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THURSDAY, AUGUST 24, 2017 THULHIJJA 2, 1438 AH www.kuwaittimes.net Incorrect data on Trump lashes Iran extends Rooney calls residency permits out at reach with fight time on leave traveling media in for land link to England expats confused2 Arizona6 rally Mediterranean11 despite16 recall Egypt slams US decision to Min 31º Max 46º cut aid over rights concerns High Tide 01:46 & 13:14 Low Tide Kushner meets Arab leaders • Iran, Saudis to exchange diplomatic visits 07:35 & 20:14 32 PAGES NO: 17314 150 FILS News Zain publishes annual in brief MoH reviews exemptions sustainability report KUWAIT: The health ministry is reviewing its decision to exempt certain categories from the increased health fees Bader Al-Kharafi: Zain Group a pioneer for expats that will go into effect from Oct 1. MPs have been objecting to the exclusion of tens of thousands of KUWAIT: Zain Group, the leading mobile Commissioners for Refugees (UNHCR), The expats from the new charges. Health Minister Jamal Al- telecom innovator with a presence in Whitaker Peace Development Initiative, Harbi formed a team to review these categories, which will eight markets across the Middle East and Child Helpline International (CHI), REFU- submit its report by mid-Sept. Sources said the team will Africa, announced the publi- NITE and Facebook. likely remove health ministry workers and their relatives cation of its sixth annual sus- Additionally, the document from the exemption list due to their large numbers (more tainability report, entitled communicates Zain’s triple than 50,000), and lack of any justification to exempt them. ‘Innovate for a Sustainable bottom line approach (social, Future’. The release of this lat- environmental and econom- est report, which is aligned ic) to all stakeholders. Call to free Kuwaiti with the United Nations Commenting on the Guiding Principles (UNGP) release of the report, Zain KUWAIT: MP Abdulkareem Al-Kandari called on the and adheres to the G4 Vice-Chairman and Group foreign ministry yesterday to act to secure the reporting guidelines set by CEO, Bader Al-Kharafi said, release of a Kuwaiti citizen who has been jailed for the Global Reporting “Zain Group is renowned for the past 11 days in the Turkish city of Moula. CAIRO: Egyptian President Abdel Fattah Al-Sisi (right) poses for a photograph with Initiative (GRI), reinforces being a pioneer across many Senior White House Advisor Jared Kushner at the presidential palace yesterday. — AFP Zain Group’s position as one Zain Vice-Chairman of its different activities and & Group CEO Bader CAIRO: Egypt’s president and foreign ways to revive Israeli-Palestinian peace of the most consistently this has also become true of New Qatar maid law Al-Kharafi DOHA: Qatar has approved a law limiting domestic staff to minister met White House adviser Jared talks, which last collapsed in 2014. transparent mobile operators our sustainability report. I a maximum of 10 hours’ work a day. The “Domestic Kushner yesterday, just hours after the A modified version of Foreign Minister in the MENA region given the depth of urge as many corporate entities and peo- Employment Law” also orders employers to pay staff Trump administration cut or delayed Sameh Shoukry’s schedule had earlier information it openly shares. ple as possible to review this latest report wages at the end of each month and entitles workers to at hundreds of millions of dollars in aid to showed the meeting with Kushner can- Zain’s 2016 report details the compa- and perhaps gain some inspiration for least one day off per week and an annual leave of three Cairo over human rights concerns. celled, which was widely seen as a snub ny’s sustainability agenda, highlighting key themselves of the types of activities that weeks. They will also receive end-of-service benefits equat- Kushner, who is also President Donald in protest at the aid cuts. But Shoukry lat- partnerships and commitments with glob- can be entered into to help uplift society.” ing to a minimum of three weeks wages for each year of Trump’s son-in-law, was in Cairo as part er sat in on Kushner’s meeting with al entities such as the United Nations High (See Page 3) service when their contract ends. (See Page 11) of a Middle East tour aimed at exploring Continued on Page 11 LOCAL THURSDAY, AUGUST 24, 2017 News Incorrect data on residency permits In brief leave traveling expatriates confused

‘3 nationalities may not travel, others must sign undertaking to correct data’

By Ben Garcia problem and if expats will be stopped department has set up a special counter correct their records or they’ll be barred from traveling continues to worry those specifically to deal with the incorrect from leaving the country. KUWAIT: Confusion over incorrect data planning for their leaves. In order to clari- data problem. Dudes Valiente, a Filipino national, is on work visas left many expats stranded fy the issue, Kuwait Times visited the “If they want to correct their data, confused and concerned regarding the and unable to travel out of Kuwait for Immigration Department in Mishref yes- applicants must come personally and matter. “On my Civil ID it is clear August holiday recently. Continued confusion terday and spoke to immigration officials submit to us a filled application form (to 22, 1988 but on my passport October 22, about who is affected, how to correct the regarding the problem. The immigration be completed at the typing department). 1988. My real birth date should be They should attach copies of their pass- October but my civil ID says August. It is port and civil ID along with their mar- not my mistake, it’s a mistake by the riage contract (if married) attaching immigration department. Now, it copies of wife’s or husband’s civil IDs,” becomes a problem and I told them explained the Immigration officer on before they have not corrected it, but duty. Earlier security sources clarified they said, it’s okay,” Valiente said. Kuwaiti Ministry of Finance’s Assistant Undersecretary that expats with incorrect data will not Another expat expressed her concern for Economic Affairs Sulaiman Al-Abduljalil be barred from leaving the country - but regarding documents and transactions in will be asked to sign an undertaking to case her number will be changed: “This is Arab economic ties correct their data once they are back scary! I am scheduled to take a vacation CAIRO: Arab nations should work together as one cohe- from vacation. this coming September and I am aware sive unit to ensure that all strategies laid out by economic However, three nationalities - those that my passport’s birth date does not and social councils in the region ultimately come to from Iran, Iraq and Syria - will be strictly matching the one in my civil ID. I tried to fruition, said a Kuwaiti official yesterday. Speaking to prohibited and barred from leaving the correct this a long time ago but the KUNA on the sidelines of the 100th session of the Arab country if there are discrepancies over immigration department at that time Economic and Social Council, the Kuwaiti Ministry of date of birth or other information on their told me it really doesn’t matter. Should I Finance’s Assistant Undersecretary for Economic Affairs Sulaiman Al-Abduljalil, said that the session brought passports and residency permits. Last go to the immigration department now together senior officials from across the Arab economic week, the Director General of Kuwait to correct it or what?” a Filipina nurse spectrum. On issues discussed, Al-Abduljalil, who heads International Airport, Major General Walid asked. “I exist based on this national civil the Kuwaiti delegation to the session, said that talks cen- Al-Saleh, said authorities discovered that ID I’ve got here ever since, what is the tered on plans to boost cooperation between Arab many expats have conflicting data on assurance that my record since I entered nations in the economic realm. He pointed out that offi- KUWAIT: Some expats are pictured at the Immigration Department. Confusion over their passports and residency permits. He Kuwait will not be compromised? I need incorrect data on work visas has left many expats stranded and unable to travel out cials also examined how far progress has come on deci- announced to the expats community to to be assured of that,” she said. of Kuwait for holiday. sions made in previous meetings, all of which aim to pro- vide Arab countries with the opportunity to work closely together in the economic arena. The Kuwaiti official added that a slew of forthcoming meetings are on the horizon, including an Arab-South American summit set to No ‘plastic rice’ in Kuwait take place in Venezuela in 2018.

New electricity tariffs MoH official to be prosecuted KUWAIT: Assistant Undersecretary of the Ministry of Electricity and Water for Planning and Training Dr Mashaan Al-Otaibi said the new electricity and water KUWAIT: Ministry of Commerce and plaint are being taken seriously to safe- rates will encourage consumers to rationalize con- Industry announced yesterday that the guard the consumers’ safety, and to protect sumption. The new rates, that came into force in the Kuwaiti market is safe and free from any them from being victims of any commercial investment sector on Tuesday; are five fils (nearly “plastic rice” products after receiving test fraud. In another development, Kuwait $0.016) per kWh and two dinars ($6.63) per 1,000 results from the ministry’s labs. Following Anti-Corruption Authority (NAZAHA) imperial gallons of water, he said. “The new tariffs took rumors that were spreading on the social announced yesterday that a senior official effect in the commercial sector in May and the tariffs networks related to the “plastic rice,” the of the Ministry of Health was referred to the of the government sector will rise from two fils to 25 ministry started to collect samples from Public Prosecution on counterfeiting fils (some $0.082) per kWh and from KD 0.8 to KD 4 various outlets all over the country, aiming charges. NAZAHA said in a statement that ($13.27) per 1,000 gallons as of November 22, 2017,” Dr to confirm safety and to ensure that only the official was referred to the prosecution, Al-Otaibi noted. “The ministry started implementing safe products are in the market, a state- as part of continuing efforts aimed at com- the new program of increasing the tariffs of water and ment by the ministry said. bating corruption and punishing those electricity after finalizing all accounts of the invest- All products that enter Kuwait are being involved in it. ment sector and making sure that there are no con- closely inspected before reaching con- The authority added that it had started sumers in debt. “The Ministry consumes 350,000 bar- sumers, and Kuwait is one of the top coun- inspecting, collecting evidences and listen- rels of oil a day to generate power and this figure tries in the area that applies the highest ing to witnesses on the case, affirming could hit two million bpd in 2035 if extravagant con- requirement standards on imported prod- “there are serious proofs substantiating the sumption continued,” he added. He commended the ucts, the statement added. It urged the suspicions” surrounding the accused offi- Amiri vision for replacing 15 percent of Kuwait’s total people not to promote any false informa- cial. NAZAHA affirmed its readiness to power consumption by renewable energy by 2030. tion on social networks, which is consid- receive any tip or information about sus- ered a strong media for news and informa- pected corruption cases or misappropria- KUWAIT: Photo shows a bag of plastic rice. The Ministry of Commerce and Industry tion could create panic in the society. The tion with public funds and any other cor- announced yesterday that the Kuwaiti market is safe and free from any “plastic rice” GCC, UN seal deal ministry affirmed that all presented com- ruption offense. — Agencies products after receiving test results from the ministry’s labs. RIYADH: The GCC and the United Nations Environment Program signed a cooperation agreement for four envi- ronmental conservation projects yesterday. The deal, signed by GCC Secretary General Abdullatif Al-Zayani and UNEP Executive Director Erik Solheim, is in line with GCC ministerial decisions and UN Sustainable Development Goals 2030, read a GCC Secretariat statement. The deal calls to implement “important environmental projects” across GCC countries, in cooperation with the UN agency, aimed at the conservation of natural resources in order to achieve sustainable development. It includes the study of the impacts of land fills on the marine environment, the development of data for air quality, the updating of sound management of chemicals guidelines and the preparation of a report on the state of the environment in the GCC.

Private housing business KUWAIT: Stability of property deals and oil prices con- tributed to decline of the housing key index and The Eastern School for Girls was given the name of ‘Museum of Modern Art’ checking inflation which edged up 1.4 percent in Q2 2017 as compared to Q2 2016, Kuwait Finance House said. KFH said in a report (covering Q2 2017) that infla- Old schools - Monuments of historical value tion stood at 1.4 percent due to rise of its main compo- nents except for housing which dropped in Q2 by 2.3 KUWAIT: The old schools in Kuwait are no importance of preserving these buildings. students of that school. In 2012, the coun- National Council, which kicked off with percent on yearly basis. In light of abundant housing longer merely witnesses to an important “The council is keen to preserve the old cil celebrated the 100th anniversary of for- the beginning of the Kuwaiti fine arts. The units, availability of more land plots and construction era in the modern history of Kuwaitis, they buildings, including the schools that have mal education by opening the Mubarakiya museum also conducts courses, exhibi- permits, prices of private housing stabilized relatively have become monuments of historical and been turned into museums,” said Fatima Al- School as a museum of formal education tions and photography. in this year’s first and second quarters. Average price of sentimental value which are linked to the Qabandi, the supervisor of historic build- in Kuwait, she stated. Al-Qabandi said that the Eastern School a square meter in the private housing sector reached renaissance of education in the country. As ings at the NCCAL said in an interview with She also recalled the Eastern School for was established in 1946 to accommodate KD 700 (some $2,000). Likewise, rates in the invest- society of old showed admiration and love Kuwait News Agency. Girls, which was established between the increasing number of students, includ- ment and commercial sectors had a measure of stabili- to these aged facilities, the current genera- She pointed out that the council start- 1938 and 1939, saying it started as a ing His Highness the Amir Sheikh Sabah Al- ty. Value of property transactions dropped in Q2 by 22 tion followed in their footsteps, believing it ed the process with the Mubarakiya school for boys; however, after the Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah and others who percent as compared to the same period last year, would be essential to turn such schools school, which was established in 1911 by a increase in the number of female stu- held leadership positions. In 2006, the posting KD 518 million (some $1.7 billion). Number of into museums. donation from the people of Kuwait. It is dents, it was turned into a school for girls. council opened a school, which was given transactions reached 1,533 rising 21 percent. The transformation of old schools into considered the first regular school in The Council in 2001 started restoration the name of “Maritime Museum”, which dis- museums is a commendable step taken by Kuwait. She added that the school was and maintenance of the building, she plays marine life in ancient times. The the National Council for Culture, Arts and named Mubarakiya after late ruler of said. Al-Qabandi said that the school was museum consists of various sections Inmate commits suicide Literature (NCCAL) for the preservation of Kuwait Sheikh Mubarak Al-Sabah, noting opened by the Council in 2008 within the including a section on the emergence of antiquities, following the issuance of Amiri that the school was managed by Sheikh framework of Al-Qurain cultural festival Kuwait as a maritime nation in the late 20th By Hanan Al-Saadoun Decree No 1, the first law of archeology to Yusuf Al-Qena’i. She said that Astronomer and was given the name of “Museum of century, the manufacture of sailing vessels be issued by the state in recognition of the Dr Saleh Al-Ajairi and Fahd Al-Askar were Modern Art”. It includes a collection of the and other maritime professions. — KUNA KUWAIT: Interior Ministry Relations and Security Information said a Gulf national inmate hanged himself in his cell using prisoner’s uniform. Investigations are under- way to find out the circumstances of the incident and his motive.

KUWAIT: Residency detectives busted a bogus domestic help office that cheated citizens and expats. Asians who The National Council for Culture, Arts and Literature (NCCAL) transformed Al- were running the office sold drugs and carried out vice Mubarakiya school to the museum of formal education in Kuwait. —KUNA photos Arts collections at the National Council for Culture, Arts and Literature (NCCAL) activities. They were all sent to concerned authorities. THURSDAY, AUGUST 24, 2017 LOCAL Zain publishes annual sustainability report

KUWAIT: Zain Group, the leading mobile telecom innovator with a pres- ence in eight markets across the Middle 2016 Report includes East and Africa, announces the publica- tion of its sixth annual sustainability a new key section report, entitled ‘Innovate for a demonstrating the Sustainable Future’. The release of this latest report, which is aligned with the company’s commitment United Nations Guiding Principles (UNGP) and adheres to the G4 report- to the United Nations’ ing guidelines set by the Global Reporting Initiative (GRI), reinforces Sustainable Zain Group’s position as one of the Development Goals most consistently transparent mobile operators in the MENA region given the depth of information it openly shares. nomic development and promoting Zain’s 2016 report details the com- the innovative potential of the region, pany’s sustainability agenda, highlight- especially in regards to the youth. It is ing key partnerships and commitments clear to us that the more we do in this with global entities such as the United area, the more that remains to be done, Nations High Commissioners for and we are up to the challenge of fur- Refugees (UNHCR), The Whitaker Peace ther implementing initiatives that are Development Initiative, Child Helpline impacting all our stakeholders for a International (CHI), REFUNITE and greater good.” Facebook. Additionally, the document communicates Zain’s triple bottom line Commitment to sustainability approach (social, environmental and Al-Kharafi concluded, “I would like economic) to all stakeholders. to acknowledge all the Zain people Available exclusively online through across the Group and operations who an interactive interface that is user- are working so diligently to achieve friendly, and which also minimizes the our sustainability goals. It is not by company’s environmental impact, this accident that we have become one of year’s publication has a key new devel- the most recognizable and appreciat- opment. The report includes a section ed brands in the region, and we shall demonstrating the company’s ongoing continue earning this accolade commitment to align its policies and through our transparency and the ini- activities with the United Nations’ tiatives we drive.” Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), Zain’s commitment to sustainability highlighting launched and established is reflected in the long list of activities initiatives across all operating compa- and initiatives the company runs in any in highly visible corporate sustainability tition that offers participants seed mon- nies that address the goals. pursuits such as Zain Jordan’s collabora- ey, training, media exposure, and net- Report highlights Zain’s tion with the UNHCR and Facebook to working opportunities. provide free hi-speed Wi-Fi connectivity efforts in developing for refugees and underserved communi- ‘Innovate for Refugees’ ties in pre-selected centers across the A record 6,000 teams (representing a youth-focused Kingdom, with the project set to be in over 12,000 individuals) submitted to place for five years. the competition. Additionally, Zain entrepreneurial partnered the MITEF ‘Innovate for environment Supporting the underprivileged Refugees’ competition that invited Other examples highlighted, entrepreneurs and refugees from include flagship operator - Zain Kuwait around the world to come up with donating a sizeable amount in 2016 to tech-driven, innovative solutions to ‘Girls in Tech’ support the education of underprivi- help address the global refugee crisis. Established in 2014 Jordan’s Zain leged children in Kuwait as part of its The initiative attracted over 1,600 Innovation Campus (ZINC) is again high- ongoing humanitarian strategic part- applications from across the globe. lighted in the report. A space dedicated nership with the Kuwait Red Crescent Zain Iraq hosted a startup weekend in to cultivating innovative ideas and start- Society. This partnership aims to create Baghdad, Iraq, which provided a work- ups, during 2016 ZINC hosted various and develop inclusivity when it comes shop in which students and other events that aimed to address the skill to providing access to education for young Iraqis were brought together to mismatch that our region faces. One key marginalized segments in Kuwait. pitch their entrepreneurial ideas to initiative was centered around cyber Focusing on developing its 7,000-tal- assembled judges and members of the security and women, with ZINC hosting ented workforce, Zain provided more audience. While, in Sudan, Zain spon- the ‘Girls in Tech’- Jordan Chapter for the than 115,000 hours of training to its sored the country’s first business accel- first Tech Talk that covered cyber securi- ty, privacy, and what precautions women need to take when assaulted Zain Vice-Chairman and Group CEO Bader Al-Kharafi: online. Overall, ZINC attracted 15,791 young aspiring attendees over the year. ‘Initiatives we undertake are impacting all our Jennifer Suleiman, Zain Group’s Head of Corporate Sustainability con- stakeholders for a greater good’ cluded, “Our latest report highlights that we continue to do the things that Zain Vice-Chairman & Group CEO Bader Al-Kharafi actually matter for our stakeholders employees across operations with an erator program to promote a more and for the environment as we build Pioneering role given year, many of which are high- average of 20 hours of training per startup friendly and innovative ecosys- strong links in the communities in Commenting on the release of the lighted within the latest report. All employee during 2016. Zain Group has tem in the country. which we operate. It is highly satisfying report, Zain Vice-Chairman and Group operating companies continue to drive always been known as a strong con- Addressing a major deficit of ‘skills to see the mix between our more CEO, Bader Al-Kharafi said, “Zain Group the sustainability agenda through tributor to employment across its mar- mismatch’ in the region, Zain contin- mature sustainability activities and the is renowned for being a pioneer across activities such as the introduction of kets, though this year’s report identi- ued in its efforts to narrow the gap new initiatives, which continue to push many of its different activities and this Zain Cash in Iraq and re-launch in fies the extent to which its operations with Zain Bahrain holding a ‘Youth the boundaries of what organizations has also become true of our sustainabil- Jordan, of which a case study is provid- have a knock-on effect in their respec- City ICT Jobs’ workshop to educate such as ours can achieve in this area. ity report. I urge as many corporate ed in the Report, offering a view on tive countries of operation creating a youth about job potential in the ICT We pledge to continue learning and entities and people as possible to how the commercial service provides a significant amount of jobs through its sector that was attended by 80 high improving, and sharing our experiences review this latest report and perhaps secure and convenient means to con- value chain by providing more business school students. Similarly, based on a with the view to our successes being iden- gain some inspiration for themselves of duct financial transactions. to local suppliers. During 2016, Zain Silicon Valley curriculum, Zain Jordan tified and replicated by other corporate the types of activities that can be With approximately 90% of the popu- also continued to focus on further undertook ‘ReBoot Kamp’, a 16-week pro- entities across the region.” entered into to help uplift society.” lation unbanked in Iraq and a high per- developing the entrepreneurial and gram designed to produce high quality Zain’s sustainability report, ‘Innovate The Vice-Chairman and Group CEO centage in Jordan as well, Zain Cash has youth-focused ecosystem through ini- software engineers that saw 17 students for a Sustainable Future’ is published exclusively online and can be viewed on continued, “We firmly believe that cor- a significant positive impact on the soci- tiatives such as its participation in the graduated from this course in 2016, with www.zain.com/social-responsibility/sus- porate entities should play a pivotal ety as it helps address economic dispari- MIT Enterprise Forum (MITEF) Startup two students being refugees and all par- tainability-reports/. role by actively supporting socio-eco- ty. The company has also been involved Competition, a regional startup compe- ticipants attaining quality jobs thereafter. THURSDAY, AUGUST 24, 2017 LOCAL

KUWAIT: His Highness the Crown Prince Sheikh Nawaf Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah received Deputy Prime His Highness the Crown Prince Sheikh Nawaf Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah met with the National Assembly Minister and Minister of Interior Sheikh Khaled Al-Jarrah Al-Sabah. — KUNA photos Speaker Marzouq Ali Al-Ghanem.

His Highness the Crown Prince Sheikh Nawaf Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah holds talks with His Highness the Prime His Highness the Crown Prince Sheikh Nawaf Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah received First Deputy Prime Minister Minister Sheikh Jaber Al-Mubarak Al-Hamad Al-Sabah. and Foreign Minister Sheikh Sabah Al-Khaled Al-Hamad Al-Sabah. Crown Prince meets top officials

KUWAIT: His Highness the Crown Prince Sheikh Nawaf Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah yesterday received the National Assembly Speaker Marzouq Ali Al-Ghanem at Bayan Palace. His Highness Sheikh Nawaf also hosted His Highness the Prime Minister Sheikh Jaber Al-Mubarak Al-Hamad Al-Sabah, First Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Sheikh Sabah Al-Khaled Al-Hamad Al-Sabah and Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Interior Sheikh Khaled Al-Jarrah Al-Sabah. — KUNA Inflation up 1.26%

KUWAIT: The Consumer Prices Index (CPI) annual basis by 3.38 percent and the 10th rose by 1.26 percent in July 2017 com- group (education) was up by 3.63 percent pared to the same month in 2016, the on annual basis. As for the 11th group Central Statistical Bureau (CSB) said yes- (restaurants and hotels), it edged up 2.58 terday. The index figure for July 2017 percent on annual basis, and the last recorded a decrease of 0.09 percent, com- group (miscellaneous goods and service) pared to June, the CSB added in its witnessed an annual rise of 2.15 percent. monthly report. The CPI increased in nine In another development, a Kuwaiti gov- influential groups in July, and decreased ernment program paired up with Gulf in three others. The index for the first Insurance Group (GIG) yesterday to inter- main group (food and beverages) went view some 50 young job hopefuls - 15 of up by 0.28 percent, compared to the whom were granted jobs almost instanta- same month in 2016. neously. Speaking to the press after sign- The figure of the second main group ing a memorandum of understanding with (tobacco and narcotics) was up by 1.70 GIG, the Secretary General of Kuwait’s percent on annual basis and dropped on Manpower and Government Restructuring monthly basis by 0.09 percent, as the third Program Fawzi Al-Majdali said that it was group (clothing and footwear) rose by 2.10 imperative to support the private sector as on annual basis and fell by 0.47 percent on it looks to hire more national employees. monthly basis. Inflation of the fourth He pointed out that the purpose of the group (housing services) dropped by 2.26 government program was to ensure that percent on annual basis, and that of the the private sector would employ the lion’s fifth group (furnishing equipment and share of the national workforce. The gov- household maintenance) was up by 3.41 ernment official added that the program The World Bank’s (WB) Country Manager in Kuwait Firas Raad speaking to reporters. — KUNA photos percent. The sixth group (health) declined has developed a close rapport with an by 0.68 percent year-on-year, and the sev- array of companies and businesses with enth (transport) went up by 15.46 percent the aim of luring young Kuwaitis to the on annual basis. private sector. Kuwait has introduced Meanwhile, the index for the eighth numerous measures to encourage its Kuwait economy to group (communication) was down by 1.09 youth to join the private sector in an effort percent on yearly basis. The ninth group to ease the burden on the government (recreation and culture) went up on an sector. — Agencies ‘rebound in 2 years’ Central Library adopts a new World Bank expects Kuwait’s GDP to grow by 3% electronic searching system

KUWAIT: The World Bank’s (WB) Country measures adopted by the Ministry of Finance to KUWAIT: Ministry of Education said yester- Manager in Kuwait Firas Raad said the late 2016 cut current spending; Second, the continued day its Central Library has adopted a new OPEC and major oil producers’ agreement, activities in the non-oil sectors in this period as electronic searching system using optical aimed to cut the glut in the global oil produc- well as the OPEC deal to cut oil production in technique for information and electronic tion, have added strains on the Kuwaiti econo- late 2016 that helped ratchet up the oil prices, inventory to save time and efforts. The my in 2017. However, he expected Kuwait’s GDP he explained. The Kuwaiti economy faces the library, which contains 35,000 books, was to grow by three percent in the coming two challenge of turning into tangible realty the equipped with the latest technical means years thanks to the efforts of the Ministry of Amiri vision and the government plans for eco- searching for books and saving informa- Commerce and Industry to improve the busi- nomic reforms in order to revitalize the private tion, said acting director of school libraries ness atmosphere and encourage the public-pri- sector and provide jobs for the coming genera- department in the Ministry of Education, vate partnership. tions, he underscored. Ahmed Al-Majidi, in a statement. The The competent agencies are working on Coupled with slowed growth in the world’s department will activate the project (share investor guidelines, which will be issued soon, major economies and global protectionist trade office), in cooperation with the educational Acting director of school libraries on the promising projects in the framework of policies, geopolitical tensions in the Middle East development sector, Al-Majidi added. department in the Ministry of the public-private partnership, Raad, a and beyond also pose formidable challenges to He noted that the activation of the proj- Education Ahmed Al-Majidi Jordanian national, said in statements to KUNA. Kuwait’s economic outlook in the coming three ect would be through four materials, The launching last week of Kuwait Business years, he cautioned. Regarding the World Bank namely Arabic language, Islamic educa- a special team formed from both technical Center is a great achievement that testifies to programs for Kuwait, he said they consist of four tion, English language and science to be affairs and periodic services monitoring the dedication of the sponsors of the Center, axes; first, the private sector; second, the public applied initially at the intermediate level. departments. The administration is finaliz- including the Ministry, Kuwait Direct Promotion sector; third, the improvement of infrastructure; He explained that libraries in new schools ing the project to complete the e-library Authority (KDIPA) and the parliamentary com- and last but not least, the development of were equipped with all supplies of books, through coordination with educational mittee on the improvement of the business human resources. novels, periodicals, furniture and electronic areas that have an infrastructure of inter- World Bank’s (WB) Country Manager in devices. The process will be supervised by atmosphere, Raad noted. Kuwait Firas Raad net networks. — KUNA The private sector Business atmosphere turing, a bill on crediting information, and As for the private sector, there are programs The Center materializes the interagency another one on secure transactions. The blue- for promoting the small enterprises, protecting cooperation to cut the red tape and facilitate the print of the insolvency bill is being revised by competition, improving the business atmos- Ministry of State for Youth Affairs licensing of businesses, thus sparing much time, the Ministry of Commerce and Industry as a prel- phere, and boosting the private-public partner- launches a scholarship program money and effort for local and foreign investors, ude to tabling it to the cabinet for endorsement, ship. There are two programs relating to the revi- he pointed out. The improvement of business he said, voicing hope that the law will give a talization of the private sector; these are the KUWAIT: Ministry of State for Youth Affairs, in course enables trainees to receive a mainte- atmosphere is closely related to economic quantum leap to the business atmosphere. cooperation between the World Bank and the coordination with the College of Aviation nance technician certificate, he revealed. growth and in consistency with the Amiri vision Ministry of Finance for better management of Technology, launched a scholarship program Graduates will have more chances to find and the government development plans for Trans-border trade the public funds; and the mechanisms of land for those who are interested in learning avia- jobs in aviation companies locally and inter- diversifying the sources of national income and The World Bank Group and the Kuwaiti gov- registration and state property, Raad went on. tion science. “The ministry is keen to develop nationally as well as oil sector, ministries of reducing dependence on oil revenues. ernment are working together to enhance the Regarding the infrastructure, he noted that the and educate youth in all fields. We had an interiors and defense, telecommunication In addition, these efforts will help create trans-border trade and facilitate the registration joint program with Kuwait Municipality for the agreement with the College of Aviation companies, civil and military aviation, as well more jobs for the citizens, increase the per capi- of real property. A recent survey shows that the management of waste was scrapped. Technology to grand scholarships for those as other bodies, Mishary added. ta income and encourage innovation and cre- insufficiency of investment land constitutes the The human development program envisages interested,” said Director at the Ministry of The college is accredited by the council of ativity, he went on. The efforts to improve busi- main obstacle facing the industrial and commer- the World Bank working with Kuwait’s educa- State for Youth Affairs Abdullah Al-Adwani. private universities of the Ministry of Higher ness atmosphere, according to the World Bank cial development in Kuwait in general, Raad said. tional, health and social security sectors to build Sending young people to study abroad will Education and the General Administration of observations, should include facilitating the The oil-rich Gulf economies were hard hit by the the capacity of workers through quality educa- enhance their knowledge and will contribute Aviation. The College of Aviation Technology issuance of construction licenses and provision sharp decline of the oil prices between 2014 and tion. Nearly 50 percent of the joint programs to the development of Kuwait, he added. has made a wide development movement of electricity for businesses, Raad said, com- 2015, which necessitated radical financial and focus on improving the quality of curriculums of Applicants must be Kuwaiti citizens and have that makes it unique in Kuwait and Gulf mending the efforts of Kuwait Municipality in economic reforms, including austerity measures education and higher education, he said, com- graduated recently from high school or have region as it has modern teaching methods this regard. and lending to bridge their budget deficits, he mending the efforts being made in the frame- equivalent certificates, he revealed, adding and a number of airplanes, jet engines and Regarding the economic laws, recommended recalled. work of the national program for educational last day of registration is August 29. many mechanic and electronic workshops. It by the World Bank Group, he said the Kuwaiti Kuwait’s economic growth rate slowed slight- improvement. Raad extolled His Highness the Director of Training and Academic Affairs works in coordination with the famous government is working on a package of draft ly in 2015-2016 to range between two and three Amir Sheikh Sabah Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah at the College of Aviation Technology Saad Scottish training center (LIST) that awards bills that include regulations for restructuring percent due to two reasons; first, the continued to defuse the tensions in the region and alleviate Mishary said the college offered training students certificates of recognized interna- the insolvent companies, a bill voluntary restruc- government spending on mega projects and the suffering of the Syrian refugees. — KUNA courses to maintain aircrafts for a year. The tionally. — KUNA THURSDAY, AUGUST 24, 2017 From the Arabic press

Crime Al-Qabas Report

Aggressive behavior Eid The era of 70’s receipt KUWAIT: “He provoked and angered me when he insulted By Khalid A Al-Tarrah my mother who is sick with cancer,” was the response of an adolescent to detectives to justify his aggressive behavior he era of the 70’s was not like the Arab Spring after he slapped a child in a mall. The youth - caught on which took place lately in most Arab coun- video - was identified, arrested and questioned, then tries, rather it was a historical era that was released by the public prosecution. T stormed by revolutions and clashes between peo- ple and the authorities for the sake of freedom and Suspect nabbed historic achievements that were due to the sacri- Jahra detectives were able to identify another main fices of the honorable in the Arab world. Kuwait suspect in the fight between several youth on Monday. was not isolated from these developments, as the He was arrested after fierce resistance when they raided people reacted to what took place in the Arab are- his flat in Salwa. The man was also found sentenced to na in the form of political clashes, rather Kuwaitis 10 years in jail. Meanwhile, the condition of one of the also had a history of struggle and achieving demo- injured men worsened and got very critical. cratic gains. Many suspicious opportunistic dignitaries, who Salesman attacked claimed patriotic action during the seventies with A Syrian beat a Bangladeshi salesman with punches and their revolutionary tone and writings, seemed to be kicks, then picked up a stick and continued his beating. in opposition in appearance, at the time. This does Shoppers in the area called police, who rushed to the shop not mean they were all patriotic, rather only for along with paramedics and took the Bangladeshi to Sabah those who chose to “truly lie” about bogus stands Hospital. Meanwhile, the Syrian told police they differed regarding social justice and partnership in making over prices, and things escalated to violence. the political decision. Today, we find them with a totally different opinion compared to their previous stand, after they smeared our brains with their lies Suspicious death Al-Anbaa and hypocrisy, so that they could create an intellec- A citizen called Interior Ministry operations and told tual hallo around themselves, and have those vic- them his friend had died in his car. Police had suspicions tims of the political struggle follow them. around the death, and the caller is being interrogated. After the masks were removed during the 80’s The incident took place in Jahra. In another develop- and 90’s following years of political lies, the same ment, the body of a national guardsman was recovered people are now living in a friendly and generous by the coroner after he was found dead in his car in way speaking in the language of money, forget- Qairawan. Material thought to be drugs were found in ting their stands and those who stood with them the car. He was in his 30s. during the claimed struggle. The power of money has a larger value than political struggle like a national and popular return that cannot be dis- pensed by banks. Al-Anbaa Many talk about attacking the democratic gains in front of their sick surroundings under the ban- ner of intellect and politics. They wish to satisfy When masks fall people, who are chasing the distortion of democ- racy through the practice of new method of pol- luting the brains of people, twisting the truth and By Dr Nermin Al-Houti explaining it in a twisted form after criticizing symbols that were not attracted by money nor his is not the title of an old or new play, or the title changed their stands. of a book or novel or story, rather it is the reality we With a pen that feels the pain and a living memo- Tare living in, with people most of whom have many ry about a handful of rich people who piled wealth deceiving masks hiding their true faces. These masks that from retail political trade, I urge foreign and local come in different shapes fall off revealing their true selves writers to hit at the Kuwaiti democratic system, who and leaving us in shock. Many hypocrites, liars and clowns who make officials and decision makers’ laugh use have bogus claims and untrue goals, as an expres- these fake masks for their personal interest and we do sion about self intentions that relies on lies to live not discover them unless we need something from those between the halls of palaces and meals of the influ- who wear it, and “may Allah spare us from their need”. ential. In one of the conferences about the national These masks do not reveal the truth; rather they are identity, some people participated with totally dif- used to conceal the truth of their owners. A hypocrite ferent opinion from what they were saying in the wears the mask of honesty and virtue, a liar selects the seventies about alienation and social isolation, as mask of frankness and defending the right and we dis- they are the intellectuals of the past and present. cover their reality when we are in a crisis or when a prob- During the crises of the invasion I almost fell in lem takes place or when we get closer to them and later the trap of these opportunists of the seventies, but discover that the masks they are wearing, have nothing a true advice from the Late Barja Al-Barjas to wait to do with their behavior. and think about making a decision and analysis res- For example, we see many wearing masks in gov- cued me from falling into the swamp of “lying ernment departments and authorities, many worn by truthfully” and the political retail trade. It is not decision makers, those talk about transparency, haram important to name them, because they are known and halal and sincerity in work and loyalty towards among the people of Kuwait who were not con- superiors, but when he is transferred or his superior vinced with their claims of fearing for the national retires, those masks fall off and the true face is interest. The claims were clear that they are win- revealed, as all what he has is insults towards the per- dows to reach what they have reached today son who was his boss, and starts praising the new one among the influential. only to stay on the job. These fake masks are not only Traders of political retail were exposed by time limited to work, it includes many of our friends who we and their deeds. They were looking for attractive thought will remain faithful towards us. There are titles for their ties, but the body of the national work many friends from school, who we thought were loyal, but as soon as school days are over, we discover that got cleansed from them. The best description to this those feelings were only for personal and study inter- distortion and dividing the truth or what is known ests. Many that we lived and still live with wear these as the truth is what French philosopher Paul masks. “People are like books, there are those who trick Guilaume Gide Andre said “The true hypocrite is the you with the cover, while the others astonish you with one who does not realize his tricks because he lies its content.” —Translated by Kuwait Times KUWAIT: Hawally Municipality carried out inspections in Jabriya, Hawally, Mishref, Bayan, South Surra and truthfully”. —Translated by Kuwait Times Salmiya resulting in the removal of 31 tons of trash and trees in the streets. —Photos by Hanan Al-Saadoun

KUWAIT: Deputy Foreign Minister Khaled Al-Jarallah yesterday met with the US Ambassador to Kuwait Lawrence Silverman. During the meeting, they discussed the bilateral relation, in addition to regional and international developments. The meeting was attended by the Assistant Foreign Minister for the Deputy Foreign Minister’s Office Affairs, Ambassador Ayham Al-Omar, and Assistant Foreign Minister for Americas Affairs, Ambassador Reem Al-Khaled. — KUNA

Sadu describes an embroidery form in geometrical shapes hand-woven by Bedouin people. Sadu House in Kuwait was established by the Al Sadu Society in 1980 to protect the interests of the Bedouins and Sadu weaving. — KUNA THURSDAY, AUGUST 24, 2017 Spain probe widens as suspect admits to Activists fight N Korea with balloons, DVDs and leaflets big attack planned Page 9 Page 8

PHOENIX: US President Donald Trump participates and speaks at a “Make America Great Again” rally. — AFP Trump slams media in rage-filled rally Revisits his Charlottesville comments in angry speech

PHOENIX: US President Donald Trump yesterday the white supremacists and the KKK.” Republicans. He mocked both Flake and fellow opinion that he had not gone far enough in his for a controversial border wall. The president mounted an aggressive defense of his response Trump dedicated about half an hour of his 78- Arizona Republican Senator John McCain, imply- condemnation of Kim. The freewheeling speech began his day in Yuma, touring a US Border to a deadly far-right march in Virginia, using a ral- minute speech to attacking the “sick people” in ing that McCain had sabotaged Republican left some critics dumbfounded, with former Patrol operations base, where he met with bor- ly speech to condemn “dishonest” media cover- the news media, before turning his fire on his healthcare reforms, but elaborately avoided national intelligence director James Clapper der agents. He then traveled to Phoenix for the age of his widely criticized remarks. Trump faced own side. The speech was cheered raucously by mentioning either by name. Veering off script, questioning Trump’s fitness to lead and his campaign-style rally in the evening, introduced bipartisan outrage after blaming “many sides” for supporters inside the conference center, though Trump shied away from issuing a pardon for Joe access to the country’s nuclear codes. “I really to the crowd by Vice President Mike Pence. violence at the rally in Charlottesville, in which thousands of anti-Trump protesters, who had Arpaio a former sheriff in Arizona who was con- question his ability to be-his fitness to be-in this His visit to the Republican state aimed to tout one anti-fascist protester was killed. lined up under a blistering sun in Phoenix hours victed of wilfully violating a court order to stop office, and I also am beginning to wonder about the benefits of a border fence with Mexico, turn Re-reading his statements that followed the before Trump’s arrival, later clashed with police targeting Hispanics in immigration roundups. his motivation for it,” he told CNN television early up the heat on reluctant allies and demonstrate clashes, he railed at reporters at the rally in outside the venue. Police deployed tear gas to But he gave strong hints that he was prepar- yesterday, adding that he found parts of Trump’s the president’s determination to realize a central Phoenix, Arizona, for misrepresenting his disperse them, according to AFP reporters at the ing a future pardon, saying: “I think he’s going to rhetoric “downright scary and disturbing.” campaign pledge. Trump had insisted that remarks-but omitted the equivocation that had scene. Jonathan Howard, a spokesman for the be just fine, okay? I won’t do it tonight because I “In a fit of pique he decides to do something Mexico would pay for the wall, estimated to cost sparked the backlash in the first place. “The very city’s police force, said that five arrests had been don’t want to cause any controversy.” Trump about Kim Jong-Un, there’s actually very little to about $22 billion. Having failed in that bid, he dishonest media... and I mean truly dishonest made and that protesters had thrown rocks, bot- voiced optimism over improvements in relations stop him,” Clapper said. “The whole system is has turned to equally reticent Republicans in people in the media and the fake media, they tles and tear gas at police. with North Korea following an escalation in built to ensure rapid response if necessary. So Congress to get US funding. But with his plan make up stories. They have no sources in many aggressive rhetoric on both sides over there’s very little in the way of controls over exer- running into political quicksand, Trump is trying cases. They say ‘a source says’-there is no such Shot across the bow Pyongyang’s nuclear program. “I respect the fact cising a nuclear option, which is pretty damn to generate public pressure on reluctant law- thing,” he said. “But they don’t report the facts. Speculation had been building that Trump that he is starting to respect us. And maybe- scary.” Trump’s speech came at the end of a trip makers to support him. In Phoenix, Trump told Just like they don’t want to report that I spoke would use the rally to formally endorse a chal- probably not, but maybe-something positive can to Arizona that the White House hopes will re- the rally crowd his message for “obstructionist” out forcefully against hatred, bigotry and vio- lenger to Arizona Senator Jeff Flake, a moderate come about,” Trump said of North Korean leader energize core supporters who are cooling to his Democrats was that he was building the wall “if lence and strongly condemned the neo-Nazis, incumbent, in a shot across the bow of skeptical Kim Jong-Un, though the president repeated his crisis-riddled presidency, and build momentum we have to close down our government.” — AFP Angry Pakistanis lash out Taliban suicide bomber kills five in Afghanistan after US condemnation KANDAHAR: A Taleban suicide bomber there at the time. Hospital staff gave a killed five people and wounded dozens of higher figure for wounded. others, mainly children as young as five, “We have received 38 wounded-mostly ISLAMABAD: Angry and offended Pakistanis fired because (we are) supporting the US in after detonating a car packed with explo- schoolchildren-and five dead, including back yesterday against Donald Trump’s accusa- Afghanistan,” said Ameer Hamza. “How could a sives at a police headquarters in southern two women and two soldiers,” Mauladad tions that their country harbors militants, high- country shelter terrorists which itself is under the Afghanistan yesterday. It was the insurgents’ Tabihdad, director of hospitals in lighting the heavy toll they have paid fighting grip of terrorism?” first major attack since US President Donald Helmand, told AFP. Photos posted on extremism and slamming his embrace of arch-rival In Pakistan’s northwestern city of Peshawar, Trump announced in Washington late Twitter by Afghan media outlets showed India. The US president unleashed blistering criti- which has borne the brunt of vicious militant vio- Monday that he was committing American damaged Afghan military Humvee vehi- cism of Pakistan this week as he unveiled his new lence over the years, bank employee Suhail Afghanistan policy which paves the way for the Ahmad said Pakistani troops and police had done troops to the war-torn country indefinitely. cles, including one apparently thrown indefinite deployment of more troops to the war- their job and cleared the area of militants. “We “A suicide bomber detonated an explo- into a drain by the force of the explosion. weary country. Pakistanis were suffering from terrorism, but now sive-filled car in a parking lot near the “The car bomb targeted a number of Trump lashed out at US ally Pakistan, accusing the terrorists have either been killed or fled to main police headquarters in Lashkar Gah,” army vehicles parked in the parking lot. the country of playing a double game as it accepted Afghanistan,” the 24-year-old told AFP. “The power Omar Zhwak, a spokesman for the gover- We have reports of some casualties to American aid but gave safe haven to insurgents is in the US hands in Afghanistan so why don’t nor of Helmand province, told AFP. “Our army soldiers,” Salam Afghan, a police who kill Afghan and NATO troops. “We have been they go against terrorists and kill them there?” initial information shows that five civilians spokesman, told AFP. paying Pakistan billions and billions of dollars at the Others suggested ditching the US alliance alto- were killed and 25 were wounded, includ- Ismail Jan, whose shop was damaged same time they are housing the very terrorists that gether and embracing China, which has been ing women and children,” he added. The by the blast, said the explosion happened we are fighting,” Trump said. Pakistan sees nuclear- pouring tens of billions into infrastructure invest- ISLAMABAD: Maulana Sami ul-Haq, head of car park was full of people queueing to when a white car rammed into a convoy armed India as an existential threat but cannot ment in Pakistan in recent years. “They have always get into the police headquarters when of six armored military vehicles as they defeat its much larger neighbor on the battlefield, Defense of Pakistan Council, a coalition of pressured us for doing more and more. There may around 40 religious and political parties, the explosion happened, said Zhwak. passed through a checkpoint inside the so has instead crafted a strategy of supporting mili- be some pro-US voices but I think we should go The attack occurred at 8:00 am (0330 car park. “I was thrown [by the blast] and tant proxies-including the Afghan Taliban. speaks during a press conference. — AFP closer to China,” said Sakhawat Shah, a Peshawar GMT) when officials would have been when I got up I saw women and children Such groups tie down India in the contested now, we have lost numerous lives of civilians, our college student. Himalayan region of Kashmir and, in Afghanistan, jawans, even our schoolgoing children as well,” Editorials in leading dailies urged Trump to be arriving for work and civilians were covered in blood,” Jan told AFP. “I also saw help prevent the rise of an Indian-backed govern- wrote Farhan Bashir on Facebook. “Today you are cautious after he called on Pakistan’s arch-rival preparing to lodge inquiries. Zhwak a number of wounded children taken out ment. Pakistani civilians have little power over saying this to cover up your failures in India to deepen its engagement in Afghanistan, a added that a nearby mosque, which was of a nearby mosque.” The attack occurred regional strategy but have lost homes and loved Afghanistan?” Some residents in the capital scenario the Pakistani military establishment being used as a madrassa or Islamic reli- a little over 24 hours after Trump cleared ones to militant violence which has killed thou- Islamabad said their country was being treated as dreads. Pakistan sees India as an existential threat, gious school, had been been damaged. the way for thousands more US soldiers to sands in their own country since 2007. Trump’s a scapegoat after being dragged into the conflict analysts say, and is unlikely to abandon its Afghan Children-aged between five and 12, be sent to Afghanistan, reversing earlier remarks provoked hurt and outrage among many. following the US invasion of Afghanistan in 2001. proxies-especially as the US tilts towards India, as according to police — were studying pledges to pull out. — AFP “We have been fighting YOUR war for a decade “All the worst things that we are facing is only Trump clearly indicated in his speech. — AFP THURSDAY, AUGUST 24, 2017 INTERNATIONAL Air raids on Yemen capital kill dozens Saudi-led coalition strikes hotel

CAIRO: The Saudi-led coalition carried out sever- many only as pieces of bodies. forces loyal to ousted Yemeni President Ali NAJAF: In this July 18, 2017 file photo, Shiite volunteer fighters from the Imam al airstrikes in Yemen early yesterday, hitting a Fahd Marhab, head of the Umrah hospital Abdullah Saleh since March 2015, seeking to Ali Brigade, an armed faction with the Iraqi Popular Mobilization Forces, train at small hotel near the capital of Sanaa and killing about 10 kilometers from the site of the airstrike, push the rebels from lands they captured, includ- their camp. —AP dozens of people, Yemeni officials and witnesses said there were no wounded and that all the ing Sanaa, and restore the internationally recog- said. There were conflicting reports on the vic- people in the hotel were killed in the 3 am nized government of President Abed Rabbo Iraqi forces advance to tims, with doctors saying they were farmers and airstrike. He also said that they were mostly farm- Mansour Hadi to power. But the airstrikes have officials and witnesses saying they included ers. It was not possible to reconcile the discrep- also hit civilian targets, such as schools, hospitals, Houthi rebels. ancies in the accounts and the different number and markets, killing thousands and prompting heart of IS-held bastion The fighter jets targeted a two-story hotel in of fatalities reported by the officials and the TV. rights groups to accuse the Saudi-led coalition of Qaa Al-Qaidhi district, located in the town of There was no immediate comment from the committing war crimes. Activists have also called TAL AFAR: Iraqi forces advanced yesterday broken and the troops are advancing from Arhab, about 35 kilometers north of Sanaa, offi- coalition. upon Western countries, including the United towards central Tal Afar, one of the Islamic all directions towards the inner quarters of cials said. The building sustained extensive dam- The Saudi-led coalition has been waging an States and Britain, to cease military support for State group’s last strongholds in the coun- the city,” he added. As they advanced, age and bodies were still being retrieved from extensive air campaign against the Houthis and the coalition. — AP try, as aid workers braced for an exodus of troops said they discovered a network of under the rubble, witnesses said yesterday. civilians fleeing the fighting. Armored per- underground tunnels used by the jihadists Another airstrike hit a checkpoint manned by the sonnel carriers full of soldiers and fighters to launch attacks behind lines of already Houthis, a few kilometers from the hotel, they of the Hashed Al-Shaabi paramilitary coali- conquered territory, or to escape. added. The officials and the witnesses spoke on tion moved into Al-Nur district early in the condition of anonymity because they were not morning as warplanes flew overhead, said Leaflet drop authorized to talk to reporters. an AFP photographer on the ground. In a bid to counter these surprise attacks, Footage of the area aired on al-Masirah TV, a They encountered trucks parked across the Iraqis dropped leaflets overnight calling Houthi-run satellite news network, showed bod- roads with earthen embankments aimed at on civilians to help by marking houses ies hanging out of a simple cinderblock building. stopping them, as well as sniper fire and where the jihadists are located. The Bystanders wrapped mangled corpses into blan- mortar shelling. Six weeks after routing the International Organization for Migration kets to try to carry them away. The TV network jihadists from Iraq’s second city Mosul, the said “thousands of civilians” had fled Tal Afar said 41 civilians were killed and that the death Iraqi forces launched an assault Sunday on since the offensive began. But around toll was expected to rise further. Officials and wit- Tal Afar, where an estimated 1,000 jihadists 30,000 civilians are trapped in the fighting, nesses told The Associated Press that the death are holed up. They retook three first districts according to the United Nations. toll had reached 60 and that the majority of of the city on Tuesday, but as with the gru- Caught between the two sides, those still those killed were Houthis rebels. eling nine-month campaign to recapture inside the city have been pounded by Iraqi Mosul, their convoys face an onslaught of and US-led coalition aircraft for weeks, as 100 people inside suicide and car bomb attacks. well as intense artillery fire since Sunday. The Physician Ali al-Rakmi who was helping at the Yesterday they “entered the neighbor- UN refugee agency (UNHCR) fears they could site of the hotel strike, said there were more than hood of Al-Kifah North... and headed be “used as human shields” and that 100 people inside at the time of the attack, all towards the centre of the city,” said Ahmed “attempts to flee could result in executions farmers who work in growing qat. The plant’s al-Assadi, spokesman for the Hashed Al- and shootings,” said the spokesman for UN leaves are chewed for a stimulant effect, a wide- ARHAB: Yemeni Red Crescent workers and civilians stand at the site of an air raid in the Arhab Shaabi paramilitary coalition fighting IS Secretary General Antonio Guterres. The spread tradition among Yemeni men. Al-Rakmi area, around 20 kilometers north of Sanaa, yesterday, where a Saudi-lead coalition has been alongside the army and police. “All the lines United Nations and aid agencies are working said they had retrieved 35 bodies so far, with bombing Iran-backed Houthi rebels. — AFP of IS defense outside the city have been to establish shelters for the displaced. — AFP

BRASILIA: Venezuela’s fugitive ex-chief prosecutor, Luisa Ortega, arrives at Brasilia’s International Airport. — AFP Venezuela’s fleeing prosecutor to use Brazil event to slam Maduro

BRASILIA: Venezuela’s fugitive former top prosecutor promised to use an international forum in Brazil yesterday to intensify corruption allegations against President Nicolas Maduro, who called for her arrest. Days after a dra- matic escape from Venezuela, Luisa Ortega, 59, arrived in the Brazilian capital Brasilia late Tuesday, promising to dish dirt on Maduro, who in turn asked Interpol to put out a “red notice” warrant for his critic. Ortega was taking part in a crime-fighting conference with representatives from the Latin American regional trading alliance Mercosur. The event will provide a high- profile stage for her claims that Maduro has enriched him- self-as Venezuela descends into economic collapse- through a massive corruption scheme uncovered at Brazilian construction conglomerate Odebrecht. “I will talk about the Odebrecht scandal, corruption in Venezuela and my situation,” she told reporters at Brasilia’s airport where she flew in from Panama. Brazil’s prosecutor general said in a statement that he had personally invited Ortega, adding to the intrigue sur- rounding her fate since being fired by Maduro this month and charged with misconduct. She and her husband, German Ferrer, fled last Friday after the pro-Maduro Supreme Court ordered the arrest of Ferrer for alleged cor- ruption and extortion. On Tuesday, Maduro said the couple had committed “serious crimes.” However, neighboring Columbia and Brazil have both firmly condemned Maduro’s handling of the crisis and oil- rich Venezuela has been suspended indefinitely from the Mercosur group.”This is something that highlights the split between Venezuela and the majority of the neighboring countries,” foreign policy expert Mauricio Santoro, at the Rio de Janeiro State University, said. Santoro said the Odebrecht allegations would have particular resonance in the regional setting, given the company’s vast reach and the ever-expanding list of corruption suspects.

Allegations and anxiety A loyalist of late socialist president Hugo Chavez, Ortega broke ranks with his successor Maduro to become his most high-ranking domestic critic as international pres- sure on the president mounted. Last month, Maduro set up a new constitutional body packed with his allies, which a few days later removed Ortega from her post. She hit back on Friday by claiming she had evidence implicating Maduro and his close allies in the Odebrecht scandal, which involved enormous quantities of bribes paid to politicians around the region and in Brazil to win contracts. “They are very worried and anxious, because they know we have details on all the cooperation, amounts and peo- ple who got rich,” Ortega told a meeting of Latin American prosecutors in Mexico by video conference. “And that investigation involves Mr Nicolas Maduro and his inner cir- cle.” Maduro counter-attacked on Sunday, alleging on tele- vision that Ortega had received money for blocking cor- ruption investigations that he had ordered. Maduro was elected in 2013 after the death of his late mentor Chavez. Venezuela has since descended into chaos that has raised fears for regional stability. The fall in world prices for its oil exports has left it short of dollars for vital imports. Maduro’s critics accuse him of clinging to power by hijacking the state institutions amid shortages of food and medicine. Clashes between protesters and police this year have left 125 people dead, according to prosecutors. — AFP THURSDAY, AUGUST 24, 2017 INTERNATIONAL

Angolans vote as president Dos Santos ends 38-year rule

LUANDA: Angolans voted yesterday in an election a post-conflict investment boom as the country many others.” Dos Santos has been dogged by Santos, who has been a secretive but inescapable marking the end of President Jose Eduardo Dos exploited its oil reserves. But the flood of money reports of illness. His regular visits to Spain for “pri- presence in Angolan life for decades. Angola’s next Santos’s 38-year reign, with his MPLA party set to brought little benefit to Angola’s poor, and govern- vate” reasons fuelled criticism that the state of his leader “must guide the country out of the spiral of retain power despite an economic crisis. The MPLA, ment spending collapsed when oil prices fell in health was being hidden from ordinary Angolans. oppression,” rights group Amnesty said in a state- which has ruled since Angola’s independence from 2014. Inflation hit 40 percent at the end of last year, Earlier this year, his daughter Isabel-who has ment. “Dos Santos’ presidency is marked by his Portugal in 1975, is expected to defeat opposition when annual growth was less than one percent. become a billionaire and Africa’s richest business- appalling human rights record. For decades, parties stifled by Dos Santos’s authoritarian regime. woman under his rule-was forced to deny rumors Angolans have lived in a climate of fear in which Dos Santos’s unexpected retirement-reportedly ‘Transitional successor’ he had died in Spain. In the face of ruthless security speaking out was met with intimidation (and) prompted by poor health-has triggered the biggest Lourenco, 63, has vowed to boost foreign invest- force crackdowns and a biased state-run media, the imprisonment.” “I came to vote for the change,” Jose political transition in decades for Angola, a leading ment, and said he wants to be recognised as the opposition parties-led by UNITA and Casa-CE-have Manuel, 23, told AFP at a polling station in the African oil exporter. His chosen successor however man who brought an “economic miracle” to Angola. sought to tap into public anger at the government. Talatona neighborhood of Luanda. “I do not have is Defence Minister Joao Lourenco, a loyalist At a weekend rally in front of thousands of MPLA “You who are suffering, you who are in poverty, any work, we have a lot of things that we need here.” expected to avoid immediate change in a govern- (People’s Movement for the Liberation of Angola) without electricity, without jobs or nothing to eat- The MPLA-which won 72 percent in the 2012 ment often criticized for corruption and its failure supporters, Dos Santos, a frail-looking 74, made a change is now,” Isaias Samakuva, the UNITA leader election-has funded a rush of infrastructure proj- to tackle dire poverty. brief appearance to endorse Lourenco. told supporters on the campaign trail. Samakuva, ects including bridges and dams, apparently to “I am calm, I am going to stay calmly at home “Dos Santos brought forward his departure to 71, took over UNITA after longtime rebel leader shore up support levels among Angola’s 9.3 million while waiting for my party colleagues to inform me after these elections due to his deteriorating Jonas Savimbi was killed in 2002, a death that registered voters. Dos Santos to remain MPLA party of the results,” Lourenco said after voting in Luanda, health,” Alex Vines, of the Chatham House think marked the beginning of the end of the civil war. chief, and new laws passed last month limited the adding the election was “going smoothly.” Dos tank, told AFP. “Lourenco is an ideal transitional suc- unfettered presidential power he enjoyed. Polls are Santos’s long reign has seen the end of Angola’s cessor to Dos Santos. He is respected by the mili- ‘Appalling human rights record’ due to close at 6:00 pm (1700 GMT) with early bloody civil war that lasted from 1975 to 2002, and tary and has not lived a flamboyant lifestyle of Dissent has often been dangerous under Dos results expected by Friday. — AFP

Migrants struggle in hostile Bulgaria ELIN PELIN: Syrian refugee Fahim Jaber country,” Siderov told AFP. Like other Eastern hoped for a better life in Europe. But like European countries, Bulgaria has seen an hundreds of others, he is stuck in Bulgaria, exodus of workers seeking opportunities in the EU’s poorest country-safe, but unwel- wealthier parts of the EU. But the population come and with few prospects. The average has shrunk at a speed that has alarmed salary here is 510 euros ($602), a third of the Bulgarians: almost two million citizens have European Union average and a fraction of emigrated in the past 23 years, leaving that of rich countries. State help to inte- around 7.1 million-a rate of attrition that is grate the newcomers is virtually absent. one of the fastest in Europe. Arriving from what remained of Aleppo in 2016, Jaber and his family found them- No help selves in Elin Pelin outside Sofia facing a Bulgaria is shooting itself in the foot with hostile demonstration by locals in the its approach to migrants, Siderov argues, town’s main square. because its economy badly needs foreign “They shouted ‘We resisted the workers. “Since Germans and Swiss aren’t Ottomans and we will not accept you,’ ‘We coming here, we have to look to other coun- will Christianise you’,” recounted the 57- tries,” he said. But a report by the UN refugee year-old. The local mayor, a member of one agency (UNHCR) in April bemoaned the of the ultra-nationalist, openly xenophobic absence of “targeted integration support” parties within Bulgaria’s governing coali- from the government for the new arrivals. tion, refused to give the family a residence “Integration services such as Bulgarian permit. “We came back to the house, locked language classes, housing support, profes- the door and didn’t dare to go out for two sional education classes or help with child months,” Fahim’s wife Fatima Batayi said, care and enrolment of children in school (...) recalling how frightened she had been. are not provided,” it said. “The government Luckily their son Mehmed-who has a job in here, they don’t do anything for refugees,” Bulgaria-took care of them, buying food said Syrian Bilal Hasan, 44, who had all his BARCELONA: People stand next to candles and flowers placed on the ground, after a terror attack that left many killed and wounded. — AP and other necessities while a long-estab- money stolen by people smugglers and lished Syrian immigrant helped them get now has humanitarian protection status in registered. Bulgaria. “If you want to do anything here-to Spain probe widens as suspect Since 2013, almost 60,000 migrants have search for a job, find a house, anything-you applied for asylum in Bulgaria, having taken have to do it on your own. I was so lucky the land route out of Syria into Turkey and because I have made some friends and they then over the border into Bulgaria. Most help me a lot now,” he added. admits to big attack planned have then continued their journey west- The story is similar for fellow Syrian Kaled wards to Germany, France or Sweden, but a Deyab, 36, and his wife and two children, few hundred remain in Bulgaria-largely some of the 1,000 migrants due to arrive in ‘Imam wanted to blow himself up’ because they have no choice. While the Bulgaria from Greece under an EU relocation Jaber family’s experience was extreme, gen- scheme. “We left Damascus in 2015 and MADRID: Police yesterday widened their probe 16, the eve of the Barcelona van attack, forced (30 miles) west of Barcelona, was also searched, a erally the welcome has been far from warm. arrived in Greece in February 2016. It’s been into a terror cell that unleashed carnage in Spain the cell to alter its plans and turn to vehicles as police spokesman told AFP. This is due to what analyst Yavor Siderov two years that we’ve been on the road last week, after a suspect admitted the jihadists killing machines. The men in court Tuesday were the only sur- calls an “anti-refugee consensus” in already and that the children haven’t been were targeting monuments in Barcelona in an viving suspected members of the terror cell, Bulgarian society, incited largely through to school,” he told AFP. Once they get even bigger attack. Officers carried out new raids Another false start which Spanish police claimed they had disman- the media and shared across the political refugee status, the Deyabs will have two overnight to root out a possible support network After losing their bombs and two cell mem- tled after gunning down the last man at large, spectrum. “It creates fears and makes people weeks to leave the migrant centre in Sofia for the men, accused of ploughing vehicles into bers in the blast that was so powerful that “the Younes Abouyaaqoub, on Monday. The 22-year- feel scared about a shift in the population that is currently their home. They have no pedestrians on Barcelona’s busy Las Ramblas mushroom cloud that was generated was visible old Moroccan was the van driver in the given the demographic collapse in this idea where to go. — AFP boulevard and a seaside promenade in the resort several kilometres around”, the jihadists put plan Barcelona rampage which claimed 13 lives. town of Cambrils, claiming 15 lives including a B into action. They rented a van the next day, While on the run, he also hijacked a vehicle and young boy and wounding more than 120 people. but again suffered a false start as it was involved killed its driver. The international connections of the cell of in an accident not far from Cambrils. A second mostly Moroccan nationals have also come van was used two hours later in the Barcelona Audi in Paris, imam in Belgium under scrutiny, with talks later yesterday rampage. Chemlal was injured in the Alcanar explosion between Spain and France’s interior ministers The suspects then bought four knives and an that killed an imam, Abdelbaki Es Satty, who is expected to focus on the case. The scale of the axe that were used to slash at pedestrians in thought to have radicalized him and other young assaults being prepared by the jihadist suspects Cambrils in the early hours of Friday. After a full suspects. He only survived because he was out emerged during a preliminary court hearing day court hearing, Chemlal and another suspect, on the porch when the blast occurred. He told Tuesday, when Mohamed Houli Chemlal, 21, told Driss Oukabir, 28, were remanded in custody and the judge the imam had wanted to blow himself the judge the group was planning “an attack on charged with terror-related offences. A third up. The judicial source said that among the four an even greater scale, targeting monuments” man, Mohamed Aallaa, 27, who owns the car suspects, “two blamed the imam for the plot using bombs. used in the Cambrils attack, was granted condi- while another two denied knowing him”. At least 500 liters of acetone, large quantities tional release, with the judge saying evidence In the rubble of the Alcanar house, police of nails and detonators as well as gas canisters against him was weak. found a sheet of paper slipped into a green-col- have been found at a house in the town of The judge gave himself three more days to ored book, which said: “A brief letter from the Alcanar, court documents said. They are ingredi- decide if the fourth suspect, Salh El Karib should soldiers of the Islamic State on the territory of Al ents of TATP-the explosive of choice of the be remanded or released. His shop, which allows Andalous to the crusaders, the sinners, the Islamic State group, which has claimed its “sol- people to make calls abroad, was among targets unjust and the corrupters”. Al Andalous is the SOFIA: Syrian refugees Fahim Jaber (L) and his wife Fatima Batayi show their diers” carried out the attacks. But an accidental of police raids late Tuesday. An apartment in the name of the territories governed until 1492 by Bulgarian ID cards on July 10, 2017 at a place they rent in the small town of Elin blast at the bomb factory in Alcanar on August village of Vilafranca del Penedes, 50 kilometres Muslims. — AFP Pelin, outside Sofia. — AFP

Charlie Hebdo publishes Headless torso of missing provocative Islam cartoon

PARIS: French satirical magazine because making these associations reporter found in waters Charlie Hebdo published yesterday a can be used by other people,” he said. provocative front-page cartoon Charlie Hebdo editor Laurent “Riss” STOCKHOLM: The headless torso of a woman Copenhagen police announced on Twitter. Danish that air had been forced out of it, Copenhagen about Islam and the recent terror Sourisseau explained the choice in an found at sea was identified yesterday as a Swedish inventor Peter Madsen has been accused of the homicide chief Jens Moller Jensen told a news con- attacks in Spain, leading to criticism editorial, saying that experts and pol- journalist who likely died aboard a Danish inventor’s negligent manslaughter of the 30-year-old reporter ference. He also said the torso had been attached to that it risked fanning Islamophobia. icy-makers were avoiding hard ques- homemade submarine. In a grisly case that has who went to interview him aboard his 60-foot sub- a metal object which was likely intended to weigh it The latest edition of the magazine, tions out of concern for moderate gripped the nation and drawn parallels with Nordic marine on August 10. She has not been seen since. down. The cause of death remains unknown and which was targeted by Islamist gun- law-abiding Muslims. “The debates Noir detective fiction, Danish police confirmed they The torso, whose head and limbs were deliberately police are still searching for the remaining body men in 2015, shows two people lying and questions about the role of reli- had made a positive identification of the body, cut off, was found on in Koge Bay, some 50 kilome- parts, Jensen said. in a pool of blood having been run gion, and in particular the role of which was found on Monday. ters south of Copenhagen, police say. over by a van next to the words Islam, in these attacks have com- “The DNA of the torso matches that of Kim Wall,” It also bore injuries which appeared to suggest Blood in the sub “Islam, eternal religion of peace.” pletely disappeared,” he wrote. Madsen, who has been in custody since August A dozen extremists of Moroccan Charlie Hebdo lampoons all religions 12, has changed his story several times, with police origin are believed to have plotted and religious figures, but its depic- saying they believe the 46-year-old “deliberately” last week’s attacks in Barcelona and tions of the Prophet Mohammed-an sank the sub. Inside the submarine they found Cambrils, where 15 people were act considered sinful under Islam-led traces of Wall’s blood. “We secured a hairbrush and a killed and over 100 injured after a van to outrage, death threats and ulti- toothbrush to confirm her DNA. We found blood in and car were driven into crowds. The mately violence. the submarine and it was a match,” Jensen said. But attackers are thought by investiga- Two gunmen who claimed alle- it would take two to three weeks before police tors to have been radicalized by an giance to Al-Qaeda killed 12 people could confirm if there were blood stains on the extremist Islamic preacher who died in an attack on its offices in January clothes Madsen was wearing at the time. in a house where the group was try- 2015 which left many of its star car- Wall, a freelance journalist who had reported for ing to produce explosives. toonists dead. Hundreds of thou- The Guardian and The New York Times, has not been Critics of Charlie Hebdo saw its sands of people marched through seen since she was observed on board the sub with front-page as tarring an entire reli- the streets of France afterwards, ral- Madsen on August 10. Her boyfriend reported her gion, practiced by around 1.5 billion lying behind the slogan “Je Suis missing a day later. The same day, Madsen was res- people worldwide, by implying it was Charlie” (“I am Charlie”) in defense of cued from waters between Denmark and Sweden inherently violent. As the cartoon the right to free speech. Riss said in shortly before his submarine sank. Madsen, whose became one of the top trending top- the wake of the violence that the website describes him as an “inventepreneur”, ini- ics on Twitter in France, prominent magazine would stop depicting the tially told authorities he dropped Wall off on an Socialist MP and former minister prophet, leading one top journalist island late on the evening of August 10. But he Stephane Le Foll called it “extremely to quit and accuse its new manage- changed his story several days later when he dangerous”. “When you’re a journalist ment of going soft on Islamist appeared in court, saying Wall had died in an acci- you need to exercise restraint extremism. — AFP AMAGER: Police and other authorities search a waterway for body remains related to the ongoing dent on board and that he dumped the body in the Kim Wall murder investigation at the west coast of Amager close to Copenhagen. — AP water at an undefined location in Koge Bay. — AFP THURSDAY, AUGUST 24, 2017 INTERNATIONAL 10-year sentence sought for female Indonesian militant JAKARTA: An alleged would-be suicide Novi, a former migrant worker in Novi said in a television interview become aware of her pregnancy until Tutin, who is accused of radicalizing bomber arrested one day before the Singapore and Taiwan who is nine after her arrest that she learned about several weeks after being arrested. Novi and encouraging her to become a planned bombing of a popular family months’ pregnant, admitted during her jihad on social media and was influ- IS-inspired militants have not made a suicide bomber. She was also the person attraction in the Indonesian capital trial that she took orders from Bahrun enced by articles written by Aman big impact with their attacks in who introduced Novi to Solihin. should spend a decade in prison, prose- Naim, an Indonesian with the Islamic Abdurrahman, a radical cleric who police Indonesia because of effective countert- Solihin, the alleged leader of a small cutors said yesterday. Dian Yulia Novi State group in Syria accused of orches- on Tuesday declared was the key sus- errorism policing, controls on gun own- extremist cell in Central Java’s Solo city, and her husband Nur Solihin were trating several attacks in Indonesia. pect behind a suicide bombing and gun ership and lack of expertise in bomb told Indonesian TV following his arrest among four suspected militants arrested Police say Novi, 28, planned to detonate attack that killed eight people in Jakarta making. But authorities fear that could that he married Novi to facilitate her in December after police detected a plot a 3-kilogram bomb that would have last year. Novi and her lawyers will change if Indonesians who fought with desire to become a suicide bomber. to bomb a guard-changing ceremony at exploded as crowds of people gathered respond to the prosecution’s case IS in the Middle East or in Marawi in the Prosecutors are requesting 15 years in the presidential palace in Jakarta. to watch the ceremony, a popular family tomorow. One of the lawyers, Kasmi, southern Philippines return home. In a prison for Solihin and eight years for a Chief prosecutor Juhana Nurhisyam attraction in Jakarta. “She has been con- who uses a single name, told The separate trial at the same court, prosecu- fourth suspected militant, Agus told the East Jakarta District Court that vincingly proven guilty,” Nurhisyam said. Associated Press that Novi didn’t tors are seeking five years in prison for Supriadi. — AFP Activists fight N Korea with balloons, DVDs and leaflets ‘The quickest way to bring down the regime’ SEOUL: Some send up plastic leaflets that weigh less than a feather and flutter down from the clouds with calls for democracy or blurry car- toons ridiculing North Korea’s ruler. Some send flash drives loaded with South Korean soap operas, or mini-documentaries about the vast wealth of Southern corporations, or crisp new US dollar bills. One occasionally sends his empty food wrappers, stained labels showing noodles slathered in meat sauce, so Northerners can see the good life they’d find in the South. They are self-proclaimed soldiers in a quiet war with North Korea, a disparate and colorful collection of activists taking on one of the world’s most isolated nations - mostly using homemade hot-air balloons. To their critics in South Korea, they run quixotic and perhaps pointless cam- paigns. Some are scorned as little more than attention-hungry cranks who spend much of their time exchanging insults with the others. But the activists look across the border and see a country they believe they are already reshaping. “The quickest way to bring down the regime is to change people’s minds,” said Park Sang Hak, a refugee from the North who now runs the group HONG KONG: A woman uses her phone while wearing a plastic poncho along Victoria Fighters for a Free North Korea from a small Seoul Harbor during heavy winds and rain brought on by Typhoon Hato. —AFP office, sending tens of thousands of plastic fliers POCHEON: In this June 15, 2017 photo, Lee Min Bok, a North Korean who was swayed to flee across the border every year. Fearing retaliation his homeland when he stumbled across earlier generations of leaflets 30 years ago, hold plas- 4 dead as typhoon smashes by Pyongyang, he goes nowhere without police tic leaflets condemning North Korean government during an interview at his house. —AP bodyguards. “People are already wondering thousands of its own leaflets south every year. leaflets “could spark unnecessary military ten- about their lives there,” he said, with the spread of “They are always trying to drop these pamphlets sions, including a possible accidental conflict.” into Macau and Hong Kong outside information letting them know that life is on us, near the border,” said Kim Song Hui, a Even some activists have curtailed their activities easier in China and South Korea. guide at the Class Education Center, a museum in recent years, with North Korea using special- HONG KONG: Typhoon Hato left three years. Hurricane winds and heavy rain of anti-American and anti-Japanese propaganda ized software to make it harder to share videos dead in the gambling hub of Macau yes- had earlier hit Hong Kong, leaving an 83- ‘Blocking outside information’ in North Korea’s capital. “But people in villages on mobile phones and other devices. terday as it brought chaos and destruc- year-old man dead after he fell into the Much of what the activists send - satirical car- know that they should hand them in” to security tion to the enclave after sweeping sea, police said, and more than 80 toons, or teary soap operas awash in lost loves, officials. How much influence do the activists Sitcoms to dramas through neighboring Hong Kong, where injured. The typhoon shut down the curses and amnesia - doesn’t look dangerous at have? It’s not clear, especially since some smug- Still, every year the activists send hundreds of one man also died. Local media showed stock market and forced the cancellation all. But scholars and North Korean refugees say glers have been bringing South Korean TV thousands of leaflets across the border, and shows and American movies into the North to severe flooding had left cars underwater of hundreds of flights in the worst storm the outside information has helped bring a thousands of DVDs and thumb drives loaded sell for years, without the activists’ support. and people swimming in Macau’s city the city has seen for five years. wealth of changes, from new slang to changing with everything from Bibles to American sitcoms fashions to increasing demand for consumer “The influx of external information doesn’t streets, with the territory’s mega-casinos to South Korean historical dramas. Some are goods in the expanding market economy. While shake the regime,” said Cheong Seong-Chang, running on back-up generators. ‘Flying trees’ transported by hired smugglers via China. Some Three men aged 30 to 65 died, the Meteorologists raised the Hong the activists often disagree about what should an analyst at South Korea’s Sejong Institute. It be sent into the North - some believe in snarky may bring incremental change, by encouraging are sealed inside 2-liter water bottles tossed into Macau government said, while two peo- Kong’s most severe Typhoon 10 warning the surf along the South Korean coast, then car- ple were missing. One of the men died as the storm hit, only the third time in the cartoons, others in documentaries, others in dry a few people to defect, for example, but he political leaflets laying out the lies of doubts it’ll do much more. ried north by the current. after being injured by a wall that blew past 20 years. The typhoon passed as But most are carried by homemade balloons down, another fell from a fourth floor ter- close as 60 kilometers and made landfall Pyongyang’s propaganda - all see themselves as There are also risks to the balloon campaigns. warriors nudging along change. North Koreans caught carrying political leaflets thousands of feet above the belt of razor wire race and the last was a Chinese tourist hit at noon (0400 GMT) in the southern and minefields that separate the two Koreas. If by a truck. Apple Daily showed footage mainland Chinese city of Zhuhai. “North Korea keeps control by blocking out- or flash drives could be severely punished, and side information,” said Lee Min Bok, a North the winds behave, the balloons, typically about 3 of people swimming through muddy Thousands of people were evacuated the balloon launches could throw a wrench into Korean who was swayed to flee his homeland feet wide and 25 feet long and made of thin water in what are usually roads, and Tuesday in parts of south China in prepa- cross-border diplomacy. The South Korean gov- when he stumbled across earlier generations of ernment stopped sending balloons over the bor- translucent plastic, carry bundles of thousands being swept off their feet by winds. The ration for the typhoon’s arrival, the offi- leaflets 30 years ago. He has spent nearly 15 years of palm-sized leaflets over a country where sprawling Venetian casino resort was on cial Xinhua news agency said. der years ago, partly as an attempt to decrease sending leaflets into the North. “To destroy it tensions. The South’s new liberal president, almost no one has internet access or internation- back-up power and without air condi- Hato sent meters-high waves crash- peacefully, the influx of information is necessary.” Moon Jae-in, has reached out to the North since al phone service. Simple timers open the bun- tioning or proper lighting, according to ing into Hong Kong’s shorelines with Pyongyang detests the activists, decrying outside his election earlier this year, and a government dles after a set number of hours, scattering the one source. flooding knee deep in some areas. influences as a “yellow wind,” even as it sends spokesman told reporters recently that the leaflets. — AP One employee of Sands, which owns Swathes of marine rubbish washed up the Venetian and the Parisian, said power on beaches and in coastal residential had been out across the whole of Macau areas, including white globs of palm oil but was beginning to return. “Because which have been coming ashore since a Judgment day looms for Thai many guests come in the summer, a lot massive spillage at sea earlier this of them have been stuck in the major month. Gusts of up to 207 kilometers resorts and casinos,” the employee said. per hour brought flying debris, tearing ex-PM Yingluck, Shinawatra “All transportations-air, ground, sea-have down trees and scaffolding and smash- halted, so customers who have checked ing skyscraper windows. out cannot leave yet.” Electricity was still Fallen trees cut off roads to parts of BANGKOK: Clobbered by coups and courts, of abusing power and blurring the lines they have done in the past,” Akanat Promphan, a down at the Grand Lisboa yesterday the territory. More than 400 flights were Thailand’s Shinawatra political dynasty is bracing between business and politics, becoming as key figure in the anti-Yingluck protests that result- afternoon, with the casino and restau- cancelled, with flag carrier Cathay Pacific for another withering blow in its decade-long loathed by the Bangkok royalist elite as he was ed in the last army takeover, told AFP this week. rants there out of action, a staff member axing most of its departures until 5:00 power struggle with the kingdom’s establish- cherished by the rural poor. “Hopefully the verdict will give an expensive les- told AFP. pm (0900 GMT). The airline said it had ment as judges decide whether to convict the A coup toppled him in 2006 and the son to future governments not to use govern- Residents took to social media to com- begun to reschedule the flights with clan’s ex-premier Yingluck. The Supreme Court Shinawatras’ political fortunes have see-sawed ment policy for narrow populist gain.” plain about city-wide power and mobile some taking off yesterday evening. As will on Friday rule if Yingluck is guilty of criminal since. Paralysing protests and court cases have phone network outages. Brian Chan, 31, the storm moved away, the observatory negligence over a rice subsidy that showered hacked at their governments and finances, while ‘Money and power’ said authorities had failed to give gradually reduced its warning signal to a cash on her family’s rural political heartland, but another coup toppled his younger sister Yingluck While Yingluck faces judges on Friday, it is enough notice of the impending storm Typhoon 1, the lowest level, although it was riddled with graft and led to billions of dol- in 2014. A guilty verdict for Yingluck on Friday Thaksin the clan’s rivals really want behind bars. and were not properly prepared, describ- said there would still be strong offshore lars of losses. would trigger a life ban from politics, taking out a The former cop from northern Thailand, who ing the territory as “totally lost” in the winds and the rain continued. If convicted, Thailand’s first female prime key family member whose star power and adroit made a fortune in telecoms and once owned typhoon. The water supply was also limit- Hong Kong is regularly besieged by minister could be jailed for up to 10 years- public relations stands apart from the dour elder- Manchester City football club, became the coun- ed, authorities said, and 50 flights can- typhoons between July and October, but although a sentence may be suspended. She is ly generals who currently rule Thailand. try’s first elected premier to complete a full term. celled from its international airport. By direct hits are rare. The city saw its also eligible for bail pending appeal. The She has pleaded innocent to the charges, say- He was re-elected in 2005. But success stirred evening, parts of Macau were still with- strongest storm in 1962 when the eye of Shinawatras emerged as a political force in 2001 ing she is the victim of a “subtle political game”. the ire of the conservative Thai elite and their out power. “Some have no tap water sup- typhoon Wanda passed over and gusts of when billionaire family patriarch, Thaksin, swept But her enemies say a conviction would be just army allies who feared their monopoly on power ply. The city looks like after an attack,” 284 kilometers per hour were recorded. It to power. He energized the economy and pro- desserts for a dynasty accused of seeding the was threatened. Harald Bruning, editor of the Macau killed 130 people and destroyed thou- vided the most extensive pro-poor welfare kingdom with graft and nepotism. “The After he was bundled from office he was hit Post Daily, told AFP, describing it as the sands of residential huts, leaving 72,000 schemes in Thai history. But critics accused him Shinawatra family downfall is attributable to what with a graft conviction and now lives in self-exile worst typhoon he had experienced in 30 people homeless. —AFP to avoid jail. Courts also seized some $1.3 billion of his assets. After several years of political dead- lock and competing protests-including deadly clashes and the occupation of Bangkok’s main India train accident airports by anti-Shinawatra “yellow shirts”- Yingluck emerged as an unlikely successor, cruis- ing to an election win in 2011. injures at least 42 A political novice, she charmed her party’s base with the rice subsidy, paying farmers up to NEW DELHI: At least 42 passengers were fourth largest by distance and remains twice the market rate for their crop. But the poli- injured yesterday after several cars of an the main form of travel in the vast coun- cy failed and galvanised mass protests against express train derailed in northern India, try, with 22 million passengers commut- her government and the ensuing bloodshed police said, four days after another rail ing daily. But the network is poorly fund- presaged another military coup. A civil court accident killed 23 people in the country. ed and deadly accidents often occur, with order is also seeking $1 billion from her in dam- The train crashed into a truck in northern experts blaming under-investment and ages for the scheme. While the walls are fast Uttar Pradesh before dawn, causing 12 poor safety standards for the frequency closing in, the Shinawatra clan has one last ace carriages to flip over, Indian Railways of incidents. Less than a year ago 146 up its sleeve, says Pavin Chachavalpongpun, a spokesman Anil Saxena told AFP. “We people died in a similar accident in Uttar former Thai diplomat and an academic at Kyoto have rushed emergency teams for rescue Pradesh. University. “There’s no other credible political and relief operations and all the injured A 2012 government report described alternative... they (the Shinawatras) are still num- have been taken to hospital,” Saxena said. the loss of 15,000 passengers to rail acci- ber one” when it comes to popularity, he said. District police Chief Sanjeev Tyagi told dents every year in India as a “massacre”. There is also the question of “money and power” AFP from the scene of the accident that Prime Minister Narendra Modi has with billions of dollars of family money in play. “around 42 people were injured in the pledged $137 billion over five years to “No politician in the world would walk away accident, most of them with simple modernize the crumbling railways and from that easily.” Since the 2014 coup the junta injuries.” The accident is the second to hit his government has signed numerous has made good on its vow to recast the king- India’s most populous state in less than a upgrading deals with private companies. dom’s politics-without the Shinawatras. Loyalists week after a high-speed train derailed Japan has agreed to provide $12 billion in have been sacked or transferred from provincial and crashed into residential buildings on soft loans to build India’s first bullet train, government and key police positions. Saturday, killing 23 people and injuring with Modi and Japanese Prime Minister Outspoken figures from the Shinawatras’ Pheu 150 others. Shinzo Abe tipped to break ground on BANGKOK: This file photo taken on May 19, 2011 shows Yingluck Shinawatra (C), sister of fugi- Thai party have been knotted up in legal cases, India’s railway network is the world’s the project in September. —AFP tive Thai ex-prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra, greeting her supporters after her registration while the pro-Thaksin “Red Shirt” street move- as the Puea Thai party candidate in Bangkok ahead of elections. —AFP ment has been muzzled. — AFP THURSDAY, AUGUST 24, 2017 ANALYSIS

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Focus Trump tough talk won’t move Pak

n military terms, Donald Trump’s long-awaited new Afghanistan strategy looks very much like the old Ione. But, on the diplomatic front, he took a risk in confronting unruly, nuclear-armed Pakistan. Washington has long been frustrated by Pakistan’s pro- vision of cross-border safe havens to some of the Taliban factions and armed Islamist groups fighting against US troops and their Afghan allies. Trump’s pred- ecessor Barack Obama risked triggering a breakdown in the long US alliance with Islamabad when, without forewarning, he sent commandos into Pakistan in 2011 to kill Al-Qaeda leader Osama Bin Laden. But, rhetorically at least, Trump’s much anticipated national address on Monday, in which he laid out a new strategy to win the United States’ longest war, marked a dramatic increase in pressure on Pakistan. “We have been paying Pakistan billions and billions of dollars at the same time they are housing the very terrorists that we are fighting,” Trump said. “That will have to change Yemen rebel alliance unravels in Sanaa and that will change immediately.” While Washington may hope that this motivates n alliance between Houthi rebels and Yemen strong- Relations. “With the expulsion of the Houthis from much of support from local communities and reportedly from the Islamabad to crack down on the groups that launch man Ali Abdullah Saleh, which jointly controls the the south, that common enemy has disappeared; thus, it’s United Arab Emirates, a key player in the Arab coalition. attacks into Afghanistan and Indian-administered Acapital Sanaa, has begun to unravel, threatening to not shocking that the grudging alliance between southern Saleh for his part is also drawing on his popular reach in Kashmir, it does not come without risk. Pakistan holds further splinter a country already ravaged by war. Witnesses secessionists and the internationally backed government Sanaa, which until 2014 had been largely off-limits to the the Muslim world’s only known nuclear arsenal and its say armed supporters of Saleh and the Houthis have spread has devolved into deep tensions.” Houthis, confined to the northern Saada province. Saleh government is a sometimes shaky balancing act across the city on the eve of a mass rally to mark the 35th The common enemy began to come apart at the seams and the Houthis have had a tacit agreement in sharing between elected civilians and a powerful military that anniversary of ex-president Saleh’s General People’s in April, when Hadi fired Aden governor Aidarous Al- Sanaa: The ex-president lacks the muscle the insurgents can maintains ties with the militants. Harsh US measures Congress, sparking fears of an intensification of violence in Zoubeidi and Hani bin Breik, a member of his cabinet. Both provide, and Saleh’s structural and popular power in the could provoke Pakistan and, if the government feels its a country already ravaged by war, cholera and famine. Zoubeidi and bin Breik have historically favored reinstating capital is unparalleled. That delicate power balance may be Cold War-vintage pact with America is under threat, it For three years, the Saleh-Houthi alliance has fought the southern Yemen’s autonomy and went on to announce the tested in Thursday’s rally, which Saleh has said will be a could turn towards China - the great rival of both India Saudi-backed government for control of Yemen in a war establishment of the Southern Transitional Council, with demonstration of support for “legitimacy” in Yemen. — AFP and America. And, much more than the implied threat that has decimated the lives of millions and brought the to cut military aid to Pakistan, Trump’s request that country to the brink of starvation. Tension between Saleh India play a greater role in stabilizing Afghanistan will and the Houthis is at an unprecedented high, threatening rattle New Delhi’s most bitter and long-standing foe. an unlikely alliance that has long been viewed as tactical at Saudi renews Iraq ties best. The two sides have flung mutual accusations of trea- India’s orbit son over the past week, culminating yesterday in an open But, US experts agree, Pakistan is unlikely to step up threat by the Iran-backed rebels who said Saleh would have in bid to distance Iran its support for the Haqqani extremist group and the to “bear the consequences” after he dismissed his allies as Afghan Taliban if that would mean the collapse of the “militias” in a weekend speech. nfluential Iraqi Shiite cleric Moqtada Sadr’s visit to Saudi Al-Hashemi. Tehran “prided itself on pulling all the strings Kabul government and driving out US troops. Instead, Arabia at the end of July signalled the Gulf Sunni power- among the Shiites (of Iraq) but it seems that several strings despite some of his more vainglorious rhetoric, Trump’s Enemy of my enemy Ihouse’s ambition to distance its Iranian foe from policy- are now beyond its grasp, like that of the Sadrists”, Hashemi revamped strategy could lay the basis for dealing with Saleh’s history with the rebels is long and complicated. making in Baghdad. In the wake of former dictator said. In June, Iraqi Prime Minister Haider al-Abadi, also a Afghanistan as a long-term chronic problem rather than The Yemeni strongman, now 75, has waged six wars against Saddam Hussein’s August 1990 invasion of Kuwait, Riyadh Shiite, held meetings in Saudi Arabia, four months after a an imminent threat. James Jeffrey, a fellow of the the Houthis since the late 1970s, when he was president of severed relations with Baghdad and closed its border posts visit to Baghdad by Saudi Foreign Minister Adel al-Jubeir, a Washington Institute and former senior national securi- then-independent north Yemen and allied with Saudi with its northern neighbor. Ties have remained strained first of its kind since 2003. ty adviser to the George W. Bush White House, said: Arabia, which leads the Arab coalition now backing even after Saddam’s ouster in the 2003 US-led invasion of For Michael Knights, a researcher at the Washington “There’s really no way to pressure Pakistan.” President Abedrabbo Mansour Hadi. Saleh was elected Iraq, since when successive Shiite-dominated govern- Institute, such interaction with Riyadh could come at a Pakistan has made the decision that keeping Kabul Yemen’s first president when the country unified in 1990 ments in Baghdad have stayed close to Tehran. price. “Tehran will view the Saudi Arabian engagement by out of India’s orbit is more important that clamping and remained in power until 2012, resigning after a year of But Sadr’s rare visit to Saudi Arabia came at the invita- Abadi and Sadr as another reason that Abadi must be dis- down on cross-border militancy, and cutting aid would protests-turned-clashes in a deal brokered by the Gulf tion of Riyadh, which played up his meeting with Crown placed as premier in the 2018 elections,” said Knights. “And only be counterproductive, he argues. Beyond Cooperation Council that guaranteed him and his family Prince Mohammed bin Salman. Two weeks later, Sadr fol- Iran will work hard behind the scenes with money, media Afghanistan, the United States has an interest in pre- immunity. lowed up by holding talks in Abu Dhabi with its Crown and weapons to make that happen.” But at the same time, venting Pakistan from going to war with India or col- He was succeeded by Hadi, then vice president, who Prince Mohammed bin Zayed Al-Nahayan of the United Haddad warned that Riyadh and Abu Dhabi should not lapsing and allowing its government or nuclear emerged as his biggest political rival. Saleh pulled an Arab Emirates (UAE) and close ally of his counterpart in the count too heavily on Sadr to restore their influence in weapons to fall into the hands of extremists. And, while about-face in 2014 and realigned himself at the side of kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA). “Hosting Sadr in Riyadh Baghdad at the expense of Tehran. “They should moderate the US footprint is smaller now that it was at the height Abdul Malik Al-Houthi, the Zaidi Shiite leader of the rebel and Abu Dhabi shows regional rivals and particularly Iran their expectations as to how much he will be willing to of the occupation, its forces still need access to Ansar Allah movement with ties to Riyadh’s archrival Iran. that KSA/UAE are capable of tapping into and influencing deliver,” he cautioned. Tehran has played a major political, Pakistani supply lines and airspace. The Houthis drove the Hadi government out of the capital intra-Shia politics in Iraq,” said Fanar Haddad, a research fel- economic and military role in Baghdad since the end of “There’s really very little we can do,” Jeffrey said. “To and into Aden, Hadi’s hometown in southern Yemen. low at the Washington-based Middle East Institute. For the Saddam’s rule, during which Shiites were barred from pow- cut all aid or, even more dramatically, to start striking Saleh and Houthi continue to control the capital, where Gulf monarchies, “Sadr would be a prize catch: authentical- erful posts and Shiite-majority Iraq fought a 1980-1988 war the Haqqani network and all that ... doesn’t guarantee the former president’s influence has not waned five years ly Shia-Iraqi, distrustful if not disdainful of Iran and with a against Shiite but non-Arab Iran. According to the Carnegie that they’ll do what we say.” But Pakistan also has no after his reluctant resignation. By 2016, Saleh had reached a genuinely organic and loyal grassroots following.” Middle East Center, Iranian exports, not including fuel, interest in driving the United States out, and Jeffrey power-sharing pact with the insurgents and ran a parallel tripled between 2008 and 2015 to reach $6.2 billion. Apart sees Monday’s speech as confirmation that Trump has government from Sanaa in an alliance insiders and analysts ‘Pulling the strings’ from military advisers on the ground in Iraq, Iran also spon- come around to the idea of a strategy of “long-term have long warned would not last. “On both ends, it has The pro-Western Arab states of the Gulf aim to show sors several armed groups, in particular the paramilitary containment”. “Other than the unfortunate reference to been a common enemy... keeping both sides together,” said that Iran no longer holds a monopoly on influencing policy Hashed al-Shaabi units that are playing a key role in fight- ‘winning’ there - that’s something that nobody can Adam Baron, a fellow at the European Council on Foreign in Baghdad, according to Iraqi political scientist Hashem ing the Islamic State (IS) jihadist group. — AFP promise because no one can achieve it - I think that this is basically sensible strategy,” he said.

Stepping on toes Sadanand Dhume, an Indian commentator and resi- dent fellow at the American Enterprise Institute, argued Madagascar rides vanilla price bubble that Washington has many tools at its disposal to turn up the pressure on the Pakistanis - from cutting military it by rampant speculation and a collapse in produc- to guard their precious crop and several thieves have been pline,” said Teddy Seramila, the Sava region’s development aid, to stripping them of allied status or declaring them tion following cyclone Enawo, the price of vanilla - beaten, imprisoned or even killed. “We pay two police to director. Fear of thefts in the plantations has also forced a state sponsor of terror. But the biggest stick may be HMadagascar’s largest export - has surged in recent secure the village,” said Patrick Razafiarivo, 42, an interme- some growers to pick their pods prematurely, resulting in the outreach to India. “The US have always encouraged months. Ice cream, aromatherapy, perfume and haute cui- diary between the farmers and the exporters who admits declining standards. “People are doing all sorts. They’re Indian involvement in Afghanistan, but it was careful sine: all use the spice sourced from the Indian Ocean island to hiding vanilla underneath his mattress. “The police vacuum packing vanilla that can go bad. Non-experts can not to step on Pakistani toes,” he said. “What we’re see- which accounts for about 80 percent of global production. made us pay for their 4X4s,” said a French exporter. be misled over the quality,” said an exporter from ing now, is the US feeling it no longer needs to be that The sudden cash bonanza has threatened to fuel crime and The authorities admit that they were caught unpre- Madagascar. “Nothing distinguishes a good pod from a careful about Pakistani sensitivity,” he said, admitting slash quality. On the single paved road in Ampanefena, a pared for the boom. “The root of all the problems is inse- bad pod, you can’t tell the difference,” exporter Lucia Ranja that, after 16 years of war, it is hard not to be skeptical rural community in the northeast of Madagascar, youths curity caused by a lack of capacity, staff, and force disci- Salvetat told AFP. — AFP about Trump’s chances of success. pass the time doing wheelies on their high-powered Seth Jones, a former senior Pentagon official and Japanese motorbikes. now director of RAND Corporation’s International “It cost 200 million Malagasy ariary (12,00 euros, Security and Defense Policy Center, sees room for a $14,000),” claimed Akman Mat-hon, 17, atop a Kawasaki more stable future with a better balance of power. too large for his frame. His father is “in vanilla” and bought “Pakistan certainly doesn’t want Afghanistan to collapse the bike as a gift. Business is booming: since 2015 the price and nor do they want an Afghan government that is of the spice has soared relentlessly to “a never-before seen strongly and closely tied to New Delhi,” he said. “I think peak of between $600 and $750 a kilo,”(510 and 640 euros) what they’d like is a relatively stable Afghanistan, and according to Georges Geeraerts, president of Madagascar’s one whose government - and some of the tribal and Group of Vanilla Exporters. Since the market was liberalized sub-tribal actors near the border - have at least decent in 1989, the price has fluctuated wildly - from $400 a kilo in relations with Islamabad.” And key to all of this, all 2003 to $30 in 2005, where it stayed for roughly a decade. experts agree, is that the US military remain in But demand eventually outstripped the supply of Afghanistan for the long haul. — AFP around 1,800 tonnes-a-year, spurred on by resurgent calls for organic products, speculation by financiers - and by tropical cyclone Enawo which ravaged part of the produc- tion zone. Markets in the vanilla-producing Sava region All articles appearing on these pages are the were saturated almost overnight with motorbikes, smart- personal opinion of the writers. Kuwait Times phones, solar panels, generators, flat-screen televisions takes no responsibility for views expressed and gaudy home furnishings. therein. Kuwait Times invites readers to voice their opinions. Please send submissions via ‘It’s a free-for-all’ email to: [email protected] or via snail “The banks struggled to keep up with the pace,” said a mail to PO Box 1301 Safat, Kuwait. The editor French trader speaking on condition of anonymity.”Money reserves the right to edit any submission as no longer has any meaning, people think it’s a free-for-all, it’s becoming anarchy,” added Vittorio John, a vanilla grow- necessary. er in his 40s. The price explosion has led to increased thefts This file photo taken on May 25, 2016 in Bemalamatra shows workers spreading “red vanilla” (vanilla which has from vanilla plantations. Some growers sleep in their fields been treated by special cooking) in the sun to be dried. — AFP NEWS THURSDAY, AUGUST 24, 2017 Qatar limits hours, ensures pay for domestic workers

DOHA: Qatar has approved a law limiting domestic staff to domestic staff, with some claiming that they are subjected a maximum of 10 hours’ work a day, the first such protec- to working in slave-like conditions. These included physical tion for thousands of household maids, nannies and cooks and sexual abuse, no wages being paid and passports in the emirate. The “Domestic Employment Law” also being confiscated. orders employers to pay staff wages at the end of each In 2014 it was reported that hundreds of Filipino month and entitles workers to at least one day off per domestic workers had sought sanctuary at their Doha week and an annual leave of three weeks, the Qatar News embassy complaining of harsh working conditions. The Agency reported. They will also receive end-of-service ben- issue of ill-treatment of domestic staff stretches across the efits equating to a minimum of three weeks wages for region. In 2015 Indonesia said it would stop sending each year of service when their contract ends. The law pro- domestic staff to 21 Middle Eastern countries in protests at hibits staff being recruited from abroad who are older than the treatment of maids in those countries. Human Rights This file photo taken on Nov 14, 2015 shows a screen displaying “#prayforparis” in Berlin a day after deadly 60 and younger than 18. Watch backed the introduction of the law. “Tens of thou- attacks in Paris. The hashtag celebrated its 10-year anniversary yesterday. — AFP Hundreds of thousands of foreign workers have flocked sands of domestic workers in Qatar now have their labor to the gas-rich Gulf emirate in recent years, including rights protected in law including a limit to their working #HappyBirthday! Hashtag turns 10 almost 100,000 women working as house staff. Other day and a weekly day of rest,” Rothna Begum, women’s domestic workers covered by the new law include clean- rights researcher at HRW, told AFP. ers, gardeners and drivers. But she added that new legislation must be rigorously PARIS: The hashtag, the symbol attached to keywords to eastern Nigeria of 276 schoolgirls by Islamists from Boko The legislation was issued on Tuesday by Qatar’s Emir imposed by the authorities. “However, Qatar should ensure tag topics online, yesterday celebrated 10 years making Haram led to the posting of the #BringBackOurGirls hash- Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al-Thani, QNA reported. there are strong enforcement mechanisms which are key social media just a bit more navigable. The sign has pre- tag. The then US first lady Michelle Obama was among Although Qatar has come under severe international pres- to making these rights a reality.” The legislation comes at a ceded the keywords that mark out all major events around those who used it to draw attention to the fight against sure to improve its record on the treatment of construction time when Qatar’s laws remain under scrutiny from the the world since 2007, when it got its first outing on Twitter. Boko Haram, which at the time seemed to have Nigeria’s workers in the run-up to the 2022 World Cup, until now International Labor Organization. The UN body has given Before long, it had spread to other social media including army on the backfoot. #BlackLivesMatter was another digi- domestic staff have not been protected by any legislation. Qatar until November to improve its human rights record Facebook, Instagram and Tumblr. It was Chris Messina, an tal rallying cry, going viral during a wave of protests over Critics have long campaigned for legal protection for or face sanctions. — AFP American designer and social media expert, who originally the deaths of several black people at the hands of the proposed using the hash sign (#) - pound sign in American police in the United States. Then there was English - to group tweets by subject. #OccupyWallStreet for the American “indignant” move- He made the original suggestion in a tweet posted on ment that set up a protest camp in the heart of the New Egypt slams US decision to cut aid over... Aug 23, 2007 before elaborating in a post online a couple York’s Manhattan to protest financial greed and corruption. of days later. He launched the first ever hashtag, #barcamp, Hashtags have also sprung up in the wake of terror Continued from Page 1 clear vision for what Trump has called the “ultimate to identify a set of conferences focused around technology attacks to allow internet users to express solidarity for the deal”. He and his delegation traveled to Jordan on and the web that he helped organize. Messina, who victims and survivors. In 2015, #JeSuisCharlie was shared President Abdel-Fattah Al-Sisi and met with the Tuesday, where they met with King Abdullah II. describes himself as an “avid Twitterer”, has sent more than five million times in the two days after the January 7 American delegation separately at the Foreign Ministry. They also visited Saudi Arabia and Qatar, according 39,500 tweets in 11 years. Yesterday’s birthday celebra- jihadist attack on French satirical magazine Charlie Hebdo Kushner’s delegation includes Jason Greenblatt, the US to local media reports. The US delegation met Saudi tions, of course, are trending with #Hashtag10. in Paris, which killed 12 people. #PrayforParis was tweeted envoy for international negotiations, and Dina Powell, Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman in Jeddah, then more than six million times after the November 2015 the deputy national security adviser. flew to Doha to meet the Emir of Qatar Sheikh Tamim #Mobilization attacks in and around Paris which cost 130 lives. The slogan The Trump administration on Tuesday cut nearly bin Hamad Al-Thani. Neither news agencies of the two Today 125 million hashtags are exchanged every day, was adapted elsewhere, for example in Berlin - $100 million in military and economic aid to Egypt and countries mentioned the months-old row between often serving as a springboard to launch massive online #PrayforBerlin - after a truck attack left 12 dead at a Berlin delayed almost $200 million more in military financing, Riyadh and Doha, which has defied Kuwaiti and US campaigns. In April 2014 the abduction at Chibok in north- Christmas market in Dec 2016. — AFP citing Egypt’s poor human rights record and its crack- mediation efforts. down on civic and other non-governmental groups. The Apart from efforts to end Israeli-Palestinian hostili- move came as a surprise to many, given the close ties ties, the two sides also discussed encouraging “security, Iran extends reach with fight forged since Trump took office. The US president has stability and Middle-Eastern-prosperity”, Saudi state repeatedly hailed Sisi as a key ally in the fight against news agency SPA said. Bin Salman and the official terrorism. In a statement, the Egyptian Foreign Ministry talked about ways to achieve “a real and lasting peace for land link to Mediterranean said Cairo regretted the US decision, calling it a “mis- between Israelis and Palestinians” and stability in the judgment of the nature of the strategic relations that wider Middle East and beyond, SPA said. In Doha, which BEIRUT: Thousands of Iranian-backed fighters in Syria’s thousands of rockets and missiles. Iran currently ships have bound the two countries for decades”. It said the hosts the political leadership of Palestinian Islamist central desert region are advancing east, bringing weapons to Hezbollah mostly by flying them to Syria move “reflects the lack of careful understanding of the group Hamas, Sheikh Tamim and the envoys discussed Tehran closer to its goal of securing a corridor from its to be shipped on the ground to Lebanon. Israel has importance of supporting the stability and success of “the improvement of the humanitarian situation and liv- border, through Iraq and all the way to the warned it would do what it can to keep Iran from Egypt as well as the size and nature of the security and ing conditions in Gaza Strip,” Qatar state news agency Mediterranean and providing it unhindered land access threatening its borders and has carried out airstrikes economic challenges faced by the Egyptian people.” The QNA reported. Today, the delegation is expected to to its allies in Syria and Lebanon for the first time. The in Syria against suspected weapons shipments bound decision, it warned, may have “negative consequences hold separate meetings with Israeli Prime Minister land-route would be the biggest prize yet for Iran in its for Hezbollah. Israel pushed hard for a US- and Russia- for the realization of common US-Egyptian interests.” It Benjamin Netanyahu and Palestinian President involvement in Syria’s six-year-old civil war. brokered truce that came into effect recently in south- did not elaborate. Mahmoud Abbas, but no major breakthroughs are It would facilitate movement of Iranian-backed fight- ern Syria to keep Iranian-backed militias at a distance Egypt is among the top recipients of US military and expected. Trump has yet to fully endorse a two-state ers between Iran, Iraq, Syria and Lebanon as well as the from the Golan Heights, which Israel has occupied economic assistance, receiving about $1.5 billion annu- solution, which has been at the heart of US policy for flow of weapons to Damascus and Lebanon’s Hezbollah, since 1967. ally. The $1.3 billion in military aid and $250 million in nearly two decades. He has said it’s up to Israel and the Iran’s main proxy group. It also positions Iran to play a The land route is by no means a fait accompli. Any economic aid is linked to Egypt’s 1979 peace treaty with Palestinians to decide the shape of a final settlement. prime and lucrative role in what is expected to be a road link will likely be a frequent target by Sunni insur- Israel, and underpins a US-Egyptian security relation- Separately, Iran and Saudi Arabia will exchange massive rebuilding effort in both Iraq and Syria, which gent groups. But Iran’s allies are making progress on ship that is now mostly aimed at fighting terrorism. diplomatic visits soon, Tehran said yesterday, indicating have been devastated in their ongoing wars. The poten- both sides of the border, taking territory from the In recent years, Egypt has clamped down on civil a possible thaw in relations between the regional rivals tial for a physical artery for Iran’s influence across the Islamic State group. In recent months, Syrian troops and society, particularly human rights groups and other since they severed diplomatic ties last year. Iranian region is raising concern in predominantly Sunni Arab allied militiamen have marched forward on three fronts organizations that receive foreign funding. Such groups Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif told the countries and in Israel, the nemesis of both Iran and toward areas bordering Iraq. One of their main targets is played a central role in the 2011 uprising that toppled Iranian Students’ News Agency (ISNA) that the visits Hezbollah. It poses a challenge to the Trump adminis- the IS-held eastern city of Deir el-Zour, where the mili- longtime autocrat Hosni Mubarak, and pro-government could take place after the hajj pilgrimage ends in the tration, which has vowed to fight Iran’s growing reach. tants have imposed a siege for years on a small govern- media often present them as part of a conspiracy to first week of September. “The visas have been issued for The route is largely being carved out by Iran’s allies ment-held pocket. undermine the state. both sides to make this trip,” Zarif said, according to and proxies, a mix of forces including troops of Syrian Syrian troops and pro-Iranian Iraqi militiamen do The authorities have arrested thousands of people ISNA. “We are waiting for the final steps to be complet- President Bashar Al-Assad, Hezbollah fighters and Shiite already meet at one small area on the border - at the since Sisi led the 2013 military overthrow of President ed so diplomats from the two countries can inspect militias on both sides of the border aiming to link up. Jamouna region on the Iraqi side and Wadi Al-Waer on Mohamed Morsi, an Islamist who won the country’s first their embassies and consulates.” Iran also has forces of its own Revolutionary Guard the Syrian side. But the area is too dangerous to be used freely contested election. Most of those in detention are Relations between Iran and Saudi Arabia are at their directly involved in the campaign on the Syrian side. as a corridor, since militants continue to launch hit-and- Islamist supporters of Morsi, but a number of prominent worst in years, with each accusing the other of sub- Concerns over their advances are expected to come up run attacks. Syrian troops reached another part of the liberal and secular activists have also been jailed. Trump verting regional security and supporting opposite when Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu holds border in June, but much of the adjacent territory on made no public mention of human rights when he sides in conflicts in Syria, Iraq and Yemen. Iranian pro- talks Wednesday in the Russian resort of Sochi with the Iraqi side is still IS-held. warmly welcomed Sisi to the White House in April, an testers stormed the Saudi embassy in Tehran in Jan. President Vladimir Putin, whose country is an ally of Iran omission that many took as a sign that the issue was 2016 after a prominent Saudi Shiite cleric was execut- and Assad. Influence not a priority for the administration. ed, prompting Riyadh to close the embassy. Saudi The talks will focus “first and foremost (on) prevent- Inside Iraq, Iranian-backed Shiite militiamen are gain- But two months later, two senators from Trump’s Arabia and several other Arab governments have sev- ing Iran’s military entrenchment in Syria,” David Keyes, a ing more influence in predominantly Sunni areas bor- Republican Party slammed as “draconian” a new ered ties with Qatar, citing its support of Iran as one of spokesman for Netanyahu, said. “Iran’s aggression in the dering Syria. Militiamen are involved in the battle to Egyptian law that effectively bans the work of non-gov- the main reasons. region continues to grow. The regime is trying to retake the Iraqi town of Tel Afar, which would boost the ernmental organizations and urged its repeal. Egypt has Iran has blamed Saudi Arabia for being behind entrench itself militarily on Israel’s border. Israel cannot militias’ hold on the nearby border region. The Shiite defended the law, which provoked an international deadly twin attacks on June 7 in Tehran claimed by and will not allow this,” he said. “Any cease-fire which militiamen are also present in Iraq’s western Anbar backlash, saying it was drafted and approved according Islamic State. At least 18 people were killed and more allows Iran to establish a foothold in Syria is a danger to province bordering Syria. “Our aim is to prevent any bar- to its constitution. than 40 wounded in the attacks, in which Riyadh has the entire region.” riers from Iraq to Syria all the way to Beirut,” said Jaafar Kushner has meanwhile been trying to revive Middle denied any involvement. Thousands of Iranian pilgrims A corridor would be a boost for Israel’s powerful Al-Husseini of Iraq’s Kataeb Hezbollah militia. “The East peace talks, which last collapsed in 2014. He has are currently undertaking the haj pilgrimage in Saudi enemy Hezbollah, which has an arsenal of tens of resistance is close to achieving this goal.” — AP made little evident progress, and has yet to lay out a Arabia. — Agencies THURSDAY, AUGUST 24, 2017 SPORTS

Former S Africa star Ex-All Black accused of Jackson denies Smith turns T20 coach assault in fight video rape allegation

JOHANNESBURG: Former South Africa skipper and batsman Graeme LA ROCHELLE: Former New Zealand international Jason Eaton has LONDON: Ireland’s second choice fly-half Paddy Jackson denied a Smith will be among the coaches when the maiden Twenty20 Global been accused of assault following a night-club brawl in France that charge of rape through his lawyer at a court hearing in Belfast yesterday. League starts in the republic this November. His appointment as coach of was captured on video, a police source said yesterday. The 35-year- The 25-year-old-widely seen as the man to replace veteran Jonathan the Benoni Zalmi, one of eight teams in the nationwide tournament, was old La Rochelle lock and compatriot Romana Graham, a 31-year-old Sexton when he retires from international rugby-has been charged confirmed Tuesday by the owners of a franchise based in second row who left the French club at the end of last season, were along with Ulster and Ireland team-mate Stuart Olding, whilst eastern Johannesburg. It will be the first senior-level involved in a late-night fight outside a club in the town last week. “A two other men face lesser charges related to the alleged coaching post for the 36-year-old since he retired from video is being studied and will be used to discern the facts from the incidents. Neither the 25-times capped Jackson nor international cricket three years ago. Geoffrey Toyana, fiction, because it seems that everyone involved was drunk,” said the Olding, 24 and capped four times, appeared in court, their the successful coach of all-formats South African fran- police source. Eaton, who won 15 All Blacks caps between 2005 and lawyers transmitting their pleas. Neither player is to be chise the Highveld Lions, will assist Smith. Nicknamed 2009, is one of La Rochelle’s star players. He helped the unfashion- considered for selection by either club or country until the “Biff”, Johannesburg-born Smith played 117 Tests, 197 able outfit top the regular 2016/17 standings and reach the Top 14 legal process is over, according to the Irish Rugby Football one-day internationals and 33 T20 matches for South semi-finals last season. It is the second violent incident involving Union and Ulster Rugby. That is likely to see them miss Africa. Smith and Toyana will be in Cape Town this week- top-flight French rugby players during the off-season. Stade Francais’ the whole of the coming season. The short legal pro- end for a player draft, choosing from more than 400 Fiji pair Josaia Raisuqe and Waisea Nayacalevu face trial over an ceedings saw the charges lodged officially with a dis- local and foreign cricketers. — AFP alleged sexual assault and drunken violence last month. —AFP trict judge.—AFP Champ Jon Jones flagged for another failed doping test

LAS VEGAS: Jon Jones could face a plan to retire after his second loss to Jones. lengthy suspension from mixed martial arts Jones’ camp and his manager, Malki after the UFC light heavyweight champion Kawa, released a statement: “We are all at a was notified Tuesday of his second poten- complete loss for words right now. Jon, his tial violation of the promotion’s anti-dop- trainers, his nutritionists and his entire ing policy. camp have worked tirelessly and meticu- Jones is widely considered the top lously the past 12 months to avoid this pound-for-pound fighter in the sport, but exact situation. We are having the samples his potential violation stems from a sample tested again to determine the validity or collected after his weigh-in July 28 for his source of contamination. Jon is crushed by title fight against Daniel Cormier at UFC this news and we are doing whatever we 214 in Anaheim, California. can as a team, to support him.” Jones won the fight and reclaimed his If the violation is confirmed, Jones 205-pound belt after sitting out the previ- seems likely to face a multiyear suspension ous year for a failed doping test. The victory from the sport, taking away even more of appeared to be a return to glory for a long- his fighting prime. The UFC also will be troubled fighter who has repeatedly hin- harmed by the lengthy absence of its best dered his stellar career with misbehavior fighter and a burgeoning pay-per-view outside the octagon. draw. The UFC also could lose its dream Jones was stripped of his belt in 2015 matchup between Jones and former after being involved in a hit-and-run acci- heavyweight champion Brock Lesnar. The dent. He was scheduled to fight Cormier for superstars both appeared eager to meet the title in July 2016, but was pulled from next year in a heavyweight fight that would the UFC 200 card for what he claimed was a be among the biggest events in the UFC’s failed test due to a sexual enhancement history. pill. Jones hasn’t yet been stripped of his The US Anti-Doping Agency administers title for a second time, UFC President Dana the UFC’s doping policy. The California LAS VEGAS: Conor McGregor walks on stage during the arrivals for a boxing match Tuesday, in Las Vegas. McGregor is scheduled to fight Floyd White said. Cormier held the belt for most State Athletic Commission has jurisdiction Mayweather Jr in a boxing match Saturday in Las Vegas. — AP of Jones’ absence, and he had said he didn’t over Jones’ test along with USADA. —AP BOXING TENNIS Pretenders line up in Mayweather, McGregor trade US Open power struggle verbal jabs, countdown begins

NEW YORK: Serena Williams is about to New York. “I’m looking forward to be there LAS VEGAS: Floyd Mayweather and Conor could make as much as $200 million from gruelling training camp that had taken him to have a baby, Victoria Azarenka will stay and feel I can improve what happened the McGregor traded verbal jabs Tuesday as the cir- Saturday’s contest, with McGregor collecting “hell and back” and left him primed to face home with her baby and the US Open past years, because I feel like I never really cus-like countdown to their money-spinning around $100 million. either a long or short fight. women’s field is pregnant with suspense found my (rhythm),” Muguruza said. superfight cranked into overdrive on the Las Mayweather has fought at 154 pounds before “There is no way in hell that I’m not ready to over who might win. A wide-open array of “I want to change that. I want to find the Vegas Strip. Thousands of fans including a size- but is more used to fighting at welterweight fight in the deepest of trenches in this contest,” contenders for the world number one rank- recipe maybe this year, maybe that I have a able contingent of Irish supporters thronged the (150 pounds). McGregor however has fought at McGregor said. “We are ready for both scenarios. ing and the last Grand Slam title of the year little bit more confidence. “The most impor- heart of the Nevada boxing capital to greet 170 pounds in MMA. McGregor, 29, last week I’m ready to go to war for 12 rounds and I’m promise to make the Flushing Meadows tant part is to recover, to be fresh because Mayweather and McGregor at their separate insisted he was in peak condition following a ready to put him away early on.” — AFP fortnight that starts Monday a thriller even it takes a lot of energy, and then getting grand arrival ceremonies. Mayweather, the 40- without two of the game’s top stars. used to New York vibe again, because it’s year-old undefeated former welterweight box- Williams, who won her 23rd Grand Slam special.” Pliskova has taken titles at ing champion, has been lured out of retirement title at the Australian Open, announced in Brisbane, Doha and Eastbourne this year to face McGregor, a star of mixed martial arts’ Sharapova determined to April she was pregnant and would miss the but has never won a Grand Slam, although Ultimate Fighting Championship. rest of the year. Two-time Australian Open she reached her only Grand Slam final last The two men meet in a 12-round contest winner Azarenka revealed she is in a cus- year at New York. under boxing rules on Saturday that is tipped to prove point on return tody fight over her baby son, who cannot “The energy of the city is huge. become the richest fight in history. NEW YORK: Former world number one Maria Open will be her first Grand Slam event since leave California, and thus will stay with him. Obviously love to be coming back there, The cross-combat collision has appalled box- Sharapova makes her first Grand Slam appear- last year’s Australian Open. Former world number one Maria especially after the fantastic last year.” ing purists, with many decrying the event as a ance next week since serving a 15-month Shaking off criticism after the French Open Sharapova, a five-time Grand Slam champi- farcical publicity stunt more in keeping with the doping suspension, bringing renewed passion snub, Sharapova tweeted, “If this is what it on, will play as a wildcard in her first major ‘MY FIGHTING SPIRIT IS BACK’ choreographed traditions of WWE wrestling. and resolve to the US Open. The 30-year-old takes to rise up again, then I am in it all the tournament since a 15-month doping ban An early Cincinnati exit tumbled Kerber Mayweather and McGregor-who clashed Russian was given a wildcard into the tourna- way, everyday. No words, games or actions after testing positive for meldonium at the down the rankings race, but the 2016 US repeatedly during an expletive-laden world ment by the US Tennis Association (USTA), a will ever stop me from reaching my own 2016 Australian Open. And while the and Australian Open champion is feeling press tour to drum up interest for the fight last move critics complained about earlier in the dreams. And I have many.” Russian’s return has been hit by forearm the same drive she did a year ago. “I’m month-insist however that they are ready to season but another key step in the road back and thigh injuries, she remains a threat thinking that my fighting spirit is back and deliver a battle for the ages. McGregor, a mas- for the five-time Grand Slam winner. SHARAPOVA PLAYS CATCH-UP wherever she lands in the draw. Czech I’m feeling that it’s getting better and bet- sive underdog in what will be his first profes- “When it comes to tennis, good or bad- Sharapova has missed three of the past world number one Karolina Pliskova, ter,” Kerber said. “Going, for sure, with good sional boxing fight, insisted Tuesday he was there’s really only one thing that I know for four US Opens, her last visit ending in the Romanian world number two Simona memories to New York.” ready to stun the oddsmakers. “This is not even certain-I’ve missed it,” Sharapova wrote on the 2014 fourth round. The USTA defended its Halep, Wimbledon champion and world Halep isn’t after a 6-1, 6-0 drubbing by close to my toughest challenge ever. I will crum- Players’ Tribune website. “Though these last wildcard offer, saying, “Her suspension under number three Garbine Muguruza, Ukraine’s Muguruza in the Cincinnati final, her third ble him,” McGregor roared. two years have been tougher-so much the terms of the tennis anti-doping program fourth-ranked Elina Svitolina, Denmark’s and by far worst loss of the year with the “I have adapted perfectly to boxing, I am very tougher-than I ever could have anticipated... was completed and therefore was not one of fifth-ranked Caroline Wozniacki and the world number one ranking just a win away. pleased and ready. I’m a special man, I will prove my passion for the game has never wavered. If the factors weighed in our wildcard selection defending champion, sixth-ranked German But that didn’t dim her hopes of claim- that August 26, this will go one or two rounds, anything, it has only grown stronger.” process.” “Consistent with past practice, a wild- Angelique Kerber, are among the trophy ing a first Slam title at the US Open. “I will maybe I will bang him out and hurt him. Sharapova was issued a two-year suspen- card was provided to a past US champion who favorites on the New York hardcourts. go to New York and I will be with the confi- “If he survives, I will decide whether I embar- sion after testing positive for the banned heart needed the wildcard for entry into the main Evergeen Venus Williams, the 37-year- dence up,” Halep said. “I played really good rass or seriously hurt him. “I’m calm and cool, and blood boosting drug meldonium at the draw.” Former world number one Sharapova old American who has won seven Grand few months. So I don’t have negatives to same as I am in every fight. I’m fit, sharp and I’m 2016 Australian Open, but the Court of won the 2006 US Open as well as Wimbledon Slam titles and was runner-up this year at take.” Svitolina, the youngest in the favored gonna be ruthless in there. I believe he’ll be Arbitration for Sport reduced the ban on in 2004, the 2008 Australian Open and the Wimbledon and the Australian Open, is pack at 22, has won titles this year at unconscious inside one round.” McGregor and appeal. She said that she had taken it for sev- 2012 and 2014 French Opens. “I’m sure this is a ranked ninth and a dangerous foe for all. Toronto, Rome, Dubai, Istanbul and Taipei Mayweather passed each other after their sepa- eral years and did not know it had been great moment for her to have an opportunity Muguruza has made herself an odds- City and matched her best Grand Slam rate introductions, with McGregor taunting the placed on the banned list at the start of 2016. to be back to a place where she has done so maker’s darling after taking last year’s showing with a French Open quarter-final American with a shout of “Why didn’t you want Sharapova made her return in April at well,” seven-time Grand Slam champion Venus French Open, last month’s Wimbledon run. Wozniacki, the 2014 US Open runner- to face off?”-triggering a melee between their Stuttgart, reaching the semi-finals as a wild- Williams said. Sharapova was bolstered by crown and last week’s Cincinnati title in the up and three times a semi-finalist, has lost two entourages. card, but such invitations sparked criticism fans with “Welcome back Maria” signs in last major US Open tuneup. But she hasn’t six finals this year since taking her last title from some WTA rivals, saying she should have Germany and cheering support last month in gone past the second round in four tries at in Hong Kong last year. — AFP ‘HE NEEDS TO SHUT HIS MOUTH’ to work her way back without such benefits, Stanford, her first US match in more than two A relaxed-looking Mayweather meanwhile some suggesting a life ban. “I’m aware of what years. “I feel like I just want to hug everyone had earlier encouraged fans to bet on the fight many of my peers have said about me and and say thank you,” Sharapova said. finishing inside 12 rounds. how critical of me some of them have been,” Sharapova defeated American Jennifer “I talked to you before and said that this fight she wrote. “If you’re a human being with a nor- Brady 6-1, 4-6, 6-0 in her Stanford opener but wouldn’t go the distance,” Mayweather said. “If mal, beating heart... I don’t think that sort of suffered a left forearm injury and has not you’re going to bet, bet it won’t go (the dis- thing will ever fully be possible to ignore.” played competitively since. “I feel like I’m play- tance).” Mayweather did his best to play down Sharapova was refused a wildcard by ing catch-up against everyone who has had a his status as a heavy favourite, insisting that his French Open organizers and missed head start,” she said of being hurt during US two-year layoff from the ring had blunted his Wimbledon with a thigh injury, so the US Open tuneup events. — AFP prowess. “That’s what makes this fight so intriguing, I’ve been out a few years, feel like I’ve lost a few steps,” Mayweather said. “So we’ll just have to wait and see.” Earlier Tuesday, Mayweather had taunted McGregor over his fitness, telling the US website FightHype that he believed his opponent would struggle to make the 154-pound limit for Saturday’s bout. “Conor McGregor is extremely heavy right now,” Mayweather said. “I think he’s 164 so he’s still got 10 pounds to go.” McGregor hit back at Mayweather’s com- ments. “He needs to shut his mouth,” McGregor said. “It is a fool of a thing. Let him keep praying, praying for weight, for fatigue, praying for me to take a backward step. All he is doing is praying, but he is praying to the new god of boxing.” McGregor could face a painful financial penalty if he is unable to tip the scales inside the limit. Boxers often have the option of cancelling NEW HAVEN: Elise Mertens of Belgium serves to Daria Kasatkina of Russia during a fight or collecting a larger share of the purse if Day 5 of the Connecticut Open at Connecticut Tennis Center at Yale on Tuesday in an opponent fails to make weight. Estimates Maria Sharapova New Haven, Connecticut. — AFP vary but some projections indicate Mayweather THURSDAY, AUGUST 24, 2017 SPORTS Cavs trade Irving to Celtics for Thomas, more

CLEVELAND: Kyrie Irving was tired of And as fate will have it, the Cavs will host er with a stellar reputation. The 5-foot-9 Thomas is eligible for free agency next “We feel comfortable with who Kyrie is being teammates with LeBron James. Now the Celtics in their season opener on Oct. guard is one of the league’s most dynamic summer and believes he is worthy of a max- and who he can be,” he said. Minnesota he has to figure out how to beat him. 17. “Of course we know who our competi- backcourt players with an uncanny ability imum contract. He has been quoted saying, showed some interest in Irving after his Cleveland’s All-Star guard, who asked own- tion is, and we know who are biggest to get to the basket. Irving may be the only “They better bring out the Brinks truck.” trade request became public, but were er Dan Gilbert to trade him earlier this sum- threats are each year,” Ainge said. “But we better finisher among point guards. Cleveland also is getting Crowder, a solid unwilling to part with young star Andrew mer, was dealt Tuesday night to the Boston feel like this is a trade that can make us bet- The 28-year-old Thomas was taken with perimeter defender, and a first-round pick Wiggins as the centerpiece of a deal. Celtics for fellow All-Star Isaiah Thomas, for- ter, and that’s why we did it.” the final selection in the 2011 draft - 59 that Boston got from Brooklyn. The pack- Wiggins is expected to sign a max contract ward Jae Crowder, center Ante Zizic and The blockbuster deal caps a wild sum- picks after Irving was picked first overall. age could help the Cavs reload if James extension in the coming weeks to stay with the Brooklyn Nets’ unprotected 2018 first- mer for the Cavs, who lost their title defense But he has steadily scaled his way up to opts out of his contract next summer and the Timberwolves. round draft pick. in five games to Golden State in June. Since elite status. Thomas’ reputation in Boston leaves Cleveland for a second time. The The Phoenix Suns reportedly were not “It’s extremely rare to trade for a 25- then, general manager David Griffin left, was cemented when he led the Celtics Cavs drafted Irving with the No. 1 overall interested in parting with rookie Josh year-old player that’s done what he’s done, the team failed to convince Chauncey through the playoffs last season despite pick in 2011. He struggled in his first few Jackson in a deal that also would have the offensive weapon that he is,” Celtics Billups to join its front office and James has the death of his sister on the eve of the seasons but blossomed in recent years required Eric Bledsoe and the New York president Danny Ainge said. “We feel like played with fans’ emotions with veiled post- postseason. He also had a front tooth alongside James. However, that didn’t seem Knicks gave no indication that Kristaps his best basketball is still ahead of him. ings on social media about his future. knocked out during the second-round to be enough for the 25-year-old, who has Porzingis was ever on the table in a poten- “We have a player that’s proven to be a Irving’s trade demand cast a shadow over series against Washington and a hip injury wanted to be the focal point on his own tial Irving trade. sure thing. We know how unpredictable the entire organization. But Cleveland may eventually forced the team to shut him team. James wished Irving well on Twitter, Then the Celtics swooped in, landing the the draft can be. You do pay a heavy price have salvaged its offseason. “This trade down early in the East finals, won by the calling him a “special talent/guy.” “Nothing kind of star Ainge has long coveted. With for a player of that age and that caliber.” needed to include both players and assets Cavaliers in five games. but respect and what a ride it was our 3 the possibility of having to break the bank Irving, whose late 3-pointer helped that we felt strongly could help us continue “Isaiah had just an amazing season this years together,” James wrote. Asked about to retain Thomas next summer, Boston Cleveland win the 2016 NBA championship to compete for championships and we year and entertained us all, the whole city trading a fan favorite who rose from the finally tapped into the treasure trove of - and the city’s first title since 1964 - is on believe it does,” said new general manager of Boston. And everybody fell in love with depths of the draft for a player who asked assets that Ainge has assembled to get his way to Boston, where he’ll join a Celtics Koby Altman, who pulled off a deal that him,” Ainge said. “He’s such an underdog out of a team with the NBA’s best player, Irving, who is under contract for two more team that lost to the Cavs in last season’s protects Cleveland’s present and future. In because of his size and his heart and his one year removed from a championship, years. Irving got his wish to get away from conference finals. Thomas, they’re getting a proven playmak- spirit which he plays.” Ainge said he has done his homework. James, but he’s not free of him yet. — AP

SAN FRANCISCO: Milwaukee Brewers catcher Manny Pina, right, holds the ball for the home plate umpire to see after tagging out San Francisco Giants’ Nick Hundley, left, during the eighth inning of a baseball game Tuesday, in San Francisco. — AP

BASEBALL Fister fires one-hitter as BoSox romp Indians

CLEVELAND: Doug Fister gave up a leadoff hit in the left hand by a pitch, and lefty (0-1). After committing four errors in the Matthew Boyd (5-7) allowed seven runs and Adam Rosales also homered and Paul homer in the first inning to Francisco Lindor Anthony Rizzo wound up playing third base series opener, the Mariners botched two seven hits in 2 1/3 innings. Aaron Judge sin- Goldschmidt doubled twice. Corbin (11-11) and then nothing else, finishing with a as Chicago beat Cincinnati for its seventh more plays defensively. Third baseman Kyle gled and walked three times, ending his extended his shutout streak to 20 2/3 career-best one-hitter, and Eduardo Nunez win in nine games. The defending World Seager dropped a throw during a rundown record-setting streak of 37 games with at innings before rookie Amed Rosario home- had five RBIs as the Boston Red Sox rolled Series champions moved a season-high 10 in the sixth, allowing Ozzie Albies to race least one strikeout. red in the fifth. Fernando Rodney earned his to a 9-1 victory over the Cleveland Indians games over .500. Bryant was taken out as a home. Seattle made five throws on the slap- 29th save in 34 attempts. Pitching in place on Tuesday night. Fister (3-6) was facing AL precaution after being plunked in the ninth. stick play, ending when first baseman ROYALS 3, ROCKIES 2 of injured Steven Matz, lefty Tommy Milone Central-leading Cleveland for the third time Minus the NL MVP and ahead 13-6, manag- Yonder Alonso cut across the diamond with Danny Duffy and four relievers combined (1-3) gave up a three-run shot to Martinez in in four starts, and the right-hander took er Joe Maddon shifted Rizzo across the dia- the ball chasing one runner, then tossing to on a two-hitter, helping Kansas City hold off the first. advantage of his familiarity with the mond from first base - the only other lefty catcher Mike Zunino for a tag between sec- Colorado. Duffy (8-8) took a no-hitter into Indians’ lineup. He allowed two walks and third basemen in Cubs history played there ond and third. the sixth inning and retired the first two PADRES 12, CARDINALS 4 hit a batter, but was otherwise in control. in the 1800s. Rizzo didn’t get any plays at batters before walking DJ LeMahieu and Yangervis Solarte homered and drove in Backed by two double plays, he pitched his the new position. Hector Rondon (4-1) won ASTROS 4, NATIONALS 3 allowing a homer to Nolan Arenado. The a career-high six runs, Austin Hedges also first complete game since 2014 with in relief. Wandy Peralta (3-4) took the loss. Matt Wieters hit a two-run homer, Howie Rockies star hit his 28th home run. Jon Gray went deep and San Diego beat St Louis. Washington. Jackie Bradley Jr. homered in Kendrick had a two-run triple and (5-3) dropped to 4-12 in 27 career road Solarte capitalized on starter Lance Lynn’s the fifth off Carlos Carrasco (12-6) and BRAVES 4, MARINERS 0 Washington beat Houston for the ninth starts. lack of control with a three-run double in Nunez connected for two-run double in the Rookie Lucas Sims pitched three-hit ball straight time. Washington’s winning streak the second. Hedges’ three-run homer off seventh and three-run homer in the eighth. over six innings and Atlanta scored on a over the Astros dates to 2012. The NL East- MARLINS 12, PHILLIES 8, 1ST GAME Zach Duke capped a six-run seventh inning The AL East-leading Red Sox improved to crazy play that took three rundowns. Sims leading Nationals have won 13 of 14 against MARLINS 7, PHILLIES 4, 2ND GAME that also included three runs off Matt 15-4 since July 31. (2-3) won his second straight start. The 23- Houston since 2011. Tanner Roark (10-8) got Marcell Ozuna hit a two-run homer, Bowman (3-5). Craig Stammen (1-2) got one year-old righty from suburban Atlanta won the win and Sean Doolittle pitched a perfect Christian Yelich had a three-run shot and out in the sixth for the victory. CUBS 13, REDS 9 for the first time in front of the home folks. ninth for his 15th save. Charlie Morton (10- robbed Nick Williams of a two-run drive as Cubs star Kris Bryant exited after being Nick Markakis homered off Marco Gonzalez 6) gave up four runs in six innings for the AL Miami completed a doubleheader sweep. ATHLETICS 6, ORIOLES 4 West-leading Astros. Ichiro Suzuki’s pinch-hit three-run homer Ryon Healy homered twice, Jed Lowrie broke a tie in the seventh inning of the hit a two-run drive and Oakland beat strug- MLB Results/Standings DODGERS 8, PIRATES 5 opener and Giancarlo Stanton added his gling Baltimore. Manny Machado hit a two- Chris Taylor had three hits and drove in major league-leading 46th home run. The run homer in the sixth for Baltimore and Milwaukee 4, San Francisco 3; LA Angels 10, Texas 1; Kansas City 3, Colorado 2; San Diego 12, St. Louis 4; three runs as Los Angeles beat Pittsburgh. Marlins and Philadelphia combined for 14 Jonathan Schoop singled in two runs in the Minnesota 4, Chicago White Sox 1; Washington 4, Houston 3; Atlanta 4, Seattle 0; Miami 7, Philadelphia 4; Adrian Gonzalez doubled for his 2,000th homers in the two games. eighth to make it 5-4, but Khris Davis blunt- Arizona 7, NY Mets 4; Boston 9, Cleveland 1; Chicago Cubs 13, Cincinnati 9; NY Yankees 13, Detroit 4; Tampa Bay career hit to help the NL West leaders. ed the comeback with his 34th home run in 6, Toronto 5; Oakland 6, Baltimore 4; LA Dodgers 8, Pittsburgh 5; Miami 12, Philadelphia 8. Former Pirates reliever Tony Watson (7-4) TWINS 4, WHITE SOX 1 the ninth. Baltimore hasn’t won consecutive American League National League picked up the win with a perfect fifth. Jorge Polanco homered for the third time games since Aug. 5-7. Ubaldo Jimenez (5-9) Eastern Division Eastern Division Kenley Jansen struck out the side in the in two days as Minnesota beat Chicago. gave up three homers and has won only W L PCT GB Washington 75 48 .610 - ninth for his 34th save. Johnny Barbato (0-1) Polanco led off the fourth inning with his one of his last eight starts. Simon Castro (1- Boston 72 53 .576 - Miami 62 62 .500 13.5 lost in relief. sixth homer of the season after going deep 1) pitched two innings to earn his first win NY Yankees 67 57 .540 4.5 Atlanta 56 68 .452 19.5 Tampa Bay 62 65 .488 11 NY Mets 54 70 .435 21.5 in both ends of a doubleheader Monday. since Aug. 31, 2015 and Blake Treinen got Baltimore 61 65 .484 11.5 Philadelphia 45 79 .363 30.5 YANKEES 13, TIGERS 4 Kennys Vargas and Eddie Rosario added four outs for his fifth save. Toronto 59 66 .472 13 Central Division Gary Sanchez hit two home runs - includ- home runs against rookie Lucas Giolito (0-1) Central Division Chicago Cubs 67 57 .540 - ing a first-inning drive estimated at nearly in his White Sox debut. The Twins remained RAYS 6, BLUE JAYS 5 Cleveland 69 55 .556 - Milwaukee 66 61 .520 2.5 500 feet - and Masahiro Tanaka pitched sev- in playoff position with their fifth win in six Lucas Duda and Corey Dickerson home- Minnesota 65 60 .520 4.5 St. Louis 63 62 .504 4.5 Kansas City 63 61 .508 6 en tidy innings in his return from the dis- games. Kyle Gibson (7-10) struck out a sea- red in the first two innings and Chris Archer Pittsburgh 60 66 .476 8 Detroit 54 70 .435 15 abled list to lead New York over Detroit. son-high eight over seven innings. struck out 10 for Tampa Bay. Alex Colome Cincinnati 53 73 .421 15 Chicago White Sox 48 76 .387 21 Sanchez’s two-run shot in the first was esti- got his major league-leading 37th save. Western Division Western Division mated at 493 feet by Statcast. The Yankees DIAMONDBACKS 7, METS 4 Toronto has lost four straight. Duda’s 23rd Houston 76 49 .608 - LA Dodgers 89 35 .718 - led 2-0 after that and never looked back. J.D. Martinez hit an early three-run home run (sixth with Tampa Bay) came off Arizona 69 57 .548 21 LA Angels 65 61 .516 11.5 Tanaka (9-10) allowed three runs and six hits homer, Patrick Corbin pitched eight smooth rookie Chris Rowley (1-1) in the first inning. Seattle 64 63 .504 13 Colorado 68 57 .544 21.5 Texas 62 63 .496 14 San Diego 56 69 .448 33.5 in his first appearance since Aug. 9. He’d innings to win his third straight stingy start Norichika Aoki had led off the game with a Oakland 55 71 .437 21.5 San Francisco 51 77 .398 40 been out with right shoulder inflammation. and Arizona coasted past sinking New York. homer off Archer (9-7). —AP THURSDAY, AUGUST 24, 2017 SPORTS Western Force win right to appeal Super axing

SYDNEY: Western Force yesterday won trans-continental competition slims tition. The ARU did not give details mitments to SANZAAR.” Forrest said in a ment added. ARU chief executive Bill the right to appeal their axing from down from 18 sides to 15 next year. The about the offer, but did not accept it. statement via his Minderoo Foundation Pulver announced his resignation in the Super Rugby, as the Australian Rugby Sydney court was set to hear the appeal “We were genuinely appreciative of that he was “very surprised that there immediate fall-out from the contentious Union rejected a major cash injection on Wednesday after the hearing request Andrew’s generous offer to back the appeared to be no flexibility whatsoever decision to cull the Force, while the from a mining magnate to keep the club was granted, although it was not clear if Western Force and Australian Rugby, to find a solution for the future of the body’s director Geoff Stooke, from in the competition. a ruling would be made this week. however, given the position we are in sport”. But he added that the ARU had Western Australia, stepped down in The Perth club’s parent body, Rugby The decision came after board repre- we are unable to work towards retaining committed to working with the Western protest. Western Force joined Super WA, lodged the appeal request with the sentatives from the ARU met with bil- five teams in Super Rugby,” ARU chair- Force and the foundation to “develop a Rugby in 2006, but have never made the New South Wales Supreme Court in last lionaire miner Andrew Forrest, a heavy- man Cameron Clyne said in a statement new international competition” that was competition’s finals series. week after the ARU announced Force’s weight backer of Rugby WA, on Tuesday. late Tuesday. “We are at the final stages based in Western Australia state and Their best finish was in 2014, when removal from the southern hemisphere It is understood Forrest offered up to of this process and Australian Rugby’s focused on the Indo-Pacific region. they only narrowly missed the finals. competition in early August. Aus$50 million (US$39 million) to sup- constituents have voted to reduce “This commitment was made regard- This season, the Force finished second in Australia had to cut one of its five port Australian rugby if Western Force Australia’s Super Rugby representation less of the outcome of the appeal hear- the Australian conference behind the Super Rugby teams as the sprawling was retained in the Super Rugby compe- to four teams and we have made com- ings in the Supreme Court,” the state- ACT Brumbies. —AFP Nigeria recall for Chelsea ace Moses

ABUJA: Nigeria have recalled Chelsea ace World Cup in Russia with six points from Victor Moses as well as China-based striker two matches, while Cameroon are second Odion Ighalo for next month’s 2018 World on two points. Zambia and Algeria are on a Cup qualifiers against Cameroon. Skipper point each. Mikel John Obi is also back in the squad after being sidelined by an abdominal The full squad injury for four months. Goalkeepers: Daniel Akpeyi (Chippa Meanwhile, there is an appearance for United/RSA), Ikechukwu Ezenwa (FC uncapped Israel-based striker Anthony Ifeanyiubah), Dele Alampasu Nwakaeme and Ola Aina, who is on loan at (Cesarense/POR)Defenders: William Ekong Hull City from Premier League champions (Bursaspor/TUR), Abdullahi Shehu Chelsea. Mikel and Moses have missed the (Anorthosis Famagusta/CYP), Leon Balogun Super Eagles’ recent games due to injury, (Mainz/GER), Tyronne Ebuehi (Den while Ighalo was overlooked for several Haag/NED), Elderson Echiejile matches after he quit Premier League club (Sivasspor/TUR), Chidozie Awaziem Watford to move to China. (Nantes/FRA), Ola Aina (Hull City/ENG) Nwakaeme, 28, has been prolific for Midfielders: Mikel John Obi (Tianjin Israeli champions Hapoel Beer-Sheva. Teda/CHN), Ogenyi Onazi Aina’s inclusion would mean he has com- (Trabzonspor/TUR), Wilfred Ndidi (Leicester pleted his change of international alle- City/ENG), Oghenekaro Etebo giance to play for Nigeria at full interna- (Feirense/POR), John Ogu (Hapoel Beer- tional level after he featured for several Sheva/ISR), Mikel Agu (Bursaspor/TUR) England age-group teams. Forwards: Ahmed Musa, Kelechi Iheanacho While 23 players will attend the training (both Leicester City/ENG), Moses Simon camp, six players have been placed on (Gent/BEL), Alex Iwobi (Arsenal/ENG), standby-Kenneth Omeruo (Chelsea), Uche Odion Ighalo (Changchun Yatai/CHN), Agbo (Standard Liege), Henry Onyekuru Victor Moses (Chelsea/ENG), Anthony (Anderlecht), Alhassan Ibrahim, Ifeanyi Nwakaeme (Hapoel Beer-Sheva/ISR) Ifeanyi (Akwa United) and Aaron Samuel Standby list: Uche Agbo (Standard (CSKA Moscow). Liege/BEL), Henry Onyekuru Nigeria face Cameroon on September 1 (Anderlecht/BEL), Kenneth Omeruo in Uyo and three days later they clash again (Chelsea/ENG), Aaron Samuel (CSKA in Yaounde in a World Cup qualifying dou- Moscow/RUS), Alhassan Ibrahim, Ifeanyi DHAKA: This file photo taken on August 21, 2017 shows Australian cricketer Glenn Maxwell (L) sharing a light moment with teammates during a ble-header. The Super Eagles are top of Ifeanyi (Akwa United), Stephen Eze (FC training session at the Sher-e-Bangla National Cricket Stadium in Dhaka. Bangladesh’s muggy conditions have taken a toll on Australia with African qualifying Group B for next year’s IfeanyiUbah). — AFP batsman Maxwell revealing yesterday fell sick just days ahead of the two-Test series, the first between the sides in more than a decade. — AFP

CRICKET SEA GAMES Brunei’s ‘hot royal’ Pads off for Aussies as they sparks selfie stampede prepare for Bangladesh spin KUALA LUMPUR: A polo-playing prince ber of spectators at the “celebrity match”. from Brunei set off frenzied scenes when “It adds a bit of shine to the Games. We DHAKA: Australian batsmen have been bat- he was mobbed by fans at the Southeast have never played in front of such a big ting in the nets without their front pad on to Asian Games in Malaysia, where a group of crowd for polo,” he said. Prince Mateen and combat a Dhaka pitch that will offer assis- England to face Kiwis in athletic royals has been in the limelight. Princess Azemah aren’t the only Brunei roy- tance to Bangladesh’s spin attack. “I think the Dozens of spectators, mainly female, als at the SEA Games-Faiq Bolkiah, a main thing is to basically use your bat,” all- screamed and clamoured for selfies when nephew of the sultan, is representing his women’s World Cup final rounder Glenn Maxwell said. “If you don’t Prince Abdul Mateen, sixth in line to the oil- country in football. have the safety of your front pad, it makes rich sultanate’s throne, strode out to meet Malaysia’s Sultan Mizan Zainal Abidin BELFAST: England will defend the Women’s best, a sensational solo effort from scrum ball you get your leg out of the way and actually them in his jodphurs. was crowned equestrian endurance cham- Rugby World Cup in the final against four-time 40 meters out. She broke four tackles in a The 26-year-old, who has more than pion after winning the 80km (50 miles) use your bat.”“I think it is more about refining winner New Zealand after beating France 20-3 weaving run to the posts. half-a-million followers on Instagram, event in Terengganu, where he happens to your defense and making sure you trust the on Tuesday. New Zealand’s Black Ferns After a competitive first half, in which the looked slightly bemused as he met his be the state ruler. fact that you can hit the ball and not hoping crushed the United States 45-12 in the other Eagles forced turnovers at the breakdowns, excited fans, separated from them by a bar- “A very proud moment for all that your pads are there just to save you,” he semifinal. The final is on Saturday in Belfast. New Zealand applied all of the pressure in the rier and closely guarded by minders. Malaysians!” tweeted Prime Minister Najib said. It’s a tactic the Australians experiment- The Black Ferns, who have never lost a final, second half. The Eagles, their lineout in disar- It was an unexpected development at Razak. And in dressage, Thailand’s Princess ed with during Justin Langer’s tenure as bat- beat England in three of them. ray, finally succumbed in the last quarter, con- the 11-nation, biennial Games in Malaysia, Sirivannavari Nariratana placed her team ting coach in 2012. England won a match of attrition in the ceding four tries, two while they had an extra where the region’s pride compete in a silver medal on a portrait of her late grand- The first of two Tests in the series begins on rain. The English made nearly 50 tackles in the player when New Zealand replacement Linda diverse array of sports from swimming to father, King Bhumibol Adulyadej, who died Sunday in Dhaka. Maxwell said his team will first quarter alone to withstand a French siege. Itunu was yellow-carded for a head-high tack- petanque and wushu. last year. be wary of the threat of Bangladesh fast The first half finished 3-3, and England went le. While a player down, the Black Ferns Prince Mateen, a favourite of gossip “I am close to tears,” she said, according bowler Mustafizur Rahman and left-arm spin- through 20 phases to earn a second successful increased the score from 28-12 to 38-12. websites and dubbed “hot royal” by media, to the Bangkok Post. “I was so happy when I ner Shakib Al Hasan. penalty kick. The English took another 14 Woodman bagged her fourth try, stepping US played alongside his 33-year-old sister, hugged the portrait of my grandfather and While he touted Shakib as the most influen- phases before Sarah Bern scored the first try in fullback Cheta Emba, and replacement hooker Princess Azemah, as they went down 12-4 put the silver medal on it. It was like I gave tial player of Bangladesh, he said Mustafizur the 61st minute, with a push from fellow prop Te Kura Ngata-Aerengamate scored from a to Malaysia. the medal to him.” remains at his menacing best despite a drop in Vickii Cornborough. cross-kick. Despite the defeat, one of the most The 30-year-old is an accomplished ath- France inevitably rallied, and flanker Julie Midfielder Kelly Brazier, who had helped to pace. Maxwell had the chance to watch the memorable moments came when Prince lete, winning badminton gold in the Annery appeared to score in the right corner, set up several tries, scored the last as the play- Mateen unseated one of Malaysia’s players- women’s team event in 2005 before switch- action of Mustafizur at the Indian Premier until video replay showed England replace- er of the match. “When we were down to 14, the home country’s sports minister, Khairy ing to equestrian competition. She has tak- League in 2016. ment Megan Jones tackled her legs into we knew we had to step it up another notch,” Jamaluddin. en part in international events including “Mustafizur is obviously the exceptional touch. In injury time, Jones pounced on a Black Ferns captain Fiao’o Faamausili said. “We had a good battle on the field. He the 2014 Asian Games, together with her bowler we faced during the IPL during his dropped pass in the French in-goal. New Zealand 45 (Portia Woodman 4, knocked me off my horse... but this is part trusty mount-who is fittingly named Prince breakthrough season,” Maxwell said. “I suppose In the end, France made 149 tackles, and Victoria Subritzky-Nafatali, Te Kura Ngata- of polo,” Khairy said, noting the large num- Charming. —AFP his pace dropped off as he played a bit more England 119. “Our defense won that game,” Aerengamate, Kelly Brazier tries; Kendra Test cricket. He is still an outstanding bowler England captain Sarah Hunter said. “We had a Cocksedge 2 conversions, 2 penalties), United who has the ability to swing it and has an white wall in. There was no way France was States 12 (Kris Thomas, Alev Kelter tries; Kelter unbelievable change-up slower ball.” getting across our tryline tonight.” conversion). HT: 15-7. “He is not your conventional left-arm seam- Winger Portia Woodman scored four of the England 20 (Sarah Bern, Megan Jones try; er. He is obviously got a very flexible wrist with Black Ferns’ seven tries, improving her tourna- Emily Scarratt 2 conversions, 2 penalties), which he can flick it in the last moment. It ment-leading tally to 13. Her first try was the France 3 (Shannon Izar penalty). HT: 3-3. —AP looks exactly the same either it is his bumper or his slower ball. It is a hard thing to pick up.” Meanwhile, Maxwell revealing yesterday he suffered heatstroke during training. “I caught a bit of heatstroke on the first day, which wasn’t a good start,” Maxwell told reporters in Dhaka. “I think just doing some running outside, then going inside to do some fitness tests, and then going back outside didn’t help too much. “The body shut down a little bit but I was fine after the ice bath and plenty of fluids.” Australia, who arrived last Friday, limited themselves to light training yesterday after their two-day warm-up match on the outskirts of Dhaka was cancelled due to flooding. But 28-year-old Maxwell said conditions were still a little difficult for the newly-arrived squad. “Yesterday was obviously pretty tough with the overnight and morning rain, all the mois- ture coming out of the ground and making sweaty work for us,” he said. The tourists trained in Darwin, in Australia’s tropical north, before their Bangladesh tour to prepare for the hot and humid monsoon weather. “The wickets here are similar to what we faced in Darwin, where it was perfect,” Maxwell BELFAST: England’s Sarah Bern (L) is tackled by France’s Safi N’Diaye during the Women’s said. “I think the guys are more than well KUALA LUMPUR: Vietnam’s Le Tu Chinh (left) crosses the finish line first to win the Rugby World Cup 2017 semi-final match between England and France at The Kingspan women’s 200m athletics final of the 29th Southeast Asian Games (SEA Games) at the equipped to handle whatever comes their way Stadium in Belfast on Tuesday. —AFP Bukit Jalil national stadium in Kuala Lumpur yesterday. — AFP in the first Test.” — Agencies THURSDAY, AUGUST 24, 2017 SPORTS English soccer embraces payback for Asian money

LONDON: Perhaps it’s just a clever ploy resources to a pre-dawn show. losing American financing firm Capital League titles deploy weakened teams, investment from China and the wider to sell the caffeine-packed drinks pro- There was inevitable wailing on One as the title sponsor, Thai energy and stadiums can feature thousands of region. Seven clubs in the top two divi- duced by the competition’s title spon- social media from fans feeling disre- drinks firm Carabao was persuaded to empty seats. sions have benefited from an injection sor. Domestic supporters of English spected and the growing influence of fill the sponsorship vacancy. Taking the draw abroad even isn’t of Chinese capital - mostly recently last clubs wanting to instantly discover their commercial interests on soccer. That’s why the draw has already been unique to this season, or the Premier season’s beaten League Cup finalist next opponent in the League Cup will Followed, within hours of the original taken on the road this season to League era. Go back 26 years and the Southampton as well as 2016 winner have to be awake at 4:15 am today. announcement, by a lengthy justifica- Bangkok, in June, albeit in daytime draw balls were also flown abroad - to Manchester City. The second-ranked cup competi- tion of the decision to take the draw hours back in Britain. But it was a Trump Tower in Manhattan. Donald But double standards surrounding tion’s draw masters aren’t pulling an all- to China. botched affair that saw Charlton drawn Trump picked out the teams in 1991 foreign intrusions into English football nighter. Dancing to the tune of their “We understand that not everyone out twice and its manager ridiculing when the competition was known as are nothing new. Once, the mission was Asian title sponsor, Football League offi- will agree on the timing,” the Football organizers. No wonder the Beijing event the Rumbelows Cup after a now- to attract foreign stars to elevate the sta- cials are uprooting to Beijing to pick out League said, “... but in staging in this way isn’t being shown on television. defunct electronics retailer. tus of the Premier League. Once interna- the balls containing holder Manchester it will give the competition both the Yet, is British soccer really so wrong tional supremacy appeared to be vali- United’s name and other Premier maximum exposure in the UK, Chinese to sell out to the moneymen? The BENEFITED dated, by television revenue at least, it League powers. Fans can’t even watch and South East Asian markets.” League Cup already faces a constant While the Football League felt com- wasn’t long before a backlash grew the draw on television because British The Football League has cause to be fight for relevancy as leading teams pelled to defend transporting the draw about homegrown players being broadcasters aren’t committing grateful for those Asian markets. After focused on European and Premier east, the English game happily accepts squeezed out of teams.— AP Australia captain Jedinak out of WCup showdowns

SYDNEY: Australia’s hopes of qualifying for behind Saudi Arabia on goal difference, next year’s World Cup have been dealt a with Japan top with 17 points. This means blow after injury concerns forced skipper Australia are one spot outside the automat- Mile Jedinak out of a 23-man squad to face ic qualifying spots for the World Cup in Japan and Thailand in crunch qualifiers. Russia next year, with a win over the Blue Jedinak missed the Confederations Cup Samurai crucial. in June with a groin injury, and has yet to Japan are due to face Saudi Arabia in play for his English Championship club Jeddah in their last group game. Coach Aston Villa this season. Football Federation Ange Postecoglou said he opted for experi- Australia (FFA) said on its website the 33- ence for the games-against Japan in year-old was only now being eased back Saitama on August 31, and against into action at Villa after battling injury woes Thailand in Melbourne on September 5 — over the past few months. with Awer Mabil and Danny Vukovic the The Socceroos are unbeaten but lie third only uncapped players. on their Group B table with 16 points, “I believe that the players that we have named today are ready for these two very important matches,” Postecoglou said. “Our focus is to get a positive result against Japan and then look to finish the group stage with a win on home soil in Melbourne against Thailand.” Australia: Mustafa Amini (Aarhus Gymnastikforening/DEN), Tim Cahill (Melbourne City/AUS), Milos Degenek (Yokohama Marinos/JPN), Alex Gersbach (Rosenborg/NOR), Jackson Irvine (Burton Albion/ENG), Tomi Juric (Luzern/SUI), Robbie Kruse (Bochum/GER), Mitchell Langerak (Stuttgart/GER), Mathew Leckie (Hertha BSC/GER), Massimo Luongo (QPR/ENG), Awer Mabil (PaÁos De Ferreira/POR), Jamie Maclaren (Darmstadt/GER), Ryan McGowan (Guizhou Zhicheng/CHN), Mark Milligan (Melbourne NICE: Nice’s Italian forward Mario Balotelli kicks the ball during the UEFA Champions League play-off football match between Nice and Napoli Victory/AUS), Aaron Mooy (Huddersfield at the Allianz Riviera stadium in Nice, southeastern France, on Tuesday. — AFP Town/ENG), Tom Rogic (Celtic/SCO), Mathew Ryan (Brighton & Hove Albion/ENG), Trent SOCCER ADELAIDE: This file photo taken on June Sainsbury (Jiangsu Suning/CHN), Brad Smith 8, 2016 shows Australian captain Mile (Bournemouth/ENG), Matthew Spiranovic Jedinak leaving the field after their (Hangzhou Greentown/CHN), James Troisi Napoli, Sevilla, Celtic into World Cup football Asian qualifying (Melbourne Victory/AUS), Daniel Vukovic match against Saudi Arabia at the (Genk/BEL), Bailey Wright (Bristol Adelaide Oval in Adelaide. — AFP City/ENG). —AFP Champions League group stage

PARIS: A Jose Callejon goal helped Napoli ease through 3-1 on aggregate. German international five ties will conclude on Wednesday, with the Watford suffers exit in into the Champions League group stage on Marko Marin scored the only goal on the night. highlight seeing Liverpool take a 2-1 lead into Tuesday, while Sevilla also went through and Maribor of Slovenia also progressed, beating their play-off second leg against Hoffenheim at Celtic suffered a scare in Kazakhstan before win- Hapoel Beer-Sheva 1-0 with a Mitja Viler strike as Anfield. The draw for the lucrative group stage League Cup second round ning their play-off tie. Third in Serie A last sea- they won the tie on away goals. The remaining will be held in Monaco today. —AFP son, Napoli were too strong for Nice, winning 2-0 LONDON: Watford suffered an embarrass- Bournemouth came from behind to win 2-1 in France with Callejon and Lorenzo Insigne both ing League Cup exit as Championship side at second-tier Birmingham, ruining Blues scoring as they progressed 4-0 on aggregate. Bristol City beat the Premier League club 3- boss Harry Redknapp’s hopes of upsetting Beaten by eventual winners Real Madrid in Shanghai beat Guangzhou in 2 in the second round on Tuesday. Marco the club where he spent nine years at the the last 16 last season, Maurizio Sarri’s side took Silva’s side were the only top-flight outfit to start of his coaching career. the lead when Marek Hamsik deposited a low Asian CL q-final first leg perish on a night when clubs showed their Maikel Kieftenbeld gave Birmingham an cross from the left for Callejon to convert at the disdain for the competition by making 274 11th-minute lead, but Ryan Fraser levelled back post in the 48th minute. team changes across the 19 ties. in the 46th minute and Marc Pugh fired in SHANGHAI: Two-time champion Guangzhou The winner of the quarterfinal will face The dangerous Dries Mertens then hit the Evergrande faces exiting the Asian Japanese opposition. Urawa Reds and Etienne Capoue put Watford ahead from off the crossbar in the 68th minute. On- post before Insigne sealed the Italians’ win a Will Hughes’ 47th-minute cross, only for loan Chelsea striker Tammy Abraham hit his Champions League in the quarterfinals after Kawasaki Frontale play their first leg later. minute from time. “Napoli must keep on playing losing the first leg to Shanghai SIPG 4-0 on In the West Asian half of the draw, Al Ain Freddy Hinds to equalise from 30 yards 12 first goal for Swansea in a 4-1 win over in the Champions League every season, because minutes later. Bobby Reid handed City a third-tier Milton Keynes Dons. Tuesday. Two goals from Wu Lei and one from of the United Arab Emirates drew with Al this is where we belong. We are happy with the Hulk put Shanghai on the brink of a first Hilal of Saudi Arabia 0-0. A late equalizer by shock lead in the 67th minute and Watford Ryan Seager put Dons ahead in the 17th qualification,” said Insigne. were in deeper trouble when Jose Holebas minute, but Leroy Fer’s double was fol- semifinal in the league at the expense of its substitute Godwin Mensha gave Iran’s Nice, for whom recent signing Wesley fellow Chinese Super League side, the 2013 Persepolis a 2-2 draw with Saudi Arabia’s Al was sent off in the 88th minute for a sec- lowed by Abraham’s 71st-minute tap-in Sneijder started, were thoroughly outplayed ond bookable offence. and Jordan Ayew’s 86th-minute strike. and 2015 Asian champion. Ahli in the first leg of their quarterfinal, ahead over the two legs and will have to settle for a Hulk was influential throughout, and of the return match in Abu Dhabi in three Niclas Eliasson made City’s advantage Islam Slimani bagged a brace as Leicester place in the group stage of the Europa League pay with the killer third in stoppage-time cruised to a 4-1 win at second-tier Sheffield scored the opener close to halftime from the weeks’ time. instead. Sevilla, who won the Europa League penalty spot, after Wu was fouled in the area Earlier, twinkle-toed Japan striker Yu before Adrian Mariappa hit an irrelevant Utd. Demarai Gray’s fine solo goal opened three years in a row before losing to Leicester reply for Watford. Frank De Boer got his first the scoring in the 52nd minute, then, after by fellow China international Zhang Linpeng. Kobayashi scored twice yesterday as Kawasaki City in the last 16 of the Champions League last On the stroke of halftime, Hulk crossed for Frontale beat J-League rivals Urawa Reds 3-1 win as Crystal Palace manager as James members of the West Indies cricket team season, survived an almighty scare against McArthur’s double sealed a 2-1 win over were introduced to the crowd at the inter- Wang Shenchao to take advantage of poor in their Asian Champions League quarter-final Istanbul Basaksehir to go through. marking to head Shanghai into a two-goal first leg. Kawasaki’s captain proved a handful second-tier Ipswich at Selhurst Park. val, United were bowled over as Slimani The Spanish side, 2-1 winners in the first leg After scoreless Premier League defeats netted in the 63rd and 67th minutes. lead. Guangzhou, which moved eight points throughout for the overrun Reds, driving in a in Turkey, drew 2-2 at the Sanchez Pizjuan to clear of Shanghai at the top of the Chinese low left-foot shot after 33 minutes to cap a against Huddersfield and Liverpool, Caolan Lavery’s 83rd-minute reply for advance 4-3 on aggregate. They went behind on Palace’s first goal under De Boer finally United was followed by Ahmed Musa’s Super League on Saturday to stay on course period of sustained pressure from Frontale. the night to an Eljero Elia goal but Sergio for a seventh successive domestic title, Kobayashi’s pace led to a second goal for the arrived when McArthur slotted home in the stoppage-time fourth for Leicester. James Escudero headed in a Jesus Navas cross early in 76th minute. Scottish midfielder McArthur Tilley, 19, came off the bench to give played better after the break in search of a home side six minutes into the second half the second half for the home side. vital away goal. But without midfielder when his stinging shot was blocked by goal- scored again eight minutes later and Brighton a 1-0 win against fourth-tier Great play from Nolito then set up Wissam Bersant Celina’s 90th-minute reply for Barnet with his first senior goal in the 54th Paulinho, who scored five goals in the run to keeper Shusaku Nishikawa, allowing Brazilian Ben Yedder to seemingly end any doubt, but the quarterfinals and transferred to Barcelona Elsinho to volley home the rebound. Ipswich couldn’t stop De Boer going home minute at the Amex Stadium. Edin Visca levelled the scores again on the night last week, the visitors couldn’t sustain the Urawa substitute Yuki Muto snatched an happy at last. Holders Manchester United, along with and an Emre Belozoglu free-kick struck the effort or make a breakthrough. away goal against the run of play in the 76th West Bromwich Albion eased to a 3-1 Chelsea, Arsenal, Liverpool, Tottenham and woodwork in the last minute as Sevilla came Shanghai extended its lead with two minute that looked to have given the Reds a win at fourth-tier Accrington as Salomon Manchester City, will enter the competition within a whisker of going out on away goals. Rondon, Matt Phillips and Jay Rodriguez in the third round, with the draw to be held counterattack goals in two minutes, both fin- lifeline before the second leg in Saitama on ished by Wu. The second leg is in September. September 13.—Agencies netted for the Premier League side. in Beijing today. — AFP ‘MIXED EMOTIONS’ Celtic went through 8-4 on aggregate despite losing 4-3 to Astana in the second leg of their play-off in Kazakhstan as a second-half wobble gave their hosts hope of pulling off a miraculous recovery. Brendan Rodgers’ side had won 5-0 in the first leg in Glasgow and a super Scott Sinclair strike in the 34th minute should have killed the tie. Astana, who had gone ahead on the night through a Kristoffer Ajer own goal, were given something to cling onto as a goal by Serikzhan Muzhikov and a Patrick Twumasi brace made it 4-1 on the night. But Olivier Ntcham ended Astana’s hopes when his deflected strike made it 4-2 on the night before Leigh Griffiths reduced the deficit further in the final minute. “I have mixed emotions because we didn’t defend well enough,” Rodgers told BT Sport after a scare that brought back memories of the same stage 12 months ago. Celtic beat Hapoel Beer- Sheva of Israel 5-2 at home in the first leg of the play-offs last year and then wobbled in the return, losing 2-0 to scrape through. “We had our Beer-Sheva moment. I thought we were going to get through this campaign without the anxiety. The players were on the ropes for 15 or 20 minutes but then they KAWASAKI: Japan’s Kawasaki Frontale defender Shintaro Kurumaya (R) fights for the ball regained composure.” with Japan’s Urawa Reds midfielder Takuya Aoki during the AFC Champions League quar- WATFORD: Watford’s Richarlison, left, and Bristol City’s Zak Vyner battle for the ball Greek champions Olympiakos are also back in ter-final football match between Kawasaki Frontale and Urawa Reds at Todoroki stadium during the League Cup second round soccer match at Vicarage Road, Watford, the group stage following a 1-0 victory away to in Kawasaki yesterday. — AFP England, Tuesday. — AP Croatian champions Rijeka that took them Mayweather, McGregor England to face trade verbal jabs, Kiwis in women’s countdown begins World Cup final

THURSDAY,12 AUGUST 24, 2017 14 Napoli, Sevilla, Celtic into Champions League group stage Page 15

LONDON: This is a Saturday, Nov. 15, 2014 file photo of England’s Wayne Rooney, right, as he controls the ball in front of Slovenia’s Branko Ilic, during their Euro 2016 Group E qualifying soccer match at Wembley Stadium, London. England striker Wayne Rooney announced his immediate retirement from international football yesterday. — AP Rooney calls time on England despite recall

LONDON: England’s record goalscorer Wayne “It was great that Gareth Southgate called me Everton win trophies. He had alluded to his prior- been part of a successful England tournament proved to be Rooney’s final appearance for his Rooney announced yesterday he is retiring from this week to tell me he wanted me back in the ities in a post-match interview on Sky Sports on side,” said Rooney, whose four goals in Euro 2004 country. Figures from English football were quick international football with immediate effect after England squad for the upcoming matches. I real- Monday after he matched Alan Shearer in scor- propelled England to the quarter-finals before to pay tribute to the star. manager Gareth Southgate tried to recall him to ly appreciated that,” said Rooney in a statement ing 200 Premier League goals-made sweeter as it their hopes were extinguished when he broke a “Congratulations to @WayneRooney on a the squad. sent to Press Association Sport. “Having already came against Manchester United’s local rivals bone against Portugal. magnificent international career. A player’s play- The 31-year-old-scorer of 53 goals in 119 thought long and hard, I told Gareth that I had Manchester City. “Leaving Manchester United “Hopefully the exciting players Gareth is er,” said Lineker on Twitter. Greg Clarke, chairman appearances for his country-told Southgate of now decided to retire for good from internation- was a tough call but I know I made the right bringing through can take that ambition further of English football’s governing body the Football his decision during a phone conversation on al football. decision in coming home to Everton,” said and I hope everyone will get behind the team. Association (FA), said Rooney had earned the Tuesday. Southgate had phoned Rooney-who “It is a really tough decision and one I have Rooney. “Now I want to focus all my energies on “One day the dream will come true and I look for- right to be termed a “legend”. had lost both the captaincy and eventually his discussed with my family, my manager at helping them be successful.” ward to being there as a fan-or in any capacity.” “Today marks the end of an era in internation- place in the squad under Jose Mourinho at Everton (Ronald Koeman) and those closest to Rooney passed Bobby Charlton as England’s al football,” said Clarke. “Wayne Rooney is an icon Manchester United last season-to congratulate me. “Playing for England has always been special ‘ICON OF HIS GENERATION’ all-time top scorer against Switzerland in of his generation and an undoubted legend of him on his early season performances for new to me. Every time I was selected as a player or Another former England great, Gary Lineker September 2015. But despite being within the game.” Former England captain Terry Butcher club Everton. captain was a real privilege and I thank everyone said earlier on Wednesday that Rooney had been touching distance of Peter Shilton’s record of 125 said Rooney had taken the right decision. “You Rooney has looked rejuvenated and happy- who helped me. unlucky to be the only world-class player in caps for England, he opted against chasing yet do know as an international player when you scoring in both their Premier League matches so “But I believe now is the time to bow out.” many England sides that struggled to make an another international milestone. have reached the point of no return,” Butcher far-since he re-signed for the club that nurtured Rooney, England’s most capped outfield player, impression on either the world or European Captaining England to a 3-0 World Cup quali- told the BBC. “Sometimes you want to jump his talent as a teenager before he left for United. said his sole purpose now in football is to ensure stage. “One of my very few regrets is not to have fying win over rivals Scotland last November before you are pushed.” — AFP Soul-searching Schooling De Villiers quits as snaps up butterfly gold S Africa ODI skipper JOHANNESBURG: Star batsman AB de Villiers quit as KUALA LUMPUR: Olympic champion year’s Commonwealth Games in the Gold South Africa one-day international (ODI) skipper yester- Joseph Schooling said he was searching for Coast and the Asian Games in Jakarta, with day, but committed to representing his country in all inspiration to get his career back on track as the 2020 Tokyo Olympics approaching the three cricket formats. “Faf du Plessis has proved to be he swam to Southeast Asian Games victory horizon. “Coming in to this meet it wasn’t an outstanding captain of the Twenty20 and Test in the 100m butterfly yesterday. The really all about times, it was about the effort teams,” he said in a statement. Singaporean, who won the event at last that I can give and mentoring the young “Bearing this in mind, I have informed Cricket South year’s Olympics but dropped down to kids and just being a good role model for Africa that I would like to step down as ODI captain. “It bronze at the world championships in July, them,” he said. has been an honour to lead the team for the past six said he needed a “different mindset” to “So I’m pleased with the time, it’s not the years, but it is now time for someone else to take the chart his path forward. best time but I’m happy with the effort that I ODI side forward. Schooling won in 51.38sec, a new Games gave.” Schooling is spearheading a strong “Whoever is chosen as the new ODI captain will record but well outside his Asian mark of meet for Singapore, which Quah Ting Wen have my complete support.” De Villiers rejected media 50.39 from the Rio Olympics, when he continued when she won the women’s 100m claims that he was cherry-picking when to play for stunned his idol Michael Phelps. Asked freestyle in a tournament-record 55.74, and South Africa and putting himself before the team. “That is simply not true. That has never been true. whether he had shaken off the complacency then added gold in the 50m butterfly. Playing for South Africa is, and will always be, the great- that he blamed for his disappointing show- Singapore’s Quah Zheng Wen, Ting Wen’s est privilege of my life,” he said. He missed the recent 3- ing at the Budapest worlds, Schooling brother, won the men’s 200m backstroke in a 1 Test series defeat in England. De Villiers said mental laughed and shook his head. new Games mark of 2:00.09, and Singapore and physical tiredness and raising a young family had “It’s something that I’m going to have to also clinched the women’s 4x200m freestyle forced him to take a temporary international break. “I go back and reassess and head into the new in a tournament record of 8:10.41. Malaysia’s really do feel refreshed and revived,” said the 33-year- year with a different mindset,” the 22-year- Welson Sim won the men’s 200m freestyle in old. “I want to get back on the field and today assured old said. “Right now I’m here to support my 1:47.79, another new Games mark, adding to the national selectors that I will be available for selec- country, to support my team, and I’m not the hosts’ table-topping gold-medal haul tion in all three formats of the game during the coming really too worried about what’s going to which stood at 40 after Tuesday’s events. season. happen next year. “I feel like I can do a lot Earlier on a busy day four, home gymnast “There is plenty of hard work ahead in the nets and I better and this is a good test of my focus and Farah Ann Abdul Hadi-criticised by some must prepare properly, but I will be ready to play, if how I can step up, not only for myself but for Malaysians for wearing a “revealing” leotard required, from the middle of October. “If I am lucky my team.” Schooling, blowing hard after his when she competed in 2015 — won floor enough to be selected, I cannot guarantee runs and race, said he was feeling the pace halfway exercise gold. Malaysia’s Jackie Wong hurled catches. through the meet, with three gold medals in a Games-record 65.90m to win the men’s Nobody can do that. “But what I can absolutely the bag. After winning nine titles at the 2015 hammer, and the hosts also picked up victo- guarantee is 100 percent commitment to the Proteas in SEA Games, he is targeting six in Kuala ry in women’s trio bowling. every format of the game, as and when required. “That Lumpur. Vietnam’s Le Tu Chinh won the 200m in was my promise when I made my debut in 2004, and 23.32 to complete the women’s sprint dou- that is my promise today.” South Africa host KUALA LUMPUR: Singapore’s Joseph Schooling waves before the Men’s 100M Bangladesh, India and Australia during the 2017-2018 ‘NOT THE BEST TIME’ ble, while Anthony Beram secured the men’s Butterfly Swimming final of the 29th South East Asian Games in Kuala Lumpur, season. —AFP Longer-term, Schooling is sizing up next 200m title for the Philippines. — AFP Malaysia, yesterday. — AP Bahrah scores a hat trick of awards from Hino Motors Page 18 Mercedes-Benz 4MATIC Business celebrates 30 years of all-road confidence THURSDAY, AUGUST 24, 2017 Page 21 GCC ideal market for Wall Street drops on Trump threats innovative companies, says Huawei official Page 20 Page 19

PHOENIX: US President Donald Trump stands before speaking at a rally at the Phoenix Convention Center on Tueaday.—AP Trump threatens to terminate NAFTA treaty Mexico says ‘negotiating tactic’; Canada says won’t be deterred

PHOENIX: US President Donald Trump warned Following Trump’s remarks, Mexican foreign ened. In a speech in Phoenix on Tuesday night, nor would they scare Mexico, he added. “He’s But Trump’s speech on Tuesday night showed on Tuesday he might terminate the NAFTA trade minister Luis Videgaray tweeted: “No surprises: Trump reiterated his threats to terminate the negotiating in his own particular style,” traders remain skittish about the future of treaty with Mexico and Canada after three-way we’re already in a negotiation. Mexico will North American Free Trade Agreement, saying Videgaray said. NAFTA, and highlighted the complexity of the talks failed to bridge deep differences. remain at the table with serenity, firmness and the pact’s future looked bleak. Trump has long He added that Trump’s proposed wall talks to re-negotiate the treaty with Trump The United States, Canada and Mexico with the national interest ahead.” In a joint called the 1994 pact a bad deal that hurt along the southern US border with Mexico looming over proceedings. wrapped up their first round of talks on Sunday statement issued at the end of five days of American workers, saying it should be re- was not part of the bilateral agenda between Canada will not be deterred by Trump’s to revamp the trade pact with little sign of a negotiations in Washington, the top trade offi- negotiated or ended. the two countries. Mexico’s currency fell to threat to scrap NAFTA and had expected breakthrough coming. Trump reopened nego- cials from the three countries said Mexico Following Trump’s remarks on Tuesday, record lows in the wake of Trump’s victory in moments of drama during talks to renegotiate tiations of the 1994 treaty out of concern US would host the next round of talks from Sept. Mexico’s peso weakened more than 1 percent the US presidential election last November, the treaty, a government official said yester- economic interests were suffering. 1 to 5. The talks will move to Canada later in in early trading yesterday before paring losses, with investors scared he could hurt Mexican day. “This was always a card we knew the pres- “Personally, I don’t think we can make a September, then return to the United States in as market jitters on the future of Mexican exports and cause a recession south of the ident would likely play ... it’s not going to deal. I think we’ll probably end up terminating October. exports to the United States continue to border. However, the peso has recovered cause us to waver at all in our position,” said NAFTA at some point,” Trump said at a political Trump’s threat to scrap the NAFTA trade plague the currency. Videgaray, speaking on since then, as many of investors’ worst fears the official, who declined to be identified giv- rally in Phoenix, Arizona. Suggesting a termi- pact is little more than a negotiating tactic, local television, sought to brush off the threat, seemed to subside. en the sensitivity of the situation. The United nation might help jumpstart the negotiations, aimed at his political base, that should neither saying Trump’s comments were simply a nego- In recent months, peso traders increasingly States, Canada and Mexico opened negotia- Trump said: “I personally don’t think you can scare nor surprise Mexico, the country’s for- tiating tactic and Mexico would keep negotiat- appeared to pay little heed to some of Trump’s tions on the North American Free Trade make a deal without a termination.” eign minister said yesterday as the peso weak- ing as well. The comments were not a surprise, comments, helping a recovery in the currency. Agreement last week. — Reuters Walmart joins forces with Google Egypt pins export hopes on new leather on voice-activated shopping production city NEW YORK: Walmart is diving into Echo, available since late 2014. CAIRO: Just beyond the outskirts of Cairo on a desert road to the Suez voice-activated shopping. But unlike Walmart, which has more stores Canal, a sprawling industrial zone is coming to life as Egypt’s leather online leader Amazon, it’s not doing it than any other retailer and the largest industry leaves behind its ancient tanning quarters for modern work- alone. The world’s largest retailer said share of the US grocery market, is also shops of Robiki Leather City. The new complex is part of a major expan- yesterday it’s working with Google to working hard to close the gulf online sion drive of a sector Egypt considers as one of its most competitive and offer hundreds of thousands of items between itself and Amazon. It has over- the trade ministry has set an official target for leather exports to reach from laundry detergent to Legos for hauled its shipping strategy and is over $1 billion a year in 2020, from about $200 million a year currently. voice shopping through Google expanding store-curb pickup for gro- By mid-2018, Robiki should house the entire supply chain, from ani- Assistant. The capability will be avail- ceries ordered online. But it’s also had to mal slaughtering to finished leather production, allowing global manu- able in late September. look beyond itself and form partner- facturers to source materials and export final goods in a single loca- It’s Google’s biggest retail partner- ships. Walmart announced Monday that tion, said Mohamed El Gohary, chairman of a state firm marketing the ship - and the most personalized shop- it’s expanding its grocery delivery serv- site. “The value-added of our exports will increase five times when we ping experience it offers - as it tries to ice with ride-hailing service Uber, and reach the stage where we’re exporting final products like shoes and broaden the reach of its voice-activated it’s been testing same-day delivery serv- bags,” Gohary said. Foreign investors can begin purchasing space in assistant Home speaker. And it under- ice with Deliv at Sam’s Club in Miami. Robiki in 2018 and the zone has received strong interest from Italian scores Walmart’s drive to compete in an Amazon generally has been building its area dominated by Amazon’s Alexa- network of services on its own, using its companies, Gohary said. powered Echo device. $99-a-year Prime membership with Egyptian exports were given a boost when Egypt floated its pound “Voice shopping is becoming a more same-day and even one-hour shipping currency last year as part of an International Monetary Fund loan pro- important part of everyday shopping options to develop loyalty. gram. With projects like Robiki, Egypt hopes to pull back capital that fled behavior,” said Marc Lore, CEO of It’s also been drawing in customers after its 2011 political uprising. In the fiscal year ending in June it netted Walmart’s US e-commerce business. with its Alexa devices. Amazon doesn’t $8.7 billion in foreign direct investment and is targeting above $10 bil- The voice-activated devices are becom- give sales figures for Echo, but lion this year. Around 220 tanneries are being relocated to Robiki, said ing more mainstream as they become Consumer Intelligence Research Mohamed Harby, head of a leather tanning industry group. They are more accessible. Even Apple has one Partners estimated that it’s sold more moving under the orders of the government, which is paying for the coming out this year. Walmart has said than 10 million Echo devices in the US transfer of machinery, constructing subsidized housing for workers and Google’s investment in natural lan- since late 2014. That includes the core facilitating low interest loans for businesses looking to expand. guage processing and artificial intelli- $179 Echo as well as the less expensive The tanners’ centuries-old home of Magra Al-Ayoon in Old Islamic gence will help make voice-activated and smaller Echo Dot and the portable Cairo, which runs along the city’s ancient aqueduct, will likely be devel- shopping even more popular. Amazon Tap. To be more competitive oped into a tourist site, though plans have yet to be finalised, said Omar And Lore said the personalization of with Amazon, Google Express is scrap- Khorshid, a trade ministry adviser to the Robiki project. the partnership means people can ping the $95-a-year membership start- There workers dye animal hides in small, ramshackle buildings shout out generic items like milk, bread ing Wednesday, allowing shoppers to In this combo of file photos shows, a Google sign at a store (bottom) and a without infrastructure for absorbing hazardous waste byproducts. and cheese, and Google Assistant will get free delivery within one to three Walmart sign in Hialeah Gardens, Fla.” —AP “Egypt a long time ago was a leader in leather tanning, and for a peri- know exactly the brands and the size days on orders as long as the purchase Walmart account to Google Express. voice-activated shopping more attrac- od of time everyone wanted to expand but there was just no space that the user wants. Google introduced is above each store’s minimum. With other Google Express retailers, tive, he says. to,” managing director of Al-Rowad Tannery Ahmed Al-Gabbas said at shopping to Home in February, letting Walmart is integrating its Easy personalization takes time as the assis- While one of Walmart’s biggest his factory floor in Robiki. Al-Rowad, one of the country’s three people use voice to order essentials Reorder feature - which has data on tant learns shoppers’ preferences, says advantages over Amazon is its massive largest tanneries, will complete its relocation over the next month. from more than 40 retailers like Target both store and online purchases - into Brian Elliott, general manager of number of stores, Amazon’s nearly $14 Gabbas said the company is using the space to scale up and triple and Costco under its Google Express Google Express. Shoppers who want to Google Express. So the quick personal- billion offer for Whole Foods could exports over the next year. — Reuters program. But that was far behind the reorder their favorites have to link their ization with Walmart should make shake up the landscape. — AP THURSDAY, AUGUST 24, 2017 BUSINESS Overall GCC earnings drop by 1% in H1-2017: Markaz Saudi, Bahrain and Kuwait report solid corporate earnings KUWAIT: Kuwait Financial Centre “Markaz” stat- prices and posted a 20 percent increase in its ed that during H1-2017, GCC corporates posted earnings. a negative 1 percent growth compared to the same period last year. Saudi Arabia, Bahrain United Arab Emirates and Kuwait were three countries to put up posi- UAE’s overall earnings declined by 2 percent tive earnings performance growing by 7 per- during the 1st half of 2017. UAE’s banks managed cent, 6 percent and 2 percent respectively. to increased their earnings by 1 percent during Saudi Arabia’s earnings growth was largely Kuwait H1 2017 while the other two major sectors of the helped by the positive momentum in its non- Kuwait’s banking sector suffered a 2 per- economy - telecom and real estate posted 7 per- oil private sector while Kuwait was largely cent decline in its earnings during H1 2017 cent and 37 percent decline in earnings. helped by the positive performance in the owing to difficult credit situations and sub- commodities sector and its real estate sector. dued growth in its local market. National Qatar All of the Qatar’s sectors with the exception Lower oil prices continued to persist, despite bank of Kuwait, Boubyan Bank and Burgan of banking witnessed declines in their earnings the humongous efforts taken by the OPEC car- Bank posted double positive earnings growth of 9 percent, 15 percent and 23 per- during H1 2017. Telecom, Commodities and tel to reduce the supply glut. Brent crude Financials witnessed a decline of 26 percent, 32 declined by 9.3 percent in Q2 2017 closing at cent respectively. Among the telecom play- ers, Zain posted a negative growth of 8 per- percent and 17 percent respectively. Banking $47.92 compared to $52.83 at the end of Q1 sector witnessed a 1 percent increase in earn- 2017. Overall, IPE Brent crude has tumbled 15.7 cent owing to one-off extraordinary currency devaluation in Sudan. Ooredoo Kuwait wit- ings driven by good performances in Qatar percent from the start of 2017 making it the National Bank and Qatar Islamic Bank. Qatar’s worst performing first half for oil since 1998. nessed a 21 percent increase in earnings driven by customer addition and cost-cutting telecom sector was the worst performing sector Lower oil prices results in lower deposits being as Ooredoo witnessed a 26 percent decline in efforts. Kuwait’s commodities sector per- made into the banks and as result lowers credit net profits while Vodafone Qatar is yet to turn Bahrah scores a hat trick of being pumped into the economy. As a result of formed well driven by increasing commodity profit since its inception. this, banking sector earnings have declined by awards from Hino Motors 1 percent during H1 2017 compared to the KUWAIT: Recently, HINO Motors Middle 1 Best Growth in Sales same period last year. Going forward, we East held “2017 Regional & 3 S Mangers’ 2 Best Service Dept. of the year expect GCC corporate earnings to expand by meet” in Dubai which has been a grand 3 Best Parts Dept. of the year 8.1 percent for the full year in 2017 based on convergence of distributors across the Bader Musaed Al-Sayer, Business stabilizing oil prices and resilience in margins. region from the Levant to Oman. Director conveyed his happiness on learn- The meeting provided an excellent plat- ing of these awards and complimented Saudi Arabia form for interactive sessions among distrib- Team HINO BTC on the achievement. Saudi Arabia witnessed a 7 percent increase utors and ample of opportunity for discus- Ichiro Hisada, Senior Managing Officer, in its overall earnings during H1 2017 largely sions with the principals. A team from Hino Motors’ Overseas Sales & Marketing Bahrah Trading Company (BTC) one of the prompted by the earnings increase in its com- Total Support, congratulated all the win- Al-Sayer Group Holding Companies and modities and telecommunications sector. Saudi ners for their excellent performance and Arabia’s commodities and telecom sector wit- authorized distributor of Hino in Kuwait, actively participated in the event led by assured full support from Team HINO to nessed 13 percent and 12 percent increase in its keep up the momentum. Highlighting BTC’s earnings respectively. Surprisingly, the banking Hamza Melakandy General Manager along with members from HINO Sales, Service & achievement, Hamza Melakandy encour- sector witnessed a 2 percent decline in earn- Parts departments respectively. aged Team HINO BTC to keep up the great ings. Al-Rajhi Bank and Alinma Bank were the A major highlight of the event has been team efforts and aim to achieve more. only banks in the country to witness positive the recognition of distinguished perform- Yoshihiro Koyama Managing Director, earnings growth at 8 percent and 14 percent ance by dealers during 2016 by HINO Motors Hino Motors Middle East coordinated respectively. Construction related sector was where BTC became the proud winner of 3 the program and commended the par- the most affected and has been plagued by awards for excellence across the operations ticipants’ spirit of cooperation and delayed cash cycle leading to significant losses backed by its consistent performance: proactive approach. as a result the earnings fell by 61 percent. LG’s ultra-premium brand ‘LG SIGNATURE’ debuts in GCC

DUBAI: The new LG SIGNATURE brand from the sense of immersion. W7 series models are front load washing machine is more durable, LG Electronics (LG) that combines the finest less than 4mm thick when measured from the more convenient and more sophisticated than of LG’s cutting-edge technology and world- wall without any gap between the TV and the ever and features the unique pedestal class design with an exquisite attention to wall. The sense of immersion is completed TWINWash(tm) Mini under the main unit. detail for today’s most discerning consumers, through up-firing speakers which produce The minimalistic design of the LG SIGNA- was launched yesterday across the GCC. The Dolby Atmos sound. W7 series live up to LG TURE washing machine is highlighted by the ultra-premium brand was unveiled at a gala OLED TV’s unrivalled ability to reproduce the beautiful touch-enabled Quick Circle(tm) User ceremony at the Dubai Opera. The rich and most lifelike images of any TV product with Interface which is embedded in the glass door. exquisite design of the Dubai Opera that perfect black infinite contrast and an expand- Positioned at a 17 degree angle, the panel is bridges the gap between the past and the ed colour gamut. Additionally, they offer up to easy to see when standing. The Push Open future made it the ideal venue to launch LG’s one billion possible colours and use ULTRA washing machine door can be opened with a ultra-premium brand that will re-define the Luminance technology to deliver greater slight push, even when the user’s hands are future of luxury home appliances and enter- brightness according to the content being dis- full. Meanwhile, the washer’s enamel coating tainment solutions. played. The W7 series feature Active HDR to not only gives it a sleek, sophisticated look, The innovative and exquisitely designed LG render brighter scenes and greater shadow but also repels fingerprints and corrosion. SIGNATURE family consists of four products. detail for HDR content. In addition, the series The LG SIGNATURE washing machine This includes the world’s thinnest and stun- support multiple HDR formats, including Dolby comes equipped with LG’s proprietary Centum ning OLED television, which takes the immer- Vision, HDR10, HLG (Hybrid Log Gamma). System(tm) which improves the washing sive viewing and listening experience to the machine’s durability and energy efficiency next level; a sleek refrigerator with a beautiful LG SIGNATURE Refrigerator with an advanced suspension system. Noise InstaView Door-in-Door feature to keep food The LG SIGNATURE refrigerator represents emitted while the washing machine is in oper- fresher; a bold new black stainless steel wash- admired Emirati life coach, artist, social entre- product is thoughtfully designed to be visually the visualisation of essence with a fresh take ation is greatly decreased because the Centum er and white all-in-one washer/dryer unit, and preneur and the brand ambassador for LG SIG- astounding, while staying true to its essence: that is both intuitive and revolutionary. As a System(tm) minimizes the tub’s vibrations dur- an intuitive Air Purifier designed to filter the NATURE. Also present were Emirati entrepre- delivering the most elegantly curated human nod to its innovative spirit, LG has taken its ing a wash cycle. air in any home in any environment in order to neur and the youngest board member of the experience. The visualisation of “essence” was award-winning Door-in-Door(tm) design one protect your family from pollutants and aller- Sharjah Chamber of Commerce, Her the inspiration behind the design philosophy step further by adding the InstaView Door-in- The LG SIGNATURE Air Purifier gens in the air. Excellency Sara Al Madani; well-known TV per- of the LG SIGNATURE brand. By eliminating Door(tm) feature that makes the opaque Door- LG believes that nothing is more important “From conception to the final user experi- sonality Mahira Abdelaziz and a rising Emirati unnecessary elements, LG SIGNATURE repre- in-Door(tm) compartment transparent with than clean air. The exquisitely designed LG ence, the LG SIGNATURE products were celebrity chef - Bader Najeeb, accentuating the sents the ultimate in elegant simplicity. Its rad- two quick knocks. The transparent surface SIGNATURE air purifier allows the air cleaning designed to highlight true essence - focusing premium image of the LG SIGNATURE brand. ical design heightens the intrinsic purpose of allows customers to peer inside the refrigerator process to be a visual experience with its inno- on each product’s basic yet efficient function- “It is an absolute honor to be awarded the the product and streamlines usability. without having to open the door, offering sig- vative transparent panel. Equipped with an ality whilst maintaining the brand’s modern, title of brand ambassador for LG SIGNATURE,” Products available in the LG SIGNATURE nificant energy savings by limiting cold air loss. advanced Watering Engine(tm), this air purifier premium and artistic signature design,” said said Hala Kazim. “The amount of passion, ener- brand for the GCC include: Even more innovative is the new Auto harnesses the power of water to filter out Kevin Cha, President, LG Electronics, Middle gy and effort that LG has put into developing Open Door feature which activates as a user harmful chemicals and contaminants while East & Africa. “The LG SIGNATURE products are each of these home appliances to bring out The LG SIGNATURE OLED TV W approaches the refrigerator, allowing for quick quickly bringing the room to comfortable an extension of the user’s personality, ambi- the true essence of everyday living in the UAE LG SIGNATURE OLED TV W (77/65-inch), the and easy hands-free access. The LG SIGNATURE humidity levels. tion as well as status and also marks the very and across the region is simply breath-taking. winner of over 45 prestigious awards includ- refrigerator is powered by LG’s Inverter Linear The unit is equipped with LG’s SIGNA- first time that individuals residing within the In this region, we appreciate art and style and I ing the 2017 CES Best of Innovation Award, Compressor which automatically adjusts its TURE Black Filter System, allowing con- region can experience the most aesthetically am confident the LG SIGNATURE products will embodies breakthrough innovation in televi- cooling capacity based on conditions inside sumers to reuse the filters for up to 10 years, beautiful home appliances turning their living be a great success whilst enriching lives sion technologies and exquisite premium the compartment. It also generates less inter- saving money. While fine dust particles are spaces into a highly functioning and visually enabling timeless memories.” design, demonstrating that simplicity is the nal friction due to its unique design and is totally invisible to the naked eye, customers stunning masterpieces.” LG SIGNATURE represents the pinnacle of ultimate form of sophistication. The innovative backed by a 10-year warranty. can see the air quality of their indoor envi- Several prominent members within the design, performance and usability in home design of the W7 series follows LG’s “less is ronment by simply glancing at LG’s Smart region’s retail industry alongside highly influ- appliances. It has been designed to make life more” philosophy, stripping away everything The LG SIGNATURE Washing Machine Indicator(tm). Positioned on the control dis- ential and prominent Emirati personalities better for consumers by offering the highest to emphasize the beauty of the screen alone. The unique-looking LG SIGNATURE wash- play, the indicator shows air quality with attended the launch event. Amongst them performance, minimalistic design, and innova- The W7’s sleek razor-thin profile makes the TV ing machine is an advanced version of the LG quantitative figures. PM10, PM2.5 and even included Hala Kazim, a highly respected and tive usability. Each LG SIGNATURE premium appear to be levitating in mid-air, adding to TWINWash(tm) washer. The premium 24-inch PM1.0 can be detected. EXCHANGE RATES

Chinese Yuan Renminbi 45.765 Al-Muzaini Exchange Co. Swiss Franc 316.020 Hong Kong Dollar 0.036597 0.039347 Australian Dollar 240.230 Thai Bhat 10.094 Indian Rupee 0.004161 0.004849 US Dollar Buying 301.550 Turkish Lira 86.281 ASIAN COUNTRIES Indonesian Rupiah 0.000018 0.000024 Japanese Yen 2.759 GOLD Japanese Yen 0.002679 0.002859 Indian Rupees 4.746 20 Gram 249.070 BAHRAIN EXCHANGE COMPANY WLL Korean Won 0.000257 0.000272 Pakistani Rupees 2.870 10 Gram 127.450 Srilankan Rupees 1.971 Malaysian Ringgit 0.066904 0.072904 5 Gram 64.570 CURRENCY BUY SELL Nepali Rupees 2.981 Nepalese Rupee 0.003021 0.003191 Europe Singapore Dollar 223.020 Pakistan Rupee 0.002685 0.002975 British Pound 0.381334 0.391334 Hongkong Dollar 38.695 Dollarco Exchange Co. Ltd Philippine Peso 0.005811 0.006111 Bangladesh Taka 3.737 Czech Korune 0.005614 0.017614 Singapore Dollar 0.216704 0.226704 Philippine Peso 5.988 Danish Krone 0.043754 0.048754 Thai Baht 9.127 Rate for Transfr Selling Rate Sri Lankan Rupee 0.001598 0.002178 Euro 0. 350181 0.359181 US Dollar 302.350 Taiwan 0.009870 0.010050 Georgian Lari 0.124634 0.124634 GCC COUNTRIES Canadian Dollar 241.007 Thai Baht 0.008760 0.009310 Saudi Riyal 80.787 Sterling Pound 390.710 Norwegian Krone 0.034180 0.039380 Qatari Riyal 83.207 Romanian Leu 0.077463 0.077463 Euro 357.167 Arab Omani Riyal 786.772 Swiss Frank 293.338 Russian ruble 005111 0.005111 Bahraini Dinar 804.440 Bahraini Dinar 0.796481 0.804981 Bahrain Dinar 802.247 Slovakia 0.009023 0.019023 UAE Dirham 82.482 Egyptian Pound 0.014358 0.020266 UAE Dirhams 82.716 Swedish Krona 0.033277 0.038277 Iranian Riyal 0.000084 0.000085 ARAB COUNTRIES Qatari Riyals 83.861 Swiss Franc 0.305922 0.316922 Iraqi Dinar 0.000190 0.000250 Egyptian Pound - Cash 21.200 Saudi Riyals 81.477 Jordanian Dinar 0.422401 0.431401 Egyptian Pound - Transfer 16.972 Jordanian Dinar 427.428 Australasia Yemen Riyal/for 1000 1.216 Kuwaiti Dinar 1.000000 1.000000 Egyptian Pound 17.055 Australian Dollar 0.230438 0.242438 Tunisian Dinar 127.210 Lebanese Pound 0.000150 0.000250 Sri Lankan Rupees 1.972 New Zealand Dollar 0.212699 0.222199 Jordanian Dinar 427.490 Moroccan Dirhams 0.020832 0.044832 Lebanese Lira/for 1000 2.018 Indian Rupees 4.723 Pakistani Rupees 2.869 Omani Riyal 0.779944 0.785624 Syrian Lira 2.159 America Morocco Dirham 32.414 Bangladesh Taka 3.742 Qatar Riyal 0.078868 0.083808 Canadian Dollar 0.234798 0.243798 Philippines Pesso 5.877 Saudi Riyal 0.079647 0.080947 US Dollars 0.298650 0.303070 EUROPEAN & AMERICAN COUNTRIES Cyprus pound 17.991 Syrian Pound 0.001283 0.001503 US Dollars Mint 0.299150 0.303070 US Dollar Transfer 302.750 Japanese Yen 3.765 Tunisian Dinar 0.120854 0.128854 Euro 356.940 Syrian Pound 1.585 Turkish Lira 0.081498 0.091798 Sterling Pound 395.540 Asia Canadian dollar 239.710 Nepalese Rupees 2.948 UAE Dirhams 0.081002 0.082702 Bangladesh Taka 0.003261 0.003845 Turkish lira 85.890 Malaysian Ringgit 71.344 Yemeni Riyal 0.000984 0.001064 Chinese Yuan 0.043853 0.047353 THURSDAY, AUGUST 24, 2017 business

All Germany’s gold returned from French vaults

FRANKFURT AM MAIN: The Bundesbank, Germany’s central cash in an emergency. bank, said yesterday it had returned to German soil all of its Meanwhile, the share of the cache in France was built up gold kept in Paris and some reserves from the US, three during the decades of Germany’s post-World War II “eco- years ahead of schedule. Some 374 tons of the metal, 11 nomic miracle”, as the Bundesbank converted the country’s percent of the German stock, left the vaults at the Banque trade surpluses with its neighbor into gold stored in the de France, or Bank of France, while 300 tons have been Parisian vaults of the Banque de France. removed from the Federal Reserve in New York to the But at the height of the eurozone crisis in 2012, Bundesbank vaults in Frankfurt, board member Carl-Ludwig eurosceptic voices began pressing for an audit of the pre- Thiele told journalists. cious metal kept abroad, in case it might have been tam- The secret shipments were finished far ahead of the 2020 pered with, lent out or sold off. deadline at a cost of some 7.7 million euros ($9.1 million), The Bundesbank responded to the calls for greater trans- bringing the share of German gold stored at home to 50 parency by bringing a larger share home. percent. Shipments have been underway since a 2013 board After extensive tests upon arrival, “there were no issues decision to return the precious ingots home. with the authenticity, fineness or weight of the bars,” Thiele Germany began securing its reserves abroad during the said. Germany holds the world’s second-largest gold Cold War, when the Bundesbank preferred to keep most of reserves after the United States, at 3,378 tons or 270,000 its gold safe from the prospect of a sudden Soviet invasion. ingots of around 12 kilograms each-for a market value of New York was a favored location as home of the world’s around 120 billion euros. Some 1,710 tons are now kept in most vital currency, the US dollar, while London’s deep gold Frankfurt, with 1,236 remaining in New York and 432 in In this March 18, 2008 file photo, gold bullion and bullion coins are seen on this market could allow the metal to be quickly converted into London. — AFP zoomed photo in the German BW-Bank in Stuttgart, Germany. — AP GCC ideal market for innovative companies, says Huawei official Huawei upbeat about future prospects in the region

KUWAIT: The GCC is an ideal market for an smartphone photography. Not satisfied young consumers as a result of its innova- innovative company like Huawei as con- with providing users with 20MP selfies- tive aesthetics and superior usability. With sumers in the region are highly receptive to superstar camera, Huawei outfitted the this device we’ve drawn on our most change and open to new products. The phone with the best sound system current- dynamic users’ style and attitude as inspira- consumers are quick to adopt new tech- ly on the market. The phone will also sup- tion to take the HUAWEI nova 2 to the next nologies from smartphones to smartwatch- port aptX wireless Bluetooth technology, level. Featuring breakthroughs in selfie In this March 1, 2017 photo, new home construction is es to fitness trackers, said Gene Jiao, which has the shortest time lag of all functionality and a distinctive design, these underway in a housing plan in Zelienople, Pa. The President of Huawei Consumer Business Bluetooth audio coding; a battery that only devices celebrate the individuality, energy Commerce Department reported on sales of new Group, Middle East & Africa. takes 30 minutes to power up 43%. Huawei and optimism of today’s consumers. We homes in July yesterday. — AP In an exclusive interview, Jiao said, is a consumer-centric brand. That means we want to ensure that all of our customers “MENA is still experiencing rapid growth are always anticipating our costumers’ can find what they seek with Huawei. US new-home sales in the sales and penetration levels of needs and tailoring our products to their We are very excited about the future of smartphones. Huawei is very optimistic desires. our Huawei watches. They are the most fell in July, still about its future prospects in this region,” KT: What are consumers in the region Gene Jiao, President of Huawei recent addition to our collection and he said. Excerpts: looking for in the mobile phone, what are Consumer Business Group, though we cannot provide exact figures Kuwait Times: According to your the specifications that mostly interest Middle East & Africa. yet, we are quite optimistic about their ahead of last year experience in the telecom sector, can you them? performance in the market and we expect give us an overview of the telecom and JIAO: Consumers in the region are not with a revenue of $78.51 billion, making the the trend to continue alongside rising WASHINGTON: Sales of new US homes plummeted 9.4 mobile industry in the region, where does dissimilar to consumers worldwide: they top global 100 for the first time. global demand for smartwatches. The percent in July, the sharpest one-month drop in nearly a Huawei position itself compared to the place high importance on premium design, KT: Competition is strong in the region, HUAWEI WATCH 2 goes far above and year. But the decline followed strong sales in previous competition? exceptional camera capabilities, high- how can you keep up to it? beyond in terms of functionality and months, and sales so far this year are outpacing last year’s. JIAO: The telecom and mobile industry speed, and powerful, long-lasting battery. JIAO: We are confident of our ability to design. It is a lighter, more compact The Commerce Department said yeterday that new-home in the region is thriving due to recent Huawei strives to satisfy these needs with compete with our competitors due to our design, making it more comfortable and sales fell to a seasonally adjusted annual rate of 571,000 in trends in consumer buying patterns. There our flagship phones. The P10 series was innovative, consumer-centric approach to more suited to exercise. The introduction July, down from 630,000 in June. Last month’s figure was has been a widespread shift away from fea- crafted to provide users with an elegant technology. Since we have entered the of independent connectivity (4g version) the weakest since December. ture phones towards smartphones, result- design as well as brilliant photography market in the Middle East, we have seen makes the product far more than just a Still, sales in the first seven months of the year are 9.2 ing in a boom in the market. The UAE in capabilities thanks to our Leica dual-lens rapid growth in sales. Though 2016 was a partner for a smart phone; it becomes a percent higher than in the same period last year. More particular is leading this trend in the GCC- camera. Our Mate series has a powerful slow year for smartphone manufacturers flexible way to stay connected without buyers are turning to newly built houses as the supply of there are currently 5.3 million smartphone Kirin 960 chipset in order to provide con- globally, Huawei bucked the trend and your phone. The new fitness and wellbeing existing homes for sale has fallen steadily. The housing users in the UAE, more than in any other sumer with a high performing device with experienced an annual revenue increase functions are also a vast improvement on market overall is mostly healthy, but sales have stumbled country in the region. A recent study pub- long lasting battery. Consumers today of 32 percent, achieving a company the first generation, with smarter analysis this summer as a supply crunch has elevated average lished by the Telecommunications demand an exceptional performance and record revenue of USD 75.1 billion. We and new training programs. Overall, the home prices nationwide. The rising prices have made Regulatory Authority (TRA) found that battery life with quick charging solutions, attribute our success in part to our rapid product is more efficient, more effective, homes too expensive for some would-be buyers, even as mobile phones are so widespread in the and Huawei will provide just that with the growth in MENA. and provides more functions to help healthy hiring has lowered the unemployment rate to a UAE that there are now 228.3 phones per recent launch of the Nova 2 Plus. The We believe Huawei has become one of enrich a user’s everyday life. We do not 16-year low of 4.3 percent. 100 people. And this trend promises to HUAWEI nova 2 Plus’ chic design and trend- the leading brands in the market through expect that smartwatch sales will nega- Builders are ramping up the supply of new homes, pro- hold-MENA is still experiencing rapid setting selfie functionality is backed by the our technological innovation and con- tively impact our smartphone sales-the viding a crucial outlet. But the number of newly built growth in the sales and penetration levels HUAWEI Kirin 659 chipset powerhouse. The sumer-centric approach. Our P10 series was two technologies are not in competition as properties available is still below historical levels. Even so, of smartphones, which are currently the combination of the Kirin 659 chipset with hugely popular due to its pioneering Leica they are complementary products that sat- the supply of new homes for sale ticked up 1.5 percent in most coveted devices in the 18-34 age EMUI 5.1 and Android 7.0 ensures that the dual lens camera, and we hope to continue isfy different consumer needs. July from June to 276,000. That’s 16.5 percent higher than group. In addition to this, regional focus on series will not slow down over time, and will to raise the bar in photography with our KT: Huawei will soon open its store in a year earlier. eGovernment, Smart Cities, M2M technolo- continue to produce flawless performance. NOVA 2 Plus . We also have opened more Dubai Mall, why did you chose this loca- That level is considered enough to last 5.8 months at gies all point to continued growth in the In addition to its thin and lightweight than 33 service centers in the MEA region in tion, what will the store add to your com- the current sales pace - near the 6 months that is typical in telecom industry in the future. Huawei is design, the HUAWEI nova 2 Plus sets itself order to ensure that customers have access pany, what are your expectations for the a healthy market. By contrast, the number of existing very optimistic about its future prospects in apart on account of its exceptional battery to quality, direct and transparent communi- store performance in the next 3 years? homes for sale plunged 7.1 percent in June from a year this region. life and quick charging solution. It takes the cation channels with Huawei. We believe JIAO: As I have said previously, the UAE earlier. The larger supply of new homes has kept prices The Middle East is an ideal market for an HUAWEI nova 2 Plus just 30 minutes to that these two pillars are the foundation on is a key area of focus for Huawei. Sales fig- from rising as much as in the market for existing houses. A innovative company like Huawei: con- power-up to 39 percent and 43 percent which our future brand dominance will be ures have been strong in recent years and typical new home sold for $313,700 in July - below the sumers in the region are highly receptive to respectively, a feature that is crucial for busy built, and are confident in our ability to dis- we expect the trend to continue. For this $316,200 typical price for all of last year. Prices for existing change and open to new products. lifestyles. Long-lasting battery life is further tinguish ourselves from our competitors on reason we wanted to open an experience homes rose 5.6 percent in May from the previous year, the Consumers in the GCC are quick to adopt ensured through Huawei’s Smart Power these bases. store in the country, and we needed a loca- latest data available, according to the S&P Case-Shiller new technologies from smartphones to Saving 5.0, which can prolong battery life KT: You have a various range of prod- tion that would be conveniently accessible home price index. — AP smartwatches to fitness trackers. We are by up to three hours. The new series is also ucts, which one is the most important? to as many consumers as possible across in confident in our ability to distinguish our- equipped with features including Eye How did smart watches affect the sales of the region. Dubai is by far the most con- selves from the pack through our extensive Comfort 2.0, Phone Clone and Huawei smartphones? nected city in the UAE, so it was the obvi- Scottish budget research and development teams which Share, making the user experience more JIAO: Huawei does not pick favorites. ous choice. The Dubai Mall is a popular des- ensure that Huawei is always ahead of the comfortable and efficient. We value all of our consumers, which is tination for locals, expats, and tourists alike, deficit falls but curve. Our phones are state-of-the-art, and Yet consumers do not care exclusively why we have created different products to and it is located in the most prestigious we are always incorporating pioneering about phone specifications-though these satisfy the needs of different demograph- area of Dubai. Recently billed as the most still triple UK gap technology like our Leica dual lens camera are undeniably important, people are also ics. Our two flagship phones are the P10, prestigious square kilometer of real estate and Kirin 960 chipset, which guarantee that looking for a reliable brand with excellent P10 Plus and the Mate series. The P series is in the world; Downtown Dubai is best consumers will keep coming back to us for customer service. Huawei is dedicated to described as the new heart of the city and EDINBURGH: Scotland’s budget deficit narrowed in intended for consumers looking for a a premium experience. satisfying that need through its many serv- device with a high-end lifestyle experience. ‘The Centre of Now’. At Huawei, we con- the year to March but the gap is still more than triple Moving forward, our goal is to grow ice centers, Live Chat Support, Happiness stantly seek to position ourselves in the the size of that for the United Kingdom as whole, offi- The typical purchaser is highly fashionable Huawei’s expansive retail network, reaching Meter, and soon, its first experience store in and design centric and places importance best locations to provide user with a premi- cial data showed yesterday, potentially hampering 56,000 retail stores worldwide by the end of Dubai. We aim to provide consumers in the um experience. The Dubai Mall represents arguments for Scottish independence. Scotland’s on their phone’s photography ability. We 2017 - an increase from 35,000 in May 2016. region not only with a premium phone, but focused on seamlessly blending style and this for us and this is why we have selected heavily oil-dependent economy is struggling to cope These stores reflect the high-end, premium also with a premium customer experience. it for our first regional experience store. with an oil sector downturn following a peak in prices technology through our lightweight phone image that Huawei has cultivated around KT: How was Huawei’s performance in and pioneering dual-lens camera. By con- Consumers can enjoy an immersive in 2014, tax cuts for the industry and lower produc- the world. This year on year growth was the Middle East region and what is the experience to engage with the full range of tion, as well as a longer legacy of high government trast, the Mate series is more performance reflected in Huawei’s rise as a globally rec- importance of the GCC for your business? focused. We equipped the phone with a Huawei’s offerings. We hope the store will spending. ognized premium brand. In 2017, Huawei What is your market share in the region fill this gap, and provide loyal customers Scotland’s budget deficit, including a share of powerful Kirin 960 chipset to ensure long- was named number 49 on BrandZ’s Top 100 and what are the most important markets lasting battery and seamless performance. with a sleek, modern background to expe- North Sea oil revenues, was 8.3 percent of GDP in the Most Valuable Global Brands, number 88 in for you? rience our premium technology and 2016/17 tax year or 13.3 billion pounds ($17.0 billion), Moreover, our HUAWEI nova 2 Plus is one of Forbes World’s Most Valuable Brands and JIAO: Huawei Consumer Business Group the most sought-after products among engage with our brand. down from 9.3 percent in 2015/16, Scottish govern- number 40 on the Brand Finance Global recently announced its 2017 first half year ment data showed. That compares with a deficit of 2.3 500 Most Valuable Brands lists. In this year’s financial results: sales revenue for the first percent of GDP in the UK as a whole. Fortune 500 that came out in the evening six months of 2017 increased by 36.2 per- “We are seeing an improving picture in Scotland’s of July 20th, HUAWEI climbed up the list to cent year-on-year to CNY105.4 billion. Cambodia, KrisEnergy sign deal economy, although there are still big challenges to be the 83rd place from the 129th of last year Smartphone shipments also rose to overcome,” pro-independence First Minister Nicola with a revenue of $78.51 billion, making the 73.01million, a year-on-year increase of 20.6 to develop offshore oil field Sturgeon told reporters. top global 100 for the first time. percent. The Consumer Business Group PHNOM PENH: Cambodia signed an said that KrisEnergy is looking for part- The Scottish data included the first rise in North Sea KT: Technological and digital advance- continued to deliver extraordinary growth, agreement with Singapore-listed ners to invest in the project and that revenue since 2011, proof of partial recovery for the ment, how is it reflected on your efforts to beating the industry average and penetrat- KrisEnergy Ltd yesterday to develop an Cambodia will receive around $500 mil- sector as oil prices rose from an 11-year low struck in innovate, and provide consumer products ing high-end markets around the globe. offshore oil field that could finally see lion in fees, taxes and royalties over the early 2016. with ground breaking technologies? And This ongoing growth is testament to the Cambodia produce its own oil after years project’s lifespan. Clouding the horizon, however, is the uncertainty how important is the research and develop- strength of the Huawei brand and the of delays. Cambodia’s Finance Minister Aun of Britain’s decision to leave the European Union and ment department? momentum we’ve built through delivering Cambodia has struggled to develop Pornmoniroth said the area is estimated what it will do to Scotland’s economy, which repre- JIAO: Huawei takes pride in always premium, market-redefining devices that oil fields in the Gulf of Thailand, as few to yield over 30 million barrels over a sents about 8 percent of the UK as a whole. being a step ahead of the industry. We set resonate with today’s discerning con- companies are willing to invest in the nine-year period and that Cambodia was “The big risk we face for the medium to long term, the trends that the world follows. Our pas- sumers. In Q1 2017, Huawei’s market share area following the 2014 global oil price ready to learn from other countries’ les- in common with the rest of the UK, is the challenge sion for innovation is demonstrated by our rose to 9.8 percent of the global smart- slump. The agreement between sons and would not become oil-depen- that Brexit poses to that picture of recovery,” Sturgeon heavy investment in R&D: we spend $11 bil- phone market, according to industry ana- Cambodia and KrisEnergy covers 3,083 dent. “It will not allow itself to become a said. Scotland voted to keep Britain in the EU, increas- lion on R&D annually to operate 16 R&D lysts IDC. This growth was driven by a signif- sq km (1,190 square miles) of the Khmer heavily oil dependent economy,” Aun ing tensions with the UK government over the deal it center, 36 joint innovations centers and 45 icant increase in sales of mid-range and basin in the Gulf of Thailand known as Pornmoniroth said. “It will instead use oil must negotiate with the EU and putting the UK’s four- training centers around the world. This high-end smartphones in key geographies. Block A, the company said in a statement. revenue to fuel structural transformation nation union under strain. investment has already led to impressive This year on year growth was reflected in Oil will be produced from the Apsara to sustain economic growth.” According Spending per head for Scotland is higher than for results: Huawei P10 and P10 Plus’s dual lens Huawei’s rise as a globally recognized pre- field within the block and output is to the agreement, KrisEnergy will own a the UK as a whole - by around 1,400 pounds per per- camera (co-engineered with Leica) has set a mium brand. In 2017, Huawei was named expected within 24 months of the official 95 percent interest in the field while the son - pushed up by more spending on health, educa- new industry standard for smartphone number 49 on BrandZ’s Top 100 Most launch of the project. “Shortly after sign- Cambodian government will own the rest. tion and economic development, among others. photography. Our latest hero product, Nova Valuable Global Brands, number 88 in ing, we will declare a final investment The first phase of development of the On the revenues side, Scotland raises slightly less 2 Plus, with its 20 MP front camera will Forbes World’s Most Valuable Brands and decision and proceed to deliver first oil in Apsara field will start with a single produc- than the UK per head in tax, by about 300 pounds per boast the highest-definition selfie camera number 40 on the Brand Finance Global 24 months - sometime in 2019,” said tion platform and could potentially person. “I make no apology for spending decisions we in the region. It also comes equipped with a 500 Most Valuable Brands lists. In this year’s KrisEnergy Chief Operating Officer Kelvin expand to 10 platforms depending on a make, you don’t have to look very far to see the dam- 12MP and 8MP rear dual camera, as well as Fortune 500 that came out in the evening Tang at a signing ceremony in the final oil output determination, KrisEnergy age that is being done to lives because of the austerity a revolutionary LCD flash, ensuring Huawei of July 20th, HUAWEI climbed up the list to Cambodian capital Phnom Penh. Tang said in their statement. — Reuters agenda,” Sturgeon told reporters. — Reuters maintains its edge as a leader in the field of the 83rd place from the 129th of last year THURSDAY, AUGUST 24, 2017 BUSINESS Wall Street drops on Trump Dollar sags in a threats of shutdown, NAFTA risk-averse market NEW YORK: The dollar fell yesterday in a readings, although analysts warned the Investors look for clues from Jackson Hole generally risk-averse market after US single currency’s gains could be short- President Donald Trump’s threat of a lived due to concerns about heavy one- NEW YORK: US stocks opened sharply lower government shutdown and comments sided bets. The euro rose 0.4 percent to yesterday, giving back some gains from a day about the possible termination of a $1.1804 and hit a fresh 10-1/2-month earlier, after President Donald Trump warned of North American trade agreement. peak against the British pound, near 92 a government shutdown to build the Mexico Trump warned late on Tuesday he might pence. PMI data from Germany and border wall and also threatened to scrap a trade terminate the NAFTA trade treaty with France showed both countries register- agreement with Mexico and Canada. Mexico and Canada after three-way ing strong private-sector growth in “If we have to close down our government, talks failed to bridge deep differences. August, separate surveys showed. That we’re building that wall,” Trump said at a rally in He also said he may shut down the gov- boosted confidence that the euro Phoenix, Arizona on Tuesday evening. The com- ernment if he does not get funding for a zone’s biggest economies are likely to ments came as lawmakers face a late-September wall on the U.S.-Mexico border. maintain their momentum in the deadline to raise the US debt ceiling or risk a This was not the first time Trump has September quarter. default, and hours after a lawmaker said there threatened to scrap NAFTA, but it was Investors awaited speeches from was “zero chance” of the US not raising the ceil- the first time that he did so after negoti- Federal Reserve Chair Janet Yellen and ing. Trump also said he might scrap the North ations started, analysts said. European Central Bank President Mario American Free Trade Agreement with Mexico “No one can be sure whether the Draghi at the Jackson Hole summit and Canada to jumpstart negotiations. The first comments are a way for Trump to influ- tomorrow, though neither was expected round of talks on Sunday, with the aim to ence the negotiations, or whether he to announce new policy messages. In a revamp the NAFTA by early 2018. thinks that the negotiations are just a speech in Germany yesterday, Draghi Investors have grown increasingly concerned formality and he means to scrap NAFTA steered clear of market-sensitive com- about Trump’s ability to legislate his pro-growth completely,” said Thierry Albert Wizman, ments. FXTM research analyst Lukman agenda, especially those of tax cuts and infra- global interest rates and currency strate- Otunuga said the threat of Draghi ver- structure spending, given the near constant gist at Macquarie Group in New York. In bally intervening to weaken the curren- political rumblings in the White House. “The pull- SEOUL: A currency trader works at the foreign exchange dealing room of the KEB Hana Bank any case, Wizman said Trump’s remarks cy at Jackson Hole was likely to limit the back is from pretty strong words out of the presi- headquarters in Seoul yesterday.—AP pushed the safe-haven yen higher amid euro’s upside. dent ... comments on NAFTA, which brings up a 11.2 percent. Declining issues outnumbered dropped 0.4 percent in opening trading. “US a “general risk-off tone.” “With July’s ECB meeting minutes question of a global trade war, is weighing,” said In mid-morning trading, the dollar already revealing concerns over how a Peter Cardillo, chief market economist at First advancers on the NYSE by 1,793 to 715. On the stocks are lower in early action following yes- fell 0.4 percent to 109.17 yen, with the resurgent euro is obstructing the central Standard Financial in New York. Nasdaq, 1,646 issues fell and 671 advanced. terday’s solid advance, with global trade con- dollar index slipping 0.3 percent to bank’s efforts to hit the 2 percent infla- “You can have a tax cut, but if you have a cerns and Friday’s looming speeches from Fed 93.272. The euro was propped up by tion target, Draghi’s speech on Friday will trade war, that is going to impact the economic Jackson Hole Chair Yellen and ECB President Draghi likely strong German and French PMI survey be in sharp focus,” he added. —Reuters growth,” Cardillo said. The Dow Jones Industrial European and US stocks slid yesterday as keeping conviction in check,” said analysts at Average was down 77.83 points, or 0.36 percent, investors looked ahead to an meeting of central Charles Schwab brokerage. Global equities ral- at 21,822.06 and the S&P 500 was down 8.3 bankers for insights on monetary policy. “A sense lied on Tuesday on renewed optimism over US points, or 0.34 percent, at 2,444.21. The Nasdaq of anticipation can be felt across the financial tax reform plans, but President Donald Trump’s Composite was down 21.88 points, or 0.35 per- markets ahead of the Jackson Hole Symposium comments about terminating a key trade cent, at 6,275.60. later this week, which could offer an opportunity agreement. The stronger yen pared some gains Investors are also jittery ahead of the annual for central banks to signal policy shifts,” said ana- in Tokyo where the benchmark Nikkei 225 gathering of global central bankers in Jackson lyst Lukman Otunuga at online currency trading index ended 0.3-percent higher yesterday, Hole, Wyoming, where Federal Reserve Chair brokerage FXTM. “Financial heavyweights such while Seoul and Taipei edged up 0.1 percent Janet Yellen’s Friday speech will be scrutinized as Mario Draghi and Janet Yellen will be in the and Singapore was flat. for clues on the central bank’s stand on mone- spotlight, with markets closely scrutinizing their But Shanghai ended 0.1-percent lower and tary policy. Nine of the 11 major S&P indexes speeches for fresh insight on the outlook for Sydney slipped 0.2 percent. Hong Kong’s stock were lower, with consumer discretionary index’s monetary policy and interest rates,” he added. market was closed as powerful Typhoon Hato 0.60 percent fall leading the decliners. Lowe’s 4.7 Investors will be hoping for fresh clues from brought the southern Chinese city to a standstill. percent fall weighed the most on the S&P after US Federal Reserve boss Yellen about the bank’s The euro gained against the dollar following the company reported a lower-than-expected plans to reduce its huge bond holdings. well-received eurozone data, analysts said. profit and cut its margins forecast. European Central Bank chief Draghi’s speech will “Manufacturing and services PMIs from the Bigger rival Home Depot dropped 1.34 per- also be closely watched as Frankfurt-based poli- eurozone, Germany and France were all very cent, weighing the most on the Dow. Shares of cymakers move towards cutting back their bond strong and well above the level that separates advertising firm Omnicom dropped nearly 5 per- purchases. growth from contraction, suggesting that the cent, while Interpublic Group fell 4.3 percent London stocks were down 0.2 percent in recovery is continuing to gain traction,” said after WPP cut its sales forecast for the second afternoon trading, while Paris was off 0.3 per- Craig Erlam, senior market analyst at Oanda time in 6 months. WPP’S US-listed shares sank cent and Frankfurt lost 0.4 percent. The Dow trading group. —Agencies

Commentary The elephant in the room at NAFTA talks WASHINGTON: The first round of long- ever signed anywhere, but certainly ever awaited talks on modernizing NAFTA fin- signed in this country.” In key electoral ished Sunday, with Canada, Mexico and the states like Ohio and Pennsylvania, his United States issuing a statement that they championing of an anti-international trade had made “detailed conceptual presenta- agenda helped win him significant support tions” of their positions. Negotiators from last November. (In April, Trump told the three countries will meet again in Reuters that he had been “psyched” to ter- Mexico on September 1 to continue trying minate NAFTA, but changed his mind after LONDON: A company plaque is cleaned outside the to revise the trade pact. But while all say Canada and Mexico asked for it to be rene- offices of British advertising giant WPP in London yes- they are keen to see a new deal emerge, gotiated instead.) Many US businesses have terday. The British advertising giant WPP has down- they still have to navigate the political risks urged that forthcoming negotiations should graded its growth forecast for 2017 because of a slow- attached to any commercial agreement. not jeopardize existing market access, and down in the market, causing a fall of over 10 percent in Donald Trump’s promise to renegotiate that the key negotiating principle should, in the company’s stock price. —AFP trade deals was a key plank of his “America the words of United States Trade First” campaign platform. One of his first Representative (USTR) Robert Lighthizer, be WPP shares plunges acts in the White House was to withdraw to “do no harm.” Now the USTR and the the United States from the Trans-Pacific administration must assess exactly how Partnership (TPP) with countries in Asia- much overhaul is politically necessary to after group Pacific and the Americas, including meet the expectations generated by Australia, Canada, Chile, Japan, Malaysia, Trump’s statement that “we’re going to cuts sale target New Zealand, Peru, Singapore and make some very big changes or we are LONDON: WPP, the world’s largest advertising group, cut its Vietnam. Meanwhile, negotiations going to get rid of NAFTA once and for all.” sales target for the second time in six months yesterday between Washington and the European The renegotiations have high political after consumer goods giants curbed spending, putting its Union for the Transatlantic Trade and stakes for Canada and Mexico too. If agree- shares on track for their worst day in 19 years. Investment Partnership (TTIP) have not ment cannot be reached before the Facing its weakest underlying revenue growth since the resumed since Barack Obama left office. Mexican presidential election on July 1, financial crash in 2009, WPP saw its shares fall as much as Speculation now centers on the future 2018, negotiators could have to deal with 13 percent, wiping some $2.6 billion off its market value. of the North American Free Trade NAFTA skeptic and current poll favorite Much of the problem stems from a move by packaged Agreement, typically seen by many econo- Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador. The left- goods groups including Unilever, Nestle and Procter & mists as at least a qualified success story. wing populist has positioned himself as a Gamble to respond to weak growth by cutting back on Since 1994, trade between the United critic of Trump and the US president’s “cam- advertising products such as washing powder, drinks and States, Mexico and Canada has more than paign of hatred” against Mexico since the food. Like its rivals, WPP has also been hit by an ultracom- tripled, forming a trading bloc with a com- 2016 US presidential campaign. petitive environment in the United States where it lost two bined GDP of around 20 trillion dollars. Uncertainty over NAFTA, the TPP and major contracts - VW and AT&T - meaning the group missed However, prominent representatives of Trump’s trade policies in general, could cre- its first-half net sales target by some margin. ate a significant political vacuum. That, in both the left and right, from Bernie “It is difficult,” Chief Executive Martin Sorrell told Reuters. turn, could give China a gap to exploit - a Sanders and Ralph Nader to Ross Perot and “Most of our shrinkage came in the second quarter and we gap Beijing is waiting to take. Chinese Vice Pat Buchanan, have long criticized the couldn’t adapt fast enough for that. But we feel good about Foreign Minister Li Baoding said last year, agreement for contributing to a hollowing the way we’ve controlled the costs.” “protectionism is rearing its ugly out of the country’s manufacturing indus- Sorrell noted the growing influence of activist investors head...China believes we should set up a try and lost US jobs, partly because of in the consumer goods sector, which he felt was adding to new plan to...sustain momentum for the increased trade deficits with Mexico and the pressure to rein in spending and boost margins. early establishment of free trade areas.” Canada. Right-wingers also accuse NAFTA Consumer goods clients make up around a third of WPP’s Beijing’s alternative vision includes a Free of undermining US sovereignty and open- revenue. Analysts at RBC said eight of the 10 consumer Trade Area of Asia Pacific (FTAAP), a long- ing up the United States to what they see goods companies which detailed their marketing approach term goal to link Pacific Rim economies as an increasing threat from drugs, crime in the first half of the year reported a decline as a propor- and immigration from Mexico. from China to Chile that has been debated since 2004. In the shorter term, Beijing is tion of sales. Unilever, a WPP client which fought off a $143 From a different standpoint, even some billion takeover bid from Kraft Heinz in February, said it was previous advocates of NAFTA have become also pushing a free trade pact, for which discussions have been underway since looking to cut the number of adverts created by 30 percent. less enthusiastic about the deal. This is In the first half of the year, its spending with ad agencies partly because the three countries have 2012, known as the Regional fell by 17 percent. been unable to fully address challenging Comprehensive Economic Partnership issues like tightened border security. NAF- (RCEP). That would include the 10 ASEAN GLOBAL GIANT TA is also seen to have stalled because members plus India, Australia, Japan, One of the best known businessmen in Britain, Sorrell Mexico, Canada and the United States have South Korea and New Zealand, but not the built the advertising group from a two-man operation in a increasingly preferred to push bilateral United States. London office in 1985 to one that now dominates the solutions rather than addressing opportu- RCEP, which is smaller in scope to industry with 205,000 people, including associates, working nities and problems trilaterally. A key FTAAP, would create one of the largest free in 112 countries. rationale for the prevailing lack of triliteral- trade zones in the world. Collectively, RCEP It provides advertising, data analytics and consultancy ism in the continent is that the NAFTA countries account for around a quarter of work to brands including L’Oreal, IBM, AstraZeneca and architects from Canada and Mexico wanted global GDP, and some 46 percent of the to curb EU-style political institution build- global population. Vodafone. While it outperformed its peers for several years ing they feared would lead to a Brussels- While Chinese President Xi Jinping has after the financial downturn, it has been showing signs of style bureaucracy dominated by asserted that RCEP and FTAAP do not “go strain in the last year as rivals fight for every dollar of ad Washington. against existing free trade arrangements,” spend. On Wednesday it reported first-half like-for-like net Equally, Washington has generally dis- Beijing and Washington have for years had sales down by 0.5 percent, below a consensus of 0.7 per- liked the idea of developing any pan-North contrasting visions of shaping the regional cent growth. It cut its full-year underlying net sales growth American political institutions that could order through formulation of NAFTA and target to between flat and 1 percent, from a previous fore- rein in US autonomy. TPP on one hand, and RCEP and FTAA on cast of 2 percent. Like peers Omnicom and IPG, net sales Trump jumped into this cauldron of crit- the other. From China’s perspective, RCEP were particularly weak in the U.S.. French group Publicis, icism in the 2016 election campaign by and FTAAP would be more conducive to its recovering from several years of subdued trading, is one of calling NAFTA “the worst trade deal maybe national interests. — Reuters the few ad groups to fare better in the U.S., posting decent results in July. —Reuters THURSDAY, AUGUST 24, 2017 BUSINESS Mercedes-Benz 4MATIC all-wheel drive celebrates 30 years of all-road confidence KUWAIT: Mercedes-Benz 4MATIC is celebrat- handling of a Mercedes-Benz, helping opti- ing 30 years of all-season, all-road confidence mize how each wheel turns torque and in 2017, having first debuted in the W124- traction into confidence and control, to series E Class models in 1987. Today’s 4MATIC provide the best driving experience,” is available on nearly 50 models around the added Mr. Michael Ruehle, CEO of A.R. world, from cars to SUVs and vans. Albisher & Z. Alkazemi Company. With From a looming sand dune to a chal- each wheel fully engaging, 4MATIC lenging corner, 4MATIC all-wheel drive enables far greater control and gripping makes the most of available traction by results. It is fully integrated, not just with precisely engaging all four wheels. More the drivetrain, but with the many safety than letting all four tires do the work and driving assistance systems of a equally, 4MATIC features a number of Mercedes-Benz. Under normal conditions, advanced, and quick-thinking innovations the compact, lightweight system channels to empower each wheel individually as the engine’s torque to the front and rear conditions change. wheels through a centre differential, for

New GLA

the vehicle for its Antilock Braking optimizing the torque at each wheel to System (ABS) and Electronic Stability the conditions. Program (ESP), to precisely manage the torque demands of each wheel. Wheel speeds When driving in a straight line, all four Four points of contact wheels normally rotate at the same rate. Virtually every element of braking, Rounding a corner, however, forces the two steering and accelerating is carried out outside wheels to travel a longer path than the through the four patches where tires meet inside wheels. That means the left and right the road. The friction between the tires wheels must be able to rotate at different “Whether starting out on a slippery Mercedes-Benz GLC Coupe, 4 MATIC and road surfaces turns grip into go. The speeds. 4MATIC continually monitors the patch, encountering a sudden change in suspension laws of physics limit the total force that a speed of each wheel to know when it’s turning terrain, or even rounding a dry curve, tire can manage, especially as road condi- at the proper speed, or not, in every situation. 4MATIC has been instrumental in helping By sending power to the wheels that can tions change, so 4MATIC is designed to Mercedes-Benz drivers put their best foot use it best, it helps you feel a rewarding achieve the best balance of these forces in Mixed friction surfaces forward for the past three decades. The sense of confidence in any season. every situation. On a dry, paved road, the traction avail- advanced 4MATIC all-wheel drive is avail- able to all four tires is generally the same, able on virtually every model we make, Elegantly Simple: The core Weight distribution however a puddle, a patch of ice, or even a and comes standard on all SUVs in Kuwait, components of 4MATIC When braking, 4MATIC shifts the vehi- loose gravel shoulder can vary the grip of enabling more confident driving regard- A transfer case integrated within the cle’s weight toward the front wheels, mak- each wheel, all at once. 4MATIC uses a less of the conditions,” said Mohammed 7-speed automatic transmission feeds ing them work harder. Acceleration shifts combination of individual brakes and power to the front axles. A limited-slip it rearward, while cornering transfers it reduction of excess engine output to bal- Abdul Rahman Albisher, Director of A.R. Mercedes-Benz 4MATIC Albisher & Z. Alkazemi Company , the centre differential provides balanced toward the tires on the outside of a turn. ance, helping to send the optimal amount Authorized General Distributor of sporty balance and agile handling. When power between the front and rear axles. In addition, the road conditions can affect of torque to each wheel. Mercedes-Benz Mercedes-Benz in Kuwait. “Its lightweight traction demands change, 4MATIC reacts And the 4-wheel Electronic Traction how each wheel grips at any time. 4MATIC 4MATIC all-wheel drive comes standard on design and quick reflexes enhance the instantly and expertly to maximise control. System (4-ETS) uses sensors already in responds to all of these factors at once, all Mercedes-Benz SUVs. Qatar Airways celebrates service to Czech Republic Launch of service to Kiev, Ukraine to follow next week

KUWAIT: To celebrate the launch of Qatar Airways’ inaugural flight to Prague, the capital of the Czech Republic, Qatar Airways Group Chief Executive Akbar Al-Baker hosted a press confer- ence yesterday at the Hilton Hotel Prague. At the press conference Al-Baker discussed the award-winning airline’s ongoing expansion plans and its commitment to providing passen- gers a truly unique travel experience. He empha- sized Qatar Airways’ dedication to bringing more visitors from around the world to Prague and to increasing tourism in the already popular European destination.

Jazeera Airways brings ‘Fantastic Fridays’ to Kuwaiti customers PRAGUE: Qatar Airways Group Chief Executive Akbar Al-Baker addresses a press conference KUWAIT: Jazeera Airways, Kuwait’s leading from Kuwait are to Baku, Istanbul and yesterday at the Hilton Hotel Prague. air carrier operating regionally and interna- Sharm El Sheikh. visited cities in Europe. Qatar Airways is expedit- flights per week between Doha and Moscow, tionally, announces ‘Fantastic Fridays’, an The new Jazeera website has been ing its expansion in Eastern Europe, with service five daily flights to Sri Lanka, a direct daily flight exclusive weekly offer to reward its online designed to the highest e-commerce stan- to Kyiv, Ukraine set to commence next week. to Hanoi, 10 weekly flights to Ho Chi Minh City customers. A first for Jazeera Airways and dards, providing a more personalized expe- Last month, the airline inaugurated its first serv- and a daily service Krabi. for all those travelling from Kuwait, the rience with every click, easy navigation ice to Skopje, part of a significant network Qatar Airways, the national carrier of the special offer takes place every Friday, pro- options, a simple four-step booking expansion of new destinations by Qatar Airways. State of Qatar, this year celebrates 20 years of viding unmissable opportunities to book process, enhanced browsing, online check- The award-winning airline is committed to con- Going Places Together with travellers across its discounted tickets to select popular desti- in services and several add-ons. Travelers nect its passengers to more than 150 destina- more than 150 destinations business and leisure nations through Jazeera’s newly are encouraged to avail of the exclusive Al-Baker said at the press conference: “Prague tions on its global network via Hamad destinations. One of the world’s fastest growing redesigned website. The offer starts on ‘Fantastic Fridays’ deals every Friday by sim- has long been a highly sought after destination International Airport in Doha. airlines, the carrier will continue to add a num- tomorrow and is valid between 12:01 am ply booking their tickets through the new by our passengers. We have listened to their Following the launch to Prague, the 2017 ber of exciting new destinations to its growing until 11:59 pm. This week’s destinations website (jazeeraairways.com). requests and we have responded by proudly Airline of the Year, as awarded by Skytrax, will be network in 2017 and 2018, flying passengers on bringing them this daily service from our hub in adding flights to more exciting destinations on board its modern fleet of 200 aircraft. Qatar Doha to the city of Prague. We are happy to sup- its network in 2017 and 2018, including Abidjan, Airways has received a number of accolades this ABK-Egypt reports healthy net port the Czech Republic’s tourism industry to Ivory Coast; Accra, Ghana; Canberra, Australia; year, including Airline of the Year by the presti- grow to even greater heights by giving more Chiang Mai, Thailand; Chittagong, Bangladesh; gious 2017 Skytrax World Airline Awards, held at profit of EGP 161m for H1 2017 global travellers the opportunity to visit this San Francisco, United States; Mombasa, Kenya; the Paris Air Show. iconic city.” KUWAIT: Al-Ahli Bank of Kuwait-Egypt objectives, we are moving forward with and Utapao, Thailand. This is the fourth time that Qatar Airways has Vaclav Rehor, Chairman of the Board of (ABK-Egypt) announced its results for confidence. I take this opportunity to Qatar Airways will operate services to Prague been given this global recognition. In addition Directors, Prague Airport said: “We expect the the first half of 2017, posting an after-tax thank everyone who has made a contri- with the Airbus A320, featuring 12 seats in to being voted World’s Best Airline by travellers new route between V·clav Havel Airport Prague net profit of EGP 161 Million. Assets bution to these positive results.” Business Class and 120 seats in Economy Class. from around the world, Qatar’s national carrier and Hamad International Airport in Doha to be soared by 26 percent to reach EGP 18.91 CEO & Managing Director of ABK- The award-winning airline has recently added also won a raft of other major awards at the cer- used by up to 90 thousand passengers a year.” Billion, while its loans and credit facilities Egypt, Khaled El Salawy, stated that the additional frequencies to several of its key desti- emony, including Best Airline in the Middle East, Prague, with its rich history, culture and spec- portfolio expanded by 35 percent, reach- efforts exerted in the past period positive- nations, in an effort to meet high demand. Qatar World’s Best Business Class and World’s Best First tacular medieval architecture, is one of the most ing EGP 9.85 Billion. Deposits grew by 27 ly reflected on ABK-Egypt’s solid results, Airways has brought the total frequency to 21 Class Airline Lounge. percent to a total of EGP 15.69 billion. and that it would further strengthen its position as one the promising banks in Egypt. El Salawy said: “The progress we have made is due to the diligent work of our employees and the business decisions we have taken thus far. We look forward to enhanc- ing competitive advantages of our services, providing unique banking solutions that meet the needs of individuals and companies, as well as support- Ali Marafi Khaled El Salawy ing small and medium enter- prises as part of our commit- Ali Marafi, Chairman of ABK-Egypt ment to advancing Egypt’s economy.” said : “The performance of ABK-Egypt in ABK-Egypt has been recognized by a the first half of 2017 is a reflection of our number of credible entities for their long-term strategy to focus on the growth & positioning over the past development of services and skills with- year. In 2017, ABK won the “Best New in the Bank which will ultimately enable Brand in Egypt” by Banker Middle East us to reach the level we aspire to. With a and the “Best New Bank in Egypt” by strong senior management team in the European Magazine - a Thomson place, and focusing on our strategic Reuters affiliate. technology THURSDAY, AUGUST 24, 2017

A robot called ‘Teotronico’ plays the piano at the 2017 World Robot Conference in Beijing. College students set up their robots on a stage to compete. World robot conference

A college student carries his robot dressed with Monkey King costume. A robot demonstrates how a surgery is done. Robots powered down are lined up awaiting a engineer to prepare them a day before the opening.

BEIJING: An exhibitor applies eyes make-up to a human- like robot on display at the World Robot Conference at the Yichuang International Conference and Exhibition A giant robot displayed at the World Robot Conference. Centre in Beijing yesterday.—AP/AFP photos A child holding an entrance ticket watches a smart self-learning robot.

A boy watches as robots perform a dance. Visitors are reflected on a glass panel as they watch a product demonstrator dive with a underwater drone. Myanmar’s startups map past, shape future with virtual reality

YANGON: Gasps echo across the hall as the mined to become entrepreneurs and working She founded the non-profit last year after Mapping the past ples, their crumbling centuries-old walls so Myanmar school kids trial virtual reality gog- in the tech sector in general-is significant,” 17 years working in the woefully underfunded While 360ed is thinking about the future, close it feels like you can touch them. A for- gles, marveling at a device that allows some said Jes Kaliebe Peterson, CEO of community education system in a bid to bring learning to Nyi Lin Seck is obsessed with the past. Some mer head of the local TV station, Nyi Lin of Asia’s poorest people to walk on the moon hub Phandeeyar. life. “I see it as an empathy machine where we 600 kilometers north of Yangon, the bud- Seck says he makes most of his money pro- or dive beneath the waves. “In Myanmar we Virtual reality is the latest advance to cause can teleport ourselves to another place right ding tech entrepreneur and founder of viding virtual reality footage for hotels and can’t afford much to bring students to the a stir, with a handful of entrepreneurs embrac- away,” she said. And it’s not just school chil- 3xvivr Virtual Reality Production launches a luxury apartments. real world experience,” beamed Hla Hla Win, ing tech for projects including preserving dren who benefit from stepping into places large drone into the skies above Bagan, one But after an earthquake damaged the a teacher and tech entrepreneur taking vir- ancient temple sites to shaping young minds they could only ever dream of visiting. 360ed of Myanmar’s most famous tourist sites. The Bagan site last year, he vowed to use the tual reality into the classroom. “If they’re of the future. The Phandeeyar incubator works has used virtual reality to help Myanmar drone, which carries a 360-camera, circles tech to preserve a digital replica of learning about animals we can’t take them to with more than 140 startups. Among them Hla teachers attend training courses in Japan and one of the many ninth-to-thirteenth century Myanmar’s archaeological treasures. “A the zoo... 99 percent of parents don’t have Hla Win’s virtual reality social enterprise 360ed Finland and is working on setting up deals temples that dot the landscape of what was lot of artworks on the pagodas collapsed time, don’t have money, don’t have the which is using affordable cardboard VR gog- with schools in India, Pakistan, China and once a sprawling ancient city. and were lost. Using this technology, we means,” she added. gles attached to smartphones to break down Bangladesh. “With VR there’s no divider, there’s The data it records allows those with vir- can record up to 99 percent of the ancient Few countries in the world have experi- barriers in Myanmar’s classrooms. no distance,” Hla Hla Win said. tual reality headsets to explore the tem- art,” he says.—AFP enced such rapid discovery of technology than Myanmar which has leapfrogged from the analogue to the digital era in just a few years. During the decades of outright junta rule, which ended in 2011, it was one of the world’s most isolated nations, a place where a mobile phone sim card could cost up to $3,000. For half a century its paranoid generals cut off the country, restricting sales of com- puters, heavily censoring the Internet and blocking access to foreign media reports. But today phone towers are springing up around the country and almost 80 percent of the population have access to the Internet through smartphones, according to telecoms giant Telenor.

Budding startups Tech startups are emerging around the commercial capital Yangon, many seeking to improve the lives of rural people, most of whom still live without paved roads or elec- YANGON: In this photograph, Nyi Lin Seck reaches to grab a drone carrying a 360 degree tricity. “The increase in activity from last year 4K video camera after flying it over the ancient city of Bagan to document the crumbling YANGON: In this photograph, a 360 degree video camera records the grounds of the till now-new startups, more people deter- 700-year-old walls of the ancient city.—AFP photos crumbling 700-year-old ancient city of Bagan. THURSDAY, AUGUST 24, 2017 HEALTH & SCIENCE

Toothless, dwarf dolphin, a case study in evolution

PARIS: Scientists unveiled an extinct species of tooth- a brief interlude on the evolutionary clock-I. xenops less, whiskered and objectively cute mini-dolphin that lost its pearly whites, saw its snout and mouth shrink plied Earth’s oceans some 30 million years ago. With and developed super muscular lips. only a fossilized cranium-found in a river near “This last feature is perhaps the most critical,” said Charleston, South Carolina-to work with, the Boessenecker, who deduced the dolphin’s powerful researchers were able to reconstruct the snub-nosed smackers from a series of deep artery channels clearly mammal’s evolutionary saga, describe its facial fea- designed to nourish extensive soft tissue. “Short tures and figure out what it snacked on. Just over a snouts typically occur in Odontoceti that are adept at meter from snout to tail, Inermorostrum xenops was suction feeding-the smaller the oral opening, the half the size of the common bottlenose dolphin. greater the suction,” he said in a statement. Absent Ironically, the pint-size Flipper was an early off- dentition, I. xenops’ diet would have consisted exclu- shoot from one of the two main groupings of sively of small fish, squid and other soft-bodied crea- cetaceans called Odontoceti, or “toothed whale”, that tures. Because its nose was bent downward, the includes sperm whales and orca. This group also researchers suspect it prowled the ocean floor in developed a radar-like capacity to navigate and detect search of prey. objects by emitting sounds, called echolocation. The The dwarf dolphins were not the only “toothed other branch, baleen whales, are filter feeders that whales” undergoing rapid evolution at that time. strain huge volumes of ocean water to net tiny, During the Oligocene age, 25 to 35 million years ago, shrimp-like krill or plankton-think humpback or the other echolocating cetaceans developed long, toothy gargantuan blue. snouts specialized in catching fish. The researchers “Inermorostrum took only four million years to also found that both short and long snouts evolved evolve from ancestral whales with precisely occluding independently numerous times, suggesting that natu- teeth”-matching top and bottom-”into a toothless, ral selection is not an arbitrary process. Some dol- suction feeding specialist,” explained Robert phins, such as the modern bottlenose, settled on a Boessenecker, a professor at the College of Charleston happy medium between the extremes, “the optimum PARIS: A handout photo from the Royal Society shows a life restoration of Inermorostrum xenops and lead author of a study in the British Royal Society length as it permits both fish catching and suction dolphins. — AFP journal Proceedings B. During those four million years- feeding,” Boessenecker added. — AFP Lab-made mini organs help doctors treat cystic fibrosis Organoids mimic features of full-size organs

UTRECHT, Netherlands: Els van der Heijden, and getting back in the saddle. This experi- real gut, only on a really small scale.” who has cystic fibrosis, was finding it ever ment to help people with rare forms of cystic These so-called organoids mimic features of harder to breathe as her lungs filled with thick, fibrosis in the Netherlands aims to grow mini full-size organs, but don’t function the same sticky mucus. Despite taking more than a intestines for every Dutch patient with the way. Although many of the tiny replicas are clos- dozen pills and inhalers a day, the 53-year-old disease to figure out, in part, what treatment er to undeveloped organs found in an embryo had to stop working and scale back doing the might work for them. than adult ones, they are helping scientists thing she loved best, horseback riding. Doctors It’s an early application of a technique now unravel how organs mature and providing clues saw no sense in trying an expensive new drug being worked on in labs all over the world, as on how certain diseases might be treated. In because it hasn’t been proven to work in peo- researchers learn to grow organs outside of the Australia, mini kidneys are being grown that ple with the rare type of cystic fibrosis that van body for treatment - and maybe someday for could be used to test drugs. Researchers in the der Heijden had. transplants. So far, doctors have grown mini US are experimenting with tiny bits of livers that Instead, they scraped a few cells from van guts - just the size of a pencil point - for 450 of might be used to boost failing organs. der Heijden and used them to grow a mini the Netherlands’ roughly 1,500 cystic fibrosis version of her large intestine in a petri dish. patients. “The mini guts are small, but they are Too expensive ALASKA: In this file photo, the National Science Foundation research ship Sikuliaq is When van der Heijden’s “mini gut” responded complete,” said Dr. Hans Clevers of the Hubrecht At Cambridge University in England, scien- seen moored in Seward, Alaska. — AP to treatment, doctors knew it would help her Institute, who pioneered the technique. Except tists have created hundreds of mini brains to too. “I really felt, physically, like a different per- for muscles and blood vessels, the tiny organs study how neurons form and better under- Arctic researchers to study son,” van der Heijden said after taking a drug - “have everything you would expect to see in a stand disorders like autism. During the height of the Zika epidemic last year, mini brains were used to show the virus causes malformed wind effects on marine life brains in babies. In the Netherlands, the mini guts are used as a stand-in for cystic fibrosis ANCHORAGE, Alaska: A federal research have shown belugas congregating on the patients to see if those with rare mutations vessel will launch on a cruise this week to shelf break, said Carin Ashjian, a senior scien- might benefit from a number of pricey drugs, study how Beaufort Sea wind affects plant tist at Woods Hole Oceanographic including Orkambi. and animal life in a changing Arctic Ocean. Institution, who will serve as chief scientist Made by Vertex Pharmaceuticals, Orkambi The Sikuliaq (see-KOO’-lee-ak), owned by on the cruise. “What we hope to do, and costs about 100,000 euros per patient every the National Science Foundation and oper- what we’re planning to do, is to basically year in some parts of Europe, and it’s more ated by the University of Alaska Fairbanks, document and describe how the physical than double that in the US, which approved will depart tomorrow from Nome for the forcing of the wind produces this favorable the drug in 2015. Despite being initially reject- trip through the Bering Strait to waters on feeding environment for the beluga whales,” ed by the Dutch government for being too and off the continental shelf in the Beaufort. she said Tuesday. “It’s one thing to say, ‘Oh, expensive, negotiations with Vertex were Climate warming in recent decades has they can find food along this shelf break. But reopened in July. Making a single mini gut and resulted in far less summer seasonal ice in we want to find out why they find their food testing whether the patient would benefit from the Beaufort, which stretches from the along the shelf break, with numbers.” certain drugs costs a couple of thousand euros. northeast coast of Alaska across Canada. Upwelling events in the Beaufort are project- The program is paid for by groups including East winds that formerly blew over sea ice ed to increase as sea ice continues to trend health insurance companies, patient founda- now blow over open water, said Steve downward, Okkonen said. tions and the government. Okkonen, a physical oceanographer at the Last year the minimum sea ice for 2016 The idea is to find a possible treatment for University of Alaska Fairbanks. Wind drives was recorded Sept. 10, when ice covered 1.6 patients, and avoid putting them on expensive water at the surface of the shallow continen- million square miles, tied with Sept 18, 2007, drugs that wouldn’t work for them. About 50 to tal shelf, at depths of about 300 feet, north for the second lowest minimum on records 60 patients across the Netherlands have been to water off the shelf, which drops to depths since satellite measurements began in 1978. treated after drugs were tested on organoids of more than 10,000 feet. The lowest year on record was Sept 17, using their cells, said Dr. Kors van der Ent, a cys- The result is a phenomenon called 2012, according to the National Snow and tic fibrosis specialist at the Wilhelmina Children’s “upwelling.” Deep, cold water rises toward Ice Data Center at the University of Hospital, who leads the research. Clevers made a the surface carrying large concentrations of Colorado, when sea ice fell to 1.31 million discovery about a decade ago that got plankton, which scientists hypothesize will square miles. Wind covering a greater dis- researchers on their way. They found pockets of attract fish, especially Arctic cod. Large num- tance over open water becomes a greater NETHERLANDS: Samples of mini organs are magnified with microscope at the stem cells, which can turn into many types of bers of cod in turn attract beluga whale and force on the ocean. “We have a much bigger Hubrecht Institute in Utrecht, Netherlands. — AP other cells, in the gut. —AP seabirds that prey on cod. Aerial surveys fetch,” Okkonen said. —AP WHAT’S ON THURSDAY, AUGUST 24, 2017

Kuwait Marriott Hotels offer new promotions for Eid Al-Adha

arriott Hotels in Kuwait are offering their guests interesting cuisines can be tried at the Japanese Kei restau- exclusive deals on rooms during Eid Al-Adha. The rant offering sushi and Teppanyaki. In addition to a wide Mexciting array of promotions includes a 20 percent range of buffets from different cuisines at Crossroads restau- discount on suites at JW Marriott Kuwait City, Courtyard by rant, including Italian, Chinese, Indian and Mediterranean. Marriott Kuwait City and Residence Inn by Marriott Kuwait The much-celebrated Indian restaurant Soul and Spice in City. In addition to 30 percent discount in all restaurants, Courtyard by Marriott is well known for serving flavorsome complimentary buffet breakfast, free Wi-Fi and free meals for Indian dishes, in addition to Sushi restaurant which offers a children under 6 years old. wide array of mouth-watering Japanese delicacies. Moreover, To add to the exclusive benefits, guests can enjoy free Blendz restaurant, located at the lobby of Residence Inn by access to the swimming pool and health club. Free valet Marriott Kuwait City, offers its guests a unique flavor of mod- parking and shared airport transfers will also be available ern recipes in a very relaxed ambience making it a perfect along with early check-in and late check-out, subject to avail- place to spend time with family and friends. ability. It is also worthy to note that JW Marriott Hotel Kuwait “During this special time, friends and families unite over and Courtyard by Marriott Kuwait have direct exclusive good food and entertainment to celebrate Eid. We spare no entrances to “Salhia”and”Arraya” shopping malls, where efforts in ensuring that all our guests are well served and sat- guests can shop between an array of world-class retail isfied with our diversified offerings. On behalf of Kuwait brands. Marriott team, I would like to wish everyone a wonderful and A superb dining experience can be enjoyed at Terrace Grill blessed Eid,” said George Aoun, Cluster General Manager of restaurant at the JW Marriott Kuwait. The restaurant offers an Kuwait Marriott Hotels. extensive menu of the finest meat cuts and seafood. Other

Loyac, ESCWA organize national workshop

oyac had recently organized with the United Nations Social and Economic Committee for West Asia (ESCWA) a national workshop to Lenhance the participation of youth in public issues and taking decisions. The national workshop which took place at the Shaheed Park lasted for three days and certificates were distributed to the participants are the end of the workshop. On her part, Member of Loyac board Fotouh Al-Dalali thanked the ESCWA for its pioneer role at presenting such workshops that will have a fruit- ful impact on the youth.

KGL provides logistics services to Sri Lanka 2017 flood victims

uwait and Gulf Link Transport Company (KGL) and the US mili- Ktary Defense Reutilization and Marketing Office in Kuwait have part- nered together to provide different services and means of aid to the vic- tims of the flooding that took place in Sri Lanka. The Senior Manager of Government Services at KGL and Board Member of the American Business Council of Kuwait (ABCK), Pete Swift, stated that in addition to the support provided by KGL, the company also offered their logistics services to transfer the dona- tions collected to the hospitals, Pete Swift schools and orphanages affected by with local and international non-profit the floods that have left more than organizations. 600,000 people temporarily homeless Advisor of the Podujana Peramuna and caused 500 deaths, mostly of Committee, Susantha Williams, which were children. expressed his appreciation and thanks Pete Swift praised KGL’s willingness to KGL on behalf of the Sri Lankan pop- to provide logistical support and aid to ulation, noting that committee mem- the people affected by natural disas- bers were facing logistical operation ters. In the past, the company has pro- difficulties to transfer the donations. vided numerous types of relief to vic- Through coordination and initiative, tims of natural disasters including peo- KGL’s transportation of the donations ple in Somalia, Sudan, Pakistan and had a positive impact on those affected Nepal. KGL is committed to implement- by the floods. Williams also conveyed ing a purposeful social responsibility his appreciation to the KGL Sri Lankan program covering the environmental, drivers who had exerted great effort health, educational and community voluntarily to transport the donations. development fields in co-operation THURSDAY, AUGUST 24, 2017 TV PROGRAMS

12:15 Hank Zipzer 14:15 Future-Worm! 19:00 Clash Of Warriors 05:00 Breadwinners 14:25 Suburgatory 04:36 How Do They Do It? 12:40 Dog With A Blog 14:40 Kirby Buckets 20:00 Missing In Alaska 05:24 Get Blake 14:50 Mom 05:00 Food Factory 13:05 Star Darlings 15:05 Lab Rats: Bionic Island 21:00 Ancient Aliens 05:48 SpongeBob SquarePants 15:15 The Last Man On Earth 05:24 Invent It Rich 13:10 Good Luck Charlie 15:30 Walk The Prank 22:00 Blood And Glory: The Civil 06:12 SpongeBob SquarePants 15:40 The Last Man On Earth 06:12 Science Of The Movies 13:35 Austin & Ally 15:55 Right Now Kapow War In Color 06:36 Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles 16:05 The Ellen DeGeneres Show 07:00 How Do They Do It? 00:30 EastEnders 00:45 Treehouse Masters 14:00 Jessie 16:25 K.C. Undercover 07:00 The Loud House 17:00 Seinfeld 07:26 Kings Of Construction 01:00 Poldark 01:40 Bad Dog 14:25 Lolirock 16:50 Kirby Buckets Warped 07:24 Rabbids Invasion 17:30 Seinfeld 08:14 Mythbusters 01:55 Last Tango In Halifax 02:35 Gator Boys 14:50 The Zhuzhus 17:15 Mech-X4 07:48 Get Blake 18:00 The Middle 09:02 Science Of The Movies 02:50 Prime Suspect: Tennison 03:25 The Bronx Zoo 15:15 Whisker Haven Tales With 17:40 Gravity Falls 08:12 Harvey Beaks 18:30 The Middle 09:50 How Do They Do It? 03:40 New Blood 04:15 Insane Pools: Off The Deep The Palace Pets 18:05 Disney Mickey Mouse 08:36 Sanjay And Craig 19:00 American Housewife 10:14 Food Factory 04:35 EastEnders End 15:20 Miraculous Tales Of Ladybug 18:10 Milo Murphyʼs Law 00:20 Counting Cars 09:00 Rank The Prank 19:30 Breaking In 10:38 Invent It Rich 05:05 The Coroner 05:02 North America And Cat Noir 18:35 Disney11 00:45 Counting Cars 09:24 Henry Danger 20:00 The Tonight Show Starring 11:26 Kings Of Construction 06:00 Father Brown 05:49 Untamed & Uncut 15:45 Elena Of Avalor 19:00 Disney11 01:10 Forged In Fire 09:48 100 Things To Do Before Jimmy Fallon 12:14 Mythbusters 06:45 The Coroner 06:36 Swamp Brothers 16:10 Liv And Maddie 19:25 K.C. Undercover 02:00 Hunting Hitler High School 21:00 Seinfeld 13:02 How Do They Do It? 07:30 EastEnders 07:25 Gator Boys 16:35 Descendants Wicked World 19:50 Marvelʼs Ant-Man 02:50 Storage Wars 10:12 Game Shakers 21:30 Seinfeld 13:26 Food Factory 08:00 Death In Paradise 08:15 Treehouse Masters 16:40 Girl Meets World 19:55 Milo Murphyʼs Law 03:15 American Pickers 10:36 Regal Academy 22:00 Modern Family 13:50 Science Of The Movies 08:55 Doctor Who 09:10 Bad Dog 17:05 Stuck In The Middle 20:20 Mech-X4 04:05 Pawn Stars 11:00 Winx Club 22:30 Modern Family 14:38 Kings Of Construction 09:45 Father Brown 10:05 North America 17:30 Bunkʼd 20:45 Kirby Buckets Warped 04:30 Pawn Stars 11:24 SpongeBob SquarePants 23:00 The Big C 15:26 Invent It Rich 10:30 EastEnders 11:00 Gator Boys 17:55 Bizaardvark 21:10 Walk The Prank 05:00 Mountain Men 11:48 Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles 16:14 Mythbusters 11:00 Death In Paradise 11:55 The Bronx Zoo 18:20 Disney Mickey Mouse 21:35 Marvelʼs Ant-Man 06:00 Big Easy Motors 12:12 The Loud House 17:02 Science Of The Movies 11:55 Doctor Who 12:50 Insane Pools: Off The Deep 18:25 Alex & Co. 21:40 Disney Mickey Mouse 06:25 Big Easy Motors 12:36 Breadwinners 17:50 Kings Of Construction 12:45 Father Brown End 18:50 Best Friends Whenever 21:45 Lab Rats Elite Force 06:50 Duck Dynasty 13:00 School Of Rock 18:40 Mythbusters 13:30 The Coroner 13:45 Bad Dog 19:15 Sunny Bunnies 22:10 Lab Rats Elite Force 07:15 Duck Dynasty 13:24 Hunter Street 19:30 Food Factory USA 14:20 EastEnders 14:40 North America 19:20 Liv And Maddie 22:35 Phineas And Ferb 07:40 Leepu And Pitbull 13:48 Nicky, Ricky, Dicky & Dawn 00:40 Better Call Saul 19:55 Food Factory USA 14:45 Death In Paradise 15:35 Untamed & Uncut 19:45 Mako Mermaids 23:00 Programmes Start At 6:00am 08:30 Pawn Stars 14:12 Henry Danger 01:35 The Americans 20:20 How Do They Do It? 15:45 Doctor Who 16:30 Treehouse Masters 20:10 Jessie KSA 08:55 Pawn Stars 14:36 The Thundermans 02:30 Blindspot 20:45 Food Factory 16:30 Father Brown 17:25 Whale Wars 20:35 Cracke 09:20 Storage Wars 15:00 100 Things To Do Before 03:20 APB 21:10 Science Of The Movies 17:20 The Coroner 18:20 Whale Wars 20:40 Alex & Co. 09:45 Storage Wars High School 04:10 Quantico 22:00 Food Factory USA 18:10 Carters Get Rich 19:15 Bad Dog 21:05 Austin & Ally 10:10 American Pickers 15:24 Rabbids Invasion 05:00 Good Morning America 22:25 Food Factory USA 18:30 EastEnders 20:10 Gator Boys 21:30 Stuck In The Middle 11:00 Alone 15:48 SpongeBob SquarePants 07:00 The View 19:05 Death In Paradise 21:05 Whale Wars 21:55 Tsum Tsum Shorts 11:50 Duck Dynasty 16:12 Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles 07:45 The Chew 20:00 Holby City 22:00 Whale Wars 12:15 Duck Dynasty 16:36 The Loud House 08:30 Better Call Saul 21:00 Carters Get Rich 22:55 North America 00:50 Hollywood Medium With 12:40 Leepu And Pitbull 17:00 Regal Academy 09:25 APB 23:50 Untamed & Uncut Tyler Henry 13:30 Ax Men 17:24 Winx Club 10:10 Quantico 01:50 E! News 14:20 Mountain Men 17:48 Hunter Street 11:00 Blindspot 00:20 My 600lb Life: Where Are 02:50 Celebrity Style Story 15:10 Big Easy Motors 18:12 Henry Danger 11:45 Royal Pains They Now? 03:20 Celebrity Style Story 15:35 Big Easy Motors 18:36 Nicky, Ricky, Dicky & Dawn 12:30 The View 01:05 The Day I Almost Died 00:00 The Americans 00:00 Henry Hugglemonster 03:50 Botched By Nature 16:00 Storage Wars 19:00 School Of Rock 13:15 The Chew 01:50 Botched Up Bodies 01:00 Blindspot 00:15 Calimero 04:40 Botched By Nature 16:25 Storage Wars 19:24 Game Shakers 14:00 Live Good Morning America 02:35 Oprah: Where Are They 01:50 The Strain 00:30 Art Attack 05:30 Celebrity Style Story 16:50 Pawn Stars 19:48 The Thundermans 16:00 Quantico Now? 02:40 Better Call Saul 00:00 Escaping Polygamy 00:55 Zou 06:00 Just Jillian 17:15 Pawn Stars 20:12 SpongeBob SquarePants 17:00 APB 03:20 Our Little Family 03:30 The Americans 01:00 Celebrity Ghost Stories 01:05 Loopdidoo 07:00 Just Jillian 17:40 Counting Cars 20:36 Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles 18:00 Blindspot 04:05 Toddlers & Tiaras 04:20 Blindspot 02:00 My Haunted House 01:20 Henry Hugglemonster 08:00 E! News: Daily Pop 18:05 Counting Cars 21:00 The Loud House 19:00 Rosewood 04:50 Ultimate Shopper 05:20 APB 03:00 Psychic Kids: Children Of 01:35 Calimero 08:55 Keeping Up With The 18:30 Forged In Fire 21:24 Sanjay And Craig 20:00 The Night Shift 05:35 Say Yes To The Dress 06:10 Quantico The Paranormal 01:50 Zou Kardashians 19:20 Mountain Men 21:48 Rabbids Invasion 21:00 Better Call Saul 06:00 Obsessive Compulsive 07:00 Good Morning America 04:00 Escaping Polygamy 02:05 Art Attack 09:55 Keeping Up With The 20:10 American Pickers 22:12 Breadwinners 22:00 Claws Cleaners: Country House... 09:00 The View 05:00 Celebrity Ghost Stories 02:30 The Hive Kardashians 21:00 Lost Worlds 22:36 Harvey Beaks 23:00 Blindspot 06:45 Katie Priceʼs Pony Club 09:45 The Chew 06:00 It Takes A Killer 02:40 Loopdidoo 10:50 Keeping Up With The 21:50 Lost Worlds 23:00 SpongeBob SquarePants 23:50 The Strain 07:30 Say Yes To The Dress: 10:30 Better Call Saul 08:00 The First 48 02:55 Henry Hugglemonster Kardashians 22:40 Outlaw Chronicles: Hells 23:24 SpongeBob SquarePants Canada 11:20 APB 09:00 Homicide Hunter 03:10 Art Attack 11:45 Celebrity Style Story Angels 23:48 Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles 07:52 Say Yes To The Dress: 12:10 Quantico 10:00 Leah Remini: Scientology 03:35 Loopdidoo 12:15 Botched Canada 13:00 Blindspot And The Aftermath 03:50 Calimero 13:10 Botched 08:15 Our Little Family 13:45 Royal Pains 14:00 The First 48 04:05 Art Attack 14:05 Botched 01:35 Marvelʼs Iron Man & Captain 09:00 Cake Boss 14:30 The View 15:00 Cold Case Files 04:30 Henry Hugglemonster 15:00 E! News: Daily Pop America: Heroes United 09:25 Toddlers & Tiaras 15:15 The Chew 16:00 Crimes That Shook Britain 04:45 Zou 15:55 Life Of Kylie 02:50 Kronkʼs New Groove 10:10 Obsessive Compulsive 16:00 Live Good Morning America 17:00 Crime Stories 05:00 Art Attack 16:20 Life Of Kylie 04:10 The Wild Cleaners: Country House... 18:00 Quantico 18:00 It Takes A Killer 05:30 Henry Hugglemonster 00:01 Max & Ruby 16:50 Hollywood Medium With 00:45 Testing The Menu With Nic 05:35 The Incredible Adventures Of 10:55 Married By Mum And Dad 19:00 APB 18:30 It Takes A Killer 05:45 Loopdidoo 00:25 Ben & Hollyʼs Little Kingdom Tyler Henry Watt Professor Branestawm 11:40 Oprah: Where Are They 19:00 The First 48 06:00 Zou 00:36 Ben & Hollyʼs Little Kingdom 17:40 Hollywood Medium With 01:10 Sinful Sweets 06:35 Marvelʼs Iron Man & Captain Now? 20:00 Homicide Hunter 06:15 Calimero 00:47 The Day Henry Met Tyler Henry 01:40 Bad Trip America: Heroes United 12:25 Say Yes To The Dress: 21:00 Cold Case Files 06:30 Loopdidoo 00:52 The Day Henry Met 18:30 Celebrity Style Story 02:35 Eat Street 07:50 Return To Oz Canada 22:00 Homicide Hunter 06:45 Henry Hugglemonster 00:57 Blaze And The Monster 19:00 E! News 03:00 Eat Street 09:40 The Incredible Adventures Of 13:10 Say Yes To The Dress UK 00:00 WWE Vintage 23:00 It Takes A Killer 07:00 Sofia The First Machines 20:00 WAGs Miami 03:30 The Food Files Professor Branestawm 13:55 Toddlers & Tiaras 01:00 WWE Raw 23:30 It Takes A Killer 07:25 Goldie & Bear 01:19 Blaze And The Monster 21:00 WAGs Miami 03:55 The Food Files 10:40 The Emperorʼs New Groove 14:40 Kate Plus 8 03:30 FIBA 3 X 3 Basketball World 07:50 The Lion Guard Machines 22:00 WAGs Miami 04:25 Poh & Co. 12:00 Kronkʼs New Groove 15:25 Married By Mum And Dad Tour Highlights 08:15 Mickey And The Roadster 01:41 Zack & Quack 23:00 Famously Single 04:50 Fish Of The Day 13:20 Up 16:10 Love, Lust Or Run 04:00 Summer X Games Highlights Racers 02:03 Team Umizoomi 05:20 Sinful Sweets 15:00 Brave 16:35 Cake Boss 05:00 Arena Esports 08:40 Doc McStuffins 02:25 Olive The Ostrich 05:45 Sinful Sweets 16:35 Alice In Wonderland 17:00 Belief 05:30 Monster Jam 09:05 Jake And The Never Land 02:30 Olive The Ostrich 00:05 Australia Smashes Guinness 06:15 Living Free With Kimi Werner 18:25 Underdog 17:50 Obsessive Compulsive 06:30 FIBA 3 X 3 Basketball World Pirates 02:35 Paw Patrol World Records 07:10 Bad Trip 19:50 Pirates Of The Caribbean: Cleaners Tour Highlights 09:30 PJ Masks 02:58 Little Charmers 00:30 Playhouse Masters 08:05 Eat Street On Stranger Tides 18:50 Ultimate Shopper 07:00 WWE Vintage 09:45 Miles From Tomorrow 03:10 Ben & Hollyʼs Little Kingdom 01:20 Worldʼs Toughest 08:30 Eat Street 22:10 Brave 19:40 Say Yes To The Dress 08:00 Summer X Games Highlights 10:10 Little Mermaid 03:22 Dora The Explorer Expeditions With James Cracknell 09:00 The Food Files 23:45 Up 20:10 Cake Boss 10:00 Monster Jam 10:35 Mickey And The Roadster 00:00 Chopped 03:44 Max & Ruby 02:10 Animal Nation With Anthony 09:25 The Food Files 21:00 Say Yes To The Dress: 11:00 WWE Vintage Racers 01:00 Food Network Star Kids 04:07 Nella The Princess Knight Anderson 09:55 Poh & Co. Canada 12:00 FIBA 3 X 3 Basketball World 11:00 PJ Masks 02:00 Diners, Drive-Ins And Dives 04:31 Shimmer And Shine 03:00 Finding Bigfoot 10:20 Fish Of The Day Tour Highlights 11:25 My Friends Tigger & Pooh 02:30 Diners, Drive-Ins And Dives 04:54 Dora And Friends: Into The 03:50 Australia Smashes Guinness 10:50 Sinful Sweets 12:30 X Games Xtraordinary 11:50 Goldie & Bear 03:00 Man Fire Food City! World Records 11:15 Sinful Sweets 13:00 WWE Smackdown 12:15 Sofia The First 03:30 Man Fire Food 05:17 Zack & Quack 04:40 How Itʼs Made 11:45 Living Free With Kimi Werner 01:35 Tracers 14:30 Monster Jam 12:40 Miles From Tomorrow 04:00 Chopped 05:29 The Day Henry Met 05:30 Playhouse Masters 12:40 Bad Trip 03:20 The 5th Wave 15:30 FIBA 3 X 3 Basketball World 13:10 Jake And The Never Land 05:00 Guyʼs Grocery Games 05:34 The Day Henry Met 06:20 Mythbusters 13:35 Eat Street 05:25 Diggstown Tour Highlights Pirates 06:00 Barefoot Contessa 05:38 Blaze And The Monster 00:00 Bizarre Foods: Delicious 07:00 Kenny The Shark 14:00 Eat Street 07:05 Gone In Sixty Seconds 16:00 WWE Main Event 13:35 PJ Masks 06:30 Barefoot Contessa Machines Destinations 07:25 Kids vs Film 14:30 The Food Files 09:05 Tracers 17:00 WWE NXT 14:00 My Friends Tigger & Pooh 07:00 The Kitchen 06:00 Rusty Rivets 00:30 Bizarre Foods: Delicious 07:50 My Cat From Hell 14:55 The Food Files 10:40 The 5th Wave 18:00 Summer X Games Highlights 14:30 The Lion Guard 08:00 The Pioneer Woman 06:13 Paw Patrol Destinations 08:40 How Itʼs Made 15:25 Poh & Co. 12:35 6 Ways To Sundown 19:00 Summer X Games Highlights 14:55 Harry And Bip 08:30 The Pioneer Woman 06:37 Dora The Explorer 01:00 Mysteries At The Castle 09:05 How Itʼs Made 15:50 Fish Of The Day 14:20 Gone In Sixty Seconds 20:00 WWE Wal3ooha 15:00 Sheriff Callieʼs Wild West 09:00 Sibaʼs Table 07:00 Zack & Quack 02:00 Bikinis & Boardwalks 09:30 Science Of The Movies 16:20 Sinful Sweets 16:20 Crossfire 20:30 FIBA 3 X 3 Basketball World 15:30 Mickey And The Roadster 09:30 Sibaʼs Table 07:21 Bubble Guppies 02:30 Bikinis & Boardwalks 10:20 Mythbusters 16:45 Sinful Sweets 17:55 I Am Number Four Tour Highlights Racers 10:00 Cooking For Real 07:44 Blaze And The Monster 03:00 Ultimate Braai Master 11:10 My Cat From Hell 17:15 Living Free With Kimi Werner Machines 19:45 Maze Runner: The Scorch 04:00 The Road Less Travelled 12:00 Finding Bigfoot 16:00 Sofia The First 10:30 Cooking For Real 11:00 The Kitchen 18:10 Restoration Man 08:07 Paw Patrol Trials 05:00 Bizarre Foods: Delicious 12:50 How Itʼs Made 16:25 Goldie & Bear 19:05 Poh & Co. 22:00 The Green Inferno 16:50 Doc McStuffins 12:00 The Pioneer Woman 08:30 Shimmer And Shine Destinations 13:40 Playhouse Masters 19:30 Fish Of The Day 08:53 Nella The Princess Knight 23:40 Swordfish 05:30 Bizarre Foods: Delicious 14:30 Kenny The Shark 17:15 The Lion Guard 12:30 The Pioneer Woman 13:00 Sibaʼs Table 20:00 Sinful Sweets 09:15 The Day Henry Met Destinations 00:00 Indy Car Highlights 14:55 Kids vs Film 17:40 Jake And The Never Land 20:30 Sinful Sweets 01:00 Legends Football League Pirates 13:30 Sibaʼs Table 09:22 Paw Patrol 06:00 Mysteries At The Castle 15:20 Australia Smashes Guinness 21:00 Living Free With Kimi Werner 09:45 Rusty Rivets 07:00 House Hunters International 02:30 Inside Glory World Records 18:05 PJ Masks 14:00 Diners, Drive-Ins And Dives 15:00 Chopped 22:00 Restoration Man 09:57 Bubble Guppies 08:30 Boat Buyers 03:00 All Access: Mayweather v 15:45 Australia Smashes Guinness 18:35 Mickey And The Roadster 22:55 Bad Trip McGregor Racers 16:00 The Kitchen 10:20 Fresh Beat Band Of Spies 09:00 Lake Life World Records 23:50 Eat Street 10:40 Zack & Quack 09:30 Lake Life 03:30 All Access: Mayweather v 19:05 Sofia The First 17:00 Cooking For Real 01:10 Helicopter Mom 16:10 Science Of The Movies 10:52 Team Umizoomi 10:00 Hotel Impossible McGregor 19:35 Sheriff Callieʼs Wild West 17:30 Cooking For Real 02:40 Christmas Eve 17:00 Weather Top Tens 11:15 Shimmer And Shine 11:00 Mysteries At The Castle 04:00 UFC Main Event 20:05 The Lion Guard 18:00 Chopped 04:20 The Grand Seduction 17:50 Megaquake: Hour That 11:38 Shimmer And Shine 12:00 House Hunters International 05:00 Motul FIM Superbike 20:35 Mickey Mouse Clubhouse 19:00 Iron Chef America 06:15 Father Of The Bride Part II Shook Japan 12:01 Max & Ruby 12:30 House Hunters International Highlights 21:00 Goldie & Bear 20:00 Rev Runʼs Sunday Suppers 08:10 Christmas Eve 18:40 Mythbusters 12:25 Ben & Hollyʼs Little Kingdom 13:00 Lake Life 06:00 FIM Speedway Grand Prix 21:25 Doc McStuffins 20:30 Rev Runʼs Sunday Suppers 09:55 The Grand Seduction 19:30 How Itʼs Made 12:36 Ben & Hollyʼs Little Kingdom 13:30 Boat Buyers Highlights 21:50 Harry And Bip 21:00 Smollett Eats 00:10 Surgery Ship 11:55 Father Of The Bride Part II 20:20 Australia Smashes Guinness 12:47 The Day Henry Met 14:00 Island Secrets 07:00 Idemitsu Asia Talent Cup 22:00 Little Mermaid 21:30 Smollett Eats 01:00 Jfk- Seven Days That Made 13:50 Canʼt Buy Me Love World Records 12:52 The Day Henry Met 14:30 Lifeʼs A Beach 08:00 FIM Speedway Grand Prix 22:30 Mickey Mouse Clubhouse 22:00 Diners, Drive-Ins And Dives A President 15:35 Yoga Hosers 21:10 Weather Top Tens 12:57 Blaze And The Monster 15:00 Xtreme Waterparks Highlights 22:55 PJ Masks 22:30 Diners, Drive-Ins And Dives 03:00 Nazi Megastructures 17:10 Daddyʼs Home 22:00 Megaquake: Hour That Machines 15:30 Xtreme Waterparks 09:00 FIA World Touring Car 23:20 Henry Hugglemonster 23:00 Chopped 04:00 Surgery Ship 18:55 7 Chinese Brothers Shook Japan 13:19 Blaze And The Monster 16:00 Texas Flip And Move Championship Highlights 05:00 WWIIʼs Greatest Raids 20:20 Death At A Funeral Machines 17:00 Hotel Impossible 09:30 Mobil 1 The Grid 06:00 Highway Thru Hell 22:00 Are You Here 07:00 Worldʼs Most Extreme 13:41 Zack & Quack 18:00 Bizarre Foods: Delicious 10:00 Motul FIM Superbike 08:00 Living Free With Kimi Werner 14:03 Team Umizoomi Destinations Highlights 09:00 WWIIʼs Greatest Raids 14:25 Olive The Ostrich 18:30 Bizarre Foods: Delicious 11:00 MotoGP Highlights 14:30 Olive The Ostrich Destinations 12:00 Indy Car Highlights 00:30 Vanity Fair Confidential 10:00 Supercar Megabuild 11:00 Big Fix Alaska 14:35 Paw Patrol 19:00 House Hunters International 13:00 FIVB Beach Volleyball World 01:20 Evil Online 14:58 Little Charmers 19:30 House Hunters International Tour Highlights 02:10 Murder Comes To Town 00:20 Wheeler Dealers 00:00 Donʼt Tell The Bride 12:00 Nazi Megastructures 01:05 Last Chance Hospital 13:00 Highway Thru Hell 15:10 Ben & Hollyʼs Little Kingdom 00:20 25th Hour 20:00 Lake Life 14:00 Motul FIM Superbike 03:00 Your Worst Nightmare 01:00 Emmerdale 15:22 Dora The Explorer 02:35 The Wave Highlights 03:48 Secret Lives Of Stepford 02:35 X-Ray Mega Airport 01:30 Coronation Street 14:00 Taiwan: Island Of Fish 03:20 Fast Nʼ Loud 15:00 The Living Edens 15:44 Max & Ruby 04:30 Experimenter Wives 02:30 Masterpiece With Alan 16:07 Nella The Princess Knight 06:25 La Bamba 05:24 Young, Hot & Crooked 04:05 Running Wild With Bear Titchmarsh 16:00 Supercar Megabuild Grylls 17:00 Big Fix Alaska 16:31 Shimmer And Shine 08:25 The Portrait Of A Lady 07:00 Who On Earth Did I Marry? 03:25 Endeavour 16:54 Dora And Friends: Into The 10:55 The Wave 10:20 The Locator 04:50 Gold Rush 05:15 Couples Come Dine With Me 18:00 Locked Up Abroad City! 12:50 Grand Central 00:30 PGA European Tour 11:10 Women In Prison 05:35 How Do They Do It? 06:05 Donʼt Tell The Bride 19:00 The Living Edens 17:17 Zack & Quack 14:30 Experimenter Highlights 12:00 Secret Lives Of Stepford 06:00 Deadliest Catch 07:05 Masterpiece With Alan 20:00 Supercar Megabuild 00:05 Inside Amy Schumer 17:29 The Day Henry Met 16:15 Every Thing Will Be Fine 01:00 Golfing World Wives 06:45 Wheeler Dealers Titchmarsh 20:50 Big Fix Alaska 00:30 Inside Amy Schumer 17:34 The Day Henry Met 18:20 The Girl 02:00 Asian Tour Highlights 13:40 Young, Hot & Crooked 07:30 Fast Nʼ Loud 08:00 Endeavour 21:40 Locked Up Abroad 00:55 Broad City 17:38 Blaze And The Monster 20:05 Rudderless 02:30 Challenge Series Golf 15:20 The Locator 08:15 Running Wild With Bear 09:30 Catchphrase 22:30 The Living Edens 01:20 Broad City Machines 21:55 Another Earth Highlights 15:45 The Locator Grylls 10:00 Couples Come Dine With Me 23:20 King Fishers 01:45 Another Period 18:00 Rusty Rivets 23:35 Saturday Night Fever 03:00 Europro Tour 16:10 Evil Online 09:00 Storage Hunters 10:50 Donʼt Tell The Bride 02:10 Chappelleʼs Show 18:13 Paw Patrol 05:00 Inside The PGA Tour 17:00 I Am Homicide 09:25 How Do They Do It? 11:50 Masterpiece With Alan 02:35 Important Things With 18:37 Dora The Explorer 05:30 PGA European Tour 17:50 I Am Homicide 10:10 Last Chance Hospital Titchmarsh Demitri Martin 19:00 Zack & Quack Highlights 18:40 I Am Homicide 11:40 X-Ray Mega Airport 12:45 Emmerdale 03:00 The Daily Show With Trevor 19:21 Bubble Guppies 06:00 Asian Tour Highlights 19:30 I Am Homicide 12:25 How Do They Do It? 13:15 Coronation Street Noah 19:44 Blaze And The Monster 06:30 Challenge Series Golf 22:00 I Am Homicide 12:47 Storage Hunters 14:10 Donʼt Tell The Bride 03:25 Disorderly Conduct: Video Machines Highlights 22:50 Murder Comes To Town 13:10 Gold Rush 15:10 Masterpiece With Alan 00:20 Lion Battle Zone 00:35 Bunny Tales On Patrol 20:07 Paw Patrol 07:00 Golfing World 23:40 Evil Online 13:55 Running Wild With Bear Titchmarsh 01:10 Hooked 01:35 Marco Macaco 04:15 Lip Sync Battle 20:30 Shimmer And Shine 08:00 The PGA Tour Champions Grylls 16:00 Iʼm A Celebrity...Get Me Out 02:00 Feast Of The Grizzly 03:05 Poohʼs Heffalump Movie 04:40 Ridiculousness 20:53 Nella The Princess Knight Highlights 14:40 Deadliest Catch Of Here! 02:50 My Life Is A Zoo 04:30 Legend Of The Sea 05:05 Disaster Date 21:15 The Day Henry Met 09:00 Inside The PGA Tour 15:25 Fast Nʼ Loud 16:55 Iʼm A Celebrity...Get Me Out 03:45 Worldʼs Weirdest: Animal 06:00 Krazzy Planet 05:30 Catch A Contractor 21:22 Paw Patrol 09:30 PGA Tour Highlights 16:10 Wheeler Dealers Of Here! Taboo 07:30 The Swan Princess: Pirate 05:55 Catch A Contractor 21:45 Rusty Rivets 10:30 PGA European Tour 17:00 How Do They Do It? 17:50 Couples Come Dine With Me 04:40 Bandits Of Selous Today, Princess Tomorrow 06:20 Framework 21:57 Bubble Guppies Highlights 17:25 How Do They Do It? 18:45 Emmerdale 05:35 Feast Of The Grizzly 09:00 A.R.C.H.I.E. 07:15 Disorderly Conduct: Video 22:20 Fresh Beat Band Of Spies 11:00 Golfing World 17:50 Storage Hunters 19:15 Coronation Street 06:30 My Life Is A Zoo 10:35 Ratchet And Clank On Patrol 22:40 Zack & Quack 12:00 Inside The PGA Tour 18:20 Storage Hunters 19:45 Coronation Street 07:25 Worldʼs Weirdest: Animal 12:15 Marco Macaco 08:05 Disaster Date 22:52 Team Umizoomi 12:30 Live PGA European Tour 00:00 Hank Zipzer 18:50 Running Wild With Bear 20:10 Masterpiece With Alan Taboo 13:40 Poohʼs Heffalump Movie 08:30 Impractical Jokers 23:15 Shimmer And Shine 14:30 Ricoh Womenʼs British Open 00:25 Alex & Co. Grylls Titchmarsh 08:20 Bandits Of Selous 14:55 The Wheelers 08:55 Ridiculousness 23:38 Shimmer And Shine 15:30 Inside The PGA Tour 00:45 The Hive 19:40 How Do They Do It? 21:00 Iʼm A Celebrity...Get Me Out 09:15 Dr. Kʼs Exotic Animal 2.5 16:10 A.R.C.H.I.E. 09:20 Key And Peele 16:00 PGA European Tour 00:50 Evermoor Chronicles 20:10 How Do They Do It? Of Here! 10:10 Worldʼs Deadliest 17:40 Operation Arctic 09:45 Lip Sync Battle Highlights 01:15 Sabrina Secrets Of A 20:35 How Do They Do It? 21:55 Iʼm A Celebrity...Get Me Out 11:05 Madagascarʼs Fantastic 19:15 Yugo & Lala 2 10:10 Ridiculousness 16:30 Live PGA European Tour Teenage Witch 21:00 What On Earth? Of Here! Creatures 20:35 The Wheelers 10:35 Disaster Date 19:30 Golfing World 02:05 Binny And The Ghost 21:50 How Do They Do It? 22:50 Emmerdale 12:00 Wild Argentina 21:50 The Swan Princess: Pirate 11:00 Urban Tarzan 20:30 This Is Mackenzie Tour Show 02:30 Binny And The Ghost 22:15 How Do They Do It? 23:15 Coronation Street 12:55 Kings Of The Kill Today, Princess Tomorrow 11:25 Tattoo Disasters 22:40 Impossible Engineering 23:15 Ratchet And Clank 21:00 Live PGA Tour 02:55 Hank Zipzer 13:50 My Life Is A Zoo 00:15 The Middle 11:50 Disaster Date 23:30 Fast Nʼ Loud 03:15 The Hive 14:45 Worldʼs Weirdest Pets 00:40 The Middle 12:15 Catch A Contractor 03:20 Hank Zipzer 15:40 Baby Animals In The Wild 01:05 Modern Family 12:40 Catch A Contractor 03:45 Alex & Co. 16:35 Dr. Kʼs Exotic Animal 2.5 01:30 Modern Family 13:05 Disorderly Conduct: Video 04:10 Alex & Co. 17:30 Worldʼs Deadliest 01:55 The Big C On Patrol 04:35 Sabrina Secrets Of A 00:00 Pirate Treasure Of The 18:25 Zambezi 02:20 The Tonight Show Starring 00:10 Indecent Proposal 13:55 Sweat Inc. Teenage Witch Knights Templar 19:20 Worldʼs Weirdest Pets Jimmy Fallon 02:10 Con Air 14:45 Lip Sync Battle 00:00 Caribbean Premier League 05:00 Sabrina Secrets Of A 06:00 Milo Murphyʼs Law 01:00 Clash Of Warriors 20:10 Baby Animals In The Wild 03:10 Late Night With Seth Meyers 04:05 Ghostbusters 15:10 Lip Sync Battle Highlights Teenage Witch 06:25 Supa Strikas 02:00 Missing In Alaska 21:00 Dr. Kʼs Exotic Animal 2.5 04:00 The Ellen DeGeneres Show 06:00 War Horse 15:35 Ridiculousness 00:55 Live Caribbean Premier 05:25 Binny And The Ghost 06:50 Mech-X4 02:50 Ancient Aliens 21:50 Worldʼs Deadliest 04:50 George Lopez 08:30 Blown Away 16:00 Impractical Jokers League 05:45 The Hive 07:15 Right Now Kapow 03:40 United Stuff Of America 22:40 Zambezi 05:15 Suburgatory 10:30 Con Air 16:30 Disaster Date 05:00 Natwest T20 Blast Highlights 05:50 The 7D 07:40 Gravity Falls 04:30 Your Bleeped Up Brain 23:30 Wild Argentina 05:40 The Last Man On Earth 12:25 Ghostbusters II 16:55 Disaster Date 06:00 Caribbean Premier League 06:00 Jessie 08:05 Marvelʼs Ant-Man 05:20 Pirate Treasure Of The 06:05 The Last Man On Earth 14:15 The Horse Whisperer 17:20 Ridiculousness Highlights 06:50 Tsum Tsum Shorts 08:10 K.C. Undercover Knights Templar 06:30 Mom 17:05 How Do You Know 17:43 Comedy Central Presents 07:00 New Zealand v Bangladesh 06:55 The Zhuzhus 08:35 Milo Murphyʼs Law 06:10 The Universe 06:55 Less Than Perfect 19:05 War Of The Worlds Comedy 3alwagef ODI Highlights 07:20 Elena Of Avalor 09:00 Star vs The Forces Of Evil 07:00 Clash Of Warriors 07:20 Late Night With Seth Meyers 21:05 Hustle And Flow 18:13 Impractical Jokers 09:00 New Zealand v Bangladesh 07:45 Bunkʼd 09:25 Supa Strikas 08:00 Missing In Alaska 08:10 The Ellen DeGeneres Show 23:00 Love And Other Drugs 18:35 Key And Peele ODI Highlights 08:10 Stuck In The Middle 09:50 Supa Strikas 09:00 Ancient Aliens 00:12 Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles 09:00 The Tonight Show Starring 18:59 Ridiculousness Arabia 10:00 Caribbean Premier League 08:35 Bizaardvark 10:20 Kickinʼ It 10:00 United Stuff Of America 00:36 Rabbids Invasion Jimmy Fallon 19:22 Ridiculousness Arabia Highlights 09:00 Austin & Ally 10:45 Kickinʼ It 11:00 The Universe 01:00 Rabbids Invasion 09:50 George Lopez 19:46 Disaster Date 11:00 Bangladesh v England ODI 09:25 Austin & Ally 11:10 Mighty Med 12:00 Pirate Treasure Of The 01:24 Sanjay And Craig 10:15 Suburgatory 20:09 Lip Sync Battle Highlights 09:50 Good Luck Charlie 11:35 Mighty Med Knights Templar 01:48 Sanjay And Craig 10:40 Mom 20:33 Lip Sync Battle 12:00 Caribbean Premier League 10:15 Good Luck Charlie 12:00 Lab Rats Elite Force 13:00 Clash Of Warriors 02:12 Winx Club 11:05 Less Than Perfect 21:00 The Daily Show With Trevor Highlights 10:40 Alex & Co. 12:30 Lab Rats Elite Force 14:00 Missing In Alaska 02:36 Winx Club 11:30 The Ellen DeGeneres Show 00:30 How Do They Do It? Noah 13:00 Bangladesh v England ODI 11:05 Lolirock 12:55 K.C. Undercover 15:00 Ancient Aliens 03:00 Harvey Beaks 12:20 Seinfeld 00:55 Food Factory 21:30 Lip Sync Battle Highlights 11:30 Miraculous Tales Of Ladybug 13:20 K.C. Undercover 16:00 United Stuff Of America 03:24 Harvey Beaks 12:45 Seinfeld 01:20 Invent It Rich 22:00 Idiotsitter 14:00 Caribbean Premier League And Cat Noir 13:45 Gamerʼs Guide To Pretty 17:00 The Universe 03:48 The Loud House 13:10 The Middle 02:10 Science Of The Movies 22:25 Kroll Show Highlights 11:55 Disney Mickey Mouse Much Everything 18:00 Pirate Treasure Of The 04:12 The Loud House 13:35 The Middle 03:00 Kings Of Construction 22:50 John Oliverʼs New York 15:00 India v England T20I 12:00 Welcome To The Ronks 14:10 Disney Mickey Mouse Knights Templar 04:36 Breadwinners 14:00 George Lopez 03:48 Mythbusters Stand Up Show Highlights stars26 THURSDAY, AUGUST 24, 2017

CROSSWORD 1694 STAR TRACK

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

You may find yourself awake at an early hour this morning. You could be You are very much the creature of habit. The encircling network of friends helping someone move or driving someone to the airport. Whatever the and relationships are crucial to your success or lack thereof from time to time. You are case, you are available to help. Sympathy and understanding are emotional qualities that nourished in great measure by the atmosphere and conditions you are able to set up. take on a greater importance now. Even though it is the top of the morning when you You may, however, tend to fluctuate between uninspired routine and crazy binges. For help this person, you are reflective and may be a mirror for this person's focus. You are the next few days you may want to spend some time in organizing your thoughts and equality-minded and easy to talk with-a good mediator as well. As a sociable and slightly goals-making lists. Do not forget to walk around your home and make any necessary frivolous orientation sets in this afternoon, you may find yourself planning a neighbor- notes about updates. This is a good time to change the air filters, set out a soaker hose, hood get-together. There is time to relax-perhaps a massage or some leisure time in a clean vents, etc. Enjoy a bit of time away from work and responsibilities, perhaps by short pool. You are driven to excel in any form of physical or creative expression today. trips to fun places this weekend. Consider creating a butterfly garden.

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

You are good at relations regarding politics, diplomacy and sales-not to It is easy for you to express yourself to others-you always manage to make mention considerate and helpful. This is a good day for you to deal in sales or presenta- a good appearance. You have an easy manner and find it easy to communicate with just tions. You have an inner urge to be all things to all people and would rather bend than about anyone. You like beautiful surroundings, everything that is calm, tasteful and har- argue. You will be helping a friend today because you are willing to listen and not criti- monious. You may be planning a water garden for those hot summer days-maybe a few cize. You are a natural diplomat, always concerned with the comfort and welfare of oth- goldfish. This afternoon you will find yourself involved in several fun conversations with ers. You stay in the background, but are able to manipulate and bring out cooperation in those you love. You are very giving, conciliatory and even flattering in relationships, able others every time. A real estate profession is something you might seriously consider. This to adjust to any situation. Budget restraints are definitely needed so that some item you is a day you should enjoy-relax. With your strong drive to do and accomplish, every bit of want in the future will become more attainable. Suggestions by young members in the relaxation you get will be beneficial. family will give you new ideas.

Gemini (May 21-June 20) Sagittarius (November 22-December 21) You would like your conversations and thinking to stay somewhere near Progressive people and idealistic groups or concepts play a more impor- the surface today. This is a day of rest, and deep problem-solving conversa- tant role in your life now-a new cycle begins. There is a concern for something bigger tions are certainly not on your to-do list. You can create new subjects easily with all the than any one person-perhaps an interest in civic affairs or even some new recycling tech- interests you have. You will enjoy your friends today-you love to interact with them. nique. You are very communicative, flexible, mental and other-oriented today. You will ACROSS 80. A river in northeastern Brazil that flows gener- There may be an occasion to teach someone how to write music or to put one of your find many, particularly young people, listen to your ideas and advice. Your laser-like mind poems to music. You appreciate change, variety and making local connections-there 1. Wet spongy ground of decomposing vegeta- ally northward to the Atlantic Ocean. makes conversations fast-paced and illuminating. A ready wit and a great sense of may be an open house or opening day for some new business. You have many avenues tion. 81. (Irish) Mother of the ancient Irish gods. humor create a rewarding day. You may join a self-help group or find yourself talking to explore this weekend and many positive things to accomplish. You are more attractive about a self-help book to a close friend this evening. Whatever the case, you have insight than usual. Intimacy with a person you love will go beyond the usual. 4. A negatively charged electrode that is the into your own emotions and drive. You can be a good mentor. source of electrons in an electrical device. DOWN 11. Plant with an elongated head of broad stalked 1. A Chadic language spoken south of Lake Chad. leaves resembling celery. 2. An organization of countries formed in 1961 to Cancer (June 21-July 22) Capricorn (December 22-January 19) 15. A drug combination found in some over-the- agree on a common policy for the sale of counter headache remedies (Aspirin and petroleum. Easy does it-this is one of those busy days. If you need to concentrate on a Circumstances may press you and tend to bring out the rebel in you. A little Phenacetin and Caffeine). 3. Aircraft landing in bad weather in which the particular chore, it would be a good idea to suggest that others either help you or leave bicycle ride or just a change of scenery for a short while will help to bring your emotions you alone to do your work. This way, you will not get as many interruptions-and who 16. Someone who arrives (or has arrived). pilot is talked down by ground control using back in balance. Self-control is the accepted and admired behavior, and you are able to knows-someone might help you with your special chore or project. A family gathering respond in positive ways. Circumstances work together to bring out your ideals-making it 17. Report or maintain. precision approach radar. may be planned for later this day, perhaps a picnic. Tonight could complete your little easier to make your dreams real. You are very original when it comes to home and sur- 18. A beverage made by steeping tea leaves in 4. Of deserts of northern Africa and southern Asia. gathering with a nearby outdoor concert. A music festival or some other type of fun roundings-the environment you build around you. This could also manifest in new ideas water. 5. An edilbe seaweed with a mild flavor. activity with lots of children and unique exhibits just gives everyone the perfect opportu- for unusual ways of supporting yourself in the future. Get outside and be with friends this nity to get to know each other better. There are opportunities to teach young people a 19. A barrier consisting of a horizontal bar and afternoon-enjoy a breath of fresh air! This evening, literature is on your mind. That book 6. The cardinal number that is the sum of one and sense of sharing and support of each other. you want to write or read may hold your attention. supports. one and one. 20. A loose material consisting of grains of rock or 7. A local and well-defined elevation of the land. coral. 8. A city in northwestern Spain near the Aquarius (January 20- February 18) 21. A radioactive element of the actinide series. Cantabrian Mountains. Leo (July 23-August 22) 25. Any fern of the genus Davallia. 9. The habitation of wild animals. Having and appreciating things of beauty and value plays a big role in There are changes around your household that may not be the most 28. The Mongol people living the the central and 10. A cgs unit of work or energy. your life at this time. Making the most of what you have, striving for security and stability: pleasant for you. Change would be easier if you could have more control. However, if you eastern parts of Outer Mongolia. 11. Speak in a nasal voice. that's the impulse that stirs in you now. You find yourself talking about investing and may are paying for these changes, you have the power! This doesn't mean you could be bossy, but it does mean you could become more influential with the price, color, style, etc. If you 30. Any compound of oxygen with another ele- even have a personal plan. Provided you do not spend the entire budget on the fancy 12. A means of serving. things that catch your eye, a shopping expedition can be a financially favorable one for do not care about any of these, the changes will probably stay. Progressive people and ment or a radical. 13. 100 penni equal 1 markka. you now. Circumstances may expand your appreciation and enjoyment of your life situa- idealistic groups or concepts play an important role in your life. This may be a special day 31. The quality of being the same in quantity or 14. Type genus of the Ardeidae. tion. Your system of values may deepen, providing you with a better sense of discrimina- when you have been looking forward to a trip to a museum, art show or the opening measure or value or status. tion and good taste. There is a desire to purchase items and you might forget when to night of a play where a family member is performing. You enjoy a bit of culture from time 22. The basic unit of money in Bangladesh. stop adding to your basket. You are inspired to write poetry. to time and this experience is special. 35. A trivalent metallic element of the rare earth 23. A state in southeastern India on the Bay of group. Bengal (south of Andhra Pradesh). 39. Having undesirable or negative qualities. 24. (Welsh) A warrior god. Virgo (August 23-September 22) Pisces (February 19-March 20) 40. Relating to or containing diazonium. 26. An edge tool with a heavy bladed head 43. (of complexion) Blemished by imperfections mounted across a handle. You are not bound by relationships and are thus not much of a domes- Everything points to your taking the lead in today's activities. You could of the skin. 27. Compete for something. tic. You find it easy to work with other people and tend to pour a lot of energy into those feel great support from those around you. You feel healthy and natural. You 45. The blood group whose red cells carry both around you. Foreign affairs may catch your attention at this time. Perhaps an investment will find that today is packed full of communication with friends, especially those you 29. Jordan's port. you are thinking about is beginning to show quite an upswing in potential. You will find may not have seen in some time. Perhaps it is time for a reunion. Practical and effective the A and B antigens. 32. A material effigy that is worshipped as a god. support from others when you turn your attention to health, food, nutrition and areas ideas are the ones that make the most sense-putting them to good use is a focus for you. 47. Not the same one or ones already mentioned 33. The concentration of a solution as determined where service or attention to detail is in high focus. You may enjoy working with a group Material things are foremost on your mind in many respects; an emphasis on the real of people that have similar thinking or politics. With your powerful spirit, you enjoy your rather than the ideal. This is the time you may decide to install a porch instead of a deck. or implied. by titration. 48. The capital and largest city of Yemen. strong emotions and have an active social life. There are opportunities to show off your Now when company comes, there will be a place to put them. If it is a porch with wide 34. A name for the Old Testament God as translit- charming side this evening at an upscale social affair. windows, you will enjoy sitting out there for meditations. 49. Having or denoting a low vocal or instrumen- erated from the Hebrew YHVH. tal range. 36. A former copper coin of Pakistan. 51. A barrier constructed to contain the flow or 37. The hair growing on the lower part of a man's Word Search Yesterday’s Solution water or to keep out the sea. face. 52. Acquire or gain knowledge or skills. 38. A city in southern Turkey on the Seyhan River. 53. The 22nd letter of the Greek alphabet. 41. The 26th letter of the Roman alphabet. 55. A rare heavy polyvalent metallic element that 42. (Greek mythology) One of the mountain resembles manganese chemically and is nymphs. used in some alloys. 44. West Indian tree having racemes of fragrant 56. Primitive chlorophyll-containing mainly white flowers and yielding a durable timber aquatic eukaryotic organisms lacking true and resinous juice. stems and roots and leaves. 46. Goddess of dawn. 59. An official prosecutor for a judicial district. 50. A unit of apothecary weight equal to 20 60. A percussion instrument consisting of a pair of grains. hollow pieces of wood or bone (usually held 54. A mass of ice and snow that permanently cov- between the thumb and fingers) that are ers a large area of land (e.g., the polar regions made to click together (as by Spanish or a mountain peak). dancers) in rhythm with the dance. 57. 1 species. 63. Material used to daub walls. 58. A geographical region of northeastern South 64. Used improperly or excessively especially America including Guyana and Surinam. drugs. 61. Dwell (archaic). 66. Favoring one person or side over another. 62. (Babylonian) A demigod or first man. 70. The extreme end of something. 65. A genus of Mustelidae. 71. A region of central Spain. 67. An narrative telling the adventures of a hero 75. A flat wing-shaped process or winglike part of or a family. an organism. 68. A feeling of strong eagerness (usually in favor 76. A lipoprotein that transports cholesterol in the of a person or cause). blood. 69. A Chadic language spoken south of Lake 77. Relating to bees or beekeeping. Chad. 78. Light informal conversation for social occa- 72. Term of address for a man. sions. 73. Of a light yellowish-brown color n 1. 79. The seat within a bishop's diocese where his 74. Being two more than fifty. cathedral is located adv. Yesterday’s Solution

Daily SuDoku Yetsterday’s Solution Classifieds

THURSDAY, AUGUST 24, 2017

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PRAAYYER TIMES RECORDED YESTERDAAYY AATT KUWWAAIT AIRPORT Automated Fajr  MAX. Temp.  °C enquiry about the Sunrise  MIN. Temp.  °C Civil ID card is Zuhr  MAX. RH  % 112 Asr  MIN. RH  % 1889988 Sunset  MAX. Wind (  km/h Isha TOTTAALL RAINFFAALLL IN 24 HR.  mm

Directorate General of Civil Aviation Home Page (www.kuwait-airport.com.kw) DIAL161 FOR AIRPORT INFORMATION

Arrival Flights on Thursday 24/8/2017 FEG 933 Sohag 12:55 Departure Flights on Thursday 24/8/2017 SYR 342 Damascus 12:00 Airlines Flt Route Time MSR 610 Cairo 13:00 Airlines Flt Route TimeAIC QTR 1075 Doha 12:10 JAI 574 Mumbai 00:05 AXB 393 Kzhikode 13:10 976 Goa/Chennai 00:05 RBG 554 Alexandria 12:10 THY 772 Istanbul 00:10 KAC 514 Tehran 13:10 RBG 556 Alexandria 00:05 MSC 404 Asyut 12:15 KAC 102 London 00:15 KAC 792 Madinah 13:55 BBC 044 Dhaka 00:10 JZR 176 Dubai 13:10 SVA 502 Jeddah 00:20 KAC 672 Dubai 13:55 JZR 1540 Cairo 00:20 JZR 786 Riyadh 13:10 SVA 514 Riyadh 00:25 KNE 231 Riyadh 14:10 FDB 072 Dubai 00:30 PAL 669 Manila 13:10 KAC 786 Jeddah 00:30 QTR 1078 Doha 14:10 MSR 2615 Cairo 00:30 SAW 702 Damascus 13:30 JZR 267 Beirut 00:35 GFA 221 Bahrain 14:15 PIA 240 Sialkot 00:40 THY 767 Istanbul 13:45 KAC 504 Beirut 00:45 SVA 500 Jeddah 14:15 JZR 502 Luxor 01:15 FEG 932 Alexandria 13:55 DLH 635 Doha 01:00 FDB 059 Dubai 14:20 SVA 503 Jeddah 01:20 MSR 611 Cairo 14:00 PGT 858 Istanbul 01:15 KAC 352 Kochi 14:20 JAI 573 Mumbai 01:25 KAC 413 Bangkok 14:05 JZR 539 Cairo 01:20 KAC 618 Doha 14:20 SVA 515 Riyadh 01:25 AXB 394 Kozhikode 14:10 SAI 441 Lahore 01:30 JZR 779 Jeddah 14:25 THY 773 Istanbul 01:40 UAE 872 Dubai 14:15 UAE 853 Dubai 01:40 KAC 788 Jeddah 14:55 KAC 677 Dubai 01:45 KNE 382 Taif 15:00 RJA 642 Amman 01:45 KAC 304 Mumbai 14:55 DLH 635 Frankfurt 02:00 GFA 222 Bahrain 15:00 THY 1464 Istanbul 01:50 KAC 692 Muscat 14:55 PGT 859 Istanbul 02:15 KAC 673 Dubai 15:00 KKK 6506 Istanbul 01:55 ETD 303 Abu Dhabi 15:05 SAI 442 Lahore 02:30 FDB 060 Dubai 15:05 AXB 395 Kozhikode 02:00 OMA 645 Muscat 15:10 THY 765 Istanbul 02:50 QTR 1079 Doha 15:15 KLM 446 Bahrain 02:05 KAC 562 Amman 15:10 KKK 6505 Istanbul 02:55 KAC 563 Amman 15:40 PGT 830 Istanbul 02:10 FDB 8053 Dubai 15:25 AXB 396 Kozhikode 02:55 SVA 501 Jeddah 15:45 QTR 1086 Doha 02:10 KAC 502 Beirut 15:25 KAC 351 Kochi 03:05 JZR 188 Dubai 15:50 GFA 211 Bahrain 02:15 ABY 127 Sharjah 15:35 UAE 854 Dubai 03:30 KAC 775 Riyadh 15:50 THY 768 Istanbul 02:35 KLM 446 Amsterdam 03:30 KAC 661 Abu Dhabi 15:55 UAE 857 Dubai 15:45 KAC 743 Dammam 16:00 KAC 418 Manila 02:50 SAW 705 Damascus 15:50 THY 769 Istanbul 03:30 OMA 643 Muscat 03:05 JZR 560 Sohag 03:45 KAC 619 Doha 16:00 MSR 606 Luxor 03:05 RJA 640 Amman 16:00 MSR 607 Luxor 04:05 FDB 8054 Dubai 16:05 ETD 305 Abu Dhabi 03:10 FDB 051 Dubai 16:15 OMA 644 Muscat 04:05 OMA 646 Muscat 16:10 MSR 612 Cairo 03:15 QTR 1072 Doha 16:15 QTR 1087 Doha 04:10 ABY 128 Sharjah 16:15 FDB 069 Dubai 03:15 JZR 535 Cairo 16:20 ETD 306 Abu Dhabi 04:10 ETD 304 Abu Dhabi 16:20 KAC 382 Delhi 03:15 JZR 257 Beirut 16:20 MSR 613 Cairo 04:15 KAC 615 Bahrain 16:30 QTR 1076 Doha 03:45 KAC 118 New York 16:25 PGT 831 Istanbul 04:20 SAW 706 Damascus 16:50 KAC 1544 Cairo 03:50 JZR 903 GYD 16:25 KAC 417 Manila 04:20 RJA 641 Amman 16:55 LMU 510 Cairo 04:00 KNE 531 Jeddah 16:35 LMU 511 Cairo 05:00 KAC 675 Dubai 17:00 QTR 1090 Doha 04:05 JZR 787 Riyadh 16:35 QTR 1091 Doha 05:05 FDB 052 Dubai 17:05 JZR 555 Alexandria 04:05 NIA 361 Alexandria 16:50 QTR 1077 Doha 05:30 JZR 266 Beirut 17:15 UAE 873 Dubai 04:15 KAC 542 Cairo 17:05 KAC 303 Mumbai 05:50 KAC 503 Beirut 17:15 KAC 358 Kochi 04:50 SVA 510 Riyadh 17:15 FEG 934 Sohag 05:55 QTR 1073 Doha 17:25 FEG 931 Alexandria 05:00 GFA 215 Bahrain 17:30 THY 1465 Istanbul 06:00 KNE 532 Jeddah 17:25 KAC 784 Jeddah 05:00 JZR 177 Dubai 17:45 UAE 874 Dubai 06:15 JZR 240 Amman 17:30 THY 1414 TZX 05:05 THY 1282 TZX 17:50 RJA 643 Amman 06:25 KAC 357 Kochi 17:40 DHX 170 Bahrain 05:10 QTR 1080 Doha 18:10 THY 771 Istanbul 06:25 UAE 858 Dubai 17:40 THY 770 Istanbul 05:25 MSR 620 Cairo 18:30 KAC 773 Riyadh 06:35 KAC 381 Delhi 17:50 KAC 344 Chennai 05:30 JZR 483 Istanbul 18:30 GFA 212 Bahrain 06:50 NIA 362 Alexandria 17:50 JZR 529 Asyut 05:35 UAE 875 Dubai 19:05 KAC 173 Munich 06:55 JZR 512 Sharm el-Sheikh 18:00 KAC 362 Colombo 05:50 GFA 217 Bahrain 19:05 JZR 238 Amman 07:00 KAC 343 Chennai 18:00 BAW 157 London 06:05 KAC 744 Dammam 19:05 FDB 070 Dubai 07:05 KAC 283 Dhaka 18:00 JZR 164 Dubai 07:15 SVA 511 Riyadh 18:15 KAC 204 Lahore 06:20 FDB 063 Dubai 19:10 GFA 216 Bahrain 18:20 KAC 678 Dubai 06:25 NIA 161 Cairo 19:15 KAC 167 Paris 07:15 KAC 501 Beirut 07:50 JZR 184 Dubai 18:25 QTR 8511 Doha 06:35 ABY 123 Sharjah 19:20 JZR 538 Cairo 18:30 KAC 284 Dhaka 06:35 KAC 174 Munich 19:25 KAC 613 Bahrain 07:55 QTR 8512 Doha 08:05 KAC 785 Jeddah 18:45 KAC 206 Islamabad 06:40 KAC 154 Istanbul 19:30 THY 1283 TZX 19:05 KAC 302 Mumbai 06:55 KAC 616 Bahrain 19:40 WAN 953 GYD 08:15 QTR 1081 Doha 19:15 KAC 156 Istanbul 07:05 KAC 674 Dubai 19:40 BAW 156 London 08:20 JZR 124 Bahrain 19:20 JZR 1541 Cairo 07:10 KAC 776 Riyadh 19:45 KAC 177 Vienna 08:25 KAC 345 Ahmedabad 19:20 JZR 503 Luxor 07:25 KAC 178 Vienna 19:45 FDB 054 Dubai 08:30 MSR 621 Cairo 19:30 FDB 053 Dubai 07:50 FDB 057 Dubai 19:50 KAC 791 Madinah 08:35 GFA 218 Bahrain 19:50 KAC 354 Bangalore 07:50 OMA 647 Muscat 20:05 KAC 513 Tehran 08:45 FDB 064 Dubai 19:50 KAC 384 Delhi 08:00 KAC 620 Doha 20:05 JZR 778 Jeddah 08:50 ABY 124 Sharjah 20:00 KAC 332 Trivandrum 08:05 KNE 381 Taif 20:10 JZR 256 Beirut 09:00 NIA 162 Cairo 20:15 UAE 855 Dubai 08:25 DLH 634 Frankfurt 20:15 KAC 671 Dubai 09:15 FDB 058 Dubai 20:30 IRA 673 Ahwaz 08:35 MEA 402 Beirut 20:15 KAC 787 Jeddah 09:15 UAE 876 Dubai 20:35 ETD 301 Abu Dhabi 08:55 KAC 662 Abu Dhabi 20:20 KAC 117 New York 09:15 KAC 353 Bangalore 20:55 ABY 125 Sharjah 09:00 JZR 189 Dubai 20:25 JZR 534 Cairo 09:30 KAC 1543 Cairo 21:00 IRA 667 Esfahan 09:05 QTR 1088 Doha 20:40 KAC 561 Amman 09:30 DLH 634 Doha 21:00 QTR 1070 Doha 09:25 KAC 564 Amman 21:00 KAC 691 Muscat 09:30 OMA 648 Muscat 21:05 FDB 055 Dubai 09:40 KAC 168 Paris 21:05 IRA 672 Ahwaz 09:35 KNE 232 Riyadh 21:10 SVA 512 Riyadh 10:00 JZR 482 Istanbul 09:40 JZR 554 Alexandria 21:15 ETD 307 Abu Dhabi 21:10 ABY 126 Sharjah 09:40 FDK 803 Damascus 10:00 KLM 445 Amsterdam 21:15 MEA 403 Beirut 21:15 JZR 561 Sohag 10:10 KAC 101 London 09:45 KAC 301 Mumbai 21:40 ALK 229 Colombo 21:15 UAE 856 Dubai 09:50 AHY 5101 GYD 10:15 UAE 859 Dubai 21:15 KAC 203 Lahore 21:45 GFA 213 Bahrain 10:40 KAC 541 Cairo 10:00 DHX 171 Bahrain 21:50 KAC 774 Riyadh 10:45 THY 764 Istanbul 21:30 ETD 302 Abu Dhabi 10:00 KAC 676 Dubai 21:35 QTR 1089 Doha 21:50 MEA 404 Beirut 10:55 IRA 668 Mashhad 10:05 ETD 308 Abu Dhabi 22:00 QTR 1074 Doha 11:00 GFA 219 Bahrain 21:50 KAC 617 Doha 10:15 KAC 155 Istanbul 22:15 PAL 668 Manila 11:00 QTR 1082 Doha 22:05 KAC 153 Istanbul 10:30 ALK 230 Colombo 22:20 SYR 341 Damascus 11:00 ETD 309 Abu Dhabi 22:10 VIZ 205 IQA 10:30 KLM 445 Bahrain 22:25 MSC 403 Asyut 11:15 JZR 125 Bahrain 22:15 QTR 1071 Doha 10:35 THY 1401 ADB 22:25 KAC 614 Bahrain 11:15 AIC 981 Chennai/Ahmedabad 22:25 FDB 056 Dubai 10:35 KAC 383 Delhi 22:35 RBG 553 Alexandria 11:30 JZR 241 Amman 22:55 JZR 902 GYD 11:00 UAE 860 Dubai 22:35 JZR 165 Dubai 11:50 JAI 574 Mumbai 23:00 FDK 804 Damascus 11:00 GFA 220 Bahrain 22:50 JZR 239 Amman 12:25 JZR 185 Dubai 23:00 SVA 513 Riyadh 11:00 ETD 310 Abu Dhabi 23:00 SAW 709 Latakia 12:30 MSC 405 Sohag 23:30 AHY 5102 GYD 11:15 KAC 783 Jeddah 23:10 UAE 871 Dubai 12:45 MSR 2614 Cairo 23:30 GFA 214 Bahrain 11:35 QTR 1083 Doha 23:20 THY 766 Istanbul 12:50 FDB 071 Dubai 23:35 MEA 405 Beirut 11:55 KAC 1801 Cairo 23:55 lifestyle THURSDAY, AUGUST 24, 2017

GOSSIP

Kasabian axed Belfast gig due to frontman's severe vomiting

asabian axed their Belfast show after urged to keep hold of their tickets as they Tom Meighan was rushed to hospital will be valid for a rescheduled date when Kwith "severe vomiting". The band say that is announced. Last night a statement they had "no option" but to pull out of the from the organizers read: "We are working gig moments before they were due to go on on scheduling a new date for Belfast. We stage at Custom House Square in the will communicate with all ticket buyers via Northern Irish capital city on Tuesday night , Ticketmaster and on the Custom House because the frontman became poorly and Square social media. "Tickets remain valid was unable to stand up. The 'God Bless This for the new date. We apologize for any Acid House' hitmakers angered their fans by inconvenience caused." Many at the concert giving little notice, but have reassured them were outraged by the last-minute cancella- they will be rescheduling the performance tion, claiming they had been waiting in the and that the 36-year-old singer is resting up. rain for hours and buying pricey drinks. One Taking to Facebook to reveal the illness fan tweeted: "10 mins before your supposed which caused them to cancel the perform- to come on! I've been paying 5 quid pints ance, the band wrote: "Absolutely gutted to for 2 hours! (sic)" Another wrote: "Why wait have to cancel last night's show in Belfast. until 20:50 to tell the fans... we've been We were all at Custom House Square, ready stood in the rain for nearly 3 hours! (sic)" to go on stage when Tom suddenly went One supporter posted: "Clearly not that down with severe vomiting and could hard- buzzing for the gig tonight!! Fans standing ly stand up let alone sing. He was taken to in the p***ing rain waiting to see you's!! Bad hospital, put on a drip and told to rest up. craic lads (sic)" That appeared to be refer- We had no option but to cancel and we're encing a tweet Kasabian sent out on sorry to our fans and anyone that travelled a Monday, which stated they were excited for long way. Thanks so much for all your mes- the Belfast concert. It read: "Tokyo to sages of support. Details on the resched- Belfast, buzzing for tomorrow! (sic)". Carly Rae uled date to follow soon xx (sic)" Fans were Jepsen's mystery game plan Payne, Lipa and T-Pain arly Rae Jepsen says it's a "mystery" as to when she'll release her next record. The 'Call Me Maybe' hitmaker more for Radio 1 announces Chasn't given fans a studio album since 2015's 'Emotion' and is in no hurry to drop music right away, but she says she has a "game plan" starting to take shape. She told Vulture: "I'll say this: I have my own little game plan, but life's a mystery, Teen Awards acoustic tour and you never know what could happen. "I'm open to a little iam Payne, Dua Lipa and Camila Cabello are among -Pain has announced his first-ever acoustic tour. The 'Buy flexibility in that, obviously. I don't run the show in terms of You A Drank' rapper has decided to give his fans what what happens [when], but I definitely feel like I'm starting to those set to perform at the 18th Radio 1 Teen Awards. The trio will be joined by The Vamps and Rita Ora, who is Tthey asked for after being flooded with compliments for have a game plan, yes." The 31-year-old beauty - who is set to L also co-hosting alongside Radio 1 Breakfast Show host, Nick a special 'Tiny Desk Concert' performance he did for NPR in join Katy Perry on her 'WITNESS: Tour' in September - says the 2014, which saw him ditch his trademark auto-tune style in most important thing to her is to make music of a high stan- Grimshaw at The SSE Wembley on October 22. For 'Strip That Down' hitmaker Liam, 23, it's the second time he would've favor of going fully acoustic. He said: "I wanted to do some- dard that she can leave behind as a legacy, as she doesn't thing different for you guys ... performing some of my favorite measure her success through record sales. Asked if her fans played at the annual ceremony after One Direction performed in 2015 before their hiatus. He said: "It's always a great day songs in a way you've never seen or heard. "The love and are getting the "real" her, she explained: "I feel like every year, respect I've received from my NPR performance has not only I'm painfully stripping closer and closer. "Also, I've made some with a brilliant line-up. "I'm looking forward to performing my new songs and returning to the stage - but as a solo artist this shown a different side of me to fans, but it also has introduced changes in the way I look at the business and my place in it. "I me to a whole different set of fans. "All I see on social media is don't care that much about maybe some of the things that I time." Dua, 22, said: "I'm thrilled to be invited back to perform this year. Can't wait to see you there." The Vamps - who have how all my fans want to see this in person, live, with their own should care about, but the ultimate thing for me is caring eyes." T-Pain - real name Faheem Rashad Najm - will kick off about leaving something good after I die. "So I'm not really played twice before - can't wait to return. They said: "The Teen Awards is always a great time to celebrate incredible young the mini six-show run in San Francisco on October 4 and wrap worried about how well it sells or how well it does. "The game it up in Washington on October 30. Asked what fans can is fun, yes. "I understand the game. But I'm never going to individuals and we are extremely proud to be a part of such an important celebration." The likes of Stormzy, Little Mix, Ed expect, he said: "Ya know, in case of people screaming sacrifice what I think is the quality of something to win. I think requests from the audience before promising. "The fans can the only way to really win at the game-and by the game, I Sheeran, Harry Styles, Drake and Justin Bieber have all been nominated for awards. Radio 1 will be streaming live on Radio expect a good time and nostalgia out the wazoo." Not only did mean the business-is to win it authentically, almost by acci- the NPR show inspire the 31-year-old star to doing something dent, because it just was a true version of yourself. "I'm not 1's BBC iPlayer channel, BBC Red Button and Radio 1's website. Tickets go on sale at 9am tomorrow. fresh with his music, but it also convinced him to quit smok- going to be satisfied if something works and felt like it wasn't ing, and he has been reaping the health benefits ever since. me, you know?" Speaking to the station, he explained: "I know for a fact that I could've sounded better that day if I hadn't been smoking so many cigarettes beforehand and because of that, I quit a week later and haven't touched a cigarette since. "My heart prob- lems have gone away. I feel great. I can breathe again. A lot Ioan Gruffudd: James Cameron came from this performance." was possessed filming Titanic

oan Gruffudd said James Cameron was like a "man pos- sessed' while filming 'Titanic'. The 43-year-old actor - Iwho starred in the award-winning movie as officer Harold Lowe - admitted the atmosphere on the set of the 1997 blockbuster was always "tense" because the director was under a lot of pressure from two studios to finish the movie. Speaking to the Daily Telegraph newspaper, the actor said: "If James Cameron was here now, he'd be delightful. But oh, my goodness, on 'Titanic', he was a man on a mission. "There were two studios breathing down his neck... he was a man possessed so the atmosphere was so tense, but he was just getting this movie done." Gruffudd also starred in the 2005 Hollywood superhero movie 'Fantastic Four' and the subsequent sequel 'Fantastic Four: Rise of the Silver Surfer' as Mr Fantastic but found making a superhero film isn't the most "satisfying experience" because there's so much CGI involved. He said: "Making those movies isn't the most satisfying experiences, it's all green screen and technical stuff but once it's put together it's extraordinary, doing the promotion, travelling the world first class. "It was just brilliant for a chap who grew up in Aberdare." Now the actor is older he believes he gets considered for more roles because he doesn't look like a "leading man" anymore. He said: "It's exciting because there are all sorts of parts I'd never have been considered Craig as the next James Bond but the actor has confirmed for in the past because I was too young and looked too he was never approached for the iconic role. He said: "I much like a leading man. "Now, I've got a bit of weather- defy any British actor to deny they've not stood in front of Stormzy to perform at ing. I've put on a bit more weight, I'm a bit more jowly. I the mirror and said 'Bond, James Bond'." can play a character a real person." Gruffudd's name was the Hyundai Mercury also thrown into the mix about who could replace Daniel Prize Awards Show tormzy will be among the performers at this year's Murray reveals Detroit cast didn't get full scripts Hyundai Mercury Prize Awards Show at the Eventim Apollo, Hammersmith. The chart-topping star has S athryn Bigelow refused to give all her cast the full and really gentle and put me at ease straight away, so it felt enjoyed an incredible 2017, with his debut studio album 'Detroit' script. Hannah Murray stars as Julie Delaney in like an easy audition." The film - which also stars John Boyega, 'Gang Signs & Prayer' becoming the first grime album in histo- the director's new movie - based around the real life Will Poulter and Anthony Mackie - was written using court ry to reach number one in the UK charts, and he's now poised K murder of three African American men during the 1960s race reports and eye-witness accounts of the incident in the to perform at the awards bash on September 14. As well as riots - and she revealed the filmmaker wanted everyone's per- Algiers Motel. One of the eye-witnesses was Julie Delaney - Stormzy, the show will also feature performances from the formance to be "fresh", so kept the knowledge of who sur- who is played by Murray in the movie - and the actress likes of Alt-j, Blossoms, Dinosaur, Glass Animals, J Hus and Kate vived until the end as secret as possible Speaking to the i revealed Delaney was a consultant on the set, though they Tempest. The bash - which is designed to celebrate and pro- newspaper, the actress said: "Kathryn doesn't like people to didn't really speak about the events depicted in the film. She mote the best of UK music - will conclude with the announce- over prepare. "She likes things to feel spontaneous and fresh. said: "We didn't talk about the incident much. It was more ment of the overall winner of the 2017 Hyundai Mercury Prize Some people never got the full script, particularly the guys in about getting to know her as a person and connecting with for Album of the Year. BBC Music will be providing live TV and the movie, she didn't want them to know if they survived or who she was. "She said a couple of things that were really radio coverage of the event on BBC Four and BBC Radio 6 not, so the stakes felt genuinely high." Bigelow, who is the first helpful. One was 'I was a spoilt only child and I felt that I could Music, with BBC Four showing performances from the artists female filmmaker to win an Oscar, has a number of successful get away with anything ' and the other came after I asked her on the night and building up to the announcement of the movies to date and before they met Murray thought she various questions about why she was there at the motel, 'I was award winner. Meanwhile, BBC Two will broadcast a 30-minute would be an "intimidating presence". She said: "I had this idea, just looking for a good time and I'm really not that complicat- documentary that will preview the shortlisted artists for the because of 'The Hurt Locker' and 'Zero Dark Thirty' and the ed', and I found it interesting that someone sees themselves 2017 Prize, interviewing current acts and past Mercury win- intensity of those films, that Kathryn might be an intimidating like that." ners. Tickets for the bash are now available and can be pur- presence, but she is totally the opposite. "She is really kind chased online at www.mercuryprize.com. THURSDAY, AUGUST 24, 2017 lifestyle

FEATURES Michael K Williams cut Scorsese to produce from Han Solo movie ichael K Williams has been cut out and for them to wait that long for me, that The Joker movie of the untitled Han Solo movie. The would have pushed back the release date, artin Scorsese is set to produce a studio are thought to be looking to a dif- 50-year-old actor's commitment to which I believe is in May 2018. They wanted M movie based on 'Batman' villain ferent, potentially younger, actor. The 'The Red Sea Diving Resort' and TV show me now; I couldn't go. So they had to clip- The Joker. The Hollywood leg- Joker has been famously portrayed by 'Hap and Leonard' meant he was unavailable clip-clip." However, Michael teased he could M end will be joined on the production Jack Nicholson in the 1989 film 'Batman' for the reshoots new director Ron Howard - find a part in the 'Star Wars' universe in team by 'The Hangover' helmer Todd and Heath Ledger - who died in January who was brought on board the 'Star Wars' another film at a later date. He told Deadline: Phillips, who is in line to direct the 2008 - in the 2008 film 'The Dark Knight', spin-off following the departure of "I don't think that me not being in the 'Star motion picture and co-write a script for which the latter won a posthumous Christopher Miller and Phil Lord - wanted for Wars' family in final. I left with a very good alongside '8 Mile' scribe Scott Silver. Best Supporting Actor Oscar for his per- his version of the film, so it has been decided taste in my mouth about the whole family, According to Deadline, Warner Bros. and formance. Scorsese has helmed some to drop his unnamed half-human, half-ani- and I hope that I left a good taste in their DC are in the early stages of putting the epic movies over the years, including mal role from the project completely. He mouth. "They're a great group of people, the 'Batman' spin-off together and it will be 'Taxi Driver' and 'Raging Bull', and The said: "I felt great about what I created with Lucas family." The 'Han Solo' spin-off movie is the first movie under a new banner which Joker film is expected to be similar to the directors that I worked with. "We created set to follow a younger version of the titular is yet to have been given a name. While those rather than a usual DC motion pic- a kick-ass character, in my opinion. I'm proud character, with Alden Ehrenreich taking over plot details are yet to be revealed, it is ture. This comes just days after Karen of it. When Ron Howard got hired to finish the iconic role from Harrison Ford. Han and thought the movie could focus around Gillan - who plays blue-skinned alien out the film, there were some reshoot issues his wookie sidekick Chewbacca will be seen The Joker's origin story and be different assassin Nebula in Marvel's 'Guardians of that needed to be done in regards to my first meeting Lando Calrissian - played by to any other iteration. It is expected to be the Galaxy' - admitted she would love to character, in order for it to match the new Donald Glover - and they will also encounter a "gritty and grounded" crime movie set join DC as a female Joker. She said: "Oh direction which the producers wanted Ron Woody Harrelson's alter ego Beckett, who is in the early 1980s of Gotham City. Jared can I say something DC? Okay, I'm going to carry the film in. "And that would have believed to be a mentor to young Han who Leto is set to reprise his role as the char- to say something DC, and I'm going to required me on a plane a month ago to guides him on his journey to becoming a acter in the upcoming 'Suicide Squad' play the Joker. "Maybe a female Joker. London, to Pinewood, to do reshoots. But I'm space smuggler. The untitled Han Solo film sequel but he is not due to play the part This is my calling! Somebody make a call here, on location in Africa. It's scheduling. I'm will be released in May 2018. in the new Joker standalone project. The for me and let them know I'm available." not going to be back on the market until the end of November after 'Hap and Leonard', Snow was allowed to improv on Pitch Perfect 3 rittany Snow was allowed to "improv" while filming 'Bushwick' by Cary Murnion and Jonathan Milott alongside operations. Taking shelter in the basement of Stupe 'Pitch Perfect 3'. The 31-year-old actress thought it 'Guardians of the Galaxy' star Dave Bautista, but she was (Bautista), the two have to find a way to get Lucy to reach Bwould be "hard" to make a third film in the series, so initially "hesitant" to take part in the film. She told the her destination through the dangerous streets. The actress she was delighted that producers and found a way, and Metro newspaper: "At first I was really hesitant to even do admitted she needed to work on her character and give after so long working on the musical movies, new director the movie - I thought it had a B movie premise. "But then I her a backstory because she couldn't play a girl who is Trish Sie allowed her cast to just "be" their characters. talked to the directors and they explained they wanted a "clueless". She said: "When we got the script, my character Brittany - who plays Chloe - said: "It seemed like it was single-take action video game feel and they wanted to Lucy was very much a damsel in distress. She was asking going to be hard to bring all those girls back together take a stab at what was going on in the current climate. 'what is going on?' probably about, no joke, 30 or 40 times. because they've all left college and grown up now but "What appealed to me was the idea that I only had one or "As a 29-year-old woman at the time, I said, I can't feasibly they've managed to do it, they go on a tour. "I haven't seen two takes to do a 20-minute scene and it was almost like do this, play a girl who is this out of the loop and this clue- it yet but I've heard it's really great and Trish Sie, our cur- rehearsing and doing a play. "I'd never done a movie like less. "She has to have some sort of arc and backstory so we rent director, really let a lot of us improv and be our charac- that before." 'Bushwick' follows Lucy (Snow) who arrives in tried to incorporate that as much as we could and make ters." Before the release of 'Pitch Perfect 3' later this year, the Bushwick neighborhood, in Brooklyn, and militia forces her a fighter."—Bang Showbiz the actress can be seen in the new action-thriller have entered New York to claim it as an East Coast base of Dora no Explorer: TV network axes Philippine resort plan after outcry

merican children's television network Nickelodeon said yesterday it had abandoned plans for a themed resort Aon an island known as the Philippines' last ecological frontier following a backlash from environmentalists. An archaeologist works on part of a 1,500-year-old mosaic floor bearing the names of Nickelodeon said in January that it would build an "undersea Byzantine Emperor Justinian, at the Rockefeller Museum in Jerusalem, yesterday, after attraction and resort" on Palawan island that would let fans they unearth a portion of ancient mosaic near the city’s Damascus Gate. — AFP photos "interact with the brand and the iconic characters they love", including SpongeBob SquarePants and Dora the Explorer. The announcement triggered fierce criticism from environ- 'Rare' Byzantine mosaic revealed mental campaigners who said it would destroy the area's world-famous marine ecosystem, and an online petition calling for the project to be scrapped attracted more than 260,000 sig- natures. Viacom International Media Networks, which owns in Jerusalem's Old City Nickelodeon, said Wednesday it had abandoned the project. "(Viacom) and Nickelodeon will no longer be involved with this proposed development," the company said in a statement sent sraeli archaeologists yesterday unveiled a this piece very unique". "It tells us that the to AFP. Viacom said the decision was "mutually agreed" with 1,500-year-old portion of mosaic floor abbot, the head of the big church in its Philippine partner, Coral World Park. Ibearing the names of Byzantine Emperor Jerusalem, was not only the head of that spe- The statement did not say why Viacom had pulled out and Justinian and a senior Orthodox priest. David cific church," he said. It was discovered intact its regional spokeswoman would not elaborate when contact- Gellman, director of the excavation in east about a meter (three feet) below street level ed by AFP. Conservation groups call Palawan "the last frontier" ed." The Nickelodeon resort was meant to be part of Coral Jerusalem's walled Old City, said that while as Gellman and his team made a routine because of its pristine coastlines and forests, which are among World Park's 400-hectare (1,000-acre) development. the area was rich in archaeological finds, few exploratory dig ahead of the arrival of work- the oldest and most diverse in Southeast Asia. It is home to Coral World Park said in a statement on Wednesday it such inscriptions had been found. "Direct text ers to lay communications cables. two UNESCO World Heritage-listed sites, a subterranean river planned to continue with its project, while describing reports and letters from people back then are rela- "We were very close to closing the excava- and the Tubbataha coral reefs. Viacom's initial statement in the development would harm the environment and a local tively rare," he told AFP. The Greek inscription, tion when I noticed that a few of the mosaic January promoted the project as its first resort in Southeast tribal group as "misleading information". "We are converting a dated at 550 or 551 AD, commemorates the stones, which were otherwise plain white, Asia that "would give a significant business opportunity for our former mining site into a tourism development contrary to founding of a building thought to be a hostel were at a different angle and seemed to be a partners across multiple platforms". reports that we are building on pristine land," it said. The exec- for pilgrims near the city's Damascus Gate. little darker," he said. "I cleaned up that small However Viacom and Coral World Park also highlighted the utive director of environmental group Save Philippine Seas, Constantine, the Orthodox priest who corner... and found that it was the bottom left project's "ocean conservation focus" and plans for a giant Anna Oposa, told AFP the campaign against the development founded it, was abbot of the Nea Church, corner of the inscription itself," he added. "At marine sanctuary. Environmental group Greenpeace on would not let up. "Our position and strategy will not change: dedicated to the Virgin Mary and the largest that moment I realized that we have a very Wednesday hailed Viacom's decision as a victory. "We com- we'll continue to call on the local government of Coron and church in Jerusalem when it was built in 543 unique find here." The Old City lies in east mend Viacom for heeding the call of more than 200,000 online provincial government of Palawan to reject the project," she AD. Gellman said the rectangular section of Jerusalem, seized by Israel in the 1967 Six-Day petitioners and the offline community campaign," Vince said. — AFP mosaic, 1.14 meters (3 foot 7 inches) on its War and later annexed in a move never recog- Cinches of Greenpeace Southeast Asia told AFP. "They were longest side, "tells us about the way churches nized by the international community. — AFP able to dodge the bullet that has a huge reputational backlash and monasteries worked back then. It makes for Nickelodeon which has been claiming it is children orient- Antiques can add personality, focal point to a garden

dding antique garden ornaments to the landscape blends horticulture with history. One-of-a-kind pieces Awill personalize your property, and over time may grow into something richly rewarding - financially as well as artistical- ly. "Really outstanding good old pieces such as a swan bench, unusual large decorative urn or piece of sculpture will continue to go up in value, but really more important to my client is the same artistic pleasure that placing a certain piece in their gar- den gives to them," said Aileen Minor, owner of Aileen Minor Garden Antiques & Decorative Arts in Centreville, Maryland. Some of her garden antiques have been installed in the US Capitol, the Smithsonian Institution, the Museum of Fine Arts in Boston, and in private collections around the United States, Germany, England and France. The definition of "antique" is somewhat elastic but generally applies to objects more than 100 years old. "What makes a piece worth collecting? I would say rarity, design detail, all original parts and age," Minor said. Garden antiques are most commonly made of wicker, metal or stone, and range from pergolas and gazebos to cemetery headstones and fountains, from ironwork, fencing and gates to outdoor furniture and windows. Family heirlooms certainly qualify. Each person has his or her own idea about what consti- tutes a collectible, said Troy Rhone, owner of Troy Rhone Garden Design in Birmingham, Alabama. "Typically, I look for pieces that are over 120 years old and In a private garden in rural Belgium shows an antique birdbath being used to focus Photo taken in a private garden in rural Belgium demonstrates how eye-catching statu- have a unique history," Rhone said. "I'm not as concerned about attention on an array of blooming bulbs. ary can be used to personalize flower gardens. — AP photos the price because I'm usually looking for a specific item for my a theme. Some may want to match a Victorian-era setting, high- attractive antique or vintage bench or settee for seating in their accomplished with an antique that was handmade," he said. gardens." Rhone studies each piece to determine if there are lighting the looks of their home and neighborhood. Others sim- garden." Estate sales, auctions and antique dealers are good "No one else is likely to have that exact piece so it allows a markings to determine who made it, signs of wear and tear, and ply want practical antiques spotted tastefully around their land- places to look, Rhone said. "They can be a great resource when space to have individuality, which is what makes one garden areas that might deteriorate quickly. "Not many pieces can scape. "Collectors do collect pieces based on forms such as searching for a specific item. Most of the time it's pretty easy to stand out from the rest." Secure them, though. High-end stand the test of time when exposed to weather, so using antique hitching posts or interesting sculpture," Minor said. "But have shipping arranged." antique pieces are prime targets for thievery. — AP pieces that have proved their sustainability is something most more often they are looking to find unusual pieces such as a Living at a time when so much is mass-produced, it's nice to people are drawn toward," Rhone said. fountain for a focal point in a garden, or are looking for an have something that no one else has, Rhone said. "That is easily Many people shape their garden antique collections around lifestyle THURSDAY, AUGUST 24, 2017

FEATURES Tony-winning writer of 'Annie' dies

hree-time Tony Award-winning book writer Thomas 1976. But Charnin brought in noted stage and film director Mike Meehan, best known for transforming the Little Orphan Nichols, who signed on as a producer, and helped him revise TAnnie cartoon strip into the smash Broadway musical the show. With actress Andrea McArdle replacing Kristen Vigard "Annie," has died at age 88. Meehan, who had been ill for about as the red-haired moppet Annie and Dorothy Loudon added as five months and had undergone surgery, died at his home in Miss Hannigan, the production went on to open in New York in Manhattan late Monday or early Tuesday, longtime friend and April 1977 with a bang. The 1982 film version, which featured "Annie" collaborator Martin Charnin said. Charnin visited his old Carol Burnett in Loudon's role, was not nearly as popular or friend about 10 days ago. "There's a hole in my heart," Charnin well-received. A stage sequel called "Annie Warbucks" ran off- said. "It's a gigantic loss, not only to the industry but also to us. Broadway in 1993. The original show was revived on Broadway We've been together and so close since the 1950s." in 2012 and was made into a film starring Quvenzhane Wallis in Meehan wrote the books for three shows that ran over 2,000 2014. Meehan is survived by his wife. — AP performances on Broadway: "Annie" with 2,377 performances, "The Producers" with Mel Brooks at 2,502 performances and "Hairspray," which he wrote with Mark O'Donnell and which reached 2,642 performances. "I wrote stories that were serious, very somber, trying to be in the style of William Faulkner," Meehan told the Observer newspaper in 1999. "My career has always been that every time I try something really serious, it's no good, but if I try to be funny, then it works." Tributes poured in on social media, including from "Hamilton" creator Lin-Manuel Miranda, who called Meehan "one of the best around," and from actress Kate Shindle, head of the Actors' Equity Association, who called his death a "great Linkin Park loss." Meehan's other shows include "Young Frankenstein" with plans public Brooks, "Cry-Baby" with O'Donnell, "Elf" with Bob Martin, "Chaplin" with Christopher Curtis, "Bombay Dreams" with Meera Syal and the musical "Rocky" with Sylvester Stallone. Meehan began his career as a writer with The New Yorker's memorial for late singer "Talk of the Town" section and later earned an Emmy Award nomination in 1964 as one of the writers of the TV series "That ockers Linkin Park said Tuesday that they were planning Bennington-whose raw, angry metal voice dueled with Was the Week That Was." Charnin said Meehan was "really very a public memorial for frontman Chester Bennington, a guitarist Mike Shinoda's hip-hop asides to create the band's unique." "He was somebody who you could literally call a wit," Rmonth after he committed suicide. The band in a "nu metal" sound-was found hanging at his Los Angeles home Charnin said. "There are not a lot of wits left in comedy, and Tom Facebook post revealed only that the "special public event" on July 20. The 41-year-old had struggled throughout his life was a wit. I have no problem calling him that." would take place in Los Angeles, saying that more details with drugs and alcohol and the trauma of child abuse. Fans Meehan made his Broadway debut with "Annie," alongside would be announced later. "Just wanted to say thank you to all around the world have organized dozens of events to remem- Charnin and songwriter Charles Strouse. The 1977 original won In this June 8, 2003 file photo, Thomas Meehan, left, and our fans around the world for the tremendous outpouring of ber Bennington after his death, with his shocked bandmates the Tony as best musical and ran for 2,300 performances, inspir- Mark O'Donnell pose with their Tony awards for best book love, which has strengthened our spirit during this incredibly voicing support but not taking part. — AFP ing tours and revivals that never went out of style. "Annie" of a Musical for "Hairspray" during the 57th Annual Tony difficult time," the band wrote. almost died at the Goodspeed Opera House in Connecticut in Awards at New York's Radio City Music Hall. — AP

Russian singer Miriam Sekhon, center, performs as Paul Heartfield, one of London's most A music recording on an X-ray film is displayed at the Bone Paul Heartfield, one of London's most experienced and respected portrait artists starts experienced and respected portrait artists, second right, records a music on an X-ray film Music exhibition at Garage Museum of Contemporary Art in to record on an X-ray film during a concert at the Bone Music exhibition. during a concert at the Bone Music exhibition at Garage Museum of Contemporary Art in Moscow. Moscow, in Moscow, Russia. — AP photos Forbidden Soviet-era music on X-ray snapshots

n exhibition describing a unique chapter in by Stephen Coates and Paul Heartfield from The industry that put bootleggers at risk of the history of Soviet culture - bootleg music London. Coates, a composer and music producer, arrest gradually died out in the mid-1960s with the Arecordings made on used X-ray film - has described the recordings as "images of pain and appearance of reel-to-reel recorders. Along with the opened in Moscow. From the late 1940s to the early damage inscribed with the sound of forbidden original recordings on X-ray film, the exhibition tells 1960s, ingenuous Soviet music lovers made bootleg pleasure; fragile photographs of the interiors of the stories of people who made, distributed and copies of banned music on used X-ray snapshots, Soviet citizens layered with the ghostly music they played them. The installation produced for the bypassing strict official controls over recordings secretly loved." The clandestine recordings weren't Moscow exhibition immerses the audience in an people were allowed to listen to. They are played on limited to jazz and rock-n-roll, vilified by Communist atmosphere that mixes underground technology, normal record players. propaganda as manifestations of Western deca- forbidden culture, Cold War politics and human The Bone Music exhibition, which opened in dence. They also featured Russian √©migr√© music, ingenuity. — AP Moscow's Garage Museum of Contemporary Art last as well as popular prison and Gypsy songs also week, presents research by X-Ray Audio, a project tabooed by Soviet ideologists. A visitor takes a photo of a music recording on an X-ray film is displayed at the Bone Music exhibition at Garage Museum of Contemporary Art. 'Superheroes' celebrate Stan Lee's creativity Arkansas' Silver Moon host

tan Lee was the subject of a love fest Tuesday night, as lished in 1968, Lee posted the editorial denouncing bigotry on actors, directors, artists and illustrators lauded the Marvel Twitter last week after the violence in Charlottesville, Virginia. rockabilly pioneer tribute SComics legend for creating a vast universe of fantastic, RZA recalled buying comic books as a kid and being inspired flawed, righteous and relatable superheroes. Mark Ruffalo, by characters like Silver Surfer, Luke Cage, Spider-Man and Aisha Tyler, Lou Ferrigno, RZA and comics creator Todd Storm. "Those characters inspired me and took me to a place o one knew what to call Sonny Burgess' music when he Newport. A rockabilly revival in the late 1980s brought him back McFarlane were among the speakers at "Extraordinary: Stan where there was a world, a Marvel universe, where there wasn't mixed rhythm and blues, gospel tunes and country riffs in to the stage, and he and some members of the original band Lee," a tribute hosted by Chris Hardwick and broadcast into no bigotry; where there was heroes that looked like me, and Nthe 1950s, but it was clear where it came from. "It all came formed Sonny Burgess and the Legendary Pacers in the mid- more than 150 movie theaters across the country. where I could think that justice and fun would prevail over all," from our heart," drummer Bobby Crafford said Tuesday. "They told 1990s. The two-hour program mixed live appearances with video he said. "Wouldn't that be the greatest world in the world?" Lee us we were original; we played from our heart." "We got back together and this thing started getting big. We're tributes and animated segments that told the story of Lee's said. Other Lee disciples appearing onstage included docu- Burgess died Friday in Little Rock after suffering a fall last getting calls from Europe," Crafford said. Over the past two career. The 94-year-old dreamer behind Spider-Man, Iron Man mentarian Morgan Spurlock and actors Alan Tudyk, Hal Sparks, month amid complications from diabetes. On paper, he was 88. decades, the group split time among sites in Europe, festivals in and scores of other superheroes sat center stage at the Saban Kelly Hu and Michael Rooker. Lee was in his typical quick-witted While he was performing what came to be known as rockabilly the US and clubs similar to those they played along US 67 when Theatre in Beverly Hills as one artist-admirer after another good spirits. When show sponsor Fila presented him with a with his band Sonny Burgess and the Pacers, it didn't show. "He they first set out. Playing together over 63 years came so naturally shared how his characters and creative energy inspired them. jacket embroidered with his name, Lee quipped, "In case I get continued playing up until the start of July. When he was on stage, that they are in the Rockabilly Hall of Fame in Jackson, Tennessee. "I've patterned my life after yours," "Guardians of the Galaxy" amnesia." He also offered advice for aspiring cameo actors and he didn't play like he was 88 years old. He was a young man when "We blended together," Crafford said. "We didn't have to writer-director James Gunn said in a video message. said he's waiting for the film academy to create a category for he was on stage," said Anthony Allen, the funeral director at the rehearse hardly ever. The Silver Moon was our rehearsal. If we were Ruffalo, Tyler, J.K. Simmons and Kaley Cuoco also appeared such roles. Lee has cameoed in 38 Marvel productions. Dillinger Funeral Home in Burgess' native Newport. Allen has set playing there Saturday night, we'd get together Saturday after- via video, though Lee confessed after the first clip played: "I Hardwick, who at one point sweetly tied Lee's shoe, said it's up visitation for Thursday night at Newport's Silver Moon club - noon and run through things." Allen said he'd have Burgess' music can't hear or understand anything on that screen." Ferrigno was impossible to quantify his pop-culture contributions: "When where Burgess launched his career in 1954. "He started out play- playing during Thursday's visitation at the club, which can accom- there in the flesh, posing like the Hulk as he took the stage. "I you go back and look at 70-plus years of working in the comics ing there. We didn't think there would be anything more appropri- modate about 800 people. — AP wouldn't be alive today if it wasn't for Stan," he said, adding industry - not just the characters he's created but the people ate," Allen said. that he was inspired by comic books long before he played he's inspired - there should be a class at MIT to calculate the rip- Initially known as the Moonlighters, taking their name from "The Incredible Hulk" on TV in the late 1970s. ple effect that Stan has had on pop culture." — AP the club, Burgess' group grew into the Pacers as it added more McFarlane compared Lee to Walt Disney. Hardwick members - including a trumpet player after the band failed in its described him as "Hugh Hefner for nerds." "Batman" produc- search to hire someone who could play saxophone. Their initial er Michael Uslan read a loving letter he had originally written songs for Sun Records, "Red Headed Woman" backed with "We Lee on his 90th birthday. "I owe you a big thanks, in a way Wanna Boogie," were both hits. Later songs included "My Bucket's that nearly matches my thanks to my parents and teachers, Got a Hole In It" and "Thunderbird," named after the fortified wine. who tried to convey the same precepts to me, only they "We took a break while recording it and all had Thunderbird wine," could never do so in such an entertaining and effective way Crafford said. as you did through the magic of your comic book stories," For five years, Burgess and his group played honkytonks and Uslan said, thanking Lee "on behalf of every generation of high schools along and near US 67, which Arkansas designated as comic-book reader." its "Rock 'n' Roll Highway" in 2009. Also on the bill at times: Elvis Animated clips told of Lee's early days as an assistant at Presley, Johnny Cash and Jerry Lee Lewis. "Back then it was crazy Timely Comics. Lee eventually became publisher, and Timely how the people who worked every day went out and partied eventually became Marvel. Along the way, he created such every night," Crafford said. "We played clubs on Monday, Tuesday, characters as Thor, the X-Men, Black Panther and the Fantastic Wednesday and Thursday, then the colleges on Friday and Four, cheered along by his wife, Joan, who died last month at Comic book writer Stan Lee, right, is joined by actor Lou Saturday. How these people went to work the next day, I don't In this March 20, 2009 file photo, rockabilly musician age 93. RZA, a filmmaker and co-founder of Wu-Tang Clan, per- Ferrigno onstage at the "Extraordinary: Stan Lee" trib- know." Burgess left the Pacers in 1960 to begin playing for Conway Albert "Sonny" Burgess, right, and Arkansas Gov Mike formed one of Lee's "Stan's Soapbox" columns. Originally pub- ute event at the Saban Theatre on Tuesday. — AP Twitty, but by the mid-1960s, as the country's musical tastes Beebe jam on guitars before a bill-signing at the Capitol in changed, he left the stage and worked in sales positions around Little Rock, Ark. — AP lifestyle THURSDAY, AUGUST 24, 2017

FEATURES

Ducks paddle along a canal near Club Med's resort in Guilin, China.

Irregular karst outcroppings provide the backdrop for a countryside scene reminiscent of a Chinese watercolor near Club Med's Guilin resort.— AP photos Water buffalo graze amid birds in a field set against a backdrop of irregu- lar karst peaks near Club Med's resort. Western brand, Chinese' characteristics: Club Med at Guilin By Kelvin Chan Behind the gallery, there's a zen lake, where guests apart from a handful of foreigners, mostly European. could be seen meditating on the sandy shore as its still The company has made some tweaks to please its fter 10 days of crisscrossing southwestern waters reflected lush foliage, irregular karst peaks fad- biggest market, equipping its bar area with mahjong China by high-speed train with two young chil- ing into the distance and an arched walkway known tables and karaoke rooms. The artificial pond was Adren in tow, exploring minority villages amid as a moon bridge. stocked with koi - said to be good for feng shui. rugged scenery and often sleeping in grimy hotels, it The multinational staff included Mexicans, South was time for a break. And what better way to decom- Big Mountain Base Koreans, French and Indonesians, mostly veterans of press from our fascinating yet grueling family trek Besides art, we kept ourselves entertained at the the brand's other resorts around the world. Evenings through one of China's less touristed regions than resort's three swimming pools, one with the requisite featured live shows - a Club Med signature. They start- with a stay at a familiar Western holiday staple: Club swim-up bar, or with activities like rock climbing and ed on the early side, before 9 pm, in line with a Med. We booked a four-night stay at the Club Med in trapeze for the kids and gym class for the adults. I Chinese preference for early nights. (At Club Meds Guilin, in the Guangxi region, an area best known for joined mountain bike excursions that took us off cam- elsewhere, shows can start as late as 9:45 pm). its otherworldly limestone karst outcroppings and a pus as a trip leader led us down a gravel track into the One night a circus-themed act put on by some of fishing tradition that uses cormorants to snare catches park surrounding the resort, through quiet groves of the staff G.O.'s, or "gracious organizers" in Club Med - scenes so famous they're depicted on China's 20- trees and past grassy fields, with hardly another soul in parlance, performed with the trapeze, rope straps and yuan notes. sight. hula hoops. One performer used his chin to balance My wife and I were experienced China travelers but Club Med newbies, and we were curious about how A sign welcomes visitors to Club Med's resort in Guilin, southwestern China. the brand would translate there. The country is a rela- tively new but expanding market for the company, which was taken over in 2015 by China's Fosun, a con- glomerate with big ambitions for the global leisure industry. Club Med has opened three other resorts around China since 2010, in the Yabuli ski resort, Hainan's Sanya and in Beidahu in the northeast. It plans to open a Joyview branded resort in Anji, famed for tea-growing and bamboo, later this year. For us it was a no-brainer: We knew that as we made our way back home to Hong Kong, we'd appreciate the all- inclusive package and chance to relax after our hectic sightseeing trip. A woman meditates beside a lake at Club Med's resort. It turned out to be a good call. The resort, an hour outside of Guilin city, was serene, relaxing and con- On another day, we left the resort's opposite end, bowling pins, a guitar, a wooden bench and even an templative, a feeling enhanced by the more than 100 passing through the village next door, called extension ladder, an act that drew the biggest cheers contemporary sculptures scattered around the Dashandi, or Big Mountain Base. The group stopped of the evening. A Moulin Rouge-style burlesque show grounds. It turns out a Taiwanese tycoon bought the to snap photos of a mother duck leading ducklings on another evening, with show tunes and raunchy site and set it up as an open air art museum in 1998 down a canal. Down the path, we stopped to take in costumes, seemed not to appeal much to the Chinese before Club Med moved in. Some of the collection is what seemed like a Chinese watercolor brought to life: audience, many of whom drifted away after a few housed inside an art gallery that also featured photos water buffalo grazed in a field alongside long-legged songs. — AP of celebrity visitors, including, strangely, Afghanistan's birds, as the karst peaks loomed in a hazy background. An instructor leads guests in a fitness class at the Club Med resort. former President Hamid Karzai on a visit in 2014. Almost all the resort's guests were Chinese visitors, Traditional Palestinian costumes

A Palestinian woman displays an outfit during a fashion show exhibiting traditional A Palestinian woman displays an outfit. Palestinian women wearing traditional attire attend a fashion show exhibiting classic Palestinian costumes in old city of the West Bank city of Nablus. — AP photos Palestinian costumes.

Palestinians attend a fashion show. Palestinians attend a fashion show. A Palestinian man stands in Palestinians play music as they attend a Palestinian women perform during a fash- front of a painting. fashion show. ion show. Western brand, Chinese’ char- acteristics: Club Med at Guilin

THURSDAY, AUGUST 24, 2017 31

Guests attend the annual New York City Diner en Blanc, on Tuesday, held this year at the plaza at Lincoln Center. The Diner en Blanc, the world’s only viral culinary event, a chic secret pop-up style picnic from France, the outdoor site - always a landmark location - is revealed at the last-minute. Guests are asked to dress entirely in elegant white, bring a picnic basket of food, fine china and silverware, white tablecloths, table and chairs. — AFP

pop-up dinner featuring white-clad guests who told to show up at one of several designated spots, where the POP-UP NEW YORK CITY DINNER brought their own tables, chairs and food has drawn secret venue was disclosed. When the dinner began just Athousands to the plaza outside New York City's Lincoln before sunset, guests were asked to wave their white napkins Center. The event, known as Diner en Blanc, French for Dinner in the air. Organizer Sandy Safi says the dinner is "a unique in White, is an annual foodie tradition. night out in the city." The event began in Paris 29 years ago DRAWS THOUSANDS, ALL IN WHITE Organizers say there were 45,000 people on the waiting list and is now in 79 cities in 28 countries. — AP for Tuesday's dinner. Tickets started at $42. Ticket holders were Colombians combat stress with 'Day of Laziness'

olombians in the city of Itagui hauled and a race for the fastest bed on wheels. mattresses and hammocks into the Those taking part in the annual fete say streets Sunday to mark the annual laziness gets a bad rap. Far worse, they say, A boy celebrates the World Day of Laziness in Itagui, C "World Laziness Day," a quirky effort to urge is the wear-and-tear of workaday life, and near Medellin, Colombia. — AFP photos overstressed workers to slow down. The all the physical and emotional ailments daylong celebration of relaxation has been that often go along with it. "The biggest ill- held annually since 1985 in this small city ness we have today is stress-the hustle- of some 200,000 in northwestern bustle of everyday life," said Jhon Jairo Colombia. The city is known, rather para- Alonso, reclining in his pajamas in the mid- doxically, for its bustling commerce and its day sunshine. Flanked on a wide mattress thriving industrial park. by his wife, his mother, and a family friend, But 32 years ago, one resident, Carlos they made a cozy group, even if surround- Mario Montoya, had the idea that the city ed by curious onlookers. "Please don't dis- should celebrate not just the hustle-bustle turb us," Alonso joked. "We're going to be of business, but also slowing down and spending the whole day in bed!"— AP enjoying life. "We wanted to draw attention to the importance in any community of free time and leisure activities," said Montoya, 65, who helped put together this People celebrate the World Day of Laziness in Itagui, year's event as well. Organizers said festivi- near Medellin, Colombia. ties include a competition for the best- People celebrate the looking pajamas, a pillow-juggling contest, World Day of Laziness.

A woman celebrates the World Day of Laziness.

People celebrate the World Day of Laziness.

A couple celebrates the World Day of Laziness. People celebrate the World Day of Laziness. A woman takes part with her dogs in the celebrations of the World Day of Laziness.