn-long prized for making dozen at the end of the 19th century to around endangered species of large animal on the plan- spread consumption of sugar-sweetened and whether on weight it is under-estimat- ceremonial dagger handles in Yemen and, more 20,000 today, thanks to sustained conservation et,” said Vigne. Behind him 24-year-old female drinks in the USA and elsewhere,” said Karin ed,” said Michel Colle, a paediatrician in recently, to be ground into a powder for medi- and protection efforts. But poaching is now on Najin rolled in a mud pool to keep cool. “The Michels of Harvard Medical School, who led Bordeaux, southwestern France. “If so, this cine in Asia. Rhino horn is worth more than the rise, driven by demand from Vietnam in par- chances are we’re going to witness the demise of the probe. The average age for first men- would completely distort the BMI and thus $65,000 per kilo on the black market, more than ticular, with South African authorities saying a a species. That’s the reality. They’re going to die struation was 12 years and seven months. the conclusions themselves.” gold or wholesale cocaine. record 1,215 rhino were killed in 2014. here,” he added.—AFP A 2.7-month earlier onset translates into a Ieuan Hughes, a paediatrician at Britain’s “modest impact” on breast cancer risk, the University of Cambridge, said the study study said. Previous work had found that also failed to factor in the children’s loca- starting menstruating one year earlier tion, parents’ occupation and whether they increases the cancer risk by about five per- were migrants-other potential factors. “The cent. Doctors are already concerned about reference to breast cancer is overly a separate issue-the ever-earlier onset of alarmist,” he added.—AFP

African Union vows Ebola fund as Oxfam calls for health ‘Marshall Plan’

ADDIS ABABA: The African Union plans to Sidiki Kaloko yesterday said an African Centre launch an Ebola fund and disease control cen- for Disease Control and Prevention would be set tre, officials said yesterday, as aid agency Oxfam up by mid-2015. “It is a reality, it is going to hap- warned leaders needed to keep their promises pen,” Kaloko said, with the first phase concen- to boost healthcare systems on the continent. trating on setting up “an early warning system” Oxfam called for a “massive post-Ebola Marshall for the detection of epidemics. “We should be Plan”, referring to the United States aid package ready the next time. We shouldn’t be caught to rebuild Europe after World War II. “This disas- unprepared.” ter might have been avoided if African govern- However, its exact location remains undecid- ments had made free public health care and ed. “We will start with a coordination centre spent more on their health systems, under the within the AU and then set up up to eight commitment they made 14 years ago in the regional centres,” Kaloko added. The AU Ebola Abuja Declaration,” Oxfam said in a statement. Solidarity fund will be launched on Friday dur- “It’s clear that Africa’s existing architecture ing a summit meeting for leaders of the 54- for early disease detection, response and con- member bloc, which has already sent hundreds SOUTH AFRICA : A file picture taken on March 23, 2013 shows a rhino at the private game reserve of French Damien Vergnaud, who si running a trol is wholly inadequate,” the aid agency added. of health workers as part of its mission to tackle breeding program for cheetahs and organized an armed security guard to protect his rhinos from poaching, in Inverdoom, 200 kms north east AU Commissioner for Social Affairs Mustapha the outbreak in west Africa. of Cape Town.—AFP THURSDAY, JANUARY 29, 2015 HEALTH & SCIENCE

Doping is public health issue, says world anti-doping body

TOKYO: Doping in sport is a public Howman was speaking days after conference involving sports bodies and letes,” he said. “As a society we would be last month by German state broadcaster health issue, the head of the World Anti- cycling cheat Lance Armstrong said he the pharmaceutical industry on how to shocked at the amount of stuff that our ADR. WADA set up an independent team Doping Agency (WADA) said yesterday, would take banned substances again if stamp out drug cheating. He said young children are taking. “We think this is a to investigate the allegations, but the because of the spread of substance faced with the same circumstances that people were doping. “Sometimes chil- public health issue and we are support- probe could take months, Howman said. abuse from elite athletes to school gyms. saw him dope in 1995. dren-and I’m not suggesting Japanese ed by the World Health Organization “We know that it’s not just athletes who “Too many people are taking too many “If I was racing in 2015, no, I wouldn’t children but I certainly know in North and by many others who now see it’s not are the cheaters; we know that they can substances they don’t even know,” do it again because I don’t think you America-have taken drugs that their par- just a sport issue.” be coaches and trainers and lawyers and WADA director general David Howman have to,” Armstrong told the BBC. “If you ents don’t know they’re taking,” he said. A string of doping scandals came to doctors and physiotherapists, a lot of told AFP in an interview in Tokyo. “Where take me back to 1995, when doping was While WADA has been trying to light in Russia after a 60-minute docu- people,” he said. “We’ve been saying it’s have they come from? They are not sani- completely pervasive, I would probably address the issue, “it’s not our job mentary “Secret Doping Dossier: How not just the athlete that’s the cheat. It’s tized, they could be very dangerous.” do it again.” Howman was in Tokyo for a because sometimes it’s not elite ath- Russia produces its Winners” was aired the entourage,” he said.—AFP Today’s children to face diabetes epidemic by 2035

Professor Stephen Colagiuri, WISH Professor the Lord Darzi, Forum Chair for Diabetes Executive Chair of WISH QATAR: A major report looking at the preva- Worldwide epidemic lence of type 2 diabetes will warn that cases in Through WISH, experts inspire and diffuse people aged 20-39, currently at nearly 63 mil- healthcare innovation and best practice, lion globally, are set to rise by 19 percent to remaining closely aligned to the vision and nearly 75 million (close to the entire popula- mission of Qatar Foundation to unlock human tion of Turkey) if measures are not urgently potential and serve to underscore Qatar’s pio- taken to stem the tide of the disease. neering role as an emerging centre for health- This equates to around 12 million new cas- care innovation. es in those aged 20-39 by 2035. Speaking ahead of the summit, Diabetes Diagnoses of type 2 in children, which Forum Chair Professor Stephen Colagiuri, used to be rare, is increasing. In some coun- Professor of Metabolic Health at the University tries, type 2 diabetes now accounts for almost of Sydney, Australia, said: “Type 2 diabetes is DUBAI: Pink flamingos are pictured in water at the Ras Al-Khor Wildlife Sanctuary on the outskirts of Dubai in the United Arab Emirates yester- half of new cases in children and adolescents. fast becoming a worldwide epidemic and it is day. The sanctuary which is Dubaiís only desert wetland occupies about 2.4 square miles on the banks of Dubai Creek and comprises of mud- The report warns that the health conse- extremely worrying that we are starting to see flats, lagoons, pools, and mangroves.—AFP quences of the condition, which include heart it increasing in younger generations. Our disease, stroke, diabetic retinopathy, kidney report will aim to equip policymakers with the disease and lower limb amputations, are more information they need to assess the health severe than generally recognized, and calls on and cost impacts of the disease, learn from policymakers around the world to act to pre- interventions that work and ultimately put in Most say restore health vent rising rates. It is estimated that up to 80 place measures to help stem the tide of dia- per cent of cases of type 2 diabetes could be betes. It is vital that policymakers act to put prevented through changing diet, increasing interventions in place for the sake of current aid if court kills subsidies physical activity and improving the living and future generations.” environment. Professor The Lord Darzi of Denham, Type 2 diabetes rates are also increasing Executive Chair of WISH and Director of the WASHINGTON: More than 6 in 10 Americans what to do. Administration officials have side- and about half of Republicans. throughout the world’s adult population and Institute of Global Health Innovation at would want Congress to restore federal finan- stepped questions about their next move. People with unfavorable views of the over- experts warn that it is set to affect nearly 600 Imperial College of London, said: “Combatting cial assistance for millions buying health care Congressional leaders have made no deci- all law outnumbered those who like it, 46 per- million people by 2035 (equating to around rising rates of type 2 diabetes should be a coverage under President Barack Obama’s sions, but groups of top lawmakers in both cent to 40 percent. Across the country, 9.5 mil- 10 per cent of the world’s adult population), at worldwide priority. Often the impact of dia- health care law if the Supreme Court invali- the House and Senate have started consider- lion people have so far signed up for 2015 a projected cost of USD627 billion globally. betes, alongside other chronic conditions, is dates some of those government subsidies, a ing options. People’s views of the federal sub- coverage under the law. Of those, 7.1 million According to the International Diabetes underestimated but the findings of this report poll said yesterday. The finding by the non- sidies could change over time because few in are in states whose markets use Federation (IDF), between 2013 - 2035, the will highlight to both policymakers and the partisan Kaiser Family Foundation suggests the poll - just 14 percent - said they know a lot HealthCare.gov and could be affected by the countries with the highest growth in diabetes public the true scale of the problem we are that a complicated political landscape might or something about the Supreme Court case. Supreme Court’s ruling. And of that group, a prevalence will be UAE, Oman and Qatar. facing. await Republicans, who want to repeal and But in the Kaiser survey conducted earlier vast majority are low- and moderate-income Rates in the Middle East and North Africa “We must act now to prevent the disease replace the law, should the court annul a cru- this month, 64 percent said if the court rules people who stand to lose subsidies. The (MENA) as a whole will increase by 96.2 per before it becomes unmanageable for future cial part of it later this year. The court will hear that subsidies should be available only in House plans to vote next week on legislation cent by 2035. generations. I am delighted that the report by arguments in March in a case that will decide states running their own markets, Congress repealing the entire health care law. Passage Additionally, Saudi Arabia and Kuwait Professor Stephen Colagiuri and his col- whether Obama’s 2010 law allows federal sub- should make people in all states eligible for is likely but its fate is dim in the Senate, where already feature on the IDF’s top 10 list of coun- leagues will set out practical steps for combat- sidies only in states that have established federal aid. Those favoring congressional Republicans would need support from at least tries with the largest comparative prevalence ting the disease at the upcoming World their own health insurance marketplaces, and action included 82 percent of Democrats, 40 six Democrats. rates from 2014. The findings of the report will Innovation Summit for Health and I hope their not in states whose markets are run by percent of Republicans and 63 percent of Obama has said he would veto a bill be presented in full at the World Innovation recommendations will be heeded.” WISH Washington’s HealthCare.gov. The federal independents. In addition, 59 percent of repealing the law. The Kaiser Health Tracking Summit for Health (WISH), a global initiative of inspires and diffuses healthcare innovation Qatar Foundation for Education, Science and and best practice, remaining closely aligned government runs the marketplace in 37 those in states whose markets are federally Poll was conducted Jan. 15-21 and involved Community Development (QF), to be attend- to the vision and mission of Qatar Foundation states. run said their state should create its own mar- cell and landline interviews with 1,503 ran- ed by more than 1,000 health policymakers to unlock human potential and serve to The court’s decision is expected in June. ketplace if the court invalidates subsidies in domly chosen adults. Its overall margin of and specialists from around the world, in underscore Qatar’s pioneering role as an Should the court strike down the subsidies, their state. People holding that view included sampling error was plus or minus 3 percent- Doha, Qatar from 17-18 February, 2015. emerging center for healthcare innovation. Obama and Congress would have to decide just over 6 in 10 Democrats and independents age points.—AP WHAT’S ON THURSDAY, JANUARY 29, 2015 SPEND 2015

alankara Cultural Association (MCA) is a forum of Consultant Nephrologist and Transplant Physician Organ some of the like-minded people, living in Kuwait, Transplant Centre, Ibn Sina Hospital, Kuwait will lead Mwhose interests range from promotion of Kidney care seminar. Dr. Murali Gopal, Medical Education, Art, Culture and other socially supportive activi- Oncologist, Kuwait Cancer Control Centre will lead ties. MCA functions on a non-profit making basis with no Cancer care seminar political connections or interests. IOMF is an organization, most MCA members are associated with, having a view to 6. Why we give prominence to Education? give a helping hand to socially backward, sick and homeless We believe that education is the key to a better society people in the community, irrespective of cast, creed or reli- with a better future; that takes care of the other, espe- gion. SPEND 2015 is a unique program, MCA partners with cially the unnoticed and the underprivileged. SPEND is IOMF Kuwait. only a beginning with no end in the foreseeable future, as we believe in spreading the value of education, which 1. What is “SPEND 2015”? is indeed an unending process that creates meaning to SPEND is an idea that has sprouted on the very fertile human life. minds of the members of MCA & IOMF. The acronym stands to Strengthen families, Promote learning, 7. Why we organize a Student’s Art Exhibition? Empower women, Nurture compassion and Develop tal- We are aware that many of our students are talented ents. The members strive to create a change in the soci- artists who need motivation and identity. Student’s Art ety by living to the spirit of the program. It is a totally Exhibition (SAE) is an exclusive art promotion program unique and novel approach to create awareness in the planned on the sidelines of SPEND 2015 to locate, honor, community about the value of education, upkeep of motivate and promote aspiring talented students from social values and means for having better personal among the Schools in Kuwait. Students from Class 5 to health for everyone. 12, who are interested in exhibiting their paintings, are urged to register their details on the internet link 2. Why we give importance to Group gatherings and www.facebook.com/SPEND2015 till 28th of January promotion of talents? 2015. The themes for Student’s Art Exhibition painting The idea is very simple: work hard, promote learning and shall be “Nature in its vibrancy” or “Life in action”. produce works of art by bare hands using once own Paintings shall be done using water color, acrylic or oil inborn imagination and talents, spread knowledge and medium of A3 size or mounted on A3 size paper or can- understanding with a view to empower and emancipate vas. Selected best paintings will be awarded Cash Prizes the weaker side including women of all stature. of US$ 150/-, US$ 100/, US$ 50/- each, gifts of Members have been divided in to five groups; each with Handicrafts and/or Certificates of Merit. Special raffle a cause and color. The Red Group stands to fight Cancer draws with attractive prizes for students participating in and promote cancer care, the Orange Group symbolizes the exhibition are also available. Coronary care, Yellow for Kidney care, Green for preven- tion and control of Diabetes and the Blue Group to sup- 8. Why we care about cleanliness of surroundings? port Education in all fields. Members of each Group have SPEND is also beginning of a campaign to promote bet- been meeting regularly since last one year, at homes to ter health by caring for the environment we live in. We share and promote their talents and at the same time believe in environment friendly biodegradable waste creating beautiful works of art, which are remarkable disposition with all kindness and due respect to mother- testaments of their passion for a compassionate way of nature. With this aim in mind, we plan to promote eco- living. The volume of the handicrafts thus produced has friendly biodegradable paper bags at the SPEND 2015 now increased and accumulated along with our keen Exhibition. We will provide hand-made paper bags to interest to promote SPEND as a unique program with no our sponsors to carry home the handicrafts; at the same end in sight. time, we will also be demonstrating a simple technique to make paper bags using waste paper accumulating at 3. Why SPEND 2015 Exhibition? homes. We are indeed proud to promote the slogans We plan a sponsored Exhibition of the handicrafts we “Keep Kuwait Clean” and “Swachh Bharat”, which is the have made and the event is planned to be on the 30th we give them to others? Especially, to those patrons who including Diabetes and Hypertension, which are supple- Indian counterpart. January 2015 at the Carmel School Auditorium, Khaitan stood with us in promoting our cause. Here is the oppor- mented by Coronary and Kidney diseases. Our disre- from 12:30 pm to 6:00 pm. An elite audience of sponsors tunity; we give our hearts to our sponsors; they are spect to the environment we live in is a major cause of 9. Why Cultural Programs? of SPEND, invited guests, students, teachers and general received at the Exhibition and are given the chance to Cancer, which is a threat to our wellbeing as individuals. Culture is in our blood; we are proud we are in Kuwait, public are expected to attend the program, which will own and take home the works of art that we have made Members are keen to see a change in our life style, by we are proud we have a culture that belongs to us and is be inaugurated by H. E. Sunil Jain the Indian with our imagination and bear hands. While we worked, giving due respect to the environment we live in, and a part of our identity. We have a balanced cultural pro- Ambassador to Kuwait. The most exclusive feature of learned and shared our talents, our sponsors stood we are all out to promote cleanliness of surroundings as gram with various artists and performers from among the Exhibition is that our sponsors are received at the alongside us for a campaign of better health and educa- a slogan, calling for change in attitudes. With the above the community acting and singing it out on the stage to Exhibition and are given an opportunity to own and take tion for the socially backward and under privileged. The in mind, we plan to have a series of Health Care entertain our guests and visitors. home the works of art that we have created by spending Exhibition is a unique way to pay them back in kind. Seminars led by prominent Health Care Specialists in numerous hours of work. Kuwait to enlighten public about the importance of a 10. How can we prove personally that we care? 5. Why Health Seminars? healthy living, away from the threats of Cancer, Diabetes, We believe in helping the sick and needy, in whatever 4. Why we exhibit our handicrafts? We have concentrated specifically on four major areas of Coronary and Kidney Diseases. way it is possible. As a proof, to say the world that we do The handicrafts we have created are the result of collec- health care by giving prominence to fighting Cancer, Dr. Babu Uthaman, Associate Professor at the Faculty of care, several of our members are registered postmortem tive learning and are close to our hearts, as we have Diabetes, Coronary & Kidney Diseases with awareness Medicine, Kuwait University & Consultant Cardiologist in organ donors or even living organ donors. We encour- spent numerous hours of our time on each one of them. and to support Education and Health Care among the Kuwait Heart Centre will lead Coronary care seminar. Dr. age and promote organ donation and plan to pursue a They reflect our willingness, collective effort and passion most needy and underprivileged individuals. We realize Noble Zachariah, Specialist - Internist and Diabetologist, campaign in this regard. to bring a change to the society we live in. We could that many of us in the community are prone to obesity, Dar Al Shifa Clinic, Maidan Hawally, Kuwait, will lead The message of SPEND 2015 have kept them for ourselves, but we thought; why not which is one of the the root causes of major illnesses Seminar on control of Diabetes.Dr. Prasad Nair, Senior “Educate and empower; SPEND to serve the needy”

KDMCA celebrates tenth anniversary Greetings

uravilangad Deva Matha College Alumni Association presence of Adv Mons Joseph -MLA, Kaduthuruthy and MP dents for the last 10 years. Bindu Jayesh and Maxi Mani did Kuwait Chapter (KDMCA) celebrated their 10th Jose K Mani. KDMCA President Jaison Joseph presided the the anchoring. A large number of KDMCA members Kanniversary on Friday 9th January 2015 at Hotel function. A warm welcome was followed by Boby Patani attended the program. The glittering ceremony was Ramada International, Reggae. The marvelous evening (General Secretary). enriched by various cultural programs presented by talent- started at 6 pm with the National Anthem. The grand cele- A souvenir was released by Johnson Sebastian by giving ed children from KDMCA family. The main attraction of the bration was inaugurated by his Grace Rev Fr Abaraham the first copy to Jose K Mani. Mementos for appreciation event was an Orchestra led by Biju Thikody. Rafi and Sumi Kollithanathumalayil, Manager of Deva Matha College, in were presented to Chief Guests, KDMCA’s former presi- added colors to the event.

immy Moourice Zaki and doctor Manal Makram Gad recently had a beautiful newborn baby girl JJennifer. Congratulations Jimmy and Manal - wishing you all the best.

Pathanamthitta New Year celebrations

athanamthitta District Association, Kuwait celebrat- Secretary Biju Kumbazha welcomed the gathering and and social crusader of the expatriate community in Mathew, Malayalam Media Forum Convener, Sathar ed New Year and offered a warm farewell to its liter- General Convener Benny Pathanamthitta rendered vote of Kuwait. Thankachen was felicitated by senior members of Kunnil, prominent social personalities Sam Painummoodu, Pary figure among the expatriate community in thanks. the association and leaders of the various social and cul- Advocate Thomas Panicker, Chessil Ramapuram, Raju Kuwait, Kaipattoor Thankachen on 15th January 2015. Following the inauguration of the New Year tural organizations in Kuwait, which included:- Advisory Zachariahs, Kadavil Thomas Mathew, Jacob Channappetta, President Oommen George presided over the function Celebrations, a separate function was held to offer a mem- Board Chairman, Jaikumar, Senior Advisory Board Saji Thomas Mathew, and poetess Lisy Kuriakose and inaugurated the New Year celebrations. General orable Farewell to Kaipattoor Thankachen, a prolific writer Members Raju Varghese, Geethakrishnan and John Elavinamannil. WHAT’S ON THURSDAY, JANUARY 29, 2015 AUK Holds 2nd Annual Electrical, Computer Engineering Exhibition

Electrical & Computer Engineering Department Dr Mohammed El Abd, Head of the (ECEE’14) Dr Ashraf Zaher, Associate Professor of Chair Dr Issam Damaj Organizing Committee Computer Engineering.

he American University of Kuwait (AUK) held the 2nd In conjunction with the exhibition, the event also featured able pass. This concept provides users with the ability to cus- refinement procedure and/or a hardware compiler. H-Gen is a Annual Electrical & Computer Engineering Exhibition 2014 a seminar from the Electrical and Computer Engineering tomize their passes by embedding information pertaining to high-level hardware development environment in which com- T(ECEE’14), in which alumni and students presented and Seminar Series 2014 (ECESS’14). The seminar, Control their accounts on it. The team explained that since all of a puter scientists and engineers develop hardware/software co- demonstrated projects to compete for the Best Project Award, as Systems: History, Current Practice, and Future Trends, was giv- user’s accounts are stored on a single tag, carrying around implementations. H-Gen stands for HDL Generator.” well as the Students Choice Award. The event was organized by en by Dr Ashraf Zaher, Associate Professor of Computer copious amounts of smartcards becomes obsolete. The NFC Dr Mohammed El Abd, Head of the (ECEE’14) Organizing AUK’s Electrical & Computer Engineering Department and stu- Engineering. Wallet is ubiquitous; the software is web-enabled and users Committee, said: “We are proud of our students that who con- dent teams from the AUK-IEEE Student Branch (IEEESB), and was Following the presentations and consideration from the could manage it by using smart phones, tablets, laptops and tinue for the second year running to present high-quality cap- open to members of the AUK community. judges, the project entitled Wearable and Ubiquitous NFC other computing devices. stone projects. We are impressed by the level of commitment ECEE’14 featured live demonstrations, poster presenta- Wallet was announced the winner Best Project Award, while displayed by our alumni who returned after graduation to tions, and student talks, all of which were considered by a Automated Hardware Development under JAVA was declared Automated Hardware Development showcase their projects and help make this event a success. In panel of judges for the Best Project Award. The judging panel the winner of the Student Choice Award. “I would like to con- Embedded systems are used in daily life regularly. One par- addition, we continue on our activity of organizing the ECE was comprised of Dr. Ashraf Zaher, Associate Professor of gratulate the winning project teams and all their fellow partic- ticular device peeks the interest due to its many areas of appli- Seminar Series, which is tailored to support our ‘ABET Student Computer Engineering; Dr. DetlefHummes, Assistant Professor ipators for a job well-done,” said Dr. Damaj “ECEE’14 provided a cation it is used in, namely FPGAs. FPGAs are targeted by dif- Outcomes’ outside the classroom, and continue to be of inter- of Electrical Engineering; and Dr. SeyedEsmaeili, Assistant unique and exciting opportunity to encourage undergraduate ferent hardware descriptive languages, such as, VHDL. This est to faculty members and other professionals.” Professor of Electrical Engineering. AUK students were also research, cross-collaboration, and social networking among language is more relatable to hardware designers than soft- The Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering invited to cast their votes via email to nominate the winner of students, alumni, and professionals in the field.” ware designers. On the other hand, object oriented software strives to provide high-quality engineering education cen- the Student Choice Award. AUK President, Professor Dr. Nizar languages and concepts are taught in all areas of studies that tered around the key principles of liberal arts, specifically, life- Hamzeh, Dean of Arts and Sciences, Dr. RawdaAwwad, and Wearable and Ubiquitous NFC Wallet project are related to computers and are more user friendly than long-learning, critical thinking, and effective communication. the Electrical & Computer Engineering Department Chair Dr. The objective of the Wearable and Ubiquitous NFC Wallet hardware descriptive languages. H-Gen strives to link these The department prepares students to become successful IssamDamaj presented the awards to the participants and team was to create a wearable technology that is able to inte- areas of studies to real implementations and applications of engineers, and be able to contribute effectively to their pro- winners in each of the project categories grate multiple accounts into one safe, convenient, and wear- hardware. The purpose of this project is to create a systematic fession and community.

In collaboration with Kuwait Municipality, EPA and the Cabinet’s Violations Demolishing Committee, Kuwait Diving Team yesterday launched a project to clean up Eshairej coast. The campaign supervisor Waleed Al-Shatti said that the campaign is meant to protect marine life in Kuwait Bay.

GUST Public Maki brings home gold, silver, bronze Relations and Boeker at Horeca Kuwait 2015! Club to break or the fourth year in a row, Maki has brought home record some accolades from the Horeca show, which took Fplace from January 19-21. This Fourth edition of upervised by Guinness World Horeca was held in Kuwait, hosting many food and bev- Records, GUST’s Public erage suppliers along with competitions in several culi- SRelations Club is planning to nary categories. A variety of chefs from many different raise over 30 tons of clothing for fine-dining restaurants and five star hotels participated charity to break the world record that in the competitions, including some of Maki’s top chefs. is currently held by Qatar. The Maki’s Executive Chef Louis Huang and Assistant attempt will take place on the 30th of Iskandar both won a gold medal each in ‘Best Sushi January at GUST’s parking lot. The Preparation and Display,’ and created a beautiful ‘jewel- event will be over the course of 24 ry-like’ box with a colorful array of sushi with different hours, starting at 5 pm on the 30th, toppings. Also, they won one of only four Boeker Food and ending on 5 pm the next day. Safety awards for high hygiene standards. Four other Please note that the clothes will be chefs from Maki won a silver medal, and one chef won a distributed to Syria, Lebanon, Yemen, bronze medal in the categories of ‘Meat Cooking’, Jordan, Palestine and Kuwait. Join us ‘Cooking from the Basket,’ and ‘Canapes,’ giving Maki a in spreading this cause and raising total of 8 different awards from this year’s Horeca. Maki the amount of clothing needed. is delighted to announce that the Gold Medal winning dish will soon be presented in the restaurant for all to enjoy!

Classifieds

THURSDAY, JANUARY 29, 2015

Kuwait KNCC PROGRAMME FROM THURSDAY TO WEDNESDAY (29/01/2015 TO 04/02/2015)

SHARQIA-1 TAKEN 3 11:30 AM AL-KOUT.1 BLACKHAT 11:30 AM NO SAT AVENUES-5 TAKEN 3 12:30 PM AMERICAN SNIPER 2:00 PM SONG OF THE SEA 12:00 PM BLACKHAT 1:00 PM TAKEN 3 2:45 PM BLACKHAT 4:30 PM SAT BLACKHAT 3:45 PM TAKEN 3 5:00 PM AMERICAN SNIPER 7:00 PM SONG OF THE SEA 2:00 PM AMERICAN SNIPER 6:30 PM TAKEN 3 7:15 PM AMERICAN SNIPER 9:30 PM TAKEN 3 4:00 PM BLACKHAT 9:00 PM TAKEN 3 9:45 PM BLACKHAT 12:05 AM SONG OF THE SEA 6:15 PM NO MON TAKEN 3 12:05 AM TAKEN 3 8:15 PM Special Show “UNBROKEN “ 9:00 PM SHARQIA-2 TAKEN 3 10:30 PM MON AL-KOUT.2 SONG OF THE SEA 11:30 AM TAKEN 3 12:45 AM AMERICAN SNIPER 11:45 PM ROBOT OVERLORDS 12:15 PM SAT ROBOT OVERLORDS 2:15 PM TAKEN 3 1:00 PM FANAR-5 AVENUES-6 CAIRO TIME - ARABIC 4:15 PM NO FRI + SAT SELMA 12:30 PM BLACKHAT 12:00 PM ROBOT OVERLORDS 6:30 PM SONG OF THE SEA 1:30 PM SELMA 3:00 PM BLACKHAT 2:45 PM CAIRO TIME - ARABIC 8:30 PM FRI + SAT CAIRO TIME - ARABIC 5:30 PM BLACKHAT 5:30 PM ROBOT OVERLORDS 10:45 PM SONG OF THE SEA 3:30 PM CAIRO TIME - ARABIC 7:45 PM BLACKHAT 8:15 PM ROBOT OVERLORDS 12:45 AM SONG OF THE SEA 5:30 PM SELMA 10:00 PM BLACKHAT 11:00 PM TAKEN 3 7:30 PM SELMA 12:30 AM AL-KOUT.3 TAKEN 3 9:45 PM AVENUES-7 AMERICAN SNIPER 12:00 PM TAKEN 3 12:15 AM MARINA-1 THE WOMAN IN BLACK 2 ANGEL OF DEATH 1:00 PM SONG OF THE SEA BLACKHAT 12:30 PM THE WOMAN IN BLACK 2 ANGEL OF DEATH 3:15 PM SHARQIA-3 BLACKHAT 3:15 PM THE WOMAN IN BLACK 2 ANGEL OF DEATH 5:15 PM 2:45 PM ROBOT OVERLORDS 11:30 AM ROBOT OVERLORDS 5:45 PM STILL ALICE 7:45 PM SONG OF THE SEA 4:45 PM BLACKHAT 1:30 PM BLACKHAT 7:45 PM THE WOMAN IN BLACK 2 ANGEL OF DEATH 10:00 PM AMERICAN SNIPER 6:45 PM ROBOT OVERLORDS 4:00 PM ROBOT OVERLORDS 10:15 PM AMERICAN SNIPER 12:15 AM AMERICAN SNIPER 9:15 PM ROBOT OVERLORDS 6:00 PM BLACKHAT 12:15 AM AMERICAN SNIPER 11:45 PM ROBOT OVERLORDS 8:00 PM AVENUES-8 BLACKHAT 10:00 PM MARINA-2 MORTDECAI 12:00 PM AL-KOUT.4 ROBOT OVERLORDS 12:30 AM TAKEN 3 12:45 PM MORTDECAI 2:15 PM BLACKHAT 11:45 AM ROBOT OVERLORDS 3:00 PM THE BOOK OF LIFE 4:30 PM BLACKHAT 2:30 PM MUHALAB-1 TAKEN 3 5:00 PM HAWAIZAADA - HINDI 6:45 PM SELMA 5:00 PM ROBOT OVERLORDS 12:45 PM TAKEN 3 7:15 PM MORTDECAI 9:45 PM BLACKHAT 7:30 PM BLACKHAT 3:00 PM TAKEN 3 9:45 PM MORTDECAI 12:05 AM SELMA 10:00 PM ROBOT OVERLORDS 5:30 PM ROBOT OVERLORDS 12:15 AM BLACKHAT 12:30 AM BLACKHAT 7:30 PM AVENUES-9 ROBOT OVERLORDS 10:00 PM MARINA-3 SELMA 12:30 PM BAIRAQ-1 BLACKHAT 12:15 AM SONG OF THE SEA 11:30 AM SONG OF THE SEA 3:00 PM TAKEN 3 1:00 PM SAT SONG OF THE SEA 5:15 PM TAKEN 3 3:30 PM MUHALAB-2 SELMA 1:00 PM SONG OF THE SEA 7:30 PM TAKEN 3 5:45 PM AMERICAN SNIPER 11:30 AM NO FRI + SAT BLACKHAT 9:45 PM TAKEN 3 8:00 PM SELMA 2:00 PM SONG OF THE SEA 1:30 PM BLACKHAT 12:30 AM TAKEN 3 10:15 PM AMERICAN SNIPER 4:30 PM FRI + SAT TAKEN 3 12:30 AM SELMA 7:00 PM SONG OF THE SEA 3:30 PM AVENUES-10 AMERICAN SNIPER 9:30 PM SONG OF THE SEA 5:30 PM ROBOT OVERLORDS 12:15 PM BAIRAQ-2 AMERICAN SNIPER 12:05 AM AMERICAN SNIPER 7:30 PM ROBOT OVERLORDS 2:30 PM SONG OF THE SEA 12:45 PM AMERICAN SNIPER 10:00 PM ROBOT OVERLORDS 4:45 PM SONG OF THE SEA 3:00 PM MUHALAB-3 AMERICAN SNIPER 12:30 AM ROBOT OVERLORDS 7:00 PM SONG OF THE SEA 5:00 PM TAKEN 3 11:30 AM ROBOT OVERLORDS 9:15 PM AMERICAN SNIPER 7:00 PM SONG OF THE SEA 1:45 PM AVENUES-1 ROBOT OVERLORDS 11:30 PM AMERICAN SNIPER 9:30 PM SONG OF THE SEA 3:45 PM CAIRO TIME - ARABIC 11:45 AM AMERICAN SNIPER 12:05 AM CHANGE OF NAME TAKEN 3 5:45 PM CAIRO TIME - ARABIC 2:15 PM AVENUES-11 TAKEN 3 8:00 PM CAIRO TIME - ARABIC 4:45 PM TAKEN 3 - DOLBY ATMOS 12:30 PM BAIRAQ-3 TAKEN 3 10:15 PM CAIRO TIME - ARABIC 7:15 PM TAKEN 3 - DOLBY ATMOS 3:00 PM BLACKHAT 11:45 AM I, Melitta Anthony Almeida, TAKEN 3 12:30 AM CAIRO TIME - ARABIC 9:45 PM TAKEN 3 - DOLBY ATMOS 5:30 PM BLACKHAT 2:15 PM holder of Indian Passport CAIRO TIME - ARABIC 12:15 AM TAKEN 3 - DOLBY ATMOS 8:00 PM BLACKHAT 4:45 PM No. F5531147 have hereby FANAR-1 TAKEN 3 - DOLBY ATMOS 10:30 PM ROBOT OVERLORDS 7:15 PM ROBOT OVERLORDS 1:00 PM AVENUES-2 TAKEN 3 - DOLBY ATMOS 1:00 AM BLACKHAT 9:15 PM changed my name from MORTDECAI 3:00 PM THE WOMAN IN BLACK 2 ANGEL OF DEATH 11:30 AM ROBOT OVERLORDS 11:45 PM Melitta Anthony Almeida to ROBOT OVERLORDS 5:00 PM DAVID OYELOWO, CARMEN EJOGO 1:45 PM 360º- 1 Melitta Almeida. MORTDECAI 7:00 PM SELMA 4:30 PM BLACKHAT 1:00 PM PLAZA Henceforth, in all dealings ROBOT OVERLORDS 9:00 PM SELMA 7:15 PM BLACKHAT 3:45 PM ROBOT OVERLORDS 4:30 PM ROBOT OVERLORDS 11:00 PM SELMA 10:00 PM BLACKHAT 6:30 PM AMERICAN SNIPER 6:30 PM and documents I will be ROBOT OVERLORDS 1:00 AM SELMA 12:45 AM BLACKHAT 9:15 PM ROBOT OVERLORDS 9:00 PM known as Melitta Almeida. BLACKHAT 12:05 AM TAKEN 3 11:00 PM (C 4913) FANAR-2 AVENUES-3 29-1-2014 AMERICAN SNIPER 11:30 AM AMERICAN SNIPER 1:15 PM 360º- 2 LAILA AMERICAN SNIPER 2:00 PM AMERICAN SNIPER 3:45 PM CAIRO TIME - ARABIC 12:45 PM ROBOT OVERLORDS 4:00 PM AMERICAN SNIPER 4:30 PM AMERICAN SNIPER 6:15 PM CAIRO TIME - ARABIC 3:15 PM BLACKHAT 6:00 PM Salina Fernandes, r/o FOR SALE AMERICAN SNIPER 7:00 PM AMERICAN SNIPER 8:45 PM CAIRO TIME - ARABIC 5:45 PM TAKEN 3 8:30 PM Mashem, Loliem Polem - AMERICAN SNIPER 9:45 PM AMERICAN SNIPER 11:15 PM CAIRO TIME - ARABIC 8:15 PM AMERICAN SNIPER 10:45 PM AMERICAN SNIPER 12:15 AM CAIRO TIME - ARABIC 10:45 PM Goa, holder of Passport No. Mitsubishi Lancer GLX - AVENUES-4 ROBOT OVERLORDS 1:15 AM AJIAL.1 H0192790, have changed 2010, white color, excellent FANAR-3 TAKEN 3 11:30 AM DOLLY KI DOLI - HINDI 3:15 PM ROBOT OVERLORDS 11:45 AM TAKEN 3 2:00 PM 360º- 3 DOLLY KI DOLI - HINDI 5:15 PM my name from Salina condition, km 86000, KD BLACKHAT 1:45 PM TAKEN 3 4:30 PM SONG OF THE SEA 11:45 AM DOLLY KI DOLI - HINDI 7:15 PM Sanjay Divakar to Salina 1450. Tel: 66729295. BLACKHAT 4:15 PM TAKEN 3 7:00 PM SONG OF THE SEA 2:00 PM DOLLY KI DOLI - HINDI 9:15 PM Fernandes. Hereinafter, in (C 4911) BLACKHAT 6:45 PM NO THU SONG OF THE SEA 4:15 PM 27-1-2014 BLACKHAT 9:15 PM Special Show “THE WOMAN IN BLACK 2 “ 7:00 PM SONG OF THE SEA 6:30 PM AJIAL.2 all my dealings and docu- BLACKHAT 11:45 PM THU SONG OF THE SEA 8:45 PM I -Tamil 3:30 PM ments, I will be known by TAKEN 3 9:30 PM BLACKHAT 11:00 PM I -Tamil 6:45 PM the name Salina Fernandes. FANAR-4 TAKEN 3 12:05 AM I -Tamil 10:00 PM (C 1912)

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

Arrival Flights on Thursday 29/1/2015 MPH 951 Amsterdam 14:35 Departure Flights on Thursday 29/1/2015 QTR 1079 Doha 15:05 Airlines Flt Route Time KAC 538 Sohag 14:50 Airlines Flt Route Time FDB 058 Dubai 15:10 KAC 502 Beirut 00:05 RJD 135 Abu Dhabi 14:55 AIC 976 Goa/Chennai 00:05 AGY 685 Sohag 15:15 BBC 043 Dhaka 00:05 KNE 470 Jeddah 14:55 FDB 072 Dubai 00:45 THY 767 Istanbul 15:20 JAI 574 Mumbai 00:10 GFA 221 Bahrain 15:00 JAI 573 Mumbai 01:10 KNE 473 Jeddah 15:20 JZR 239 Amman 00:25 OMA 645 Muscat 15:00 BBC 044 Dhaka 01:35 JZR 188 Dubai 15:40 JZR 267 Beirut 00:30 KAC 788 Jeddah 15:10 KLM 411 Amsterdam 01:55 GFA 222 Bahrain 15:45 JZR 539 Cairo 00:40 KAC 284 Dhaka 15:15 DLH 637 Frankfurt 02:15 KNE 471 Jeddah 15:50 KLM 411 Amsterdam/Dammam 00:40 JZR 175 Dubai 15:20 KAC 283 Dhaka 02:25 KAC 773 Riyadh 15:50 THY 772 Istanbul 00:45 UAE 857 Dubai 15:45 SAI 442 Lahore 02:30 SVA 505 Jeddah 16:00 FDB 069 Dubai 00:55 ABY 127 Sharjah 15:45 ETH 621 Addis Ababa 02:45 OMA 646 Muscat 16:00 QTR 1084 Doha 01:00 FDB 051 Dubai 16:00 THY 773 Istanbul 02:55 MPH 951 Dubai/SIN 16:05 RJA 642 Amman 01:05 KNE 460 Riyadh 16:00 PGT 859 Istanbul 03:25 RJD 136 Abu Dhabi 16:05 KAC 546 Alexandria 01:10 JZR 535 Cairo 16:10 MSC 404 Sohag 03:30 KAC 501 Beirut 16:15 DLH 637 Dammam 01:15 JZR 779 Jeddah 16:10 KAC 381 Delhi 03:40 ABY 128 Sharjah 16:25 SAI 441 Lahore 01:30 NIA 251 Alexandria 16:15 UAE 854 Dubai 03:50 KAC 613 Bahrain 16:35 PGT 858 Istanbul 01:35 KAC 562 Amman 16:20 FDB 068 Dubai 03:55 KNE 481 Taif 16:50 ETH 620 Addis Ababa 01:45 JZR 257 Beirut 16:30 ETD 306 Abu Dhabi 04:05 FDB 052 Dubai 17:00 MSC 403 Sohag 02:30 QTR 1072 Doha 16:40 MSR 613 Cairo 04:10 KAC 741 Dammam 17:00 GFA 211 Bahrain 02:30 RJA 640 Amman 16:55 KKK 6508 Istanbul 04:10 JZR 266 Beirut 17:05 UAE 853 Dubai 02:35 ETD 303 Abu Dhabi 16:55 OMA 644 Muscat 04:25 NIA 252 Alexandria 17:15 JZR 553 Alexandria 02:45 SVA 510 Riyadh 17:15 QTR 1085 Doha 04:30 JZR 156 Dubai 17:35 JAI 526 Chennai/Abu Dhabi 02:50 GFA 215 Bahrain 17:30 MSC 406 Sohag 05:05 QTR 1073 Doha 17:40 FDB 067 Dubai 02:55 JZR 777 Jeddah 17:55 JZR 560 Sohag 05:10 UAE 858 Dubai 17:45 ETD 305 Abu Dhabi 03:10 UAL 982 IAD 17:55 QTR 1077 Doha 05:15 JZR 538 Cairo 17:45 MSR 612 Cairo 03:10 UAE 875 Dubai 18:00 THY 765 Istanbul 05:40 ETD 304 Abu Dhabi 17:50 KKK 6507 Istanbul 03:20 JZR 177 Dubai 18:20 FDB 070 Dubai 06:30 RJA 641 Amman 17:55 OMA 643 Muscat 03:25 AFG 415 Kabul 18:30 JAI 525 Abu Dhabi/Chennai 06:35 KAC 118 New York 18:30 SVA 511 Riyadh 18:15 QTR 1076 Doha 03:45 RJA 643 Amman 07:05 GFA 216 Bahrain 18:20 MSC 401 Alexandria 04:05 ABY 121 Sharjah 18:40 GFA 212 Bahrain 07:15 FDB 063 Dubai 18:40 JZR 184 Dubai 18:40 JZR 503 Luxor 05:25 JZR 240 Amman 07:15 THY 770 Istanbul 05:35 KAC 786 Jeddah 18:45 JZR 238 Amman 18:50 QTR 1080 Doha 18:50 THY 771 Istanbul 07:30 JZR 134 Bahrain 19:10 DHX 170 Bahrain 05:40 KAC 537 Sohag 08:20 BAW 157 London 06:40 KAC 774 Riyadh 19:15 UAL 982 Bahrain 19:15 KAC 618 Doha 19:15 FDB 054 Dubai 08:25 ABY 122 Sharjah 19:20 KAC 412 Manila/Bangkok 07:10 TAR 327 Dubai/Tunis 08:35 TAR 327 Tunis 07:45 AXB 393 Kozhikode 19:15 AFG 415 Jeddah 19:30 KAC 542 Cairo 19:25 BAW 156 London 08:45 UAE 876 Dubai 19:40 FDB 053 Dubai 07:45 IRA 672 Ahwaz 08:50 QTR 1086 Doha 07:50 KAC 674 Dubai 19:25 QTR 1081 Doha 19:50 GFA 217 Bahrain 19:30 QTR 1087 Doha 08:50 FDB 064 Dubai 19:55 IRA 673 Ahwaz 07:50 SVA 513 Riyadh 08:55 SVA 512 Riyadh 07:55 KAC 176 Geneva/Frankfurt 19:45 AXB 393 Kozhikode 20:15 KAC 104 London 19:55 JZR 256 Beirut 09:05 GFA 218 Bahrain 20:15 KAC 352 Kochi 08:10 IRA 668 Mashhad 09:10 IRA 667 Esfahan 08:10 KAC 742 Dammam 20:00 KAC 361 Colombo 20:50 KAC 302 Mumbai 08:20 JAI 572 Mumbai 20:00 JZR 534 Cairo 09:15 KAC 343 Chennai 20:55 KAC 206 Islamabad 08:25 KAC 614 Bahrain 20:00 KAC 787 Jeddah 09:25 JAI 571 Mumbai 21:00 ABY 126 Sharjah 09:40 KAC 332 Trivandrum 08:30 MSR 618 Alexandria 20:05 MSR 619 Alexandria 21:05 UAE 855 Dubai 08:40 JZR 189 Dubai 20:15 KAC 101 London/New York 09:50 UAE 856 Dubai 09:55 JZR 554 Alexandria 21:05 KAC 362 Colombo 08:45 OMA 647 Muscat 20:20 KAC 331 Trivandrum 21:10 FDB 061 Dubai 20:20 ETD 302 Abu Dhabi 10:20 ABY 125 Sharjah 09:00 KAC 351 Kochi 21:15 ETD 301 Abu Dhabi 09:20 ABY 123 Sharjah 20:35 KAC 561 Amman 10:25 DLH 634 Frankfurt 20:50 JZR 778 Jeddah 10:30 ABY 124 Sharjah 21:15 FDB 055 Dubai 09:40 FDB 062 Dubai 21:20 QTR 1070 Doha 10:00 ALK 229 Colombo 21:10 FDB 056 Dubai 10:35 MEA 402 Beirut 21:20 JZR 174 Dubai 10:45 OMA 648 Muscat 21:20 UAE 873 Dubai 11:00 DHX 171 Bahrain 21:50 IZG 4161 Mashhad 11:10 ETD 307 Abu Dhabi 21:30 QTR 1071 Doha 11:00 FDB 073 Dubai 21:35 KAC 165 Rome/Paris 11:15 ALK 230 Colombo 22:10 RBG 553 Alexandria 11:15 KAC 301 Mumbai 22:15 MSC 405 Sohag 11:25 UAE 859 Dubai 21:40 RBG 554 Alexandria 11:55 GFA 219 Bahrain 21:45 KAC 541 Cairo 12:05 ETD 308 Abu Dhabi 22:15 JZR 561 Sohag 11:45 MEA 403 Beirut 22:20 MEA 404 Beirut 11:55 QTR 1074 Doha 21:55 IZG 4162 Mashhad 12:10 KNE 480 Taif 22:00 JZR 776 Jeddah 12:20 FDB 074 Dubai 22:30 SYR 341 Damascus 12:00 JZR 135 Bahrain 22:05 UAE 871 Dubai 12:50 MSC 402 Alexandria 12:25 GFA 220 Bahrain 22:30 JZR 157 Dubai 22:10 UAE 874 Dubai 12:30 UAE 860 Dubai 22:50 JZR 241 Amman 12:55 KLM 417 Amsterdam 22:15 QTR 8646 Doha 12:55 MEA 405 Beirut 12:55 KNE 461 Riyadh 22:50 ETD 309 Abu Dhabi 22:15 SYR 342 Damascus 13:00 KAC 205 Islamabad 22:55 MSR 610 Cairo 13:00 FDB 059 Dubai 22:30 KAC 382 Delhi 13:45 KAC 785 Jeddah 13:00 ETD 310 Abu Dhabi 23:00 AIC 981 Chennai/Hyderabad/Ahmedabad 22:30 JZR 176 Dubai 13:45 QTR 1075 Doha 23:05 QTR 1078 Doha 14:05 UAL 981 Bahrain 23:10 AGY 680 Alexandria 14:15 MSR 611 Cairo 14:00 KLM 417 Dammam/Amsterdam 23:15 JZR 185 Dubai 23:15 UAE 872 Dubai 14:15 KAC 543 Cairo 23:20 THY 766 Istanbul 14:20 AGY 684 Sohag 23:20 KNE 472 Jeddah 14:25 QTR 8647 Doha 14:25 KAC 415 Jakarta/Kuala Lumpur 23:25 THY 764 Istanbul 23:35 KAC 617 Doha 15:00 SVA 500 Jeddah 14:30 PIA 205 Lahore 23:40 KAC 411 Bangkok/Manila 23:30 FDB 057 Dubai 14:30 FDB 071 Dubai 23:45 KAC 673 Dubai 15:00 FDB 060 Dubai 23:55 DIAL161 FOR AIRPORT INFORMATION stars34 THURSDAY, JANUARY 29, 2015 CROSSWORD 799 STAR TRACK

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

Watching a broadcast news report this morning you may realize how impor- What a day for relationships-and relating! Your completeness does not tant it is to write your representative and report some information that you think would be depend on someone else, but your personality shines when love is new. Today, love is either worthy of his or her attention. This may be regarding taxes or transportation or some other new or like new. It is also one of those days when you do not want to go to work. If your rela- subject but you are determined to make sure your opinion is heard. Write out what you tionship has been difficult, now is the time to find healing. If you have not had a relationship, want to say and go over it several times before you mail it. It is a wise thing that you are now is the time love finds you! Unexpected good news is in the air! It seems to seek you out doing. In the workplace you find issues that need the attention of higher-ups and writing to as you go about your daily business. Both financially and in the professional sphere, there the owner of the company as though you were a customer might be a wiser choice than are developments that are going to do you a lot of good-stop, look and listen. Instinctively, reporting what you see as an employee. This way your note is appreciated and not ignored. you will know just what to do to secure a loan, make a job bid, or achieve some reward. You The only letters from your home today are thank-you cards. can proceed with confidence.

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

Your desire to succeed is strong. Courage and confidence reign. Others will You seem to be going in a positive direction and seeing the end results of a follow your lead in any group effort. Make sure new projects are short-term. You should project soon will encourage you to continue to move forward at a steady pace. The secret is experience all the benefits of this most powerful planet. Your creative juices are flowing, to step back and view your work from a distance so you can see just how far you have come ready to be applied to the work at hand. If you give your best effort now, considerable suc- with your work. In your hunger for emotional excitement, you may be seeking out new and cess will follow and you may unconsciously help a close friend through your efforts. This is a different kinds of people, or maybe new and different kinds of places to spend the evening. good time to lead the way on a project-your bright ideas help motivate others. Your energy If you deal with groups, you will probably be advocating sweeping changes. Don’t become is high-perfect for getting some exercise or chopping that cord of wood this afternoon. Your involved in projects that require a follow-through just now. Your energies are more directed heart is full of amorous feelings for your special someone. Your sensitivity is the key to a toward new beginnings that others can complete after you have given the instructions. superb relationship these days. Enjoy some time with family members tonight.

Gemini (May 21-June 20) Sagittarius (November 22-December 21) There is an air of seriousness to your dealings with partners. You are looking It is a good day to just reflect or help others. If you have been considering a forward to finances improving before diving into further debt. Also, you are new business venture, today is an excellent day to begin. It is also a good day for travel. Your concerned more about the future of a business at this time. You are invigorated and ready to ACROSS ciated software with common storage. communication skills are good and ideas that need expression or paperwork that needs fin- conquer the world. You could be in a teaching, lecturing, management or an advising sort of 1. Little known Kamarupan languages. 2. Any of numerous local fertility and nature ishing can be handled efficiently. This is a time you could combine business and pleasure, a position. Organizing and administering people and projects will become central to your 5. Dutch philosopher who espoused a pantheis- deities worshipped by ancient Semitic peoples. time to enjoy your career and savor its rewards. You are apt to spend a great deal of time lifestyle. This afternoon you show a great deal of interest in a family matter that concerns the tic system (1632-1677). 3. English scholastic philosopher and assumed communicating with co-workers and people apart from work. The social graces pave your general living environment in the home. You may wish to express your own ideas or concern path to success-so to speak. There is spiritual growth and a deeper understanding of the about some proposed change. Perhaps you could offer to paint or help build a new item to 12. God of the earth. author of Occam's Razor (1285-1349). forces that move the world and each other. This can also mark time of good energies to give help lower costs. 15. Small European freshwater fish with a slender 4. A long noosed rope used to catch animals. to a difficult relationship. bluish-green body. 5. Scarabaeid beetle considered divine by 16. Relating to or resembling a carina. ancient Egyptians. 17. Leaf or strip from a leaf of the talipot palm 6. A close friend who accompanies his buddies in ) Capricorn (December 22-January 19) used in India for writing paper. their activities. Cancer (June 21-July 22 18. Large burrowing rodent of South and Central 7. A Dravidian language closely related to Tamil Others may find you especially witty and unconventional just now. However, A surge of intellectual energy can help you accomplish a lot; however, do not America. that is spoken in a hilly section of southwestern this is a time when you should take the important things in your life seriously. Do not engage let competition draw you into any debates unless the outcome is very important in protecting 19. A bronchodilator (trade name Alupent) used India. in frivolous activities just now; it could prove to be stressful or harmful. You may have insights your integrity-use restraint. This could be a useful time to reflect on exactly where your priori- to treat asthma and emphysema and other lung 8. Monotypic genus of palms of Australasia. or breakthroughs regarding your living situation or life circumstances. Others value you for ties are and where you want to focus your energies. You must be practical in personal deci- sions about investments. Concerning co-workers and perhaps, friends-this marks a time when conditions. 9. Used of a single unit or thing. your independence and unique qualities. You can demonstrate great understanding of the it’s best to take it easy and let others have their way. Demanding what you want could lead to 20. A white linen liturgical vestment with sleeves. 10. A histamine blocker and antacid (trade name needs of others just now and are in a good position to communicate with those you love. Perhaps work has slowed you from spending time with loved ones. This evening is perfect for frustrations and ill feelings-you will have your day soon enough. Confiding your true feelings 21. Any of various small terrestrial isopods hav- Zantac) used to treat peptic ulcers and gastritis paying attention to those you love. to those you genuinely care about is a good idea during this time. ing a flat elliptical segmented body. and esophageal reflux. 23. A white soft metallic element that tarnishes 11. Any of various plants of the genus Althaea. readily. 12. Sluggish tailless Australian arboreal marsupial 24. (Greek mythology) The Muse of comedy and with gray furry ears and coat. Leo (July 23-August 22) Aquarius (January 20- February 18) pastoral poetry. 13. (Norse mythology) Goddess of old age who Making the most of your time today may mean that you will shuffle numbers, 26. A percussion instrument consisting of a pair defeated Thor in a wrestling match. This is a good day to devote to charity work or some other activity that helps others. You have a great love for your fellow man. You may have misgivings about what you so to speak. This could mean anything from playing bingo to making the numbers add up in of hollow pieces of wood or bone (usually held 14. A small cake leavened with yeast. have to give to others under the present planetary influences. However, it is good to remem- the professional world for which you work. Your concentration pays off and although there between the thumb and fingers) that are made 22. A period marked by distinctive character or ber that personal confidences are important. Spiritual interests are high and if you make the are plenty of interruptions on a day such as this, you are successful in whatever project is at to click together (as by Spanish dancers) in reckoned from a fixed point or event. effort and act selflessly, you can be of tremendous emotional help to a friend or family mem- hand. You are clear in your understanding of certain subjects and you may want to just listen carefully if a doubtful and stubborn person appears. Not much you can say will convince this rhythm with the dance. 25. Large antelope with lightly spiraled horns of ber. If you should feel frustrated or low in energy-do not over extend yourself. Being in the spotlight is fun this evening. There may be an opportunity to meet someone innovative now person of your position but facts will most certainly collapse any of their doubt. The numbers 29. An intensely radioactive metallic element desert regions of North Africa. and it is likely this person will be from a land far away. Today also marks a period of personal all add up this afternoon to a successful day and great future possibilities. that occurs in minute amounts in uranium ores. 27. A compartment in front of a motor vehicle growth. 31. A loose sleeveless outer garment made from where driver sits. aba cloth. 28. A bachelor's degree in science. 32. Any of a number of fishes of the family 30. Any of various plants of the genus Aralia. Virgo (August 23-September 22) Pisces (February 19-March 20) Carangidae. 33. The ninth month of the civil year. 35. An Arabic speaking person who lives in 34. The basic unit of money in Nigeria. You may look for ways to get out of what seems a rut-to meet some new and You will be extremely busy today. There may be many instances when you will Arabia or North Africa. 36. A cylindrical spikelike inflorescence. different people, or find some new and different adventure. You will need to listen carefully have to supply a solution to a particular problem. Be prepared to work hard, although this day 38. Having undesirable or negative qualities. 37. Capital and largest city of Iraq. as you could tend to be a bit single-minded. You may alienate co-workers if you are insensi- can be stimulating-full of conferences and communication. It is not a good day for going off 41. The largest continent with 60% of the earth's 39. The blood group whose red cells carry both tive and discount their ideas. It is a much better time for working on a single task than it is for onto some new track of thinking-stay focused. You could run into opposition. Make sure you multitasking, but now that you know you could be inclined to be a bit impatient-practice tak- have information to back your opinion, particularly if you feel you must express an opinion population. the A and B antigens. ing deep breaths. Try taking one thing at a time and don’t turn down help when it is offered. about some situation that could make or lose money for your company. This afternoon, life 43. Any of several plants of the genus Camassia. 40. Any of numerous low-growing cushion-form- Later, you and your friends may find yourselves enjoying a special sale or a get-together to should seem richer, more satisfying and fun-you feel a special bond with your friends and 46. A small nail. ing plants of the genus Draba having rosette- discuss your favorite hobby. Love is in full bloom during this time-it’s a good time to let some- loved ones. Go out on a date with your special someone or invite your friends over for the 49. Being six more than ninety. forming leaves and terminal racemes of small one know how you feel. evening. Everyone benefits. 50. Resembling or characteristic of or appropri- flowers with scapose or leafy stems. ate to an elegy. 42. The act of scanning. 51. A rapid bustling commotion. 44. The action of an armed force that surrounds a WORD SEARCH PUZZLE Yesterday’s Solution 52. A river in north central Switzerland that runs fortified place and isolates it while continuing to northeast into the Rhine. attack. 53. A woman who looks after babies in her own 45. A dress worn primarily by Hindu women. home while their parents are working. 47. (Old Testament) In Judeo-Christian mytholo- 54. Large and brightly colored handkerchief. gy. 57. Animal food for browsing or grazing. 48. An industrial region in the Ukraine. 59. United States industrialist who manufactured 55. An informal term for a father. plows suitable for working the prairie soil (1804- 56. (of complexion) Blemished by imperfections 1886). of the skin. 61. (biology) Of unlike parts or organs. 58. The cardinal number that is the sum of three 65. A flat wing-shaped process or winglike part of and one. an organism. 60. An Indian side dish of yogurt and chopped 68. (Greek mythology) A Titan who was forced by cucumbers and spices. Zeus to bear the sky on his shoulders. 62. A city in southern Turkey on the Seyhan River. 71. Mild yellow Dutch cheese made in balls. 63. A sharp hooked claw especially on a bird of 72. Cubes of meat marinated and cooked on a prey. skewer usually with vegetables. 64. Give expression or emotion to, in a stage or 74. A theocratic republic in the Middle East in movie role. western Asia. 66. An accidental hole that allows something 75. Herb of the Pacific islands grown throughout (fluid or light etc.) to enter or escape. the tropics for its edible root and in temperate 67. (usually followed by `to') Having the neces- areas as an ornamental for its large glossy leaves. sary means or skill or know-how or authority to 76. An interior passage or corridor onto which do something. rooms open. 69. Made of or resembling lace. 80. Negation of a word or group of words. 70. (prefix) In front of or before in space. 81. Widely cultivated in tropical and subtropical 73. Fermented alcoholic beverage similar to but regions for its fragrant flowers and colorful fruits. heavier than beer. 82. Very small species of shrubs of southern 77. A colorless and odorless inert gas. hemisphere. 78. A heavy brittle metallic element of the plat- 83. Used of a single unit or thing. inum group. DOWN 79. A white metallic element that burns with a 1. A system of one or more computers and asso- brilliant light.

Yesterday’s Solution

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Features Plastic surgeries can’t fix low self- esteem

owadays, every teen and woman is interested in the lat- wouldn’t want to look good, we all have insecurities, and every- est trend, whether it was fashion, hair styles, nail care and one would like to tweak a little here and there, but at the end of Neven cosmetic surgery. We cannot disagree on the fact the day, no matter how you look like, and whether or not you that cosmetic surgery has been the most controversial trend so decide to get surgery, it will not help your confidence complete- far, only because there is this huge confusion about how cos- ly, it will maybe help you feel better about your appearance, but metic surgery is linked to a woman’s confidence. confidence is how you carry yourself around people, and how Here’s how it goes, we think that by getting “work done” we you behave in certain situations, your answers to big questions, will look more beautiful, which is the case most of the time, and many more, not how your face or body looks like. because we are technically fixing something we do not like Again, do what makes you happy, but do not let things like about ourselves, and sometimes we are fixing something that plastic surgeries influence you in the wrong way, or take you to needs to be fixed to improve our health. However, the thought extreme ends. We are all beautiful, whether your beauty is natu- that plastic surgery will make you confident, is in my opinion, ral or you’ve had work done, we both have one thing in com- false. Studies say that over 80% of patients are satisfied with the mon, any sort of beauty is temporary, personality is what lasts results they obtain, but how many girls or women do we know forever. It’s sad to see girls being called “fake” for getting work that have had work done to their face or body and still have done, because the majority of girls worldwide have gotten some low self-esteem? Many. kind of work done, if not, fake is when people are nice to you and root for you in front of you, but stab you in the back and talk Not against plastic surgery all kind of nonsense about you. Plastic surgery is around for people who dislike Till next week! something about themselves, yes, but once they do xo change that feature to something they are more happy and comfortable with they are still left with issues or struggles between themselves on the inside, forget the not against plastic surgery, I’m all for women and doing whatev- outside. Many well-known and reputable surgeons er is good for them or whatever makes them feel good about reject patients who suffer from low self-esteem, because themselves, but I wouldn’t like to see girls or women making they believe that if they do take these patients in they these kind of decisions for the wrong reasons, because they are are trigger a highly toxic impulse and behavior within irreversible and will most likely backfire and bite you in the you the patients which makes them believe that only know what. through plastic surgery that they will feel and look beautiful. Temporary beauty Of course, we’ve all seen people who decided to Women also need to understand that being interested in get something done to them, and they ended up women or girls in social media, or known public figures looking amazing and feeling more confident than shouldn’t influence them to go around copying their every ever, but we’ve also seen people who looked bet- move. Not everyone would look good wearing the same thing, ter before surgery. This is where cosmetic surger- getting the same hair color, same makeup, speaking the same ies aren’t for everyone, and people who have or way, and that also goes for plastic surgery. Women tend to go to haven’t gotten work done still don’t feel confident the doctor’s office with a photo in hand of how they want to about themselves. It’s all about your character and look like, which is wrong. You will never look alike, you are two how you are willing to deal with things. To me, con- different people, if you want to get something done do it for fidence comes from within, it’s your vibe and ener- YOU, not to please people and not to gain the wrong type of gy that people pick up on, not how your lips, attention. nose, eyebrows or body looks like. I am definitely Looking beautiful on the outside is the icing on top, no one

Russian spies center Lady Gaga, Tony Bennett among stage in ‘The Americans’ duets set for Grammy Awards he Grammy Awards will feature a number of collabo- he Cold War is officially over, so the con- Agent Stan Beeman (Noah Emmerich), whose rative performances, including Lady Gaga with Tony cept of husband-and-wife KGB operatives own liaison with a KGB double-agent unrav- TBennett and Adam Levine with Gwen Stefani. The Tkilling, lying and spying in Washington- eled at the end of last season. Recording Academy said Tuesday that Annie Lennox will under the nose of their FBI agent neighbor- Russians mad about stereotypes also be paired with newcomer Hozier and Jessie J with Tom may seem a bit far-fetched. But the arrest this War in Syria and the crisis in Ukraine have Jones at the Feb. 8 show in Los Angeles. week of a suspected Russian agent posing as a recently plunged US-Russian ties back to the “Throughout the years, the Grammy Awards has paired New York banker lends new relevance to “The froideur of the Cold War, but Russia has for musical icons with new, upcoming artists to give fans Americans,” the critically acclaimed thriller decades offered fertile ground to American tel- remarkable performances that can only be seen on our returning to US television screens on evision writers. Next month, NBC is to premiere stage,” Recording Academy President and CEO Neil Portnow Wednesday. “Allegiance,” adapted from an Israeli series, said in a statement. “This year is no different and, once Evgeny Buryakov, 39, was captured follow- about a CIA analyst poised to discover that his again, promises to bring together unique musical worlds in ing more than two years of FBI surveillance as parents and sister were part of a Soviet sleeper innovative ways that blend genres and create new artistic he allegedly fed economic intelligence to cell. Moscow has long been the go-to enemy in boundaries.” Moscow and sought to recruit US residents as American popular culture, and Russians com- Gaga and Bennett’s duet album, “Cheek to Cheek,” is plain they are too frequently stereotyped as nominated for best traditional pop vocal album, where untrustworthy alcoholics involved in nefarious their competition includes Lennox. Hozier is nominated for politics. “Everything that contradicts these song of the year for the hit, “Take Me to Church,” while stereotypes is excluded from conversation,” Jessie J is up for best pop duo/group performance for said Dmitri Glinski, president of the Russian- “Bang Bang” with Ariana Grande and Nicki Minaj. Beyonce, speaking Community Council of Manhattan Pharrell and Sam Smith are the Grammy leaders with six and the Bronx. nominations apiece. They will all compete for the top prize, “I do think that stereotyping, reinforced by album of the year, along with Ed Sheeran and Beck. Smith, the policies of the present Russian government Sheeran and Pharrell also will take the stage. Other per- and the state of US-Russian relations, hurts the formers include AC/DC, Madonna, Grande, Eric Church, Russian immigrant community in a very major Common, John Legend, Miranda Lambert and Usher. The In this Sept 22, 2014, file photo, Lady Gaga, right, and way-and worst of all those who do not conform 57th annual Grammy Awards will air live from the Staples Tony Bennett arrive for a media event at the Brussels’ to stereotypes.” But critics say the Cold War Center on CBS. — AP city hall. — AP backdrop to “The Americans” is indispensable even if, at its core, it is a show about family. “The super structure of the Cold War told through Russian spies on American soil is genius,” said Tom Nunan of the UCLA School of Taylor Swift shakes off Theater, Film and Television. “It goes to two fun- damental things about suburbia that I think hacking on social media really elevates the show to a completely differ- In this October 8, 2012 file ent level, which is ‘do I really know who my aylor Swift on Tuesday scoffed at a hacker who took photo, US actress Keri sources. One of the central questions in “The neighbor is’ and more importantly, ‘do I really over her social media accounts and threatened to Russel and Welsh actor Americans”-which is set in the 1980s-is know who my spouse is.’” While the show is a Trelease nude pictures, with the pop star saying none Matthew Rhys pose during whether the FBI will ever cotton onto Elizabeth critical hit, twice winning the American Film existed. The singer’s Twitter and Instagram accounts were a photocall for a TV show and Philip Jennings, played by Keri Russell and Institute award for TV program of the year, its briefly seized by at least one hacker who vowed to release “The Americans” as part of Matthew Rhys. “It’s obviously got a relevance estimated weekly viewership of one to two mil- naked pictures of Swift if supporters paid enough in the the international MIPCOM today in that it parallels things that we hear in lion falls far short of the numbers registered by form of the virtual currency bitcoin. “Any hackers saying audiovisual trade show at the news,” said Robert Thompson, a professor top network shows. they have ‘nudes’?” Swift wrote after retaking control of her the Palais des Festivals, in of popular culture at Syracuse University. “Patience is a real virtue when it comes to Twitter account. “Psssh you’d love that wouldn’t you! Have Cannes, southeastern “It has all the action and intrigue of being a watching ‘The Americans,’ a show that seems to fun photoshopping cause you got NOTHING.” France. — AFP spy series, but at the same time, it’s a series move fast but is in fact excruciatingly deliber- Little was known about the presumed hacker, whose about a marriage, about a family.” Russell, who ate,” wrote a Washington Post reviewer. “Some account was suspended by Twitter. The user who threat- is dating her co-star Rhys, said the tense, slow- dissatisfied readers have told me they find the ened to release nude photos had the Twitter handle @liz- building FX show is really all about the charac- show too cold to the touch and bereft of any zard and signed as lizard in Japanese. @lizzard, in a Twitter ters. “Even in the context of this spy show, it’s hope.” biography before the account was suspended, claimed really just a look at a marriage,” Russell says. But fans sometimes find themselves rooting incongruously-to be affiliated at once with the Islamic Season three opens in 1982 — the year that for the anti-heroes-a concept firmly entrenched State extremist group, the hactivist collective Anonymous Soviet leader Leonid Brezhnev died as the Cold in the US television landscape since HBO intro- and North Korea. War appeared to be heating up. duced the world to Tony Soprano in the late Swift joked about the hacking, writing, “This is why I’m The series focuses on the KGB’s insistence 1990s. “Most of us feel we have enormous char- scared of technology.” Swift, whose “1989” was by far the that Elizabeth and Philip start grooming their acter defects and seeing them played out best-selling US album released last year, famously pulled 14-year-old daughter Paige to spy for Moscow through these crazy concepts and crazy roles is all of her music from Spotify as she said that the streaming and the arguments which that order provokes reassuring in some way,” said Nunan. “If you see service insufficiently compensated artists, charges denied between the couple. The relationship between Superman conquering everyone, how relatable by the Swedish company. But Swift is intensively active on the two-whose marriage was arranged at the is that?” — AFP other parts of the Internet. She is one of only four people start for the KGB’s purposes-is constantly tested with more than 50 million followers on Twitter. The others by the demands of their job and the love affairs are US President Barack Obama and fellow pop stars Katy they maintain with a tangled web of inform- In this December 31, 2014 file photo, US singer Taylor Perry and Justin Bieber. — AFP ants. To make matters worse, the family lives in Swift performs during New Year’s Eve celebrations at the the Washington suburbs next door to FBI Times Square in New York. — AFP lifestyle THURSDAY, JANUARY 29, 2015

Features TV star’s plastic surgery disaster tests Brazil

ndressa Urach went from being a single teenage December with a large needle made of cardboard and Purchasing power mom nicknamed “Beanpole” to a reality TV bomb- signs sending good wishes for Urach’s recovery. “Plastic surgery is so tied to this dream of becoming Ashell in Brazil thanks to silicone implants, anabolic somebody,” said Alvaro Jarrin, a College of the Holy Cross steroids, a nose job, and gel and botox injections, a fact Medical licenses professor who has researched the expansion of plastic she wasn’t ashamed to share with fans. “There are plenty While Brazil has around 5,500 certified plastic sur- surgery among low-income patients in Brazil. “For the of ugly women,” she said last year. “If you have the money, geons, another 12,000 doctors without specialized train- growing middle class with more purchasing power, plastic you can be beautiful. This pretty face you see here, my ing are performing cosmetic procedures, according to the surgery is a means for upward mobility.” Urach once said dear, it costs some.” More, it turns out, than she bargained country’s Federal Council of Medicine, which is in charge that she had her nose job “to have the face of a rich girl,” for. of medical licenses. And some women turn to paramedics, and after placing runner-up in the a 2012 beauty pageant The 27-year-old Urach, arguably Brazil’s most outspo- or even people with no medical training at all. Brazil’s that crowned Brazil’s best bottom, Urach was invited to a ken advocate of advancement through cosmetic surgery, Plastic Surgery Society said Urach was given a dose of sili- reality show where she stripped naked and became a TV recently went into septic shock and was placed on life cone gel 200 times what the government allows and used host known for incidents like pouring water on her breasts support after a botched operation to augment her thighs, a hydrogel that isn’t approved by the US Food and Drug while interviewing politicians about a drought hitting sparking a debate about the risks Brazilian women will Administration. It’s not clear where or even who carried southeast Brazil. take for beauty at a moment when the nation has sur- out the procedure on Urach; she hasn’t disclosed the For Vania Prisco, a 31-year-old Rio de Janeiro lawyer, passed the US as the world’s plastic surgery capital. information. Urach’s problems were a reminder of her own botched It led the runner-up in Brazil’s “Miss Bum Bum” contest, Despite the debate there is no sign of flagging operation. Prisco is still recovering from a 2013 surgery who is still trying to fully recover, to express regret at her demand to fight sagging flesh. Brazil recently surpassed carried out by a woman she later discovered didn’t have a decision to flaunt her surgically enhanced flesh for fame the United States in plastic surgeries, with 1.5 million pro- medical degree. The procedure was to put a type of acrylic and money. “We lose our health to get rich,” she recently cedures in 2013, according to the International Society of glass filler in her bottom to add more shape, but it result- posted on her Instagram account. “We live as if we are Aesthetic Plastic Surgery. One of Urach’s closest friends, ed in an infection that spread throughout her body and never going to die.” Since Urach’s ordeal, several celebrities Jessica Lopes, a reality TV star she met in the Miss left her hospitalized for six months. Prisco filed a police have come forward to disclose that similar procedures BumBum contest, told the celebrity news site EGO that report, but authorities have yet to locate the woman who had sent them to the hospital. In October, a 39-year-old the two used to schedule visits to the plastic surgeon carried out the procedure. woman died from a pulmonary embolism hours after together as if it were “a trip to the mall.” Many young “I was misled. I only heard the good things. No one hydrogel was injected in her buttocks in the city of women visit doctors asking to look like models such as tells you about all the problems it will cause you,” said Goiana. Urach, or at least to improve their self-esteem. Prisco. “I did something stupid. I didn’t even need this Experts and activists worry that Brazil’s culture of beau- Brazil’s Dr Ivo Pitanguy, one of the world’s top plastic because I looked good. In the end I forgot that the most ty has numbed women to the dangers and encouraged surgeons, has urged doctors to think of themselves as “a important thing is to be healthy and happy.”— AP them to experiment with riskier, untested materials and psychologist with a scalpel in his hand.” “Women’s lives methods and even unlicensed practitioners. “They are sell- changed,” said Dr Fernando de Almeida, president of the ing us these plastic surgeries, these synthetic injections Sao Paulo chapter of the Society of Plastic Surgery. “Plastic In this Nov 30, 2012 file photo, Andressa Urach competes in the Miss like it was any other product,” said Sara Winter, a women’s surgery helps women who thought their life was over just Bumbum Brazil contest in Sao Paulo, Brazil.—AP rights activist who protested on Copacabana beach in because their breasts sagged and their belly got ugly.”

Tajik TV airs films in English as language gains popularity om Cruise’s Tajik and Russian are on the way out in Tajikistan where state television has made TEnglish-without subtitles-the preferred lingo to boost opportunity in the impoverished former Soviet state. Viewers can now watch Hollywood films in the original language, which is challenging the once per- vasive Russian as most popular foreign tongue. This month Tajiks were treated to American hits in prime- time slots including “Scoop,” Woody Allen’s romantic comedy starring Scarlett Johansson and “A Few Good Men” starring Cruise-all in English. Isolated Tajikistan is the poorest ex-Soviet Central Asian state. Its economy depends heavily on remit- tances from Russia where many young men work as Street art is pictured on a building as a pedestrian passes in Malaga. — AFP photos Street art is pictured on a building as a pedestrian passes. laborers and street cleaners. Only a tiny fraction of the population know English well but many are keen to learn, hoping to study abroad or work for an interna- tional company. Dubbing films into the local language Street artists spruce is the norm in much of the former Soviet Union. “Does TV help me learn English? Of course and it’s absolutely free. But you can only understand when you have got a grip on the spoken language,” said up Spanish port Anvar, a third-year economics student who is learning English at a private language centre. But he believes it will even help improve vocabulary for those who only hen the Spanish city of Malaga wanted to clean are not yet flocking to the district. He is hoping for an “catch ‘Hi’ and ‘Bye’ and nothing more” at the moment. up its sleazy portside district, it called in the increase in business come summer. The city has issued a A reporter for Tajik state television said the channel Wpainters-big international names in the street art call for a second round of street art contributors. “There’s a picks films with “plenty of dialogue, plenty of positive, movement. In streets formerly roamed by sex workers and lot still to do before this will be a Soho like in the big cities,” memorable moments of colloquial language.” drug dealers, the faded 19th-century buildings now bear Marin said. — AFP What matters is not the popularity of Hollywood weird and wonderful murals by street artists from Britain, A man touches a street art creation on a building wall. stars but “that the viewer is able to memorize words the United States and beyond. and expressions and most importantly, hear the pro- Far from covert acts of tagging, the works were ordered nunciation,” said the reporter, on condition of by local authorities tapping in to a once-renegade art anonymity. Channel One state television shows two or movement that has now become respectable. Along with three films in English a week in the evening. The films newly pedestrianised streets, spruced-up parks and new are shown without ad breaks, unlike films shown in streetlights, they have revived the Heredia district near the Tajik or Russian. Guadalmedina river. It has now been dubbed “Soho”, after arty districts in New York and London. “The idea originally Russian losing ground came from the locals and a few businesses,” said Fernando “Showing films in English is to help those viewers Frances, director of the city’s Contemporary Art Centre and who are starting to learn English or already know it one of the organizers. but do not have enough exposure to the language. “We thought street art would contribute to giving the From films, they get a chance to hear native speakers,” cultural image that we wanted.” Among the street stars a spokesman for Tajik state television told AFP. The recruited was US artist Shepard Fairey-known for a stylized state television also shows news broadcasts in English, portrait of Barack Obama, titled “Hope”, and the iconic read by Tajiks. In 2010, the 16-year-old daughter of “Obey” face logo. A vast Fairey mural portrait of a woman President Emomali Rakhmon, Zarrina Rakhmonova, with the slogan “Peace and Liberty” adorns one side of a Artist Dadi Dreucol poses beside his street art creation read the news in English as a summer job while on 10-storey building at an entrance point to the district. on a building wall. holiday from her British school. Language courses Opposite soars a design by British street artist D*Face, a teaching English have proliferated. Many are eager to giant close-up face-shot of a deranged fighter pilot. go abroad to study, particularly to the United States, or hope to work at an international organization Street to the net where English is a job requirement. Traditionally a secretive genre ranging from graffiti to “In Tajikistan, the number of those who speak or stickers, stencils and cunning visual illusions, street art are studying English is several times higher than in the boomed in the 1980s and has since gone mainstream. Soviet Union,” said Parvon Dzhamshedov, the head of Some of Fairey’s works, for example, have been bought by Tajikistan’s association of English teachers. The num- museums. But Frances said it was not always easy to track bers are still tiny however, he said. “Out of more than 8 down the artists, many of whom still work anonymously million people, only three or four percent know and without authorization. He managed to get hold of English,” mainly school pupils and students, particular- about 50 artists, however, and gave them free rein to ly in the capital, Dzhamshedov said. brighten up the district’s public walls and shopfronts. During the Soviet era, Russian was widely taught in Among them was Dadi Dreucol, a 26-year-old local Tajikistan. Dozens of newspapers and magazines Spanish artist, who painted bizarre murals of black masked came out in Russian and many schools taught all their figures. Dreucol has been painting since he was 12 but says Street art is pictured on the corner of a building as pedestrians pass. lessons in Russian. In the late 1990s, however, the scene has taken off lately thanks to the internet. President Rakhmon issued a decree that citizens “Before, you had to go where the paintings were” to see should study both Russian and English. Yet most them, he said. “Now you paint in the street, someone takes Russian speakers left the country after the 1991 a photo and a second later it’s been sent and people can breakup of the Soviet Union, followed by a devastat- see it in Japan.” Taking part in the project in his home city ing civil war in Tajikistan, and today there is a lack of brought his work to the attention of a German gallery, Russian teachers to work in schools. In 1989, the coun- which has granted him a three-month work placement. try had 8 percent Russian (ethnic) population, while in 2010 it was 0.46 percent Waiting for shoppers Russian films are still shown daily on all Tajik televi- The street art has also improved life for some of sion channels, and Tajiks can also watch news broad- Malaga’s other 568,000 inhabitants. Antonio Mancera, 63, casts in Russian. But English is increasingly seen as the smiles proudly at the scaly chameleon design on the wall key to economic opportunity and “Russian is starting of his house by the Belgian artist Roa. He offers to show vis- to lose ground to English,” said Latofat Saidova, a lin- itors around the district’s various murals. guist. Already a few international conferences held in “There was a desire to revive this neighborhood,” he the capital Dushanbe have used English, rather than said. Locals hoped the murals would lure tourists who gen- Russian, as the second language. “Better-off young erally shun the Malaga waterfront in favor of beaches fur- people who are studying English try to leave and go ther along the coast. Now the street art has landed, some to Western countries, to the US,” she said. “You want to are trickling by. “It is often their children who find out there go and study abroad? Then learn English.” — AFP is a street art scene” and take their parents to see it, said one local artist, Javier Calleja. Authorities have held concerts and exhibitions, encour- aging shops and art galleries to set up in the district. Pedro Marin Cots, top town-planning official in city hall, said 34 businesses have been opened or renovated in the area since the project launched in July 2013. Among them is a bicycle shop set up by Javier Marin, a 27-year-old with a hipster beard and horn-rimmed glasses. Eight months after opening, however, he said shoppers Street art is pictured on a buildings. lifestyle THURSDAY, JANUARY 29, 2015 FASHION

Models present creations by Stephane Rolland during the 2015 Haute Couture Spring- Summer collection fashion show on January 27, 2015 in Paris. —AP/AFP photos

US actress Kristen Stewart poses prior to attend Chanel 2015 Haute Couture Spring-Summer collection fashion show at the Grand Palais in Paris. — AFP Kristen Stewart, Robin Wright hit politically-minded couture

wilight” star Kristen Stewart stunned West during the time of blond bombshell crowds at Chanel’s Paris couture show Brigitte Bardot. Armani’s celebrity-filled, ‘TTuesday, revealing an edgy bob in a “The new cleavage is the stomach,” instruct- oriental bamboo show white Chanel sleeveless mini-dress that ed Lagerfeld. Elsewhere there were flashes of Wright chatted and laughed with her “X- showed the 24-year-old is fashion savvy other eras, reimagined. Hemlines often went men: The Last Stand” actor partner, Foster, a beyond her age. south to the prudish pre-Sixties midcalf. relative newcomer on the red carpet circuit. But the second day of spring-summer col- Large-brimmed straw “picture hats” from the They shared the Armani front row with lections primarily belonged to couturier-cum- Fifties were given an imaginative twist with a actresses Paz Vega, Juliette Binoche and Kristin social psychologist Karl Lagerfeld. Chanel’s black, tulle trim. Or cloche hats, embellished Scott Thomas, who has recently said she’s quit- designer apparently happened upon a politi- ting cinema. In the gentle, 68-piece collection, cal solution and the perfect antidote to the it was all about Oriental musing for the octo- Paris terror attacks: Flowers. Golden Globe-winner Robin Wright, mean- while, rocked Giorgio Armani’s show in a demure black and gray menswear look - with a perfect menswear accessory, boyfriend actor Ben Foster - 15 years her junior. Here are the tidbits and highlights from the 2015 haute couture collections, including show reports for Stephane Rolland, Armani Prive, and Chanel.

he said by the giant paper pop-up garden. “I’m lucky... I live in a very protected world (in fashion.) I can keep something like a dream reality but it’s not a reality of daily life,” he added, before reaching out for his trademark glass of coke zero that was being patiently held by a butler on a silver platter.

Stephane Rolland continues Paris nude trend Kate Hudson flashed a buttock at Versace, Rick Owens showed male models’ genitals, and now couturier Stephane Rolland is at it, exposing a model’s breasts at his other- wise demure and fairy- like couture with feathers and beads came on long, loose fluttery silk gowns from the Twenties that were modernized with a trim at the hem. Then there were the incredible, 3-D flower embroideries that evoked the set, billowing across shoulders or at the bottom of coats, resembling a couture gem mine. Lagerfeld called it “the flower women of the 21st cen- Lagerfeld’s pop-up book tury.” genarian Italian couturier. A set of Chanel’s shows are always the hottest ticket haphazardly placed bamboo in town - a moment where ambitious Lagerfeld Lagerfeld invents flower columns acted as catwalk obstacles asks the earth in set design, and always gets his women for the models who filed by devastat- way. Recent shows have included an imported as therapy for terror ingly stylishly (and slowly) in silk looks forest, a spaceship, huge wind turbines, a It’s been a bleak time this that featured bamboo prints and large supermarket, and even an entire boulevard. So January following Paris’ worst statement Chinese sashes. The delicate the initial feeling was one of disappointment terror attacks in decades. structure of the Orient was evoked in the when faced with Tuesday’s rather bland cou- Eccentric Kaiser Karl says that jacket silhouette, which featured in nearly ture set of a forest made of white paper. But it the Chanel show was just the half of the catwalk looks. There was a was, of course, a trick. antidote. “Especially after notable, transparent quality to some of the As soon as the show began, dashing male this dark, awful beginning voluminous culottes in gazar, or the almost models entered the catwalk area armed with to the year there was watery bamboo-effect lace tops. — AP watering cans. Lo and behold, the white paper something like this need- flowers unfurled magically to spawn huge ed.. There’s some- tropical colored blossoms, and vivid 3-D Venus thing about flytraps opened. Guests had been transported flowers,” into a flower pop-up book, which had taken six months to build. “For people who don’t like to read, pop up books are the best,” quipped the ever- cutting couturier. show. The French designer’s spring-sum- Chanel’s 21ST mer display explored his century flower signature themes in a slightly women more diaphanous direction There than usual: Full skirts in gazar, was a joyous oversized organic embroideries, feeling in the and stylish column silhouettes that air at Chanel. showed off the natural beauty of the silk Perhaps it was fibers. to do with the This season he forwent his go-to color, red, fun surrealism for a subtler palette with lashings of white. of the sculpted Crinoline was used to great effect underneath papers flowers, or diaphanous sheer tulle skirts, and, at the end, maybe it came from the clothes guests were amazed by a series of revealing themselves: youthful, colorful, fresh and ball gowns. One in black showed off the nip- served with a twist of the freedom of the ples - and the final number, a white decon- 1960s Sexual Revolution. Circular stand up col- structed bridal gown with a crisscross struc- lars, A-line minis, bolero jackets and daringly ture, exposed the just-married model’s never- low exposed midriffs defined many of the sil- ending legs. It may well have encouraged the houettes - the latter first popularized in the best man to ogle. lifestyle THURSDAY, JANUARY 29, 2015 FASHION

Models present creations by Giorgio Armani Prive during the 2015 Haute Couture Spring-Summer collection fashion show. Kristen Stewart, Robin Wright hit politically-minded couture

THURSDAY, JANUARY 29, 2015 38

HONG KONG: A man walks past Chinese New Year decorations outside a shopping mall yesterday. The Chinese lunar new ‘year of the sheep’ begins on February 19. — AFP Tourists give hope to residents of battered Lebanese city s the tour group made its way through the prospective visitors. where most of the historic architecture was blast- narrow alleys of the seaside city of Tripoli, ed to rubble during the civil war or demolished Amarveling at its medieval architecture, res- More of an Arabic taste by developers who have rebuilt the city as a jum- idents stared back at a sight that for them was “A good friend who works in state security ... ble of concrete high-rises. “I’m 26, I’m Lebanese just as exotic - visitors in their poor, restive corner told me it is calm,” Minkara wrote. “I mean if Paris and I don’t know Tripoli. It’s shameful,” said Beirut of Lebanon. “Foreigners!” residents called out to is not safe anymore, why would (you) be scared art gallery director Marc Mouarkech. “It feels like each other as the group of around 30 Lebanese of Tripoli?” She managed to reassure the group of the whole country has moved on a bit and Tripoli and foreign tourists made their way through the 12 Lebanese and 18 foreigners - mostly aid work- didn’t.” The tour group wasn’t able to see the Old City’s labyrinth of cobblestone alleys, snap- ers and students living in Lebanon, from places sweeping interior of the Great Mosque because In this Saturday, Jan 17, 2015 photo, tourists visit the Mamulk-era Great Mosque, during ping pictures of centuries-old archways and as diverse as Argentina, Iran, and Denmark. They it was closed for prayers. At the domed Mamluk- a day trip in the northern city of Tripoli, Lebanon. — AP photos graceful minarets. “We put you on our heads!” spilled out of a bus at the Al-Tal clock tower, built era bathhouse men, waited patiently to bathe as coffee seller Abu Mohammed, 65, said, using a by an Ottoman sultan. Soldiers patrolled nearby, Minkara showed the tourists around. traditional Arabic greeting for honored guests. shoe shiners tapped their blocks, and vendors At the St George Greek Orthodox Church, Tourists visiting Lebanon can ski in the moun- pushed carts of sesame-studded bread stuffed they admired a collection of golden icons and tains, frolic on sandy Mediterranean beaches, with cheese. met Father Ibrahim Sarrouj, whose library was traipse around Roman ruins or stay out all night The group was led past stately buildings with burned down last year amid specious rumors at Beirut’s frenetic clubs. But Lebanese and for- Ottoman-style vaulted ceilings and ornate that he had insulted Islam. Christian and Muslim eign visitors alike have stayed away from the French-inspired balconies. They plunged into volunteers rebuilt the library together. Sarrouj mainly Sunni northern city of Tripoli as violence has flared over the conflict in neighboring Syria. Mira Minkara, 35, hopes to help revive her city by introducing visitors, both foreigners and Lebanese, to its rich cultural heritage. “I’m pas- sionate about my city,” said the tour guide, who has led a dozen groups through Tripoli over the past year, charging around $20 per person. “I see there is a hunger for people to discover this old city ... that everybody is scared of.” The outbreak of the Syrian civil war aggravat- ed tensions in Tripoli between the residents of Tourists walk around an abandoned Turkish bath known as the ‘Nouri Hamam,’ built in the Medieval Mamluk era. Bab Al-Tabbaneh, an impoverished Sunni neigh- borhood where residents support the Syrian uprising, and neighboring Jebel Mohsen, whose residents share Syrian President Bashar Assad’s Alawite faith and largely support him. Gunmen Local Greek Orthodox priest Ibrahim Sarrouj Sheik Kamal Al-Zoabi, a Muslim mystic, speaks from the two neighborhoods have clashed at speaks during an interview at the St George during an interview at an abandoned Turkish least 20 times since 2012, regularly paralyzing Greek Orthodox Church. bath known as the ‘Nouri Hamam,’ built in the the city and in effect isolating it from the rest of Medieval Mamluk era. the country. Poverty has helped fuel Islamic extremism and support for radical groups fight- narrow bazaars built by the Mamluks - a Muslim lamented the fortunes of his city, but said the ing in Syria runs high. A suicide bombing at a dynasty that pried the city back from the tourists gave him hope. “A small bird is a sign of cafe earlier this month killed nine people. Crusaders in 1289 - where they elbowed past the coming spring,” he said. Then the visitors Former Tourism Minister Fadi Abboud said the shops selling clothes, gold jewelry and sweet departed, a church worker dimmed the lights, number of tourists has dropped from thousands cheese rolled with cream and rose-petal jam, a and they prepared for a funeral. — AP to hundreds in recent years - mostly Lebanese Tripoli delicacy. “It’s very different from other stopping to sample the city’s famed sweets on Lebanese cities,” said Guglielmo Gori, 26, an their way to the mountains. Minkara is the only Italian student living in Beirut. “It is more Islamic, tour operator taking foreigners to Tripoli, and her it has more of an Arabic taste.” trips are sometimes delayed because of violence. Shortly after the Jan 8 suicide bombing, she A small bird sought to ease concerns in an email to a group of Most of the tourists had come from Beirut, A tourist takes a photograph with her phone.

A tourist from Argentina takes a photograph with her tablet computer of a Tour guide Mira Minkara, center, explains a local Ottoman site. Tour guide Mira Minkara, second right, talks about the history of the St George woman selling foraged greens. Greek Orthodox Church.